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When I bought my Milwaukee M12 tools, I thought they would just be something to hold me over until I eventually got 18V tools. However, after using them for years, I realize that there are simply some jobs that are better suited for 12V tools over 18V tools, and I'm so glad that I bought the M12 kit when I did instead of waiting to just buy 18V tools.

Best early Black Friday Dyson deals at a glance: Best Dyson vacuum deal for hard floors Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones $423.99 (save $176) Get Deal Best Dyson vacuum deal for carpet Dyson V16 Piston Animal $799.99 (save $180) Get Deal Best Dyson air purifier deal Dyson HushJet $279.98 (save $70.01) Get Deal Best Dyson haircare deal Dyson Airwrap i.d Multi-Styler $534.49 (save $175.50) Get Deal

It feels like we just finished recovering from October Prime Day, but Black Friday is already around the corner. (It officially lands on Nov. 27 this year, but retailers are clearly jumping the gun to get deals out early.) I'm honestly shocked to see these Dyson discounts hitting Amazon this far ahead of Thanksgiving.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Prime Day vs. Black Friday: When are the deals actually better?

We will obviously be updating this all month long leading up to the main event (and even after), so you can expect this list to grow as we get closer to the big day. But if you want to beat the holiday rush and cross some big-ticket items off your list, here are the best early Dyson deals you can grab right now.

Best Dyson vacuum deal for hard floors Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones Cordless Vacuum $449.99 at Best Buy
$599.99 Save $150   Get Deal at Best Buy Get Deal at Dyson Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it

As of Oct. 19, the Mashable Choice Award winner Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones (what a name, right?) is on sale for $423.99, down from $599.99, at Amazon. That's a 29% discount, or $176 in savings. Not only is this the lowest price we've seen on this model in the last 30 days, but it's also a new all-time low, according to our trusty price-history tool CamelCamelCamel. Its previous record-low price was $449.99, which it last hit on March 29, 2026.

In our review, Mashable's Leah Stodart noted that it "weighs nothing and fits everywhere," making it ideal for smaller homes or apartments. The Fluffycones head swivels a full 360 degrees to glide around tight furniture legs, and dual lasers point out every speck of dust in your path. Just keep in mind that its battery life is relatively short (30 minutes), and it has a tiny dustbin — plus, it's built for hard floors and struggles on carpet.

Read our Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones review.

Best Dyson vacuum deal for carpet Dyson V16 Piston Animal $799.99 at Amazon
$979.99 Save $180   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Best Buy Get Deal at Dyson Why we like it

If your home has thick carpets or shedding pets, the ultra-slim PencilVac won't cut it — you need heavy-duty suction. Meet the Dyson V16 Piston Animal. It's on sale for $799.99, down from $979.99, at Amazon. That's an 18% discount or $180 savings. It's also the best price we've seen on this model to date.

Not to be dramatic, but this is the most powerful Dyson vacuum ever made. It offers 315 Air Watts of suction power, features an anti-tangle All Floor Cones cleaner head that yanks deeply embedded hair right out of rug fibers, and has a newly designed compression dustbin that makes it easier to just set it and forget it.

Read our Dyson V16 Piston Animal review.

More Dyson vacuum deals

• Dyson Ball Animal 3 — $299.99 $449.99 (save $150)

• Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra — $399.99 $549.99 (save $150)

• Dyson V15 Detect Origin — $589.99 $839.99 (save $250)

Best Dyson air purifier deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson HushJet (Black/Teal) $279.98 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $70.01   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

The Dyson HushJet is our official pick for "the perfect lazy person air purifier," mainly because its fully sealed Electrostatic and Activated Carbon filtration system can last for up to five years before you need a replacement. It's designed to purify spaces up to 203 square feet, making it a practical addition to stuffy bedrooms or home offices (it's also helpful for pet parents — I have two beagles, and I love my HushJet).

Right now, you can get it for $279.98, down from $349.99 at Amazon, saving you $70. For a purifier that works this well while running at a whisper-quiet 24 decibels on sleep mode, that's a damn good early Black Friday steal.

Read our Dyson HushJet Compact Air Purifier review.

Best Dyson haircare deal Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler and Dryer and Dyson Chitosan Post-Style Serum (Amazon Exclusive) $534.49 at Amazon
$709.99 Save $175.50   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

If you've been waiting for the Airwrap i.d. to get cheaper, now's the time to whip out your wallet. The Amazon-exclusive bundle with the Dyson Chitosan Post-Style Serum is on sale for $534.49, down from its $709.99 list price — saving you $175.50 (25% off).

This deal includes six versatile attachments for curling, smoothing, drying, and adding volume without heat damage, plus the post-style serum to lock in your finished look with all-day hold. Yes, it's still an investment, but getting the multi-styler and full-size product for over $175 off makes it much easier to swallow.

More Dyson haircare and beauty deals

• Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer — $372.49 $449.99 (save $77.50)

• Dyson Airstrait Straightener — $427.74 $554.99 (save $127.25)

The Friday after Thanksgiving is still weeks away, but early Black Friday deals are known to start cropping up nice and early.

While no official sales have been announced just yet, I already spotted some headphones and earbuds deals worth shopping ahead of time. As someone who tests headphones year-round and is heading into her sixth year covering Black Friday at Mashable, I make sure to only include savings that are actually deals worth shopping. That means significantly lower price points than usual on brands that create quality audio products.

Below are the 11 deals I found worth shopping ahead of Black Friday, including headphones, noise-cancelling earbuds, sleep earbuds, and open earbuds.

Best early Black Friday headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH720N $88 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $91.99   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Sony just released the next generation of these headphones, but that means that it can be easier to grab a deal on some of the best budget headphones available. Mashable contributor Alex Bracetti wrote that the sound quality on these mid-range headphones is "near-flagship" quality, with impressive active noise cancellation to match. You won't be able to fold them up, and some features like Quick Attention and hi-res LDAC codec support are omitted for the sake of price point, but ultimately, these provide an excellent all-around headphone experience for under $100.

Read our full review of the Sony WH-CH720N.

