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110+ Amazon Black Friday deals: We found record low prices on AirPods, Kindles, Leogs, and Anker power stations

Mashable - Sun, 11/23/2025 - 16:25
A glance at the best Black Friday deals at Amazon Best Apple deal Apple Mac mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $479 (save $120) Get Deal Best Lego deal Lego Classic Medium Creative Brick Box (10696) $17.99 (save $17) Get Deal Best Kindle deal Kindle Paperwhite (16GB) $124.99 (save $35) Get Deal Best portable power station deal Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 $349 (save $450) Get Deal Best headphones deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Black or Smoke White) $298 (save $131) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) $199.99 (save $49.01) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Ninja Crispi Glass Air Fryer $152.99 (save $27) Get Deal Best beauty tech deal Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex $179.99 (save $70) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Eufy X10 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo $499.99 (save $400) Get Deal Best Amazon device deal Amazon Echo Pop $21.99 (save $18) Get Deal

Black Friday falls on Nov. 28 this year, but that doesn't mean you need to wait until after pumpkin pie to shop. Amazon's official Black Friday sale is already underway, and we're seeing a bunch of epic deals. Some of our favorite products from Bose, Apple, Anker, and Lego are on sale, in addition to Amazon devices like Kindles and the Echo lineup. Shopping early means you get to relax during the hustle of the holiday shopping season. Plus, buying in November likely means everything will arrive with plenty of time to get wrapped.

Amazon has dropped prices on many seasonal must-haves, including some of our favorite gifts for 2025. Some are even back down at all-time low prices that match what we saw during October Prime Day or even cheaper.

SEE ALSO: 65+ early Black Friday deals: Score huge discounts on MacBooks, AirPods, Kindles, Bose headphones, and Ninja appliances

Check back here as we continue to update this page with new sale info and fresh product drops. It's also worth checking out Black Friday sales at competing retailers like Target, Best Buy, and Walmart to make sure you're getting the best deal. Another insider shopping tip is to spend a few seconds researching price history. Mashable's favorite Amazon price tracker, camelcamelcamel, will let you know if the deal you're seeing is actually worth snatching up.

Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Mac mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $479 at Amazon
$599 Save $120   Get Deal Why we like it

If you need a desktop upgrade, this is hands-down the best value you can get right now. The new Mac mini packs the M4 chip into a tiny 5-inch box, and Apple finally upped the starting RAM to 16GB (instead of the stingy 8GB of the past). That means it can actually handle heavy multitasking right out of the box.

Honorable mention: Apple deals are going hard this Black Friday. The AirPods 4 with ANC just hit a record-low price of $99.99, but they're flying off the shelves. We've seen them sell out at Amazon already, so if they're sold out for you, you can grab them for $109.99 at Walmart and Target. These are an upgraded model of the entry-level AirPods that earned a coveted Mashable Choice Award thanks to their great active noise cancellation, snug but comfortable fit, and excellent value.

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

More Black Friday Apple deals at AmazonBest Lego deal Lego Classic Medium Creative Brick Box (10696) $17.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $17.00   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it

Earlier this morning, we recommended the Lego Christmas Tree here, but that deal sold out fast (welcome to Black Friday month). The good news? This classic brick box is an even better gift for someone just getting into Lego, and it's nearly 50% off.

As of Nov. 21, you can grab the Lego Classic Medium Creative Brick Box for $17.99. Is it the absolute lowest price ever? No, it hit ~$15 in July. But saving $17 on a $35 set is still a pretty good deal. This box comes with 484 pieces, including wheels, windows, and eyes, so you can build trains, tigers, or whatever else you dream up. Plus, it comes in its own plastic storage bin, which is a gift to parents everywhere.

