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Hours before polls closed on Tuesday, news broke that Google effectively refused to turn off AI search for every school in America that uses its classroom products. 

The controversial development proved a surprisingly fitting prelude to the revelation that voters actually care a lot about artificial intelligence. 

Exit polling showed bipartisan concern over AI and data centers. In NBC News' national exit poll, 65 percent of Democrats and 39 percent of Republicans said both topics were a crucial or major factor for their Congressional ballot. 

SEE ALSO: Every historic win in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections

Voters ultimately approved more than 40 measures to slow or ban data center growth. Candidates calling for AI regulation, like Michigan senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed and South Carolina senator-elect Dr. Annie Andrews, defeated Republican competitors who championed AI. 

Experts say this midterm thrashing of Republicans is a rebuke of their pro-AI policies, along with the Silicon Valley executives who aligned themselves with President Donald Trump or donated hundreds of millions of dollars to help the GOP. 

"Voters have had enough: they want strong and effective guardrails now, and they’re demanding accountability," Michael Kleinman, head of US policy for the Future of Life Institute, said in a statement. "The AI reckoning is here." 

The AI backlash had been brewing

Though some Republicans initially seemed determined to wave off voter sentiment about AI, the angst was clear as early as May 2025 when the One Big Beautiful Bill Act included language that would ban states from regulating AI. One survey found registered voters overwhelmingly disliked the moratorium. Even former Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene opposed it.  

The measure was dropped from that legislation, but the Trump administration didn't stop trying to prohibit states from regulating AI. In Dec. 2025, Trump signed an executive order that would, among other things, punish states for passing "onerous" AI laws by withholding certain types of federal funding. 

Meanwhile, AI executives like OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei talked openly about possible doomsday scenarios wrought by out-of-control AI. Communities living alongside data centers began reporting concerns about public health, electricity prices, and environmental pollution. 

AI lawsuits and legislation

A string of lawsuits on behalf of children and adult AI users gave a haunting and heartbreaking look into how AI chatbots could allegedly talk them into exploitative sexual experiences, dangerous medical decisions, so-called psychosis, and even suicide. 

Still, states across the nation continued to pass AI regulations. Roughly a week before the election, New York governor Kathy Hochul signed what some advocates believe is the strongest AI chatbot legislation in the U.S. 

Outrage over AI in classrooms

Over the last year, an army of parent and education activists have lobbied to get Big Tech out of their kids' classrooms, including through various AI bans. 

Google's decision to withhold search from schools that ban AI, because the company will not provide a version of the product without AI Mode or AI Overviews, only further rankled advocates who feel they're David fighting Goliath.

"Schools should use this opportunity not only to turn off AI, but to teach students that 'Google' isn't a verb, but the name of a surveillance and advertising company whose presence in schools has nothing to do with learning and everything to do with developing lifetime brand loyalty," Josh Golin, executive director of the advocacy group Fairplay, said in a statement. 

New York Mayor Zohan Mamdani accused Google in a Bluesky post of using its "monopoly power" to force public schools into using its AI products. 

"No corporation should have the power to dictate how we teach our children," he wrote. 

SEE ALSO: Will the AI industry face a reckoning after Election Day? Where we go from here

There are loud calls for Democrats to use their newfound electoral power to hold Silicon Valley executives accountable and to pass meaningful regulation that reflects growing concern about data centers and the economic and social threats posed by AI. 

Alvaro Bedoya, a former commissioner of the United States Federal Trade Commission, offered a few strategies Wednesday on social media, including a subpoena of Google "for cramming AI down our kids['] throats," and subpoenas for health insurers using AI to automatically deny valid claims and triage mental health emergencies. 

The elected Democratic candidates themselves may look to quickly deliver on their campaign promises. Amy Acton, Gina Hinojosa, and Keisha Lance Bottoms, Democrats who won their gubernatorial races in Ohio, Texas, and Georgia, respectively, supported data center moratoriums or greater accountability for data center developers.

Criticism of AI and data centers made multiple appearances in Democratic victory speeches Tuesday night, suggesting the party is just getting started.

Virginia Senator Mark Warner acknowledged this in his own address after defeating a Republican challenger.

"From data centers to AI safety, to the notion that we’ve got to make sure that we create jobs for that next generation of college students coming out that are going to be meaningful...this is too important to be left to Donald Trump and a few of these tech bros making all the rules," Warner said.

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

The very best deals from the Sephora Savings Event: Best hair dryer/multistyler deal Shark FlexStyle 4-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer $179.10 for Sephora Beauty Insiders (save $119.90 with code ALLONSALE) Get Deal Best flat iron deal Shark Silki Pro 3-in-1 Hair Straightener, Styler & Dryer $179.10 for Sephora Beauty Insiders (save $69.90 with code ALLONSALE) Get Deal Best skincare tech deal Shark CryoGlow Plus Anti-Aging LED Face Mask $341.10 for Sephora Beauty Insiders (save $37.90 with code ALLONSALE) Get Deal Best personal fan deal Dyson HushJet Mini Cool $89.10 for Sephora Beauty Insiders (save $9.90 with code ALLONSALE) Get Deal

If you missed out on Amazon's massive Holiday Beauty Event last month, fret not. Sephora is doling out similarly good deals on beauty tech during its fall Savings Event (live now through Nov. 9). It's another chance to save on very giftable hair and skincare tools ahead of the holidays.

Here's how Sephora's Savings Event works: You can get anything on sale in stores and online by using the coupon code ALLONSALE at checkout. The only catch is that you need to be a member of Sephora's Beauty Insider rewards program, which is free to join. The higher your membership tier, the more you'll save:

• All Beauty Insider members get 10% off minimum.

• Beauty Insider VIB members get 15% off during the sale. To reach VIB status, you need to have spent at least $350 at Sephora in the past year.

• Beauty Insider Rouge members who spent at least $1,000 at Sephora this year get 20% off.

Crucially, you can stack these discounts on top of other existing markdowns at Sephora. At the time of writing, it was offering double discounts on most Shark tools, including the excellent Shark FlexStyle, SilkiPro, Glam, FacialPro Glow, Depuffi, and CryoGlow, one of Mashable's favorite Christmas gifts and one of our Gift of the Year winners.

After picking through Sephora's Savings Event, I've rounded up the 25 best beauty tech deals below. (I've cross-checked all of them with other retailers' listings to make sure no one's beating them.) The prices I've listed are what you'll pay as a Beauty Insider member, but again, you'll save even more with VIB or Rouge status.

Lastly, be sure to enter the code SPEEDY at checkout. It unlocks free same-day delivery on online orders of $75 or more in certain areas.

Best hair dryer and multistyler deals Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexStyle 4-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer $179.10 at Sephora
$299 Save $119.90 Use code ALLONSALE. Get Deal at Sephora Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexStyle NextGen: IonCurl 5-in-1 Air Styler, Curler & Hair Dryer $224.10 at Sephora
$349 Save $124.90 Use code ALLONSALE. Get Deal at Sephora

The Shark FlexStyle's unique twisting base and versatile attachments make it our all-time favorite Dyson Airwrap dupe. During the Sephora Savings Event, two versions of it are on sale for record-low prices.

