Mashable
Are you holding space for the lyrics of Defying Gravity?
It's time to trust your instincts, close your eyes...and try holding space for "Defying Gravity." Or at least that's what Wicked fans will have you believe after an interview with stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo went viral late last week.
SEE ALSO: 'Wicked' review: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo aspire for movie musical magicIn the video, Tracy E. Gilchrist, an interviewer from Out Magazine who was apparently through with playing by the rules of someone else's game, told Grande and Erivo, "I've seen this week people are taking the lyrics of 'Defying Gravity' and really holding space with that and holding power in that." Erivo replied in a whisper, "Uh, I didn't know that that was happening." They go on to exchange more hushed words in the same vein while Grande takes hold of one of Erivo's fingers.
Tweet may have been deletedIt became so popular that Out released an interview with Gilchrist, where she explained the context of her conversation with Erivo. "When I posed the question to Cynthia about people holding space with the lyrics to 'Defying Gravity,' it was two days after the election, and everyone I knew in the LGBTQ+ community was trying to make sense of what we might be facing. I loved her response, and I love that people are having a laugh, because I know I could use one about now," she said.
The combination of the bizarrely sincere tone of the interview and the strange words exchanged inspired many reactions and memes online. On X one user explained, "I can't tell what my favorite part of this video is: the solemnity in announcing people have been 'holding space' for the lyrics of a 20 year old song, Cynthia acting like she personally wrote it, Ariana holding onto Cynthia's index finger, or the reveal of 'a couple of posts.'"
Tweet may have been deletedOthers riffed on past memes. One wrote, "Hey! I'm so glad you reached out. I'm actually holding space with the lyrics of Defying Gravity right now, and I don't think I can hold appropriate space for you. Could we connect [later date or time] instead / Do you have someone else you could reach out to?" Another said, "You took the defying gravity lyrics out of context at the holding space apartment complex."
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deletedNeedless to say "holding space" has become the phrase du jour on platforms like X and Bluesky, where posters are imagining characters like Carrie Bradshaw to Don Corleon holding space for "Defying Gravity." They are even using it in completely different contexts like, "hey a bunch of us are outside holding space for cigarettes if you wanna join."
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deletedWhile others focused on the finger grabbing. One user edited the clutched fingers onto the Wicked movie poster, and another edited Grande's delicate grip on Erivo's finger alongside "The Creation of Adam."
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deletedWith the video and the memes, you can have all you've ever wanted.
Score 6 months of Max for just $2.99/month with this Black Friday deal
SAVE $42: Through Dec. 2, get six months of Max with ads for only $2.99 per month instead of $9.99 per month. That's a total of $42 in savings or 70%.
Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max with ads $2.99 per month for six months (save $42) Get DealMax's Black Friday 2024 deal is officially live and it's essentially just a copy-paste from last year. That doesn't mean we're disappointed, though; it is a pretty damn good deal.
From Nov. 25 through Dec. 2, new and returning subscribers can get six months of Max with ads for just $2.99 per month instead of the usual $9.99 per month. That's a total of $42 in savings or 70%.
Following in Netflix's footsteps, the Warner Bros. Discovery-owned streaming service is expected to start cracking down on password sharing very soon, so that's all the more reason to sign up for your own Max account.
Max is a treasure trove of excellent content. Not only is it the home of Warner Bros. films, but also new A24 theatrical releases. That means you'll have an epic collection of movies at your fingertips, including Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (as of Dec. 6), MaXXXine, Civil War, Love Lies Bleeding, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Barbie, The Iron Claw, and Dune: parts One and Two. The streamer also offers its own original series that are worth a watch, like The Last of Us, Station Eleven, and Dune: Prophecy, as well as access to its B/R Sports add-on for an unknown limited time.
Sure, you'll have to deal with a few ad breaks here and there, but for $2.99 per month, we're willing to look past that. After the six-month promotional period runs out, your subscription will renew at the full cost of $9.99 per month, so be sure to cancel ahead of time if you want to avoid that charge.
HP Omen 17 review: This gaming laptop stays cool under pressure
The HP Omen 17 is designed with minimalists in mind — and I’m here for it. It’s nice to sometimes go crazy with per-key RGB lighting and designs that scream "gaming laptop," but the HP Omen 17 elicits sleek simplicity with just enough customization to keep things fun.
Granted, I wish the chassis was aluminum, not plastic, but that would’ve made this big boy even heavier. Plus, thermal management would be trickier. Its hefty weight is a fair trade for all the delicious internals you’ll find inside, capable of tackling triple-A gaming with ease.
Is it the best gaming laptop Mashable has tested so far? Probably not. With its powerful RTX 4070 GPU and incredible thermal design, it’s definitely a solid contender. But there are some aspects I wasn’t enamored with. Read on for all the juicy details.
HP Omen 17 price and specsThe HP Omen 17 configuration I tested retails for $1,799 via B&H, though right now, it’s discounted by $300. For that mid-range price, here are the specs you’ll get:
AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS CPU
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 with 8GB of VRAM
32GB RAM
1TB of SSD storage
17.3-inch, 2560 x 1440-pixel display with a 240Hz refresh rate
Or, if you want to downgrade to an RTX 4050 GPU with 6GB of VRAM, but otherwise keep the same specs, there’s a configuration available for $1,599 via Amazon.
Opens in a new window Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable HP Omen 17 $1,799.00 at HPGet Deal HP Omen 17 design
At first glance, the HP Omen 17 looks quite polished, with a chassis that’s all black with an etched ‘Omen’ logo on the lid.
Credit: Joe Maldonado / MashableWhen I looked closer, however, I discovered the entire chassis is made of black plastic, which makes it feel kinda cheap. But I understand that plastic is better for heat management.
Despite its plastic construction, the hinges are fairly sturdy and the thermal design functions well.
That said, if the chassis was anything other than plastic, like anodized aluminum, it would’ve been even heavier — and this laptop is already pretty dang heavy, starting at 6.5 pounds.
The internal speaker design and one-zone, RGB-backlit keyboard are the only things that scream ‘gaming laptop,’ which is great if you’re looking for a machine that can double as a work laptop in public and a gaming laptop at home.
Unscrewing the bottom lid reveals swappable RAM sticks and a swappable WLAN module if you need to upgrade down the line. There’s also an extra M2 SSD slot if you wanted to add more storage or experiment with Linux OS.
HP Omen 17 displayThe HP Omen 17 comes with a 17.3-inch, 2560 x 1440-pixel IPS display with a 240Hz max refresh rate and a 3ms response time.
Credit: Joe Maldonado / MashableI inspected the display by watching the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice trailer on YouTube. Its sharp resolution helped me catch small details, like fine face lines and flyaway hairs, but the colors were a bit muted.
I had a similar experience with the display when playing Helldivers 2. Fighting bugs and bots is an easy feat with crisp resolution and a smooth refresh rate, but I wish the display was just a little bit brighter.
If HP offered an OLED or miniLED display panel (or even just an LED panel with more than 300 nits max brightness), that’d make this display a stunner.
HP Omen 17 portsThe HP Omen 17 has no shortage of ports. You’ll find ports adorning both the left and right sides, as well as along the back edge.
Credit: Joe Maldonado / MashableOn the left:
Headset jack
Gigabit Ethernet port
On the right:
USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port (5 Gbps)
On the back:
Two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports (10 Gbps)
USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port (10 Gbps, DisplayPort 1.4a)
HDMI 2.1 output port
DC-in power port
The DC-in power port is conveniently located towards the back edge center, making it easier to maneuver the charging cable (which is extra long, by the way) no matter where your power outlet is. And for connecting wired peripherals, I love that there are three USB-A ports.
HP Omen 17 audioLaptop speakers generally aren’t great, especially on gaming laptops, but I found the HP Omen 17’s audio setup to be below average.
To test the speakers, I fired up “dancing in the kitchen” by LANY on Spotify. The highs came through tinny and the lows were practically nonexistent, resulting in a complete lack of full-bodied sound.
I got the same result with Unprocessed’s “Real ft. Polyphia’s Tim Henson & Clay Gober,” a song I test on every set of speakers or headphones I’m reviewing. Bumping up the volume to max made it clear the speakers are very quiet, the icing on a lackluster listening experience.
You’ll definitely want to grab one of the best gaming headsets to pair with the HP Omen 17 if you want immersive, atmospheric sound.
HP Omen 17 keyboard and trackpadThe HP Omen 17’s keyboard isn’t what I’d want in a gaming laptop keyboard. I wouldn’t necessarily call the keys ‘mushy,’ but they’re not as clicky as I’d like them to be (except for the space bar) — and not as satisfying as most other HP keyboards.
There’s not much travel or responsive feedback with every key press, and the keys are quite small — especially the arrow keys. On a gaming laptop with a full-size keyboard, I’d love to see full-size arrow keys. Trying to call in stratagems on Helldivers 2 missions with those tiny arrow keys was a pain.
