Mashable

Syndicate content
Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.
URL: https://mashable.com
Updated: 1 day 2 hours ago

How to watch Aston Villa vs. Bayern Munich online for free

Wed, 10/02/2024 - 18:46

TL;DR: Live stream Aston Villa vs. Bayern Munich in the Champions League for free on RTL ZWEE. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are a number of exciting matchups in the second round of Champions League fixtures, but Aston Villa vs. Bayern Munich might be the best. Both sides picked up three points in the first round of games, with Bayern Munich winning 9-2 against Dinamo Zagrab. We don't think that'll happen again, but you never know.

If you want to watch Aston Villa vs. Bayern Munich in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Aston Villa vs. Bayern Munich?

Aston Villa vs. Bayern Munich in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on Oct. 2. This fixture takes place at Villa Park.

How to watch Aston Villa vs. Bayern Munich for free

Aston Villa vs. Bayern Munich is available to live stream for free on RTL ZWEE.

RTL ZWEE is geo-restricted to Luxembourg, 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 Luxembourg, meaning you can unblock RTL ZWEE to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Aston Villa vs. Bayern Munich for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like 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 Luxembourg

  4. Sign in to RTL ZWEE

  5. Watch Aston Villa vs. Bayern Munich for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 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 Aston Villa vs. Bayern Munich (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to the best free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for RTL ZWEE?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including Luxembourg

  • 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 eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Aston Villa vs. Bayern Munich in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Microsoft's latest Windows update is causing issues for some gamers

Wed, 10/02/2024 - 18:04

The latest version of Microsoft Windows 11, version 24H2, rolled out on Tuesday. The update brings a slew of new features to PCs including a number of AI-related additions to Windows, such as the controversial Recall feature.

However, the Windows update launch hasn't gone without a hitch – especially if you're a PC gamer.

SEE ALSO: I just demoed Windows 11 Recall: 3 useful features that may surprise you

Microsoft has put out an update on its Windows 11 version 24H2 issues page, warning some gamers of known issues with the upgrade that's causing certain video games to crash.

Easy Anti-Cheat incompatibility

Perhaps the biggest gaming-related bug with Windows 11 version 24H2 involves issues causing the update to be incompatible with Easy Anti-Cheat.

Easy Anti-Cheat is a software service by Epic Games which stops hacking and cheating in online multiplayer games. While Epic Games utilizes the service for its own titles, like the massively popular Fortnite, many other developers license the technology from Epic Games as well.

According to Microsoft,  "most devices experiencing this issue use Easy Anti-Cheat drivers released before April 2024." In addition, the incompatibility issues should only affect devices with Intel’s Alder Lake+ processors and vPro platform. 

"In rare cases, when users open or play certain games, this issue causes affected devices to stop responding and to show a blue screen with the error “MEMORY_MANAGEMENT”," reads Microsoft's update.

Microsoft has already set up a stop gap in order to prevent devices with these drivers from updating to Windows 11 version 24H2. Users who try to manually update will also be served with a pop-up notifying them of the issue. Microsoft is urging potentially affected users to not upgrade Windows 11 until the problem is resolved.

Asphalt 8 issues

Along with the broad range of games affected by the Easy Anti-Cheat incompatibility issue, Windows 11 version 24H2 is also causing unrelated problems for those playing a specific title, Asphalt 8.

"After installing Windows 11, version 24H2, you might face issues with Asphalt 8 (Airborne)," Microsoft says. "The game might stop responding with an exception while you are using or exiting it, and you will have to restart the game to recover from the exception."

Microsoft has also applied a compatibility hold to PCs with Asphalt 8 installed in order to stop those devices from updated to Windows 11 version 24H2.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best early October Prime Day TV deals are on Fire TVs, of course

Wed, 10/02/2024 - 18:03
A quick look at the best early October Prime Day TV deals Best 55-inch TV deal Amazon 55-inch 4 Series 4K Fire TV $339.99 at Amazon (save $180) Get Deal Best 65-inch TV deal Hisense 65-inch U6HF ULED 4K TV $499.99 at Amazon (save $250) Get Deal Best 75-inch TV deal Hisense 75-inch U8 Mini LED ULED TV $1,497.99 at Amazon (save $502) Get Deal

Prime Day is one of the biggest shopping events on the internet and, fortunately for us, it happens twice a year.

October Prime Day in particular is not only a great time to buy a TV on sale, but happens to fall during prime TV watching season. Whether you're a football person, a scary movie person, or a cozy fall show rewatch person, this is your chance to upgrade TVs without waiting until Black Friday.

SEE ALSO: Prime members can get a Fire TV gaming bundle for under $100 ahead of October Prime Day

Though Prime Big Deal Days (October Prime Day's official title) doesn't officially start until Oct. 8, Amazon’s got some pretty good early deals on TVs right now. We've pulled the best ones and organized them by size, and will be refreshing this list daily throughout the next week.

Best early October Prime Day TV deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon 55-inch 4 Series 4K Fire TV $339.99 at Amazon
$519.99 Save $180.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Who says you need to spend a grand to get a nice (and decently-sized) 4K TV? With the early 35% discount that Amazon slapped on the 55-inch version of its most affordable Fire TV, Prime members could actually get one for two different rooms for way less than $1,000.

As Amazon's most basic in-house Fire TV, the 4-Series would be best suited for people who aren't super picky about saturation or brightness levels as long as it's a step up from their old LED TV — and this definitely will be. With the intuitive Fire TV platform built in, the 4-Series can access all of your favorite streaming apps, which you can arrange in whatever layout makes sense to you.

More Prime Day TV deals

43-inch TVs

50- to 55-inch TVs

65-inch TVs

75-inch TVs and up

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get Microsoft Visual Studio and coding training for just $56

Wed, 10/02/2024 - 18:03

TL;DR: Through October 27, pick up Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 and a comprehensive coding bundle for just $55.97.

