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Get some new tech on a budget with discounted Chromebooks for Black Friday

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 10:15

UPDATE: Nov. 26, 2024, 10:15 a.m. EST This article has been updated with the latest Chromebook deals ahead of Black Friday 2024.

Best early Black Friday Chromebook deals Best Chromebook deal Asus Chromebook Plus XC34 (Intel Core i3-1215U, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 8GB RAM, 128GB UFS) $329 (save $40) Get Deal Best 2-in-1 Chromebook deal Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 (Intel 13th Generation Core i5, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $449.99 (save $250) Get Deal

Chromebooks don't get the respect they deserve when most people talk about which laptops are worth buying. While Chromebooks aren't necessarily the top-tier machines many are looking for, they're still great budget options for those who don't need a technical powerhouse of a laptop. They're affordable, and they get the job done — sometimes, that's all you need.

Ahead of Black Friday 2024, Chromebooks are even more affordable, because a lot of them are on sale before the big event. If you're interested in picking up some new tech for cheap, now is the time to seriously consider your options.

SEE ALSO: HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch review: A big-screened budget laptop for the right user

Check out our favorite pre-Black-Friday Chromebook deals below, and be sure to keep checking back — we'll be updating this article as new offers go live.

Best Chromebook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus Chromebook Plus XC34 (Intel Core i3-1215U, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 8GB RAM, 128GB UFS) $329.00 at Walmart
$369.00 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Asus Chromebook Plus XC34 is a great laptop for those who take a more minimalist approach to their tech. It can handle all the basics with flying colors, from web browsing, to document editing, and all the other day-to-day tasks most people find themselves doing. Ahead of Black Friday, the Chromebook is only $329 at Walmart, which is a nice little $40 discount off a super affordable computer.

Best 2-in-1 Chromebook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 (Intel 13th Generation Core i5, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $449.99 at Best Buy
$699.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Prefer versatility to everything else? You'll probably want a 2-in-1 laptop, and the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 may be one you'll want to check out. The laptop-tablet combo comes with some pretty decent specs for a budget device, and features a seamless convertible body that you can switch up at a moment's notice. This Chromebook is currently sitting at $449.99 at Best Buy, which is $250 off the original price. It also comes bundled with a convenient carrying sleeve.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

The best early Black Friday iPad deals: Several models are over $100 off

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 10:08

UPDATE: Nov. 28, 2024, 3:00 a.m. EST This post has been updated with the best iPad deals available ahead of Black Friday, including a $100 price cut on the iPad Air and new iPad Pro deals.

Best iPad deals ahead of Black Friday Best overall deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M2, WiFi, 128GB) $499 (Save $100 at Best Buy) Get Deal Best budget iPad deal Apple iPad, 10.9-inch (10th generation, WiFi, 64GB) $259 (Save $90 at Amazon) Get Deal Best iPad mini deal Apple iPad mini, 8.3-inch (A17 Bionic, WiFi, 128GB) $399.99 (Save $99.01 at Amazon with on-page coupon) Get Deal

If you don't want to wait until the actual day of Black Friday to shop, iPad deals aren't waiting either.

In these days before Black Friday, every major retailer has started some version of their sale programming. That means we're seeing prices at or near record lows already, from the iPad Air at $100 off, the 10th generation iPad at $90 off, and the new iPad mini at $99 off.

SEE ALSO: All the best early Black Friday deals at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart

As for whether you'll score significantly better prices during Black Friday, it's hard to say, especially as these prices currently are some of the best of the year. What we can say is that we'll be updating this post with any iPad price drops leading into, on, or following Black Friday. As of Nov. 26, here are the best iPad deals already available:

Best iPad deal ahead of Black Friday Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M2, WiFi, 128GB) $499.00 at Best Buy
$599.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

We consider the iPad Air the best Apple tablet for most people: it has the flexibility to be a good school companion as it can be a laptop replacement or art tablet. The M2 chip also powers some older Pro models, but you'll be saving a few hundred bucks (especially with this iPad deal).

At $499, this iPad is just a dollar away from its record low pricing, making it an excellent time to pick it up ahead of the holidays. If you're looking to score the most savings possible, even if that means wading into the chaos of Black Friday, you might want to hold off — the Air initially dropped to this price about a week ago, so there is a chance that it drops even more come Black Friday. At the time of writing, this deal is available at Target, Best Buy, and Amazon, with the latter two having all four colors available.

More iPad deals

iPad

iPad Air

iPad mini

iPad Pro

Categories: IT General, Technology

Early Black Friday AirPods deals are live — here are the best ones so far

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 10:06

UPDATE: Nov. 28, 2024, 3:15 a.m. EST This post has been updated with the latest pricing on all available AirPods models ahead of Black Friday.

Best early Black Friday AirPods deals Best AirPods Pro deal Apple AirPods Pro 2 $169.99 (save $79.01) Get Deal Best AirPods Max deal Apple AirPods Max $399.99 (save $149.01) Get Deal

Black Friday isn't here just yet, but it kind of already is, if that makes sense. You know the drill: Before most big shopping events nowadays, we usually see a bunch of early deals start to slowly crop up, ones that are definitely worth paying attention to. Especially if you're looking for tech products — Black Friday and pre-Black-Friday are always exciting times for those who are looking to catch up on the latest and greatest that the industry has to offer.

Headphones definitely fall into that category, specifically Apple's line of popular audio tech: AirPods. A few different AirPods models are on sale in the weeks preceding Black Friday, including the lastest release, the AirPods 4.

SEE ALSO: The 8 best noise-cancelling headphones of 2024

Check out all the best early Black Friday AirPods deals we could find below, and be sure to keep checking back, because we'll be updating this page as more offers go live.

Best AirPods Pro deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $169.99 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $79.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Apple AirPods Pro 2.

The Apple AirPods Pro 2, which come packed with great features like ANC, hearing protection options, personalized spatial audio, and more, are currently $60 off at Amazon ahead of Black Friday. Considering the record low price on these earbuds is $168.99, we're definitely expecting to see a better price drop during Black Friday. Though that $168 price point may be rare, we frequently see these earbuds go on sale for $199 throughout the year, so much so that we don't really consider that a good deal anymore.

Best AirPods Max deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) $399.99 at Amazon
$549.00 Save $149.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Apple AirPods Max.

If you're not really into earbuds, the AirPods Max are a good pair of over-ear headphones that'll allow you to stay within the Apple ecosystem (we get it, we like our tech to have synergy, too). While we like them for Apple users, we do have some qualms with their shorter battery life, weird carrying case, and lack of a power button, especially at their price point. That said, it's easier to look past those flaws with a good discount, which you'll find on the Lightning pairs instead of the newer USB-C model (which is the only upgrade, other than different colorways, on the newer version of these headphones).

More early Black Friday AirPods deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Apple Watch deals before Black Friday: The Series 10, 9, and SE are down to all-time low prices

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 10:05

UPDATE: Nov. 28, 2024, 4:00 a.m. EST This post has been updated with the most recent price drop on the Apple Watch Series 10, Series 9, SE, and Ultra.

