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Target Circle Week continues: Stock up on Apple, Ninja, Lego, and Halloween gear

Mashable - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 21:04

Amazon's October Prime Day (dubbed "Prime Big Deal Days") is here, which means other retailers' competing sales are also live. Target's contribution, one of its Circle Week events, kicked off on Oct. 5 and runs through Oct. 11 with a heavy focus on the holiday season.

The deals are especially great for Halloween lovers, with big savings on costumes, decorations, and candy. While the sale is a members-only event just like Prime Big Deal Days, Target's Circle membership program is completely free to join.

Opens in a new window Credit: Target Target Circle Week Shop Now The best deals to shop during Target Circle Week Top Target Circle Week deals at a glance: Apple AirPods 4 $89.99 (save $30 with Target Circle) Get Deal Beats Solo 4 $129.99 (save $70 with Target Circle) Get Deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + cellular, 49mm) $599.99 (save $200 with Target Circle) Get Deal Amazon Fire TV Stick HD $17.99 (save $17 with Target Circle) Get Deal Keurig K-Mini Mate $47.99 (save $32 with Target Circle) Get Deal Ninja Creami $199.99 + free $30 gift card with Target Circle Get Deal Dyson Ball Animal 3 Total Clean $329.99 (save $170 with Target Circlce) Get Deal Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Camera $83.99 (save $10 with Target Circle) Get Deal Lego Botanicals Evergreen Collector’s Set $41.99 (save $18 with Target Circle) Get Deal Rubies Wednesday Nevermore Uniform Halloween Costume $18 (save $12 with Target Circle) Get Deal What is Target Circle Week?

Target Circle Week is a weeklong savings event that typically happens twice a year in July and October. (Conveniently, it always coincides with Amazon's Prime Day sales.) During the event, Target offers daily deal drops and weeklong deals with savings of up to 50% on top brands. The retailer often matches Amazon's Prime Day prices where their inventories overlap.

When is Target Circle Week?

The current Target Circle Week is happening now and runs from Oct. 5 through Oct. 11. While Amazon's Prime Day events typically last a few days, Target's sale is a full weeklong event.

Do you need to be a Circle member to shop Target Circle Week?

Yes, you need to be a Target Circle member to get the exclusive savings during Circle Week. However, the program is completely free and easy to join. In addition to accessing the sale, Circle members get other year-round perks, including a 5% birthday discount, personalized deals, and savings that are automatically applied at checkout.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Ninite Is the Best Way to Bulk Install Windows Programs on A New PC

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 21:00

Are you tired of having to navigate to a dozen different download pages after getting a new computer, just to get the software you want to use installed? If so, Ninite is the answer to your problems.

Categories: IT General, Technology

30 best noise-cancelling headphones deals: Sony, Apple, and Bose on sale for October Prime Day

Mashable - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 21:00
Best Prime Big Deal Days noise-cancelling headphone deals Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Deal Sony WH-1000XM5 $250 (save $149.99) Get Deal Best noise-cancelling earbuds deal Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation (wired case) $35 (save $85) Get Deal

Audio fans, look alive — Amazon's October Prime Day sale is here. Through Oct. 8, you can score discounts on just about everything the retailer has to offer. This pre-Black Friday sale is known for offering up some historically low prices on goodies from tablets to laptops and everything in between, including headphones.

SEE ALSO: What is Prime Big Deal Days? Everything you need to know and what deals to expect.

During the second and final day of the event, Amazon has tons of deals on offer, with noise-cancelling headphones coming out especially strong. So far, we've spotted 12 earbuds and headphones deals under $100, as well as significant markdowns on options like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones, Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, and AirPods Max.

Below, find some of our picks for our favorite noise-cancelling headphone October Prime Day deals.

Best noise-cancelling headphones deal Sony WH-1000XM5 $298 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $101.99 Get Deal Why we like it

The Sony WH-1000XM5s aren't the newest noise-cancelling headphones, but at the sale price of $250, they're one of the best value headphones you can pick up during Prime Big Deal Days. The Mashable Choice Award winners rarely drop down in price below $298 — this $250 price tag is just one cent away from the record low price we saw them hit this past March. With great ANC, an excellent sound profile, and a sleek design, these headphones offer a premium experience at a fraction of the price of other options on sale — and they're not all that different from the newer XM6 headphones, which are on sale for $428.

Check out our full review of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones.

More October Prime Day noise-cancelling headphones dealsBest noise-cancelling earbuds deal Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation (wired case) $34.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $85 Get Deal Why we like it

While these aren't the newest earbuds on the market (they came out in 2021), at $35, they do offer some of the best bang for your buck on noise-cancelling earbuds. If you can put up with a middling battery life and overly sensitive touch panels, the Echo Buds with ANC are "a steal for anyone who wants to dip their toes into the world of ANC without setting their wallet on fire," as Mashable's Alex Perry wrote in his review. This deal is exclusive to Prime members.

Check out our full review of the Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation.

More October Prime Day noise-cancelling earbuds deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

10 free dating apps to try for cuffing season 2025

Mashable - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 21:00

If you're on a budget and things look bleak in the relationship department, don't panic. You don't need to shell out hundreds to find a genuine connection. There are dating apps you can use for free — so you can meet a partner with potential without shelling out cash up front.

Yes, dating itself will cost you between the commute, the drinks, and the time, but why should dating apps eat at your wallet? You don't have to resort to dating an AI to save money. Simply use a dating app's free tier. The good news is, the most popular apps are free to use — no credit card required.

SEE ALSO: The best hookup apps, reviewed: I swiped until my thumb hurt

(And you shouldn't have to pay someone to keep talking to you either. If you're being pressured to, you might be involved in a romance scam.) 

What dating apps are completely free?

Mainstream dating apps like Tinder, OkCupid, Grindr, and Hinge all have robust free membership tiers that compete with paid subscriptions. Some free, more niche dating apps, like Archer and Lex, are also worth checking out. It just depends on what you're looking for and how much work you're willing to put in to get it.

These days, some people argue that big-name dating apps (read: Match Group apps, such as Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge) are all the same and have formed a single, amorphous dating platform. However, these apps still have distinct differences between them, as you can see below. 

And even though a lot of daters want to meet someone IRL, let's face it: Dating apps aren't going anywhere. Whether you're an introvert, a college student, or just looking for some steamy sexting action, we've got you covered.

Below, find our top picks for the best free dating apps. Use them to find your forever partner, a casual encounter, or something in between — all without paying a dime.

Note: All the free dating sites listed below offer a free membership option that allows you to talk and match with people at no cost. Though most offer paid premium memberships, these aren't apps like Match or eharmony, where you need to pay to match or chat with other users.

Featured Video For You These dating sites and apps are perfect for people on a budget
Categories: IT General, Technology

There are still a ton of stellar TV deals on day 2 of October Prime Day, like a 75-inch QLED TV for $399.99

Mashable - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 20:52

The second major Prime event of the year is officially on its second and final day, and Amazon is still outdoing itself compared to its own Prime Day TV deals from July — in terms of both various HD and 4K options.

