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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: 43 min 3 sec ago

The best early Black Friday TV deals in 2025: Hisense and Samsung QLEDs lead the pack

Fri, 11/14/2025 - 19:01
The best early Black Friday TV deals at a glance: BEST 50-inch TV deal Hisense 50-inch QD6 QLED 4K TV $199.99 (save $130) Get Deal Best 55-inch TV deal Amazon 55-inch Omni Mini LED QLED 4K Fire TV $694.99 (save $125) Get Deal Best 65-inch TV deal Hisense 65-inch U6 Mini LED QLED 4K TV $547.99 (save $300) Get Deal Best 75-inch TV deal TCL 75-inch QM6K Mini LED QLED 4K TV $698 (save $301.99) Get Deal Best 100-inch TV deal Hisense 100-inch QD6 QLED 4K TV $1,497.99 (save $502) Get Deal

It's officially the best time of year to buy a TV. And you don't even have to wake up at 2 a.m., ready to throw fists in a Walmart or Best Buy. While Black Friday proper — which falls on Nov. 28 in 2025 — will likely produce some unmatched deals as in years past, there's plenty of price drops already worth grabbing a couple of weeks early. Whether you're looking to upgrade to a larger screen or swap your LED model for a QLED model, this is the time.

As Mashable's TV expert Leah Stodart noted last year, QLED TVs have officially gone from swanky to accessible. That means it's easier than ever for the average household to make the jump to a QLED 4K TV at a budget-friendly price — particularly during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. And you will certainly notice the difference in quality.

We're keeping track of all the early Black Friday TV deals worth shopping below and will continuously update this list with any new price drops that roll in. Several Hisense, TCL, and Amazon Fire TV models are already down to record-lows, so feel free to shop ahead of the rush. TVs are one of the biggest purchases this time of year and they do tend to sell out. Read on for a rundown of our top picks.

Psst: If you're not sure what to do with your old TV, you can recycle it at most Best Buy stores for free.

Best early Black Friday 50-inch TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 50-inch QD6 QLED 4K TV $199.99 at Best Buy
$329.99 Save $130   Get Deal Why we like it

This deal really highlights why we love the Hisense TV brand so much: you can get a QLED 4K TV for under $200. The QD6 model is a well-rounded budget TV that utilizes the Fire TV platform and features built-in Alexa, as well as Dolby Vision HDR and DTS Virtual X audio for better picture quality and crisper sound. It won't wow you quite like a premium QLED would, but you'll still notice a difference from the quantum dots — particularly when watching in the daytime. This 50-inch model is great for smaller living rooms, bedrooms, and apartments and at $199.99, its beating its Prime Day price by nearly $40 at Best Buy. It's currently sold out at Amazon.

Best early Black Friday 65-inch TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-inch U6 Mini LED QLED 4K TV $547.99 at Amazon
$847.99 Save $300   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're not sure what size TV to get, we consider 65 inches to be the sweet spot for most folks. While the Hisense U6 Mini LED QLED TV falls into the budget-friendly category, its specs don't scream "budget" at all. It features a Mini LED backlight system, which essentially means its uses smaller LEDs to deliver a brighter and more detailed picture. Plus, it packs a 144Hz native refresh rate, WiFi 6 connectivity, an ATSC 1.0 tuner under the hood, and support for HDR in Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG. It uses the same interface as Amazon's own Mini LED Fire TV and is equipped with on-board Alexa. Our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) called it "easily the brightest and most colorful budget-friendly TV we've tested." At $547.99, the 65-inch Hisense U6 is already down to its best price ever at Amazon ahead of Black Friday.

Best early Black Friday 75-inch+ TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 75-inch QM6K Mini LED QLED 4K TV $698 at Walmart
$999.99 Save $301.99   Get Deal Why we like it

Walmart and Amazon are both featuring this excellent deal on the TCL QM6K TV, which our friends at CNET (also owned by Ziff Davis) dubbed the "best TV under $1,000 in 2025." It checks all the boxes you want in a new TV: impressive picture quality with vibrant colors, smooth streaming interface (via Google TV), a high refresh rate for gaming (144Hz), and a killer price tag. At $698, this early Black Friday deal not only beats its Prime Day price by more than $50, but it marks a new record-low. It's not quite as impressive as its QM8 sibling, but the QM6K is "a stellar mini LED TV for the low-to-mid-tier price range," as our team pointed out in our roundup of the best TVs for 2025.

Black Friday TV deals at Best Buy43-inch to 50-inch TVs55-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch TVs and upBlack Friday TV deals at Walmart50- 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

Shop the best early fitness tracker deals now ahead of Black Friday

Fri, 11/14/2025 - 18:46
Best early Black Friday fitness tracker deals Best Early Black Friday Fitness Tracker Deal Apple Watch Ultra 3 $699.99 (Save $99.01) Get Deal Best Early Black Friday Budget Fitness Tracker Deal CMF Watch Pro 2 $55 (Save $24) Get Deal Best Early Black Friday Apple Watch Alternative Fitness Tracker Deal Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition on white background $609.91 (Save $490.98) Get Deal

Whether you're looking to crush a new goal in 2026 or just want to get a head start on your holiday shopping, now's the time to grab a new fitness tracker. Early Black Friday deals on a variety of brands are officially live now, with significant discounts on wearables for every budget. From simple step counters to advanced smartwatches, these early Black Friday fitness tracker deals have you covered with price drops of just about every kind.

