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October Prime Day is over: 100+ best deals still live, including $200 off MacBooks and $79 AirPods

Mashable - Thu, 10/08/2026 - 20:45
The best October Prime Day deals still live: Best Outdoor deal Coleman 100-Quart Marine Cooler with UV Guard $99.99 (save $35) Get Deal Best home and kitchen deal Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe Coffee Machine $133.99 (save $60.03) Get Deal Best headphone deal Bose QuietComfort Headphones (1st Gen) $169 (save $190) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 (save $50) Get Deal Best Beauty Deal Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask $299.99 (save $50) Get Deal Best TV deal Toshiba 43-inch M450 Series QLED 4K Smart Fire TV $199.99 (save $130) Get Deal Best Deal Under $25 Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) $24 (save $5) Get Deal

Another huge Amazon sale for Prime members has officially come to a close. This year, Prime Big Deal Days (aka "October Prime Day") ran Oct. 6 and 7, and while the 48-hour event is officially over, a handful of lingering discounts are still up for grabs.

The best October Prime Day deals provided some much-needed relief from the RAMageddon price hikes impacting the tech industry. Amazon recently increased prices on nearly two dozen Kindles, Fire TV Sticks, Echo smart speakers, and eero routers because of rising component costs. Seasonal sales like Prime Big Deal Days (and later Black Friday) help cancel out some of those markups.

SEE ALSO: Try Amazon Prime for free for 30 days to get access to October Prime Day 2026

While the official event has wrapped up, we're keeping an eye out for any leftover post-Prime Day savings that haven't expired yet. You can also check out our guides to the best October Prime Day tech deals, kitchen deals, and outdoor deals to see what remaining discounts you can still score.

How we choose Prime Day deals

Mashable shopping reporters and editors regularly review the latest products from brands like Apple, Bose, Kindle, Ninja, Nintendo, Sony, and Samsung. We've also been covering major shopping events like Prime Big Deal Days for almost a decade.

Before recommending a deal, we use price-tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel to check its price history, and we prioritize record-low discounts. We also check prices at other retailers (big-box stores like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy are also hosting fall sales right now), so we can point you to the lowest price at any given moment, even if it's not at Amazon.

Deals marked with a ✅ are Mashable award winners and editor favorites. Deals marked with a strikethrough are no longer available.

Best audio deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Headphones (1st Gen) ✅ $169 at Amazon
$359 Save $190   Get Deal Why we like it

For October Prime Day, you can save 53% on the first-generation Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones. Now, to be clear, these are not the newest version of these popular headphones, but it's really hard to argue with a discount like this. These headphones are incredibly comfy even after hours of use, and they offer true active noise-cancellation.

We also have to call out the first-ever deal on the new version of these headphones, the Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen). Mashable's audio expert Bethany Allard says they offer the best possible combination of comfort, noise cancellation, sound quality, and value in the entire headphones category, full stop. Currently, they're $319, down from $359 — a $40 saving that makes them an even better value. Read our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen).

More headphone dealsMore wireless earbuds dealsBluetooth speaker dealsBest Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 ✅ $199 at Amazon
$249 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

We found 21 Apple products at record-low prices for Prime Day, which is more than we expected to be frank! But our top pick was a Prime Day classic. The basic AirPods just got an upgrade with the new AirPods 5, but last year's Apple AirPods Pro 3 are back on sale. During the sale, the AirPods Pro 3 dropped to $179 — $70 off their $249 list price. Now that the sale is over, the price has risen to $199, now only $50 off the MSRP.

These famous Apple earbuds have ANC, a more comfortable fit, and support for live translation with a compatible iPhone. They're a good pick for commuters and even measure your heart rate during workouts.

Read our full review of the Apple AirPods Pro 3.

More Prime Day Apple deals

AirPods deals

Apple Watch deals

iPad deals

MacBook deals

Mac deals

Deals on Apple accessories

Best TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Toshiba Toshiba 43-inch M450 Series QLED 4K Smart Fire TV ✅ $199.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $130   Get Deal Why we like it

Prime Big Deal Days is a 48-hour sale, and Amazon is dropping new deals throughout the event. And the latest “Today’s Big Deals” drop from Amazon includes one of the best Prime Day TV deals we've seen yet. If you're looking for a budget set, this Toshbia Fire TV has a 43-inch QLED display, and it's never been priced this low before.

As everything else gets more expensive, somehow flat-screen TVs keep getting cheaper. So, for those of us who can't afford to drop $1,500 on a premium OLED TV, we don't have to settle too much. This 4K TV features an HDR10+ display and supports Dolby Vision, which is pretty good for a TV under $200.

More TV deals

40 to 55-inch TV deals

65-inch TV deals

75 inches and above TV deals

Best home and kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe Coffee Machine $133.99 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $65.96   Get Deal

If your morning routine centers around iced lattes or a quick espresso shot, this bundle gives you a legit cafe-level setup without taking over your entire countertop. The Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe packs Nespresso's single-touch brewing into an ultra-compact footprint, spinning pods at high speeds to pull rich, crema-topped espresso or full-sized coffee mugs in seconds. Plus, the Deluxe version adds a bigger side water tank, so you're not constantly running to the sink between brews.