Credit: Joe Maldonado / MashableThe one slight win for the HP Omen 17’s keyboard is its RGB backlighting, but even that comes with a few catches. There’s no per-key RGB lighting and you have to carry out all changes in the Omen Light Hub, even toggling backlighting on and off. Luckily, there’s a quick-access key for the Omen Gaming Hub — and the Light Hub within features a lot of fun effects and colors to play with.
If you’re pounding out some work, responding to emails, or researching something, the keyboard is perfectly acceptable. But for gaming, it’s disappointing. It’d definitely be worth investing in a separate mechanical keyboard to use with the HP Omen 17. Luckily, this laptop features plenty of USB ports to accommodate a wired option.
Similar to the keyboard, the trackpad is acceptable only for non-gaming tasks. It’s quite large (although there looks to be a lot of wasted space above and below it), satisfying to click, and very responsive to gestures. For gaming, however, you’ll definitely want to invest in a mouse.
HP Omen 17 benchmarks and performanceTo refresh you, the HP Omen 17 is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS CPU, a Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 with 8GB of VRAM, and 32GB of RAM. With those specs, this is a fairly powerful gaming rig that can play most AAA games at native resolution with at least 60 frames per second.
Credit: Joe Maldonado / MashableFor a real-world test, I hopped into multiple level 6 missions in Helldivers 2 and averaged around 70 frames per second, with the Medium graphics preset and native resolution (2560 x 1440) with no upscaling and no framerate limit. I had a wireless mouse connected, and I probably would’ve played better with a different keyboard connected — the HP Omen 17’s arrow keys are tiny.
In our Cyberpunk 2077 benchmark, which tests performance with DLSS off, the presets notched at High, and the resolution set to 1080p, the HP Omen delivered an average of 98.8 frames per second. Turning DLSS on bumped up the average to 128.9 frames per second. (At native resolution, this benchmark returned frame rate averages of 88.6 and 105.4, respectively.)
These results pale slightly in comparison to the Alienware m16 R2 — sporting an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU and the same 4070 GPU — which delivered 98.7 frames per second with DLSS off and 167.9 frames per second with DLSS on.
Credit: Joe Maldonado / MashableOn 3DMark’s TimeSpy benchmark, which assesses graphical prowess, the Omen 17 earned a score of 12,105, just nearly matching the m16 R2’s score of 12,224.
These two laptops also had similar scores for Geekbench 6, which tests CPU performance. On Geekbench 6, the Omen 17 delivered a multi-core score of 12,781, while the m16 R2 beat it slightly with a multi-core score of 12,842.
One thing the HP Omen 17 definitely has going for it performance-wise is a stellar thermal design. The keys below my fingers never got too hot to touch, and even the underside was only a little warm after playing an intense Helldivers 2 mission.
HP Omen 17 battery lifeBattery life on gaming laptops is notoriously awful — and the HP Omen 17’s battery life lived up to that. The HP Omen 17 lasted a mere 1 hour and 4 minutes in PCMark10’s gaming battery life test.
This is marginally better than the Alienware m16 R2’s battery life of 59 minutes on the same test, but if you’re looking for a gaming laptop with decent battery life, opt for the HP Victus 16 with an RTX 4060 GPU instead, which lasted 1 hour and 56 minutes.
Since most people probably won’t be gaming unplugged, I also ran our video rundown battery test on this laptop, which involves looping a 1080p video at 50% brightness until it shuts down. The HP Omen 17 lasted 8 hours and 13 minutes on this test, making it at least a viable option to get some work done outside the home or not be tethered to an outlet while answering emails or streaming.
HP Omen 17 webcamThe HP Omen 17 features a 1080p webcam, but I would’ve guessed it had a 720p webcam solely by looking at the selfie I took with it.
Credit: Sarah Chaney / MashableWhether I was sitting in front of a window for natural light or only using the overhead light, the camera couldn’t quite pick up on my true complexion and majorly blurred the background.
If you want a webcam that’s so fuzzy, it acts like a built-in blur filter, hiding blemishes and redness, then this just might be the webcam for you. If you’re looking for a sharp, high-res webcam, you probably won’t find it on a gaming laptop.
Is the HP Omen 17 worth it?The HP Omen 17 is more than capable of playing AAA titles at high settings with a smooth refresh rate and practically no retained heat, thanks to an impressively effective thermal design.
That said, this isn’t the laptop you should buy if high-quality, loud speakers or a satisfyingly clicky keyboard are important to you. The Alienware m16 R2 we reviewed, which also sports an RTX 4070 GPU, produced quite tinny sound, but its keyboard was a breath of fresh air.
Its minor flaws and low battery life are easy to overlook if you’re the type of gamer who knows they’ll be connecting headphones, a mouse, and other peripherals for a better experience and won’t play unplugged because it often means sacrificing higher frame rates.
If all you care about is overall performance and you’d prefer a gaming laptop with a minimalist look (and you don’t mind a plastic chassis), I’d say the HP Omen 17 is worth it.
Get Deal
We track Apple deals year-round — Black Friday 2024 has the lowest prices we’ve ever seen
UPDATE: Nov. 25, 2024, 1:35 p.m. EST This post has been updated with the latest Apple deals leading up to Black Friday, including a new price drop on the Apple AirPods Pro 2, which just landed at an all-time low.
The best early Black Friday Apple deals Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) $154 at Amazon (Save $95) Get Deal Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $749 at Amazon (Save $250) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M2, WiFi, 128GB) $499 at Amazon (Save $100) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm, GPS) $329 at Amazon (Save $70) Get DealIf you think Apple doesn't show up with good deals during Black Friday season, think again.
It's true that if you're shopping straight from the Apple Store, you won't see any special deals ahead of Nov. 29. On Black Friday proper, Apple is giving out gift cards up to $200 on eligible purchases of iPhones, MacBooks, AirPods, and more.
SEE ALSO: Finally live: Amazon's official Black Friday sale and a ton of new deals are hereSo, where can you find Black Friday Apple deals? The trick is to shop from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart — each has started their official Black Friday programming, with the former two kicking off a new phase of their sale as of Nov. 21. As we get into the full swing of the shopping holiday season, you can score historic prices on the most coveted Apple products.
For anyone skeptical as to whether Black Friday deals on Apple products are genuine, we get it. Retailers have a bad habit of slapping Black Friday labels on mediocre deals. That said, we track Apple prices year-round, and only the legit price drops earn a spot in this guide.
SEE ALSO: Early Black Friday TV deals at Best Buy and Walmart absolutely school Amazon'sFor instance, with the start of Amazon's sale on Nov. 21, the newer configurations of the M3 MacBook Air just dropped an additional $50 from their existing sale prices, with select models starting at a new record low of $849. The AirPods Pro also hit a new record-low price of $154 at Amazon and Walmart, beating out their old Prime Day record by nearly $15.
Basically, if you're looking to get some early holiday shopping in, it's a good time to shop for Apple products. Below, you'll find our top picks for the best Apple deals of Black Friday 2024.
Early Black Friday AirPods deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) $154.00 at Amazon$249.00 Save $95.00 Get Deal Why we like it
Check out our full review of the AirPods Pro.
Whether you're a frequent flyer or someone who simply appreciates quality noise-cancelling headphones, we're betting you'd be a fan of the AirPods Pro. (If you're reading this far, let's assume you're not an Android user.) And as of Nov. 25, the latest version of the Pro is at a historic low of $154. Considering they've only hit $168.99 a handful of times prior to this price drop, we're impressed that Amazon and Walmart went all in on this deal a good week ahead of Black Friday.
Not for nothing, they're also about $15 cheaper at this price than their affordable alternative, the new AirPods 4 with ANC, which are also on sale. Alongside top-notch ANC, you'll get six hours of battery life per charge, balanced sound, and of course, a seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem, making these earbuds some of our favorite headphones, period.
More AirPods dealsApple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation) — $168.99 $179 (save $10.01)
Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) — $399.99 $549 (save $149.01)
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) — $499.99 $549 (save $49.01)
$999.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why we like it
Check out our full review of the M2 MacBook Air.
A few weeks ago, the MacBook Air got a quiet RAM upgrade, and without a price hike. Now, we're seeing the M2 MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage on sale for $749 — the same price the model with 8GB of RAM was at two weeks ago. With these specs, this MacBook will be more than capable of handling everyday tasks with ease, while offering you more flexibility to run more (and more intensive) programs at once. Considering Mashable reporter Alex Perry called this laptop "just about the ideal work-from-home (or work-from-wherever, really) companion," in his review, this memory upgrade is certainly welcome.
