Technology

The 21 best October Prime Day tech deals, hand-picked by our gadget-obsessed experts: Save on Kindles, AirTags, and MacBook Air

Mashable - Mon, 10/05/2026 - 18:47
October Prime Day tech deals at a glance: Best Amazon Device Deal Amazon Kindle (2024) $103.99 (save $46) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 44mm) $229 (save $50) Get Deal Best Amazon device deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus $37.99 (save $22) Get Deal Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods 4 $79 (save $50.99) Get Deal Best laptop deal Apple MacBook Air (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,099 (save $200) Get Deal Best TV deal Amazon 55-inch Ember QLED Series Fire TV $489.99 (save $100) Get Deal Best gaming deal "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" (Nintendo Switch 2) $59.88 (save $10.11) Get Deal Best Memory Deal SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD $251.94 (save $48.05) Get Deal Best Deal Under $50 Ugreen Nexode Pro 10000mAh 45W Mini Power Bank $37.97 (save $17.02) Get Deal Best Deal Under $25 Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) $24 (save $5) Get Deal

Mashable's discerning reporters and editors are constantly testing the latest gadgets, from e-readers to headphones, laptops, phones, power stations, smart rings, and portable speakers. This year, many of our favorite products have been besieged by price hikes as a result of the ongoing memory crisis. Fortunately, Amazon is about to bring tech shoppers some relief in the form of Prime Big Deal Days, better known as October Prime Day.

Set for Oct. 6 and 7, Prime Big Deal Days is a 48-hour sale for members of Amazon's Prime program. Often referred to as "October Prime Day," it serves as Amazon's unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season. We've been covering the event since its inception in 2022, back when it was still called the Prime Early Access Sale. And this year, we'll be keeping an extra close eye on the best early Prime Day tech deals.

SEE ALSO: Try Amazon Prime for free for 30 days to get access to October Prime Day 2026

In the lead-up to the sale, Amazon is already offering some steep discounts on select devices from brands like Apple, TCL, Garmin, Beats, and Sony. After spending hours poring over these deals, we've identified the best early Prime Day deals that are so good, we'd buy them ourselves.

How do we pick these deals? We look for products we recommend at record-low prices (or close to them). We use price-tracking tools like camelcamelcamel to see if Amazon's discounts are actually better than usual, then cross-check them with other retailers' listings to make sure they're not cheaper elsewhere. (Walmart and Target are both gearing up to host their own October sales, FYI.) You can add our picks to your cart with confidence. And if we expect prices to drop lower in the days ahead, we'll be sure to tell you that.

So, without any further ado, these are the best early October Prime Day deals we've spotted so far.

$79 AirPods (a Prime Day classic)

It wouldn't be an Amazon Prime event without some heavily discounted AirPods. But, ironically, before the sale officially begins, you can also grab these earbuds for $79 at Walmart. That could change come Oct. 6, as Amazon may be holding back some inventory for Prime Big Deal Days.

Apple's fourth-generation earbuds have excellent audio quality, a comfortable fit, and a five-hour battery life. The newer AirPods 5 sound even better and add ANC, but this pair is still a great option for iOS users on a budget. (Read Mashable's review.)

Note: The AirPods 4 dipped down to $69 last Black Friday, but $79 is their lowest price so far in 2026. Plus, they probably won't be in stock much longer now that their successors have launched.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $79 at Walmart
$129.99 Save $50.99   Get Deal A Kindle for just over $100

Amazon surprised us all with big price hikes across all Kindles, then dropped a collection of new Kindle models and accessories, including a page-turner. But if you're cool with a non-Paperwhite model, the 2024 Kindle is on sale for $103.99 for a nice 31% discount. Bundle it with three months of Kindle Unlimited for free.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 2024 Amazon Kindle (16GB) $103.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $46.00   Get Deal Save on Apple's newest MacBooks

We've been waiting for good deals on Apple MacBooks, and Amazon has finally delivered, with both the MacBook Air and Pro on sale.

If you're a professional creative, developer, or AI enthusiast who needs a compact new laptop for work, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better option than the 14-inch, M5 Max-powered MacBook Pro. The "base" configuration with 36GB of RAM and 2TB of storage got a $500 price increase back in June, which bumped it from $3,599 to $4,099. But right now, Amazon has it on sale for just $3,499 — a $600 savings.

If you don't need the powerful MacBook Pro's features or the price tag, you can go with the M5 MacBook Air while it's on sale for $1,099, or $200 off the normal price. Not only is it highly portable, but it also uses the M5 chip, and it stays in a moderate lane without going wild with features not everyone needs. It's a great buy for students or professionals.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Max, 36GB RAM, 2TB SSD) $3,499 at Amazon
$4,099 Save $600   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air (M5, 16GB RAM, 512 SSD) $1,099 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $200   Get Deal Cheaper-than-ever Fire tablets

Two of Amazon's own Fire tablets are already on sale for record-low prices ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. Take your pick from the compact Fire HD 8 with 64GB of storage — our favorite Fire tablet overall — or the big-screened Fire HD 10 with 32GB of storage, nicer cameras, and a sharper display. (Both have 13-hour battery lives.) They're now up to 53% off for Prime members.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 8 (64GB) $79.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $50.00 Prime membership required. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 (32GB) $72.99
$154.99 Save $82.00 Prime membership required. Get Deal Get 46% off a 4K streaming stick

Amazon's Fire tablets have been safe from price hikes so far, but the retailer raised the prices of all its Fire TV streaming sticks by at least $5 in August. The 4K Plus model went from $49.99 to $69.99. Nevertheless, Amazon will sell it to you for just $37.99 right now. (You can also try the coupon code STREAM4K, as we've seen it work at times this week.)

FWIW, this is Amazon's cheapest media player with support for Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, Nvidia Geforce Now, and Alexa Home Theater (a surround sound feature that works with Echo devices).

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus $37.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $32.00   Get Deal A new all-time low on an Apple Watch

Dropping to the lowest we've seen at Amazon, the Apple Watch SE 3 is down to $229. In Mashable's review of the best smartwatches, the Apple Watch SE 3 takes the cake as the best model for most people. The SE was the first Apple Watch to include an always-on display, and we're always thrilled to look down and see the stunning OLED display. Plus, the S10 chip is the same as the Ultra 3, which costs nearly $800 at full price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 44mm) $229 at Amazon
$279 Save $50   Get Deal A huge discount on a huge QLED TV

The 65-inch TCL QM8L is the best QLED TV for most people, according to Leah Stodart, our former TV expert. She praised its "superb peak brightness, detailed picture quality, and fantastic glare handling." (QLED TVs in general "are ideal for people whose TV usage happens mostly in the daytime, especially watching sports," to quote her TV specs guide.)

Right now, the 85-inch QM8L is available for $2,797.99, which is a good price. However, we do expect this TV to go on sale for $2,497.99 or less once October Prime Day begins Oct. 6, so hold out if you can.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 85-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV $2,497.99 at Amazon
$3,999.99 Save $1,502   Get Deal Affordable Fire TVs

The best early Prime Day tech deals always include savings on Amazon's own devices, like the affordable 40-inch Ember Fire TV. This TV has a high-definition HDR10+ display and doubles as an Alexa smart speaker for your home. The 28% discount drops the price to a very affordable $179.99, its lowest-ever price.

And if you're looking for a cheap TV with a little bit more oomph, the 50-inch QLED Ember Fire TV is currently $100 off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Ember 40-inch 2-Series Fire TV $179.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $70   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Ember 55-inch QLED Series Fire TV $489.99 at Amazon
$589.99 Save $100   Get Deal Save $10 when you preorder the 'Ocarina of Time' remake

Nintendo's upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the Switch 2 will be one of the year's biggest gaming releases (after GTA 6, obviously). Preordering the physical edition will normally cost you $69.99 — it's $10 more than the digital version — but Amazon has it on sale for $59.88 ahead of its Nov. 5 launch. The first print run has special packaging with foil cover art, so don't dawdle.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" (Nintendo Switch 2) $59.88 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $10.11   Get Deal DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo

Our tech editor reviewed this classic DJI vlogging camera when it first came out. At the time, we called it the perfect camera for social creators, and we were right. Since then, this camera has become a very common sight at tech events, conferences, and anywhere else streamers and creators get together.

