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I absolutely love my Bambu Lab 3D printers—but they could be a lot better. Not in hardware. I think the hardware is fantastic. But the software that runs the printers could use a lot of work. Thanks to the open source community, my Bambu Lab 3D printers got a free upgrade that made them a lot smarter.

Microsoft researcher and collaborator combine new mathematical ideas with human-directed AI to resolve a central problem in high-dimensional geometry and probability At a glance

• Fundamental scientific breakthrough: Researchers resolved the Kannan-Lovász-Simonovits (KLS) conjecture, a 31-year-old problem widely regarded as one of the central open questions in high-dimensional geometry, with implications for statistics, optimization, algorithms, and computer science.
• A universal geometric principle: The result establishes a universal geometric principle for log-concave distributions, showing that simple flat cuts can capture their narrowest bottlenecks within a fixed factor, regardless of dimension. 
• Human-AI collaboration: The breakthrough emerged from a human-directed agentic research process in which AI systems explored mathematical possibilities while researchers evaluated, pruned, and redirected the search.
• Independent confirmation: Multiple independent researchers have validated this research, identifying its central criterion as the key breakthrough, followed by a machine-checked formal verification. 

For decades, a fundamental question about the difficulty of computing in high-dimensional spaces has resisted proof. New research resolves this question, removing a major theoretical obstacle to understanding the efficiency of randomized algorithms used across science and computing.

The Kannan–Lovász–Simonovits (KLS) conjecture was proposed in 1995. It asks whether, for a broad class of high-dimensional probability distributions, the best flat or hyperplane cut is always nearly as effective as the best cut of any shape. More precisely, KLS predicts that the two differ by no more than a universal constant, regardless of the number of dimensions. This would establish a dimension-free geometric principle with important consequences for high-dimensional geometry, probability, and theoretical computer science. Because the geometry of these cuts governs how quickly random walks can explore a distribution, KLS also plays a central role in the theory of high-dimensional sampling.

Figure 1: An illustration of the KLS Conjecture (simplified) on regular tetrahedron.

Since 1995, mathematicians have accumulated evidence that the conjecture was true, but a complete proof remained elusive. Now, two researchers, including Xinzhi Zhang from the Machine Learning and Optimization group at Microsoft Research, have proved the KLS conjecture (opens in new tab). They have shown that the relationship holds with a fixed bound, regardless of how many dimensions a shape has. Before this work, the best known result (opens in new tab), established in July 2026, allowed that bound to grow slowly as the number of dimensions increased. This work establishes a fundamental geometric principle: high-dimensional spaces are better behaved than previously known, and the obstacles to navigating them do not grow without bound as dimensions increase. 

The importance of the KLS conjecture was recognized across the field long before it was resolved. In its 2017-18 Annual Report, the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI) (opens in new tab) called it “a central open problem in high-dimensional convex geometry.” The Simons Institute (opens in new tab) described it as “one of the most important open problems in convex geometry.” In the proceedings of the 2022 International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) (opens in new tab), Ronen Eldan noted its broad implications for high-dimensional convex and computational geometry. Quanta Magazine (opens in new tab) wrote that KLS “lies at the heart of many questions in statistics and computer science.”

Technical details

The authors began by improving the July 2026 result in order to make the mathematical bound more precise. Working with AI agents in a structured, human-directed process, they explored more than 100 candidate approaches, many involving lengthy calculations with higher-order tensors. This produced a new mathematical criterion that became the foundation of the final proof.

The authors then discovered that the new criterion could be applied recursively. Each improved bound could be fed back into the same argument to produce a still tighter one. In the October 1, 2026 version of the paper, this reduced the dependence on dimension to the iterated logarithm. This function grows extraordinarily slowly, but it still grows with the dimension and therefore did not yet fully resolve the conjecture.

The final step was to repeat the entire recursive refinement, rather than applying it only once. This idea was inspired by the authors’ earlier work on fast algorithms for linear programming. The authors proved that the small errors introduced at each stage shrink fast enough that their total remains bounded by a universal constant, independent of the dimension. This eliminated the dependence on the number of dimensions and completed the proof in the October 4, 2026 version of the paper.

The recursive method, its repeated application, and the proof that the accumulated errors remain bounded are original contributions of the researchers. AI tools helped explore candidate approaches, carry out detailed derivations, prepare the manuscript, and perform internal proof checks. The researchers determined the mathematical direction, selected the promising ideas, assembled them into the final argument, and verified the proof.

Independent confirmation

On the same day that the authors posted their complete proof, a separate group of leading experts posted a full proof (opens in new tab) that they developed in parallel. Their work built upon the findings in the first version (opens in new tab) of the Microsoft paper, calling it “the crucial step in the proof.” A third proof (opens in new tab) which appeared separately on the same day relies on a closely related idea. In addition, a Lean 4 formalization (opens in new tab) was subsequently released, combining the key criterion from the first Microsoft paper with additional research. 

Independent proofs are among mathematics’ strongest forms of validation because they demonstrate that a result does not rest on a single chain of reasoning. The subsequent appearance of alternative approaches and formal verification further strengthens confidence that the field has uncovered a genuine underlying principle rather than a fragile technical argument. The authors have also shortened their proof and verified the streamlined argument in Lean; they plan to release both after final review. Together, these developments provide complementary forms of confirmation.