More MacBook and Mac dealsMacBook Air (13-inch)
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M1, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $599 $699 (save $100)
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $844 $1,099 (save $255)
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $949 $1,199 (save $250)
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $999 $1,199 (save $200)
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,049 $1,299 (save $250)
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,249 $1,499 (save $250)
MacBook Air (15-inch)
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $1,044 $1,299 (save $255)
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,199 $1,499 (save $300)
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,234 $1,499 (save $265)
MacBook Pro
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,199 $1,399 (save $200)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,499 $1,699 (save $200)
Mac
Apple Mac mini (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $469 $599 (save $130)
Apple Mac mini (M2, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $659.99 (save $139.01 with on-page coupon)
Apple Mac mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $559 $599 (save $40)
Apple Mac mini (M4, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $949 $999 (save $50)
$599.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it
On the first day of Amazon's Black Friday sale, the iPad Air is just one dollar away from its lowest price ever. 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. At the time of writing, only the blue and purple colorways are in stock at Amazon.
SEE ALSO: The best iPads for reading, working, and streaming More iPad dealsiPad
Apple iPad (9th generation, WiFi, 256GB) — $244 $479 (save $85)
Apple iPad, 10.9-inch (A14 Bionic, WiFi, 64GB) — $259 $349 (save $90)
Apple iPad (10th generation, WiFi, 256GB) — $429 $499 (save $70)
iPad Air
Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M2, WiFi, 128GB) — $499 $599 (save $100)
Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M2, WiFi, 256GB) — $599 $699 (save $100)
Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M2, WiFi, 128GB) — $699 $799 (save $100)
Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M2, WiFi, 512GB) — $799 $899 (save $100)
Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M2, WiFi, 128GB) — $699 $799 (save $100)
Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M2, WiFi, 256GB) — $799 $899 (save $100)
Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M2, WiFi, 1TB) — $949 $1,099 (save $150)
Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M2, WiFi, 512GB) — $999 $1,099 (save $100)
iPad mini
Apple iPad mini, 8.3-inch (A15 Bionic, WiFi, 64GB) — $349.99 $499 (save $149.01)
Apple iPad mini, 8.3-inch (A17 Pro, WiFi, 128GB) — $469 $499 (save $30)
iPad Pro
Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 256GB) — $849 $999 (save $150 with on-page coupon)
Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 512GB) — $1,049 $1,199 (save $150 with on-page coupon)
Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 1TB) — $1,399 $1,599 (save $200)
Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 2TB) — $1,699 $1,999 (save $300)
Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 256GB) — $1,099 $1,299 (save $200)
Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 512GB) — $1,299 $1,499 (save $200)
Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 1TB) — $1,699 $1,899 (save $200)
Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 2TB) — $2,099 $2,299 (save $200)
$399.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it
Read more from Mashable about the Apple Watch Series 10.
The Apple Watch Series 10 is officially down to a new record low price for the third time this month. This time around, it's at $329, as compared to last week's $349. In years past, this is the absolute lowest price we've seen for Apple Watches released in the fall drop preceding Black Friday. That's not to say Amazon couldn't up the ante this year and mark it off even more come next Friday, but we don't think the Series 10 will get any more discounts in the week ahead.
More Apple Watch dealsSeries 10
Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm, GPS) — $359 $429 (save $70)
SE
Apple Watch SE, 2nd gen (40mm, GPS) — $149 $189 (save $40)
Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS) — $169 $249 (save $80)
Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS) — $199 $279 (save $80)
Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS + cellular) — $219 $299 (save $80)
Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS + cellular) — $249 $329 (save $80)
Ultra
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS + cellular) — $719 $799 (save $80)
Apple AirTag — $24 $29 (save $5)
Apple Pencil (1st Gen) — $59 $99 (save $40)
Apple AirTag (4-pack) — $72.99 $99 (save $26.01)
Beats Studio Buds — $79.99 $149.95 (save $69.96)
Beats Pill — $99.95 $149.95 (save $50)
Beats Solo 4 — $99.99 $199.95 (save $99.96)
Elon Musk hints that X throttles posts with links
If you feel like you're not seeing many news stories while scrolling X, there might be a simple explanation: The site actively keeps them off your feed.
Elon Musk seemingly suggested that on Nov. 24, when he replied to another user on his social platform X — the website formerly known as Twitter — who claimed the site throttled the performance of posts with links. This would mean you'd likely see fewer articles from actual news sites.
Paul Graham, a popular poster with some 2 million followers, posted that "deprioritization of tweets with links in them is Twitter's biggest flaw" because "what draws me to Twitter is to find out what's going on, and you can't do that without links."
Musk responded, seemingly confirming Graham's point that posts with links get deprioritized.
Wrote Musk in response: "Just write a description in the main post and put the link in the reply. This just stops lazy linking."
Tweet may have been deletedThe suggestion from Musk seems like quite the strange way to share info. If you're sharing news, it would make sense — in a vacuum — to provide the link that gives more context. But such a link, of course, takes people off Musk's platform. Basically, he wants you to summarize the news — or anything else that requires a link — while hiding the full context in the replies.
Musk also retweeted a post that suggested posting everything directly to X because sharing links will affect your post's reach. That's another seeming admission that X is throttling posts with links.
Tweet may have been deletedMusk's X deprioritizing links wouldn't be all that surprising. The Washington Post reported last year, for instance, that X slowed links to competitors Musk disliked, such as the New York Times and Facebook.
X, meanwhile, might have a real competitor in Bluesky, which has seen its users skyrocket in the wake of the election and Musk's diehard support for President-elect Donald Trump. Users have reported seeing increased, and better, engagement on Bluesky — and throttling links seemingly wouldn't help X's case.
‘Sonic x Shadow Generations’ review: New content makes this remaster worth revisiting
Sonic x Shadow Generations is a remaster of the original 2011 game, Sonic Generations, and includes new content focusing on Shadow the Hedgehog. The Shadow tie-in contains roughly the same amount of content as the base game, which makes Sonic x Shadow Generations a compelling package.
The remaster also fixes the performance issues of the original Sonic Generations.
'Sonic x Shadow Generations' plotOn the Sonic Generations side, Sonic’s birthday celebration is interrupted by the Time Eater — and he has to team up with his younger self (Sonic Classic) to rescue his friends in White Space.
Credit: Sonic Team / SegaShadow Generations takes place concurrently with the events of Sonic Generations and follows Shadow as he is trapped in White Space. While Shadow explores the area, he unlocks new powers and Black Doom threatens to take over the world — and Shadow has to stop him.
Let’s be honest, most of us don’t play Sonic games for the story, but both stories here are serviceable enough to set up what matters the most: gameplay.
'Sonic x Shadow Generations' charactersThe interactions between classic Sonic and modern Sonic are amusing, as classic Sonic simply smiles and nods while the rest of the cast discusses the unfolding events, staying completely silent.
Credit: Sonic Team / SegaThe lighthearted cast of Sonic Generations contrasts with the brooding atmosphere of Shadow Generations where Shadow’s edgy personality oozes charm. Again, the story and characters aren’t really the focus of these games, but there’s enough intrigue to keep going.
'Sonic x Shadow Generations' mechanicsWhile playing as classic Sonic, levels are strictly a 2D affair, similar to the retro Sonic games — and playing the same level as modern Sonic turns them into a mix of both 2D and 3D gameplay.
Credit: Sonic Team / SegaThey remain virtually unchanged from the original 2011 release, and 3D Sonic mechanics didn’t necessarily age well. Modern Sonic can boost his speed, but then that puts Sonic at risk of completely falling off the stage, ruining the fast-paced momentum. It’s hard to gauge in 3D space how far platforms are, so you just have to pray and hope that you end up landing on your feet.
Shadow’s levels still have the 2D and 3D mix of modern Sonic, but are much better designed. The spacing between railings and platforms is tighter, making the levels a blast to speed through. Additionally, the levels are much more cinematic, with reality warping around Shadow like a Doctor Strange movie. Shadow also has an ability to slow down time, which comes in handy to make some tricky platforming jumps.
Shadow’s White Space is also much more fleshed out than Sonic’s. While Sonic’s White Space hub merely divides the levels, Shadow’s hub offers a range of activities, including mini coin-collecting challenges and opportunities to discover collectibles celebrating the franchise’s milestones.
'Sonic x Shadow Generations' graphicsSonic x Shadow Generations looks great, especially Shadow’s portion.
Credit: Sonic Team / SegaThe blue-and-white color scheme of Sonic is directly contrasted with Shadow’s black and red. The user interface has inklings of Persona 5’s impeccable style, which adds a lot of charm to the game.
'Sonic x Shadow Generations' soundtrackShadow’s levels have electrifying tracks, with blaring guitars that keep you excited to play more. The tracks really complements Shadow’s style — and the music selection is on par with Sonic Frontiers as one of the best in the series.
'Sonic x Shadow Generations' difficultyPlaying as classic Sonic is easier due to not having to deal with the iffy 2D and 3D gameplay mix that modern Sonic has, but you’ll need to clear stages with both characters in order to progress through the story.
Credit: Sonic Team / SegaThankfully, however, you also don’t need to score high ranks on every single level to see how the story plays out. But for completionists, there’s still plenty of replayability if you want to go for S ranks on all ranks or find all collectibles.
'Sonic x Shadow Generations' performanceThe performance in Sonic x Shadow Generations, played on an Xbox Series X, is perfect, which is a big difference compared to the original 2011 version. Load times are reasonable and there weren’t any framerate hiccups.