The funny thing is, the best TV deals at Amazon aren't the retailer's own models; those are still overpriced. Instead, it's top budget brands like TCL, Hisense, and Insignia that are seeing the best price slashes, plus record lows on most sizes of Samsung's The Frame.

The best October Prime Day TV deals at a glance Toshiba 32-inch Class V35 Series LED HD Smart Fire TV $79.99 ($50) Get Deal Insignia 40-inch Class F40 Series LED Full HD Smart Fire TV $94.97 ($55.02) Get Deal Best 55-inch TV deal Samsung 55-inch The Frame QLED 4K TV (2024 model) 797.96 (Save $700.03) Get Deal Best 65-inch TV Deal LG 65-inch C5 OLED 4K TV 1496.99 (Save $1,309) Get Deal Best 75-inch TV Deal Insignia 75-inch QF Series QLED 4K Fire TV 399.99 Get Deal

Between super-affordable HD & QLED options in every size and massive discounts, making the premium flagship OLEDs look less intimidating, there's not much of a reason to wait for Black Friday to buy a TV.

Treat yourself now and enjoy the rest of October with your new screen, whether that's scary movies, football, or both. We're tracking the best Prime Big Deal Days TV deals live below, categorized by size and sorted by price both in ascending order.

SEE ALSO: 25 Apple products are on sale for record lows this October Prime Day — including the new Apple Watches

Note: Deals with a 🔥 have dropped to an all-time low price.

Best Prime Big Deal Days TV deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Insignia Insignia 75-inch QF Series QLED 4K Fire TV $399.99
$649.99 Save $250 Get Deal Why we like it

The best Amazon QLED TV deal that has caught our eye this Prime Big Deal Days is a 75-inch Fire TV by Insignia (a Best Buy brand, oddly enough) for $399.99. This is one of the few times per year when you'll be able to score a giant TV for so cheap — in fact, waiting for October Prime Day has made this model $50 less than the $449.99 sale price we saw during Prime Day in July.

If you've never had a QLED TV before, this XL Insignia model is a great low-stakes opportunity to upgrade. As a budget QLED, you can't expect this model to stun in HDR like a premium Samsung QLED would. But compared to your old LED TV, you'll quickly see the difference those quantum dots are making — they'll especially pop when watching football in the daytime.

Note: This Insignia model is appearing as out of stock for some of our shopping reporters, which is usually a location-based blip. If you're not seeing "add to cart" at Amazon, it's also available at Best Buy for the same price.

32-inch to 40-inch TV deals42-inch to 50-inch TV deals55-inch TV deals65-inch and 70-inch TV deals75-inch and 77-inch TV deals85-inch and up TV deals

Need to get rid of an old TV to make room for your new one? You can recycle your TV at most Best Buy stores for free.

Categories: IT General, Technology

For Trump officials, social media is war

Mashable - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 20:50

President Donald Trump’s obsession with social media is so notorious that it has its own Wikipedia page. But since his return to the White House, that fixation has seeped into the highest levels of government, with cabinet officials adopting his combative style and reshaping how public servants behave online.

Consider Vice President JD Vance, who shrugged off war crime accusations after Trump authorized an extrajudicial strike on a Venezuelan fishing boat by posting on X that, "I don’t give a shit what you call it." Or the official DHS X account, which now floods timelines with seemingly AI-generated 4chan memes and WWII-style recruitment posters for ICE — including one featuring the Statue of Liberty with glowing laser eyes. FCC Chair Brendan Carr recently blasted Democrats on X for "weaponizing government to silence dissent" after a California senator suggested breaking up Sinclair Broadcasting — days after Carr appeared on a podcast threatening Disney, ABC, and local affiliates with regulatory action over Jimmy Kimmel’s comment about Charlie Kirk.

Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel called MSNBC "an ass clown factory" on X after the network noted that the DOJ prohibits perp walks — a detail only mentioned because a bureau agent had been allegedly suspended for refusing to stage one with former FBI director James Comey. Patel also recently faced criticism for his behavior on X following the murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk; hours after the killing, Patel stated a suspect was in custody, only to post a follow-up 90 minutes later announcing the suspect was released. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem took to X recently to accuse Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson of sheltering and protecting "criminal illegal alien gangbangers." That's a disturbingly racist choice of words to put out into the world, especially from the nation’s top domestic security official.

This isn’t fringe behavior anymore. In Trump’s second term, hostile and dehumanizing social media posts are a regular occurrence. Whether the incendiary posting is official policy or simply "flooding the zone," a deliberate tactic of overwhelming the public with constant outrage and noise so that no single scandal can stick, is anyone's guess.

"To paraphrase Truman, the buck stops with the president," Ryan Geddie, a political analyst and YouTuber from Texas, said in an email to Mashable. "[Trump's] behavior on social media over the last decade has given everyone in the administration — down to whoever’s running the DHS X account — license to go more radical online."

In addition to following Trump's lead, Geddie also believes the hostile posting is not just for Trump's eyes but for conservative media audiences as well.

"[Trump's cabinet] rightly or wrongly equate these audiences with conservative voters in general. Their social media personas are driven almost entirely by what they imagine these groups will enjoy," Geddie said.

The rise of influencer creep in politics

Part of the Trump administration's online behavior may also be an extension of "influencer creep," said Sophie Bishop, an associate professor at The University of Leeds and feminist media researcher. The term, coined by Bishop, describes how the relentless self-branding and content-churning logic of influencer culture has bled into other professions — journalism, academia, and now, apparently, the federal government. It’s not hard to see why: Several of Trump’s most powerful cabinet officials built their careers not in law or public service, but in broadcasting, podcasting, and cable news.

Both Patel and Dan Bongino, the Deputy Director of the FBI, came from podcasting — Patel as a part-time podcast guest host for former Trump Chief of Staff Steve Bannon and Bongino as one of the most prominent pro-Trump influencers online. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spent seven years on Fox & Friends Weekend. Jeanine Pirro, once a nightly Fox News firebrand, now serves as U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. Kimberly Guilfoyle, former co-host of The Five, is the ambassador to Greece. Sean Duffy, a former Real World cast member and Fox Business co-host, runs the Department of Transportation. And Tulsi Gabbard, who signed on as a Fox News contributor in 2022, is now the Director of National Intelligence. Together, these individuals have millions of social media followers, and as any good influencer knows, they must be constantly fed.

"The kind of online persona building used by the Trump cabinet is just one piece of the puzzle," Bishop said in an email to Mashable. "Influencer creep accelerates the more divisive or sensationalist elements of political speech because extreme moments and soundbites are algorithmically rewarded with attention."

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"[Trump officials] have time to do this because Trump and his administration see being a headline-generating media personality as an important part of the job description," Geddie says. "Certainly, they have better things to do."

As for the official White House and DHS accounts — both run by anonymous staffers — Geddie says the explanation for their posts may lie in GOP staffer culture itself.