More early Black Friday headphones deals

• Sony WH-CH520 — $38 $69.99 (save $31.99)

• Sennheiser Accentum — $99.95 $189.95 (save $90)

• Shokz OpenFit earbuds — $99.99 $159.99 (save $60)

• Shokz OpenRun Pro — $109.95 $179.95 (save $70)

• Skullcandy Method 540 ANC — $119.99 $149.99 (save $30)

• Shokz OpenDots One — $139.95 $169.95 (save $30)

• Soundcore Sleep A30 Special — $168.99 $199.99 (save $31)

• Sennheiser Momentum 4 — $213.04 $299.99 (save $86.95)

• Sony WH-1000XM5 — $228 $399.99 (save $171.99)

• Apple AirPods Max 2 — $449 $549 (save $100)

I guess most people don't start out with the idea they're going to build a small data center in their own home. It's usually a more organic process; a Plex server here, a Home Assistant Raspberry Pi there...

Early Black Friday kitchen deals at a glance Best espresso maker deal De'Longhi La Specialista Touch Espresso Machine $649.99 (save $149.96) Get Deal Best Ninja deal Ninja Slushi Smart Frozen Drink Maker (88 ounces) $269.99 (save $30) Get Deal Best kitchen prep deal Viking 10-piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set $56 (save $43.99) Get Deal Best air fryer deal Ninja Crispi Glass Air Fryer $152.95 (save $27.04) Get Deal

Black Friday might seem like it's far off on the horizon, but it's coming up quickly. Sure, we're still in October but it's high time to order your Advent Calendars and start making a list of gifts you plan to purchase.

Like every year, Black Friday sales creep further into October and 2026 is proving to be no exception. We're already seeing record-low prices on great kitchen gear if you're in need of some upgrades. Early Black Friday sales in the kitchen world are some of the most useful to shop since that means you'll get to cook Thanksgiving with fresh gear.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Prime Day vs. Black Friday: When are the deals actually better?

We've rounded up some of our favorite early Black Friday kitchen deals below to get you shopping well ahead of the chaos and potential shipping delays. Keep an eye on this page and Mashable's full Black Friday coverage for updates.

Best espresso maker deal Opens in a new window Credit: De'Longhi De'Longhi La Specialista Touch Espresso Machine $649.99 at Amazon
$799.95 Save $149.96   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

With 10 drinks on the menu including cold brew, the De'Longhi La Specialista Touch Espresso Machine is the dream upgrade for any coffee enthusiast. Choose between automatic or manual milk frothing to top off your drink. The touchscreen display is one of my favorite elements on this machine, and you can set customized drinks for people in your household. That means making your morning coffee comes easy. This early Black Friday sale price is only 99 cents more than the record-low at Amazon, so you have the green light to buy.

More coffee maker deals

• Keurig K-Duo — $129.99 $219.99 (save $90)

• Nespresso Vertuo Up — $199 $229 (save $30)

• Meraki Dual Boiler Espresso Machine — $1,799 $1,999 (save $200)

Best Ninja deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Slushi Smart Frozen Drink Maker (88 ounces) $269.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $30   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

If your home is on the schedule for holiday hosting this year, impress every guest with the Ninja Slushi. From frozen margaritas for the grown ups to milkshakes for the kids, the Ninja Slushi is the gift that keeps on giving all year long. Without the need for ice, the Ninja Slushi transforms liquids into slushified frozen drinks in minutes.

One of my best holiday survival tips to make it through the season is to pour Vita Coco coconut water in the Slushi for the ultimate treat that's also hydrating. Also, have you ever tried frozen hot chocolate? Now you can have it on-demand in your own kitchen.

More Ninja deals

• Ninja Professional Plus Blender — $89.99 $119.99 (save $30)

• Ninja Air Fryer XL with MaxCrisp — $119.99 $179.99 (save $60)

• Ninja PossibleCooker Pro — $129.95 $169.99 (save $40.04)

• Ninja Crispi Glass Air Fryer — $152.95 $179.99 (save $27.04)

• Ninja BlendSense Tech Kitchen System — $179.95 $249.99 (save $70.04)

Best kitchen prep deal Opens in a new window Credit: Viking 10-piece Viking Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set $56 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $43.99   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

With the holidays sneaking up quickly, it's time to make sure your kitchen is ready for meal prep. The 10-piece Viking Mixing Bowl set uses stainless steel material, a silicone non-slip bottom, and tight-fit lids, this set is a necessity in any kitchen. The five bowls range in size from 20 ounces to 8 quarts, and they neatly stack together for easier storage. Plus, the bowls are dishwasher safe.

More kitchen prep deals

• Nordic Ware Classic Metal 9x13 Covered Cake Pan — $14.39 $31 (save $16.61)

• Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus Food Processor — $39.95 $49.95 (save $10)

• Viking Kitchen 8-Piece Stainless Steel Utensil Set — $99.96 $159.99 (save $60.03)

• Caraway 5-Piece Wooden Utensil Set — $135 $145 (save $10)

• Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender — $144.75 $169.95 (save $25.20)

• KitchenAid 8 Cup Grain and Rice Cooker — $259.99 $399.99 (save $140)

Shop Pokémon Halloween bundles: Mewtwo and Golett Ornament Bundle $29.99 at Pokémon Center Shop Now Gengar Ornament and Pokémon Posters Bundle $32.99 at Pokémon Center Shop Now Eevee and Snorlax Pokémon Holiday Stocking Bundle $34.99 at Pokémon Center Shop Now Salamence, Gastrodon, and Kartana Sitting Cuties Plush Bundle $46.99 at Pokémon Center Shop Now Gardevoir and Gallade TCG Accessories and Gardevoir Plush Bundle $54.99 at Pokémon Center Shop Now Pikachu Spooky Festival Plush and Eevee Pumpkin Patch Snow Globe Bundle $54.99 at Pokémon Center Shop Now Espeon and Umbreon Pokémon Yard Statues Bundle $92.99 at Pokémon Center Shop Now Umbreon Lego Pokémon, Sitting Cuties Plush, and Sticker Bundle $94.99 at Pokémon Center Shop Now

If your spooky season setup is still missing some magic, the Pokémon Center just made last-minute decorating a whole lot easier.

The Pokémon Company recently launched a series of Halloween bundles designed to transform your space before Oct. 31. Instead of hunting down individual pieces, these themed sets pair iconic Ghost-type and Dark-type decor with building kits, tableware, and plushies so you can deck out your home in one go.