More early Black Friday Lego dealsBest Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $124 at Amazon
$159 Save $35   Get Deal Why we like it

Down at a record-low price, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is Mashable's favorite Kindle. It can get up to 12 weeks of battery life before you'll need to recharge, and the 16GB storage gives plenty of room for downloaded books. Gift it to the reader in your life or snag one for yourself to stay entertained during holiday travel. It's also fully waterproof, so you can take it along to the pool or on your tropical winter vacation.

More Kindle dealsBest Amazon device deal Amazon Echo Pop $21.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $18.00   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Echo Pop.

It’s a known fact of the universe that Amazon devices get serious discounts on Black Friday (and Prime Day, for that matter). If you haven't picked up a smart speaker yet, or just need one for a random room like the laundry room or guest bath, we recommend the Echo Pop. It’s currently $21.99, which is 45% off its regular price. Unlike the spherical Echo Dot, the Pop has a flat front that makes it fit way better on shallow shelves or crowded nightstands. It’s the perfect low-stakes way to add Alexa to another corner of your house without spending "real" money.

More early Black Friday Amazon device deals Best portable power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 $349 at Amazon
$799 Save $450   Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2.

The new Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 is one of my favorite portable power stations to hit the market this year. Anker's new Gen 2 models focus on portability, and the C1000 Gen 2 is shockingly easy to carry around at 25 pounds. It's a great model for taking to the campground or keeping in the garage in case of power outages. Thanks to Amazon's Black Friday sale, this model is down to a new record low.

More Black Friday portable power station dealsBest headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Black or Smoke White) $299
$429 Save $130   Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones (2nd Gen).

If you're looking for the most comfortable noise-cancelling headphones on the market, you want the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. As long as you're cool with black or white, they're on sale for $298. Since we spend plenty of the day listening to music, podcasts, or streaming YouTube, there's good reason to invest in a super comfortable pair. Of course, they'll make for a special gift this holiday season, or consider it a gift of self-care to get yourself through holiday travel.

More Black Friday headphones dealsBest smartwatch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) $199.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $49.01   Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple Watch SE 3 earns the top spot on Mashable's list of the best smartwatches. The SE 3 is the first SE model to come with an always-on display. Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth wrote, "In addition to its gorgeous OLED display, it has the same S10 chip inside the Ultra 3, the same water resistance as the Series 11, and all the necessary features you're looking for in a smartwatch." All of that now comes in at under $200 thanks to this Black Friday sale at Amazon.

More early Black Friday smartwatch dealsBest outdoor deal LifeStraw Personal Water Filter $9.49 at Amazon
$19.95 Save $10.46   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

If there's one thing Mashable readers love buying on Black Friday, it’s the LifeStraw. It’s a staple of every major sales event, and for good reason. Right now, it’s back down to its Prime Day price of $9.99, which is typically the lowest it goes all year (it's usually around $20). Even if you aren't an avid hiker, this is a must-have for your home emergency kit or bug-out bag. It filters out 99.999999 percent of waterborne bacteria and parasites, so you can drink directly from a stream (or a sketchy tap) safely. At $10, it’s the ultimate practical stocking stuffer.

More early Black Friday outdoor deals Black Friday TV deals at Amazon43-inch TVs50- to 55-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch TVs and up85-inch TVs and up
Categories: IT General, Technology

Annoyed by constant Wi-Fi drops? Here’s the fix you need

How-To Geek - Sun, 11/23/2025 - 16:15

Dropping out of a meeting, watching a stream buffer right at the climax, or seeing a download freeze is downright infuriating. If your Wi-Fi is smooth one moment and crawling the next, the issue could lie with your connection or your device. Here's how to put an end to those constant disconnects.