Human-AI guidance

In the process of proving KLS, this research also demonstrates the power of having researchers direct AI rather than simply asking AI to solve a complex problem through a single end-to-end run of a frontier model or agent. The authors used an agentic search process with iterative, human-assisted “pruning”: As multiple agents explored variations of an idea in parallel, the researcher examined their intermediate result, eliminated unpromising directions, and passed the most promising result to the next round. Roughly one hundred research trajectories were explored before the key breakthrough emerged. 

In a separate track of the project, the authors made repeated unguided attempts to solve the same problem with several leading AI models, using roughly the same total token budget as the main process. That effort fell short of the goal. The eventual success depended on both the capabilities of the AI systems and the mathematical judgment of the researchers. 

Conclusion

Taken together, resolving KLS settles a central problem in high-dimensional geometry. A wide range of results that previously relied on the conjecture as an assumption can now be stated unconditionally. The proof therefore provides a stronger foundation for research in convex geometry, probability, and theoretical computer science.

The work also demonstrates how carefully guided human-AI collaboration can contribute to genuine scientific discovery while reinforcing, rather than replacing human insight. It highlights the continuing importance of scientific judgment in identifying promising directions, recognizing conceptual connections, and seeing when a partial insight points toward a deeper result. The authors are now simplifying the proof and extending its formal verification so that the mathematics and theoretical computer science communities can more easily examine the result and build on it.

Acknowledgements 

Thank you to our co-author Zhao Song for his contributions to this work, and Victor Reis (opens in new tab) and Ishai Menache for helpful discussions throughout the project. 

Opens in a new tab

The post Solving a 31-year-old grand challenge in mathematics – the KLS conjecture appeared first on Microsoft Research.

When it comes to Halloween decorating, Arby's just raised the steaks.

The fast-food chain is launching a limited-edition "Meat Sweats" tracksuit ahead of the spooky holiday, but not just any tracksuit: one "made specifically for 12-foot skeletons," according to an email sent to the press.

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That could only refer to "Skelly," the viral giant skeleton animatronic that the Home Depot has sold since 2020; this year, it was updated with app controls. Tyler Pelfrey, manager of brand communications at the Home Depot, tells Mashable that Arby's designed the tracksuit before approaching the home improvement retailer about a collab.

"We love to see how the original Halloween giant, Skelly, has taken on a life of his own — inspiring creative designs in homes across the country, viral social content and now, brand collaborations," Pelfrey said. "We’re excited for the potential to continue to find new ways to celebrate Skelly’s status as a Halloween cultural icon for years to come."

View this post on Instagram

The Meat Sweats suit features an all-over print of folded roast beef and an Arby's logo on its chest. Priced at $46.66, it will be available exclusively in Arby's online merch store starting this Wednesday, Oct. 21 at noon ET.

Skelly has built up quite the wardrobe over the years. The Home Depot released Santa, scarecrow, and witch costumes for the oversized animatronic in 2021, and many Skelly owners have DIYed their own outfits for it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Arby's Arby's Skeleton Sweat Set $46.66 at ArbysShop.com
Launches Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 12 p.m. ET. Learn More at ArbysShop.com

UPDATE: Oct. 21, 2026, 9:30 a.m. EDT This story was updated with comment from the Home Depot.

Managing the constant influx of emails manually can feel like a full-time job. That’s why it makes sense to automate your inbox. With features like quick steps and email filters, you can streamline routine tasks and let Outlook do the heavy lifting. Here's how I automate my Outlook inbox.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is available for $59.99 at Amazon. Due to high demand, shoppers need to request an invite to buy.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box $59.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box preorders first dropped for $89.99 at Amazon. We've then been stuck at $159.99 for some time, but now Amazon has dropped a stunning deal.

The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is currently listed for just $59.99 on Amazon, with shipping and sales handled directly by Amazon. Demand for the product remains high, so Amazon is still routing orders through its "request invite" system.

At $59.99, Amazon’s price is way under TCGplayer’s $120 market price. We expect the deal to sell like wild, so we suggest that anyone interested should request an invite to buy immediately. Seriously, do not delay. This deal could disappear at any time.

The 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box offers nine 30th Celebration booster packs, an exclusive full-art foil Nidorina promo card, 16 foil Basic Energy cards, 65 custom card sleeves, damage-counter dice, a condition marker, card dividers, a collector’s player guide, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live.

Shop the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration ETB for just $59.99 at Amazon.

The best early Black Friday Home Depot deals Best Early Black Friday Home Depot Refrigerator Deal LG 3-Door French Door Refrigerator $1610 (Save $1489) Get Deal Best Early Black Friday Home Depot Range Deal GE 4-Burner Free-Standing Electric Range $649 (Save $289) Get Deal Best Early Black Friday Home Depot Washer Deal LG Stackable SMART Front Load Washer $902 (Save $350) Get Deal Best Early Black Friday Home Depot Tool Deal DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit $179 (Save $60) Get Deal

Looking to pick up new home appliances, tools, or something to make your home life easier? Look no further, because The Home Depot’s early Black Friday sale is already live, more than a month ahead of the Nov. 27 holiday.