The real star here is the included Aeroccino3 milk frother. Instead of buying a frother separately to make lattes, this bundle gives you one-touch hot- or cold-foam for cappuccinos and iced drinks right out of the box. Grabbing the machine-and-frother combo in Matte Black Gold is an absolute steal for upgrading your morning coffee with zero hassle before this Prime deal vanishes.

More Prime Day home and kitchen dealsBest outdoor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Coleman 100-Quart Marine Cooler with UV Guard $99.99 at Amazon
$134.99 Save $35.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Whether you're gearing up for tailgate season, a weekend fishing trip, or just need to keep a mountain of drinks icy for a backyard party, this massive Coleman cooler is a total workhorse. Its 100-quart capacity holds up to 160 cans, while the fully insulated body keeps ice frozen for up to five days. Plus, the outer shell has a built-in UV coating so it won't crack in the sun.

Built for rough outdoor use, it packs rust-resistant hardware, rugged 6-inch wheels for dragging across sand or dirt, and a leakproof drain plug. The reinforced lid even doubles as a seat that supports up to 250 pounds and comes with built-in cup holders. Getting this much heavy-duty cooler space for under $100 is an absolute steal before the discount vanishes.

More outdoor deals

Cooler deals

Camping deals

Best power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Elite 100 mini Portable Power Station ✅ $429.99 at Amazon
$699 Save $269.01   Get Deal Why we like it

"Bluetti is bringing out some of my favorite portable power stations lately. For starters, the Bluetti FridgePower can keep your refrigerator cooling for up to 20 hours during an outage. But I'm especially excited about the new Bluetti Elite 100 mini.

I love the single handle built into the side of this model. I find it much easier to carry compared to the pop-up handle that goes down the middle of many power stations. Plus, Bluetti's built-in LED light on the warm setting is perfect for evening illumination." — Lauren Allain, Mashable Contributor

More power station dealsBest vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum $149.99 at SharkNinja
$299.99 Save $150   Get Deal

Note: This product is sold out at Amazon, but you can still find it for 50% off at the SharkNinja website.

Why we like it

"Year after year, this Shark stick vacuum is one of the best Prime Day deals on vacuums, and I'm glad to see it back on sale for Prime Big Deal Days. One of our former reporters swore by this vacuum, calling it a literal 'game-changer' for his dog-hair-filled New York City apartment. It has a brush head that's designed to make pet hair disappear, and you can't go wrong with a 50% discount, can you?" Timothy Werth, Mashable Tech Editor

More Prime Day vacuum dealsBest memory and SSD deals Opens in a new window Credit: SanDisk SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD ✅ $249.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $50   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: SanDisk SanDisk 512GB microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2 $153.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $46   Get Deal Why we like it

"SanDisk is a favorite of mine when buying memory products, and I use their Extreme portable SSDs to back up my own photo and video collection. (As a tech editor, I take a lot of photos and videos.) Thanks to RAMageddon, you have to take any opportunity you can find to save on portable SSDs, flash drives, microSD cards, and hard drives. Already, some of SanDisk's most popular memory products are on sale, like their microSD Express card for the Switch 2 and the new version of their popular Extreme drive." — Timothy Werth, Mashable Tech Editor

More SSD and hard drive dealsBest fitness deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hpygn Hpygn Resistance Bands with Handles $19.79 at Amazon
$21.99 Save $2.20   Get Deal Why we like it

If you don't have the space (or cash) for a full set of dumbbells, this stackable Hpygn resistance band set gives you a portable home gym setup for under $20. It packs five latex bands ranging from 10 to 50 pounds each, allowing you to combine them with the heavy-duty steel buckles for up to 150 pounds of total resistance. The bundle comes fully loaded with cushioned non-slip handles, ankle straps, a door anchor, and a compact travel pouch so you can squeeze in a quick workout anywhere.

More fitness dealsMore smartwatch dealsBest Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars SMART Play: Millennium Falcon $79.95 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $20.04   Get Deal Why we like it

Building the iconic Millennium Falcon is already a rite of passage for any Star Wars fan, but this 885-piece set upgrades the classic build with Lego's interactive Smart Play system. On its own, it’s a detailed, screen-accurate model featuring fold-out top panels for interior play, stud shooters, and four minifigures — Han Solo, Chewbacca, Luke Skywalker, and C-3PO.

What makes this release special are the built-in Smart Tags. When paired with a Lego Smart Brick (from an All-In-One set), the ship instantly responds with authentic sound effects and dynamic lights as kids play—bringing lightsaber duels and hyperdrive jumps to life.

More Lego dealsBest streaming and subscription deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Audible $0.99/month for four months + free $20 credit Get Deal Why we like it

Right now, eligible Prime members can get four months of Audible Standard for $0.99 per month — $3.96 total. On top of that, you get a free $20 credit to spend on the title(s) of your choice.

Your membership lets you download one audiobook per month. including classics, new releases, and BookTok faves like the ACOTAR series. And if 99 cents feels a little high, you can also sign up for a 30-day free trial.

