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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.
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Updated: 1 hour 15 min ago

World’s strictest social media law targets users under 16 in Australia

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 17:15

In a long-anticipated Senate vote, Australian is banning children under 16 years old from using social media. It is the world's strictest law protecting young people from the effects of social media.

"Social media is doing harm to our kids and I'm calling time on it," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra earlier this month. "I've spoken to thousands of parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. They, like me, are worried sick about the safety of our kids online."

SEE ALSO: Australia to ban social media for kids under 16

Social media companies already don't allow children under the age of 13 to use their platforms, but that rule is often easily skirted by savvy young people who want to use the platform anyway. This ban, which passed the Senate by 34 votes to 19 votes on Thursday, will take effect in a year. It puts the onus on social media companies — instead of parents or kids themselves — to ban the use. Tech companies could be fined up to 50 million AUD, or $32.5 million, if they don't comply, according to the BBC.

The ruling is supported by many, many surveys and studies that detail the dangers social media can have on young people that ties social media use to mental health struggles. It's not clear which specific social media platforms will be effected, but Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said earlier this month that it will likely include at least Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, and YouTube. While this law is specific to Australia, it could have international implications as other countries continue to fight over how to handle young people online.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Black Friday arrives tomorrow, but the Amazon Echo deals are already here

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 17:12

UPDATE: Nov. 28, 2024, 10:54 a.m. EST As of Nov. 28, Black Friday deals are live on Echo devices. We're tracking the latest prices and noting as products come in and out of stock.

SAVE UP TO 55%: Amazon's Black Friday sale is now live, and so are the deals on Amazon Echo devices. Find the lowest prices ever on Echos, including 55% off the Amazon Echo Pop, which is back down to $17.99, saving you $22.

Best Echo Device Deals Best Echo deal Amazon Echo Pop 🔥 $17.99 at Amazon (Save $22) Get Deal Best Echo Show deal Amazon Echo Show 5 $44.99 at Amazon (Save $45) Get Deal Best Echo alarm clock deal Amazon Echo Spot 🔥 $44.99 at Amazon (Save $35) Get Deal Best Echo Kids deal Amazon Echo Pop Kids 🔥 $22.99 at Amazon (Save $27) Get Deal

"Alexa, when do Black Friday deals start?" They've been happening!

This year, Black Friday falls on Nov. 29, 2024, and the early deals are here. Apple is unleashing deals across its products, and big ticket items like robot vacuums are dipping in price ahead of the big event. So if you're looking to make your home a little smarter, now is the time to shop Amazon's Echo devices.

Echos are some of the easiest (and most affordable) ways to upgrade your smart home, helping you do everything from play music to set daily lighting routines. Just one month ago, we were tracking deals during Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days, and we saw the lowest price ever on Echo Devices. Way ahead of Black Friday, we're already seeing those deals swing back around.

Here are the best deals on Amazon Echo Devices to shop ahead of Black Friday.

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. 

Best Echo device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Pop 🔥 $17.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $22.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The line-up of Amazon Echo devices is sprawling. You can find everything from a multitasking smart speaker to a touchscreen smart home hub. The absolute best deal on Echo devices right now is on the Amazon Echo Pop. This small but mighty device with a quality speaker and built-in assistant so you can play music just by calling out to Alexa.

Currently, it's down to $17.99 — its lowest price ever. That knocks 55% off the regular price for $22 in savings. While we expect this price to hang around through Black Friday weekend, you can rest assured you're getting it at a great deal when you buy now.

More Amazon Echo deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Walmarts Black Friday TV deals go extremely hard

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 17:12

UPDATE: Nov. 28, 2024, 10:00 a.m. EST This story has been updated with the latest deals from Walmart's Black Friday sale.

The best Black Friday TV deals at Walmart Best 55-Inch Deal Samsung 55-inch Q60DB QLED 4K TV $498 at Walmart (save £150) Get Deal Best 65-Inch Deal LG 65-inch B3 Series OLED 4K TV $998 at Walmart (save $301) Get Deal

TVs being on sale for Black Friday isn't unique to any one retailer. Sure, that's news to no one. The less-known intel is that, while there will be a handful of price-matched deals on identical models at all of the big competing stores, each store also has a certain type of TV that they seem to really hone in on when it comes to Black Friday discounts.

Walmart's wheelhouse is simply the cheapest 4K TV possible at any given size between 50 inches and 75 inches. If you see Amazon and Best Buy plateauing at a certain sale price for a certain size (for instance, maybe the cheapest they're seemingly able to go for a 50-incher is $199.99), it's pretty safe to assume that Walmart will have an option that slightly beats both of those sale prices. This highly competitive vibe is the main reason why TV deals are typically better on Black Friday than on Amazon Prime Day.

