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No, Starlink isn't actually 'free' for Hurricane Helene victims

Mashable - Thu, 10/10/2024 - 18:26

Elon Musk's 30-day offer of free Starlink internet to the thousands of displaced and disconnected Hurricane Helene victims isn't as good as it sounds.

First reported by the Register and Gizmodo earlier this week, the "free" Starlink trial is more like a classic marketing ploy than a legitimate option for disconnected residents. The offer doesn't include the satellite internet's required hardware — including a $350 Starlink terminal kit — and, at the end of the 30 days, customers could be auto-enrolled in the $120-per-month subscription plan.

Tweet may have been deleted

"Please note," the Hurricane Helene support page reads. "A Starlink kit is required to access this free service. If you do not already have a Starlink kit, you will need to purchase one from starlink.com/residential or an authorized retailer such as Best Buy or Home Depot." The offer does extend a 30-day credit to existing customers, however. But they still have to create a help ticket in order to receive a waiver at an undetermined date, according to the company.

All of this is gambling on individuals having access to stable electricity or generators. One week after Hurricane Helene's devastation, more than 850,000 residents across seven states were still powerless, and restoration efforts are ongoing as a second storm, destructive Hurricane Milton, just touched down in Florida.

SEE ALSO: How to connect your iPhone to a satellite to send messages

Despite the company's promotional bait and switch, Starlink's emergency services are helping humanitarian efforts, with the federal government deploying emergency Starlink satellites and dozens of ground devices to support relief organizations in the region. On Tuesday, Starlink announced it was unlocking Direct to Cell satellites, which enables SMS text messaging, for T-Mobile users ahead of Hurricane Milton.

Categories: IT General, Technology

A 10-foot skeleton named Steve is on sale at Walmart

Mashable - Thu, 10/10/2024 - 18:24

Save $75: Walmart's 10-foot-tall skeleton named Steve is on sale for $174, down from its typical list price of $249. It might just be the next best thing to Home Depot's viral, sold-out giant skeleton.

Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart Steve the Poseable 10' Skeleton $174.00 at Walmart
$249.00 Save $75.00 Get Deal

Walmart might have the deal to make all your spooky season dreams come true. Its 10-foot skeleton decoration, dubbed Steve, is $75 off on the heels of Amazon's Prime Day.

Typically, Steve will run you a $249 but its price is reduced 30 percent to $174.

Walmart's giant, 10-foot skeleton is not the viral giant skeleton you might've seen everywhere for the past few years. Home Depot's Skelly has become a Halloween staple since its debut in 2020. But Skelly, which retails for $299, is currently out of stock, meaning ol' Steve might be your next best option.

Still, Walmart's Steve is pretty massive and can be put into different poses — so let your creativity run wild this Halloween season.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 'hear me out' cake TikTok trend, explained

Mashable - Thu, 10/10/2024 - 18:15

You might be curious why people are putting print-outs of cartoon characters into cakes. And, well, the answer is a tiny bit uncomfortable: It's basically confessing an attraction to the strangest characters, people, or things

So the so-called "hear me out" cake is basically the people somewhat jokingly saying, "Hear me out; I would hook up with this character."

The trend follows a few key beats. Two or more people — sometimes large groups — take turns placing skewered print-outs of their "hear me outs" into a cake. Oftentimes, things get more unhinged or obscure as the TikTok goes on. You might hear the dad from Finding Nemo, a background character in Spongebob, or the literal number eight, for instance.

The trend has proven to be really popular, seemingly as viewers either find themselves agreeing or being shocked. Here's one from the couple account @MeghanandJack that's racked up some 3.4 million views.

Here's a group of friends that posted one that's garnered nearly 28 million views.

There are lots of videos with lots of views.

It's not totally clear where the trend started, exactly. Crush cakes have been a thing online for a while, where people put their crushes into cakes. Today noted that one of the earliest videos with a crush cake and the phrase "hear me out" came from user @desgovname in late September. The video initially highlighted K-Pop idols before transitioning to the types of unconventional crushes typically featured on "hear me out" cakes.

So, yes, that really is what's happening — people are posting their strangest crushes via skewers in a cake. The internet is a wild place.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Check out the best post-Prime Day gaming deals that are still live

Mashable - Thu, 10/10/2024 - 18:03

UPDATE: Oct. 12, 2024, 12:50 p.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest gaming deals that are still live after October Prime Day.

Best October Prime Day gaming deals Best gaming keyboard deal Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini gaming keyboard $94.99 at Amazon (save $105) Get Deal Best gaming headset deal Logitech G PRO X (Gen 1) $133.48 at Amazon (save $96.51) Get Deal Best gaming monitor deal Samsung 34-inch Odyssey G5 Ultra-Wide Gaming Monitor $309.99 at Amazon (save $240) Get Deal

Prime Day has come and gone (again), and while it wasn't quite as exciting as Black Friday (we guess that depends on who you ask), there are still plenty of deals that remain after the sales event that you should check out.

The official Prime Big Deal Days shopping ~extravaganza~ (cue RuPaul’s voice) started Oct. 8, and Amazon’s been throwing pre-Prime Day discounts our way since the weeks leading up to it, including deals on headphones and speakers, soundbars, and, of course, gaming consoles and video games. Now that the sale is technically over, however, you can still save big on a number of these items.

