Technology

Earlier this year, Amazon pulled the veil off of Alexa+, a new, AI-powered version of its voice assistant. Now, we have some devices that were purpose-built for Alexa+.

At an event in New York City on Tuesday, Amazon showed off four new Echo speakers. We'll get to the specifics of each speaker in a second, but the main thing to know is that they all use new in-house AZ3 chips (there's a regular AZ3 and an AZ3 Pro) to run their AI models. These devices also use Amazon's sensor platform Omnisense, which allows the Echo units to proactively respond to events occurring in your home. Examples given included alerts that a specific person has entered a room or that your garage door is unlocked at night.

Anyway, here are the four new devices and how much they cost. The first two launch on Oct. 29, and the latter two on Nov. 12:

• Echo Dot Max - $99.99

• Echo Studio - $219.99

• Echo Show 8 - $179.99

• Echo Show 11 - $219.99

The Echo Dot Max is the smallest and cheapest of the bunch, resembling a sphere but with a little indent with button controls on the front. Amazon says it has 3x the bass of the 5th gen Echo Dot, and was built with two speakers for the first time. The point is that this is a small, relatively affordable smart speaker that, according to Amazon, has big sound where it counts. Of course, you can also have conversations with Alexa+ on it, as is the case with the other three devices.

It's like a really advanced baby monitor. Credit: Amazon

Echo Studio visually looks like a bigger version of Echo Dot Max, though it's apparently 40 percent smaller than the last Echo Studio model. This one has Dolby Atmos and spatial audio support. It should be noted that up to five Echo Dot Max or Studio devices can be linked to Fire TV Sticks for something resembling a home theater audio setup.

SEE ALSO: The Amazon Halloween store is packed with spooky and haunted delights

Beyond that, the two Echo Show devices are similar in theory, though they both have touchscreens and cameras on them. The 8 and 11 refer to display sizes, presumably, in case you were confused as to why devices with those two numbers would launch simultaneously. Amazon says the new displays are better than previous models, and the camera can use AI to recognize whoever walks up to it and proactively show information they might want to see.

Needless to say, the Echo Show devices can also act as smart home hubs for all your devices, as well as small entertainment centers for listening to podcasts or audiobooks or what have you. You can even connect an Oura account and get health and wellness tips from the Echo Show.

Just don't get too caught up in conversation with Alexa+.

Roombas are more practically priced now than they have been in years. And that’s before discounts — during Prime Big Deal Days, many 2025 Roombas are already up to 44% off at Amazon for Prime Big Deal Days, making this a great year to invest.

October Prime Day (officially starting Tuesday, Oct. 7) is now the second Prime event we've experienced after iRobot's epiphany in March 2025. For years before that, Roombas were simply way too expensive for their own good. The other top robot vacuums out there were offering the same features, like smart mapping and small obstacle avoidance, at much lower prices. But that all changed when iRobot released a fleet of new Roombas that kept those same core robot vacuum features at more realistic prices.

Best early October Prime Day deals on Roombas Best cheap Roomba deal iRobot Roomba 104 Combo with AutoEmpty dock $249.99 (save $200) Get Deal Best Roomba with self-washing mopping pads deal iRobot Roomba 405 Combo with AutoWash Dock $399.99 (save $269.96) Get Deal

But we still love to see them get even cheaper during an Amazon sale event. You can squeeze so much more out of a few hundred bucks when Roomba shopping now than you could a few years ago. Back in the day, the sale price for a mopping Roomba that could self-wash its mopping pads was $999 — now, that kind of mopping Roomba is less than $500. There's even a Roomba with smart mapping on sale for $149.99 that wasn't present during Prime Day in July. The old cheap Roombas didn't do much more than bump around aimlessly, and they barely ever dipped below $200. With this intel in mind, feel free to rule out any i Series or Essential Series Roombas — they're not bangs for your buck like the others in this list.

I'm keeping track of the best Roomba deals at Amazon for Prime Big Deal Days below. But for comparison's sake, skim over my guide on how to choose a robot vacuum, then take a peek at the other great Prime Big Deal Days robot vacuum deals that I'm eyeing.

Note: Any deal marked with a 🔥 has dropped to a record-low price at Amazon.

Best budget Roomba deal ahead of October Prime Day Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba 104 Combo with AutoEmpty dock $249.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $200 Get Deal Why we like it

I wasn't sold on the idea of getting a Roomba as your budget-friendly robot vacuum until this year. The older entry-level Roombas, like the Roomba 694 and Essential series, completely skipped smart mapping — a feature that can make or break your robot vacuum experience. But now, several budget Roombas under $200 can remember a map of your home and clean specific rooms or zones on command. I'm highlighting the Roomba 104 Combo here, which is nearly identical to the Roomba Combo 105 that I tested at home.