Is 'Sonic x Shadow Generations' worth getting?Sonic x Shadow Generations is only $50 and the inclusion of the new Shadow content alone makes this remaster worth it. If you’re a Sonic fan, you’ll definitely find a lot of fun revisiting the Sonic Generations game, even if the modern Sonic controls and levels aren’t the best designed. However, the Shadow levels are a big step in the right direction for future games in the series, as they keep up the speedy momentum that you’d expect from a Sonic game.
Shop Targets early Black Friday sale and get a jump on gift season
UPDATE: Nov. 25, 2024, 10:47 a.m. EST Target's holiday deals are officially live. We're tracking the sale as products come in and out of stock. These are the latest deals.
Best Target early Black Friday deals Best Tablet Deal Apple iPad, 9th generation (A13, 64GB, WiFi) $199.99 (Save $130) 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 Lego Harry Potter Diagon Alley: Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes $62.99 (Save $27) Get DealThis 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. However, the deals have swung 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, 9th generation (A13, 64GB, WiFi) $199.99 at Target$329.99 Save $130.00 Get Deal Why we like it
If you're looking to update your tech or treat a loved one to the ease and convenience of a tablet, Apple's 9th generation iPad is under $200. While you could go for the brand's newest models, the 9th generation iPad is your best bet on a budget. For just $199.99, you'll get a speedy table that's compatible with the Apple Pencil so you can stream, work, or read. This early Black Friday deal saves you $130, knocking 39% off the price.
More tablet dealsAmazon Fire HD 10 (32GB) — $74.99 $139.99 (save $65)
Amazon Fire Max 11 (64GB) — $139.99 $229.99 (save $90)
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 (64GB) — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (128GB) — $199.99 $269.99 (save $70)
Apple iPad, 10th generation (A14 chip, 64GB, WiFi) — $279.99 $349.99 (save $70)
Apple iPad Air, 5th generation (M1 chip, 64GB, WiFi) — $359.99 $599.99 (save $240)
Apple iPad Air Mini, 6th generation (A15 chip, 256GB, WiFi) — $389.99 $649.99 (save $260)
Google Pixel Tablet with Charging Speaker Dock — $459 $599 (save $140)
Apple iPad Air 11-inch, 6th generation (M2 chip, 128GB, WiFi) — $499 $599 (save $100)
Apple iPad Pro (M4 chip, 256GB, WiFi) — $1,099 $1,299 (save $200)
$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 dealsJBL Vibe Beam Earbuds — $24.99 $49.99 (save $25)
JBL Tune 520BT Headphones — $34.99 $49.99 (save $15)
Beats Flex All-Day Earphones — $39.99 $69.99 (save $30)
Sony WHCH520B Headphones — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)
Beats Solo Buds — $49.99 $79.99 (save $30)
Sony WHCH720N Headphones — $89.99 $149.99 (save $60)
Beats Solo 4 Headphones — $99.99 $199.99 (save $100)
Beats Studio Buds+ — $129.99 $169.99 (save $40)
Sony ULT Headphones — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds — $149.99 $179.99 (save $30)
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2 Earbuds — $159.99 $239.99 (save $80)
Apple AirPods Pro 2 — $169.99 $249.99 (save $80)
Sony LinkBuds Fit Earbuds — $179.99 $199.99 (save $20)
Bose QuietComfort Headphones — $199.99 $349.99 (save $150)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — $229.99 $299.99 (save $70)
Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds — $229.99 $299.99 (save $70)
Beats Studio Pro Headphones — $249.99 $349.99 (save $100)
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds — $249.99 $299.99 (save $50)
Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones — $299.99 $399.99 (save $100)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones – $329.99 $429.99 (save $100)
Sonos Ace Headphones — $349 $449 (save $100)
Apple AirPods Max — $399 $549 (save $150)
$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 dealsJBL Go 4 Speaker — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)
Sony XB100 Speaker — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)
JBL Clip 5 Speaker — $49.99 $79.99 (save $30)
Bose SoundLink Micro Speaker — $99.99 $119.99 (save $20)
Sony ULT Field 1 Speaker — $99.99 $129.99 (save $30)
Bose SoundLink Flex Speaker — $119.99 $149.99 (save $30)
Beats Pill Speaker — $99.99 $149.99 (save $50)
JBL Charge 5 Speaker — $139.99 $179.99 (save $40)
JBL PartyBox Encore Essential — $199.99 $299.99 (save $100)
JBL PartyBox OnTheGo Speaker — $199.99 $349.99 (save $150)
Sonos Era Smart Speaker — $209 $249 (save $40)
Bose SoundLink Revolve Plus II Speaker — $229.99 $299.99 (save $70)
JBL Xtreme 4 Speaker — $299.99 $279.99 (save $80)
$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 dealsTCL 50-inch Class S5-Series 4K LED Smart TV — $229.99 $299.99 (save $70)
Vizio 65-inch 4K LED Smart TV — $379.99 $429.99 (save $50)
TCL 65-inch Class Q6-Series 4K QLED Google TV — $449.99 $549.99 (save $100)
Samsung 65-inch 4K LED Smart TV — $699.99 $999.99 (save $300)
Samsung 65-inch Class Q60D 4K QLED Smart TV — $799.99 $899.99 (save $100)
Samsung 3.0Ch Soundbar — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100)
Bose TV Speaker and Soundbar — $199.99 $279.99 (save $80)
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 dealsGarmin Bounce Kids — $129.99 $149.99 (save $20)
Garmin Vivoactive 5 — $199.99 $299.99 (save $100)
Garmin Venu 3 — $349.99 $449.99 (save $100)
$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 kitchen dealsNinja Foodi Power Mixer System — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)
Cuisinart Air Fryer & Toaster Oven — $99.99 $229.99 (save $130)
Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer — $119.99 $169.99 (save $50)
Ninja 8.5-Quart Foodi Slow Cooker with Sous Vide — $129.99 $149.99 (save $20)
Ninja 7-Speed Blender & Kitchen System — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)
Ninja Flip Toaster Oven & Air Fryer — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)
KitchenAid 4.5-Quart Ultra Power Plus Stand Mixer — $259.99 $399.99 (save $140)
KitchenAid Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Artisan 10-Speed Stand Mixer — $329.99 $449.99 (save $120)
$89.99 Save $27.00 Get Deal Why we like it
Whether you're buying for your child or inner child, Target is offering up to 30% off select Lego sets. A real show stopper of the season is this 834-piece set Lego set depicting the Weasley's Wizard Wheezes shop and even includes 7 mini-figures.
Ahead of Black Friday, get this set for 30% off, bringing it down to $62.99. That saves you a generous $27.
Other toy dealsBuy two, get one free on select games, puzzles & activity toys
Barbie Mysteries the Great Horse Chase Brooklyn Doll — $11.99 $14.99 (save $3)
Monster High Skulltimate Secrets Abbey Bominable Doll — $19.99 $24.99 (save $5)
Jurassic World Battle Roarin' Becklespinax Action Figure — $27.99 $34.99 (save $7)
Barbie Mysteries the Great Horse Chase Set — $28.79 $35.99 (save $7.20)
Barbie and Skipper Sister Doll Set — $31.99 $39.99 (save $8)
Lego Friends Pet Adoption Day Set — $33.49 $35.99 (save $2.50
Barbie Backyard Fun Set — $43.99 $54.99 (save $11)
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. SE 2: I tested both for 13 days
I tested the Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Apple Watch SE 2 for nearly two weeks. This comparative analysis will answer all the questions you have about Apple's two popular smartwatches.
I've always been a smartwatch skeptic. Whether it's the Google Pixel Watch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch, or the Apple Watch, they all seemed redundant for anyone who has a phone. When people tried to persuade me to join the smartwatch squad, they always brought up fitness as a use case, which has never been a priority for me — until now.
After my doctor told me that my blood pressure is too high, I decided to take exercise more seriously. What really drew me to consider an Apple Watch, however, is that I want to make sure I'm hitting — and maintaining — a target heart rate while running on the treadmill, ensuring effective calorie burning.
One of the best ways to track heart rate is to use an Apple Watch. But I've been faced with a dilemma. Should I get the SE (second generation) or splurge a little more for the Watch Series 9? I decided to purchase both to determine their differences — and return the one that doesn't work for me later.
Join me along for this versus journey; perhaps it will help you decide which is best for you, too.
SEE ALSO: Get moving with the best Prime Day fitness tracker deals Apple Watch Series 9 vs. SE 2: Price and specsYou can purchase the Apple Watch Series SE 2 via T-Mobile, which costs $299.
Apple Watch SE Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableThe model I have comes with the following specs:
40mm case size
Silver finish
Aluminum chassis
GPS (no cellular)
Ocean Blue solo loop
Some features require you to shell out a little more. For example, a stainless-steel chassis is an extra $50. A larger case size (i.e., 44mm) is an extra $30. If you want GPS and cellular support, that will set you back $50.