Opens in a new window Credit: StackCommerce Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 + The 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle $55.97
$1,999.00 Save $1,943.03 Get Deal

Ready to kick your coding career into high gear? Whether you’re a beginner looking to dive into software development or a professional aiming to add to your skills, the Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 + The 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle can be your one-stop solution for success.

For just $55.97, you get a powerful IDE plus a comprehensive set of coding courses — all at a fraction of the regular price.

This bundle combines Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022, one of the industry’s most trusted integrated development environments (IDE), with in-depth coding courses that cover everything from front-end development to data science. With the tools and knowledge in this bundle, you’ll be well on your way to mastering software development and building a rewarding career.

Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 is a powerful IDE that helps you design, code, and debug your applications easily. One of the courses included in the 15-course bundle is the JavaScript Complete Guide, which consists of 32 lessons and practical projects. You also have Google Assistant Automation IoT Development: Dive into 163 lessons on automating tasks with IoT and Google Assistant. You'll also explore Python, one of the most in-demand programming languages, with 78 lessons.

This bundle isn’t just for beginners. Whether you want to specialize in front-end development, build websites' back-end infrastructure, or dive into data science, the courses cover everything you need to know.

Front-end developers can learn JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and frameworks like React and Vuex, while back-end developers will dive into Python, Java, C++, and SQL to build server-side applications. Full-stack developers will master the full spectrum of coding, from front-end to back-end and mobile app developers can explore Flutter, Swift, and Kotlin for building iOS and Android apps.

Don't miss getting the Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 + The 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle for just $55.97. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Just one day left to save up to 40% on flights during the Southwest Week of Wow sale

Wed, 10/02/2024 - 17:51

SAVE UP TO 40%: Book with code SAVEWOW to save up to 40% on flights at Southwest Airlines through Oct. 3.

Opens in a new window Credit: Southwest Get up to 40% off base fares at Southwest Airlines Get Deal

Thinking about taking a trip before the year is up or within the first few months of 2025? You deserve it. Whether your ideal destination is a tropical beach, a snowy mountain escape, or a weekend in the big city, Southwest's big sale will help you take a vacation for nearly half off.

Through Oct. 3, use code SAVEWOW when booking flights at Southwest Airlines to save up to 40% on base fares. Southwest's Week of Wow sale includes continental U.S. flights that take off between Oct. 29 and Jan. 31, 2025. The deal extends to flights to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and international locations that take off between Oct. 29 and March 5, 2025.

SEE ALSO: The best freebies during Amazon's October Prime Day

Southwest also offers some attractive perks that go against the grain of typical airline policy these days. For example, Southwest bookings come with two free checked bags. You can overpack to your heart's delight on your next Southwest flight. Southwest also doesn't charge change or cancel fees, either, so if your plans change, you can alter your booking, stress-free.

If you have travel plans coming up soon, check out the Southwest Week of Wow sale. With code SAVEWOW, you could be saving up to 40% off your flight price. But you'll want to hurry because the sale ends on Oct. 3.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Looking for an affordable Dyson Airwrap dupe? Get the Shark FlexStyle $50 off ahead of October Prime Day.

Wed, 10/02/2024 - 17:43

GET $50 OFF: As of Oct. 2, the Shark FlexStyle air styling and drying system is available for $249, down from $299.99 at Amazon. That's 17% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexStyle air styling and drying system $249.00 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $50.99 Get Deal

Dyson has dominated the vacuum and, more recently, the hairstyling market for years. The iconic Airwrap became a must-have item after going viral on TikTok in 2021 — since then, it’s been an expensive (and maybe unnecessary) purchase for many.

Thankfully, we’re now in a place where other brands have managed to make impressive and affordable Airwrap dupes, with the Shark FlexStyle being one of our favorites. This multi-functional styling tool is currently on sale for $249 ahead of October Prime Day. That’s $50.99 off the list price of $299.99, and nearly $400 less than the Dyson Airwrap.

SEE ALSO: I tested the best Dyson Airwrap dupes under $300: The Shark FlexStyle is no longer your only option

The Shark FlexStyle can curl, volumize, smooth, and dry hair without heat damage, much like the Airwrap, but at a much lower price point. It’s also compact and lightweight, so you can take it on the go. With 1.25-inch auto-wrap curlers, two brushes, and four heat settings, you can get a salon-worthy ’do right at home.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon has two of Mashable's favorite laptops for video editing on sale ahead of October Prime Day

Wed, 10/02/2024 - 17:35
The best early October Prime Day laptop deals at a glance: Best Windows laptop deal Acer Swift X 14 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,099.99 at Amazon (save $400) Get Deal Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,699.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal

Amazon isn't usually loaded with great laptop deals on any given day (especially compared to the competition), but things tend to pick up a bit during the retailer's major sitewide sales.

With Prime Big Deal Days coming soon — that would be Amazon's members-only "October Prime Day" sale, set for Oct. 8 and 9 — the Mashable Shopping team is on the lookout for the best, most worth-it discounts there starring Apple MacBooks, Windows PCs, Chromebooks, and beyond.

At the time of writing, the floodgates have only just started to crack open; there's really only one good early Prime Day laptop deal available: A variant of the Acer Swift X 14, our favorite Windows laptop for photo and video editing, has hit a new all-time low.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon's October Prime Day sale: Official dates, the competition, and more

That said, Amazon also has some MacBook Pros and Airs on sale separately from its pre-Prime Big Deal Days programming. That includes two configurations of the 14-inch M3 Pro, our favorite laptop for photo and video editing overall, which have returned to their lowest prices on record. As such, we recommend that shoppers consider them, too.

We'll couch these recs with a warning that anything on sale now could theoretically get even cheaper next week when Prime Big Deal Days officially starts. (That's when we're expecting the bulk of the best laptop deals to arrive.) But if you need to upgrade ASAP and can't wait until then, these are decent discounts as things currently stand. Below, we go deeper on specs and pricing.

Note: Deals marked with a 🔥 have dropped to an all-time low price.