The retailer has already slashed prices on a number of tools, appliances, smart home gear, and much more, so you don't have to wait until you're stuffed to the gills with turkey to score some fantastic deals.

We’ve been sorting through some of the early deals to find the ones that are most worth your money, and there’s a lot to work with. If you’ve got a renovation planned, a kitchen to upgrade, or a house to decorate before the in-laws show up, this is a good time to start filling a cart.

Keep reading to check out some of the best early Black Friday Home Depot deals if you want to beat the crowds both online and offline.

Best early Black Friday Home Depot refrigerator deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Home Depot LG 3-Door French Door Refrigerator $1,610 at The Home Depot
$3,099 Save $1,489   Get Deal at The Home Depot Why we like it

This 28-cubic-foot French door refrigerator fits a 36-inch opening, so it's compact enough for smaller kitchens while still offering plenty of storage space. Its stainless finish wipes clean without showing fingerprints, and a vent at the top of each door pushes cold air toward the bins where condiments and drinks usually warm up first. At the bottom, the full-width freezer drawer has a sliding upper tray that keeps smaller items from getting lost in the pile. Plus, it makes slow-melting round Craft Ice alongside regular cubes, so you’ve got the right ice for a cocktail or water bottle without a separate machine. It's a great addition to your kitchen and won't cost an arm and a leg.

Best early Black Friday Home Depot range deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Home Depot GE 4-Burner Free-Standing Electric Range $649 at The Home Depot
$929 Save $280   Get Deal at The Home Depot Why we like it

Looking to get more cooking done? Be more efficient with this 30-inch electric range with four elements under a smooth glass cooktop, including one that switches between a 6-inch and 9-inch ring. It has a a steam clean cycle that loosens light spills with water and a short heating run instead of the hours and heat of a traditional self-clean. Plus, its stainless steel knobs are a nice touch that you can match to other aspects of your kitchen.

Best early Black Friday Home Depot washer deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Home Depot LG Stackable SMART Front Load Washer $902 at The Home Depot
$1,299 Save $397   Get Deal at The Home Depot Why we like it

Give yourself a laundry upgrade with this stackable front loader. It has a TurboWash 360 cycle that can get a full load of clothes clean in under 30 minutes by spraying from five jets at once. The machine even connects to LG’s ThinQ app, which lets you start a cycle from your phone or get a notification when the load finishes. Get through that massive basket of clothes or towels in record time with the extra space and additional features and spend less at the same time.

Best early Black Friday Home Depot cordless tool deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Home Depot DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit $179 at The Home Depot
$239 Save $60   Get Deal at The Home Depot Why we like it

The drill/driver and impact driver in this DeWalt kit are both compact enough to fit between studs and under cabinets, so it can handle a variety of jobs. It has an LED light that illuminates whatever you’re working on as well, so you don't have to struggle with visibility when handling each project. The drill uses a 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck that holds bits tight without a key, while the impact driver’s hex chuck lets you load and swap bits with one hand. You also get two 20V Max batteries, a charger, and a carrying bag to make a complete tool kit that's perfect for DIY jobs or handing over to repair enthusiasts.

More early Black Friday Home Depot deals

• Milwaukee M18 18V Lith-Ion Cordless Compact Blower w/ 2.0 Ah Battery — $129 $239 (save $110)

• DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Brushless Screw Gun (Tool Only) — $149 $199 (save $50)

• DeWalt 20V MAX XR Cordless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench (Tool Only) — $199 $279 (save $80)

• DeWalt 20V XR Battery Starter Pack (8.0Ah + 4.0Ah with Charger) — $199 $329 (save $130)

• Milwaukee M12 12V Cordless Green 250 ft. 3-Plane Laser Level Kit — $599 $649 (save $50)

• Milwaukee M18 18V Cordless Combo Kit (8-Tool) with (2) Batteries and Charger — $649 $1,298 (save $649)

Nathan Fielder teamed with director Lance Oppenheim for the Elizabeth Holmes documentary You Can See Everything. And as bonkers as this configuration of facts sounds, the resulting three-hour movie is even wilder than you can predict.

SEE ALSO: Does 'You Can See Everything' live up to the hype?

Critics are raving. Audiences snapped up tickets to 2,000 showtimes over the opening weekend. And soon, more moviegoers will have a chance to see You Can See Everything as distributor A24 expands its U.S. theatrical release.

But what if you'd rather ignore the advice from fans saying this movie is a must-see in theaters with a crowd and experience it at home? Or perhaps you just want to know when you can see it again to replay, pause, and freak out on every tiny detail in your own time?

Want more film and TV news and reviews delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Mashable’s Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

When will You Can See Everything be streaming?

A24 has not yet announced plans for You Can See Everything's streaming release.

However, in terms of speculation, Forbes notes that this distributor tends to release titles to digital streaming via premium video-on-demand 31 to 38 days after their theatrical debut. Recent examples using such a streaming strategy include The Drama, The Death of Robin Hood, and Tony.

However, when an A24 movie is crushing at the box office — as You Can See Everything currently is — that window tends to be longer. For instance, the horror hit Backrooms opened on May 29 and didn't come out until July 14, 46 days later.

