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October Prime Day Apple deals guide: Buy now or wait?

Mashable - Mon, 09/28/2026 - 16:13

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale is just around the corner — and so are some excellent Apple deals, no doubt. This 48-hour "October Prime Day" serves as Amazon's kickoff to the Black Friday/holiday shopping season, which is the best time to find discounts on popular Apple devices, among many other tech products. This year, it will double as some year-end relief from RAMageddon price increases.

While the sale isn't scheduled to begin for a few more weeks, Amazon is already rolling out some early October Prime Day deals on select gadgets, including most AirPods, Apple Watches, iPads, and MacBooks. That raises the question: If you're thinking about upgrading from an older Apple device to a newer model, should you start adding items to your cart now or hold off for a bit?

SEE ALSO: Amazon announces dates for Prime Big Deal Days, its 48-hour 'October Prime Day' sale

The answer depends on the exact product you're eyeing. Having covered Amazon's sales for years now, I think most of its current Apple deals will get much better on Oct. 6 and 7, when Prime Big Deal Days is officially live. However, a couple of the deals are worth grabbing immediately. In fact, you might miss out if you wait too long.

Read on to find out which six Apple deals I'd add to my cart ASAP, and which others I'm hoping to see once Prime Big Deal Days starts. I've come up with some October Prime Day discount predictions for every current Apple product based on their pricing histories and Amazon's deal patterns. I'm also keeping an eye on rivaling retailers like Walmart and Best Buy to see if they can one-up their offers. (Check back for updates as we get closer to the sale.)

The only Apple deals I'd shop before October Prime Day Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $99 at Walmart
$129 Save $30   Get Deal

Apple's last-gen earbuds are getting harder to find in stock following this month's launch of the AirPods 5. Amazon's $99 deal on new pairs is gone, leaving only used options starting at $84.55.

If you're after the base model, your best move right now is Walmart, where new pairs are still available for $99 (normally $129) — matching their lowest price of the year. However, if active noise cancellation is a priority, you can get the ANC version for $129.99 at Best Buy.

While the standard version lacks ANC, misses out on Live Translation, and doesn't sound quite as refined as its successor, it's still a great option for budget shoppers who want a reliable set of wireless earbuds without paying full price.

Read Mashable's review of the Apple AirPods 4.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $389.99 at Amazon
$399 Save $9.01   Get Deal

Apple's latest flagship smartwatch hit shelves in mid-September alongside the AirPods 5, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and iPhone 18 Pros. It has an upgraded chipset and sensors that support better heart rate monitoring, a new Readiness feature, and new Audio Intelligence tools. Amazon is currently selling it for $389.99, which is almost $10 off its usual sticker price of $399. That discount isn't huge, but it's probably not going to get any bigger once Prime Big Deal Days starts. Its predecessor, the Series 11, was also only $10 off during its first Prime Big Deal Days.

Check out our breakdown of all the differences between the Apple Watch Series 12 and Series 11.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Ultra 4 (GPS + cellular, 49mm) $779.99 at Amazon
$799 Save $19.01   Get Deal

Similarly, the rugged Apple Watch Ultra 4 isn't heavily discounted but probably won't get any cheaper than it currently is, if history repeats itself. Last year, during Prime Big Deal Days, the last-generation Apple Watch Ultra 3 was marked down to $779.99 (normally $799). Ahead of this year's sale, the Ultra 4 is already matching that. Its upgrades include a faster processor, a longer battery life, and a new heart rate monitoring system; it has the same new health and fitness features as the Series 12.

Read Mashable's review of the Apple Watch Ultra 4.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro, 11-Inch (M4, WiFi, 2TB, nano-texture glass) $1,899 at Amazon
$2,099 Save $200   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 512GB) $1,299 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $200   Get Deal

Amazon still has a couple of older M4 iPad Pros in stock and on sale at deep discounts. One is an 11-inch model with a nano-texture (matte) display and 2TB storage; the other is a 13-inch model with Apple's standard display and 512GB of storage. They're marked down to $1,899 and $1,299, respectively, which is a $200 savings either way. (For reference, they were $250 off and $100 off during Prime Big Deal Days 2025.) They're significantly cheaper than their newer M5 counterparts right now, so I can see them selling out well before this year's October Prime Day.

Read Mashable's review of the 13-inch Apple iPad Air (M4).