The new DJI Osmo Pocket 4 can be hard to find in the United States, but the previous-gen version is hardly out of date. This gimbal camera shoots gorgeous 4K vertical and horizontal video, and uses the built-in gimbal for tracking and motion stabilization.

Read our review of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 camera.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo $549 at Amazon
$629 Save $80   Get Deal Best deal under $50: Ugreen power bank

Whether you're on team Android or iOS, this power bank will give your smartphone a second life. This has not been a good year to buy a new phone, thanks to rising prices, so if your battery is holding on for dear life, just slip this power bank into your purse or backpack and avoid low-battery anxiety. It charges your phone via an included USB-C cable at a speedy 45W.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ugreen Ugreen Nexode Pro 10000mAh 45W Mini Power Bank $37.97 at Amazon
$54.99 Save $17.02   Get Deal Best deal under $25: Apple AirTags

Apple released a new generation of AirTag trackers this year, the AirTag 2. The popular Apple tracker is already at an all-time low price, and we don't expect it to get any cheaper in the days ahead. You can also grab the 4-pack on sale for $89, though we're hoping that price drops to $79.99 soon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) $24 at Amazon
$29 Save $5   Get Deal Best deal under $15: Amazon smart plug

This little gadget always goes on sale during Amazon sales, and so we're hardly surprised that it's one of the retailer's early Prime Day deals for October 2026. You can add this smart plug to your cart for just $12.98, a nearly 50% discount. If you're trying to spend every last penny of an Amazon gift card, go ahead and add it to your shopping cart.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Smart Plug $12.98 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $12.01   Get Deal Deals on SanDisk memory products

The global memory crisis has led to rising costs for smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles, but it's been a disaster for SD cards and hard drives. So, while the discounts aren't as huge as they were in past years, you can find savings on these memory products during October Prime Big Deal Days. We've found a bunch of early Prime Day deals on portable SSDs and hard drives, and we expect even more savings to come.

Case in point: The SanDisk Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Card Express is currently $40 off. Likewise, you can save $40 on the popular SanDisk Extreme portable SSD with 1TB of storage.

Opens in a new window Credit: SanDisk SanDisk microSD Express Card for Switch 2, 512GB $159.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $40   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: SanDisk Sandisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD $251.94 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $48.05   Get Deal Best Amazon subscription deal

This exclusive deal is for Prime members only, and it's a good one. For a limited time, Prime members can sign up for four months of Audible for just $0.99. You'll also get a $20 Audible credit to spend as you like.

Our advice? Take advantage of this deal and set a calendar reminder three months and 29 days in the future.

Opens in a new window Credit: Audible Audible $0.99 for 4 months + $20 Audible credit Get Deal Cheap wireless earbuds for under $25

If you're hoping to buy flagship-quality noise-cancelling earbuds, then wait for Prime Big Deal Days to begin, as we're expecting big discounts on Apple, Sony, and Bose earbuds. However, if you're prone to losing earbuds and just need something simple for everyday use, the popular Anker Soundcore P30i Earbuds are already at a record-low price of $24.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Soundcore P30i Noise-Cancelling Earbuds $24.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $25.00   Get Deal Save $100 on the iPad Air

In the lead-up to Prime Big Deal Days, the iPad Air has gone on sale, and then went back to full price, and then went back on sale. As of this writing, you can once again save $100 on the latest iPad Air, which is powered by the powerful M4 chip, is razor thin, and won a Mashable Choice award (read our full review if you're on the fence) earlier this year.

You can also check out all of the October Prime Day iPad deals we've spotted so far.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air (M4), 11 inches $649 at Amazon
$749 Save $100   Get Deal Deals to watch: Bose QuietComfort headphones and earbuds on sale

We've made no secret of the fact that we love Bose headphones and earbuds here at Mashable. The brand makes the most comfortable headphones we've ever tested, and the brand's popular QuietComfort line recently got refreshed.

Earlier this week, you could get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) and the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Gen 2) for $50 off, but this deal has ended. However, we are very confident these products will get even bigger discounts when the Prime Big Deal Days sale starts on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) $249.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $50   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Gen 2) $399.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $50   Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Why Linux power users love the features that hold it back

How-To Geek - Mon, 10/05/2026 - 18:30

Linux is an operating system that encourages you to explore and tinker. You can go from zero to power user quickly, but what makes it great for power users often puts off newbies.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best early October Prime Day deals: $200 off MacBook Airs and $79 AirPods are already live

Mashable - Mon, 10/05/2026 - 18:27
The best October Prime Day Apple deals (so far) at a glance: Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods 4 $79 at Walmart (save $50) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $349.99 at Amazon (save $49.01) Get Deal Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,099 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi + cellular, 128GB) $649 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal

Prime Big Deal Days sale is just about here — and so are some excellent Apple deals. This 48-hour "October Prime Day" serves as Amazon's kickoff to the Black Friday/holiday shopping season, which is the best time to find discounts on popular Apple devices (among many other tech products we love). This year, it doubles as some year-end relief from RAMageddon price increases.

While Prime Big Deal Days isn't scheduled to begin until midnight PT on Oct. 6, Amazon is already rolling out some great early deals on AirPods, Apple Watches, iPads, and MacBooks. Some of them are even better than we expected. If you don't want to wait around to see if they further improve — doubtful, for the most part — read on to see what's up for grabs.

How we picked the best October Prime Day Apple deals

Mashable tracks Apple prices year-round and has covered Prime Big Deal Days since it started in 2022 (back when it was still called the Prime Early Access Sale). We've reviewed every current Apple device except for the Apple Watch Series 12, which shares all of its new features with the Apple Watch Ultra 4; and the latest Mac desktops, which our sister site PCMag has already tested extensively.

SEE ALSO: 21 early October Prime Day tech deals, hand-picked by our gadget-obsessed experts

To identify the very best October Prime Day Apple deals, we've compared Amazon's current prices with historical pricing data on camelcamelcamel, a popular price-tracking site, as well as our coverage of past Amazon Prime events. Many of the devices listed below are sitting at their lowest prices in three months. Those that have been cheaper recently have been marked as "deals to watch," while those marked with a 🔥 have fallen to all-time lows (as in, they've never been cheaper before).

I've cross-checked all of Amazon's live Apple deals with other major retailers to make sure no one else has even lower prices. Right now, the only devices I would buy elsewhere are the AirPods 4 with and without ANC: They're sold out on Amazon, but Best Buy and Walmart, respectively, still have them in stock at three-month lows. Stay tuned to see if Amazon brings them back at the same prices once Prime Big Deal Days starts — we'll continue to monitor deals and update this story as the sale progresses.

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $79 at Walmart
$129 Save $50   Get Deal

The entry-level AirPods 4 are now 39% cheaper than the AirPods 5 that Apple announced last month. (They're also only $10 away from their record-low price from last Black Friday.) They lack noise cancellation and don't sound quite as good as their successors, but this deal makes them a very smart pick for budget buyers. Mashable's Bethany Allard notes that "their availability may be limited as we get further into the shopping season," so best grab' em now while you still can.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods 4.

More AirPods dealsBest Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) 🔥 $349.99 at Amazon
$399 Save $49.01   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS + cellular, 42mm) 🔥 $449.99 at Amazon
$499 Save $49.01   Get Deal

Apple's latest flagship smartwatch got its first proper discount for Prime Big Deal Days: a welcome $50-ish off. (That applies to the base model and the upgraded version with cellular connectivity, by the way.) Compared to the last-gen Series 11, the Series 12 has a faster processor, better heart rate sensors, quicker charging, and more durable glass. It also adds support for features like Readiness and Audio Intelligence tools like Siri Recap. No other retailer was matching Amazon's prices at the time of writing, FYI.

