Blogroll

Why the Ford F-150 outperforms Toyota trucks—Toyota fans agree

How-To Geek - Thu, 11/20/2025 - 23:00

If you’re new to pickup trucks, you’ve probably heard names like the Toyota Hilux or Ram 1500. But even if this is your first deep dive into the world of pickups, you’ve almost certainly heard of the Ford F-150—it’s that famous.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get unlimited free entertainment for $20 with this streaming alternative

Mashable - Thu, 11/20/2025 - 23:00

TL;DR: Ditch the expensive streaming services and enjoy an endless stream of free content with a lifetime subscription to BitMar Streaming Content Finder, on sale now for $19.99 (reg. $150).

Opens in a new window Credit: BitMar BitMar Streaming Content-Finder: Lifetime Subscription $19.99
$150 Save $130.01   Get Deal

How much are you really spending on streaming services? The answer might surprise you. With prices rising and new platforms constantly popping up, it can turn into an endless and expensive loop. If you’re looking for a way to unwind with entertaining content without spending an arm and a leg, it’s time to check out BitMar.

BitMar Streaming Content Finder is a handy tool that helps you discover free movies, shows, music, and more from around the world. Right now, you can pay once and enjoy a lifetime subscription to this platform for just $19.99 (reg. $150).

SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (Nov. 14, 2025)

Whether you still pay for cable or you’re guilty of subscribing to half a dozen streamers, there’s a much more affordable way to find things to watch. BitMar Streaming Content Finder is an AI-powered tool that finds you free content worldwide.

BitMar Streaming Content Finder features a Bing-powered search engine that scours the globe for your entertainment. It’s totally ad-free, even when you select a video from YouTube, and you can rest easy knowing you’ll only be routed to secure websites.

This lifetime subscription will work on up to five devices so that you can share the wealth of content with loved ones. You can access it on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs.

Wondering how you’re unlocking a lifetime of free content for just $19.99? With BitMar, you’re paying for the platform, not the content. Creators and owners of the content are still paid, too, as everything complies with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. That means they can monetize via the free traffic BitMar brings them.

Get a lifetime subscription to BitMar Streaming Content Finder for only $19.99 (reg. $150).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

45+ Walmart Black Friday deals: Walmart is pretty much giving away Magic Bullet blenders at $15 apiece

Mashable - Thu, 11/20/2025 - 22:56

We've combed through all of the latest Walmart Black Friday 2025 deals, checked them against other retailers' prices, and gathered them all into one convenient place.

The retailer's first early Black Friday sale has already come and gone, and we've seen popular doorbuster deals on Vizio TVs and Beats Studio Buds completely sell out. However, there are still plenty of early deals to shop, including a record-low price on Apple AirPods 4 earbuds, now priced at $79.99. You can also score great savings on Legos, Samsung TVs, Dyson vacuums, and Magic Bullet blenders. Those are just some of the deals we've spotted so far, so keep checking back as we approach Black Friday.

Walmart's early Black Friday deals at a glance: Best earbuds deal Apple AirPods 4 $79.99 (save $49.01) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Roborock Qrevo Series Robot Vacuum and Mop $45.999 (save $290) Get Deal Best Stick Vacuum Deal Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum Cleaner $399.99 (save $330) Get Deal BUDGET TV DEAL Vizio 32-inch Class HD 720p LED Smart TV $98 (save $20) Get Deal Best 65-inch TV Deal Samsung 65-inch Class QLED 4K QLED Smart TV $448 (save $151.99) Get Deal BEST KITCHEN DEAL Magic Bullet Essential Blender with To-Go Lid $15 (save $24.99) Get Deal Best laptop deal HP 14-inch HD Chromebook (Intel Processor N200, 4GB RAM, 128GB UFS) $112 (save $297.99) Get Deal BIGGEST SAVINGS Seray Adjustable Outdoor Basketball Hoop $186.99 (save $213) Get Deal Best Carpet Cleaner Bissell Little Green Carpet Cleaner $78.97 (save $44.62) Get Deal GET ALL THE PERKS 1-Year Walmart+ Membership $49 (Save $49) Get Deal When does Walmart's Black Friday sale begin?

Walmart's official Black Friday sale begins Nov. 25 and runs through Nov. 30. That will be followed by an online-only Cyber Monday sale on Dec. 1. Until then, Walmart is hosting rollbacks galore, as well as a 50% off deal for Walmart+ memberships. You can either choose from the usual 30-day free trial or get a one-year membership for $49.

SEE ALSO: Black Friday 2025: Get live updates on the latest sales, doorbusters, and deal drops Best Walmart Black Friday TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch Class QLED 4K QLED Smart TV $448 at Walmart
$599.99 Save $151.99   Get Deal Why we like it

Samsung has been the world's best-selling TV brand for two decades, and for good reason. We trust them to make incredible TVs at fair prices. Just as importantly, Samsung TVs last for a long time. For Black Friday, you can pick up this affordable QLED 65-inch TV for under $500, as long as it doesn't sell out first.

