Mashable
OnlyFans to require criminal background checks through controversial screener
Adult platform OnlyFans will start conducting criminal background checks for U.S. creators, its CEO, Keily Blair, recently shared on LinkedIn. The AI-powered screener, however, has proved to be controversial.
Creators who want to upload on OnlyFans must already provide multiple forms of personal identification to be able to post on the site, including a government ID and banking information. Now, performers in the U.S. will also have to undergo a criminal background check through the screening provider Checkr.
SEE ALSO: 'We're all sinners': the Conservative tradwife who does OnlyFans"Checkr, Inc. helps OnlyFans to prevent people who have a criminal conviction, which may impact our community's safety, from signing up as a Creator on OnlyFans," Blair posted on LinkedIn.
On its website, Checkr states that 99 percent of its background checks are automated after data retrieval, with human quality assurance.
The screening service, which has also been used by "gig economy" companies Uber and DoorDash, has been the subject of dozens of lawsuits between 2015 and 2020, according to an archived 2020 Protocol article. These lawsuits were filed under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which regulates background checks (and credit reports), and alleged that Checkr made mistakes such as misreporting crimes and flagging criminal activity too old to report according to the FCRA.
In 2022, Checkr was named in another lawsuit, this one claiming it and Uber failed to properly screen drivers who were using stolen identities. In 2023, another lawsuit emerged, claiming that Checkr's "quick checks" had failed to uncover a DoorDash driver's criminal history.
OnlyFans and Checkr haven't responded to Mashable's request for comment.
Last month, Pornhub also announced it would establish criminal background checks for current and new content partners (studios, not individual creators).
Blair of OnlyFans and Pornhub both stated this move was to further safety on their platforms. It also comes at a time when the porn industry faces increased legislative scrutiny in the U.S. and abroad, with age-verification laws, which typically require robust age checks to keep minors off their platforms (despite studies saying that age verification doesn't work).
Amazon fends off greenwashing lawsuit after SCOTUS refuses to hear case
The highest court in the land has declined to hear a case brought up from the lower circuit courts early this year involving online retail giant Amazon and its protections under Section 230.
Amazon was sued by Planet Green Cartridges, a U.S. re-manufacturer of printer cartridges, for allowing third- party companies to advertise and sell falsely labelled products claiming to be re-manufactured or recycled. Re-manufacturing is considered a more sustainable manufacturing process, reducing raw material and energy consumption by restoring products to manufacturer standards.
SEE ALSO: Black Friday 2025: Get live updates on the latest sales, doorbusters, and deal dropsPlanet Green Cartridges sought $500 million in third-party liability damages from Amazon based on the recommendation of greenwashed products. The lawsuit argued that Amazon's algorithm promoted listings that falsely advertised new, imported cartridges, raking in $3 billion in sales and creating unfair competition among sellers as customers were deceived by false advertising into purchasing less sustainable products.
Amazon's counterargument hinged on online merchandiser protections outlined in Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, which protects internet service hosts from government regulation and shields them from legal liability for the content their users post. It is considered by many to be a tentpole of a free and open internet.
Following several conflicting lower court decisions, the case was dismissed by the 9th Circuit court in March, stating that Amazon couldn't be held liable for the claims written by third-party sellers. Planet Green Cartridges then petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case and clarify whether Section 230 protections extend to online marketplaces that also profit from the recommendation, promotion, or distribution of products on their website — as Amazon does — in addition to hosting the listings.
Section 230 and online censorship have become hot button topics in the U.S., especially as social media platforms have mostly backed off from content moderation. Increasingly powerful, AI-enhanced algorithms have complicated the matter. In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court heard two Section 230 cases brought against YouTube and Twitter (now X), which argued the social media companies should be held accountable for aiding and abetting terrorism through their algorithmic feeds. The court dismissed the complaint against Google, YouTube's parent company, and ruled in favor of Twitter's Section 230 protections.
iOS 26.2 will remove one feature in parts of the world
The latest version of iOS will somewhat negatively affect Apple Watch users in the European Union.
Specifically, automatic WiFi network syncing between iPhones and Apple Watches will be toned down for EU users when iOS 26.2 launches later this year, per the French publication Numerama (via 9to5Mac). Normally, when you set up an Apple Watch by pairing it with an iPhone, it automatically gets access to all the WiFi networks stored in the phone's memory banks. When iOS 26.2 drops, users in the EU will find that this no longer happens in the same way.
SEE ALSO: How to use Apple Pay on Amazon when Black Friday shoppingNamely, the difference seems to be that an Apple Watch will only automatically connect to a WiFi network if its paired iPhone is physically nearby. If you run to the cafe with your watch but not your phone, you'll have to manually type in the WiFi password on the watch now. This really only seems like it will affect people who regularly leave the house with their Apple Watch but not their iPhone, which I imagine to be a pretty small subset of users.
You're probably wondering why Apple would do this. The answer, of course, is to avoid market regulations. The EU's Digital Markets Act mandates that companies like Apple make that sort of interoperability available to third-party devices as well as their own devices. Apple doesn't want to do that, so Europeans have to suffer a bit.
Only a bit, though.
Amazon has Echo devices on major discounts for Black Friday on almost every model
Amazon's Black Friday sale is underway and it's packed with great deals. You'll be able to save on Apple tech, Bose headphones, and load up on stocking stuffers. But major Amazon sale periods like Black Friday are an ideal time to get the best prices on Amazon's own devices like Kindles and the family of Echo devices.