Lego sets and plushies

If you want an activity that doubles as festive decor, the new Lego Pokémon Smart Play bundles pair interactive brick sets with matching plushies and stickers. The Umbreon bundle packs in the Lego Pokémon Smart Play: Umbreon vs. Garchomp Championship Battle set alongside an Umbreon Sitting Cuties Plush and a sticker sheet. Meanwhile, the Gengar bundle features the Lego Pokémon Smart Play: Cubone and Gengar’s Spooky Showdown set paired up with a matching Gengar plush.

Home and outdoor decor

For fans looking to make a statement, Ghost-type and Dark-type Pokémon are taking center stage. The outdoor setup includes yard statues of Umbreon and Espeon, which can be paired indoors with an Umbreon pumpkin mug and tea light holder. You can also light up your setup with Gengar pumpkin string lights, a matching lidded mug, or grab a Gengar ornament bundled with a four-pack of Ghost-type Halloween posters.

Seasonal treats and figures

If you prefer cute autumn vibes over spooky scares, there are plenty of sweet seasonal options. You will find a ceramic Snorlax candy bowl bundled with a lidded pumpkin mug, as well as ready-to-hang Mewtwo and Golett ornaments designed to transition right into winter. For a cozy touch, the Pikachu Spooky Festival plush comes paired with an Eevee Pumpkin Patch snow globe for subtle seasonal flair.

SEE ALSO: My favorite Advent calendars for 2026: Shop top picks from Papier, Red Bull, Lego, and more

You can browse and purchase all of the limited-edition Halloween bundles directly on the official Pokémon Center website. These curated sets are available while supplies last through Halloween, so secure your favorite Ghost-types before they vanish into the night!

The CEO and founder of a pregnancy pillow company told the BBC that Meta removed an ad for the word "pregnancy."

In Jan. 2025, Instagram (which is owned by Meta) notified BellaMoon founder Irene Breen that it was removing her company's ads, and she told the BBC she had to scrub the word "pregnancy" from the product name and URLs. Meta apparently told her on the call that the word was the problem.

After 10 months of talks with Meta, it lifted the restrictions.

SEE ALSO: Meta confirms smart glasses were recording without being activated

Meta told the BBC that while ads for wellness, sexual health, and reproductive products can run on its sites, there are restrictions "to avoid users across countries and cultures having a negative experience," the BBC reported.

"The suggestion that the word 'pregnancy' cannot be used on our platforms is incorrect. To be clear, people can freely use the word 'pregnancy' in posts, and share and discuss pregnancy-related content," a Meta spokesperson told the BBC.

Businesses focused on women's health and sexuality have long complained that Meta rejects their ads. In 2023, the sexual wellness brand Unbound experimented after Meta rejected its ads for sex toys. It made ads more male-centric, and Meta allowed them. That same year, the gynecological health platform Daye said Meta rejected its ads for being "adult content." In 2026, LGBTQ and plus-sized businesses told Mashable that Meta removed their accounts even when they didn't violate its guidelines, and it was difficult to get in touch with the company to appeal.

Meta also recently came under fire by feminist groups who claimed that its platforms censored posts about the Cornell rape case. And, in Oct., Meta made headlines for suspending the Instagram account for the No Kings Coalition on the day of a No Kings protest. Meta apologized and stated that an AI tool interpreted activity about the protests as automated bot traffic.

We’re less than two weeks away from Halloween, and the streamers are starting to stock up on spooky movies that fit the season. One of those films is heading to Prime Video this week. It’s a gothic romance inspired by a landmark novel. Hulu is adding a compelling thriller produced by the filmmaker behind Barbarian and Weapons.

Everyone knows that Apple products tend to cost a pretty penny, and MacBooks and iMacs are no exception. Thanks to the global memory crisis, they got even more expensive in 2026, making deal-shopping essential.

If you'd rather avoid spending over $1,000 on entry-level specs, we have great news: You can save hundreds on an Apple laptop or computer multiple times a year. While Black Friday is right around the corner and tends to offer some of the best discounts of the year, it's not the only time you can upgrade without hurting your bank account.

SEE ALSO: Your MacBook is filthy. Here's how to clean it.

We track Apple deals year-round, so we know what tends to go on sale and when. Plus, we know what MacBook deals are actually worth jumping on, and which "markdowns" are basically the regular price. Read on for our guide to the top three times of year to find the best prices on a MacBook or iMac, based on our historical deals knowledge. (Shopping for a new Windows laptop? We can tell you when to buy those, too.)

Best time to buy a Mac: Black Friday and Prime Day seasons

Months: Early to mid-June or July, October through November

We know, shopping holidays are a great time to save money, groundbreaking. However, we're not talking about Apple's annual Black Friday deal, which is the same every year: Buy a laptop or iMac, get a free gift card to use on a future purchase. It's a little lackluster and not all that great for saving money upfront.

If you want real savings during shopping holidays, you'll want to look to retailers like Amazon and Best Buy during Black Friday and Prime Day seasons. At first glance, that may seem like you have to keep your eye on the calendar for a few select days throughout the year, but these retailers have decided that time is meaningless when it comes to sales. That means you'll start to see Black Friday savings as early as October, and Prime Day savings for a week or so in June or July. (Amazon shifted the official Prime Day dates in 2026 to June for the first time, but the shopping event typically falls in early to mid-July).

Despite hitting the market only weeks prior, the M3 MacBook Pros saw good discounts last Black Friday. Credit: Apple

Amazon upped Prime Day from two to four full days in 2025. But even if you don't want to shop on those four specific dates, Amazon and its competitors usually feature deals in the weeks leading up to it. During both sales, it's not uncommon to see MacBooks from the cheapest Airs to the most souped-up Pros on sale for $150 off or more.

They're worthwhile deals, but they can also be harder to score because the general public knows these are the times to shop for a Mac. If you see a good deal, don't hesitate too much. Our advice? Know what models you're interested in before these sale events kick off, and keep your eye on them.

SEE ALSO: Review: With the new MacBook Pro (M5), Apple is just showing off

As a final note, Black Friday season is a reliable time to catch the initial sales on any fall Mac releases. Last fall, Apple dropped the M5 MacBook Pro in October, and by Black Friday in November, it was already on sale for $200 off. While these may not be the steepest discounts you'll ever see in the year or so lifespan before a newer chipset and Mac come out, they're pretty dang impressive considering how recent the releases are.

Second-best time to buy a Mac: Back-to-school season

Months: June through early October

Apple offers education pricing year-round for current or newly accepted college students and their parents, as well as faculty, staff, and homeschool teachers of all grade levels. This knocks $100 off the price of its laptops and computers. It's not a massive markdown, but it beats full price.