The base FlexStyle includes two auto-wrap curlers, an oval styling brush, and a styling concentrator attachment; Sephora carries it in the limited-edition "winter pearl" colorway. The newer Shark FlexStyle Next-Gen: IronCurl, which launched this past July, has an extra anti-frizz attachment and wraps hair tighter around its barrels for longer-lasting curls. Read Mashable's full review of the Shark FlexStyle.

More hair dryer and multistyler deals

• Amika Blowout Babe Thermal Round Brush — $90 $100 (save $10)

• Shark Glossi 2-in-1 Blow Dryer Brush — $161.10 $179 (save $17.90)

• Dyson Airsmooth Styling Brush — $224.10 $249 (save $24.90)

• Dyson Supersonic Travel Hair Dryer — $269.99 $299.99 (save $30)

• Shark Glam 5-in-1 Multi-Styler, Air Straightener & Hair Dryer — $314.10 $449 (save $134.90)

• T3 Aire 360 Ceramic Air Styler — $314.10 $349 (save $34.90)

• Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer — $404.10 $449 (save $44.90)

• Dyson Supersonic r Hair Dryer — $494.10 $549 (save $54.90)

• Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler and Dryer Straight+Wavy — $584.10 $649 (save $64.90)

• Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler and Dryer Curly+Coily — $584.10 $649 (save $64.90)

• Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer Straight+Wavy — $629.10 $699 (save $69.90)

• Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer Curly+Coily — $629.10 $699 (save $69.90)

Best flat iron deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Silki Pro 3-in-1 Hair Straightener, Styler & Dryer $179.10 at Sephora
$249 Save $69.90 Use code ALLONSALE. Get Deal at Sephora

The Silki Pro is a wet-to-dry straightener with built-in temperature sensors that prevent it from getting too hot to the point of damaging your hair, and it comes with three comb attachments. Former Mashable reporter Leah Stodart said it took a while to tame her naturally coarse, curly hair, but that she was ultimately impressed with its results. "I showed up to happy hour with SilkiPro straightened hair, and my friend immediately commented on how healthy it looked," she wrote. Read Mashable's hands-on impressions of the Shark Silki Pro.

More flat iron deals

• Dyson Corrale Coolshine Hair Straightener — $296.10 $329 (save $32.90)

• Dyson Airstrait Straightener — $449.10 $499 (save $49.90)

Best skincare tech deals Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask $314.10 at Sephora
$349 Save $34.90 Use code ALLONSALE. Shop Now at Sephora Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark CryoGlow Plus Anti-Aging LED Face Mask $341.10 at Sephora
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Mashable staffers spent a full year testing various red light masks, and the Shark CryoGlow came out on top. According to Stodart, "It offers carefully curated settings that target signs of aging and acne." It also comes with under-eye cooling pads, which are "such a treat for anyone who hates mornings," she added.

The upgraded Shark CryoGlow Plus features a longer battery life and more LED bulbs for better coverage. Fun fact: This is the first time I've ever seen it go on sale. Read Mashable's full review of the Shark CryoGlow.

More skincare tech deals

• Shark Depuffi Hot & Cold Face Sculpting Tool — $179.10 $199 (save $19.90)

• Shark FacialPro Glow At-Home Facial System — $224.10 $249 (save $24.90)

• NuFace Mini+ Starter Kit — $225 $250 (save $25)

• NuFace Trinity+ Starter Kit — $355.50 $395 (save $39.50)

• Shark FacialPro Glow & DePuffi Bundle — $359.10 $399 (save $39.90)

Best personal fan deals Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson HushJet Mini Cool $89.10 at Sephora
$99 Save $9.90 Use code ALLONSALE. Get Deal at Sephora Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark ChillPill 3-in-1 Portable Fan $134.10 at Sephora
$149 Save $14.90 Use code ALLONSALE. Get Deal at Sephora

Dyson and Shark both released powerful premium portable fans this spring. We prefer the latter's ChillPill because it comes with swappable misting and cooling attachments, but the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool is a good option if your budget is tighter. Either way, mind their noise levels if you use them indoors: They're quite loud at their upper settings. Read Mashable's full reviews of the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool and Shark ChillPill.

As Democrats celebrated midterm wins in Republican strongholds like Texas and Kansas, parts of the internet began to sound a lot like the Obama years. Users shared Hamilton clips, played "We Are Young," shared jokes and memes, and celebrated the "blue tsunami." Alongside the reactions came the question: Was millennial optimism back?

The phrase had already been circulating on TikTok well before election night. Over the past year, users on social media have been sharing nostalgic photos and videos of the late 2000s and early 2010s, often set to the Middle East's song "Blood," released 2009. Think Apple Photo Booth selfies, mustache accessories, statement necklaces, flower crowns, and the Lumineers playing through wired earbuds.

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But the appeal extends beyond the accessories and playlists, though. Younger people are drawn to the hopeful outlook they associated with the era. For those who experienced those years as children, the videos offer an imagined version of young adulthood shaped by Obama-era promises of change and an internet remembered as more personal and less governed by algorithms. As one X user put it, "I think millennial optimism invokes a particularly upsetting empty sense of loss in older Gen Zs bc it was so aspirational to us… like we saw it in real time but weren’t quite old enough to Be There, but it felt like a promised future that never came."

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Together, those references give a recognizable shape to the feeling behind "millennial optimism" content that can otherwise be difficult to describe. These videos evoke the expectation that good experiences lie ahead and that there are people to share them with. For younger users who were children during that period, the trend offers an imagined version of what entering adulthood might have felt like then.

After Democrats won control of the House and Senate on Nov. 3, that nostalgia has taken on a new meaning. For some people celebrating the results, the optimism they had been looking back on suddenly feels within reach.

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"Listening to millennial optimism music and repeating 'blue wave' over and over again," wrote one user. “Waking up to a blue Texas, I’m in tears; I can feel the millennial optimism coming," wrote another.

For some, the next step was turning up the volume. X user @sassykathy666 shared a video described as a post-election club celebration in Austin, with "We Are Young" playing in the background. "Millennial optimism up 10000000%,” wrote another user while sharing the clip. They aren't completely wrong about the numbers; "millennial optimism" is a breakout search term on Google, up 5,000 percent.

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Others dusted off the Hamilton soundtrack. "We're having Lin-Manuel Miranda write a new national anthem tomorrow," joked one user. "They just downloaded the Hamilton soundtrack to everyone's iPhones," wrote another. (The musical opened on Broadway during Obama's second term.)

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Why stop there? "They're gonna bring BuzzFeed back," wrote one user. BuzzFeed joined in with a "wait, give us a sec, changing our color scheme to blue." Sharing the exchange, another user added, "I can feel the millennial optimism starting."

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Of course, the years being remembered weren't uniformly hopeful. Millennials were also navigating the aftermath of the financial crisis, student debt, and an uncertain job market.

