Blogroll
I'm worried about Roku under Fox's control, and you should be too
In the streaming wars, Fox has a new asset in Roku. On Nov. 6, Fox Corporation successfully completed its $22 billion acquisition of Roku, Inc., which came well ahead of the previously projected 2027 date. Roku will now fall under Fox Digital Platforms, a new division that includes Roku, Tubi, Fox One, Red Seat Ventures, and other digital products and services.
Give your car infotainment system the upgrade it deserves with 46% off the Surcsa 9-inch CarPlay Screen
Not everyone has a new car with the latest touchscreen infotainment systems. That doesn't mean you can't upgrade to the latest tech and get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and modern navigation. Upgrading is easy with Surcsa's 9-inch CarPlay Screen, now 40% off with a limited-time deal.
Google Fi network switching is back with the new 5G 'Super Network'
Google Fi's first key feature was the ability to automatically switch between multiple networks. In recent years, however, Fi transitioned fully to a T-Mobile-only MVNO. Now, Google is bringing the network switching technology back, specifically for 5G.
Anthropic forges ahead with IPO roadshow, eyes $1.4 trillion valuation
Unlike its biggest competitor, OpenAI, Anthropic doesn't appear to be backing away from its IPO.
Anthropic, the AI giant behind the Claude chatbot, is preparing for an IPO roadshow, according to an announcement from the company. An IPO roadshow is basically a series of sales presentations to potential investors in order to gauge interest and set a final share price.
Interestingly, Anthropic is looking to go public at a $1.4 trillion valuation. This is lower than investor expectations, which reportedly reached $2 trillion just two months ago.
Anthropic's decision to go forward with an IPO is in sharp contrast to the approach of its largest competitor, OpenAI, which has largely shied away from doing so anytime in the near future. Anthropic beat OpenAI to an IPO filing earlier this summer when both AI companies were still pursuing a public stock offering. Since then, OpenAI has put its IPO plans on hold, citing concerns around AI safety.
Anthropic's IPO will be a first among the big AI companies, and it comes as investors' faith in the AI boom seems to be waning.
SEE ALSO: Anthropic IPO docs reportedly reveal over $40 billion in losses last yearOne major issue for investors is that the big players in the AI industry are simply unprofitable. Anthropic's prospectus, which lays out its finances for potential investors, says that the company brought in $4.6 billion in revenue last year and posted a $42 billion loss. On top of that, Anthropic's operating costs are rising year over year, and the company plans to spend $518 billion in "cloud, computing and infrastructure obligations" over the next few years.
As Reuters reports, some of Anthropic's current investors are hoping to sell 825 million shares at $78 per share to raise as much as $64.4 billion. However, according to outlets like CNBC, Anthropic is considering a price range of $70 to $78 per share.
According to those same sources, Anthropic aims to set the share price on Nov. 18 and go public on Nov. 19.
Outsource your lawn care needs with $1,100 off the Mammotion Luba 3
SAVE $1,100: As of Nov. 10, get the Mammotion Luba 3 for $1,999 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $3,099. That's a discount of 35%.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Mammotion Luba 3 $1,999 at Amazon$3,099 Save $1,100 Get Deal at Amazon
The weather may be getting cooler, but that doesn't mean the grass is suddenly going to stop growing. Taking care of your lawn, at least until the cold does eventually take it, is going to be part of your home routine for the foreseeable future until winter sets in. But you don't have to spend hours on handling landscaping when robot lawn mowers exist, and we've found a great early Black Friday deal on one that you should snatch up while it's still available.
As of Nov. 10, get the Mammotion Luba 3 for $1,999 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $3,099. That's $1,100 off and a discount of 35%.
SEE ALSO: We found 45 early Black Friday deals already live: Get $250 off MacBooks, 53% off Bose headphonesThis robot lawn mower is powered by two 165W motors so it can tackle just about all your lawn care needs. It boasts an all-wheel-drive system with omni-wheels that let it tackle yards with just about any type of terrain. That includes inclines up to 39 degrees. It can use this power to roll over roots, potholes, curbs, and more without forcing you to have to run over and place it back on the grass.
The motors can adjust speed as they go based on how thick your grass is, and runs nearly 200 minutes per charge, so you don't have to stop and recharge it to power through each cutting job. It can even identify hundreds of types of obstacles on its own, so it can spot issues and move forward without your input thanks to its 1-2 punch of camera and LiDAR.
If you're ready to let robots handle beautifying your yard, this is a great deal that won't last long, so snag it while you can.
I dropped Phone Link for KDE Connect, and my Android and PC finally work together
I spent years putting up with Phone Link when it kept letting me down. The connection kept dropping, notifications didn't show up, and most of the time the find phone feature didn't work. I eventually found a different app that I now use every single day.
Everything to know about Amazons extra-long Black Friday sale: Dates, daily deal drops, and more
Amazon has nailed down its holiday plans. Today, the retail giant announced that it will host Black Friday Week and Cyber Monday sales from Nov. 19 to Nov. 30 — that's 12 straight days of deals.