SEE ALSO: Live: The latest news and deals from October Prime Day 2024

Here are the best post-October Prime Day video game deals we've spotted, which are mainly geared toward PC gamers so far — all still live for your perusal.

Note: All newly added deals are marked with a ✨, while deals with a 🔥 have dropped to an all-time low price. Deals with a strikeout were either sold out or expired at the time of writing.

Best gaming keyboard deal Opens in a new window Credit: Razer Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini gaming keyboard $94.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $105.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini is a high-end gaming keyboard that's going for under $100 after the official Prime Big Deal Days sale. The low-profile keyboard features wireless support, a lengthy battery life, and some of the best RGB customization in the business. If you're serious about PC gaming but don't have a lot of desk space, this gaming keyboard is the way to go, and it's an absolute steal at the moment.

Best gaming headset deal Opens in a new window Credit: Logitech Logitech G Pro X gaming headset $133.48 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $96.51 Get Deal Why we like it

The Logitech G Pro X gaming headset is wireless, can last up to 20 hours on a single charge, and features DTS Headphone: X 2.0 7.1 surround sound with object-based feedback so you can hear your enemies coming from any direction. The soft foam memory earpads are comfortable enough to wear for long gaming sessions, and the detachable 6mm Pro microphone with Blue VO!CE filters make it easier to communicate with your team or trash-talk opponents.

Best gaming monitor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 34-inch Odyssey G5 Ultra-Wide Gaming Monitor $309.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $240.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Warning: Once you go with a curved monitor, you'll never want to go back. This model from Samsung is massive at 34 inches and packs in a bunch of high-end visual features like WQHD resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync Premium, and HDR10 support. See more, do more, and save more — even after October Prime Day, this monitor is even nicer now that it's under $350.

More gaming deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Is this image AI-generated? How to tell in 3 easy steps.

Mashable - Thu, 10/10/2024 - 17:41
As AI gets better and better it may seem harder and harder to tell what's real and what isn't, but not all hope is lost. Here’s how you can tell the difference between the real and the computer-generated.
Categories: IT General, Technology

Study: Reports of nonconsensual nude images are ignored on X

Mashable - Thu, 10/10/2024 - 17:31

X (formerly Twitter) takes swift action when taking down deepfake nude images that are reported as copyright violations — but not when they're reported under "nonconsensual nudity," a study has found.

The paper, published by researchers at the University of Michigan and Florida International University, is an audit of X's reporting systems and hasn't yet been peer-reviewed, 404 Media reported. Researchers created five AI "personas" of young white women (to prevent further variables of race, gender, and age) and then made 10 replica images of each, resulting in 50 images. In terms of the ethics around generating deepfake porn themselves, researchers said these images underwent a "rigorous verification process" to ensure they didn't represent an existing individual.

SEE ALSO: How Big Tech is approaching explicit, nonconsensual deepfakes

They posted these images to X on 10 "poster accounts" they created, and then they created five X accounts to report the images. Twenty-five images were reported as Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) violations, and the other 25 were reported as nonconsensual nudity.

Researchers then waited three weeks to see the results of these reports. All 25 images reported for copyright were removed from X within 25 hours. In contrast, none of the images reported for nonconsensual nudity were removed within the three-week waiting period.

"Our findings reveal a significant disparity in the effectiveness of content removal processes between reports made under the DMCA and those made under X's internal nonconsensual nudity policy," the study states. "This highlights the need for stronger and directed regulations and protocols to protect victim-survivors."

X owner Elon Musk dissolved the platform's trust and safety council in 2022, but the site has recently opened up two dozen safety and cybersecurity positions in the U.S. Mashable has reached out to X for comment.

Earlier this year, WIRED found that victims of nonconsensual deepfake porn leveraged copyright laws to take down deepfakes on Google.

If you have had intimate images shared without your consent, call the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative’s 24/7 hotline at 844-878-2274 for free, confidential support. The CCRI website also includes helpful information as well as a list of international resources.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save nearly $30 on 'EA College Football 25' with this Prime Day deal still available

Mashable - Thu, 10/10/2024 - 17:15

SAVE $27: Amazon has EA Sports College Football 25 for nearly 40% off. It's currently $42.99, a huge discount from its $69.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Electronic Arts EA Sports College Football 25 $42.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $27.00 Get Deal

In real life, college football is heating up with thrilling upsets and a race to a new 12-team playoff that's sure to pack plenty of excitement in the postseason. You probably can't go and join the roster at Georgia right now, but you can step into their cleats virtually with EA Sports College Football 25, which is deeply discounted for October Prime Day.

The first official college football video game in a decade is a delightful return to form for a series that was a good deal better than Madden when it went dormant in 2014. The developers lovingly rendered and included stunningly accurate portrayals of each included school's stadium, including obscure pre-game rituals that only alumni should know about.

The part where you actually play football is really good, too, thanks to a variety of modes that let you inhabit whatever role you want to inhabit and do almost anything you want. Do you want Kennesaw State to suddenly become a national powerhouse? The world is your oyster in College Football 25.

More gaming deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Walmart's anti-Prime Day sale is still live: Shop the biggest doorbusters

Mashable - Thu, 10/10/2024 - 17:08

UPDATE: Oct. 10, 2024, 11:30 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with the best live deals on day three of Walmart's Holiday Deals event.