32-inch TV deals50- and 55-inch TV deals65-inch TV deals70- and 75-inch TV deals Best laptop deal HP 14-inch HD Chromebook (Intel Processor N200, 4GB RAM, 128GB UFS) $119 at Walmart
$409.99 Save $290.99   Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it

Now at $112 (down from $409.99), the HP 14-inch HD Chromebook (Intel Processor N200, 4GB RAM, 128GB UFS) is a great starter laptop for students or commuters who need something lightweight, speedy, and capable of handling daily tasks like email and working in multiple tabs. This laptop isn't available on Amazon right now, and it's about $100 more at Best Buy. With more than 2K reviews and a 4.4-star rating, and smart apps like Gemini, Docs, and Gmail built right in, you can't beat this deal.

More Black Friday laptop deals at WalmartBest earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $77.99 at Walmart
$129 Save $51.01 $5 more at Amazon Get Deal Why we like it

This deal surprised us when it dropped on Nov. 20. While we've seen these wireless earbuds drop to $84.99 before, we didn't expect them to get even more affordable. Yet at Walmart, you can pick up the base AirPods for the record price of $79.99, a deal that's just too good to pass up.

More earbuds and headphones deals Best Walmart vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo Series Robot Vacuum and Mop $459.99 at Walmart
$749.99 Save $290   Get Deal Why we like it

Roborock is quickly replacing iRobot as the most reliable robot vacuum brand. The brand made some of our favorite robot vacuums of the year, and this Qrevo Series self-emptier boasts 10,000 Pa of suction and the ability to mop your floors.

More Black Friday vacuum deals Best deal on toys and games Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar 2025 $35.99 at Walmart
$44.99 Save $9   Get Deal Why we like it

This is the time of year to snag Advent calendars while they're 1) on sale and 2) still in stock. This set comes with tons of mini figures and toys Star Wars fans will love. Can you say BB-8 as a snowman, or Jawa wearing an ugly Christmas sweater? You won't find this Black Friday Advent calendar deal at Amazon.

More Walmart Black Friday deals on toys and gamesBest Walmart Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) $249 at Walmart
$399 Save $150   Get Deal Why we like it

Apple recently replaced the Series 10 smartwatch with the Series 11, but the only real difference between the two models? The newest version has a longer battery life. Besides that, they're virtually identical, except now the Series 10 is a lot more affordable. You won't find this watch on sale at Amazon, but at Walmart, the remaining sizes and colors are on sale for $249 — that's a savings of $150 on one of the best smartwatches in the world.

More Walmart deals on Apple products:Best Black Friday kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Magic Bullet Magic Bullet Essential Blender with To-Go Lid $15 at Walmart
$39.99 Save $24.99   Get Deal Why we like it

Do we need to explain this one? It's a blender that costs $15, and from a brand we've had great experiences with before. This personal smoothie blender comes with a to-go cup and lid, so you can whip up a smoothie before work or class and take it with you.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Don't fall for these 8 common traps when buying a prebuilt PC

How-To Geek - Thu, 11/20/2025 - 22:30

The debate between prebuilt PCs and their DIY counterparts is nearly endless, but the truth is that right now, it's a good time to embrace prebuilts. Building your own PC used to be the more economical thing to do, but these days, rising component prices often flip that situation on its head. You might be able to save yourself some money and some trouble by buying a prebuilt.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Should you rush to buy on Black Friday? When to wait on deals and when to click add to cart.

Mashable - Thu, 11/20/2025 - 22:28

Most of the Black Friday messaging you receive focuses on urgency. There are numerous "these deals won't last" and "get it before it's gone" messages. If you're desensitized to all of that rushed language, it's understandable, but it's not all hyperbole. As we cover year after year of shopping events, one thing is true: deals really don't last.

We know this is true, looking at the facts alone; through tools like camelcamelcamel, you can see a product's full price history on Amazon. But the most plentiful evidence may be our own experience shopping and tracking deals.

The last Prime Day event, Prime Big Deal Days, was the latest shopping event where I really considered the lifetime of a deal. Even while I was working the sale, finding deals and tracking prices, I still found time to load up my Amazon cart with essentials that happened to be on sale. However, I never actually got as far as checking out, so when I signed back on, my cart's price had increased by $30. It's the clearest example I've experienced of how deals can go away as soon as the event is over.

But with Black Friday, things are a little complicated. What used to be a single-day event now lasts for weeks leading up to Black Friday and extends for days after. So, it raises the question: Do you really need to rush to buy Black Friday deals? Kind of.

SEE ALSO: Black Friday 2025: Get live updates on the latest sales, doorbusters, and deal drops How long do Black Friday deals last?

I wish there were a definitive answer to the question of "how long do Black Friday deals last?" It would certainly make my job easier. However, with early Black Friday deals, day-of-deals, and then Cyber Weekend and Monday deals, it's often unclear when the savings actually begin and end. This year, Black Friday takes place on Nov. 28, but the savings now start way before the event and even linger after.

