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Updated: 4 hours 51 min ago

A running list of Targets best Black Friday deals

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 19:59

UPDATE: Nov. 28, 2024, 2:00 p.m. EST This story has been updated with the latest pricing and stock of Target's best Black Friday deals live on Thanksgiving, plus new deals on Pokémon cards, Legos, and vacuums.

Best Target early Black Friday deals Best Tablet Deal Apple iPad Air 11-inch, 6th generation (M2 chip, 128GB, WiFi) 499 (Save $100) Get Deal Best headphone and speaker deal Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones $199.99 (Save $150) Get Deal Best speaker deal JBL Flip 6 Speaker $79.99 (Save $50) Get Deal Best TV and Soundbar deal TCL 55-inch 4K UHD Google TV $239.99 (Save $110) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm, Sport Band, GPS + cellular) $679.99 (Save $70) Get Deal Best Kitchen and Home deal KitchenAid 5.5-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer $279.99 (Save $170) Get Deal Best Toy Deal Pokémon Trading Card Game: Charizard ex Super-Premium Collection $55.99 (Save $24) Get Deal

This year, if you want to get your holiday shopping done by Thanksgiving, it's certainly possible. With Black Friday falling at the very end of this month, it's no surprise that retailers started their sales way earlier. Now that Black Friday week is officially here, the deals are in full force. If you've run through Amazon and Best Buy's sales, turn your attention to Target.

Target's deals are just about as good as it gets. We're seeing discounts across categories including headphones, TVs, robot vacuums. Ahead of Black Friday, start shopping these deals on Apple, Bose, Ninja, and more.

When does Target's Black Friday sale start?

While Black Friday falls on Friday, Nov. 29, Target started the month with an early Black Friday, a 48-hour mad dash of deals to kickstart your holiday shopping. Now, the deals are coming back around. Target's Black Friday sale is live now and runs until Saturday, Nov. 30.

Plus, the retailer is offering a holiday season price match. If you purchase an item at Target and it goes on sale leading up to Dec. 24, the brand will refund you the difference. It's also price-matching competitors' pricing within 14 days of your purchase.

What are Target's Black Friday hours?

Unlike Amazon, which operates entirely online, you can shop Target deals online and in-stores. If you're looking forward to shopping in-person this season, Target is a great place to do just that.

Target stores will be opening at 6 a.m. local time on Nov. 29, for those looking forward to joining the crowds.

Best tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air 11-inch, 6th generation (M2 chip, 128GB, WiFi) $499.00 at Target
$599.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"This Apple tablet is our favorite for most people, thanks to its versatility. It works just as well for artists as it does for students. The M2 chipset makes it a more viable laptop replacement than other tablets while costing you a few hundred dollars less than a supercharged iPad Pro." — Bethany Allard, Lead Shopping Reporter

More tablet dealsBest headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones $199.99 at Target
$349.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

While our very favorite Sony headphones are the Sony WH-1000XM5s, their predecessor, the Sony WH-1000XM4s are also fantastic. Plus, they're $100 cheaper.

They're phenomenal headphones with active noise cancellation that truly tune out the world. If you like to crank up the volume, these are headphones for you because the audio quality is just so good. Plus, unlike the XM5s, the XM4s fold up for easy storage and toting around.

Right now, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are down to $199.99, saving $150 for 43% off during Target's unofficial early Black Friday deals.

More headphone dealsBest speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Flip 6 Speaker $79.99 at Target
$129.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

JBL makes our go-to Bluetooth speakers. They're waterproof and portable with battery life to last for days. So we always have our eyes peeled for deals on JBL speakers during shopping events. At Target, you can find the JBL Flip 6 Speaker for well under $100.

It lasts up to 12 hours on a single charge and is both dustproof and waterproof. It's equipped with dual pumping bass radiators to deliver JBL's Pure Bass Sound to really get things bumping.

During Target's Black Friday sale, it's down to $79.99, saving you $50 on this top-notch speaker. That knocks 38% off the price.

Speaker dealsBest TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 55-inch 4K UHD Google TV $249.99 at Target
$349.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Black Friday conjures images of doorbusting deals, with shoppers racing to the TVs to fight over the inventory. Luckily, you don't have to be in the stampede for TV deals with Target's early Black Friday sale.

This TCL 55-inch 4K UHD Google TV is just $249.99, knocking $100 off the price for 29% savings. It provides 4K picture and a built-in Google interface, so you don't need an extraneous streaming device.

More TV dealsSoundbar dealsBest smartwatch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm, Sport Band, GPS + cellular) $749.99 at Target
Get Deal Why we like it

The latest Apple Watch is getting a holiday discount. During Target's holiday sale, find the Apple Watch Series 10 for $70 off, marking it down to $679.99.

The Series comes packed with all the essentials for fitness tracking, playing music, and even taking calls. This model comes equipped with cellular, so you can send texts or take calls without being near your iPhone. It's waterproof too, meaning it can come along as you swim laps.

This limited time deal is available for 9% off ahead of Black Friday.

More smartwatch dealsBest home and kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kitchenaid KitchenAid 5.5-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer $279.99 at Target
$449.99 Save $170.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're getting ready to whip up dozens of Christmas cookies, don't even think about doing it all by hand. Sure, it will be a great arm workout, but at what cost? Upgrade your kitchen tools ahead of the holiday season with the KitchenAid 5.5-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer. It has twice the power of KitchenAid's standard tilt head mixer and can mix batches of 11 dozen cookies at a time. This mixer is no joke.

You can beat the savings ahead of Black Friday as it's marked down to $279.99, saving you $170 for 38% off.

More home deals

Kitchen

Robot vacuums and stick vacuums

Best toy deal Opens in a new window Credit: Pokémon 30% off Pokémon cards and action figures Get Deal Why we like it

Whether you're buying for your Pokémon-obsessed child or your Pokémon obsessed inner child, Target's selection of Pokémon stuff on sale for Black Friday is hard to pass up. Pokémon cards, Pokémon action figures, kids' Pokémon apparel, and even Pokémon Squishmallows are 30% off.

More toy deals

Legos

Board games, Barbies, action figures, and more

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon has up to 50% off premium gifts from top brands like Dyson, Samsung, TheraGun, and more

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 19:22

SAVE UP TO 50%: Amazon has marked down gifts from premium brands like Dyson, Ninja, Le Creuset, and more during this year's Black Friday event.

Best premium gifts on sale at Amazon's Black Friday event Best tech deal Amazon Echo Buds (wired charging case) $34.99 at Amazon (save $85) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Ninja Foodi XL 2-Basket Air Fryer $129.99 (save $100) Get Deal Best self-care deal TheraGun Prime massage gun $199 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal

This year, the retailers did not make us wait to start holiday shopping until after we've had massive turkey dinner. Instead, sales dropped earlier in November and are still coming in hot before the official Black Friday date hits. And honestly, this isn't such a bad thing. Not only does shopping early give you more time to find great deals on the perfect gifts, it frees up the holiday after Thanksgiving to spend time with friends and family.

Amazon's no stranger to awesome Black Friday deals and this year, the retailer has set aside some special daily deals. Ahead of the official day, Amazon has the discounted premium gifts for anyone in your life who deserves something extra special. By shopping these deals, you'll be able to get a truly special gift for a non-premium price. Think premium brands like Dyson, Ninja, Vitamix, Samsung, and more are all included in today's sale.

Check out some of our favorite premium gift options so you'll be able to wow someone with an awesome present they would never expect or splurge on for themselves.

Best tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Buds (wired charging case) $34.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $85.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Everyone deserves to have a great pair of earbuds that offer both high-quality sound and prove to be comfortable to wear for hours. Enter the second generation Amazon Echo Buds. While they usually cost $119.99, Amazon has marked them down for Black Friday to just $34.99, which means you'll be getting a massive 71% discount.