Best Windows laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Our pick: Acer Swift X 14 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) 🔥 $1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Acer Swift X 14.

The Intel Core Ultra 7-powered Acer Swift X 14 is our top Windows laptop for photo and video editing, nabbing a 4.5/5 rating from Tech Editor Kim Gedeon (and a Mashable Choice Award) for its stellar performance, decent battery life, good build quality, and beautiful OLED display. "The Acer Swift X 14 may not be the most exciting laptop, but behind its boring exterior is a powerful set of internals that will handle your creative workloads like The Hulk," she wrote. This variant features downgraded Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics — our loaner had an RTX 4070 GPU — and 16GB of memory instead of 32GB, but should still be plenty powerful for most users.

Normally $1,499.99, Amazon has it on sale for just $1,099.99 — a 27% savings and a record low. Meanwhile, it's still full price on the Acer website.

Best MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) 🔥 $1,699.00 at Amazon
$1,999.00 Save $300.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro (M3).

With a super bright mini-LED display, a good amount of useful, creative-friendly ports, gorgeous-sounding speakers, and an M3 chip that supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, the current-gen MacBook Pro is our No. 1 laptop for photo and video editing (regardless of operating system). It's also the longest-lasting MacBook we've tested to date, clocking in at over 16 hours in our battery life test. It's another Mashable Choice Award winner that earned a 4.5/5 rating from Gedeon.

We highly recommend bumping up to the 1TB variant with 16GB of memory, which is currently marked down to $1,699 (down $300 from $1,999), but the base configuration with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage is also on sale for $1,299 (down $300 from $1,599). Either way, you'll be locking in an all-time low.

More MacBooks on sale
Categories: IT General, Technology

Samsung Galaxy deals are slowly heating up as October Prime Day nears

Wed, 10/02/2024 - 17:28

UPDATE: Oct. 2, 2024, 10:35 a.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest Samsung Galaxy deals ahead of the October Prime Day event.

The best early October Prime Day Samsung Galaxy deals at a glance: BEST GALAXY BOOK DEAL Samsung 14-inch Galaxy Book4 Pro (Intel Core 7 Ultra, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,149.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal BEST GALAXY BUDS DEAL Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 $159.99 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal BEST GALAXY PHONE DEAL Samsung Galaxy A35 (Unlocked, 128GB) $313.99 at Amazon (save $86) Get Deal BEST GALAXY TAB DEAL Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (64GB, WiFi) $179.99 at Amazon (save $40) Get Deal BEST GALAXY WATCH DEAL Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (Bluetooth, 40mm) $195.30 at Amazon (save $104.69) Get Deal

The second Prime Day event of the year, dubbed Prime Big Deal Days, is around the corner. It officially kicks off Oct. 8, but in the typical Amazon fashion, there are already plenty of deals to shop — especially on Samsung Galaxy products.

It's no surprise, really, as Samsung is one of the brands we usually see major discounts on during big shopping events. July's Prime Day aligned with Galaxy Unpacked, which made the perfect recipe for heavily discounted Samsung products. This time around, we're hoping some of those new product launches from July will get the Prime Day treatment — particularly the near-perfect Galaxy Ring. We'll also be keeping our eyes peeled for new lows on the Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6.

We're tracking the best Samsung Galaxy deals below ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, which includes the Galaxy Tab, Galaxy Book, Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Watch, and of course, Galaxy phones. As the official savings event nears, we'll be updating the list with the latest and greatest deals — so stay tuned.

Best Galaxy Book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung 14-inch Galaxy Book4 Pro (Intel Core 7 Ultra, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,149.99 at Amazon
$1,449.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Released early this year, the Samsung 14-inch Galaxy Book4 Pro packs all the bells and whistles (an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU with Intel Arc Graphics, a 3K AMOLED touchscreen, AKG Quad speakers, a new Knox security chip). The 14-inch base model has 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and an 18-hour battery life and typically retails for $1,449.99. Ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, however, you can slash $300 off and pick it up for $1,149.99. That's 21% in savings and matches its lowest price to date.

More Galaxy Book dealsBest Galaxy Buds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 $159.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Just released into the world at the end of July, the Galaxy Buds 3 just got their first real discount. It's not huge, but it's still worth highlighting: ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, you can snag a pair for $159.99 instead of the usual $179.99. What's new about these buds? They can analyze internal and external sounds to enhance audio and noise cancellation in real time, they have a Voice Command feature that lets you control them without actually touching them or your phone, and a new real-time Interpreter feature powered by Galaxy AI. It's worth noting, however, that early adopters of these earbuds aren't exactly thrilled with how they fit.

More Galaxy Buds dealsBest Galaxy phone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy A35 (Unlocked, 128GB) $313.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $86.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Samsung's Galaxy A35 is a "strong buy for the price," as our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) said in their review. The budget-friendly Galaxy phone was released as a more affordable alternative to the Galaxy S24. As a budget phone, it doesn't offer the same speed and performance as the S24, but it also doesn't cost over $1,000. It packs a gorgeous 6.6-inch display, Samsung's Exynos 1380 processor, a 50MP wide-angle camera with optical image stabilization, and a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery that supports fast-charging. It's not the most impressive phone on the market, but on sale for just $313.99, it's a pretty hard deal to beat. That's 22% off.

More Galaxy phone dealsBest Galaxy Tab deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (64GB, WiFi) $179.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ may not be as fancy as the brand's S9 lineup, but not everyone is looking for a tablet that practically doubles as a computer. If you just want something reliable that can handle the basics without breaking the bank, check out the A9+. Our friends at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) called it the "best low-cost Android tablet you can buy," noting that it "succeeds at everything a low-cost tablet should." It sports an 11-inch screen, quad speakers powered by Dolby Atmos, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor, and expandable storage up to 1TB. The base model is already pretty affordable at its full price of $219.99. But ahead of Prime Day 2, you can grab it for only $179.99. That's 18% off.

