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I track laptop deals for a living. These are the 4 lingering Black Friday sales I keep coming back to.

Sat, 11/30/2024 - 17:57

UPDATE: Nov. 29, 2024, 11:30 a.m. EST This story has been updated with price and availability checks across the board. Good news: All of my top picks are still available (for now).

The best Black Friday laptop deals you can still shop: Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 256GB) $844 (save $255) Get Deal Best Windows laptop deal Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 13-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,499 (save $500.99) Get Deal Best gaming laptop deal Alienware m16 R2 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,299.99 (save $600) Get Deal Best Chromebook deal Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus (Intel Core 3 100U, 8GB RAM, 256GB UFS) $599.99 (save $100) Get Deal

I’m Haley, a Senior Shopping Reporter at Mashable who tracks laptop deals on a constant basis. When Black Friday rolls around, my job gets incredibly easy.

Major tech retailers and brands like Amazon, Best Buy, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, and Samsung took full advantage of the shopping holiday's unusually late timing this year, offering deep discounts on flagship laptops all month long. Black Friday proper may technically be in our rearview mirror at this point, but new and year-round lows on some of Mashable's best-reviewed machines are still up for grabs.

Black Friday laptop deals were (and continue to be) so competitive that even the famously stingy Apple Store gets involved. This year, it's doling out gift cards worth up to $200 with the purchase of select M2 and M3 MacBook Airs through Dec. 2 (aka Cyber Monday). I think most shoppers will prefer the "save money and go" approach of regular dollars-off discounts elsewhere, but this could be an option for someone who's deep in the Apple ecosystem or planning to buy other Apple gadgets.

SEE ALSO: Last chance for these Black Friday deals at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart

I realize that a new laptop is one of the biggest one-off purchases someone can make all year, even if they score a great deal, so I spend hours researching and vetting discounts. I steer clear of models that aren't reasonably future-proofed, as well as laptop deals that from third-party sellers at Amazon or Walmart. They may use different customer service or have different return policies than the sites they sell on, and I don't think expensive purchases mesh well with riskiness.

Read on for a closer look at four of the best Black Friday laptop deals I wouldn't pass up, plus more options across the MacBook, Windows, gaming, and Chromebook categories. Bookmark this page and come back later if you don't see any models with the specs you need, as I'll be updating the list continuously with new deals and price checks as Cyber Weekend continues.

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

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

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

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

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

More MacBook dealsBest Windows laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 13-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,499.00 at Amazon and the Microsoft Store
$1,999.99 Save $500.99 Get Deal Why we like it

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

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

The upgraded configuration that Gedeon tested is a 13-inch model featuring a Snapdragon X Elite processor, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage, and its price fell several times throughout the month before it settled on a new all-time low this week. I'm calling this one the "Stop! He's already dead!" special.

In early November, Amazon put this Surface Laptop 7 on sale at its October Prime Day price of $1,699.99. A week before Black Friday, Best Buy decided to match that deal — only for it to drop an extra $100 at Amazon and the Microsoft Store. A few days later, Amazon added $50 to its discount, which Microsoft eventually matched. Finally, on Black Friday proper, Amazon and Microsoft hammered the last nail in the coffin by bringing it down to a record-low $1,499 (or 25% off). It was still stuck at $1,699.99 at Best Buy the last time I checked. Poor guy.

For what it's worth, the Microsoft Store offers price protection if you bought the Surface Laptop 7 there at one of its previous sale prices. Amazon does not, but you do have the option of returning it and rebuying it for cheaper. The retailer's extended holiday return policy applies to most purchases made between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31.

More Windows laptop deals

2-in-1 laptops

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

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

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

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

If it sells out there — it briefly did on Black Friday — another model with a slightly better processor and a slightly worse GPU is on sale for the same price on Dell's website; it's typically $1,699.99 there.

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

Announced in October, this 15.6-inch Samsung Galaxy machine is the thinnest, lightest Chromebook Plus model on the market and the only one with an AMOLED display. (Translation: It's super vibrant.) "As someone who got a chance to get some hands-on experience with the Galaxy Chromebook Plus, I can confirm that it is razor thin," Gedeon wrote. "I don't even know how they managed to pack any internals inside." It has an Intel Core 3 100U processor, 8GB of memory, and 256GB of UFS storage, and supports newer Gemini AI features like Live Translate.

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

More Chromebook deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

How to contact Walmart customer service for Black Friday and Cyber Week 2024

Sat, 11/30/2024 - 17:57

After the frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, issues with orders, returns, or questions about products are bound to pop up. If you've had problems with delivery, stolen packages, or a case of Black Friday shopper's regret, you have a few options for getting customer support from Walmart.

Here’s how to quickly get in touch with Walmart’s customer service to resolve any problems.

SEE ALSO: Walmart's Black Friday sale is still live — find all the best deals right here

1. Use Walmart’s Online Chat
The fastest way to reach Walmart support is through their live chat feature. For order-related problems, go to the "Purchase History" page, where you’ll find a "Chat with Us" button that connects you directly to a Walmart representative.

2. Call Walmart Customer Service
If you prefer speaking directly, you can call Walmart at 1-800-925-6278. They’re available 24/7, though wait times may be longer during busy periods.

3. Use Social Media
Walmart is active on Twitter (@Walmart) and Facebook. A quick tweet or message can often get a response in minutes.

4. Visit a Store
If you're dealing with a return or exchange issue, visiting your local Walmart can sometimes resolve things faster. Make sure to bring a copy of your digital receipt and the item in question.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Canadian publishers take OpenAI to court

Sat, 11/30/2024 - 17:32

In the newest legal battle between artificial intelligence and pretty much everybody else, OpenAI is once again on the chopping block.

A group of five Canadian news companies including the National Post, Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail, The Canadian Press, and CBC/Radio-Canada filed a lawsuit against OpenAI alleging copyright infringement and breaching their online terms of use, Reuters first reported. The group is seeking up to $20,000 Canadian for each article used by OpenAI, The Guardian reported.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI Sora leak: What it was and what it wasn’t.

"Rather than seek to obtain the information legally, OpenAI has elected to brazenly misappropriate the News Media Companies’ valuable intellectual property and convert it for its own uses, including commercial uses, without consent or consideration," the filing, which The Verge published, reads.

The filing goes on to allege that OpenAI has "capitalized on the commercial success of its GPT models, building an expansive suite of GPT-based products and services, and raising significant capital — all without obtaining a valid license from any of the News Media Companies. In doing so, OpenAI has been substantially and unjustly enriched to the detriment of the News Media Companies." The news companies, they write, did not receive "any form of consideration, including payment, in exchange for OpenAI's use of their Works."

"Journalism is in the public interest," Torstar, Postmedia, The Globe and Mail, The Canadian Press, and CBC/Radio-Canada said in a statement, according to Reuters. "OpenAI using other companies' journalism for their own commercial gain is not. It's illegal."

In response, OpenAI said that the data its models were trained on was publicly available and fair use.