SEE ALSO: Just announced: Amazon finally dropped its Black Friday sale dates

Because Walmart likes to release its most jaw-dropping TV deals as a handful of pre-meditated doorbusters, more shoppers will be waiting in the wings for the clock to strike a certain time (rather than calmly perusing several pages of TV deals) — which means TVs selling out is more likely and time is of the essence.

One way to make sure you get first dibs on any of Walmart's big Black Friday drops is by becoming a Walmart+ member. Paid Walmart+ members get early access to Walmart deals, often for several hours before the sale officially goes live to the public. Through Dec. 2, new, expired, monthly, and current Walmart+ trial members can sign up for an annual Walmart+ membership for $49 — 50% off the regular $98 a year that Walmart+ typically costs.

Along with this early access, Walmart+ members also get perks like a free Paramount+ subscription; 10 cents per gallon fuel savings at Exxon, Mobil, Walmart, and Murphy; Walmart Cash through Expedia; free shipping from your store; free online shipping with no order minimum; and more.

We're tracking all of Walmart's best TV deals throughout the Black Friday season below and will update the list as new ones drop — or as models sell out. On top of the ultra budget-friendly options we gushed about earlier, Walmart also has some good deals on premium models from Samsung and LG.

Note: Occasionally, a Walmart TV doorbuster will come in the form of a TV that's making its debut at a sale price rather than appearing as a clear-cut dollar discount off of an MSRP. Walmart will tag these drops as a "Special Buy" so shoppers know this is still a great price even if there's no previous list price crossed out to indicate a sale. To get an idea of what that size of TV is going for at other retailers, check out our general coverage of Black Friday TV deals which includes Amazon and Best Buy.

Best Black Friday TV deals at Walmart43-inch TVs50- to 55-inch TVs65-inch TVs70-inch TVs and up
Categories: IT General, Technology

Several Samsung Galaxy phones are at record-low prices for Black Friday

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 16:57
The best Black Friday Samsung Galaxy phone deals at a glance: BEST OVERALL Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB, Unlocked) $941.43 (save $358.56) Get Deal BEST FOLDABLE PHONE DEAL Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (256GB, Unlocked) $1,317.32 (save $582.67) Get Deal BEST BUDGET PHONE DEAL Samsung Galaxy A35 (128GB, Unlocked) with Galaxy Buds FE $357.97 (save $142.01) Get Deal BEST MID-RANGE PHONE DEAL Samsung Galaxy S24+ (256GB, Unlocked) $699.99 (save $300 + get 1 free month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate) Get Deal

Black Friday is always a treat for anyone shopping for new tech — and 2024 is no different. If a new phone is on your wishlist, 'tis the season to grab one. Samsung Galaxy phones, in particular, are popping off with Black Friday deals a day before the official shopping holiday begins. All of the best Galaxy phones, including the S24 Ultra and Z Fold 6 are seeing record-low prices. Yes, even better than Prime Day.

We've rounded up our top picks below for the best Samsung Galaxy phone deals and will update the list as any new ones roll in.

Best Samsung Galaxy phone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB, Unlocked) $941.43 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $358.56 Get Deal Why we like it

Released in early 2024, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra was dubbed "the best Android phone" by Mashable Tech Editor Kim Gedeon. It's a close rival to the iPhone 15 Pro Max (maybe even better in certain categories) and packs a rear telephoto lens with outrageous zoom capabilities, a bunch of neat AI features, and a durable titanium design. And, of course, it comes with the S Pen stylus we know and love that doubles as a remote. Beating out its Prime Day price, the 256GB, unlocked version is down to just $941.43 at Amazon for Black Friday. That's a savings of 28% on the titanium gray model. If you prefer another shade, it'll cost you a few bucks more — most other colors are down to $949.99 at both Amazon and Best Buy.

Check out Mashable's full review of the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Best Samsung Galaxy foldable phone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (256GB, Unlocked) $1,317.32 at Amazon
$1,899.99 Save $582.67 Get Deal Why we like it

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 6 made a big splash at the Galaxy Unpacked 2024 event over the summer. It's seen a few discounts since its debut, but none this big: for Black Friday, you can slash 27% off and get the 256GB model for only $1,317.32 (in select colors, pink and navy) instead of $1,899.99 at Amazon. The Z Fold 6 stuck to its original winning formula when it comes to the fundamentals — cameras, battery capacity, and memory. But a few tweaks and add-ons make this phone even better than the Z Fold 5 (which we already loved), including a thinner, wider, and brighter display with enhanced resolution, a boost in Snapdragon power, and a boat load of AI-powered tools from the Galaxy AI suite. Need more storage? The 512GB version is also on sale for $1,514.99 (down from $2,019.99).