Then there's the Oscar campaign question. If You Can See Everything is going to be a contender for the Academy Awards, A24 might keep it off streaming for longer. That strategy would encourage potential voters to see the film in theaters. This not only improves the audience's focus on the film (being less distracted by their phones, for one thing), but also offers viewers the chance to enjoy the community experience of seeing You Can See Everything with a crowd.

SEE ALSO: Why the internet says 'You Can See Everything' must be seen in theaters

Last year, when A24 was campaigning Marty Supreme for award season, the studio withheld a digital release for 45 days. However, that movie opened on Christmas Day. So, between You Can See Everything's box office promise, its awards potential, and its fall release date, Fielder fans might have to wait even longer for this title to be available at home if Oscar gold is A24's goal.

But let's say, theoretically, that A24 follows Backrooms or Marty Supreme's digital release plan. That would mean You Can See Everything would hit digital on Dec. 1.

Mashable has reached out to A24 for comment and will update this story when possible.

You Can See Everything is now playing in theaters. Find available showtimes at Fandango. 

Have you ever shown up to a party only to realize that you're about 10 years too late? While I see some potential in the ASUS Googlebook 14, it feels like a clumsy effort that should've happened a long time ago. The extreme pricing certainly doesn't help, nor does my growing impatience for "early adopter" quirks.

Best early Black Friday Anker deals at a glance Best headphones deal Soundcore Anker Space 2 $106.49 (save $23.50) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Anker Sleep Earbuds 4 $199.99 (save $30) Pre-Order Here Best robot vacuum and mop deal Anker Eufy E35 Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo $999.99 (save $300 with on-page coupon) Get Deal Best speaker deal Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go Bluetooth Speaker $22.99 (save $12) Get Deal Best charger deal Anker 100W Max Ga-N Charger $59.99 (save $10) Get Deal Best smart home deal Anker Eufy Permanent Outdoor Lights E22 (150 feet) $279.99 (save $210) Get Deal Best projector deal Nebula Capsule 3 Laser Portable Projector $599.99 (save $150) Get Deal Best security deal Anker Eufy Security Smart Lock C220 $99.97 (save $70.09) Get Deal

It's still October, but Black Friday from Anker has arrived. Early Black Friday deals are coming in hot this year, and that means it's time to get shopping. While the selection is good and shipping times are still normal, shopping early means you'll have tons of time to sip eggnog while relaxing.

SEE ALSO: Early Black Friday 2026 deals: See holiday gift guides from Amazon, The Home Depot, Nordstrom, Ulta, and more

Anker makes some of Mashable's favorite portable power stations, earbuds, headphones, charging devices, and even sleep earbuds for those who struggle with noise at night. If you're in need of any tech upgrades or have holiday gifts to purchase for tech-lovers, Anker is a great place to start.

Below, we've collected our favorite early Black Friday Anker deals. Check back as we keep this page updated with fresh deals as the holiday shopping season continues.

Best headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Soundcore Anker Space 2 $106.49
$129.99 Save $23.50   Get Deal Why we like it

The Anker Soundcore Space 2 headphones are Mashable's top pick for the best budget noise-cancelling headphones. Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard reviewed the headphones and noted they offer great performance, especially considering the price point. Battery life can last for up to 50 hours with ANC turned on and the memory foam ear cushions make for a comfortable experience.

Best earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Sleep Earbuds 4 $199.99
$229.99 Save $30   Preorder Why we like it

Sleep is essential during the hectic holiday season. If you're having a hard time getting restorative sleep on account of environmental noise, a pair of sleep earbuds could help lull you off to sleep. With a launch date set for October, the new Anker Sleep Earbuds 4 mask noise disruptions like snoring.

They're designed to be comfortable enough to wear while sleeping, even for side sleepers. As a bonus for pre-ordering, Anker is offering $30 off.

Best portable power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 $499.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $100   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Fall and winter storm season is here. Instead of looking at a dwindling phone battery while sitting in the dark, plug your phone and a lamp into the Anker Solix C1000. It comes with 1,056Wh of battery capacity which can keep your devices charged up when grid power fails. The C1000 comes with six standard AC ports, two USB-C, and two USB-A which gives you room for plenty of simultaneous recharging.

Anker released a new Solix C1000 Gen 2 portable power station which is smaller and lighter than the original. However, I still enjoy the original more than the newer model in many ways, including a built-in lightbar and its ability to expand with extra batteries.

Best robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Eufy E35 Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo $999.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $300   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Coming with a major 35,000Pa suction power, the 2026 Eufy E35 is on sale for under $1,000 thanks to the on-page coupon at Amazon. Not only will it suck up dust and debris, the hot water mopping reaches up to 140 degrees. This model is great for those who deal with allergies since it's earned the prestigious Asthma & Allergy Friendly Certification from the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America.

Best projector deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser Portable Projector $599.99 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $150   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

If you'll be spending the holidays watching your favorite Christmas movies or hosting parties, impress with a laser projector. The Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser projector weighs just two pounds but can project on a screen (or a wall) at up to 120 inches. I've packed along the Anker Nebula with me on a trip to Japan, camping adventures, and weekends away at the lake. It's a great entertainment companion, espeically when it's on sale.