Amazon Echo devices have something for everyone. They have great models for keeping the family's calendar organized, speakers for kids, and tablet-like displays that are perfect for following a recipe in the kitchen. Best of all, Amazon's Black Friday sale has major discounts on almost every Echo device, including some fun bundles that would make for a great gift.
We'll keep this page updated as Black Friday sales continue to roll on, especially since we occasionally see other retailers like Best Buy offers better prices than Amazon.
Best Echo deal Amazon Echo Dot $31.99 at Amazon$49.99 Save $18.00 See It at Amazon Why we like it
It's impossible to go wrong with an Amazon Echo Dot, especially now that it's 36% off. It's the perfect companion for the bedroom or the office, allowing you to stream you favorite playlists and podcasts thorough Bluetooth. In Mashable's review of the best Echo Devices, the Echo Dot earns top marks for its vibrant sound as well as motion and temperature sensors. Plus, its compact size makes it great for even cramped spaces like the kitchen.
More Echo deals at AmazonAmazon Echo Auto — $14.99 $54.99 (save $40)
NFL Echo Dot Bundle — $79.98 $109.98 (save $30)
Star Wars Echo Dot Bundle — $79.98 $109.98 (save $30)
Amazon Echo Frames — $114.99 $299.99 (save $185)
Amazon Echo Show 11 — $194.99 $219.99 (save $25)
Amazon Echo Show 15 — $254.99 $299.99 (save $45)
YouTube tests direct messaging. Heres how it works.
Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Elon Musk's X – all these sites allow users to privately chat with other users right inside the platform.
Almost every major social media platform has a direct message feature. Well, almost every major social media platform except for YouTube.
That looks like it may soon change though.
According to a post from a YouTube employee on a Google support thread, YouTube is currently testing a new way to "share videos" through direct messages on the platform through the mobile app.
YouTube says in the post that this has been a "top feature request."
SEE ALSO: YouTube Shorts finally adds daily time limit. Here's how to get it."We're experimenting with a new feature that makes it easy for you to share videos you love (long-form, Shorts and live streams) and have conversations about them directly on the YouTube mobile app," reads the YouTube post. "By messaging on YouTube, you accept that messages may be reviewed to ensure they follow our Community Guidelines. Community Guidelines apply to all content on YouTube, including on-platform video shares and messages."
As mentioned in its statement, YouTube will uphold its moderation policies for content sent via direct message as it would with public content, and will review flagged material.
How YouTube direct messaging will workYouTube says that the direct messaging experiment is just rolling out to users over the age of 18 in Poland and Ireland right now. However, this is a typical testing phase for the company's experiments and it will likely roll out even further to more users in the future.
A YouTube help page first discovered by 9to5Google further explains how this new direct messaging feature will work.
Users will be able to share videos with other users on the platform using the feature in the YouTube mobile app. Once shared, the contacted user will be able to accept the chat invite or decline it. Every user will be given the option to accept or decline a chat when a new channel contacts them.
When accepted, users will receive the shared video and be able to privately chat and share more videos with each other. Users will also be able to block channels that they don't want to receive invite requests or chats from. Message notifications will appear alongside other notifications when a user taps the Notification bell icon.
Longtime YouTube users have actually experienced direct messaging on the platform before. The company rolled out a way to privately share and discuss videos with specific users back in 2017. But YouTube suddenly removed the private messaging feature, much to the chagrin of many of its users, in 2019.
Now, YouTube seems poised to finally bring back direct messaging in the app.
10 Lego Star Wars sets at record-low sale prices ahead of Black Friday, including retiring sets
Between the Lego Gingerbread AT-AT being severely backordered and the Lego Death Star simply being $1,000, attainable Star Wars Legos that aren't the basic Battle Packs can feel scarce around the holidays. Rest assured that some exist: I found five relatively-premium Lego Star Wars ship deals at Amazon ahead of Black Friday, all sitting at record-low pricing more than a week ahead of Amazon's official Black Friday sale (as confirmed by Amazon price tracker Camelcamelcamel).
SEE ALSO: Best gifts under $50 that are great for absolutely everyoneSome options on sale are midi-scale ships that my Star Wars head brother has confirmed are sick, and others are sets that come with some classic mini figs that any respected collection should have. A handful are retiring in 2025, so this might be your last change to snag 'em outside of a reseller's hiked prices.
If you're considering gifting one to someone else, just ask them which Star Wars Legos they do already have — don't fully ruin the surprise by inquiring about a specific one.
Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Our pick: Lego Star Wars: Millenium Falcon 'A New Hope' 25th Anniversary 75347 $67.97 at Amazon$84.99 Save $17.02 It's not nearly as massive as the $849.99 Millenium Falcon you can buy, but it's still unquestionably display worthy. This smaller Millenium Falcon celebrates the 25th anniversary of "A New Hope," exhibited by a special plaque that sits on the display stand. Get Deal Lego Star Wars: 'A New Hope' Tantive IV 75376 $58.90 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $21.09 Retiring soon! Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Get Deal at Best Buy Lego Star Wars: 'The Phantom Menace' Mos Espa Podrace Diorama 75380 $50.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $29.00 Retiring soon! Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Best Buy Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars: Desert Skiff & Sarlacc Pit 75396 $63.99 at Lego
$79.99 Save $16.00 Retiring soon! Get Deal Lego Star Wars: Droideka Model 75381 $41.99 at Amazon
$64.99 Save $23.00 Retiring soon! Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Lego Star Wars: Ahsoka Tano's T-6 Jedi Shuttle $63.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $16.00 Retiring soon! Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Get Deal at Best Buy Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars: Invisible Hand 25th Anniversary 75377 $34.99 at Target
$49.99 Save $15 Retiring soon! Get Deal Lego Star Wars: 'Attack of the Clones' Acclamator Class-Assault Ship 75404 $39.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $10 Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars: Tie Bomber 75347 $51.95 at Amazon
$64.99 Save $13.04 Get Deal Lego Star Wars: 'Revenge of the Sith' ARC-170 Starfighter 75402 $52.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $17.00 See It at Amazon Lego Star Wars: Grogu with Hover Pram 75403 $49.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal at Amazon
Somehow, AirPods are only $79.99 for Black Friday — lowest ever price
There is a battle brewing between leading Black Friday retailers, and it's all about Apple AirPods 4.
Under normal circumstances, we would be shouting loud about the fact that you could pick up AirPods 4 for $84.99 at Amazon. This is objectively a very good price, but this is Black Friday. The rules go out the window at this time of year, so we're actually not suggesting you score this low price at Amazon. Instead, look elsewhere for a truly low price.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!Best Buy, Target, and Walmart are all offering the AirPods 4 for under $80 right now. That is a ridiculously good price for a pair of AirPods. The question now is whether or not Amazon can match that price. They usually respond quickly to competition, so we're surprised to see they haven't acted yet. Maybe for once, Amazon has been beat? We'll believe it when we see it.
For now, you can score the AirPods 4 for under $80 this Black Friday. Keep an eye on our guide to the best Black Friday AirPods deals to get updates on the latest AirPods price drops.
All the best early Black Friday streaming deals live: Apple TV+, AMC+, Spotify, and more
This has been a rough year for bank accounts overall, but streaming services in particular have really upped the ante. Nearly every major streamer got more expensive in 2025, including Netflix, Peacock, HBO Max, Apple TV+, YouTube TV, Disney+, Hulu, and Paramount+. So needless to say, we're extra excited about this year's Black Friday streaming deals. We could all use some discounts, amirite?
Black Friday is famously the best time of year to sign up for streaming services, as you can typically score some serious savings on monthly or annual subscription fees. And we're pleased to report that this year is no different. If you're looking for a way to cut back on streaming costs for 2026, now's a great time to take advantage of a majorly discounted subscription.
One thing to note: most Black Friday streaming deals are limited to new and returning subscribers (as in, you once subscribed to Peacock, but cancelled your subscription months ago) only.
We're still patiently waiting for the heavy hitters to drop their annual Cyber Week deals, but since Amazon's official Black Friday sale kicked off on Nov. 20, several impressive Prime Video add-on streaming deals are already live. In 2024, Peacock, Paramount+, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max all dropped their deals closer to Black Friday proper. So we'll certainly be keeping our eyes peeled and will update you when those go live.
In the mean time, you can already lock in some serious savings on streaming — particularly if you're a Prime member or Prime Video subscriber. Here are all the best early Black Friday streaming deals live.
Best early Black Friday streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple TV+ Apple TV+ (Prime Video add-on) $5.99/month for 6 months (save $42) Get Deal Why we like itApple TV+, just like several other streamers, raised its subscription cost by 30 percent a few months back — from $9.99 to $12.99 per month. So this deal, which knocks the price down to only $5.99 per month for half a year, is much appreciated. The only catch? It's in the form of a Prime Video add-on, meaning you need to be a Prime member or Prime Video subscriber to secure the subscription discount.
Apple TV+ features a virtually all-original lineup filled with Emmy-winners like The Studio, Ted Lasso, Severance, and The Morning Show and Oscar-winners and nominees like CODA and Killers of the Flower Moon. TL;DR: You'll get more than your money's worth with this Black Friday deal.
More Black Friday streaming dealsAcorn TV (Prime Video add-on) — $2.25/month for 2 months $8.99/month (save $6.74)
AMC+ with ads (Prime Video add-on) — $1.75/month for 2 months $6.99/month (save $5.24/month)
AMC+ Premium (Prime Video add-on) — $2.50/month for 2 months $9.99/month (save $7.49/month)
Audible — $0.99/month for 3 months $14.95/month (save $13.96/month) + get $20 Audible credit
BET+ Essential (Prime Video add-on) — $1.50/month for 2 months $5.99/month (save $4.49/month)
BBC Select (Prime Video add-on) — $1.50/month for 2 months $5.99/month (save $4.49/month)
BritBox (Prime Video add-on) — $2.75/month for 2 months $10.99/month (save $8.24/month)
Crunchyroll Mega Fan (Prime Video add-on) — $2.99/month for 2 months $11.99/month (save $9/month)
Hallmark+ (Prime Video add-on) — $2/month for 2 months $7.99/month (save $5.99/month)
MGM+ (Prime Video add-on) — $1.99/month for 2 months $7.99/month (save $5/month)
MGM+ and MovieSphere+ bundle (Prime Video add-on) — $2.25/month for 2 months $8.99/month (save $6.74/month)
MGM+ and AMC+ bundle (Prime Video add-on) — $3.25/month for 2 months $12.99/month (save $9.74/month)
MovieSphere+ (Prime Video add-on) — $1.25/month for 2 months $4.99/month (save $3.74/month)
NFL Sunday Ticket — $48 $150 (save $102)
PBS Kids (Prime Video add-on) — $1.25/month for 2 months $4.99/month (save $3.74/month)
PBS Masterpiece (Prime Video add-on) — $1.75/month for two months $6.99/month (save $5.24/month)
Spotify Premium — free for 4 months $11.99/month (save $11.99/month)
Starz (Prime Video add-on) — $2.75/month for 2 months $10.99/month (save $8.24/month)
Starz and BET+ Premium bundle (Prime Video add-on) — $3.99/month for 2 months $15.99/month (save $12/month)
Walmart+ (Peacock OR Paramount+) — $49/year for your first year $98/year (save $49)
Wonder Project (Prime Video add-on) — $2.25/month for 2 months $8.99/month (save $6.74)
Half-Life 3 announcement: Why people think its happening
There's probably never been another unannounced video game with more hype around it than Half-Life 3, the theoretical follow-up to Valve's seminal first-person shooter series that has been mostly dormant since 2007. Now, as Kotaku and others have noted, a lot of folks online are theorizing that we're actually going to see or hear about it soon.