The best Apple Watch deals ahead of Black Friday Best Series 10 deal Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm, GPS) $329 at Amazon (Save $70) Get Deal Best Series 9 deal Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm, GPS) $329 at Walmart (Save $100) Get Deal Best Ultra deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS + cellular) $699.99 at Amazon (Save $99.01) Get Deal

Black Friday sales are in full swing, bringing some of the best prices we've seen on Apple Watches all year.

As of Nov. 26, the Series 10 is $70 in most of its configurations, the Series 9 is down to $279.99 (returning to its July Prime Day pricing), and the SE is at the new low price of $149.

If you hesitated to pick up the Series 9 deal during Prime Day because the Series 10 wasn't out yet, this Black Friday season offers you another chance to make the call between last year and this year's watches. The differences between the watches aren't too drastic, so if you're most focused on saving money, you might want to go with a Series 9, especially as we don't expect them to be available new for much longer.

SEE ALSO: Walmart's second Black Friday sale is live: Get a $149 Apple Watch SE, a $178 55-inch 4K Roku TV, and more

Of course, for those most interested in getting the cheapest Watch possible, grabbing the new discount price of $149 you'll find on the 40mm SE is a solid option.

Below, you'll find each of those picks, along with more of the best Apple Watch deals live leading up to Black Friday.

Best Apple Watch deal ahead of Black Friday Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm, GPS) $329.00 at Amazon
$399.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read more from Mashable about the Apple Watch Series 10.

Just two months after its release, the Series 10 is down to a record-low price for the third time. Throughout November, we watched it fall in price from $355 to $349, and now, finally, $329. Last year, the Series 9 also dropped to $329 during the Black Friday. With programming running early yet again this year, it's hard to tell if Amazon, or any retailer for that matter, will drop the price even further — it would be their biggest Black Friday discount on a fall Apple Watch release if they did. Still, $329 is a great price on a newly released smartwatch that includes upgrades of a larger display, a slightly thinner watch, and an inbuilt speaker for playing audio directly from your watch.

More Apple Watch deals

Series 10

Series 9

SE

Ultra

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Samsung Frame TV is at its lowest-ever price in Amazons Black Friday sale

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 09:56

SAVE $600: As of Nov. 28, the Samsung Frame TV is on sale at Amazon for $897.99, saving you 40% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Frame TV $897.99 at Amazon
$1,497.99 Save $600.00 Get Deal

Amazon's Black Friday event is the perfect chance to secure incredible deals across laptops, earbuds, and TVs. There's something for everyone. One of the best deals we've seen is on the beloved Samsung Frame TV, a top-tier option that comes with a top-tier price.

But, as of Nov. 28, you can find this TV heavily discounted at Amazon, saving you $600. For a limited time, the 55-inch model is priced at $897.99. There are discounts across all sizes, however, so if you want bigger (or smaller) just browse through the different options. And that's not all, this price is the lowest it has ever been at Amazon, so it's not one to miss.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's official Black Friday sale is live, and a ton of new deals are here SEE ALSO: The best early Black Friday deals at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart

A stylish and aesthetic TV, the Samsung device has long been famous for its ability to camouflage as a painting on your wall. The 4K QLED display gives you a stellar viewing experience when bingeing your favorite shows, before giving you an amazing artwork image when not watching. Special mention to the matte finish, reducing reflections and making your displayed images pop even more. How many of your friends can you trick?

Artwork aside, it also features a Tizen smart interface for a user-friendly experience for navigating apps and settings, voice control compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant, and multiple HDMI ports and USB connections, making it a great option for TV fanatics.

Ready to upgrade your TV before the Christmas movie rewatches? Head to Amazon to grab this deal.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Garmin Forerunner 965 is reduced by $100 in Amazons Black Friday sale

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 09:51

SAVE $100: As of Nov. 28 the Garmin Forerunner 965 is on sale at Amazon for $499.99. That's a 17% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Forerunner 965 $499.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

New shoes, new apparel, or a new smartwatch, there's nothing quite like a little running treat. Whether it's a need or a want, a shiny new toy is a great way to kick your running into gear. And if you're looking for a new smartwatch to level up your runs, the Black Friday sales are the best place for you to look, with a range of options now heavily reduced.

One of the major players in this category is, of course, Garmin's Forerunner range. Designed with runners and athletes in mind, through the different price points you'll find watches with GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and a range of performance metrics.

SEE ALSO: The best early Black Friday deals at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart

As of Nov.28, the Garmin Forerunner 965 is on sale for $499.99 at Amazon. That's a savings of 17% on the list price, or $100 off in total. This deal is across all three colorways: yellow and black, black and gray, and whitestone and gray.

The Forerunner 965 is full of incredible stats and data tracking for the most serious of runners to newbies. The bright AMOLED display is colorful and attractive but also makes for a very accessible user interface. Standout features of this fitness tracker include: training status, sleep score, training readiness, and built-in maps.

The watch is controlled by both a touchscreen and easy-to-use buttons, making it a great option for those who don't want an overly complicated

With a battery life that can last up to 23 days, the Forerunner 965 is an ideal choice for long-distance athletes looking to upgrade.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Value of Saying Thanks in Advance

Havard Management Tip of the Day - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 06:01

As a manager, asking your team to take on emotionally taxing tasks is sometimes unavoidable. Thanking someone before they begin can help ease their emotional burden, make them more resilient, and improve outcomes. Here’s how to express anticipatory gratitude. Acknowledge the challenge. Recognize the emotional difficulty of the task. A simple, empathetic statement like, “I […]

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Categories: Management

25+ Black Friday beauty tech deals, handpicked by a beauty tech reporter

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 02:05
The best Black Friday beauty deals Best hair dryer deal Zuvi Halo $209 at Zuvi (Save $140) Get Deal Best hot air tool deal T3 Aire 360 $249.99 at Amazon (Save $50 with on-page coupon) Get Deal Best skincare deal Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Wand bundle $113.40 (Save $75.60 at Amazon) Get Deal Best hot tool deal Amika Blowout Babe thermal brush $70 at Amazon (Save $30 with on-page coupon) Get Deal

As Mashable's shopping reporter on the beauty tech beat, I know first-hand that beauty tech tools like hot air stylers or skincare wands can range from gimmicky to fun to actual lifesavers. (Okay, maybe that last one's a slight exaggeration.) I also know that more often than not, these tools aren't cheap. Black Friday beauty deals take the sting out of high prices, but deals can be deceiving.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's official Black Friday sale is on, and a ton of new deals are here

Together, that doesn't make for the easiest Black Friday shopping experience. Sure, maybe that deal on a microcurrent device looks great, but if it doesn't do much and craps out in six months, it's not worth any amount of money. And with a saturated market, it's easy to waste your money — which is why I've put together this list of my favorite beauty products on sale.