The Apple Watch Series 9 costs $399 via Amazon, but it's regularly discounted.
Apple Watch Series 9 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableHere's my configuration:
41mm case size
(Product) Red finish
Aluminum chassis
GPS (no cellular)
Product (Red) sport band
As with the Watch Series 9, you can spend an extra $50 to get a stainless-steel chassis. If you want cellular support, that will set you back another $100.
With the Watch SE being the cheaper of the two, it's the obvious winner in this round.
Winner: Apple Watch SE
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. SE: DisplayThe first thing I noticed about the Watch SE is that it has thicker bezels, which reduces its screen real estate — and the display is minimal to begin with.
Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch SE side-by-side. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableThe Watch Series 9's bezels are a lot less obstructive, but either way, I still found display navigation to be fine on both screens. Thicker bezels, in my opinion, aren't a big deal.
It's also worth noting that the resolution is different for the watches:
Watch Series 9 (41mm) - 430 x 352 pixels
Watch SE (40mm) - 394 x 324 pixels
Looking at them side by side, the Watch Series 9 definitely delivers sharper, clearer visuals. But if I were looking at the Watch SE independently, I would think that the display quality is sufficient enough.
Now, let's talk brightness:
Watch Series 9 (41mm) - up to 2,000 nits
Watch SE (40mm) - up to 1,000 nits
The Watch Series 9 is supposedly brighter than Series 9, delivering a max of 2,000 nits over the SE's 1,000-nit screen. However, while comparing both watches in the sun, I could see both of them just fine, even with the rays shining bright on them like a spotlight.
Apple Watch SE (left) and Apple Watch Series 9 (right) Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableYou can tell the Watch SE is slightly dimmer, but the difference is negligible to the naked eye.
The main difference between the two screens, however, is the always-on display. I thought I wouldn't care about the Watch SE not having an always-on display (AOD). (For the uninitiated, AOD means that the screen is always feeding you visual information.)
However, I found myself getting frustrated that I had to keep tapping the Watch SE's screen or flick my wrist toward myself to check the time. Meanwhile, the Watch Series 9, well, stays on. As you can see in the photo below, the Watch SE's screen is completely dark, but the Series 9's display is still "active" (though it is dimmed).
Apple Watch SE (left) and Apple Watch Series 9 (right) Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableAlso, from a fashion standpoint, an always-on display looks more attractive.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. SE: DesignI decided to go with two color choices to determine whether I'd prefer the more sophisticated, subtle design of the Watch SE — or the conspicuous, striking presence of the Watch Series 9.
Apple Watch SE displaying sleep data Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableTo my surprise, I prefer the Watch Series 9's gorgeous (Product)RED look. I feared that it would be too red. However, the Product (RED) has the perfect balance of vividness and elegance. It's such an eye-catching ruby red.
Apple Watch Series 9 displaying Indoor Run app Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableI went with the Silver finish for the Watch SE along with the Ocean Blue solo loop — and I regret it. Oddly, the solo loop collects dirt easily. And unlike the sports band that's featured on the Watch Series 9, the solo loop requires custom sizing. Mine is a size 3, which fits OK, but it could stand to be a smidge tighter.
Apple Watch SE with solo loop Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableThe sports band has an adjustable strap, allowing me to make it as tight or loose as I need it to be. The solo loop, on the other hand, is just a stretchy bracelet band. I also don't expect it to have good durability. As you take it off and on over time, I foresee it getting too stretched out.
Apple Watch Series 9 sports band Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableOther than that, the Watch Series 9 and SE have the same squircle design, with a digital crown and side button on the right.
Simply because of its larger watch face, Series 9 is the winner here.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. SE: Texting and callingI tested texting and calling with both the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Watch SE.
Texting with the Apple Series 9 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableWhen it comes to texting, the Apple Watch Series 9 features a QWERTY keyboard. I thought it'd be an awkward mess trying to text on the Apple Watch Series 9 with one finger, but it wasn't half bad if you have a little bit of patience in you.
The Watch SE has something different. You can still text, but there is no keyboard available. Instead, you'll get a field that lets you scribble the letter or word you want to write — and it will transform it into digital text.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableTo be fair, neither the Watch Series 9 nor the Watch SE are ideal for texting, but the most useful feature for messaging — a perk that both devices have — is Dictation. I found that Dictation, a utility that transforms your speech into text, is the best for texting on the Series 9 and SE.
There are prepared replies readily available, too, like "Thanks" and "OK."
After calling a friend with the Watch Series 9 and Watch SE, I blind-tested him and asked him to pick which smartwatch sounded better. Surprisingly, he said I sounded better on the Watch SE. I couldn't tell a marked difference between the two in terms of sound quality.
Due to its superior texting features, the Watch Series 9 wins this round.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. SE 2: Double TapDon't buy the Apple Watch Series 9 because of its Double Tap feature. The Watch SE supports the Double Tap, too.
Double Tap with the Apple Watch Series 9 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableWith the Apple Watch Series 9, you simply need to make sure it's turned on in Settings — and you can use Double Tap to accept and end calls, turn off alarms, play and pause songs, and more. However, with the Watch SE, you can only use Double Tap when prompted. For example, a blue-outlined prompt that says "End call" will appear on the Watch SE, allowing you to hang up.
It's worth noting, though, that the Watch Series 9's Double Tap feature lets you do more with it. For example, you can use Double Tap to trigger the shutter button on the Camera app or scroll through your Widget stacks (things you can't do with the Watch SE's Double Tap).
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. SE: SiriApple boasted that the Watch Series 9 lets you tap into Siri for your health data. One time, I asked, "Siri, how many hours did I sleep last night?" In response, it said, "5 hours and 51 minutes."
Siri on the Apple Watch SE Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableIn response to "How many calories did I burn today?", it said, "You burned 285 calories today."
If I were to ask Siri the same questions on the Watch SE, Siri wouldn't respond with a direct answer. It would, instead, show me the app that would provide me the right answer.
Apple claims that the Watch Series 9's S9 chip yields a faster on-device Siri, allowing you to have zippier access to your health data.
The only disappointment I'd add for both devices is that Siri directed me to the Health app when I asked for ovulation estimates.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. SE: Health trackingIf you want a watch with the best health-tracking features, get the Watch Series 9. Here are the sensors and trackers you'll get with it:
Temperature sensing (not on Watch SE)
Cycle tracking (available on Watch SE, but doesn't provide ovulation estimates)
Irregular rhythm notifications (available on Watch SE)
High or low heart rate notifications (available on Watch SE)
ECG testing (not on Watch SE)
On the Watch SE, you will not find the ECG app, a tracker that analyzes your heart's electrical pulses. However, you will find it on the Apple Watch Series 9. It prompts you to hold your finger on the digital crown for 30 seconds. You'll then get a reading that tells you your beats per minute (bpm) — and whether your heartbeat is "sinus," "AFib," "low heart rate," "high heart rate," or "inconclusive."
ECG on Apple Watch Series 9. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableIts worth noting that its AFib detection is the first digital-health tech to qualify for the FDA's MDDT program. In other words, an official authority in the medical device space has green-lighted the Apple Watch for testing atrial fibrillation. Sweet!
As for ovulation tracking, again, you'd be better off with the Watch Series 9. Ovulation tracking relies on taking temperature readings while you sleep every five seconds overnight. And, well, the Watch SE doesn't have a temperature sensor.
However, whether I was on the SE or Series 9, I could still log my menstrual cycle, allowing me to check when my next estimated cycle would arrive.
Apple Watch Series 9 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableSpeaking of the temperature sensor, on the Watch Series 9, you can get temperature readings of your skin by going to Settings > Health > Health Data > Body Measurements > Wrist Temperature. Not sure why I need to know that my right wrist is 96 degrees Fahrenheit, but er, it's there in case anyone asks, I guess.
Interestingly, I also noticed that both watches test for environmental noise using the mics. Before turning off a whistling teapot, I got an alert from the Apple Watch Series 9 that the decibels in my surroundings were too high.
Apple Watch Series 9's loud environment alert Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableOddly, I didn't get that alert on my Watch SE, though it has a noise detector feature, too.
Note: The Apple Watch Series 9 no longer supports the blood-oxygen monitor for U.S. consumers.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. SE: Fitness trackingI haven't spotted much of a difference between the Watch Series 9 and SE when it comes to fitness tracking.
Apple Watch Series 9 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableIf you want something that tracks your steps and lets you close your rings at the end of the day, the Watch SE will do just fine.
While wearing the watches to run on the treadmill every day, I set both devices to tell me when I've hit my target beats per minute (i.e., 146 to 156 bpm) while running. (I did this by fiddling with the "Indoor Run" preferences under the "Workout" app.) My experience with both has been seamless.
If you're a swimmer or a diver, however, you may want to consider the Apple Watch Ultra 2 instead; it supports high-speed water sports and recreational diving. The Apple Watch Series 10 is another viable option because it now includes a depth gauge for deep-sea divers.