More Galaxy Tab dealsBest Galaxy Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 $195.30 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $104.69 (Bluetooth, 40mm) Get Deal Why we like it

Since it's no longer the latest and greatest smartwatch in the Samsung Galaxy lineup (that would be the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra), we've been seeing some pretty sweet deals on the Galaxy Watch 6. Ahead of the October Prime Day event, you can pick up the 40mm version with Bluetooth for only $195.30, which is 35% in savings and a new record-low (by about $1). The sixth installment of the Galaxy Watch was named the "king of the Android smartwatch mountain" by Mashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry when it launched last year. It features improved sleep and fitness features over its predecessor, including a nuanced breakdown of sleep habits, sleep coaching, personalized heart rate zones, and irregular heart rate notifications. It also lasts longer on a single charge and has a 20 percent larger display than previous models.

More Galaxy Watch deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Get a $15 Prime Big Deal Days credit when you back up memories with Amazon Photos (for free)

Wed, 10/02/2024 - 17:22

FREE $15 PRIME BIG DEAL DAYS CREDIT: As of Oct. 2, get a free $15 Prime Big Deal Days credit at Amazon when you use Amazon Photos to back up your memories. Prime members have unlimited photo storage for no extra charge.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon $15 Prime Big Deal Days Credit with Amazon Photos Signup Get Deal

October Prime Day is right around the corner (Oct. 8 and 9), and you can save big during the October shopping event thanks to the deluge of deals on their way. If you want to get a leg up on the savings, Amazon is giving you an easy way to get an additional $15 off your Prime Big Deal Days purchases by inviting you to use one of the Prime benefits you may not even know you have: unlimited photo storage.

As of Oct. 2, you can get a $15 credit for Prime Big Deal Days when you back up your photos using Amazon Photos. There's no purchase required, but you must be a Prime member to do so. You'll want to go ahead and sign up for Prime ahead of October Prime Day to make sure you can take advantage of the offer, or use a free trial if one is available to you, if you're interested in snagging the extra cash. Aside from that, there are no hoops to jump through and no hidden fees.

SEE ALSO: The best freebies during Amazon's October Prime Day

You'll need to download and sign in to the Amazon Photos app on your mobile device (phone or tablet, doesn't matter which) or your desktop. From there, use the Auto-Save feature to back up all the images on your computer or device to give you a bit of space back. But don't just rely on cloud storage, take it from us. You'll want to make sure you have a second backup if those photos are precious.

In four days after signing up for Amazon Photos and using it to give yourself a bit more space, you'll automatically receive an email with your $15 Amazon credit. This deal is only available through October 3, so you're going to have to hurry and sign up if you're interested. From there, you have through October 9 to use your credit. There are a variety of items you can't use it on, and you must apply it to an order of at least $30. That said, it's well worth uploading a single photo (that's all that's required) to Amazon Photos to get this little discount.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to use Apple Pay on Amazon ahead of October Prime Day

Wed, 10/02/2024 - 16:59

Amazon's October Prime Day savings event kicks off on Oct. 8, and plenty of deals are already pouring in on Apple products, smartwatches, TVs, and much more. We'll be reporting on all the best deals as they appear, and make sure to check out our guide on what to buy and what not to buy to set yourself up for shopping success.

Avid shoppers keeping their eyes on exclusive Prime Day discounts can enjoy a breezy shopping experience while they benefit from major deals this October thanks to Amazon's flexible payment options. Users are no longer limited to debit and credit cards, or Amazon gift cards. If you're an Apple loyalist, you can also use Apple Pay to make purchases on Amazon. (Note that not all vendors accept Apple Pay, and availability may depend on your location.)

SEE ALSO: How to use a Visa gift card on Amazon How to use Apple Pay on Amazon

Step 1: Set up Apple Pay on iPhone. If you haven't already, add your debit or credit card to your iPhone's digital wallet to set up Apple Pay on your mobile device.

Step 2: Open the Amazon app.

Step 3: Add items to your cart and go to checkout. If your vendor accepts Apple Pay, you'll see it under payment options (you can use the method only if you have linked a card to your iPhone's Wallet app); select Apple Pay.

Step 4: Confirm your address and payment details.

Step 5: Once Apple Pay's payment authenticator pops up on your screen, use your Face ID or Touch ID to authenticate the purchase.

Step 6: Confirm payment to finish the process.

How to use an Apple Card to make payments on Amazon

If your third-party vendor doesn't accept Apple Pay, you can work around it by using your Apple Card instead. The process is fairly straightforward.

Step 1: Make sure you add your Apple Card to the Wallet app on your iPhone by clicking on the + symbol.

Step 2: Now, go to the Amazon app.

Step 3: You'll find four clickable options at the bottom of the home screen. Start the process by clicking on the Account icon which is right next to the homepage icon.

Step 4: A new app page will appear. Tap on Your Account to access account details.

Step 5: Scroll down on the page until you see the Payments section and click on Your Payments.

Step 6: Another page with all your linked cards and bank accounts will appear on the app. Go to the Wallet tab and press +Add.

Step 7: Click on Add a credit or debit card and input your Apple card details.

Step 8: Finally, click on Add and continue to finish the process. Now, you can use your Apple Card to make purchases on Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best soundbar deals ahead of October Prime Day

Wed, 10/02/2024 - 16:53

Shop the best early Prime Big Deal Days deals on soundbars:

Best Prime Day soundbar deals Best soundbar deal Amazon Fire TV Soundbar $94.99 at Amazon (Save $25) Get Deal Best Sony soundbar deal Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar $98 at Amazon (Save $31.99) Get Deal Best soundbar and streaming deal Roku Streambar SE $89.95 at Amazon (Save $10.04) Get Deal

Another Prime Day is coming. This time, Amazon is bringing back its October event, Prime Big Deal Days — expect two days jam-packed with deals. As we prepare for the sale to run October 8 and 9, we're ramping up our deal hunting; we already found the best Bluetooth speaker deals and TV deals, and now we're rounding up the best soundbar deals.