For many of the below products, I've tested them, or at least tried out the brand, personally. (My hottest of hot takes: the Dyson Supersonic really is the best beauty tool—shocking, I know). In addition to vetting the quality of the product — i.e. you won't find any sketchy TikTok Shop-esque deals below — I've also used my professional judgment as a shopping reporter who's covered the online deals beat for over three years. The result: 25 of the best Black Friday beauty tech deals.

Best Black Friday hair dryer dealsBest Black Friday hot air styler dealsBest Black Friday skincare tech dealsBest Black Friday hot tools beauty deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

All the best early Black Friday deals at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 01:49

UPDATE: Nov. 27, 2024, 7:45 p.m. EST The week of Black Friday is finally here. We're tracking all the best deals across retailers and updating this list as things come in and go out of stock.

Best Early Black Friday Deals Best Apple deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $749 at Amazon (Save $250) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Roborock Qrevo S $459.99 at Amazon (Save $340) Get Deal Best headphone deal Bose QuietComfort headphones $199 at Amazon (Save $150) Get Deal Best laptop deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,399 at Amazon (Save $200) Get Deal Best tablet deal Apple iPad, 9th generation (A13, 64GB, WiFi) $199.99 at Target (Save $129.01) Get Deal Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $154.99 at Amazon (Save $45) Get Deal Best Echo deal Amazon Echo Pop $17.99 at Amazon (Save $22) Get Deal Best TV deal Hisense 85-inch QD6 QLED 4K Google TV $649.99 at Best Buy (Save $450) Get Deal Best fitness tracker deal Oura Ring Gen3 (Horizon, Gold) Starting at $249 at Best Buy Get Deal Best kitchen deal KitchenAid 5.5-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer $279.99 at Target (Save $170) Get Deal

The time is nigh. In a matter of hours our bellies — and shopping carts — will be full. While Black Friday properly falls on Nov. 29. this year, retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target have already kicked off their sales early.

Truly, the sheer volume of deals is dizzying. You're in luck though, as we've done the leg work for you. We've been tracking the best Black Friday deals for weeks, finding the lowest prices on all the big names: Apple, Bose, Sony, Samsung, and more.

If you want to get a head start, you can start shopping early Black Friday deals right now. So, for our early birds, here are the best deals to shop.

Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $749.00 at Amazon
$999.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the M2 MacBook Air.

"A couple of weeks ago, the MacBook Air got a quiet RAM upgrade, without a price hike. Now, we're seeing the M2 MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage on sale for $749, officially back to its lowest price ever. With these specs, this MacBook will be more than capable of handling everyday tasks with ease, while offering you more flexibility to run more (and more intensive) programs at once. Considering Mashable reporter Alex Perry called this laptop "just about the ideal work-from-home (or work-from-wherever, really) companion," in his review, this memory upgrade is certainly welcome." – Bethany Allard, Shopping Reporter

More Apple dealsMacBook Air (13-inch)MacBook Air (15-inch)MacBook ProMaciPadiPad AiriPad miniiPad ProApple WatchesAirPodsAirTags and Apple PencilBest robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo S $459.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $340.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"I think of the Roborock Qrevo S as the diet version of my favorite self-emptying robot vacuum right now, the Roborock Qrevo Master. And unless you're open to spending $1,000 or more on a robot vacuum, you can probably live without the Qrevo Master's fluff features like a livestream pet camera or extending side mop — especially when, at this price, you could buy a Qrevo S for two stories of your home for less than the price of one on-sale Qrevo Master.

Opting for the cheaper Qrevo is still a solid move: Compared to other 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop combos also on sale for Black Friday, the Qrevo S is one of the rare options under $500 that washes and dries its mopping pads." — Leah Stodart, Senior Shopping Reporter

More robot vacuum dealsRobot vacuum and mop combosBest headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Headphones $199.00 at Amazon
$349.00 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"Bose makes some of the best headphones they've tested. The brand's QuietComfort line-up strikes the genius balance of sound quality and comfort. While the QuietComfort Ultra headphones and earbuds are the most elevated Bose models, the basic QuietComforts are still great.

If you don't need spatial audio, but you do want sound that will make your music sound better, elevating drop beats and sick synth, go for the Bose QuietComfort headphones. The power button on the side is responsive, and the battery is insanely long. I wore these while taking the train from Boston to New York and by the time I reached my destination, they still had 50% battery life.

Normally, $349, the Bose QuietComfort headphones are down to $199. That saves you $150 for 43% savings." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More headphone and speaker dealsHeadphonesEarbudsSpeakersBest laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (Snapdragon X Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,599.99 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the 13-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7.

"Microsoft's Copilot+ PC has an even longer battery life than the new M4 MacBook Pros — it lasted nearly 23 hours in our testing — and it comes with AI features that 'make Windows fun again,' Gedeon wrote. She gave it a 4.8/5; it's a Mashable Choice Award winner and our current favorite laptop for most people, barring any app compatibility issues.

The upgraded configuration that Gedeon tested is a 13-inch model featuring a Snapdragon X Elite processor, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage. It usually retails for $1,999.99, but Amazon and the Microsoft Store both have it listed for $1,599.99, or 20% off. That's its biggest discount to date." — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

More laptop and computer deals

For MacBook and Mac deals, scroll back up to the Apple deals section.

Windows laptopsChromebooksGaming laptopsBest tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 9th generation (A13, 64GB, WiFi) $199.99 at Target
$329.00 Save $129.01 Get Deal Why we like it

"An iPad under $200 is a true gift this holiday season. Apple's 9th generation model is down to $199.99 at Target, less than a dollar short of its lowest price ever. While there might be newer generations available, this is the most budget-friendly model, especially now that it's $129 off.

The 9th generation Apple iPad comes with the A13 bionic chip, which provides plenty of processing power for streaming, gaming, or working. The 10.2-inch retina display gives plenty of space for your creative pursuits, as it's compatible with the first generation of Apple Pencil.

Now is the right time to shop, as you can find the Apple iPad 9th generation for 39% off." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More tablet deals

For Apple iPad deals, scroll back up to the Apple deals section.

Best Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $154.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"The new batch of 2024 Kindles are the fastest yet, turning pages quickly and with less delay when switching between books in your library. The Kindle Paperwhite and Signature Edition both have bright, high-contrast screens, so you can read in any environment. While I prefer the Kindle Paperwhite over the Signature Edition most of the time, right now you can't beat the SE's Black Friday price.

The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is 23% off, bringing it down to $154.99. That's some big savings ($45 to be exact) on a device that's usually $200. You get everything you love in the Paperwhite, lightweight and waterproof design, with the added benefits of double the storage, wireless charging, and auto-adjusting brightness." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More Kindle dealsMore e-reader dealsBest Echo device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Pop $17.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $22.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"The line-up of Amazon Echo devices is sprawling. You can find everything from a multitasking smart speaker to a touchscreen smart home hub. The absolute best deal on Echo devices right now is on the Amazon Echo Pop. This small but mighty device with a quality speaker and built-in assistant so you can play music just by calling out to Alexa.