The Roomba 105 cleaning my bedroom floor. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

The Roomba 104 sweeps with 7,000 Pa of suction power, which is actually a quite commendable number compared to the 5,500 Pa seen on many cheap Roborock models. Not only is this a robot vacuum and mop combo, but its smart mapping capabilities help it to recognize carpet and keep it dry when mopping.

Up until the latest round of Roombas that hit the scene in spring 2025, I'd often actively advise against getting a Roomba. They didn't even have smart mapping, whereas the entry-level Shark robot vacuums did — often at a lower price point than the cheap Roombas. But after testing the new base-tier Roomba 105, I can finally give iRobot credit for actually putting effort into a cheap Roomba. The Roomba 104 Combo featured here is nearly identical to the 105, but also mops.

More Roomba deals at Amazon

• iRobot Roomba 104 — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100) 🔥

• iRobot Roomba 105 — $179 $299.99 (save $120.99) 🔥

• iRobot Roomba 105 Combo — $199.99 $319.99 (save $120) 🔥

• iRobot Roomba 205 DustCompactor — $259.99 $449.99 (save $190)

• iRobot Roomba 105 with self-empty station — $299.99 $449.99 (save $150)

• iRobot Roomba Plus 504 with self-empty station — $379.99 $749.99 (save $370) 🔥

• iRobot Roomba 405 Combo with self-empty and mop washing station — $399.99 $669.95 (save $269.96) 🔥

• iRobot Roomba Plus 405 Combo with self-empty and mop washing station — $499 $799.99 (save $300.99) 🔥

• iRobot Roomba Max 705 with self-empty station — $599.99 $899.99 (save $300)

• iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max with self-empty station and AutoWash dock — $599.99 $1,399.99 (save $799.01)

The dating app Breeze has added sign languages as an option to its "Date Languages."

Breeze removes the chat function of the app experience. If you match, you fill out a plan for a date, and then the app organizes it for you. The app has arranged over 400,000 dates in the U.S. and Europe since its launch in 2020.

SEE ALSO: Single after 40? These are the dating apps you need to be on in 2025.

As matches don't chit-chat before meeting in person, knowing you share a common means of communication is crucial — especially for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Breeze states in its press release that the sign language matching feature is baked into its matching algorithm, so that it prioritizes matches with overlapping languages.

Sign languages on Breeze. Credit: Breeze

Breeze users can add sign languages both when they create their initial profile and within the app's "Date Preferences" tab. It'll be featured at the top of profiles.

"Our 'no-chat' model is about creating genuine, in-person connections. This feature is a vital part of that mission, ensuring that a user's language preference and ability to communicate is established and matched before the date is even arranged," Breeze's head of business development, Marco van der Woude, stated in the press release. "Focusing only on the 'average' user means eventually our product won't work for anyone, because everyone is unique."

SAVE $19.99: Spend $120+ at Lego until Oct. 7 and get a free Lego Luminous Ghost set which ordinarily costs $19.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Luminous Ghost set $0 at Lego
$19.99 Save $19.99 free with $120+ purchase Get Deal

It's getting scary out there. We're talking about the Halloween season, of course. Neighborhoods are now filled with 12-foot tall skeletons and porches have decorative gourds. But when the temps drop and we head inside, it's time to build some Lego sets. If you've been eyeing a set, now is a great time to buy because Lego is adding on a free Halloween-themed set that you don't want to miss out on.

Until Oct. 7 or stock sells out, spend $120 or more at Lego and receive a free Luminous Ghost build, which ordinarily sells for $19.99. Free shipping kicks in on order over $35, so you're also in for no shipping fees. The $120 order can't be used to pre-order sets if you want to score the free ghost.

As a shock to no one, Lego has irresistible Halloween builds on offer. And as a little treat, the Danish brand is offering everyone a free Luminous Ghost build, so long as you spend $120 or more. The Luminous Ghost build features a ghost with illuminated red eyes (battery included) and it appears the little fella has a pet bat that tags along on the journey. There's also an adorable pumpkin in the build, too.

SEE ALSO: There are already some great Lego deals to check out ahead of October Prime Day

Spending $120 is easy to do at Lego when browsing the site. Halloween builds include the excellent Disney Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas which would put you over the $120 threshold. We also have to point out the new Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory set which has a chocolate waterfall, Oompa Loompas, and snozzberries that probably taste like Lego bricks and not snozzberries.