Now that we're in the thick of football season, WNBA playoffs, and just general cozy season, we're spending a lot more time at home in front of the TV. If your TV is just right, but maybe your sound system just isn't cutting it, October Prime Day is a great right time to get a soundbar. We're tracking the best early deals ahead of Prime Big Deal Days.

Best soundbar deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Soundbar $94.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Soundbars provide advanced sound to your home theater, but getting one can feel like you're signing up for yet another thing that requires yet another remote that will inevitably get lost in the couch. Luckily, Amazon streamlined their system so it works with your existing TV and streaming device. To set it up, just plug it into an HDMI port on your TV, and it automatically syncs with your TV and is controlled through your existing remote.

Beyond the easy set-up, it's equipped with DTS Virtual:X, providing a three-dimensional surround sound. Plus, Dolby Audio gives a rich, textured sound. It's also Bluetooth compatible, allowing you to play music right from your phone.

Normally $119.99, ahead of Prime Day, this soundbar is down to $94.99, saving you $25 for 21% off.

More soundbar deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Snag a Jack Skellington Echo Dot and give your Halloween decor a spooky upgrade

Wed, 10/02/2024 - 16:49

PRE-ORDER NOW AND GET $27 OFF: As of Oct. 2, you can pre-order a Jack Skellington Echo Dot bundle for just $62.98, down from $89.98. That's 30% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Echo Dot (5th gen) + Jack Skellington shell $62.98 at Amazon
$89.98 Save $27.00 Pre-Order Here

Spooky season is officially here, and what better way to get into the spirit of Halloween than by inviting the Pumpkin King himself — or at least his digital counterpart — into your home?

As of Oct. 2, you can pre-order a special Echo Dot bundle with the Echo Dot (5th gen, 2022 release) and a limited-edition Jack Skellington shell on sale for $62.98. That's 30% off the original price of $89.98. According to Amazon, the item will be released on Oct. 8 (the first day of Prime Big Deal Days), just in time for All Hallows' Eve.

SEE ALSO: Home Depot's 12-foot skeleton gets more upgrades and friends in its huge Halloween drop

Remember, Jack's face is just a shell, so you can take it off or switch it out whenever you want. If you already have an Echo Dot (4th or 5th gen), you can buy the Jack Skellington shell separately for $39.99.

The Echo Dot itself is Amazon’s best-sounding smart speaker to date, with improved audio and Alexa capabilities for hands-free voice commands, setting timers and alarms, and listening to music without picking up your phone. Happy Halloween!

Categories: IT General, Technology

Prime members can get a Fire TV gaming bundle for under $100 ahead of October Prime Day

Wed, 10/02/2024 - 16:42

GET $60 OFF: As of Oct. 2, Prime members can score a Fire TV Stick and Luna controller for just $69.98, down from $129.98 at Amazon. That's 46% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Fire TV Stick and Luna Controller $69.98 at Amazon
$129.98 Save $60.00 Get Deal

We’re officially one week away from October Prime Day, and Amazon’s already dropping prices on some of its most popular devices. One of the best deals we’ve seen so far is on a Fire TV gaming bundle.

As of Oct. 2, Prime members can score a Fire TV Stick 4K Max streaming device and Luna controller — which normally retails for $129.98 — for less than $70. That's 46% off. (This deal is not available to non-members.)

SEE ALSO: Creating an Amazon wishlist is our go-to Prime Day shopping hack

The only kicker is that if you don’t already have a Luna+ subscription (Amazon’s cloud gaming service), you’ll need to sign up for one, which’ll run you $9.99 monthly. (You can get a seven-day free trial, though.) But even with that additional cost, you're still getting a great deal on some solid streaming and gaming tech. All you have to do is set it up, and you’ll have access to hundreds of pick-up-and-play games from the cloud.

The Fire TV Stick is a fun add-on, too. This little streaming stick can hold 16GB of storage, double what most streaming sticks offer.

If you don’t have a smart TV or just want to upgrade your setup while the deals are hot, this bundle is a great way to do it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best freebies during Amazon's October Prime Day

Wed, 10/02/2024 - 16:32

We love a good sale, and Amazon offers up some of the best. Amazon kicks off Prime Big Deal Days on Oct. 8, a two-day event that'll offer discounts on Amazon devices, kitchen equipment, tablets, Apple products, robot vacuums, and plenty more.

But if you're aiming to keep your spending as low as possible, Amazon also has some free offers in store during the October Prime Day event. Here are some awesome free deals you can score already.

Prime Day deals that cost $0 Best free reading deal 3-month subscription to Kindle Unlimited $0 at Amazon (save $35.97) Get Deal Best free music deal 4-month subscription to Amazon Music Unlimited $0 at Amazon for Prime members (save $39.96) Get Deal Best free audiobook deal 30-day trial of Audible Premium Plus $0 at Amazon (save $14.95) Get Deal

Free is everyone's favorite price. If you're wondering how you'll pass the time this fall and winter, Amazon has some free entertainment offers in store during October Prime Day including audiobooks, music streaming, and Kindle books. Here's how to score these free deals.

Best free reading deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: 3-month subscription to Kindle Unlimited at Amazon
Get Deal Why we like it

Free access to Kindle books is truly one of life's greatest hacks. If you're new to Kindle Unlimited, sign up today to get three months of free access to millions of Kindle books, saving a total of $35.97 over the three-month period.

Amazon's Kindle Unlimited program includes over 4 million Kindle titles, including some bestsellers and popular series. Not only does the plan include unlimited reading, you also get access to thousands of audiobooks and the pleasure of browsing magazines.

If you don't already have a Kindle, check out the Mashable guide to the best Kindles to help you decide which model will suit you best.