Winner: Draw
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. SE: Battery lifeI thought that the Apple Watch Series 9's battery life would be significantly better than the Watch SE, but the differences in their power efficiency are minimal.
Apple Watch Series 9 text conversation Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableTo test both devices' battery life, I charged the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch SE to 100 percent at 4:30 p.m. The Apple Watch SE tapped out the next day at 8:10 p.m. while the Watch Series 9 lasted a little longer by an hour and some change.
Apple Watch SE - 1 day and 3 hours and 30 minutes
Apple Watch Series 9 - 1 day and 4 hours and 36 minutes
The usage profile included using Siri to ask questions throughout the day (e.g., weather, math calculations, asking for health data), setting timers for workouts, tracking my heart rate during jogs, sleep monitoring, texting friends, controlling Apple Music, glancing at emails, and more.
Photos app on the Apple Watch SE Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableIt's worth noting, though, that Apple Watch Series 9 supports fast charging; the Apple Watch SE does not. This means that, on the Watch Series 9, the battery can go from 0 percent to 80 percent in 45 minutes, according to Apple.
You can use a USB-C Apple charging brick like this one from Amazon to get the fast charging job done.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. SE: Which one should you buy?Apple Watch Series 9 is better at tracking your health. If you're seeking a device that can give you ovulation estimates, deliver ECG readings, keep tabs on your skin temperature (if you care about that sort of thing), and let you access most of that data via Siri, get the Series 9.
Apple Watch Series 9 with Snoopy watchface Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableIf you're more fitness-focused, and you don't mind the thicker bezels and lack of always-on display, the Watch SE is a solid choice.
You, like me, may assume that the Watch Series 9 has better battery life because it's pricier, but in my experience, both held up pretty well in terms of power efficiency (though the Series 9 edged out the Watch SE by an hour or so).
The only thing I'd warn against is getting the solo loop band for your Apple Watch. It seems to get loose after some time — and it's not very durable. Instead, get the sports band, allowing you to adjust the Apple Watch to your wrist as you like it.
Opens in a new window Credit: T-Mobile Apple Watch Series SE (second-generation) $299.99 at T-MobileShop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple Watch Series 9 $299.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal
Get your hands on the Hisense 85-inch Class R6 Series 4K UHD Roku Smart TV for $548 ahead of Black Friday
SAVE $250: As of Nov. 25, you can get the Hisense 85-inch Class R6 Series 4K UHD Roku Smart TV for $548 at Walmart.
Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 85-inch Class R6 Series 4K UHD Roku Smart TV (85R6030N, 2024 Model) $548.00 at Walmart$798.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Walmart’s early Black Friday deals are insanely good. We’ve seen huge price cuts on everything from headphones to speakers to smart TVs.
Speaking of, as of Nov. 25, you can snag a Hisense 85-inch Class R6 Series 4K UHD Roku Smart TV (85R6030N, 2024 Model) for just $548 — $250 off the list price.
SEE ALSO: Walmart Black Friday ad: The best deals you can buy onlineThis massive 85-inch smart TV features 4K UltraHD resolution, four times the resolution of standard 1080p HD, and HDR (high dynamic range) technology for improved color, contrast, and brightness. With Roku TV OS, you can stream your favorite shows and movies across a variety of apps or score free channels with Roku's extensive lineup of free content.
Game Mode Plus with VRP and three high-speed HDMI inputs make this TV great for gaming and connecting devices like streaming boxes, cable boxes, consoles, and more.
Walmart is the place to shop for early Black Friday deals, and this Hisense 4K TV is among the best we've seen.
Grab your glider, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is on sale for $30 at Walmart
GET $39.99 OFF: As of Nov. 25, you can get Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for just $30.00. That's 57% off the original price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom $30.00 at Walmart$69.99 Save $39.99 Get Deal
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has been out for about a year and a half, and it’s currently on sale for its best price yet by far ahead of Black Friday. The Great Sky Island is yours.
The successor to the console-defining Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom sends you into the sky. With crafting dynamics, cooking, and a vast and vertical open world, you’ll want to explore every inch of this vast game world.
SEE ALSO: Save $75 on the Nintendo Switch OLED 'Mario Kart 8 Deluxe' bundle for Black FridayPlay as Link as he searches for Princess Zelda, battling through a Nintendo Switch world chock full of monsters to stop Ganondorf and save Hyrule.
As of Nov. 25, Tears of the Kingdom is on sale for $39.99 off. Walmart+ members get access at 12pm EST, while everyone else can grab the sale at 5pm.
Tears of the Kingdom sold 10 million copies in its first three days and has sold more than that again since. Get it now for its best deal yet and glide through the kingdom of Hyrule.
PS5 vs. PS5 Slim: What are the differences?
I've been using PlayStation consoles for almost 30 years. So in this PS5 vs. PS5 Slim face off, I'll be helping you decide which console is best for you.
With the recent launch of the upgraded PS5 Pro console, now might be the perfect opportunity to snag a slightly older — yet still incredibly powerful — PS5.
With potential sweet deals, or even permanent price drops on the horizon, it’s essential to know exactly what you’re getting (and not getting) with the PS5 and PS5 Slim.
SEE ALSO: The price of Sony's PS5 Pro is 'brutal' and the internet hates it PS5 vs. PS5 Slim: priceFor context, the original, non-slim PS5 has two versions: a digital one (without a disc drive) and one with a disc drive. The same can be said for the PS5 Slim; it's got a digital version and a disc one.
For whatever reason, Sony decided to not drop the prices of the new PS5 Slim models. The PS5 Slim with a disc drive is still $499, while the PS5 Slim without a disc drive is $449 — or a $50 increase over the original PS5 digital-only console.
PS5 Slim (no disc drive) - $449
PS5 Slim (with disc drive) - $499
Original PS5 (no disc drive) - $399
Original PS5 (disc drive) - $499
$449.99 Save $75.99 Shop Now Sony PlayStation 5 $699.97 at Amazon
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With that in mind, yes, the digital-only PS5 Slim is a money-saver in comparison to the one with a disc drive, but not in comparison to the digital-only model that launched in 2020.
The new price also means that buying a digital model before purchasing the additional disc drive would cost more than just snagging the version with a built-in drive. I don't really have a good explanation for that.
My only advice is this: If you want a PS5 that only costs $399, you better get one now. This is an important note: Once the existing stock of both original models sells out, the new slim models will replace them on store shelves.
PS5 vs. PS5 Slim: sizeObviously, size is what many gamers are most concerned about here, so let's get right to it. Looking at Sony's stated dimensions, you can see that the new PS5 is indeed smaller than the original:
Original PS5 (disc version): 104mm (height) x 390mm (width) x 260mm (depth)
PS5 Slim (disc version): 96mm (height) x 358mm (width) x 216mm (depth)
Original PS5 (digital version): 92mm x 390mm x 260mm
PS5 Slim (digital version): 80mm x 358mm x 216mm
In other words, per Sony's announcement blog post, that's about a 30 percent reduction in total volume. That's definitely an improvement, but there's some important context missing in just those raw numbers. The Verge ran a digital size comparison and discovered that both new models are still substantially larger than the Xbox Series X.
In other words, this "slim" console is still pretty dang big.
For a visual comparison, check out this awesome PS5 Slim vs. Regular Reddit post.
PS5 vs. PS5 Slim: performance and storageAnother important aspect of the new PS5 models to get out of the way is that they have the exact same internal capabilities as the originals. This isn't a PS4 vs. PS4 Pro situation. Games will run exactly the same across the spectrum of PS5 consoles.
Credit: SonyOne little internal bonus that owners of the new PS5s get, however, comes in the form of expanded storage. For some reason, the original PS5 only had 825GB of onboard storage, with the option to expand via external SSDs. The new ones have a full 1TB of built-in space, so you can install a few extra games depending on how big they are.
PS5 vs. PS5 Slim: disc driveJust like at the PS5's launch in late 2020, there are two PS5 Slim models. One of them has a built-in disc drive and the other one is digital-only.
Credit: SonyWell, sort of, anyway. There's an optional detachable disc drive you can buy for $79.99. It's a little goofy looking, but it should do exactly what you think it does. For physical media collectors, the disc drive is a must-buy.
It's worth noting, however, that the PS5 Slim, unlike the OG PS5, does not come with a vertical stand in the box. However, seasoned gamers will tell you that you should keep your PS5 to be stationed horizontally anyway.
All of our favorite Dyson Supersonic dupes are on sale for Black Friday
Black Friday may be a great time of year to pick up the $429 Dyson Supersonic on sale (it is currently down to $329), but as someone who's tested Dyson's beauty tech lineup and the many dupes it's inspired, I wouldn't necessarily recommend going straight for the Supersonic just because it's $100 cheaper.
For starters, the Supersonic does drop down $100 in price over the course of the year, not just Black Friday — if you're willing to wait a few weeks from when you think to buy it, you'll almost certainly be able to score a deal. But maybe more importantly, you can actually save a lot more money if you opt for a dupe — and just a few days out from Black Friday on Nov. 29, each of the top picks I've personally tested for the best Dyson Supersonic dupes are on sale.