"If we’re talking about social media specifically, I think an under-examined angle is the connection between the online right and the GOP staffer class," Geddie says. "There’s been reporting about how figures like Bronze Age Pervert, [Curtis] Yarvin, and the flood of pseudonymous X accounts are shaping young GOP staffers — and that lines up with what I’ve seen talking to young Republicans."

Who exactly is behind those official social media accounts — known for churning out memes and AI-generated images of crying detainees — remains an open question. When Mother Jones reporter Anna Merlan tried to find out, the White House ignored her request. DHS, meanwhile, replied with an email declaring that "the American people can no longer rely on journalists like Anna Merlin [sic]" before laying into former President Joe Biden and claiming "American daughters were raped and murdered by illegal aliens" under his watch.

That email's verbiage is strikingly similar to DHS's pinned post on its X account: "America has been invaded by criminals and predators. We need YOU to get them out."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This article reflects the opinion of the writer.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get a Samsung Galaxy S25 for 28% Off

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 20:39

The brand-new Samsung Galaxy S25 is currently available for a massive 28% discount, making this a great deal on a flagship smartphone that just launched this year. This major discount knocks the price down to a surprisingly low $575 on Amazon and Best Buy, saving you $225 off the original price of $800.

Categories: IT General, Technology

iPad is bringing back a much-missed feature in iPadOS 26.1

Mashable - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 20:26

Apple is bringing Slide Over back to the iPad.

The feature allows iPad users to quickly slide an app in and out of the side of the screen. For non-iPad users, it essentially works the same as minimizing and maximizing an app or window on a Mac. Many iPad users utilize Slide Over for multitasking, quickly opening and closing an app to make room for other tasks without actually leaving the app.

SEE ALSO: Review: iPadOS 26 finally made me an iPad person

However, when the new iPadOS 26 launched in September, Apple removed a few multitasking features, such as Split View and Slider Over. The reason was simple enough: iPadOS 26 introduces a whole new way to manage apps with its windowing system.

Multitasking options like Split View were no longer necessary, as the windowing system provides an even better alternative. Users can still view two app windows simultaneously side-by-side.

Yet, nothing in the new iPadOS 26 update acted as a replacement for Slide Over. Apple must have heard from enough iPad users who missed the feature, as it has since returned in the beta version of iPadOS 26.1.

Slide Over is now directly integrated within iPadOS 26's new windowing system. Users will also be able to resize the app window. However, the newly reintroduced Slide Over has one drawback: It currently only works with one app at a time.

Maybe Apple will reintroduce the ability to switch between multiple apps in Slide Over in future beta versions, too.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Theres less than 24 hours left to buy a Kindle for just $84.99

Mashable - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 20:26
Best Kindle deals Basic Kindle Deal Amazon Kindle $84.99 (Save $25) Get Deal Kindle Paperwhite deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 🔥 $124.99 (Save $35) Get Deal Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 🔥 $149.99 (Save $50) Get Deal Best Colorsoft Deal Amazon Colorsoft Signature Edition 🔥 $209.99 (Save $70) Get Deal Best Kindle Kids Deal Amazon Kindle Kids $94.99 (Save $35) Get Deal Best deal for Kindle users Kindle Unlimited $0 (Save $35.97) Get Deal

We're onto day two of Prime Big Deal Days, and the Kindle deals are holding strong.

Amazon loves to keep us on our toes. I've been covering Prime Day and testing Kindles for years, and one thing I've come to expect is great deals on Amazon's own devices during the sale event — except Kindles. During July Prime Day, neither the Paperwhite nor Paperwhite Signature Edition got a price cut.

So it was a pleasant surprise to wake up on Oct. 7 and see the entire Kindle line-up on discount. Amazon's e-readers are extremely popular, and because of that, the retailer tends to be choosy about its sales on Kindles.

Every Kindle e-reader is discounted during October Prime Day, and not only that — multiple devices have hit their lowest price ever.

Here are all of the best Kindle deals to shop during day two of Prime Big Deal Days.

Note: Deals marked with a 🔥 denote an all-time low price.

Best Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 🔥 $149.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $50 Get Deal Why I like it

Historically, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition hasn't been my top pick, due to its $200 price tag, which even its bonus features couldn't justify. October Prime Day swept in and dropped the price of the Signature Edition down to $149.99. That saves you $50 off its $199.99 price tag for 25% off. And did I mention that's its lowest price ever?

Not only does this bring the Signature Edition to its lowest price ever, but it also makes it $10 cheaper than the standard Paperwhite — although we should note that also just hit its lowest price ever.

The biggest perk of the Signature Edition is its ad-free lock screen. Usually, I don't think it's worth the extra money, but with this record discount, I think it's an incredible value. For $149.99, you'll enjoy auto-adjusting brightness, 12 weeks of battery, wireless charging, and 32GB of storage.

If you're going to buy a Kindle during October Prime Day, let it be the Signature Edition. However, if you have your heart set on another model, plenty are also at their lowest prices.

Best Colorsoft deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition 🔥 $209.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $70 Get Deal Why I like it

In the past few weeks, it's never been more apparent how Amazon is investing in its color e-readers. On Sept. 30, the brand launched its redesigned Kindle Scribe that now comes with color.

Similar to Amazon's Paperwhite versus Paperwhite Signature Edition, the retailer has a Colorsoft and Colorsoft Signature Edition. Right now, the Colorsoft Signature Edition has received its biggest price cut ever, bringing it down to $209.99. That knocks $70 off its $279.99 list price, for 25% off.

Similar to the Paperwhite Signature Edition, it comes with 32GB of storage, auto-adjusting brightness, an ad-free lockscreen, but it gets the exciting addition of color, too. The color accuracy on the Colorsoft Signature Edition is impressive. While the colors are more muted than they'd read in a physical book, they still remain accurate.

So if you're ready to dive into Amazon's color e-reader line-up, Prime Big Deal Days is the time to do so. Get the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition for $209.99 and save $70.

More Kindle dealsBest deal for Kindle users Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Unlimited $0 at Amazon
$35.97 Save $35.97 Try Kindle Unlimited for free for three months. Get Deal Why we like it

If you're buying a new Kindle during Prime Big Deal Days, we highly recommend signing up for this deal on Kindle Unlimited. During Prime Day, Amazon is offering three months free, saving you $35.97.

Kindle Unlimited is one of the best ways to maximize your Kindle use. If you're running out of holds and loans on Libby, then for $11.99 a month, you can access Kindle Unlimited and borrow up to 20 books at a time. The library is massive and features bestsellers and BookTok sensations.

The best part is, this deal is available to new users and those who have already used their free trial. I'd already used up my free trial, but I was able to snag the trial again and am planning on using it to read Regretting You by Colleen Hoover and The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden before their upcoming movie adaptations.