Amazon isn't the only major retailer hosting a huge sale this week.

Walmart is jumpstarting its holiday shopping season with a six-day Holiday Deals event that began on Tuesday, Oct. 8, running through Sunday, Oct. 13. It certainly set up some strong competition for Prime Big Deal Days, its rival's 48-hour "October Prime Day" sale that took place on Oct 8 and 9. (Best Buy and Target have also joined the fray.) This marks the earliest-ever start to Walmart's holiday programming and the first in a series of deals events it has planned for the fall in the lead-up to Cyber Weekend.

Looking for all our live coverage of Prime Day and competing sales? Head to our live blog for the best deals and news about the events.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon's October Prime Day sale: Start time, the competition, and more

The Holiday Deals event kicked off at 12 a.m. ET on Walmart.com on Oct. 8 on the Walmart app for members of its Walmart+ program, who got 12 hours of early access to its doorbusters before they opened to the general public at noon ET. (And that's just paid Walmart+ members; you didn't get first dibs unless you had a trial membership.) The offers were made available in Walmart stores starting on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at local open time.

SEE ALSO: Save more with Walmart+ during its first-ever Holiday Deals event — here's how to sign up

Of note: Walmart also opened its preorders for the PlayStation 5 (Slim) Digital Edition 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Bundle during the event this morning (Thursday, Oct. 10.) Early access began at 10 a.m. ET for paid Walmart+ members.

The bundle is priced at $499 and includes a disc drive-free PS5 Pro Slim with a retro gray shell, plus a matching DualSense controller, a disc drive cover, a vertical stand, and several collectibles. It previously sold out at PlayStation Direct, and it has been going fast at Walmart, too. For the best chance to buy one should more appear, consider signing up for Walmart+.

What are the best anti-Prime Day deals at Walmart?

According to a press release, this first Holiday Deals event includes "deep savings across electronics, home, fashion, toys and more." In other words, a little bit of everything. One day one of the sale, we're seeing a pretty wide variety of discounts, from steep savings on TVs to cheap vacuums.

Here's a look at some of the best deals during Walmart's anti-Prime Day sale. We'll be updating it throughout the savings event, so check back for more soon.

TV dealsLaptop and tablet dealsGaming dealsHome dealsOutdoor dealsBeauty dealsSmartwatch dealsWhat is Walmart+? Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart Walmart+ $12.95/month or $98/year Learn More

Walmart+ is the big-box store's membership program, in the same vein as Amazon Prime. For $98 per year (or $12.95 per month), members get several hours' worth of early access to deals during the retailer's major sales throughout the year, on top of other perks. These include free shipping (with no order minimum), fuel and travel discounts, a free Paramount+ Essential plan, and mobile Scan & Go checkout.

It's free to try for 30 days, but keep in mind that early access during sales is restricted to paid members. Check out Mashable's guide to Walmart+ for more intel.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Netflix's 'Jentry Chau vs the Underworld' teaser has anime Ali Wong slaying demons

Mashable - Thu, 10/10/2024 - 17:00
Netflix has dropped its teaser for Echo Wu's "Jentry Chau vs the Underworld", an upcoming anime series starring Ali Wong.
Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple Vision Pro: You may never meet The Weeknd, but this new experience brings you close

Mashable - Thu, 10/10/2024 - 17:00

Music videos are so yesterday. It's 2024 — time to strap on the Vision Pro and experience Apple Immersive Video instead.

Apple just revealed that The Weeknd, who made a cameo appearance during the iPhone 16 "Glowtime" livestream, is unleashing a new "breathtaking immersive experience" that is designed exclusively for the Vision Pro. It will celebrate a new song from the "Blinding Lights" crooner.

Credit: pio3 / Shutterstock.com

This will be all part of the Apple Immersive Video experience, a new-ish, enveloping 3D storytelling format, enhanced with spatial audio, that transports viewers into the center of the action with a 180-degree field of view.

It's not out yet, though. It'll be released next month, Apple said in a press release.

SEE ALSO: Apple Vision Pro: I watched a Billie Eilish concert in Bora Bora — and I didn't need to spend a penny Apple announces 5 additional new immersive experiences for Vision Pro

In addition to the The Weeknd's music video, Apple is dropping an immersive film called 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend that features the first-ever NBA vs. WNBA 3-point challenge between Steph Curry and Sabrina Ionescu.

Credit: Apple

You can enjoy 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend on Oct. 17.

Other upcoming Apple Immersive Video projects arriving on Vision Pro include:

  • Concert for One: Imagine getting up close and personal with your favorite artists in the most intimate way possible. Kicking things off is a performance by British singer-songwriter, RAYE. Apple’s latest concert series is dropping later this year.

  • Adventure takes you on thrilling journeys with pioneering athletes as they conquer the world’s most breathtaking challenges. In a new upcoming episode called “Ice Dive," viewers will join freediver Ant Williams as he attempts to break his record for the longest distance under ice on a single breath. This will launch in December.

  • Elevated: This show is for viewers who enjoy aerial views of sweeping landscapes. The first episode, for example, showcases Hawaii's majestic volcanoes, awe-inspiring waterfalls, and other eye-catching natural wonders. It's already been released for U.S. Vision Pro users, but it now has global availability.

