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You dont need expensive gear to capture high-quality audio. With the right approach, you can achieve professional-grade recordings using just your phone. Here are some practical tips to help you produce clear, crisp, and distraction-free recordings, omitting the need for a high-end external microphone.

Bluesky is still in its infancy, but the social media platform is growing fast. And it might already be a more engaging place to post than Elon Musk's X.

In case you missed it, Bluesky's growth has skyrocketed since the election. It shot to the top of the App Store and nearly doubled in growth to some 20 million users and counting. On Wednesday, it added about 8 users per second.

SEE ALSO: X users are fleeing to Bluesky: Here’s a quick-start guide on how to sign up

With that growth has come an interesting development: Bluesky might be a better place for actual engagement than X, the website formerly known as Twitter. With its choose-your-own-algorithm model, users can opt to follow the app's Discover feed, chronological Following feed, or one of the many feeds curated by other users — a formula for a better, more real experience.

I was, by most metrics, a Twitter power user. I've posted more than 28,000 times since joining in 2012 and, as a digital journalist, have used the site as a key part of my job. And, as recently as October, I wrote that while Musk's version of X sucked, I would not be leaving. I'm no longer so sure.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk's X sucks and I'm not leaving

Setting aside moral qualms about using X — though those exist — it's become increasingly difficult to enjoy using the platform. If you refuse to pay the world's richest man for a blue check, then you'll see your engagement get throttled. God forbid, though, you have a post break through. Then your replies will be a flood of blue check replies, most of which read like bots or trolls.

Still, most of the time, posting on X seems like talking into the void. I have a few thousand followers on X, but most posts these day get very few, if any, likes. That wasn't the norm pre-Elon. And, importantly, any engagement I have gotten often sucks. A recent post that did well I pretty much immediately muted due to annoying replies. A social media site can only be flooded with spammy flotsam for so long before it takes over the experience.

On Bluesky, anecdotally, I feel like I get roughly the same amount of engagement as on X: very little. But I've barely used the platform and have just 75 followers. But any likes and replies I have gotten have been from real human beings. And my new followers? Ditto. Meanwhile, on X, my latest mention is a crypto scam and my last three follows are spammy bots.

Other folks have noticed that perhaps engagement is better on Bluesky. Here's NBC tech and culture reporter Kat Tenbarge, for instance.

Credit: Screenshot: Bluesky / @kattenbarge.bsky.social

I asked around at Mashable, as well, among folks who've used Bluesky often.

"On Twitter, I've got more than 7,000 followers. On Bluesky, I've got fewer than 2,000. But my posts feel like a ghost town on the former, while consistently getting at least a little bit of engagement on the latter," said Mashable tech and video games reporter Alex Perry. "It should also be noted that 100 percent of replies I get on Bluesky are from real people, and not blue check bots."

Mashable reporter Matt Binder, meanwhile, noted that Bluesky felt a lot like old Twitter.

"Replying to an account actually has meaning and can find you new followers and engagement. Now, on [X], it doesn't matter," Binder said. "Replies are all just blue checkmarks getting prioritized and AI-generated replies to get engagement. But the content of replies on Bluesky matters like how they did on old Twitter."

Sure, migrating to Bluesky means starting from scratch. But it also might mean more genuine engagement and using a social media site actually functioning for its users.

Looking to get your fitness journey started or keep the momentum rolling? These rowing machines will be a great help, and they're on sale now.

Xbox finally expanded its Xbox Cloud Gaming service to let Game Pass Ultimate members stream games they own. This new feature is currently available in all 28 countries where the beta program operates.

Amazon, Amazon Music, and the Amazon-owned Audible audiobook and podcast service are being used to lure people to various illicit sites that promote suspicious schemes.

AI chatbots revolutionized how we create content, but their chat interfaces weren't built for serious work. Claude Artifacts changed this fundamentally, transforming simple conversations into a truly collaborative workspace where humans and AI can seamlessly work together on complex projects.

Everyone loves their Spotify Wrapped, but if you're more of a fan of YouTube Music, you can still get your data summary and fun little graphics.

Some people already have access to their YouTube Music 2024 Recap, but it only appears to be available for some. According to a Diamond Product Expert who responded to a query about seasonal recaps on YouTube Music Help, "The 2024 Seasonal Recap experience will live exclusively in the YouTube Music and YouTube Main apps on mobile devices. It is unavailable on web. Users will be able to search for their 2024 Recap playlist on the web."

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Spotify Wrapped 2024

"Audio in the background of Recap stories is only available for Premium members in the YouTube Music app," they added. "If you are a free user or watching your Recap on Main, you won’t be able to hear audio with your Recap."

If the recap is available for you, you should see a banner advertising it below the "speed dial" section on the YouTube Music app on Android or iOS. If you don't see the banner, navigate to your profile, open the "Your Recap" option, and then tap "get your recap."

This years' YouTube Music 2024 Recap will include music video stats, mood insights, and Google Photos integration, Headphonesty reports. The theme is "your music character."

Not everyone is happy with their recap. In a post on Reddit, users complained that their recaps weren't accurate and were disappointed that they came out toward the end of November instead of the end of the calendar year.