Below, you'll find some of our favorite early fitness tracker deals we've uncovered ahead of the biggest shopping event of the year. We'll continue updating this page as additional deals go live. Be sure to keep checking back in the days leading up to and during Black Friday for even more deals so you don't miss a single discount.

Best early Black Friday fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple Watch Ultra 3 $699.99 at Amazon
$799 Save $99.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Apple's premium smartwatch is the top of the line when it comes to fitness tracking, along with all the other wearable features it offers. You can save on it now and get all the perks for less, which include hypertension detection, upgraded sleep tracking, off-grid emergency comms, and everything else you've come to expect from the Apple Watch. That includes heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, workout recording, and much more.

Best early Black Friday budget fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon CMF Watch Pro 2 $55 at Amazon
$79 Save $24   Get Deal Why we like it

If you don't want to shell out the big bucks for a premium fitness tracker or smartwatch, the CMF Watch Pro 2 is an affordable option that fits most budgets. But budget in this case doesn't mean bereft of features. It comes with a portable blood oxygen saturation monitor, workout tracking, heart rate tracking, training load and recovery time, and much more that can all be synced and shared to your favorite health app. All this, plus it does everything you need your smartwatch to do: make calls, use gestures, record voice notes, and more. All for under $60, which is a veritable dream.

Best early Black Friday Apple Watch alternative fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition $609.91 at Amazon
$1,099.99 Save $490.08   Get Deal Why we like it

If you prefer to try something different than an Apple Watch, this Garmin unit has everything you need if you're serious about fitness tracking in general. That includes a 1.4-inch AMOLED display with a sapphire lens. It has 24/7 health and wellness monitoring with HRV status and pulse oximetry, advanced sleep monitoring, hill score for endurance training, and an A to Z selection of fitness routine and workout tracking to help you stay on top of your game. It also gives you a morning report each day to give you an idea of where you are in your fitness journey so you can plan your next move.

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

Buy the Meta Quest 3S and get a free $50 Amazon credit

Fri, 11/14/2025 - 18:43

SAVE $70 + FREE $50 CREDIT: As of Nov. 14, get the Meta Quest 3S for $329.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $399.99. That's a discount of 18%. Plus, get a free $50 credit with your purchase.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Meta Quest 3S $329.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $70 Free $50 Amazon Credit with Purchase Get Deal

Virtual reality may not live up to the future tech we all thought it would be by now, but it's home to several games and experiences worth trying out. With Meta's affordable approach that lets you see what it's like without investing in a pricey PC setup, it's a fun option to dive into without spending too much cash. You can save even more right now on a Meta Quest 3S thanks to this Amazon deal, which also nets you some free credit for your trouble.

As of Nov. 14, get the Meta Quest 3S for $329.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $399.99. That's $70 off and a discount of 18%. Plus, get a free $50 credit with your purchase. The promotional credit will be added to your Amazon account within 30 days of your Meta Quest 3S's shipment and will expire on April 14, 2026.

SEE ALSO: Steam Frame vs Apple Vision Pro vs Meta Quest 3 — Which has stronger specs, and which is best for gaming?

While the Meta Quest 3 is currently the top of the line model, the affordable Meta Quest 3S is no slouch. It has 1832 x 1920 resolution per eye, a 120Hz refresh rate, 6DOF motion detection, and a pair of Meta Quest Touch Controllers to interact with your virtual worlds.

The 3S still uses the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, which is the same as the Quest 3, with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage space. It has over 2 hours of battery life per charge, and requires no cords or computer to set up.

When you buy a Meta Quest, you also get access to a 3-month trial of Meta Horizon+, which means you get over 40 games to test out for free without having to commit to paying for just one. So you've got tons to play around with, even if you don't want to grab a game.

The holidays are coming up, and this is a fun gift or a good way to get friends and family together to experience VR for an affordable price. And the $50 credit isn't anything to sneeze at, either.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apples Issey Miyake iPhone Sock launched today, but its not as random as it sounds

Fri, 11/14/2025 - 18:40

Mashable covers all of Apple's product launches, and we've been speculating for months on what products the company might still release in 2025. We thought we might get AirTags 2.0, a new Apple TV device, or an updated HomePod. Truly, we did not see the iPhone Sock coming.

Designed in collaboration with the innovative brand Issey Miyake, the iPhone Pocket officially launched on Friday, and the reaction across the web has been very entertaining. The internet, in its collective wisdom, has unofficially rebranded the 3D knit phone holder as the iPhone Sock, which is fair, as Apple says the product was "inspired by the concept of 'a piece of cloth'". One enterprising creator even made their own version of the pricey designer accessory, using an old sock, of course.