If you've been following games for a long time, that's probably pretty hard to believe. We've all been down this road before with Half-Life 3. However, there is a tiny bit of smoke to this fire. For starters, the series got an injection of life back in 2020 with the launch of Half-Life: Alyx for VR headsets, a game whose ending has major story implications for the future of the series, assuming it has a future. Data-miners also identified files for something in Valve's database called "HLX" in 2024, and further reporting on that has concluded that it is a new Half-Life game.
SEE ALSO: Valve announces new Steam Machine console: Price, specs, release dateThe simplest and most believable theory going around is that Valve is going to launch Half-Life 3 next year alongside its new Steam Machine home console. For more than two decades, new Half-Life releases have always been meant to sell you something else alongside the game. Half-Life 2 was the first blockbuster release on Steam, Half-Life 2: Episode 2 was bundled with Portal and Team Fortress 2, and Half-Life: Alyx was a system seller for the Valve Index VR headset. If Valve wants to get people interested in the Steam Machine, marketing it alongside a new Half-Life game would definitely do the trick.
You say there are two games, but I only see one, Valve. Credit: Screenshot: Valve/SteamBeyond that, there's an upcoming releases page specifically for Valve products on Steam. While the "Games" tab only shows Valve's in-development multiplayer shooter Deadlock right now, there's actually a little "2" next to it, meaning there may be one more unannounced game alongside that. As Kotaku noted, some believed that Nov. 18 would be the day of the announcement because that was when Alyx was announced several years ago, but that day came and went with nothing.
There's a slight (in my opinion) possibility that the game is announced at The Game Awards in December, which is something people online have also speculated about. While that is the only big game announcement event in the near future, it also stands to reason that Valve doesn't need anyone else's platform for Half-Life 3. It would be, by a wide margin, the most seismic video game announcement in more than a decade. Valve could just throw a trailer up on YouTube in the middle of the night, and it would still break the internet.
Fingers crossed we get some kind of resolution to all of this in the next year or so.
When Black Friday sales start and end: Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, Kohl’s and more
Remember when Black Friday was an in-person, rush-the-store event held only on the actual Friday after Thanksgiving? Thankfully, those days are long gone. Now, the sales last for weeks, you can shop online, and there is no reason for a stampede of shoppers.
In fact, in many cases, the Black Friday deals have already begun. The shopping team at Mashable has collected some of the best early Black Friday deals — but here's all you need to know about when the shopping begins for some of the major retailers.
WalmartThe Walmart Black Friday deals span nearly half of November. It had deals from Nov. 14-16, but will have another event Nov. 25-30. It will also have deals on Dec. 1, aka Cyber Monday.
SEE ALSO: 60+ early Black Friday deals: Score huge discounts on MacBooks, Nintendo Switch 2, Keurig, and Garmin AmazonAmazon's Black Friday sale runs from today, Nov. 20, through Cyber Monday.
Best BuyThe retailer gave the events a bunch of different names, but in plain English, Best Buy has had deals going since Halloween and will continue to do so through Cyber Monday. It's actual Black Friday sale, however, began today, Nov. 20.
Kohl'sKohl's Black Friday deals kick off Nov. 23 and run through Nov. 29.
TargetTarget is promoting deals pretty much the entirety of November and December. It started its promotions on Nov. 1 and they run through Christmas Eve.
The latest Anker Solix C1000 power station is under $350 for Black Friday — get the best-ever price on Amazon
SAVE 56%: The Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 is on sale for $349 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's the lowest-ever price for this model
Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 $379.99 at Amazon$799 Save $419.01 Get Deal
We're expecting a wave of deals on portable power stations over Black Friday. We hope to see record-low prices on the likes of Bluetti, Jackery, DJI, and Anker. But you don't need to wait any longer because the Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 is already down to its lowest-ever price in the Amazon Black Friday sale.
The latest Anker Solix C1000 offers shorter recharging times and smaller dimensions compared to the original. When Mashable reviewed the new model, Lauren Allain said it was the "perfect model for taking on a weekend camping trip or keeping around the house for occasional power outages."