More Amazon subscription dealsBest beauty tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask ✅ $299 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $50.99   Get Deal Why we like it

Shark's red light face mask not only costs half as much as the competition, but it also offers cooling therapy and blue light therapy for good measure. We spent 10 months testing this face mask to make sure it lived up to the hype, and in the end, we named it a Mashable Choice product.

During Prime Big Deal Days, you can get this Shark beauty mask at its lowest-ever price. Read our full review of the Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask.

More beauty tech dealsBest gaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G5 $219.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $130   Get Deal Why we like it

"Finding a 32-inch, 1,440p panel from a top-tier brand for around 37% off is nothing to scoff at. You're getting a 180Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time, plus G-Sync and FreeSync support to keep fast-paced action smooth and free of screen tearing. It also comes with a height-adjustable ergonomic stand right out of the box, so you can pivot, tilt, and swivel to your setup's needs — a practical feature most budget displays cut to trim costs." — Ben Williams, Mashable contributor

More gaming dealsBest Anker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh $119.98 at Amazon
$134.99 Save $15.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Forget carrying a tangled mess of cords — this Anker power bank solves travel cable management by building two USB-C cables directly into the body, including a 2.3-foot retractable option.

It hits right under the airline 100Wh restriction, making it completely flight-approved despite packing a massive 25,000mAh capacity and a 165W total output. With three separate USB-C ports capable of up to 100W each, it can fast-charge a MacBook Pro and an iPhone simultaneously. It's an absolute essential for digital nomads, commuters, and heavy tech users looking for serious portable power on sale.

More mobile accessory dealsBest board game deal Opens in a new window Credit: Days of Wonder Ticket to Ride $29.99
$39.99 Save $10.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon is loaded with board game deals during October Prime Day, and if you have plans for a board-game Thanksgiving gathering, now's a great time to stock up.

"If you haven't yet dabbled in the joy of Ticket to Ride, I recommend this game for any group. I've played with friends, family, and even people I don't really like, but the game has made the gathering enjoyable. It's easy to learn gameplay, has a few fun twists, and it's a great geography lesson, too." — Lauren Allain, Mashable Contributor

More Prime Day board game deals

Time is running out for Prime members to shop Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days sale. Sign up for a Prime 30-day free trial if you want to save some cash, and follow Mashable’s guide to the best October Prime Day deals and live blog for the latest updates.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I’ve written about mechanical keyboards for 5 years. I regret recommending this "upgrade" to everyone

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/08/2026 - 20:30

The mechanical keyboard hobby has evolved significantly over the past few years. What was once a fairly niche hobby for gamers and typists has become much more mainstream.

Categories: IT General, Technology

GTA 6 Cyberleek update: Everything leaked so far, what could be next

Mashable - Thu, 10/08/2026 - 20:29

Since August, someone (or perhaps a group of people) called Cyberleek has been very busy sharing various gameplay clips of Grand Theft Auto 6. On Aug. 20, Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of GTA-maker Rockstar Games, filed subpoenas against Microsoft and Discord to try to unmask the leaker, followed soon after by subpoenas against Google and X Corp. Those filings specifically cited "stolen content," seemingly confirming that at least some of the Cyberleek videos are legitimate.

Prior to the August "Extended Look" on Netflix, the GTA 6 leaks represented the first real glimpse of gameplay from the hotly anticipated title. After the Netflix trailer, Cyberleek stopped for more than a month, before suddenly reappearing in October with a 24-minute gameplay video. We're not going to embed or link to any of these clips; however, they're easy enough to find on X or Reddit if you look hard enough.

SEE ALSO: What is Cyberleek? Everything we know about the alleged GTA 6 leakers. Every GTA 6 leak from Cyberleek so far

At the time of publication, more than a dozen gameplay clips and map screenshots have been posted by Cyberleek that show different aspects of GTA 6, including glimpses of cutscenes. The leaker did post some minor story spoilers in the most recent release, so be careful if you want to avoid them.

Here are the GTA 6 leaks Cyberleek has shared so far:

  • Map sneak peek 1: A small, cropped portion of the in-game world map, showing a location called Dalton Island.

  • Map sneak peek 2: Another cropped portion of the map showing locations called Tequesta Retreat, Gloriana Key, and Catalan Key.

  • Basketball video: A clip of protagonist Jason Duval throwing a basketball into a hoop in a mini-game.

  • Full map: An alleged view of the entire in-game map.

  • Random video 1: A clip of Jason driving around for a little bit before beating up a truck driver.

  • Taser video: A clip of Jason driving at night, stealing a security guard's taser, and using it on him. Jason then repeatedly kicks the guard while he is on the ground.

  • Junkies video: A clip that appears to show a healing drug called Zombix. A tooltip indicates that Zombix's effects will weaken over time if the player uses it too much.

  • Plane video: A clip of Jason flying a plane over Vice City, with much of the game world visible below. At the end, whoever is playing the game in the clip shoots the word "LEEK" into a wall with bullets, suggesting the leaker has a playable build of the game.