More Samsung Galaxy phone deals at AmazonMore Samsung Galaxy phone deals at Best Buy
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best TV deals from the Amazon Black Friday sale — these deals are live

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 16:57

UPDATE: Nov. 28, 2024, 9:00 a.m. EST Amazon's Black Friday sale officially started on Thursday, Nov. 21. This story has been updated with details on how long the sale will last, plus new deals on Amazon's brand new mini LED TVs, Hisense ULED and QLED TVs, and new further discounts on Fire TVs that were on sale last week.

A quick look at the best TV deals at Amazon ahead of Black Friday Best 55-inch TV deal Hisense 55-inch U8 Mini LED ULED 4K TV $697.99 (save $402) Get Deal Best 75-inch TV deal TCL 75-inch Q5 QLED 4K Fire TV $549.99 (save $200) Get Deal

Black Friday being one of the best times of year to buy a TV is knowledge that we were all simply born with, it seems. Where to find those stellar TV deals is less obvious, and for many, is a question that boils down to one thing: Amazon or somewhere else?

To be frank, likely the only time Amazon will have the "best" TV deal in any given category is on its own Fire TVs. These, including its Amazon-branded Fire TVs as well as Fire TVs made by TCL, Toshiba, Hisense, and Insignia, get the most attention discount-wise from Amazon during any shopping holiday, and most have dropped to all-time low pricing now that Amazon's Black Friday sale is officially underway. (It finally kicked off on Thursday, Nov. 21, and runs through Cyber Monday on Dec. 2).

If you're partial to the Fire TV platform or merely trust Prime shipping the most, Amazon's not a bad place to find an affordable mid-size 4K TV with a smooth interface. There are even more chances to upgrade to a nice Fire TV on sale now than there were during Amazon's October Prime Day sale just over a month ago — Amazon has since debuted several new versions of its Omni TVs, including its very first mini LED TV. Like Prime Day, note that some Black Friday Fire TV deals are still only available to Prime members.

SEE ALSO: The best Black Friday streaming deals so far: Peacock, Max, Paramount+, and more

For bigger or fancier QLED or OLED models, Best Buy is your best bet. Its selection of large-screen premium options from Samsung, Sony, and LG is much vaster than Amazon's, and that selection isn't riddled with questionable third-party sellers like Amazon's is. Best Buy's already-live Black Friday TV deals also confirm that Best Buy is making sure to have a stake in the "small, cheap QLED" club. Speaking of your best cheap TV options, budget shoppers would be very wise to check Walmart before buying a TV at Amazon — this year's selection of Black Friday TV deals that have already dropped once again prove that Walmart is the best at offering the cheapest possible 4K TV at just about any given size.

At any rate, it's still worthwhile to peruse Amazon's Black Friday TV deals while keeping TV deals from other retailers in mind. TV deals are categorized by size and then listed from cheapest to most expensive within that size category, which will get longer as we refresh this list with new deals that pop up in the days ahead of Black Friday. As a refresher, Amazon is marking all TVs at Black Friday pricing with a big, red "Black Friday deal" tag.

Best Black Friday TV deal at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 75-inch Q5 QLED 4K Fire TV $549.99 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon put its new Mini LED Fire TVs on sale for the first time mere days after announcing them, but that doesn't automatically make those the best deal on a QLED TV at Amazon this Black Friday. Though the 27% discount itself isn't as steep as the 30% or 40% off ones we're seeing in our list, it has to be noted that this huge 75-inch Hisense TV is already ridiculously modestly priced at full price. Its $549.99 sale price looks even sweeter in context when put beside the 65-inch version of Amazon's cheapest in-house Omni QLED, which is on sale for $599.99 — so opting for this TCL gets you 10 more diagonal inches of screen for $50 less.

Many people looking to finally replace their old, slow LED TV are looking for the happy medium between the cheapest possible TV and the fanciest possible TV. TCL's base tier QLEDs fall right in this sweet spot: Even as one of the more basic QLEDs on the market, you'll immediately notice the change in brightness and color of the Q65 over the regular LED you've been watching. The difference comes from a layer of quantum dots laid over the LED backlight, which provides an overall punchier picture that's much better for gaming or watching sports.

More TV deals at Amazon43-inch TVs50- to 55-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch TVs and up85-inch TVs and up

One more thing: If you're getting rid of an old TV to make room for this Black Friday purchase, take it somewhere that recycles old electronics (like Best Buy) rather than trashing it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Black Friday TV deals: Compare Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and more

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 16:48

UPDATE: Nov. 28, 2024, 10:00 a.m. EST This post has been updated with the latest pricing on the best TV deals live over Thanksgiving, including new Amazon Omni Mini LED deals and a 55-inch 4K TV under $180 at Walmart.