The iPhone Pocket Sock comes in two sizes (short and long) and can be held in your hands, worn cross-body, or wrapped around a bag handle — priced at $149.95 and $229.95. Even many Apple fans were put out by the price, as $230 is a big ask for a phone holder, especially in this economy.

Of course, those aren't unheard of prices for designer accessories, especially from a brand like Issey Miyake, and Apple has proven time and again that if Apple builds it, people will buy it. (With the possible exception of the Vision Pro, of course.) As of this writing, the iPhone Sock is completely sold out in all colors at the online Apple Store, but customers may still be able to snag one at select Apple Stores IRL.

So, what is the iPhone Sock?

An Apple press release states:

iPhone Pocket features a ribbed open structure with the qualities of the original pleats by ISSEY MIYAKE. Born from the idea of creating an additional pocket, its understated design fully encloses iPhone, expanding to fit more of a user’s everyday items. When stretched, the open textile subtly reveals its contents and allows users to peek at their iPhone display. iPhone Pocket can be worn in a variety of ways — handheld, tied onto bags, or worn directly on the body. Featuring a playful color palette, the short strap design is available in eight colors, and the long strap design in three colors.

This might seem like a random product for Apple, but the company also released the colorful Apple Crossbody Strap this fall, though with a more reasonable $59 price tag. Apple and Issey Miyake also have a history together.

Steve Jobs and Japanese designer Miyake were actually friends, and according to Apple legend, Jobs once tapped Miyake to design an Apple uniform, which never came to fruition. Apple has continued without Jobs, and likewise, the fashion brand Issey Miyake has continued without its namesake founder, who passed away in 2022.

In the West, Issey Miyake is best known for its origami-inspired handbags and popular fragrances.

An Issey Miyake handbag with the new iPhone Pocket. Credit: Apple The iPhone Pocket on its own. Credit: Apple

Have Apple and Issey Miyake lived up to their founders' vision? We don't know, but we are curious about what Steve Jobs would have said about the $230 iPhone Sock. He and Miyake were friends, after all.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Critical Role fans, you can watch the first episode of The Mighty Nein on YouTube

Fri, 11/14/2025 - 18:36

Critmas came early for Critical Role fans everywhere, because the first episode of The Mighty Nein is now streaming for free on YouTube.

SEE ALSO: 'The Mighty Nein' trailer: Critical Role's new show teases magic battles and tons of trauma

Set to premiere Nov. 19, The Mighty Nein is Critical Role's second animated series with Prime Video, the first being The Legend of Vox Machina. Like The Legend of Vox Machina, The Mighty Nein follows a group of unlikely heroes in the world of Exandria. However, The Mighty Nein charts new ground for Critical Role on TV, with longer episodes and a darker tone setting it apart from the raunchier Saturday morning cartoon vibe of The Legend of Vox Machina. (There are still dick jokes, though.)

The first episode, titled "Mote of Possibility," introduces three of The Mighty Nein's main heroes. There's disheveled wizard Caleb Widogast (voiced by Liam O'Brien), heavily inebriated goblin Nott the Brave (voiced by Sam Riegel), and hotheaded Cobalt Soul monk Beauregard Lionett (voiced by Marisha Ray). The three are disparate travelers when we first meet them, but a brewing war between the Kryn Dynasty and the Dwendalian Empire will soon bring them together.

The inciting incident of that war takes center stage in "Mote of Possibility," which opens with a wizard heist on the Kryn Dynasty. Their target? The Luxon Beacon, an object of unfathomable power. Full of magic and brutality, the episode is worth checking out for the heist alone.

The first three episodes of The Mighty Nein premiere Nov. 19 on Prime Video, with a new episode every Wednesday.

Categories: IT General, Technology

For a limited time, get your first three months of Audible for $0.99 per month — plus enjoy a $20 Audible credit

Fri, 11/14/2025 - 17:53

SAVE $41.88: As of Nov. 14, get your first three months of Audible for just $0.99, saving you $41.88. On top of the monthly savings, enjoy a $20 Audible credit to use on your next listen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Audible $2.97 at Amazon
$44.85 Save $41.88 Enjoy your first three months of Audible for just $0.99 per month. Plus, score a $20 Audible credit when you sign up. Get Deal

With the holidays coming up, you might have a decent amount of travel on deck. And whether you're taking a plane, train, or automobile to get to your holiday plans, you'll need some entertainment along the way. If you're hoping to get in a few more books in on your reading goal, audiobooks will help you get there, especially when you're stuck in the car for hours at a time. And right now you can save on Audible audiobook membership.

As Nov. 14, three months of Audible for just $0.99 per month. In addition to the discounted monthly rate, you'll also receive a $20 credit to use on the site to stock up on even more audiobooks. Membership is other $14.95 per month, meaning with this deal, you'll spend just $2.97 for three months, saving you $41.88. This deal is only available to new Audible customers. However, Audible is offering one month free to returning customers.

Audible is Amazon's audiobook hub. It's where you can get audio versions of all the top books, but additionally Audible has a whole collection of originals. This includes special editions of Pride & Prejudice performed by Harris Dickinson and Marisa Abela or Audible's original festive crime thriller, the Mistletoe Murders.