In a company blog post, Amazon said its holiday savings events will feature "millions of deals across popular categories and new daily themed deal drops," including "double drops" on Black Friday and Cyber Monday proper. Here's what you need to know before you start filling your cart.
When does Amazon's Black Friday sale start? Credit: AmazonAmazon's Black Friday Week sale will begin at 3:01 a.m. ET (12:01 a.m. PT) on Thursday, Nov. 19, a week before Thanksgiving Day.
This will be the fourth year in a row that Amazon starts its Black Friday sale at least a week early. (The actual holiday falls on Friday, Nov. 27 this year.)
Amazon is hardly the only major retailer that draws out its Black Friday programming. Best Buy, Target, and Walmart are also offering Black Friday deals throughout the month of November — a win for early birds who are worried about popular gifts selling out as the holiday shopping season revs up.
When does Amazon's Cyber Monday sale start?Amazon hasn't officially said when its 2026 Cyber Monday sale will start, but in the past, it's kicked off the day right after Black Friday. With that in mind, Mashable's Shopping team expects Amazon to make the shift into Cyber Monday mode on Saturday, Nov. 28 this year.
Is Amazon offering early Black Friday deals?Yes, Amazon has already dropped a bunch of early Black Friday deals. Head to amazon.com/blackfriday and look for the offers with a red "Early Black Friday Deal" label. (If you'd rather not sift through them all yourself, check out our running list of Amazon's top early Black Friday deals so far.)
Now through Nov. 14, Amazon is supplementing these with "early Haul-iday deals" on Amazon Haul, its Shein-rivaling budget storefront. Shoppers will encounter $1 flash deals there all week, plus a selection of 11-cent deals on Nov. 10 and 11.
What to expect during Amazon's Black Friday sale Credit: AmazonOn each day of its Black Friday Week and Cyber Monday sales, Amazon will run themed daily deal drops called "Today’s Big Deals." They'll involve limited-time discounts of up to 60% on popular products from brands like Balsam Hill, HydroJug, and Theragun, and they'll go live once a day except on Black Friday and Cyber Monday proper. Shoppers will get two batches of Today's Big Deals on those days: once at 3 a.m. ET, then again at 11 a.m ET.
Beyond those drops, here are the kinds of Black Friday deals shoppers can expect to see on Amazon in the coming weeks, it said:
Amazon devices and servicesSave up to 35% on Amazon's latest gadgets, including the new Alexa Photo Frame, Alexa tablets, Echo Show 16, Echo Time, and Fire TV Stick 4K
Save up to 45% on Amazon's 2024 Kindle Colorsoft, 55-inch Ember Artline TV, and 55-inch Ember Mini LED-Series TV
Get a $1,500 gift card when you buy or lease a new car through Amazon Autos from Nov. 12 to 30
Get three months of Amazon Music Unlimited for free (a $38.97 value)
Get three months of Kindle+ for free (a $35.97 value)
Save up to $600 on select Sony and Hisense TVs
Save up to 50% on select headphones and speakers from Beats, JBL, Marshall, and Sonos
Save up to 30% on select laptops and gaming PCs from Alienware, Acer, Asus, HP, and Lenvoo
Save up to 40% on select Ninja appliances, including the Creami, Foodi, and Slushi
Save up to 40% on select iRobot and Bissell floorcare
Save up to 30% on select Yeti and Solo Stove gear
Save over $200 on select Breville espresso machines
Save up to $80 on select Levoit air purifiers
Save up to $90 on select beauty tools from Braun and ghd
Save up to 50% on select Crayola and Melissa & Doug crafts
Save up to 45% on select Magna-Tiles, Mattel, Nerf, and Play-Doh toys
Save up to 30% on select Barbie and Hot Wheels toys
Save up to 30% on select Ravensburger games
Save 80% on Game Changer by Rachel Reid (the first book in the Heated Rivalry series)
Save 60% on Strangers by Belle Burden
Save 55% on Kin by Tayari Jones
Save 50% on Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
Save up to $500 on select Balsam Hill and Fraser Hill Farm artificial Christmas trees
Save up to 35% on select Lenox ornaments
Save up to 30% on select Hallmark cards, gift wrap, and ornaments
These will likely be some of Amazon's most competitive deals of the year. However, know that its prices may not be as low as they've been on Black Fridays past. That's because myriad products have seen price increases in 2026 due to factors like higher fuel costs, tariffs, and the ongoing memory shortage, aka "RAMageddon."
The latter is the reason why Amazon raised the prices of its Kindle e-readers, Fire TV Sticks, and most Echo smart speakers in August.
Do you need to be a Prime member to shop Amazon's Black Friday sale?Amazon's Black Friday sale won't be exclusive to members of its Prime program. This is one of the main things that separates it from other Amazon events like Prime Day and Prime Big Deal Days.