Currently, it's down to $17.99 — its lowest price ever. That knocks 55% off the regular price for $22 in savings. While we expect this price to hang around through Black Friday weekend, you can rest assured you're getting it at a great deal when you buy now." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More Echo dealsBest TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 85-inch QD6 QLED 4K Google TV $649.99 at Best Buy
$1,099.99 Save $450.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"Black Friday is all about huge discounts on huge TVs, and this 85-inch Hisense model is a perfect case in point: Now just $650, it's far cheaper than any other TV this big — not just at Best Buy, but at Amazon and Walmart, too. (And abnormally-cheap-for-their-size TVs are really more Walmart's thing.) The fact that it has a bright and vibrant QLED display, not a standard 4K screen, sweetens the deal even further.

Kind of surprised this one wasn't chosen as a doorbuster, TBH. Let's call it a hidden gem." — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

More TV deals

TV deals are sorted by size, then price.

43- to 50-inch TVs55-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch TVs and largerStreaming devices and media playersBest fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Oura Oura Ring Gen3 (Horizon, Gold) $349.00 at Best Buy
$449.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Oura Ring Gen3.

"The previous-gen Oura Ring is an excellent fitness wearable with heart-rate and blood oxygen monitoring, temperature and activity tracking, and a multi-day battery life — all wrapped up in a sleek, durable titanium design. It's on sale at Best Buy this Black Friday for $50 to $200 off, depending on the style and finish (starting from $249.99)." — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

More fitness tracker deals

For Apple Watch deals, scroll back up to the Apple deals section.

Best kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: KitchenAid KitchenAid 5.5-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer $279.99 at Target
$449.99 Save $170.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"If you're getting ready to whip up dozens of Christmas cookies, don't even think about doing it all by hand. Sure, it will be a great arm workout, but at what cost? Upgrade your kitchen tools ahead of the holiday season with the KitchenAid 5.5-quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer. It has twice the power of KitchenAid's standard tilt-head mixer and can mix batches of 11 dozen cookies at a time. This mixer is no joke.

You can get the savings ahead of Black Friday as it's marked down to $279.99, saving you $170 for 38% off." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More kitchen dealsBest home deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V11 Cordless Vacuum $349.99 at Walmart
$599.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"As you get ready for guests during the holidays, a vacuum is your best friend. It sucks up crumbs leftover from dinner, or anything trailed in on winter boots. In the panic of prepping for visitors, if you don't want to deal with cords or bags, look to the Dyson V11 Cordless Vacuum.

It had whole-machine filtration to seeks to remove the smallest particles from pollen to bacteria. Plus there's nothing worse than hair getting stuck in the vacuum head, but it automatically detangles hair. Ahead of Black Friday, you can find this vacuum for just $349.99. That saves you $250, for banging savings of 42%." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More home dealsBest mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nectar Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress (Queen) $949.00 at Nectar
$2,286.00 Save $1,337.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"We’re shocked by how many mattress deals are popping off this early in the game. While there are great discounts across the board, the Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress (Queen) has our vote as the best deal ahead of Black Friday.

This 13-inch-thick mattress has twice as much pressure-relieving memory foam as the Nectar Classic, 60 percent more cooling, and is currently 50% off. With five layers of premium OEKO-TEX-certified materials, this mattress will provide an incredibly comfortable and supportive night's sleep. There’s also a 365-day trial and forever warranty, so if you don’t absolutely love it, you can return it." — Tabitha Britt, Mashable Contributor

More mattress dealsBest streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu with ads monthly subscription $0.99/month for one year (save $108) Get Deal Why we like it

"Hulu remains the top dog when it comes to Black Friday deals. For the second year in a row, the streamer is offering an entire year of Hulu with ads for just $0.99 per month. That's less than $12 total for an entire year of streaming. It's a bit surprising, honestly, as Hulu upped the cost of its basic plan just last month from $7.99 per month to $9.99 per month. In other words, the savings this year are even more impressive — 90% or $108 in total over 12 months.

Hulu is the streaming home for three of our favorite shows of 2023, The Bear, Abbott Elementary, and Reservation Dogs, as well as our top favorite show of 2024, Shōgun. It's also where you'll find episodes of ABC shows the day after they air, like Dancing with the Stars, and Neon movies fresh out of the theaters, like Cuckoo (coming Dec. 17)." — Christina Buff, Mashable Contributor

More streaming dealsBest book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart 'Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West' by Gregory Maguire $10.00 at Walmart
$19.99 Save $9.99 Get Deal Why we like it

"It's safe to say that the Wicked craze is in full swing. Whether you're holding space for all the memes the press tour is delivering or already ready for your second in-theater watch, have you considered reading the source material? And we're not talking about The Wizard of Oz.

The musical is based on Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, the novel by Gregory Maguire, and if you, or the biggest Wicked fan in your life, are eager to dive deeper into the world, now is a great time to pick up a copy. Ahead of Black Friday, Walmart is offering 50% off the novel, bringing it down to $10.

Wicked not your thing? Don't sweat because the Black Friday book deals are endless. Explore more deals on fiction, non-fiction, YA, and cookbooks below." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More book dealsKindle book dealsBest gaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony The Last of Us Part I $29.99 at Best Buy
$69.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"The second season of The Last of Us is coming in 2025, and if you still haven't played the video game, now is your time to catch up. Ahead of Black Friday, find The Last of Us Part I for PlayStation 5 marked down 57%. It's down to $29.99, saving you $40. Plus, you can save 15% on Astro Gaming headsets with the purchase of a video game at Best Buy.

And while you're at it, you may as well pick up "The Last of Us Part II Remastered" for PlayStation 5, which is also on sale ahead of Black Friday." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More gaming deals under $50Best toy deal Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart Lego Star Wars Ahsoka Tano’s T-6 Jedi Shuttle (75362) $45.00 at Walmart
$79.99 Save $34.99 Get Deal Why we like it

"The Office Lego Set may have sold out at Walmart within a day or so of dropping, but we still have another favorite Lego deal to highlight. Star Wars fans will get a huge kick out of the Lego Star Wars Ahsoka Tano’s T-6 Jedi Shuttle. With a rotating cockpit, signature red wings, and four figurines including bounty hunter and Sith, this is an action-packed set. Walmart's nearly 28% discount drops this set to $45, beating Best Buy's price by $13.99 on the same model number." — Gabriel Morgan, Mashable Contributor

More toys and games dealsLego dealsToy dealsBoard game dealsBest beauty tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: T3 T3 Aire Luxe $249.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"The Dyson Airwrap is often a popular purchase this time of year, on account of the fact it's $600 at full price. While it is on sale, we recommend checking out our guide to the best Airwrap dupes. Specifically, grab the T3 Aire 360, which comes with curling wands, a standard dryer attachment, and a round brush. What I enjoyed the most about this multi-styler, however, was its vegan leather carrying case, which was easier to use and took up way less space than every other multi-styler I've tried, including the Airwrap." — Bethany Allard, Lead Shopping Reporter