In 2025, we're finding that most retailers are extending Black Friday savings to about two weeks, with many sales starting on Nov. 20 and wrapping up on Dec. 2. That makes knowing when to buy a deal easier, as there's a strict window to buy in. However, the most prominent retailers, such as Amazon, Target, and Walmart, don't always offer precise cutoff dates for their sales. When that's the case, urgency sets in, and you should prepare to buy.

Why should you rush to buy a Black Friday deal?

So why rush to a deal? As mentioned above, if a specified window of availability isn't provided for a deal, you should grab it before it's gone. As of Nov. 20, we're finding most retailers have kicked off their sales and expect prices to stay consistent through Black Friday. Don't plan for deals to linger past Black Friday itself, and anticipate that the most in-demand deals will sell out before then.

But with this sense of urgency, it's easy to get lost in seeing a markdown without knowing if it's actually a good deal. So if you're still feeling cautious about jumping on a deal, there are three things you can do to ensure that you're not jumping on a deal that's not actually that great.

Check with the experts and use a price tracking tool With the camelcamelcamel extension, you can check a product's price history on Amazon. Credit: Screenshot: Camelcamelcamel

Leading up to and throughout Black Friday, our job here at Mashable is to hunt for deals and find the best deals for you. If we've written about a deal, it's because it's worthy of your attention. Additionally, we always note when products reach their lowest price ever.

If we haven't written about a product, conduct your own research to see if it's a guaranteed good deal. If you're shopping on Amazon, we recommend using a tool like camelcamelcamel to check a product's price history to see if it's reached its lowest recorded price.

For example, Amazon's Kindle reached an all-time low during Amazon's 2025 Black Friday sale, as recorded by camelcamelcamel. That price drop means it's time to make a purchase.

Check in with a retailer's price match policy

If you want to buy a product before it sells out, but are worried it could still get a further price drop, look for the retailer's policy on price matching. Unfortunately, price matching is no longer a common practice.

In July 2025, Target joined the ranks of Amazon and Walmart, ceasing its generous price-matching policy. However, Target and Best Buy still have a holiday price match guarantee. That means if they lower their price after you purchase it, you can request a price match.

Otherwise, for retailers like Amazon, which don't have a price match guarantee, you'll need to return and then repurchase the item.

Make sure you're chasing a product, not a deal

During big shopping events, it's easy to get caught up in the exciting deals and forget what you actually need. So, one of the best pieces of advice we can give you is to chase a product, not a deal. Going into Black Friday, know what you want to buy. Maybe that's a kitchen appliance you're vying for or a new pair of headphones you're in desperate need of. Whatever it is, keep your eye on the prize and follow the product's price leading up to the event (again, price tracking tools come in handy for this). If it hits a low, even before Black Friday, you know you're good to make a purchase. And whatever you do, don't get hypnotized by all the other deals, just shop for what you've had on your list.

Don't wait until the day after Black Friday

It used to be the case that Black Friday marked the start of the savings, but now, it's essentially the closeout of the shopping event. With sales starting in early November, by the time you get to Black Friday proper on Nov. 28, it's basically the end of the sale. In our experience, the later you get into a sale, the more likely it is for a product to sell out. So, depending on when you're buying, it really determines when you need to click "add to cart." If it's the week before Black Friday, you may want to wait to make a purchase. If it's the day after Black Friday, buy as soon as possible.

That being said, my biggest piece of advice is not to wait to buy the day after Black Friday. Even though you still have Cyber Monday to look forward to, sometimes the best deals end at the stroke of midnight. Think of Cyber Monday as your last chance to shop deals, not your best chance.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Tons of earbuds are on sale with the start of Amazons Black Friday sale

Mashable - Thu, 11/20/2025 - 21:40
Best earbuds deals before Black Friday (so far) Best noise-cancelling earbuds deal Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 $199.95 at Amazon (save $50.04) Get Deal Best open earbuds deal Shokz OpenDot One $139.95 at Amazon (save $60) Get Deal Best sleep earbuds Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 $107.99 at Amazon (save $72) Get Deal Best earbuds deal (without noise cancellation) Apple AirPods 4 $79.99 at Walmart (save $50) Get Deal

Black Friday proper is still a week away, but Black Friday sales are officially kicking off in earnest if earbuds deals are anything to go by.

While we saw some earbuds go on sale earlier this week, a much bigger selection dropped in price as of Nov. 20. It's no coincidence, considering it's the day Amazon's Black Friday sale started. The mega-retailer has the bulk of earbuds deals available by far, but it's not the only one with excellent deals: Walmart has the Apple AirPods 4 down to just $79.99 and AirPods Pro 2 down to $139, and is price-matching some of Amazon's best earbuds deals.

SEE ALSO: Mashable will send the best Black Friday deals directly to your phone — how it works

Below, you'll find 25 of the best deals we've spotted so far, on everything from noise-cancelling to sleep earbuds. We'll continue updating this post in the lead-up and through Black Friday, so check back often.