Whatever your Lego preference, there's a set just for you to score the free Luminous Ghost. Lego mentions this deal is good until Oct. 7 or supplies last, so it's best to hop to the buying and building soon. Just don't hop on the Lego bricks themselves.

Samsung's signature smart ring may have sent someone to the hospital, according to an experience shared by a popular tech YouTuber.

An X user named Daniel, who runs a YouTube channel called ZONEofTECH, posted photos on X on Monday that allegedly showed a Samsung Galaxy Ring having swollen to the point where he couldn't remove it from his finger. Daniel said in a follow-up post that this happened while he was boarding a plane, at which point he was denied entry due to the presence of a swollen lithium-ion battery. He also said he went to the hospital and had the ring removed there. It's not clear where this happened or which hospital he went to for treatment.

SEE ALSO: Samsung's Tri-Fold phone could come to the U.S. this year

Daniel shared on X that he obtained the ring in January, was unsure of the health of the battery but suspected it had an issue as the battery life "stopped lasting more than 1.5 days" rather than the advertised week. Daniel said the ring battery had no charge when it allegedly swelled.

Mashable has reached out to both Daniel and Samsung for comment. In the photos, it looks like the inner portion of the ring has expanded due to a swollen battery, and due to the way the ring is constructed, it swells inward rather than outward. That would certainly make it difficult to remove the ring from a finger. As 9to5Google pointed out, there have been previous reports of this happening with the Galaxy Ring, though not necessarily ones that ended in hospital visits.

Samsung UK reached out to Daniel directly on X, and also supplied the following statement to 9to5Google:

The safety of our customers is a top priority and we are in direct contact with this user to learn more about their concerns. While experiences like this are extremely rare, there are a few ways to attempt removing a stuck ring, including soap and water – or submerging your hand in cold water. If these methods do not work, additional information is provided on our Samsung Support page.

This is a developing story, check back at mashable.com for updates as they become available.

Spotify’s shuffle feature has been a common complaint among listeners for years. It never really feels as “random” as people want it to be, but it’s not as easy as you would think to make something feel truly random. Spotify is working on giving users more control over the shuffle feature to combat this.

TL;DR: Get your favorite Microsoft apps without breaking the bank — a lifetime subscription to Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 is on sale for just $19.97 (reg. $229).

If you’re someone who values digital organization, you don’t need to hop on the latest productivity trend or spend your hard-earned cash on monthly subscriptions. Keep it classic — and affordable — with a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows, now $19.97 (reg. $229).

What does a lifetime subscription entail? Well, you’ll get permanent, unlimited access to Microsoft’s beloved suite. This includes:

• Word: Draft comprehensive research studies, resumes, cover letters — whatever you need to type up, Word is where your stories live.

• Excel: Utilize formulas and workflows via Excel to create thorough spreadsheets and more.

• PowerPoint: Produce and revise compelling slide decks to promote your business, an upcoming project, or data.

• Outlook: Send emails on the fly with Outlook.

• OneNote: Sketch, annotate, and highlight your meeting notes.

• Publisher: Create professional-looking marketing materials for your business.

• Access: Create custom relational databases and manage large amounts of data with Microsoft Access.

With this deal, you’ll receive instant delivery of your license keys and download links, plus free customer service, on one Windows device. But wait! Don’t forget to redeem your code within 7 days of purchase.

Once you’re ready to download, know that all you’ll need is a Windows device that runs on Windows 10 or 11 with at least 1GB of RAM and 4GB of hard disk space. Don’t have enough storage? Then it might be time to do a digital declutter.

If you want unlimited access to apps you’ve utilized for years, skip the monthly subscription fees from Microsoft 365 and hop on this lifetime license. 

Grab Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows today for only $19.97 (reg. $229).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $19.97
$229 Save $209.03 Get Deal

Honda’s CR-V Hybrid has long been the benchmark for efficient, family-friendly SUVs, but a new challenger is proving it doesn’t own the spotlight. This rival brings a sharp design, upscale interior, and impressive fuel economy to the table, giving shoppers a serious alternative in the hybrid compact SUV segment.

TL;DR: Get an education in cybersecurity for under $5 a course with The 2025 Cyber Security Career Foundations Course Bundle, on sale now for just $24.99 (reg. $120).

Want to wade into the world of cybersecurity, but don’t know where to start? The 2025 Cyber Security Career Foundations Course Bundle is a great introduction to this dynamic industry, and it’s designed for total beginners.

You’ll receive over 38 hours of instruction on topics ranging from ethical hacking to incident response and risk management, and right now, it can all be yours for just $24.99 (reg. $120) — less than $5 a course.