Still, the response to the midterms suggests why that feeling is worth revisiting. For those celebrating, the results offer a reason to believe their participation can help move things forward. What comes next will depend on how that energy carries beyond election night.

SEE ALSO: Trump posted through the U.S. midterm elections, and he wasn't happy

Election Day 2026 is one for the books.

Even as results continue to pour in, early victories are already shaking up the country. Americans expressed a resounding anti-AI data center sentiment across local ballots. People took to the streets in Texas to celebrate its new Democratic governor, the first in decades, and the success of James Talarico's viral campaign for Senate. The internet, a veritable feast of memes and emotional reactions, determined "Millennial Optimism" and "Woke 2.0" were back.

SEE ALSO: Voters approved more than 40 measures to slow or ban data center growth

So without further ado, here are all of the history-making wins out of Tuesday's already unprecedented midterm elections:

Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia

On Tuesday evening, Georgia governor-elect Bottoms became the first Black woman governor in the entire history of the United States. Bottoms is also the first Democrat to hold the office in 25 years, following a wave of support after Stacey Abrams' widely-followed gubernatorial run in 2018.

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Haaland, former U.S. Secretary of the Interior, became the first Native American woman to be elected governor, winning more than 57 percent of the New Mexico vote. Haaland campaigned on an explicit anti-Trump campaign, saying in her victory speech, "Democrats are entrusted to fight for our home. For New Mexico. Not New America."

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As Texas shifted blue for the first time in decades, waves of Texas voters celebrated the victory of Democratic Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa. Hinojosa unseated former Gov. Greg Abbot and became the state's first Latina governor.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Xavier Becerra in California

Becerra, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, defeated Trump-endorsed Steve Hilton to become the first Latino governor elected by California voters and the first Latino in the role in 150 years. The state's first Latino governor was Romualdo Pacheco, who was not voted into the role but succeeded the former governor in 1875.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Amy Acton of Ohio

As Governor-elect of Ohio, Acton is the first woman elected into the role by voters. She beat controversial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to become the first Democrat in the governor's mansion in 20 years.

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Crowley is the first Black man elected Governor of Wisconsin. He defeated staunchly conservative representative Tom Tiffany as a near-unknown.

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Current Attorney General of Nevada, Ford will be the state's first Black governor after flipping the previously Republican held position. Ford is one of several state attorneys general who has led a wave of litigation against major tech companies, including Meta.

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The only Republican Governor-elect on the list, Daniels is Florida's first Black governor. Daniels is one of many incoming and reelected Black governors, including Bottoms, Crowley, Ford, and Maryland incumbent Wes Moore.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Chris Pappas of New Hampshire

Pappas, representing New Hampshire, became the first openly gay man elected into the U.S. Senate.

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Flanagan, current lieutenant governor of Minnesota, is the first Indigenous woman to hold a Senate position.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan

In the culmination of an extremely viral campaign, El-Sayed won the Senate seat for Michigan. He is the country's first Muslim senator.

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Though Mars has the largest volcanoes in the solar system, many scientists have claimed they are long-extinct. No one has ever seen smoke or lava erupting from their towering summits.

But new evidence from a European spacecraft may force researchers to rethink that assumption: Maybe these volcanoes are not dead after all — just dormant.

SEE ALSO: Mars without its makeup can look a little blue. Here's why.

The shakeup comes from new research led by Alexander Trokhimovskiy, based on data from the European Space Agency's ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO), which studies gases in the Red Planet's air from space. The orbiter detected hydrogen chloride near Alba Mons, which sits in the northern hemisphere. The chemical is a foul-smelling gas that often vents from volcanoes. Nothing in Mars' weather or air chemistry points to why the gas collects in this one area.

Two cameras, Cassis and NASA's Hirise, also spotted fresh narrow cracks — some just inches to a foot or two wide — in the ground beneath where the gas appeared.

"Our findings suggest that Mars has retained enough internal heat to support volcanic activity until recently," said Daniel Mège, co-lead author from the Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences, in a statement, "and possibly still does." 

These observations, published in Science Advances on Wednesday, are clues that Mars may still be volcanically active, not just billions of years ago, with magma — hot, melted rock — still coursing beneath its surface. Mège has gone so far as to call the hydrogen chloride detection the "smoking gun." If true, Mars may have warm, wet pockets underground where life could survive. 

Featured Video For You How Project Hail Mary made a rock spider lovable

Despite the common belief that Mars' volcanoes are dead, scientists have spotted subtle clues over the years that they may not be. NASA's Insight lander, for example, recorded marsquakes, which could indicate magma movement is shaking the ground. Some hardened lava flows and ash eruptions in Tharsis, a huge volcanic plateau that includes Alba Mons, have been dated to only tens of millions of years ago, along with some in two other volcanic regions. Computer simulations suggest heat rising from deep inside Mars could still be melting rock under the plateau today.

What scientists haven't found is a clear sign of activity. Searches for heat or visible changes at the surface have come up empty. So has the hunt for sulfur dioxide, the gas scientists usually look for.

But the missing gas doesn't mean Mars' volcanoes are completely tapped out, the researchers say. Even on Earth, volcanoes don't always release it. After an eruption ends, a volcano often gives off little sulfur dioxide but continues leaking hydrogen chloride because the latter dissolves in the oozy melted rock below the surface. 

Martian rocks and soil also carry more chlorine compared to their water and sulfur than Earth rocks do. The research team figures that makes hydrogen chloride likely one of Mars' most common volcanic gases.

In this global map, the north pole is at the bottom and the equator is at the top. Credit: NASA / MGS / MOLA Science Team / FU Berlin infographic

The orbiter first detected the hydrogen chloride in Mars' thin air in 2020. The gas usually follows the seasons, accumulating in northern winter and dissipating by summer, rising and falling with the planet's dust and water cycles. 

One spot didn't follow that pattern. Every early northern summer the researchers checked, the gas surged in the same place — above cracks on the slopes of Alba Mons. Some of the cracks are in clusters stretching for miles, running along ridges up to about 100 feet high. The cracks cut through an icy surface layer that formed only about 630,000 years ago, which means they showed up sometime more recently. On a geological timescale, that would date them to practically yesterday.

The spacecraft measured the gas by looking through the Martian air toward the sun. The study focused on 78 of these observations over the region. The fact that the orbiter caught a handful of gas molecules from a source that may switch on only now and then surprised even the scientists. 

"These findings may prove to be TGO's greatest success yet," said Colin Wilson, the European Space Agency's project scientist for the spacecraft. 

Spacecraft first detected hydrogen chloride in Mars' thin air in 2020. Credit: NASA / MOLA Science Team

The team thinks volcanic gases spew out of the cracks, much like the vents on Earth. In winter, temperatures drop to -184 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing ice to seal the openings. When summer arrives, the ice turns straight into vapor, skipping over the liquid phase. The escaping gas may leave deposits behind, according to the research, which could explain discoloration around the cracks.

Gases like this may have been more plentiful long ago. They could have helped thicken Mars' atmosphere and warmed its climate, perhaps allowing liquid water to cover much of the planet, according to the team.