Categories: IT General, Technology

6 essential Microsoft 365 habits I adopted for flawless collaboration

How-To Geek - Sun, 11/23/2025 - 16:00

Picture this: an email chain with 50 replies, five different file versions floating around, and confusion as to whose turn it is to edit a file. This used to be my everyday Microsoft 365 environment, until I adopted these six habits that transformed chaos into flawless collaboration.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Pips hints, answers for November 23, 2025

Mashable - Sun, 11/23/2025 - 15:55

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 8, 2025

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

  • Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

  • Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

  • Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

  • Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

  • Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for November 8, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Nov. 23 Pips

Number (5): Everything in this purple space must add to 5. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically; 0-0, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this red space must add to 6. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically; 1-6, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this orange space must add to 6. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this light blue space must add to 5. The answer is 4-1, placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add to 1. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 3-2, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically; 0-2, placed vertically; 3-2, placed vertically.

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 3-1, placed horizontally; 6-1, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add to 2. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Nov. 23 Pips

Less Than (6): Everything in this space must be less than 6. The answer is 5-0, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 5-0, placed horizontally; 0-1, placed vertically.

Less Than (5): Everything in this space must be less than 5. The answer is 4-1, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed horizontally; 2-6, placed vertically; 2-1, placed horizontally.

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 0-1, placed vertically; 4-1, placed vertically; 2-1, placed horizontally; 1-3, placed vertically.

Less Than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Nov. 23 Pips

Number (7): Everything in this space must add to 7. The answer is 0-1, placed horizontally; 6-5, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Everything in this dark blue space must be equal to 5. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically; 4-5, placed horizontally; 5-5, placed horizontally; 5-3, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Everything in this green space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally; 4-4, placed vertically; 4-3, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add to 2. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally; 5-3, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically; 3-6, placed horizontally.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 23, 2025

Mashable - Sun, 11/23/2025 - 15:43

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easy if you know English footballl rivalries.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake — players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: Kicked out

  • Green: GOATs

  • Blue: Bitter enemies

  • Purple: Meet the Browns

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Throw Out of a Game

  • Green: NFL All-Time Leading Receivers

  • Blue: Premier League Derbies

  • Purple: ____Brown

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #426 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

  • Throw Out of a Game - BOOT, CHASE, EJECT, TOSS

  • NFL All-Time Leading Receivers - FITZGERALD, MOSS, OWENS, RICE

  • Premier League Derbies - MANCHESTER, MEYERSIDE, NORTH LONDON, TYNE-WEAR

  • ____Brown - CLEVELAND, JAYLEN, MACK, TIM

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 ways to repurpose an old Google TV

How-To Geek - Sun, 11/23/2025 - 15:30

Streaming devices tend to have a longer shelf life than phones, but like everything, they get slow over time. You don’t have to banish your old Android TV, Chromecast with Google TV, or an Onn device to the tech graveyard just yet, though.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Now is the time to revisit Prime Video's acclaimed video game adaptation

How-To Geek - Sun, 11/23/2025 - 15:00

Video game adaptations have entered a new age in Hollywood, both in movie theaters and on the small screen. After many years of struggling to balance video game lore in this new medium, studios and streamers have released a string of hits that pleased both newcomers and longtime fans like myself. Most notably, Prime Video has delivered a faithful, fan-pleasing adaptation of a beloved sci-fi RPG franchise that is set to return to screens in December, promising to be one of the first major must-watch TV hits going into 2026.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The top new sports car available for under $50,000

How-To Geek - Sun, 11/23/2025 - 14:30

Looking for a sports car that delivers serious thrills without breaking the bank? In 2025, one standout model proves you don’t need a six-figure budget to enjoy a true driving experience. With a perfect blend of sharp handling, responsive power, and aggressive styling, it brings the excitement enthusiasts crave into a surprisingly attainable package.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to free up disk space on your Mac without deleting your files

How-To Geek - Sun, 11/23/2025 - 14:15

If you're running low on storage on your Mac, the obvious way to fix it is to delete a load of files. But if you need those files, you need another solution. Here are some tips for freeing up space in macOS.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Is it safe to share your living space with a 3D printer? Here’s what the science says