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Max, 36GB RAM, 2TB SSD) $3,499 at Amazon
$4,099 Save $600   Get Deal

This beefy MacBook Pro, powered by Apple's most powerful laptop chip, is ideal for advanced users like professional video editors and developers. MacBooks don't normally get discounts of more than $300 to $400 during Amazon's Prime events, so at $600 off, this one's a no-brainer buy. I should also mention that this exact configuration cost $3,599 before Apple raised its MacBook prices in June — this discount negates that and then some.

October Prime Day AirPods deals to watch
  • Apple AirPods 5: The latest flagship AirPods debuted in mid-September, and they're currently stuck at full price. (The standard models retail for $129, while the ones with a wireless charging case cost $149.) They should get cheaper next month, but not by much. The AirPods 4 only saw a small $10 discount during their first Prime Big Deal Days in 2024, so I think they'll probably go for $119 and $139, respectively.

  • Apple AirPods Pro 3: The AirPods Pro 3 have better ANC than the regular AirPods 5, plus a longer battery life, an added heart rate sensor, and an exclusive Hearing Aid mode. They're down to $234 right now — a 6% savings — but there's a strong chance they'll dip even lower for October's festivities. Amazon could revive its record-low price of $169, which last appeared right before June's Prime Day sale.

  • Apple AirPods Pro Max 2: Apple's over-ear headphones are currently on sale for $479 (or $70 off their $549 MSRP), but I'd wait. We saw them fall to $399 a couple of months ago on Prime Day — an impressive 27% savings.

Read our reviews of the AirPods 5, the AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods Max 2. Plus, find out where they ranked on our guides to the best wireless earbuds and the best noise-canceling headphones.

The best early October Prime Day AirPods deals for now: Apple AirPods 4 $99 (save $30 at Walmart) Get Deal Apple AirPods 5 $129 Shop Now Apple AirPods 5 with wireless charging case $149 Shop Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 (save $50) Get Deal Apple AirPods Pro Max 2 $479 (save $70) Get Deal October Prime Day Apple Watch deals to watch
  • Apple Watch SE 3: Normally $249, Apple's budget smartwatch has been as cheap as $189.99 before — a savings of just under $60. It's definitely not worth buying now at $239, or only $10 off.

The best early October Prime Day Apple Watch deals for now: Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) $239 (save $10) Shop Now Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $389.99 (save $9.01) Get Deal Apple Watch Ultra 4 (GPS + cellular, 49mm) $779.99 (save $19.01) Get Deal October Prime Day MacBook deals to watch
  • Apple MacBook Neo: The cheapest MacBook hasn't gotten any major discounts at major retailers since its March release. (Its current sale price of $689 on Amazon, or $10 off, is its all-time low there.) There's no world where Amazon matches the Apple Store's $100 student discount for Prime Big Deal Days, IMO, but maybe we'll see it hit $649 for the first time next month. It's due for better deals now that it's more than six months old.

  • Apple MacBook Air: Two variants of the 13-inch M5 MacBook Air were ~$100 off at the time of writing, but don't add them to your cart yet. Both sizes of last year's M4 MacBook Air were $200 off during Prime Big Deal Days 2025. If Amazon matched that offer in the coming weeks, it would erase the M5 Air's recent price hike. For reference, the 13-inch one usually starts at $1,299, while the 15-inch size typically starts at $1,499; snag them as soon as you catch them at $1,099 and $1,299, respectively.

  • Apple MacBook Pro: The 14-inch, M5-powered base model with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage is also $150 off right now, but I think Amazon might sell it for $1,799, or $200 off, come Prime Big Deal Days. That's the discount its equally configured predecessor got last fall. (It wouldn't fully cancel the MacBook Pro's recent $300 price increase, but it would be a welcome deal regardless. We haven't spotted it on sale for less than $1,849 since June.)

Read our reviews of the Apple MacBook Neo, the M5 MacBook Air, and the M5 MacBook Pro. Plus, find out which MacBook is best for you.

The best early October Prime Day MacBook deals for now: Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $689 (save $10) Get Deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,449 (save $150) Get Deal Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,399 (save $100) Shop Now Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,839 (save $160) Get Deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Max, 36GB RAM, 2TB SSD) $3,499 (save $600) Get Deal October Prime Day iPad deals to watch
  • Apple iPad: Apple's flagship tablet is on sale for $427 in the lead-up to Prime Big Deal Days (usually $449), which is a skip. Wait to see if Amazon matches or beats its $70 discount from last year's sale, which would bring it down to just $379.