Best speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go Bluetooth Speaker $22.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $12.00   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Waterproof enough to take into the shower, the Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go speaker is one of Mashable's favorite Bluetooth speakers. The battery life on this budget model beats many high-end models and the sound is both vibrant and impressive when it comes to bass.

Microsoft has released PowerToys 0.102, following a major update in August that introduced Window Hopper along with several other improvements. This time, the focus shifts to two new mouse utilities, an upgraded Command Palette, voice-assisted screenshots, and a fresh set of command-line tools.

Dust off those Amazon gift cards — It's Black Friday season once again. With the best deals of the year at your fingertips, it's the perfect time to use that gift card you've had in your wallet for months. It's also a good way to stay within a budget.

If you want to check how much money you're working with on an existing gift card or reload one you've previously redeemed, we've got you covered. Follow the steps below to make sure your Amazon gift cards are ready for the biggest shopping event of the year. Happy shopping!

How to check your Amazon gift card balance on your desktop

Follow these quick steps to check or reload your Amazon gift card balance from your computer browser:

Total Time

• 2 minutes

What You Need

• Computer

Step 1: Navigate to Amazon

Open the Amazon website.

Step 2: Accounts & Lists

Click on Accounts & Lists in the top right corner of the screen.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon website

Step 3: Select Gift cards

A new menu page will open on the website. Select Gift cards.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon website

Step 4: Redeem or reload gift card

Once you click, you'll be able to see the existing balance on your gift card. If you are checking the balance on an unredeemed gift card and wish to redeem it, you can click on Redeem a Gift card. You can also opt to Reload your card in this menu or check your transaction history, which is listed below the gift card balance.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon website How to check your Amazon gift card balance in the app

Follow these simple steps to check or reload your Amazon gift card balance from your phone or tablet:

Total Time

• 2 minutes

What You Need

• Smartphone

Step 1: Go to Account

Open the app and click on the account icon at the bottom of the landing page (the little person illustration). Then choose Account at the top of the landing page.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Step 2: Navigate to Wallet

Under your Amazon highlights, click on the arrow to the right of the Wallet section.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Step 3: Balances & rewards

In your Wallet, scroll down to the Balances & rewards section and select Amazon Gift Card.

Step 4: Check balance or reload

Use the new menu that opens to check your available gift card balance, redeem your gift card, reload your balance, or check past activity.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

The best deals from Amazon's Holiday Beauty Event: Best hair tool deal Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer $372.49 (save $77.50) Get Deal Best electric toothbrushes Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000 Electric Toothbrush Bundle $199.93 (save $200.06) Get Deal Best men's grooming deal Gillette Fusion ProGlide Shaving Razor for Men (1 Handle + 4 Blade Refills) $19.99 (save $5.01) Get Deal Best beauty Advent calendar deal Real Techniques Unwrap Glam Advent Calendar $45 (save $5) Get Deal

Amazon is running its sixth annual Holiday Beauty Event now through Nov. 1. The two-week sale is a chance to stock up on some highly giftable hair care tools, skincare items, grooming products, cosmetics, and fragrances before the mayhem of the Black Friday season.

According to a company press release, the Holiday Beauty Event features "thousands" of discounts and includes rotating "flash deals" that are only available for a limited time. After spending a few hours poring over the deals myself, I've rounded up a list of the 31 best below.

As things stand, my top four picks involve a year-round low on a limited-edition Dyson hair dryer, a BOGO deal on some Philips Sonicare toothbrushes, a 20% discount on a men's grooming staple, and a stocking-ready beauty Advent calendar that's never been on sale before.

Best hair tool deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer $372.49 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $77.50   Get Deal at Amazon

Dyson's oft-imitated Supersonic hair dryer has five attachments, three speed settings, and four heat settings that max out around 221 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid damaging your hair. This "Nural" model is a newer variant with sensors that lower its temperature when it's close to your scalp. It can also remember your preferred settings for different attachments. The special-edition "strawberry bronze/blush pink" model is on sale for $372.49 (or 17% off), which is its lowest price of the year so far; it was only $30 cheaper last Black Friday.

More hair dryer and multistyler deals

• Conair Travel Hair Dryer — $18.59 $29.99 (save $11.40)

• Revlon One-Step Root Booster Round Brush Hair Dryer and Styler — $38.49 $54.99 (save $16.50)

• Wavytalk Blowout Boost 1.5-inch Thermal Brush — $47.48 $69 (save $21.52)

• Wavytalk Steamlift Pro Steam Thermal Brush — $89.97 $129 (save $39.03)

• Shark FlexStyle Air Multi-Styler & Drying System (Mocha Silver) — $229.99 $299.99 (save $70)

• Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler + Chitosan Bundle — $534.49 $709.99 (save $175.50)

Hair straightener deals

• Chi 1-inch Original Ceramic Hair Straightener — $39.57 $100 (save $60.43)

• Wavytalk Steam Sesh Hair Straightener — $56.90 $79 (save $22.10)

• BaBylissPro Porcelain Ceramic 1.5-inch Hair Straightener — $67.49 $89.99 (save $22.50)

• Wavytalk Steamline Pro Steam Hair Straightener Brush — $63.82 $99 (save $35.18)

• BabylissPro Nano Titanium 1-inch Ultra-Thin Hair Straightener — $125.99 $179.99 (save $54)

