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AT&T data breach settlement claim deadline nears. How to file yours.

Mashable - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 16:04

The public has been granted another month to claim a portion of their dues in a recent data breach settlement against AT&T.

The first of the two large-scale breaches was spotted in March 2024, AT&T explained in a statement last year, compromising the addresses, social security numbers, and passcodes of users in a database going back to 2019. An even-larger data breach in 2024 exposed the call logs and text messages of nearly every AT&T customer that took place between approximately May 1 and Oct. 31, 2022, and on Jan. 3, 2023. 

SEE ALSO: Real-life 'Minority Report': AI hopes to stop crime before it starts

In June, courts ruled that the company would dole out $177 million to affected AT&T customers who had accounts between 2019 and 2024. Claimants were divided into two classes: account holders affected by the March 2024 breach would split $149 million, while customers' whose communications were downloaded in the July incident would share $28 million. Direct payments — up to $5,000 for the first class or $2,500 for the second — to users who suffered direct financial losses were paid first, according to the company.

Now, everyone else whose data was exposed is splitting the pile.

How to claim your AT&T settlement money

According to the settlement website, affected customers now have until Dec. 18 to claim their cut — impacted users should have already received a settlement notice containing a Class Member ID or will receive notice by Oct. 17. If you would like to opt out of the settlement, or want to object to your classification under the settlement, you have to physically mail the request by Nov. 17.

To be paid, you must fill out the settlement claim form. You will need your Class Member ID, as well as an email address, AT&T account number, or full name. Be prepared to fill out payment information, such as a direct deposit or check, too.

Who is eligible for the AT&T settlement?

There are different eligibility requirements for the two settlement classes in the case:

  • For Class 1: eligibility extends to any living person whose personal identification information was exposed by the March incident

  • For Class 2: eligibility extends to AT&T account owners or "line or end users" whose numbers or direct communications were downloaded by bad actors

How much money will I get?

Customers will be paid based on the severity of the data breach.

  • For Class 1: Individuals who had their Social Security Numbers exposed (Tier 1) will receive five times more money than those who did not (Tier 2)

  • For Class 2: Individuals who did not prove a documented financial loss will receive a share of remaining settlement funds (Tier 3)

Have questions? You can call the settlement hotline (833) 890-4930 to get answers.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Editing a Formula in an Excel Dialog Box? Here's a Tip to Make Life Easier

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 16:00

When editing a formula in a dialog box in Microsoft Excel, you might go to use the Arrow keys to move the blinking cursor to a different position. However, frustratingly and confusingly, doing this inserts a seemingly random cell reference. Luckily, there's an easy fix!

Categories: IT General, Technology

The DJI Mini drone is on sale for its lowest price ever for October Prime Day

Mashable - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 15:49

SAVE $60: The DJI Mini is discounted 20% during October's Prime Day. You can get the 4k drone for $239, its lowest-ever price on Amazon.

DJI Mini drone with 4K UHD camera $239 at Amazon
$299 Save $60 Get Deal

The DJI Mini 4K is on sale for $239 on Day 2 of Amazon's October Prime Day. That's its lowest-ever price on the platform and represents a 20% discount on its typical list price of $299. That's a solid discount for one of DJI's popular beginner drones.

There might be a good reason the drone is priced so low — these are troubling times for DJI, especially in the United States. The Trump administration instituted new rules for drones manufactured in China that could halt all DJI drone sales in the U.S. by Dec. 23. The company, meanwhile, has had issues importing all its products under the new administration, leaving consumers to rely on third-party sellers.

If you're interested in purchasing the DJI Mini, it might make sense, then, to purchase through Amazon, considering it's a massive, respected seller that can also easily process free returns.

