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SAVE UP TO 34%: For October Prime Day 2025, the Apple AirTag 4-Pack is on sale for $64.99 at Amazon ($16.24 per tracker), while a single AirTag has dropped to $19.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (4 Pack) $64.99 at Amazon
$99 Save $34.01 Get Deal

As the October Prime Day event kicks off, first-rate deals are already popping up.

Case in point: the Apple AirTag 4-Pack is now available for just $64.99. That's a 34% price drop from $99 and a cost of just $16.24 per tracker. Meanwhile, individual Apple AirTags are available for $19.99, after a 31% discount from the standard $29 sticker price. Now, these trackers have gone on sale once before for $64.49, but we don't think you'll notice the difference.

These sleek little discs have become the go-to tracker for iPhone users — and for good reason — which is why we’ve immediately jumped on this bargain, alongside our current selection of the best Prime Day deals on Amazon right now.

Each AirTag pairs with your iPhone or iPad through a simple one-tap set-up, instantly connecting to Apple’s Find My network. That same network, powered by hundreds of millions of Apple devices worldwide, helps you locate lost or stolen items even when they’re far away. So whether your keys slipped between couch cushions or your luggage went AWOL on your latest trip, the AirTag has you covered.

SEE ALSO: The top Apple deals from Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days 2025 event

If you’re close by, you can use Precision Finding, powered by Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology, to get turn-by-turn directions right to your missing item. The built-in speaker can also play a sound if you’d rather just follow your ears. And if something’s truly lost, Lost Mode automatically alerts you when another Apple device detects it — working as a silent but brilliant safety net for the chronically forgetful

Durable and practical, each AirTag is even IP67-rated for water and dust resistance, so it’s just as ready for travel as you are. The replaceable CR2032 coin battery lasts around a year, meaning no charging cables or downtime. Slip one into your wallet, loop one onto your pet’s collar, or stash one in your backpack; you’ll always know where your stuff is.

With a 31% discount, this is one of the best Prime Day deals for Apple fans. Stay ahead of the chaos and grab the AirTag 4-Pack before prices ease back up.

SAVE UP TO 30%: As of Oct. 7, AirPods 4 earbuds have been discounted for Prime Big Deal Days. The ANC model is marked down 34% to $119.99 and the version without ANC is down 30% to $89.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $89.99 at Amazon
$129 Save $39.01 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 with ANC $119 at Amazon
$179 Save $60 Get Deal

Amazon's October Prime Day sale event, called Prime Big Deal Days, has officially arrived, and with it a whole bunch of exciting discounts to look through. If you're on the hunt for Apple deals, you're in luck, as there are plenty of offers available on different Apple devices. These include sale prices on both models of the brand new AirPods 4, so you can treat yourself to some new earbuds.

Both the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and without have been marked down during the sale event. The models with ANC are 22% off at Amazon right now, which has dropped their price to $139.99, while the models without ANC are 30% off, bringing them down to $89.99.

SEE ALSO: The top October Prime Day tech deals, hand-picked by a tech editor

When choosing between these two earbud designs, there's just one thing to consider. They each offer great sound quality, it all just depends whether or not you want the noise cancellation. The AirPods 4 with ANC offer different modes for listening, including Active Noise Cancellation; Transparency mode, which allows you to hear the environment you're in while you listen; Conversation Awareness, which adjusts audio levels when you're speaking, and Adaptive Audio, which works as a blend of Transparency mode and ANC, depending on the environment you're in.

The battery life of the AirPods 4 with ANC lasts up to four hours on a single charge with noise cancellation enabled, or up to 20 hours using the case. On the other hand, the AirPods 4 without ANC provide up to five hours on a single charge, or up to 30 hours using the case.

Don't miss out on these excellent October Prime Day deals on the AirPods 4, with the ANC models marked down 22% to $139.99 and the models without ANC down 30% to $89.99.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Often eaten for Sunday dinner.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

ROAST

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A social class.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

CASTE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

An herb often used in Italian dishes.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

BASIL

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To ward off.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for August 4 Hurdle Word 4 answer

REPEL

Final Hurdle hint

To like something.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

ENJOY

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Don't spend hours scrolling through Amazon, because I already found the best Prime Day tech deals for you. As Mashable's tech editor, my inbox is full of brands trying to get me to cover their newest gadgets, AI models, and futuristic wearables. I get to test the latest flagship headphones, OLED gaming monitors, and foldable phones for Mashable readers. And I gotta say — I love my job.

For Prime Big Deal Days, aka October Prime Day 2025, Amazon (as well as Best Buy, Walmart, and other retailers and brands) have discounted some of my favorite gadgets of the year. I'm also spotting early Prime Day deals on boring but essential products like memory cards, wireless chargers, and USB-C cables. So, I've gathered all of the top discounts into one place for Mashable readers. Remember: Prime Big Deal Days takes place this year on Oct. 7 and 8, so you only have two days to save.

Whether you've been waiting to invest in a new laptop or 65-inch TV, or just need to replace some tech that's past its expiration date, the next 48 hours are going to be a prime time to shop. So, without any further preamble, let's get into my favorite Prime Day tech deals from brands like Apple, Samsung, DJI, Dyson, Shark, and Bose. I will also be providing live updates in our October Prime Day live blog.

Apple AirPods starting at $89

There's just something about the phrase "$89 AirPods" that sounds right, doesn't it? In the tariffs era, the fact that you can buy new AirPods for $89.99 feels like a small miracle. While all eyes will be on the new AirPods Pro 3, if you don't need ANC — or have a tendency to lose your earbuds — this purchase is a no-brainer.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 wireless earbuds $89.99 at Amazon
$129 Save $39.01 Get Deal Amazon Kindle Kids

Amazon usually saves the top Kindle deals for Prime Day itself, but this early deal on the kids' e-reader is too good to pass up. Mashable has tested all the latest Kindles, and we don't expect this e-reader to get any cheaper when Prime Day officially kicks off on Tuesday. It's the kind of screen time you can feel good about.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Kids $94.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal Amazon Echo Show 8

Amazon just previewed its new generation of more advanced (and more expensive) Echo Show devices, so take advantage of this sale on the smart displays. Amazon is likely clearing the way for its new devices, but this model gives you all the necessary functionality and cross-device support you really need.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Show 8 smart display $99.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Shark vacuums

I have a small army of robot vacuums in my apartment at any given time, and since I live in New York City, space is at a premium. That means I have high standards for my robovacs, and Shark's underrated vacuums have always impressed me. If you're a pet owner, the Shark Pet cordless stick vacuum is not only one of the best early Prime Day tech deals this year, but also comes personally recommended by Mashable reporters.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum $149 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $150.99 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum $229.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $320 Best-seller Get Deal JBL party speakers

I've been testing party speakers for Mashable for years, and JBL consistently outperforms so-called premium brands. The JBL Flip 6 is actually my most-recommended speaker, and we've also tested and loved the brand's new boombox-style Party Box. Both are on sale for Prime Day.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth speaker $99.95 at Amazon
$129.95 Save $30.00 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL PartyBox Club 120 party speaker $349.95 at Amazon
$449.95 Save $100 Get Deal DJI Smartphone Gimbal

I've tested a few smartphone gimbals, and DJI makes the best one by far. It's deceptively simple to use and provides pro-level stabilization and face tracking. If you're a creator (or aspiring creator), then this gimbal is a must-have IMO. I'm keeping a close eye on the top Prime Day deals on DJI products, so keep checking back for more savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Mobile 7P Gimbal Stabilizer $126 at Amazon
$149 Save $23 Get Deal Apple AirTag (4-Pack)

The lowest price we've ever seen on AirTags dropped today — and not at Amazon. No, for this deal, head to Best Buy. These popular trackers use Apple's massive Find My network to help you track down lost items, and they've never been more affordable.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (4-Pack) $64.99 at Best Buy
$99 Save $34.01 Get Deal Affordable smart TVs under $300