Does Amazon price match?No, Amazon does not price-match competitors' deals — not on Black Friday, nor any other day of the year. If you find a better price on something you've recently purchased there, you'll have to return it to Amazon and rebuy it where it's cheaper.
What is Amazon's holiday return policy?Most items purchased on Amazon from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 can be returned through Jan. 31, 2026, except for Apple products, which have a return deadline of Jan. 15, 2027.
We found 45 early Black Friday deals already live: Get $250 off MacBooks, 53% off Bose headphones
The moment Halloween wraps, we turn to the holiday season. For most people, that means Hallmark holiday specials, planning Thanksgiving, and Christmas music on the radio. But for Mashable's shopping team, it means only one thing: It's time to prep for Black Friday sales. Yes, we know that Black Friday 2026 doesn't technically start until Nov. 27, but that hasn't stopped retailers.
So, we are officially on the hunt for the best early Black Friday deals. And as of this writing, we've found huge $200 discounts on MacBook Air laptops, 53% discounts on Bose noise-cancelling headphones, and 50% savings on award-winning QLED TVs, not to mention discounts on Pokémon Lego sets and other items on our holiday wishlists.
So, if you don't want to wait for Thanksgiving to get your hands on the best gifts of the year, retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Sephora, and Best Buy already have plenty of early deals to entice you. And in a year of relentless price hikes, it's nice to finally get some relief.
How do we choose the best deals? The Mashable shopping team has an encyclopedic knowledge of the latest tech gadgets, gifts, and trending products. We use price-tracking tools, insider knowledge, and our years of experience covering sales like this to search for the best discounts. We're looking for first-ever price drops on new products, steep markdowns on past-gen products, and record-low prices on must-have items from Apple, Ninja, Shark, Dyson, and Lego.
Best early Black Friday Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,349.99 at Amazon$1,599 Save $249.01 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
The Apple MacBook Air is a stunner of a laptop, with the blazing-fast M5 chip. If you have a MacBook that's a few generations behind, you'll instantly notice a difference with the speakers and cameras, not to mention Siri AI. In the weeks before Black Friday, this popular laptop is $250 off, bringing it down to its lowest price in almost six months. It's also the best price we've seen since Apple raised prices over the summer.
Read Mashable's full review of the Apple MacBook Air (M5).
More early Black Friday Apple dealsAirPods
Apple AirPods 4 — $89 $129 (save $30)
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation — $119.97 $179 (save $59.04)
Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $199 $249 (save $50)
Apple AirPods Max 2 — $449.99 $549 (save $99.01)
iPads
Apple iPad (A16, WiFi, 128GB) — $399 $449 (save $50)
Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 128GB) — $569 $599 (save $30)
iPhones
iPhone 18 Pro (256 GB) — Free with 36 months of billing credits $1,199.99 (save $1,199.99)
iPhone 16 Plus (128GB, Unlocked) — $799.99 $829.99 (save $30)
iPhone 15 Plus (128GB, Refurbished) — $549.99 $899 (save $349.01)
MacBooks
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,299 $1,499 (save $200)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro with 18-core CPU/20-core GPU, 24GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $2,799.99 $3,199 (save $399.01)
$359 Save $104.90 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
The best Black Friday deals always include savings on noise-canceling headphones. And the Bose QuietComfort are not only among the most comfortable headphones in the world (according to our headphones reviewer) but also among the best mid-range headphones you can buy. And when they're marked down 53%? Nothing else comes close. Pick up these ANC headphones while they're marked down to just $169 and thank us later.
More early Black Friday headphones dealsSony WH-CH530 — $48 $69.99 (save $21.99)
Sony WH-CH720N — $88 $179.99 (save $91.99)
Sony WH-CH730N — $128 $179.99 (save $51.99)
Nothing Headphone (a) — $130.99 $199 (save $68.01)
Sennheiser Momentum 4 — $199.95 $299.99 (save $100.04)
Sony WH-1000XM5 — $188.10 $399.99 (save $211.89)
Sony WH-1000XM6 — $378 $459.99 (save $81.99)
Apple AirPods Max 2 — $449.99 $549 (save $99.01)
Sony WF-C710N — $78.99 $129.99 (save $51)
Apple AirPods 4 — $89 $129 (save $40)
Beats Studio Buds + — $149.95 $169.95 (save $20)
Marshall Motif II — $169.99 $219.99 (save $60)
Refurbished Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds — $199 $299 (save $100)
Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $199 $249 (save $50)
Refurbished Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) — $179 $299 (save $120)
$2,999.99 Save $1,601.68 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
Black Friday is one of the best times of year to buy a new TV, and you don't have to wait until the end of November. Go ahead and treat yourself to an award-winning 75-inch TCL QLED TV for a cool 50% off the retail price. It comes with built-in Google TV OS, up to 6,000 nits of brightness, and a super-thin design for a modern look. Plus, Amazon is tossing in free delivery and unpacking in the room of your choice.