Production company A24 has brought us incredible films, from this year's Love Lies Bleeding and The Brutalist to past Best Picture winners like Moonlight and Everything Everywhere All at Once. Now, they're delivering another treat: themed chocolate bars.

A24's Movie Chocolate is a collection of three milk chocolate candy bars, each themed around various concessions. The Fizzy Fountain Soda bar pairs root beer and popping candies, the Popcorn & Candy bar features popcorn and chocolate-covered candies, and the Salty Peanut Crunch bar combines the timeless duo of peanuts and caramel.

SEE ALSO: How to watch your favorite A24 films, from 'Love Lies Bleeding' to 'Civil War' to 'MaXXXine'

The private-label chocolate is currently available to purchase through the website moviechocolate.co, as well as through A24's online shop. Each bar retails for $5, with the Triple Feature gift set of six bars costing $33. Bars will also be coming soon to select AMC Theaters, where they'll cost $5.99 plus tax.

While these bars nod to classic movie theater concessions, we couldn't help but wonder what an A24 movie-themed chocolate bar collection would look like. How would Heretic taste? Would The Witch fulfill its promises of living deliciously? So here, without further ado, are our pitches for 12 additional A24 chocolate bars, as varied and strange as the company's many offerings.

Everything Everywhere All at Once Stephanie Hsu in "Everything Everywhere All at Once." Credit: A24

The ultimate nihilistic treat, this everything bagel chocolate bar is inspired by Stephanie Hsu's Jobu Tupaki. We're talking a bar filled with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and kosher salt — we might skip the garlic and onion flakes. When you really put everything on a bagel, then on a chocolate bar, it becomes this. The truth. Nothing matters. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Heretic Hugh Grant in "Heretic." Credit: A24

Mr. Reed's (Hugh Grant) terrifying blueberry pie-scented candle prompted special scented Heretic screenings. So how about we translate that experience to a chocolate bar next? Blueberry clusters give this dark chocolate a juicy pop, but a smoky aftertaste will leave you questioning your reality. But on the bright side, maybe if we give some of this to Mr. Reed, he'll let us out of his house of horrors? Please? — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

SEE ALSO: 'Heretic's intense ending, explained I Saw the TV Glow Mr. Sprinkly's ice cream truck in "I Saw the TV Glow." Credit: A24

We had to go with ruby chocolate for our I Saw the TV Glow-flavored bar, which pays tribute to the Buffy-esque series The Pink Opaque. Appropriately pink, and covered in sprinkles as a nod to the nightmarish Mr. Sprinkly, we can promise that this chocolate will taste exactly the same now as it will decades down the line. — B.E.

SEE ALSO: 'I Saw the TV Glow' cast and crew play "Slash or Pass" Aftersun Frankie Corio and Paul Mescal in "Aftersun." Credit: A24

Flash back to Paul Mescal and Frankie Corio's heartbreaking Turkish vacation with this Aftersun-flavored chocolate. Peppered with mini chunks of Turkish delight, this bar is sure to make you ponder your relationship with your father. Eat while listening to "Under Pressure" for the full effect. — B.E.

Midsommar Florence Pugh in "Midsommar." Credit: A24

No, there's no bear meat in our Midsommar chocolate. Instead, this beer-infused bar encourages you to celebrate the midsummer festival, with dried edible flowers sprinkled on top evoking everyone's majestic flower crowns. Don't worry; there definitely aren't any hallucinogens in this chocolate. Nothing suspicious at all. — B.E.

The Witch

Wouldst thou like to live deliciously... by sinking your teeth into this The Witch bar? In the spirit of Black Philip, we've thrown dark chocolate and butter together, because we wouldst like the taste of butter very much, thank you. — B.E.

Babygirl Nicole Kidman in "Babygirl." Credit: A24

We've still got a bit of time before Halina Reijn's erotic thriller Babygirl comes out, but that doesn't mean we can't fantasize (wink) about what it might taste like. From the trailer alone, we know that milk and cookies play key roles in Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson's BDSM courtship, so how about we make a milk chocolate bar studded with decadent cookie crumbles? Lap it up. — B.E.

SEE ALSO: 'Babygirl' review: Nicole Kidman to 'Challengers': Hold my beer Moonlight

The dinner Kevin (André Holland) makes Chiron (Trevante Rhodes) in the final act of Moonlight is one of the best food scenes put to film, so of course we have to pay homage to it in our Moonlight bar. In honor of Kevin's pollo a la plancha, this bar features hints of lime and cilantro. I don't care if that's polarizing — it's movie-accurate! — B.E.

The X trilogy Mia Goth in "MaXXXine." Credit: A24

How do you sum up Ti West's genre-bending X trilogy in one tiny bar of chocolate? By splitting it into three parts, of course! One dark chocolate, one white chocolate, and one milk chocolate. Sample at will, or eat all three at once to experience three very different eras of horror — er, I mean types of chocolate. — B.E.