So if you're in the market for a DJI drone, this might be your last, best chance to get one for a good price.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Cadillac's Compact Electric Crossover Gets a Power Boost For 2026

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 15:31

Cadillac’s push into electrification is gaining momentum, and its compact electric crossover is leading the charge. For 2026, it’s not just getting a refresh, it’s getting a serious power upgrade that brings new excitement to the luxury EV segment.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Top Tech Deals: Smart Garage Hub, Galaxy S25 Edge, Anker Chargers, and More

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 15:20

Amazon's Big Deal Days sales event just kicked off, which is basically a continuation of Prime Day sales, and that means you can score all sorts of tech at solid discounts. Naturally, far too many items are on sale, so we've gathered a collection of the best tech discounts worth considering.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Linux File Permissions: 13 Most Important Things to Know

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 15:00

File permissions are core to almost everything you do on your Linux machine, from viewing a PDF to saving an image and running an app. The core model keeps things simple, but there are quite a few basic details to get started with.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Ive found some epic October Prime Day gaming laptop deals

Mashable - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 14:59

It's the final day of the October Prime Day sale, which means it's the last day to get over being priced out of console gaming and get into PC gaming, where you'll get more bang for your buck on hardware and games. But if gaming handhelds aren't powerful enough for your AAA gaming appetite and you don't want to carry a case packed with ten fans and ARBG lighting packed in, you'll want a gaming laptop.

SEE ALSO: What is Prime Big Deal Days? Everything you need to know and what deals to expect.

The great things about gaming laptops are that they're super versatile. I rocked my old ROG Strix for years hooked up to a gaming monitor, mouse and keyboard then take it with me to game in hotel rooms and long commutes. It's the best of both worlds, and now these massive discounts for October prime day is making it a great time to start an obsession to building a steam library.

Whilst we're on the subject, games on PC are simply cheaper. New releases are usually $10 cheaper, and there's plenty of opportunities to get a boatload of game codes at a massive discount from the likes of Humble Bundle and Fanatical. So regardless of budget, I've found some epic gaming laptops for you ranging from powerhouse lappys to budget grafters. Let's get into it:

Best budget gaming laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / ASUS ASUS TUF Gaming F16 (Intel Core 5 210H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, 16GB DDR5, 512GB SSD) $829.99 at Amazon
$1,099.99 Save $270 Get Deal Why we like it

This is about the lowest I'd go specs wise in a gaming laptop before we're getting frame rate issues on performance mode in Fortnite. If you're into gaming but not interested in big demanding AAA titles and have a love of Indie titles, this setup is for you. Whilst you're still rocking a Blackwell GPU with RTX 5050 and have the RAM to back it up, don't expect to be running Cyberpunk 2077 on high settings and forget about ray tracing.

This is the gaming laptop for someone who wants to grab a load of random game keys from Fanatical and dig deep in the weird and wonderful world of indie gaming whilst dipping their toe into blockbuster experiences. It does what it says on the tin with a 1080p 144hz 16:10 display, which will handle anything this setup can throw at it.

More budget gaming laptop dealsBest mid-range gaming laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / ASUS ASUS ROG Strix G16 2025 (Intel® Core i7 14650HX, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,199.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $300 Get Deal Why we like it

This is a solid 1080p gaming machine that should handle any game at 60FPS, then kicking things up even higher when flicking that DLSS 4 switch. Particularly on smaller screens like this 16-inch 165hz LED bad boy, those AI-generated frames alongside turning in-game resolutions down to 900p for AI upscaling will squeeze exceptional performance out of this RTX 5060-powered lappy.

In an ideal world, we'd all have 32GB of DDR5 RAM in our gaming laptops, but this is $1,300 cheaper than my high-end pick in the October Prime Days sale, which means corners have to be cut somewhere. 16GB is plenty and should be for a long time, and the same goes for the Intel Core i7 clocking in at a massive 5.2GHz on 14th gen architecture. This G16 model also rocks the same epic cooling system it's high-end has, so expect to get the best performance possible out of this portable rig.

More mid-range gaming laptop dealsBest high-spec gaming laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / ASUS ASUS ROG Strix G16 2025 (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080, 32GB DDR5, 1TB SSD) $2,399.99 at Amazon
$2,899.99 Save $500 Get Deal Why we like it

This bad boy is the cream of the crop for October Prime Day gaming laptop deals. $500 off an RTX 5080 laptop with stacked specs to boot is nothing to be sniffed at. This is going to run everything, especially with the latest Blackwell architecture inside that discreet GPU rocking DLSS 4. That's NVidia's latest generation of AI frame generation and upscaling AI tech which allows players to squeeze more performance out of their rigs than standard hardware would put out. Although I don't think many will be moaning about performance on a 16" 16:10 240hz/3ms HDR 1440p screen.