More early Black Friday TV dealsUnder 50-inch TV deals
onn. 32-inch HD TV — $68 $88 (save $20)
Samsung 43-inch M70H Mini-LED 4K TV — $247.99 $349.99 (save $102)
LG 43-inch 75B Mini-LED 4K TV — $279.99 $499.99 (save $220)
LG 48-inch B6 OLED 4K TV — $599.99 $1,199.99 (save $600)
Samsung 48-inch S85H OLED 4K TV — $799.99 $1,199.99 (save $400)
50- to 55-inch TV deals
Insignia 50-inch F50 4K TV — $179.99 $299.99 (save $120)
Hisense 55-inch E6 Hi-QLED 4K TV — $296.96 $429.99 (save $133.03)
Samsung 55-inch M70H Mini-LED 4k TV — $299.99 $449.99 (save $150)
Hisense 50-inch E7 Mini-LED Hi-QLED 4K TV — $397.96 $699.99 (save $302.03)
LG 55-inch B6E OLED 4K TV — $799.99 $1,399.99 (save $600)
LG 55-inch C6 OLED 4K TV — $999.99 $1,999.99 (save $1,000)
Samsung 55-inch R85H RGB 4K TV — $999.99 $1,599.99 (save $600)
65-inch TV deals
Toshiba 65-inch G700 ArtVision QLED 4K TV — $997.96 $1,999.99 (save $1,002.03)
Samsung 65-inch S85H OLED 4K TV — $899.99 $1,999.99 (save $1,100)
LG C6 Series OLED 4K TV — $1,399.99 $2,699.99 (save $1,300)
Samsung 65-inch The Frame Pro LS03HW QLED 4K TV — $1,497.99 $1,999.99 (save $502)
Samsung 65-inch R95H RGB 4K TV — $2,499.99 $3,199.99 (save $800)
70- to 75-inch TV deals
Samsung 75-inch M70H Mini-LED 4K TV — $497.99 $729.99 (save $232)
TCL 75-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $1,397.99 $2,999.99 (save $1,602)80 to 85-inch TV deals
LG 85-inch NU700B 4K TV — $699.99 $849.99 (save $150)
TCL 85-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $2,497.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,502)
80- to 85-inch TV deals
LG 85-inch NU700B 4K TV — $699.99 $849.99 (save $150)
TCL 85-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $2,297.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,702)
Over 85-inch TV deals
Hisense 100-inch U7 Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $2,499.99 $4,499.99 (save $2,000)
$224.97 Save $34 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
We consider ourselves Kindle experts, and we've been eagerly testing all of the new Kindle e-readers Amazon released this fall. Even though the new Kindles just came out, you can already pick up the base model and the new Kindle Click page turner in a discounted bundle. BookTok has been waiting a long time for a proper Kindle page-turner accessory, and we're big fans.
If you're not interested in the Kindle Click, we expect all of the new Kindles to get their first real discounts when Black Friday begins, so you may want to add them to your cart and wait until Nov. 27.
More early Black Friday Kindle deals2026 Kindle Deals
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, Cover, and Power Adapter Bundle — $229.97 $269.97 (save $40)
Amazon Kindle (32GB), Cover, and Kindle Click Bundle — $233.97 $274.97 (save $41)
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, Page Turn Cover, Sling Bag Bundle — $365.97 $429.97 (save $64)
2024 Kindle Deals
Kindle (16GB, 2024 model), Cover, and Power Adapter Bundle — $186.97 $201.97 (save $15)
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select — $14.99 $49.99 (save $35 with on-page code SELECT4K)
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K — $15.96 $59.99 (save $44.03 with on-page coupon code FTV4K)
Amazon Fire TV Stick HD — $17.99 $39.99 (save $22 with on-page code HDFTV)
Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet — $72.99 $154.99 (save $82)
Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet — $79.99 $129.99 (save $50)
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet — $94.99 $169.99 (save $75)
Harry Potter Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (limited edition) — $119.99 $189.99 (save $70)
$179.99 Save $20 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
You may have heard that Mashable's gift experts recently named the Ninja Crispi glass air fryer as the best kitchen gift of 2026. This 4-in-1 countertop appliance comes with two glass containers, each sized just right for easy storage. We've had very good experiences with Ninja appliances in recent years, and this particular air fryer has become a favorite among the Mashable team.
More early Black Friday Kitchen dealsNinja Professional Plus Blender — $79.99 $119.99 (save $40)
Ninja Air Fryer XL with MaxCrisp — $109.99 $179.99 (save $70)
Keurig K-Duo — $129.99 $219.99 (save $90)
Ninja BlendSense Tech Kitchen System — $179.95 $249.99 (save $70.04)
$59.99 Save $14.75 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
We love Pokémon. We love Lego. Putting them together just makes sense, especially as we're celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise. Legos are always popular holiday gifts for kids and adults alike, and we're anticipating big Black Friday Lego deals. The pre-Black Friday season is also a great time to order Lego Advent calendars.