  • Hypercar part 1: A clip of Jason driving a high-end sports car around Vice City.

  • Hypercar part 2: A clip of Jason driving the sports car some more, before committing armed robbery.

  • Strip club: Jason wanders around a strip club, then a short clip of an in-game cutscene is shown.

  • Gas station: Jason causes trouble at a gas station, steals a truck with a bed full of gasoline, and crashes and dies; more of the previous cutscene is shown.

  • Plane video 2: Jason flies a plane over Vice City at night.

  • Nudist colony: Jason explores a nudist hangout spot (where the NPCs are, obviously, nude) and attacks NPCs.

  • Nightclub: A pretty uneventful video of Jason walking around the interior of a nightclub.

  • Beach cycling: Jason riding a bicycle on a beach full of NPCs.

  • Video game store: Jason walking around a video game store with shelves full of fake video game boxes.

  • How does Cyberleek drive?: Jason steals a hotrod and evades the police; the clip ends with a cutscene showing Lucia Caminos, the game's second playable character, for the first time. Caminos talks about someone who "drives like a bitch."

  • Lucia prologue: A four-and-a-half-minute video of a prologue introducing Caminos; the clip includes minor story spoilers.

  • 24-minute extended leak: A long video featuring multiple vehicular races, car customization, first-person gameplay, and both protagonists rendered in the nude.

What could Cyberleek release next?

The latest Cyberleek video ended with an allusion to some sort of long-term "project," the likes of which we know nothing about. It's not clear if more leaks are coming or not, but given the October dump, it's possible we'll see more from Cyberleek before the game launches in November.

You can see the game officially now

Speaking of the Netflix trailer, it's now on YouTube in all of its 26-minute glory. There were plenty of little details that Cyberleek never showed, such as gameplay footage of Lucia, among many other things. If you want a real idea of how GTA 6 works, you're probably better off watching the Netflix video than anything Cyberleek posted at this point.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Updated on Friday, Aug. 28 at 1:30 p.m. ET — We've updated this story with additional details.

Updated on Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 3:20 p.m. ET — We've updated this story with details on Rockstar's statement and additional GTA 6 leaks.

Updated on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 11:40 a.m. ET — We've updated this story to reflect the latest Cyberleek videos.

Updated on Monday, Aug. 24 at 1:30 p.m. ET — We've updated this story to reflect the latest Cyberleek leaks.

Updated on Friday, Aug. 21 at 3:00 p.m. ET — Take-Two Interactive Software Inc., the parent company of Grand Theft Auto-maker Rockstar Games, has filed two subpoenas naming Microsoft and Discord as it hunts the leaker known as Cyberleek. The legal filings specifically cite "stolen content," seemingly confirming that the leaks are legitimate. Take-Two is also requesting the removal of leaked material that violates its copyrights, as well as information that could unmask the leakers. Read more about the Microsoft and Discord subpoenas.

Updated on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 2:15 p.m. ET — We've updated the story to reflect the latest Cyberleek leaks.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are still less than $200 following October Prime Day

Mashable - Thu, 10/08/2026 - 20:18

Save 50%: As of Oct. 8, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are on sale for $198 at Amazon, knocking $201.99 off their $399.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 $198 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $201.99   Get Deal

Just one month ago, Sony launched a pair of mid-tier headphones targeted toward the more budget conscious consumer who didn't want to sacrifice quality. Who knew that 30 days later, Sony would be offering a deal on its former flagship headphones that offered an even better value?

As of Oct. 8, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are on sale for $198, bringing them down to their lowest price ever, and slashing $201.99 off their total price of $399.99. At first glance, this already looks like a pretty great deal. The context behind it, however, makes it even better.

Let's start with how these headphones compare to the current flagship model, the WH-1000XM6 headphones. While the XM6s come with some minor upgrades, including improvements in sound and folding ear cups, in my head-to-head comparison, I didn't find any wild discrepancies between the two headphones. They're visually very similar and have the same exact battery life. While the XM6's eke out as a slightly better pair overall, they also retail for $459.99 at full price (and are currently on sale for $378). In other words, even on sale they're $180 more — expensive enough that you could nearly buy the XM5s on sale twice over.

SEE ALSO: The 13 best headphones of 2026: We tested the top contenders from Sony, Apple, Bose, and Beats

That's not all. The new WH-1000XM4C from Sony were designed for people who didn't need the best of the best, but still wanted a solid-performing pair of headphones that could stand the test of time. Being a newer pair, they didn't go on sale for October Prime Day and are currently available for their list price of $299.99. Considering they're still over $100 more expensive than the XM5s, the choice seems a no-brainer, unless you're really committed to the look of the XM4Cs or having folding ear cups (which the XM5s do not).

Amazon's flagged the pink XM5s as a "deal selling fast," and the only other color available, on sale, and still in stock is the midnight blue, so if you're interested, you'll want to act sooner rather than later.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 new shows to watch this weekend across Netflix, Prime Video, and more (October 9-11)

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/08/2026 - 20:01

The top story in Hollywood is easily the official merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery to form Skydance. How it will affect the entire streaming landscape has yet to be seen. For now, turn your attention toward things you can actually control, like picking out shows to watch this week.

