Blogroll

Decorate for the holidays with a Lego flower centerpiece that's over 40% off

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 16:12

Save 44%: As of Oct. 11, you can grab the Lego Icons Dried Flower Centerpiece for just $27.99 at Amazon. At that price, you're saving $22 off the $49.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Dried Flower Centerpiece $27.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $22.00 Get Deal

Anyone who's ever funded a Lego habit for themselves or someone else learns one thing very quick: those bricks don't come cheap. But, they are fun to build, and the Lego Botanicals collection make for unique (and weirdly practical) house decor.

While it may be tempting to put off thinking about the holidays as long as possible, the benefit is getting in early on any deals that pop up. For example: the Lego Icons Dried Flower Centerpiece is on sale for just $27.99, down from $49.99, saving you $22 and actually bringing the Legos down to the realm of affordability.

SEE ALSO: TikTok is in love with the Ninja Creami, but am I?

The set comes with a whopping 812 pieces, making its price point even more affordable. (For comparison, two other Lego Icons holiday sets, the 608-piece Poinsettia and the 1,194-piece wreath, are currently at the full prices of $49.99 and $99.99, respectively).

The autumn design can be built solo, but if you want to work with someone else, the split design makes splitting up the job easier than with most Lego sets. Once you're done building, it can be arranged in different ways as a centerpiece, hung on the wall, or combined with our Lego Botanical sets.

If you're most interested in that last option, we've put together a list of a few other Lego Icons set on sale.

More Lego Icons deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The new Roomba that self-cleans its mopping pad is still at its from Prime Day price

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 15:58

SAVE $400: As of Oct. 11, the Roomba Combo 10 Max robot vacuum and AutoWash dock is still on sale for $999 — the same price as this week's October Prime Day — down 29% from the usual price of $1,399. That's 29% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max + AutoWash Dock $1,399.00 at Amazon
Get Deal

iRobot is making smart moves in 2024. First, it finally gave the people what they wanted — a Roomba that washes and dries its own mopping pads, damn it — in July. iRobot debuted the Roomba Combo 10 Max + AutoWash Dock at $1,399, the same debut price as last year's Roomba Combo j9+ that doesn't self-clean its mop.

Now, for the grand finale: iRobot gave the Roomba Combo 10 Max its first discount ever during October Prime Day, dropping it to a sweet $999. Somehow, that sale price is still live the day after Prime Day. $1,000 for a robot vacuum seems pricey until you realize that that's simply in line with pricing for most of the flagship robot vacs from other brands, and iRobot finally humbling itself to competitive pricing is always a treat.

SEE ALSO: As a Dyson stan, I wouldn't tell anyone to buy the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum

Here's our hot take: If you're going to spend more than $500 on a Roomba, make it this one. That's a practical hard-stop budget when trying to decide which Roomba model is best for you. If you can spend a little extra coin, there's no reason to settle for the s9+ or j9+, which simply do a lot less than the Combo 10 Max. The AutoWash Dock's ability to deal with its own mopping pad after mopping, taking the burden off of its human to touch a soggy, mildewy pad and throw it in the washing machine. This, plus the self-emptying that we've seen on a ton of Roombas, finally creates the ultimate hands-off cleaning and maintenance experience that's becoming the standard for 2-in-1 hybrid robot vacs.

The Combo 10 Max also borrows some of iRobot's best features from the OG Roomba hybrid, the Combo j7+ that I really liked when I first tested it. These are the auto-lifting mop, which completely lifts itself over the vacuum to avoid getting carpet wet, and iRobot's PrecisionVision small obstacle avoidance, which detects and avoids small obstacles like cords, pet waste, and socks. iRobot performs both of these tasks more accurately than any other robot vacuums I've tested.

Cleaning-wise, the Combo 10 Max is also iRobot's best. It deploys a four-stage suction system compared to the three-stage approach that most cheaper Roombas use, has stronger sheer suction power and more intense scrubbing than any model but the Combo j9+ (which cleans identically), and has enhanced brainpower that pays more attention to dirtier areas.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Hungary vs. Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League online for free

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 15:55

TL;DR: Live stream Hungary vs. Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League for free on NPO. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Does anyone really care about the UEFA Nations League? Fans probably aren't too concerned about winning this competition, but that doesn't mean individual games aren't going to be competitive. Take the next game between Hungary and Netherlands, for example. Both sides will be desperate to secure the win.

If you want to watch Hungary vs. Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Hungary vs. Netherlands?