• Dyson Airstrait Straightener + Omega Bundle — $427.74 $554.99 (save $127.25)

Curling iron deals

• Wavytalk Cool Curl Pencil Curling Iron for Short Hair — $45.57 $69 (save $23.43)

• Wavytalk Multi Curl 5-in-1 Curling Wand Set — $47.98 $69 (save $21.02)

• Chi 1-inch Spin N Curl Ceramic Rotating Curling Iron — $70 $131 (save $61)

Best electric toothbrush deal Opens in a new window Credit: Philips Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000 Electric Toothbrush Bundle $199.93 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $200.06   Get Deal at Amazon

This smart electric toothbrush from Philips Sonicare's premium DiamondClean line has four adjustable cleaning modes and an optic sensor that tells you if you're brushing too hard. Plus, it comes with a travel case. During its Holiday Beauty Event, Amazon is selling a two-pack of them for half off its usual price of $399.99. Get one for you and one for your partner or roommate for only $199.93 — a new all-time low.

More electric toothbrush deals

• Philips Sonicare 4100 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush — $45.96 $55.99 (save $10.03)

• Philips Sonicare 5300 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush — $74.96 $109.96 (save $35)

• Philips Sonicare 7300 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush — $139.96 $199.99 (save $60.03)

Electric flosser deals

• Waterpik Cordless Pulse 3100 Portable Water Flosser — $34.95 $49.99 (save $10.04)

• Waterpik Promax Countertop Water Flosser — $119.99 $149.99 (save $30)

Best men's grooming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Gilette Gillette Fusion ProGlide Shaving Razor for Men (1 Handle + 4 Blade Refills) $19.99 at Amazon
$25 Save $5.01   Get Deal at Amazon

Mashable tech editor Timothy Beck Werth tells me that Gilette's razors are a lot of guys' go-tos. They're a bit pricey, so it's worth waiting for them to go on sale — like they are right now. For the most savings (a full 20% off), opt for this bundle that includes one handle and four spare blades.

FYI: Select men's grooming products will be on sale for up to 35% off as part of flash deals on Oct. 25 and 26.

More men's grooming deals

• Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 — $29.96 $39.99 (save $10.03)

• Philips Norelco Body Groomer 7000 — $79.96 $99.99 (save $20.03)

• Philips Norelco i9000 Electric Shaver — $164.96 $209.96 (save $45)

• Braun Series 7 Electric Shaver — $179.99 $209.99 (save $30)

Best beauty Advent calendar deal Opens in a new window Credit: Real Techniques Real Techniques Unwrap Glam Advent Calendar $45 at Amazon
$50 Save $5   Get Deal at Amazon

Real Techniques' brushes and sponges are some of the best drugstore makeup tools you can buy — I've used the former for as long as I've worn makeup. This limited-edition Advent calendar, now on sale for the first time ever, comes with over two dozen different RT tools in matching shades of blue. It would make a cute gift for a teenager who's just starting to play around with makeup.

More beauty Advent calendar deals

• Revolution Makeup 2025 Advent Calendar — $27.29 $65 (save $37.71)

• Conair Advent Calendar — $41.49 $49.99 (save $8.50)

• Dr. Barbara Sturm Advent Calendar 2025 — $448 $560 (save $112)

Have a Visa gift card that you keep forgetting to use? 'Tis the season to break that bad boy out. You'll be able to squeeze way more out of those free funds if you shop during Black Friday. With practically everything on sale — headphones, TVs, kitchen appliances, outdoor gear, etc. — you can stretch your Visa gift card even further than usual and get the most bang for your buck. But how do you actually use it to shop on Amazon?

Adding a Visa gift card on Amazon isn't the cut and dry process that you'd expect. While it is technically a gift card, it can't be registered as a gift card like an official Amazon gift card would. Instead, you'll have to register the gift card like you would register a legitimate Visa debit or credit card to start using it as a payment method. If you're unsure how to go about it, we've got your back.

SEE ALSO: How to check or reload your Amazon gift card balance How to add a Visa gift card to make purchases on Amazon

The process might seem complicated, but we've broken it down into a few simple steps.

1. Head to Amazon on your phone, tablet, or computer and find your Account tab. On the mobile app, your Account lives in the little person icon at the bottom of the screen and in the three horizontal lines at the bottom right side of the screen. On a web browser, hover over Accounts & Lists at the top right corner of the webpage, then select Account from the dropdown menu that appears.

2. Once there, scroll to find the Your Payments tab if using a browser or Wallet if using the app. Both options will take you to your digital wallet where you can view your added payment methods.

3. Click on + Add new to add a payment method. Because the gift card is a Visa, it functions like a regular debit or credit card, so scroll down to Add a credit or debit card category to add the new card.

4. You'll then be prompted to add the necessary card information like the card number and expiration date.

5. Then, it'll ask for the Billing Address. Prepaid Visa gift cards aren't tied to a name or address, so you won't actually receive a billing statement. You can add your own address to be quick, or call the customer service number to get the card issuer's address.

SEE ALSO: Walmart vs. Amazon: Which retail giant has the best deals?

There are a few caveats to consider when using a Visa gift card on Amazon. First, not all Visa gift cards may work as debit or credit cards on Amazon. Some may require users to use a CVV to authorize a purchase. Since Amazon doesn't ask for this information while adding payment methods, these Visa gift cards might not go through.