More early Black Friday Lego dealsLego Botanicals Rocking Plants — $18.39 $22.99 (save $4.60)
Lego Botanicals Flowering Cactus — $27.95 $34.99 (save $7.04)
Lego Botanicals Succulents — $32.99 $49.99 (save $17)
Lego Star Wars AT-RT Attack — $35.96 $44.99 (save $9.03)
Lego Icons Poinsettia — $42.49 $49.99 (save $7.50)
Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Mos Eisley Cantina — $53.99 $79.99 (save $26)
Lego Botanicals Hibiscus Flower — $55.95 $69.99 (save $14.04)
Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter — $53.99 $69.99 (save $16)
Lego Botanicals Flower Arrangement — $65.99 $109.99 (save $44)
Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Millennium Falcon — $79.95 $99.99 (save $20.04)
Lego Star Wars Grogu (Mandalorian Apprentice) — $103.95 $129.99 (save $26.04)
Lego Icons Tranquil Garden — $103.99 $109.99 (save $6)
Lego Pokémon Pikachu and Poké Ball — $159.99 $199.99 (save $16.81)
This compact dock makes my MacBook setup as simple as one cable
There are some pieces of technology that are at their best when they don't stand out. If they're doing the job you need them to do, you'll forget they're even there. The Baseus Spacemate RD1 Plus 14-in-1 (WIN) Docking Station is exactly that type of device.
Julia Fox fronts anti-split-the-bill campaign from Seeking
Costs are high, and a recent report found that 1 in 10 young singles actually stopped dating because of money. Perhaps for this reason, the dating platform Seeking has announced an "Anti 50/50 Campaign," fronted by actor Julia Fox.
"I've been on Seeking, my friends have been on Seeking, and I think we need to get over the idea that women should have to justify what they want out of dating," Fox said in a press release shared with Mashable.
SEE ALSO: The 10 best hookup apps of 2026: I swiped until my thumb hurtSeeking was formally named Seeking Arrangement, which made its name as a sugar dating app for "mutually beneficial relationships." Today, however, Seeking claims on its website that transactional relationships are prohibited. Now, its tagline is, "Date People Who Make Life Better"...whatever that means.
It's clear that Seeking still has the aura of trying to level up using a partner, which may also be the ethos behind this anti-split-the-bill campaign. Anti 50/50 is a $50,000 fund to reimburse singles who've been asked to split the bill on a date (up to $50 per person).
Seeking found that 61 percent of Gen Z women have been asked to go dutch on a first date, up from 27 percent of Boomer women. But 75 percent of women apparently prefer men to take the lead on dates, like planning and paying.
"I'm all for women being independent, but that doesn't mean we have to entertain low-effort men who think splitting a check is the height of romance. If you're going to court somebody, COURT THEM," Fox continued. "That's why the Anti 50/50 Fund is so important. Seeking is about being clear on what matters to you in a relationship."
To apply for the $50, you must create a Seeking account, share details about the date, and upload a receipt. The fund will remain open until Feb. 10, 2027, or until $50,000 has been claimed.
GTA 6 on PS5 vs. Xbox: What we know
Grand Theft Auto VI is less than two weeks away, which means it's time to sort out which console you're going to play it on at launch, if you haven't already.
The problem there is that Rockstar Games has given us precious little information to go on regarding how the game looks and runs on PS5 versus the Xbox Series consoles. The official marketing spin has been that GTA 6 "plays best" on PS5 for months now, but Rockstar had not greatly expanded on what that means...until now.
SEE ALSO: How to play 'GTA 6' a day before everyone else in the U.S. GTA 6 on PS5 and PS5 Pro: What to expectIn a statement that coincided with the game becoming available for pre-load on Tuesday, Rockstar elaborated a little bit on what to expect from each console version of the game, while also sharing a new 30-second trailer. According to Rockstar, GTA6 will target 30 frames per second on every machine at launch, which is not a surprise given the level of visual fidelity on display.
Rockstar also said the PS5 Pro version will support PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (or PSSR), a special technique the PS5 Pro uses to enhance game resolution. Beyond that, PS5 Pro users will have access to ray-traced shadows, meaning (presumably) that every shadow in the game will react realistically to light sources. No other console version of the game will support this feature, at least not at launch.
We've already seen the base PS5 version running in the big Netflix trailer back in August, but Rockstar elaborated a bit on that version, too. It'll include haptic feedback in the DualSense controller, improved 3D audio, and faster load times, though the wording on the load times bit is a little bit vague. We don't know what the point of comparison is, though one could reasonably assume they're talking about the Xbox version.
GTA 6 on Xbox: What to expectUnfortunately, Rockstar's post was still extremely light on Xbox details. The post reiterated that the game will be available via Xbox Cloud Gaming for those who like to stream games, and that the streaming build will use the Xbox Series S visual settings. That is, I believe, the first confirmation that the less powerful Series S will have its own visual settings, but Rockstar didn't say anything about what those settings actually entail.
Rockstar also did not mention the Series X version at all. On balance, the Series X is roughly as powerful as a PS5, and most multi-platform games look and run very similarly across both devices. Whether that's entirely a marketing ploy or actually holds some truth to it will become clear on Nov. 19.