SEE ALSO: Save $70 on the Anker Solix C300X portable power station at Best BuyThe new Anker Solix C1000 offers a 1,024Wh capacity for keeping all your devices juiced up when you need them most. It includes three USB-C ports, one USB-A, and five standard AC. And it recharges in under 49 minutes, so you should still have time to get sufficient charge even in a last-minute emergency.
Pick up the Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 for its lowest-ever price in the Amazon Black Friday sale.
Googles Pluribus Easter egg is a little too good
Considering the complexities of the set-up in Vince Gilligan's Pluribus, it's a little hard to put yourself in Carol's (Rhea Seehorn) shoes to know how you'd react. But if you're looking for a taste, just type "Pluribus" into Google Search.
SEE ALSO: I have a 'Pluribus' question: What's going on with the animals?The search engine's latest Easter egg celebrates the Apple TV series with a neat trick if you search for the series title. Underneath the search bar and above the results, you'll see a small sentence scrolling from the right reading:
"What are you searching for, Carol?"
Uhhh... Credit: Mashable screenshot: GoogleThe response mimics the all-seeing, all-knowing hive mind that is the human race in Pluribus, a connected population known as those of The Joining, who constantly communicate with the protagonist Carol as one. They know everything in an instant and deliver incessant positive reinforcement — something Carol realises through speaking with them through the phone or in person.
Essentially, the Joined are giving AI chatbot — which makes Google's Easter egg, sitting right above AI Overviews in Search and created by a platform whose own Gemini is the answer to OpenAI's ChatGPT, Anthropic's Claude, and xAI's Grok, pretty damn freaky.
If anyone needs me I'll be in a Norwegian ice hotel catching up on Bloodsong of Wycaro.
Featured Video For You 'In Your Dreams' director Alex Woo teaches us how to draw Baloney TonyShop the best early board game deals now ahead of Black Friday
Forget the next gen console for a moment. It’s almost Black Friday, the start of the holiday season — which means it’s also the start of family board game season. Board games, or table top games as they’re sometimes called, are all part of the holiday tradition: Get the family together, bust out the board games, get seriously competitive. And with plenty of Black Friday deals already live, you can find great discounts on a variety of board games — games for all ages and all budgets — that will keep you and yours entertained for hours.
SEE ALSO: The 17 best Advent calendars to buy in November. Take advantage of early Black Friday sales.Luckily for you, we know a thing or two about board games. We also know the score when it comes to finding the best Black Friday deals around — even when there’s still a week to go until the big day itself. And don’t worry if you’re late to the game because we’ll keep updating this page as new deals go live. Keep checking back in the days leading up to and during Black Friday, the biggest shopping event of the year, for even more discounts.
Best early Black Friday cooperative board game deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ravensburger Horrified Dungeons & Dragons $24.49 at Amazon$34.99 Save $10.50 Get Deal Why we like it
The latest edition in the excellent Horrified board game series takes on four classic monsters from Dungeons & Dragons — Beholder, Displacer Beast, Mimic, and Red Dragon. The aim of the game is to work together and defend the land against these monsters, while saving innocent citizens along the way — but be careful the monsters don’t attack. Horrified can get unexpectedly tense in the final rounds, and you’ll be surprised how tricky it is to work together and slay the beasts. You can play with different combinations of monsters, which means each game is different.
Best early Black Friday family board game deal Opens in a new window Credit: Big Potato Games The Chameleon $19.99 at Amazon$24.99 Save $5 Get Deal Why we like it
This brilliant game of deception and bluffing is sure to raise plenty of laughs. Each player picks a card, but only one of them will pick the Chameleon card. The object is to then play a word association game, with each player describing a secret word everyone knows except the Chameleon. It’s the Chameleon’s job to keep their identity hidden and bluff their way through by picking up on clues. The seriously silly fun.
Best early Black Friday board game with app deal Opens in a new window Credit: Game Night Media Soundtrack Trivia Board Game $39.99 at Amazon$49.99 Save $10 Get Deal Why we like it
This game is part of a recent trend for app-assisted board games — hey, there really is an app for everything these days —which syncs with your smart device and plays a clip from a movie soundtrack. You then have to guess the movie in 15 seconds or less. It’s safe to say it will best suit movie buffs, but can choose your favorite movie genres and movie decades.
More early Black Friday board game dealsTaco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza — $7.99 $9.99 (save $2)
Candy Land — $8.99 $12.99 (save $4)
What Do You Meme? — $13.99 $19.99 (save $6)
Twisted Cryptids — $14.49 $20 (save $5.51)
Clue 1986 Edition — $15.39 $21.99 (save $6.60)
The Game of Life — $15.39 $21.99 (save $6.30)
I Should Have Known That — $15.65 $20 (save $4.35)
Doomlings — $18.59 $24.99 (save $6.40)
The Haunting at Wicker Ridge — $18.99 $29.99 (save $11)
Monopoly Ultimate Banking — $19.49 $27.99 (save $8.50)
Ticket to Ride New York — $20.99 $24.99 (save $4)
Abduktion — $24.25 $34.99 (save $10.74)
Horrified American Monsters — $27.99 $39.99 (save $12)
Spy Alley — $31.99 $39.99 (save $8)
Wyrmspan — $55 $65 (save $10)
The best Black Friday Kindle deals are finally here: I found Kindle e-readers starting at $80
When the big shopping events like Prime Day and Black Friday come around, our sights are set on our favorite tech. It's often the only time when they're guaranteed to get a discount. My favorite gadgets? Kindles. It's part of my job to test e-readers, but outside of work hours, you'll still find me and my Kindle attached at the hip.