  • Apple iPad mini: The smallest, most portable iPad was also $70 off during Prime Big Deal Days 2025, so it's worth adding to your cart if you see it drop to $529 or lower next month. It's now on sale for $569 (only $30 off).

  • Apple iPad Air: Amazon randomly shifted the list prices for both sizes of the latest M4 iPad Air, so technically, both models are $20 off right now. You can grab the 11-inch version for $729 and the 13-inch version for $929 (down from their original retail prices of $749 and $949). It's a tiny markdown compared to the $100 price cuts we saw recently, but last October, Amazon dropped the previous-gen models by $150 during Prime Big Deal Days. If Amazon replicates that $150 discount off the original list price next month, the 11-inch model would fall to $599, and the 13-inch would drop to $799.

  • Apple iPad Pro: The 11-inch base configuration of the M4 iPad Pro was $100 off during last year's Prime Big Deal Days, while the 13-inch base model was $200 off. Amazon isn't matching those offers just yet: The smaller size is now $1,139, only $60 off, while the 13-inch one is now $1,399, or $100 off (not bad, but it could be even better). Ideally, they'll soon hit $1,099 and $1,299 or less.

Read our reviews of the iPad mini, the M4 iPad Air, and the M5 iPad Pro. Not sure which iPad to buy? Allow us to offer some guidance.

The best early October Prime Day iPad deals for now: Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 128GB) $427 (save $22) Get Deal Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 128GB) $569 (save $30) Get Deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB $729 (save $20) Get Deal Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $929 (save $20) Get Deal Apple iPad Pro, 11-Inch (M4, WiFi, 2TB, nano-texture glass) $1,899 (save $200) Get Deal Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 512GB) $1,299 (save $200) Get Deal Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) $1,139 (save $60) Get Deal Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) $1,399 (save $100) Get Deal October Prime Day Apple accessory deals to watch
  • Apple AirTags (4-Pack): Currently on sale for $89 (normally $99). We frequently see this 4-pack drop to $69 or $79 during major Amazon events, so it's worth holding off a few more weeks to save an extra $5 or $10.

  • Apple Pencil Pro: Down to $99 (normally $129). This $30 discount is a pretty good deal. The lowest we've ever seen Amazon let it go for was $89.99 in Oct. of 2024.

  • Apple MagSafe Charger: On sale for $39.99 (normally $49). It doesn't usually drop below $29 (though we did see it at $28 in June), so the current price is reasonable if you need a wireless charger right away, though a slightly better deal is likely during the sale.

Watch for Apple Gift Card bundles: Keep an eye out for gift card promos as we get closer to Oct. 6. Target and Best Buy frequently run deals where buying a $100 Apple Gift Card gets you a $15 credit back. It's essentially free money if you already plan on paying for iCloud, Apple Music, or future hardware upgrades.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The first Boox pocket eReader is up for pre-order, and Xteink should watch out

How-To Geek - Mon, 09/28/2026 - 16:08

You won't have to wait much longer to try Boox's take on a pocket eReader. The company has started taking pre-orders for the Picco ahead of an October release date, and promises to give its rival Xteink some stiff competition.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Ryobi's $20 clamp fan is the most versatile tool in my garage—here's why I own three

How-To Geek - Mon, 09/28/2026 - 16:00

If you own some Ryobi power tools and battery packs, there's a good chance you have one of its fans. Ryobi makes all sorts of extremely useful tools to keep you cool, but the internet's favorite model is the clamp fan. Here's why, and several creative ways to use this affordable little gadget.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The internet hates Taylor Swifts new songs

Mashable - Mon, 09/28/2026 - 15:35

On Friday, Sept. 25, Taylor Swift released four new songs as part of her expanded album The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore. The internet has since spent the weekend listening, evaluating, and searching the tracks for hidden meanings. So far, many listeners have concluded that Swift's new songs leave a lot to be desired, with even die-hard Swifties struggling to defend her artistic choices.

SEE ALSO: Who is Taylor Swift’s 'Patient Zero' about? Swifties have a theory.