More beauty tech dealsHair dryer dealsHot air styler dealsSkincare tech dealsHot tools deals

For more Black Friday coverage, check out our sister sites CNET, ZDNET, and PCMag.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Excel’s Stale Value Formatting Arrives on More Windows PCs

How-To Geek - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 00:59

Excel's manual calculation mode lets you make changes to your spreadsheet without triggering any other calculations, but this can present accuracy issues. The new new stale value formatting in Excel fixes that.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Browser Choice Alliance Wants to Keep Microsoft Edge in Check

How-To Geek - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 00:04

Microsoft’s heavy-handed promotion of its Edge browser within Windows is no secret. Vivaldi, Opera, and a few others are joining forces to fight this preferential treatment of Edge.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Spy on the birds in your yard with a discounted Bird Buddy feeder for Black Friday

Mashable - Wed, 11/27/2024 - 23:58

SAVE $80: For Black Friday, you can get the Bird Buddy Original Solar Bird Feeder with Camera for $199, down from $279, a 28% discount (Amazon's listed MSRP, $239, is incorrect and you're actually getting a better deal than they're letting on).

Opens in a new window Credit: Bird Buddy Bird Buddy solar bird feeder with camera $199.00 at Amazon
$279.00 Save $80.00 Get Deal

Some details on the feeder's special extras: The Bird Buddy uses AI to identify different birds and their species — the tech can even tell if one of the animals is displaying signs of illness. With the camera, users can watch live feeds online or capture 2K video and 5 MP photos of new friends up close and personal. The Bird Buddy's app works with the camera, alerting users when their favorite birds are having a snack.

Keeping the camera charged is easy with the feeder's solar-powered roof. The Bird Buddy's manufacturer ensures the feeder's camera is respectful of privacy and does not share data without a user's acknowledgment.

Any bird lover would adore this eco-feeder, and really anyone who would appreciate a regular soundtrack of calming bird song.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazons official Black Friday sale is on, and a ton of new deals are here

Mashable - Wed, 11/27/2024 - 23:34

UPDATE: Nov. 27, 2024, 5:40 p.m. EST Amazon's Black Friday sale officially started on Thursday, Nov. 21. This story has been updated with details on how long the sale will last, plus new deals on Instant Pots, beauty tech from Dyson and Shark, and further discounts on items that were already on sale, like Beats headphones.

Amazon's best Black Friday deals at a glance: Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $154.99 (save $45) Get Deal Best Echo deal Echo Pop $17.99 (save $22) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Roborock Qrevo S $459.99 (save $340) Get Deal Best TV deal TCL 75-inch Q5 QLED 4K Fire TV $549.99 (save $200) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1399.99 (save $199.01) Get Deal Best headphones deal Sony WH-1000XM5 $298 (save $101.99) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Ninja Double Oven and Air Fryer with FlexDoor (DCT402BK) $199.99 (save $100) Get Deal Best beauty tech deal Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex $179 (save $50.99) Get Deal

It seemed that Amazon was playing the long game this year, but now, its Black Friday sale has officially started.

The monster retailer announced the official dates for its Black Friday sale weeks later than the other big stores, and the official Amazon Black Friday event itself didn't start until Thursday, Nov. 21. If you're at all familiar with the way Black Friday works nowadays, you know that a Black Friday sale starting a week before Thanksgiving isn't all that early — considering Best Buy, Walmart, and Target had all already unveiled a first round or two of official Black Friday deals by the time Amazon started using that language.

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

But by now, any seasoned Black Friday shopper probably also knows that the lack of official Black Friday nomenclature doesn't mean a lack of early Black Friday deals. Amazon had been quietly dropping some pretty good discounts on products in main categories like robot vacuums, Apple products, and Fire TVs throughout all of November. But now that Amazon's legit Black Friday sale is underway after that post-October Prime Day limbo period, expect deals to get explosive.

We're tracking all of the noteworthy deals live in the days before Thanksgiving, and will be refreshing our list of Amazon deals on a daily basis, because that's how often Amazon is dropping new deals.

As you assess your purchase options, definitely keep an eye on our coverage of the other big retailers to see how their deals compare to Amazon's — Walmart, Best Buy, and Target are going hard, and the variety out there deserves some consideration. Another smart shopping strategy is to drop the listing URL into Amazon price history tracker Camelcamelcamel to see if the current deal is a good one, or add the item to your wishlist to get notified as soon as it goes on sale.

Note: All newly added or updated deals have been marked with a ✨, while struck-through deals were either sold out or expired at the time of writing. Any deal marked with a 🔥has dropped to a record-low price. 

Best Black Friday Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $154.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"The new batch of 2024 Kindles is the fastest yet, turning pages quickly and with less delay when switching between books in your library. The Kindle Paperwhite and Signature Edition both have bright, high-contrast screens, so you can read in any environment. While I prefer the Kindle Paperwhite over the Signature Edition most of the time, right now you can't beat the SE's Black Friday price.

The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is 23% off, bringing it down to $154.99. That's some big savings ($45 to be exact) on a device that's usually $200. You get everything you love in the Paperwhite, lightweight and waterproof design, with the added benefits of double the storage, wireless charging, and auto-adjusting brightness." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More Kindle deals at AmazonBest Black Friday Echo deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Pop 🔥 $17.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $22.00 Get Deal Why we like it

For less than $20, why not add the convenience of being able to ask Alexa anything in any room of your home? Even if you can't see yourself being a full-screened Echo person, the Pop can subtly squeeze into any living situation. You won't even know it's there — until you're making dinner and can simply ask Alexa for measurement conversions out loud rather than actually figuring out the math. Then you'll definitely know it's there.

More Echo deals at AmazonBest Black Friday Fire Tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 🔥 $74.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"Amazon's Fire HD 10 tablet is a lot friendlier on the wallet than an iPad. With a 10.1-inch screen, it's similar in size, but it's also a fraction of the price. In our review of the Amazon Fire HD 10, we delighted in its lightweight design and long-battery life. The biggest downside to Amazon's Fire tablets are the limited selection of apps offered, especially compared the the Google Play or Apple stores.

That being said, it's still not a bad choice for those who want a tablet for streaming or reading through the Kindle app —especially when the Fire HD 10 is down to its lowest price ever of $74.99. That's a generous 46% off for $65 in savings." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More Fire Tablet deals at AmazonBest Black Friday robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo S 🔥 $459.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $340.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"I think of the Roborock Qrevo S as the diet version of my favorite self-emptying robot vacuum right now, the Roborock Qrevo Master. And unless you're open to spending $1,000 or more on a robot vacuum, you can probably live without the Qrevo Master's fluff features like a livestream pet camera or extending side mop — especially when, at this price, you could buy a Qrevo S for two stories of your home for less than the price of one on-sale Qrevo Master.