Hungary vs. Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League kicks off at 7:45 p.m. BST on Oct. 11. This fixture takes place at the Puskás Aréna.

How to watch Hungary vs. Netherlands for free

Hungary vs. Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League is available to live stream for free on NPO.

NPO is geo-restricted to the Netherlands, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the Netherlands, meaning you can access free live streams on NPO from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Hungary vs. Netherlands by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the Netherlands

  4. Visit NPO

  5. Live stream Hungary vs. Netherlands for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Hungary vs. Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select UEFA Nations League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for NPO?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on NPO, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the Netherlands

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Hungary vs. Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Germany in the UEFA Nations League online for free

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 15:54

TL;DR: Live stream Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Germany in the UEFA Nations League for free on L'Equipe. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The UEFA Nations League continues to deliver games between some of the best international sides in the world. Would fans like a return to domestic football? Probably, but these high-profile games are a welcome distraction from the lack of club competition.

If you want to watch Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Germany in the UEFA Nations League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Germany?

Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Germany in the UEFA Nations League kicks off at 7:45 p.m. BST on Oct. 11. This fixture takes place at the Bilino Polje.

How to watch Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Germany for free

Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Germany in the UEFA Nations League is available to live stream for free on L'Equipe.

L'Equipe is geo-restricted to France, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in France, meaning you can access free live streams on L'Equipe from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Germany by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in France

  4. Visit L'Equipe

  5. Live stream Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Germany for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Germany in the UEFA Nations League without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select UEFA Nations League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for L'Equipe?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on L'Equipe, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including France

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Germany in the UEFA Nations League for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

BlueSky is pitching itself as a Threads alternative now

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 15:50

BlueSky isn't trying to replace Twitter, all of a sudden. Instead, it's making a pitch to replace Threads, Meta's Twitter alternative.

The social media platform created an account on Threads this week and immediately began pitching itself as an alternative to the site. Threads has come under fire lately for its haphazard content moderation and a rise in posts that are clear engagement bait. BlueSky was more than happy to claim it does a better job at all that Threads gets wrong.

"heard people were talking about us ... so we created an account to share some more information!" the BlueSky account wrote on Threads, before getting into its content moderation policies and how its platform works.

Shade about Threads, on Threads. Credit: Threads / bluesky_social

BlueSky pitched the idea that its moderation is largely left into the hands of users and that posts get engagement by...being actually engaging. It also noted in a different post that it wasn't owned by someone like Mark Zuckerberg.

It wrote: "we're not like the other girls... we're not owned by a billionaire."

Threads, BlueSky, and others all popped up as Elon Musk reimagined Twitter into what we now see on X. There really hasn't been a collective migration to one site or another, but rather a gradual fracturing of the site Twitter once was.

Though for many, there really has been no alternative to Twitter — it takes time to build that user-base and familiarity — and they're sticking with the often-faulty X, for better or worse.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get up to $150 off Apple devices during Target Circle Week — the sale ends at midnight tonight

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 15:47

UP TO $130 OFF: As of Oct. 11, Target is offering up to $150 off select Apple devices. Shop discounted iPads, AirPods, and more during Target Circle Week.

Best Target Circle Week Apple deals: Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) $169.99 at Target with Target Circle (save $80) Get Deal Best Apple AirPods Max deal Apple AirPods Max $399 at Target with Target Circle (save $150) Get Deal Best Apple iPad deal 10.9-inch Apple iPad (10th gen, WiFi, 64GB,) $299.99 at Target with Target Circle (save $50) Get Deal

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days has come and gone, but Target Circle Week is still in full swing (until 11:59 p.m. tonight, that is) — and if you weren’t able to get your hands on the discounts you were hoping for during Prime Day, Target’s competitive pricing might be able to help.

Now through midnight tonight, Target is offering Target Circle members up to $150 off select Apple devices, including iPads, AirPods, and other Apple accessories.

Here are our top picks from the sale:

Best Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE 2 $169.99 at Target
$249.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) is the only non-refurbished Apple Watch deal in Target’s Circle Week sale. This 40mm watch with sport band and GPS is only $169.99 for Target Circle members — $80 off the original list price and the cheapest deal around. (Even Best Buy and Walmart can’t match this price.)

With sleep and heart rate monitoring, GPS, and crash detection, this smartwatch has all the basic fitness and safety features you could want.

Best AirPods Max deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max $399.00 at Target
$549.00 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Apple AirPods Max.

The Apple AirPods Max were selling for $394.99 during October Prime Day (28% off). Now, Target has them on sale for $399 — not as good a deal, but still $150 off the original $549 MSRP.