However, Apple upgrades this offer with an extra freebie during the back-to-school season from summer to early fall. In years past, it's given away free gift cards with every Mac purchase and in 2025, students, parents, and educators got their pick of a free Apple accessory worth up to $199 (including AirPods with ANC, Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, or a Magic keyboard). Unfortunately, the 2026 offerings left much to be desired — just up to $150 in gift cards on select MacBooks and iPads. Here's hoping Apple brings back better back-to-school savings in 2027.

This could be a deal worth checking out if you have other Apple products on your shopping list, as you can put your gift card to good use. Otherwise, we recommend looking around for competing back-to-school laptop deals elsewhere. Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy usually offer higher straight-up discounts than Apple to draw in the back-to-school crowd.

Third-best time to buy a Mac: After new releases are announced

Months: Can vary

This tip isn't unique to Apple products, but it doesn't make it any less useful for grabbing a Mac for a little less cash. Typically, after Apple announces the latest models, it drops the prices on older generations.

Technically, this isn't a deal in the strictest sense of the word, but it'll still save you money. Take, for instance, the 2024 announcement of the 13-inch and 15-inch M3 MacBook Air. On March 4, Apple put it up for preorder on its online store, and right alongside the new laptop was a $100 permanent price drop on the 13-inch M2 Air.

The price of the M2 MacBook Air dropped twice following releases of upgraded MacBooks. Credit: Apple

The price only fell from $1,099 to $999, so it's not a drastic difference, but if you were already planning on grabbing the M2 Air, waiting for this newer version saved you at least $100. Plus, a new list price means future sales will net you even more bang for your buck.

You don't necessarily need to wait for the exact same model to get a newer counterpart to see a price drop. Allow us to explain, again with the M2 MacBook Air: In June 2023, Apple announced the 15-inch M2 MacBook Air at a starting price of $1,299. At the time, the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air had been out for just under a year, and cost $1,199. The larger model brought a price cut to the smaller and slightly older model.

SEE ALSO: Apple's M2 MacBook Air is a super-fast WFH companion with a dreamy keyboard

Price cuts aren't always determined by Apple itself. A new Mac usually means the discontinuation of an older one. In the case of the M3 Air release, Apple discontinued the 15-inch M2 Air and M1 Air from 2020. Though you could no longer buy either at the Apple Store, they were available at steep discounts at Amazon and Best Buy.

And if you're sensing a theme here, yes, it's better, more often than not, to skip the Apple Store in favor of other retailers if you're looking to save some serious dough.

Final tips for saving money on a Mac1. Keep an eye out for random sales

While the whole point of this guide is that there are ideal times to grab a Mac on sale, we're going to be honest: Sometimes, there are very random, very good sales on Macs for seemingly no reason.

Obviously, this is a bit trickier to plan for, but rest assured, if there is a Mac sale worth knowing about, we're writing about it, so we recommend following along with our deals coverage.

2. Some Macs go on sale more frequently than others

This tip likely goes without saying, but some models rarely go on sale. General trends we've seen are that iMacs tend not to go on sale as frequently as MacBooks, and anything above the starting specs on a MacBook, especially if you're looking for upgraded memory, is much trickier to find on sale regularly.

We say this just to encourage a little healthy expectation setting as you embark on your search for a discounted Mac.

I've long wondered what the different reasoning efforts of an AI model actually change when doing things like making websites, so I decided to try the same website prompt on every Opus 5.5 reasoning level. The results genuinely surprised me.

AI is here to stay, it seems, and a lot of people have leaned into the change rather than resisting it. Many people engage with AI over their web browser since major AI services are available there, thereby bypassing the need to have a strong PC that’s optimized to run AI. However, other folks want to run AI directly on their PCs. That is a different category entirely. 

To run AI, you need a pretty strong computer. You can probably run something simple like Nvidia’s ChatRTX without a ton of resources, but if you’re generating images, video, or doing development work, you probably want more than just the bare minimum. So, if you’re getting ready to build an AI, here are some tips on how to do it. 

Pick your operating system

An AI-powered PC needs to run an operating system that can actually use AI. All three major computer operating systems can do this, including Windows, MacOS, and Linux. Generally speaking, Ubuntu and Windows are the two most popular operating systems for running AI, and they should be at the top of your list if you’re building an AI-powered PC. 

Windows is a little better for basic stuff because Copilot is built in. Copilot is in several of Microsoft's apps and in the OS itself, plus you can download the native Copilot app from the Microsoft Store. Ubuntu is superior if you want to build an AI PC from scratch, as all the tools work there and you have the freedom to set things up the way you want. However, Ubuntu is harder to learn if you’ve never used it before. 

Let’s talk specs

An AI-powered PC requires some hefty specs if you want your AI to run well. That includes a large amount of RAM and storage. The more you have of both, the better your AI will run. If you’re wondering why these two things are so expensive right now, this is why. AI data centers are eating up all the RAM and storage so each company’s AI runs better.

The baseline you want to shoot for is about 32GB of RAM and around 1TB of storage, although the more you have, the better things will be. If you skimp here, you won’t have enough space to download AI models or enough RAM to run them.

An Nvidia GPU

I am a fan of AMD GPUs myself, but if you want a PC to run AI, then Nvidia is the way to go. Many of the biggest tools have direct compatibility with Nvidia, and run better when compared to similar AMD GPUs. You want the highest-end card you can afford with the most possible VRAM. Most guides have a floor at 8GB of VRAM, but there are AI models that can easily make use of the 32GB of VRAM in the exceedingly expensive RTX 5090, so there’s no ceiling here. 

A good start is the Nvidia RTX 5070, which comes with 12GB of VRAM, but if you can swing for the stronger RTX 5080 or RTX 5090, you’ll be much better off. 

A CPU with an NPU

The CPU is still important, just not quite as much as the GPU, RAM, and VRAM. Modern CPUs have what is called an NPU, which stands for neural processing unit. These are used specifically for AI tasks, and having a PC with one sets you up for success. All of the major chipmakers have this, including the Intel Core Ultra series, the AMD Ryzen AI series, and even the Snapdragon X series, although you won’t be making a PC with that last one. Pick whichever one you like most. 