3 Pixel features my friends wish I'd stop showing off
While my Pixel 10 Pro doesn’t have the best hardware or cameras around, it packs a slew of cool and unique features that are, at least in theory, perfect party tricks. Some aren’t really that intuitive to show off to your friends, but there are a few I love to show people, especially those who haven’t seen a Pixel phone before (I’m still surprised by just how many people don’t recognize one).
The best early TV deals to shop if you cant wait until Black Friday
TV prices tend to follow a seasonal cycle, where each major sale outshines the previous one. In other words, while October Prime Day brought us plenty of excellent TV deals, we expect Black Friday to deliver even better ones.
The official Black Friday sales event is only a few weeks away. The best of the best discounts are yet to come. Still, if your TV has taken its last breath and you can't wait until the day after Thanksgiving to grab a new one, there are a decent number of TVs already on sale at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. Our favorite OLED TV of 2026 is down to a record-low, and we're seeing smaller budget picks clocking in at fantastic prices.
Our tech experts will be diligently watching TV prices in the lead up to, during, and post-Black Friday to find all the best deals available from top brands like TCL, Samsung, Hisense, Amazon Fire TV, LG, and beyond. Stay tuned as the shopping season heats up.
Need some guidance? Check out Mashable's guide to TV specs for a quick refresh on the difference between QLED, OLED, Mini LED, and RGB displays.
Best early Black Friday TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 65-inch C6 OLED 4K TV $1,399.99 at Amazon$2,699.99 Save $1,300.00 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
Our favorite OLED TV for most people just keeps getting cheaper. We saw the 65-inch LG C6 OLED TV drop to just $1,499.99 from $2,699.99 during Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event, but now it's $100 less as we inch closer to Black Friday. Both Amazon and Best Buy have the same deal, so if one sells out, be sure to check the other.
OLED TVs are expensive, but the C6 is relatively affordable compared to competitors' prices. Thanks to this $1,300 price drop, it's an even more outstanding value. Mashable TV expert Leah Stodart raved about its inky black levels, stark contrast, and "generally impeccable image quality" in our roundup of the best TVs of 2026. It's also worth noting that it has even higher peak brightness, more vibrant colors, better audio, and a higher refresh rate than its predecessor.
Best early Black Friday budget TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy TCL 40-inch Q3CR QLED TV $149.99 at Best Buy$299.99 Save $150 Get Deal at Best Buy Why we like it
A 40-inch QLED TV for this price is an absolute steal, especially if you're looking to outfit one or more of your rooms with another display. TCL’s Q3CR Series pairs a quantum-dot panel with a direct-lit backlight, so colors come through saturated, with Full HD resolution that's plenty sharp at 40 inches. Plus, its built-in Roku streaming functionality means you can toss the streaming stick and use just the TV to watch all your favorite shows and movies, hassle-free.
More early Black Friday TV dealsUnder 50-inch TV dealsonn. 32-inch HD TV — $68 $88 (save $20)
Samsung 43-inch M70H Mini-LED 4K TV — $247.99 $349.99 (save $102)
LG 43-inch 75B Mini-LED 4K TV — $279.99 $499.99 (save $220)
LG 48-inch B6 OLED 4K TV — $599.99 $1,199.99 (save $600)
Samsung 48-inch S85H OLED 4K TV — $799.99 $1,199.99 (save $400)
Insignia 50-inch F50 4K TV — $179.99 $299.99 (save $120)
Hisense 55-inch E6 Hi-QLED 4K TV — $296.96 $429.99 (save $133.03)
Samsung 55-inch M70H Mini-LED 4k TV — $299.99 $449.99 (save $150)
Hisense 50-inch E7 Mini-LED Hi-QLED 4K TV — $397.96 $699.99 (save $302.03)
LG 55-inch B6E OLED 4K TV — $799.99 $1,399.99 (save $600)
LG 55-inch C6 OLED 4K TV — $999.99 $1,999.99 (save $1,000)
Samsung 55-inch R85H RGB 4K TV — $999.99 $1,599.99 (save $600)
Toshiba 65-inch G700 ArtVision QLED 4K TV — $997.96 $1,999.99 (save $1,002.03)
Samsung 65-inch S85H OLED 4K TV — $899.99 $1,999.99 (save $1,100)
LG C6 Series OLED 4K TV — $1,399.99 $2,699.99 (save $1,300)
Samsung 65-inch The Frame Pro LS03HW QLED 4K TV — $1,497.99 $1,999.99 (save $502)
Samsung 65-inch R95H RGB 4K TV — $2,499.99 $3,199.99 (save $800)
Insignia 70-inch F50 4K TV — $299.99 $499.99 (save $200)
Samsung 75-inch M70H Mini-LED 4K TV — $497.99 $729.99 (save $232)
TCL 75-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $1,397.99 $2,999.99 (save $1,602)
LG 85-inch NU700B 4K TV — $699.99 $849.99 (save $150)
TCL 85-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $2,297.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,702)
Hisense 100-inch U7 Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $2,499.99 $4,499.99 (save $2,000)
I imported my Excel project tracker into Airtable and immediately understood the hype
I'm a big Excel advocate. Whenever I see someone recommending that I replace it with another app, my first reaction is usually the same: what's the point? Excel already does most of what I need. One app I keep seeing recommended, though, is Airtable.