Categories: IT General, Technology

When it comes to election advice, maybe AI isnt so bad after all?

Mashable - Thu, 10/08/2026 - 19:33

When I read on NPR this week that people are turning to ChatGPT to tell them how to vote, I shook my head. Here we go again, I thought: another search for the easy way out. Voting is too serious of a right to turn over the thought process to AI.

Then I ran the experiment myself, and while I still stand by my old-world views of doing the homework yourself, I must admit that, barring just voting blindly, AI might be better than doing nothing at all.

Politics has been my obsession for as long as I can remember. In college, one of my top goals was to become a press secretary on Capitol Hill. I got there at 23, the youngest press secretary on the Hill at the time, and spent seven years there before moving into a career in public relations.

Now, in a bit of a full-circle moment, I'm an opinion columnist writing about politics for several sites. That’s why I have always taken the right to vote very seriously, and for most of my life, I prided myself on voting for the best person, not the party.

That self-imposed rule came undone in recent years. I won't pretend otherwise.

But my politics are beside the point here. Because of who I am, and my encyclopedic knowledge of politics, my friends, neighbors and family from all over the country reach out to ask who they should vote for in their districts and states.

SEE ALSO: Who are we expecting to save us from AI?

Until a few years ago, I never would have offered a name or a party. I'd tell them to pick the issues they care about most, go to each candidate's website, see where they stand, and decide who has the best point of view or gets the most done. I tried to be impartial.

So, to see if they, too, could be impartial, I asked ChatGPT and Claude, "Who should I vote for?"

Both gave me essentially the answer I give my friends. Neither gave recommendations. Both pointed me toward finding my ballot, choosing my issues and checking the candidates' records. When I listed the issues, both laid out a side-by-side comparison of where the candidates stand.

That is a shortcut, but it's a shortcut to the research, not around it. So, before I proceed, I won’t be using AI to help me cast my ballot, but if all else fails for you, then maybe it’s not such a bad idea.

I say this with a hint of reservation, and with consideration for how most voters get their information, and that’s through the impartiality of political ads. They begin running ad nauseam the Tuesday after Labor Day and repeat over and over and over again until Election Day.

When you mouth the words coming out of the candidate’s mouth as their ad runs, you know you’ve seen it one too many times.

That’s intentional. Drumming messaging into the heads of voters is a time-honored tradition. And those ads have an implicit call to action. They are built to make you angry or to make you cheer, to vow to vote with or against someone. They can also be misleading and downright mean-spirited.

For many Americans juggling jobs, kids, extracurriculars and managing budgets, those 30-second spots are the only contact they might have with the people asking for their vote. Relying on those ads is not the best way to determine who to vote for, but sometimes it’s the only option available.

Compared with that, an AI assistant that helps you map out a strategy and gives you a quick, organized take on where candidates stand looks like a step up.

I'm not suggesting this replaces the real work. It's still best to read the candidates' own platforms, do your own research and dig into the records. And sure, reach out to friends or acquaintances who might know a little more than you. 

I may be old-fashioned, but I still believe in carefully weighing every candidate. However, for those short on time, getting a little help from an AI tool is far better than being swayed by attack ads, guessing blindly, or closing your eyes and picking a name at random.

There is one condition, and it matters more than anything else. If you take the time to ask the question and figure out where the candidates stand, you must take the time to act on it. Vote. Whether you drop your ballot in the mail or step into a booth, nothing beats the pride of knowing you did your civic duty, and that you took the time to prepare and do it right.

Someday, as AI spreads into every corner of our lives, you may be able to tell an assistant who you want to vote for and it will handle the rest. Don’t laugh, because snail-mail ballots might be the last vestige of doing things the old-fashioned way.

Stranger things have happened. But if it ever comes to that, I'll do it the tried and true way, just as I prefer to research my candidates on my own.

This article represents the opinions of its writer.

John Casey is a columnist at Raw Story, the Advocate, Daily Beast, and Outsports. He's also the author of Love: The Heroic Stories of Marriage Equality.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google's new AI note-taker doesn't need the cloud

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/08/2026 - 19:32

The application of AI in the productivity space, especially note-taking, has been growing rapidly. We've seen newer tools like Granola and Fathom gain popularity, while established platforms like Notion have also integrated AI, helping users generate transcripts and notes from hours-long meetings. It looks like Google is also experimenting in the space but with a twist—a tool called Google AI Edge Foresight that runs locally on your Mac leveraging Apple Silicon. The company is experimenting with Foresight through Google AI Edge wing, a collection of technologies and tools designed to run AI models locally on devices.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I stopped using Excel as a task manager and switched to this free, open-source app

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/08/2026 - 19:30

Excel is one of those tools I can reach for whenever I need to organize something, which is exactly why I ended up using it as a task manager. But there's a point where a growing list of things to do stops being a spreadsheet problem and starts being a workload problem. So I turned to Super Productivity, and it has become my go-to when I need to get a handle on everything I have to do.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Best Buys Ocarina of Time midnight launch events will be your next chance to grab the sold-out Zelda Switch 2

Mashable - Thu, 10/08/2026 - 19:04

If you haven't been able to get your hands on Nintendo's special-edition Legend of Zelda Switch 2 console yet, plan on camping out at your local Best Buy next month.