Build your cybersecurity skills from scratch with this comprehensive course bundle

If you’ve been curious about a career in cybersecurity, the 2025 Cyber Security Career Foundations Course Bundle is a great way to see which area might be the best fit for you.

This bundle is packed with six informative courses, with more than 38 hours of expert-led instruction taught by Oak Academy. This group of technology experts specializes in cybersecurity. They’ll walk you through the basics with Cyber Security Essentials: Master the Fundamentals.

Made for newbies, this course starts with topics like confidentiality, integrity, availability, and basic risk management. From there, it moves into essential tools and practices such as encryption, access control, authentication, and authorization.

Additional classes delve deeper into specific areas, such as Vulnerability Management: Build Strong Cybersecurity Defense and the AWS Security Management and AWS Security Specialist Course, which gives you the cloud skills you’ll need to thrive in this bustling area of the industry.

Take the first step towards a new career with The 2025 Cyber Security Career Foundations Course Bundle, on sale now for just $24.99 (reg. $120).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: StackSocial The 2025 Cyber Security Career Foundations Course Bundle $24.99
$120 Save $95.01 Get Deal

One TikTok isn’t enough. Instagram needs a TikTok (Reels). YouTube needs a TikTok (Shorts). LinkedIn needs a TikTok (without a fun name). So, of course, OpenAI needs a TikTok, too — but, it seems, with even more AI slop than you can possibly imagine.

According to a report from Wired, OpenAI is gearing up to release a social media app that “closely resembles” TikTok, with a swipe-to-scroll vertical video feed.

The main difference is that the AI videos you’re seeing on TikTok and Reels and Shorts will be the only content of OpenAI’s app. According to Wired’s report, users won’t even be able to upload their own photos or videos from their own camera roll — instead, they’ll have to use Sora 2 to generate clips that are 10 seconds or shorter, copyright allowing.

SEE ALSO: Vibes check: I spent a day in Meta's 'infinite slop machine' watching AI videos

Of course, you can make it a little weirder and a little bit more social by verifying your identity within the app and letting Sora 2 use your likeness for the short videos it creates, Wired reported.

OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Mashable, and the timeline for when — or if — this app goes public isn’t entirely clear. For now, if you really want to soak up some AI slop, might I recommend the feed on the Meta AI app?

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

Under Apple ownership, Beats have remained a surprisingly relevant brand, making for perhaps the only earbuds/headphones that play nice with both iPhones and Android phones. The latest Powerbeats Fit are here, and they look pretty nice.

Adobe Premiere is finally coming to mobile, as the company just announced the release of a powerful new iPhone and iPad version. The best part is that it's free, though you'll need to pay if you want more generative AI credits or storage.

Like it or not, summer is over. Pack away those portable fans because we're in spooky season now. Yes, it does feel like all of 2025 has been spooky season, but we now get treats, 12-foot-tall skeletons, and pumpkins added in the mix. To help celebrate the season, Amazon has just launched the Halloween Shop, and it's jam-packed with costumes, holiday decor, and enough treats to last us until Halloween of 2026.

Bonus: Halloween falls on a Friday this year, and that means it's prime time to host a haunted party and go all-out with decor. The Friday spooktacular event also means the trick-or-treaters are likely to show up big time, so it's wise to ensure the candy pile is well stocked.

For one-stop shopping, Amazon's Halloween Shop is an easy choice to take care of all your holiday needs, like treats for the young ones, party supplies for the adults, and decor that will both fright and delight. If you're feeling really ambitious, hop into the Amazon Holiday Shop and take care of stocking stuffers way before the December rush. Here are some of the best products in the Amazon Halloween Shop.

Trick-or-treat with Halloween Lego sets Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Creator 3-in-1 Haunted Mansion Building $89.95 at Amazon
Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Disney Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas $199.95
Get Deal

Sweet treats aside, a Halloween-themed Lego set is a great way to add a fun activity to the season. Lego never disappoints with the seasonal sets, and the Haunted Mansion Building is no exception. The 3-in-1 options are great for rebuilding into a different option, and this set includes all the bricks needed to build a haunted house, a ghoulish train, or a spooky boat.

If you're one for a larger Lego set that can stay on display through Christmas, snag the Lego Disney Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas build.

A glow-in-the-dark puzzle Opens in a new window Credit: Galison Galison Occult and Curious Glow in The Dark Jigsaw Puzzle $18.99 at Amazon
Get Deal

Opt for some wholesome but witchy fun this Halloween thanks to the 1,000-piece Galison Occult and Curious puzzle that glows in the dark. Assemble the jigsaw's curiosities that include mushrooms, potions, a two-headed snake, and more. Once you're done with assembly, turn the lights out to watch the puzzle glow. Plus, the build quality of Galison puzzles is hard to beat.