Best noise-cancelling earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 $199.95 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50.04   Get Deal Why we like it

While there are plenty of excellent noise-cancelling earbuds on sale, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 buds don't often get price markdowns. Granted, they are geared toward working out, but as workout earbuds, they're excellent, earning a Mashable Choice Award from our team. The ANC, built-in heart rate monitor, and in-ear bud with an ear hook all work in tandem to create an environment where you can truly lock into your exercise, without sacrificing sound quality. The gamut of features is reflected in the $250 price point, which makes this deal extra appealing.

Read our full review of the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds.

More noise-cancelling earbuds dealsBest open earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shokz Shokz OpenDots One $139.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $60   Get Deal Why we like it

The Shokz OpenDots One are Mashable's favorite open earbuds for most people, but they can be tricky to catch on sale, making them the perfect Black Friday purchase. In his review, Mashable contributor Alex Bracetti sang their praises, noting the sound quality that rivaled the more expensive Bose Ultra Open earbuds (also on sale), the 10 hours of battery life per charge, and great touch controls (which are not to be underrated, especially if you plan on using these earbuds while exercising).

Read our full review of the Shokz OpenDots One.

More open earbuds dealsBest sleep earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds $107.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $72.00   Get Deal Why we like it

The Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds aren't your only viable option for sleep earbuds out there, but at this sale price of $107.99, they may be the best value. The main difference between them and their newer A20 counterpart is ANC and some white noise features. While these are nice add-ons for the Sleep A30 buds, it doesn't necessarily justify a $72 price difference, making the A30 buds firmly an upgrade option, and the A20 buds the best option for most people. Even with just the passive noise cancellation, they were able to block standard nighttime sounds like noisier neighbors, street noise, and AC units, especially if you plan on streaming audio.

More sleep earbuds dealsEven more earbuds deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple AirDrop now works with some Android phones

How-To Geek - Thu, 11/20/2025 - 21:15

AirDrop has been one of the best features exclusive to Apple devices for years. However, Google announced today that the Pixel 10 devices—the Pixel 10, the 10 Pro, and the 10 Pro Fold—will gain the ability to send and receive files directly with iPhones, iPads, or macOS devices.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I have a silly goal for my PC in 2026, and it has nothing to do with performance

How-To Geek - Thu, 11/20/2025 - 21:00

When I built my current PC in early 2024, I dedicated all my budget (and then some) to better performance. Fancy-looking components always cost more, and I figured I'd rather have a powerful system than a pretty one.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Did you know Apple launched a new product today? Get the Hikawa Phone Grip.

Mashable - Thu, 11/20/2025 - 20:53

Can't stop thinking about the iPhone sock bag? Apple has even more modern art in store for you.

The company just launched its new, limited edition Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand, a MagSafe compatible accessory that turns your phone into a handheld sculpture.

SEE ALSO: 9 startups changing disability tech

The case is a collaboration with Bailey Hikawa, a Los Angeles-based designer known for her line of colorful, abstract iPhone cases that look like hand-sized amoebas or melting gummy bears. You've probably seen Hikawa's cases pop up on your TikTok FYP or appear in the hands of influencers, but what you may not know is that Hikawa's design ethos isn't just about trendiness, but accessibility too.

To that end, Hikawa's iPhone accessories are more than aesthetically fascinating (no offense, sock bag); they serve a purpose, offering creative means of hand support that can help reduce fatigue and improve your grip.

Credit: Apple

Apple's Hikawa phone grip was designed with those principles in mind, but with additional accessibility considerations for users with various degrees of motor skills, muscle strength, and grip tension — and those who don't use their hands to navigate the iPhone. The silicone accessory can be used vertically or horizontally and snaps on and off of the device in one fluid motion, so it's easier to add onto your device compared to Hikawa's line of cases.

In an interview with ELLE Decor, Hikawa explained that she didn't start out to design accessible phone accessories, but that feedback from customers with disabilities showed her that there was more than just artistic merit to her business. For the exclusive Apple grip, she specifically interviewed iPhone users with a wide range of disabilities to inform the new accessory's shape and texture.

"This is the beginning of many more offerings for all kinds of bodies,” she told the publication.

This year also marks 40 years since Apple first launched accessibility initiatives across its company and devices, which the tech giant has been celebrating with a series of new accessibility features and upgrades, including new App Store labels, Braille Access, and upgrades to tools like Head Tracking, Live Listen, Live Captions, and Personal Voice.

The grip is on sale now and retails for $69.95. It comes in two colors: Chartreuse and Crater, exclusive to the U.S. Apple Online Store.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I cant believe how cheap the basic Kindle is. Grab it for just $79.99 from Amazons Black Friday sale.

Mashable - Thu, 11/20/2025 - 20:48

I knew Black Friday Kindle deals were coming. I test e-readers for a living, and in addition to trying out the latest devices, I'm also tracking prices, especially around shopping holidays. Retailers are treating Nov. 20 as the official start of Black Friday, so my first instinct this morning was to look at Kindle prices and... wow! I was expecting good Kindle deals, but we got door-busting deals. In fact, Amazon is set on beating its own prices this Black Friday, best seen by the markdown on the basic Kindle — now just $79.99

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle $79.99
$109.99 Save $30   Get Deal

The Kindle Paperwhite gets most of the attention these days. It is Amazon's speediest and most advanced e-reader, but it tends to overshadow the equally great basic Kindle. The basic Kindle is a smaller e-reader with a 6-inch screen. Its compact size makes it the perfect handheld device — I often wish that the Kindle Paperwhite were that size. I think the basic Kindle would be my favorite Kindle if it were water-resistant — I'm a read at the beach kind of girl.