More Apple Watch dealsBest MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,099 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $200   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD $1,299 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $200   Get Deal

Finally: The 13- and 15-inch M5 MacBook Air are both $200 off for Prime Big Deal Days, a discount that completely erases their price hikes from late June. Mashable tech editor Timothy Beck Werth called Apple's ultraportable "a damn near-perfect machine" in his review, pointing to its elite design, amazing speakers, and incredibly fast performance. It's a Mashable Choice Award winner, and we think it's the best MacBook for most people who just need a dependable daily driver. If either size sells out on Amazon, look for the same deals at Best Buy.

Read Mashable's full review of the M5 Apple MacBook Air.

More MacBook dealsMac dealsMacBook deals to watchBest iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi + cellular, 128GB) $649 at Amazon
$749 Save $100   Get Deal

The iPad mini is our favorite Apple tablet for reading. Mashable's Samantha Mangino was "delighted by its light weight" when she swapped her regular 10.2-inch iPad for this more compact 8.3-inch model; it only weighs 0.65 pounds. "Plus," she added, "unlike the [current] iPad 11th generation, it has an anti-reflective coating to help you read in any lighting." The 128GB base model with cellular connectivity is marked down to just $649 on Amazon — a $100 savings that negates its own June price increase.

The non-cellular iPad mini is also $100 off, though it was $10 cheaper in July. I would wait see if Amazon revives that deal within the next 48 hours or so.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple iPad mini.

More iPad dealsiPad deals to watch
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best early October Prime Day kitchen deals: We found live Ninja and Keurig deals worth grabbing

Mashable - Mon, 10/05/2026 - 18:14
The best early October Prime Day kitchen deals: Best air fryer deal Ninja Foodi Air Fryer $149.99 (save $80) Get Deal Best blender deal Ninja Professional Blender 2.0 $79.99 (save $30) Get Deal Best ice cream maker deal Black+Decker Ice Cream Maker $129.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best espresso machine deal De'Longhi Magnifica Evo Automatic Espresso Machine $599.95 (save $300) Get Deal

Cooking at home is supposed to save money, but between grocery prices and the cost of decent appliances, it doesn't always feel that way.

Amazon's October Prime Day, officially Prime Big Deal Days, runs Oct. 6–7, but many early kitchen deals are already live. If you need a new air fryer, want to upgrade your morning coffee station, or just need to replace a worn-out pan without spending a fortune, we found the best early discounts worth shopping right now.

The best deals so far include the Ninja Foodi 10-Quart DualZone Air Fryer at $149.99, $100 off the Ninja French Door Premier Air Fry Oven, $120 off the KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer, and $300 off the De’Longhi Rivelia Automatic Espresso Machine. Prices can move fast during Prime Day, so we’ll keep checking and adding new deals as they go live.

Best kitchen deal Ninja Foodi Air Fryer (10-Quart) $149.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $80   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

At $149.99 (down from $229.99), the Ninja Foodi 10-Quart DualZone is just 99 cents above its all-time low.

Instead of cooking in batches or relying on your oven, it gives you two separate 5-quart baskets that run at different temperatures at the same time. The Smart Finish setting automatically syncs the timers so both baskets finish cooking at the exact same time, while Match Cook lets you duplicate settings across both sides for full 10-quart meals. It also includes six standard functions — air fry, broil, roast, bake, dehydrate, and keep warm — and has enough total capacity to handle about eight pounds of wings.

More early Prime Day kitchen deals

Air fryers and countertop appliances

Coffee and espresso makers

Cookware and bakeware

Blenders and ice cream makers

Products to watch (aka the stuff that will probably go on sale soon)

These items aren't on sale just yet, but if past sales have taught us anything, they usually drop as soon as Prime Big Deal Days officially begins. If you've been eyeing any of these, add them to your cart now and hold off on buying until Oct. 6.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why Ryobi's biggest battery isn't worth the upgrade (and what to buy instead)

How-To Geek - Mon, 10/05/2026 - 18:00

Bigger doesn't always mean better, and that's especially true in the world of power tools. Most Ryobi tools come with a 2Ah or 4Ah battery in the box, and when that's not enough for the job, many will end up looking for something bigger. Sure, that massive 12Ah battery sounds nice, but there's a good chance that's the wrong upgrade for you.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Harry Potter x Blvck Paris is back for another limited-edition drop — how to shop the all-black Wizarding World collection

Mashable - Mon, 10/05/2026 - 18:00

TL;DR: Blvck Paris and Warner Bros. have teamed up for a second all-black Harry Potter collection featuring hoodies, a Slytherin baseball jacket, interchangeable wanted-poster sweatshirts, and home goods. Priced from $60 to $275, the drop lands Sept. 28 at 12 p.m. ET exclusively on Blvck.

Blvck Paris and the Wizarding World are teaming up for a second all-black Harry Potter collection that strips away bright house scarves and primary colors in favor of something darker.

Most Harry Potter apparel leans into bold yellow ties or crimson sweaters. Pairing the iconic fantasy franchise with Blvck’s signature all-black luxury aesthetic gives fans a way to rep their favorite Hogwarts house without looking like they are heading to a costume party.

Arriving right as hype builds for HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television series, the new line reinterprets Hogwarts emblems, house crests, and classic characters through dark, tonal embroidery and shadowy textures.

"With this second drop, we wanted to go deeper into the details fans recognize and love while staying true to Blvck’s monochrome identity," said Julian O’Hayon, founder of Blvck Paris. The second limited-edition collection launches Sept. 28 at 12 p.m. ET exclusively at Blvck Paris, with prices ranging from $60 to $275 in sizes XS through 3XL.

Credit: Blvck Paris / Warner Bros. Discovery What's dropping in the Blvck Paris x Harry Potter collection
  • Teddy Draco Malfoy Hoodie and Tee — Reworks Blvck’s signature teddy bear mascot in Slytherin-inspired styling and dark wizard accents.

  • Slytherin Baseball Jacket — Statement outerwear finished with detailed tonal serpent embroidery stretching across the shoulders and sleeves.

  • Zipped Wanted Hooded Sweatshirt — Built for custom styling with four interchangeable wanted-poster graphics featuring iconic characters like Sirius Black.

  • Tonal House Hoodies and Sweaters — Muted, dark-grey, and black designs covering Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff, layered with curated arrangements of story-inspired icons.

  • Slytherin and Gryffindor Jerseys — Sporty streetwear staples that pair Blvck’s all-black foundation with subtle house accent colors and crests.

  • Hogwarts Home Goods and Accessories — Expands beyond apparel with a Chamber of Secrets notebook, Slytherin jeans and beanie, Nagini and Wanted-Poster phone cases, hooded blankets, and plush Gryffindor and Slytherin teddy slippers.

Head over to Blvck on Sept. 28 to grab your favorite piece before the best sizes sell out for good.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best early October Prime Day deals on iPads, according to Mashables tech experts

Mashable - Mon, 10/05/2026 - 17:57
Early October Prime Day iPad deals at a glance: Best budget iPad deal Apple iPad (A16, WiFi, 128GB) $399 (save $50) Get Deal Best iPad mini deal Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 128GB) $499 (save $100) Get Deal Best iPad Air deal iPad Air 11-inch (M4, WiFi) $649 (save $100) Get Deal Best iPad Pro deal Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) $1,139 (save $60) Get Deal

Fall has just begun, but the holiday shopping season is already heating up. No longer do things kick off on Black Friday: Amazon's annual Prime Big Deal Days on Oct. 6 and 7 is the start of end-of-year deals.

Now that October Prime Day is nearly here, we're looking for the best early price drops across top brands, especially Apple. Early deals were pretty hit-or-miss with baseline models seeing modest $20 to $30 markdowns. But now that we're a day away, there are actually some deals worth shopping.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day Apple deals guide: Buy now or wait?

We've rounded up the best October Prime Day iPad deals we could find. While none of the iPads here have dropped to new all-time lows, we're happy to take any savings considering Apple raised prices on iPads earlier this year. But if you want to see where current iPad prices fall, we've compiled the price history on current models.

Save up to $50 on the regular iPad

The standard iPad with the A16 chip is our favorite Apple tablet for budget shoppers. "Even though its tech is basic compared to the advanced iPad Air and Pro," writes Mashable's Samantha Mangino, "it's great for someone who wants a portable screen for streaming, playing games, and reading." It's rated for up to six hours of battery life.