This 50% off Paramount+ Premium discount is the best early Black Friday streaming deal Ive seen
SAVE $70: As of Nov. 10, new and returning subscribers can score a full year of Paramount+ Premium for only $69.99 instead of $139.99 with the code saveannual50. That's 50% off ahead of Black Friday.
Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Premium annual subscription $69.99$139.99 Save $70.00 with code saveannual50 Get Deal
There's only one streaming deal worth grabbing ahead of Black Friday, but it's a doozy.
As of Nov. 10, new and returning subscribers can lock in an entire year of Paramount+ Premium (the ad-free tier) for only $69.99 with the code saveannual50. Usually $139.99 per year, that's $70 or 50% in savings. Compared to a monthly plan ($13.99 per month), that's an even bigger savings of $97.89.
To secure the discount, select the annual Paramount+ Premium ad-free plan, then click on "Have a promo code?" on the checkout page. Enter the code saveannual50 in the box and the discount should automatically apply if you're eligible. For what it's worth, I cancelled my previous monthly subscription and was eligible for this deal the following day.
Credit: Screenshot: Paramount+Last Black Friday, Paramount+ offered two months of its Premium subscription for $2.99 per month. So this beats 2025's deal by a landslide. Sure, there's a chance the streamer drops an even crazier deal for Black Friday 2026, but it's unlikely to beat 50% off for a whole year.
As far as streaming services go, Paramount+ has a few major selling points. First, it's the home of live in-network NFL games on Sunday afternoons, as well as UFC marquee events and Fight Nights. For NFL and UFC fans, it's a must. As the streaming hub for your local CBS network, it's also where Survivor, Big Brother, and The Amazing Race fans can watch the seasons unfold in real time. There's also plenty of Paramount+ and Showtime original shows, like Yellowjackets, Landman, and Dexter: Resurrection, and a wide selection of movies straight from the theater. The catalog is surprisingly robust, so you definitely get more than your money's worth.
On a normal day, Paramount+ is one of the more affordable streamers. With the code saveannual50, it's a pretty wild deal.
Keep what the internet knows to a minimum with 70% off Proton VPN
We’ve all experienced searching for something on the internet only for ads about that thing to follow us around for weeks. It even crosses devices; targeted ads show up on your computer after searching a keyword on your phone. Perhaps it’s just a mild annoyance, but it’s a visible reminder that we’re all tracked across the web.
Score a free Cookie Butter Cloud Latte at Dunkin on Nov. 10 — how to qualify
TL;DR: Get a free Cookie Butter Cloud Latte at Dunkin' from 2-6 p.m. on Nov. 10. To claim, make a qualifying purchase at participating locations.
Dunkin' is pretty good to us. We can't think of another brand that consistently offers freebies like Dunkin'. Most of the time, you simply need to use a voucher code in the app to get a genuinely free drink without a qualifying purchase.
This is not one of those occasions, but you can still walk away with a free drink worth $5.99.
On Nov. 10 from 2-6 p.m. local time, customers can get a free medium Iced or Hot Cookie Butter Cloud Latte with a qualifying purchase at participating locations. That qualifying purchase excludes individual Munchkins Donut Hole Treats and cups of water, and this offer is not available on delivery platforms.
Credit: Dunkin'Dunkin's Cookie Butter Cloud Latte combines espresso, Cookie Butter Syrup, and milk, and is topped with Cookie Butter Cold Foam and cookie butter crumbles. But you know what tastes better than all of that? Getting it for free. Nothing tastes sweeter than a freebie.
The Cookie Butter Cloud Latte is only available for a limited time through the holidays, so this is your best opportunity to try it out without any pressure. It could become your all-time favorite.
Calling all Loons: Heated Rivalry is coming to 4DX
In the last year, Heated Rivalry took the world by storm, blowing up on streaming, launching leading men Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, and getting a theatrical release. Now, 4DX is coming to appease the fandom, lovingly known as "loons."
On Tuesday, The Hollywood Reporter announced that Regal Cinemas has partnered with CJ 4DPLEX to screen the final two episodes of Heated Rivalry Season 1 at 59 Regal 4DX auditoriums across the U.S., with additional theaters participating in the UK and Canada.
SEE ALSO: I've lived the dream of 'Wicker' 4DX, and it was phenomenalThe 4DX screenings of these episodes will begin Nov. 16, meaning audiences can experience the romance between professional hockey rivals/secret lovers Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov in a new way.
For some sense of what Heated Rivalry 4DX could entail, I'd recommend reading my review of the Wicker 4DX experience.