But the thing with Kindles is that they rarely go on sale. Sure, there's the occasional random discount throughout the year, but the best guaranteed price is almost always going to be during Prime Day or Black Friday. So as we look forward to Black Friday, which falls on Friday, Nov. 28, we're already hunting down the best Kindle deals.
As of Nov. 20, Amazon has officially kicked off its Black Friday sales, and the deals rock. All Kindle models are now on sale and down to their lowest prices ever. The Kindle Colorsoft is now down to $169.99, while the basic Kindle reached a new low of $79.99. So if you've been waiting to buy a Kindle, now's the time. Here are the best Kindle deals — on devices and accessories — to shop during Amazon's Black Friday sale.
The best Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Colorsoft $169.99 at Amazon$249.99 Save $80 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal Why we like it
I didn't know what to expect from Amazon's Black Friday Kindle Deals, but I'm blown away. Every device has dropped to its lowest price ever, and there are some major standouts. The Kindle e-reader with the best discount is the Kindle Colorsoft. It's down to $169.99, saving an astounding $80 off its $249.99 price tag. While I wouldn't recommend buying the device at full price, I think it's an exceptional deal ahead of Black Friday.
The Colorsoft has all the perks of a Paperwhite; it's waterproof, has adjustable warmth and brightness, and has an extremely long battery life of eight weeks. But the bonus? It has full color displays so you can enjoy graphic novels and book covers in full detail.
However, if you're not into the Colorsoft, there are plenty of other stellar deals to shop, including the basic Kindle down to its lowest price ever.
More Kindle device deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle $79.99 at Amazon$109.99 Save $30 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $124.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $35.00 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $149.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $50 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Scribe (64GB) $309.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $140 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal A remote page-turner for cozy nights Opens in a new window Credit: Datafy Datafy Remote Control Page Turner $15.98 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $4.01 Get Deal Why we like it
I let the TikTok girlies convince me that I needed a remote control page turner and... they were right. This page turner works by gently tapping the screen of your Kindle when you click on the remote. Paired with a gooseneck stand, it's created the coziest possible setup so I can keep my hands warm under the blankets but still get to the next page in my book. I don't usually like recommending products from random Amazon brands, but the Datafy remote control page turner has worked great for me over the past few months. Ahead of Black Friday, it's just $15.99 — that's $4 off its $19.99 price tag.
More remote page turner deals Opens in a new window Credit: CoBak CoBak Remote Control Page Turner $6.99 at Amazon$9.99 Save $3 Get Deal A gooseneck stand to complete your reading nook Opens in a new window Credit: Magipea Magipea Gooseneck Stand $16.12 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $13.87 Get Deal Why we like it
If you want to use your remote control page turner, then you'll need a way to prop up your Kindle. I use this gooseneck stand by Magipea. It's super easy to use, able to clamp onto tables of any thickness. It holds Kindles securely, too, no budging if you move or bump into it. It's down to $16.12 ahead of Black Friday, saving you 46% off and $13.87.
I found plenty more Kindle stands on sale, including one that doubles as a snack tray.
More Kindle stand deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Elekpopu Tablet Floor Stand $25.72 at Amazon$34.19 Save $8.47 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kefotic Kefotic Gooseneck Stand $25.57 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $14.42 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Miledi Miledi Pillow Stand $31.98 at Amazon
$55.99 Save $24.01 Get Deal A case and PopSockets to avoid hand strain Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle CoBak Clear Kindle Case $7.99 at Amazon
$9.99 Save $2 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: PopSockets PopSockets Phone Grip $7.50 at Amazon
$9.99 Save $2.49 Get Deal Why we like them
My favorite Kindle case is one paired with a PopSockets phone grip. If you're using a grip on your phone, you should definitely be using one on your e-reader. A clear case is suitable for both the minimalists or the creatives who want to customize it themselves. Right now, you can grab each on sale, and while I had to hunt to find these savings, as we get closer to Black Friday, I expect savings on Kindle cases to explode.
More Kindle case deals Opens in a new window Credit: Vinabilia Vinabilia E-reader Carrying Case $15.33 at Amazon$22.99 Save $7.66 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fintie Finite Case for Kindle Paperwhite $12.94 at Amazon
$36.99 Save $24.05 Fit for the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, and Kindle Colorsoft. Get Deal Books for under $2 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Books Under $2 Ahead of Prime Day, get Kindle books for as low as $0.99. Get Deal Why we like it
Most of the time, I prefer not to buy books for my Kindle and instead borrow books through Libby. But if I do buy a Kindle book, it's usually because it's under $2. Amazon is always dropping prices on books, and you can often find prize-winning and bestselling titles for $2 or less. Last week, the book deals were a little better, but there are still some hidden gems like Writers & Lovers by Lily King for just $1.99.
The 30+ best early Black Friday Apple deals: We already found best-ever prices on AirPods and MacBooks
Black Friday is easily the best time to buy Apple products, and with just about one week to go until the shopping holiday, the deals are already pretty good. You can thank Amazon for that: It's dropped the price of the entry-level AirPods 4 and M4 MacBook Airs to new all-time lows, and taken $50 off the price of most iPads — even the new M5 iPad Pros.