The base iPad with 128GB of storage is now $50 off with or without cellular connectivity. That brings it down to $399, its lowest price since Amazon increased it to $449 earlier this year.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad (A16, WiFi, 128GB) $399 at Amazon
$449 Save $50   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad (A16, WiFi + cellular, 128GB) $549 at Amazon
$599 Save $50   Get Deal Take up to $100 off the iPad mini

If you wish e-readers were more powerful, more versatile, and equipped with way more storage, get Apple's smallest iPad instead. The iPad mini's compact size and anti-reflective display make it our favorite tablet for reading.

We hoped the iPad Mini would drop $70 during Prime Big Deal Days, but the deal is even sweeter. Right now, you can grab it $499, $100 off its $599 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 128GB) $499 at Apple
$599 Save $100   Get Deal Skip the pro pricing on Apple's newest M4 power tablet with $100 off

In his 4.5-star review, Mashable’s Timothy Beck Werth called the M4 iPad Air "a tablet that thinks it's an AI laptop," making it a great pick for students, artists, and creators. It has the same super-light aluminum body and bright Liquid Retina screen as last year's model.

Where it wins is speed: the new M4 processor and upgraded smart chip make AI tools like fast voice-note transcription and photo editing happen almost instantly. While Timothy pointed out that it only offers "iterative upgrades over last year's model" and can feel "overpowered for casual users", that is exactly why this price drop makes sense.

Paying full retail for an incremental spec bump can be a hard sell, but catching it on sale makes the extra speed, 256GB of storage, and creator-grade power completely worth the tag. Luckily, it's now $100 off, bringing it down to $649.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4, WiFi) $649 at Amazon
$749 Save $100   Get Deal Save $200 on iPad Pros

If you're a professional creative in the market for an iPad, consider buying an iPad Pro. Leading up to the sale, we saw discounts up to $200 on last year's M4 model instead of the freshest M5 version. You can score an 11-inch iPad Pro with 2TB of storage and a nano-texture display. That brings the iPad Pro down to $1,899, which is still a steep price. If you want a Pro at a cheaper price (albeit, smaller discount,) go for the 11-inch iPad Pro with M5 chip and 256GB of storage, which is on sale for $60 off.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

October podcast guide: 8 shows to watch and listen to

Mashable - Mon, 10/05/2026 - 17:47

You could spend yet another evening deciding what to watch...or you could let Ina Garten make you a drink. This month's podcast lineup includes an invitation to her New York apartment, a few awkward dates with Amelia Dimoldenberg, and ghost stories from Spooked for anyone ready to get into the Halloween spirit.

Whether you want a mystery to follow, strangers’ gossip to get invested in, or a conversation to keep you company while making dinner, there’s plenty to queue up. Here are eight podcasts and internet shows to watch and listen to this month.

SEE ALSO: Press play: 5 celeb-creator interviews the internet loved this week (Sept. 25) The Woman in the Woods

For morning walks when you want a reported mystery to dig your teeth into, The Woman in the Woods offers a six-part investigation from 48 Hours correspondent Erin Moriarty into the death of Mindi Kassotis. Here's the story: Kassotis’s friends were told she had died in a hospital. Later, they were told her husband had died, too. But the discovery of a woman’s remains outside Savannah, Georgia, raised questions about those accounts. The series follows investigators’ efforts to uncover what happened, combining reporting with interviews.

Launched Sept. 16, it also has a video edition featuring previously unseen footage and photographs. Start at the beginning and make room for the full investigation.

How to watch/listen: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and other listening platforms.

Chicken Shop Date

Cuffing season is approaching, but Amelia Dimoldenberg is preparing to leave the dating scene. Her celebrity interview series Chicken Shop Date begins its final run on Oct. 2, bringing its famously awkward flirtations and chicken-shop encounters toward a close after 12 years. Dimoldenberg’s deadpan questions have a way of making even practiced interview subjects lose their footing, which is half the pleasure of watching. If you’ve somehow avoided her date with Andrew Garfield, start there before joining the farewell tour. Autumn already makes us a little sentimental; this won't help.

How to watch: YouTube

Happy Hour with Ina Garten

Sweater weather practically demands an invitation to Ina Garten’s apartment. Her new weekly interview show, which launched Sept. 16, brings guests from food, entertainment, sports, and the arts to her New York City home for drinks and conversation. The appeal is familiar to anyone who has watched Barefoot Contessa: Garten knows how to make having people over feel both special and entirely manageable. Kate McKinnon joins her in the first episode, making it an easy place to start. Put this on while preparing for your own fall dinner party, even if the guest list is just you.

How to watch/listen: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Ominous Thrill

If your Halloween viewing plans already include slashers, ghosts, and body horror, Ominous Thrill can extend the program to your headphones. The fiction anthology uses full casts and immersive sound to bring its dark stories to life. Its newest season, "Her Horrorween," launched Oct. 1 with a collection of 15 stories celebrating horror written by women, spanning psychological, folk, supernatural, and other forms of terror. Start with the season’s introduction and choose a story that suits your appetite for scares. Those increasingly dark evenings should provide plenty of atmosphere.

How to listen: Apple Podcasts and Ominous Thrill’s website.

Normal Gossip

A long drive through the foliage is way better with gossip, even when you don’t know anyone involved. Normal Gossip turns listener-submitted stories about everyday people into funny, winding conversations, with host Rachelle Hampton and a guest unpacking strangers' questionable decisions. The show has been running since 2022, so there’s a substantial archive to explore. For an October starting point, try "Paranormal Activity" with Amber Singletary, featuring a blended family, a spectral presence, and a late-night witch hotline. Come for the seasonal intrigue; stay because you suddenly need to know how someone else’s business ends.

How to listen: Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

ICYMI

Your screen time may creep up as the evenings get darker, but keeping up with the internet shouldn’t require spending all night scrolling. Slate’s ICYMI, hosted by Kate Lindsay, unpacks online trends, controversies, and the ways technology shapes everyday life twice a week. Recent discussions have covered vertical microdramas, AI doomsday predictions, and what happens when someone actually swaps their smartphone for a dumbphone. That last conversation, "No Phones? No Problem," is a good starting point if your fall reset includes putting your phone down more often. You can still be informed while taking a long walk with your hands in your coat pockets.

How to listen: Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Spooked

The leaves are changing, the Halloween decorations are going up, and Spooked is returning with more reasons to keep a light on. Hosted by Glynn Washington, the series features people recounting experiences they believe were supernatural, putting the person who lived through each encounter at the center of the story. Its 11th season, "The Spooked Field Guide to the Shadow," begins Oct. 2, with new episodes scheduled weekly throughout the month. If you want to get acquainted before then, the archive has plenty of haunted homes, strange encounters, and unsettling journeys to choose from. Perhaps save the solitary evening walk for another show.

How to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart.

Gerbil

October is urban-legend season, and Gerbil examines one that has followed a Hollywood star for decades. The new series from The Hollywood Reporter follows investigative journalist Allen Salkin as he traces the notorious, unsubstantiated Richard Gere rumor through documents and interviews, asking how it spread and why it endured. Launched Sept. 17, it offers an internet-culture angle on the stories people repeat because someone, somewhere, insists they know someone who was there. Queue it up for a rainy autumn afternoon when you have time to follow a rabbit hole — or, in this case, a different rodent entirely.

How to listen: Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Categories: IT General, Technology

ChatGPT has new ad formats. Heres what they look like.

Mashable - Mon, 10/05/2026 - 17:45

OpenAI is bringing visual ads to ChatGPT.

In a blog post published Monday, the company announced a new image-based ad format. It also announced expanded measurement partnerships for advertisers and pilots meant to show brands how its placement safeguards work. OpenAI said ChatGPT now reaches 1.2 billion people each week, and described advertising as a way to fund broader access to AI beyond what subscriptions alone can support.