As if that's not enough, Apple also announced that Submerged, the Vision Pro's first scripted short in the "Apple Immersive Video" format, is dropping. Submerged allows users to follow the troubles of a WWI-era crew inside a torpedo-attacked submarine.

Promo image for "Submerged" Credit: Apple

It will be available to stream via the Apple TV app on Vision Pro starting today.

Categories: IT General, Technology

'Conclave' trailer promises political shenanigans at the Vatican

Mashable - Thu, 10/10/2024 - 16:53
Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini star in "Conclave." Watch the trailer.
Categories: IT General, Technology

I've tracked Apple prices for over 2 years, and these are the best AirPods deals to pick up post-Prime Day

Mashable - Thu, 10/10/2024 - 16:52

UPDATE: Oct. 10, 2024, 11:35 a.m. EDT This list has been updated with the latest pricing and availability on AirPods now that Amazon's Prime Day has ended.

Best AirPods deals for Prime Day 2 Best over-ear headphone deal Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) $394.99 at Amazon (Save $154.01) Get Deal Best deal without ANC AirPods 4 $119 at Amazon (Save $10) Get Deal Best AirPods with noise-cancelling deal Apple AirPods Pro 2 $189.99 at Amazon (Save $59.01) Get Deal

Apple's AirPods are notoriously expensive — but they're popular for a reason. If you want to see what all the fuss is about without (completely) breaking the bank, shopping events like Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days can be a great time to pick up a pair of the headphones.

Despite the October Prime-member exclusive sale ending on Oct. 9, AirPods deals are still in full swing. While the Pros are no longer down to their lowest price ever, but AirPods 4 with and without ANC are still marked down.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon's October Prime Day sale: Official dates, the competition, and more

We've seen particularly good AirPods deals sell out before, but luckily these have hung around. If you've been waiting to buy a pair, now is a good time. The only other time the Pros and Lightning AirPods Max hit the prices they're currently at this year was during July's Prime Day (the Maxes have dropped slightly lower one other time earlier this summer). It wouldn't be wild to see these prices come back down during Black Friday, but if you don't want to wait, don't count on these headphones reaching the same price points in between the two shopping holidays.

Below, you'll find our complete list of the best AirPod deals still live now that October Prime Day has concluded.

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $189.99 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $59.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Apple AirPods Pro.

The reason we recommend these earbuds on basically every headphone buying guide we have is that what they claim to do, they do well. Their noise cancellation is some of the best in class for earbuds, their sound is robust, and their battery life is pretty decent. Throughout the year, you'll find these earbuds regularly fall down to $199, and with slightly less regularity, $189 — which they currently are. Even though they're no longer down to their lowest price ever, this is still a good price.

More AirPods deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon Prime Day monitor deals are still going strong on Samsung, Asus, and Acer models

Mashable - Thu, 10/10/2024 - 16:36

Amazon's October Prime Day might be over according to the calendar, but we're still seeing major discounts. If you're shopping for a new monitor, you're still in luck and will have your pick of brand, size, and specialty. Here are some top deals to shop after Amazon Prime Big Deal Days.

Post Prime Day monitor deals at Amazon Best monitor for work Samsung Essentials S3 Monitor (27-inches, 100Hz, HDMI/VGA) $129.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal Best gaming monitor Acer Nitro Monitor (23.8-inches, 165Hz) $99.99 at Amazon (save $73) Get Deal Best portable monitor Asus ZenScreen $119 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal

If you've never had the heavenly experience of working with an external monitor, you're missing out. A second monitor can make all the difference when it comes to productivity. Or an addition monitor on your desktop can be great for gaming during your free time. And if you travel often, a portable monitor can be excellent for both working and streaming shows without needing to log into your accounts on a hotel TV.

Amazon has some special deals in store for those who know the joys of having an additional monitor. Here are some of our favorites.

Best monitor for work Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Essentials S3 Monitor (27-inches, 100Hz, HDMI/VGA) $129.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The 27-inch Samsung Essentials S3 monitor means business when it comes to display. The curved monitor give you a more immersive feel, which might not seem super necessary when filling in a spreadsheet, but it certainly is useful. It's also great for watching your favorite movies and shows once the workday is over. During Amazon's post Prime Day sale, the monitor is on sale for just $129.99, down from the normal price of $179.99, which means you'll be saving $50.

Best gaming monitor Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Nitro Monitor (23.8-inches, 165Hz) $99.99 at Amazon
$172.99 Save $73.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Acer Nitro monitor could be great if you're shopping for an affordable gaming monitor. Amazon's sale price brings the monitor down to just $99.99, which works out to a 42% discount off the list price of $172.99. The 23.8-inch monitor uses Acer's ZeroFrame design for a full view of the display. AMD Freesynch gives you a speedy refresh rate and response time, ideal for gaming or watching your favorite YouTuber stream while gaming.

Best portable monitor Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus ZenScreen $119.00 at Amazon
$139.00 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If work takes you away from home or the office often, a portable monitor might be ideal. With a super lightweight design, the Asus ZenScreen measures 15.6 inches and comes with the ability to mount it on a tripod. The anti-glare screen makes it easier on the eyes, as does the low blue light technology and anti-flicker technology. Adding to the travel-friendly design of the portable monitor, the Asus ZenScreen doesn't require its own power source, but rather powers through a USB-C connection to your laptop. That means there's one less plug to pack on your travels.