SEE ALSO: 'MaXXXine' review: Mia Goth and Ti West return with a bloody film noir We Live in Time Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh in "We Live in Time." Credit: A24

You're going to need this experimental haute cuisine-inspired bar to get through We Live In Time. Inspired by the "Douglas fir parfait" Florence Pugh's chef Almut feeds to Andrew Garfield's Tobias, this bar is a pine emulsion-infused innovation. It's salty as hell, from the avalanche of tears we poured while watching this film. — S.C.

SEE ALSO: Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield on how food is used as a form of intimacy in 'We Live in Time' All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt Sheila Atim in "All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt." Credit: A24

If you have the word "taste" in your movie title, we're going to theme a chocolate bar around it. That's the case for Raven Jackson's moving directorial debut All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt. The title gives us one key ingredient already with salt, but we'll toss in flecks of edible clay to pay tribute to the film's focus on the tradition of eating clay dirt, and how it moves from generation to generation. — B.E.

Uncut Gems Adam Sandler in "Uncut Gems." Credit: A24

This Uncut Gems confection is nothing short of a panic attack in a chocolate bar. Like A24's Fizzy Fountain Soda chocolate, this sweet is chock-full of popping candy — enough to make you feel like your mouth is going to explode and all your gambling plans are going to fall apart. Plus, Pop Rocks look like gems if you squint, right? — B.E.

Cambridge Dictionary has chosen its word the year, and it's manifest. It beat out brat (inspired by Charli XCX's album of the same name), ecotarian, and resilience.

SEE ALSO: We're living through the age of delusion

According to the dictionary, the verb means "to use methods such as visualization and affirmation to help you imagine achieving something you want, in the belief that doing so will make it more likely to happen." The dictionary chose the word because users searched for it over 130,000 times.

It claims that in 2024, manifest "jumped from being mainly used in the self-help community and on social media to being mentioned widely across mainstream media." It attributes its popularity to celebrity culture and athletes claiming manifestation as a strategy at the 2024 Paris Olympics. But the word has been in the public consciousness for several years.

The graph in Cambridge Dictionary's announcement shows the word's growth over the past five years, which is on par with its popularity on social media. It doesn't show any significant spikes this year compared to previous years, making it an odd choice.

SEE ALSO: 'Very demure' demonstrates TikTok's ability to shape modern language

"When we choose a Cambridge Dictionary Word of the Year, we have three considerations: user data, zeitgeist, and language. What word was looked up the most or spiked? Which one captures what was happening in that year? And what is interesting about this word from a language point of view?" said Wendalyn Nichols, the publishing manager at Cambridge Dictionary, in the announcement. "Manifest won this year because it increased notably in lookups, its use widened greatly across all types of media, and it shows how the meanings of a word can change over time.”

Since the pandemic, there have been pockets of TikTok devoted to manifestation, and in early 2023, "Lucky Girl Syndrome" took over FYPs. The platform encouraged women to manifest by repeating the phrase, "I am so lucky; everything works out for me." Twenty-seven thousand posts have been tagged "Lucky Girl Syndrome" on the platform.

Here's to hoping!

Apple's AirPods are more than a way to get your favorite music as close to your eardrums as possible, now they're hearing aids, too.

Announced in September, the devices' new Hearing Aid mode provides clinical-grade hearing support for perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, based on an on-device hearing test and customizable sound-enhancing settings. The over-the-counter software was the first of its kind to be approved by the FDA.

With the release of iOS 18.1 and 18.1.1, AirPods Pro 2 users finally have the ability to use and test the accessibility feature for use in their daily life. Here's how to set it up.

Turning on Hearing Aid mode for AirPods Total Time

• 5 min

What You Need

• iPhone or iPad
• iOS 18.1
• AirPods Pro 2

Step 1: Make sure your devices are updated.

The Hearing Aid mode is a software, not hardware, feature. That means AirPods Pro 2 owners still need to make sure their earphones are updated to the latest firmware, and that their connected iPhone or iPad is updated to iOS 18.1.

Step 2: Ensure your AirPods are charged above 10 percent.

Step 3: Place AirPods in your ears. Open the settings of your iPhone or iPad and search "AirPods."

Step 4: Select "Take a Hearing Test" or "Use a Prior Test Result."

Users who already have an audiogram from their doctor can upload their results using "Add a Hearing Test Result" under "Use a Prior Test Result."

Step 5: Follow the instructions on screen to complete a hearing test.

The test will ask basic identifying information, including if you have recently been in a loud environment or had an illness, then automatically turn on active noise cancellation (ANC). You will then be given additional prompts and hear several tones. This is known as "pure-tone audiometry."

Step 6: After the test is complete, select "Set Up Hearing Aid."

Step 7: Follow the instructions on screen to activate your AirPods as hearing devices.

Once prompted, select "Turn On Hearing Aid." Using your hearing test results, your device will automatically adjust your earphones' settings. Depending on your results, you may be prompted to turn on Media Assist (which customizes media sound controls, like music, phone calls, and videos) to help you hear better.

After activating the hearing aid feature on AirPods Pro, users can adjust the settings to customize their experience, including amplifying sounds around you, left-right balance, tones, and Apple's Conversation Boost, a tool that isolates and amplifies the voice of the person in front of you. Apple recommends doing this slowly over a period of time, in order to properly acclimate to their use.

