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I found 19 early Black Friday Lego deals including Pokémon, Star Wars, and Lego advent calendars
Listen up, builders. We still have weeks to go before Black Friday, but Legos are already on sale. From Pokémon builds to stunning floral arrangements, there's something for everyone in the world of Lego.
SEE ALSO: Early Black Friday home improvement deals save big on power tools, smart lights, home security, and more.If you've shopped for Legos in the past, you understand sales can vanish quickly, as does availability. Before prices and stock change, check out our favorite deals below.
Best Lego Advent calendar deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Disney Princess Advent Calendar $30 at Amazon$44.99 Save $14.99 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
It's time to grab Advent Calendars for 2026. If you have a Lego princess in your life, snag the Lego Disney Princess Advent Calendar while it's on sale for just $30. This year's calendar comes with adored princesses like Moana, Cinderella, and Mulan.
More Lego Advent Calendar dealsLego Friends Advent Calendar — $25 $34.99 (save $9.99)
$49.99 Save $7 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
During Prime Day in October, we all got treated to a great discount on the Lego Icons Project Hail Mary build. Consider yourself lucky if you managed to snag that deal before it went out of stock. While that set is currently sitting at full price, we do have the festive Lego Icons Poinsettia on sale as an early Black Friday treat.
The holiday centerpiece is a great Thanksgiving project for kids and adults that'll look great on display throughout the holiday season. The potted poinsettia measures about eight inches in height and width and about 6.5 inches deep.
More Lego Icons dealsLego Icons Tranquil Garden — $103.99 $109.99 (save $6)
Lego Icons Tropical Aquarium — $446.82 $479.99 (save $33.17)
$59.99 Save $12 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
The Lego Pokémon collab only launched in early 2026, but we already have discounts. The undeniably adorable Lego Pokémon Eevee is the perfect holiday gift for any fan of building with small bricks who also loves Pokémon. That's probably something like 90% of the global population.
The Lego Pokémon Eevee is designed for more advanced builders, and Lego recommends it for those over the age of 18. It's also available for one to three builders to work together via the Lego Build Together feature.
More Lego Pokémon dealsLego Pokémon Pikachu and Poké Ball — $183.18 $199.99 (save $16.81)
$49.99 Save $17 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
Featuring nine succulents and buildable pots for each, the Lego Botanicals Succulents is a cheery addition to any space. Keep them all together or spread them around the house, the set has 771 pieces in total. One of Lego's most popular Botanicals builds, the set is on sale for the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon, and we're still well ahead of Black Friday.
More Lego Botanicals dealsLego Botanicals Rocking Plants — $19.97 $22.99 (save $3.02)
Lego Botanicals Flowering Cactus — $27.95 $34.99 (save $7.04)
Lego Botanicals Hibiscus Flower — $55.95 $69.99 (save $14.04)
Lego Botanicals Flower Arrangement — $62.04 $109.99 (save $47.95)
$12.99 Save $2.71 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
For those who aren't looking for a giant build or something small that's perfect for a stocking, the Lego Snowman Ornaments are on sale for $10.28. The duo of snowmen are perfect for Lego beginners that can either hang on the Christmas tree or sit on a fireplace mantle as part of the holiday display. Since the set is small and not too spendy, it's already a great gift exchange item.
Best Lego Star Wars deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Anzellan Starship $45.49 at Amazon$74.99 Save $29.50 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
Down the to the best price we've ever seen at Amazon, the Lego Star Wars Anzellan Starship build is the perfect decor for any fan of the franchise. The 701-piece build is meant for kids (or adults) ages nine and up. Three Lego Star Wars mini figures will hop into the Starship and take flight.
More Lego Star Wars dealsLego Star Wars AT-RT Attack — $35.99 $44.99 (save $9)
Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Mos Eisley Cantina — $53.99 $79.99 (save $26)
Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter — $55.99 $69.99 (save $14)
Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Millennium Falcon — $79.95 $99.99 (save $20.04)
Lego Star Wars Grogu (Mandalorian Apprentice) — $103.99 $129.99 (save $26)
Stop debloating Windows blindly: find out what’s actually slowing your PC down
I'm the last person to defend Windows. There's no doubt in my mind that it's a bloated, slow, and unreliable mess of an operating system. The only thing I use Windows for anymore is as a dedicated gaming PC that never has a single mission-critical job.
How to watch Verity: When and where the latest Colleen Hoover adaptation is streaming
The latest Colleen Hoover adaptation has arrived with a bang. After grossing $162 million in theaters, psychological thriller Verity is making its way into living rooms just in time for Halloween.