More monitor deals still live after Amazon Prime Day
Categories: IT General, Technology

What Mashable readers bought during October Prime Day — some are still on sale

Mashable - Thu, 10/10/2024 - 16:23

While Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days may have technically come to an end on Oct. 9, we know well that Amazon extends its sales past the official date.

If you're curious about all the deals that are still live, we're still following them here. But now that the event has wrapped, we're curious about the things our readers actually bought. We put together lists of all the best deals on headphones, tablets, and laptops during these events, but that doesn't always mean that's what our readers are excited about.

We have all the details on what our readers actually purchased during Prime Big Deal Days, and let's just say you guys really like AirPods. If you're curious about what other people are buying (we always are), here are the 10 most popular products Mashable readers bought during Amazon's recent sale.

1. Most popular headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $189.99 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $59.01 Get Deal Why people like it

They topped the pack last Prime Day, so it's no surprise that they're back on top this time. Apple AirPods Pro 2, were easily the most popular item purchased during Prime Big Deal Days, and we get why. The noise cancellation on these earbuds is seriously good, and with sweat- and dust-resistance, they're great for working out too. They were down to their all-time low price during this Prime Day, and while they've gone back up in price, they're still 24% off for $189.99.

2. Most popular tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 9th generation (A13, 64GB, WiFi) $199.00 at Amazon
$329.00 Save $130.00 Get Deal Why people like it

Yes, another Apple product tops the list. The iPad 9th generation is the cheapest iPad we've ever seen at $199. It still has plenty of processing power with the A13 chip so you can read, stream, and game without delay. It's still on sale post-Prime Day for 40% off.

3. Most popular e-reader deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $149.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Why people like it

The Kindle Paperwhite is the best e-reader we've tested, and it's a favorite of our readers too. With 16GB of storage, you can hold your entire library in this Kindle. Plus, it comes with adjustable warmth and brightness, making it suitable for reading in any environment. During Prime Day it was down to $124.99, but it's back up to $149.99. You can try and hold out for a good deal come Black Friday, but we don't blame you if you're ready to buy it at full price.

4. Most popular budget headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation $119.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Why people like it

This Prime Day, we had a sneaky new competitor in the headphone popularity contest — the Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation. It's for good reason, these earbuds dropped to just $34.99 during Prime Big Deal Days. The price was certainly unbeatable, and even though they've climbed back up to $119.99, they're still a budget-friendly choice — cheaper than the AirPods Pro 2.

5. Most popular smart home deal Opens in a new window Credit: Tapo Tapo TP-Link Smart Light Bulb $22.99 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $2.00 Get Deal Why people like it

If you're looking to create a real vibe in your home, smart bulbs certainly help with that. Tapo TP-Link Smart Bulbs are the most popular option among our readers. There are 16 million color options, with adjustable warm and cool white tones too. They're compatible with both Alexa and Google Home and controlled through Tapo app on your smartphone. They're still on sale for a minor discount, saving you 8%.

6. Most popular tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTags 4-pack $79.98 at Amazon
$99.00 Save $19.02 Get Deal Why people like it

The deals on Apple AirTags are still live post-Prime Day. They're down to $79.98, saving you 19%. You save by buying in bulk with this 4-pack of AirTags, so you can keep track of your keys, luggage, or whatever you need. It's no wonder our readers like these, when they've been the hero in several news stories this year.

7. Most popular Echo device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Dot $49.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Why people like it

Of all the Echo devices on sale during Prime Big Deal Days, the Echo Dot was our readers' favorite. It makes sense considering it dropped down in price to $22.99. It's back up to $49.99 now, but if you're still interested, it's a great smart home device with vibrant sound and Alexa routines.

8. Most popular home security deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Blink Outdoor 4 $89.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Why people like it

There are a lot of home security options, some far better than others, but the one our readers prefer is the Blink Outdoor 4. This speaker mounts outside and delivers clear 1080p HD video quality. It features two-way talk so you can monitor visitors, even when you're away from home. It's no longer on sale, but you can buy it for $89.99.

9. Most popular smartwatch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 41mm) $299.00 at Amazon
$399.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why people like it

With all the fitness trackers and smartwatches on sale during Prime Day, the one our readers bought the most is the Apple Watch Series 9. And the good news is, it's still on sale for $299, saving you $100. This model comes with a silver aluminum case and a blue loop band, and will help you track all your fitness goals.

10. Most popular printer deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP ENVY 6455e Wireless Color Inkjet Printer $89.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why people like it

If you want a printer that does it all — print in color, scan, and copy — the HP ENVY 6455e Wireless Color Inkjet Printer is a fantastic option. Our readers agree, as it was the most purchased printer during Prime Big Deal Days. It's capable of mobile printing, plus it comes with three months of Instant Ink with HP+.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Internet Archive data breach: Hacker claims to ‘See 31 million of you' on Have I Been Pwned

Mashable - Thu, 10/10/2024 - 16:16

The Internet Archive is currently under attack from hacker groups. And, it seems these bad actors have been able to access sensitive data for millions of the Internet Archive's users.

The non-profit Internet Archive, which keeps archived versions of digital media including websites via The Wayback Machine, has been suffering from distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks since the beginning of the week. These attacks have resulted in prolonged inaccessibility.

Tweet may have been deleted

"@internetarchive is being cautious and prioritizing keeping data safe at the expense of service availability," posted Internet Archive digital librarian Brewster Kahle on his X account.