Customizing Hearing Aid mode on AirPods Total Time

• 2 min

What You Need

• Apple device
• AirPods Pro 2

Step 1: Go to AirPods settings and select "Hearing Assistance."

Credit: Apple

Step 2: Select "Adjustments."

Step 3: To adjust the amplification of sounds, move the Amplification slide bar to the right or left.

Step 4: To adjust the settings between the right and left ear, move the Balance slide bar to the right or left.

Step 5: Use the Tone slide bar to adjust the brightness of sounds in hearing aid mode.

For brighter amplified sounds, move the Tone slider to the right. For darker, less bright tone, move it more to the left.

Step 6: Use Ambient Noise Reduction to filter external sounds in or out.

Moving the slide bar to the right decreases the amount of ambient noises picked up by your device.

For iPad and Mac users, Hearing Assistance can be found under "AirPods" on the left sidebar. Credit: Apple

Users can also make simple adjustments in their device's Control Center, including Apple Watch and Mac. Swipe down from the right corner of the screen, select volume controls, and look for the small ear icon.

Credit: Apple Credit: Apple

Apple has rolled out two critical security updates after uncovering zero-day vulnerabilities targeting Intel-based Mac computers.

SEE ALSO: Missing notes on iPhone: Apple dropped a fix for the bug

In a disclosure posted Tuesday, the company detailed its discovery of the flaws and the rapid fixes implemented to protect Mac users. These zero-day bugs — so named because they were exploited before Apple could address them — prompted the release of bug patches for iOS devices and a dedicated macOS software update.

The vulnerabilities stem from Apple’s WebKit and JavaScriptCore, which drive Safari and render web content.

Regardless of the source, the priority for Apple users is clear: update your devices immediately to ensure they’re running the latest software. Here's how:

How to update Apple devices:

The latest security patches are available for Mac systems running any of the three affected macOS versions, alongside a range of iPhones and iPads. To ensure your device is protected, follow these steps:

For macOS:

1. Open System Preferences (or System Settings on macOS Ventura and later).

2. Click on Software Update.

3. If an update is available, select Update Now or Upgrade Now, depending on your macOS version.

For iPhones and iPads:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Go to General > Software Update.

3. Tap Download and Install if an update is available.

These updates apply to iPhone XS and newer models, iPad Pro 13-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad (7th generation and later), and iPad mini (5th generation and later).

SAVE 20%: Get 20% off powerful and efficient AC units, fans, and air purifiers at Windmill Air with promo code WINDMILL. Shop now and save.

Opens in a new window Credit: Windmill The Windmill AC (6K BTU Original) $271.20 at Windmill
$339.00 Save $67.80 with promo code WINDMILL Get Deal

With Black Friday just a week away, retailers everywhere are getting into the giving spirit by offering deep discounts ahead of the Big Day. One brand we were surprised to see on the list of companies running pre-holiday sales is Windmill Air, the makers of the Mashable Choice Award-winner, the Windmill AC (medium, 8,300 BTU).

Right now, you can score 20% off sitewide on Windmill’s entire lineup of air conditioners, air purifiers, fans, and more with the code WINDMILL.

SEE ALSO: Review: The Windmill AC lets me come home to a cool apartment

The company also offers a trade-in program: If you recycle your old AC unit, you can get $20 off a new Windmill.

Get the Windmill AC unit on sale for $271.20, or $67.80 off — your six months older self will thank you.

We may be midway through November, but that doesn't mean you have to wait until next summer to upgrade your home cooling system. Shop all of Windmill Air's site for 20% off now.

SAVE $320.99: The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB, 512GB SSD) with LCD screen in the Dune colorway is down to just $879 at Amazon, discounted from the list price of $1,199.99. That's a 27% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Pro 11 (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB, 512GB SSD) $879.00 at Amazon
$1,199.99 Save $320.99 LCD screen in Dune colorway Get Deal

We're approaching the end of the year, which means it's a great time to change things up. If you're lugging around an outdated laptop for work or you'll be heading back to school in 2025, you'll want a versatile 2-in-1 tablet and laptop. Shopping Amazon today for one of the latest models will have you savings big.

As of Nov. 20, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB, 512GB SSD) with a 13-inch LCD screen in the Dune colorway is on sale for $879 at Amazon, down from the normal price of $1,199.99. That's a 27% discount, and a better discount than the current sale price at both Best Buy and the Microsoft store.

SEE ALSO: The best early Black Friday laptop deals: Score record lows on the M4 MacBook Pro and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7

With the advanced Snapdragon X Plus processor, you'll be in great shape with a powerful tablet. Copilot+ PC offers top-of-the-line AI capabilities that should have you set up well for both productivity and security.

The 13-inch display with LCD touchscreen gives plenty of room on this 2-in-1 laptop and tablet. The 512GB storage means you'll be in line for great capacity for work projects, school assignments, and downloaded music. The 16GB RAM is also ideal for multitasking, gaming, and can even be great for editing video.

Microsoft says the Surface Pro 11 can get up to 14 hours of battery life, or up to 10 hours when actively using the web. It also comes with two USB-C ports, and the weight of a bit under two pounds means it's a great travel companion.