In a press release Thursday, the electronics chain confirmed that some of its stores will have the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 available in limited quantities on Nov. 5, at its late-night launch events for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The system's matching Pro Controller will also be up for grabs while supplies last.

These launch events will kick off at 12 a.m. ET on Nov. 5 or the local equivalent. Best Buy stores in the Central Time Zone will open at 11 p.m., West Coast stores will open at 9 p.m., and so on. You can find participating stores near you using Best Buy's store locator tool.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 "The Legend of Zelda" 40th Anniversary Edition $519.99 at Best Buy
  Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller "The Legend of Zelda" 40th Anniversary Edition $99.99 at Best Buy
  Learn More

Gamers who preorder a physical copy of Ocarina of Time from Best Buy will be able to pick it up in person during the festivities. If you already opted to have a preorder delivered, you can change it to store pickup on the Purchase History page of your My Best Buy account.

Featuring gold Triforce accents and green Joy-Con 2 controllers, the Zelda Switch 2 system has been extremely difficult to buy since it first went up for preorder on Sept. 8. (It's set for release on Oct. 29.) GameSpot reported that it sold out "immediately" and spotted reseller listings on eBay with 50% markups. Nintendo has randomly dropped restocks over the past few weeks, but they go fast. At the time of writing, it was out of stock everywhere.

The Zelda Switch 2 costs $519.99, or $30 more than the standard version of the console (which got a $50 price hike this fall amid "RAMageddon"). Of note, it does not include a copy of Nintendo's Ocarina of Time remake — you have to buy the game separately. The Zelda 40th Anniversary Pro Controller costs $99.99, and it's also sold out everywhere.

A physical copy of Ocarina of Time will set you back $69.99, though preorders have been discounted for the last few weeks at Amazon and Walmart (which both promise free release-day delivery). The digital version of the game costs $59.99 and can be pre-loaded on your Switch 2 console so you can play it as soon as it's out.

"The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" (Nintendo Switch 2) $59.88 at Walmart
  Pre-order Here at Walmart Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Best Buy "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" (Nintendo Switch 2 digital code) $59.99 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Best Buy Pre-order Here at Nintendo
Categories: IT General, Technology

Google won't offer these new Pixel features on old phones. Here's how I added them anyway

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/08/2026 - 19:00

Every year, Google announces a new Pixel phone with a handful of new features. Some of these goodies never make their way to old models as recent as the Pixel 8. You have options when it comes to bringing your Pixel up to date with the latest and greatest.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Someone got Googlebook OS running on an Apple Silicon Mac

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/08/2026 - 18:53

Google recently launched Googlebook, its new Android-based laptop platform, and even though the machines are available for purchase at retail stores, some users still can’t get their hands on them. Many users don’t want to spend serious money just to feel the new Googlebook Operating System.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple's AirPods Pro 3s still have their Prime Big Deal Days price

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/08/2026 - 18:50

Every so often, after huge savings events, like following Prime Big Deal Days, Amazon keeps sale prices around on certain products (or just forgets to mark them back to the normal price). These golden opportunities are a perfect way to steal a deal that you may have missed during the savings extravaganza, and none may be a better score right now than the AirPods Pro 3s—which are still nearly 30% off.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Bose QuietComfort headphones remain at their lowest price ever after October Prime Days end

Mashable - Thu, 10/08/2026 - 18:47

Save 53%: As of Oct. 8, the Bose QuietComfort headphones are still down at their record-low Prime Big Deal Days price of $169 at Amazon. At full price, these headphones cost $359, saving you $190.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort headphones (1st gen) $169 at Amazon
$359 Save $190   Get Deal

Prime Big Deal Days may be over, but one of the best deals of the sale is very much still live.

The first-generation Bose QuietComfort headphones may not be the latest from the brand, but they dropped to an impressive record low of of $169 during the sale, slashing 53% off their $359 list price. As of Oct. 8, the deal is still available in six different colorways. In addition to Amazon, you can also find it live at Bose's website and Best Buy.

My colleague and fellow audio tester, Samantha Mangino, wrote earlier this year about how these headphones are her go-tos: they're comfortable enough to easily wear all day (with earrings and glasses on), sound great, offer excellent active noise cancellation, and have intuitive tactile controls on the ear cups. The battery life is OK at 24 hours, and the multipoint pairing can be less than consistent at times (a common problem with Bose), but for the most part, these headphones punch far above what I'd expect from a $170 price point.

SEE ALSO: We tested every pair of Bose headphones and earbuds. We found 5 we love, and 1 to buy on sale.