So if you're looking for a laptop that's going to be smashing the latest and greatest in years to come this is it. I can hear the PC master race shouting "But it's not really a 5080" from the comments, but it is. Obviously you're not going to get the same performance as you would from a full-fat RTX 5080 desktop GPU, but it's close. Factor in a mix of liquid metal, tri fan and end-to-end vapor chamber cooling in this bad boy and 32GB of 5600MHz DDR5 RAM, this beast is well worth the $500 off.

More high-end gaming laptop deals

Categories: IT General, Technology

50+ Prime Day gaming deals: PlayStation, Razer, SteelSeries discounts

Mashable - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 14:59

Prime Big Deal Days, the new October Amazon Prime Day sale event running until Oct. 8, features sweet gaming deals that players can grab right now. 

While there are some great deals at Amazon across all categories, games across PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X|S platforms have scored fantastic bargains to stock up your backlog with. 

Among a mix of very recent releases and those that have come out over the last few years, you’ll either find modern gems that have rarely gone down in price, fun adventures that have had so much taken off that they’re at an all-time low, or RPGs that will give you hundreds of hours of content for the time you’ve put in.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime ahead of Prime Big Deal Days

As Amazon Prime Big Deal Days rolls on, we’ve assembled the top gaming deals across all three major console platforms so far. If the main event adds in some offers that are even better, we’ll immediately be updating this list accordingly. 

In the meantime, our best gaming deals so far includes an RPG with so much money taken off, it feels ridiculous.

Best gaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: SEGA Persona 3 Reload: Standard Edition - PlayStation 5 $19.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $50 Get Deal Why we like it

If you’re catching up on long RPGs that have come out over the years, being able to grab the amazing Persona 3 Reload for only $19.99 — 71% off its launch price — is the best gaming deal Amazon has going right now, ahead of the Prime Day sale. 

Launched in February 2024, this fantastic remake of the already great Persona 3 from 2006 has been a must-buy for fans of the long-running franchise and RPG fans alike. With its upgraded visuals and music remade from the ground up, enhanced turn-based & social-sim mechanics, and new voice-acting performed by a stellar cast, the original’s incredible story — about a group of high schoolers wielding titular Personas to battle Shadows and solve the mysterious Dark Hour — plays better than ever. 

Thankfully, I’m not alone in my praise, as Mashable eventually declared Persona 3 Reload as one of the best games of 2024 at the time. 

As shown through its pricing history on price tracker CamelCamelCamel, this particular game will likely go back to its higher price of $69.99 once Prime Day ends. We should note that Persona 3 Reload is also available on Xbox Series X for $35.16, and its upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 port is available to pre-order for $59.99, making this sale on the PS5 version the most cost-effective way to play.

More gaming dealsBest gaming mouse deal Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / Razer Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro $94.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $55.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Razer's DeathAdder V3 is one of the most popular gaming mouse on the market right now, and it's currently $55 off for October Prime Day deals. 37% for an in-demand product is nothing to be sniffed at, special when it has a 90 hour battery life and HyperSpeed wireless, meaning input lag will be at an absolute minimum and only noticeable to frame counters on Fortnite. It's a cracking bit of kit and well worth a spot in your battle arsenal.

More gaming mouse dealsBest gaming keyboard deal Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / SteelSeries SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini $239.99 at Amazon
Get Deal Why we like it

Because it's 50% off, that is all. I'm joking, but this is a really great deal forg one of the best gaming keyboards on the market. I play a lot of Fortnite and FPS games with my son, so having that extra room on my giant mousepad to throw my mouse around is an awesome play. If you're working from home, the action on the switches in the Apex Pro mini feel and sound so nice doing day-to-day typing. So for me it's an all-round keyboard.

Going into more details with the switches; they're very cool and quite different from the Cherry MX switches you're used to. They're HyperMagnetic switches, which means they rely on dynamic activation instead of laying back on the travel distance on each switch, which means the kickback and activation of a keypress feels so satisfying and it's ridiculously responsive. They're adjustable too thanks too 40 levels of per-key activation.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Best AirPods deals to buy for October Prime Day, including AirPods 4 and Max

Mashable - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 14:54

Amazon's October Prime Day (Prime Big Deal Days) is in full swing, and after a very slow start, the Apple AirPods deals we were waiting for have finally arrived.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day 2025: Live updates on the top deals

We're now seeing a few significant, record-low prices on some of the most popular models, including the AirPods 4. Although we were initially disappointed to see the AirPods Pro 2 holding steady at their usual $199 price, they've officially dropped to $169.99. Though it's not their biggest price drop ever, this is the deal to grab if you're looking for active noise cancellation. The AirPods Max have also fallen in price from $549 to $429. That's the biggest discount we've seen since Prime Day proper in July.