More deals for Kindle users

Kindle books

Kindle cases

Kindle stands

Kindle page turners

Kindle bundles

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon device deals are beating July prices for October Prime Day: Save on Fire Tablets, Kindles

Mashable - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 20:17
The best Prime Day Amazon device deals at a glance: BEST FIRE TABLET DEAL Amazon Fire HD 10 (64GB) $79.99 (save $100) Get Deal BEST FIRE TV DEAL Insignia 65-inch QF Series QLED 4K Fire TV $299.99 (save $200) Get Deal BEST ECHO DEAL Echo Buds with ANC $34.99 (save $85) Get Deal BEST KINDLE DEAL Kindle Scribe (16GB) $299.99 (save $100) Get Deal BEST BLINK DEAL Blink Video Doorbell $34.99 (save $35) Get Deal Best subscription deal Kindle Unlimited free trial $0 (save $35.97 on three months) Get Deal

An Amazon event wouldn't be an Amazon event without the brand pushing its own devices. Several Echo deals, Fire Tablet deals, Kindle deals, and Blink camera deals are live on the second day of the Prime Big Deal Days event.

A few devices are even beating their Prime Day prices from July. Particularly of note are the Echo Show 8 dropping to $99.99 (compared to $109.99 in July), the Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation dropping to $34.99 (a 71% discount only matched during Black Friday 2024), and the Kindle Paperwhite and Paperwhite Signature Edition (neither of which were on sale in July).

Before you buy, see if Amazon announced a new version of that device at its fall hardware event on Sept. 30 — maybe you'll want to wait for the refreshed model, or maybe the new prices are the justification you needed to grab a deal now.

SEE ALSO: What is Stuff Your Kindle Day? The best way to fill your e-reader with free books.

Below, we're keeping tabs on all of the best Amazon device deals throughout the end of October Prime Day on Oct. 8. The best Amazon device deals do tend to sell out toward the end of the sale, so if you see a good price drop now, hop on it. There's also a ton of stuff outside of Amazon devices on sale ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, so be sure to follow along with our carefully curated coverage of all of the best October Prime Day deals.

Note: Deals with a 🔥 next to them have dropped to new record-low prices, while struck-through deals were sold out or expired at the time of writing.

Best Amazon device deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation (newest model) 🔥 $34.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $85 Get Deal Why we like it

There's no way around it: A ton of people are going to buy AirPods this October Prime Day. But for those who aren't married to Apple's earbuds (or how often they seem to break), just know that the latest version of Amazon's Echo Buds with ANC are just $34.99 after a 71% discount. That beats their Prime Day price from July by $10, and you could get five pairs of Echo Buds for less than the $199.99 sale price of the AirPods Pro 2.

Amazon's noise cancellation doesn't level with the effectiveness of those AirPods or other top noise-cancelling earbuds, but casual music or podcast listeners may not care at this price point.

Best Amazon subscription deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Unlimited Kindle Unlimited free trial $0
$35.97 Save $35.97 Try Kindle Unlimited for free for three months. Get Deal Why we like it

Every year, Amazon's Kindle Unlimited free trial is one of the most popular deals during Prime Day and Black Friday. Currently, you can score three months for free if you're a new or returning subscriber. That's a savings of $35.97 total ($11.99/month). As a Kindle Unlimited subscriber myself, I can wholeheartedly recommend snagging this free trial deal. You can borrow up to 20 books at a time from the Kindle Unlimited library, which features bestsellers and BookTok sensations alike. The best part? You don't even need a Kindle device to use it, though we do highly recommend snagging one while they're also on sale for Prime Big Deal Days.

Fire tablet dealsEcho dealsKindle deals

Kindle device deals

Kindle accessories deals

Fire TV dealsFire TV deals from non-Amazon brandsBlink home security dealsOther Amazon device deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

We found 12 of the best iPad deals live for October Prime Day

Mashable - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 20:06
Best iPad deals for October Prime Day Best iPad deal Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 128GB) 🔥 $279 (save $70) Get Deal Best iPad Air deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) 🔥 $449 (save $150) Get Deal Best iPad Pro deal Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 256GB) $899 (save $100) Get Deal

Whether you're an artist in search of a multi-tasking tablet or an avid reader who wants more functionality than your standard e-reader might offer, iPads can serve a multitude of functions.

They are, however, not the cheapest tablets on the market, which is why waiting for a sale like Prime Big Deal Days (otherwise known as October Prime Day) has a certain strategic appeal.

Even though October Prime Day is about ready to start winding down, the iPad deals are still out in full force. Both the standard iPad and iPad Air, 11-inch are down to their lowest prices, plus, we spotted an iPad Pro down to its lowest price ever, too. And if you want something a little smaller, you can snatch up an iPad mini for a great low price right now as well.

Here are all of the best deals on iPads during Prime Big Deal Days.

Note: Deals marked with a 🔥 denote an all-time low price.

Best iPad deal Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 128GB) 🔥 $279 at Best Buy
$349 Save $70 Get Deal Why we like it

When it comes to iPads, there are plenty of options to choose from, but sometimes sticking to the basics makes the most sense. The A16 iPad is nothing flashy, but it's an excellent budget option that still has enough juice to power you through taking notes, watching your favorite shows, and reading books and articles. While we don't necessarily recommend it for anyone who wants their tablet to double up as a laptop, it'll more than do the job for most tablet-oriented everyday tasks.

The iPad, 11-inch model with A16 chip, is down to $279, which, according to Camelcamelcamel, is the tablet's lowest price ever. It's now marked down $70, for 20% savings. It's the best deal we've spotted among iPads, but if you're interested in investing in an iPad Air or Pro, there are plenty of savings to explore there.

iPad dealsiPad mini dealsiPad Air dealsiPad Pro deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The top Christmas gift ideas on sale for Prime Day

Mashable - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 20:02

The holidays will be here before you know it. With Amazon's October Prime Day soon coming to a close, now might just be the time to get a jump on your shopping.

We've got a live blog on all the best deals to find a gift for even the most particular loved one. But we've also gone ahead and collected some of the best Christmas/holiday gifts that are on sale right now for Prime Big Deal Days.

Nothing Watch 3 Pro Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing Nothing Watch 3 Pro $79 at Amazon
$99 Save $20 Get Deal

Nothing's smartwatch is on sale for Prime Day, marked down to $79, which is a 20% discount on its usual price. The Watch 3 Pro has enough bells and whistles — fitness tracking, ChatGPT integration, sleep monitoring, to name a few — while remaining relatively straightforward. It'd be a nice gift for any fitness enthusiast in your life.

TonieBox Opens in a new window Credit: TonieBox Toniebox 1 audio player starter set with playtime puppy $69.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $30 Get Deal

The TonieBox could be the perfect, cute speaker for the kid in your life. It's deliberately simple and cuddly, while also featuring the "Tonie" characters that sit atop the speaker and tell different stories, introducing kids to characters. Reviewers and their children at Mashable really loved the TonieBox.

Bose QuietComfort headphones Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort bluetooth headphones $199 at Amazon
$349 Save $150 Get Deal

The Bose QuietComfort headphones are Mashable tested and approved. I can personally attest to their quality — I wear mine pretty much the entire workday. Right now, the Bose QuietComfort, over-ear headphones are 43% off for Prime Day. You can snag a pair for $199, down from its usual $349 price tag.