Those cracks could also lead somewhere promising: places where rising liquid rock meets underground water.

"Looking for Martian life in the seeping fissures of the Alba Mons region would make a lot of sense," Mège said. "If hydrothermal systems are active, they could contain the ingredients and energy needed for microorganisms to develop and shield microorganisms from the hostile and changing environment above the surface."

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Since the beginning of VisionQuest, the show has introduced a variety of antagonists, from mercenary Paladin (Todd Stashwick) to the returning Ultron (James Spader), this time in a human avatar. Yet the show's true big bad, the shadowy figure pulling all the strings, has remained a mystery. Known simply as the Client, he's been hunting Vision (Paul Bettany) throughout the show's run, manifesting solely as a shadowy figure watching from the sidelines.

SEE ALSO: 'VisionQuest': Your guide to every AI character in the MCU's newest show

However, by the end of VisionQuest's penultimate episode, the Client has stepped into the light. And honestly? His face reveal has left us with more questions than answers.

The Client is Ultron's doppelganger.

At the end of episode 7, the Client manages to capture both Vision and Jocasta (T'Nia Miller), the synthezoid created from scientist Josephine Carrington's (Miller) mind. Vision's capture occurs outside Horton Manor, the house that once belonged to scientist Phineas Horton (Bettany). Horton created the first synthezoid, on which Vision would eventually be modeled.

As Vision surrenders himself, the Client emerges from within Horton Manor. He's played by none other than Spader, now sporting a sick mustache and even sicker glasses. While we don't get his name off the bat, the Client appears to be the person Ultron modeled his human avatar after. (And here I thought Ultron was just a big fan of The Blacklist.)

SEE ALSO: Review: The 'Ocarina of Time' remake is gorgeous, but plays it a little too safe

The Client also appears in Jo's memories, which Jocasta accesses in the episode's final moments. He's her partner, both in business and in romance, and the pair discuss using their nanotech to become "godlike." Between his appearance and his use of the phrase "peace in our time," it's clear there's a connection to Ultron here. Yet VisionQuest will keep the exact details of that connection a secret until its finale.

Is the Client Phineas Horton's grandson?

Even though VisionQuest is still obfuscating key details about the Client — knowing his name would be nice! — Marvel fans are still theorizing about his true identity.

Fans are speculating that the Client is really Phineas Horton's grandson, which would make sense given that he apparently lives in Horton Manor. The timeline lines up, too: In 1939, we meet Phineas' young daughter, Victoria. She would be over 90 years old by the time VisionQuest takes place, but if she had a child, they would likely be within the Client's apparent mid-60s age range.

Early in episode 7, we see young Victoria stealing her father's notebook, the same one seen among Jo's collaborators. How does Jo end up with it? Perhaps by working alongside a family member of Victoria's. Now, the real question becomes what the Client's true motivations are — and why Ultron is modeled after him. Hopefully, all will be revealed come VisionQuest's Season 1 finale.

VisionQuest is now streaming on Disney+. Its Season 1 finale premieres Nov. 10 at 9 p.m. ET on Disney+.

Thanks to AI, it's never been easier for cyber criminals to scam unsuspecting internet users. From "autonomous" AI agents to voice cloning capabilities, scammers now have an array of tools at their fingertips to aid them in their grifts.

Scammers are getting extremely clever with their AI-assisted schemes, too. Case in point: a new report from BBC detailing how scammers are weaponizing AI tools to target pet owners who are searching for their missing dog or cat.

Here's how the scheme works, according to the report.

It appears that scammers are now scouring missing pet social media groups and forums in order to find targets. Using pictures a pet owner posted in hopes to find their missing furry friend, a thief will use AI to generate photos of the animal. The scammer will then reach out to the distraught pet owner and claim they have found them. The scammer will then send the AI-generated pictures as proof.

The pet owner will obviously be in a sensitive and emotional state and look to do anything to be reunited with their dog or cat. The scammer will require a reward and offer to meet up locally to make the trade.

However, as the meetup time gets closer, the scammer will suddenly renege on the deal and demand that the pet owner send them a digital gift card before making the exchange.

Anyone familiar with how online scams work can now see where this is going. Scammers prefer being paid in gift cards because the transactions are irreversible. And obviously, they don't have the lost pet in their possession.

More brazen scammers would even seek out tens of thousands of dollars via wire transfer, BBC reports.

However, according to the reports, skeptical pet owners who would further question the scammer or straight out call their bluff would be met with threats. In some cases, according to the report, desperate scammers would threaten to kill the pet if the owner didn't abide by the demands.

Losing a pet could certainly be a stressful event and scammers are looking to take advantage of the fact that these pet owners aren't thinking clearly once they're told their pet has been found.

To avoid becoming a victim, never send gift cards to strangers who demand them over the internet or text message, regardless of the scenario. It is always a scam, experts warn.

Results are still streaming in from what is already a history-making midterm election cycle, but there is at least one clear outcome: Americans are fed up with AI data centers.

Data centers have become a leading issue in local politics over the last year. In 2026, at least 50 local ballot measures related to data center permits, construction, or regulation were proposed in state legislatures. Forty-one of these measures were voted on during the Nov. 3 midterm election.

Voters in around 30 jurisdictions across the U.S. passed legislation to keep data centers out of their communities, the Washington Post reported based on early return data. At least another six voted to ban future construction and halt planned projects.

SEE ALSO: Trump posted through the U.S. midterm elections, and he wasn't happy

Younger generations, including Gen Z political advocacy organization Voters of Tomorrow, have rallied around the pro-climate, anti-Big Tech campaigns of many Democratic candidates.

According to an NBC exit poll, 67 percent of Democratic voters said AI data centers were a crucial factor in their down-the-ballot voting. Around 63 percent of Democrats said they would oppose construction of data centers in their communities. A national poll from Pew Research Center in September found that only 4 percent of Americans believed data centers had positive effects for their area.

What kinds of measures were on the ballot?

Ohio had 21 data center-related ballot measures, the most of any state. Thirteen municipalities approved outright bans on data centers, Forbes reported. Several voted on proposed zoning regulations and/or on the future of existing construction projects.

Other state ballots featured similar proposed legislation, ranging from multi-year moratoriums on data centers to new processes for securing citizen approval for data centers. Three towns in Kansas singled out "high impact" and "utility-intensive" data centers, while one town in Maine voted on size limitations to data center projects.

Which states banned or restricted data centers?

• California - Residents in Alhambra voted to ban data centers in the LA suburb.

• Florida - Voters in Edgewater passed a charter amendment barring new centers and limiting the expansion of existing projects.

• Illinois - A majority of voters in five townships voted "No" on measures asking if they support future data center construction and permitting. Voters in Bloomington voted "Yes" on a data center moratorium.

• Kansas - Voters in El Dorado passed a 10-year ban on "high impact" centers, which will impact facilities using more than 100,000 gallons of water per day. It's one of the strictest data center legislations passed this election cycle. Three others Kansas cities passed high impact center bans.