The best early Black Friday TV deals Best 55-inch deal Hisense 55-inch QD5 QLED TV $219.99 at Best Buy (save $180) Get Deal Best 65-inch TV deal LG 65-inch B3 Series OLED 4K TV $998 at Walmart (save $301) Get Deal Best 75-inch TV deal LG 75-inch 85 Series QNED TV $999.99 at Best Buy (save $500) Get Deal

As one of the OG items being stampeded after in those old Black Friday clips you're picturing right now, we've known for most of our adult lives that Black Friday is one of the best times of year to buy a TV.

The types of TVs spotlighted in the pre-holiday sale have shifted, however. The biggest factor when upgrading your TV this year will probably be the normalization — and subsequently, affordability — of QLED. Over the past few years, QLED TVs have officially gone from "the TV that only the fanciest people you know have" to actually accessible for the average household. Finding a 55-inch QLED under $300 or a 65-inch QLED under $500 during an event like Black Friday isn't hard at all.

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

However, the "best" TV deal for one household won't be the "best" TV deal for another. Rather than jumping between a mess of tabs of every store's TV doorbusters, knowing which type of TVs each big retailer tends to focus on is a way smarter strategy going in.

Are TV deals better at Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart?

In my experience, Best Buy focuses on large screens and has a bigger selection of the premium QLED and OLED models from Samsung, Sony, and LG on sale. Amazon gears its TV discounts more toward 43-inch to 65-inch Fire TVs, especially its in-house models. Walmart is known for a more concise list of doorbusters that are often simply the cheapest 4K TV possible in a certain size, specifically options in the 50- to 75-inch range that are more likely to sell out than TVs at other retailers. However, there's been a bit of a plot twist with cheap 43-inch to 65-inch QLEDs this year — Best Buy is kind of stealing Walmart's spotlight on that one.

The TV wheelhouses of these retailers don't completely bar any overlap between TV deals, though. There will be a handful of popular models (like Samsung's The Frame) seeing price matches across each, but we'll keep you posted if one retailer is able to undercut the others on one of these icons.

SEE ALSO: We track Apple deals year-round — here are the best ones leading up to Black Friday

I've been tracking early Black Friday TV deals since the beginning of November and have watched retailers amp discounts even further in the days right before Thanksgiving — a ton of models are already back to their October Prime Day price or beating it completely.

So yes, almost all of the TV deals in this list are already at their Black Friday prices — but that doesn't mean retailers won't hit us with a surprise extra price drop or add a few more secret doorbusters to their ranks. This list will be refreshed regularly as we head into Black Friday itself on Nov. 29 (and beyond) if you'd prefer to hold out and compare.

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.

One more thing: If you're getting rid of an old TV to make room for this Black Friday purchase, take it somewhere that recycles old electronics (like Best Buy) rather than trashing it.

Best Black Friday TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 55-inch QD5 QLED 4K Google TV $219.99
$399.99 Save $180.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Remember when I said QLEDs are becoming way more accessible for the average household? At $219.99, this 55-inch QLED is hovering around the same price point that many regular, dull LED TVs were a few years ago. Now, I can see this 55-inch Hisense QLED being baby's first adult TV purchase for a ton of people. (Note: Best Buy has dropped this price by an extra $30 since this TV first went on sale a few weeks before Black Friday.)

The difference between those two cheap TVs is that the "Q" in QLED stands for quantum dots, which form a layer of extra light over the traditional LED panel to pump more saturated colors through the screen. QLED TVs are also significantly brighter than regular LED TVs, making them ideal for watching sports, especially in the daytime.

Black Friday TV deals at Best Buy43-inch to 50-inch TVs55-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch TVs and upBlack Friday TV deals at Walmart43-inch TVs50- to 55-inch TVs65-inch TVs70-inch TVs and upBlack Friday TV deals at Amazon43-inch TVs50- to 55-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch TVs and up85-inch TVs and up
Categories: IT General, Technology

A lot of Black Friday fitness tracker deals are live — here are all the best deals

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 16:27
Best early Black Friday fitness tracker deals Best fitness tracker deal Fitbit Charge 3 $69.95 (save $30) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (40mm) $139.99 (save $160) Get Deal

2025 is nearly upon us, and we can already feel those New Year's resolutions brewing. If your resolution has anything to do with becoming more active, you may want to consider picking up a fitness tracker to assist you in achieving your goals next year. Luckily, Black Friday deals are already starting to rear their heads, so it's a fantastic time to pick one up at a discount whether you're looking for something more basic, or something high-tech like a smartwatch.

SEE ALSO: Home gym starter kit: Everything you need to work out from home

Below, take a look at our favorite fitness tracker deals we've found in the weeks over Black Friday. Keep checking in with us, though — we constantly update our deals pages with new discounts as soon as they go live, so if you want to stay on top of it, stick with us.

Best fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Charge 3 $69.95 at Amazon
$99.95 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Fitbit is synonymous with the entirety of the fitness tracker category, and it's for a good reason: They work well, and they're affordable. The Fitbit Charge 3 has become even more affordable ahead of Black Friday — just $69.95 for the tracker, which is $30 off the original price. If you want to track your activity, stress, sleep, and more on a budget, the Fitbit Charge 3 isn't a bad place to start.