You'll need to grab the Flex keyboard as a separate purchase to use this version of the Surface Pro 11 as a laptop, but the included kickstand gives great configuration options on its own.

For those who've been eyeing the Microsoft Surface Pro 11, today's sale price at Amazon that saves you 27% is worth jumping on.

SAVE $80: As of Nov. 20, get the Apple Mac Mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) for $499.99, down from its usual price of $579.99. That's the lowest price we've seen for this configuration.

Opens in a new window Credit: Costco Apple Mac Mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $499.99 at Costco
$579.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal

Need a new computer? A desktop can take up a bit of space, and sometimes you don't want or have enough to spare. That's where tech like the Mac Mini comes in. The small but powerful computer is a great alternative to bulky towers or pricey laptops when you'd rather have something more permanent at home. And today, you can get one of the latest models for the lowest price we've seen, at a somewhat unexpected retailer.

As of Nov. 20, you can get the Apple Mac Mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) for $499.99 at Costco. That's $80 off its normal price of $579.99, and the lowest price we've seen for this configuration yet.

SEE ALSO: The best early Black Friday laptop deals: Score record lows on the M4 MacBook Pro and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7

This tiny and perfectly compact Mac is small but incredibly mighty. While you could go for a new M4 MacBook Pro that can handle just about anything you need it for, be it productivity, creative design, or just enjoying your favorite media, you can get it all for much cheaper in the form of a desktop computer here. The M4 chip makes this an affordable and zippy package, with a 10-core CPU, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage for less than half the price of a MacBook Pro.

By saving all that cash upfront and opting for a home desktop setup instead of a portable MacBook Pro, you can add a monitor, keyboard, and mouse and other goodies to your workspace and end up saving a big bundle of cash. If you're looking to set up your home computer piecemeal with some of the best offerings that Apple has to offer right now, don't pass up this deal.

UPDATE: Nov. 20, 2024, 11:45 a.m. EST This article has been updated with the latest early Black Friday gaming deals across various retailers.

Best early Black Friday gaming deals Best Xbox deal Xbox Series X (1TB) $449.99 (save $50) Get Deal Best PlayStation deal PlayStation DualSense Edge controller $189.99 (save $10) Get Deal Best Nintendo deal 'Nintendo Switch Sports' $34.99 (save $15) Get Deal Best PC gaming deal Acer Nitro V (AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $699.99 (save $250)) Get Deal

Black Friday is a wonderful time to be a gamer. That's because gaming deals always show up in a big way from consoles, to games, to accessories, and much more. Turns out, those sweet discounts are already trickling in ahead of the holiday shopping season, so you know what that means: Time to get your credit card out.

SEE ALSO: Gaming starter kit: All the gear you need to play like a real gamer

Check out our favorite early Black Friday gaming deals below, and be sure to take a look at our other gaming-centric deals articles on other gaming accessories and PC gaming products. Also, make sure to keep revisiting this page, as we'll keep updating it as more offers go live.

Best Xbox deal Opens in a new window Credit: Xbox Xbox Series X (1TB) $449.99 at Best Buy
$499.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Yes, the Xbox Series X comes in a 1TB version now, and it's $50 off as an early Black Friday deal. Pair that with an Xbox Game Pass membership (which are also on sale right now — more on that below), and you've got everything you need to keep your gaming backlog stacked for the foreseeable future.

More Xbox deals

• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 3-Month Membership — $44.99 $49.99 (save $5)

• Xbox Game Pass Core 12-Month Membership — $53.99 $59.99 (save $6)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K + Xbox Wireless Controller + 1-Month Game Pass Ultimate Bundle — $74.99 $131.97 (save $56.98)

• Xbox Store Gift Card ($100) — $90 $100 (save $10)

• Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller — $140.99 $179.99 (save $39)

• Xbox Seagate Storage Expansion Card (2TB) — $199.99 $359.99 (save $160)

• Xbox Series X (1TB) Digital Edition + Extra Xbox Wireless Controller — $489.99 $599.99 (save $110)

Best PlayStation deal Opens in a new window Credit: PlayStation PlayStation DualSense Edge controller $189.99 at Walmart
$199.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Pro controllers are more of a "nice to have" than anything else, but when they go on sale (which isn't often), the prospect gets a little more tantalizing. The Dualsense Edge controller for PlayStation 5 is the console's most feature-packed controller to date, and it's $10 off in the weeks leading up to Black Friday. It comes with all the extras you'd expect from a pro-style controller, including various swappable back paddles and thumbsticks, remappable inputs, and more.

More PlayStation deals

• Final Fantasy XVI — $24.97 $49.99 (save $25.02)

• Razer Quick Charging Controller Stand — $24.99 $39.99 (save $15)

• EA Sports FC 25 — $34.97 $69.99 (save $35.02)

• NHL 25 — $34.97 $69.99 (save $35.02)

• Backbone One (PlayStation Edition) — $59.99 $99.99 (save $40)

• Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 — $63.94 $69.99 (save $6.05)

• Silent Hill 2 — $64.99 $69.99 (save $5)

• PlayStation Store Gift Card ($100) — $90 $100 (save $10)

• Razer Wolverine V2 Pro Controller — $189.99 $249.99 (save $60)

Best Nintendo deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo 'Nintendo Switch Sports' $34.99 at Walmart
$49.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Nostalgic for the days of Wii Sports? Lucky for you, Nintendo Switch Sports exists, and it's on sale ahead of Black Friday for $15 off the original price. Strap your Joy-Con controllers on and play through the game's seven included sports like golf, soccer, bowling, volleyball, and more.