Though we did see a minor price dip following their initial release, the AirPods Pro 3 are holding steady at full price ($249) so far during this Prime event. We'll be watching them like a hawk to see if a deal does happen to pop up.

Below, find all the Apple AirPods deals available for October Prime Day 2025. Since Apple is the proud owner of Beats headphones, we've also added those to the list for you to shop.

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $89 at Amazon
$129 Save $40 Get Deal Why we like it

A great value for the price, the AirPods 4 feature personalized spatial audio, voice isolation, Siri interactions, improved bass, mids, and highs, a comfortable and snug fit, and a more compact charging case that's easier to find. They come in two options: with or without active noise cancellation. Regardless of the option you choose, Mashable's reviewer noted that "they sound like honey." Not to mention, they actually stay put in your ears when sprinting on a treadmill, which is no easy feat.

Both options last up to five hours per charge (30 with the charging case), making them excellent daily drivers. If noise cancellation doesn't matter to you, the entry-level AirPods 4 are the best option for your wallet at just $89, their best price on record. If you upgrade to the pair with ANC, it'll cost you an extra $30.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC.

More October Prime Day Apple AirPods dealsBest Beats deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro $169.99 at Amazon
$349.95 Save $179.96 Get Deal Why we like it

If we had to choose between the AirPods Max and the Beats Studio Pro, we'd go with the latter. Not only could you buy two and a half pairs of the Studio Pros for the cost of AirPods Max (on sale), but you'll also be largely getting the same perks. They offer effortless pairing with Apple devices (as well as Android), "tremendous" ANC, crystal-clear sound quality, generous bass, impressive battery life, a convenient foldable design, and even USB-C lossless audio. When Mashable's Alex Perry reviewed them in the summer of 2023, he scored them a 4.5/5 and gave them a Mashable Choice Award.

Read our full review of the Beats Studio Pro.

More October Prime Day Beats headphones deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

How to See Blocked Numbers on iPhone

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 14:15

Not sure which phone numbers you've blocked on your iPhone? You can easily check your blocked number list using Phone, Messages, and FaceTime settings on your phone. Let's take a look at how.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop losing your keys — the best Prime Day deals on Bluetooth trackers end tonight

Mashable - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 13:48
Best Prime Day Bluetooth tracker deals Best Bluetooth tracker deal Apple AirTag (4-Pack) $64.99 (Save $34.01) Get Deal Best Android Bluetooth tracker deal Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 $19.10 (Save $10.89) Get Deal Best Bluetooth tracker bundle deal Tile by Life360 Essentials $52.24 (Save $22.75) Get Deal

We're on the final day of Prime Big Deal Days, which means the clock is ticking on all the best deals. If you're the kind of person who's perpetually losing your keys, wallet, or even your luggage at the airport, this is your last chance to buy some peace of mind for cheap.

SEE ALSO: 55 deals from Best Buy's Techtober Sale that match or beat Amazon's Prime Day prices

Bluetooth trackers are a simple solution, and they're seeing some of their best discounts of the year. We're seeing great deals for every type of user: the classic Apple AirTag 4-pack is down to a great price for iPhone users, the new Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 is on sale for Android fans, and Tile has bundles that work with everything.

These deals disappear when Prime Day ends tonight, so don't wait. We've rounded up the best of the best below.

Be the first to know about the best October Prime Day deals. Follow Mashable's Prime Big Deal Days live blog and keep checking back for the latest discounts, stock alerts, and deal drops.