With the charging case, expect to get about 20 hours of battery life, which is perfect for anyone who's traveling this holiday season. The Echo Buds are also sweat-resistant, great for active friends who head off to the gym a few times each week.

More premium tech deals at AmazonBest kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Foodi XL 2-Basket Air Fryer $129.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Good air fryers allow you to cook multiple things at once. Great air fryers have two completely separate baskets that allow you to cook multiple things in multiple ways at once. That's where the Ninja Foodi XL 2-basket air fryer takes the cake. Its two independent baskets let you whip up a main and a side at the same time. With a 10-quart capacity total, it's a solid pick for large family meals — you can fit up to eight pounds of chicken wings. No more waiting around for your chicken to finish cooking so you can make the fries. Thanks to Smart Finish, it can even ensure your two separate baskets finish cooking at the same time. Usually $229.99, it's on sale for just $129.99 for Black Friday — that matches its record-low.

More premium kitchen deals at AmazonBest self-care deal Opens in a new window Credit: TheraGun TheraGun Prime massage gun $199.00 at Amazon
$299.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

It's likely that every single person in your life (and on your holiday shopping list) could benefit from a great massage. The TheraGun Prime is a deep-tissue massage gun that can aid in back, shoulder, leg, neck, and really any body pain that crops up.

The TheraGun Prime comes with four foam attachments that are ideal for targeting specific areas of the body. The Thumb attachment is great for trigger points or lower back pain, while the Cone is optimal for helping with foot and hand pains. It also connects to the Therabody app, which takes the guesswork out of how to use the TheraGun to ease pains that come from common ailments like plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and sciatica.

While the TheraGun Prime usually sells for $299, it's on sale at Amazon today for $199, which means you'll be getting a 33% discount on a gift that your loved ones can use every day of the year.

More premium self-care deals at Amazon
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best deals from Best Buys Black Friday sale: Sony earbuds, our favorite gaming laptop, and more

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 19:04

UPDATE: Nov. 28, 2024, 1:00 p.m. EST This story has been updated with a new top Apple deal and several new deals on Shark and Dyson hair tools (including the Strawberry Bronze/Blush Pink Airwrap).

Best Buy's top Black Friday deals at a glance: Best Apple deal Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm, GPS) $329 (save $70) Get Deal Best 4K TV deal Hisense 85-inch QD6 QLED 4K Google TV $649.99 (save $450) Get Deal Best Windows laptop deal Dell XPS 13 9350 (Intel Core Ultra 7 256V, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $999.99 (save $400) Get Deal Best headphone/earbud deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds $229 (save $70) Get Deal Best fitness tracker deal Oura Ring Gen3 Starting at $249 (save up to $200) Get Deal Best gaming deal Alienware m16 R2 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,299.99 (save $600) Get Deal Best action camera deal GoPro Hero13 Black Bundle $449.99 (save $100 + free $25 Best Buy gift card) Get Deal

After dropping oodles of early deals in the first few weeks of November, Best Buy officially kicked off its 2024 Black Friday sale on Thursday, Nov. 21. The event runs for 10 days on its website, mobile app, and in stores through Saturday, Nov. 30.

The electronics retailer is serving up two kinds of side dishes with its main course. First, its Black Friday deals are joined by revolving rounds of doorbusters that are up for grabs throughout the holiday season. New waves of them get listed on its website every Friday through Dec. 20, with first dibs the Thursdays prior for paid My Best Buy members (Plus and Total tiers).

The current batch of online doorbusters includes a $179.99 55-inch Toshiba 4K Fire TV, $129.99 Beats Powerbeats Pro, a $749 M2 Apple MacBook Air, and a $200 JBL soundbar. Best Buy also surprise-added two Nintendo Switch bundles as doorbusters last weekend, though they're only available in stores.

The next round of doorbusters will feature the Xbox Series X (2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition), M4 MacBook Pros, the Meta Quest 3, and 65-inch Samsung and Roku TVs. Members can shop the offers now, but everyone else has to wait until tomorrow (aka Black Friday proper).

SEE ALSO: All the best early Black Friday deals at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart

Best Buy is also planning to release rapid-fire "Flash Deals" as part of its Drops program on Black Friday. These offers will be available in limited quantities for a short while exclusively on the Best Buy mobile app starting at 9 a.m. ET. Shoppers can preview them in the app or on the homepage of Best Buy's website — look out for the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Copper/Nickel Dyson Corrale.

The Mashable Shopping team is tracking and vetting Best Buy's Black Friday deals as its sale progresses, and you can check out our running list of the best offers below. Keep in mind that Best Buy offers a Holiday Price Match Guarantee, so if anything you buy there gets cheaper later on, you can request a price adjustment. (We've spotted a Ninja air fryer and several Logitech gaming accessories that have dipped in price since the sale started.) The retailer's extended holiday return and exchange period is also in effect.

Note: All newly added or updated deals have been marked with a ✨, while deals with a 🚪 next to them are this week's limited-time doorbusters. Struck-through deals were either sold out or expired at the time of writing.

Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm, GPS) $329.00 at Best Buy
$399.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it:

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple Watch Series 10.

Best Buy is kind of getting clobbered in several categories of Apple deals this Black Friday — MacBooks and AirPods, for two — but it is offering one of the best discounts on a current-gen Apple Watch. The new Series 10 model has a thin, lightweight design with a large display and a built-in speaker, health/fitness features like sleep apnea detection and water depth sensing, and speedy charging. If you own a Series 8 or older, Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder recommends upgrading to it for that last reason alone. (No need to do so if you already have a Series 9.)

The 42mm size sans cellular connectivity is on sale at Best Buy for $329, which is 18% off its normal list price and its lowest price to date (and also matched at Amazon). Take your pick from three colorways: jet black/black, rose gold/light blush, and silver/denim.

If you'd prefer a slightly bigger case, the 46mm Series 10 is only $30 more this Black Friday.

More Black Friday Apple deals at Best Buy:

AirPods

Apple Watches

iPads

Unlocked iPhones

Macs

MacBooks

Best 4K TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 85-inch QD6 QLED 4K Google TV $649.99 at Best Buy
$1,099.99 Save $450.00 Get Deal Why we like it:

Black Friday is all about huge discounts on huge TVs, and this 85-inch Hisense model is a perfect case in point: Now just $650, it's far cheaper than any other TV this big — not just at Best Buy, but at Amazon and Walmart, too. (And abnormally-cheap-for-their-size TVs are really more Walmart's thing.) The fact that it has a bright and vibrant QLED display, not a standard 4K screen, sweetens the deal even further.

Kind of surprised this one wasn't chosen as a doorbuster, TBH. Let's call it a hidden gem. If you want to downsize slightly, Best Buy's Black Friday deal on the 75-inch version drops it down to $449.99 (normally $699.99).

More Black Friday 4K TV deals at Best Buy:

43- to 50-inch 4K TVs

55-inch 4K TVs

65-inch 4K TVs

75-inch 4K TVs and larger

Streaming devices and media players

Best laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dell Dell XPS 13 9350 (Intel Core Ultra 7 256V, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $999.99
$1,399.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal Why we like it:

For early adopters, the all-new Dell XPS 13 is one of two Lunar Lake PCs featured in Best Buy's Black Friday sale — the other one being the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition; they come equipped with Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors designed for AI. We haven't tested them ourselves just yet (it's in the works), but their battery life is apparently ridiculous. This is the base configuration with a FHD+ non-touch display, and Dell has rated it at up to 26 hours per charge.

Best Buy marked it down from $1,399.99 to $999.99, which is a 29% savings and its biggest discount since launching in October. For comparison's sake, the same model is $100 pricier on Dell's website during its own Black Friday sale.