Prime Day is one of the best times to buy a new TV, and Prime Big Deal Days is already delivering major doorbuster deals on budget TVs. You can find 50-, 55-, and 65-inch flatscreens for under $300 this year, including smart models from Roku, Hisense, and Fire TV.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Smart TV 50-Inch Select Series 4K HDR TV (2025) $257.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $42 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 55-inch E6 Cinema Series QLED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $259.99 at Amazon
$429.99 Save $170 Shop Now Less-affordable (but much more awesome) QLED TVs

My favorite TV brand for the past few years has been Samsung, which makes impressive QLED, OLED, and art TVs. And I wouldn't even consider buying one unless it was Prime Day or Black Friday. This premium QLED smart TV is on sale for $350 off its retail price for a limited time. Equipped with Samsung's latest AI processor, this 2025 model TV offers incredible value at this price point.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch Class Neo QLED QN70F 4K Smart TV (2025) $847.99 at Amazon
$1,097.99 Save $250 Get Deal Samsung monitors

Whether you need a compact second monitor for your home office or a premium gaming monitor, Samsung always offers fantastic monitor deals during big sales. For home offices, I'd recommend the bevel-less 22-inch business monitor, which is a steal at its current price. And for gamers, the Odyssey line of monitors offers stunning visuals and cutting-edge display specs.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 22-inch (S40GD) Borderless Business Monitor $99.42 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.57 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G7 $471.50 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $328.49 Get Deal Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300

I love Jackery's products. The brand's popular portable power stations are a staple at campgrounds and music festivals, but they can also give you a much-needed power-up during blackouts. While this is the older version of the Jackery Explorer series, I've never seen it priced this low before.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station $169 at Amazon
$259 Save $90 Get Deal A hip foldable flip phone

Earlier this year, I said 2025 was the year the foldable phone became a smart option for everyday users, not just early adopters. Personally, I prefer the convenient size and form factor of the smaller flip-style foldables.

As much as I love the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 released over the summer, I actually think people have been sleeping on the Motorola Razr Ultra. If you want flagship-quality in a flip phone, this stylish smartphone has a lot to offer. It has an insane battery life and is packed with AI features, if that's your thing. Plus, it comes with 512GB of memory, compared to the Z Flip 7's starting memory of 128GB. For a limited time, save $300 on this unlocked smartphone.

Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Motorola Razr Ultra, 512GB, Unlocked $999.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $300 Get Deal Top deals to watch: Beats and Bose headphones

Amazon promised big savings on both Beats and Bose headphones this year. In particular, you can expect up to 40% off select Bose earbuds and headphones. So, as we wait for Prime Day to start, I'm keeping a close watch on my favorite wireless headphones from these brands.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones $359 at Amazon
Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Solo 4 wireless headphones $129.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $70 Get Deal

Taylor Swift's new album, The Life of a Showgirl, has a massive problem — a staggering lack of self-awareness.

Of course, that critique of Swift isn't novel. For years, Swift's critics have argued that she sees herself as a perpetual victim — of manipulative lovers, traitorous friends, cutthroat enemies, and unscrupulous music executives. They've also observed that Swift appears to sometimes cruelly and publicly punish those who betray or slight her, particularly through her songwriting.

This portrayal could be convincing at times. After all, some of Swift's biggest hits, like "Bad Blood," "Mean," and "Karma," are about score settling. Yet Swift also managed to balance her lust for vengeance with honest vulnerability or genuine growth in songs like "Anti-Hero" and "The Manuscript." 

SEE ALSO: Did Taylor Swift use AI art? 'Life of a Showgirl' orange door videos seem AI-generated

Not this time around. Showgirl features one song ("Eldest Daughter") that earnestly rejects toxic internet culture, but also two other tracks ("Actually Romantic" and "CANCELLED!”) that channel the worst parts of that culture, including mocking, humiliation, and a hot take that utterly misreads the gravity of the political moment.

The songs offer Swift's critics fresh evidence that their assessment of the billionaire pop star is accurate, at least sometimes. Sadly for Swift, who seems genuinely kind when she's not beholden to grievance, the stark contrast between these songs demonstrates that she can easily become the very internet troll she decries. 

How did we get here, Taylor? 

There's an endearing scene in Swift's new album release film, The Official Release Party of a Showgirl, wherein she explains the premise of the piano ballad "Eldest Daughter." The song, she says, is about how the internet is a space that rewards cheap shots and callousness, a state of mind that can warp our lives and relationships. 

She writes: "Everybody's so punk on the internet / Everyone's unbothered 'til they're not / Every joke's just trolling and memes / Sad as it seems, apathy is hot / Everybody's cutthroat in the comments / Every single hot take is cold as ice" 

Swift wants to make a promise, presumably to her fiancé, Travis Kelce, that she'll never treat him so carelessly. Cue the mostly tender chorus: "But I'm not a bad bitch / And this isn't savage / But I'm never gonna let you down / I'm never gonna leave you out / So many traitors / Smooth operators / But I'm never gonna break that vow / I'm nеver gonna leave you now, now, now" 

Swift may regret the awful, racially coded word choice of "bad bitch" and "savage," but the song's sincerity against the backdrop of cultural viciousness she describes in "Eldest Daughter" is welcome. 

Still, Swift's commitment is clearly just to Kelce, because "Actually Romantic" couldn't be an uglier song if it tried. It's designed to shame and mortify its target, reportedly the Grammy-winning singer and producer Charli XCX. Her sin? Apparently, writing a song, rumored to be about Swift, about a girl who "taps my insecurities." 

The track "Sympathy is a Knife" appears on Charli XCX's smash 2024 album Brat, which curiously also includes a song entitled "Everything is Romantic." 

Charli XCX doesn't dedicate "Sympathy is a Knife" to ruthless insults, even if she dislikes the girl in question, and roots for her breakup (ostensibly referring to the demise of Swift's relationship with the 1975's frontman Matty Healy). Instead, she's grappling with a "spiral" of emotions unleashed by being near this person. 

Charli XCX sings, alarmingly, about graphically killing herself, adding: "Volatilе at war with my dialogue / I'd say that there was a God if thеy could stop this / Wild voice tearin' me apart / I'm so apprehensive now" 

As a journalist who's written about the intersection of suicide and digital culture for more than a decade, I can think of few things more quintessentially representative of the toxic internet than someone telling another person who feels suicidal or worthless that they, in fact, are insignificant. 

"Actually Romantic" may not explicitly reference Charli XCX's despair, but it proceeds to methodically humiliate its subject: 

"Hadn't thought of you in a long time / But you keep sending me funny valentines / And I know you think it comes off vicious / But it's precious, adorable / Like a toy chihuahua barking at me from a tiny purse / That's how much it hurts / How many times has your boyfriend said / 'Why are we always talking 'bout her?'"

Swift said in an interview with Amazon Music that the song is about realizing someone is engaging in a one-sided adversarial relationship with you and that the negative attention can be a form of flattery. But in the song, she suggests a sexual motive too ("feels like you're flirting with me"), and declares: "No man has ever loved me like you do." 

Perhaps unintentionally, Swift revives a homophobic trope sometimes popular amongst middle and high school students that if one girl doesn't like another, it's because her aversion is a disguised crush.  

But even if "Actually Romantic" isn't about Charli XCX, Swift spends two-and-a-half minutes dispensing spiteful cheap shots — a more lyrical version of the kind you'd find between two people at war with each other online. 

One explanation for Swift's behavior might be the first line of "Actually Romantic," in which she reveals that the song's subject privately called her "Boring Barbie." The other half of the riddle is buried in "Eldest Daughter" when Swift sings: "I have been afflicted by a terminal uniqueness / I've been dying just from trying to seem cool" 

If you've spent your personal and professional life aspiring for both popular and critical acceptance, the insult "Boring Barbie" could feel maximally painful. It may not be in Swift's nature to walk away from the makings of a feud, but what if she had? Or what if, instead of trying to belittle, she wrote a song in the vein of "Eldest Daughter," exercising empathy or compassion toward someone who's clearly suffering? "Eldest Daughter" might have you believe that's the kind of world Swift wants to live in. 