The mockups in OpenAI's announcement show two layouts, both featuring a fictional brand called Heirloom Grocery. In the first, a single banner with a headline sits above a short product description and a "Learn more" button. In the second, a row of scrollable photos replaces the banner. In both versions, the ad carries an "Ad" label and appears beneath a progress indicator for an image ChatGPT is still generating.

That placement reflects how OpenAI plans to roll out the format. The company said it will first test the ads during image generation. It said the ads will be clearly labeled and kept separate from the image being created. OpenAI also repeated its position that advertising does not influence ChatGPT's answers.

Credit: OpenAI / Mashable screenshot

OpenAI said its placement guardrails are designed to keep ads out of emotionally vulnerable or sensitive conversations. Qualifying advertisers can now use a feature called Negative Phrases to set their own placement exclusions.

The company is also running brand suitability pilots with DoubleVerify and Integral Ad Science. OpenAI said the pilots let these outside firms evaluate its safeguards in a controlled test environment without accessing real user conversations. IAS CEO Lidiane Jones said in the announcement that marketers need brand safety protections that are "durable, consistent, and built to operate at scale."

Testing begins later this month in the US with an initial group of advertisers.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best early Prime Day deals on Pokémon, including Perfect Order Booster Bundle for under $45

Mashable - Mon, 10/05/2026 - 17:36
The best early Prime Day Pokémon deals: Best TCG display box deal Pokémon Card Game MEGA Expansion Pack 30th Celebration Display Box (Japanese) $265 ($48) Get Deal Best Lego deal Lego Pokémon Eevee (72151) $47.95 (save $12.04) Get Deal Best video game deal Pokémon Legends: Z-A (Nintendo Switch 2) $50.99 (save $19) Get Deal Best book deal Pokémon Deluxe Character Guide (Pokemon Pikachu Press) $39.84 (save $20.15) Get Deal

Amazon’s October Prime Day is getting closer, and there are worthwhile Pokémon across the Pokémon trading card game, Nintendo Switch games, Lego sets, and books. Some of the earliest Pokémon TCG discounts have already sold out, so this list only includes products that were available when we last checked.

SEE ALSO: Lego's Pokémon Eevee is close to its best-ever price at Amazon — save $12 before October Prime Day

Prime Big Deal Days runs from Oct. 6-7, but there’s no need to wait for the main event to start saving. The best Pokémon Prime Day deals available now include a Pokémon 30th Celebration Japanese Display Box for $265, LEGO Pokémon Eevee for $47.95, Pokémon Legends: Z-A for Nintendo Switch 2 for $50.99, and the Pokémon Deluxe Character Guide for $39.84. Pokémon TCG deals change quickly, so check current price and availability before buying.

A 30th Celebration Display Box at over $30 off Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon Card Game MEGA Expansion Pack 30th Celebration Display Box (Japanese) $265 at Amazon
$313 Save $48   Get Deal

If you're the type of Pokémon collector who wants to appreciate the artwork as much as the cards themselves, this deal on the Japanese version of the 30th Celebration expansion’s display box is worth a look.

The 20-pack box is on sale for $265, down from $313, for a savings of $48, or about 15% off. That works out to $13.25 per pack.

English 30th Celebration booster packs are currently listed on TCGplayer for about $13.48 each, which would cost $269.60 for 20 packs. That means the Japanese display box is only about $4.60 cheaper on a per-pack comparison, but it's still a solid option for collectors who specifically want the sealed Japanese product and its distinct card treatment.

Best for: Collectors who want a sealed Japanese 30th Celebration display box rather than loose English packs.

More Pokémon TCG dealsThe only Pokémon Lego set on sale Opens in a new window Credit: LEGO Lego Pokémon Eevee (72151) $47.95 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $12.04   Get Deal

The 587-piece Lego Pokémon Eevee set is a posable display piece designed for adult builders. Unlike static figures, the ears, head, limbs, and angled tail are fully adjustable, so you can change up how it sits on your shelf. This is now back to its all-time low price for listings directly from Amazon (confirmed by the price tracker camelcamelcamel), making it a good time to grab it now rather than waiting to see if it drops further during the main sale.

Best for: Adult LEGO builders, Pokémon collectors, and gifts under $50.

Note: Eevee is currently the only set in the Lego Pokémon lineup receiving a discount ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, but we've listed the most popular sets below so you can keep an eye on them if Amazon drops prices during the event.

Pokémon Lego sets to watch during Prime Big Deal DaysSave $19.01 on Pokémon Legends: Z-A for Nintendo Switch 2 Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Pokémon Legends: Z-A $50.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $19.00   Get Deal

Set within Lumiose City, Pokémon Legends: Z-A lets you issue commands on the fly, compete in the nightly Z-A Royale tournament, and use the returning Mega Evolution mechanic to take down rampaging rogue Pokémon. A $19 discount on a major Nintendo Switch 2 title makes this an easy choice to pick up now rather than paying full retail.

More Pokémon Nintendo Switch game dealsPokémon Deluxe Character Guide for $39.84 Opens in a new window Credit: Alex Irvine/Pokemon Pikachu Press Pokémon Deluxe Character Guide (Pokemon Pikachu Press) $39.84 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20.15   Get Deal

For a hardbound, 336-page reference book celebrating 30 years of the franchise, the 34% markdown puts the Pokémon Deluxe Character Guide at its lowest Amazon price ever (confirmed with camelcamelcamel) — making this a must-buy for diehard Pokémon collectors.

This book not only features a foreword from The Pokémon Company CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara but also covers characters from every region in numerical order, with artwork from the games, anime, and trading card game. It works well as a coffee table display piece with its color-it-yourself cover, or just as a quick reference guide so you don't have to keep an online wiki open on your phone.

Best for: Longtime Pokémon fans, collectors, and gifts under $40.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Plugable UD-MSTH3 review: Three monitors, 15 ports, and no Thunderbolt needed

How-To Geek - Mon, 10/05/2026 - 17:30

Triple monitor docks usually either require DisplayLink drivers or you're paying a premium for a Thunderbolt dock, all just to use an extra screen.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best power tool deals ahead of October Prime Day: DeWalt, Craftsman, Husqvarna, and more

Mashable - Mon, 10/05/2026 - 17:29
The best early Prime Day deals on power tools: Best DeWalt deal DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver, Power Tool Combo Kit $149 (save $90) Get Deal Best DeWalt battery deal DeWalt 20V Max Premium Lithium-Ion 6.0Ah Battery Pack $179 (save $100) Get Deal Best Craftsman deal Craftsman V20 MAX Cordless Drill Driver and Impact Driver Set $00 (save $70) Get Deal Best Greenworks deal Greenworks 24V 4-Tool Power Tool Combo Kit $219.99 (save $20) Get Deal Best Electric Screwdriver Deal HOTO 12-in-1 Electric Screwdriver Set $44.99 (save $5) Get Deal Best Battery-Powered Chainsaw Husqvarna Power Axe 225i Battery Operated Chainsaw $259.99 (save $120) Get Deal

If you're tackling a DIY job at home or finally getting around to that project you've been putting off for months, a decent power tool can make things a lot easier. And if you're going to need one anyway, you might as well see if you can get it for less.

October Prime Day is still a couple of weeks away, but as ever, Amazon has already started cutting prices on power tools ahead of the main event kicking off on Oct. 6.

Some early discounts have already caught our eye, like saving nearly $100 on a DeWalt set, so we've rounded up the best early deals live right now. We've already found great discounts on everything from cordless drills to electric screwdrivers, so now's the time to shop if you're ready to round out your home DIY toolkit.

Best DeWalt deal Opens in a new window Credit: DeWalt DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit $149 at Amazon
$239 Save $90   Get Deal Why we like it

This DeWalt set includes a compact impact driver and drill/driver, both designed for working in tighter spaces. The tools have built-in LED lights for better visibility. The impact driver has a one-handed hex chuck, and the drill features a 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck for quick bit changes.

Best DeWalt battery deal Opens in a new window Credit: DeWalt DeWalt 20V Max Premium Lithium-Ion 6.0Ah Battery Pack $179 at Amazon
$279 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

Need more juice for your DeWalt cordless tool collection? Instead of waiting for batteries to recharge, grab a few extras thanks to this deal on a two-pack. Each of these extra batteries takes about an hour to recharge and comes with a three-year warranty.