Also, Amazon doesn't allow users to combine multiple cards for a single transaction. This means that you can't cover your total with two different Visa gift cards, or use up the remaining gift card balance as a partial payment and cover the rest with another credit or debit card. Be sure to keep an eye on your cart total as you chip away at it during your Black Friday shopping. Your total order cost (including shipping and taxes) can't exceed the gift card balance.

There is, thankfully, a workaround for tracking that Visa gift card balance. You can use the Visa gift card to add or reload funds on an Amazon gift card, which you can then apply toward future Amazon purchases. Once you add a Visa gift card as an Amazon payment method to your account by following the steps above, you can purchase an Amazon gift card for the full amount of the Visa gift card balance (taking into account any fees the Visa card may deduct upon use), or follow the steps in our Amazon gift card explainer to access your existing Amazon gift card balance and reload funds.

Opens in a new window Credit: Visa Add a Visa gift card to your Amazon account   Learn More

Best early Black Friday power station deals at a glance: Best overall Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 $499 (save $60) Get Deal Best for hiking EF EcoFlow Trail 300 DC + waterproof travel bag $169 (save $30) Get Deal Best for content creators DJI Power 2000 $1,299 (save $549.01) Get Deal Best for power outages Bluetti Apex 300 $1,699 (save $300) Get Deal

It's presumptuous to say that Amazon's rolling out Black Friday prices in October, but we're seeing some pretty good deals on portable power stations (like Prime Day-level) pop up here and there. So, if you missed October Prime Day, you're doing a bit of holiday shopping to beat the rush, or you just want to get it out of the way, we got you.

SEE ALSO: The best early Black Friday outdoor deals: Super early discounts on Yeti, Igloo, Coleman, and more

Not the sexiest holiday purchase, sure, but having backup power when you need it? Priceless.

This year, we're covering potential early Black Friday sales earlier than we ever have before to make sure you're getting the best deals possible first. We're checking price history and tracking MSRPs to spot inflated list prices, because a big discount doesn't mean much if the "original" price was a stretch to begin with. Below, you'll find the best early Black Friday power station deals we've spotted so far.

Best portable power station deal so far Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 $499 at Amazon
$559 Save $60   Get Deal at Amazon Why we picked this

As of Oct. 21, the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is on sale for $499 at Amazon, down from $559. That's $60 off, though it's not the lowest price we've seen — it dropped to $448.98 in June. Still, Amazon's $559 list price is already below the $589 MSRP listed on Jackery's website.

At 23.8 pounds, the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 has a foldable handle for carrying it from the car to your campsite. It has a 1,070Wh capacity and 1,500W output, with potential uses ranging from keeping a fridge running to powering smaller appliances, like an electric pot.

More early Black Friday power station deals

• Jackery Explorer 300 — $259 $289 (save $30)

• DJI Power 2000 — $749.99 $1,299 (save $549.01)

• Jackery Explorer 2000 V2 — $899 $999 (save $100)

• EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max — $899 $1,199 (save $300)

• Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 — $899.98 $1,499 (save $599.02)

• Jackery HomePower 3000 — $1,349 $1,499 (save $150)

• Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus — $1,709 $1,899 (save $190)

• Jackery HomePower 3000 with Solar Panels — $1,799 $2,149 (save $350)

Amazon just made it easier to secure the farthest reaches of your home — even if you have a giant yard. Blink has introduced five new security cameras, including two with extra-long range.

The best early Black Friday DJI deals: Best drone deal DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo With DJI RC $620 (save $99) Get Deal Best camera deal DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo $495 (save $134) Get Deal Best mic deal DJI Mic 3 $259 (save $70) Get Deal Best power station deal DJI Power 2000 V2 $749.99 (save $550) Get Deal

Black Friday is still weeks away, but early discounts on creator gear are already dropping — and DJI is leading the pack. Whether you're upgrading your travel video kit or building out an off-grid content station, early holiday deals let you save up to $550 across the brand's top-tier lineup.

Right now, you can lock in substantial price cuts on heavy hitters like the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo, the ultra-compact DJI Mic 3, and more. We searched through all the early holiday sales to pull out the very best deals on DJI gear. Below are the best early DJI Black Friday deals available to shop right now.

SEE ALSO: Shop the best early Black Friday cordless tool deals: Score a free battery with select discounts Best DJI drone deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo With DJI RC $620 at Amazon
$719 Save $99   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Weighing under 249 grams, the DJI Mini 3 skips FAA registration for casual flyers while still packing a crisp 4K camera that rotates vertically for instant TikTok and Instagram Reels shots. It handles windy conditions effortlessly, uses automated flight modes to capture cinematic aerial video at the push of a button, and sends footage straight to your phone over WiFi.

Stepping up to the Fly More Combo gets you three total batteries for almost two hours of total fly time, a shoulder bag, and the upgraded DJI RC controller — which features its own built-in screen so you don't have to tie up or drain your phone while flying.