Best October Prime Day Bluetooth tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple AirTag (4-Pack) $64.99 at Amazon
$99 Save $34.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Apple AirTags are among the easiest Bluetooth trackers to use if you have Apple devices. They use Apple's Find My functionality to use a network of Bluetooth-enabled AirTags to help you find your item, with the option to play a sound or use directions and location to find your missing belongings. This pack of four means you get plenty of trackers to drop in luggage, attach to a keychain, or even put on a pet's collar. Plus, their battery lasts up to a year, so you can just forget about it once you put the tracker where you need it.

Best October Prime Day Android Bluetooth tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 $19.10 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $10.89 Get Deal Why we like it

This Android-compatible Bluetooth tracker has a hole so you can attach it to a keychain or ring and make it simple to add to any item you need to track. It's IP67 rated for water and dust resistance, and can stay powered up for up to 500 days, or 40% longer with its Power Saving Mode. It offers sound-based location options as well as ways to track it down with your Android device's directions, too. It's compatible with all Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets as well, so it plays nice with your Android ecosystem phones.

Best October Prime Day Bluetooth tracker bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Tile by Life360 Essentials $52.24 at Amazon
$74.99 Save $22.75 Get Deal Why we like it

Tile trackers offer a happy medium between iOS and Android devices. This bundle comes in multiple form factors that you can slide into your wallet, attach to a keychain, or toss into a bag, along with a 4-pack available at a great price. You can locate your Tile tags by ringing them, using your phone to get directions, and even triggering SOS alerts via the tags if you find yourself in an emergency. Plus, they work with the Life360 app to help you keep track of everything.

More October Prime Day Bluetooth tracker deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

I've Watched Every Halloween Movie—Here's How They Rank

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 13:30

There are plenty of horror franchises to consider for the Halloween season, but one of the most notable is Halloween. Directed in the late 1970s by John Carpenter, the slasher villain of Michael Myers launched a new age of returning horror killers. Without the silent suburban serial killer dressed in a white-painted William Shatner mask, we might never have gotten the campground slaughters of Jason Vorhees or the vicious nightmares of Freddy Krueger.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 4 Best Free Windows Tools I Actually Use Every Day

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 13:30

As someone who spends the bulk of my time on my Windows PC, having the right tools at my disposal makes all the difference. I use these tools for both work and personal tasks, and they’re so good that they’ve earned a permanent spot on my toolbar.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Almost every unlocked phone on sale for Prime Day is at an all-time low — and the sale ends tonight

Mashable - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 13:06
The best October Prime Day unlocked phone deals at a glance: Best Samsung Galaxy deal Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 (256GB) $834.99 (save $265) Get Deal Best Motorola deal Motorola Razr Ultra (512GB) $1,099.99 (save $200) Get Deal Best Google Pixel deal Google Pixel 9 (128GB) $549 (save $250) Get Deal

If you're looking to upgrade your phone, but don't want to spend a fortune, Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days could be your opportunity to score one for less. Instead of coordinating a trade-in and data plan at a specific carrier, you can often find better deals on unlocked devices at Amazon — particularly during sales events. Unlocked phones aren't tied to a specific carrier, so you'll have the flexibility to switch plans and shop new phones as often as you want. Not to mention, you'll be able to use local SIM cards when traveling internationally without having to jump through hoops.

SEE ALSO: 55 deals from Best Buy's Techtober Sale that match or beat Amazon's Prime Day prices

We're now on the final day of Amazon's October Prime Day event (Oct. 8), and the unlocked phone deals have been solid. A few Motorola and Samsung Galaxy phones are still sitting at record-low prices (we've marked them with a 🔥). Google's Pixel deals, on the other hand, have been less impressive, with only a single solid deal to speak of. And if you're looking for iPhone deals, you're still better off locking in a contract with a carrier; it's rare to find a meaningful discount on a new, unlocked iPhone during these events.

These deals end when Prime Day does — tonight. We're updating the list below with any last-minute price drops and stock alerts, but don't wait too long if you see a phone you want. Here are the best unlocked phone deals you can still grab. Psst: If you're not sure what to do with your old phone, you can recycle it at most Best Buy stores for free.

Be the first to know about the best October Prime Day deals. Follow Mashable's Prime Big Deal Days live blog and keep checking back for the latest discounts, stock alerts, and deal drops.