Best Craftsman deal Opens in a new window Credit: Craftsman Craftsman V20 MAX Cordless Drill Driver and Impact Driver Set $99 at Amazon
$169 Save $70   Get Deal Why we like it

This Craftsman set includes a drill/driver and impact driver, with two V20 batteries, a charger, and a storage bag. Both tools have LED lights and compact, contoured handles for working in tighter spaces. The drill has two speed settings, and the impact driver can give up to 1,460 in-lbs. of torque.

Best Greenworks deal Opens in a new window Credit: Greenworks Greenworks 24V 4-Tool Power Tool Combo Kit $219.99 at Amazon
$239.99 Save $20   Get Deal Why we like it

This kit includes a drill, impact driver, reciprocating saw, and flashlight, along with two 2Ah batteries and a 30W charger. The brushless tools have variable-speed controls, and the reciprocating saw has a tool-free blade change and pivoting shoe. The batteries can also charge devices via USB-C.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

The 15 best early October Prime Day noise-cancelling headphones deals: Shop Bose, AirPods, and Sony

Mashable - Mon, 10/05/2026 - 17:23
The best October Prime Day noise-cancelling headphones deals: Best headphones deal Bose QuietComfort headphones (2nd gen) $319 (save $40) Get Deal Best earbuds deal EarFun Air Pro 4 $62.99 (save $17) Get Deal Best mid-range headphones deal Nothing Headphone (a) $129 (save $70) Get Deal Best earbuds splurge Sony WF-1000XM6 $258 (save $71.99) Get Deal Best budget pick Sony WH-CH720N $88 (save $91.99) Get Deal

The rumors are true: another Prime Day is nearly here.

Officially, Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event runs from Oct. 6 through Oct. 7, but unofficially, it began over a week ago. In typical fashion, Amazon dropped a ton of early deals on everything from TVs to outdoor gear to headphones. And we're trawling the pages and pages of listings to find the deals that are actually worth grabbing.

If a pair of noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds is on your wishlist, we've got some good news. Plenty of excellent options have already gone on sale, including the excellent Sony XM6 headphones and earbuds, the Beats Studio Pro and Powerbeats Pro 2, the AirPods Max 2 and Pro 3, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 (headphones and earbuds). Not all of these deals are currently live, as the lead-up to the sale can bring day-to-day price fluctuations. We suspect most, if not all, of these deals will return for October Prime Day proper, though.

We'll be keeping a watchful eye on discounts in the lead up to the official sale, so keep checking back if you don't see the headphones or price you're looking for just yet.

For those who do want to shop early, here are the best October Prime Day noise-canceling headphones deals worth grabbing.

Best noise-cancelling headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort headphones (2nd gen) $319 at Amazon
$359 Save $40   Get Deal Why we like it

Bose's latest mid-range launch, the second generation QuietComfort headphones, brings the best parts of the QuietComfort Ultra headphones for less money. They offer comparable comfort and noise cancellation (with the latter being manually adjustable), and are the first non-Ultra headphones to feature immersive audio. The ear cushions are replaceable for future proofing, and the sound quality is warm and well-rounded. Plus, they fold up small and have unique colorways, making them great for taking on the go and adding to your outfits.

Read Mashable's full review of the second generation Bose QuietComfort headphones.

More noise-cancelling headphones dealsBest noise-cancelling earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: EarFun EarFun Air Pro 4 $62.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $17.00   Get Deal Why we like it

None of the noise-cancelling earbuds deals are wowing us currently, which is why our top recommendation is old reliable: our favorite pair of budget earbuds. The EarFun Air Pro 4 punch above their weight class, offering hours of listening time, excellent manually adjustable ANC, solid sound quality, great multipoint pairing, and a companion app with plenty of options for customizing your listening experience. The touch controls are kind of iffy, but that's one of the only areas where these earbuds show their price point.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

The latest MacBook Ultra rumors: What we know about Apples OLED touchscreen Macs

Mashable - Mon, 10/05/2026 - 17:02

With a fresh batch of iPhones out of the way, new MacBooks are almost certainly next on Apple's docket.

An updated MacBook Pro with the M6 chip is expected to arrive sometime this fall, based on its usual upgrade cycle. But rumor has it that another mysterious new Mac is also in the pipeline — the first with an OLED touchscreen.

Here's a running list of everything we know about the so-called "MacBook Ultra."

Why an OLED touchscreen MacBook is a big deal

Touch-enabled OLED displays are readily available on most high-end Windows laptops, but Apple has never bothered to equip its MacBooks with OLED panels or touch capabilities before. In fact, company executives have long derided the latter. In 2010, late Apple CEO and co-founder Steve Jobs called touchscreen laptops "ergonomically terrible." In 2018, software head Craig Federighi told Wired that he's "not into touchscreens" on laptops.

The MacBook Pro with the Touch Bar (RIP) was the closest thing we've had to a touch-enabled MacBook. Credit: Brenda Stolyar / Mashable

Then-hardware chief John Ternus, who recently ascended to the role of Apple's CEO, was still dismissing the idea of a touchscreen MacBook in 2021. Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, he said Apple had already made "the world’s best touch computer on an iPad...And the Mac is totally optimized for indirect input."

"We haven’t really felt a reason to change that,” Ternus added. For whatever reason, that longtime strategy may have changed.

Apple previously experimented with an OLED "Touch Bar" on MacBook Pros from 2016 to 2021, replacing their physical function row with a customizable touchscreen strip. It was either cool or useless, depending on who you asked.

At present, the only Apple products with OLED touchscreens are the iPad Pros and iPhones. (The former specifically have tandem OLED displays, which are brighter.) The existing 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros have static mini-LED displays. They're "beautifully crisp," to quote Mashable's tech editor, but a touch-supported OLED model would be a more interactive laptop with better contrast, wider viewing angles, and zero blooming to boot.

How do we know Apple is working on an OLED MacBook?

A slate of well-known Apple insiders have all separately claimed to have intel that the company is preparing an OLED touchscreen MacBook for release in 2026.

Bloomberg managing editor Mark Gurman — a fount of Apple scoops — first broke the news in early 2023, calling it "a move that would defy long-held company orthodoxy" (see: that Jobs quote). Gurman has continued to report on the device's supposed development over the years.

In fall 2025, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo wrote on X that an upcoming "OLED MacBook Pro ... will incorporate a touch panel using on-cell touch technology." Kuo has foretold the arrival of Apple's foldable iPhone Duo, Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, and USB-C iPads.

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This June, a reliable leaker known as Instant Digital added more fuel to the fire with a short post on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform. "It's 100% confirmed that the MacBook screen will be touch-enabled," he wrote.

Just days later, Gurman reported that the developer beta for macOS 27 contained "the first tangible evidence from Apple itself" of the OLED touchscreen MacBook: newly added support for touch-responsive software features like a pull-to-refresh action. (More on those shortly.) At this point, the device is all but confirmed.

What will the OLED MacBook be called? Existing MacBook Pros have had the same design since 2021. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

According to Gurman, the OLED touchscreen Mac is internally code-named K114 and K116. (That probably means it will also come in 14- and 16-inch sizes.) Both he and Kuo have referred to it as a high-end variant of the MacBook Pro, though Gurman's theorized that it could have a different name: MacBook Ultra, maybe?

"A 'MacBook Ultra' label would more clearly signal their [the OLED touchscreen Macs'] position at the top of the lineup," Gurman wrote in a March edition of his weekly "Power On" newsletter. Apple already calls its most advanced smartwatch and silicon chip the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and M5 Ultra, respectively.

But don't put too much stock in that just yet. We thought the foldable iPhone would be called the iPhone Ultra for a while, and it wound up getting the Duo identifier.