Where the basic Kindle beats every other e-reader — Kindle and beyond — is on price. When not on sale, the Kindle is just $109.99, the most affordable e-reader we've tested. During Amazon's October Prime Day, the device went down to $84.99, which at the time, was its lowest price ever. I figured Black Friday would bring back that same price, but Mashable contributor Christina Buff was more optimistic, projecting it to fall to $79.99. I'm so pleased to say, Christina was right on the money, literally.

The basic Kindle is down to $79.99 during Amazon's Black Friday sale. That's officially its lowest price ever, beating its previous record of $84.99 during Prime Big Deal Days. That knocks $30 off its $109.99 list price for 27% off. Amazon is pretty conservative with its Kindle deals, so I feel confident this is the device's best price. So don't wait to buy. Get a basic Kindle now and make yourself, or someone on your list, very happy (and well-read) this holiday season.

Want to shop more Black Friday Kindle deals? Check out our full guide, which we're keeping updated with the latest deals on e-readers, accessories, and books.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best early Black Friday book deals to add to your cart

Mashable - Thu, 11/20/2025 - 20:36
The best early Black Friday book deals: Best overall Buy one, get one 50% off books Select hardcovers and paperbacks Get Deal Best hardcover book deal "The Women" by Kristin Hannah $12.51 (save $17.59) Get Deal Best paperback deal "Final Girls" by Riley Sager $7.12 (save $11.88) Get Deal Best Kindle book deal "All Her Fault" by Andrea Mara $0.99 (save $4) Get Deal

If you're looking to stack your TBR list for cozy season — or help someone else stack theirs — it's time to get going. Although Black Friday is technically on Nov. 28, there are plenty of book deals you can shop early.

While I'm still not overly impressed by Kindle edition and hardcover deals, there are some pretty impressive discounts on paperbacks that are already live. I compared the prices with those from Amazon's October Prime Day and only included titles that are worthy of the "Black Friday deal" stamp. I'll be keeping an eye out for new deals to drop as we get closer to Black Friday proper — particularly on some of 2025's bestsellers and BookTok favorites. But for now, I've rounded up some of the top early Black Friday book deals you can already add to your cart.

Also of note: Amazon is offering three months of Kindle Unlimited for only 99 cents (save $35.97) and three months of Audible Premium Plus for 99 cents per month plus a $20 credit (save $41.88) to new and returning subscribers. Kindle devices are also chilling at new all-time low prices (be sure to check out our e-reader expert's top picks). You can follow along with all of the best deals in Mashable's Black Friday hub.

Best early Black Friday book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Buy one, get one 50% off books Select hardcovers and paperbacks Get Deal Why we like it

Most of the books on Goodreads' and Amazon's top books of 2025 lists haven't gotten the deal treatment yet. Sure, they're slightly discounted, but I think they can do better. In the meantime, the best way you can save some money on some of this year's bestsellers and BookTok favorites is with this BOGO deal at Amazon. With over 1,000 included titles, you'll save 50% on one book when you purchase two from the list of select hardcovers and paperbacks. Some notable titles included in the list are Buckeye by Patrick Ryan, Broken County by Clare Leslie Hall, The Names by Florence Knapp, and Heart the Lover by Lily King. To secure the savings, just add any two titles from the sale page to your cart, and the offer will automatically be applied at checkout.

Paperback book dealsHardcover book dealsKindle book deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Plex is getting more artwork customization options

How-To Geek - Thu, 11/20/2025 - 20:11

Plex Media Server owners can finally customize the Logo and Square Artwork for titles in their personal libraries, bringing a professional polish to homegrown collections. This functionality is similar to how we’ve been able to customize Posters and Backgrounds for years.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Black Friday deals of 2025

How-To Geek - Thu, 11/20/2025 - 20:00

Black Friday, as always, is starting early this year. Beat the rush of the actual day and take advantage of these early offers!

Categories: IT General, Technology

Everything to know about Black Friday 2025: Best early deals, sale dates, price matching, and more

Mashable - Thu, 11/20/2025 - 19:51

Anyone who's had even a cursory brush with online shopping in the last few weeks has noticed the shift — Black Friday 2025 is here.

The shopping holiday, which could more accurately be described as a shopping mega-event, has retailers dropping sales all throughout the month of November and into early December. The days of lining up outside of your local Target in the freezing late-night hours of Thanksgiving are long gone. The sheer amount of savings that can be found online during Black Friday and Cyber Week is unmatched by any other sale.