The weaponization of CANCEL! culture

Unfortunately, Showgirl offers competing visions of this world. 

In the song, "CANCELLED!" Swift tries to turn a hot take about being at the center of scandal, real or not, into an anthem for people who experience public wrath. 

Social media has guessed who Swift may have in mind for this track. Maybe it's the actress Blake Lively, who's currently embroiled in a lawsuit over sexual harassment against the actor and director Justin Baldoni. Perhaps it's for Brittany Mahomes, wife of Kelce's NFL Chiefs teammate Patrick Mahomes, because she took considerable criticism for publicly supporting President Donald Trump in 2022. 

Regardless, "CANCELLED!" looks at the controversial concept of cancel culture and seems to buy into the narrative that any effort to hold a public figure accountable for their words and actions is tantamount to shunning them from society. “CANCELLED!" can’t be bothered by the reality that maybe some people are called out or questioned for good reason. Instead, the song treats cancellation like a badge of honor, and a path to personal empowerment and dark fellowship.

Swift sings: "Now they've broken you like they've broken me / But a shattered glass is a lot more sharp / And now you know exactly who your friends are (You know who we are) / We're the ones with matching scars" 

Swift said she views this song as a story about navigating terrible periods of undeserved scrutiny and coming out stronger, but her take on so-called cancellation could not be hotter. It misreads a grave moment in political and pop culture, as the Trump administration routinely threatens and tries to silence speech it hates. 

If fans are waiting for Swift to recognize how the weaponization of cancel culture has played into this dynamic, and then align herself with fundamental human and democratic rights, as she's pointedly done in the past, it seems they'll be waiting for a long time. 

Swift is right that the internet is often lousy. But on Showgirl, Swift's rejection of that culture seems useful only when it serves her interests and vendettas.

This article reflects the opinion of the writer.

GET FREE SHIPPING AND 20% OFF: On Oct. 7 and 8, Bookshop.org is offering free shipping on all orders during its Anti-Prime Day sale. Plus, the sale is running concurrently with Banned Book Week, so you can score 20% off banned titles.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bookshop.org Free shipping on all Bookshop.org orders Plus, score 20% off during Banned Book week. Get Deal

Not a fan of Prime Day? Listen, we get it. Amazon is the antithesis of shopping small and local, so it's understandable if you're totally disinterested in the retailer's biannual Prime Day events. The upside to Prime Day, regardless of whether or not you want to shop on Amazon, is that it has launched a barrage of anti-Prime Day sales. Often, these are from fellow retail giants, but smaller competitors join in on the action, too. Bookshop.org is running an anti-Prime Day sale on Oct. 7 and 8, allowing you to support local bookstores while still saving.

On Oct. 7, the same day that Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days kicks off, Bookshop.org is offering free shipping on all orders — no code needed. The timing of this deal is fortuitous, as it coincides with Banned Book Week. To fight censorship, Bookshop.org is marking banned books down by 20%. To get the deal, just use code 'BBW25' at checkout. The sale will run from Oct. 7 at 12 a.m. ET and run until Oct. 9 at 3 a.m. ET.

Amazon has a reputation for stealing the thunder from independent and local bookstores. This past April, Amazon launched a book sale that coincided with Independent Bookstore Day. Bookshop.org's sale is a direct response to Prime Day, encouraging shoppers to support their local bookstore. Each purchase on Bookstore.org directly supports a local bookstore of your choosing, while still allowing the convenience of online shopping.

So if you want to redirect your Prime Day money to benefit a local store, Bookshop.org lets you do just that.

Amazon now has two Prime Day shopping events per year. The official Prime Day 2025 event took place from July 8-11, and there were thousands of outstanding deals to be had. The fall sequel — officially titled Prime Big Deal Days but unofficially dubbed October Prime Day — is going down Oct. 7 and 8. While it is happening under another name, the actual event is largely the same as its predecessor, and you’ll be able to find deals on virtually everything Amazon sells.

So, in anticipation of the event (which is already well underway with early deals), our shopping reporters scoured the internet for questions people often ask about Prime Day, and tracked down the answers. Whether you’re shopping for early Christmas gifts or finally buying that teal bath set your wife has been wanting, you’ll surely find something you want to purchase.

So, without further ado, let’s answer some burning Prime Day questions. 

What is Prime Day?

Prime Day is the name of Amazon's annual shopping event, which usually takes place in July. Amazon has been hosting the event since 2015, and it's become one of the biggest shopping holidays of the year. Prime Day 2025 was extended to a four-day affair, and retailers like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy now host competing sales — such is the power of Amazon.

What is Amazon Prime Big Deals Day?

Amazon Prime Big Deals Day is a new fall shopping event specifically for Amazon Prime subscribers, promising huge discounts on tons of items across most categories on Amazon. Prime Big Deal Days started in 2022, and it's become an annual sale.

Is Prime Big Deals Day the same as Amazon Prime Day?

Technically no, but practically, yes. Amazon Prime Day is a summer sales event that takes place in July. Amazon has been doing this event since 2015. Back then, the event lasted a scant 24 hours, intending to cash in on FOMO. It has since expanded to a few days with deals happening before and after the event. 

Prime Big Deals Day is mostly the same thing. It’s a multi-day sales event, except this one is taking place in October instead of July. Shoppers will be able to find deals on tons of stuff strewn about the site from electronics to home goods and decor. The only difference between these two events is when they take place.

When is Amazon Prime Day and Amazon Prime Big Deals Day?

Amazon Prime Day happened from July 8-11, 2025. Amazon Prime Big Deals Day takes place on Oct. 7 and 8, 2025. 

Those are the dates of the official sales, but that’s not the only days where there will be discounts to shop. Many products will go on sale earlier and end those sales later than the dates listed.

So, it’s worth looking around before and after the official event dates as well, just in case. 

What will be on sale for Amazon Prime Big Deals Day?

All sorts of stuff. We won’t know the full extent of the sales until the actual event occurs, but if it’s anything like prior Amazon shopping events, you’ll be able to find products on sale in virtually every product category imaginable. Amazon has an early list of some of the products that’ll be on sale for the event, but we expect the list to grow rather substantially once the event starts. 

• 50% off select Amazon devices

• 40% off select kitchen appliances

• 65% off bestselling print books

• Up to 45% off Bose headphones, earbuds, and speakers

• Up to 40% off select apparel and footwear, including 50% off Zappos listings and 35% off select denim brands

• Up to 50% off vacuums from Shark and eufy

• Up to 50% off select Samsonite luggage

One thing we know for sure is that Amazon will have its own products heavily discounted for the event, including Amazon Echo devices, Amazon Fire tablets, the retail giant’s excellent Kindle devices, and more. If you’ve been hankering for a new Kindle or Echo device, they will definitely be on sale, and they’ll likely be the best deals of the year for Amazon Prime members. 

Do you have to be an Amazon Prime member to view sales?

No, the deals will be listed regardless of whether or not you’re a Prime member. You just won’t be able to shop all of them unless you have a Prime subscription. As the name suggests, you have to be an Amazon Prime member to take advantage of Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sales. There will likely be many things on sale that you can purchase without a Prime membership, but if it’s a sale specific to the event, you won’t be able to take advantage of it without an Amazon Prime subscription of some sort. 

Is Prime Big Deal Days worth it?

We say yes, with some caveats. It's a common myth that Amazon doesn't actually offer bigger discounts during Prime Day, because popular products like AirPods, MacBooks, and Sony headphones are almost always on sale. However, even many so-called "always on" deals get even better during Prime Day. That said, Amazon and other retailers often inflate the savings to appear bigger than they really are.