More Nintendo deals

• PowerA Joy-Con Comfort Grips — $9.88 $14.99 (save $5.11)

• Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown — $17.97 $49.99 (save $32.02)

• SanDisk 128GB microSDXC Card — $18.88 $34.99 (save $16.11)

• 8Bitdo Ultimate C Bluetooth Controller — $24.99 $29.99 (save $5)

• Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.1 — $29.99 $39.99 (save $10)

• Sonic X Shadow Generations — $42.90 $49.99 (save $7.09)

• HORI Nintendo Switch Split Pad Compact — $42.79 $49.99 (save $7.20)

• Mario Party Superstars — $42.99 $59.99 (save $17)

• Star Wars: Heritage Pack — $44.49 $59.99 (save $15.50)

• NBA 2K25 — $54.59 $59.99 (save $5.40)

• Nintendo Switch OLED + Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle — $349

Best PC gaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Nitro V (AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $699.99 at Best Buy
$949.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Not every gaming laptop has to drain your bank account, and that's never been more true than with the Acer Nitro V. It's one of our favorite budget gaming laptops to date, and it's only $699.99 ahead of Black Friday — that's $250 in savings. Plus, this bundle comes with a nice carrying case, so that's fun.

More PC gaming deals

Gaming laptops

• Lenovo LOQ Gaming Laptop (AMD Ryzen 5 7235HS, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050, 12GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $649.99 $799.99 (save $150)

• ASUS TUF Gaming Laptop (AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS, AMD Radeon RX7700S, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $699.99 $1,099.99 (save $400)

• Gigabyte G6 KF 16 (Intel i7-13620H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,049.99 $1,199.99 (save $150)

• Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (Intel Core i7 13650HX, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,099.99 $1,149.99 (save $50)

• Asus TUF Gaming F16 (Intel Core i7-13650HX, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,099.99 $1,299.99 (save $200)

• MSI Katana 15 (AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,099.99 $1,499.99 (save $400)

• Lenovo Legion 7i (Intel 14th Gen Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,299.99 $1,699.99 (save $400)

• Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (Intel Core i9-14900HX, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,349.99 $1,699.99 (save $350)

• Alienware m16 R2 (Intel Core Series 1 Ultra 9, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,699.99 $2,099.99 (save $400)

• HP OMEN Transcend 16 (Intel Core i9-14900HX, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,849.99 $2,199.99 (save $350)

• Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 (Intel 13th Gen Core i9, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $2,799.99 $2,999.99 (save $200)

• Razer Blade 16 (13th Gen Intel 24-Core i9 HX, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,999.99 $3,799.99 (save $800)

Gaming monitors

• Dell S2721HGF 27-inch Gaming Monitor — $149.99 $229.99 (save $80)

• Samsung Odyssey 27-inch Gaming Monitor — $199.99 $349.99 (save $150)

• Acer Nitro 31.5-inch Curved Gaming Monitor — $199.99 $399.99 (save $200)

• Samsung Odyssey 32-inch Curved Gaming Monitor — $349.99 $699.99 (save $350)

• Alienware AW3225QF 31.6-inch Curved Gaming Monitor — $899.99 $1,199.99 (save $300)

Gaming keyboards

• Logitech G213 Prodigy Gaming Keyboard — $39.99 $69.99 (save $30)

• Razer Cynosa V2 Gaming Keyboard — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Logitech G413 SE Full-Size Mechanical Gaming Keyboard — $59.99 $79.99 (save $20)

• Logitech G PRO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard — $65.99 $129.99 (save $64)

• Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT Gaming Keyboard — $74.49 $79.99 (save $5.50)

• Razer Huntsman Mini Gaming Keyboard — $82.02 $129.99 (save $47.97)

• Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini Gaming Keyboard — $101.99 $199.99 (save $98)

• Logitech G915 Lightspeed TKL Gaming Keyboard — $126.99 $229.99 (save $103)

• SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gaming Keyboard — $128.99 $179.99 (save $51)

• Corsair K70 RGB Pro Gaming Keyboard — $134.99 $159.99 (save $25)

• Logitech G715 Aurora Collection TKL Gaming Keyboard — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)

• Razer Huntsman V2 Gaming Keyboard — $159.99 $199.99 (save $40)

• SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gaming Keyboard — $171.99 $189.99 (save $18)

Gaming headsets

• JBL Quantum 100 Gaming Headset — $19.95 $39.95 (save $20)

• JBL Quantum 200 Gaming Headset — $24.95 $59.95 (save $30)

• Logitech G432 Wired Gaming Headset — $37.99 $79.99 (save $42)

• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P Gaming Headset — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wired Gaming Headset — $65.99 $99.99 (save $34)