Opting for the cheaper Qrevo is still a solid move: Compared to other 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop combos also on sale for Black Friday, the Qrevo S is one of the rare options under $500 that washes and dries its mopping pads." — Leah Stodart, Senior Shopping Reporter

More robot vacuum deals at Amazon

Robot vacuum and mop combos

Best Black Friday TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL Our pick: TCL 75-inch Q5 QLED 4K Fire TV🔥 $549.99 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"Many people looking to finally replace their old, slow LED TV are looking for the happy medium between the cheapest possible TV and the fanciest possible TV. TCL's base tier QLEDs fall right in this sweet spot, and we're particularly drawn to the $549.99 price point on this huge 75-incher.

Though the 27% discount itself isn't as steep as the 30% or 40% off ones we're seeing in our list, it has to be noted that the TV is already ridiculously modestly priced to start with. $549.99 looks even sweeter in context when put beside the 65-inch version of Amazon's in-house Omni QLED is also on sale for the same price — so you're getting 10 more diagonal inches of screen for the same amount of money.

Even as one of the more basic QLEDs on the market, you'll immediately notice the change in brightness and color of the Q65 over the regular LED you've been watching. The difference comes from a layer of quantum dots laid over the LED backlight, which provides an overall punchier picture that's much better for gaming or watching sports." — Leah Stodart, Senior Shopping Reporter

More TV deals at Amazon

43-inch TVs

50- to 55-inch TVs

65-inch TVs

75-inch TVs and up

Best Black Friday Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) 🔥 $1,399.00 at Amazon
$1,599.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Considering the M4 MacBook Pro hasn't even been on this plane of existence for a full month (it was announced at the Apple Event at the end of October), already getting a $200 discount on the base configuration model is pretty major. That's Black Friday season for you.

So, what's the difference between the M3 and M4 MacBooks, aside from the fact that the M4 powered one is the fastest MacBook that's ever existed? All of your creative projects and gaming will not only benefit from zippier performance of the chip, but will display more responsive motion and gush brighter colors through the M4 MacBook's new quantum dot Liquid Retina display.

More Apple deals at Amazon

MacBooks

Macs

iPads

Apple Watches

AirPods and speakers

AirTags

Best Black Friday headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 $298.00 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $101.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Sony WH-1000XM5.

"If you want headphones that have great noise cancelling and incredible (adjustable) sound, then the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones won't let you down. Out of the noise-cancelling headphones we've tested, these are our top pick for audiophiles. It can be a little annoying that the ear cups don't fold in, but with 30 hours of battery life, you'll probably find yourself wearing them more often than not. Dropped down to $297, these headphones are at a dollar cheaper than their Prime Day price. Our guess is that this means they'll drop even lower on Black Friday, but if you want to pick up a pair early, this is a decent price." — Bethany Allard, Lead Shopping Reporter

More headphones deals at Amazon

Noise-canceling over-ear and on-ear headphones

Noise-canceling earbuds

Best Black Friday fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm, WiFi) 🔥 $279.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Just released in August, this is the first time the new Google Pixel Watch 3 has ever gone on sale for less than $300. Unfortunately, the larger 45mm screen is still at full price, but even this 41mm model has a 10% larger display than the same size Pixel Watch 2, thanks to smaller bezels. The Pixel Watch 3's display is also just brighter and zippier in general, without sacrificing that 24-hour battery life.

On that screen, you'll be able to swipe through a more detailed running dashboard than the previous generation, check your heart rate changes from sleep, to regular daytime chilling, to a legit cardio workout, make payments via Google Wallet, and more.

More fitness tracker and smartwatch deals at Amazon

Smart rings

Best Black Friday kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Double Oven and Air Fryer with FlexDoor (DCT402BK) 🔥 $199.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

We know some version of the Foodi immediately comes to mind when you think of Ninja deals, but Ninja makes other feature-stuffed countertop appliances that also deserve consideration. For instance, one of the new and improved versions of Ninja's iconic air fryer ovens, which whips up food up to 65% faster than your traditional oven, is subtly chilling under $200 for Black Friday. This countertop air frying oven, specifically model number DCT402BK, has a double stack design that can cook two separate food items on different settings or at different temperatures simultaneously. In total, there are 13 cooking presets, including bake, broil, toast, whole roast, and dehydrate.

More kitchen deals at Amazon

Instant Pot

Air fryers and pizza ovens

Coffee makers

Eco-friendly kitchen gear

Beauty tech deals Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex 🔥 $179.00 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $50.99 Get Deal Why we like it

If a multi styler like the Airwrap or FlexStyle feels like it'll be overkill for your hair routine, you might consider a nice (but still multifaceted) hair dryer like the Shark SpeedStyle. It's one of Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard's favorite Dyson Supersonic dupes, particularly for smoothing — its QuickSmooth brush in particular not only dries hair quickly, but "keeps things from looking too windswept and more styled and volumized." This version also comes with a diffuser for defined curls, a concentrator for sleek, straight styles, and a FrizzFighter finishing tool.

More beauty tech deals at Amazon

Check out our sister site PCMag's best Black Friday deals list for more options.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Want to Try a Foldable Phone? These Black Friday Deals Make Them Affordable

How-To Geek - Wed, 11/27/2024 - 23:30

If you want to dip your toes into the world of phones but don't want to pay foldable phone prices, there's no better time than Black Friday to pick one up.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Beats Studio Pro headphones are 54% off as part of a record-low Black Friday deal

Mashable - Wed, 11/27/2024 - 23:24

SAVE $190: As of Nov. 27, Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart have the Beats Studio Pro on sale for just $159.99 during their Black Friday sales. That's 54% off the headphones' $349.99 MSRP and an all-time low.

Where to buy Beats Studio Pro on sale Beats Studio Pro $159.99 at Amazon (save $190) Get Deal Beats Studio Pro $159.99 at Best Buy (save $190) Get Deal Beats Studio Pro $159.99 at Target (save $190) Get Deal Beats Studio Pro $159.99 at Walmart (save $190) Get Deal

Fierce as their competition is during the holidays, Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart have all agreed on one thing lately: The Mashable Choice Award-winning Beats Studio Pro should be on sale at an unprecedented price for Black Friday. Let's not argue with them.

The over-ear, noise-cancelling headphones are down to $159.99 at all four retailers, who have slashed their usual retail price of $349.99 by more than half. Data on the Amazon price-tracking site CamelCamelCamel reveals that this is their biggest discount to date, beating their previous record-low from earlier in November by $10-ish. They were full price on the Beats website and in the Apple Store at the time of writing. (The latter will give you a $50 gift card for buying them direct starting Nov. 29 — meh.)

The Mashable Shopping team previously flagged a Studio Pro deal at Target that brought them down to $249.99, or $100 off. (It was supposed to end on Nov. 26, which it did — they just got even cheaper.) Shoppers who bought them there at that higher price can request an adjustment in store or online with proof of purchase.