All of this applies to laptops too

All of the above advice applies to people who are building a PC, but they also apply to people shopping for laptops. Look for ones with a high-end Nvidia GPU with plenty of VRAM and a CPU that includes an NPU. Most laptops that fulfill these qualifications are user-upgradeable, so you can always add more RAM and storage later, although if you can find one with 32GB of RAM and at least 1TB of storage, you’ll be pretty well set for a while. 

Windows is a massive operating system and you can go years or even decades without interacting with most of the features. There are over 100 native system-wide hotkeys in Windows 11 and it’s a pretty safe bet that most people don’t know much beyond Select All, Copy, and Paste. 

It would take a year to list everything, so instead we’re going to focus on Windows settings that you may not know about. These settings can increase functionality, add some nifty options, or just make your life easier. Every feature below is available on Windows 11 Home and Pro, and they should also be available on Windows 10 in case you’re one of the many people who held out after official support ended last year.

Clipboard history

People copy and paste stuff all the time, and sometimes, they have to go back and find something they’d copied before. Windows has a built-in feature to handle that. To use it, simply hit Windows Key + V together. This opens up the Clipboard History box. The feature is off by default, so you have to turn it on, but after that, it’ll store up to 25 of the most recent things you copied, provided they are HTML (links), text, or images up to 4MB. 

You can also pin items to keep them in the clipboard history forever. The rest are deleted when you shut down or reboot your PC. You can also access Windows’ native emoji selector from this Window, which works in any app where you can enter text. 

End task from the Taskbar

It’s pretty common knowledge that closing an app from the Windows Taskbar doesn’t necessarily fully close it down. Sometimes it sits in the System Tray and has to be closed again there, or a process continues to run unseen in the background until you go into the Task Manager to turn it off manually. You don’t have to do it this way. 

Go to Settings > System > Advanced to find a setting called End task. Click this option on. Now when you right-click an app in the Taskbar, you have the option to end the task directly, shutting down the app and all of its background tasks from there without taking a second trip to the Task Manager or the System Tray. 

Realign your Start button

Prior versions of Windows tucked the Start menu in the lower left corner and then moved it to the center in modern versions of Windows. You can actually move it back over if you want to. Right click a blank spot on your Taskbar and select Taskbar Settings. Find the Taskbar icon alignment option. You keep everything in the center or move it to the left. 

There are some really interesting settings in here, like hiding the Taskbar on your extra monitors, turning Widgets off, putting your Taskbar on a different edge of your screen, and more. It’s worth rooting around in there to customize your Taskbar experience further. 

Create, apply, and tune your Windows theme

Windows has themes, not unlike Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Go into Settings > Personalization > Themes to locate their settings. You have three main options. You can download a theme from the Microsoft Store, edit an existing theme on your machine, or create a custom theme. Each theme saves your background, including a slideshow if you want one, the accent color scheme, your mouse appearance, and sounds. 

Install Microsoft PowerToys

The Settings menu is pretty big, but there’s a whole other settings menu you can unlock with one simple install of Microsoft PowerToys. This powerful software adds several other features that you can tick on and off, along with many other things that you can adjust. For example, you can use the Keyboard Manager to create new hotkeys and then bind them to your keyboard. 

This sounds more like a feature than a settings option, but it’s actually both. PowerToys plugs into Windows in a way the stock Settings menu doesn’t and there are plenty of previously inaccessible settings options there. Root around and have fun, there’s a lot of extra stuff to check out.

Cyberdecks are interesting pieces of tech. They are, essentially, sci-fi inspired portable computers that people build that can kind of bridge the gap between smartphones and laptops. You’ve probably seen them all over the sci-fi genre, including games like Cyberpunk 2077 and movies like Ghost in the Shell or Hackers. You may be interested in building your own. It turns out, you can do that. 

Alternatively, you can take an existing piece of tech and turn it into a cyberdeck. A smartphone is a great candidate for this because it’s already a portable computer attached to a screen, giving you the ability to add a few more touches to turn it into a cyberdeck. It may not be as cool-looking as a Raspberry Pi board built into a custom enclosure, but it’s a quick way to get into it with tech you already have. 

Find a cool enclosure

This is the hardest part of this whole process. A lot of people use something like a small tacklebox, dremel it out so that the phone fits, and buy a small keyboard like the K808 Mini Bluetooth Keyboard to complete the effect with minimal effort and resources. Your enclosure and keyboard will depend on the size of your phone, but hopefully this gives you a good place to start. 

There are also custom 3D printing services that will make you something on request. Prices vary wildly here, but the first and most important step is getting your enclosure and keyboard set up since cyberdecks are supposed to be used out and about.

Rotation Lock keeps your screen right

The enclosure is arguably the hardest and also most important part, but preparing your software to work with everything is also necessary. One app that works well for this is Rotation Lock. This app locks your display in a specific orientation, bypassing your phone’s auto-rotate function and letting you use your phone in whatever orientation you set it to. The app doesn’t work with every phone, though, so make sure to check that yours is compatible. 

Add Linux via Termux

Next up is adding some software chops to your smartphone-turned-cyberdeck. Termux is a good app to do this. It is an Android terminal emulator and Linux environment app that lets you run commands. The real win here is that it lets you set up and run a Linux environment, which grants you access to all sorts of other cool things. 

There are limitations to this technology, and you’ll want to look for Linux apps compiled specifically for Termux, but there’s a lot of additional functionality you can add to your cyberdeck with it. 

Utilize desktop modes where you can

Some Android phones have a desktop mode that is perfect for cyberdeck use. The most well-known and obvious one is Samsung DeX, which turns your smartphone into a native desktop environment, making it friendlier for keyboard and mouse activities. This is doable in the settings menu of Samsung phones, so you don’t need an external display to use it. Google added a desktop mode to Android in 2026 but you need a Pixel device to use it for now. Either of these solutions will work just fine. 

Other apps can help

Most of the stuff above gets you most of the way there, but recommending anything further really depends on what you want to do with it. You can download a custom launcher to give it a more cyberdeck vibe, like this retro launcher on Google Play. Another option is Tasker to set up automations, like turning on all the cyberdeck stuff once it’s plugged into a certain device. You can even use a remote desktop app to connect to your PC at home. There are apps for cybersecurity and productivity, or you can turn your phone into a video game emulator box with all the various emulators. The sky is really the limit here, so let your imagination run wild. 