More Black Friday laptop deals at Best Buy:

Windows laptops

2-in-1 laptops

Chromebooks

Best headphone/earbud deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds $229.00 at Best Buy
$299.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like them:

Read Mashable's full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.

Mashable contributor Timothy Beck Werth deemed Bose's QC Ultra buds "impressive in every way": They have unrivaled ANC, they last six hours at a time (which you can bump to 24 hours with their included charging case), and they fit as nicely as their name implies. They also have an Immersive Audio feature that shifts sound around you as you move — it's not a game-changer, but it's still "really cool," said Beck Werth, who ultimately rated the QC Ultra Earbuds a 4.6/5. They're our No. 1 noise-cancelling earbuds and a Mashable Choice Award winner.

They usually retail for $299, but you can snag them on sale at Best Buy for $229 — a 23% savings and their lowest price since launching last fall. Amazon and Bose's online storefront were both matching that discount when we last checked, FYI.

More Black Friday headphone/earbud deals at Best Buy:

Earbuds

Headphones

Best fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Oura Oura Ring Gen3 (Horizon, Silver) $249.00 at Best Buy
$299.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it:

Read Mashable's full review of the Oura Ring Gen3.

The previous-gen Oura Ring is an excellent fitness wearable with heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, temperature and activity tracking, and a multi-day battery life — all wrapped up in a sleek, durable titanium design. It's on sale at Best Buy this Black Friday for $50 to $200 off, depending on the style and finish (starting from $249.99).

More Black Friday fitness tracker and smartwatch deals at Best Buy:Best gaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Alienware Alienware m16 R2 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,299.99 at Best Buy
$1,899.99 Save $600.00 Get Deal Why we like it:

Read Mashable's full review of the Alienware m16 R2.

The m16 R2 is a 16-inch PC from Dell's high-end gaming line. This exact configuration is Mashable's favorite gaming laptop of 2024 (and there's a lot of competition out there) — it's "the ultimate RTX 4070 beast of a gaming laptop you can get," said Mashable Tech Editor Kim Gedeon. She commended its solid mid-range performance, nice build quality, great keyboard, ample port selection, and its support of Nvidia's Advanced Optimus feature, which lets users switch to its integrated graphics for everyday (non-gaming) tasks to conserve battery life. She rated it a 4.5/5, which secured it a Mashable Choice Award.

The m16 R2 is now just $1,299.99 at Best Buy (or 32% off its $1,899.99 MSRP), which is a record-low price and an amazing value.

More Black Friday gaming deals at Best Buy:

Video games

Gaming consoles and bundles

Gaming laptops

Gaming controllers

Gaming headsets

Gaming mice

Gaming keyboards

Gaming monitors

Storage expansion cards

Best action camera deal Opens in a new window Credit: GoPro GoPro Hero13 Black Bundle $349.99 at Best Buy
$449.99 Save $100.00 Includes free $25 Best Buy gift card Get Deal Why we like it:

Read Mashable's full review of the GoPro Hero13 Black.

Yet another Mashable Choice Award winner, GoPro's latest action camera "is way better than a $400 video camera has any right to be," wrote Beck Werth (who gave it a 4.7/5). Highlights include "insanely good motion stabilization," a slow-motion burst mode in 5.3K at 120 fps, and a better battery life than its predecessor. This accessory bundle tacks on a spare Enduro battery, a hand grip, a 64GB microSD card, two curved adhesive mounts, and a camera case.

Best Buy has it on sale for $349.99 (or $100 off) and throws in a free $25 gift card you can put toward other Black Friday deals. Considering the camera itself is on sale separately for $339.99 (typically $399.99), you're basically robbing Best Buy blind. Note that the GoPro website was offering the same deal at the time of writing, but there's no gift card freebie offered there.

More Black Friday action camera deals at Best Buy:Unlocked phone deals

Google

Motorola

OnePlus

Samsung

Vacuum deals

Robot vacuums

Stick vacuums

Kitchen appliance deals

Air fryers

Coffee makers and espresso machines

Ice makers

KitchenAid mixers

Miscellaneous

Beauty tech dealsSpeaker dealsSmart home deals

Home security equipment

Mesh WiFi systems

Smart lighting

Smart plugs

Categories: IT General, Technology

20+ Black Friday gift card deals for just about anyone on your list

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 18:58
The best Black Friday gift card deals at a glance: BEST OVERALL DoorDash $100 gift card $85 (save $15) Get Deal BEST STREAMING DEAL Vudu $50 gift card $40 (save $10) Get Deal BEST RESTAURANT GIFT CARD Chipotle $100 gift card $85 (save $15) Get Deal BEST GIFT CARD DEAL FOR KIDS Save 15% on Roblox gift cards with Target Circle Save 15% on Roblox gift cards with Target Circle Get Deal

Gift cards aren't exactly the most personal way of showing someone how much you care, but they're definitely more practical. At least you know they'll be used. We can't say the same about that personalized sweater you knit years prior.

Black Friday is usually a great time to find gift cards for just about anything for a steal. In years past, we've seen deals on rideshare services, streaming subscriptions, grocery delivery, travel, and more. We've already found some pretty solid deals this year, which we've rounded up below, but we'll have our eyes peeled for any more that pop up as Cyber Week continues.

Here are the best Black Friday gift card deals so far.

Best gift card deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: DoorDash DoorDash $100 gift card $85.00 at Best Buy
$100.00 Save $15.00 Get Deal Why we like it

With a $100 DoorDash gift card, you can give someone in your life plenty of meals from local restaurants delivered to their doorstep. Better yet, you'll only have to pay $85 for it at Best Buy (and they'll never have to know!). The deal is valid on both physical and digital gift cards, depending on your preference. The physical gift card will be shipped to you within a few days, while the digital deal will be emailed to you immediately after purchase with details on redemption. Beyond just food delivery, you'll be giving the gift of extra time for people to enjoy the people and things they love.

Runner up gift card deal Opens in a new window Credit: Vudu Vudu $50 gift card $40.00 at Best Buy
$50.00 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Before new theatrical hits head to streaming services, they make their digital debut on demand on services like Vudu. Cinephiles in your life will love having a $50 gift card to spend on movies directly from the theater. Meanwhile, you'll love only having to spend $40. It's a win-win. Unlike the DoorDash gift card, this one is only available in the digital format. You'll get instant delivery via email after purchase with instructions on redemption.

More gift card deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Stock your digital library ahead of Black Friday with these impressive Kindle book deals

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 18:43

SAVE UP TO 93%: Ahead of Black Friday, shop Kindle books up to 93% off. Find 2024 releases like Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe on sale for just $1.99, knocking 87% off.

Best Kindle Book Deals Best fiction deal "Margo's Got Money Troubles" by Rufi Thorpe $1.99 at Amazon (Save $13) Get Deal Best non-fiction deal "You Could Make This Place Beautiful" by Maggie Smith $2.99 at Amazon (Save $17) Get Deal Best YA deal "Legendborn" by Tracy Deonn $1.99 at Amazon (Save $12) Get Deal Best cookbook deal "Mary Barry's Complete Cookbook" by Mary Berry $2.99 at Amazon (Save $37.01) Get Deal Best Kindle device deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $154.99 at Amazon Get Deal

For those of us with an endless appetite for reading, it can be an expensive hobby regardless of if you're a fiend for hardcovers or dedicated to the e-reader life. Luckily, there's Libby and Kindle Unlimited, which can save you a pretty penny on all the latest arrivals. However, if you want to read exactly what you want and not wait around for your library holds to come through, it pays to splurge on an e-book.

Whether you need to escape your family or are headed on a holiday vacation, a fully stocked Kindle is a good Kindle. With Black Friday is inching closer and closer, the book deals are spectacular so you don't need to splurge either. Find top best-sellers — both fiction and non-fiction — for as low as $0.99. Here are the best Black Friday deals on Kindle books.

When is Black Friday?