SEE ALSO: I found 30+ early Black Friday tech deals I'd recommend to friends and family: Save on Apple, Samsung, DJI

Great as the savings potential may be, it's an insane amount of information for any normal person to take in. That's why our team of shopping experts is hard at work sourcing the best deals around the clock — and why we've created this guide to everything you need to know about Black Friday 2025. You can also check out our guide to the best Black Friday deals so far.

When exactly is Black Friday 2025?

The actual date of Black Friday falls on Friday, Nov. 28. However, most retailers' sales are live before and after the actual day of Black Friday. Here are some of the major retailer sales we're tracking this year:

  • Amazon: Amazon's Black Friday sale starts Thursday, Nov. 20, and ends on Monday, Dec. 1.

  • Best Buy: In-stores and online from Thursday, Nov. 20 to Friday, Nov. 29.

  • Walmart: Online only from Tuesday, Nov. 25 to Thursday, Nov. 27; online and in-stores from Friday, Nov. 28 to Sunday, Nov. 30; online only for Cyber Monday on Dec. 1.

  • Target: Target's Black Friday sale starts Sunday, Nov. 23, and runs through Saturday, Nov. 29. Stores will be closed Thanksgiving Day. More deals will drop from Nov. 27 to Nov. 29.

How long do Black Friday sales last?

Though Black Friday deals start weeks early, most sales wrap up with Cyber Monday, which this year falls on Monday, Dec. 1. Historically, we have seen some deals linger into Tuesday (and sometimes even the rest of what's called Cyber Week), but if that's the case, we'll be sure to track any markdowns in our ongoing deals coverage.

SEE ALSO: Mashable will send the best Black Friday deals directly to your phone — how it works What deals will be available on Black Friday?

Though the when of Black Friday has changed over the years, the what of Black Friday stays true to its origins. That's to say, if you're shopping for tech gadgets, appliances, home and kitchen products, or even cars, then Black Friday will likely be the best time of the year to shop. In terms of tech, we especially recommend picking up TVs, laptops, headphones, Apple products, Amazon devices, and robot vacuums during this time of year.

Granted, you're likely to find pretty much anything under the sun on sale during the shopping holiday: we've also spotted lots of outdoor gear, Legos and toys, gaming consoles, stocking stuffers, and reusable water bottles on sale in years' past.

In particular, you can expect big discounts on:

  • QLED and OLED TVs from Samsung, Sony, LG, Hisense, TCL, and Fire TV

  • Apple MacBooks, iPads, and AirPods

  • Power stations from Jackery, Anker, and Bluetti

  • Vacuums from Dyson, iRobot, Eufy, Roborock, Dreame, and Bissell

  • Amazon devices, including Echo speakers, Eero Wi-Fi extenders, Ring and Blink cameras

  • Kindles, e-readers, and books

  • Video games, gaming laptops, and gaming console bundles

  • Fitness tech from Oura, Garmin, Whoop, and Fitbit

  • Flagship headphones and earbuds from Bose, Sony, Beats, JBL, and Apple

  • Household essentials

  • Designer clothing and accessories

  • Skincare, beauty, and grooming products

  • Kitchen appliances

The top early Black Friday deals so far

Most official Black Friday sales haven't kicked off just yet, but the spirit of the season is certainly there with early Black Friday deals we're spotting. Here are some of the best:

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Best headphones deal: Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones $298 at Amazon
$429 Save $131   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Best Apple deal: Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $349.99 at Amazon
$399 Save $49.01   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Narwal Best robot vacuum deal: Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra $799.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $500   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Best kitchen deal: Ninja Slushi $269.99 at Amazon
$369.99 Save $100   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Best Kindle deal: Like-New Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $106.99 at Amazon
$143.99 Save $37.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Best laptop deal: Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus $349 at Best Buy
$599 Save $250   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Best power station deal: Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 $699 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $800   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Best TV deal: Hisense 65-inch U6 Mini LED QLED 4K TV $547.99 at Amazon
$847.99 Save $300   Get Deal

Check out 60+ of our favorite early Black Friday deals here.

Do any stores price-match Black Friday deals?

Short answer: not really, or at least, not against each other. Long answer: Earlier this year, Target ended its price-matching policy, which allowed customers to price-match from competitors' stock at the time of purchase or within 14 days. Target stood alone as the sole retailer with an official price-matching policy last Black Friday.

This year, Target still has its holiday price match policy, which allows you to price match against Target's own prices, from Nov. 1 to Dec. 24. That means if you buy something at Target and it gets discounted later, you can get still get the discount. Best Buy also offers a price match policy year-round, but it excludes products on sale from "the Thursday before Thanksgiving Day through the Monday after Thanksgiving," essentially excluding them from Black Friday price matching. Amazon and Walmart offer no price match policies.

How to shop smart on Black Friday

It's easy to get caught up in the swarm of markdowns and record-low prices that pop up during Black Friday. The best way to avoid buyer's remorse and actually score the savings you want? Come in with a plan and understanding the tools at your disposal. Here's what we mean:

Make a game plan

This may seem basic, but making a list of what you're shopping for can go such a long way to avoid deals FOMO. Begin by creating a list for yourself, and then consider what holiday gifts you need to purchase. This can help you whittle down the absolute essentials of what you want to grab.