DIY gummy candy Opens in a new window Credit: Thames & Kosmos Thames & Kosmos Gross Gummy Candy Lab Worms & Spiders $19.95 at Amazon
Get Deal

Turn the kids into candy-making scientists this Halloween with the Thames & Kosmos Gross Gummy Candy Lab Worms & Spiders. This STEM experiment kit gives aspiring chemists the opportunity to make plant-based gummy spiders and worms. The 16-page instruction booklet will guide kids to making their very own gummy candy in mixed berry and green apple flavors.

A spooky Echo Dot bundle Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Dot bundle: Limited edition Disney Jack Skellington and Sally stand with Echo Dot $149.96 at Amazon
$179.96 Save $30 Get Deal

Your Bluetooth speaker deserves to get in on the Halloween fun, too. Amazon has dressed up the Echo Dot in The Nightmare Before Christmas vibes with incredible Jack Skellington and Sally covers. This bundle includes two Amazon Echo Dot devices and themed covers. You can also choose your favorite character and buy them as singles. On Mashable's list of the best Amazon Echo devices, the Dot earns the top spot as the best option for smaller spaces.

A treat for the most-loved family member Opens in a new window Credit: Milk-Bone Milk-Bone Limited Edition Halloween Spooky Biscuit Dog Treats $6.74 at Amazon
$7.49 Save $0.75 Get Deal

All the dogs who are heading out to accompany the trick-or-treaters deserve a nice treat, too. The limited-edition Milk-Bone Halloween Spooky Biscuits are perfect for canine friends who love to get in on the celebration.

A projected light display that'll be the talk of the neighborhood Opens in a new window Credit: Govee Govee Outdoor Decoration Projector Light $89.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $30 Get Deal

Without needing to climb onto the roof, the Govee Outdoor Decoration Projector Light will adorn your home with tons of pre-set Halloween displays like a pumpkin design, conniving witches, and Dracula with bats. The projector comes with 58 preset scenes and eight music modes. Plus, it's durable enough to stay outside during the fall and winter. Come December holidays, switch to snowflakes and Christmas displays. There are also options for New Year's, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, and more.

A mug worthy of pumpkin-spice lattes Opens in a new window Credit: Le Creuset Le Creuset Stoneware Pumpkin Mug with Lid $50 at Amazon
Get Deal

If you're skipping the candy this year, why not go with a little treat for your morning coffee? The Le Creuset Stoneware Pumpkin Mug with Lid is undeniably a great way to start each day this fall. It won't actually make your homemade pumpkin-spice lattes, hazelnut hot chocolates, and maple cappuccinos taste better, but they'll sure look nice.

An updated pumpkin carving kit Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Comfy Mate Pumpkin Carving Kit $19.99 at Amazon
$23.99 Save $4 Get Deal

What's Halloween without getting pumpkin guts all over the kitchen floor while carving pumpkins? With an included carrying case and 11 carving tools, the Comfy Mate Pumpkin Carving Kit is an upgraded option that'll take your creations to the next level. With knives for carving and sculpting tools, you'll be in for a no-hassle experience.

SEE ALSO: What's the best robot vacuum and mop? I have 5 top picks and 1 clear winner. Crowd-favorite candy Opens in a new window Credit: Hersheys Hershey Miniatures Assorted Flavors (115 count) $19.60 at Amazon
Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Unreal Unreal Halloween Dark Chocolate Variety Pack (52 count) $38.99 at Amazon
Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sour Patch Kids Sour Patch Kids Glow Ups (12 bags) $15 at Amazon
Get Deal

It's not Halloween without miniature chocolate. For the masses, it's impossible to go wrong with a Hershey's variety pack. For those looking for a lower sugar option or dark chocolate, grab the Unreal dark chocolate variety pack. For anyone who doesn't love chocolate, there's the wow-worthy Sour Patch Kids Glow Ups, which have edible confetti that glows under black light.

Popcorn balls in an instant Opens in a new window Credit: Dash Dash SmartStore Deluxe Stirring Popcorn Maker $49.95 at Amazon
Get Deal

A classic Halloween treat, popcorn balls are a must-have party snack. The task is made much easier (and cleaner) thanks to the Dash SmartStore Deluxe Stirring Popcorn Maker. This electric popcorn machine even comes with a large serving bowl and lid, making 24 cups of popcorn.