How-To Geek - Sun, 11/23/2025 - 14:00

3D printers can fabricate real-world items from digital files in your home, a feat that seemed unthinkable to many even a decade ago. With the industry gaining steam at a rapid rate, it’s worth taking a moment to consider the health implications that 3D printing may pose.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Here's the right way to use Microsoft Word on your phone

How-To Geek - Sun, 11/23/2025 - 13:00

When treated like the desktop equivalent, the Microsoft Word mobile app can quickly become frustrating. However, once you embrace the small screen and understand the app's strengths, the experience becomes instantly more enjoyable. Here are my top tips for using the Word mobile app.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to replace Alexa's voice with your own using Home Assistant

How-To Geek - Sun, 11/23/2025 - 13:00

Being able to make Alexa say anything you want with Home Assistant has always been one of my favorite features. But I quickly tired of her default voice and decided to replace it with a far more soothing Irish voice through Home Assistant's cloud text-to-speech (TTS) service. Recently, I started to wonder if I could replace that voice with an even better one—my own.

Categories: IT General, Technology

DJI Mic 3 review: Ease and versatility for semi-pro producers

Mashable - Sun, 11/23/2025 - 11:00

DJI's Mic 2 and Mic Mini quickly became standard gear for content creators after their release last year. The beloved lapel mics are simple to use, versatile, and provide a significant audio upgrade at a reasonable cost. 

Now DJI has upgraded its offerings with the Mic 3, combining some of the previous models' best features. However, it also trims away a few significant ones, which could be a dealbreaker for certain advanced users. 

SEE ALSO: DJI fights U.S. government classification as 'Chinese military company,' appeals ruling The DJI Mic 3 packs a lot into a tiny package Left to right: The DJI Mic 2, Mic 3, and Mic Mini. Credit: A. Yeo

The DJI Mic 3's stamp-sized transmitter has a magnetic back which allows it to be affixed to clothes by either sandwiching the cloth between the transmitter and included magnet, or using the clip attachment. It's an elegant design, with the clip cradling the transmitter and holding it in place with notches. This provides a sturdy base when squeezing the clip open, and is incredibly quick and easy to deploy. 

Using the magnets to attach the transmitter is slightly more fiddly, but it adds the benefit of making the Mic 3 extremely light to wear. Though Mashable didn't have any issues with the Mic 3 detaching from our clothes, it's worth noting that both of its attachment methods ultimately rely on magnets. A more secure option would certainly have been appreciated for greater peace of mind, particularly as the transmitter contains the microphone, so it needs to be placed close to the audio source rather than safely in a pocket.

Unlike the Mic 2, the Mic 3 transmitter unfortunately doesn't have an onboard USB-C port. As such, users are reliant on either the case or DJI's proprietary magnetic charging cable, which is only available in some of the Mic 3 bundles. This may cause issues, as it's easy to lose such accessories or just not have them on hand when needed, and it doesn't appear as though DJI sells replacements separately. The Mic 3's lack of a USB-C port makes grabbing files off the transmitters more difficult as well. 

Fortunately, actually recording with the Mic 3 is relatively straightforward, as it's easy to navigate menus and view information on the receiver for the most part. Even as a fan of physical buttons and dials, Mashable typically defaulted to using the receiver's touch screen, which was responsive and simple to navigate.

DJI Mic 3's charging case keeps everything neatly organised The DJI Mic 3's carrying case stores almost everything. Credit: A. Yeo

DJI's Mic 3 comes in a few different bundle configurations, offering different accessories according to users' needs. Mashable looked at its most popular option, which includes two microphone transmitters, one receiver, and a charging case. It also comes with a USB-C adapter, four fluffy windscreens, two clips, two magnets, a 3.5mm cable, and a USB-C cable. 

All of these except the USB-C cable can be stored in the Mic 3's charging case, which in turn fits within an included padded carrying pouch. This case is somewhat bulky, especially when compared to the tiny units. Thankfully, its clever design keeps everything organised and streamlined, ensuring the Mic 3 is easy to pick up and use in whatever manner best suits you. You can have a USB-C adapter attached to the receiver, a Lightning adapter (purchased separately) on standby, and the receiver's protective cover stowed neatly away — ready for anything without the risk of losing anything.