"We collaborate closely with news publishers, including in the display, attribution and links to their content in ChatGPT search, and offer them easy ways to opt out should they so desire," OpenAI spokesperson Jason Deutrom told The Verge in a statement.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Dyson OnTrac ANC headphones are on sale for Black Friday, but are they any good?

Sat, 11/30/2024 - 17:26

SAVE $50: As of Nov. 30, Dyson's OnTrac active noise-canceling headphones are just $449.99 at Amazon, down from $499.99. That's a $50 discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson OnTrac active noise-canceling headphones $449.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

With Black Friday behind us, there’s just one shopping day left: Cyber Monday. And Amazon’s already offering some pretty hot deals.

Right now, you can grab the new Dyson OnTrac active noise-canceling headphones for just $449.99 — that’s a $50 discount and a new record-low price, according to our trusty Amazon price-checking tool, CamelCamelCamel. (Best Buy also matches this price.) This is also baby's first discount, as we've never seen these headphones on sale before.

At $449.99, you might be wondering if these headphones are worth it. Well, according to Mashable reviewer Timothy Beck Werth, the audio quality is superb. He was blown away by the immersive sound, calling it a serious competitor for the "best audio experience" he's ever had. "If you want to disappear into a bubble of sound and enjoy your music to the fullest, these headphones deliver a powerful experience," writes Werth.

A Mashable reviewer testing the Dyson OnTrac headphones. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

Not only do these headphones sound good, but they also do a pretty good job of blocking out background noise. “During a test call, a friend was able to tell that I was calling on headphones, but they could barely hear the train passing in the near distance,” writes Werth.

SEE ALSO: The best Black Friday Dyson deals still live

On top of that, thanks to an ingenious Dyson design hack, these headphones have an insane battery life. Listeners can get 55 hours of playtime with ANC engaged. You also get an uber-comfortable fit.

Is there a downside, besides the still-high sale price of $449.99. We can't deny it — these aren't the sexiest headphones you can buy in 2024. The design looks a bit "clunky," as our reviewer said. While they lack the cool vibes of the AirPods Max headphones, we think they deliver superior sound and battery life.

Categories: IT General, Technology

All of the top robot vacuums Ive tested are still at record-low prices after Black Friday

Sat, 11/30/2024 - 17:08

UPDATE: Nov. 30, 2024, 11:00 a.m. EST This story has been updated with current pricing on robot vacuums still on sale during the morning after Black Friday, including ones at Amazon that are now being called Cyber Monday deals.

A quick view of the best Black Friday robot vacuum deals still live Best non self-emptying deal Shark IQ Matrix 2-in-1 RV2402 $148 at Walmart (save $231.99) Get Deal Best budget self-emptying deal iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ $299 at Amazon (save $250.99) Get Deal Best premium deal Roborock Qrevo S $459.99 at Amazon (save $340) Get Deal

Yet another Black Friday is technically in the rearview, but we all know that the vibes will be alive and well through Cyber Monday. This chaotic shopping weekend often brings flashbacks to last year's frantic shopping — including the items that you didn't end up buying, and then wished you had all year. If a robot vacuum didn't make the cut last year, let Black Friday 2024 be the time to finally ditch your current clunky vacuum and treat yourself to a significantly shorter chore list.

Black Friday deals make high-end robot vacs super accessible

The robot vacs getting attention this Black Friday are packed with high-end features — ones you may have previously been fine to settle without just because, at full price, they're a really intimidating investment. I'm personally eyeing the number of options that bring home smart mapping and small obstacle avoidance (no more eaten phone chargers) and self-washing and drying mopping pads in the $500 to $700 range.

Considering the latter two features I just mentioned were once so newfangled that they were only available in the $1,000+ range, these sale prices are ones to hop on without hesitation. FWIW, most of the robot vacuums still on sale for Black Friday are the cheapest they've ever been. Many are even beating their previous record-low pricing that we just saw during October Prime Day — and unlike Prime Day, no membership is needed to access these deals, aside from a few random ones at Amazon.

SEE ALSO: I've tested over 20 robot vacuums and these are the best for every budget in 2024

Below, I'm tracking the best Black Friday robot vacuum deals still live through Cyber Monday and beyond. (Amazon is already officially referring to deals as Cyber Monday deals now, even if they're identical to Black Friday deals.) While nothing has really changed about the sales yesterday versus today, it's not unlikely for a few new robot vacs to go on sale as more retailers enter Cyber Monday mode — so if you've held out this long, I recommend waiting to see what deals the weekend brings.

Deals are organized into three sections: robot vacuums that don't mop, robot vacuum and mop combos, and vacuum and mop combos that also wash and dry their own mopping pads. Within each category, all robot vacuum deals are ordered by price from cheapest to most premium. (Need help deciding which robot vacuum to buy? I have some guidelines.)

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

Best Black Friday robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ $299.00 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $250.99 Get Deal Why we like it

This nearly 50% off discount on the Roomba Combo j5+ is stellar at first glance, but it looks like an even sweeter deal when compared to the current deal on the cheapest self-emptying Roomba, the Roomba Vac 2. For $249.99, that bare-bones Roomba doesn't mop and can't smart map your house. For $299 — just $50 more — the Roomba Combo i5+ can mop and can smart map to clean specific rooms in your home on command. If $300 is your budget cap for a new robot vacuum, spending that extra $50 is a no-brainer.

The only downside to choosing the Combo i5+ over the more advanced Combo j5+ is that the i series Roombas don't have small obstacle avoidance technology, so they can't dodge things on the floor like charging cords or pet waste. However, if your home is already pretty tidy as it is, or you're down to deal with tidying up ahead of vacuuming, the Combo i5+ is a total steal at this price. Otherwise, the fantastic Black Friday deal on the Combo j5+ is also still live: grab it for 50% at $399.99.

More robot vacuums (that don't mop) on saleRobot vacuum and mop combos on saleRobot vacuum and mop combos with self-washing mop station on sale
Categories: IT General, Technology

Meta Quest 3S vs. Meta Quest 3: What are the differences?

Sat, 11/30/2024 - 17:03
Meta Quest 3S vs. 3: Price and specs Meta Quest 3S (left) and Meta Quest 3 (right) Credit: Meta

As mentioned, the Quest 3S is cheaper with a starting price of $299.99. It comes with the following specs:

  • Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip

  • 128GB of storage

  • 8GB of RAM

  • 1,832 x 1,920-pixel display resolution

  • 90Hz and 120Hz refresh rates

  • Fresnel lens

If you upgrade to 256GB of storage, you'll have to shell out $399.99. In my experience with the Meta Quest 2 and Quest 3, 128GB was sufficient, netting me about 60 games and apps with some storage left over.

The Meta Quest 3, on the other hand, has a price of $499.99. It comes with the following:

  • Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip

  • 512GB of storage

  • 8GB of RAM

  • 2,064 x 2,208-pixel resolution

  • 72Hz, 80Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz refresh rates

  • Pancake lens

It has the same chipset and RAM as the Quest 3S, but you'll get better displays, greater storage, and more refresh rate options. (More on that later.)