Though I'm a big fan of the recently released second-generation QuietComfort headphones, which come with a slightly different design and immersive audio, on sale those headphones are still $319. For getting the most bang for your buck, the original QuietComforts are still the way to go. And they have removable ear cushions, which helps for future-proofing. All in all, at this price point, these headphones offer an excellent value.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Microsoft created a magnetic USB-C port, and you need to see it for yourself

Mashable - Thu, 10/08/2026 - 18:44

It doesn't always feel like Microsoft and Apple are heated rivals in the laptop space these days, but now and then, we get a glimpse of what used to be.

In this case, Microsoft just debuted its own take on Apple's MagSafe mechanism for charging laptops. It's a magnetic USB-C port on the newly announced Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra, and it works exactly as it sounds: once you get the connector close enough, it snaps right on with the power of magnets.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft's Surface Laptop Ultra is an AI supercomputer dressed as a laptop This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Microsoft is calling it "Magnetic Connect" and is touting it as the first built-in magnetic USB-C port on a laptop. There are similar options from third-party vendors, but they aren't built in. Meanwhile, Apple's MagSafe mechanism uses magnets, but it's not USB-C, so it seems like Microsoft's claim holds some water here.

Probably the most important detail here is that you can still plug any old USB-C connector into the port, which gives it a leg up over MagSafe. Apple's version of this uses a proprietary connector that isn't really useful for anything other than its intended use.

The biggest problem is that the Surface Laptop Ultra starts at a staggering $2,599. Maybe you can live without a magnetic USB-C connector, in that case.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Windows 11 annual update is boring, but staying on 24H2 is a security risk

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/08/2026 - 18:30

Microsoft describes Windows 11 26H2 as a predictable, low-disruption update. It's an enablement package that mainly activates features you already have on your PC if you installed the monthly updates. Looks like not much will happen if you decide to go ahead with it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The massive 100-inch Hisense E7 Cinema Series 4K TV is on sale for over $1,300 off

Mashable - Thu, 10/08/2026 - 18:20

SAVE $1,302: The 100-inch Hisense E7 Cinema Series QLED TV is on sale for $1,697.99, down from the normal price of $2,999.99. That's a 43% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense 100-inch Hisense E7 Cinema Series QLED TV $1,697.99
$2,999.99 Save $1,302.00   Get Deal

October Prime Day is over according to the official dates, but that doesn't mean the deals are dry. If you forgot about the sale or got stuck in a purchase indecision loop, no sweat, because there's a TV deal in store at Amazon that is well worth some attention.

As of Oct. 8, the 100-inch Hisense E7 Cinema Series QLED TV is on sale for $1,697.99, down from the normal price of $2,999.99. That's a 43% discount that shaves a major $1,302 off the price and marks the best price we've ever spotted at Amazon.

A 100-inch TV is a real treat. Unless you want an art TV, going with a giant model is a great way to turn streaming sessions into an optimal experience. The 100-inch Hisense will be awesome for watching fall's best sporting events and streaming shows.

SEE ALSO: The 15+ best Prime Day tech deals still live: Last chance deals on MacBooks, TVs, headphones, and more

In addition to the QLED display, the TV hits a native refresh rate of 144Hz, which means you'll be able to game all winter on this model. Hisense also used AI Smooth Motion with this model, so your action movies will look better than ever.

Before this lingering Prime Day deal expires, snag the 100-inch Hisense E7 Cinema Series QLED TV while saving over $1,300.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon just quietly dropped 3 new tablets — meet the Alexa tablets

Mashable - Thu, 10/08/2026 - 18:17
Preorder the new Amazon Alexa Tablets Preorder now Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro $499.99 Pre-Order Here Preorder now Amazon Alexa Tablet 11 $329.99 Pre-Order Here Preorder now Amazon Alexa Tablet 8 $229.99 Pre-Order Here Preorder now Amazon Alexa Tablet Pro Pen $89.99 Pre-Order Here Preorder now Amazon Alexa Tablet Pro Keyboard $149.99 Pre-Order Here

In the aftermath of Prime Big Deal Days, Amazon quietly dropped a new line of tablets now powered by Android with access to the Google Play Store. The lineup includes three new tablets, all with an aluminum unibody construction, similar to the design of the new Kindles.

As you might guess from the name, Alexa Tablets are built to run on Alexa+, Amazon's most advanced voice assistant. This also marks the retailer's transition away from Fire Tablets, likely to be phased out in favor of the new Alexa Tablets.

Here's what we know about the new Amazon Alexa tablets.

Meet the new Amazon Alexa Tablets

The new Amazon Alexa tablets are available in three sizes: 12 inches, 11 inches, and 8.7 inches. The 12-inch unit, the Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, is Amazon's most advanced tablet yet while the 11 and 8, offer mid- and budget-range options.

All of the new tablets run on Android, an upgrade from the Fire Tablets, which ran on Amazon's native system. This means that the tablets finally have the Google Play Store, making millions of apps now available on Amazon's tablets.

Plus, Amazon has made the Alexa Tablets more functional for the tasks you do the most. Now, they have a built-in Kindle sanctuary on the devices. When you open the Kindle app, the tablet goes distraction-free by silencing notifications, reducing blue light, and stretching battery life.