The best October Prime Day unlocked phone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 (256GB, Unlocked) 🔥 $834.99 at Amazon
$1,099.99 Save $265 Get Deal

The Z Flip 7, the smaller of Samsung's latest flagship foldables, features a completely redesigned and much more useful exterior. Its new 4.1-inch cover display goes edge-to-edge, making it the largest external screen on any flip phone to date. That bigger screen is more functional, too, with a new 120Hz refresh rate and the ability to use AI features and the camera without even opening the phone.

Mashable's reviewer writes, "If you appreciate the foldable form factor, then you'll definitely appreciate the Galaxy Z Flip 7. You can do so much cool stuff with this "AI Flip Phone." For the last day of Prime Day, the 256GB version has dropped to a new low of $834.99. A $265 discount on a phone that's only a couple of months old is a rare find.

More unlocked phone deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

When does October Prime Day end? Youre running out of time to shop for Amazon deals.

Mashable - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 13:03

The October Prime Day (aka Prime Big Deal Days) event is underway, and Amazon has unleashed massive savings as we head into the holiday shopping season. Officially kicking off on Oct. 7, the shopping event promises thousands of deals across categories, and we've found discounts on popular Apple, Sony, Echo, and Anker products that match or beat the July Prime Day event.

So, how much longer do you have to shop?

SEE ALSO: What is Prime Big Deal Days? Everything you need to know and what deals to expect. Prime Big Deal Days 2025 end time

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days will officially come to a close at 11:59 p.m. PT on Wednesday, Oct. 8Check out our Prime Day hub for in-depth coverage on the top deals, and read on for the answers you' for people on the East Coast. Of course, just as deals pop up weeks ahead of the main event, many are also likely to linger past that deadline.

That said, the best deals on select Apple products, Kindles, and TVs are sure to expire on Oct. 8. Check out our Prime Day hub for in-depth coverage on the top deals.

The top Prime Big Deal Days deals to shop

Some of the best Prime Day deals are on Amazon's own devices and services, books, earbuds, and TVs — including up to 65% off books, three free months of Kindle Unlimited, and the first discount on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (2nd gen). However, you can also score savings on Apple products like the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Max headphones, and MacBook Air laptops.

Here are the best October Prime Day deals you can shop before the sale ends.

Prime Day Amazon device dealsPrime Day headphones and earbuds dealsPrime Day Apple deals

Amazon is also doling out some extra perks for Team Prime. Members can get a free three-month trial of Amazon Music Unlimited; get Audible Premium Plus for three months for $0.99/month; and get three free months of Kindle Unlimited.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why I Ditched My Samsung QLED for a Cheap TCL miniLED TV

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 13:00

Not too long ago, I wrote that we should all get over our TV brand snobbery. That manufacturers like Hisense and TCL are now bringing the latest and greatest display technology to us at rock-bottom prices, and that clinging to brand power doesn't make much rational sense.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This $29 Adapter More Than Doubled My Laptop's Network Speed

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 13:00

Is your laptop stuck in the Stone Age with standard gigabit Ethernet? Or maybe no Ethernet at all? I had that exact problem, and found the solution for just $29 with a simple 2.5G Ethernet adapter. The kicker is that you have to buy the right one.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Last chance: Grab these Prime Day Nintendo Switch deals while you still can

Mashable - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 12:24
Best October Prime Day Nintendo Switch deals: Best video game deal 'Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut' (Nintendo Switch 2) $37 (save $12.99) Get Deal Best console deal Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Switch OLED Model w/ Neon Red & Neon Blue Joy-Con $269.99 (save $80) Get Deal Best accessory deal tomtoc Slim Carrying Case for Nintendo Switch 2 $27.14 (save $9.85) Get Deal

We've entered the second and final day of Prime Big Deal Days, which means the clock is ticking on your chance to grab a Nintendo Switch bargain. If you're a Switch owner, you know that Nintendo is famously stingy with discounts on its consoles and first-party games, which makes a big sales event like Prime Day one of the few times a year to save.

SEE ALSO: These 11 Prime Day gaming deals are the best and available now

We're seeing solid deals across the board, from must-play titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom to must-have accessories like controllers and carrying cases. Whether you're looking to finally grab that game you've had your eye on or stock up on gifts before the holidays, now's a great time to take a look.

We've rounded up the best Nintendo Switch deals you can still get before Prime Day ends tonight. We'll be updating this list throughout the day as things sell out.