How to watch 'Verity' at home: Buy or rent 'Verity' at Prime Video $19.99 or $24.99 Shop Now Buy or rent 'Verity' at Fandango $19.99 or $24.99 Shop Now Buy or rent 'Verity' on Apple TV $19.99 or $24.99 Shop Now Stream 'Verity' at a later date starting at $7.99/month Shop NowAdapted from Colleen Hoover's extremely popular 2018 novel of the same name, Verity stars Dakota Johnson and Anne Hathaway in what Mashable's entertainment editor calls her "wildest performance of 2026."
Critic reviews are mostly harsh, with the film only holding a 31% on Rotten Tomatoes, but audiences are loving the adaptation, leading to its box office success. Whether you're a Colleen Hoover fan waiting to compare the book with the film or you're just seeking a fun psycho-sexual thriller to watch this season, Verity is now available to watch at home. Here's everything you need to know.
What is Verity about?Verity follows writer Lowen Ashleigh (Johnson) after she's hired as a ghostwriter by best-selling author Verity Crawford (Hathaway) to complete her book series. While staying at the Crawford home, Lowen discovers a disturbing manuscript revealing some of Verity's darkest secrets.
Peep the full trailer below.
How to watch Verity at home Credit: Amazon MGM StudiosAs of Oct. 27, you can officially watch Verity at home one of two ways: rent it or buy it. A streaming option is still to come at an unknown date. See the details below.
Buy or rent it on digitalVerity will make its at-home debut on digital retail sites like Prime Video and Fandango at Home on Oct. 27, 2026. You can buy it forever at any of the retailers below or rent it for 30 days. If you choose the rental option, just note that once you start watching, you'll only have 48 hours to finish.
Prime Video — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99
Apple TV — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99
Fandango at Home — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99
While no official streaming date has been announced yet, we know that as an Amazon MGM Studios film, Verity will likely make its streaming debut on Amazon's niche streaming service MGM+.
Previous Amazon MGM Studios films like Is God Is and Project Hail Mary graced MGM+ first before finally expanding to Prime Video. It is likely that as a box office success, Verity will follow the same formula.
The good news is that you likely won't have to wait too long. We'll update this story with new streaming information once Amazon MGM Studios makes the announcement.
Are there any MGM+ deals?If you're new to MGM+, then you can score a seven-day trial and watch Verity for free once it's released. If not, there are a couple of ways to save on a subscription.
MGM+ annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: MGM+ MGM+ annual subscription $61.99$95.88 Save $33.89 Get Deal
On any given day, the annual MGM+ subscription plan will save you about 35% or nearly $34. It costs $61.99 for a full year of streaming, which breaks down to $5.17 per month instead of the usual $7.99 per month. You'll have to pay up front, but the savings are ultimately worth it.
MGM+ Prime Video add-on Opens in a new window Credit: MGM+ MGM+ (Prime Video add-on) $1.99/month for 2 months Get DealYou can also opt to sign up for MGM+ through Prime Video (if you're a Prime member or Prime Video subscriber). The prices for the monthly or annual subscription add-on are the same as subscribing directly from MGM+, but there are often deals that'll get you the streaming service for as low as 99 cents.
The current deal gets you two months of MGM+ for just $1.99 per month, but it's set to expire on Oct. 28. There's a good chance another discount will pop up around Black Friday, so stay tuned.
Teenage girl gift ideas that are actually unique
Trends among teenagers are an ever-changing hellscape, and finding the best gifts for teen girls (that they'll actually use for longer than a month) is a coveted skill. Even millennials — people who are not that old, thank you very much — can have trouble keeping up with the world predominantly ruled by TikTok and content creators.
An important reminder: Don't just wing it. Gen Z girls are clearly loyal to a defined handful of brands and have very specific aesthetic goals. Goals that could be torched by the honest mistake of grabbing generic white earbuds instead of the best AirPods or not realizing that Owala has eclipsed Stanley in the hierarchy of trendy water bottles.
SEE ALSO: Claire's is betting Gen Alpha wants creators, not celebritiesBut you know who does know what teenage girls want this year? Other teenage girls. I'm regularly tracking viral TikTok products and compiling the most popular stuff with items that the high schoolers in my own life have mentioned. So even if you don't know what terms like whimsymaxxing mean, you're definitely in the right place to find a gift that a teenager thinks is cool. Whether it's for a birthday, holiday, high school graduation, or just because, here are 35+ unique gifts for teenage girls in 2026.
A new GTA 6 Ultimate Edition deal for the PS5 just dropped: How to save $15 with clever hack
TL;DR: Get a PlayStation Store $100 Gift Card for $85 with the promo code GTWF2793 at Newegg. You can use that gift card to pick up GTA 6 Ultimate Edition for the best preorder price.
Even if you've already accepted that GTA 6 is going to dominate your winter gaming schedule, dropping $100 on a digital preorder still stings.
You need to cough up $79.99 for the Standard Edition and a steep $99.99 for the digital-only Ultimate Edition. Because Rockstar almost never discounts flagship titles prior to launch, preorder price drops are pretty much nonexistent.