Meta Quest 3S (128GB) $299.00 at Amazon
Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Meta Meta Quest 3 128GB - Breakthrough mixed reality - Powerful performance, White Meta Quest 3S vs. 3: Design

The Meta Quest 3S appears to be bulkier than the Meta Quest 3 — similar to the Quest 2. The pricier Quest 3, on the other hand, has a sleeker, more comfortable appearance.

Meta Quest 3S Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The front part of the Quest 3S is different from the Quest 3, too. While both have a mostly-white body, the Quest 3S has its sensors arranged in a triangular pattern. However, the Quest 3, on the other hand, has its sensors arranged into larger, oval-shaped openings.

Both headsets have the same controllers.

Meta Quest 3S Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

It's also worth noting that the Meta Quest 3 has a 3.5mm headset jack, but the Quest 3S does not. This, however, doesn't mean that you can't connect headphones to the latter. You can still use USB-C headphones or Bluetooth-supported wireless earbuds.

Meta Quest 3S vs. 3: Display

The Meta Quest 3's displays have a higher screen resolution compared to the Quest 3S.

Meta Quest 3S displays Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

  • Quest 3S - 1,832 x 1,920-pixel resolution

  • Quest 3 - 2,064 x 2,208-pixel resolution

In my experience comparing the Quest 3S and Quest 3 side-by-side, the Quest 3's visuals are definitely sharper and more vivid.

Plus, the Quest 3 has a greater range of refresh rate options:

  • Quest 3S - 90Hz and 120Hz

  • Quest 3 - 72Hz, 80Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz

You may be wondering, "Why would anyone run their Quest 3 at 72Hz as opposed to 120Hz?" Well, for those who use PCVR, reducing the refresh rate may allow them to prioritize a higher resolution without taking too much of a performance hit.

Meta Quest 3 Credit: Meta

It's also worth noting that the Quest 3S has fresnel lenses as opposed to the Quest 3's pancake lenses. Both lenses have their pros and cons, but pancake lenses are generally better, allowing for a lighter and thinner design, less distortion, and better image quality.

As someone who owns a Meta Quest 3, I'd say that its resolution quite middling. They're simply OK. As such, with the Quest 3 already having mid-tier visuals, you might be disillusioned by the Quest 3S' displays.

Meta Quest 3S vs. 3: Features

Both have the same feature set, including augmented reality (AR) with passthrough mode. Passthrough, which lets you see the world around you, relies on a 4MP camera and lets you enjoy AR experiences. For example, with Passthrough mode on, you'll have the opportunity to see the room you're standing in — even with your headset on.

Mashable's tech editor using the Quest 3S Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

For the uninitiated, AR is a blend of digital artifacts with your real-world environment. For example, in an AR game, you can dodge virtual aliens while diving behind the sofa in your living room.

Announced at Meta Connect 2024, you'll also have an easier time with spatial computing with Quest 3S and Quest 3.

Spatial computing was always available on the Quest series (at least as far back as the second-generation Quest 2 because I've demoed the ability to use it with a laptop in 2021.) However, it appears that, with a new update, the experience should be a lot more seamless with the two Quest 3 models, particularly if you have a Windows 11 PC. You'll have the opportunity to work with numerous virtual displays for a more immersive workflow.

Meta Quest 3 Credit: Meta

"Quest is going to be a natural extension of your PC," Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg said.

To sum it up, on both the Quest 3S and Quest 3, you'll have access to AR and VR apps and games via the Quest Store, as well as support for PCVR with the Quest Link app. You can also play Xbox Game Pass games on both headsets.

Meta Quest 3S vs. 3: Battery

The Quest 3 has a bigger battery: 5,060 mAh to be exact. The Quest 3S, on the other hand, sports a 4,324 battery.

According to our review, the Meta Quest 3 lasted one hour and 19 minutes with nonstop gameplay.

We also reviewed the Quest 3S, and as it turns out, according to our in-house testing, it lasted 2 hours and 30 minutes on a single charge.

Meta Quest 3S vs. 3: Which is the winner?

The Quest 3S is cheaper and delivers longer battery life, but has a clunkier, more unwieldy design.

The Quest 3 is pricier and less power efficient, but has better weight distribution for increased comfort. Plus, it offers better visuals, too.

The winner depends on what you value more: battery life and cost effectiveness or better picture and comfort?

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 3: Whats the difference?

Sat, 11/30/2024 - 16:30

As holiday shopping kicks off in earnest, you've probably noticed that the new AirPods 4 come in two variants: one with active noise cancellation (ANC) and one without. But the question is, how do they compare to the AirPods 3?

It's time for a good ol' AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 3 face-off, which will help you decide how they differ and whether the fourth-generation AirPods are worth the upgrade.

Or perhaps you've never owned AirPods and you're wondering whether you should purchase the newest pair or grab its predecessor. No matter where you are in your purchase journey, we can help you through it with this in-depth comparative analysis of both the AirPods 4 and AirPods 3.

SEE ALSO: AirPods 4: The new active noise cancellation made ‘Espresso’ sound like it was performed in a soundproof café Apple AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3: Price and availability

The AirPods 4, as mentioned at the outset, comes in two flavors: ANC and no ANC.

AirPods 3 Credit: Mashable

The non-ANC model normally starts at $129.99, tough it's on sale for $119.99 for Black Friday. However, if you want the model with ANC, you'll have to shell out $179.99, which is $50 more.

The AirPods 4 offers an affordable entry point compared to the AirPods 3 that launched in 2021 with a starting price of $179.99.

Apple AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3: Design

We interviewed two head honchos from the Apple team about the AirPods 4's design, specifically Eric Treski, Director of AirPods Product Marketing at Apple, and Kate Bergeron, the Vice President of Hardware Engineering at Apple. They acknowledged that the AirPods line has a fit inconsistency hurdle that Apple has been struggling to overcome. Some users say that their AirPods fit just fine, but others say that they keep falling out.

AirPods 4 Credit: Apple

That said, the AirPods 4 has a new design that has the best fit for most. How did the company manage to accomplish this? Apple said that it did extensive research on ear shapes. "We've come up with a relatively efficient way to scan people's ears through our own tools so we can build that database [and continue to find the 'best fit'] on an ongoing basis," Bergeron said.

As such, compared to other AirPods on the market, the AirPods 4 should be the most comfortable. The AirPods 4 have shaved-down stems and slimmer, more angular inserts compared to the AirPods 3. (The latter has larger, more bulbous inserts.) The new-generation AirPods are also slightly smaller than the AirPods 3, but they both weigh about the same (i.e., 0.15 ounces).

AirPods 3 Credit: Mashable

AirPods fit is subjective, but speaking anecdotally, the AirPods 4 fit very well — even better than the AirPods Pro that I own. No matter how much I shake my head, they don't fall out.

Additionally, unlike the AirPods Pro line, the AirPods 4 continue to not have silicone ear tips.

Apple AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3: ANC, Transparency Mode, and Adaptive Audio

On the AirPods 3, you won't find support for ANC, Transparency Mode, nor Adaptive Audio whatsoever.