Best smartwatch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (40mm, Bluetooth) $139.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $160.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Most people turn to the Apple Watch for their smartwatch needs, which isn't a bad choice, but the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 also might be something you want to consider. (You don't always have to go for the most popular thing!) It also packs in a bunch of great features like heart monitoring in addition to your usual activity and sleep analytics, and it's on sale for $160 off the usual price at Amazon. Pick one up ahead of the Black Friday season and secure those savings.

More early Black Friday fitness tracker deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Black Friday Kindle deals are beating records — and its only Thanksgiving

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 15:52

UPDATE: Nov. 28, 2024, 9:46 a.m. EST It's Black Friday Eve, and you can't beat the deals on Kindles. We're tracking all the best deals across retailers and updating this list as things come in and go out of stock.

SAVE UP TO $60: Amazon's latest Kindles are seeing some of their first discounts. Find the Kindle Scribe bundled with a cover and power adapter for $479.97, saving $60 for 11% off. Plus, single devices are finally on sale for up to 27% off.

Early Black Friday Kindle deals Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $154.99 (Save $45) Get Deal Best budget Kindle deal Amazon Kindle $84.99 (Save $25) Get Deal Best Kindle Kids deal Amazon Kindle Kids $94.99 (Save $35) Get Deal Best Kindle bundle deal Amazon Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle $479.97 (Save $60) Get Deal

You know what they say: Good things come to those who wait. Well, it's proving true when it comes to Black Friday Kindle deals. Amazon finally kicked off its official early Black Friday deals, and they've surprised us with some solid Kindle deals.

Amazon has a knack for launching new devices around Prime Day, so it was no surprise when they dropped a new batch of Kindles post-October Prime Day. We've tested our way through most of the latest models, and they're improving upon already great tech for the fastest, brightest Kindles yet. Our favorite is the Kindle Paperwhite, and yes, it's on sale.

Because these items are so new, we weren't expecting to see amazing discounts. The last few Prime Day sales on Kindles have been disappointing, so it's a delight to see such good prices. Early on we saw Kindle bundles go on sale, but now, single devices are marked down up to 27% off.

Here are the best Kindle deals to shop ahead of Black Friday. Check back for better deals as the big shopping day approaches.

Best Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $154.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The new batch of 2024 Kindles are the fastest yet, turning pages quickly and with less delay when switching between books in your library. The Kindle Paperwhite and Signature Edition both have bright, high-contrast screens, so you can read in any environment. While I prefer the Kindle Paperwhite over the Signature Edition most of the time, right now you can't beat the SE's Black Friday price.

The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is 23% off, bringing it down to $154.99. That's some big savings ($45 to be exact) on a device that's usually $200. You get everything you love in the Paperwhite, lightweight and waterproof design, with the added benefits of double the storage, wireless charging, and auto-adjusting brightness.

More Kindle dealsBest Kindle bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle $479.97 at Amazon
$539.97 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Among the new Kindles is a redesigned Scribe, which comes in classic black or a flashy metallic jade and won't be officially available until Dec. 4. The new Scribe's screen got a makeover with added white borders to give it a more notebook-like feel. If the new model is anything like the current one, I'm excited to see what it offers.

If you're an annotator, the Kindle Scribe is the e-reader for you. The matte screen feels like writing on paper, and includes a notebook section so you can take notes in addition to annotating your e-books. Personally, I like writing with the Kindle Scribe far more than I do with an iPad and Apple Pencil.

This deal gives you a little extra off ahead of the Scribe's December release. The Essentials Bundle comes with the device, premium pen, folio-style case, and power adapter — everything you need to get started. Normally $539.97, you can find the bundle for $479.97, saving you $60 for 11% off.

Not sold on the Scribe (or its price)? There are other bundle deals to explore ahead of Black Friday.

More Kindle deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Zoom lied about encryption in 2020. Now it wants to pay $18 million to make that go away.

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 15:28

Back in 2020, Zoom was one of the hottest software companies in the world. Its video conferencing software surged in popularity due to millions of people being confined to home offices because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unfortunately, the company cut some corners when it came to privacy of its users. Despite Zoom's claims that its video meetings are end-to-end encrypted, it came to light that this was not true, resulting in a class action lawsuit that Zoom settled for $85 million. In 2021, Zoom also settled with the Federal Trade Commission over misleading its users about the privacy and security of its core product.

But the matter did not go away entirely. There's also the separate matter of a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) probe into Zoom's privacy policies, which the agency launched in 2020.

Now, Bloomberg reports that Zoom is offering to settle the matter with the SEC by paying an $18 million fine. The offer is still pending approval by the SEC.