However, for a limited time, you can grab the GTA 6 Ultimate Edition on PS5 for $84.99. That's an extremely solid $15 discount on the most anticipated entertainment release of the decade. There are a few steps you need to take to unlock this discount, but it's worth the hassle:
Grab a Sony PlayStation Store $100 Digital Gift Card for $85 at Newegg with the promo code GTWF2793 at checkout
Your digital voucher code typically arrives via email within 10 to 15 minutes
Sign in to your PlayStation Network account on your console or browser
Select "Redeem Code"
Paste the 12-digit key to deposit $100 directly into your PSN wallet
Head to the official GTA 6 store page and lock in your Ultimate Edition preorder before launch on Nov. 12.
If you plan on playing GTA 6 on launch day and want to lock in this rare preorder price drop, we recommend jumping on this deal.
Best early Black Friday deals under $50: Save on home security cameras, earbuds, and more
Looking to get some early holiday shopping done this year? It's time to shop early Black Friday deals right now. Retailers like Amazon have already started cutting prices on everything from earbuds to books, and a good chunk of the best deals under $50 are live right now. That’s the sweet spot for stocking stuffers, a gift for the person whose name you drew in a gift exchange, or a small upgrade for yourself that doesn’t break the bank.
Cheap doesn’t have to mean junk, either. The sub-$50 tier includes tons of goodies that normally sell well above that price, up for grabs for excellent prices before the shopping holiday even begins. Buying early also means you skip the sold-out listings and shipping delays that pile up the closer it gets to Thanksgiving.
But where do you start and which deals are truly worth snagging? We’ve sorted through the early Black Friday sales to highlight the ones worth your money. Here’s what you can pick up right now for less than $50.
Best early Black Friday deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Blink Outdoor 4 $26.99 at Amazon$69.99 Save $43 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
This outdoor camera is wire-free, mounts in minutes, and lasts up to two years on two AA batteries. That means you can stick it over the garage or by the back door and forget about it. It features 1080p HD video with a wide 143-degree view, infrared night vision, and two-way audio for talking to whoever’s on the porch. Plus, it has Alexa support if you’d rather pull up the feed on an Echo Show. It’s also IP65 weather resistant, which means rain, snow, and heat won't abruptly knock it offline.
Best early Black Friday earbud deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon JBL Vibe Beam 2 $39.95 at Amazon$64.95 Save $25 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
These affordable earbuds are a great pick if you want noise cancellation without paying premium prices. They can help to shut out your commute, and feature a Smart Ambient mode that lets you hear what’s around you when you need to. They offer lengthy listening time as well, with 40 hours of battery life and additional charges with the included case. They’re also IP54 rated, so a little sweat or rain won’t bother them.
Best early Black Friday speaker deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Anker Soundcore 2 $29.98 at Amazon$44.99 Save $15.01 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
This modest yet impressive portable speaker is everything you need to get the party started and keep it up while on the go. It boasts 12W of stereo sound with Anker’s BassUp tech, so it’s got more low end than you’d expect from something the size of a sunglasses case, and plenty of bass to bump your favorite songs. The battery lasts up to 24 hours on a charge, and it’s IPX7 waterproof, so it's even great to use around the pool for when we head back into the warmer months.
Best early Black Friday beauty deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Wavytalk Thermal Brush Blowout Boost $47.48 at Amazon$69 Save $21.52 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
This heated round brush is meant to be used on dry hair, so you can wrap and comb through, then walk away with a bouncy blowout or soft waves in about 10 minutes. It has a 1.5-inch ceramic tourmaline barrel that heats evenly and sends out negative ions to tame frizz, and five temperature settings that can even suit finer hair. You also get a regular brush and two sectioning clips so you’re ready to go right out of the box.
Best early Black Friday video doorbell deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Blink Wired Doorbell 2K $23.99 at Amazon$49.99 Save $26.00 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
This video doorbell hooks into your existing doorbell wiring, so there’s no battery to swap out and no Sync Module to buy. It offers a sharp 2K picture with a 140-degree head-to-toe view as well as two-way talk via the Blink app. There's also a live view option through your Echo Show, and the option to add person and vehicle alerts with a Blink subscription — all this for under $25 while it's on sale ahead of Black Friday.
More early Black Friday deals under $50Crock-Pot Manual Slow Cooker (7 quart) — $35.99 $59.99 (save $24)
Sony WH-CH520 — $38 $69.99 (save $31.99)
JLab Flex Open Ear Earbuds — $39.99 $52.99 (save $13)
Anker Soundcore Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Canceling Headphones — $44.99 $69.99 (save $25)
Amazon Echo Glow (2-Pack) — $47.98 $59.98 (save $12)
Microsoft offers buyouts to 60,000 employees amid AI investment
Microsoft is looking to shed a massive number of workers.