• Maine - At least three towns passed 180-day moratoriums on data centers. One town, Wiscasset, passed a six-month moratorium.

• New Jersey - A majority of voters in Downe Township said they don't support data center development.

• Nevada - Boulder City residents rejected data center permits in the Eldorado Valley Transfer Area.

• Ohio - At least 14 municipalities passed bans or restrictions on future data center projects. Another six rejected proposals to uphold rezoning for data centers.

• Wisconsin - Janesville residents voted "Yes" to require a public vote before approving a data center project that would cost anywhere from $450 million to $8 billion.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. How will these measures impact the AI industry?

The tech industry funneled hundreds of millions of dollars into midterm election campaigns, including a $474 million dollar spend from Elon Musk. Nearly half of that was spent on political advertising in Texas, which is home to around 300 operational data centers and another 173 planned construction sites. The state also serves as the base for most of Musk's transportation and space exploration empire.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Texas' new governor-elect, Gina Hinojosa, a Democrat and the state's first Latina governor, campaigned explicitly on data center moratoriums and a state tax on data center projects. "These hyperscale data centers are having hyperscale impacts on our communities, and we’re just left unprotected," Hinojosa said in the lead up to the election.

Even outside of Texas, candidates running on anti-data center platforms — backed by a $173 million negative advertising push — seemed to come out as winners at the polls, which experts say may lead to a slow down of AI infrastructure construction across the country.

"There is no way to sugarcoat that Democrats taking control, especially over the Senate, will create some major hurdles for AI and tech legislation in the Beltway over the next 2 years," wrote Dan Ives, Wall Street technology analyst and a partner at Yorkville Ives & Co., in a note to investors on Nov. 4. Ives singled out Hinojosa's win as a particular pressure point, as Texas was predicted to generate almost a third of the nation's data center capacity with planned infrastructure projects.

Goldman Sachs economists estimate that around 45 percent of planned U.S. data center capacity expansion will be affected by the new legislation.

More immediate financial blowback can be expected, too. SpaceXSI and Tesla stock have already dipped following the "blue tsunami" of Tuesday night's results. A lull in data center spending would impact chip manufacturers, as well, according to experts. As of Nov. 4, stocks for chip manufacturers, including Micron and Nvidia, were trending down.

When it comes to gifting, kids can be particular. The things kids like change not just with age, but also with evolving trends from TV shows and new technology. If parents are lucky enough, their kid will write a long list of the precise items they'd like as a birthday or Christmas or Hannukkah gift and put it up on the fridge with pride. But sometimes, it can be as much of a crapshoot as coming up with a gift idea for someone else's kid. Without further ado, here are the best gifts for kids of all ages — including toy and non-toy gifts alike.

TL;DR: Live stream RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City in the Champions League for free on RTÉ Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League has started fairly well for Man City. They sit on six points after three fixtures, and can move into the top eight with a win over RB Leipzig. The hosts have only won one of their first three games, so they need a result at the Red Bull Arena.

If you want to watch RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City?

RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City in the Champions League kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Nov. 4. This fixture takes place at the Red Bull Arena.

How to watch RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City for free

RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City is available to live stream for free on RTÉ Player.

RTÉ Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock RTÉ Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Ireland

4. Visit RTÉ Player

5. Watch RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTÉ Player?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on RTÉ Player, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries, including Ireland

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Slavia Prague vs. Arsenal in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League group stage is starting to take shape. After three rounds of fixtures, we're getting a sense of which teams are likely to progress.

Arsenal have seven points from their opening three fixtures, and will cement their place in the top eight with a victory over Slavia Prague at the Fortuna Arena. The hosts are yet to win, and this fixture looks tough on paper for Slavia Prague.

If you want to watch Slavia Prague vs. Arsenal in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Slavia Prague vs. Arsenal?

Slavia Prague vs. Arsenal in the Champions League kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Nov. 4. This fixture takes place at the Fortuna Arena.

How to watch Slavia Prague vs. Arsenal for free

Slavia Prague vs. Arsenal is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.

Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access it for free with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Slavia Prague vs. Arsenal for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Ireland

4. Visit Virgin Media Player

5. Watch Slavia Prague vs. Arsenal for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Slavia Prague vs. Arsenal (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Virgin Media Player, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries, including Ireland

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Slavia Prague vs. Arsenal in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

Google might be looking to expand the social side of YouTube to a separate app, according to a report.

The diligent detectives over at Android Authority spotted several references, both in the form of code and visual assets, to something called "Tamba" in the latest build of YouTube for Android. These include a logo that looks like a more improvisational take on the regular YouTube logo and code strings for features like private messages, group chats, "hearts" (AKA likes), follower requests, and more that would seem to signal that Google wants to build a sort of YouTube-centric social network, according to the report.

Mashable has reached out to Google for comment and will update this story if we hear back.

SEE ALSO: YouTube could be coming for Spotify and Audible's audiobook listeners

It's unclear from the investigation whether or not this would be a full, separate app, or merely an experimental testing ground for social features within the YouTube app. Additionally, it's possible that none of this ever makes it into a product for public consumption.

It should be noted that the YouTube app has already begun incorporating some social features in the past year, such as direct messaging.

We'll have to wait and see if this turns out to be a real app meant for the public. Here's hoping that the name is a reference to Kansas City Chiefs legend Tamba Hali.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

SAVE $500: As of Nov. 4, get the Roborock Qrevo Edge 3 Pro for $999.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,499.99. That's a discount of 33%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Roborock Qrevo Edge 3 Pro $999.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $500   Get Deal at Amazon

If you're tired of vacuuming, you're not alone. It's a never-ending task that always has to be done, so it's understandable that you might be burned out on picking up dirt and debris every day or so. This is a task that, in 2026, you can outsource to a robot without blinking an eye, as there are tons of robot vacuums up to the task. We've found an early Black Friday deal on one that can handle the job with gusto, in fact.

As of Nov. 4, get the Roborock Qrevo Edge 3 Pro for $999.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,499.99. That's $500 off and a discount of 33%.

SEE ALSO: The Black Friday 2026 countdown is on: Our top 7 hacks for finding the best deals

The Roborock Qrevo Edge 3 Pro offers 36,000Pa of suction, meaning it can tackle even the toughest jobs. It uses its AdaptiLift Chassis 3.0 to raise itself up to climb over thresholds, efficiently sweep carpets and and hardwood floors, and alternatively mop floors as you direct. It uses 360-degree scanning to make a precise map of your home so it can do all of this on its own without needing your input as well, with the capability to recognize over 300 obstacles and navigate around them.

It can clean closer to your corners, walls, and furniture thanks to its FlexiArm technology so those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies aren't an issue. And when it's time to mop, its mop attachment spins at 200 RPM with plenty of downward pressure to handle even sticky and stubborn stains without leaving residue. All this, and it can clean its own mop heads and empty itself.

If you're ready to give a robot vacuum and mop its marching orders so you can rest, this is a great choice to roll with, especially for this price.