SEE ALSO: All the best early Black Friday deals at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and WalmartAs it stands, Mashable recommends five different hair dryers to serve as worthy Dyson dupes, with each being suited to different needs, whether you want the cheapest dupe on the market (less than $100) or the dupe that'll minimize damage to your hair (infrared light does some heavy lifting here). Below, you'll find more info on each of the five picks on sale.
Best Supersonic dupe deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Our pick: Laifen Swift $97.99 at Laifen$139.99 Save $42.00 Get Deal Why we like it
The Laifen Swift is compact, lightweight, dries hair quickly, and looks and sounds like the a Dyson Supersonic. While you won't get the five attachment versatility that you do with the Supersonic, you might find that you prefer the simplicity of the Swift (or that this is a sacrifice you can make for a hair dryer that clocks in under $100 on sale). Attachment-wise, it's maybe a better one-to-one dupe of the Supersonic Origin, but at a much more reasonable price point.
With cheaper dupes, I like to test out their longevity as much as I can — I've used the Swift regularly for just under two years, and haven't seen it show its age at all. Yes, the hottest setting is a little too hot for me and the attachment options are limited, but in my experience, those have been the biggest cons. If you are looking for a diffuser, Laifen also offers a model that includes one for just a few dollars more.
Best Supersonic dupe deal for spending less than $70 Opens in a new window Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Our pick: Dreame Gleam hair dryer $69.99 at Amazon$99.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it
Usually, the Dreame Gleam hair dryer is our best Supersonic dupe under $100, but Black Friday upped the ante. If you have a Prime membership, you can grab this hair dryer on sale for just $69.99 at Amazon. If you don't have Prime, you can also pick this dryer up directly from Dreame's website. So what's the $28 difference between the Dreame and the Laifen dryers? To be honest, not a whole ton, but I can't personally attest to how the Dreame holds up over time (I tested it for the first time in Oct. 2024). What I will say is the Gleam doesn't have a diffuser attachment you can bundle, it doesn't sound like a Supersonic, and it is the slightest bit bulkier than the Laifen Swift.
Best Supersonic dupe deal for minimizing hair damage Opens in a new window Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Our pick: Zuvi Halo $209.00 at Zuvi$349.00 Save $140.00 Get Deal Why we like it
The Zuvi Halo certainly isn't the cheapest dupe we recommend, but it's maybe the most unique. Unlike other options, this dryer doesn't try to outright copy Dyson's idea for a heat-minimizing dryer so much as offer an alternative that's just as innovative, thanks to the ring of infrared lights it uses in tandem with its airflow. While I was initially skeptical of how much these lights would actually do anything, I found that the Halo often left my hair feeling soft and shiny, and used noticeably cooler air than either of the above two dupes.
Instead of heat and air settings, the Halo has "care" modes you choose from, which automatically set the heat and intensity of the air you're getting. That might be a bit annoying for someone who craves more customizability, but for set-and-forget types, this feature might just be a godsend. At this sale price of $209, the Halo is still less than half the price of the Supersonic at full price, and $120 cheaper than the Supersonic on sale.
Best Supersonic dupe deal for the smoothest hair possible Opens in a new window Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Our pick: Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex $179.00 at Amazon$229.99 Save $50.99 Shop Now Why we like it
Shark is known for making some of the best Dyson dupes on the market, and though the SpeedStyle Pro Flex doesn't look anything like a Supersonic, if your goal is smooth hair and a good selection of attachments, this is the hair dryer to get. In addition to a standard drying nozzle, the Pro Flex comes with a QuickSmooth brush, a diffuser, and a FrizzFighter finishing tool. Each of these attachments automatically adjust the heat and speed setting for what Shark would consider the most optimal for each, but unlike the Zuvi, you can easily manually adjust each, too.
As for storage, this configuration of the ProFlex doesn't come with a storage case, but the folding neck does make the hair dryer a slightly less awkward shape to store. At $179, you'll save $50.99 on this hair dryer, grabbing it at the lowest price we've ever seen.
Best Supersonic dupe deal if you also want an Airwrap Opens in a new window Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable Our pick: Dreame Pocket hair dryer $99.99 at Amazon$159.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why we like it
If you've been eyeing the Dyson Supersonic, there's also a good chance you've checked out the Dyson Airwrap. If the $600 price tag scared you away, fair (though it is now $100 off for Black Friday). Sale price or not, that multistyler is expensive, and for many, the most interesting attachment can be the Coanda-air powered curling wands. With so many dupes on the market these days, this is no longer a Dyson exclusive option, even if you're looking at a more traditional hair dryer.
The Dreame Pocket hair dryer is super compact, with a neck that folds down and up, meaning you can use it as you would any hair dryer, fold it down for storing, or fold it up to use the curling nozzle (it also comes with a smoothing nozzle). While it does only go in one direction, it still gives a pretty, bouncy blowout — it didn't really curl my hair, but neither does the Airwrap curling wands, as both are more targeted at providing wavy blowout than true curls. The pocket also comes with a convenient storage bag that fits everything into a surprisingly compact package. I recommend it at full price, which makes it even easier to say its worth giving a go at $99.99.
Get a pair of JLab JBuds Lux ANC headphones for the insanely low price of $29 at Walmart
SAVE $50: As of Nov. 25, you can score a pair of JLab JBuds Lux ANC headphones for just $29 at Walmart. That's a savings of $50 and a crazy good deal.
Opens in a new window Credit: JLab JLab JBuds Lux ANC headphones $29.00 at Walmart$79.99 Save $50.99 Get Deal
Looking to score a wicked deal on noise-cancelling headphones? Walmart’s early Black Friday sale has tons of deals on headphones, including the JLab JBuds Lux ANC headphones.
As of Nov. 25, you can snag these babies for just $29 — that’s an insanely good deal for a pair of headphones that typically retail for around $79.99. The lowest price we’ve ever seen on these is $46.99 (Amazon’s current price), so this $29 sale price is an absolute steal. Note: This deal is only available online.
SEE ALSO: Walmart Black Friday ad: The best deals you can buy onlineThe JLab JBuds Lux ANC headphones feature 40mm drivers and active noise cancellation technology to help block out background noise, whether you're on a noisy flight, in the office, or just trying to focus at home. With the ANC on, you can get 40 hours of playtime. With ANC off, that jumps up to 70 hours.
There’s also a “Be Aware” mode that lets you hear your surroundings while listening to music or podcasts, so you can stay safe when walking or biking. You can adjust this setting, get software updates, and more with the JLab App.
With Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in mic, you can take hands-free calls and control your music playback from the headphones. Plus, the Cloud Foam ear cushions are super soft and comfortable. We’d definitely recommend hopping on this deal before it’s gone.
Snag an OtterBox Defender Series Pro phone case for $19 at Walmart
SAVE $45.95: As of Nov. 25, you can snag an OtterBox Defender Series Pro case for your iPhone 16 Pro for just $19 at Walmart. That's a savings of $45.95.
Opens in a new window Credit: OtterBox OtterBox Defender Series Pro iPhone 16 Pro case $19.00 at Walmart$54.00 Save $35.00 Get Deal
We’re just a few days from Black Friday, but Walmart’s website is overflowing with deals you can take advantage of right now. From headphones to mobile accessories, Walmart’s impressing us with its pre-Black Friday sales.
As of Nov. 25, you can grab an OtterBox Defender Series Pro phone case for the iPhone 16 Pro for just $19 at Walmart. That’s $45.95 off the list price and a really good deal for a tough-as-nails phone case.
SEE ALSO: All the best early Black Friday deals at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and WalmartRemember, this deal is available to Walmart+ members at noon ET and non-members at 5 p.m. ET. If you want to hop on it early, you’ll need to sign up for a Walmart Plus membership right now, which is half-off for new members through Dec. 2.
The OtterBox Defender Series Pro Case for MagSafe iPhone 16 Pro is a multi-layered case that provides heavy-duty protection. It features DROP+ technology, which safeguards your phone from five times more drops than the military standard, and raised edges to protect your camera, screen, and port openings from dust and dirt.
Dont miss out on one of the best budget 4K TV deals weve found ahead of Black Friday
JUST $178: As of Nov. 25, Walmart shoppers can get a 55-inch Hisense 4K TV for just $178 ahead of Black Friday. Note that this deal goes live at 12PM ET on Nov. 25 for Walmart+ members exclusively, and then will be open to everyone starting at 5PM ET.
Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 55-inch Class R6 Series 4K UHD Roku Smart TV $178.00 at WalmartGet Deal
Black Friday is hands-down one of the best times to get a new TV — tons of can't-miss deals tend to go live before the main event officially starts, and 2024 is looking like it's going to follow suit.