AirPods 4 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

However, Apple changed that with the AirPods 4. The base model doesn't offer any of the aforementioned features, but the pricier variant comes with all three.

In our interview with Apple, Treski explained that putting ANC in "open-air earbuds," meaning earbuds that don't have silicone tips like the AirPods Pro line, is quite tricky. The silicone tips act as passive noise cancellation tools because they're blocking your ear canal from external noise, and they work in concert with hardware (like the H2 chip) and software to cancel out incoming noise.

Apple admitted that the H2 chip has to work a little harder on the AirPods 4 to cancel out noise, but anecdotally, I can confirm that it works like a charm. Of course, no ANC headphones can completely eradicate noise, but in an airport, the AirPods 4 heavily subdued noises like chatty conversations and PA announcements. If I wanted to hear those PA announcements, I could turn on Transparency Mode. You can also use Adaptive Audio, which requires you to trust that the AirPods 4 can swap between ANC and Transparency Modes by intelligently determining whether the external noises are worth hearing. Sometimes it gets it right, sometimes it doesn't, so I prefer to swap between Transparency and ANC modes myself.

AirPods 4 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

On the plane itself, AirPods 4 with ANC worked well in getting rid of some of the higher-pitched sounds that emanated from the plane — a cacophonous sound that, if you'll permit me to use onomatopoeia, sounds like a "whishing" noise. But with the lower "humming" sounds of the engine, I could still hear them through the AirPods 4 with ANC. Overall, though, for a pair of open-air earbuds, the AirPods 4 with ANC does a great job at active noise cancellation.

It also helps that, as Apple told Mashable in an interview, the AirPods 4 with ANC borrows microphones from the AirPods Pro 2, which Apple says are "high quality" and contribute to the AirPods 4's success with ANC.

Apple AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3: Touch controls

With the AirPods 4 with ANC, you can press and hold the stem to toggle between ANC, Transparency, and Adaptive Audio modes. You can also finagle between the modes on your iPhone. (If you have an Android, you can't select ANC options on your phone; you'll have to rely on the touch controls.)

AirPods 4 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Touch controls you can find on the AirPods 3 and AirPods 4 include the following:

  • Play/pause: press the stem

  • Play next track: Double-press the stem

  • Play the previous track: Triple-press the stem

  • Answer calls: press the stem

Unfortunately, however, both models still lack on-bud volume controls, which is a common user complaint.

Apple AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3: Sound quality

According to our review of the AirPods 3, these buds are already pretty impressive.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

However, in my experience, the AirPods 4 takes it up a notch. I listened to my favorite song of the year, "Espresso," on AirPods 4 with ANC, and it felt as if Sabrina Carpenter was singing the song right in front of me in a soundproof cafe.

The AirPods 4 (ANC and non-ANC models) and the AirPods 3 have support for Personalized Spatial Audio, which means that, depending on your ears, the earbuds offer the best customized listening experience designed for you. However, the AirPods 4 takes it up a notch because it adds an improved amplifier and driver, which leads to better bass, and clearer mids and highs.

Apple AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3: Siri Interactions

The AirPods 4, whether they have ANC or not, support something called Siri Interactions.

AirPods 3 Credit: Mashable

Siri Interactions, which are not available on the AirPods 3, allow you to nod yes or shake your head no to questions or statements from Siri. For example, when Siri tells you there's an incoming call, you can nod to take the call or shake your head to reject it.

This allows you to have a hands-free experience wit your AirPods 4.

Apple AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3: Case

The AirPods 4 case got a slight makeover. It's the smallest AirPods case that Apple has ever produced. So if you've been dreaming of an even more pocketable pair of AirPods, the AirPods 4 is the one for you. This new AirPods 4 case ships for both models: ANC and non-ANC.

AirPods 3 Credit: Mashable

It's also worth noting that, on the AirPods 4 case, you won't find the same pairing button that was featured on the AirPods 3's case. I learned the hard way that it's not there anymore. (I was scratching my head trying to find it for far too long — until I discovered that there's a new pairing button that's now hidden.) The pairing button has been replaced with a capacitive touch feature on the front. So when you open the case (with the AirPods 4 in them), you'll see a green light, which indicates the battery status is in good standing. Double tap on that light until you get a blinking white light, which will allow you to initiate pairing mode, so you can connect the AirPods 4 to your device.

Another difference is that the AirPods 4 case now has a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) radio inside it, allowing you to find the case independently from the buds in case you lose them.

Apple AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3: Battery life

We don't have in-house testing for the AirPods 3, but according to Apple, they last up to six hours on a single charge.

AirPods 4 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

We did, however, test the AirPods 4; it lasted 5 hours and 12 minutes. (This almost matches Apple's own rating; the Cupertino-based tech giant said it can survive for up to 5 hours on a single charge.) In my experience, Apple's claims typically match Mashable's own runtime figures, so there's a good chance that you'll squeeze out more battery life out of the AirPods 3, which has a six-hour battery life rating, compared to the AirPods 4.

Apple AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3: Which should you buy?

If you’re looking for the best value, the AirPods 4 offers more bang for your buck, particularly the ANC model. You get Siri Interactions, a more findable and compact charging case, and improved bass, mids, and highs.

However, the AirPods 3 — while lacking ANC — still delivers solid sound quality and reliable battery life. So, if you’re all about advanced features and noise cancellation AirPods 4 is the way to go. But if you prefer a simple, proven pair of earbuds, the AirPods 3 will still hold up.

Opens in a new window Credit: T-Mobile AirPods 4 with ANC $179.99 at T-Mobile
Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: T-Mobile Apple AirPods without ANC $129.99 at T-Mobile
Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable AirPods 3 $179.99 at T-Mobile
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Categories: IT General, Technology

Black Friday may be over, but there are still tons of STEM toys on sale at Amazon

Sat, 11/30/2024 - 16:01
Best post-Black Friday STEM toy deals Best deal overall National Geographic Ultimate Crystal Garden $13.49 (save $3.50) Get Deal Best runner-up deal MAGNA-TILES Metropolis 110-Piece Magnetic Construction Set $89.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best budget deal Creativity for Kids Grow 'N Glow Terrarium Kit $9.34 (save $8.65) Get Deal

Black Friday may be “officially” over, but there are still tons of deals worth grabbing before they’re gone. Amazon, in particular, has a wealth of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) toys on sale that are perfect for kids, teens, and even adults who love to tinker and experiment.

SEE ALSO: Finding a gift that kids actually like is tricky. This guide will make it easier.

Sure, you could just pop the latest video game into your cart and call it a day, but where’s the fun in that? With a STEM toy, you can encourage problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and a genuine love of learning. (Plus, your giftee will most likely want to build or create whatever it is immediately, so you can make a memory of it.)

From solar robots to one-of-a-kind growing kits, here are the best STEM toy deals you'll find on Amazon right now.