SEE ALSO: 20+ early Black Friday deals under $25

That said, it's also great to have a general understanding of what will be available, so take a peek at the latest Black Friday ad scans (again, ideally after you've made your own list). For your convenience, we've perused the major ones, including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Lowe's, and Home Depot.

As a final step, having a sense of your holiday shopping budget can be helpful in avoiding overspending (or at the very least, having some awareness that it's happening).

Organize your Amazon wishlist

In line with making a game plan, you'll want to dust off your Amazon wishlist and make sure it's up to date. Amazon has convenient wishlist alert features, which can definitely come in handy during the chaos of Black Friday.

Download retailer apps

As annoying as having too many apps on your phone can be, downloading apps from retailers like Best Buy and Walmart can make shopping easier and give you access to exclusive deals. That's especially true for Best Buy, which likes to offer limited-time deals available only on its app.

Use price tracking tools

Price tracking tools can be absolute game changers any time of year, but especially during Black Friday. The unanimous favorite of the Mashable Shopping team is camelcamelcamel, an Amazon price tracking tool that details essential knowledge like record low prices and price histories across the mega-retailer.

Of course, we also recommend following along the Mashable shopping team's Black Friday coverage — we make sure to take the full context of a deal into account to only choose the best of the best.

Which day has cheaper deals, Black Friday or Cyber Monday?

While these were once two distinct days of deals, the month-long-ifcation of Black Friday essentially means that both Black Friday and Cyber Monday get wrapped up into one long wave of discounts to punctuate the end of the month. That's not to say what's available on Black Friday will absolutely be better or worse than what's available on Cyber Monday.

Historically, we've seen really good TV deals on Black Friday sell out by Cyber Monday, while laptop deals tend to stick around (and therefore, be worth holding out for any additional price drops come Cyber Monday). Ultimately, though, if you see a deal you're interested in during Black Friday weekend, chances are it's worth grabbing it when you spot it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

OnlyFans to require criminal background checks through controversial screener

Mashable - Thu, 11/20/2025 - 19:48

Adult platform OnlyFans will start conducting criminal background checks for U.S. creators, its CEO, Keily Blair, recently shared on LinkedIn. The AI-powered screener, however, has proved to be controversial.

Creators who want to upload on OnlyFans must already provide multiple forms of personal identification to be able to post on the site, including a government ID and banking information. Now, performers in the U.S. will also have to undergo a criminal background check through the screening provider Checkr.

SEE ALSO: 'We're all sinners': the Conservative tradwife who does OnlyFans

"Checkr, Inc. helps OnlyFans to prevent people who have a criminal conviction, which may impact our community's safety, from signing up as a Creator on OnlyFans," Blair posted on LinkedIn.

On its website, Checkr states that 99 percent of its background checks are automated after data retrieval, with human quality assurance.

The screening service, which has also been used by "gig economy" companies Uber and DoorDash, has been the subject of dozens of lawsuits between 2015 and 2020, according to an archived 2020 Protocol article. These lawsuits were filed under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which regulates background checks (and credit reports), and alleged that Checkr made mistakes such as misreporting crimes and flagging criminal activity too old to report according to the FCRA.

In 2022, Checkr was named in another lawsuit, this one claiming it and Uber failed to properly screen drivers who were using stolen identities. In 2023, another lawsuit emerged, claiming that Checkr's "quick checks" had failed to uncover a DoorDash driver's criminal history.

OnlyFans and Checkr haven't responded to Mashable's request for comment.

Last month, Pornhub also announced it would establish criminal background checks for current and new content partners (studios, not individual creators).

Blair of OnlyFans and Pornhub both stated this move was to further safety on their platforms. It also comes at a time when the porn industry faces increased legislative scrutiny in the U.S. and abroad, with age-verification laws, which typically require robust age checks to keep minors off their platforms (despite studies saying that age verification doesn't work).

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon fends off greenwashing lawsuit after SCOTUS refuses to hear case

Mashable - Thu, 11/20/2025 - 19:42

The highest court in the land has declined to hear a case brought up from the lower circuit courts early this year involving online retail giant Amazon and its protections under Section 230.

Amazon was sued by Planet Green Cartridges, a U.S. re-manufacturer of printer cartridges, for allowing third- party companies to advertise and sell falsely labelled products claiming to be re-manufactured or recycled. Re-manufacturing is considered a more sustainable manufacturing process, reducing raw material and energy consumption by restoring products to manufacturer standards.

SEE ALSO: Black Friday 2025: Get live updates on the latest sales, doorbusters, and deal drops

Planet Green Cartridges sought $500 million in third-party liability damages from Amazon based on the recommendation of greenwashed products. The lawsuit argued that Amazon's algorithm promoted listings that falsely advertised new, imported cartridges, raking in $3 billion in sales and creating unfair competition among sellers as customers were deceived by false advertising into purchasing less sustainable products.