Green-with-envy outdoor decor Opens in a new window Credit: Haunted Hill Farm Haunted Hill Farm Motion-Activated 8-foot Tall Towering Skeleton $279.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $70 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Haunted Hill Farm Haunted Hill Farm 9-foot Pre-Lit Trick or Treat Walkway Arch $59.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: National Tree Company National Tree Company Pre Lit Pumpkin and Ghost $72.99 at Amazon
Get Deal

Whether you prefer creepy, massive skeletons that talk or cute pumpkins with friendly ghosts, Amazon has hundreds of outdoor Halloween decor options. Plus, many are inflatable, which makes for easier storage. But don't even think about putting a giant skeleton into storage in the basement. That's how you end up as the plot of a horror movie.

A portable party Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL PartyBox Stage 320 $599.95 at Amazon
Get Deal

Every Halloween party deserves a spooky soundtrack, and the JBL PartyBox Stage 320 is ready for the haunts. On Mashable's list of the best party speakers, this JBL model earns the top spot. It gets up to 18 hours of playback time, and the telescoping handle and durable wheels make for easy transportation.

SEE ALSO: The JBL PartyBox 520 speaker powered my wedding week — and it's a karaoke hero A life-of-the-party drinks machine Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Slushi (88 ounce) $349 at Amazon
get a free $19.01 Amazon credit Get Deal

With five preset modes like slush, spiked slush, frappe, and milkshake, and an 88-ounce capacity, the Ninja Slushi is welcome at any party. Whip up some Halloween drinks for the adults or keep the kids entertained with fun milkshakes. When it comes to the best Ninja appliances, the Slushi might be the best party option available.

Drinks that sparkle and glow Opens in a new window Credit: Fancy Sprinkles Fancy Sprinkles Premium Edible Glitter (Halloween Glow-Worm Green) $14.99 at Amazon
Get Deal

Add some Halloween magic to drinks with Fancy Sprinkles Limited Edition Halloween Glow-Worm Green edible glitter. It adds both a shimmery element to any drink, sparkling or still, and glows in the dark. The four-gram jar is enough to bedazzle about 30 drinks. The limited-edition Glow-Worm Green is especially perfect if you're a Slimer fan from Ghostbusters.

A classic and creepy board game Opens in a new window Credit: Hasbro Games Classic Ouija Board Game $29.69 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $10.30 Get Deal

Ask the spirits anything and see what they say while playing on a classic Ouija Board. The Hasbro wood board comes has a smooth surface that's ideal for the spirits to move the planchette and answer your most burning questions.

An adorably sweet haunted house Opens in a new window Credit: Sugarfina Sugarfina Kuromi's Haunted House Tasting Collection $39.95 at Amazon
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Most haunted houses give spooky vibes, but Kuromi's Haunted House from Sugarfina might be the most adorable one we've ever seen. With a similar design to an Advent Calendar, the Sugarfina version features some of Sanrio's most memorable characters like Hello Kitty, Keroppi, and, of course, Kuromi. The haunted house features eight sweet treat varieties from the cult-favorite Sugarfina.

Necessary Halloween hygiene Opens in a new window Credit: Phillips Sonicare Philips Sonicare 4100 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush $49.96 at Amazon
get a free Amazon credit for $2.47 Get Deal

Keep those teeth and your dentist happy despite Halloween candy, thanks to the Philips Sonicare 4100 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush. The compact toothbrush can go weeks on a single charge, and Philips says it can remove up to seven times more plaque compared to a manual toothbrush.

TL;DR: Scan anything from anywhere with this lifetime subscription to SwiftScan VIP, now $59.99 (reg. $199.99) through October 12.

Do you need to scan something? There’s now an app for that — SwiftScan VIP. It can transform your smartphone or tablet into a sleek scanning machine, eliminating the need for owning a printer-scanner hybrid. And if you act fast, you can get a lifetime subscription to SwiftScan VIP for just $59.99 (reg. $199.99).

Scan and edit documents right on your phone with SwiftScan VIP

While most of our lives have gone digital, we still need to scan things every now and then. Whether you need to sign an important document or preserve a handwritten note, SwiftScan VIP puts a scanner right in your pocket.

This handy app turns your smartphone or tablet into a high-quality scanner. Just point your device’s camera at the page you’d like to scan, and SwiftScan detects the edges and crops the document for you. From there, you can take advantage of built-in tools like color filters, blur reduction, and auto enhancements to fine-tune your scan.

You can scan multiple pages and easily combine them into a single document, then choose to save them as a PDF or JPG. Once they’re uploaded, it’s easy to send them via email, fax, or upload them to your preferred cloud storage service.