SEE ALSO: Black Friday headphone and speaker deals bring AirPods Pro and Bose headphones to record-low prices

Mashable's Alex Perry reviewed the Studio Pro right at launch in the summer of 2023 and scored them at a 4.5/5, commending their ultra-clear sound quality, generous bass, stellar battery life, "tremendous" ANC, convenient foldable design, and cross-platform consistency. Apple (which owns Beats) doesn't leave Android users SOL, here.

"Really, the biggest complaint I can think of is that $350 is a large sum of money to drop on a pair of headphones," Perry wrote. That's less of an issue as things currently stand.

All four stores carry the Studio Pro in black, deep brown, navy, and sandstone. Best Buy has an extra pair in black with gold accents, while three earth-toned Beats Studio Pro x Kim Kardashian variants and a matte white version are exclusively available through Amazon. (Note that the white ones are usually priced at $249.95.) Amazon is also letting shoppers bundle the headphones with two years of AppleCare+ for an additional $19 — a $10 savings.

Categories: IT General, Technology

You Need to Stop Posting About Your Vacation Online—Here's Why

How-To Geek - Wed, 11/27/2024 - 23:15

Heading on vacation for the holidays? You've probably already told a bunch of people and posted about it online in anticipation, and you're likely going to post up-to-the-minute photos and videos to your feeds while you're taking time off. Here's why that's all a terrible idea.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get $75 in Amazon credit when you redeem this early Black Friday Meta Quest 3S bundle deal

Mashable - Wed, 11/27/2024 - 23:10

GET $75: As of Nov. 27, early bird Black Friday shoppers can score $75 in store credit when they purchase a Meta Quest 3S bundle at Amazon. The bundle also includes a digital copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow and a three-month trial of Meta Quest+.

Opens in a new window Credit: Meta / Camouflaj Meta Quest 3S (128GB) bundle + $75 Amazon credit $299.00 at Amazon
Use code QUEST75 at checkout. Get Deal

There's really no better entry point into VR gaming than the Meta Quest 3. It's affordable, easy to set up, and runs great for a budget device (honestly, it doesn't feel "budget" at all). Even at full price, it's a pretty great deal considering what you get.

Lucky for you, the deal is even sweeter ahead of Black Friday: Amazon is offering $75 in store credit to any early bird shoppers who pick up this Meta Quest 3S bundle, which also includes a digital copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow and a three-month trial of Meta Quest+. It's free money. Take it!

If you prefer to do your shopping at Target, the retailer is offering the same deal but with a $75 Target gift card.

SEE ALSO: Check out some of the best Nintendo Switch deals we've seen ahead of Black Friday

The Meta Quest 3S is the most budget-friendly version of the popular VR headset to date, but it's not lacking in features. It has the same processor and RAM as the Meta Quest 3, so it can run the same games with ease. The only place of note you'll be taking a noticeable hit is in resolution (the Meta Quest 3 has a 4K display, while the 3S has a 1920p display), but you'll save at least $100 in return for not upgrading. When you bundle it with a great starter game like Batman: Arkham Shadow and a few months of access to Meta's Quest+ catalog, it's not an offer you should miss, even before the official start of Black Friday.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade without cable

Mashable - Wed, 11/27/2024 - 23:02
How to tune into the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade at home without cable: BEST OVERALL Peacock Premium annual subscription $19.99/year Black Friday Deal ($60 off the annual cost) Get Deal BEST FOR XFINITY CUSTOMERS Peacock Premium Free with eligible Xfinity accounts (save $79.99/year or $7.99/month) Get Deal BEST FOR SPECTRUM CUSTOMERS Peacock Premium Free with eligible Spectrum accounts (save $79.99/year or $7.99/month) Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Peacock Premium for Students $1.99/month for one year (save $6/month) Get Deal BEST FOR FIRST RESPONDERS AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS Peacock Premium $1.99/month for one year (save $6/month) Get Deal BEST CABLE REPLACEMENT Sling TV Blue $22.50 for your first month, then $45/month ($22.50 off your first month) Get Deal

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off its 98th march through the streets of New York City on Nov. 28, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. ET. The annual holiday tradition involves a thrilling barrage of massive balloons, celebrity appearances, fantastical floats, and marching bands, offering plenty of spectacle to accompany your festive feasts and family get-togethers.

This year, there'll be 22 balloons, with the introduction of new balloons inspired by the Elf on the Shelf, Dragon Ball Z, Spider-Man, and Paw Patrol. Plus, Bluey favorites Janet and Rita (Bluey and her sister Bingo in their "grannies" personas) will have their own balloon car, sure to fill fans of the Aussie animated series with glee.

Among the big names performing are Frozen and Wicked star Idina Menzel, The Bear's Liza Colón-Zayas, rapper T-Pain, pop goddess Kylie Minogue, and WNBA Champions New York Liberty and their mascot Ellie the Elephant.

Today show anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker will host at-home audiences on NBC during the 2.5-mile parade. If you don't have cable, don't worry; you can still keep the tradition alive via streaming. Here's what you need to know to tune in live.

SEE ALSO: The best Black Friday streaming deals so far: Hulu, Peacock, Max, and more What time is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?

On Nov. 28, the parade is set to air from 8:30 a.m. to noon ET on NBC, Telemundo, and Peacock and will re-broadcast from 2:00 to 5:30 p.m. ET for those who don't wake up early. If you don't have cable, you'll either need a Peacock subscription or a cable replacement like Sling, Hulu + Live TV, or FuboTV.

How to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade without cableBest Peacock deal for most people Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium $19.99/year Black Friday Deal ($60 off the annual cost) Get Deal

Like every other streaming service, Peacock is prone to price hikes, this year upping its cost for the Premium Plan with ads from $5.99/month ($59.99/year) to $7.99/month ($79.99/year). If you want to cut out ads, you'll have to fork over even more and pay $13.99/month for the Premium Plus Plan, or $139.99/year. But Peacock tends to offer one of the best Black Friday deals of any streamer, and wouldn't you know, there's a Black Friday deal on now for an entire year of the Premium Plan (with ads) for only $19.99. Or, you can sign up to get $1.99/month for 6 months. This may be your best bet for watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade for a steal.

Best Peacock deal for Xfinity customers Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / Xfinity Peacock Premium Free with eligible Xfinity accounts (save $79.99/year or $7.99/month) Get Deal

If you use Xfinity internet, you can score a free or discounted subscription to Peacock to watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade and plenty more. You can check your eligibility over at the Xfinity website, but here's a breakdown if you know which plan you're on:

  • Xfinity Internet users with Gigabit or Gigabit+ speed can get Peacock Premium for free for two years (offer ends June 25, 2025).

  • Xfinity Internet customers who are Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can get Peacock Premium for free by simply redeeming a reward for it. Sign in at xfinity.com/rewards, select the Peacock reward, and wait for an email with instructions on how to activate your offer.

  • NOW TV customers get Peacock Premium included as part of their service.