In a Monday blog post, the Windows and Xbox maker announced a voluntary buyout plan for its employees in Canada, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States. While the blog post doesn't provide a specific number, reporting from CBS News and other outlets indicates that about 60,000 employees (roughly a quarter of Microsoft's global workforce) will receive the offer. That doesn't mean all 60,000 will accept the offer, but it is a surefire sign that Microsoft feels the need to greatly reduce its human workforce.
"The Voluntary Exit Offer is new for us. We’ll learn from it," Chief People Officer Amy Coleman wrote in the blog post. "At the same time, we’ll keep helping people focus on the work that matters most, build new skills and, where it makes sense, find new opportunities across Microsoft."
SEE ALSO: Microsoft president warns AI is less regulated than milk and washing machinesAs CBS News noted, this comes at the same time Microsoft is expected to spend $175 billion on AI infrastructure in 2026 alone, signaling the company is not exactly lacking in funds at the moment. Whether or not that AI infrastructure will adequately replace human labor remains to be seen.
It hasn't been a good couple of years for Microsoft in terms of generating positive headlines. The company has laid off thousands of workers across divisions, including multiple rounds of cuts at Xbox. That coincides with increasing AI creep in the Windows operating system and new, fairly strict limits on Xbox game streaming, to say nothing of Microsoft's prominent place as a BDS boycott target due to its partnership with the Israeli military.
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These 5 cheap accessories completely transformed my Ryobi power tools
Accessories are a big part of owning tools and using them regularly. I've been a big fan of Ryobi tools for a very long time. They're not only decent, budget-friendly tools, but they often do the job just as well as some higher-end ones. I'm mostly a hobbyist and maintainer of things, though, so I'm not necessarily using them for professional reasons. Either way, I found several accessories that make my Ryobi tools better. Here are a few cheap accessories that completely transformed my Ryobi tools and the way I use them.
Astronaut busts out skateboard tricks in space
The International Space Station has a new skate spot.
NASA astronaut Jessica Meir posted a clip on X showing herself doing tricks on a fingerboard, a tiny Tech Deck-style skateboard, aboard the ISS. In the video, she rolls the mini board along the station’s blue equipment panels and metal rails, skating around Velcro patches and rolls of tape.
SEE ALSO: China is coming for the moon. NASA's answer: a faster, leaner plan"Space skate!" Meir wrote, calling the clip a tribute to the skaters in her life back on Earth. She dedicated it to her brother, her husband, and their daughter, whom she called a "little ripper." Then she called out the GOAT himself and tagged skateboarding legend Tony Hawk to ask what trick he’d try in orbit.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Meir is now back on solid ground. She commanded NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission, which spent 235 days on the ISS before splashing down in the Pacific off Southern California. The crew completed four spacewalks during the mission. It was Meir’s second long stay on the station, following 205 days in orbit from 2019 to 2020.
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Wi-Fi 8 is coming, but your Wi-Fi 5 router probably doesn't need replacing
Every time a new Wi-Fi standard comes out, there’s pressure from every side to upgrade. Wi-Fi 8 is on the horizon, and I feel that Wi-Fi 7 has barely had time to settle. But, do you really need to upgrade to Wi-Fi 7 or Wi-Fi 8? There’s a good chance your old Wi-Fi router is still perfectly fine.
We spent 12 months testing red light masks: Here are 6 that gave us real results (and 2 to skip)
There are some ways to tell that a red light face mask won't be effective before you buy it and use it for a few months.
Wavelength is the first factor anyone will tell you to consider. You want to find products that emit light within the therapeutic window, or the range of wavelengths that can be effective when treating common skin conditions. There is now an abundance of evidence that specific wavelengths of red light can be effective for:
Reduction of fine lines, dark circles, and crow's feet
Improving skin texture
Fighting wrinkles
Boosting collagen production
Reducing inflammation and redness
To be effective, the light coming from the mask must penetrate different layers of your skin. There are optimal wavelengths for each type of light a face mask emits, and any reputable brand will put their mask's wavelengths front and center in the listing. These carefully chosen ranges are strong enough to penetrate your skin, but gentle enough to avoid over-activating delicate face skin.
Red light does its work in the middle layer (dermis) of your skin, requiring wavelengths between 630 and 633 nm to reach past the top layer. There, red light stimulates cells to produce rejuvenating proteins like collagen and elastin, evening out surface redness, and preventing scarring or post-pimple red spots.
The Shark CryoGlow's Better Aging routine combines red and near-infrared light. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The Shark CryoGlow's Skin Clearing routine uses a special sequence of red, near-infrared, and blue light. Credit: Leah Stodart / MashableMost red light masks also use near-infrared red light therapy, which requires longer wavelengths to travel further than regular red light. Near-infrared light between 830 and 850 nm reaches into tissue under the dermis to further stimulate cell turnover, firm skin, and heal deep-seated spots or stubborn dark circles.