Sign up for Audible now, and score three months for just $0.99 per month.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Red Dead Redemption comes to PS5, Xbox, iOS, and Android: How to get it

Fri, 11/14/2025 - 17:08

Get ready to rustle and mosey and, uh, other cowboy-themed verbs on your mobile device in a few weeks.

That's because Rockstar's legendary Red Dead Redemption from 2010 is coming to basically every modern video game device in upgraded form on Dec. 2, per Rockstar itself. The Red Dead Redemption PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, iOS, and Android versions will feature fresher visuals and the excellent Undead Nightmare DLC. This new version will be available as a free upgrade for anyone who already owns the currently available build of Red Dead on consoles, while Netflix users will be able to play the mobile version free of charge.

It also seems like you'll be able to carry over your save data if you upgrade from an existing version of the game, which is nice.

SEE ALSO: 'Metroid Prime 4' looks and feels great, but I'm nervous about one little thing How to get Red Dead Redemption on iOS and Android

You might be wondering how Red Dead on phones is going to work. Rockstar says it will have mobile-friendly controls, of course, but the process of actually getting it is slightly more complicated than you might think.

The wording in Rockstar's press release makes it sound like the game will be available on the App Store or Play Store, so you should be able to just buy it there (for a price that isn't mentioned at all in the post). However, if you have an active Netflix subscription, that won't be necessary. You can simply log into the Netflix mobile app and play the game through that instead. Netflix already has a selection of games available for subscribers, but Red Dead is probably the biggest and most noteworthy one to date.

As for PS5, Xbox, and Switch 2, you'll just buy the game from each console's digital storefront, as per usual. Easy!

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google is training Gemini-powered agents using Goat Simulator 3

Fri, 11/14/2025 - 17:04

Google has developed an AI-powered agent that's playing video games, including Goat Simulator 3 — yes, a goat-based video game.

Google DeepMind created a Gemini-powered agent called SIMA 2 — "scalable instructable multiworld agent" — that's navigating the world of Goat Simulator 3, reported MIT Technology Review.

The AI agent is called SIMA 2 because, well, there was an original SIMA. We covered the original project at Mashable. The agent was designed to essentially serve as a video game companion — an AI-powered player that could accompany human players. (The ROG Xbox Ally X gaming handheld has a similar, Copilot-powered feature.) SIMA 2 is apparently an improved version of the original.

SEE ALSO: Google is training an AI to play video games — why this could be problematic

"Games have been a driving force behind agent research for quite a while," Joe Marino, a researcher at Google DeepMind, said this week, via MIT Technology Review.

The idea behind SIMA 2 is that the agent can learn and adapt in open-ended, complicated video games. A human player can also help direct the agent and improve its performance.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This Lego Star Wars Grogu set is 50% off ahead of Black Friday but this price wont last through the holidays

Fri, 11/14/2025 - 16:27

SAVE $50: As of Nov. 14, shop the Lego Star Wars Grogu set, complete with the hover pram. Ahead of Black Friday, get it for just $49.99, saving you $50 for 50% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Grogu Set $49.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $50.00   Get Deal

We're two weeks out from Black Friday, but the holiday shopping season is well underway. If you're making your list (checking it twice, etc.) and starting to stockpile gifts, then we have the deal for you. If you're looking for a gift for the Star Wars enthusiast in your life, this Grogu set complete with hover pram is absolutely adorable — and 50% off.

As of Nov. 14, the Lego Star Wars Grogu set is down to $49.99. It's now 50% off its list price of $99.99, saving you $50. It's absolutely adorable but it's a limited time deal.

The Lego Star Wars Grogu set is available only at Amazon and according to the product list page, the deal is going fast, implying that it won't last. So if you're looking to buy it for the Star Wars fan in your life, then you'd better get it soon, since we don't think it will last until Black Friday — or even next week.

The Grogu set is complete with the hover pram, aka Baby Yoda's sickeningly sweet transportation. Grogu himself has a posable head and ears and a Sorgan frog to complete the set. It's 1,048 pieces and suitable for anyone over the age of 10. Not to mention it's just right for the biggest The Mandalorian fan in your life.

Get the Lego Star Wars Grogu set for just $49.99 at Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Metroid Prime 4 looks and feels great, but Im nervous about one little thing

Fri, 11/14/2025 - 15:00

It's just good to have my wonderful friend Samus Aran back.

Arguably Nintendo's coolest character, Samus and her Metroid series has largely been in the wilderness since 2007, when Metroid Prime 3 came out. I enjoyed Metroid Dread a great deal a few years ago, but that's really the only game starring Samus in nearly 20 years that I've cared about. On Dec. 4, that streak will hopefully end with the launch of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

I got to play about an hour of the game at a recent preview event, courtesy of Nintendo, and boy do I have some thoughts. For the most part, at least based on the early parts of Prime 4, this is still the Metroid Prime you know and love. But, I have one major concern. Let's get into it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo 'Metroid Prime 4 Beyond' $69 at Amazon
Releases on Dec. 4 Pre-order Here SEE ALSO: 'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment' is fine. It's also the most disappointing Switch 2 exclusive. It feels good to be back in the power suit The aliens are very mean. Credit: Nintendo

My demo of Prime 4 occurred in two distinct chunks: A short, 10-minute glimpse at the very beginning of the game (a demo I had already played back in April), and a longer look at the point when it seems like the game properly starts. As in, Samus finds herself on a mysterious, seemingly abandoned alien planet full of wonder and mystery, and she's gotta figure out what the heck to do about it. Classic Metroid stuff.