However, the DDoS attacks aren't the only thing the Internet Archive has to worry about. It appears that the Internet Archive has been unable to keep at least some of its data safe as it undergoes attacks from threat actors. 

SEE ALSO: Internet Archive loses first ruling in copyright lawsuit

Emails, screen names, and encrypted passwords for 31 million Internet Archive users have been stolen in a data breach. At this time, it's unclear if the data breach and the DDoS attacks are related.

Internet Archive hacked

Along with the downtime related to the DDoS attacks, social media users began noticing a pop-up prompt on the Internet Archive's website on Wednesday.

Tweet may have been deleted

"Have you ever felt like the Internet Archive runs on sticks and is constantly on the verge of suffering a catastrophic security breach?" read the prompt. "It just happened. See 31 million of you on HIBP!"

HIBP refers to the website Have I Been Pwned, a website that notifies users if their data was involved in a data breach.

According to Bleeping Computer, Have I Been Pwned founder Troy Hunt confirmed to the outlet that they had received a 6.4GB SQL database file which includes users' "email addresses, screen names, password change timestamps, Bcrypt-hashed passwords, and other internal data."

Hunt has been able to confirm the legitimacy of the data. Based on the timestamp on the hacked information, it appears that it was likely stolen on September 28, 2024. Hunt said that he contacted the Internet Archive before loading the data into the Have I Been Pwned service. He has not yet heard back.

A group known as SN-Blackmeta has claimed responsibility for the DDoS attack. Again, its unclear if they are involved in the data breach. The group said that it carried out the DDoS attack because of the United States' support for Israel and that the Internet Archive "belongs to the USA." Many social media users were quick to point out that the Internet Archive is an independent non-profit organization and is not affiliated with the U.S. government.

Mashable has reached out to the Internet Archive for more information on the attacks and will update this post when we hear back.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Snag an Asus Zenbook Duo for $10 cheaper than it was during October Prime Day

Mashable - Thu, 10/10/2024 - 16:10

SAVE $235: Amazon has the dual-screen Asus Zenbook Duo laptop for $1,264.99, a savings of $235 off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Asus/Amazon Asus Zenbook Duo (Intel Core Ultra 7 155U, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,264.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $235.00 Get Deal

Most laptops only have one display, but the Asus Zenbook Duo has two and you can get it for a pretty decent discount right now as part of a lingering October Prime Day deal.

SEE ALSO: Check out the best PlayStation 5 deals still live after October Prime Day

In our review, Tech Editor Kimberly Gedeon praised nearly every aspect of the Zenbook Duo. The two 14-inch, 1900x1200 displays can be configured into several different physical "modes" to fit whatever your needs are. You'll also get a whopping 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. Seriously, for $1,264.99, this is a lot of laptop, especially if you're a Windows fan.

If that isn't enough, Gedeon loved the detachable keyboard and the selection of ports on the device. October Prime Day may be technically over, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take advantage of what deals are left.

More laptop deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

'The Gutter' trailer strikes a hilarious chord with Shameik Moore, D'Arcy Carden, and Susan Sarandon

Mashable - Thu, 10/10/2024 - 16:00
"The Gutter," starring Shameik Moore, D'Arcy Carden, and Susan Sarandon, is a bowling comedy that's brilliantly stupid. Trailer.
Categories: IT General, Technology

Best Buy's 48-hour flash sale competing with October Prime Day may be over, but these deals are still live

Mashable - Thu, 10/10/2024 - 15:58

UPDATE: Oct. 10, 2024, 11:40 a.m. EDT This post has been updated with more info on the deals still available following Best Buy's fall deals schedule, as well as the best deals from some of our favorite categories this week following Amazon's October Prime Day.

Best Buy is having several fall sales to compete with Prime Big Deal Days — check out our favorite deals on TVs, laptops, Dyson products, and more that you can still shop now.

Best fall deals at Best Buy Best TV deal TCL 65-inch Q5 Series QLED 4K Fire TV $399.99 at Best Buy (save $150) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,699 (or $1,599 for My Best Buy Plus members) (save $300 (or $400 for My Best Buy Plus members)) Get Deal Best laptop deal 14-inch HP Envy 2 2-in-1 (AMD Ryzen 5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $499.99 at Best Buy (save $380) Get Deal Best Dyson deal Dyson Airwrap Complete Long (refurbished) $399.99 at Best Buy (save $200) Get Deal

If you know anything about nature and the circle of life, you know that Amazon's October Prime Day also means that other retailers like Best Buy have been holding their own fall savings events.

Yes, Best Buy dropped its huge fall savings schedule the same week that the Prime Big Deal Days schedule was confirmed (actually, Best Buy's plan came a day earlier). Best Buy's event, which was framed as a countdown to the holiday season, is technically split up into several sale events that kicked off on Sept. 27 and run through Oct. 25. Quietly baked into the agenda is one of its iconic 48-hour flash sales, which just happened earlier this week on Oct. 8 and 9 — the same start and end dates as Amazon's October Prime Day. Now that Prime Day is over, you can expect to see many of the Best Buy deals start to wither away, but there are still several that remain live, and you can shop them right now.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon's October Prime Day sale: Official dates, the competition, and more

As you start to spiral over the mere mention of the word "holiday" before Halloween even happens, let's break down Best Buy's pre-Black Friday timeline. (We'll be crossing out events as they wrap up.)