A valuable resource for shoppers is CamelCamelCamel, an app that shows you the price history of Amazon products. Before pulling the trigger, check with CamelCamelCamel to make sure that you’re actually getting a good deal. If CamelCamelCamel shows that the item is that same price all the time, then it’s not really on sale, it just has a “sale” tag posted on it, and you’re probably not getting a good deal. 

Is my country eligible for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days?

According to Amazon, Prime Big Deal Days will be available in 19 countries. They include:

• Australia

• Belgium

• Brazil

• Canada

• Colombia

• France

• Germany

• Ireland

• Italy

• Japan

• Mexico

• Netherlands

• Poland

• Singapore

• Spain

• Sweden

• Türkiye (Turkey)

• United States

• United Kingdom

Are there discounts for Amazon Prime right now?

In terms of promotions for the subscription itself, there aren’t any Amazon Prime deals happening right now. You’ll have to pay the full price of $14.99 per month or $139 per year. However, Amazon does have Prime Access, a version of Amazon Prime that includes all of the perks for 50 percent off. This version of Amazon Prime is restricted to folks with EBT or other government assistance. Amazon doesn’t specifically list what the qualifications are, but you can click this link to fill out a form with the proper documentation to see if you qualify. 

In addition, Amazon offers no-cost 30-day trials (and 6-month trials if you're between the ages of 18 and 24). If you're not a Prime member, that means you can sign up for free. So long as you cancel in time, there's no cost for the membership.

• Sign up for Amazon Prime — 30-day trial, $14.99 per month

• Sign up for Prime for Young Adults — 6-month trial, $7.49 per month

What is the purpose of Amazon Prime Day?’

Historically, Amazon Prime Day was started in 2015 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Amazon and the 10th anniversary of Amazon Prime. There doesn’t seem to be a reason why the Prime Big Deal Days even exists in October, but it’s probably to preempt Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November. 

Otherwise, it depends on who you ask. If you ask Amazon, the company will tell you it’s a giant sales event meant to help save money for its Prime members. If you ask a cynic on Reddit, they may tell you that it’s a marketing ploy to get people to sign up for Amazon Prime membership, boosting numbers before the end of the year so its earnings reports look better. There’s even a conspiracy theory that these shopping events exist to move aging stock to make room for upcoming products.

None of these answers are necessarily wrong, they’re just difficult to quantify. Lots of retailers offer discounts on older products to clear space for new releases. However, the sales do actually save people money as Amazon says, so it’s one of those scenarios where everyone appears to be right to some degree. 

Can I return items purchased on Prime Day?

Yes. Buying an item on Prime Day or Prime Big Deals Day is no different than buying it any other time and the return policy is the same either way. Prime members can still benefit from free returns.

How do I contact Amazon customer service with a problem?

Like most big tech companies, Amazon will try to push you to its online self-service portal when you have a customer service problem. Amazon also recently introduced Rufus, it's automated AI assistant. If you want to get in touch with a real-live person, it can take some work.

To contact Amazon customer service, Prime members can try the following methods:

• Email cs-reply@amazon.com 

• Call Amazon at 1-888-280-4331

• Visit the Customer Service help page

• Contact Amazon Customer Service via social media via @amazonhelp on X, @amazon on Instagram, and www.facebook.com/Amazon

• Talk to Amazon's new AI assistant Rufus

Fans worldwide are expressing disappointment after Taylor Swift allegedly used AI-generated videos to help promote her new album, The Life of a Showgirl.

To be clear, it has neither been confirmed that the videos in question are AI — though it certainly seems that way — nor is it clear that Swift was directly involved in the creation of the videos. The allegedly AI-generated videos surfaced via 12 "orange doors" with QR codes placed in major global cities. Those QR codes led to videos related to Showgirl. It's the classic Easter egg tactic Swift has made famous.

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But once those videos made their way online, people began to notice they seemed to be made with AI. Here's a good breakdown on TikTok about parts of videos that appear to be AI.

SEE ALSO: Did Taylor Swift swipe a lyric from a TikTok creator?

Folks online, including seemingly some Swifties, were disappointed that Swift would use AI in a promotional campaign for Showgirl. Why would an impossibly wealthy artist choose to use AI-generated works rather than pay artists for the actual work that AI poorly replicates?

Swift also famously fought to own her back catalog of music, and using AI — a technology that scrapes other folks' work to create its own content — would seem to run counter to that ethos.

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It's also worth noting that Swift has worked against AI-generated content when it directly affects her. She spoke out in support of Kamala Harris after then-presidential candidate Donald Trump used AI-generated art to suggest Swifties supported him in 2024. Swifties also mobilized to protect Swift after AI-generated deepfakes of the singer surfaced online.

Perhaps the videos rely on (poorly done) visual effects created by humans. But if the videos are actually AI, there are certainly a lot of disappointed people online.

OpenAI launched Sora, its AI video app for iOS users, last week, and it quickly shot to the top position on the Apple App Store charts — despite the fact that the app is invite-only.

Powered by the Sora 2 video model, the Sora app lets users create and share AI videos in a TikTok-like feed. If you've gained access to Sora, you've probably noticed a common thread on the platform: There's a lot of copyrighted content being used for these AI-generated videos. Mashable's tech editor said over the weekend that the Sora app feed was dominated by popular characters from SpongeBob Squarepants, Rick & Morty, and various Nintendo franchises. CNBC also reported on one popular Sora video featuring OpenAI CEO Sam Altman standing alongside Pokémon characters.

"I hope Nintendo doesn't sue us," the AI-generated Altman says in the video.

If you assumed OpenAI cleared the use of intellectual property like Pokémon with copyright holders like The Pokémon Company or Nintendo, you'd be wrong.

An OpenAI representative told Mashable that the company is taking an opt-out approach when it comes to copyright, pointing to the company's Copyright Dispute form. This means intellectual property is fair game unless the copyright holder contacts OpenAI and opts-out from the platform. In fact, an OpenAI spokesperson told Mashable that copyright holders cannot request a blanket opt-out for their IPs. Instead, copyright holders must request specific characters be blocked or flag specific videos.

OpenAI appears to realize that it needs to work more with copyright holders, however. Over the weekend, users began sharing screenshots of "Content Violation" warnings. In the freewheeling days after the app's launch, users could make videos featuring all sorts of copyrighted material, but that seems to be changing fast.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. SEE ALSO: Sora 2 app: 7 weird AI videos people have already made with the new OpenAI tool

Interestingly, the Wall Street Journal reported that before Sora's launch, OpenAI reached out to talent agencies and film studios to notify them about Sora and that their copyrighted works could appear in the app.

In an Oct. 3 post on his personal blog, OpenAI CEO Altman told users to "expect a very high rate of change," and admitted that OpenAI would need to monetize Sora to cope with user demand.

"We are hearing from a lot of rightsholders who are very excited for this new kind of 'interactive fan fiction' and think this new kind of engagement will accrue a lot of value to them, but want the ability to specify how their characters can be used (including not at all)," Altman wrote.

In addition, in a post on X published on Sunday, OpenAI's Head of Sora Bill Peebles said that the company is going to put restrictions on the app's cameos feature. The cameos feature in Sora allows users to upload real video of themselves in order to enable Sora users to generate AI content with their likeness and image.

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According to Peebles, Sora users will be able to choose exactly how their likeness is used. Peebles used the example of users putting restrictions such as "don't put me in videos that involve political commentary" or "don't let me say this word."

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

OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman want ChatGPT to evolve beyond a conversational tool into a full-fledged digital assistant — one that can use other apps for you. The company announced a new initiative to create a "new generation of apps in ChatGPT," allowing users to connect and interact directly with third-party services inside the chatbot.

The new feature was unveiled during OpenAI’s Dev Day, during which the company showcased several live demos highlighting how this could work in practice. In one example, ChatGPT connected to Spotify to generate a playlist based on the user’s favorite songs, created and saved automatically within the Spotify app.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft launches Copilot Mode in Edge for agentic AI browsing. How to try it.