Swift's original Life of a Showgirl album was released nearly a year ago on Oct. 3. Consisting of 12 tracks such as "The Fate of Ophelia," "Opalite," and "Elizabeth Taylor," the album was partially inspired by Swift's relationship with her now-husband, football player Travis Kelce.

Life of a Showgirl received middling reviews, with listeners criticising the album for its perceived lack of artistry and emotional depth. One of the most disparaged songs was "Wood," in which Swift sang about Kelce's penis through lyrics such as "His love was the key that opened my thighs" and "The curse on me was broken by your magic wand."

Despite the mixed reactions, Swift has expanded The Life of a Showgirl with The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore. The deluxe edition adds four songs: "Patient Zero," "Cleveland!," "Pink Clouding," and "Babylon." However, it hasn’t been the return to form some fans hoped for. The new songs have drawn an even poorer reception than Swift's original album.

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Much of the criticism has focused on "Patient Zero" and "Cleveland!." Some listeners have criticised Swift for flatly speaking over a beat on both tracks, saying they sound like trite royalty-free stock music or AI-generated tunes. A viral edit by X user @sweetenerpacket played "Cleveland!" over a 5-Minute Crafts video to illustrate the point, with several viewers noting that they hadn’t immediately realised the audio had been changed. Meanwhile, another edit by TikTok user @fae.laughs.a.lot likened "Cleveland!" to the opening theme for The Office.

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"Cleveland!" has also drawn attention for its unromantic take on love. In it, Swift insists that she’s happy in her relationship regardless of outsiders’ opinions, while setting a shockingly low bar for romance with lyrics such as "You only need to find one person in this entire world / Who doesn’t find you completely insufferable." It's a stark contrast to her lyrics in 2020's "tolerate it," a song about how painful it feels to have a romantic partner who merely puts up with you ("I know my love should be celebrated / But you tolerate it.")

Yet while Swift's husband apparently doesn't consider her "completely insufferable," the same can't be said for listeners' thoughts on her latest lyrics.

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Some listeners have also noted that while Swift's previous relationships inspired her to pen songs such as the sweeping 10-minute ballad "All Too Well," her husband Kelce has so far mostly sparked a "buncha songs about dick and Ohio."

"it is so fucking funny that she’s written like 3 songs about her husband that are all like 'isn't it so awesome how he plays football and has a podcast?' and then writes dozens of incredible songs abt her situationship from 3 years ago," wrote X user @theIesbianqueen in a post that has gained 38,000 likes. "never change diva."

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Even some of Swift’s most ardent fans have had difficulty finding much to praise in The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore. Reactions from big-name fan Swiftologist and YouTube channel Chats & Reacts have gone viral, with the former stating that "it’s so hard to to be the Swiftologist at a time like this."

"The 'fuck the haters, I love my man' stuff doesn’t land as well when the music is horrible," said the Swiftologist, describing "Cleveland!" as a "very petulant, petty 'Wood' part 2."

"I really hope that Showgirl doesn't get a nomination for album of the year, because I think she's living in a delusional world. I really think that she thinks that this is a great album and she did a great job. And it's not, and she didn't."

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Meanwhile, Chats & Reacts have drawn attention for their positive and expressive reactions to "Patient Zero" — a response many online commenters believe is forced or insincere.

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As of writing, The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore has a score of 39 on Metacritic, making it one of the worst album ratings on the website. Some X users have compared its performance to Katy Perry’s widely derided 2024 album 143, which scored two points lower at 37.

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Despite the generally negative response to The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore, some Swifties remain adamantly defensive of Swift’s new content. Even in the songs themselves, Swift proudly declares that she’s happy in her relationship and doesn’t care what anyone else thinks. That may serve her well, because this extended album was an encore few seem to have been asking for.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

6 ways to repurpose an old iPhone

How-To Geek - Mon, 09/28/2026 - 15:30

If you have an older iPhone lying around your house collecting dust, you may be sitting on a (digital) gold mine. Even if you moved on to the latest iPhone model, a spare phone can come in handy in unexpected ways.Any old, functioning device can be used in many different ways, so before you give up on your spare iPhone, here are a few ways in which you can repurpose it that don't involve passing it along to somebody else.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Bose announces ANC wired earbuds, and I got to try them early

Mashable - Mon, 09/28/2026 - 15:26

Five years ago, we reported that wired earbuds were making a comeback with Gen Z. Our own reporter replaced her AirPods Pro with wired EarPods. But there's been a gap in the wired earbuds market: Active noise cancellation is not standard in wired options.