  • Exclusive Member Sale: From Sept. 27 to 29, Best Buy Plus and My Best Total members will get exclusive access to offers on big tech items like laptops and TVs — huge, because we actually prefer Best Buy's selection (and reliability) of deals on premium laptops and TVs to Amazon's. (Like Prime, these are paid plans, but My Best Buy Plus is almost $100 cheaper than Prime per year. Just saying.)

  • Outlet Event: Through Oct. 11, Best Buy is dropping prices further than usual — up to 50% off — on clearance items as well as open-box and refurbished items. Samsung and LG OLED and QLED TVs, Apple products, and Dyson hair tools are all in the mix.

  • Apple Trade-Up Event: Through Oct. 20, you'll be able to squeeze a little more out of your Apple Watch, MacBook, iPad, iMac, and unlocked iPhone trade-ins by unlocking savings on the newest Apple devices.

  • 48-Hour Flash Sale: On Oct. 8 and 9, Best Buy's annual Flash Sale offered big deals on TVs, gaming gear, laptops, monitors, and more tech. Again, this is the unofficial Prime Big Deal Days competition, and there was not a paid membership being required to participate in this one.

  • Prep for the Holidays Event: Starting on Oct. 21, even more pre-holiday deals will start popping up.

  • Three-day Gaming Event: Starting on Oct. 25, Best Buy's gaming selection will be getting the special sale treatment in honor of the release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Expect deals on gaming software, major consoles, controllers, and other accessories.

SEE ALSO: What not to buy during Amazon's October Prime Day sale, from third-party scams to Ring cams

By the end of October, expect Best Buy to be in full Black Friday mode. The retailer didn't mention this in certain terms, but context clues tell us everything: Last year, Best Buy's Black Friday sale began with early access for paid members on Oct. 27, then opened up to everyone on Oct. 30.

Here are some of the best deals you can shop right now, including deals extending beyond the 48-hour Flash Sale:

Best Buy fall dealsBest TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 65-inch Q5 Series QLED 4K Fire TV $399.99 at Best Buy
$549.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're still riding with Baby's First 4K TV from 2018, you're probably putting up with the laggiest interface ever. Rather than throwing it out the window once and for all, recycle it at a Best Buy location and then finally make that upgrade to a nice, new QLED. This 65-inch model from TCL isn't the intimidating investment a lot of us associate with QLED — it's on sale for under $400 — but still provides significantly boosted brightness and color compared to a regular LED TV, plus HDR compatibility.

More TV deals at Best BuyBest Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,699.99 at Best Buy
$1,999.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro (M3).

"The latest 14-inch MacBook Pro features an M3 chip that supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing for rendering lifelike lighting, plus a bright 120Hz mini-LED display, tons of ports (including an SDXC card slot), and a battery that lasted over 16 hours per charge in our testing. It's a Mashable Choice Award winner and our favorite laptop for video editing.

All configurations of the 14-inch M3 Pro are now on sale at all-time lows on Amazon (including the base model, which is now just $1,299). However, we're partial to the bumped-up version with 16GB of memory and 1TB of SSD storage: That extra RAM is necessary if you're going to be using it for multitasking and/or creative work. Normally $1,999, it's now just $1,699 — a 15% savings. Best Buy was matching that offer when we last checked." — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

Best Buy is matching Amazon's pre-Prime Day price on the 1TB model, but for My Best Buy Plus members, that price is knocked down by an extra $100.

More Apple deals at Best Buy

iPads

MacBooks

Best laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP 14-inch HP Envy 2 2-in-1 (AMD Ryzen 5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $499.99 at Best Buy
$879.99 Save $380.00 Get Deal Why we like it

A 2-in-1 touchscreen laptop that was once a steep $879.99 is now less than $550 — need we say more? Past the clutch flexibility to go into tablet or tent mode, the 14-inch HP Envy 2 is also armed with some impressive interior specs, like an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, built-in AI with CoPilot for Windows, and a 2K display.

More laptop dealsBest Dyson deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Airwrap Complete Long (refurbished) $399.99 at Best Buy
$599.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The refurbished route is definitely the way to go if you've been eyeing (but not making a move on) a Dyson hair tool for a while. A participant in Best Buy's current Outlet Event, you can snag the Airwrap aimed toward long hair for $399.99 — $200 cheaper than buying a brand new one, and $100 cheaper than Dyson's own refurb price on its website. This version comes with a handful of attachments, including two barrel lengths and the iconic flyaway attachment.

More Dyson deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Check out the best PlayStation 5 deals still live after October Prime Day

Mashable - Thu, 10/10/2024 - 15:10
Best October Prime Day PS5 deals Best PS5 for the budget conscious PS5 Slim Digital Edition $399.99 (Save $50) Get Deal Best overall PS5 console deal PlayStation 5 Slim $449.00 (Save $50) Get Deal

If you're in the market for a PlayStation 5, now's the perfect time to strike, as some of the best deals on the PS5 Slim are still available post-Amazon Prime Day. Both versions of Sony's latest, more compact console are currently discounted by $50. The PS5 Slim with a disc drive is now priced at $449 (down from $499), while the all-digital version is available for just $399.99.