• Logitech G Pro X Wired Gaming Headset — $89.99 $129.99 (save $40)

• Logitech G733 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset — $109.99 $149.99 (save $40)

• Sony INZONE H9 Wireless Gaming Headphones — $198 $299.99 (save $101.99)

• Razer Kraken Kitty Edition V2 Pro Wired Gaming Headset — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)

• SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset — $307.99 $349.99 (save $42)

Gaming mice

• Logitech G502 Hero Gaming Mouse — $37.04 $79.99 (save $42.95)

• Razer Basilisk V3 Wired Gaming Mouse — $39.99 $69.99 (save $30)

• Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed Wireless Gaming Mouse — $49 $69.99 (save $20.99)

• HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wired Gaming Mouse — $49.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Logitech G703 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse — $59.99 $89.99 (save $30)

• Logitech G303 Shroud Edition Gaming Mouse — $69.99 $129.99 (save $60)

• Logitech G502 X Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse — $99.99 $139.99 (save $40)

• Logitech Pro X Superlight Wireless Gaming Mouse — $99.99 $159.99 (save $60)

• Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless Gaming Mouse — $104.99 $129.99 (save $25)

SAVE $10: As of Nov. 20, you can get the JBL Go 3 for $29.95 at Amazon. That's a 25% discount, or $10 off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Go 3 $29.95 at Amazon
$35.95 Save $6.00 Get Deal

Even someone who has everything can always use a new speaker. Portable Bluetooth speakers are great for the beach, camping, parties, tailgates, or anywhere else you want to listen to music without dealing with wires or being tethered to a power outlet.

As of Nov. 20, you can get the JBL Go 3 Bluetooth speaker for just $29.95 at Amazon. That’s $10 off the list price and just $5 more than its lowest price ever.

SEE ALSO: The 6 best Bluetooth speakers we've tested that are likely to be on sale this Black Friday

The JBL Go 3 may be small, but it still has that legendary JBL signature sound. It offers up to five hours of playtime on a single charge and can connect to just about any device as long as it has Bluetooth.

With an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, you don't have to worry about it getting wet or dirty. Plus, it’s available in 12 color options, so you can pick one that matches your style.

Take your sound on the go for under $30 with this deal.

Microsoft has signed a licensing deal with HarperCollins to train its AI models.

According to Bloomberg sources, HarperCollins will allow Microsoft's LLMs to train on nonfiction titles. Microsoft reportedly doesn't plan on creating AI-generated books, but instead will access high quality data to make its models more intelligent and accurate. "HarperCollins authors will have the option to participate or not," said the outlet.

SEE ALSO: ChatGPT now saves chat history even if you've opted out of sharing training data

404 Media first broke the news of a licensing deal with an anonymous AI company. Author Daniel Kibblesmith shared screenshots of an email on Bluesky, likely from his agent informing him about the deal. "You are likely aware, as we all are, that there are controversies surrounding the use of copyrighted materials in the training of AI models," said the memo. "Much of the controversy comes from the fact that many companies seem to be doing so without acknowledging or compensating the original creators. And of course there is concern that these AI models might one day make us all obsolete."

Abominable.

[image or embed]

— Daniel Kibblesmith (@kibblesmith.com) November 15, 2024 at 2:36 PM

According to the screenshots of the email, HarperCollins is offering a non-negotiable payment of $2,500 per title for a three-year licensing deal.

HarperCollins confirmed there is a deal with an unnamed AI company, telling Bloomberg, "its limited scope and clear guardrails around model output" respects authors' rights while presenting them with new opportunities.

Meanwhile, multiple outlets have reported that AI companies, like Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic are getting diminishing returns with the development of new models because they're running out of high quality data to train on. Microsoft was not included in these reports, but its Copilot model relies on underlying genAI technology from OpenAI. So training AI models on nonfiction works might be a strategy to combat lessening improvements.

SAVE $300: Prime members can get a 4-pack of the Arlo Pro 5S Spotlight home security cameras for just $299.99, down from the standard price of $599.99. That's a 50% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Arlo Arlo Pro 5s Spotlight Home Security Camera (4-pack) $299.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $300.00 with Prime membership Get Deal

With dark winter nights (and mornings) upon us, it's time to think more about home security. This is an especially great time for upgrades since many of us will be expecting porch deliveries after shopping Black Friday sales. Or, if you're going away for the holidays, you'll want to keep an eye on your home. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you're in for a special price on a great security system.

As of Nov. 20, a 4-pack of the Arlo Pro 5S Spotlight security cameras is on sale for Prime members for just $299.99, down from the standard price of $599.99. That's a savings of $300 and a massive 50% discount. It's also the lowest price we've seen at Amazon.

SEE ALSO: 6 gadgets to help keep your home clean, from robot vacuums to electric scrubbers

The Arlo Pro 5S Spotlight Home Security Cameras come packed with benefits that don't come standard on all cameras. For starters, you're free to use these indoors or outside. With the 4-pack, you could use two in the front yard, one in the garage, and one on the back porch. The camera's materials are designed to withstand rain, heat, cold temps, and sun. Plus, the wireless cameras are easy to set up.