With Thanksgiving finally here, Black Friday is tomorrow, on Friday, Nov. 29.

However, you don't need to wait 24 hours for deals. "Early" Black Friday deals have already started to roll out, giving a jumpstart to the shopping season. While in-store deals may kick-off on Nov. 29, online sales will run all month long.

Do you need a Kindle to read Kindle books?

Yes and no. Unlike a standard e-book that can be read on any device, Kindle books can only be read on Kindle devices or the Kindle app. The Kindle app gives you flexibility so you don't need to spend a hundred dollars on an e-reader. Although we do have to say, Kindles are totally worth it.

The Kindle app is available on iOS and Android devices so you can read Kindle books on your existing smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

But the best news this Black Friday is that Amazon has marked down nearly all of their new Kindles. You can find savings up to 23% on the brand's e-readers, including the top-tier Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, which is down to $154.99.

Best fiction deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon "Margo's Got Money Troubles" by Rufi Thorpe $1.99 at Amazon
$14.99 Save $13.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Margo's Got Money Troubles is equal parts hilarious and heartwarming. After a short-lived affair with her professor, Margo Millet finds herself 20, pregnant and alone, while navigating financial woos and upcoming motherhood. Rufi Thorpe's novel is a 2024 hit with an Apple TV+ series already in development, starring the likes of Elle Fanning, Nicole Kidman, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Nick Offerman.

This acclaimed novel is just $1.99 ahead of Black Friday. That knocks $13 off the price for 87% savings.

More fiction dealsBest non-fiction deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon "You Could Make This Place Beautiful" by Maggie Smith $2.99 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $17.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Poet Maggie Smith rose to internet fame with her poem Good Bones, but her 2023 memoir tells the story of marriage and motherhood. Told through both poetry and prose, Smith explores the end of her marriage in You Could Make This Place Beautiful. Full of reflections on the expectations of gender roles and power dynamics, it's a moving, powerful read that you can find for just $2.99, bringing it down $17 for 85% off.

More non-fiction deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Threads might adopt Bluesky’s starter packs

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 18:34

If I had a dollar every time Meta copied its rival and yelled "innovation," I could probably buy another new chain for Mark Zuckerberg. This time, Threads is leaning into Bluesky's Starter Packs.

There was Instagram Stories, a rip off of Snapchat. There was Reels, a rip off of TikTok. There was Threads, a rip off of Twitter. Then there were smaller updates, like adding notes, templates, and music to posts, which also copied features already available on other apps. Social media is stuck in an innovation loop that, unfortunately, works. The latest in the copycat strategy? Threads wants to get in on Bluesky's growth.

SEE ALSO: X users are fleeing to Bluesky: Here’s a quick-start guide on how to sign up

Bluesky has had a monumental few weeks, and is looking like it might be the Twitter alternative we've been searching for since Elon Musk took over the company and turned it into the mush that is X. Journalist David Packman posted in Bluesky that "Mark Zuckerberg is genuinely spooked by the rapid growth of Bluesky."

And it appears that, in an attempt to slow the momentum behind Bluesky's growth, Threads is developing a feature similar to Bluesky's "Starter Packs," TechCrunch reported. Starter Packs are a list of users you might want to follow to get your feed started, grouped together by interests. Like, for instance, a digital culture starter pack or a starter pack full of Twitch code strimmers.

Threads is built into Instagram's platform, so most of your follows or followers start out mirroring your Instagram reach. So Threads doesn't necessarily need starter packs to get you started — but if a feature works for someone else, you bet Meta is going to try it out on their user base, too.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Holy record lows: The best Black Friday laptop deals on the M3 MacBook Air, Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, and more

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 18:02

UPDATE: Nov. 28, 2024, 11:45 a.m. EST This story has been updated with a fresh batch of Black Friday laptop deals, including three new top picks with record-low prices.

The best Black Friday laptop deals at a glance: Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 256GB) 844 (save $255) Get Deal Best Windows laptop deal Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 13-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,499.99 (save $500) Get Deal Best gaming laptop deal Alienware m16 R2 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,299.99 (save $600) Get Deal Best Chromebook deal Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus (Intel Core 3 100U, 8GB RAM, 256GB UFS) $599.99 (save $100) Get Deal

Black Friday is the absolute best time for finding good deals on laptops. (I would know: I've tracked them for Mashable since 2019.) And with retailers taking full advantage of the holiday's abnormally late timing this year, steep savings have been abundant all month long.

With Black Friday proper now basically upon us, the competition is especially intense — like, way more intense than previous years have felt. Amazon somehow managed to pull off the best MacBook and Windows laptop deals by not-small margins, while Best Buy is winning the battle for the top gaming laptop and Chromebook discounts of the holiday season thus far. I'm seeing lots of new and year-round lows between the two of them.

If neither retailer is discounting models with the specific specs you want, other Black Friday sales at Dell, HP, Lenovo, LG, Microsoft, Razer, and Samsung have ushered in discounts as high as $900 across their lineups.

SEE ALSO: The best early Black Friday deals at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart

As a brief aside, the Apple Store's usual Black Friday gift card offer will be live starting Nov. 29; M2 and M3 MacBooks will come with free vouchers worth up to $200. That doesn't beat any of the dollars-off discounts available elsewhere, but it could be a practical option for those enmeshed in the Apple ecosystem.

Read on for a closer look at the best Black Friday laptop deals available across the web. Bookmark this page and check back often, as I'll be updating the list continuously as we head into Cyber Weekend.

Note: All newly added or updated deals have been marked with a ✨, while struck-through deals were either sold out or expired at the time of writing.

Best MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 256GB) ✨ $844.00 at Amazon
$1,099.00 Save $255.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the M3 Apple MacBook Air.

Mashable Tech Editor Kim Gedeon was impressed by the M3 Air's peppy performance, satisfying keyboard, vivid webcam, and dual-display support (if you close its lid), rating it a 4.3/5. It may not look all that different from its older M-series predecessors — there is a new midnight finish option — but we think it's the best MacBook for most people, especially now that Apple's bumped its base RAM from 8GB to 16GB.

The starting configuration with 256GB of storage is on sale on Amazon for only $844, which is 23% off its $1,099 MSRP, an all-time low, and $5 better than Best Buy's Black Friday deal on the exact same MacBook. This also puts less than $100 between it and the M2 Air, so opting for the current-gen model over the cheapest model out there feels like an easier, more obvious choice.

More MacBook dealsBest Windows laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 13-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) ✨ $1,499.99 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $500.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the 13-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7.

Microsoft's Copilot+ PC has an even longer battery life than the new M4 MacBook Pros — it lasted nearly 23 hours in our testing — and it comes with AI features that "make Windows fun again," Gedeon wrote. She gave it a 4.8/5; it's a Mashable Choice Award winner and our current favorite Windows laptop for most people, barring any ARM-related app compatibility issues.

The upgraded configuration that Gedeon tested is a 13-inch model featuring a Snapdragon X Elite processor, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage. It usually retails for $1,999.99, and Amazon has it listed for $1,549.99 earlier in its Black Friday Week sale (with the Microsoft Store matching it). But now it's down to just $1,499.99 there. That's a 25% savings and its biggest discount ever.

Amazon doesn't offer price matching if you bought the Surface Laptop 7 at a previous sale price, but you do have the option of returning it and rebuying it. The retailer's extended holiday return policy applies to most purchases made between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31.

More Windows laptop deals

2-in-1 laptops

Best gaming laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Alienware Alienware m16 R2 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) ✨ $1,299.99 at Best Buy
$1,899.99 Save $600.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Alienware m16 R2.

This premium 16-incher is the best gaming laptop we tried in 2024 (and another Mashable Choice Award winner), earning a score of 4.5/5 from Gedeon. She was impressed by its ample mid-range power, its "springy" keyboard, and its solid build quality, as well as its "seamless" support of Nvidia's Advanced Optimus feature. That lets it switch between its discrete and integrated GPUs "to handle both play and work," she wrote.