Whether you're looking for a streamlined digital experience or want the flexibility of physical games and media, this deal is tough to beat.

One noteworthy deal to keep an eye on this week is Walmart’s preorders for the PlayStation 5 (Slim) Digital Edition 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Bundle. As part of Walmart’s Holiday Deals event — its counterprogramming to Amazon's Prime Day — the preorders will open on Thursday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m. ET, with early access for paid Walmart+ members. This bundle, which sold out quickly on PlayStation Direct last month, is expected to be in high demand once again. If you're looking to score this limited edition PS5 Slim, you’ll want to act fast.

Best PS5 console deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Sony PlayStation 5 Slim $449.00 at Amazon
$499.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

For gamers who prefer physical media, the PS5 Slim with a disc drive strikes a perfect balance between flexibility and performance. At $449 during this post-Prime Day deal, it’s $50 off, making it an attractive choice for those who enjoy building a physical game collection or prefer buying used games to save even more.

The disc drive also doubles as a 4K Blu-ray player, giving you access to a broader entertainment experience beyond just gaming.

Best PS5 deal for the budget-conscious Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon PlayStation 5 Digital (Slim) $399.99 at Amazon
$449.00 Save $49.01 Get Deal Why we like it

The Digital PS5 Slim is perfect for those looking to embrace the convenience of an all-digital gaming experience. Without the bulk of a disc drive, this version is slightly slimmer and sleeker, making it an ideal fit for minimalists who want to keep their setup clean and simple. Priced at $399.99 after Prime Day, it’s the most affordable way to get into next-gen gaming.

Plus, with the rise of digital game sales and subscription services like PlayStation Plus, you won’t miss physical discs. It also offers the same 1TB of storage and cutting-edge performance as its disc counterpart, so you’re not sacrificing power or features for the savings.

More PS5 deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Shop the best home security camera deals still live after October Prime Day, including SimpliSafe and Arlo models

Mashable - Thu, 10/10/2024 - 15:00

UPDATE: Oct. 10, 2024, 9:50 a.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest home security deals after October Prime Day.

The best remaining October Prime Day home security deals at a glance: BEST VIDEO DOORBELL DEAL Arlo 2K Video Doorbell $79.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal BEST HOME SECURITY BUNDLE DEAL SimpliSafe 11-Piece Home Security System $293.69 at Amazon (save $56.30) Get Deal BEST SINGLE SECURITY CAMERA DEAL TP-Link Tapo MagCam $59.99 at Amazon with on-page coupon (save $60) Get Deal

Amazon's massive fall sale is technically over, but we're still tracking all the best lingering deals live. If you're looking to give your home security a bump, the mega-retailer still has significant price drops on video doorbells and security cameras of all shapes and sizes.

Looking for Ring, eufy, or Wyze cameras? You won't find them on this list. Between exploiting user data, security breaches, and a lack of transparency, we strongly recommend steering clear of these brands. You can read more about our concerns in our best home security systems guide.

Best video doorbell deal Opens in a new window Credit: Arlo Arlo 2K Video Doorbell $79.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

A video doorbell offers a super convenient way to check on who's at the door, when your package was delivered, or if the dog walker showed up today. As part of Amazon's Prime Day lingering sale prices, the Arlo 2K Video Doorbell is just $79.99, down from the normal price of $129.99 which means you'll be saving $50. The camera uses 2K resolution do you'll get a sharp view of your doorstep. Plus, the wide 180 degree view gives you a large lookout.

More video doorbell dealsBest home security bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: SimpliSafe SimpliSafe 11 Piece Home Security System $293.69 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $56.30 Get Deal Why we like it

If you could put a price tag on peace of mind, it'd be pretty close to the SimpliSafe 11-piece Bundle deal. It includes a keypad for entering your front door, a wireless indoor camera, two motion sensors, six entry sensors, and a main hub. SimpliSafe uses a ton of user-friendly features with the system, like motion detectors that can sense within 35 feet with a 90-degree field of view. The backlit buttons of the keypad mean you'll still have an easy time getting in when it's dark out. Plus, the system is compatible with Google Assistant or Alexa, so you can arm your security system remotely.

More home security bundle dealsPROMOTED HOME DEALS Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 4qt Air Fryer $69.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $60.00 Shop Now ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium $239.99 at Amazon
$329.98 Save $89.99 Shop Now GE Whole House Water Filtration System $239.01 at Amazon
Shop Now

Products available for purchase here through affiliate links are selected by our merchandising team. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission or other compensation.

Best single security camera deal Opens in a new window Credit: TP-Link TP-Link Tapo MagCam $59.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $60.00 with on-page coupon Get Deal Why we like it

If you only need a single security camera, the TP-Link Tapo MagCam is a reliable choice. While we haven't had the chance to test it out, our friends at PCMag (owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) have done the honor and awarded it a 4.5 outstanding rating. "It's an excellent value for a battery-powered camera that offers color night vision, built-in spotlights, local and cloud storage options, free intelligent alerts, voice control, and many other features," the review states, all of which earned the camera an Editors' Choice award. The TP-Link Tapo MagCam security camera usually sells for $119.99, but after Prime Big Deal Days, the camera is still down to an all-time low of $59.99, according to Amazon price history. Just be sure to select the on-page coupon before adding it to your cart.

More single security camera deals
Categories: IT General, Technology
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