SAVE $300: As of Nov. 4, get the Hisense C3 Smart Laser Projector for $1,699.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,999.99. That's a discount of 15%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Hisense C3 Smart Laser Projector $1,699.99 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $300   Get Deal at Amazon

Want a larger screen to enjoy your favorite movies and shows on, but don't want to splurge on a TV to do it? You've got options, especially since there are early Black Friday deals already rolling out. For instance, a smart projector is a great way to enjoy all that kind of content on a larger-than-life screen. And thanks to this deal from Amazon, you can snap one up right now for a great price.

As of Nov. 4, get the Hisense C3 Smart Laser Projector for $1,699.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,999.99. That's $300 off and a discount of 15%.

SEE ALSO: The best early Black Friday deals for getting out of town without going broke

You can use this projector to cast a 65-inch image up to a 300-inch picture anywhere you've got the space to do it. With support for both IMAX Enhanced and Dolby Vision certification, it's a fantastic option for hosting a home movie night for you or the neighborhood wherever you please.

It boasts an eye-popping 4K UHD resolution with pixel-by-pixel reconstruction for the best picture possible, as well as the kind of depth and motion clarity you'd expect from a display of the same price and caliber. Just set it up where you'd like to project from and swivel with its 360-degree horizontal and 135-degree vertical gimbal and you're good to go.

This is a great way to set up the cinematic paradise of your dreams without having to pay thousands for a comparable TV, so grab yours while you can.

Amazon early Black Friday deals at a glance Best Apple deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,099 (save $200) Get Deal Best Lego deal Lego Pokémon Eevee $47.99 (save $12) Get Deal Best Amazon device deal Amazon Kindle Bundle (16GB Kindle, Knit Case, Kindle Click) $190.97 (save $34) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Ninja Crispi Air Fryer $149.99 (save $30) Get Deal Best headphones deal Bose QuietComfort $169 (save $190) Get Deal Best TV deal TCL 75-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV $1,497.99 (save $1,502) Get Deal

There's still a stash of leftover Halloween candy, but it's time to start thinking about holiday shopping. Amazon's early Black Friday deals are coming in hot this year, and since everything feels expensive lately, it's a great time to shop sales.

Shop for home improvement updates for winter projects, treat yourself to an Advent calendar or two, or get a 75-inch TV for watching this season's best football games. Amazon is also loaded with sales on gift-worthy items, so you can take care of your holiday list before Thanksgiving arrives.

Check back as the Mashable team of shopping experts will keep this page updated as we get closer to Black Friday.

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

Read Mashable's full review of the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M5).

Why we like it

Sitting at the sale prices we saw during October Prime Day, both the 13 and 15-inch MacBook Air with M5 chip are $200 off. The Air is a great choice if you're looking for a combination of powerful processor and lightweight design. We're also impressed with the MacBook Air's speakers, not to mention the sharp display.

Best Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Pokémon Eevee $47.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $12   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

You can never go wrong with snagging a Lego set for yourself or any other brick fan in your friends circle. While it's still in stock, get the Lego Pokémon Eevee for $47.99 at Amazon. The set will look fantastic amid the holiday display on your bookshelf. Eevee stands at about 7.5 inches tall and has movable limbs as well as head tilt abilities.

Best Amazon device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Bundle (16GB Kindle, Knit Case, Kindle Click) $190.97
$224.97 Save $34   Get Deal Why we like it

Now that the leaves are crunchy and we're staying indoors more, it's the perfect time to get an e-reader. As a surprise early Black Friday deal, Amazon has the standard Kindle on sale sold as a bundle with the new Amazon Click page-turning remote for the Kindle and a knit case. The basic Kindle is Mashable's top choice for a budget e-reader noting it has quick performance and plenty of storage space.

Best kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Crispi Air Fryer $149.99
$179.99 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

Mashable awarded the Ninja Crispi as the best kitchen gift of 2026. Air fryers have proven they deserve space on the kitchen counters but Ninja went ahead and added glass containers, and now we're cooking everything in the Crispi. The 4-in-1 model comes with two glass containers that nest inside of each other for easier storage when not using the air fryer.

Best headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort $169 at Amazon
$359 Save $190   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

On the list of tech we use all day everyday, we have phones, laptops, and headphones. If your current headphones leave your ears or head sore, it's time for something more comfortable. Before you head off on holiday travel, upgrade to the Bose QuietComfort headphones while they're on sale for $169. Mashable's lineup of the best headphones ranks the Bose QuietComfort as the best budget Bose option, made even better thanks to the pre-Black Friday sale.

Best TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 75-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV $1,497.99 at Amazon
$2,999.99 Save $1,502.00   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Black Friday is a great time to make a TV upgrade, but you might not have to wait until the end of November. Now's your chance to get a 75-inch TCL QLED TV for half off. It comes with built-in Google TV, up to 6,000 nits brightness, and a super thin design for a modern look. Plus, Amazon is tossing in free delivery and unpacking in the room of your choice.

Xbox has launched its new Nano Controller, designed for easy portability and smaller hands. Even so, gamers with larger mitts may still find this lightweight controller worth picking up.

SEE ALSO: IKEA and Xbox's YXSTABY gaming furniture is functional without being in your face

Announced last month, the Xbox Nano Controller offers the functionality of a traditional Xbox Wireless Controller in a much smaller package. Measuring 133mm x 66.5mm x 36.6mm, it's a little more than half the height and notably slimmer than its older sibling, as well as roughly a third the weight at 101g.

Opens in a new window Credit: Xbox Xbox Nano Controller $49 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

I got to try the new Xbox controller ahead of its launch, and I've had a good experience so far.

Xbox Nano Controller: My first impressions

The Nano Controller's small rectangular form factor doesn't feel cramped, as those familiar with the Wireless Controller might expect. While the Nano doesn't have its sibling's large ergonomic handles, its smaller substitutes and remarkably lightweight build still make it easy to hold.

Forgoing larger handles also helps keep the Nano's design small enough to comfortably fit in a jacket pocket or handbag, making it more likely to be used with portable devices. Like the Xbox Wireless Controller, the Nano Controller can connect to Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, tablets, compatible smart TVs, and iOS or Android devices. 

In addition to this increased portability, the Nano Controller's reduced size and lightweight build specifically targets people with smaller hands, making it easier for children and petite adults to use. The Nano's design lets players' fingers travel a shorter distance when switching between buttons, while its lightweight design should help them play longer without getting fatigued.

Credit: Microsoft

According to a 2000 study by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) (via Wayback Machine), the average hand length of a 40-year-old American man is about 7.6 inches (19.3cm), measured from the tip of the middle finger to just below the crease of the wrist. The average breadth is 3.5 inches (8.9 cm), measured from the exterior edge of the pinky to the exterior edge of the index finger. In comparison, the same measurements for an average 40-year-old Japanese woman are 6.8 inches (17.2 cm) and 3.1 inches (7.8 cm).

My own hand measurements are roughly 6.7 inches (17cm) and 2.6 inches (6.5cm), so slightly smaller than the average Japanese woman. Apparently, this puts my hand size on par with that of a large-handed American 11-year-old, according to a study done by the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in the 60s.