That isn't to say that the Mic 3's charging case couldn't be improved. It would have been nice to have a reassuring click when storing the 3.5mm cable, but instead it slips into little notches and seems to be held in place with hidden magnets. The cable also has to be removed to access the magnetic clips behind it, which requires a little wrangling since they tend to snap together. They are only magnets, after all. Even so, these are relatively minor gripes considering the charging case's overall excellent functionality.

DJI further claims that the charging case extends the Mic 3's operating time to 28 hours, with the transmitters otherwise lasting eight hours and the receiver lasting 10. Most users are unlikely to need that kind of run time, though it's nice to know you'll always be charged up, with a five-minute charge reportedly providing two hours of use.

The DJI Mic 3 trades external lav mic functionality for onboard recording The DJI Mic 3 ultimately relies on magnets to attach to clothing. Credit: A. Yeo

The Mic 3's smaller form factor and loss of the USB-C port aren't the only notable changes DJI made when compared to the Mic 2. Perhaps controversially, the Mic 3 has removed the option to plug an external lav mic into its transmitter, a feature which had been available in its predecessor.

This is an unexpected and surprising change. While visible mic transmitters are now commonplace in social media content, broadcast shoots generally still use subtle or even hidden lapel mics. Removing this option may alienate a segment of the market that the Mic 3's features seem to court — those that hang in the increasingly blurred space between content creation and professional production. The loss of such functionality is even more confusing considering that DJI has introduced timecode support, which pushes the Mic 3 further toward a professional market.

Of course, DJI had to make some trade-offs to keep its units so small while still including on-board recording. Each Mic 3 transmitter has a sizable 32GB of storage, which can accommodate everything from the default 24-bit recordings through to larger 32-bit float files. (32-bit float is a file format that can capture a wider dynamic range, enabling you to recover audio that would otherwise clip if too loud or hiss if too quiet.)

There's even enough space for dual file recording, which is a somewhat unique feature in the Mic 3. Dual file recording enables the transmitter to record and store two different audio tracks simultaneously: both a raw recording and an "algorithm-enhanced version." This is just a version with whichever on-board effects you've turned on, such as voice tone presets, adaptive gain control, noise cancellation, and low cut. 

Such functionality makes the Mic 3 stand out, offering the potential to streamline your workflow while still keeping the flexibility of lossless recording. Lossless files provide the scope to manually tweak the sound of your audio, but having a version that's already gone through some basic processing could be a real time saver if the effects are to your liking. While having a lossless file to fall back on is always a great backup, all most creators need is for their audio to sound good. 

The DJI Mic 3's sound quality delivers The DJI Mic 3's reciever can be directly attached to your camera. Credit: A. Yeo

Like its predecessors, the DJI Mic 3 offers solid sound quality. The microphone is surprisingly sensitive and can pick up everything with clarity, though this does include background noise. Fortunately, the Mic 3's on-board effects include two levels of noise cancellation, which work impressively well. The strong setting can cause artefacts from time to time, but it's still good enough for quick and easy shooting. 

Choice and flexibility seem to be the name of the game for the Mic 3, with a wide range of settings and effects available. The three voice tone presents (regular, rich, and bright) are relatively simple and subtle, and feel more suited for stylistic tweaking rather than corrective equalisation. 

Meanwhile, the Mic 3's adaptive gain control offers two modes: automatic and dynamic. This is basically compression, with automatic turning down sudden bursts in volume to prevent clipping, while dynamic also increases the gain on quieter sounds to make everything more level. 