If you're looking for a new 4K TV but don't have a huge budget this holiday shopping season, this deal from Walmart should absolutely be on your radar: The retailer is offering a 55-inch Hisense 4K TV for just $178. It's one of the cheapest 55-inch 4K TVs we've seen leading up to Black Friday and is bound to sell out quickly, so make sure you don't miss out.
SEE ALSO: Early Black Friday TV deals at Best Buy and Walmart absolutely school Amazon'sThere is one catch, though. This deal will only be available to Walmart+ members for a short period of time before being released to the general public. So if you're not a member, you'll want to act fast when the deal goes live for you, because you'll be shopping the leftover stock. The deal will become redeemable for Walmart+ members starting at 12PM ET on Nov. 25, and then will be available to all other shoppers starting at 5PM ET on the same day.
So rare! Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons are $20 off on Nov. 25 for Black Friday week
GET $20 OFF: As of Nov. 25, you can get a set of Nintendo Joy-Cons (L/R) - Left Neon Red/ Right Neon Blue Controllers for just $59.00. That's 25% off the original price or $20 off.
Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch Joy-Con (L/R) - Left Neon Red/ Right Neon Blue Controllers $59.00 at Walmart$79.00 Save $20.00 Get Deal
It’s the time of year for huge discounts, but even so, our eyebrows shot up when we saw that Nintendo Joy-Cons are on sale today for $20 off. The Switch system remains immensely popular — consequently Joy-Cons rarely ever get significant discounts.
Whether you’re a cozy gamer doing dealings with Animal Crossing’s Tom Nook, or you’re battling your friends in Super Smash Bros, Joy-Cons are your point of entry to the action. The Nintendo Switch’s signature is its ability to transition from handheld system to TV and Joy-Cons make this happen.
SEE ALSO: Save $75 on the Nintendo Switch OLED 'Mario Kart 8 Deluxe' bundle for Black FridayAttached to a Switch, they control the action on the Switch’s main screen. Unattached to the screen, they connect with a Joy-Con Grip to make one large controller or function as two individual controllers. As individual controllers, each contains a separate accelerometer and gyro-sensor.
As of Nov. 25 you can get a set of Nintendo Joy-Cons (L/R) - Left Neon Red/ Right Neon Blue Controllers for $59.00 and save 25%.
As a gift, Joy-Cons open up multiplayer gaming for a Switch owner. The clear choice as a part gaming system Nintendo Switch is a great choice for multiplayer gaming, and a gift of Joy-Cons brings even more friends into the action.
The Office Lego Set is back and $50 off for Black Friday week — order "ASAP as possible"
GET $50 OFF: As of Nov. 25 at 12PM EST, Lego Ideas The Office US TV Show Series Dunder Mifflin Scranton Model Building Set is on sale for $70, save $50 at Walmart.
Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas The Office US TV Show Series Dunder Mifflin Scranton Model Building Set, 21336 $70.00 at Walmart$120.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal
Resurrected from the Schrute Farms compost bin, The Office Dunder Mifflin Scranton Model Building Set brings the classic Scranton comedy to life. The set was recently retired by Lego; if you were eyeing the set and missed out, this is your notice that it's back now. Get it on sale for Black Friday week at Walmart.
SEE ALSO: 15+ of the best Lego Black Friday deals you can shop earlyWith 15 mini-figures that you’ll recognize from Dunder Mifflin HQ, you’ll be able to call a meeting in the boardroom, banish Michael Scott to sulk in his office, or give Pam an engagement ring. The set even comes with Dwight’s secret stash of weapons and Michael’s "World's Best Boss" mug.
As of Nov. 25 at noon EST, The Office Lego Building Set is on sale for $70 for a total savings of $50.
Made for adult fans of The Office, this collector’s set comes with an illustrated book about The Office and the set’s creators.
If you’ve been following this Lego Ideas set you might have thought it was gone for good. Don’t wait, because it might not come out of retirement again. As Michael says, “Fool me once, strike one. But fool me twice... strike three.”
Score $150 off the JBL Partybox 110 at Walmart
SAVE $150: As of Nov. 25, you can snag the JBL Partybox 110 at Walmart for $199. That's a 43% discount or $150.95 off the list price. Note: The Walmart MSRP price is slightly inflated, so we're basing this off the actual MSRP.
Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Partybox 110 $199.00 at Walmart$399.95 Save $200.95 Get Deal
If you’ve been looking for a speaker that doubles as a karaoke machine, we’ve found just the product — and it’s on sale.
As of Nov. 25, you can get the JBL Partybox 110 for just $199 at Walmart. (Walmart+ shoppers can snag it at this price at noon; non-members will have to wait until 5 p.m. ET.) That’s a $150.95 discount and a record-low price for this speaker. It looks like Amazon, Best Buy, and the JBL website are selling it for a mere 95 to 99 cents more, so if Walmart sells out, you can still grab it elsewhere for a great price.
SEE ALSO: Black Friday store hours: What time do Walmart, Best Buy, Target and more open their doors?The JBL Partybox 110 is a fun, portable party speaker that can fill a room with that signature JBL Original Pro Sound. It’s IPX4 splashproof (take it to the pool or the beach) and has a mic and guitar input, so you can use it as an amp or host karaoke nights.
With the PartyBox App, you can control your music, update settings, and customize the colors and patterns of the lights — perfect for setting the mood at any event. You'll get up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge.
Dictionary.coms Word of the Year is very mindful, very cutesy
Dictionary.com's word of the year is demure, a nod to the "very mindful, very demure" social media trend started by TikTokker Jools Lebron.
Demure beat out brainrot, brat (inspired by the Charli XCX album of the same name), extreme weather, midwest nice, and weird. Dictionary.com defines demure as "characterized by shyness or modesty; reserved," but its announcement acknowledged that the use popularized by Jools changes the word's meaning.
SEE ALSO: 'Pookie' is more than a pet name. TikTok's new favorite word is rooted in a rich cultural history.Online, it's come to mean anything from self-aware, sophisticated, and restrained to good and praiseworthy. But as is the case with any viral word, it's also come to mean nothing.
Jools first posted how to be mindful and demure in early August. "You see how I do my makeup for work? Very demure. Very mindful," she said in the now-viral video. "I don't come to work with a green-cut crease. I don't look like a clown when I go to work. I don't do too much. I'm very mindful while I'm at work."
SEE ALSO: 'Very demure' demonstrates TikTok's ability to shape modern languageThe word quickly caught on and was inescapable online. Dictionary.com saw 200 times more searches for the word than it did on dates preceding August.
Early Black Friday AirPods deals are rolling in — here are the best ones so far
UPDATE: Nov. 25, 2024, 10:15 a.m. EST This post has been updated with the latest pricing on all available AirPods models ahead of Black Friday.
Best early Black Friday AirPods deals Best AirPods Pro deal Apple AirPods Pro 2 $169.99 (save $79.01) Get Deal Best AirPods Max deal Apple AirPods Max $399.99 (save $149.01) Get DealBlack Friday isn't here just yet, but it kind of already is, if that makes sense. You know the drill: Before most big shopping events nowadays, we usually see a bunch of early deals start to slowly crop up, ones that are definitely worth paying attention to. Especially if you're looking for tech products — Black Friday and pre-Black-Friday are always exciting times for those who are looking to catch up on the latest and greatest that the industry has to offer.
Headphones definitely fall into that category, specifically Apple's line of popular audio tech: AirPods. A few different AirPods models are on sale in the weeks preceding Black Friday, including the lastest release, the AirPods 4.
SEE ALSO: The 8 best noise-cancelling headphones of 2024Check out all the best early Black Friday AirPods deals we could find below, and be sure to keep checking back, because we'll be updating this page as more offers go live.
Best AirPods Pro deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $169.99 at Amazon$249.00 Save $79.01 Get Deal Why we like it
Check out our full review of the Apple AirPods Pro 2.
The Apple AirPods Pro 2, which come packed with great features like ANC, hearing protection options, personalized spatial audio, and more, are currently $60 off at Amazon ahead of Black Friday. Considering the record low price on these earbuds is $168.99, we're definitely expecting to see a better price drop during Black Friday. Though that $168 price point may be rare, we frequently see these earbuds go on sale for $199 throughout the year, so much so that we don't really consider that a good deal anymore.
Best AirPods Max deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) $399.99 at Amazon$549.00 Save $149.01 Get Deal Why we like it
Check out our full review of the Apple AirPods Max.
If you're not really into earbuds, the AirPods Max are a good pair of over-ear headphones that'll allow you to stay within the Apple ecosystem (we get it, we like our tech to have synergy, too). While we like them for Apple users, we do have some qualms with their shorter battery life, weird carrying case, and lack of a power button, especially at their price point. That said, it's easier to look past those flaws with a good discount, which you'll find on the Lightning pairs instead of the newer USB-C model (which is the only upgrade, other than different colorways, on the newer version of these headphones).
More early Black Friday AirPods dealsApple AirPods (2nd Generation) — $89 $129 (save $40)
Apple AirPods 4 (without ANC) — $119 $129 (save $10)
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) — $168.99 $179 (save $10.01)