Best Peacock deal for Spectrum customers Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / Spectrum Peacock Premium Free with eligible Spectrum accounts (save $79.99/year or $7.99/month) Get Deal

According to an agreement between NBC Universal and Charter Communications, the Peacock Premium ad-supported streaming service is available for “no additional cost” to Spectrum TV Select video customers. So Spectrum TV and internet customers can also tune into the Thanksgiving Day Parade and other gems on Peacock for free.

Best Peacock Deal for students Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Students $1.99/month for one year (save $6/month) Get Deal

Students can keep the Thanksgiving tradition alive even without a cable plan by snagging a Peacock Premium subscription for only $1.99/month (for an entire year). All you need is a verifiable student status (a .edu email address) with SheerID. Once you pass the verification, you'll get a unique promo code to sign up for Peacock at a discount. The promo code can only be used once, though, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Best Peacock deal for first responders and medical professionals Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for First Responders and Medical Professionals $1.99/month for one year (save $6/month) Get Deal

Similarly, first responders and medical professionals can score a year of Peacock Premium for only $1.99/month as well (reg. $7.99/month). Verify your status via SheerID upon signing up and use the unique promo code to knock down the cost per month. Eligible first responders and medical professionals who continue to meet verification qualifications can renew the Peacock offer annually and enjoy the Thanksgiving Day Parade and much more for years to come. Learn more about eligibility and offer terms here.

Best cable replacement option Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Blue $22.50 for your first month, then $45/month ($22.50 off your first month) Get Deal

For those who would rather sign up for a cable replacement than a single streaming service to watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade and other live events, Sling TV is your best bet. It's by far the most affordable cable alternative and lets you pick and choose the channels you want access to. For access to NBC, you'll need the Blue plan, which typically costs $45/month. However, you can save 50% on your first month and try it out for only $22.50.

Note: Double check that NBC is available in your local network before committing to Sling.

UPDATE: Nov. 27, 2024, 2:56 p.m. EST This article has been updated to reflect 2024 parade details. Additional reporting by Kristy Puchko.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Chatbots pushing pro-anorexia messaging to teen users

Mashable - Wed, 11/27/2024 - 22:54

As online content encouraging disordered eating behaviors rears its ugly head once again, generative AI is adding fuel to the fire.

According to a Futurism investigation, popular AI startup Character.AI is hosting numerous pro-anorexia chatbots that encourage dangerous weight loss and eating habits. Many are advertised as "weight loss coaches" or even eating disorder recovery experts. Several include thinly-veiled references to eating disorders, while even more are designed to romanticize dangerous and often disturbing habits while mimicking favorite characters. The site, popular among younger users, has not made efforts to remove chatbots of this kind as of Futurism's publishing — despite violating its terms of service.

SEE ALSO: Teens are talking to AI companions, whether it's safe or not

This isn't the first scandal hitting Character.AI's customizable, user-generated chatbots. In October, a 14-year-old boy took his own life after allegedly forming an emotional attachment to an AI bot mimicking Game of Thrones character Daenerys Targaryen. Earlier that month, the company came under fire for hosting a chatbot that mimicked a teen girl who had been murdered in 2006—her father discovered the bot and it was later removed. Previous reporting has found the site also hosts suicide-themed chatbots, as well as ones promoting child sexual abuse.

A 2023 report from the Center for Countering Digital Hate found that popular AI chatbots, including ChatGPT and Snapchat's MyAI, generated dangerous responses to questions about weight and body image. "Untested, unsafe generative AI models have been unleashed on the world with the inevitable consequence that they're causing harm. We found the most popular generative AI sites are encouraging and exacerbating eating disorders among young users—some of whom may be highly vulnerable," wrote Imran Ahmed, CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, at the time.

Teens (and adults) are increasingly turning to digital spaces and technologies, including AI-powered chatbots, for companionship. And while some of these are created and monitored by trusted organizations, even those are at risk for untoward behaviors. For chatbots and online forums that go unregulated by watchdogs, the risks are multifold, including predation and abuse.

Categories: IT General, Technology

All the best Black Friday deals to shop for less than $25

Mashable - Wed, 11/27/2024 - 22:49
The best Black Friday deals under $25 at a glance: BEST TECH DEAL Echo Dot with Amazon Basics Smart Color Bulb $22.99 (save $39.99) Get Deal BEST KITCHEN DEAL Crock-Pot Oval Manual Slow Cooker (7-quart) $24.99 (save $25) Get Deal BEST TOY DEAL Lego Icons Plum Blossom Flower Set $23.99 (save $6) Get Deal

Black Friday properly falls on Nov. 29 this year, but as in years past, sales have been flooding our feeds for weeks. Now that we're closer to the official shopping holiday, we can say with certainty that it's shaping up to be a good year for deals.

Obviously, there are tons of discounts on big-ticket items like TVs and laptops, but not everyone's looking to splurge this season. For anyone on a budget, there are also plenty of products falling under $25 for Black Friday — and lucky for you, we've been tracking all of the best ones at all of the mega-retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target.

Here are our top picks for the best deals under $25. Keep an eye out for more to come as Cyber Week continues.

Best tech deal under $25 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Dot with Amazon Basics Smart Color Bulb $22.99 at Amazon
$62.98 Save $39.99 Get Deal Why we like it

The fifth-generation Echo Dot seamlessly adds smart benefits to your daily routine. A smaller version of the baseline Echo, the Dot is a good fit for a nightstand, bookshelf, countertop, or desk. It can be used to receive reminders, set timers, schedule tasks, communicate with friends and family, save recipes, listen to music, play soothing white noise to escape from the holiday chaos, and more. Paired with the free Amazon Basics smart color bulb, you can ask Alexa to light your room with festive colors. Usually $49.99 for the Echo Dot alone, you can get the device and free bulb for just $22.99. That matches its record-low price.

More tech deals under $25Best kitchen deal under $25 Opens in a new window Credit: Crock-Pot Crock-Pot Oval Manual Slow Cooker (7-quart) $24.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Cooking for big groups this holiday season? Snag this half-priced slow cooker deal from none other than Crock-Pot and whip up soups, stews, meats, and more. The manual design couldn't be easier to use — just turn the dial to low, high, or warm and let it do its thing. With a seven-quart pot, you can fit up to a seven-pound roast and serve nine or more people. Usually $49.99, it's on sale for Black Friday for just under the $25 mark.

More kitchen deals under $25Best toy deal under $25 Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Plum Blossom Flower Set $23.99 at Target
$29.99 Save $6.00 Get Deal Why we like it

This 327-piece Lego set doubles as decor once you're finished building it. Part of the Botanical Collection from Lego Icons, it gives you a gorgeous Plum Blossom that won't die. Designed for adults, the detailed flower replica comes in a pastel blue flowerpot and needs zero pruning or watering. Usually $29.99, it's on sale at Target for $23.99 ahead of Black Friday.

More toy deals under $25Other Black Friday deals under $25
Categories: IT General, Technology
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