Other retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Target aren't price-matching a ton of Amazon's deals on current-gen Apple devices just yet, but they're picking up the slack when it comes to older models. Best Buy is the only place where some M4 iPad Pros are $100 off, for example, and Walmart has an exclusive discount on last year's Apple Watch Series 10 with cellular connectivity. (It's a whopping 40% off.)
SEE ALSO: Amazon just dropped all the details about its Black Friday saleAs per usual, don't expect the Apple Store itself to offer any crazy-good Black Friday deals. If anything, it'll just run one of its free gift card promos.
We've scoured all of the major players' websites and rounded up the best early Black Friday Apple deals below. We'll continue to update it as we get deeper into the holiday season, so keep checking back.
Best early Black Friday AirTag deal Apple AirTag $17.97 at Amazon$29 Save $11.03 Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Get Deal at Best Buy Why we like it
Apple's coin-sized Bluetooth tracker is the perfect sub-$50 stocking stuffer for iPhone owners. It's currently $5 away from its lowest price on record.
More AirTags deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (4-pack) $64.98 at Amazon$99 Save $34.02 Get Deal Best early Black Friday AirPods deal Apple AirPods 4 with ANC $109.99 at Walmart
$179 Save $69.01 Get Deal at Walmart Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Best Buy Why we like it
Amazon's Black Friday sale officially kicked off on Nov. 20, and it brought major savings on AirPods. In fact, the deals are kind of wild. Apple AirPods 4 with ANC are now $109.99, which is actually lower than the non-ANC AirPods 4. That saves you $69.01 off its $179 list price, for 39% off. It's the best deal on AirPods we've spotted right now, but there are markdowns on nearly every pair.
More AirPods deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $139 at Walmart$249 Save $110 Get Deal Apple AirPods 4 $79.99 at Amazon
$129 Save $49.01 Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Apple.com Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) $479.99 at Amazon
$549 Save $69.01 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple EarPods (USB-C) $16.99 at Amazon
$19 Save $2.01 Get Deal Best early Black Friday Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS + Cellular, 42mm) $249 at Walmart
$499 Save $250 Get Deal Why we like it
Apple's previous-gen flagship wearable has a thin, lightweight design and supports the latest watchOS features like Sleep Score. The model with cellular connectivity is now the same price as the WiFi-only version at Walmart.
More Apple Watch deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $349.99 at Amazon$399 Save $49.01 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS + cellular, 42mm) $449.99 at Amazon
$499 Save $49.01 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 46mm) $279 at Walmart
$429 Save $150 Get Deal Opens in a new window Apple Watch SE, 2nd Gen (GPS, 40mm) $159.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $89.01 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Appl Apple Watch SE, 2nd Gen (GPS + cellular, 40mm) $162.97 at Amazon
$299 Save $136.03 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE, 3rd Gen (GPS, 40mm) $199.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $49.01 Get Deal Best early Black Friday iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 128GB) $279 at Amazon
$349 Save $70 Get Deal Why we like it
The 11th-gen iPad has a 10.9-inch display, 12MP cameras, and enough power for everyday tasks. Our reviewer called it "a real steal" at its usual sticker price of $349, but you'll pay just $279.99 right now. (That's $0.99 away from its lowest price ever.)
More iPad deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 10.9-inch (A14 Bionic, WiFi, 256GB) $349 at Amazon$449 Save $100 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) $649 at Amazon
$799 Save $150 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) $949 at Amazon
$999 Save $50 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) $1,240 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $59 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 256GB) $899 at Best Buy
$999 Save $100 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 512GB) $1,399 at Best Buy
$1,499 Save $100 Get Deal Best early Black Friday MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $749 at Amazon
$999 Save $250 Get Deal Why we like it
Fast and portable, the 13-inch M4 MacBook Air is our favorite MacBook for students. The base model is only $750 on Amazon as of early November — a new record low — and I seriously doubt it'll get any cheaper on Black Friday proper. That's a bargain.
More MacBook deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M1, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $599 at Walmart$649 Save $50 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $649 at Best Buy
$799 Save $150 Get Deal Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $949 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $250 Get Deal at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,444 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $155 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,749 at Amazon
$1,999 Save $250 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4 Max, 36GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $2,859 at Amazon
$3,199 Save $340 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $2,189 at Amazon
$2,499 Save $310 Get Deal Apple Mac mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $479 at Amazon
$599 Save $120 Get Deal at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Mac mini (M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,199 at Amazon
$1,399 Save $200 Get Deal Mac deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iMac (M4 with 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $1,149
$1,299 Save $150 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iMac (M4 with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $1,349 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $150 Get Deal Even more Apple deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple $100 Apple gift card Target Circle members get a $10 Target gift card with $100 Apple gift card purchase Get Deal
The Kindle Colorsoft is finally under $200 — Black Friday is the only time to buy this e-reader
SAVE OVER $30: The Kindle Colorsoft (16GB) is on sale for $169.99 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's the lowest-ever price for this model.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Colorsoft (16GB) $169.99 at Amazon$250 Save $80.01 Get Deal
I've been hunting for deals for many years. I know my around a sale, so Black Friday doesn't really scare me anymore. But does that mean I can look at every product and tell you with complete confidence whether or not it's worth your cash? No, unfortunately not.