What about blue light therapy?Blue light is often used to target acne, and some of the best red light masks use a combination of blue and red light therapy.
Blue light operates on the top layer (epidermis) of your skin, so its ideal wavelength is shorter than either red light standard. Blue light at 415nm has an antimicrobial effect, ideally killing the bacteria that cause acne before a breakout starts. If hellbent bacterial acne makes it past the blue light phase — or if you're also dealing with hormonal or cystic acne not caused by bacteria — red light swoops in to neutralize inflammation and speed up the healing process.
The thing is, most mainstream LED face masks hit those wavelength marks. So, how do you choose between masks if their wavelength numbers are all the same?
The importance of irradianceIrradiance is another major element that determines whether or not a red light mask actually works. While wavelength refers to the length the light can travel, irradiance refers to the amount of light energy that's actually reaching your skin per session (not just the intensity of light being generated at the bulb). If wavelength numbers are correct but irradiance is low, the mask will still be kind of a dud.
Bulb placement is one of the key factors we considered in our test. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Comfort is another key factor, as consistent use is key to results. Credit: Miller Kern / MashableIrradiance is officially expressed as milliwatts per square centimeter. The optimal irradiance range for a red light face mask is pretty wide (anywhere between 30 and 100 mW/cm²), though many brands don't directly provide that number.
Most brands do note the length of each session, which is one way to quickly gauge irradiance without getting into calculations. Dr. Mamina Turegano sums it up best on her YouTube account: "Higher irradiance means more effective energy delivery per minute of use." Longer sessions don't automatically mean that results will be more powerful — a mask with sessions that last for less than 10 minutes has higher irradiance than a mask with sessions that last for 20 to 30 minutes. Since a mask with lower irradiance needs to sit on your face for longer, you might be less likely to keep up with wearing it.
Are bulb count and bulb placement a big deal?The number of bulbs and the placement of bulbs inside the mask can also impact efficacy, especially if you're expecting results in a specific area of your face. Masks with more bulbs packed evenly across the face will provide more even coverage across every inch of your face than masks with more sporadically placed bulbs.
Some masks also provide more light sources overall by emitting both red and blue light simultaneously from every single bulb, like the Shark CryoGlow. This would be a better option for full-face acne prevention than masks with blue and red LEDs only concentrated in certain spots, like the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite.
What red light masks worked for us?Of course, you probably didn't come here for a science lesson. You want to find the best red light masks Mashable's testers used and loved.
After trying out 11 different products, we ultimately found six that we can recommend. These masks delivered visible results for our product testers.
Remember: Consistency is essential for the best results (or any results)with LED face masks. You'll need to wear your mask consistently for at least one to two months.
4 power tool upgrades that start themselves with a $5 ESP32 board
Power tools are a modern marvel that anyone who has tried working with human-powered drilling or sanding will tell you we too easily take for granted. But while these tools are compact and powerful, they aren't that smart for the most part.
Jay-Z will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LXI halftime show. The internet has thoughts.
Jay-Z is heading to the Super Bowl, only this time he'll have a microphone. After years of helping shape the halftime show from behind the scenes (and a week of speculation), the rapper will headline it himself in 2027.
The NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation announced the news Monday, Oct. 26, confirming that Jay-Z will perform at Super Bowl LXI on Feb. 14 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The game will air on ESPN, ABC, and Disney+.
The announcement arrived during Monday Night Football with a black-and-white video featuring Jay-Z sitting in a stadium surrounded by goats — yes, actual goats — soundtracked by "Public Service Announcement" with the accompanying caption "GOAT's out of the bag." Doesn't quite roll off the tongue, but I digress.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.It's a familiar venue for the rapper, who just played two shows at SoFi over the weekend as part of a concert run celebrating the 30th anniversary of his debut album, Reasonable Doubt. Now, he’ll return for a performance that brings his role in the NFL's entertainment operation full circle. His company, Roc Nation, has helped produce the halftime show since 2019, with headliners including Rihanna, Usher, Kendrick Lamar, and Bad Bunny.
SEE ALSO: Bad Bunny's halftime show sparked emotional reactions across the AmericasThe announcement follows weeks of speculation about who would take the stage. Puck reported that Jay-Z had emerged as the pick over fellow contenders Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber, while TMZ had named Harry Styles among the frontrunners.
But alongside the excitement about which songs he might perform, many people online were quick to point out the unusual arrangement at play.
"jay finally approved his own application," one user wrote. "Announced himself you mean!" added another, while one user joked that "Jay-Z really pulled a Katniss," invoking The Hunger Games heroine's decision to volunteer.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Those jokes had already been circulating for a week. After Puck reported that Jay-Z would headline, an r/Music thread titled "Jay-Z Picks Jay-Z to perform halftime show for Super Bowl LXI" drew thousands of comments. One Redditor imagined the boardroom pitch: "Jay Z presents…. Jay Z." Another offered a revised lyric: "He's got 99 problems but being in a powerful position of influence regarding the Super Bowl Halftime Show ain't one."