Best free music deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: 4-month subscription to Amazon Music Unlimited at Amazon
Prime member exclusive Get Deal Why we like it

Music with no ads? It doesn't get any better. Amazon typically offers new subscribers a free one-month trail of the ad-free Amazon Music Unlimited, but as a treat during October Prime Day, you can sign up for four months of free access. However, this deal is limited to Prime members only, so you'll want to be signed up and logged in to grab this deal.

Amazon Music Unlimited comes with total control of what music you stream and when, all with no ads. You'll get unlimited access to listening while offline or skipping songs. The subscription also includes access to ad-free podcasts.

Best free audiobook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: 30-day trial of Audible Premium Plus at Amazon
Get Deal Why we like it

Audiobooks can really save the day. Whether you're stuck sitting in traffic, out walking the dog, or recovering from a cold, tuning into an audiobook can be the perfect way to relax and tune into something other than your own life. During October Prime Day, Amazon is offering a free 30-day trial to Audible Premium Plus, which typically costs $14.95 per month. The trial means you'll have free access to the Audible Plus catalog of audiobook and podcasts, some of which are exclusive to the service. The free trial of Premium Plus also comes with credit to purchase one title from the Audible premium selection.

Categories: IT General, Technology

These early Roomba deals are worth checking out ahead of October Prime Day

Wed, 10/02/2024 - 16:19
Best early October Prime Day robot vacuum deals Best budget pick iRobot Roomba Q011 robot vacuum $139.99 at Amazon (save $110) Get Deal Best combo pick iRobot Roomba j5+ self-emptying robot vacuum and mop $450 at Amazon (save $279.99) Get Deal

Roomba is one of the more popular robot vacuum models, and honestly, it's for a good reason: They make really great products. Ahead of October's Prime Day event next week, a bunch of different Roomba models are on sale at pretty steep discounts. There will probably be more during the actual event when it begins on Oct. 8, but they're still worth checking out ahead of time. If you're interested in one of the more premium Roomba companions, we're actually hoping to see better deals on those during the Prime event now that the new Combo 10 Max is out.

If you hate doing chores as much as we do, check out our top Roomba deals ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, including price cuts on regular vacuums, mop combos, and more.

SEE ALSO: The best Dyson vacuums: A guide to the latest versions of stick, ball, and handheld cleaners Best budget pick Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot Our pick: iRobot Roomba Q011 robot vacuum $139.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $110.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you've never had a robot vacuum and don't want to blow a ton of money on one before you even know if you like it, this budget Roomba vac is only $139.99 ahead of Prime Big Deal Days ($110 in savings). It's got all the basics you need: Powerful suction, smart navigation, smartphone app controls, self-recharging, and Alexa support. It's easy to clean, too.

Best combo pick Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot Our pick: iRobot Roomba j5+ self-emptying robot vacuum and mop $450.00 at Amazon
$729.99 Save $279.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Combo robot vacuums are much more well-rounded devices compared to their vacuum-only counterparts. The Roomba j5+, for example, is also a mop and can clean itself. It's also $279.99 off ahead of October Prime Day, taking its price down to just $450. The j5+ features more powerful suction over Roomba's more budget-friendly options, smart mapping, and a sensor that'll help the vacuum steer clear of any pet-related accidents. If you want to knock three items off your chore list with one device (vacuuming, mopping, and cleaning the machine), you'll want to consider picking up this Roomba model.

More early October Prime Day robot vacuum deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

October Prime Day is just around the corner: Here are the Apple Watches you can already grab on sale

Wed, 10/02/2024 - 16:12

UPDATE: Oct. 1, 2024, 8:10 a.m. EDT This post has been updated with the latest pricing and availability on Apple Watches ahead of Prime Big Deal Days.

Best Apple Watch deals ahead of Prime Day Best Series 9 deal Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm, GPS) $299 at Amazon (Save $100) Get Deal Best Series 10 deal Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm, GPS) $411.99 at Amazon (Save $17.01) Get Deal Best Ultra deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 $734.89 at Amazon (Save $64.11) Get Deal

Prime Big Deal Days (aka Prime Day part two) is nearly back again, officially kicking off on Oct. 8. As in years past, we're noticing some early savings drops on major categories, including Apple Watches.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon's October Prime Day sale: Official dates, the competition, and more

With the sale just a week away, we're seeing price cuts on the Series 9, Ultra 2, and even the 46mm Series 10. Last week, we did see a nice $30 markdown on the 42mm Series 10, but we're expecting that we might have to wait until Prime Day nears, or officially starts, to see that price drop again. In the meantime, the $100 price cut on the Series 9 watches is welcome, and we'll likely see them get phased out after this fall shopping season, making it a good time to pick one up.

We'll be updating this page often, so be sure to check back if you're interested in grabbing the best Apple Watch deals ahead of October's Prime Day. And in the meantime, check out our full list of early Prime Day deals (and even more Apple deals).

Best Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm, GPS) $299.00 at Amazon
$399.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Apple Watch Series 9.

At just one year old, the Series 9 is hardly outdated. It comes with the same 18 hours of battery life as the Series 10 and many of the same fitness features. While you'll get a slightly larger display with the newer Apple Watch and a sleep apnea sensor, you'll save $100 on the Series 9 because it's the "old" Apple Watch. Both watches have the same 2,000-nit max brightness, which Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder said was one of the best reasons to grab the watch. Overall, if you've never bought into the Apple Watch ecosystem and want to save some cash, this Series 9 deal is a decent bang for your buck.

More early Apple Watch deals

Series 10

Series 9

SE

Ultra

Categories: IT General, Technology

AirPods deals are sparse a week ahead of October Prime day, but here's what is on sale

Wed, 10/02/2024 - 16:08

UPDATE: Oct. 2, 2024, 10:34 a.m. EDT This list has been updated with the latest pricing and availability on AirPods ahead of Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale.

Best AirPods deals ahead of Prime Day 2 Best deal overall Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) $429 at Amazon (Save $120) Get Deal Best deal without ANC AirPods 4 $119 at Amazon (Save $10) Get Deal

Apple's AirPods are notoriously expensive — but they're popular for a reason. If you want to see what all the fuss is about without (completely) breaking the bank, shopping events like Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days can be a great time to pick up a pair of the headphones.