Best iPhone Duo preorder deals: Apple Store $1,114 (get up to $885 in instant trade-in credits) Pre-Order Here AT&T $799 (save up to $1,200 with trade-in worth $230 or more and AT&T Elite 2.0 or Premium 2.0 plan) Pre-Order Here T-Mobile $999 (save up to $1,000 with eligible trade-in or new line and port on Experience Beyond plan) Pre-Order Here Xfinity Mobile $999 (save up to $1,000 with qualifying trade-in and new Mobile Plus line) Pre-Order Here Verizon $999 (save up to $1,000 with eligible trade-in and new myPlan line, or get a free Apple Watch Series 12 or iPad with eligible plan and new line) Pre-Order Here

Apple is about to launch the iPhone Duo, its first-ever foldable phone, and preorders began Oct. 16. The passport-style device starts at $1,999, making it the most expensive iPhone ever. (Maxed out with 2TB of storage, it'll run you a cool $3,199. Ah!)

The good news is that you won't have to pay full price if you take advantage of various iPhone Duo preorder offers. One major carrier will give it to you for as cheap as $799, provided you trade in an older phone and sign up for certain wireless plans. (That makes the Duo $100 less expensive than the standard iPhone 17.) Below, we've rounded up the best iPhone Duo preorder deals that are currently live.

Heads up: The Apple Store's initial batch of iPhone Duo preorders sold out instantly, and the device is now backordered there until late January. You can get it much sooner by placing your preorder through your carrier instead. Most were advertising shipping dates in early to mid-December at the time of writing.

The very best iPhone Duo preorder deals require a trade-in. Credit: Apple Apple Store: Save up to $1,200 with AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon

Very patient shoppers can leverage three iPhone Duo carrier deals directly through the Apple Store (both in person and online).

AT&T customers can save up to $1,200 on their new foldable (via 36 monthly bill credits) by trading in an iPhone 14 Pro Max or newer and activating a new AT&T Elite 2.0 or Premium 2.0 plan. Earning the full trade-in amount means you'd only pay $799 for your new iPhone Duo, excluding any applicable taxes or fees.

T-Mobile customers can save up to $1,000 on the iPhone Duo (via 24 monthly bill credits) by coughing up an older device and signing up for an Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plan. That brings it down to $999 — right between the iPhone 17 and the $1,099 iPhone Air.

Meanwhile, Verizon customers can earn up to $840 in trade-in credits through Apple. Note that Verizon itself is offering other preorder deals that can save you up to $1,000 (see below), and it's shipping the Duo a bit faster.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Preorder the iPhone Duo at the Apple Store $1,999
Save up to $1,200 with AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon. Preorder Apple Trade In

Trading in your current iPhone through the Apple Store nets you up to $885 in instant credit towards an iPhone Duo. The newer the device, the more credit you'll earn. (The oldest you can go is an iPhone 13, according to a company press release.) You can put that credit towards one of the aforementioned carrier plans, monthly Apple Upgrade payments (see below), or Apple Card Monthly Installments. Here are Apple's maximum trade-in values for older iPhones:

• iPhone 17 Pro Max — $885

• iPhone 17 Pro — $785

• iPhone Air — $585

• iPhone 17 — $585

• iPhone 16 Pro Max — $610

• iPhone 16 Pro — $510

• iPhone 16 Plus — $430

• iPhone 16 — $430

• iPhone 16e — $270

• iPhone 15 Pro Max — $455

• iPhone 15 Pro — $370

• iPhone 15 Plus — $315

• iPhone 15 — $305

• iPhone 14 Pro Max — $360

• iPhone 14 Pro — $285

• iPhone 14 Plus — $210

• iPhone 14 — $195

• iPhone 13 Pro Max — $320

• iPhone 13 Pro — $255

• iPhone 13 — $175

Apple Upgrade

Apple Upgrade is the company's relatively new Klarna-powered product leasing program. You can rent an iPhone Duo for as low as $57.99 per month on a 24-month plan. (That doesn't include taxes or any trade-in credit you've earned.) Once your lease term has ended, you can buy your iPhone Duo outright, upgrade it to a newer device, or just return it.

The iPhone Duo is a passport-style foldable with a nano-texture (matte) inner screen. Credit: Apple AT&T: Save up to $1,200

AT&T is offering the same iPhone Duo preorder deal directly on its website: trade in another device and sign up for an eligible unlimited plan to save up to $1,200 (via 36 monthly bill credits). The offer specifically requires an older phone from any brand that's worth at least $230 and an AT&T Elite 2.0 or Premium 2.0 plan.

Shoppers switching to AT&T from a different carrier will get a bonus AT&T Visa Reward card worth up to $800 to pay off their old contract. You can get an additional $200 off just by signing up for your new line online. (Getting paid to stay home and avoid the preorder crowds? You love to see it.)

At the time of writing, AT&T's iPhone Duo preorders were set to ship in early December.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Preorder the iPhone Duo at AT&T $799
$1,999 Save $1,200 Requires trade-in worth $230 or more and AT&T Elite 2.0 or Premium 2.0 plan. Preorder T-Mobile: Save up to $1,000

At T-Mobile, you can get an iPhone Duo as low as $999 (via 36 monthly bill credits. with an eligible trade-in or a new line and port on an Experience Beyond plan. Unlike the Apple Store, it's shipping some configurations by mid-December.

You'll get a bonus Virtual Prepaid Mastercard worth up to $800 if you switch to T-Mobile from another carrier, give up your old phone, and activate a new line.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Preorder the iPhone Duo at T-Mobile $999
$1,999 Save $1,000 Requires eligible trade-in or new line and port on Experience Beyond plan. Preorder Xfinity Mobile: Save up to $1,000

New Xfinity Mobile Plus customers and existing Diamond members with a Mobile Plus plan can also preorder an iPhone Duo for as low as $999 with an eligible trade-in. Current Mobile Plus customers who aren't yet Diamond members can get the Duo for as low as $1,499 with a trade-in. ("Diamond" is the highest tier of Xfinity's membership program. It's reserved for customers who have been with the carrier for at least a decade and those who use four of its services.)

Your savings will be applied as 36 monthly bill credits, and your preorder will ship as early as mid-November.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Preorder the iPhone Duo at Xfinity Mobile $999
$1,999 Save $1,000 Requires qualifying trade-in and new Mobile Plus line. Preorder Verizon: Save up to $1,000 or get a free Apple Watch Series 12 or iPad

Verizon's iPhone Duo preorders were shipping as soon as early December the last time I checked, and you can save up to $1,000 there (via 36 monthly bill credits) by trading in an eligible phone and adding a new myPlan line. Alternatively, you can get a free Apple Watch Series 12 or iPad from Verizon (again, via bill credits) if you full price for a 256GB iPhone Duo, sign up for an eligible plan, and add a new qualifying service line.