SwiftScan also keeps your scans organized for you. You can organize scans into folders, and OCR technology makes them easy to search later. And if you need to save a file as a PDF, SwiftScan doubles as a PDF editor. Sign, annotate, or redact information directly from a PDF within the same app.

Never touch a scanner again with this lifetime subscription to SwiftScan VIP, now $59.99 (reg. $199.99) through October 12.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: SwiftScan SwiftScan VIP: Lifetime Subscription $59.99
$199.99 Save $140 Get Deal

Did you know that ChromeOS had a built-in clipboard manager? Clipboard history allows you to access the five most recent items you’ve copied to your clipboard—including images.

SAVE UP TO 47%: EcoFlow's latest portable power stations are seeing launch-week discounts. The EcoFlow Delta 3 Max Plus with a 220W solar panel is on sale for $1,339, down from the normal price of $2,548, and the EcoFlow Delta 3 Ultra Plus portable power station is on sale for $1,599, down from the standard price of $2,899.

Opens in a new window Credit: EcoFlow Eco Flow Delta 3 Max Plus portable power station with 220W Bifacial Solar Panel $1,339 at Amazon
$2,548 Save $1,209 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: EcoFlow EcoFlow Delta 3 Ultra Plus portable power station $1,599
$2,899 Save $1,300 Get Deal

By now you've probably heard that you need a portable power station. We're not here to argue with facts. Portable power stations are incredibly useful if you like to go camping, work in the yard with tools that require power, or live in an area that's prone to power outages. EcoFlow is one of the leaders in the market, producing a huge range of portable power stations that come in a wide variety of specialties. As of this week, that product lineup expanded and two new models are already seeing a great discount.

As of Sept. 30, the EcoFlow Delta 3 Max Plus with a 220W solar panel is on sale for $1,339, down from the normal price of $2,548 which works out to a 47% discount, saving you a sweet $1,209. The EcoFlow Delta 3 Ultra Plus portable power station is on sale for $1,599, down from the standard price of $2,899. That equals a 45% discount, shaving $1,300 off the list price.

Amazon is not waiting around for October Prime Day to show up with major portable power station discounts. Tons of EcoFlow models are included in this week's sale prices, but these models are especially exciting to see on sale.

The brand new EcoFlow Delta 3 Max Plus comes with a sizable 2,048Wh and a 3,000W max output. That means you'll be able to connect it to your microwave, the blender, air fryer, coffee maker, and even the refrigerator. If you feel like doing laundry when the power is out, you can also use it to power up a 500W washing machine. However, the Delta 3 Max Plus will keep the WiFi router on, so you can binge Netflix instead of washing clothes.

Today's deal on the Delta 3 Max Plus also comes with a bifacial 220W solar panel. That will be perfect for summer camping trips to keep the phones and camp lanterns powered on for the entire trip, regardless of the duration.

SEE ALSO: Mashable's favorite portable power stations are already 50% off ahead of October Prime Day

The larger EcoFlow Delta 3 Ultra Plus packs in even more power, offering 3,072Wh from a long-lasting LiFePO4 battery. You'd think that much power might be loud, but the Delta 3 Ultra Plus can operate at as low as 25 decibels which will be great if you're using it to sleep with a CPAP or for an air purifier in the nursery.

While both EcoFlow models are almost 50% off during launch week, now is a great time to add a versatile portable power station to your home. Use it this fall and winter during storms and take it out camping come warmer weather. Buying this week means you'll be less likely to run into shipping delays during next week's October Prime Day event.

Philo, the live streaming service, just added the ad-supported tiers of HBO Max and Discovery+ to its Core package, which comes with a price hike. The base plan, which gives you roughly 70 basic cable channels along with over 100 free channels, is going up by $5 a month.

The image-sharing site Imgur is now blocked in the United Kingdom.

Online reports from UK users began circulating on social media yesterday, and today the site confirmed the restriction on its U.S. help site. Now, when someone with a UK IP address attempts to visit, they're met with an error page stating, "Content not available in your region."

SEE ALSO: Porn censorship is going to destroy the entire internet

"From September 30, 2025, access to Imgur from the United Kingdom is no longer available," the help site reads. "UK users will not be able to log in, view content, or upload images. Imgur content embedded on third-party sites will not display for UK users."

The page goes on to inform users that they can request a copy of their own data in accordance with the UK's data protection laws or delete their account.

Online, UK users speculate that this is due to the Online Safety Act, which went into effect in July. The act has resulted in wide-ranging age verification, requiring users to submit identification, such as a government ID or undergo a facial recognition scan, in order to access explicit and sometimes non-explicit sites.

However, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), which regulates data protection in the UK, released a statement on Tuesday that "Imgur's decision to restrict access in the UK is a commercial decision taken by the company."