Our testing configuration featured an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU, GeForce RTX 4070 graphics, 16GB of memory, and a terrabyte of storage. It's down to $1,299.99 at Best Buy this Black Friday, which is $600 off its usual list price there and a record-low.

Another model with a slightly better processor and a slightly worse GPU is on sale for the same price on Dell's website, FYI; it's typically $1,699.99 there.

More gaming laptop dealsBest Chromebook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus (Intel Core 3 100U, 8GB RAM, 256GB UFS) $599.99 at Best Buy
$699.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Announced in October, this 15.6-inch Samsung Galaxy machine is the thinnest, lightest Chromebook Plus model on the market and the only one with an AMOLED display. (Translation: It's super vibrant.) It has an Intel Core 3 100U processor, 8GB of memory, and 256GB of UFS storage, and supports newer Gemini AI features like Live Translate.

Typically $699.99, Best Buy has it on sale for $100 off as part of its Black Friday sale — its first-ever discount.

More Chromebook deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

World’s strictest social media law targets users under 16 in Australia

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 17:15

In a long-anticipated Senate vote, Australian is banning children under 16 years old from using social media. It is the world's strictest law protecting young people from the effects of social media.

"Social media is doing harm to our kids and I'm calling time on it," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra earlier this month. "I've spoken to thousands of parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. They, like me, are worried sick about the safety of our kids online."

SEE ALSO: Australia to ban social media for kids under 16

Social media companies already don't allow children under the age of 13 to use their platforms, but that rule is often easily skirted by savvy young people who want to use the platform anyway. This ban, which passed the Senate by 34 votes to 19 votes on Thursday, will take effect in a year. It puts the onus on social media companies — instead of parents or kids themselves — to ban the use. Tech companies could be fined up to 50 million AUD, or $32.5 million, if they don't comply, according to the BBC.

The ruling is supported by many, many surveys and studies that detail the dangers social media can have on young people that ties social media use to mental health struggles. It's not clear which specific social media platforms will be effected, but Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said earlier this month that it will likely include at least Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, and YouTube. While this law is specific to Australia, it could have international implications as other countries continue to fight over how to handle young people online.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Black Friday arrives tomorrow, but the Amazon Echo deals are already here

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 17:12

UPDATE: Nov. 28, 2024, 10:54 a.m. EST As of Nov. 28, Black Friday deals are live on Echo devices. We're tracking the latest prices and noting as products come in and out of stock.

SAVE UP TO 55%: Amazon's Black Friday sale is now live, and so are the deals on Amazon Echo devices. Find the lowest prices ever on Echos, including 55% off the Amazon Echo Pop, which is back down to $17.99, saving you $22.

Best Echo Device Deals Best Echo deal Amazon Echo Pop 🔥 $17.99 at Amazon (Save $22) Get Deal Best Echo Show deal Amazon Echo Show 5 $44.99 at Amazon (Save $45) Get Deal Best Echo alarm clock deal Amazon Echo Spot 🔥 $44.99 at Amazon (Save $35) Get Deal Best Echo Kids deal Amazon Echo Pop Kids 🔥 $22.99 at Amazon (Save $27) Get Deal

"Alexa, when do Black Friday deals start?" They've been happening!

This year, Black Friday falls on Nov. 29, 2024, and the early deals are here. Apple is unleashing deals across its products, and big ticket items like robot vacuums are dipping in price ahead of the big event. So if you're looking to make your home a little smarter, now is the time to shop Amazon's Echo devices.

Echos are some of the easiest (and most affordable) ways to upgrade your smart home, helping you do everything from play music to set daily lighting routines. Just one month ago, we were tracking deals during Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days, and we saw the lowest price ever on Echo Devices. Way ahead of Black Friday, we're already seeing those deals swing back around.

Here are the best deals on Amazon Echo Devices to shop ahead of Black Friday.

Note: All newly added or updated deals have been marked with a ✨, while struck-through deals were either sold out or expired at the time of writing. Any deal marked with a 🔥has dropped to a record-low price. 

Best Echo device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Pop 🔥 $17.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $22.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The line-up of Amazon Echo devices is sprawling. You can find everything from a multitasking smart speaker to a touchscreen smart home hub. The absolute best deal on Echo devices right now is on the Amazon Echo Pop. This small but mighty device with a quality speaker and built-in assistant so you can play music just by calling out to Alexa.

Currently, it's down to $17.99 — its lowest price ever. That knocks 55% off the regular price for $22 in savings. While we expect this price to hang around through Black Friday weekend, you can rest assured you're getting it at a great deal when you buy now.

More Amazon Echo deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Walmarts Black Friday TV deals go extremely hard

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 17:12

UPDATE: Nov. 28, 2024, 10:00 a.m. EST This story has been updated with the latest deals from Walmart's Black Friday sale.

The best Black Friday TV deals at Walmart Best 55-Inch Deal Samsung 55-inch Q60DB QLED 4K TV $498 at Walmart (save £150) Get Deal Best 65-Inch Deal LG 65-inch B3 Series OLED 4K TV $998 at Walmart (save $301) Get Deal

TVs being on sale for Black Friday isn't unique to any one retailer. Sure, that's news to no one. The less-known intel is that, while there will be a handful of price-matched deals on identical models at all of the big competing stores, each store also has a certain type of TV that they seem to really hone in on when it comes to Black Friday discounts.

Walmart's wheelhouse is simply the cheapest 4K TV possible at any given size between 50 inches and 75 inches. If you see Amazon and Best Buy plateauing at a certain sale price for a certain size (for instance, maybe the cheapest they're seemingly able to go for a 50-incher is $199.99), it's pretty safe to assume that Walmart will have an option that slightly beats both of those sale prices. This highly competitive vibe is the main reason why TV deals are typically better on Black Friday than on Amazon Prime Day.

SEE ALSO: Just announced: Amazon finally dropped its Black Friday sale dates

Because Walmart likes to release its most jaw-dropping TV deals as a handful of pre-meditated doorbusters, more shoppers will be waiting in the wings for the clock to strike a certain time (rather than calmly perusing several pages of TV deals) — which means TVs selling out is more likely and time is of the essence.

One way to make sure you get first dibs on any of Walmart's big Black Friday drops is by becoming a Walmart+ member. Paid Walmart+ members get early access to Walmart deals, often for several hours before the sale officially goes live to the public. Through Dec. 2, new, expired, monthly, and current Walmart+ trial members can sign up for an annual Walmart+ membership for $49 — 50% off the regular $98 a year that Walmart+ typically costs.

Along with this early access, Walmart+ members also get perks like a free Paramount+ subscription; 10 cents per gallon fuel savings at Exxon, Mobil, Walmart, and Murphy; Walmart Cash through Expedia; free shipping from your store; free online shipping with no order minimum; and more.

We're tracking all of Walmart's best TV deals throughout the Black Friday season below and will update the list as new ones drop — or as models sell out. On top of the ultra budget-friendly options we gushed about earlier, Walmart also has some good deals on premium models from Samsung and LG.

Note: Occasionally, a Walmart TV doorbuster will come in the form of a TV that's making its debut at a sale price rather than appearing as a clear-cut dollar discount off of an MSRP. Walmart will tag these drops as a "Special Buy" so shoppers know this is still a great price even if there's no previous list price crossed out to indicate a sale. To get an idea of what that size of TV is going for at other retailers, check out our general coverage of Black Friday TV deals which includes Amazon and Best Buy.