Verizon is waiving activation fees on all iPhone Duo preorders for new and Verizon Loyalty customers — a $40 value. Verizon Loyalty is a free-to-join rewards program that offers 3% back in "Verizon Dollars" every month, plus exclusive access to certain sweepstakes, dining discounts, gift cards, and concert presales.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Preorder the iPhone Duo at Verizon $999
$1,999 Save $1,000 Requires eligible trade-in and new myPlan line. Or, pay full price and get a free Apple Watch Series 12 or iPad with eligible plan and new line. Preorder

If you haven’t looked at the cost of RAM recently, then don’t. They haven’t changed in any positive way since the RAMpocalypse began, and if anything, it’s going to get a lot worse before it gets any better. That makes almost any upgrade untenable, whether it’s buying a new laptop or upgrading your existing desktop PC. 

There is another way, and that’s the wonderful world of software optimization. A few tweaks here and there can add a little extra performance to your tech, preserve it for a little longer, and hopefully last you long enough to get to the other end of the RAMpocalypse when prices finally drop. It’s not quite as potent as doubling your RAM or buying an extra storage drive, but they can definitely make a difference. 

The best part is that these tweaks are free, so it won’t cost you anything to use them, and depending on your setup, you might be looking at some decent performance gains. 

Disable apps at startup

This first tweak is pretty common practice and that’s disabling startup apps that you don’t need. It helps performance in two notable ways. First, it makes your boot times faster since the PC is starting fewer apps right when it turns on. The other way is by helping performance while you use the PC, since fewer apps are running in the background, freeing up system resources. This is free, quick, and reversible in case something goes wrong. 

Windows users can learn how to do it here, while Mac users can also do this with this method.

Free up storage space

Brand new SSDs are right up there with RAM in terms of price, and so a nearly full SSD can be quite a problem. Instead of buying more hardware, take some time to clean out the old junk to see if you can get some of your storage back for free. 

There are many methods to do this, including built-in Disk Cleanup tools on Windows and Mac. Uninstalling apps on a smartphone to free up space is also pretty easy. Specialized apps like WinDirStat can also help you find and remove large files, freeing up more space, and if you have external storage, you can offload files there to save even more. 

Uninstalling stuff you don’t use

Uninstalling stuff has a dual benefit. Apps and especially modern games take up tons of space, and removing apps and games you don’t play can help free up valuable storage. Additionally, many old apps still run in the background, so uninstalling them claws back some system resources as well. The effectiveness of this one depends entirely on how much junk you have on your computer. 

This works for Windows, Mac, smartphones, and tablets, since apps are ubiquitous. The only thing to note is that Windows has two methods to uninstall apps, including the Apps section of the Settings menu and the Control Panel. You’ll want to check both places since they don’t house the same list of apps on your computer. 

Adjust your power settings

Your power settings can have a pretty decent impact on performance. Most computers — at least laptops — are defaulted to a setting that balances power consumption and battery life. This means most PC laptops and MacBooks are running at a decent clip, but they can do better. This minor adjustment is pretty easy to do, but be forewarned that a higher performance setting will reduce battery life. 

Windows users can edit their Power Options to change this, and on Macs, it’s called Power Modes. Some smartphones and tablets also have options like a gaming mode that helps goose performance, but you’ll have to check for your specific smartphone. 

Keep your tech cool

When any piece of tech gets hot, it lowers performance because the CPU or GPU throttles itself to stay within reasonable temperatures. Thus, if you keep your computer or phone cooler, it can run harder for longer. This is tougher to do with smartphones, but for PCs and laptops, it mostly involves making sure your computer is clean and gets enough air. 

Some canned air can work wonders here, as dust buildup can impede fan operation and make your computer hotter. Laptop coolers and even reapplying your thermal paste can help lower PC temps, which can have a remarkable impact on your performance.

AI is becoming a major part of our digital lives, and Microsoft has adopted the new tech with open arms. So much so that Microsoft now offers a huge range of AI tools straight from Windows 11, led by Microsoft’s new digital assistant, Copilot. 

The real advantage of AI is that it can help you do your work faster. AI tools, at least right now, are excellent at helping users save time, so they can spend that time on other tasks. And, many more AI tools that can help you save time are on the way – so expect to be able to save more and more time over the next few months and years.

Curious about how you can save time in Windows 11 using AI? Here are the best features right now.

Simple search features

The first thing that AI tools became reasonably good at is search. To be clear, AI tools do hallucinate information – which is to say that when it comes to search, they sometimes confidently get things wrong. That means that you should double-check important information, especially if the information is highly consequential. 

SEE ALSO: Windows 11 can now ‘read’ text from your phone’s photos — how to use the new feature

That said, Copilot is still pretty good at search, and it provides sources for its information too – so you can click on the sources and double-check that the information is accurate as needed. Plus, Copilot allows you to ask follow-up questions, which is a whole lot quicker than having to search multiple topics on the web.

Summarize documents

With AI in Windows 11, you don’t necessarily need to read full, long documents. Instead, you can ask Copilot to summarize documents for you, and this can be done in a few different apps and services. For example, you can ask Copilot to summarize articles in Microsoft Edge, or ask it to summarize documents in Word. 

Image creation features

There are some handy image creation AI tools in Windows too – and more tools are coming. For now, you can use Microsoft Designer to create images for you. Simply input a text prompt, and Designer will create an image. From there, you can edit the image, and refine it – both using AI tools, and using manual graphic design tools. 

Generate text

As you might expect, Copilot can generate text of its own too, which can be helpful in a variety of settings. For example, from the Pages app, you can enable Copilot and ask it to generate text by describing the kind of text that you want the assistant to create. From there, you can have Copilot change the tone of the text, or ask it to rewrite the text based on additional prompts. Then, simply hit the “Add to page” button and your new text will show up in your document.

Recall (upcoming)

One of the most powerful upcoming AI tools for Windows 11 will first show up in Microsoft’s new generation of computers, called Microsoft Copilot+ PCs. These computers feature powerful new AI processors that can handle local AI features, like Recall.