These over-ear headphones are trendy and offer good sound quality and noise cancellation. But if you’re not ready to spend $400 or want USB-C charging, our Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard recommends trying out Bose QC Ultra headphones or the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones instead.

Best Apple iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 10.9-inch Apple iPad (10th gen, WiFi, 64GB,) $299.99 at Target
$349.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The 10.9-inch iPad (10th gen) is $299.99 during Target Circle Week. Ironically, you can find it for the same price at Amazon and Best Buy. (This is also the lowest price we've seen for this particular iPad model.)

This iPad comes in tons of fun colors and has a large enough screen for reading, streaming, or browsing the web. It has 64GB of space to store photos, documents, and more. Plus, the 12MP camera makes video chatting with friends and family easy.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Ninja Slushi is back in stock and $50 off

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 15:46

SAVE $50.99: As of Oct. 11, the tough-to-find Ninja Slushi machine is back in stock at Walmart. Not only that, but it's also $50.99 off the usual price of $299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Slushi $249.00 at Walmart
$299.99 Save $50.99 Get Deal

You'd probably think that once Prime Day ends, the deals start slowing down — but that's not necessarily true. In fact, the days right after an Amazon sale event are usually ripe with diamond-in-the-rough deals that you probably shouldn't ignore.

Case in point: The elusive Ninja Slushi machine is back in stock at Walmart, and it's on sale. Get it for $249, or $50.99 off the usual price of $299.99. The Slushi tends to go fast whenever it gets a restock, so act quickly if you want to pick one up and bring a little piece of summer into the colder months with you (there's never a bad time for a piña colada).

SEE ALSO: 30+ kitchen deals still live post-Amazon Prime Day: Ninja, Breville, Vitamix, and more

Senior Shopping Reporter Leah Stodart reviewed the Ninja Slushi for Mashable, and really enjoyed her time with the niche kitchen appliance. The straightforward instructions, easy cleaning, and quiet operation were highlights when she tested the machine out. She thought that the splurge was worth it for those who are really passionate about frozen drinks, or who just like to reward themselves with a little treat here and there. "At any rate, the serotonin boost of one of life's most simple treasures — a fun little drink — is priceless," Stodart wrote. "As is the bonding (and money saving) that could come with staying in with friends and having a frozen marg party in your PJs."

If you too are yearning to host your own marg party this fall, definitely take advantage of this deal. Pick up the Ninja Slushi at Walmart for $50.99 off while you still can.

Categories: IT General, Technology

New to streaming, ranked (Oct. 11, 2024)

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 15:39

Hulu. Netflix. Max. Disney+. Apple TV+. Prime Video. Shudder. Paramount+. Peacock. When it comes to streaming options, the list goes on and on, and it can be overwhelming. So, we offer watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, animation, and more. But maybe you don't know what you want beyond something new and entertaining. No worries. 

Mashable's Entertainment Team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of the week and ranked them by least to most watchable. 

Want to know what's worth your time? We've got you. 

SEE ALSO: What to Watch: Best Scary Movies 5. Teacup

Don't be fooled by the innocuous title. Teacup is a twisted horror series that's likely to brew nightmares. Yellowstone producer/writer Ian McCulloch adapts Robert McCammon's 1988 novel Stinger across eight 30-ish-minute episodes, unfurling a claustrophobic tale of terror. Yvonne Strahovski and Scott Speedman star as Maggie and James Chenoweth, a married couple at odds who live on a rural farm with two kids and a pot-smoking grandma (Kathy Baker). Tensions are rising in the house before a gas-masked stranger turns up, warning them — and their visiting neighbors — that leaving the farm will have horrendous consequences. 

SEE ALSO: 'Teacup' cast on the horror of isolation

McCulloch offers a slow-burn approach, sprinkling creepy elements like a muttering intruder, animals enacting confounding self-harm, and a little boy who hears voices. But by the end of the second episode now streaming, Teacup gets cooking, revealing the eye-popping consequences for crossing the line established by the aforementioned and mysterious stranger. With two new episodes airing each Thursday, this series — executive-produced by James Wan — could deliver chills all through spooky season. 

Starring: Yvonne Strahovski, Scott Speedman, Chaske Spencer, Kathy Baker, Boris McGiver, Caleb Dolden, Emilie Bierre, and Luciano Leroux 

How to watch: Teacup is now streaming, with two new episodes weekly.