As such, I'm pleased to report that someone with similarly sized hands should have little trouble holding and operating the Xbox Nano Controller, which fits comfortably in my hands and feels delightfully lightweight.

Yet despite it being targeted toward smaller hands, large-handed individuals and average-sized adults may enjoy the Nano as well. My dad's hand measurements are close to those of the average American man, but he preferred the Xbox Nano Controller over the Wireless Controller on first use, citing its more closely spaced buttons and, in particular, its significantly lighter weight.

Credit: Mashable composite: Microsoft

The Nano Controller's diminutive size is by far its most prominent selling point. Still, it also has another notable advantage over the Xbox Wireless Controller: an internal rechargeable battery.

The Xbox Wireless Controller uses two AA batteries, which can power it for up to 40 hours. If you'd prefer the ease of plugging it in to recharge, you'll have to buy an Xbox Rechargeable Battery for $24.99, which provides up to 30 hours of playtime per charge.

In contrast, the Nano Controller has an internal battery that can be recharged via a USB-C port on its top (though a cable doesn't come included). Microsoft hasn't stated exactly how long the Nano Controller's battery lasts. Still, even if its battery life is shorter than the Wireless Controller's, the ease with which the Nano Controller can be charged should help make up for it.

Where to buy the Xbox Nano Controller

The Nano Controller launched today, and it's more affordable than the full-sized Wireless Controller, setting players back $49.99 as opposed to $64.99. Factoring in the Wireless Controller's $24.99 Rechargeable Battery accessory, that's around $40 less for similar functionality.

If you already have a standard Xbox Wireless Controller and are happy with it, there's no need to rush out and pick up a Nano right away. However, if you have small kids or small hands, like to game on the go, or would just like a more lightweight option, then the Xbox Nano Controller seems like a useful alternative to have in your pocket.

The Xbox Nano Controller is available now at the Xbox online store for $49.99, or via Amazon for $49.

Amazon redesigned its Kindle e-reader for 2026, and it now includes a removable back panel, allowing users to replace the battery more easily. As much as we like the idea of a repairable Kindle, Mashable's testing found that the back panel can come off too easily when removing the Kindle from its case, exposing the device's innards.

Customers have taken notice of this design issue, too. A Reddit user also reported the back of their Kindle popping off with minor pressure, and so did TikTok user Jackie's Book Tally, who posted a video of the new Kindle coming apart while removing it from the case. The issue primarily affects the plastic, non-aluminum base Kindle model, based on our testing and customer reports.

Mashable's testing also revealed that when this happens, it can lead to some frame alignment problems. As a result, I'm updating my Kindle review. Previously, I rated the 2026 Kindle as a 5 out of 5 on performance. With this back panel issue, I'm changing that to a 4 out of 5.

When we asked Amazon about the issue, a spokesperson emphasized that the back panel is designed to come off the frame. It doesn't mean the device is broken or needs to be replaced.

An unexpected design issue

Testing is an ongoing process here at Mashable. Even after we publish a review, we'll update it as we spend more time with the product, especially if we experience something that changes our first impressions. We want to know how a piece of tech blends into our lives. That's why a comment from my editor on the new Kindles stuck with me.

Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth went hands-on with the 2026 Kindles at an Amazon preview event. After I completed testing the new basic Kindle, he asked if I'd had trouble removing it from its case. Werth had noticed that during a demo, one of the Kindle bodies briefly popped out of place. It was a relevant question because I actually had experienced that issue. When Amazon sent us a new Kindle to test, it came with a new fabric cover, too. I used the device in the case, and all was well until I tried to remove it from said case.

Whenever I removed the 2026 Kindle from its case, the frame separated. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

When I took the Kindle out of the cover, it was particularly difficult. Sure, that means it's a secure fit, but there was so much resistance that I noticed some bending and strain in the device's frame, as if it were coming apart. Then, once I got the Kindle out of the case, I realized it had actually come apart. The back of the Kindle detached from the screen, exposing the internal components.

Once fully out of the case, there was significant separation on the Kindle frame. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

In my three years testing Kindles, this has never happened before. No matter how many times I've taken the 2022 or 2024 Kindles out of their cases, I've never once been concerned about the e-readers' structure. But the 2026 Kindles have gone through a major redesign.

Part of that redesign is the removable back panel that allows users to replace the battery. Unfortunately, I think this change was a little too successful, and now the Kindle's back panel can come apart from the frame accidentally when applying pressure.

How to fix the 2026 Kindle if the back comes off

We reached out to Amazon for comment, and an Amazon spokesperson relayed that this is part of the redesign: "Your Kindle is designed to open along the edge of the display in order to replace the battery. If the back panel shifts when you remove a case or cover, press it firmly back into place on all four corners and along the edges, and keep reading."

Even after putting the frame back together, there appears to be gapping around the screen. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Having taken the 2026 Kindle in and out of its case several times, I've noticed the frame separation is occurring frequently. The upside is that it's exceptionally easy to put the frame back in place. With a little pressure, the frame clicks back; however, I have noticed some issues with the power button and gapping around the screen.

The first time this happened, the power button was caught in the frame, and I had to pop it back off to get it to sit right, leaving it scratched. On top of that, even after the screen is clicked back into place, there is gapping along the seam with my review unit, which requires you to apply extra pressure to fix.

The gapping can be fixed by applying pressure around the frame. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Fortunately, the frame issue does not affect the actual operation of the new Kindle. It's still a quick processing e-reader.

We have only encountered this issue on the basic Kindle model, not the Paperwhite Signature Edition or the new aluminum-body Kindles.

If you've experienced any issues with your 2026 Kindle, let Mashable know at editors@mashable.com.

Amazon Kindle (2026) $149.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle, Aluminum (2026) $189.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters or get Mashable push alerts today. 

Black Friday is no longer just a day; it's a season. While the day after Thanksgiving once marked the start of the holiday shopping schedule, it's now just the peak of a month-long deals extravaganza. Retailers kick things off as early as Halloween and keep the deals coming all the way through Cyber Monday. It's a lot.

Going into the chaos of Black Friday without a game plan is risky — and a great way to end up with buyer's remorse. If you're unsure of what exactly you're looking for this season, you might want to take a glimpse at all of the major retailers' ad scans to get an idea of what's popular, what's getting discounted, and when the best time is to buy certain items. We recommend checking out our gift guides for inspiration as well. And while planning your Black Friday attack, be sure to set a budget to prevent overspending.

SEE ALSO: Everything to know about Black Friday 2026: Best deals, sale dates, how to shop smart, and more

Knowing what you're looking for is only the first step. Shopping like a well-oiled machine is where things get tough, but we've got you covered with our top hacks for securing the best deals on Black Friday 2026 (and beyond). With an overall hunger for savings amidst RAMageddon price increases, we're going to let you in on some of our secrets.

Here are some of our best tips for shopping during Black Friday 2026.