Another demo showed an OpenAI engineer tagging Canva in the chat to design a poster for a dog-walking business. After specifying that it should look whimsical and bright with a sans-serif font, ChatGPT returned multiple poster options generated through Canva. The system prompts users for permission the first time an app is connected, but once approved, it can use that app freely in future chats.

OpenAI also demonstrated educational and real estate integrations, like creating a machine learning lesson plan via Coursera and finding homes for sale in Pittsburgh through Zillow.

Starting today, ChatGPT users can connect to apps including Spotify, Canva, Booking.com, Expedia, Coursera, Zillow, and Figma. Altman added that more integrations, such as DoorDash and Uber, are coming later this year. Additionally, developers will soon be able to submit their own apps for review and publication within ChatGPT. OpenAI also plans to launch a dedicated app directory, giving users an easier way to discover and install integrations. As for monetization, Altman says the company will share more details in the near future.

This push marks a key step in OpenAI’s broader vision of agentic AI, especially after the company recently introduced Instant Checkout, a feature that lets users make purchases directly in chat.

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

SAVE $60: As of Oct. 6, you can pick up a Kindle Paperwhite at Woot for only $99.99. That's 38% off the usual list price and beats its best price ever on Amazon by $30. There's just one catch: they may have blemishes.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16GB) $99.99 at Woot
$159.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal

With Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event kicking off tomorrow, Oct. 7, we're expecting some of the best prices of the season on Kindle devices. But I'm fairly confident none of those deals will beat this Paperwhite deal at Amazon's daily deals site Woot (though I'm happy to be wrong).

As of Oct. 6, you can pick up a new Kindle Paperwhite (2024) at Woot for only $99.99. That's 38% or $60 off the usual list price of $159.99. The Paperwhite has only ever dropped as low as $129.99 at Amazon, so this is by far the best price we've seen on our favorite Kindle device. That's also cheaper than the most basic Kindle. But, of course, there's a slight catch.

While these Kindle Paperwhite devices are brand new, Woot writes that they "may have a slight blemish on the screen." If a tiny aesthetic imperfection is no big deal for you, then you're good to go. The device is still backed by a 90-day warranty at Woot, should any issue arise. Plus, you can always send it back if the blemish is too much of an eyesore.

As I mentioned above, the Kindle Paperwhite is our top pick for a Kindle (though I personally own the basic Kindle and also highly recommend it!). Mashable's e-reader expert Sam Mangino writes that it's "as good as an e-reader can get with its responsive interface, quick-turning pages, and lightweight design." It's also waterproof (unlike the basic Kindle), comes with adjustable screen warmth and brightness, and can last up to 12 weeks per charge.

October Prime Day is coming up quickly, but Apple AirPods deals are taking their time to trickle in.

The two-day sale, officially dubbed Prime Big Deal Days, doesn't start until Oct. 7, but we started to see early deals pop up a week in advance. There are a fair number of deals on Apple products, including AirPods — but the price cuts have been a little slower than expected.

SEE ALSO: What is Prime Big Deal Days? Everything you need to know and what deals to expect.

A day before the big sale, we're finally seeing a few significant discounts — particularly on the AirPods 4. While they haven't reached their record-low price, they're within a dollar of it. The AirPods Max have also finally dropped in price to $429.99. That's the biggest discount we've seen since Prime Day proper in July. Fingers crossed the price drops even further once the shopping event officially kicks off.

The AirPods Pro 2 are still $199 following the release of the AirPods Pro 3 — though they did very briefly fall to $169.99 for less than 24 hours. It's a little disappointing, considering the Pro 2 buds are down to $199 often enough that we consider it their standard market price. If you can, we recommend waiting until their price drops further. Historically, shopping events like Prime Day have brought the earbuds down to record-low prices.

The AirPods Pro 3, on the other hand, aren't on sale yet — though we have already seen a minor price dip following their recent release.

Below, find all the Apple AirPods deals available ahead of October Prime Day 2025.

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $89.99 at Amazon
$129 Save $39.01 Get Deal Why we like it

A great value for the price, the AirPods 4 feature personalized spatial audio; voice isolation; Siri interactions; improved bass, mids, and highs; a comfortable and snug fit; and a more compact charging case that's easier to find. They come in two options: with or without active noise cancellation. Either option you choose, Mashable's reviewer noted that, "They sound like honey." Not to mention, they actually stay put in your ears when sprinting on a treadmill, which is no easy feat. Both options last up to five hours per charge (30 with the charging case), making them excellent daily drivers. If noise cancellation doesn't matter to you, the entry-level AirPods 4 are the best option for your wallet at just $89.99 ahead of October Prime Day. That's 99 cents shy of their best price on record. If you upgrade to the pair with ANC, it'll cost you an extra $50.

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

More Apple AirPods deals

• Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation — $139.99 $179 (save $39.01)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 — $199 $249 (save $50)

• Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) — $429.99 $549 (save $119.01)

Amazon can never run a sale all by itself. As the retail giant gears up for its annual Prime Big Deal Days event on Oct. 7 and 8, Best Buy has kicked off a competing "Techtober Sale" that's live through Oct. 12.

A Best Buy representative tells me via email that the weeklong event includes "some of the hottest deals this fall on tech like laptops, TVs, headphones, video games, electric bikes and more." New markdowns get added to the sale every day, and all featured deals are available online, in the Best Buy mobile app, and in stores.

Best Buy's best anti-Prime Day deals at a glance: Best Apple deal Apple AirTag $19.99 (save $9.01) Get Deal Best Windows laptop deal Asus Zenbook A14 (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $579.99 (save $420) Get Deal Best TV deal TCL 75-inch QM5K 4K QD-Mini LED TV $599.99 (save $600) Get Deal Best streaming device deal Google TV Streamer 4K $84.99 (save $15) Get Deal Best vacuum deal iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max + AutoWash Dock $599.99 (save $800) Get Deal

Amazon has been hosting a two-day fall savings event for members of its Prime program every year since 2022 — and every year since 2022, Best Buy has held its own concurrent sale. (Previously, it came in the form of a 48-Hour Flash Sale.) Best Buy also times a savings event to run alongside Amazon's big flagship Prime Day sale in July, so this sort of counter-programming is par for the course.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's October Prime Day is coming on October 7 — here are 30+ early deals to shop now

Best Buy isn't the only retailer giving Amazon a run for its money this month. Walmart is having a "Walmart Deals" event from Oct. 7 to 12, and Target is hosting one of its Circle Week sales from Oct. 5 to 11. Notably, Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days is the only event that locks its deals behind a paid membership.

I've spent several hours combing through the Techtober Sale to find the deals worth buying from Best Buy instead of Amazon this week. So far, I've identified over five dozen products that are either price-matched or cheaper at Best Buy, or only available on sale there. That's either because Amazon doesn't carry the item (see: my beloved Asus Zenbook A14, now just $580) or because it sold out on Amazon (see: the iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max + AutoWash Dock, now just $600).

I've listed my Techtober Sale findings below, and I'm planning on refreshing them as new deals pop up throughout the week; check back soon.

Apple dealsAirPods

• Apple AirPods 4 — $89.99 $129 (save $39.01)

• Apple AirPods 4 with ANC — $139.99 $129 (save $39.01)

• Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) — $429.99 $549 (save $119.01)

Apple Watches

• Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) — $329 $399 (save $70)

• Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS + cellular, 46mm) — $479 $529 (save $50)

• Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + cellular, 49mm) — $649 $799 (save $150)

iPads

• Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 128GB) — $299 $349 (save $50)

• Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 128GB) — $399 $499 (save $100)

• Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) — $449 $599 (save $150)

• Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) — $649 $799 (save $150)

• Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 256GB) — $1,099 $1,299 (save $200)

MacBooks

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4 chip, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $799 $999 (save $200)

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4 chip, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $999 $1,199 (save $200)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,399 $1,599 (save $200)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $2,249 $2,499 (save $250)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M4 Max, 36GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $3,099 $3,499 (save $400)

Apple accessories

• Apple AirTag — $19.99 $29 (save $9.01)

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $64.99 $99 (save $34.01)

Windows laptop deals

Note: Paid My Best Buy members (Plus and Total) get a $50 bonus reward when they spend at least $499 on select Windows laptops.