4. Caddo Lake

Produced by M. Night Shyamalan, Caddo Lake is a mind-bending thriller spiked with strange twists and a bonkers ending. Co-writers/directors Logan George and Celine Held carve out an original vision of grief and heroics by following two strangers, whose lives are changed forever by their separate searches for a missing 8-year-old girl. 

On the surface, surly teen Ellie (Eliza Scanlen) and haunted twentysomething Paris (Dylan O'Brien) have a lot in common: Both live on the edge of a dense swamp, and lost a parent at an early age through unexplained disappearances. Could it be something in the swamp? When Ellie's stepsister goes missing, efforts to find her unlock secrets from the past and a shocking new reality. If you're seeking something freshly creepy and a bit confounding, check out Caddo Lake. And if you need some help making sense of that climax, check out our ending explainer.  

Starring: Dylan O'Brien, Eliza Scanlen, Lauren Ambrose, Eric Lange, Sam Hennings, and Diana Hopper 

How to watch: Caddo Lake is streaming now on Max.

3. Mr. Crocket

What if Mr. Rogers were magic and evil? That's basically the pitch for Mr. Crocket, a Hulu original about a kids' show host who takes his devotion to his fans way too far. Written by Carl Reid and Brandon Espy, Mr. Crocket introduces home-viewing audiences to an enchanted VHS tape called Mr. Crocket's World. Featuring fluffy puppets, jaunty songs, and a jovial host wearing a big smile and a bowtie, the kids' show seems the perfect escape for children enduring trouble at home. But if Mr. Crocket feels he'd be a better caretaker of a kid than the parents, he'll creep right out of that VCR for some home-invasion horror. When one recently widowed mom (Jerrika Hinton) realizes her son (Ayden Gavin) is at risk of being snatched by Mr. Crocket, she'll do whatever it takes to save him. 

Full of lurid colors, grisly surprises, and a plotline that feels appropriate for Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Mr. Crocket seems designed for Gen X or millennials who remember the solace of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and the horror of stranger-danger hysteria. The tone is broad, relishing in creepy practical effects and Freddy Krueger-style showmanship. All in all, a solid pastiche of throwback influences with some fresh kills and thrills. 

Starring: Jerrkia Hinton, Elvis Nolasco, Ayden Gavin, Kristolyn Lloyd, and Alex Akpobome

How to watch: Mr. Crocket is now streaming on Hulu.

2. The Last of the Sea Women

Produced by Malala Yousafzai, The Last of the Sea Women is an intriguing documentary about an extraordinary but dying tradition. On the coast of South Korea’s Jeju Island, elderly women gather in diving suits to plunge into the depths and harvest seafood for sale. They are known as the haenyeo divers, often compared to mermaids for their ease in the water and their rejection of oxygen tanks. Director Sue Kim gets close to this compelling club, who share their stories, worries, and personalities with candor. Their ways are largely being lost, though Kim finds a pair of young haenyeo divers who have made their mark online by sharing videos of their dives. However, the greatest battle they have to fight is against the rampant pollution that risks their health and the lives of the sea creatures they hunt but cherish.

Gorgeously captured, The Last of the Sea Women easily bestows upon the viewer the majesty of the sea in which the haenyeo divers swim. Kim's curiosity invites us into this wondrous world of hard work and sisterhood. While the film has a clear and powerful message about preservation and the power of activism, it's also a heart-warming portrait of community and bold, charismatic women as enchanting as the sea life that is their calling. Beautiful and moving, The Last of the Sea Women is a trip across the world you can take from the comfort of your couch. 

How to watch: The Last of the Sea Women is now streaming on Apple TV+

1. Disclaimer 

Five-time Academy Award–winning filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón teams with two-time Academy Award–winning actress Cate Blanchett for a seven-part thriller sure to get your blood pumping. Written and directed by Cuarón, Disclaimer stars Blanchett as Catherine Ravenscroft, a revered journalist who has built her career on unearthing the sordid secrets of others. However, her life is thrown into spin when an unsolicited novel shows up on her doorstep, its pages spilling out the skeletons within her own closet. 

In her review for Mashable, Entertainment Reporter Belen Edwards writes, "The overall effect of Disclaimer is one of intrigue and of questioning the layers of narrative you see before you. With its commitment to formal changeups and a brutal knockout of a finale, Disclaimer is a puzzle that gets under your skin and refuses to leave.”

Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Sacha Baron Cohen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Lesley Manville, Louis Partridge, Leila George and Hoyeon 

How to watch: Disclaimer's first two episodes are streaming on Apple TV+, with new episodes each Friday.