KitchenAid stand mixer Opens in a new window Credit: KitchenAid KitchenAid stand mixer $379 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $120.99 Get Deal

Yes, this is a pricey gift. But it is a gift for life, and the cook in your life will greatly appreciate it. KitchenAid is pretty much the standard in stand mixers. You can get one on Prime Day for $379, which is $120 in savings. Anybody who spends significant time in the kitchen will get use out of this gift, but bakers, especially, would appreciate the time-saving capabilities offered by a KitchenAid.

Tile trackers Opens in a new window Credit: Tile Tile trackers $57.99 at Amazon
$83.99 Save $26.00 Get Deal

As a person who misplaces everything, Tile trackers could be the perfect stocking stuffer. During October Prime Day, a four-pack of the popular trackers is on sale for $57.99, marked down from $83.99. You can help a loved one never lose their stuff again.

iPad, A16 chip, 11-inch Model Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPad A16 chip, 11-inch Model $279 at Amazon
$349 Save $70 Get Deal

Who couldn't use an iPad? Now might be the time to get one — the 11-inch model with an A16 chip is on sale for $279 for Prime Day. That's a 20% markdown. Reviewers at Mashable called it "a great entry-level tablet" that's designed "for someone who wants a portable screen for streaming, playing games, and reading." I'd argue that's how most folks use their iPad, meaning this would make a great gift.

Otium headphones Opens in a new window Credit: Otium Otium bluetooth earbuds $15.99 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $4.00 Get Deal

Are these the best headphones? Nope, not even close. Are they reliable and nearly indestructible? Yes. And on sale for $15.99, they're perfect stocking stuffers for the runner or gym rat in your life. I've written about previous iterations of similar headphones, and they're pretty much all I've worn for running or walking for over five years. These headphones have gotten me through multiple marathons, survived the washing machine, and been drenched with rain. They're also inexpensive, so should you lose them, it's not the end of the world.

Cuisinart air fryer, toaster oven Opens in a new window Credit: CuisinArt Cuisinart air fryer toaster oven with grill $99.99 at Amazon
$219.55 Save $119.56 Get Deal

Cuisinart is a reliable, trusted kitchen brand, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a better deal on an air fryer/toaster oven than this model on sale for $99.99. That's a 55% markdown from its typical $219.55 list price. It can do pretty much anything the home cook needs: air fry, toast, bake, broil, or keep a dish warm. It'd be a welcome gift for your cheffiest loved one.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Connect and Use ChatGPT With Spotify

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 20:00

Spotify has just announced that it has partnered with ChatGPT to allow its users to create playlists and get personalized recommendations. Amid its arsenal of improving, built-in AI features, this move is a big step for the music streaming platform.

Categories: IT General, Technology

What is Prime Big Deal Days? Everything to know about day 2 deals live now

Mashable - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 19:56

Prime Big Deal Days is finally here!

While Amazon's flagship Prime Day event falls in July, the company kicks off the holiday shopping season in October. Prime Big Deal Days, better known as October Prime Day, is Amazon's fall shopping event that brings millions of deals. It falls a month before Black Friday, and gives Prime members a head start on holiday shopping.

But just because it's not technically the flagship Prime Day doesn't mean the deals aren't good. In fact, some products are getting bigger discounts than we saw in July.

Mashable's shopping reporters have been covering Amazon's Prime Day since 2018, and October Prime Day is a little different. In July, Amazon extended its flagship members-only sale from two days to four, but its October event is just 48 hours.

If you've shopped Prime Day but are new to Prime Big Deal Days, here's everything you need to know about the sale event — plus all the deals you can shop right now.

What is Prime Big Deal Days?

Prime Big Deal Days is Amazon's annual fall event that began in 2022. It's similar to Amazon's July Prime Day and is open to paid and trial members of Amazon's Prime subscription service.

The 2022 version was called "Prime Early Access Sale," and it was renamed to "Prime Big Deal Days" in 2023. The name has stuck, but colloquially, you'll often hear it referred to as October Prime Day.

Whenever Amazon launches a sale, the entire internet follows suit. Target has already announced its Circle Week will run at the same time, and we expect similar sales from Walmart, Best Buy, and The Home Depot.

When is Prime Big Deal Days 2025?

Prime Big Deal Days runs from Tuesday, Oct. 7 to Wednesday, Oct. 8, bringing deals from major brands like Lego and KitchenAid. Amazon's October Prime Day is only running for two days compared to July's four days.

Last year's Prime Big Deal Days fell at a similar time last year, spanning from Oct. 8-9.

What's on sale during Prime Big Deal Days?

Throughout the event, Amazon will be dropping Today's Big Deals at 12 a.m., 8 a.m., and 1 p.m. PT (3 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m. ET) from major brands including Away and LG.

Amazon just did its first drop of Today's Big Deals at 11 a.m. ET, which includes major tech savings of over $400. Here are the highlights of Today's Big Deals first drop, plus all the deals across categories from entertainment to tech.

Today's Big Deals 3 a.m. ET drop: Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones $299 at Amazon
$429 Save $130 Deal only available on Deep Plum color. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Staub Staub Pumpin Petite Ceramic Dish $29.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: SharkNinja Ninja Blast Portable Blender $39.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Prime services deals

  • Prime members can select one free item from a selection of fresh groceries with their same-day delivery order in eligible locations.

  • Prime members can get a $150 Amazon gift card when approved for Prime Visa or a $100 Amazon gift card when approved for a Prime Store Card.

  • Prime members can use their free Grubhub+ membership to get $10 off orders of $20 or more during Prime Big Deal Days.

  • Prime for Young Adult members start shopping Prime Big Deal Days 48 hours early on items from T3 and Octobuddy.

Book, video, and music dealsDevice and tech deals

  • Save up to 65% on select popular electronics from Anker, like power banks and portable chargers

  • Save up to 50% on select Luna Controller and Fire TV bundles

  • Save up to 50% on select Amazon devices, including the Amazon Smart Plug and Echo Frames; and up to 45% on Amazon device bundle,s including the all-new Kindle Colorsoft Kids Essentials and Kindle Colorsoft Essentials bundles, Echo Show 5 Kids with Echo Glow, and the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus bundles

  • Save up to 45% on select Bose headphones and speakers

  • Save up to 40% on select TVs and monitors from LG and Hisense

  • Save more than 40% on the Amazon Luna controller

  • Save up to 30% on select electronics from Sony and Samsung

Home and pet deals

  • Save up to 50% on select floorcare from Shark and Eufy

  • Save up to 50% on select travel gear from Samsonite

  • Save up to 45% on select BISSELL and iRobot vacuums and mops

  • Save up to 40% on select kitchen appliances from KitchenAid and Vitamix

  • Save up to 30% on select pet products from Blue Buffalo, Pet Honesty, and Zesty Paws

  • Save up to 30% on select furniture, home, and décor styles from Ashley Furniture, Yankee Candle, WoodWick, and Eddie Bauer

  • Save up to 30% on select grocery essentials from Pepsi, Frito-Lay, and Dixie; and up to 20% on select products from Celsius and Liquid Death

  • Save up to 30% on select home products from Dyson

  • Save up to 25% on select personal care and grooming items from Gillette, Braun, Dove, and Crest, and household essentials from Dawn and Lysol

  • Save up to 20% on select holiday items from National Tree Company, Fraser Hill Farm, and NEST New York

Toys and sports deals

  • Save up to 40% on select toys from Fisher-Price, Ms. Rachel, Crayola, Play-Doh, NERF, and Tonies

  • Save up to 30% on select toys and building sets from Lego, Magna-Tiles, and PicassoTiles

  • Save up to 40% on select Disney, Star Wars, and Wicked toys, apparel, and home goods

Can you shop on Prime Big Deal Days without being a Prime member?