Like all of the Mic 3's effects, its adaptive gain control works very solidly. It also seems like a more useful baked-in "safety" option than the Mic 2's safety track, which simply used the right channel to record a version at -6dB in case of clipping. This made for a messy workflow, requiring users to separate the channels and splice in the -6dB version wherever there was clipping. In contrast, the Mic 3's adaptive gain control automates the process to deliver a single track that should be good to go (or very close to), while dual file recording provides a clean backup.

The Mic 3 is set to internally record 24-bit single files by default. When asked why, DJI told Mashable that 24-bit is more commonly used, uses smaller files, and is more user-friendly for beginners, while utilizing 32-bit requires more post-production and technical skill. It's another example of the Mic 3 seeking to offer as close to set-and-forget as possible, while still giving plenty of options for flexibility. 

Of course, all this is only good if you actually remember to hit record on the Mic 3 transmitters, as internal recording isn't triggered by camera recording. If you're likely to forget, the receiver screen clearly highlights when a transmitter is recording internally, and you can set them to automatically start recording as soon as they turn on.

For those who prefer not to marry video and audio files in post but are still chasing high res, you can also opt to send the receiver 48kHz 24-bit lossless audio. Otherwise, the Mic 3 transmitter sends encoded 24-bit when lossless audio is turned off, with 32-bit float reserved for internal recording. DJI states that lossless audio reduces the transmitter's battery life by approximately two hours, and its 400m (1312ft) maximum transmission range by 50 percent.

Should you buy the DJI Mic 3? The DJI Mic 3's charging case is neat, but still has room for improvement. Credit: A. Yeo

If you only film content on your phone, you'll likely be better off picking up the DJI Mic Mini and saving yourself some cash. It still has some form of noise cancellation and adaptive gain control — the Mic 3's two most useful effects — and is a fraction of the cost. You will have to sacrifice internal recording, though most people who record and edit on their phones are less likely to need it anyway.

SEE ALSO: The creator-favorite DJI Mic Mini has hit a new record-low price at Amazon — save over $90 this Black Friday

However, if you shoot anything more complex, and particularly if you film with both a phone and a dedicated camera, then you'll greatly benefit from what the DJI Mic 3 has to offer. The receiver's touchscreen makes functionality quick and easy, with information ready at a glance, while the 32-bit float internal recording is a valuable backup. The timecode support will be very welcome for multicam shoots as well. 

The DJI Mic 3 is a beautifully designed, well-made lapel mic that provides impressive audio quality, while also offering significant versatility regardless of what you're using to film.

DJI's products have become more difficult to get your hands on in the U.S., as the federal government poses significant challenges to the company's business stateside. Even so, those in the U.S. may still be able to procure the Mic 3 via unofficial third parties, and of course it's still easily available in other parts of the world.

DJI Mic 3 (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) $329 at Amazon
  See It at Amazon
Categories: IT General, Technology

Clean up on Black Friday with a massive saving of $1,299 on this Roborock robot vacuum

Mashable - Sun, 11/23/2025 - 11:00

SAVE OVER $1,299: The Roborock Saros Z70 is on sale for $1,299.99 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's 50% off the list price of $2,599.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Saros Z70 $1,299.99 at Amazon
$2,599 Save $1,299.01   Get Deal

Few items in this tech-focused modern world scream “lifestyle luxury” like a robot vacuum. All you need to do is programme a route and schedule, and the clever device just gets on with vacuuming your home, allowing you to take it easy in the meantime. They’re not cheap of course, which is why Black Friday is the perfect time to grab a good quality robo-vac such as the Roborock Saros Z70. It’s currently available in the Amazon Black Friday deals with a huge $1,299.01 discount. 

The Roborock Saros Z70 is currently priced at $1,299.99, giving you a generous 50% saving from the list price of $2,599.

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This robot vacuum does everything you’d expect — it navigates its way around the home using AI-powered technology, obstacle avoidance, and intelligent multi-pass cleaning — and it returns automatically to its charging base when the job’s done or it needs a battery top-up. But this one’s even more advanced than regular robot vacuums. As well as an AdaptLift Chassis that allows it to climb thresholds of up to 4cm, it also has an OmniGrip mechanical arm that can lift, move, and organize items.