Recall essentially keeps an eye on the things you do on your computer, and allows you to easily find documents, websites, images, and more, by asking Copilot about them. Remember when you found a recipe you wanted to cook a few weeks ago, but now you can’t find the web page again? That’s the kind of thing that Recall will be able to help with. Using the tool, you should be able to simply ask Copilot to help you find it, and it’ll look through the log of what you’ve done on your computer.

You’ll be able to turn this feature off if you wish, and set which apps and websites it works with, or doesn’t work with. And, Microsoft is quick to point out that these snapshots are stored locally, and not uploaded to the cloud.

Cocreate (upcoming)

Cocreate takes image creation tools to the next level. Using Cocreate on Copilot+ PCs, you’ll be able to sketch designs in paint, and couple that information with text prompts to have Cocreate create a new image for you. The feature will also be available in Microsoft Photos, and could be perfect for those who simply need graphics for a document, for example. 

The Moon is getting closer to full, with most of its surface now lit up as it moves through the Waxing Gibbous phase. There's a lot more to see tonight than a week ago, so be sure to look up tonight.

What is today's Moon phase?

As of Monday, Oct. 19, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the Waxing Gibbous phase, with 56% of its surface visible.

Tonight, you should be able to spot the Mare Crisium and Mare Fecunditatis without any visual aids. If you have binoculars you'll also see the Endymion Crater, the Alphonsus Crater, and the Appenine Mountains. Plus, if you have a telescope, you'll also see the Apollo 15 and 16 landing spots, plus the Rima Hyginus.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on October 25 or 26, depending on your timezone.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon takes around 29.5 days to travel around Earth, and its appearance changes throughout the month. As it moves around our planet, we see different amounts of its sunlit side, from a slim crescent to the quarter phases and eventually a Full Moon. It then begins the cycle again. As NASA explains, these phases are caused by the Moon's changing position relative to Earth and the Sun.

The eight phases are:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it's not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Shop the Target ACOTAR collection: Angie's Sweet & Salty Popcorn (6.5oz) $3.79 Shop Now Suriel Earl Greyer Lavender Black Tea (36ct) $14.99 Shop Now ACOTAR Adult Apparel Clearance prices from $12.75 Shop Now Alex and Ani Amarantha's Riddle Collection Bracelet $24.99 Shop Now ACOTAR x Fine'ry Limited Edition High Lord of the Night Court Cologne (2 fl oz) $29.99 Shop Now BrüMate drinkware Starting from $35.99 Shop Now

If your reading list revolves around the Night Court, clear your schedule and prep your wallet. Target is turning its aisles into Prythian with a massive merchandise lineup and late-night celebrations for the sixth installment in Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses series, A Court of Splintered Harmony.

The ACOTAR Collection officially landed on shelves at Target on Oct. 11, giving fans a head start on collecting themed gear. And soon, select stores will host late-night release parties where readers can purchase the new hardcover right as the clock strikes midnight.

Most of Target's ACOTAR collection is exclusive — and most items sit under $20. The lineup spans BrüMate tumblers, Fine'ry fragrances, Alex and Ani jewelry, Suriel teas, graphic apparel, kettle corn, and a tabletop game.

Party perks and gifts

On Oct. 26 from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. local time, approximately 250 Target stores nationwide will host an official A Court of Splintered Harmony midnight release event. Attendees can test their series knowledge with themed trivia, take photos, browse the merchandise line, and hang out with fellow fans.

• First 100 guests — The first 100 people in line receive a free commemorative entry ticket and a complimentary Bryaxis keychain, allowing them to buy the book at midnight.

• Sarah J. Maas gift with purchase — Anyone who buys A Court of Splintered Harmony at Target receives an exclusive gift designed in partnership with author Sarah J. Maas herself (while supplies last).

• Hasbro game gift — Guests who purchase an ACOTAR Hasbro game during the event get a free mystery gift with purchase while supplies last.

Store pickup for online preorders will not be available at midnight. If you preordered for store pickup, your copy will be ready when doors open for regular business hours on Oct. 27.

To shop the full collection or check if your local store is hosting a midnight release party, head over to Target online or the Target app. Gather your Inner Circle, brush up on your Suriel trivia, and hit up your nearest store on Oct. 26 to grab Book Six the second it drops.

Bambu Lab might be one of the best 3D printer brands out there in my opinion, but that doesn't mean I agree with every decision it makes. That's why I've deployed these three open-source utilities to help me take back control of my printer—and I think you should do the same.

TL;DR: Fandango and Lionsgate are streaming all five Hunger Games movies for free on Fandango’s ad-supported platform through Oct. 31. Fans can rewatch the entire saga at zero cost before tickets open for the new prequel.

If you need a reason to revisit Panem's most brutal arena battles, Lionsgate and Fandango just handed you one on a silver platter.

In a first-of-its-kind streaming takeover, Fandango is hosting all five previous Hunger Games films on its ad-supported streaming service. So you can catch up on the entire global blockbuster franchise without spending a single cent or using a credit card. However, the free streaming event runs for a limited time from Oct. 16-31.

You can stream the entire theatrical collection in one place:

• The Hunger Games

• The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

• The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1

• The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2

• The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

Are there ads, and is there extra content?

Yes, the films are available on Fandango’s free, ad-supported streaming service with limited commercials.

The takeover also features exclusive Hunger Games-themed promotional content and special moments surrounding each film to immerse fans deeper into Panem before the next movie hits the big screen.

The streaming marathon is designed to build hype for Lionsgate’s upcoming theatrical release, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, which arrives exclusively in theaters on Nov. 20.

SEE ALSO: The first 20 minutes of 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' blew me away

By bringing the full library to Fandango, fans can rewatch the saga and then purchase movie tickets for the new release directly on the same platform as soon as showtimes go on sale. Based on Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novel, the prequel is directed by Francis Lawrence and takes place 24 years before the events of the original Hunger Games.

It follows a 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy (Joseph Zada) from District 12 on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Annual Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. Inside the arena, Haymitch forms an alliance with fellow tribute Maysilee Donner (McKenna Grace) and a broader coalition to challenge President Snow's (Ralph Fiennes) control over the Capitol.

SEE ALSO: Fandango just made it easier to stream for free — here's what changed

You can watch all five films directly through Fandango’s streaming platform on your browser, smart TV, or mobile app by logging into or creating a free Fandango account.

Head over to Fandango to start your marathon today, and get your Panem history straight before Sunrise on the Reaping takes you back into the arena.