For more viewing suggestions check out Mashable's Watch Guides for the latest and greatest movies and TV shows now streaming. 

Categories: IT General, Technology

Snag a pair of free Bose earbuds with the purchase of a Motorola phone

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 15:32

SAVE $299.99: Motorola is offering a free pair of Bose QuietComfort II wireless earbuds with the purchase of a Motorola Razr+ or Motorola Edge smartphone. That's a savings of $300 on the earbuds.

Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Motorola Edge $549.99 at Motorola
Get a free pair of Bose QuietComfort II earbuds with purchase Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Motorola Razr+ $999.99 at Motorola
Get a free pair of Bose QuietComfort II earbuds with purchase Get Deal

October Prime Day may be officially over, but the deals just keep coming.

That includes this intriguing bargain from Motorola and Bose. If you buy either a Motorola Razr+ or Motorola Edge smartphone from Motorola's website right now, you'll also get a free pair of Bose QuietComfort II wireless earbuds. All you have to do, according to Motorola, is add the phone to your cart.

Since the QuietComfort II earbuds are normally $299.99, that's a pretty steep bargain. Bose promises six hours of battery life to go along with active noise cancelation and adjustable EQ settings in a mobile app. These are probably a little more intense and audiophile-centric than AirPods would be, but they're free, so that's fine.

Categories: IT General, Technology

[Update] Walmart might be the best place to preorder the PS5 Slim 30th Anniversary bundle

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 15:31

UPDATE: Oct. 11, 2024, 10:25 a.m. EDT Preorders for the PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition 30th Anniversary Limited Edition sold out quickly at all major retailers on Thursday, Oct. 10 — even Walmart, despite its paywall. Scalpers are now flipping it on eBay for hundreds of dollars over retail. Our original story follows.

The second wave of preorders for the PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Bundle go live across major retailers today (Thursday, Oct. 10). The drop comes two weeks after Sony initially launched the bundle in its PlayStation Direct storefront, where it promptly sold out.

Preorders were expected to begin at 10 a.m. ET, though Target's listing briefly went live overnight. If availability is a top-of-mind concern, consider signing up for Walmart+.

SEE ALSO: Walmart's anti-Prime Day sale is now live: Shop the biggest doorbusters

Paid (non-trial) members of Walmart's benefits program get early access to PS5 Slim 30th Anniversary bundle preorders there starting at 10 a.m. ET. Demand will still be reasonably high, but that paywall should thin the crowds a bit (and hypothetically deter scalpers). The listing doesn't specify whether preorders will ever open to non-members.

Quick links: set an alarm PlayStation 5 (Slim) Digital Edition - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Bundle $499 at Walmart Preorder Here sign up Walmart+ $12.95/month or $98/year Sign Up Now

Walmart+ costs $12.95/month or $98/year and unlocks early access to certain drops and savings events at the big-box store, including a Holiday Deals event it's hosting this week. (Live through Sunday, Oct. 13, the sale competed with Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event and serves as Walmart's holiday shopping season kickoff.) That's on top of additional perks like free shipping, fuel discounts, travel savings, and streaming freebies.

If you want to try your luck elsewhere, the PS5 Slim Anniversary Edition bundle will also be up for grabs at Amazon and Best Buy today.

SEE ALSO: PS5 vs. PS5 Slim: What are the differences?

Released in honor of PlayStation's 30th birthday, the bundle features a disc drive-free PS5 Slim console in a retro gray finish that harkens back to Sony's very first console. It comes with a matching DualSense controller, a cover for a disc drive (sold separately), a vertical stand, and several collectibles, and it'll set you back $499.99.

That's the same price as a standard PS5 Slim console with a disc drive (though Walmart currently has it on sale for $449 as part of this week's Holiday Deals event). It's also $200 less than a PlayStation Pro, Sony's upcoming mid-gen system. That console sold out at PS Direct, too, but its retailer preorders are set to go live today alongside the PS5 Slim 30th Anniversary bundle.

The best gaming deals from Walmart's Holiday Deals event
Categories: IT General, Technology

Steam admits you don't actually own any of your games

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 15:31

Steam is now admitting what was true all along: You don't own any of those games.

Valve's PC gaming digital marketplace has started including a notice on the shopping cart screen letting users know that purchasing a game on Steam grants them a license for it, per Engadget. That's a fairly benign message without any context, and you'd be forgiven for barely noticing it. After all, of course I have a license for the thing I bought, right?

SEE ALSO: PS5 vs. PS5 Slim: What are the differences?