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.The NFL, for its part, framed the choice as a longtime ambition. "When we first reached an agreement with Roc Nation to produce the show, I had just one request: that Jay-Z take the stage himself one day, whenever the moment felt right to him," Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. Apparently, that moment has arrived.
Some listeners, however, questioned whether that moment had passed. Some Reddit commenters debated whether a show built around his decades-long catalog would feel exciting in 2027. His most recent solo album, 4:44, came out in 2017.
"Pretty lame choice. Jay hasn't had a hit or been relevant in years," one commenter wrote. Others suggested younger pop stars or called for a rock band to headline instead.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.But for fans welcoming the announcement, the back catalog is precisely the appeal. "I ain't mad at it! Perform Izzo, Encore, & Otis," one fan wrote on Reddit. One X user called it a "rare announcement that actually lives up to the hype."
Former Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce was similarly enthusiastic during Monday Night Football’s coverage. "He's got more stadium-ready hits than most artists have songs, period," he said.
There's also excitement around who might join him. Jay-Z's anniversary concerts featured a rotating roster of guests, including Rihanna, Eminem, Nas, Alicia Keys, and Beyoncé, giving fans plenty of material for their Super Bowl predictions. None have been confirmed for the halftime show, but that hasn’t stopped people from submitting requests.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed."Imagine he brought Ye out with him for this, at least for the sake of the culture," one user wrote on X. On Reddit, others floated Linkin Park, which teamed up with Jay-Z on Collision Course, and "Empire State of Mind" collaborator Alicia Keys. Unsurprisingly, Beyoncé was also high on the wish list. "He's coming with his wife (for sure)." Another user wrote, "The only reason people are going to watch is for Beyoncé," said another.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.But the prospect of famous guests didn’t win everyone over. "Other tagalongs who haven't been relevant in a decade either? Neat," one Redditor wrote. "She already did a half time show. We need something fresh," another wrote about Beyoncé, who headlined in 2013 and returned in 2016 as a guest during Coldplay's set alongside Bruno Mars.
Jay-Z appeared to address some of the criticism during his second SoFi show on Oct. 24, questioning the gap between what people were posting and what concertgoers could see for themselves.
"People will tell you that nobody was in here tonight, but you got eyes, you can see. People will tell you that the music wasn’t great, but you got ears," he told the crowd, before urging fans to "question everything in this world of AI."
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.We’ll see whether Jay-Z wins over the skeptics on Feb. 14. At least he won’t have to worry about impressing the guy who picked him.
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Apples new M6 iMac is here: How to preorder the colorful desktop computer
PREORDER ON OCT. 28: Preorder the new Apple iMac with M6 starting on Oct. 28 so it arrives on its Nov. 6 release day. Prices start at $1,499.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iMac (M6) starting at $1,499 PreorderIf you've been looking for the right time to upgrade your desktop computer, Apple just dropped a new iMac for the first time since 2024. While Apple's "Pro and Tell" event technically doesn't kick off until tomorrow, the company has launched the new desktop, as well as a new MacBook Pro and iPad mini before the event even begins.
The new iMac skips the M5 chip altogether and opts for the outrageously fast M6 chip. "Everything feels extra snappy and responsive for families managing busy calendars, students putting the finishing touches on a project, and small business owners running their companies," Apple writes in a press release.
As for how speedy it actually is, here's the breakdown:
Up to 2.5 times faster performance in apps like Microsoft Excel compared to M1 iMac, up to 1.5 times faster than M4 iMac
Up to 3.3 times faster graphics performance compared to M1 iMac, up to 2 times faster than M4 iMac
Up to 12 times faster AI performance compared to M1 iMac, up to 5 times faster than M4 iMac
Up to 2 times higher gaming performance compared to M4 iMac
Aside from the addition of the M6 chip, the new iMac also has the Apple N1 wireless networking chip, alongside Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 on the base model. Otherwise, it's not all that different from the previous M4 iMac from 2024. It still features a 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, a 12MP Center Stage camera, up to four USB-C ports, and the ability to connect up to two 6K external displays.
The M6 iMacs start at $1,499 for the 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU configuration, while the 12-core CPU and GPU model starts at $1,699. In the age of RAMageddon, these prices come as no surprise. The M6 iMac comes in the same shades of green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and standard silver as the M4 iMac.