When it comes to performance, each camera uses 2K HDR video quality, and night vision is in color. Each camera also comes equipped with an integrated spotlight, which means the camera above your garage that faces the driveway will light up as you walk to the front door, helping you better see that step that proves a challenge to spot.

Arlo also introduced a low-power mode on the Pro 5S cameras, which helps extend battery life, and the brand says you'll get about eight months of use before having to recharge. The 4-camera set comes with two magnetic charging cables.

If you've been considering a home security upgrade, today's deal for Prime members on the 4-pack of Arlo Pro 5S Spotlight home security cameras is a great option. You'll gain reassurance your home is well-protected and save $300.

Best noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds deals ahead of Black Friday Best headphones deal Sony WH-1000XM5 297 (Save $102.99) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbus $229 (Save $50) Get Deal

Black Friday is just around the corner, but major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart are already kicking off their programming. In other words: it's a pretty good time to pick up a pair of headphones on sale.

So far, we've seen the bulk of the deals at Amazon, with headphones and earbuds from Sony and Bose returning to record low prices. In addition to our top picks as of Nov. 20, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones and Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds, we're also seeing markdowns on brands like Apple, Beats, Jabra, and Google.

With a few pairs already down at lows we saw during Prime Day, we're anticipating that the actual day of Black Friday (this year, it falls on Nov. 29) will bring new record lows. In the meantime, we'll keep you updated on the best noise-cancelling headphones deals live, from now through Black Friday.

Best noise-cancelling 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. They've hit $298 a couple times this month, but it's just a dollar away from their low price of $297. With these headphones being a 2022 release, we're hoping to see them drop even lower on Black Friday, but if you want to pick up a pair early, this deal matches both their July and October Prime Day price.

More noise-cancelling headphones deals

• JBL Tune 770NC — $79.99 $129.99 (save $50)

• Sony WH-CH720N — $92.99 $149.99 (save $57)

• Beats Solo 4 — $129.99 $199.95 (save $69.96)

• Bose QuietComfort headphones — $199 $349 (save $150)

• Sennheiser Momentum 4 — $199.95 $379.95 (save $180 with on-page coupon)

• JBL Tour One M2 — $199.99 $299.99 (save $100)

• Sony WH-1000XM4 — $228 $348 (save $120)

• Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e — $249.43 $399 (save $29.57)

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra — $329 $429 (save $100)

• Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) — $429 $549 (save $120)

Best noise-cancelling earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds $229.00 at Amazon
$279.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds.

For folks who want the best possible noise cancelling they can get in their earbuds, we like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds. They do come with the price tag that reflects their top notch noise cancelling — but, on sale, they cost less than the full price of AirPods Pro. After testing out these earbuds, Mashable Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino was more impressed than she expected to be, writing, "Truthfully, I can't imagine a person that wouldn't appreciate these buds. The noise cancellation is the best I've ever experienced, and the music feels like it surrounds you thanks to spatial audio. Plus, the fit is like no other."

More noise-cancelling earbuds deals

• Anker Soundcore Space A40 earbuds — $44.25 $79.99 (save $35.74 with on-page coupon)

• JBL Tune 230NC — $44.95 $99.95 (save $55)

• JBL Tune Flex — $49.95 $99.95 (save $50)

• Beats Studio Buds — $99.99 $149.95 (save $49.96)

• Sennheiser ACCENTUM — $129.95 $199.95 (save $70)

• Beats Studio Buds + — $129.99 $169.95 (save $39.96)

• Jabra Elite 10 — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100)

• Beats Powerbeats Pro — $159.99 $199.99 (save $40)

• Jabra Elite 8 Active — $169.99 $229.99 (save $60)

• Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) — $189 $249 (save $60)

• Sony WF-1000XM5 — $248 $299.99 (save $51.99)

SAVE $5: As of Nov. 20, you can get Lego 2K Drive for Nintendo Switch for just $14.99. That's a 25% discount or $5 off.

Opens in a new window Credit: 2K 'Lego 2K Drive' for Nintendo Switch $14.99 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $5.00 Get Deal

Whether you’re shopping for the kids on your list or need a new video game to scratch that nostalgic itch, Lego 2K Drive for the Nintendo Switch is a must-have. (Don’t have a Nintendo Switch? You can get one for $299 at Best Buy.)

For a limited time, you can snag this game for just $14.99 (that's $5 off!) at Amazon. That’s 25% off the regular price and the lowest price we’ve seen on this title yet.

SEE ALSO: Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday: Which day is better for shopping?

Lego 2K Drive throws you into Bricklandia, a massive open world where you can go off-road, race competitors, and customize your ride brick-by-brick. The game features Story Mode, single races, Cup Series tournaments, and online support so you can play with friends or family. It’s like the Lego version of iRacing. Reddit users say it’s an “absolute blast,” and you know how picky those threads can get.

“What really makes the game fun is that it feels like playing with Lego vehicles the way that children do,” one Redditor writes. “There are little minifig pedestrians that you can run over and watch them burst into Lego bricks.”

Bring the fun home for the holiday season for $5 off today.