Best deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Blue Marble Store National Geographic Ultimate Crystal Garden $13.49 at Amazon
$16.99 Save $3.50 Get Deal Why we like it

The National Geographic Ultimate Crystal Garden is a prime example of a STEM toy that offers hours of educational entertainment. (As soon as I saw this, I added it to my cart for my nephew.) With this NatGeo kit, your little ones can grow a crystal garden in six hours. It comes with everything you need to get started, including five watercolor pens so they can choose the colors of their crystals.

And the best part? You’ll be giving the gift of magic for the small price of $13.49.

Early Cyber Monday STEM toy deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

2024 Black Friday ads: Best deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and more

Sat, 11/30/2024 - 11:57

Black Friday has been here for weeks, but as of Nov. 29, it's actually here. As always, the shopping event that takes over our TVs and inboxes promises huge discounts on TVs, laptops, headphones, speakers, and so much more.

In the battle for Black Friday, the leading names in the retail game are competing harder than ever. Some deals are price-matched across stores, while other deals on certain products are exclusive to one store or another. Where are shoppers supposed to start?

SEE ALSO: Are there any stores that price match Black Friday deals? Not officially, for the most part.

To help you shop smart this Black Friday, we've scoured all of the deals and doorbusters from the Black Friday ads of Best Buy, Walmart, Kohl's, The Home Depot, and Target, pulling out the best ones and organizing them for you by category and retailer below. For those who don't have time to scroll through pages and pages of ad scan offers from each store, this is your cheat sheet. Just use your keyboard's search shortcut to search the product or category you're eyeing.

After weeks of having early sales advertised to us, here are the best deals from Black Friday ads that you can buy online as of actual Black Friday on Nov. 29.

Best deals from AmazonBest Amazon deals on AppleBest Amazon deals on EchoBest Amazon deals on fitness trackersBest Amazon deals on headphonesBest Amazon deals on KindlesBest Amazon kitchen dealsBest Amazon deals on robot vacuumsBest Amazon deals on TVsBest Amazon deals on DysonBest deals from Best BuyBest Buy Apple dealsBest Buy deals on camerasBest Buy deals on fitness trackersBest Buy deals on gamingBest Buy deals on headphonesBest Buy deals on kitchenBest Buy deals on laptopsBest Buy deals on smart home gadgetsBest Buy deals on speakersBest Buy deals on TVsBest Buy deals on vacuums Featured Video For You 5 best Black Friday products to shop Best deals from The Home DepotBest Home Depot deals on cordless toolsBest Home Depot deals on air purifiersBest Home Depot deals on smart homeBest Home Depot deals on home securityBest Home Depot deals on ice makersBest Home Depot deals on mini fridgesBest Home Depot deals on vacuumsBest deals from Kohl'sBest Kohl's deals on Amazon productsBest Kohl's deals on home audioBest Kohl's deals on headphonesBest Kohl's deals on smartwatchesBest Kohl's deals on tabletsBest deals from TargetBest Target deals on Apple productsBest Target deals on gaming techBest Target deals on TVsBest Target deals on kitchen appliancesBest Target deals on laptopsBest Target deals on headphonesBest Target deals on robot vacuums and regular vacuumsBest Target deals on smart homeBest Target deals on speakersBest Target deals on smartwatchesBest deals from WalmartBest Walmart deals on AppleBest Walmart deals on dronesBest Walmart deals on gamingBest Walmart deals on headphonesBest Walmart deals on laptopsBest Walmart deals on TVsBest Walmart deals on robot vacuums and regular vacuums
Categories: IT General, Technology

Home Depot is still giving away free cordless tools for Black Friday

Sat, 11/30/2024 - 11:39

We make a lot of noise about all the tech deals you can bag during Black Friday, and it's true that you can find low prices on TVs, laptops, headphones, speakers, and just about everything else on your shopping list during this busy period. But what about tools? Is Black Friday the best time to find deals on exactly what you need to build out your toolkit? Of course it is.

Home Depot is offering a bunch of buy one, get one free deals on cordless tools this Black Friday. Decent tools are seriously expensive, so the opportunity to pick up a cordless tool for free is surely worth considering.

SEE ALSO: Best Buy is treating most of November like Black Friday

We've gone ahead and checked out everything on offer from Home Depot, and lined up a selection of standout deals. We've included big discounts on popular brands like Milwaukee, Ryobi, DeWalt, and Makita. So whether you're a professional, DIY enthusiast, or an absolutely hopeless amateur, there is a deal for you right here.

These are the best deals on cordless tools this Black Friday.

Best deals on MilwaukeeBest deals on RyobiBest deals on DeWaltBest deals on MakitaBest deals on RidgidThe best cordless tool deals from Amazon Black Friday Is Over. This Is Your Last Chance To Snag These Savings.
Categories: IT General, Technology

The LG gram Pro 17-inch laptop is over $200 off for Black Friday, but not for much longer

Sat, 11/30/2024 - 11:31

SAVE OVER $285: As of Nov. 30, the LG gram 17-inch laptop is on sale for $849.99 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's a 25% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG gram 17-Inch Laptop $849.99 at Amazon
$1,137.80 Save $287.81 Get Deal

It's not quite the Most Wonderful Time of the Year but it's not far off. And what would the Christmas build-up be without all the bargains in Amazon's Black Friday event? Looking to stock up on gifts? Or perhaps you want to treat yourself? Either way, now's the time to do it — while prices are still discounted.

One of the most sought after items over Black Friday is the laptop because, lets be honest, laptops don't come cheap. One of the best laptop deals we've spotted in Amazon's Black Friday sale is on the LG gram 17-inch, a super-thin model with an AI-assisted CPU and an incredible IPS display. As of Nov. 30, the LG gram 17-inch laptop is down to $849.99, which means 25% off the list price.

SEE ALSO: We track Apple deals year-round — Black Friday 2024 has the lowest prices we’ve seen

If you're a Windows user — or maybe you're in the market for a new operating system — there's plenty to recommend about this laptop. It's particularly good if you work on-the-go, or if portability is a priority. It measures just 0.7 of an inch when closed and weighs less than 3lbs.

And there's impressive spec under the hood. It uses an AI-enabled Intel Core Ultra 5 Processor Evo Edition and a hefty battery that offers up to 20 hours of juice.

SEE ALSO: The best early gaming laptop deals you can snag ahead of Black Friday

If the spec doesn't quite match your needs, there are other options in Amazon's Black Friday sale. The LG gram 14-inch is currently discounted by more than $600. And there's an LG gram Pro that's reduced by $700.

Amazon's Black Friday event continues until Dec 2, but don't miss your chance to grab an LG gram laptop for less.

Bag These Black Friday Deals Before They Go
Categories: IT General, Technology

Black Friday deals end soon. Save $100 on the Apple MacBook Air before Cyber Monday.

Sat, 11/30/2024 - 11:26

SAVE $100: As of Nov. 30, the Apple MacBook Air 13.3-inch is on sale for $599 in Walmart's Black Friday sale. That's a 14% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 13.3-Inch $599.00 at Walmart
$699.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal

Amazon's Black Friday event has officially kicked off, promising two whole weeks of impressive deals and discounts. Whether you've got your eye on a TV, Apple Watch, or tablet, you'll find something on your wishlist reduced at Amazon.