SEE ALSO: Zoom has launched an AI-powered Microsoft Word competitor

These days, Zoom does offer end-to-end encryption for its video meetings, and its privacy and security practices have improved. But back in 2020, the company's track record was poor, with Zoom bombings — instances of people hijacking other people's Zoom calls and harassing them — becoming somewhat of a trend.

By the way, you may have missed it, but Zoom is no longer called "Zoom Video Communications," which was its official name until Monday. Now, the company is officially called Zoom Communications to reflect the fact that it now offers a suite of communications tools beyond its videoconferencing platform.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get $90 in free credit with the best Black Friday deal on Ray-Ban Meta glasses

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 14:36

FREE $90 CREDIT: Save 20% with the best Black Friday deal on Ray-Ban Meta glasses. Plus, get $90 in free Amazon credit with this Black Friday deal.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ray-Ban Ray-Ban Meta Glasses Get Deal

Drowning in deals? We know the feeling. The great thing about Black Friday is that there are literally thousands of deals on pretty much every category of product. But that abundance of deals is also a problem, because it can be particularly difficult to find value out there.

But every now and then, value stands out from the crowd and firmly punches you in the face. And it looks good doing it, because this deal is sporting a stylish pair of Ray-Ban Meta glasses. We don't love being punched in the face, but if it's going to happen, at least it comes with one of the best Black Friday deals of 2024.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's official Black Friday sale is live — find all the best deals here

Ray-Ban Meta glasses are on sale for 20% off in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That would be good enough to shout about on its own, but it gets better. For Black Friday, Ray-Ban Meta glasses come with $90 in free Amazon credit. So what should you spend that free cash on? It's not like you don't have options right now.

Amazon is offering an abundance of discounts over the Black Friday shopping period. Have a look at our breakdown of Amazon's best Black Friday deals so far to see if any more catch your eye.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save $200 on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE this Black Friday

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 13:28

SAVE $340: As of Nov. 28, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is on sale at Amazon for $299.99. That's a 33% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE $299.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

These days every household needs a tablet. It's one of the 21st Century's essentials. And with Amazon's Black Friday event in full swing, running from Nov. 21 to Dec. 2, you can pick up a new tablet at a bargain price.

In fact, we've spotted a deal on a tablet that's well worth your money any day of the week, and even more so at a discounted price. Meet the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE.

As of Nov. 28, you'll get a saving $200 on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE, which is down to just $299.99 — a saving of 33% off the usual list price. Trust us tablet fans, this is a deal not to be missed.

There's plenty to recommend about this tablet, with its superb looking 10.9-inch LCD display, durable build, and 18-hour battery life.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's official Black Friday sale is live — find all the best deals here

Not only that, you'll also get an S Pen included — which makes this great for digital doodlers — plus Google's Circle to Search feature. Just use the S Pen to circle anything currently on your screen and let Google do the rest.

It's also very handy for note taking and streaming, and the tablet itself is so robust (it has a IP68 rating for water and dust resistance) that you can take it anywhere.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is a fantastic mid-range tablet — and the Black Friday discount means that it's more desirable that ever.

Don't miss the deal in Amazon's Black Friday event.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hulus Black Friday deal is live. Get a whole year for under $1 per month.

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 13:25

SAVE OVER $100: As of Nov. 27, Hulu's Black Friday deal is back. Pay just $0.99 per month for a whole year of Hulu (with ads). Hulu with ads normally retails for $9.99 per month, so you'll save over $100 with the best Black Friday streaming deal.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu Black Friday Deal Get Deal

Streaming deals always make a big splash during major shopping events like Black Friday, but some streaming services make a much bigger splash than others. Well consider us completely drenched, because Hulu's famous $0.99 Black Friday deal is back.

Until Dec. 2, you can sign up for an entire year of Hulu for just $0.99 per month. That totals less than $12 (typically $119.88 for the year) for access to thousands of content options, including hit shows like Shogun, The Bear, and Only Murders in the Building. This deal saves you over $100 on list price, making it easily one of the best streaming deals you'll see in 2024. In fact, we're calling it. This is the deal to beat.

SEE ALSO: The best Black Friday streaming deals so far: Peacock, Max, Paramount+, and more

This stunning deal excludes current Hulu subscribers, those with the Max bundle, and customers with a Disney bundle. It's open to new customers and anyone who hasn't had a Hulu subscription in the last 30 days. If that sounds like you, you know exactly what to do.

Slash the monthly price of Hulu with ads by 90%. Head to Hulu to sign up.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Apple iPad (10th Gen) is at its lowest-ever price in Amazons Black Friday sale

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 13:19

SAVE $90: As of Nov. 26, the Apple iPad (10th Gen) is on sale for $259 in Amazon's Black Friday sale. That's a 26% discount on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad (10th Gen) $259.00 at Amazon
$349.00 Save $90.00 Get Deal

Long gone are the days when Black Friday was limited to just the last Friday of the month. Sales now spread far and wide and take up almost the whole of November. Whether you love or hate the retail madness, who can argue with more time to save money?