Well, it's a little more complicated than that. Thanks to a new California state law signed by governor Gavin Newsom in September, digital storefronts that operate in the state have to add that disclosure before they're allowed to use words like "buy" or "purchase." It's a small thing, but important to note as we move further and further into an era where most people collect things digitally, not physically.

In other words, there will always remain a possibility that someday the licenses you paid for won't be worth anything. Steam might shut down eventually, in the distant future, and the games won't work anymore. The purpose of this law and Valve's new disclosure is to make sure you know that, even if there's not much you can do about it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Prime Day is over, but Target Circle Week runs through Oct. 12

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 15:26
Best early deals from Target Circle Week Best robot vacuum deal Roborock S7 Max Ultra Robot Vacuum $799.99 at Target (save $500) Get Deal Best tablet deal Apple iPad 10th Generation (64GB, WiFi) $299.99 at Target (save $50) Get Deal Best gaming deal PlayStation 5 Slim Console $449.99 at Target (Save $50) Get Deal Best TV deal TCL 55-inch Class S5-Series 4K Google TV $269.99 at Target (save $80) Get Deal Best kitchen deal SodaStream Art sparkling water maker $104.99 at Target (save $45) Get Deal Best air purifier deal Shark Air Purifier $139.99 at Target (save $40) Get Deal

With Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days having just wrapped up on Oct. 9, other retailers are keeping the momentum going with their own sales events. Target was among the first to announce its competing event, Circle Week, which runs through Oct. 12.

While Amazon's "October Prime Day" lasted just two days, Target hosted a whole week of deals. Target's last Circle Week ran July 7 through 13, conveniently just before Amazon's July Prime Day. We're sensing a pattern...

Like Prime Day, Target Circle Week requires a membership to shop, but unlike Prime, Circle membership is free to join. Target promoted Circle Week as a way for shoppers to get deals on fall and holiday favorites and everyday essentials. They also brought back their popular "Deal of the Day" program, offering a series of one-day-only deals throughout the week.

SEE ALSO: Walmart is going head-to-head with Prime Big Deal Days

But Target isn't stopping at sales! They're also launching some exciting holiday-exclusive partnerships. The brand is the "premier retail destination for Universal Pictures' Wicked," offering both merchandise and "experiences" around the heavily anticipated film. Plus, Target is returning its partnership with British retailer Marks & Spencer to introduce new food, beverage, and home goods options.

Target's Circle week deals are available to shop in-store and online. To join Target's Circle membership, sign up for free online.

Best deals from Target Circle WeekBest robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock S7 Max Ultra Robot Vacuum $799.99 at Target
$1,299.99 Save $500.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Chore days are made so much easier if you have a robot vacuum in your arsenal, and the Roborock S7 Max Ultra is a great pick that also happens to be on sale for Target Circle Week. The S7 Max Ultra brings a totally hands-free cleaning experience, including (in addition to its vacuum capabilities) a mopping function, automatic obstacle avoidance, and a self-cleaning, -drying, and -emptying base. Pick one up at Target for $799.99 and save $500 during Circle Week.

More vacuum and floor care dealsBest tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad 10th Generation (64GB, WiFi) $299.00 at Target
$349.99 Save $50.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Matching Amazon's Prime Day price, the iPad 10th generation is down to $299.99 at Target. The WiFi-enabled tablet comes with 64GB of storage and is packed with impressive internals: Retina display, A14 Bionic chip, and ultra-wide front camera are all here. During Target Circle Week, shop the iPad 10th generation for $50 0ff.

More tablet dealBest gaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: PS5 PlayStation 5 Slim Console $449.99 at Target
$499.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

There's a lot of PlayStation 5 news right now with the upcoming release of the 30th Anniversary bundle, plus the console was on sale during Amazon's October Prime Day. During Circle Week, Target is dropping the price of the PlayStation 5 Slim Console to $449.99, knocking $50 off the price. If you're curious about the differences between the standard PS5 and PS5 Slim, we've laid out all the differences here but TLDR: It has all the same power as the PS5, but with a 30% reduction in volume.

More gaming dealsBest TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 55-inch Class S5-Series 4K Google TV $269.99 at Target
$349.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

TCL is basically budget 4K TV royalty. Their TVs are super affordable without sacrificing quality, and this 55-inch Google TV is no exception. Highlights include 4K Ultra HD resolution, HDR support, a gaming mode, Dolby Atmos audio, and Google TV Smart OS with built-in Chromecast. If you need a new TV, TCL won't disappoint, and it doesn't hurt to have a $80 discount.