Be the first to know about the best October Prime Day deals. Follow Mashable's Prime Big Deal Days live blog and keep checking back for the latest discounts, stock alerts, and deal drops.

Best October Prime Day Nintendo Switch video game deal Opens in a new window Credit: SEGA 'Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut' (Nintendo Switch 2) $37 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $12.99 Get Deal Why we like it

If you’ve been waiting for the right excuse to dive into Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut on the Nintendo Switch 2, this price cut is exactly that. Marked down to $37 from $49.99, it’s the cheapest we’ve seen it so far, making it one of the best-value third-party titles currently on the system. (It’s also a surprisingly sharp price drop, considering this new Switch 2 version of Yakuza 0 only launched in early June.)

As a prequel to the long-running series, Yakuza 0 plunges you into the seedy underworld of late-’80s Japan, switching between the perspectives of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima in a crime drama that’s as stylish as it is brutal. Already a fantastically fun game to begin with, the Director’s Cut layers in new cutscenes and expanded story details, offering fresh insight into its central characters, while combat gives you three unique fighting styles to swap between on the fly. There’s even a new online mode, "Red Light Raid," which lets you join forces with friends to take on wave-based enemy encounters. 

The only real caveat is that the physical version uses Nintendo’s Game-Key Card system, meaning you’ll be downloading rather than slotting in a full cartridge. Still, at this discount, it's totally worth the hassle.

More Nintendo Switch deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazons Echo Spot is back to its lowest-ever price during October Prime Day

Mashable - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 12:14

SAVE OVER $30: As of Oct. 8, the Echo Spot is on sale at Amazon for $44.99, a return to its lowest-ever price. This is $35 (44%) off its list price of $79.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Spot $44.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal

Day two of Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale event has started out strong. For those who have been looking to score some sweet deals on Amazon's own devices, there's been some excellent offers popping up, including on Echo devices. The Echo Spot, in particular, has dropped back to its lowest-ever price of $44.99.

This is a 44% discount from its retail price of $79.99, which makes for $35 in savings. Every color of the Echo Spot is marked down to this price as well, so you can choose between the glacier white, black, or ocean blue models to find the option that feels like the best fit for your home.

SEE ALSO: 200+ October Prime Day deals: Save on Apple, Samsung, Sony and Lego

Not only is the Echo Spot a sweet little speaker to have around, but it's a smart alarm clock that comes with Alexa. Alongside being able to see the time, of course, it also allows you to check the weather, see song titles if you're playing music, or even check reminders. With Alexa's help you can even control compatible smart home devices through it.

Today's the last day of the Prime Big Deal Days sale event, so now is as good a time as any to jump on this Echo Spot deal while it's still back at its lowest-ever price.

Alongside this Echo Spot deal, there's plenty more great discounts to explore during the October Prime Day sale. Have a look at our live blog to see updates on the best deals that have caught our eye.

Categories: IT General, Technology

55 deals from Best Buys Techtober Sale that match or beat Amazons Prime Day prices

Mashable - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 12:01

Amazon can never run a sale all by itself. As the retail giant hosts its annual Prime Big Deal Days event from Oct. 7 to 8, Best Buy is having a competing "Techtober Sale" that's live through Oct. 12.

A Best Buy representative tells me via email that the weeklong event includes "some of the hottest deals this fall on tech like laptops, TVs, headphones, video games, electric bikes and more." New markdowns get added to the sale every day, and all featured deals are available online, in the Best Buy mobile app, and in stores.

Best Buy's best anti-Prime Day deals at a glance: Best Apple deal Apple AirTag $19.99 (save $9.01) Get Deal Best Windows laptop deal Asus Zenbook A14 (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $579.99 (save $420) Get Deal Best TV deal TCL 75-inch QM5K 4K QD-Mini LED TV $599.99 (save $600) Get Deal Best streaming device deal Roku Streaming Stick 4K $29.99 (save $20) Get Deal Best vacuum deal iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max + AutoWash Dock $599.99 (save $800) Get Deal

Amazon has been hosting a two-day fall savings event for members of its Prime program every year since 2022 — and every year since 2022, Best Buy has held its own concurrent sale. (Previously, it came in the form of a 48-Hour Flash Sale.) Best Buy also times a savings event to run alongside Amazon's big flagship Prime Day sale in July, so this sort of counter-programming is par for the course.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day 2025: Live updates on the top deals

Best Buy isn't the only retailer giving Amazon a run for its money this month. Walmart is having a "Walmart Deals" event from Oct. 7 to 12, and Target is hosting one of its Circle Week sales from Oct. 5 to 11. Notably, Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days is the only event that locks its deals behind a paid membership.