Here's a breakdown of the tablet models and prices:

The Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro: Amazon's most advanced tablet The Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro is built to rival the iPad Pro. Credit: Amazon

As Apple's iPad Pro features two different screen types, Amazon did something similar with the design of the Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro. The new premium tablet comes in a standard display or Nanomatte, a new precision-etched anti-glare technology. Amazon partnered with Corning to craft the process that makes the nearly undetectable textured glass. It allows you to read in any angle or light without glare.

Designed for the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro are two new accessories, the Alexa Tablet Pro Pen and Alexa Tablet Pro Keyboard. Both turn the tablet into a full work setup for a laptop-like experience.

It starts at $499.99 and is available for preorder now, shipping as soon as Oct. 14.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro $499.99 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Alexa Tablet Pro Pen $89.99 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Alexa Tablet Pro Keyboard $149.99 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here Meet the Alexa Tablet 11 and 8 Amazon is offering two Alexa Tablets at more affordable price points, the Alexa Tablet 11 and 8. Credit: Amazon / Mashable Photo Composite

In addition to the 12 Pro, Amazon has released the Alexa Tablet 11 and 8.

The Amazon Alexa Tablet 11 is an 11-inch tablet with a 16:10 aspect ratio. It comes with 8GB of RAM and dual Dolby Atmos speakers. Its new aluminum casing comes in matcha, amethyst, and graphite. It starts at $329.99.

For a more budget-friendly option, there's the Amazon Alexa Tablet 8. It's the best size for readers who want to log hours on the Kindle app. It weighs just 329g and is 7.95mm thin. It has 4GB of RAM and an 8-core processor. It comes in graphite, rosette, and teal. It starts at $229.99.

Both tablets are available for preorder now, to be released Oct. 14.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Alexa Tablet 11 $329.99 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Alexa Tablet 8 $229.99 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here
Categories: IT General, Technology

These 3D-printed Halloween models are too good to miss and, yes, you need to start today

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/08/2026 - 18:00

Halloween is almost upon us again, and for those of us blessed with one (or more) 3D printers, it's the perfect time to get into the real spirit of Halloween and decorate your home with things you can't just buy off store shelves.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Sony just launched a new spatial audio microphone for creators: How to preorder now

Mashable - Thu, 10/08/2026 - 18:00

You can't scroll through TikTok without seeing someone using a pocket mic in their videos. These little gadgets have become a staple for content creators, and the UGC mic market continues to expand.

Our favorite brands are DJI and Rode, but a hot new bombshell has entered the scene. On Oct. 8, Sony introduced the ECM-AX10 spatial audio microphone.

Sony ECM-AX10 price and specs

Sony's new spatial audio microphone retails for $249.99 and is available for preorder now.

The ECM-AX10 comes with a wind screen to cut down outdoor noises. Credit: Sony

This is the first Eclipsa Audio-certified microphone for smartphones, and it features the following:

  • Four omnidirectional microphone capsules

  • USB-C connection

  • Three recording modes: Ambisonics, binaural, stereo

  • Weight: 24 grams

  • Selfie mode for front and rear alignment

  • 3.5mm headphone output

  • Noise cut filter

  • Included accessories: Wind screen, extension USB-C cable, cold-shoe microphone holder

Sony ECM-AX10 Spatial Audio Microphone $249.99 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Sony Pre-order Here at B&H Photo Video What makes the Sony ECM-AX10 different

Unlike most pocket mics, the Sony ECM-AX10 attaches directly to your phone — there aren't separate receivers or microphones. So, you don't have to hold anything or clip anything to your clothes.

It's designed to capture spatial audio, not just voice pickup. It's ideal for recording live concerts and shows, sporting events, travel, and city walks — any type of content where the background noise is part of the ambiance.

Capture the full sonic scene of a live music session with the ECM-AX10 mic. Credit: Sony

The ECM-AX10 houses four omnidirectional microphone capsules and has three recording formats. Ambisonics recording uses four mic capsules to capture spatial audio for immersive and Eclipsa Audio production, binaural recording captures audio best for two-channel headphone listening, and stereo recording is your standard two-channel audio for broad speaker compatibility. Sony has a dedicated Spatial Audio Video Tool app where you can edit the footage and sound that you capture.

The microphone has a built-in accelerometer that automatically detects the mic's tilt angle, so your audio is aligned with your video, no matter your phone's orientation. On the mic itself, you'll find a peak-level meter, a spatial/stereo mode switch, an ATT switch (loud-sound protection), a Noise Cut filter, a selfie mode switch, and a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack.

If you mostly make talking head content in your home, you're probably better off with a cheaper DJI Mic Mini or Rode Micro. But the Sony ECM-AX10 would be an awesome investment for creators whose content focuses on immersive, atmospheric, or spatial experiences, or those who just want rich, full sound in their videos.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This is why the Dell XPS 16 is a great laptop for content creators

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/08/2026 - 17:57

Content creation remains one of the most computer-dependent jobs in the world. While almost any laptop can handle a few emails and compose a slideshow or spreadsheet, content creators have specific needs.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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