More DJI drone deals

• DJI Neo — $169 $199 (save $30)

• DJI Mini 3 — $385 $419 (save $30)

• DJI Mavic 4 Pro Fly More Combo — $2,670 $2,899 (save $229)

Best DJI camera deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo $495 at Amazon
$629 Save $134   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is the ultimate pocket-sized vlogging camera, packing a large 1-inch sensor that captures crisp 4K/120fps video and impressive low-light shots. Its built-in motorized stabilizer keeps your footage buttery smooth while walking around, and the quick 2-inch screen twists sideways to instantly switch between standard landscape video and vertical clips for TikTok.

It automatically tracks your face to keep you in focus while moving, so you never have to worry about stepping out of frame. Grabbing the Creator Combo adds an extra battery handle for longer shoots, a wireless clip-on microphone for crisp voice audio, a mini tripod, and a carrying bag — giving you a complete studio that travels with you.

More DJI camera deals

• DJI Osmo Pocket 3 — $395 $499 (save $104)

• DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlog Bundle (with DJI Mic Mini) — $419 $532.00 (save $113)

• DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Filter Bundle — $425.99 $505.99 (save $80)

• DJI Osmo 360 Camera Adventure Combo — $629.99 $664.99 (save $35)

Best DJI mic deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic 3 $259 at Amazon
$329 Save $70   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

The DJI Mic 3 makes capturing studio-quality voice audio stupidly simple, whether you're hosting a two-person podcast or filming street interviews in a noisy crowd. Small enough to clip onto a shirt and toss in your pocket, it features built-in noise cancellation and automatic volume leveling so your sound stays clear without clipping — whether you're whispering or screaming.

It pairs instantly with phones and cameras, or directly with DJI gear like the Osmo Pocket and Action series, without extra dongles getting in the way. Plus, it records a backup file directly inside the clip-on mics, so you'll never lose a good take.

More DJI mic deals

• DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) — $79 $99 (save $20)

• DJI Mic 2 (1 TX + 1 RX) — $129 $179 (save $50)

• DJI Mic 2 (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) — $199 $269 (save $70)

Best DJI power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Power 2000 V2 $749.99 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $549.01   Get Deal at Amazon

The DJI Power 2000 earned a high 4.3 rating in our hands-on testing as a massive, ultra-quiet battery hub for camping, content creation, or emergency home backup. Its huge capacity easily runs everything from heavy-duty kitchen appliances to laptops, while proprietary fast-charging ports rapidly juice up DJI drone batteries right in the field.

It operates at a whisper-quiet noise level, recharges to 80% in under an hour, and lasts for more than a decade of daily use thanks to its ultra-durable battery tech. You can easily monitor power levels on your phone through the DJI app, use it as an instant backup during power outages, and even hook up add-on batteries down the road if you need continuous, multi-day power.

More DJI power station deals

• DJI Power 140W GaN Charger — $52.49 $69.99 (save $17.50)

• DJI Power 140W GaN Charging Combo — $63.99 $79.99 (save $16)

• DJI Power 1000 V2 Portable Power Station — $399.98 $699.00 (save $299.02)

Setting up a smart home can be an expensive business. Not only do you need a device to run your smart home, but you also need all the devices for it to control. If you already have smart home devices set up, however, then there are plenty of incredibly useful automations that you can set up without needing to buy anything new.

TL;DR: The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is $1,000 off with T-Mobile. To claim this offer, switch and bring your number or trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple T-Mobile: Apple iPhone 18 Pro   Shop Now

The iPhone Duo is now available to preorder, but actually getting your hands on Apple's first foldable is almost impossible. So what are iPhone fans supposed to do now? Consider the best deals on the Apple iPhone 18 Pro, of course.

For a limited time, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro is available for under $200 when you switch and bring your number or trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan. That's a ridiculously low rate to pay for a phone that was released just weeks ago.

The full savings are distributed as monthly credits over a 36-month payment plan. If you leave T-Mobile before the end of the three-year commitment, you will be charged the remaining balance. You're paying an incredibly low upfront cost, but you are committing to stick it out with T-Mobile. That's how they get you.

You do also need to pay local sales tax on the phone's full retail value upfront, plus a standard $35 device connection fee per line at checkout. That's something you simply can't escape with this type of mobile carrier deal.

Get the Apple iPhone 18 Pro for under $200 this week with T-Mobile.

In most homelabs, Docker management involves more than running the applications you actually want to use. One container manages your other containers, another checks for image updates, and a separate service handles logs. Before long, you have several containers dedicated to managing the rest of your containers.

TL;DR: Live stream Como vs. Manchester United in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League is a tough competition. Manchester United started their campaign with a comfortable victory over Sabah but suffered a disappointing defeat to Atlético Madrid in the second round. There's now some serious pressure on Michael Carrick's team as they head to Como.

Como are also sat on six points after two games, ahead of Manchester United by virtue of goal difference. We're expecting a close contest.

If you want to watch Como vs. Manchester United in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Como vs. Manchester United?

Como vs. Manchester United in the Champions League kicks off at 12:45 p.m. ET on Oct. 21. This fixture takes place at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium.

How to watch Como vs. Manchester United for free

Como vs. Manchester United is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.

Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access it for free with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Como vs. Manchester United for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit Virgin Media Player

5. Watch Como vs. Manchester United for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Como vs. Manchester United (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

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

• Servers in 105 countries, including Ireland

• 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 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Como vs. Manchester United in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.