It's a good thing then that I work with loads of experts who test these products on a regular basis, so when I see the Kindle Colorsoft (16GB) on sale for $169.99 in the Amazon Black Friday sale, I can ask them for their opinion.
I asked Mashable's resident Kindle expert Samantha Mangino for her assessment: "The Kindle Colorsoft is a solid e-reader. It has everything I love in the Paperwhite — adjustable warmth and brightness, a waterproof rating, and long battery life — but it has the bonus of color. Having tested the Colorsoft for our guide on the best color e-readers, I found it was a good e-reader at a not so great price. However, its Black Friday price of $169.99 is really superb. It finally brings the device under $200, one of the only color e-readers to be that cheap."
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!What's clear is that buying the Kindle Colorsoft at full price was not a straightforward decision, but at under $170? It's hard to resist. This e-reader has never dropped to anything near this price before, so we really can't see it falling any lower over Cyber Week. If you're interested in buying, this is your moment to strike.
Score the best-ever price on the Kindle Colorsoft in the Amazon Black Friday sale.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping teaser has arrived
In The Hunger Games movies, Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson) was a grizzled mentor, ravaged by years of trauma and drink. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping takes audiences back 24 years to Haymitch's youth, when he was a tribute in the Fiftieth Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
The teaser for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping introduces Joseph Zada in the role of young Haymitch. But keen eyes will also spot some other familiar figures from the Jennifer Lawrence-fronted Hunger Games movies. Playing Gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee, Jesse Plemons takes on the role originated by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. Elle Fanning pops in as a younger Effie Trinket, originally portrayed by Elizabeth Banks. Ralph Fiennes steps into the role of President Snow, previously played by the late Donald Sutherland, and then Tom Blyth in the prequel The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Not spotted in this trailer are Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman (formerly Stanley Tucci) and Maya Hawke as Wiress (previously Amanda Plummer).
Also joining the cast are Glenn Close, Mckenna Grace, Whitney Peak, Iris Apatow, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Ben Wang. Director Francis Lawrence, who's helmed every Hunger Games movie to date, is back in charge, with Billy Ray on board as screenwriter.
Playing as a sequel to The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and a prequel to The Hunger Games (2008), The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping adapts the 2025 novel from Suzanne Collins. So, if you haven't checked out the book yet and want to before the movie hits, your countdown begins now.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping opens in theaters on Nov. 20, 2026.
Charli XCX shines in trailer for A24 music industry satire The Moment
She's an icon, she's a legend, and she IS the moment. The trailer for Aidan Zamiri's The Moment starring Charli XCX (Erupcja, Overcompensating, 100 Nights of Hero) just dropped and it looks set to be another iconic moment for the brat singer.
The movie is based on an original idea by Charli XCX and the cast includes Alexander Skarsgård, Rosanna Arquette, Kate Berlant, Jamie Demetriou, Kylie Jenner, Hailey Benton Gates, Isaac Powell, and Rachel Sennott.
The Moment will hit theaters Jan. 30.
Apple AirPods 4 have never been cheaper at Amazon — score these popular earbuds for $109.99 this Black Friday
SAVE OVER $60: Apple AirPods 4 are on sale for $109.99 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's the lowest-ever price for this model.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $109.99 at Amazon$179 Save $69.01 Get Deal
Amazon has kicked off its Black Friday sale with a huge number of record-low deals, and we're not talking about big discounts on products you've never even heard of. We're talking about best-ever prices on the most popular products, like AirPods.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 are down to their best-ever price at Amazon, but that's not all: Apple AirPods 4 are on sale for $109.99 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's the lowest-ever price for this model, so there really couldn't be a better time to shop.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!The only question we have at this early stage is whether or not we're going to see anything better. Usually, we would say that patience can be rewarded, but this really is a low price and stock on Apple has been known to drop over these busy shopping seasons. This price is better than we saw in the October Prime Day, so we would be surprised to see another dip.
Grab the Apple AirPods 4 at their best-ever price in the Amazon Black Friday sale. For more deals on AirPods, check out our breakdown of everything on offer over Black Friday.
Wow, Apple AirPods Pro 3 are down to a new record-low price for Black Friday — save over $20 at Amazon
SAVE OVER $20: Apple AirPods Pro 3 are on sale for $219.99 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's the lowest-ever price for this model.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $219.99 at Amazon$249 Save $29.01 Get Deal
Amazon's Black Friday sale has started incredibly strongly. So strongly in fact that I'm starting to worry where we can go from here. We've already been treated to record-low prices across the board. Are the prices going to continue to fall? That seems unlikely. Will everything just stay the same throughout Cyber Week? I can't see that happening either.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 are on sale for $219.99 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's the lowest-ever price for this model.
Seeing best-ever prices on brand new AirPods is obviously great, but it has left me wondering how Amazon can possibly top this. Has Amazon just thrown all its cards on the table right away with a huge deal on the most popular earbuds? I should be happy to see this deal but it has left me puzzled.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!In Mashable's review of the AirPods Pro 3, Adam Doud said "The AirPods Pro 3 are a remarkable upgrade in functionality over their predecessors, with better battery life and ANC, as well as a new heart rate sensor. If you need a new set of AirPods, this is an easy buy." And at this new low price, it becomes an even easier decision.
Score the best-ever price on Apple AirPods Pro 3 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. For more deals on AirPods, check out our breakdown of everything on offer over Black Friday.