Best Black Friday TV deals at Walmart43-inch TVs50- to 55-inch TVs65-inch TVs70-inch TVs and up
Categories: IT General, Technology

Several Samsung Galaxy phones are at record-low prices for Black Friday

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 16:57
The best Black Friday Samsung Galaxy phone deals at a glance: BEST OVERALL Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB, Unlocked) $941.43 (save $358.56) Get Deal BEST FOLDABLE PHONE DEAL Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (256GB, Unlocked) $1,317.32 (save $582.67) Get Deal BEST BUDGET PHONE DEAL Samsung Galaxy A35 (128GB, Unlocked) with Galaxy Buds FE $357.97 (save $142.01) Get Deal BEST MID-RANGE PHONE DEAL Samsung Galaxy S24+ (256GB, Unlocked) $699.99 (save $300 + get 1 free month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate) Get Deal

Black Friday is always a treat for anyone shopping for new tech — and 2024 is no different. If a new phone is on your wishlist, 'tis the season to grab one. Samsung Galaxy phones, in particular, are popping off with Black Friday deals a day before the official shopping holiday begins. All of the best Galaxy phones, including the S24 Ultra and Z Fold 6 are seeing record-low prices. Yes, even better than Prime Day.

We've rounded up our top picks below for the best Samsung Galaxy phone deals and will update the list as any new ones roll in.

Best Samsung Galaxy phone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB, Unlocked) $941.43 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $358.56 Get Deal Why we like it

Released in early 2024, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra was dubbed "the best Android phone" by Mashable Tech Editor Kim Gedeon. It's a close rival to the iPhone 15 Pro Max (maybe even better in certain categories) and packs a rear telephoto lens with outrageous zoom capabilities, a bunch of neat AI features, and a durable titanium design. And, of course, it comes with the S Pen stylus we know and love that doubles as a remote. Beating out its Prime Day price, the 256GB, unlocked version is down to just $941.43 at Amazon for Black Friday. That's a savings of 28% on the titanium gray model. If you prefer another shade, it'll cost you a few bucks more — most other colors are down to $949.99 at both Amazon and Best Buy.

Check out Mashable's full review of the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Best Samsung Galaxy foldable phone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (256GB, Unlocked) $1,317.32 at Amazon
$1,899.99 Save $582.67 Get Deal Why we like it

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 6 made a big splash at the Galaxy Unpacked 2024 event over the summer. It's seen a few discounts since its debut, but none this big: for Black Friday, you can slash 27% off and get the 256GB model for only $1,317.32 (in select colors, pink and navy) instead of $1,899.99 at Amazon. The Z Fold 6 stuck to its original winning formula when it comes to the fundamentals — cameras, battery capacity, and memory. But a few tweaks and add-ons make this phone even better than the Z Fold 5 (which we already loved), including a thinner, wider, and brighter display with enhanced resolution, a boost in Snapdragon power, and a boat load of AI-powered tools from the Galaxy AI suite. Need more storage? The 512GB version is also on sale for $1,514.99 (down from $2,019.99).

More Samsung Galaxy phone deals at AmazonMore Samsung Galaxy phone deals at Best Buy
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best TV deals from the Amazon Black Friday sale — these deals are live

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 16:57

UPDATE: Nov. 28, 2024, 9:00 a.m. EST Amazon's Black Friday sale officially started on Thursday, Nov. 21. This story has been updated with details on how long the sale will last, plus new deals on Amazon's brand new mini LED TVs, Hisense ULED and QLED TVs, and new further discounts on Fire TVs that were on sale last week.

A quick look at the best TV deals at Amazon ahead of Black Friday Best 55-inch TV deal Hisense 55-inch U8 Mini LED ULED 4K TV $697.99 (save $402) Get Deal Best 75-inch TV deal TCL 75-inch Q5 QLED 4K Fire TV $549.99 (save $200) Get Deal

Black Friday being one of the best times of year to buy a TV is knowledge that we were all simply born with, it seems. Where to find those stellar TV deals is less obvious, and for many, is a question that boils down to one thing: Amazon or somewhere else?

To be frank, likely the only time Amazon will have the "best" TV deal in any given category is on its own Fire TVs. These, including its Amazon-branded Fire TVs as well as Fire TVs made by TCL, Toshiba, Hisense, and Insignia, get the most attention discount-wise from Amazon during any shopping holiday, and most have dropped to all-time low pricing now that Amazon's Black Friday sale is officially underway. (It finally kicked off on Thursday, Nov. 21, and runs through Cyber Monday on Dec. 2).

If you're partial to the Fire TV platform or merely trust Prime shipping the most, Amazon's not a bad place to find an affordable mid-size 4K TV with a smooth interface. There are even more chances to upgrade to a nice Fire TV on sale now than there were during Amazon's October Prime Day sale just over a month ago — Amazon has since debuted several new versions of its Omni TVs, including its very first mini LED TV. Like Prime Day, note that some Black Friday Fire TV deals are still only available to Prime members.

SEE ALSO: The best Black Friday streaming deals so far: Peacock, Max, Paramount+, and more

For bigger or fancier QLED or OLED models, Best Buy is your best bet. Its selection of large-screen premium options from Samsung, Sony, and LG is much vaster than Amazon's, and that selection isn't riddled with questionable third-party sellers like Amazon's is. Best Buy's already-live Black Friday TV deals also confirm that Best Buy is making sure to have a stake in the "small, cheap QLED" club. Speaking of your best cheap TV options, budget shoppers would be very wise to check Walmart before buying a TV at Amazon — this year's selection of Black Friday TV deals that have already dropped once again prove that Walmart is the best at offering the cheapest possible 4K TV at just about any given size.

At any rate, it's still worthwhile to peruse Amazon's Black Friday TV deals while keeping TV deals from other retailers in mind. TV deals are categorized by size and then listed from cheapest to most expensive within that size category, which will get longer as we refresh this list with new deals that pop up in the days ahead of Black Friday. As a refresher, Amazon is marking all TVs at Black Friday pricing with a big, red "Black Friday deal" tag.

Best Black Friday TV deal at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 75-inch Q5 QLED 4K Fire TV $549.99 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon put its new Mini LED Fire TVs on sale for the first time mere days after announcing them, but that doesn't automatically make those the best deal on a QLED TV at Amazon this Black Friday. Though the 27% discount itself isn't as steep as the 30% or 40% off ones we're seeing in our list, it has to be noted that this huge 75-inch Hisense TV is already ridiculously modestly priced at full price. Its $549.99 sale price looks even sweeter in context when put beside the 65-inch version of Amazon's cheapest in-house Omni QLED, which is on sale for $599.99 — so opting for this TCL gets you 10 more diagonal inches of screen for $50 less.

Many people looking to finally replace their old, slow LED TV are looking for the happy medium between the cheapest possible TV and the fanciest possible TV. TCL's base tier QLEDs fall right in this sweet spot: Even as one of the more basic QLEDs on the market, you'll immediately notice the change in brightness and color of the Q65 over the regular LED you've been watching. The difference comes from a layer of quantum dots laid over the LED backlight, which provides an overall punchier picture that's much better for gaming or watching sports.

More TV deals at Amazon43-inch TVs50- to 55-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch TVs and up85-inch TVs and up

One more thing: If you're getting rid of an old TV to make room for this Black Friday purchase, take it somewhere that recycles old electronics (like Best Buy) rather than trashing it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Black Friday TV deals: Compare Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and more

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 16:48

UPDATE: Nov. 28, 2024, 10:00 a.m. EST This post has been updated with the latest pricing on the best TV deals live over Thanksgiving, including new Amazon Omni Mini LED deals and a 55-inch 4K TV under $180 at Walmart.

The best early Black Friday TV deals Best 55-inch deal Hisense 55-inch QD5 QLED TV $219.99 at Best Buy (save $180) Get Deal Best 65-inch TV deal LG 65-inch B3 Series OLED 4K TV $998 at Walmart (save $301) Get Deal Best 75-inch TV deal LG 75-inch 85 Series QNED TV $999.99 at Best Buy (save $500) Get Deal

As one of the OG items being stampeded after in those old Black Friday clips you're picturing right now, we've known for most of our adult lives that Black Friday is one of the best times of year to buy a TV.