More TV dealsBest kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: SodaStream SodaStream Art sparkling water maker $104.99 at Target
$149.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're constantly stocking your fridge with comically large cases of La Croix, it may be time for you to move on to a more cost-effective and eco-friendly option like a SodaStream. Luckily, the SodaStream Art is on sale ahead of Target Circle week — $45 off the original price, just $104.99. Using the SodaStream is simple. Just fill up the included bottle with plain water, stick it in the machine, and push the button to get a bubbly beverage in seconds. Trust us, it's worth it.

More kitchen dealsBest air purifier deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Air Purifier $139.99 at Target
$179.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Having an air purifier in your home is highly recommended if you want to keep your air quality as safe as possible. The Shark Air Purifier is a great option for exactly that purpose, and you can get one on sale for just $139.99 ahead of Target Circle Week ($40 in savings). The Shark Air Purifier can help purify spaces of up to 500 square feet and can capture 99.98% of airborne particles thanks to its included HEPA filter. The purifier also uses Clean Sense IQ to automatically track air quality in real time so there's no guesswork on your end.

More air purifier deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Where to pre-order the PlayStation 5 Pro

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 15:17

UPDATE: Oct. 11, 2024, 10:05 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with current availability.

The PlayStation 5 Pro is up for grabs again. Hope you started saving for it yesterday.

Priced at $699.99, preorders for Sony's upcoming mid-gen console are now open at major retailers as of 10 a.m. ET on Thursday, Oct. 10. That includes Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Target, and Walmart.

This marks the PS5 Pro's second wave of preorders, arriving two weeks after its initial launch in the PlayStation Direct storefront; at the time of writing, it's back in stock there after selling out at first. (A PlayStation Network account is required.) All retailers are limiting shoppers to one console per order except Target, which allows two per order.

The PS5 Pro will begin shipping in four weeks on Thursday, Nov. 7.

Quick links: Amazon PlayStation 5 Pro $699.99 Preorder Here Best Buy PlayStation 5 Pro $699.99 Preorder Here GameStop PlayStation 5 Pro $699.99 Preorder Here Target PlayStation 5 Pro $699.99 Preorder Here Walmart PlayStation 5 Pro $699 Preorder Here PlayStation Direct PlayStation 5 Pro $699.99 Preorder Here

Sony previously released two limited-edition console bundles commemorating the PlayStation's 30th anniversary alongside the PS5 Pro, and both of them are long gone.

One was a $999.99 PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Bundle featuring a PS5 Pro decked out in the '90s gray aesthetic of the very first PlayStation. It came with matching DualSense and DualSense Edge controllers, a DualSense charging station, a cover for a disc drive (sold separately), a vertical stand, and a handful of collectibles. Limited to 12,300 individually numbered units, it sold out "in seconds" when preorders went live at PS Direct on Sept. 26, per our sister site IGN. Scalpers are now reselling it on eBay for thousands of dollars.

The other was a $499.99 PS5 Slim Digital Edition 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Bundle that omitted the DualSense Edge and charging station. It made its way to retailers on Oct. 10 following its first preorder drop on PS Direct in late September, and it sold out quickly on both occasions. It's also made its way to eBay at wildly inflated prices.

SEE ALSO: PS5 vs. PS5 Slim: What are the differences?

The PS5 Pro was formally unveiled on Sept. 10 during a nine-minute "Technical Presentation" led by Mark Cerny, Lead Architect of the PS5, on the PlayStation YouTube channel. The announcement followed months of speculation and leaks, including one that seemed to come from inside the house.

With a larger GPU than the original PS5, ray tracing upgrades, and new custom hardware for AI-powered upscaling, Cerny said the PS5 Pro is the "most powerful console we've ever built." It also brings support for WiFi 7, 8K gaming, and a new "Pro" version of the PS5's Game Boost feature that can upgrade the performance of over 8,500 backward-compatible PS4 titles. It has 2TB of storage, or double the capacity of the original PS5 (which is now nearly four years old).

Notably, the PS5 Pro does not come with a disc drive: You have to purchase it separately for $79.99. (IGN reports that it's been selling out consistently across major retailers ever since the PS5 Pro was announced.) A vertical stand that's compatible with the console is also available for $29.99.

Next-gen upgraders who balk at the price of the PS5 Pro and its add-ons might consider purchasing a used system at a discounted price: Certified refurbished PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition consoles are newly available PS Direct for $399.99 and $349.99, respectively, or $100 less than their new counterparts.