Though the October Prime-member exclusive sale doesn't officially kick off until Tuesday, Oct. 8, the AirPod deals are already rolling in — even on the newly released AirPods 4.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon's October Prime Day sale: Official dates, the competition, and more

Last week, we saw deals on the AirPods Pro and AirPods 4 with noise cancellation that have since jumped back up in price. (The Pros drop to $199 so often that we don't really consider that a decent deal.) It's not uncommon to see products hit their full prices ahead of a sitewide sale, so with Prime Big Deal Days just seven days away, this isn't unexpected.

Even so, there are still savings to be had, if sparse. The AirPods Max are $120 off, putting them down at $429. It's not their lowest price ever — that honor would go to their $395 price tag we saw them hit earlier this summer — but if you really don't want to wait until Prime Day, this is a decent price to grab them at. If you don't need noise-cancelling, you can also save $10 on the newly released AirPods 4.

Below, you'll find our complete list of the best AirPod deals ahead of Prime Day. For folks who aren't married to the fruit brand, you'll also find plenty of more deals on headphones ahead of Prime Day here.

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) $429.00 at Amazon
$549.00 Save $120.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the AirPods Max.

There are two differences between the Lightning port AirPods Max from 2020 and the USB-C AirPods Max from 2024 — not two main differences, but two differences, period. One, they have different charging ports. Two, they have different color ways. Performance wise, you'll be enjoying the same excellent active noise cancellation and sound profile on this 2020 model that you would on the new model. The third difference, at the time of writing, is that you can grab the AirPods Max for $120 off at just $429 (if you're cool with the pink colorway), while the lowest price on the USB-C Max headphones is $540.99, an $8 markdown on their $549 price tag.

More early AirPods deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon deal of the day: Get the new Amazon Echo Hub at a record-low price

Wed, 10/02/2024 - 16:05
Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Oct. 2: OUR TOP PICK Amazon Echo Hub $124.99 at Amazon (save $55) Get Deal BEST BEAUTY DEAL Shark FlexStyle $249.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal BEST TV DEAL Amazon 55-inch Omni QLED Fire TV $415.99 at Amazon (save $184) Get Deal

October Prime Day is less than a week away and Amazon is ramping up the deals. As usual, you don't need to wait until the official start of the event to score big savings — especially on Amazon's own gadgets. We've rounded up three of the best deals you can grab at the mega retailer on Oct. 2 if you prefer to shop early.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If these deals don't speak to you, take a peek at our picks from yesterday, Oct. 1. Those discounts are still live, including the Echo Buds at their record-low Prime Day price. Be sure to check back tomorrow as well for all new picks and follow along with all of our Prime Day content as the shopping extravaganza nears.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Amazon Echo Hub $124.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $55.00 Get Deal

The newest member of the Amazon Echo family, the Echo Hub is basically your smart home's brain. Rather than keeping control of your smart devices locked inside of someone's phone, it offers a full-featured control panel with instant access to all of your gadgets — smart lights, cameras, switches, doorbells, thermostat, etc. Anyone can play music, stream videos, ask Alexa questions, dim the lights, adjust the temperature, or see who's on the other side of the door in one central spot in your home. It's regularly $179.99, but it's down to just $124.99 for the first time ahead of October Prime Day. That's 31% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexStyle $249.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

It's no secret that we love Shark's beauty tech. The FlexStyle, in particular, is our favorite Dyson Airwrap dupe on the market. "[It's] hard for me to imagine a reason why you'd opt for the [Airwrap] unless you're into big purchases for the sake of big purchases, or if you're especially loyal to Dyson," Mashable Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard wrote in her review of the device. Ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, the FlexStyle is on sale for just $249.99 in both the curly and coily hair system and straight and wavy hair system. That's $50 off the usual cost. While that's not the lowest price it's ever been, it is the first time the hair tool has gone on sale since last Prime Day. The curly system comes with a diffuser, two 1.25-inch auto-wrap curlers, a styling concentrator, and a round brush, while the straight system swaps out the diffuser for a paddle brush.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon 55-inch Omni QLED Fire TV $415.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $184.00 Get Deal

The best-looking TV in Amazon's Fire TV lineup, the Omni QLED is like a more affordable version of Samsung's The Frame TV. It features an "Ambient Experience" mode that can display artwork, photos, or handy Alexa widgets soy our screen doesn't just look like a black rectangle when you're not watching it. It also features local dimming, an Adaptive Brightness feature, and support for Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive. The 55-inch option is on sale ahead of Prime Day 2 for $415.99 — that's 31% in savings. While that's not the lowest price we've ever seen, it's still $184 you get to keep in your pocket.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Find a new favorite read with two free Kindle books for Prime members

Wed, 10/02/2024 - 15:58

GET TWO FREE KINDLE BOOKS: Amazon Prime members get two free Kindle e-books with Amazon's First Reads program during the month of October. No Prime membership? Get these books for $1.99 to $4.99 each.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Two free Kindle books with Prime membership Non-members can score Amazon First Reads for $1.99 to $4.99 each Get Deal

Fall is here, and if you're planning to spend much of it snuggled up in a blanket with a good book, you're in luck. Amazon's First Reads program has you covered, helping you enjoy the cooler weather as you lounge around inside with some free books.

The First Reads program lets Amazon Prime members choose two totally free Kindle books from a selection of nine books to read without paying a dime. Normally, you just get one, making October's two-book selection a nice little bonus. Choose from a variety of genres, from horror to historical fiction and more, with options hand-picked by Amazon editors. You can also get a free short story: Joe Hill's Ushers, an Amazon original.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day is just around the corner. Here's what to buy, and what not to.