But the latest deal that has caught our eye is on the 2020 Apple MacBook Air. As of Nov. 30, the Apple MacBook Air 13.3 is reduced to $599 at Walmart, saving you $100 on list price. This deal is available in multiple colors, including gold, space gray, and silver.

SEE ALSO: The Apple Pencil just got a huge discount in Amazon's Black Friday sale

This model is powered by the Apple M1 chip, meaning it delivers up to 3.5x faster performance than its predecessor. It boasts 8GB of memory, making sure things run smoothly even with the most demanding apps. The 13.3-inch Retina display offers sharp text and vibrant colors, and the battery life will keep you going for up to 18 hours.

Compatibility includes popular apps like Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft 365, plus the ability to run iPhone and iPad apps on macOS. It’s easy to set up, and integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices. This model also benefits from Apple Intelligence, a personal assistant system that helps with your productivity with privacy-focused features.

This is not the latest in the MacBook Air range. The 2024 MacBook Air comes in both 13- and 15-inch and runs on the new and improved M3 chip. Both are on sale at Amazon for Black Friday, if a newer model is on your wishlist.

But if the newest model isn't necessary, this deal is not one to miss. Head to the Walmart website before it sells out.

Shop The Last Black Friday Deals Before Cyber Monday
Categories: IT General, Technology

Black Friday might not be over, but $70 off the latest Apple Watch Series 10 won’t last long

Sat, 11/30/2024 - 11:11

SAVE $70: As of Nov. 30, the Apple Watch Series 10(GPS, 40mm) is available for $329 in Amazon's Black Friday event. That’s a 19% saving on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 40mm) $329.00 at Amazon
$399.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal

Don't worry if you missed Black Friday itself, because Amazon's Black Friday event will continue until Dec. 2. It's still party time if you want to get a great deal of some desirable tech. And tech doesn't get much more desirable than the Apple Watch, which continues to evolve and dazzle Apple fans.

The problem with the Apple Watch, of course, is the price — but that's what Black Friday is for. Amazon has lined up a series of Apple Watch deals, but this Series 10 model has really caught our eye thanks to its rose gold aluminium style. The Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 40mm) in rose gold has $70 off the list price, which brings it down to $329. That's an overall saving of 19% on list price.

SEE ALSO: 2024 Black Friday ads: Best deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Home Depot, and more

It has everything you want from an Apple Watch, with fitness tracking and health insights, ECG scans, the ability to take calls and text, stacks of apps, all your podcasts, and incredible synchronicity with all your Apple devices. Seriously, if you're an Apple user, adding the Apple Watch to your selection of devices is a no brainer. It's not just a handsome bit of a tech but a lifestyle choice.

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

We especially like this one for its rose gold coloring and blush wristband. That's just one aspect of its style. As well as the street cred you get with Apple tech, the always-on retina display is incredible. You can choose your own clock face and with fast charging, there's no reason to ever run out of juice.

Pick up this Black Friday bargain on the Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 40mm) for a lifestyle upgrade.

Black Friday Deals End Soon. The Best Deals Before Cyber Monday.
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Black Friday robot vacuum deal is still live. Save $300 on the Shark AI Ultra.

Sat, 11/30/2024 - 11:02

SAVE $300: As of Nov. 30, the Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum is on sale for $299 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's a 50% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark AI Ultra Robot Vacuum $299.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal

Black Friday itself may have come and gone, but Amazon's Black Friday event continues until Dec. 2. Which means there's still time to grab a bargain or two, and pick up those high ticket devices that you can't normally afford. But only as long as stocks last. In other words, now's the time to check out the best deals. And here's one that's more of a lifestyle investment — a highly-rated robot vacuum that will level up cleanliness around the home while allowing you more time to put your feet up.

As of Nov. 30, the Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum is priced at just $299.99, which is a massive saving of 50% from the list price.

SEE ALSO: We track Apple deals year-round — Black Friday 2024 has the lowest prices we’ve seen

Shark isn't as well known for its robot vacuums as some other brands, but this AI-powered model is considered one of the best around. It's got powerful suction and intuitive cleaning skills that will map out your home and skirt around any obstacles using AI laser navigation. It also boasts Matrix Cleaning Navigation, which cleans in a grid-like pattern to ensure multiple passes over any given area. All of which means guaranteed cleanliness.

Pet owner? No problem. The Shark AI Ultra uses a self-cleaning brush roll with power fins that digs in deep, picks up hair, and prevents tangling.

SEE ALSO: The best early gaming laptop deals you can snag ahead of Black Friday

Everything's controlled by the Shark app, though it's pretty good at figuring things out for itself, too. It comes with a docking station and automatically self-empties. The base has capacity for 60 days of dirt and debris, so you can go literally months without lifting a finger.

Don't miss your chance to clean up with the Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum — a huge saving as part of the Amazon Black Friday sale.

The Last Chance To Secure These Savings
Categories: IT General, Technology

In Memoriam: The tech that died in 2024

Sat, 11/30/2024 - 11:00

Another year is coming to a close. As we say goodbye to 2024, let us take a moment to remember the tech that won't be continuing on with us into 2025.

As it goes with the passing of time, tech products that were once shiny and new have been rendered obsolete. Others lived short lives at the expense of companies pivoting to different, more lucrative goals. On that note, the generative AI boom shows no signs of slowing down.This year's AI offerings highlighted the challenges of finding killer use cases that deliver genuine, transformative technology that, at best, provide minor productivity gains and, at worst, create frustrating inaccuracies.

Some AI tech gadgets like the Humane AI pin and the Rabbit R1 simply fell flat, unable to provide the bare minimum of reliable features, let alone something revolutionary. However, you won't see them on this list because they're technically still alive, albeit on life support.

Instead we've rounded up the most noteworthy tech deaths that have officially departed this world. Join us as we look back and reflect on their impact, whether it was significant, trivial, or downright baffling (looking at you, Meta).

Google Jamboard and Google Podcasts

It wouldn't be a tech death roundup without some entries from Google. The tech giant is notorious for ambitiously launching new products, only to ruthlessly cut them down a few years later. This year, Google Jamboard and Google Podcasts were on the chopping block. 

Google Jamboard was a whiteboard device and accompanying app for Google Workspace users to collaborate on projects in an interactive, scrapbook-esque way. Back in 2016, Mashable said it "makes collaborative work feel like playtime." But in September 2023, Google announced it would be winding down Jamboard by the end of 2024. Instead, Google said it would integrate Google Workspace with third-party partners FigJam by Figma, Lucidspark by Lucid Software, and the visual workspace Miro for its collaborative whiteboard tools. 

Say goodbye to Google Jamboard. Credit: Kiyoshi Ota / Bloomberg / Getty Images

It's not proper to speak ill of the dead, but discontinuing Google Podcasts kind of makes sense. Google announced it would be sunsetting the standalone podcast-hosting app this year and migrate its listeners over to YouTube Music. 