The PS5 Pro marks the fifth iteration of Sony's current flagship console (not counting any bundles), which had a much sloppier launch and faced years of pandemic-related supply issues after the fact. Along with the standard PS5, it joins the PS5 Digital Edition, the PS5 Slim, and the PS5 Slim Digital Edition.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Last chance for 15% off gift cards — this Target Circle Week deal ends at midnight

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 15:01

SAVE 15%: Now through 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get 15% off select gift cards with Target Circle.

Opens in a new window Credit: Target Get 15% off select gift cards with Target Circle Shop Now

Now that Prime Day’s officially over, we’ve been looking elsewhere for the best deals. If you missed Amazon’s shopping extravaganza, you still have until Oct. 12 to shop Target Circle Week and snag member-only discounts.

One deal worth looking into is Target’s 15% off gift card offer, valid through 11:59 p.m. PT tonight (Oct. 11). With this deal, Target Circle Members can save 15% on gift cards for Fandango VUDU, Cinemark Theatres, and IHOP. Even though the selection is limited, this gives you an opportunity to grab some gift cards for the pancake or movie lovers in your life at a discounted price.

Bonus offer: Buy a $100 One4all Happy Holidays Dining gift card (e.g., The Cheesecake Factory, Outback Steakhouse, Red Robin, and others) or Domino’s Pizza gift card and receive a $15 Target gift card for yourself!

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Arizona State vs. Utah football without cable

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 14:12
Wondering how to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: Best for affordability Sling TV Blue Plan $20 for the first month, then $40/month (save $20 ) Get Deal BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV Pro plan 7-day free trial, then $59.99/month for 1 month (Save $20) Get Deal

The Arizona State vs. Utah football teams are going head-to-head at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, on Friday, Oct. 11. The game is scheduled to start at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT. 

SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable

It's set to be an exciting game, so keep reading to find out how and when you can tune in.

Arizona State vs. Utah football kickoff time and network

The Arizona State vs. Utah football game is scheduled for a 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT start on ESPN on Friday, Oct. 11.

If you don't have cable or satellite TV, there are some options available if you want to watch the Arizona State vs. Utah football game via online live stream.

Best streaming services for Arizona State vs. Utah football game

To watch college football, you'll need to choose a streaming service to watch college football without cable or satellite TV. Here are the best streaming services to consider for Friday's Arizona State vs. Utah football game on ESPN. 

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Getting Sling TV for the Arizona State vs. Utah football game is an option for catching the game. You’ll need to purchase the Orange Plan, which comes at $15 for the first month and $40 for subsequent months.

Sling TV’s sports channel offerings also include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

If you want to watch just a single game of the season, FuboTV is one to try. It offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once and, you can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period.

Visit the FuboTV website to see if your zip code includes the FOX broadcast. If you’re in luck, then you can get ESPN with the FuboTV Pro plan, which has a one-month introductory rate of $59.99/month and a regular subscription rate of $79.99 per month. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Categories: IT General, Technology

How Many Screens Can I Use With My Mac?

How-To Geek - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 13:30

Adding more screens to your Mac can help boost productivity and reduce app switching, but how many screens is too many? Heres how to figure out how many displays will work, and importantly, which types of screens.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Setting Up This Smart Speaker Feature May Help You Get to Sleep Faster

How-To Geek - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 13:00

A smart speaker in the bedroom can perform all sorts of tasks, from taking commands and triggering smart home devices to even helping you get to sleep. Heres how to hopefully get a better nights sleep with your Google, Amazon, or Apple smart speaker.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Batocera vs. RetroPie vs. Lakka: Which Retro Gaming OS Should You Use?

How-To Geek - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 12:00

Whether youre looking to revisit some old favorites or simply take a stroll through gaming history, there are multiple Linux-based operating systems focused exclusively on retro gaming. Choosing the right one may seem tricky, but its simple once you know what youre looking for.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Watch Jordan Peele rank classic horror movies

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 11:17
Jordan Peele appeared on "The Tonight Show" and ranked classic horror movies for Jimmy Fallon.
Categories: IT General, Technology

Today's NYT Connections Hints and Answer for October 11 (#488)

How-To Geek - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 11:10

Connections is a game from the New York Times that challenges you to find the association between words. It sounds easy, but it isn'tConnections categories can be almost anything, and they're usually quite specific. If you need a hand getting the answers, we've got you covered.

Categories: IT General, Technology
Syndicate content

eXTReMe Tracker