• Asus Zenbook A14 (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $579.99 $999.99 (save $420)

• HP OmniBook 5 16 (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $599.99 $799.99 (save $200)

• Microsoft Surface Laptop, 13-inch (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB UFS) — $849.99 $999.99 (save $150)

• HP OmniBook X 17 (Intel Core Ultra 7 256V, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $879.99 $1,349.99 (save $470)

• Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge, 16-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $899.99 $1,449.99 (save $550)

• Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 13.8-inch (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $949.99 $1,199.99 (save $250)

• Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,799.99 $2,399.99 (save $600)

2-in-1 laptops

• HP OmniBook 5 Flip 14 (Intel Core 7 150U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $549.99 $799.99 (save $250)

• Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1 16 (AMD Ryzen AI 5 340, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $599.99 $999.99 (save $400)

• Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1 14 (AMD Ryzen AI 5 340, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $649.99 $1,049.99 (save $400)

• Dell Plus 2-in-1 14 (AMD Ryzen AI 7 350, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $749.99 $999.99 (save $250)

• Microsoft Surface Pro 11, 13-inch (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) + Keyboard Bundle — $999.99 $1,349.99 (save $350)

• HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 (Intel Core Ultra 7 256V, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,099.99 $1,599.99 (save $500)

• Microsoft Surface Pro 11, 13-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,149.99 $1,499.99 (save $350)

Gaming laptops

• Lenovo LOQ (AMD Ryzen 5 7235HS, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 12GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $549.99 $879.99 (save $330)

• HP Victus 15 (Intel Core i7-13620H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,049.99 $1,369.99 (save $320)

• Asus TUF Gaming A16 (AMD Ryzen 9 270, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,349.99 $1,699.99 (save $350)

• Alienware 16X Aurora (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 32GB RAM, 1TB SDD) — $1,399.99 $1,799.99 (save $400)

TV deals43-inch TVs

• Hisense 43-inch QD6 QLED 4K Fire TV — $149.99 $299.99 (save $150)

• Samsung 43-inch Q7F QLED 4K TV — $349.99 $399.99 (save $50)

50- to 58-inch TVs

• Toshiba 50-inch C350 LED 4K Fire TV — $189 $349.99 (save $160.99)

• TCL 55-inch F35 4K LED Fire TV — $199.99 $329.99 (save $130)

• TCL 58-inch S5 4K LED Fire TV — $229.99 $379.99 (save $150)

• Hisense 50-inch QD6 QLED 4K Fire TV — $239.99 $329.99 (save $90)

• Hisense 55-inch QD6 QLED 4K Fire TV — $259.99 $379.99 (save $120)

• Samsung 55-inch Q7F QLED 4K TV — $399.99 $529.99 (save $130)

65-inch TVs

• TCL 65-inch F35 4K LED Fire TV — $299.99 $399.99 (save $100)

• LG 65-inch 70A QNED AI 4K TV — $449.99 $579.99 (save $130)

75-inch TVs and bigger

• Toshiba 75-inch C350 LED 4K Fire TV — $399 $729.99 (save $330.99)

• TCL 75-inch QM5K 4K QD-Mini LED TV — $599.99 $1,199.99 (save $600)

• LG 75-inch 70A QNED AI 4K TV — $649.99 $899.99 (save $250)

• Samsung 75-inch Q7F QLED 4K TV — $699.99 $999.99 (save $300)

• LG 77-inch B5 OLED AI 4K TV — $1,599.99 $2,999.99 (save $1,400)

Streaming device deals

• Roku Streaming Stick — $17.99 $29.99 (save $12)

• Roku Streaming Stick 4K — $29.99 $49.99 (save $20)

• Google TV Streamer 4K — $84.99 $99.99 (save $15)

Vacuum dealsRobot vacuums

• iRobot Roomba 105 Vac + AutoEmpty Dock — $279.99 $449.99 (save $170)

• Shark Matrix RV2320S — $299.99 $499.99 (save $200)

• iRobot Roomba 105 Combo + AutoEmpty Dock — $299.99 $469.99 (save $170)

• iRobot Roomba Max 705 Vac + AutoEmpty Dock — $599.99 $899.99 (save $300)

• iRobot Roomba Plus 505 Combo + AutoWash Dock — $599.99 $999.99 (save $400)

• iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max + AutoWash Dock — $599.99 $1,399.99 (save $800)

• Roborock Saros Z70 — $1,399.99 $2,599.99 (save $1,200)

Stick vacuums

• Dyson V11 Plus — $529.99 $629.99 (save $100)

Early Prime Big Deal Days noise-cancelling headphone deals Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Deal Sony Ult Wear $249.99 (Save $101.99) Get Deal Best noise-cancelling earbuds deal Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation (wired case) $35 (save $85) Get Deal

Audio fans, look alive — Amazon's October Prime Day sale is about to begin. From Oct. 7 through Oct. 8, you can score discounts on just about everything the retailer has to offer. This pre-Black Friday sale is known for offering up some historically low prices on goodies from tablets to laptops and everything in between, including headphones.

SEE ALSO: What is Prime Big Deal Days? Everything you need to know and what deals to expect.

But you don't have to wait until Oct. 7 to start shopping. Amazon already has tons of deals on offer ahead of the main event on everything from MacBooks to outdoor supplies and, of course, noise-cancelling headphones. Ahead of the sale, the Apple AirPods Max headphones have dropped nearly $120 in price, while some of our budget favorites like the JLab JBuds Lux ANC and Amazon Echo Buds with ANC have also taken steep price cuts.

Below, find some of our picks for our favorite early noise-cancelling headphone October Prime Day deals.

Best noise-cancelling headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Sony Ult Wear $148 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $101.99 Get Deal Why we like it

These cushy over-ear headphones are an excellent all-rounder choice if you want a good pair of noise-cancelling cans. Mashable's Miller Kern noted in her review that they "prioritize bass and provide punchy sound without sacrificing quality", and they rock 30 hours of battery life so you can listen for marathon sessions without having to charge up. Their boosted bass options, comfortable ear cups, and ability to supercharge your music, no matter what you listen to, can't be understated, and at this price, you're getting an excellent pair of headphones that can block out the world and keep you bopping too.

Check out our full review of the Sony ULT Wear headphones.

More early October Prime Day noise-cancelling headphones deals

• JLab JBuds Lux ANC — $48.99 $79.99 (save $31)

• Anker Soundcore Space Q45 — $129.99 $149.99 (save $20)

• Beats Studio Pro — $169.99 $349.99 (save $180)

• Sennheiser Momentum 4 — $249.95 $449.95 (save $200)

• Dyson OnTrac — $249.99 $499 (save $249.01)

• Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) — $429.99 $549 (save $119.01)

• Bowers & Wilkins Px8 — $529.99 $699 (save $169.01)

Best noise-cancelling earbuds deal Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation (wired case) $34.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $85 Get Deal Why we like it

While these aren't the newest earbuds on the market (they came out in 2021), at $35, they do offer some of the best bang for your buck on noise-cancelling earbuds. If you can put up with a middling battery life and overly sensitive touch panels, the Echo Buds with ANC are "a steal for anyone who wants to dip their toes into the world of ANC without setting their wallet on fire," as Mashable's Alex Perry wrote in his review. This deal is exclusive to Prime members.

Check out our full review of the Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation.