The longer portion of the demo took place in a jungle-themed area called Fury Green. This place is very reminiscent of past Metroid games; gross bug monsters and alien plants attack Samus every few minutes, and weird alien artifacts litter the landscape, just waiting for Samus to get the right item or ability to use on or around them. While this portion of the game was fairly linear and straightforward, there were definitely doors and pathways I couldn't open yet because I didn't have the proper ability, which is what you want to see in a Metroid game. It was also, seemingly, the first hour or so of the game, so I'm not going to condemn that part of it for being linear.

Despite having started life as a Switch 1 game (and still getting a Switch 1 release), Prime 4 might be the best-looking game I've seen running on a Switch 2 so far. The demo was running in the 4K/60FPS configuration, though the 1080p/120FPS version looks great, too. Beyond raw tech specs, Fury Green is just a tremendously gorgeous area, and the art direction in Prime 4 seems to be on par with the rest of the series.

Series developer Retro Studios has also nailed the feel of running around this ancient, unknowable world and shooting everything in it with a gun. Combat is fast, smooth, and fun, and as a bonus, this is the first Metroid Prime game to launch with normal, dual-analog stick controls. It feels great, and Samus's new psychic abilities add some interesting variety to both puzzle-solving and fights. She can manipulate little balls of energy to power alien devices, as well as fire a beam that stops time and allows you to manually fly it around the environment for a few seconds. I did one major boss fight at the end of the demo where I had to take out three targets simultaneously using that last ability, and it felt like classic Metroid Prime stuff.

So, yeah, I'm not really worried about the parts where you look at and play Metroid Prime 4. My demo also, heartbreakingly, didn't include any motorcycle stuff.

But I was kind of hoping I'd be the only one around here Hell yes. Credit: Nintendo

This demo of Prime 4 would have left me excited for the game with zero reservations if not for one little thing: At one point in Fury Green, Samus runs into another stranded human, a dorky Galactic Federation engineer guy who is fully voice-acted. He accompanied me throughout most of the rest of the demo, partially as someone to protect in a brief escort quest-like section, but mostly as a guy who chimes in on comms every now and then to chat with Samus (who does not speak at all).

This isn't the first time a Metroid game has put Samus near other people, either with or without voice acting. Results in previous games have been...mixed, to say the least. Metroid has always worked best when Samus is truly alone on a dark and preferably goopy alien world. The early Prime games, in particular, have utterly flawless senses of atmosphere. Before you meet this engineer doofus, Prime 4 feels reminiscent of that. After you meet him, it's still a fun game with very pretty visuals and good combat, but it's not the same.

It also doesn't help that he's genuinely kind of annoying, and it's hard to tell if the game is in on the joke or not, from what I played.

I'm not going to render judgment on Prime 4 for this just yet. For all I know, this dude is only a small part of the game and won't be chattering in Samus's ear for the entire adventure. I just don't want to spend an entire Metroid Prime adventure listening to a geeky dude talk in pseudo-Marvel Cinematic Universe banter at me.

After seeing that part of Metroid Prime 4, I'm officially slightly concerned about a game that had given me no reasons to feel that way up until now. I think Nintendo has earned the benefit of the doubt here, but I can't lie: I'm a little more nervous than I'd like to be. We'll see what happens when Metroid Prime 4: Beyond launches on Switch and Switch 2 on Dec. 4.

In the meantime, you can pre-order Metroid Prime 4: Beyond for $69.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Spurs vs. Warriors online for free

Fri, 11/14/2025 - 14:23

TL;DR: Live stream San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors in the NBA Cup for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 NBA Cup has only just started, but we're already getting huge games with serious ramifications. The Warriors lost their opening game, so losing to the Spurs would put them in real trouble. Can Wemby and the Spurs dump the Warriors out of the NBA Cup?

If you want to watch Spurs vs. Warriors in the NBA Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Spurs vs. Warriors?

Spurs vs. Warriors in the NBA Cup starts at 9:30 p.m. ET on Nov. 14. This game takes place at the Frost Bank Center.

How to watch Spurs vs. Warriors for free

Spurs vs. Warriors in the NBA Cup is available to live stream for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

This free live stream is geo-restricted to the UK and U.S., but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK or U.S., meaning you can access free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (if you're not already a member)

  2. Subscribe to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

  4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK or U.S.