You have to be a Prime member in order to shop any of Amazon's Prime Day events, including Prime Big Deal Days. But if you don't want to commit to a monthly or annual paid subscription, you can still participate by scheduling a free 30-day trial of Prime around the sale. (If you're a student or between the ages of 18 to 24, that free trial is six months long.) Just remember to cancel your membership as soon as Prime Day is over to avoid getting charged.

Is Prime Big Deal Days a scam?

We've been seeing this question pop up a lot lately, and it surprised us. No, Prime Big Deal Days is not a scam.

While some of Amazon's sales (cough, Big Spring Sale, cough) have been a bit lackluster in recent years, but Amazon's October Prime Day is a legitimate opportunity to save. This event promises to bring major savings on big-name brands like Bose, Beats, Lego, and more. For book-lovers, there will be bestselling titles up to 65% off.

And because we're professional deal hunters, we don't just take Amazon's word for it. We cover deals all year long and use price trackers to check the historical pricing for popular products, and we only include deals in our shopping guides when they represent a genuine price drop. Yes, Amazon does try to pass off "deals" that don't really deserve the name occasionally. However, Prime Day really does include thousands of new and exciting (at least, to us) price drops. In particular, we're seeing incredible savings on wireless earbuds and cheap TVs this year, as just two examples.

Does Prime Day only happen once a year?

Just like how Prime Day is no longer one day, it also happens more than once a year. Amazon's flagship Prime Day takes place in early July, and in 2025, it spans four days.

And for the past three years, Amazon has hosted Prime Big Deal Days, an October event serving as a precursor to its Black Friday festivities. However, the summer iteration of Prime Day is still Amazon's marquee sale.

Will there be another Prime Day before Christmas?

In a word, no. However, it's not your last chance to shop a major sale from Amazon. October Prime Day is Amazon's kickoff sale to the Black Friday season, meaning the next big sale we'll see from the mega-retailer will be its Black Friday sale in November.

As of right now, Prime Day only happens twice a year, in July and October, though this October sale is technically dubbed "Prime Big Deal Days."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Low price alert: The CMF Buds 2 just dipped to a new record low price of under $25

Mashable - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 19:52

SAVE $24.50: The CMF Buds 2 are on sale at Amazon for only $24.50, down from the list price of $49. That's a 50% discount and the lowest we've ever seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: CMF CMF Buds 2 $24.50 at Amazon
$49 Save $24.50 Get Deal

A good pair of earbuds is like a security blanket. They get packed along on every outing, accompany us while traveling, and help lull us to sleep when the neighbors are moving furniture in the middle of the night. Perhaps the only problem with earbuds is that they're small, and that makes them incredibly easy to lose. If your earbuds tend to go missing, replace those lost with this great deal during October Prime Day.

As of Oct. 8, the CMF Buds 2 are on sale for only $24.50 at Amazon, marked down from the normal price of $49. That's a 50% discount, saving you $24.50 on each pair. Since this is an all-time low price, it's worth considering buying a few pairs.

There's a delicate balance between affordability and quality, and CMF by Nothing aims to hit that sweet spot. The Buds 2 launched just this year, and they come with a massive 55 hours of playtime. Pair that long battery life with the buds' active noise cancellation, and you're in great shape for holiday travel. A 10-minute recharge will earn you another 7.5 hours of playtime.

SEE ALSO: These October Prime Day earbuds deals are giving the July sale a run for its money

CMF also added water and dust resistance to the Buds 2, so they'll be just fine on a sweaty run or if you get caught in the rain while walking the dog. The sale price of $24.50 applies to all colorways, so you can grab that beautiful light green option.

Keep in mind, this is a lightning deal during Prime Day, and it's exclusive to Amazon Prime members. Lightning deals tend to sell out in a flash (the light orange colorway is already sold out at the discounted price), so hop on this soon if you're interested. Snag a pair for your work bag, one for the nightstand, and a few for stocking stuffers in December.

Be the first to know about the best October Prime Day deals. Follow Mashable's Prime Big Deal Days live blog and keep checking back for the latest discounts, stock alerts, and deal drops.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazons October Prime Day MacBook deals are way better than they were in July

Mashable - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 19:44

As Mashable's resident laptop expert, I'm in charge of sniffing out the best deals on Apple MacBooks during Amazon Prime Big Deal Days. The 48-hour sale is still live through Wednesday, Oct. 8, and I love what I've been seeing thus far: Lots of M4-era models are cheaper now than they were during Amazon's main Prime Day sale in July.

The best October Prime Day MacBook deals at a glance: Best MacBook Air deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $799 (save $200) Get Deal Best MacBook Pro deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,399 (save $200) Get Deal Honorable mention Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $979 (save $220; extra $20 cheaper since Tuesday) Get Deal Honorable mention Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,354 (save $245; extra $45 cheaper since Tuesday) Get Deal

Most notably, Amazon is offering all-time low prices on the excellent M4 MacBook Airs. The super portable 13-inch model has fallen to $799 (normally $999), which is $50 better than its prior Prime Day deal. If you want more screen space for multitasking, the 15-inch is now just $979 (usually $1,199), or $70 cheaper than in July.

The 15-inch base configuration is actually $20 cheaper today than yesterday: It was $999 during the first half of Prime Big Deal Days on Tuesday. An upgraded variant with 24GB of RAM and 512GB of storage has also gotten some mid-sale markdowns. After hitting $1,399 earlier (normally $1,599), it fell to $1,369 around 7 a.m. ET on Wednesday and $1,354 a few hours later. Congrats to any last-minute holdouts among us.

None of the M4 MacBook Pros are sitting at their lowest prices ever, but some have matched or surpassed their previous Prime Day deals by up to $69. The three that haven't are M4 Pro models, which are still $200 to $300 off each.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day 2025: Live updates on the top deals

The MacBook Pro I'd be most tempted to buy right now is the base configuration of the 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro, which is going for $1,330 in space black thanks to an on-page coupon. That's $69 lower than its July Prime Day price and $31 away from its best-ever price of $1,299. I seriously doubt Amazon will revive that before Prime Big Deal Days ends at 11:59 p.m. PT, though it's not impossible given its recent MacBook Air meddling. Maybe wait a couple more hours.