With deals across TVs, robot vacuums, and headphones, there's something for everyone to choose from. But one of the best deals we've seen is Amazon's latest discount on the Apple iPad (10th Gen). This model has been discounted before at Amazon, but never as low as this. As of Nov. 26, it is priced at $259 (saving you $90 on lit price).

SEE ALSO: The Apple MacBook Air is heavily discounted in Walmart's Black Friday sale

The Apple iPad (10th Gen) boasts a sleek, modern design, perfect for work or entertainment on the go. It has a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and the A14 Bionic chip that delivers a super powerful performance for multitasking, whether you're browsing, gaming, or working.

The battery life is seriously impressive and will keep you going all day. And let's not forget the cameras, the 12MP Ultra Wide front camera is ideal for video calls — it keeps you centered during video calls, so you always look your best. The back camera is also 12MP and can shoot 4K video.

The Apple iPad (10th Gen) also supports the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Folio, so it's a versatile option for note-taking, sketching, and all your creative needs.

Head to Amazon to snag this Black Friday deal.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Apple MacBook Air is heavily discounted in Walmarts Black Friday sale

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 13:18

SAVE $100: As of Nov. 26, 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. 26, 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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Bose QuietComfort headphones drop to their lowest-ever price in Black Friday sales

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 13:04

SAVE $150: As of Nov. 28, Bose's QuietComfort headphones are on sale for $199. This is 43% off their list price of $349.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth 5.1 Headphones $199.00 at Amazon
$349.00 Save $150.00 Get Deal

Considering how many discounts there are, Black Friday is an excellent time to invest in new headphones. Especially if you've been set on getting a noise-canceling pair, you can save big on select models during the sale event from big brands. The Bose QuietComfort headphones are currently enjoying a phenomenal all-time low price for Black Friday that's definitely worth having a look at.

Bose's QuietComfort headphones are currently on sale for $199, a full $150 off their list price of $349. That saves you a whopping 43%, and it even marks the lowest-ever price for these headphones, according to price tracker camelcamelcamel. All of the colors are on sale as well, so you can have your pick of the black, blue dusk, chilled lilac, cypress green, moonstone blue, sandstone, or white headphones.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's official Black Friday sale is live — find all the best deals here

Alongside a comfortable fit these headphones boast quality noise-canceling features as well, so you can be completely tuned in to what you're listening to or more aware of your surroundings. They also have an incredibly long 24-hour battery life that'll keep you busy with your favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks for much longer.

Black Friday's one of the best times of year to invest in new headphones, so don't miss out on this deal for the Bose QuietComfort headphones at Amazon.

There are plenty more deals where this one came from, too. Amazon's offering an abundance of discounts in the lead-up to the big day tomorrow. Have a look at our breakdown of Amazon's best Black Friday deals so far to see if any more catch your eye.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Does Moana 2 have an end-credits scene?

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 12:41

End-credit scenes are synonymous with Disney movies nowadays, from Pixar to Marvel, Turning Red to Inside Out.

In Disney's latest we make our way back to the island of Motunui for Moana 2, with Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson returning for the much awaited sequel. The film follows the titular wayfinder on another oceanic adventure, this time with a brand new crew, a bigger boat, Pua and Heihei in tow, and all new songs by Barlow and Bear.

But, does Moana 2 go beyond the main storyline with an end-credits scene?

Featured Video For You The music of ‘Moana 2’: Auliʻi Cravalho goes ‘Beyond’

Yes! It does, and without spoiling anything, you're absolutely going to want to stay for it. It's deeply important to the storyline and involves a golden cameo we won't spoil. There's no scene after the credits (this scene comes mid-credits), but you could be an absolute legend and stick around to celebrate all those talented people who worked on the film.

Moana 2 is out now in cinemas in the U.S. and on Nov. 29 in the UK.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save over $500 on the Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED for Black Friday

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 12:36

SAVE OVER $500: As of Nov. 28, the Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED is on sale at Amazon for $638. That's a 47% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED $638.00 at Amazon
$1,199.99 Save $561.99 Get Deal

We know what it's like, gamers. You spend all year waiting to see what Amazon's Black Friday event looks like. Because gaming hardware rarely comes cheap, so it's always a great opportunity to trawl the deals and see what gaming goods you can nab at a bargain price. With Amazon's Black Friday now fully underway, running from Nov 21 to Dec. 2, we've done some trawling on your behalf and found a deal on a gaming essential — a fantastic gaming monitor.

As of Nov. 28, the Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED is down to $638. That's a generous 47% off the usual list price of $1,199.99. That's a seriously good deal by anyone's standards.