  5. Watch the NBA from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Learn More

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select games from the NBA Cup before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams on platforms like Prime Video, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the NBA Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Lego Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees set has dropped to its best-ever price at Amazon

Fri, 11/14/2025 - 14:20

SAVE $20: As of Nov. 14, the Lego Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees Set is on sale for $44.99 at Amazon. This is 31% off and its lowest-ever price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees Building Set $44.99 at Amazon
$64.99 Save $20.00   Get Deal

Black Friday may still be a couple of weeks away, but we've already found some stellar Lego deals for shoppers to jump on ahead of time. No matter if you're looking for discounts on Star Wars sets or Botanical builds, there's plenty to consider right now. And for a limited time, the Lego Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees Set is down to its lowest-ever price at Amazon.

The Lego Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees set comes with a list price of $64.99, but Amazon has knocked it down to $44.99 for a limited time. This is a $20 discount and a record-breaking price.

SEE ALSO: Best Buy Black Friday ad: The best early deals you can buy online

The Lego Botanicals Mini Bonsai Set is a lovely little trio of trees to piece together. This set comes with 709 pieces that create a ginkgo bonsai tree with yellow leaves, a black pine bonsai tree with green needles, and a wisteria bonsai tree that has hanging lilac flowers. It's recommended for adults of 18 years old and above, but if you know someone younger who wants to build them, just give them a hand with piecing it together.

Don't miss out on this excellent deal on the Lego Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees Set at Amazon before Black Friday.

There's plenty more Lego deals to check out. Our roundup of 20+ early Lego deals already live ahead of Black Friday can point you in the direction of even more options that are on sale right now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Pokémon TCG Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box is at market value on Amazon right now

Fri, 11/14/2025 - 13:58

MARKET VALUE: As of Nov. 14, the Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box is $121.01 at Amazon, which is below the market value of TCGplayer.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box $121.01 at Amazon
  Get Deal

The first expansion for Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution, Phantasmal Flames, is finally out in the wild. We're used to seeing ridiculously inflated prices on the majority of sealed Pokémon TCG product, but Amazon is at least matching market value with Phantasmal Flames right now.

The Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box is at market value right now on Amazon compared to TCGPlayer, going for $121.01. You can also knock $60 off the price tag if you get accepted for an Amazon Visa card. There's no need to actually use it, just make sure you use that instant $60 gift card to bring the ETB price down to $49.99.

SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets

Phantasmal Flames focuses in on Mega Charizard X with a standard ex, Secret Art Rare, and Gold Hyper Rare. Other Mega Pokémon have made the SIR cut such as Mega Lopunny ex and normal Pokémon such as Rotom ex. Unsuprisingly, all of the Mega Charizard ex cards are at the top of the chase card list, with the standard ex rocking an unpresidented value of over $60.

Most valuable Mega Evolution Pokémon cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

You can just grab the chase cards you need from Phantasmal Flames right now instead, which will likely save you money in the long run. Here's what they're all going for right now, including links to buy them at TCGPlayer.

  1. Mega Charizard X ex - 125/094
    Near Mint Holofoil: $795
    Market price: $940.50
    Most recent sale: $750

  2. Mega Charizard X ex - 130/094
    Near Mint Holofoil: $839.99
    Market price: $894.94
    Most recent sale: $889.90

  3. Mega Charizard X ex - 109/094
    Near Mint Holofoil: $62.98
    Market price: $62.75
    Most recent sale: $55

  4. Mega Lopunny ex - 128/094
    Near Mint Holofoil: $55
    Market price: $220.31
    Most recent sale: $205

  5. Mega Sharpedo ex - 127/094
    Near Mint Holofoil: $50
    Market price: $57.82
    Most recent sale: $48.01

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Pokémon TCG Phantasmal Flames Booster Box is below market value at Amazon

Fri, 11/14/2025 - 13:53

BELOW MARKET VALUE: As of Nov. 14, the Pokémon TCG Phantasmal Flames Booster Box is $281.01 at Amazon, which is below the market value of $300 at TCGplayer.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Phantasmal Flames Booster Box $281.01 at Amazon
$300 Save $18.99   Get Deal

The first expansion for Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution, Phantasmal Flames, has finally dropped. Thank goodness we're getting good deals off the shelf right now, as it's been a rough year for finding decent prices on sealed Pokémon TCG product. Is Amazon starting to behave itself with its Pokémon TCG pricing?

The Phantasmal Flames Booster Box is currently below market value on Amazon at $281.01, compared to TCGplayer's current market value of $300. Whilst it's still over MSRP, getting products below market value right now is a deal in itself.

SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets

Phantasmal Flames focuses in on Mega Charizard X with a standard ex, Secret Art Rare, and Gold Hyper Rare. Other Mega Pokémon have made the SIR cut such as Mega Lopunny ex and normal Pokémon such as Rotom ex. The set is also oddly missing Mega Gengar ex SIR, which is likely to appear in the next set releasing next year.