I've spent several hours combing through the Techtober Sale to find the deals worth buying from Best Buy instead of Amazon this week. So far, I've identified over five dozen products that are either price-matched or cheaper at Best Buy, or only available on sale there. That's either because Amazon doesn't carry the item (see: my beloved Asus Zenbook A14, now just $580) or because it sold out on Amazon (see: the iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max + AutoWash Dock, now just $600).

I've listed my Techtober Sale findings below, and I'm planning on refreshing them as new deals pop up throughout the week; check back soon. As of Oct. 8, Amazon is now undercutting its rival on most AirPods, Apple Watches, Microsoft Surface devices (save for a keyboard bundle), and a couple of Hisense and Samsung TVs. However, Best Buy has lowered the prices of a couple iPads to match their Prime Day deals, and I still like its selection of Windows laptop deals better overall.

Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag $19.99 at Best Buy
$29 Save $9.01 Get Deal Why I like it

Apple's coin-shaped Bluetooth tracker seamlessly connects with iOS devices and lasts up to a year on a single charge. Amazon put individual AirTags on sale for the record-low price of $19.99 mid-Monday morning, before Prime Big Deal Days began, but only because Best Buy offered that deal first at the onset of its Techtober Sale. (Trendsetter!) I'll also note that a four-pack of AirTags is marked down to $64.99 at both retailers, making them $16.25 apiece if you'd rather buy some in bulk.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirTag.

Apple Watch dealsiPad dealsMacBook dealsBest Windows laptop deal

Note: Paid My Best Buy members (Plus and Total) get a $50 bonus reward when they spend at least $499 on select Windows laptops.

Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus Zenbook A14 (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $579.99 at Best Buy
$999.99 Save $420 Get Deal Why I like it

The ultrathin and feathery light Asus Zenbook A14 is my favorite ultraportable. It's the fastest sub-$1,000 Windows laptop I've tried, and its svelte 2.4-pound frame (0.3 pounds lighter than a 13-inch M4 MacBook Air!) houses a good mix of ports and a vibrant OLED display. Plus, it lasts almost 22 hours per charge. Best Buy's massive Techtober discount turns it into a great option for budget buyers: The Zabriskie beige base model with a Snapdragon X Plus chip, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage is only $579.99, or 42% off. It's never been cheaper.

More Windows laptop deals2-in-1 laptop dealsGaming laptop dealsChromebook dealsBest TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 75-inch QM5K 4K QD-Mini LED TV $599.99 at Best Buy
$1,199.99 Save $600 Get Deal Why I like it

At 50% off, Best Buy's discount on this oversized mini-LED TV with a variable 144Hz refresh rate is the kind of deal I wouldn't expect to see until Black Friday really gets underway. Mini-LED TVs are great if you care about stark contrast but don’t have an OLED-level budget. The variety of dimming zones you get from a mini-LED TV make it better at showing deep blacks and sharp, dark details than your average QLED display. This particular TCL model comes with built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, and it's not sold on Amazon (though a newer model is $749.99 there, down from $999.99).

43-inch TV deals50- to 58-inch TV deals65-inch TV dealsDeals on 75-inch TVs and biggerStreaming device dealsBest vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max + AutoWash Dock $599.99 at Best Buy
$1,399.99 Save $800 Get Deal Why I like it

The Roomba Combo 10 Max is the fanciest mopping robovac in iRobot's lineup, and the one my colleague Leah Stodart recommends for pet owners. Its small obstacle avoidance technology works like a charm, it recleans stubborn stains, and it can wash and dry its own mopping pad. It's expensive at full price, which is why Stodart says to "absolutely wait until it goes on sale for $999." Thanks to Best Buy, it's far cheaper right now — only $599.99 (usually $1,399.99), or a whopping 57% off.

More robot vacuum dealsStick vacuum deals
Categories: IT General, Technology
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