Sure, there's the saucy fun of having the motion-enhanced theater bucking seats along to love scenes. But there's also the joyful sense of community that comes from going to a 4DX theater to revel in romance and a bit of gimmicky immersive fun.
Online, fans are X are reacting with jokes and excitement.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.And this one is NSFW:
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Heated Rivalry 4DX tickets will be for sale on Regal's website, where fans can also purchase themed popcorn buckets and soda cups. (Though nothing on the outrageousness level of the Dune popcorn buckets).
How to track battery levels in Home Assistant devices
One of the biggest benefits of Zigbee is that it uses less power than Wi-Fi, so many devices can run on batteries. You can put battery-powered devices almost anywhere without worrying about where the nearest power outlet is, but the downside is that all batteries will eventually run out. There are plenty of ways that you can use Home Assistant to keep track of your batteries so that your devices don't keep dying.
Zelda Switch 2 restock: Live restock updates at Walmart, Target, and Best Buy (Nov. 10)
If your current morning ritual involves violently hitting refresh on a dozen retail tabs, you already know the vibe: finding the Nintendo Switch 2: The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition is turning into an Olympic sport.
Between automated bot armies scooping digital drops, surprise order cancellations at Walmart, and inventory vanishing in seconds on Amazon, this custom black-and-gold console feels like a myth. But while digital storefronts look completely barren, stock is actively circulating behind the scenes.
Where to check for Zelda Switch 2 stock right nowBefore getting into the restock details, bookmark these retailer pages to check for surprise drops:
Nintendo Store — Out of stock right now, but you can add it to your wishlist to get pinged the second a restock hits.
Amazon — Dropping tiny batches of consoles randomly throughout the day.
Walmart — Stock exists but only for third-party listings selling at way over market price, so make sure your in-stock email alerts are turned on.
Target — Sold out online, but periodic drops have taken place in-store.
Best Buy — Sold out online, but select stores ran midnight openings on Nov. 5 with walk-in stock.
GameStop — Online orders are off; you will have to walk into a store to find one.
The feeding frenzy is being supercharged by Nintendo’s staggered release calendar. While the custom Zelda 40th Anniversary hardware dropped first on Oct. 29, the flagship game driving demand — The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2 — arrived on Thursday, Nov. 5.
The remake rebuilds the 1998 classic from the ground up with modernized controls, a fully orchestrated soundtrack, reworked dungeon puzzles, and expanded Hyrule environments. Since the $520 console doesn’t include the game, everyone is rushing to lock down a system before launch day.
Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2 $59.99 at AmazonShop Now at Amazon What comes with the Zelda 40th anniversary Switch 2?
The package includes the special-edition Switch 2 system sporting a custom black-and-gold finish, themed Joy-Con 2 controllers, and a matching dock decorated with the gold Triforce emblem. It retains the platform's signature flexibility, letting you switch between TV, Tabletop, and Handheld modes whenever you want.
Inside the themed chassis, you get 256GB of built-in storage (expandable with microSD Express cards), a vivid display in handheld mode, faster load times, and support for up to 4K resolution on compatible TVs when the console sits in the dock.
The magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers add mouse-style tracking in supported games, while the new GameChat hub lets you voice chat and share your screen directly as you play. It also plays your older Switch games and supports standard multiplayer options.
How can you improve your chances of finding stock?Landing limited-edition Nintendo hardware takes a little prep work, but these battle-tested habits will give you a real edge over the bots:
Save your checkout details everywhere — Log in to Target, Best Buy, Walmart, and the Nintendo Store to save your shipping address and default card. Stopping to type a card number or billing zip code during a live drop is how you lose an order.
Hands off the refresh button in Best Buy's queue — When an online drop goes live, Best Buy puts shoppers into a randomized waiting line to filter out scrapers. Touching the reload button resets your spot and boots you straight to the back.
Watch for Walmart+ early-access paywalls — Walmart frequently locks headline console drops behind paid Walmart+ subscriptions for the first 30 to 60 minutes. If you have a membership, keep that tab signed in; if not, wait for the general public window to unlock.
Dodge third-party sellers — Double-check the seller before buying. Marketplace scalpers frequently list units for jacked-up prices; make sure it says "Sold and shipped by [Retailer]" at the standard price.
Skip the web wars and head to physical stores — Online checkout bots grab website stock in under 15 seconds. Showing up in person is easily your most reliable path to securing one without paying scalper markups.
Most likely, yes.
Stores like Walmart, Amazon, and Best Buy often hold onto popular gaming hardware to use as headline deals during Black Friday and Cyber Monday week.
With that said, Black Friday restocks are usually the hardest ones to catch. You will be fighting website crashes, gift shoppers, and automated bots all at once. If you can grab a console during the Nov. 5 launch drops at Target or Best Buy, take it. Think of Black Friday as a backup plan, not your main bet.
Console hunting sucks right now, period. But between the surprise micro-drops and Thursday's physical store restocks, you still have real shots at retail price — just be ready to move the second that button turns yellow.