Most valuable Mega Evolution Pokémon cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

With Phantasmal Flames being out in the wild, single cards are already on sale. If you've already ripped open your preorders and are still looking for the cards below, it's probably going to save you money long term just buying the cards you need. Here's the current market values and where you can buy them right now:

  1. Mega Charizard X ex - 125/094
    Near Mint Holofoil: $795
    Market price: $940.50
    Most recent sale: $750

  2. Mega Charizard X ex - 130/094
    Near Mint Holofoil: $839.99
    Market price: $894.94
    Most recent sale: $889.90

  3. Mega Charizard X ex - 109/094
    Near Mint Holofoil: $62.98
    Market price: $62.75
    Most recent sale: $55

  4. Mega Lopunny ex - 128/094
    Near Mint Holofoil: $55
    Market price: $220.31
    Most recent sale: $205

  5. Mega Sharpedo ex - 127/094
    Near Mint Holofoil: $50
    Market price: $57.82
    Most recent sale: $48.01

Categories: IT General, Technology

NASA sends twin spacecraft to Mars with a push from Blue Origin

Fri, 11/14/2025 - 13:22

NASA has launched its latest mission to study Mars, with a little push from Jeff Bezos' space company Blue Origin.

Hitching a ride on a Blue Origin New Glenn rocket, NASA's pair of Escapade (Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers) spacecrafts were launched at at 3:55 p.m. ET Thursday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

Built by Rocket Lab, the spacecrafts are part of NASA’s first mission led by the University of California, Berkeley. In a frankly adorable post on X, Rocket Lab posted an image of the twins (named Blue and Gold for the school colours of UC Berkeley), confirming ground communications with both spacecrafts — NASA said contact was established by 10:35 p.m. ET.

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

Blue Origin CEO Bezos also posted clips on X showing the spacecrafts in orbit, separating from the New Glenn rocket, with Earth far below.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. SEE ALSO: NASA quietly sends two spacecraft to Mars — and they're going a new way

According to NASA, the spacecraft will be deployed to study how Mars' environment is impacted by the sun and solar winds, and provide crucial data for preparing human exploration of the red planet.

"Congratulations to Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, UC Berkeley, and all our partners on the successful launch of ESCAPADE. This heliophysics mission will help reveal how Mars became a desert planet, and how solar eruptions affect the Martian surface," said acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy in a statement.

Mashable science reporter Elisha Sauers describes more details of the Escapade mission, what it could achieve, and how much it cost, writing:

Escapade could set a precedent for how NASA and the commercial space industry approach interplanetary missions in the future. From soup to nuts, Escapade had a budget of $80 million, under NASA's Small Innovative Missions for Planetary Exploration program. Rocket Lab built the twin probes in just 3.5 years for $57 million, a relatively cheap price compared to the billions the agency would normally spend. Those costly missions are a product of legacy aerospace contracts based on the cost-plus-fixed-fee model, which allowed the builders to run over budget without picking up the tab.

If you want to watch the New Glenn rocket take NASA's Escapades into the sky, you can watch Blue Origin's stream below (the launch sits around the one hour, 40-minute mark):

For a much more detailed analysis of the Escapade mission, Mashable's got you covered. And if you're looking for a way to mark the occasion, there's really only one song:

Categories: IT General, Technology

In Your Dreams director Alex Woo teaches us how to draw Baloney Tony

Fri, 11/14/2025 - 13:00

Netflix's In Your Dreams introduces audiences to a brand-new lovable animal sidekick: Baloney Tony (voiced by Craig Robinson).

A stuffed giraffe, Baloney Tony is the beloved toy of young chaos agent Elliot (voiced by Elias Janssen). Like most stuffed animals after a few years of cuddles and playtime, he's certainly seen better days. He's missing an eye, his neck is floppy, and Elliot loves nothing more than to stuff his pouch full of baloney.

SEE ALSO: 'In Your Dreams' review: Kids fight to save their parents' marriage in thoughtful animated adventure

Elliot's sister Stevie (voiced by Jolie Hoang-Rappaport) despises Baloney Tony and the rancid meat inside him, so long before In Your Dreams even begins, she hides him under the family fridge. However, when Stevie and Elliot embark on a quest in their dreams, they're reunited with Baloney Tony. In the dream world, he can walk, he can talk, and he can fart lasers. What more could you want from a sidekick?

In a Say More interview with Mashable Entertainment Reporter Belen Edwards, In Your Dreams director Alex Woo revealed that he drew inspiration for Baloney Tony from his childhood.

"My aunt bought [my brother and I] these two teddy bears that were Santa-related, so they're called Santa Bears. My brother, he had a bloody nose one day, and he got some bloodstains on his Santa Bear near the tail, and so we ended up calling it 'Butthole Bear,'" Woo recalled. "Obviously, it was his stuffed animal, and so he loved it despite how gross it was. That was the inspiration for Baloney Tony, this idea that our stuffed animals, even though they can be gross and disgusting, they're still ours. There's something about our connection to them that, despite them having rancid meat odors, they bring us warmth and familiarity and they make us feel like we're at home."

From there, Woo taught us how to actually draw Baloney Tony, describing his design as being inspired by cheap stuffed animals you can get at state fairs or in arcade claw machines. You can draw along with Woo above to master the art of Baloney Tony.

To hear more about In Your Dreams, check out Woo's full Say More interview on YouTube, where Woo teaches us how to draw even more characters from the film.