Where to buy the Apple M6 iMacThe new Apple M6 iMac is available for preorder from Apple starting at 1:10 p.m. ET on Oct. 28. Other retailers like Amazon and Best Buy will likely join the fray shortly after. The desktop computer will be fully available in Apple Store locations and Apple Authorized Resellers on Friday, Nov. 6.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iMac (M6) starting at $1,499 PreorderApple Creator Studio is getting its biggest update yet — how to preorder
PREORDER NOW: The updated Apple Creator Studio arrives on the App Store in November as a free update for current subscribers. New subscribers pay $12.99 per month or $129 per year, and Apple includes a one-month free trial.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Creator Studio $12.99 at AppleGet Deal at Apple
Apple had more than a set of new Macs to show off on Tuesday. The same morning it introduced the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M6 and a new iMac, the company also announced a sizable update to Apple Creator Studio, the $12.99-a-month subscription that bundles Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage with a slew of additional premium features in Keynote, Pages, and Numbers.
Apple calls it the biggest update since Creator Studio launched in January. In addition to adding the MotionVFX plug-in library directly into Final Cut Pro, it also brings additional stock video to Apple’s Content Hub, the Generate Fill tool to Pixelmator Pro, and puts the spotlight on AI assistants built on Apple models and OpenAI inside Logic Pro, Keynote, Pages, and Numbers.
This mega update is set to arrive on the App Store in November as a free update for current subscribers. New subscribers pay $12.99 per month or $129 per year, with a one-month free trial available to take it for a test drive.
What’s new in Apple Creator StudioThe biggest addition to Apple Creator Studio that's worth upgrading for is MotionVFX. This third-party library of titles, transitions, graphics, and effects now comes built into Final Cut Pro and Motion. Final Cut Pro is also getting the Content Hub, with Apple’s stock video, photos, and backgrounds you can use to drop straight into a timeline.
Pixelmator Pro can also add in Generate Fill, which lets you circle part of an image, describe what you want changed, and have the app fill it in while matching textures, colors, and backgrounds around it.
Logic Pro is also getting a significant Liquid Glass redesign as well as a new assistant in beta that can start a song or set up a vocal track from a single prompt. There's a redesigned browser addition that will also keep loops, instruments, effects, and a Splice library together in one place, too.
Finally, Keynote, Pages, and Numbers both get an assistant that can "understand" the documents you’re working on, along with stock video in the Content Hub and new templates and themes to choose from.
Where to buy Apple Creator StudioApple Creator Studio is only available through the App Store, but your single subscription works across Mac, iPad, and iPhone. It costs $12.99 per month or $129 per year if you aren't already subscribed, and if you are, you'll simply get the update for free. New subscribers get a one-month free trial, and Family Sharing lets up to six people use it without having to pay extra.
You can save with an educator's discount on Apple Creator Studio. It's just $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year for students or teachers, but verification is required.
There's another way to try out all the new additions as well. If you buy a new Mac or a qualifying iPad from Apple or an authorized reseller, you get three months of Apple Creator Studio for free.
So if you're ready to give it a try, now's the time to prep for its November release, though there's no specific date to watch out for just yet.
Apple's new iMac M6 is built for faster on-device intelligence
Following the release of the OLED iPad Mini yesterday, Apple has now announced updated MacBook Pro and iMac models. The brand’s all-in-one desktop is arriving almost two years after the M4 model that debuted back in 2024. In between, the M5 generation never made it to the iMac, so the latest jump is bigger than the version number suggests.
T-Mobile’s new T-Mix plans are announced: Are the streaming perks worth the switch?
TL;DR: T-Mobile is overhauling its unlimited plans with T-Mix — starting at $55 a month with AutoPay — trading traditional bundled perks for customizable "Picks" and slightly lower single-line pricing.
T-Mobile is shuffling its lineup once again. After nudging rates upward over the past couple of years, the carrier is introducing T-Mix, a trio of plans built around an à la carte menu of digital freebies.
Instead of baking the same streaming bundle into everyone's account, T-Mobile gives you a monthly allotment of Picks that you can redeem for entertainment apps, food delivery perks, airline miles, or connectivity upgrades.
SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the latest Motorola Razr for free — how to qualifyThe lineup lands in November and comes in three tiers (all assuming AutoPay with a debit card, bank account, or T-Mobile Visa, with taxes and government fees billed separately):
T-Mix Standard ($55/month for one line) — Comes with 50GB of premium data, 480p standard-definition streaming, zero high-speed mobile hotspot (you're throttled to basic 3G speeds), and 1 Pick.
T-Mix More ($75/month for one line) — Bumps you to unlimited premium data, 4K streaming, 60GB of high-speed mobile hotspot, solid international roaming (15GB in Canada/Mexico, 5GB abroad), and 2 Picks.
T-Mix Loaded ($95/month for one line) — Delivers unlimited premium data, 4K streaming, a massive 250GB mobile hotspot allowance, hefty roaming data (30GB in Canada/Mexico, 15GB abroad), and 3 Picks.
Adding extra lines also grows your pool of Picks. Lines two and three add the same allotment as your base plan, while a fourth line adds one extra Pick on Standard and More, and two on Loaded. Discounted versions will also be available for seniors (55+), military and veterans, first responders, and college students.