Prime members can sign up for the Amazon First Reads program for free to choose your two October books. If you aren't a Prime member, you'll pay anywhere from $1.99 to $4.99 for each of these picks — still a bargain. They're great on Kindle, but you can read them anywhere you can log into the Kindle app. So whether you have a shiny new e-reader or you'd prefer to read on your phone, you can still get the free books and enjoy them throughout the season.

You have all month to score your free reads, but don't forget to check back for more free and cheap books as each new month arrives. Plus, don't forget to scope out the best Kindle deals ahead of Prime Big Deal Days next week.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE hands-on: How different is it from the Galaxy S24 Ultra I own?

Mon, 09/30/2024 - 07:14

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, a new budget-friendly, mid-range phone unveiled on Thursday, is designed to allow users to experience some of the Galaxy S24 series' bells and whistles — without spending nearly $900.

I spent about two hours with the new Galaxy S24 FE. As someone who uses the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra every day, I was curious to see whether I'd notice a stark difference between the two.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Granted, we're comparing apples and oranges here. A better comparison would be the new Galaxy S24 FE (starts at $649.99) and the entry-level Galaxy S24 (starts at $859.99). They share more of the same specs and the price difference between the two is only $210.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, priced at a steep $1,299, is nearly $650 more than the Galaxy S24 FE. Still, I didn’t anticipate such a dramatic difference — and boy was I way off.

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE hands-on

The moment I picked up the Galaxy S24 FE, I said, "Whoa!"

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Only after holding the FE did I realize how luxurious my Ultra, with its refined titanium frame, truly feels.

  • Galaxy S24 Ultra - Corning Gorilla Armor (on the back), Corning Gorilla Armor (on the front), and titanium frame

  • Galaxy S24 FE - Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (on the back), Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front, and aluminum frame

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, unsurprisingly, doesn't feel as robust. If I didn't know any better, and you told me the Galaxy S24 FE was demo unit of sorts, I would have believed you.

Meanwhile, my Galaxy S24 Ultra feels like it's full of heft, density, and gravitas. If both were personified as wrestlers in a ring, you'd definitely be concerned for the Galaxy S24 FE while the Ultra model flexes its brawn.

The Galaxy S24 FE is also much lighter, which I thought I'd appreciate — but I don't. You know that satisfaction you get from wearing a high-end watch? It's heavier and more solid, and as such, it feels more quality. A budget watch, on the other hand, feels lighter and more flimsy.

This isn't to say that the Galaxy S24 FE is delicate — it's definitely not. It's still a well-crafted phone, but coming from the Galaxy S24 Ultra, you can really feel the difference.

The display threw me off

Again, keep in mind, that the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the display that I'm accustomed to.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

And it comes with the following specs:

  • 6.8 inches

  • 1,440 x 3,120-pixel resolution

  • 2,600 nits of peak brightness

The 6.7-inch Galaxy S24 FE has a familiar size that's not too far off from my 6.8-inch Galaxy S24 Ultra, but with a 1,080 x 2,340-pixel resolution OLED screen, I noticed the difference right away.

The rich and vivid colors that I enjoyed on my Galaxy S24 Ultra were slightly reduced. There was also a minor loss of sharpness and detail. The Galaxy S24 FE, by itself, is well saturated, but compared to my Galaxy S24 Ultra, the budget model doesn't do it for me.

I'm also not a fan of the wider bezels on the FE model. On the plus side, I love how zippy it was to navigate on the Galaxy S24 FE with its 120Hz variable refresh rate. That's an experience that matches my Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Colors don't fit my taste

My Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra comes in a striking Titanium Yellow color, which makes it look as if it's been dipped in gold.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in Titanium Yellow Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The Galaxy S24 FE phones have pastel vibes, meaning they're devoid of vividness.

Credit: Samsung

As someone who prefers rich, deep colors, my only option is Graphite, which is miles better than the other offerings: (barely-there) Blue, (merely) Mint, and (ghostly) Gray.

Cameras are OK

Keep in mind that I only had two hours with the Galaxy S24 FE, but I shrugged when I took a selfie with the phone's 10MP front-facing camera.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

One of the best selling points of the Galaxy S24 Ultra is its selfie camera. Whenever I take selfies with my friends, even the iPhone snobs, they gush about how good the 12MP selfie lens is.

When I briefly tested the 10MP selfie lens, I was neither blown away nor disappointed; the picture was just OK.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

I guess I expected better color reproduction. Again, it's not bad. I'm just used to the impressive pictures that the Galaxy S24 Ultra takes.

Galaxy AI is a fun addition

I'm relieved that Samsung didn't reserve Galaxy AI for its flagship lineup. Galaxy AI may not be perfect, but it's been fun to explore on my Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE series Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Whether you want to remove an object in a photo, need to communicate in a foreign language, or summarize a long-winded story, Galaxy AI has your back.

Conclusion: I'm too bougie for the Galaxy S24 FE

I get that some folks downgrade from a high-end phone once it’s run its course and splurging isn’t feasible, but I’d feel totally disoriented if I had to move from the Galaxy S24 Ultra to the Galaxy S24 FE.

I know what you're thinking. "Duh! Of course the Galaxy S24 FE doesn't come close to the Galaxy S24 Ultra." As I mentioned at the outset, I'm aware of this and even made a point to say that the Galaxy S24 base model would be a better comparison.

However, this hands-on was meant to highlight how taken aback I was regarding the stark differences between my Galaxy S24 Ultra. If you ever wondered if the Pro Maxes, Ultras, and XLs of the world are truly that distinct from their budget counterparts, the answer is a resounding yes.

The differences are far more pronounced than I expected, leaving me with an even greater appreciation for my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Still, the Galaxy S24 FE appears to be solid sub-$700 phone with a 50MP wide camera that matches the Galaxy S24 (though not as good as the 200MP lens on my Galaxy S24 Ultra), Galaxy AI support, and a slightly bigger battery.

Once I receive a review unit, I’ll shift my focus and assess it through the eyes of a mid-range phone user, putting aside my spoiled experience with the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra $1,049.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

eXTReMe Tracker