More early October Prime Day noise-cancelling earbuds deals

• Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation (wired case) — $34.99 $119.99 (save $85)

• Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation (wireless case) — $44.99 $139.99 (save $95)

• Apple AirPods 4 with ANC — $139.99 $179 (save $39.01)

• Renewed Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) — $139.99 $209.99 (save $70)

Best October Prime Day Dyson deals Best cordless vacuum deal Dyson V11 Origin Cordless Vacuum $399.99 (save $230) Get Deal Best upright vacuum deal Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean Upright Vacuum $659.99 (save $250) Get Deal

Whether you’re a Dyson stan or not, you’d probably still agree that Dyson products have become somewhat of a “gold standard” within the industry. (I mean, that 2023 New York Times article on how Dyson’s cordless stick vacuum became a “status symbol” still lives rent-free in my head.) But premium quality usually comes with a premium price tag to match.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Prime Day vs. Black Friday: When are the deals better?

That's why we recommend waiting for a major sales event to splurge. Amazon’s October Prime Day (officially “Prime Big Deal Days”) kicks off tomorrow, Oct. 7, but a bunch of early Dyson deals are already live. We're tracking the prices across Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Dyson's own store to find the absolute best savings. Here are the top early Prime Day Dyson deals you can shop right now:

Best cordless vacuum deal Dyson V11 Origin Cordless Vacuum $399.99 at Amazon
$629.99 Save $230 Get Deal Why we like it

If you’re trying to get into the Dyson fam for less than $500, then the Dyson V11 Origin Cordless Vacuum is a solid choice. Mashable’s vacuum cleaner queen and senior shopping reporter, Leah Stodart, says the V11 line offers a decent battery life (up to 60 minutes) for the price and a pretty good suction for tackling various household cleaning tasks.

The best price on this model is currently at Amazon. As of Oct. 6, you can get it for $399.99, down from $629.99. That's a 37% discount and $230 in savings.

• Amazon: $399.99 $629.99 (save $230)

• Walmart: $569 $629.99 (save $60.99) Note: This is technically on sale, but not officially "on sale" on the Walmart website.

• Dyson: $629.99 (not on sale)

• Target: $629.99 (not on sale)

More Dyson cordless vacuum deals

• Dyson V15 Detect Plus Cordless Vacuum — $569.99 $849.99 (save $280)

• Dyson V8 Origin Cordless Vacuum — $299.99 $439.99 (save $140 with Target Circle)

• Dyson Car+Boat Handheld Vacuum — $279.99 $299.99 (save $20)

Best upright vacuum deal Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean Upright Vacuum $409.99 at Amazon
$659.99 Save $250 Get Deal Why we like it

If you need the kind of deep clean that only an upright vacuum can provide, the Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean Upright Vacuum is the way to go. It's especially ideal for pet owners or anyone with a larger home, and it comes with eight different accessories to tackle any job. The vacuum features a self-adjusting cleaner head, a motorized brush bar, and whole-machine filtration to catch and destroy allergens on site. You’ll also get a five-year limited warranty and lifetime support when you register your vacuum on the MyDyson app.

The best price on this model is currently at Amazon. As of Oct. 6, you can get it for $409.99, down from $659.99. That's a 38% discount and $250 in savings.

• Amazon: $409.99 $659.99 (save $250)

• Walmart: $589.99 $659.99 (save $70)

• Dyson: $659.99 (not on sale)

• Target: Unavailable

Even more early Prime Day Dyson deals

• Dyson OnTrac™ Headphones — $249.99 $499 (save $249.01)

• Dyson Hot+Cool™ AM09 — $349.99 $499.99 (save $150)

• Dyson Purifier Cool TP07 — $399.99 $649.99 (save $250)

• Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool™ Gen1 HP10 — $429.98 $579.99 (save $150.01)

OpenAI's second-generation AI video model, Sora 2, is stirring up controversy, less than a week after the AI giant unveiled the highly anticipated tool and its corresponding app.

The hubbub stems from Sora 2's impressive but alarming ability to generate just about anything in precise detail. Shortly after its launch, users flooded the platform — pitched as a video-forward social media app in the likeness of TikTok or Reels — with alleged celebrity deepfakes, sensitive political content, and licensed characters.

SEE ALSO: Sora 2, Vibes, Feed: How much AI video do we need?

Sora 2's safeguards are seemingly more robust than its competitors — such as those on Grok — reported Mashable tech editor Timothy Beck Werth. Sora 2 has easy reporting mechanisms for sexual and violent content, harassment, and child endangerment. As a way to prevent deepfakes, Sora 2 is also supposed to block users from uploading content that features faces. In theory, Sora 2's face ban should prevent users from creating a deepfake of someone without their consent. But OpenAI's own solution to nonconsensual deepfakes, a feature known as Cameos, has posed its own problems.

Cameos are "reusable characters” modeled after users based on audio and video that they upload. Users have to opt-in to their own deepfake, and can then grant access to their digital likeness on four levels: Only you, people you approve, friends, or everyone. Until now, that was the extent to which Cameos could be controlled, meaning if you had your Cameo toggled to app-wide access, your likeness could be made to do just anything.

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Responding to user concerns, OpenAI has since acknowledged the safety issues free access to someone's digital likeness can pose, announcing new content restrictions for the Cameos. Here's what you need to know if you're trying to make your Cameo a star.

How to protect your Cameo

In an X post by Sora head Bill Peebles, users were directed to a thread by OpenAI technical staffer Thomas Dimson, explaining that the new Cameo settings include both content preferences and restrictions.

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To lock down your Cameo, go to your profile. Select "settings" and then "edit cameo." Tap on "Cameo preferences" and choose "restrictions."

From there, users can set more precise limits on what their Cameo can do and say using text prompts, like "Don't put me in videos that involve political commentary" or "Don't let me say this word," Peebles explained. You can also ensure that your Cameo appears with specific details, such as wearing an identifying clothing item.

If you want to make sure no one but you can use your likeness, make sure you've selected "only me" in the "Cameo rules" section. And if you don't want to make a Cameo at all, users can opt-out while signing up.

Peebles added that Sora 2 is still undergoing tweaks to its model safety, and will be making the Sora 2 watermark more distinct, acknowledging that users may be frustrated with "overmoderation" on the app. "We think it's important to be conservative here while the world is still adjusting to this new technology."

OpenAI’s ambitious hardware partnership with former Apple Chief Design Officer Jony Ive has reportedly hit a snag, according to sources cited by the Financial Times.

Those familiar with the project told the FT that Ive’s startup — acquired by OpenAI earlier this year — is facing both software and hardware challenges with the device. The product is envisioned as a palm-sized, screenless gadget capable of interpreting its surroundings through cameras and microphones. The goal is to create a conversational, contextually aware AI assistant similar to Humane’s Ai Pin or Friend AI, with a planned release sometime next year.

But realizing that vision appears to be proving difficult. The team is reportedly struggling to overcome key development hurdles, which could push the release back to 2027. Among the problems are issues with software architecture, infrastructure, and design integration needed to make the device viable at scale.

Privacy concerns are a major challenge, especially if the device is intended to operate as an "always-on" assistant. And then there’s cost: scaling the compute power needed for a consumer-level AI device could strain OpenAI’s already massive infrastructure budget.

A person close to Ive told the FT that OpenAI, compared to competitors like Google and Amazon, is "already struggling to get enough compute for ChatGPT, let alone an AI device." That’s hardly shocking, given that keeping ChatGPT online reportedly costs the company between $3 and $4 billion a year.

According to the report, the biggest sticking point is the "personality" of the AI itself. OpenAI reportedly wants it to feel like a friendly companion — without veering into the territory of a "weird AI girlfriend." As FT notes, devices like Friend AI have been criticized for the AI personality being "creepy" and "snarky." Many of OpenAI's ChatGPT models have also been criticized for being overly sycophantic as well. "OpenAI was looking for 'ways for it to be accessible but not intrusive,'" the FT writes.

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

Best early October Prime Day deals on portable power stations Best overall deal Anker Solix C1000 portable power station $429.00 at Amazon (save $360) Get Deal Best bundle deal with a solar panel EcoFlow Delta 2 portable power station with 220W solar panel $649 (save $650 + get a free 45W solar panel and a free carrying bag) Get Deal Best small portable power station deal Jackery Explorer 240 v2 $179 (save $70) Get Deal

Portable power stations are here to save the day, and that's not even an exaggeration. These puppies pack in the power to recharge your phone, laptop, keep the refrigerator cooling, and the WiFi router powered on during a storm. Portable power stations come in tons of sizes with various specialties like being great for camping or coming with enough juice to power your entire home for days should a major storm roll through.