OLED MacBook rumored features

Gurman said the OLED touchscreen MacBook has a new interface that makes it easy to switch between touch and traditional point-and-click controls. Updates in the macOS 27 beta clue us in to three software features that will likely show up on it:

  • A pull-to-refresh action, similar to how you'd reload a website or social media feed on an iPhone or iPad

  • The iPhones' Dynamic Island, a pill-shaped notification area with a hole-punch camera cutout (no more notch!)

  • The ability to interact with an extended or mirrored iPad screen via touch inputs

Gurman has also stated that the new MacBook will have a full keyboard and trackpad, so using its touchscreen will be "completely optional." This is not going to be some sort of MacBook-iPad love child, in other words.

Looks-wise, Gurman thinks the OLED touchscreen MacBook will be "significantly lighter" than existing Pro models, which have had the same form factor since 2021. OLED panels are thinner and bendier than regular LCD panels, so this makes sense. Apple's iPad Pros got up to 20 percent thinner and 15 percent lighter when they gained OLED displays.

Apple's iPad Pro has had an OLED touchscreen since 2024. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

"Apple has reengineered the machine’s interior, miniaturizing parts and rearranging components to make the computer much easier to carry," Gurman wrote.

In 2024, Gurman reported that Apple was "investigating the idea of bringing cellular connectivity to the Mac for the first time," but didn't specify whether that feature was intended for the OLED touchscreen MacBook or another future model. He hasn't mentioned it since, so Apple might've left it on the back burner.

What chip will the OLED MacBook have?

The OLED touchscreen MacBook will reportedly run on Apple's M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, not brand-new silicon. That's according to Gurman again, who credited his sources as "people with knowledge of the matter ... who asked not to be identified because the plans are private."

Launched in March of this year, the M5 Pro and M5 Max fuel Apple's current top-end MacBook Pros. They're designed to handle the intensive computing workloads of power users like professional creatives, developers, and AI researchers. With that in mind, the OLED touchscreen MacBook will not be a laptop for the average person.

How much will the OLED MacBook cost? The Dell XPS 14, one of the best MacBook Pro alternatives for Windows users, starts at $2,299.99 with an OLED touchscreen. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

The OLED touchscreen MacBook will most likely be Apple's priciest laptop, given its upper-end processors and fancy display. For reference, the existing MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro chip starts at $2,499 in the 14-inch size and $2,999 in the 16-inch size.

Knowing that the iPad Pros got about 20 percent more expensive as part of their OLED upgrade, it's possible that a 14-inch OLED touchscreen MacBook will start around $2,999. Of course, that's assuming the global memory crisis doesn't wreak any more havoc on component costs before its launch, which may be overly optimistic. (Apple already had to raise its MacBook prices once this year amid "RAMageddon.")

Will Apple release the OLED MacBook in 2026?

Gurman has reported that the OLED touchscreen MacBook will arrive between the end of 2026 and early 2027. This spring, he was leaning towards the latter half of that timeframe because of the memory crisis. But these days, he's banking on an imminent launch. (So are 55 percent of Mashable readers, according to the results of our Big Guessing Game: Apple Edition.)

"Apple, I believe, will introduce its first touchscreen MacBook Pro this fall, as early as October," Gurman said in the inaugural episode of his "Power On" podcast, which dropped Oct. 1. "[It] Could slip to November, but as early as October."

The OLED touchscreen MacBook would mark Apple's second all-new laptop of 2026 after the outrageously popular budget MacBook Neo.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 new movies to watch this week across Netflix, HBO Max, and more (October 5-11)

How-To Geek - Mon, 10/05/2026 - 17:00

If you like high-profile movies heading to streaming, then you're going to like the list this week. On Apple TV, a popular Mattel toy brand has been turned into a movie. Hulu has two releases this week: one is a documentary about an iconic band, and the other is an intriguing horror movie.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best early October Prime Day deals on DJI: I found deals on mics, drones, and cameras worth buying

Mashable - Mon, 10/05/2026 - 17:00
The best early October Prime Day DJI deals: Best drone deal DJI Neo Fly More Combo $295 (save $50) Get Deal Best camera deal DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo $495 (save $134) Get Deal Best mic deal DJI Mic 3 $259 (save $70) Get Deal Best power station deal DJI Power 2000 V2 $749.99 (save $550) Get Deal

As Mashable's Global Shopping Editor, finding good deals is a big part of my job, and DJI is a brand I keep a particularly close eye on. There's a good reason for that: Mashable readers love the brand's lineup of creator-friendly tools, from cameras and drones to all the gear that helps you get the most out of them.

Apple remains the most popular brand with Mashable's tech-obsessed readership, but DJI isn't far behind. When we write about DJI's drones, vlogging cameras, mics, and power stations, you read about it and sometimes decide to buy. That data is like gold dust, baby. It tells me that you truly care about DJI. And that means I care.

SEE ALSO: 30+ early October Prime Day deals: We found live deals on Bose, Lego, and Apple

So with that, I have trawled through hundreds of early October Prime Day deals to bring you the very best from DJI. Here you can find record lows, deals for under $100, and smart savings that could elevate your content.

The official Prime Big Deal Days savings event doesn't kick off until Oct. 6, but plenty of deals are already trickling in if you want to get a jump on shopping. If you don't see what you're looking for quite yet, keep checking back for more.

Best DJI drone deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Neo Fly More Combo $295 at Amazon
$349 Save $54   Get Deal Why we like it

Right now, you can get the DJI Neo Fly More Combo for $295, down from $349. If you don't need the RC-N3 or the two extra batteries, you can grab the DJI Neo drone for $169, down from $199. In either case, you're getting a DJI drone that weighs only 135 grams, has object tracking, and offers stabilized video. The built-in propeller guards are also a great addition. It's small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, which is convenient since it has DJI's palm takeoff function, which automatically starts filming upon launch.

More DJI drone dealsBest DJI camera deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo $549 at Amazon
$629 Save $80   Get Deal Why we like it

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo is down to $495 ahead of October Prime Day, which is a new record low according to CamelCamelCamel. So you're getting a really good price here with a week still to go until the main event.

The Osmo Pocket 3 vlogging camera features a 1-inch CMOS sensor and records in 4K resolution at 120fps. The Osmo Pocket 3's advanced 3-axis mechanical stabilization delivers impressive stability so you can shoot on the go.

More DJI camera dealsBest DJI mic deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic 3 $259 at Amazon
$329 Save $70   Get Deal Why we like it

The DJI Mic 3 is on sale for $259, down from $329. We've seen better, but it's still a decent price drop. It's early days, OK?

The Mic 3 is a compact wireless microphone system designed for creators, podcasters, and interviewers who need quality audio and portability. It supports up to four transmitters, features adaptive gain control and selectable noise cancellation, and uses dual-band transmission for clear audio in busy environments. You'll also get up to 28 hours of battery life with the charging case, which is always handy.

More DJI mic dealsBest DJI power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Power 2000 V2 $759.99 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $539.01   Get Deal

The DJI Power 2000 V2 is a popular pick here at Mashable, and it's on sale for under $800 ahead of October Prime Day.

Mashable's Lauren Allain tested this powerhouse last year and noted that it's a "beefy option that’s awesome for camping, backyard parties, or content creators out on projects." Allain added that the "power to physical size ratio is impressive," which is what really matters with these machines. It's all about finding that sweet spot between portability and enough power to keep you moving.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

70mai’s 4K A900 Ultra offers 360-degree protection without the hassle of hardwiring

How-To Geek - Mon, 10/05/2026 - 16:58

Fighting wrongful traffic tickets, reducing collisions, catching vandalism, and eliminating he-said, she-said accident disputes are all good reasons to have a dashcam. But there’s another, more pressing reason to outfit your vehicle with a watchful eye. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, staged accidents are on the rise and have become a $20 billion annual problem in the US. If there were ever a good reason to install a dashcam, it’s to avoid fake incident claims.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google Gemini access is changing. Free users, take note.

Mashable - Mon, 10/05/2026 - 16:56

Google is pulling back some Gemini app features for free users.