Bose might be changing the game. The brand just introduced its new Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds. They retail for $99, come in three colors, and yes, feature active noise cancellation. The earbuds are available for preorder today and will begin shipping on Oct. 15.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds $99 at Bose
  Pre-order Here Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds at a glance

Bose's new wired earbuds connect via USB-C, which is also how they draw power. So, you don't ever need to charge the buds. That does mean, however, that you can't use an adapter if you're still rocking a Lightning port.

There's no app or Bluetooth pairing necessary — just plug into compatible USB-C phones, tablets, or computers, and you're good to go.

The remote buttons control volume up, volume down, play/pause, skip, and the noise cancellation modes. Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable

"Technology has come a long way since our last wired earbuds, allowing us the opportunity to bring our latest advancements to the category and set a new standard for what wired earbuds can be," Raza Haider, president of Bose Premium Consumer Audio, said in a press release.

Here's a look at the Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds' specs and features:

  • Listening modes: Quiet (ANC), Aware, and off (straightforward wired listening with no ANC)

  • Colors: Black, white smoke, dewdrop mint (limited edition)

  • Button controls: Volume up, volume down, play/pause, skip, noise cancellation modes

  • Cable length: 4.2 feet

  • Microphones: Dedicated microphone in remote; two microphones in each earbud for ANC

  • Waterproofing: IPX4 water resistance

  • Sizing: Three eartips, two wingtips

Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds: First impressions

I got to try out the Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds for a few days before their launch, and I think they're going to dominate the wired earbuds market. The earbuds will be familiar if you're a Bose user — they have swappable eartips and stability wings, and look similar to Bose's QuietComfort wireless earbuds. I received the limited-edition dewdrop mint color and love the look of it.

I tried out the buds in my office by plugging them into my MacBook. After firing up an episode of Good Hang, I learned that I had to select the earbuds as the audio output in my laptop's settings for the sound to come through. My deskmates got to hear a little snippet of Amy Poehler. After that initial connection, audio automatically plays through the buds when I plug them in.

SEE ALSO: Press play: 5 celeb-creator interviews the internet loved this week (Sept. 25)

As for the noise cancellation, it's as good as any wireless ANC bud I've tried. Obviously, it will never be as good as over-ear headphone noise cancellation — you simply can't get the same passive noise-cancellation seal. I was working in my home office, listening to Taylor Swift's new songs in my own world with quiet mode on, and my boyfriend walked in and scared the absolute shit out of me. Apparently, he had been talking to me for almost a minute, and I didn't hear a thing.

The Bose ANC wired earbuds are compatible with USB-C phones, tablets, and computers. Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable

At one point, I had a small fan running near my desk, and I could hear a slight hissing noise with ANC turned on, but I could really only hear it during quiet moments in my music. I live above a vet and could hear a couple of the really loud dog barks come through, but for the most part, the earbuds quieted the commotion coming up through the floor.

On the price, $99 is an incredible deal for noise-cancelling buds from a premium brand. Bose's most affordable wireless ANC buds retail for $179, and Apple's new ANC AirPods 5 start at $129. Bose just created the new standard in wired earbuds.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I changed one Galaxy Watch setting and notifications finally made sense

How-To Geek - Mon, 09/28/2026 - 15:00

I bought my Galaxy Watch thinking it’d make me more productive. I could keep up with my messages, get reminders to move if I’d been sitting for too long, and stay accountable with all my to-dos just a wrist raise away — basically, I could stay on top of all the crucial information without having to reach for my phone and get distracted by everything happening on that big screen.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Tribit’s new $129.99 StormBox Max brings an adjustable bass knob to your next outdoor hang — where to buy

Mashable - Mon, 09/28/2026 - 14:41

TL;DR: The Tribit StormBox Max is available on Amazon for $129.99. This portable Bluetooth speaker delivers 60W of power, an IP68 waterproof design, a physical bass adjustment knob, and up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge.

Opens in a new window Credit: Tribit Tribit StormBox Max $129.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now

If you need a portable speaker that can crank the volume without weighing down your beach bag, Tribit has a new option for your setup.