Amazon's counterargument hinged on online merchandiser protections outlined in Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, which protects internet service hosts from government regulation and shields them from legal liability for the content their users post. It is considered by many to be a tentpole of a free and open internet.

Following several conflicting lower court decisions, the case was dismissed by the 9th Circuit court in March, stating that Amazon couldn't be held liable for the claims written by third-party sellers. Planet Green Cartridges then petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case and clarify whether Section 230 protections extend to online marketplaces that also profit from the recommendation, promotion, or distribution of products on their website — as Amazon does — in addition to hosting the listings.

Section 230 and online censorship have become hot button topics in the U.S., especially as social media platforms have mostly backed off from content moderation. Increasingly powerful, AI-enhanced algorithms have complicated the matter. In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court heard two Section 230 cases brought against YouTube and Twitter (now X), which argued the social media companies should be held accountable for aiding and abetting terrorism through their algorithmic feeds. The court dismissed the complaint against Google, YouTube's parent company, and ruled in favor of Twitter's Section 230 protections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Vivaldi has finally added this long-requested feature

How-To Geek - Thu, 11/20/2025 - 19:32

Vivaldi is probably one of the third-party browsers I like the most—though I've stuck with Chrome on both my phone and computer, if I were to choose something to switch, I'd switch to Vivaldi. And it just got a lot better with the addition of a new feature on Android.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This Quake-inspired terminal is my new favorite on Linux

How-To Geek - Thu, 11/20/2025 - 19:01

Do you open the terminal a lot on your Linux desktop? There's a terminal you can open faster than a standard emulator window, and it might feel familiar to you if you've ever played the game Quake.

Categories: IT General, Technology

iOS 26.2 will remove one feature in parts of the world

Mashable - Thu, 11/20/2025 - 18:57

The latest version of iOS will somewhat negatively affect Apple Watch users in the European Union.

Specifically, automatic WiFi network syncing between iPhones and Apple Watches will be toned down for EU users when iOS 26.2 launches later this year, per the French publication Numerama (via 9to5Mac). Normally, when you set up an Apple Watch by pairing it with an iPhone, it automatically gets access to all the WiFi networks stored in the phone's memory banks. When iOS 26.2 drops, users in the EU will find that this no longer happens in the same way.

SEE ALSO: How to use Apple Pay on Amazon when Black Friday shopping

Namely, the difference seems to be that an Apple Watch will only automatically connect to a WiFi network if its paired iPhone is physically nearby. If you run to the cafe with your watch but not your phone, you'll have to manually type in the WiFi password on the watch now. This really only seems like it will affect people who regularly leave the house with their Apple Watch but not their iPhone, which I imagine to be a pretty small subset of users.

You're probably wondering why Apple would do this. The answer, of course, is to avoid market regulations. The EU's Digital Markets Act mandates that companies like Apple make that sort of interoperability available to third-party devices as well as their own devices. Apple doesn't want to do that, so Europeans have to suffer a bit.

Only a bit, though.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon has Echo devices on major discounts for Black Friday on almost every model

Mashable - Thu, 11/20/2025 - 18:49
Best Echo device deals at a glance Best overall Echo deal Amazon Echo Dot $31.99 at Amazon (save $18) Get Deal Best new Echo deal Amazon Echo Studio $199.99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal Best for kids Echo Dot Kids $31.99 at Amazon (save $28) Get Deal Best budget deal Amazon Echo Pop $21.99 at Amazon (save $18) Get Deal Best smart home deal Amazon Echo Hub $119.99 at Amazon (save $60) Get Deal Best Echo earbuds deal Amazon Echo Buds $44.99 (save $95) Get Deal Best Echo smart display deal Amazon Echo Show 8 $159.99 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal Best Echo device deal with alarm clock Amazon Echo Spot (2024) $49.99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal

Amazon's Black Friday sale is underway and it's packed with great deals. You'll be able to save on Apple tech, Bose headphones, and load up on stocking stuffers. But major Amazon sale periods like Black Friday are an ideal time to get the best prices on Amazon's own devices like Kindles and the family of Echo devices.

Amazon Echo devices have something for everyone. They have great models for keeping the family's calendar organized, speakers for kids, and tablet-like displays that are perfect for following a recipe in the kitchen. Best of all, Amazon's Black Friday sale has major discounts on almost every Echo device, including some fun bundles that would make for a great gift.

We'll keep this page updated as Black Friday sales continue to roll on, especially since we occasionally see other retailers like Best Buy offers better prices than Amazon.

Best Echo deal Amazon Echo Dot $31.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $18.00   See It at Amazon Why we like it

It's impossible to go wrong with an Amazon Echo Dot, especially now that it's 36% off. It's the perfect companion for the bedroom or the office, allowing you to stream you favorite playlists and podcasts thorough Bluetooth. In Mashable's review of the best Echo Devices, the Echo Dot earns top marks for its vibrant sound as well as motion and temperature sensors. Plus, its compact size makes it great for even cramped spaces like the kitchen.

More Echo deals at Amazon
Categories: IT General, Technology
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