How the Picks actually workT-Mobile gives you a set monthly allowance of credits to spend on a menu of add-ons. Basic services cost one Pick, while pricier ad-free plans and gaming passes cost more:
1-Pick freebies — Ad-supported Netflix, ad-supported Hulu, Apple TV (for a limited promotional window), Paramount+ Essential, DoorDash DashPass, Google AI Plus, Pandora Plus, SiriusXM app access, YouTube Premium Lite, 500 Delta SkyMiles each month, or T-Satellite roaming (via Starlink).
2-Pick freebies — Ad-free YouTube Premium, Apple Music Individual, Google AI Pro, Pandora Premium, or Xbox Game Pass Premium.
3- to 4-Pick freebies — Higher-tier upgrades like Netflix Standard (ad-free) or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for 3 Picks, and ESPN Unlimited or Netflix Premium for 4 Picks.
You are not stuck with your choices forever, either. You can swap your partner perks four times a year — during three dedicated change windows plus an “Annual Remix” window — while network-level add-ons like T-Satellite can be toggled whenever you want.
All tiers still include standard weekly discount drops through T-Mobile Tuesdays. You can also bank one to three Picks per line to unlock discounted pricing or trade-in deals when upgrading your phone.
Will T-Mix actually save you money?It depends on how many lines you need and how willing you are to strategize over subscription vouchers. If you only need one or two lines, T-Mix More and Loaded can actually come in lower than previous Experience and Go5G equivalents. If you already pay cash out of pocket for perks like DashPass or YouTube Premium, the bundled value adds up quickly.
Families, however, have good reason to pause. Because older setups frequently leaned on third-line-free promotions, accounts with three or four lines could easily pay more under T-Mix than on legacy plans.
Don't forget about extra fees, either. Unlike classic Magenta and Go5G setups that rolled regulatory surcharges and taxes straight into the advertised rate, T-Mix bills them on top, so your final credit card charge will inevitably run several dollars higher than the sticker price.
SEE ALSO: Best family phone plans of 2026 — how to add lines without adding to the billT-Mobile says existing subscribers will not be forced off their current plans right away, but the carrier is pulling older options from its website and moving them to in-store-only sales.
If you are happy with what you are paying and already use the freebies tied to your account, the smartest move right now is to do absolutely nothing.
The new Apple M6 Macbook Pro is live — how to preorder
PREORDER ON OCT. 28: The new 14-inch M6 MacBook Pro goes live for preorders at 10:10 a.m. PT on Oct. 28 at Apple. Apple's latest MacBook is set to launch on Nov. 6 with prices starting at $1,999.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple M6 MacBook Pro $1,999 at AppleLearn More at Apple
The kids are excited about costumes and candy this week, but if you're an Apple fan, we have something that's equally special for you. There's a new MacBook Pro launching early next month, and it's equipped with the M6 Chip.
Preorders for the new 14-inch M6 MacBook Pro go live at Apple on Oct. 28 at 10:10 a.m. PT. Prices start at $1,999 for M6 MacBook Pro with 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and a standard display. Going with more RAM, storage, or upgrading to the nano-texture display are all options during preorder. Apple has the launch date set for Nov. 6.
For creatives who need top performance but also want portability, the the new MacBook Pro with M6 chip could be awesome. In Mashable's lineup of the best MacBooks, the previous M5 MacBook Pro won the award as being the best model for artists, content creators, and casual gamers.
SEE ALSO: Apple just announced a new iPad mini with an 8.5-inch OLED display — how to preorderThe upgrade to the M6 chip in the 2026 model means this machine is even more powerful. And as a bonus, the new M6 MacBook Pro didn't see a price hike compared to the M5 MacBook Pro. Both start at $1,999.
In great news, Apple says the M6 MacBook Pro can get up to 24 hours of battery life. While we haven't tested that, a true all-day battery life would be a major benefit for creators, students, or busy business people.
The base model of the M6 MacBook Pro comes with 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD, but you can make upgrades and go with the 24 or 32GB RAM and increase to up to 4TB SSD. An additional $150 gets you the nano-texture display which Apple says helps reduce glare and might be ideal for those who work outdoors often.
Get ready to preorder the powerful new M6 MacBook Pro on Oct. 28 at 10:10 a.m. PT. The new MacBook officially launches next Friday, Nov. 6.
I finally tried the best Linux web browser, and it’s my new default
Almost everything I do on my PC happens inside the browser, to the point that I feel like my operating system is basically a bootloader for my browser. Now, when you have an app that’s so central to your workflow, it’s natural to get a bit picky about it. Thankfully, Firefox has been more than enough as my daily driver for over a decade. Sure, I occasionally experiment with other browsers to see what’s out there, but I’ve always returned to Firefox — that is, until now.