It's a logical choice given consumers' listening habits. "According to Edison, about 23 percent of weekly podcast users in the US say YouTube is their most frequently used service, versus just 4 percent for Google Podcasts," said the Google announcement. Plus, forcing users to listen to podcasts on YouTube Music means more eyeballs for ad revenue and subscriptions to the premium version, which costs $11 a month.

And that's not even all the stuff Google killed this year. In 2024, we also said goodbye to Chromecast, VPN by Google One, DropCam, and Keen. If you want to pay your respects, we recommend visiting the Google Graveyard.

Meta AI celebrity avatars

Another year, another installment of Meta missing the mark with technology that no one asked for. This time it was a confusing collection of AI personas that used the likenesses of celebrities, that weren't even AI versions of those celebrities. Instead we got Kendall Jenner as an AI bestie, Tom Brady as a fitness guru, and bafflingly, Snoop Dogg as a Dungeon Master for Dungeons and Dragons. 

Meta's confusing AI personas were not long for this world. Credit: David Paul Morris / Bloomberg / Getty Images

Despite reportedly paying millions of dollars per celebrity to license their likenesses, the investment did not pay off.  After launching at Meta Connect in September 2023, Meta scrapped the AI personas in August 2024. The company didn't provide any reasoning for its decision to discontinue the feature, but the AI personas never gained much traction based on their follower count. 

So you're no longer able to chat with a bot that has Kendall Jenner as its profile picture and a vaguely similar influencer girly vibe. But don't worry, we still have Meta AI's celebrity voices, so at least these AI voices are clones of who they claim to be? As ever, we remain confused with Meta's strategic vision.

Meta Quest 2 and Quest Pro

Old versions replaced by new and improved ones are part of the tech gadget lifecycle. But saying goodbye to the Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest Pro VR headsets was a tough loss. In its place, Meta introduced us to the Quest 3S, which combines Quest 2 and Quest Pro specs like full-color passthrough and XR capabilities, thereby making the older devices more or less obsolete. In a stirring eulogy, Mashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry wrote: 

While the Quest 2 wasn't the first VR headset to work without a powerful gaming PC (obviously, there was a Quest 1), its sub-$500 price tag (which included controllers) at launch in 2019 made it an incredibly appealing option for the VR-curious. 

For many, the Quest 2 may have provided their first VR experience. The Quest Pro never seemed to catch on quite as much, most likely due to its $1,499 price tag, but its full-color passthrough and AR features felt ahead of their time.

The Meta Quest 2 was one of the best early VR headsets. Credit: Yoshikazu Tsuno / Gamma-Rapho / Getty Images

Alas, such is the cycle of life. But the Quest 2 and Quest Pro will be remembered for bringing VR headsets to the masses, which is more than can be said for the Apple Vision Pro.

Kindle Oasis

As far as e-readers go, the Kindle Oasis had a good long life. Amazon launched the Kindle Oasis in 2016 with a thicker edge on one side that housed physical buttons to turn the pages. 

The design gave users a convenient way to hold the e-reader without obscuring or accidentally tapping the screen, and the buttons provided a pleasing tactility. But by this year, it was the only device in the Kindle lineup that had physical buttons, which seems to signal imminent death for tech gadgets. "Once current inventory of Kindle Oasis sells out online and in stores, we will not restock the device," Amazon confirmed to The Verge this October. "Today, all of our devices are touch-forward, which is what our customers are comfortable with." 

Kindle Oasis fans will miss the buttons. Credit: Joni Hanebutt / Shutterstock

Kindle Oasis users took to Reddit to express their grief. "Bought my Oasis when it was released solely for the page turn buttons and can't imagine living without them," said one Redditor. "I'm just not buying another Kindle without page turn buttons. It's a deal breaker for me," said another. But for Amazon. it's RIP buttons. Long live touch screens.

Jabra Elite earbuds

This was the year Jabra succumbed to the highly competitive earbud market. This past June, Jabra's parent company GN announced that it would be "winding down its Elite and Talk product lines." Jabra's lineup of Elite wireless earbuds regularly made "best of" lists for sound quality, usability, and features like noise cancellation. They were also more budget-friendly compared to premium earbuds from brands like Apple and Bose.

Jabra can no longer compete in the cutthroat earbud market. Credit: David Paul Morris / Bloomberg / Getty Images

Jabra was one of the first companies to start making wireless earbuds. But as CEO of GN Store Nord Peter Karlstromer said, "the markets… have changed over time." Simply put, competing in a saturated market has become too costly. 

However, Jabra isn't going away for good. Instead it will focus on OTC hearing aids, gaming, and office communication products lines; markets where Jabra has stronger positions. But it's the end of the line for Jabra's consumer-focused audio tech.

Apple Pay Later

Apple Pay Later didn't last long in this world. The BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later) tool launched in October 2023, but was shut down less than a year later. Apple confirmed to 9to5Mac saying "we will no longer offer Apple Pay Later in the U.S." 

Instead of Apple Pay Later, the tech giant will offer installment loans through third parties. Credit: Apple

Apple Pay Later was only available in the U.S., which suggests it never gained much traction. But it's likely that the company found it more practical to offer installment loans through third-party services rather than managing microloans directly — exactly the approach Apple has recently adopted. Instead of the self-funded Pay Later model, Apple now offers the ability to apply for "installment loans" through participating banks and lenders like Affirm and Klarna. 

So Apply Pay Later is dead, but its replacement is more or less the same for users. 

Categories: IT General, Technology

Black Friday win — get a lifetime of Windows 11 Pro for just $19.97

Sat, 11/30/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: Take advantage of holiday sale pricing to upgrade to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro with a lifetime license for just $19.97 (reg. $199).

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $19.97
$199.00 Save $179.03 Lifetime license Get Deal

Looking for a smarter, sleeker, and faster way to use your PC? With Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, you’ll get an operating system built for productivity, creativity, and next-gen gaming. Now, for a limited time, grab a lifetime license for only $19.97 (reg. $199) during this Black Friday sale.

Windows 11 Pro takes the best of Windows 10 and elevates it with powerful tools and AI-driven features like Copilot. You'll be able to streamline your workdays and ask your PC to adjust settings, summarize web pages, or even generate code — all hands-free. It's an upgrade designed for professionals, gamers, and multitaskers alike.

Wind down the year and kick off the new one with a better PC experience. Features like snap layouts and virtual desktops help you multitask effortlessly, while DirectX 12 Ultimate enhances gaming with any visuals. Advanced security tools such as TPM 2.0 and BitLocker encryption protect your data, giving you peace of mind.

If you’re upgrading an older PC or need a new license, Windows 11 Pro provides a sleek, modern interface and powerful tools for both work and play. And with this lifetime license, there’s no subscription to worry about — just a one-time payment and lifetime access and Microsoft customer support.

At this low price that saves you $179 off the retail price, it's an undeniable way to set yourself up for success going forward.

Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for just $19.97 (reg. $199) during this Black Friday sale when you order through December 8.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Launch a coding career with Microsoft Visual Studio and 15 courses for just $56

Sat, 11/30/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: This Black Friday offer includes Microsoft Visual Studio 2022 and a 15-course learn-to-code bundle for just $55.97.

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

Give the gift of code this holiday season! Whether you’re shopping for an experienced developer or an aspiring coder ready to take on the tech world, this Black Friday deal has it all. For just $55.97, unlock Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 plus The 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle with 15 courses covering Python, JavaScript, C++, OpenAI, and more.

Visual Studio — the Developer’s Ultimate Tool

Visual Studio is a powerhouse IDE that enables developers to craft mobile, desktop, and web apps with efficiency and precision. With IntelliCode for smarter suggestions and CodeLens for better insights, this 64-bit IDE is perfect for tackling big projects while boosting productivity. From cross-platform builds with .NET MAUI to responsive Web UIs with Blazor, Visual Studio can be your partner in innovation.

Comprehensive Courses for Every Skill Level

Want to master Python? Build interactive web projects with JavaScript? Explore OpenAI fundamentals? This bundle has it all. Hands-on projects and real-world applications make these courses practical, whether you’re a total beginner or looking to sharpen your skills.

Python for Beginners helps you get started with one of the most in-demand languages. And the CHATGPT Series: OPENAI Fundamentals 2024 course explores the cutting edge of AI-powered coding.

This bundle doesn’t just save you money—it opens doors to endless possibilities. Whether you’re helping a friend launch their career or you’re diving into coding for the first time, this duo gives you the tools you need to succeed.

Grab the Microsoft Visual Studio 2022 + Learn-to-Code bundle for just $55.97 during this Black Friday sale.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Give old memories new life with the Kodak Slide N Scan

Sat, 11/30/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: Digitize and preserve your old film and photo memories with the Kodak Slide N Scan Scanner — on sale now for just $164.97 for the holidays.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kodak Kodak Slide N Scan Film & Slide Scanner $164.97
$224.99 Save $60.02 Get Deal

Pretty much every family has those old photo albums and boxes of slides somewhere. You know they’re filled with priceless memories, but they’re gathering dust because digging through them feels like a project. While they are treasure chests of nostalgia, they don't really fit into the modern world.

The Kodak Slide N Scan Film and Slide Scanner is an incredibly easy way to bring those moments into the digital age. You can pick it up for just $164.97 (reg. $224) through December 8.

Think of it as a time machine for your family photos. With the Kodak Slide N Scan, you can digitize color and black-and-white negatives (135, 110, 126) and standard slides into high-quality JPEGs. Once scanned, those images can be safely stored online, turned into photo books, or shared on social media.

Your Instagram feed need a little retro flair? You can surprise your followers with a stunning shot from your parents’ honeymoon or your grandparents’ first car — captioned with a dash of nostalgia.

The Kodak Slide N Scan is designed to be intuitive, with a bright five-inch LCD screen that lets you preview your scans in real time. You can even make quick edits like rotating, cropping, or adjusting colors right on the device.

And if you're looking for a gift that’s both unique and meaningful, the Kodak Slide N Scan could be a hit for the family historian or creative mind in your life.

Get the Kodak Slide N Scan Film and Slide Scanner while it's available for just $164.97 (reg. $224) through December 8.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get a travel adapter to charge up anything, anywhere for just $25

Sat, 11/30/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: This HyperGear 4-in-1 WorldCharge Adapter is just $24.99 and will help you stay charged in 150+ countries.

Opens in a new window Credit: HyperGear HyperGear WorldCharge Universal Travel Adapter with USB-C $24.99
$29.99 Save $5.00 Get Deal

When you’re off exploring new destinations or visiting old favorites, there’s one travel companion you can’t leave behind — a reliable way to keep your devices charged.

The HyperGear WorldCharge Universal Travel Adapter is your ultimate sidekick, built to handle outlets in over 150 countries. From the bustling streets of Berlin to the beaches of Australia, this compact adapter ensures your devices stay powered no matter where your adventures take you.

This 4-in-1 travel adapter is cleverly designed with retractable prongs for US, UK, EU, and AUS outlets, making it your go-to solution for global compatibility. Its lightweight and compact size means it’ll slip into your suitcase without a fuss, while its ability to charge up to four devices at once makes it ideal for powering your smartphone, laptop, tablet, and more, all from a single outlet.

The built-in 15W USB-C port offers blazing charging speeds, capable of boosting your devices to 70 percent in under an hour. Pair this with two high-speed USB-A ports and a universal AC socket, and you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without it. Whether prepping for a business presentation or capturing photos of your trip, this adapter helps keep your tech ready to go.

Safety is key when charging abroad, and HyperGear delivers with built-in overload protection. Rest easy knowing your devices are safeguarded against short circuits and overcurrents. Plus, with certifications from the FCC, CE, and RoHS, you can trust this adapter to perform wherever you plug in.

Get ready to power up anywhere. Have this travel MVP delivered in time for holiday gifting when you order through December 15.

Ideal for any traveler on your holiday list, this HyperGear 4-in-1 WorldCharge Adapter is just $24.99 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Black Friday extended: Refurbished iPad Pro for creatives, still 60% off

Sat, 11/30/2024 - 11:00

TL;DR: While supplies last, get a refurbished 2020 iPad Pro for $519.97 with this extended Black Friday sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Refurbished Apple iPad Pro (128GB, WiFi) $519.97
$1,299.00 Save $779.03 Get Deal

I have a secret: I’ve been running my small art business for four years, all from my iPad Pro. It was originally supposed to be a design tool, but now it’s my go-to for updating my website, email, video chats, and everything else. My only regret? I didn’t buy it on sale.

If you couldn’t decide on a Black Friday iPad deal yesterday, here’s your second chance. This iPad Pro 12.9-inch is an excellent choice for those who want a large screen, enough power for creative tasks, and some fun on the side. A refurbished model is only $519.97 until they sell out (a $1,299 value).

Here’s why I recommend it

Anyone who wants an iPad for digital art should seriously consider a Pro model. This one has an Apple A12Z Bionic chip, which basically means your art apps won’t crash. Previously, I had an iPad mini that would freeze with Procreate, which was a nightmare. 

Plus, you’ll have a gigantic screen. Honestly, at first, I worried it was too big, but once I was designing stickers, I appreciated the extra screen space — it’s so much easier on the eyes.

Other notable features:

  • 128GB of storage to download all your favorite apps and store files

  • 10-hour maximum battery life for interrupted work sessions

  • Front and rear HD cameras, plus Face ID for fast sign-ins

  • It’s compatible with the Apple Pencil 2 (sold separately)

How good can pre-owned be?

I wish I had purchased a refurbished iPad Pro instead of spending four figures because I could’ve saved 60%. The only difference is that you might notice some minor cosmetic blemishes, but it has a grade “A” refurbished rating, so probably not even that.

Take home one of these iPad Pros for creatives while they’re $519.97 with this extended Black Friday sale (reg. $1,299). No coupon is needed, but they’re selling out fast.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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