Below, I've outlined the details of all the October Prime Day MacBook deals I'm tracking, including my top picks. (Record lows are marked with a 🔥.) For what it's worth, I'm also keeping a close eye on Best Buy's concurrent Techtober Sale in case it decides to one-up any of Amazon's deals later in the week. It's only price-matching a few at present.

Be the first to know about the best October Prime Day deals. Follow Mashable's Prime Big Deal Days live blog and keep checking back for the latest discounts, stock alerts, and deal drops.

Best MacBook Air deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) 🔥 $799 at Amazon
$999 Save $200 Get Deal Why I like it

Apple's latest MacBook Air offers quiet, Pro-level performance in an ultrathin form factor. It was 24% faster than its M3 predecessor in our CPU benchmark, and it features a new 12MP Center Stage camera in addition to open-lid support for two monitors. The 13-inch model is my top pick for students, and right now, it's a great option for budget shoppers, too: The 256GB base model has returned to its record-low price of only $799 during Prime Big Deal Days — a $200 savings. Best Buy is matching that deal, FYI.

Read Mashable's full review of the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M4).

More MacBook Air dealsBest MacBook Pro deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,399 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $200 Requires on-page coupon Get Deal Why I like it

If you have some wiggle room in your budget, the 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro gets you cooler multitasking performance, better speakers, a better mix of ports (including an HDMI port), and a nicer 120Hz display compared to the MacBook Air. It's a little bit thicker and heavier, but only slightly. Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days discount shaves 17% off the space black base model's list price. Again, don't forget to apply its on-page coupon before heading to checkout.

Read Mashable's full review of the 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro (M4).

More MacBook Pro deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The 2025 Roombas are the best ones in a long time. Every single one is on sale for October Prime Day.

Mashable - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 19:40

Roombas are more practically priced now than they have been in years, and I say that when they're at full price. The iRobot landscape looks even better this Prime Big Deal Days season, when just about every single new Roomba from 2025 is on sale — some up to 50% off at Amazon. Coincidentally, my two top Roomba deals have dropped slightly further in price between the first (Oct. 7) and last day (Oct. 8) of Prime Big Deal Days.

Best October Prime Day deals on Roombas Best cheap Roomba deal iRobot Roomba 104 Combo with AutoEmpty dock $224.99 (save $225) Get Deal Best Roomba with self-washing mopping pads deal iRobot Roomba 405 Combo with AutoWash Dock $379.99 (save $289.96) Get Deal

October Prime Day is now the second Prime event we've experienced post-iRobot's epiphany in March 2025. For years before that, Roombas were simply way too expensive for their own good. The other top robot vacuums out there were offering the same features, like smart mapping and small obstacle avoidance, at much lower prices. But that all changed when iRobot released a fleet of new Roombas that kept those same core robot vacuum features at more realistic prices.

But of course, we still love to see them get even more budget-friendly during an Amazon sale event. You can squeeze so much more out of a few hundred bucks when Roomba shopping now: Back in the day, the sale price for a mopping Roomba that could self-wash its mopping pads was $999 — now, that advanced kind of mopping Roomba is less than $500. There's even a Roomba with smart mapping on sale for $149.99 that wasn't in our list of Prime Day Roomba deals in July. The old cheap Roombas didn't do much more than bump around aimlessly, and they barely ever dipped below $200. With this intel in mind, feel free to rule out any i Series or Essential Series Roombas — they're not bangs for your buck like the others in this list.

SEE ALSO: How to make your robot vacuum work better: 3 setup tips to do right now

I'm keeping track of the best Roomba deals at Amazon through the end of Prime Big Deal Days below. But for comparison's sake, skim over my guide on how to choose a robot vacuum and my guide on which Roomba to buy, then take a peek at the other great Prime Big Deal Days robot vacuum deals that I'm eyeing. (Reminder: "Combo" in the title means it's a Roomba that mops, and AutoWash dock signifies self-washing and drying mopping pads.)

Note: Any deal marked with a 🔥 has dropped to a record-low price at Amazon.

Best budget Roomba deal during October Prime Day Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba 104 Combo with AutoEmpty dock $224.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $225 Get Deal Why we like it

I wasn't sold on the idea of getting a Roomba as your budget-friendly robot vacuum until this year. The older entry-level Roombas, like the Roomba 694 and Essential series, completely skipped smart mapping — a feature that can make or break your robot vacuum experience. But now, several budget Roombas under $200 can remember a map of your home and clean specific rooms or zones on command. I'm highlighting the Roomba 104 Combo here, which is nearly identical to the Roomba Combo 105 that I tested at home. The 104 Combo dropped to a new record-low sale price on the second day of Prime Big Deal Days, rounding out to a full 50% discount.

The Roomba 105 cleaning my bedroom floor. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

The Roomba 104 sweeps with 7,000 Pa of suction power, which is actually a quite commendable number compared to the 5,500 Pa seen on many cheap Roborock models. Not only is this a robot vacuum and mop combo, but its smart mapping capabilities help it to recognize carpet and keep it dry when mopping.

Up until the latest round of Roombas that hit the scene in spring 2025, I'd often actively advise against getting a Roomba. They didn't even have smart mapping, whereas the entry-level Shark robot vacuums did — often at a lower price point than the cheap Roombas. But after testing the new base-tier Roomba 105, I can finally give iRobot credit for actually putting effort into a cheap Roomba. The Roomba 104 Combo featured here is nearly identical to the 105, but also mops.

More Roomba deals at Amazon
Categories: IT General, Technology

An Open Source Phone Is the Free Software Foundation's Next Project

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 19:36

The Free Software Foundation (FSF) is starting a new project called LibrePhone. Announced during the FSF's 40th birthday celebration earlier this month, this initiative is to build a mobile platform starting right from the firmware all the way up to the operating system.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Target Circle members can get exclusive discounts on Fandango gift cards

Mashable - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 19:23

SAVE UP TO $20: On Oct. 8, Target Circle members can score Fandango at Home gift cards for 20% off. The $25, $50, and $100 digital and physical gift card options are all discounted, knocking their prices down to $20, $40, and $80, respectively.

Fandango at Home gift card deals: Fandango at Home $25 gift card $20 (save $5) Get Deal Fandango at Home $50 gift card $40 (save $10) Get Deal Fandango at Home $100 gift card $80 (save $20) Get Deal

Sometimes waiting for movies to hit streaming services can take longer than you think. If you're impatient and want to watch the latest films straight from the theater, digital on-demand services like Fandango at Home let you rent or purchase them before they make their streaming debut. And thanks to this Target Circle gift card deal, you can get more movies for less.