We're just one day away from the kickoff Amazon's October Prime Day sale, but there are great deals already on offer. Some of my favorite portable power stations are already sitting at record-low prices at Amazon. Others come with freebies like solar panels and carrying cases. Whatever your portable power needs are, Amazon likely has a model in stock and on sale before Big Deals Days kicks off. Here are some highlights.

Best overall deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 portable power station $429 at Amazon
$799 Save $370 Get Deal Why we like it

Read our full review of the Anker Solix C1000 portable power station.

In my testing for the best portable power station, the Anker Solix C1000 emerged as the best overall option for most situations. It comes with a solid 1,056Wh of battery storage, it's easy to carry, is pretty lightweight, and it comes with a super useful light bar. Thanks to this Amazon pre-Prime Day sale, it's already at a record-low price of $429 which is a sweet 46% off the normal price of $799.

The Anker Solix C1000 takes just one hours to recharge and it's expandable should you decide you'd like more power. When testing, I used the Solix C1000 to use a projector for outdoor movie nights, cook dinner in the air fryer, and power up the coffee maker. The Solix C1000 comes with six AC power ports, two USB-A, and two USB-C ports, so there are plenty of options.

Best bundle deal with solar panel Opens in a new window Credit: EcoFlow EcoFlow Delta 2 portable power station with 220W solar panel $649 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $650 free 45W solar panel and carrying case included Get Deal Why we like it

One of the coolest aspects of relying on a portable power station is the ability to recharge via solar panels. If you're one for streamlining the purchase process, the EcoFlow Delta 2 is already on a major sale bundled with a 220W solar panel. In addition to that solar panel, Amazon is offering extra freebies with your purchase and you can add on a totally free 45W solar panel and a free carrying bag. That's a heck of a deal for the price of $649. On its own at full list price, the EcoFlow Delta 2 itself costs $699.

EcoFlow makes some of the best portable power stations and the Delta 2 comes with 1,024Wh of capacity and EcoFlow mentions this translates to recharging a phone almost 90 times or keeping a light on for 31 hours. So long as you have sunshine, that power can be limitless thanks to the included solar panels.

Best small portable power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 240 v2 $179 at Amazon
$249 Save $70 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're in the market for a portable power station that will keep phones and laptops charged during a power outage that doesn't cost a bunch, the Jackery Explorer 240 v2 could be the best option during Prime Day. Instead of paying the list price of $249, it's on sale for just $179. This smaller model offers two USB-C ports, one USB-A, and one AC. There's also a light that'll assist with plugging things in should you be in the dark.

More portable power station dealsAnker

• Anker Solix C300 DC Portable Power Station — $159.99 $249.99 (save $90)

• Anker Solix PowerHouse 535 Portable Power Station — $329.99 $499.99 (save $170)

• Anker Solix C800 Plus Portable Power Station — $426.55 $649 (save $222.45)

• Anker Solix C1000 Portable Power Station with 400W Solar Panel — $899 $1,998 (save $1,099)

• Anker Solix F2000 Portable Power Station — $949 $1,999 (save $1,050)

Bluetti

• Bluetti Elite 30 V2 Portable Power Station — $199 $249 (save $50)

• Bluetti AC200L Portable Power Station — $799 $1,599 (save $800)

• Bluetti Apex 300 Portable Power Station — $1,549 $2,399 (save $850)

EcoFlow

• EcoFlow Trail 300 DC Portable Power Station — $369 $538 (save $169 + get a free EcoFlow USB-C charger)

• EcoFlow River 2 Portable Power Station and River 3 Plus — $369 $538 (save $169)

• EcoFlow Delta 3 Portable Power Station — $519 $699 (save $180)

• EcoFlow Delta 2 Portable Power Station with 220W Solar Panel + free 45W solar panel + free carrying case — $649 $1,299 (save $650)

• EcoFlow Delta 2 Max Portable Power Station + free 45W solar panel — $949 $1,699 (save $750)

Jackery

• Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station — $169 $259 (save $90)

• Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 — $399 $799 (save $400)

• Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station — $799 $1,499 (save $700)

• Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus Portable Power Station — $1,699 $2,799 (save $1,100)

SAVE $120: As of Oct. 6, the first day of Best Buy's Techtober Sale, the Apple AirPods Max are on sale for $429.99 in every color. That's about 22% in savings and the lowest price we've seen since Amazon Prime Day in July.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) $429.99 at Best Buy
$549.99 Save $120 Get Deal

Best Buy's week-long Techtober Sale kicked off today as a way to compete with Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days (which officially kicks off tomorrow, Oct. 7). Different year, same old story. The retail giants typically have matching prices on major tech, but if you're looking to snag a pair of AirPods Max, I'd head to Best Buy. Here's why.

As of Oct. 6, Best Buy has the Apple AirPods Max on sale for $429.99 in every single color variety. That's about 22% off their outrageous list price and the best price we've seen since Amazon's July Prime Day sale. Amazon also has the AirPods Max on sale for the same price, but you're limited to just two colors at the time of writing: blue or starlight. If you'd rather have your pick of the bunch, Best Buy is the way to go.

The AirPods Max are stylish, sound great, offer excellent noise cancellation, easy-to-use controls, and solid battery life at 20 hours per charge. "When it comes down to it, the AirPods Max check off almost all the boxes for what makes an excellent pair of headphones," Mashable's reviewer writes. The only unchecked boxes are comfort and price. If you have a small head, they may not be the most comfortable headphones for you. And the $550 price tag is scarier than any Halloween movie on your watch list.

Honestly, I'd never recommend buying the AirPods Max unless they're on sale — which happens very sporadically. We saw the noise-cancelling Apple headphones reach their best price ever back in July (just $399). Since then, the price hasn't dipped below $479.99, making the current discount pretty significant.

Amazon is adding facial recognition capabilities to its Ring devices — but not everyone’s smiling about its new “familiar faces” feature.

According to an Oct. 3 report from The Washington Post, Amazon Ring is using facial recognition in its home security doorbells and video cameras so your door can recognize and identify people you might know — like a family member or neighbor — and privacy experts have some concerns.

Amazon isn't explicitly calling this tech facial recognition and is, instead, opting for "familiar faces." In a Sept. 30 news post about the update, Amazon said the tool "intelligently recognizes familiar people and empowers customers to reduce notifications triggered by familiar people's routine activities."

SEE ALSO: All the big takeaways from Amazon's fall hardware event: The Kindle Scribe is getting color

"The feature enriches Ring notifications, video events, and timeline with personalized context of who is detected, eliminating guesswork and making it effortless to find and review important moments involving specific familiar people across the Ring App experience," Amazon wrote.

The Post reported that the feature is optional for Ring device owners, but privacy advocates still aren't thrilled, since the people being recorded aren't able to consent to it. While you might already use facial recognition in some of your tech — like unlocking your phone — the Ring poses additional risks because of its history of social, privacy, and legal questions, the Post wrote. That's because the difference here is that you're choosing to use facial recognition to unlock your phone — the food delivery workers and kids playing on the street aren't making that choice with your doorbell camera.

"It’s troubling that companies are making a product that by design is taking biometric information from people who are doing the innocent act of walking onto a porch," Adam Schwartz, privacy litigation director for the consumer advocacy group Electronic Frontier Foundation told the Post.

As the New York Times' Wirecutter pointed out, Ring also has a new feature that allows users to instruct their cameras to automatically respond to specific visitors in specific ways via the Alexa+ Greetings, like calling your brother by name or telling your partner you love them or your neighbor to please leave you alone. Amazon also announced its AI-powered Search Party feature, which is intended to help find lost dogs. It's left on by default, according to The Verge.