In Your Dreams is now streaming on Netflix.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Traveling over the holidays? Save over $100 on this premium Samsonite luggage set at Amazon.

Fri, 11/14/2025 - 12:33

SAVE OVER $150: As of Nov. 14, the Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage Three-Piece Set is on sale for $239.99 at Amazon. This is $160 off its usual price of $399.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsonite Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage (3-Piece Set) $239.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $160   Get Deal

The holidays are coming up fast, and if you have travel plans in place, a good luggage set can help you make the journey with all of your gifts in tow. If you're looking for some new suitcases for holiday travel, a stunning early Black Friday deal has dropped on a premium three-piece set of Samsonite luggage.

The Samsonite Omni 2 hardside expandable luggage three-piece set has dropped to $239.99 at Amazon. This is 40% off its list price of $399.99, which allows you to keep $160 in your pocket. This set is incredibly close to its lowest-ever price of $229.58, so why wait to grab them? This deal is one worth picking up ahead of Black Friday.

SEE ALSO: Target Black Friday ad: The best deals you can buy online early

This Samsonite luggage set comes with three sizes of suitcase — a 20-inch carry on, a medium suitcase, and a large option — so you can have a variety on-hand, whether you're going away for a long trip or just a quick weekend away. And with 360 degree spinner wheels, you can cruise easily to your next destination. They also have a durable build and even come with a 10-year warranty, which is nice peace of mind with an investment like this.

Feel prepared for holiday travels with some solid new suitcases. Save big on the Samsonite Omni 2 hardside expandable luggage three-piece set at Amazon. Curious what else Amazon is offering ahead of Black Friday? Check out our breakdown of early Black Friday deals at Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Knicks vs. Heat online for free

Fri, 11/14/2025 - 12:11

TL;DR: Live stream New York Knicks vs. Miami Heat in the NBA Cup for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The NBA Cup is still in its early stages, but the New York Knicks are already in the position of needing a win. Next they face the Miami Heat, a team that looks renewed and resurgent this season with a new style. Did anyone ever truly doubt Erik Spoelstra?

If you want to watch Knicks vs. Heat in the NBA Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Knicks vs. Heat?

Knicks vs. Heat in the NBA Cup starts at 7 p.m. ET on Nov. 14. This game takes place at Madison Square Garden.

How to watch Knicks vs. Heat for free

Knicks vs. Heat in the NBA Cup is available to live stream for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

This free live stream is geo-restricted to the UK and U.S., but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK or U.S., meaning you can access free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (if you're not already a member)

  2. Subscribe to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

  4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK or U.S.

  5. Watch the NBA from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Learn More

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select games from the NBA Cup before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams on platforms like Prime Video, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the NBA Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stuff Your Earbuds Day is back for 2025 — score free audiobooks on Nov. 14-15

Fri, 11/14/2025 - 12:05

FREE AUDIOBOOKS: Stuff Your Earbuds Day 2025 is live on Nov. 14-15. Download free audiobooks for 48 hours only, with no limit on the number of downloads.

We're always waxing lyrical about Stuff Your Kindle Day. These special events provide awesome opportunities for bookworms to stock up on new reads without spending anything. You don't get much for free these days, so we feel duty bound to make a lot of noise when these giveaways go live.

And the same goes for Stuff Your Earbuds Day. This event doesn't come around nearly as often as Stuff Your Kindle Day, but that just makes it more special. The audio equivalent to Stuff Your Kindle Day lets participants score free audiobooks over a limited period of time. And better yet, everything that you download is yours to keep forever.

Want to make the most of Stuff Your Earbuds Day? We've lined up all the information you need.

What is Stuff Your Earbuds Day?

Stuff Your Earbuds Day is an annual event hosted by Romance Audiobookworms. During this event, audiobook listeners can score literally hundreds of free audiobooks from romance authors across a wide range of genres. The free audiobooks are live for 48 hours, with no limit on the number of downloads.

When is Stuff Your Earbuds Day 2024?

The 2025 Stuff Your Earbuds Day takes place on Nov. 14-15. Need a reminder? You can sign up for the Indie Audiobook Deals newsletter to be notified when new audiobook sales and freebies drop.

Who can take part in Stuff Your Earbuds Day?

Much like Stuff Your Kindle Day, anyone can participate in Stuff Your Earbuds Day. Simply find your favorite audiobook and download it on your preferred platform. It's that simple.

The best Stuff Your Earbuds Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $84.99 at Amazon
$129 Save $44.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Apple deals are looking extremely healthy ahead of Black Friday. Apple AirPods 4 are already down to a record-low price at Amazon. These popular earbuds earned a coveted Mashable Choice Award — need we say more?

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for November 14, 2025

Fri, 11/14/2025 - 12:01

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're evasive.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 14, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 14, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Low-key elusive

The words are related to visibility.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are ways to describe faintness.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Barely There.

NYT Strands word list for November 14

  • Nebulous

  • Faint

  • Barely There

  • Understated

  • Subtle

  • Tenuous

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Strands.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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