Target Circle Week is still in full swing through Oct. 11, but today only (Oct. 8), Target Circle members can score Fandango at Home gift cards (digital or physical) for 20% off. That means you can get a $100 gift card for only $80, a $50 gift card for $40, or a $25 gift card for $20. Sure, you can grab these gift cards as actual gifts for someone else, but nothing is stopping you from pocketing them for yourself. If you're not a Circle member, it's free to join — just enter your email address and some other details, and you're ready to go.

These gift cards can be used on over 250,000 movies and shows on the Fandango at Home website. That includes hot new releases like Freakier Friday, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Weapons, and The Conjuring: Last Rites, as well as classic titles like Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and The Sound of Music. You can use your gift card credit for both rentals and purchases. Of course, if you choose to rent, you're a bit more limited. You'll get 30 days to watch the rented movie, but only 48 hours or so to finish it once you begin, depending on the title.

With some movies retailing for as low as $5, you could potentially add dozens to your digital library for significantly less with these gift card deals.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Dont miss DJIs last-chance Prime Day deals: Get DJI drones for $159, DJI Mic Mini for $99

Mashable - Wed, 10/08/2025 - 19:04
Best DJI Prime Day Deals: Best mic deal DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) $99 (save $70) Get Deal Best camera deal DJI Osmo Action 4 $229 (save $70) Get Deal Best camera stabilizer deal DJI RS 4 Mini $309 (save $60) Get Deal Best drone deal DJI Mini 3 drone $335 (save $84) Get Deal Budget Pick DJI Neo Mini drone $159 (save $40) Get Deal

If you’ve had your eye on any DJI gear, the final day of Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale (aka October Prime Day) might be the time to finally go for it. With news of a potential U.S. ban on the company's drones looming and a required national security risk assessment due this December, the future availability of DJI products is uncertain.

The company's already having trouble importing its products, and most DJI products are currently listed as "Out of stock" on DJI's own website.

Despite the supply chain disruptions, DJI still has a “second Prime Day” page live on Amazon with a handful of deals on all sorts of gear. A quick heads-up, though: Some popular DJI drone deals are no longer available, but we'll update this guide if we find more discounts. We should also note that because of DJI's supply problems, you have to buy the company's products from third-party sellers. Normally, we don't recommend this, but since Prime members can benefit from free and easy returns, it's actually one of the safest places to buy DJI products in the United States right now.

Best DJI mic deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) $99 at Amazon
$169 Save $70 Get Deal Why we like it

If you've ever tried to film a vlog or an interview with your phone, you know how terrible the audio usually sounds. The DJI Mic Mini is the easiest way to fix that, which is why you can spot these tiny magnetic clip-on microphones all over your TikTok feed. It's a tiny, ultralight wireless pocket microphone system that delivers crisp, "detail-rich" audio. In fact, we even use them to film videos for Mashable.

This popular kit comes with two transmitters (the mics) and one receiver that can plug directly into your iPhone, Android, or camera. You'll also get a charging case, which should give you up to 48 hours of use. It also features built-in noise canceling, which is a lifesaver when you're filming outside.

Best DJI camera deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Action 4 $229 at Amazon
$299 Save $70 Get Deal Why we like it

The Osmo Action 4 is a direct competitor to GoPro and is built to handle anything you throw at it. It's fully waterproof and features RockSteady 3.0 stabilization to keep your 4K/120fps footage looking smooth and professional.

Alongside the $70 price cut, the Osmo Action 4's been given for Prime Day, what sets this DJL camera apart is its large 1/1.3-inch sensor, which gives it impressive low-light performance, and its 10-bit and D-Log M color performance for creators who want more flexibility when they're color grading their footage.

It also has a long-lasting battery that can handle up to 160 minutes of recording time, which is a huge plus for a day out on the trail or at the beach.

More camera deals Best DJI drone deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 3 drone $335 at Amazon
$419 Save $84 Get Deal Why we like it

This super-powered drone shows exactly why DJI has no true competition. Not only is it super light and user friendly, but it packs a true 4K HDR camera. For still photography, it can take pictures with a 48MP resolution. In short, this DJI drone is advanced enough for professionals but designed with hobbyists in mind.

And at under 249 grams, you don't have to register it with the FAA in the U.S., so you can just take it out of the box and start flying. It's the simplest way to get into the hobby and see what all the #DroneTok hype is about.

More DJI drone deals

Be the first to know about the best October Prime Day deals. Follow Mashable's Prime Big Deal Days live blog and keep checking back for the latest discounts, stock alerts, and deal drops.

FAQ: DJI, Imports, and possible U.S. banAre DJI drones going to be banned?

There is currently no DJL drone ban as of October 2025, making the drones still legal to buy and fly, but the company’s U.S. presence is under review. A federal audit due by December 2025 could lead to DJI being added to a “Covered List,” which would block new imports and sales. Current owners wouldn’t lose their drones, but future availability could change quickly.

Why is DJI gear harder to find right now?

DJI is facing customs delays and extra scrutiny under U.S. import laws, which have slowed shipments and restocking. Some newer products also never officially launched here, leaving third-party resellers as the main source. Combined with high demand, that’s made many DJI drones and accessories scarce or overpriced.

What happens if a ban actually goes into effect?

If DJI is restricted, U.S. retailers would have to stop selling its products, and new shipments would be blocked. Existing drones should still work, but official updates, parts, and repairs might no longer be available. You’d still be able to fly, but with fewer long-term support options.

Are non-drone DJI products affected, too?

Yes, import challenges now extend to DJI’s cameras, stabilizers, and microphones. Some of these, like the Osmo 360, haven’t even launched officially in the U.S. Most buyers are turning to Amazon or third-party sellers to find what’s left in stock.

Is it safe to buy DJI gear from Amazon?

Generally yes. Amazon’s buyer protections and return policies make it one of the safest places to buy DJI products. Just check the seller’s reputation and warranty details, since DJI may not cover products imported by third parties if restrictions tighten later.

Will my DJI drone stop working if a ban happens?

No, because a ban would mainly block future sales, not existing drones that have already been bought and sold. Your device should keep flying, though firmware updates and parts could become hard to get.

Instead of a piece of tech you could normally always reach out to customer service about if anything went wrong, think of it like a discontinued gadget that still works, but won’t get official support.

Are there good alternatives to DJI?

A few U.S. and international brands are stepping up, but none fully match DJI’s mix of quality and affordability. For now, DJI remains the dominant name in consumer drones — even if that might change depending on what happens in Washington.

Should I buy DJI gear now or wait?

If you’ve been thinking about it, now’s probably the time, especially during the current Prime Big Deal Days sale. Supplies are thinning, and these Prime Day discounts could be the last major sale before further restrictions.

The main risk is losing access to updates or service down the line, not that your drone will stop working.

Can consumers influence whether DJI gets banned?

Potentially, as DJI and industry groups are urging users to contact lawmakers and push for a full review instead of an automatic ban. The more feedback regulators receive about DJI’s role in creative, commercial, and safety fields, the better the odds the company remains available in the U.S.

Lois Mackenzie contributed to this article.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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