The types of TVs spotlighted in the pre-holiday sale have shifted, however. The biggest factor when upgrading your TV this year will probably be the normalization — and subsequently, affordability — of QLED. Over the past few years, QLED TVs have officially gone from "the TV that only the fanciest people you know have" to actually accessible for the average household. Finding a 55-inch QLED under $300 or a 65-inch QLED under $500 during an event like Black Friday isn't hard at all.

SEE ALSO: Get both Hulu and Disney+ for $2.99 per month for Black Friday

However, the "best" TV deal for one household won't be the "best" TV deal for another. Rather than jumping between a mess of tabs of every store's TV doorbusters, knowing which type of TVs each big retailer tends to focus on is a way smarter strategy going in.

Are TV deals better at Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart?

In my experience, Best Buy focuses on large screens and has a bigger selection of the premium QLED and OLED models from Samsung, Sony, and LG on sale. Amazon gears its TV discounts more toward 43-inch to 65-inch Fire TVs, especially its in-house models. Walmart is known for a more concise list of doorbusters that are often simply the cheapest 4K TV possible in a certain size, specifically options in the 50- to 75-inch range that are more likely to sell out than TVs at other retailers. However, there's been a bit of a plot twist with cheap 43-inch to 65-inch QLEDs this year — Best Buy is kind of stealing Walmart's spotlight on that one.

The TV wheelhouses of these retailers don't completely bar any overlap between TV deals, though. There will be a handful of popular models (like Samsung's The Frame) seeing price matches across each, but we'll keep you posted if one retailer is able to undercut the others on one of these icons.

SEE ALSO: We track Apple deals year-round — here are the best ones leading up to Black Friday

I've been tracking early Black Friday TV deals since the beginning of November and have watched retailers amp discounts even further in the days right before Thanksgiving — a ton of models are already back to their October Prime Day price or beating it completely.

So yes, almost all of the TV deals in this list are already at their Black Friday prices — but that doesn't mean retailers won't hit us with a surprise extra price drop or add a few more secret doorbusters to their ranks. This list will be refreshed regularly as we head into Black Friday itself on Nov. 29 (and beyond) if you'd prefer to hold out and compare.

All newly added or updated deals have been marked with a ✨, while struck-through deals were either sold out or expired at the time of writing.

One more thing: If you're getting rid of an old TV to make room for this Black Friday purchase, take it somewhere that recycles old electronics (like Best Buy) rather than trashing it.

Best Black Friday TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 55-inch QD5 QLED 4K Google TV $219.99
$399.99 Save $180.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Remember when I said QLEDs are becoming way more accessible for the average household? At $219.99, this 55-inch QLED is hovering around the same price point that many regular, dull LED TVs were a few years ago. Now, I can see this 55-inch Hisense QLED being baby's first adult TV purchase for a ton of people. (Note: Best Buy has dropped this price by an extra $30 since this TV first went on sale a few weeks before Black Friday.)

The difference between those two cheap TVs is that the "Q" in QLED stands for quantum dots, which form a layer of extra light over the traditional LED panel to pump more saturated colors through the screen. QLED TVs are also significantly brighter than regular LED TVs, making them ideal for watching sports, especially in the daytime.

Black Friday TV deals at Best Buy43-inch to 50-inch TVs55-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch TVs and upBlack Friday TV deals at Walmart43-inch TVs50- to 55-inch TVs65-inch TVs70-inch TVs and upBlack Friday TV deals at Amazon43-inch TVs50- to 55-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch TVs and up85-inch TVs and up
Categories: IT General, Technology

A lot of Black Friday fitness tracker deals are live — here are all the best deals

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 16:27
Best early Black Friday fitness tracker deals Best fitness tracker deal Fitbit Charge 3 $69.95 (save $30) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (40mm) $139.99 (save $160) Get Deal

2025 is nearly upon us, and we can already feel those New Year's resolutions brewing. If your resolution has anything to do with becoming more active, you may want to consider picking up a fitness tracker to assist you in achieving your goals next year. Luckily, Black Friday deals are already starting to rear their heads, so it's a fantastic time to pick one up at a discount whether you're looking for something more basic, or something high-tech like a smartwatch.

SEE ALSO: Home gym starter kit: Everything you need to work out from home

Below, take a look at our favorite fitness tracker deals we've found in the weeks over Black Friday. Keep checking in with us, though — we constantly update our deals pages with new discounts as soon as they go live, so if you want to stay on top of it, stick with us.

Best fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Charge 3 $69.95 at Amazon
$99.95 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Fitbit is synonymous with the entirety of the fitness tracker category, and it's for a good reason: They work well, and they're affordable. The Fitbit Charge 3 has become even more affordable ahead of Black Friday — just $69.95 for the tracker, which is $30 off the original price. If you want to track your activity, stress, sleep, and more on a budget, the Fitbit Charge 3 isn't a bad place to start.

Best smartwatch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (40mm, Bluetooth) $139.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $160.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Most people turn to the Apple Watch for their smartwatch needs, which isn't a bad choice, but the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 also might be something you want to consider. (You don't always have to go for the most popular thing!) It also packs in a bunch of great features like heart monitoring in addition to your usual activity and sleep analytics, and it's on sale for $160 off the usual price at Amazon. Pick one up ahead of the Black Friday season and secure those savings.

More early Black Friday fitness tracker deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Black Friday Kindle deals are beating records — and its only Thanksgiving

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 15:52

UPDATE: Nov. 28, 2024, 9:46 a.m. EST It's Black Friday Eve, and you can't beat the deals on Kindles. We're tracking all the best deals across retailers and updating this list as things come in and go out of stock.

SAVE UP TO $60: Amazon's latest Kindles are seeing some of their first discounts. Find the Kindle Scribe bundled with a cover and power adapter for $479.97, saving $60 for 11% off. Plus, single devices are finally on sale for up to 27% off.

Early Black Friday Kindle deals Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $154.99 (Save $45) Get Deal Best budget Kindle deal Amazon Kindle $84.99 (Save $25) Get Deal Best Kindle Kids deal Amazon Kindle Kids $94.99 (Save $35) Get Deal Best Kindle bundle deal Amazon Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle $479.97 (Save $60) Get Deal

You know what they say: Good things come to those who wait. Well, it's proving true when it comes to Black Friday Kindle deals. Amazon finally kicked off its official early Black Friday deals, and they've surprised us with some solid Kindle deals.

Amazon has a knack for launching new devices around Prime Day, so it was no surprise when they dropped a new batch of Kindles post-October Prime Day. We've tested our way through most of the latest models, and they're improving upon already great tech for the fastest, brightest Kindles yet. Our favorite is the Kindle Paperwhite, and yes, it's on sale.

Because these items are so new, we weren't expecting to see amazing discounts. The last few Prime Day sales on Kindles have been disappointing, so it's a delight to see such good prices. Early on we saw Kindle bundles go on sale, but now, single devices are marked down up to 27% off.

Here are the best Kindle deals to shop ahead of Black Friday. Check back for better deals as the big shopping day approaches.

Best Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $154.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The new batch of 2024 Kindles are the fastest yet, turning pages quickly and with less delay when switching between books in your library. The Kindle Paperwhite and Signature Edition both have bright, high-contrast screens, so you can read in any environment. While I prefer the Kindle Paperwhite over the Signature Edition most of the time, right now you can't beat the SE's Black Friday price.

The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is 23% off, bringing it down to $154.99. That's some big savings ($45 to be exact) on a device that's usually $200. You get everything you love in the Paperwhite, lightweight and waterproof design, with the added benefits of double the storage, wireless charging, and auto-adjusting brightness.