The ICO launched an investigation of Imgur in March (as well as TikTok and Reddit) to examine how the site handles children's personal information and how it verifies users' ages. On September 10, ICO issued a notice of intent to fine Imgur's parent company MediaLab, ICO's interim executive director, regulatory supervision, Tim Capel, wrote in a statement. He also said that, "Our findings are provisional and the ICO will carefully consider any representations from MediaLab before taking a final decision whether to issue a monetary penalty."

"We have been clear that exiting the UK does not allow an organisation to avoid responsibility for any prior infringement of data protection law, and our investigation remains ongoing," Capel continued, also stating that no further details about the investigation will be given at this time.  

"Safeguarding children’s personal information is a key priority for the ICO and our Children's code strategy outlines our key interventions in this area. Keeping children safe online is the responsibility of the companies offering online services to them and we will continue to hold them to account," Capel concluded.

Imgur removed explicit content (and old content) in 2023. Last year, the site loosened rules on memes and photos involving adult humor, PCMag (which is also owned by Mashable's parent company, Ziff Davis) reported.

Mashable has reached out to MediaLab for comment.

SAVE $30: As of Sept. 30, get the Arzopa Portable Monitor for $199.99, down from its usual price of $229.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 13%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Arzopa Portable Monitor $199.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $30 Get Deal

Want to get more done when working on your PC? Try an additional monitor. The extra space gives you more room to breathe, so you can move from window to window and from task to task with ease. And you don't have to spend an arm and a leg on a complete additional monitor to do this. You can get a portable monitor, which is on sale right now at Amazon, and it can help tremendously.

As of Sept. 30, get the Arzopa Portable Monitor for $199.99, down from its usual price of $229.99 at Amazon. That's $30 off and a discount of 13%.

SEE ALSO: The best monitors in 2025

This slim 16-inch portable monitor is made to work for you on the go, so you can connect it to your laptop, your computer, your console, or even your Steam Deck. If you'd rather use it at home, you can do that too thanks to its lightweight frame and ease of setup.

It has a 2.5K QHD display with a 2560 x 1440 resolution as well as 180Hz refresh rate that gives you lower input latency and higher quality for working or playing. Plus, it's plug and play so all you have to do is hook it up and get going. It has two USB-C connections as well as a mini HDMI port, so you can connect it and start working or using your computer or device in minutes.

With a sturdy kickstand, you can adjust the viewing angle as well as keep it steady no matter where it is you decide to put it for the long (or short) run. So if you do decide to keep it for home use, it's ready to go.

If you need a second monitor and don't want to shell out for one that's full price (or full size), this is a great option to grab while you still can.

SAVE $499: As of Sept. 30, the M4 iPad Pro with WiFi connectivity and 2TB of storage is on sale for $1,499.97 at Amazon. That's just shy of $500 in savings, effectively making it the same price as the model with 1TB of storage.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M4, 2TB, WiFi) $1,499.97 at Amazon
$1,999 Save $499.03 Get Deal

If ever there were a time to buy a maxed out iPad Pro, it's now. A week before the official kickoff of Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event, Apple's most powerful iPad is seeing its biggest price drop ever. If you're in the market for a tablet that goes above and beyond, there's no need to wait to add it to your cart.

As of Sept. 30, you can head to Amazon and grab the 11-inch Apple iPad Pro with an M4 chip, WiFi connectivity, and monstrous 2TB of storage for only $1,499.97. That's 25% or nearly $500 off its usual list price, effectively dropping it down to the same price as the model with 1TB of storage. In other words, you can get double the storage space for the same price.

For most people, a maxed out M4 iPad Pro is going to be overkill. This thing is crazy powerful. Despite being unbelievably thin at just 0.21 inches thick and weighing less than a pound, the M4 iPad Pro beat most PCs and even many MacBooks in benchmark tests. That's why we named it the top iPad pick for professionals. Mashable's reviewer was blown away by its power efficiency and breakneck performance — not to mention its striking display and absolutely outrageous battery life. Though it's only rated for 10 hours, the M4 iPad Pro outlasted expectations and delivered a runtime of 16 hours and 24 minutes.

As our reviewer put it, "The perfect user for the iPad Pro 2024 is a professional digital artist who often steps away from their desktop PC and needs a sleek, on-the-go device that can handle taxing workloads (on apps like ZBrush or Nomad Sculpt, for example) while they're traveling from A to B." If that's you, or if you're just an Apple lover who wants to treat themselves, we recommend grabbing this maxed out iPad Pro with 2TB of storage while it's at its best price ever.