The Roborock Saros Z70 is currently available for $1,299.99 in the Black Friday sale at Amazon — a saving of 50% from the list price of $2,599.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Boost your home cinema set-up with a Black Friday saving of $220 on the Sonos Arc Ultra

Mashable - Sun, 11/23/2025 - 11:00

SAVE $220: The Sonos Arc Ultra is on sale for $879 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's a saving of 20% from the list price of $1,099.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar $879 at Amazon
$1,099 Save $220   Get Deal

What is Black Friday for if not stocking up on premium tech, particularly the likes of home cinema hardware, while it’s available at a rare discount? One such piece of hardware is the Sonos Arc Ultra, which some reviewers consider to be one of the best home cinema soundbars in existence. That comes at a price of course, usually north of $1,000, but you can pick it up in the Amazon Black Friday deals with a significant discount.

The Sonos Arc Ultra is now available at Amazon for $879, which gives you an overall saving of $220. That means 20% off the regular list price of $1,099.

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Mashable has previously hailed the Sonos Arc Ultra for being the closest to having theater quality sound in your own home. It does this by combining Sonos Sound Motion technology with Dolby Atmos, which fills the room with three-dimensional audio. It also has a dialogue enhancement feature for ensuring speech is clear and defined, plus it’s super easy to set up. Our reviewer thought it was worth the money at full price, so with $220 off this is a great time to buy it. 

The Sonos Arc Ultra is currently available for $879 in the Black Friday sale at Amazon — a saving of 20%.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Power up your Black Friday with this deal on the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 — $800 off in the Amazon sale

Mashable - Sun, 11/23/2025 - 11:00

SAVE $800: The Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station is on sale for $699 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's 53% off the list price of $1,499.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station $699 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $800   Get Deal

It can be tough to justify the kind of money that high-quality portable power stations usually sell for — which can be in the range of $1,500. Especially if you only need it for occasional camping and RV trips, or you just want one in the garage for emergencies and outages. That’s why it’s always worth searching through the deals on Black Friday, when you can find discounts on the kind of devices that you’ve always been meaning to pick up but never quite have the cash to justify. Take the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station, for instance. 

Indeed, the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station currently has a huge saving of $800 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. It’s now available for $699, down from the list price of $1,499.

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This app-controlled solar charger has a bigger output than competing power stations. Maxing out at 2200W, it provides enough juice to run indoor appliances as well as all your outdoor adventuring needs. If you are using it for camping and road trips, it’s also pleasingly lightweight at just 39.5lbs. 

The Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station is currently available for $699 in the Black Friday sale at Amazon. That saves you $800 from the usual list price of $1,499.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch 76ers vs. Heat online for free

Mashable - Sun, 11/23/2025 - 11:00

TL;DR: Live stream Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat in the NBA for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The new NBA season is starting to take shape, and the early signs are pretty positive for the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat. Expectations were fairly low for these teams at the start of the season, so a 9-6 record at this stage is a great result.

If you want to watch 76ers vs. Heat in the NBA for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is 76ers vs. Heat?

76ers vs. Heat in the NBA starts at 1 p.m. ET on Nov. 23. This game takes place at the Xfinity Mobile Arena.

How to watch 76ers vs. Heat for free

76ers vs. Heat in the NBA is available to live stream for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

This free live stream is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can access free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (if you're not already a member)

  2. Subscribe to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

  4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

  5. Watch the NBA from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Learn More

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select games from the NBA before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams on platforms like Prime Video, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

  • 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 two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the NBA for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This credit-card–sized tracker keeps tabs on your wallet, passport, and IDs — and now it’s under $24

Mashable - Sun, 11/23/2025 - 11:00

TL;DR: Stop losing your wallet with some help from the Apple Find My compatible KeySmart SmartCard, now $69.97 (reg. $119.97) for a three-pack through Dec. 7.