More Kindle dealsBest Kindle bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle $479.97 at Amazon
$539.97 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Among the new Kindles is a redesigned Scribe, which comes in classic black or a flashy metallic jade and won't be officially available until Dec. 4. The new Scribe's screen got a makeover with added white borders to give it a more notebook-like feel. If the new model is anything like the current one, I'm excited to see what it offers.

If you're an annotator, the Kindle Scribe is the e-reader for you. The matte screen feels like writing on paper, and includes a notebook section so you can take notes in addition to annotating your e-books. Personally, I like writing with the Kindle Scribe far more than I do with an iPad and Apple Pencil.

This deal gives you a little extra off ahead of the Scribe's December release. The Essentials Bundle comes with the device, premium pen, folio-style case, and power adapter — everything you need to get started. Normally $539.97, you can find the bundle for $479.97, saving you $60 for 11% off.

Not sold on the Scribe (or its price)? There are other bundle deals to explore ahead of Black Friday.

More Kindle deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Zoom lied about encryption in 2020. Now it wants to pay $18 million to make that go away.

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 15:28

Back in 2020, Zoom was one of the hottest software companies in the world. Its video conferencing software surged in popularity due to millions of people being confined to home offices because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unfortunately, the company cut some corners when it came to privacy of its users. Despite Zoom's claims that its video meetings are end-to-end encrypted, it came to light that this was not true, resulting in a class action lawsuit that Zoom settled for $85 million. In 2021, Zoom also settled with the Federal Trade Commission over misleading its users about the privacy and security of its core product.

But the matter did not go away entirely. There's also the separate matter of a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) probe into Zoom's privacy policies, which the agency launched in 2020.

Now, Bloomberg reports that Zoom is offering to settle the matter with the SEC by paying an $18 million fine. The offer is still pending approval by the SEC.

SEE ALSO: Zoom has launched an AI-powered Microsoft Word competitor

These days, Zoom does offer end-to-end encryption for its video meetings, and its privacy and security practices have improved. But back in 2020, the company's track record was poor, with Zoom bombings — instances of people hijacking other people's Zoom calls and harassing them — becoming somewhat of a trend.

By the way, you may have missed it, but Zoom is no longer called "Zoom Video Communications," which was its official name until Monday. Now, the company is officially called Zoom Communications to reflect the fact that it now offers a suite of communications tools beyond its videoconferencing platform.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get $90 in free credit with the best Black Friday deal on Ray-Ban Meta glasses

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 14:36

FREE $90 CREDIT: Save 20% with the best Black Friday deal on Ray-Ban Meta glasses. Plus, get $90 in free Amazon credit with this Black Friday deal.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ray-Ban Ray-Ban Meta Glasses Get Deal

Drowning in deals? We know the feeling. The great thing about Black Friday is that there are literally thousands of deals on pretty much every category of product. But that abundance of deals is also a problem, because it can be particularly difficult to find value out there.

But every now and then, value stands out from the crowd and firmly punches you in the face. And it looks good doing it, because this deal is sporting a stylish pair of Ray-Ban Meta glasses. We don't love being punched in the face, but if it's going to happen, at least it comes with one of the best Black Friday deals of 2024.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's official Black Friday sale is live — find all the best deals here

Ray-Ban Meta glasses are on sale for 20% off in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That would be good enough to shout about on its own, but it gets better. For Black Friday, Ray-Ban Meta glasses come with $90 in free Amazon credit. So what should you spend that free cash on? It's not like you don't have options right now.

Amazon is offering an abundance of discounts over the Black Friday shopping period. Have a look at our breakdown of Amazon's best Black Friday deals so far to see if any more catch your eye.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save $200 on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE this Black Friday

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 13:28

SAVE $340: As of Nov. 28, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is on sale at Amazon for $299.99. That's a 33% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE $299.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

These days every household needs a tablet. It's one of the 21st Century's essentials. And with Amazon's Black Friday event in full swing, running from Nov. 21 to Dec. 2, you can pick up a new tablet at a bargain price.

In fact, we've spotted a deal on a tablet that's well worth your money any day of the week, and even more so at a discounted price. Meet the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE.

As of Nov. 28, you'll get a saving $200 on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE, which is down to just $299.99 — a saving of 33% off the usual list price. Trust us tablet fans, this is a deal not to be missed.

There's plenty to recommend about this tablet, with its superb looking 10.9-inch LCD display, durable build, and 18-hour battery life.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's official Black Friday sale is live — find all the best deals here

Not only that, you'll also get an S Pen included — which makes this great for digital doodlers — plus Google's Circle to Search feature. Just use the S Pen to circle anything currently on your screen and let Google do the rest.

It's also very handy for note taking and streaming, and the tablet itself is so robust (it has a IP68 rating for water and dust resistance) that you can take it anywhere.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is a fantastic mid-range tablet — and the Black Friday discount means that it's more desirable that ever.

Don't miss the deal in Amazon's Black Friday event.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hulus Black Friday deal is live. Get a whole year for under $1 per month.

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 13:25

SAVE OVER $100: As of Nov. 27, Hulu's Black Friday deal is back. Pay just $0.99 per month for a whole year of Hulu (with ads). Hulu with ads normally retails for $9.99 per month, so you'll save over $100 with the best Black Friday streaming deal.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu Black Friday Deal Get Deal

Streaming deals always make a big splash during major shopping events like Black Friday, but some streaming services make a much bigger splash than others. Well consider us completely drenched, because Hulu's famous $0.99 Black Friday deal is back.

Until Dec. 2, you can sign up for an entire year of Hulu for just $0.99 per month. That totals less than $12 (typically $119.88 for the year) for access to thousands of content options, including hit shows like Shogun, The Bear, and Only Murders in the Building. This deal saves you over $100 on list price, making it easily one of the best streaming deals you'll see in 2024. In fact, we're calling it. This is the deal to beat.

SEE ALSO: The best Black Friday streaming deals so far: Peacock, Max, Paramount+, and more

This stunning deal excludes current Hulu subscribers, those with the Max bundle, and customers with a Disney bundle. It's open to new customers and anyone who hasn't had a Hulu subscription in the last 30 days. If that sounds like you, you know exactly what to do.

Slash the monthly price of Hulu with ads by 90%. Head to Hulu to sign up.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Apple iPad (10th Gen) is at its lowest-ever price in Amazons Black Friday sale

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 13:19

SAVE $90: As of Nov. 26, the Apple iPad (10th Gen) is on sale for $259 in Amazon's Black Friday sale. That's a 26% discount on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad (10th Gen) $259.00 at Amazon
$349.00 Save $90.00 Get Deal

Long gone are the days when Black Friday was limited to just the last Friday of the month. Sales now spread far and wide and take up almost the whole of November. Whether you love or hate the retail madness, who can argue with more time to save money?

With deals across TVs, robot vacuums, and headphones, there's something for everyone to choose from. But one of the best deals we've seen is Amazon's latest discount on the Apple iPad (10th Gen). This model has been discounted before at Amazon, but never as low as this. As of Nov. 26, it is priced at $259 (saving you $90 on lit price).

SEE ALSO: The Apple MacBook Air is heavily discounted in Walmart's Black Friday sale

The Apple iPad (10th Gen) boasts a sleek, modern design, perfect for work or entertainment on the go. It has a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and the A14 Bionic chip that delivers a super powerful performance for multitasking, whether you're browsing, gaming, or working.

The battery life is seriously impressive and will keep you going all day. And let's not forget the cameras, the 12MP Ultra Wide front camera is ideal for video calls — it keeps you centered during video calls, so you always look your best. The back camera is also 12MP and can shoot 4K video.

The Apple iPad (10th Gen) also supports the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Folio, so it's a versatile option for note-taking, sketching, and all your creative needs.

Head to Amazon to snag this Black Friday deal.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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