1. Utilize wishlists to track price drops

It's easy to get click-happy when you see all of the sparkly discounts in front of you. Do yourself (and your budget) a favor and utilize the wishlist feature on each retailer's website you plan on shopping. Every product page has an "add to list" button, so you can start adding all of your must-have products into one central place well before the big day. Not only will this help keep you more organized and less click-happy, but it's also one of the easiest ways to track price drops on your top items and seamlessly scoop them up before they're gone. Amazon's wishlist feature is particularly clutch, as it lets you rank items based on priority, add notes, and compare the current price to when you added it to the list.

SEE ALSO: Creating an Amazon wishlist is our go-to Black Friday shopping hack 2. Download apps from Walmart, Target, Amazon, Best Buy, and more

We all know millennials like to make big purchases on their desktops, but it's not a bad idea to download the mobile apps from major retailers for Black Friday — particularly Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Amazon. They'll be plastering their biggest deals across the screen, making things organized and easy to navigate even on a bumpy commute or at a loud relative's house. The apps will also give you access to exclusive app-only perks, like wishlist alerts, personalized suggestions, scan-and-go features, and more. The Amazon app will even show you deals on recent items you've searched. It's like it knows you too well.

3. Verify a product's MSRP on the brand's website

Before you spend your hard-earned cash, make sure you aren't being duped into thinking a discount is better than it is. How? Cross-check the product listing with the actual manufacturer's website. If you can't find the exact product on the brand's website, you can also cross-check the price with competing retailers. We've seen product list prices fluctuate on Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target, which can either make discounts appear better than they are or downplay how good a deal actually is. A good rule of thumb is to just verify it for yourself.

This Anker Solix power station below is a great example. While Amazon lists the MSRP at $1,199, highlighting a 43 percent discount, a quick search on Anker's website shows the MSRP for the same power station is actually $999.99. While the sale price is the same on both websites, the discount isn't quite as good as it appears on first glance.

Left: Amazon's listing for the Anker Solix S2000 power station lists the MSRP as $1,199. Credit: Screenshot: Amazon Right: Credit: Screenshot: Anker 4. Check price-tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel

We'll let you in on a little secret. Our secret weapon during major sales (particularly at Amazon) is the free price-tracking tool CamelCamelCamel.

This genius tool lets you see the historical data on the sale prices for a particular item. At a glance, it gives you an idea of how good that deal is (or isn't). You just plug a product's Amazon listing into the search bar or use the Camelizer browser extension to get instant insight into the product's price history over the last weeks, months, or even years. Even if you're shopping elsewhere, you can get an idea of a product's price history before purchasing.

Walmart offers a similar tool called Camelmart, if you prefer to shop there or want to compare prices.

CamelCamelCamel's price history for the XM6 headphones shows they're currently at their best price ever. Credit: Screenshot: CamelCamelCamel 5. Check the shipper and seller on each product

Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy are all home to thousands of third-party sellers, which can be both a gift and a curse. Many of these third-party sellers are perfectly legit; some are even operated directly from brands themselves. However, there are also some sellers with not-so-great reviews, which is why Mashable tries to recommend products shipped and sold directly from Amazon, Walmart, Target, or Best Buy whenever possible.

For example, Samsung recently raised prices on its Galaxy S26 Ultra smartphones, but these phones are listed with discounts at Amazon. However, when you check the "Sold by" section, you'll see the seller is actually an entity called ReNew Pros (We Record Serial Numbers). Most shoppers probably don't even realize they're not buying directly from Amazon. This seller only has a 76% positive customer rating at Amazon, which is useful information if you're considering a purchase.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

You can check the shipper/seller on each product page, though the text can be easy to miss. On Amazon, look under the "Buy Now" button or search the page for the phrases "Ships from" or "Sold by" to see the actual seller. On Walmart, it lives under the shipping options, and on Best Buy, it lives directly under the product listing. Target will only list the shipper/seller if it's a third-party.

6. Follow Mashable's shopping experts' Black Friday coverage

Mashable's Black Friday page is the hub for pretty much every Black Friday sale that matters, with links to all of our coverage, including spotlight deals broken down by retailer (Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, Target, etc.), as well as by categories like TVs, robot vacuums, Amazon devices, or kitchen appliances. This will save you from wasting time skimming websites on your own and getting overwhelmed. If there's a great deal you need to know about, we've got you.

We'll be updating these lists regularly before, during, and after the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shenanigans, so check back for all the latest and greatest deals that drop. Stores also love to throw in sneaky coupon codes or freebies. These can be easy to miss when you're in a hurry to order, so we'll let you know when we spot one.

If you'd rather not be glued to the internet this season, you can also sign up for the Mashable Deals newsletter to stay in the loop via email or text.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up! 7. Shopping on Amazon? Take advantage of Alexa's exclusive features

If you own a newer Echo smart speaker, you can take advantage of exclusive features. Open up your Alexa mobile app and turn on the advanced deal alerts feature (you'll find it under More > Settings > Notifications > Amazon Shopping), then check the Deal Recommendations and Shopping Recommendations. If you already have a wishlist organized and ready to go, you'll get a pop-up alert or a yellow ring light on your Echo speaker whenever Alexa finds out about an upcoming deal on one of the items on your list. Alexa will even let you know if an item on your wishlist is going on sale up to 24 hours before the sale goes live, so you can plan accordingly.

Amazon has also put work into its Alexa for Shopping feature this past year, so don't be afraid to utilize it. The tool is available on the app, desktop website, and Echo Show devices and combines Amazon's AI assistant Rufus with Alexa+. It's like having a personalized AI co-pilot assisting you with any questions you may have during your shopping experience. You can ask it direct questions about product features, view up to a full year of price history for specific items, or even have it set alerts to notify you of discounts.

TL;DR: Ahead of Black Friday, the Bambu Lab P1S Combo is $479 at Amazon, down from $549. That’s $70 off, or about 13% in savings. The bundle includes the P1S printer and an automatic material system (AMS); the standalone P1S does not include the AMS.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bambu Bambu Lab P1S Combo $479 at Amazon
$549 Save $70   Get Deal at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Bambu Bambu Lab P1S 3D Printer $349 at Amazon
$399 Save $50   Get Deal at Amazon

If a 3D printer is on your holiday shopping list (even if it’s for you), Bambu Lab’s P1S comes in two versions worth comparing: the printer on its own and a Combo package that offers multicolor printing.

SEE ALSO: We love this 'idiot-friendly' 3D printer, and the upgraded model is currently $133 off

Right now, Amazon has the Bambu Lab P1S Combo for $479, down from $549. That’s $70 in savings, or about 13% off, ahead of Black Friday. The bundle includes the same printer sold in the standalone P1S listing, plus Bambu Lab’s AMS, which automatically feeds and switches compatible filament. The included system has four filament slots, letting you print with up to four colors without manually swapping spools between color changes.

Both versions have an enclosed design, automatic bed leveling, and a 256-by-256-by-256-millimeter build volume, with advertised printing speeds up to 500 millimeters per second. You can also browse the MakerWorld model library to get your creative juices flowing. The main thing you have to decide is whether you want multicolor printing (the Combo includes it, whereas the standalone doesn't).