The company announced the change to its AI software suite in a support notice, spotted by 9to5google. Starting on Oct. 9, anyone using the Gemini app without a paid subscription will be limited to just the 3.5 Flash-Lite model, with access to the 3.6 Flash or 3.1 Pro models turned off. Additionally, those who pay $4.99/month for Google AI Plus will lose access to the Pro model, as well, but retain access to Flash-Lite and Flash.

SEE ALSO: The first 5 Googlebook laptops are here, with an OS that blends Android and Gemini

That means if you want to maintain the same experience you've been having with a free account up until now, you'll have to pay at least $19.99/mo for a Google AI Pro subscription. Those who already pay for AI Pro, as a nice little bonus, will get access to the "Deep Think" option that was previously exclusive to even higher tiers of the service.

This is not terribly surprising given how subscription-based services usually work on a long enough timeline. Features that were available to all users gradually become available to only some.

Google has faced some AI challenges this year. Long-time Google DeepMind leader Demis Hassabis has transitioned into a new role, and it's unclear if the move was a promotion or a demotion. The company has also repeatedly failed to deliver on the promised Gemini 3.5 Pro model, originally set to be launched in June.

Bloomberg also reported recently on employee frustrations that Gemini 4 lags far behind rival models from Anthropic and OpenAI, the latest in a series of rumors about behind-the-scenes tensions in Google-land.

Categories: IT General, Technology

30+ of the best Anker deals live before Prime Day: We love these deals on power banks, speakers, earbuds, and more

Mashable - Mon, 10/05/2026 - 16:51
The best early Prime Day deals on Anker: Best speaker deal Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go $22.99 (save $12) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Soundcore P40i by Anker $47.99 (save $12) Get Deal Best Smart Home Deal Anker Eufy S220 $139.99 (save $60) Get Deal Best Power Bank Deal Anker Prime $199.99 (save $30) Get Deal Best Robot Vacuum Deal Anker Eufy Omni C20 $339.98 (save $210.01) Get Deal Best Home Entertainment Deal Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser $599.99 (save $150) Get Deal Best Power Station Deal Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 $739.99 (save $190) Get Deal

Keeping a dozen screens and gadgets charged every day is exhausting, and nobody has time for it. Luckily, Anker makes some of the best gear to keep your tech powered, organized, and running smoothly.

While most people know Anker as the go-to brand for phone chargers and power banks, they actually make gear for almost every part of your home. Their lineup includes Soundcore for headphones and speakers, Eufy for smart security cams and robot vacuums, and Nebula for portable projectors.

With Amazon’s Prime Day right around the corner, you don't have to wait to start saving. Anker has already slashed prices across its entire family of brands. We combed through the early sales to curate the absolute best Anker deals worth pulling the trigger on.

Best speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go Bluetooth speaker $22.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $12.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Finding a truly rugged outdoor speaker for around $25 is tough, but the Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go checks almost every box. Despite its compact palm-sized frame, it packs punchy sound and an impressive 20-hour battery life that easily outlasts a full weekend trip. Thanks to its IP67 rating, it’s completely waterproof, dustproof, and even floats — so dropping it in the pool or shower won't stop the music. You can also link two of them together for wireless stereo sound — and while it comes in multiple fun colorways, picking the classic black model saves you an extra $2.

More Soundcore speaker dealsBest earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Soundcore by Anker P40i $47.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $12   Get Deal Why we like it

Anker’s Soundcore P40i earbuds already punch well above their weight class, making any discount on them an absolute steal. You get solid adaptive active noise cancellation to block out background chatter, paired with a 6-microphone array that keeps your voice crisp and clear on phone calls. Beyond the 60-hour total battery life with the case, Anker built in a clever design detail: the charging case includes a pop-out kickstand that props up your phone for hands-free video watching on flights or at your desk.

More Soundcore earbuds and headphones dealsBest smart home deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Eufy S220 2-Cam Pack $139.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $60   Get Deal Why we like it

The Eufy SoloCam S220 fixes the worst part of home security: charging dead batteries. Its built-in solar panel needs just 3 hours of daily sunlight for continuous power, while 2K resolution keeps night footage crisp. Smart AI filtering ignores blowing leaves, so you only get alerts for people, pets, or cars — and local storage means zero monthly fees.

More smart home dealsBest power bank deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Prime Power Bank (26,250 mAh) $199.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

If you need to work away from an outlet, the Anker Prime Power Bank keeps your setup running without missing a beat. Its massive 26,250mAh capacity holds enough juice to charge a laptop fully alongside your phone, while a huge 300W total output powers demanding notebooks at full speed. Smart digital displays show your exact remaining battery and real-time charging wattage, making it a must-have for travel, remote work, or long flights.

More power bank dealsBest robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker eufy Omni C20 Robot Vacuum and Mop $339.98 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $210.01   Get Deal Why we like it

The Eufy Omni C20 takes the hassle out of floor care by handling both vacuuming and scrubbing without needing constant supervision. It's an all-in-one station that automatically empties dust into a bag that lasts up to 60 days, while washing and air-drying its own mop pads. Pushing 7,000 Pa of suction alongside a pro-detangle comb to keep long hair off the roller brush, it easily lifts embedded dirt from rugs and hard floors.

More robot vacuum dealsBest home entertainment deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser $599.99 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $150   Get Deal Why we like it

Roughly the size of a 16-ounce soda can, the Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser packs 1080p resolution and vibrant laser lighting into a frame that easily slips into a backpack. You can throw up to a 120-inch screen onto any wall or bedsheet, while auto-focus and auto-keystone correction handle image setup in seconds. With Google TV built in and a battery that lasts up to 2.5 hours on a single charge, it's an instant movie night setup for backyard hangouts or camping trips.

More home entertainment dealsBest power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 + 200W Solar Panel $739.99 at Amazon
$929.99 Save $190   Get Deal Why we like it

Whether you're prepping for emergency outages or heading off the grid, the Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 delivers reliable home-grade power in a portable frame. Its 2,000W output handles high-draw appliances across 10 outlets, while the included 200W foldable solar panel keeps you charged using free sunlight. Plus, it recharges from zero to 80% in under an hour from a wall outlet, so you're never left hanging when bad weather hits.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

We found the best early Prime Day Apple Watch deal — save $49 on the new Apple Watch Series 12

Mashable - Mon, 10/05/2026 - 16:48
Best early Prime Day Apple Watch deals: Best Apple Watch Series 12 deal Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $399 (save $49.01) Get Deal Best Apple Watch Series 11 deal Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $349.99 (save $50) Get Deal Best Apple Watch SE 3 deal Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS + Cellular, 40mm) $249 (save $50) Get Deal

Do you feel that chill in the air? Fall is here, which means so is the holiday shopping season. To kick things off, Amazon is bringing back Prime Big Deal Days.

Running Oct. 6 and 7, the event is essentially Amazon's way of kicking off holiday shopping before Black Friday. We're gearing up for the event and hunting deals on all the top brands, including Apple.

We've been searching for Apple Watch deals, and after a pretty underwhelming start, things are finally looking up ahead of tomorrow's main event. Apple's brand-new flagship, the Apple Watch Series 12, just got its first real discount on Amazon, dropping to $349.99 (down from $399). Plus, if you're looking for a budget entry point, the Apple Watch SE 3 is also back on sale for $199 (down from $249).

Best Apple Watch Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $349.99 at Amazon
$399 Save $49.01   Get Deal Why we like it

If you've been holding out for a discount on Apple's newest wearable, Amazon just knocked $49.01 off the 42mm Apple Watch Series 12 ahead of Prime Day. That brings it down to $349.99.

SEE ALSO: Apple Watch Series 12 vs. 11: Every upgrade, including one Apple didn't mention

The Series 12 builds on Apple's health tracking with more frequent heart rate variability (HRV) readings, a new Daily Readiness score, and deeper Apple Intelligence integration via Workout Buddy. (You'll still get all the essentials like sleep scores, blood oxygen readings, ECGs, and safety features like fall and crash detection.) If you want Apple's latest features without waiting to see what happens tomorrow, this is the top wearable deal on the board.

(Note: If you want to spend under $200, the Apple Watch SE 3 is also live for $199 on Amazon right now, saving you $50 off the list price.)

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Categories: IT General, Technology
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