Opens in a new window Credit: KeySmart KeySmart® SmartCard - Works With Apple Find My | Wireless Charging (3-Pack) $69.97
$119.97 Save $50   Get Deal

Want to keep better tabs on your most important items? AirTags are a little too bulky to slip into your wallet or passport case, which is where the KeySmart SmartCard really shines. This credit-card-sized tracker can fit into tight spaces and offers Apple Find My compatibility, making it easy to locate your important items.

Right now, you can snag a three-pack of KeySmart SmartCards for just $69.97 (reg. $119.97) — less than $24 each — through Dec. 7.

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Ever been late for a flight because you couldn’t find your passport? What about being late to work because you just can’t seem to find your wallet? There’s now a tracker that actually fits into these tiny spaces — the KeySmart SmartCard. Unlike chunky AirTags, this device is just 2mm thick, the size of two credit cards, so it can keep tabs on your most important possessions.

The KeySmart SmartCard is compatible with the Apple Find My app, so you’re just a few taps from finding out where your items are. It will show you the last known location, and if you’ve misplaced it you can have it make a sound so you can hunt it down. If you know you’ve left something behind, there’s also an option to display a message and contact info for anyone who finds it.

Aside from slipping into wallets or passport holders, the KeySmart SmartCard also features a lanyard slot to help you find ID cards or security badges. And no matter where you place it, you can rest easy knowing it has an IPX8 rating, so it’s waterproof and can survive up to an hour in 3.3 feet of water.

These KeySmart SmartCards have a rechargeable battery that works with Qi-enabled wireless chargers, but don’t worry — you won’t need to power them up often. The battery runs for up to five months on a single charge.

Get this three-pack of KeySmart SmartCards for just $69.97 (reg. $119.97) on sale now through Dec. 7.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Babbel helps you build real-world language skills that stay with you

Mashable - Sun, 11/23/2025 - 11:00

TL;DR: This StackSocial-exclusive Babbel Lifetime Subscription offer gives you access to 14 languages, 10,000+ hours of expert-designed lessons, and long-term learning tools for just $129.99 (reg. $299) with code LEARN.

Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $129.99
$299 Save $169.01   Get Deal

If learning a language has been sitting on your “someday” list, this might be the moment it finally sticks. With this special lifetime Babbel offer through StackSocial, you get the chance to learn 14 different languages for as long as you want — no deadlines, no pressure, no racing through lessons before a subscription runs out.

And this lifetime access is currently available for just $129.99 (reg. $299) with code LEARN through Dec. 1.

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What makes Babbel so effective is how practical it is. Lessons are short — usually 10–15 minutes — and designed by over 100 expert linguists to help you communicate in real, everyday situations.

Instead of drilling random vocabulary, Babbel teaches you how to navigate conversations you’ll actually have: grabbing food in a café, traveling abroad, chatting with coworkers, or understanding cultural nuances that help you fit in instead of stand out.

Because everything syncs across devices, you can practice on your desktop while working from home, then switch to your phone during your commute. Headed somewhere without service? Download your lessons and keep going offline. It all adapts to your schedule, not the other way around.

Babbel’s lifetime subscription isn’t just a learning tool — it’s a long-term investment in your personal and professional development.

Whether you’re building your résumé, planning future travel, or simply expanding your world, this offer gives you years of growth ahead.

Don’t miss a lifetime of Babbel language learning via this offer from StackSocial for $129.99 (reg. $299) with code LEARN — through Dec. 1.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hurdle hints and answers for November 23, 2025

Mashable - Sun, 11/23/2025 - 06:00

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

A piece of wood.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

PLANK

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A smelly animal.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 23, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

SKUNK

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A martyr.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 23 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 23, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

SAINT

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A liquid.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for November 23 Hurdle Word 4 answer

JUICE

Final Hurdle hint

Blame.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

FAULT

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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