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

What makes this such a bargain isn't just the price but the sheer quality of the monitor. Samsung, one of the top brands when it comes to TVs and monitors, has packed this with impressive spec. The gaming experience will be as good as it gets at 34 inches.

It's an OLED display — the best screen technology available — with a 175Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time. That means fast, lag-free, impressively fluid gameplay with no screen tearing or juddering imagery. Which is further helped by AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.

As for the actual visuals, this monitor has densely packed pixels and support for DisplayHDR True Black 400, adaptive brightness control, and ultra WQHD. As a bonus, there's even more for gamers, including a built-in gaming hub, which gives you full control over gaming settings and advanced streaming technology for cloud gaming.

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

At almost half the usual price, you can't not be impressed by the gaming power you'll get from the Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED.

Don't miss this deal as part of Amazon's Black Friday celebrations.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Ben Stiller roasts Jimmy Fallon for ghosting him

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 12:14

Ben Stiller has a bone to pick with Jimmy Fallon.

Appearing on The Tonight Show in the clip above, the Severance director talks about his recent trip to the theatre with Fallon to watch Cole Escola's Oh Mary, where the pair apparently had a lovely time together.

"I felt like we had a connection, and then a few days later, you know, you kind of ghosted me," Stiller says. "A little bit. I just didn't really hear from you, and it just felt a little icky, you know? I felt like you got what you wanted a little bit, you had your arm candy at the show [...] it just felt a little bit like wham, bam, thank you Ben Stiller."

Fallon denies the ghosting accusations and talks Severance, but even that topic isn't safe.

"He goes to work and when he comes back, he forgets everything that happened," says Stiller, summarising the show's main hook. "Kind of like when you and I went to the play the other night."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save over $280 on the Samsung Odyssey G5 gaming monitor for Black Friday

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 12:08

SAVE $150: As of Nov. 28, the Samsung Odyssey G5 gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for $265.71. That's a 52% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Odyssey G5 $265.71 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $284.28 Get Deal

For gamers, Amazon's Black Friday event is like Christmas come early. There are stacks of deals available on pretty much everything, of course, but considering how expensive gaming hardware usually is, it's an opportunity for gamers to stock up on all the gear you want but can't usually afford. The good news is that Amazon's Black Friday is now in full flow, running from Nov 21 to Dec. 2.

One of the best deals we've spotted as of Nov. 28 is the Samsung Odyssey G5 gaming monitor, which has 52% off the list price. It's currently down to just $265.71. It's a seriously good deal of a seriously good gaming monitor.

The Samsung Odyssey range is a popular choice for PC gamers. This particular model has an ultra-wide 34-inch curved display that supports a a 165hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. And you know your gaming experience is in good hands: Samsung is one of the very best manufacturers of TVs and monitors.

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

All of that sec ensures your gameplay will be smooth, fluid, and lag-free.

It also has AMD FreeSync Premium with adaptive sync technology to reduce screen tearing, stuttering, and input latency.

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

All in all, it's a brilliant little monitor for the price and will suit any home set-up as it won't take up too much space — even with its impressive ultra-wide build.

Indeed, if you're looking to upgrade your visuals, you'll be hard pressed to find a better gaming monitor deal on Amazon this week than the Samsung Odyssey G5. It's kind of bargain that Black Friday was made for.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Kindle Scribe gets a $70 price drop in Amazons Black Friday sale

Thu, 11/28/2024 - 12:05

SAVE $70: As of Nov. 28, the Kindle Scribe is on sale for $269.99 in Amazon's Black Friday sale. This is 21% off its list price of $339.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Scribe (16 GB) $269.99 at Amazon
$339.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal

The Black Friday sale event offers a wide variety of deals on tech. Amazon devices, in particular, usually see some very nice discounts, especially on the Kindle e-readers. The Kindle Scribe — which doubles as a notebook alongside being a reading device — has had a very nice little price drop during the sale event that's worth jumping on.

The previous model of the Kindle Scribe has had a $70 discount in Amazon's Black Friday sales, down from its list price of $339.99 to $269.99. This saves you 21% overall on the device. This deal is not on the model that'll be releasing soon on Dec. 4, but it's still worth the investment if you've had your eye on it.

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

This Kindle Scribe is fitted with 16GB of storage to hold all of your favorite stories, but it really shines as a digital notebook. With the help of the included pen, you can jot down notes in books or create your own notebook pages. Not to mention, it features a large 10.2-inch 300 ppi glare-free display to do all of this writing and reading on.

This Black Friday deal won't stick around for long, so if you've had your eye on the Kindle Scribe now's a great time to get it.

Outside of Amazon, there are plenty more tech deals to explore at other top retailers. This includes Walmart, Target, and Best Buy. With the big day fast approaching, there's no better time than now to jump on any deals that catch your eye.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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