The audio brand just launched the StormBox Max, a 60W Bluetooth speaker built to deliver room-filling sound in a portable footprint. Available now on Amazon for $129.99, the StormBox Max strikes a balance between loud output and easy travel.

Despite weighing under 3 pounds and including a built-in silicone carrying handle, the StormBox Max packs a solid punch. The internal layout pairs a 30W woofer with four 7.5W silk-dome tweeters for a total output of 60W, delivering deep bass, clear voice tracks, and sharp high notes across a frequency range of 53Hz to 20kHz.

SEE ALSO: Early Prime Day deals on speakers are live: Score huge discounts on Beats, Bose, and more

Instead of limiting you to a single audio setting, Tribit added a physical XBass 2.0 dial directly to the body. This setting lets you turn the low end up or down with a five-step control depending on what you are listening to. An onboard EQ button lets you flip between "Tribit Signature" and "Outdoor" sound profiles, with extra custom tuning available through the free Tribit smartphone app.

The speaker is built to handle rough weather and messy environments. It carries a top-tier IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating, so it can take beach sand, poolside splashes, or sudden rain showers without skipping a beat.

Battery life is another big highlight. The dual 5,000mAh batteries give you up to 20 hours of playtime at 50% volume using the standard EQ profile. It recharges over USB-C in about four hours, and the USB-C port doubles as a power bank to charge your phone if your battery runs low mid-party.

Thanks to its Bluetooth 6.0 chip, you get an extended wireless range of up to 45 meters from your phone. If you want a wider soundstage, you can pair two units for dedicated left/right stereo, or use onboard Auracast technology to link more than 100 compatible speakers simultaneously for large gatherings.

Head over to Amazon to grab the Tribit StormBox Max before your next weekend getaway.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google TV is winning by doing nothing as Fire TV and Roku self-destruct

How-To Geek - Mon, 09/28/2026 - 14:30

Google TV is popular, but it hasn't had an easy fight against Amazon's Fire TV and Roku devices. It's not hard to see why. Not only are there many Fire TV and Roku sets, but there's also a wider variety of devices: there's just one Google TV Streamer, but multiple Amazon and Roku media players.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Linux swap files just saved my low-RAM PC from obsolescence

How-To Geek - Mon, 09/28/2026 - 14:00

A low-powered CPU can make some tasks slower, while a small disk drive means you’ll have space for fewer files. But a machine with low memory can be catastrophic: applications hanging or getting closed by the memory manager, or even the whole system coming to a halt.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Magic: The Gatherings Marvel Super Heroes Draft Night box is under market price — save $30 at Amazon

Mashable - Mon, 09/28/2026 - 13:54

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Draft Night box is on sale for $89.99 at Amazon, down from its $119.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Draft Night $89.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $30 Get Deal

Magic: The Gathering’s Marvel Super Heroes range has seen no shortage of trading card discounts since launching this summer, but the latest bargain on the Draft Night box has just beaten the Amazon low we spotted back in July by another $10. 

As of Sept. 28, the Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Draft Night box is $89.99 on Amazon, taking exactly $30 off its $119.99 list price for a 25% discount. That’s not only its lowest-ever price at the retailer (confirmed by price tracker camelcamelcamel), but it also undercuts TCGplayer’s estimated market price of $89.48.

There’s no marketplace seller to worry about here either, as Amazon is both selling and shipping the box directly. Just bear in mind that Amazon has marked the product as final sale, meaning returns aren’t available. 

SEE ALSO: 20+ of the best early Prime Day deals on trading cards: Pokémon TCG, Magic: The Gathering, One Piece, and more

TCGplayer technically edges Amazon on price, but barely. Unopened listings currently start at $88.95 with shipping included, only $1.04 less than Amazon and slightly below TCGplayer’s aforementioned $89.48 market price. 

Draft Night is built as a self-contained Pick-Two Draft for four players in a single box. Everyone opens three Play Boosters, selects two cards at a time, passes the rest around, then builds a 40-card deck before pairing off. The winners meet in a final, with the included Collector Booster intended as the prize.

Inside are 12 Marvel Super Heroes Play Boosters, one Collector Booster, 90 Basic Lands, and 10 double-sided token cards. Split four ways, Amazon’s latest price comes to roughly $22.50 per player for the whole draft setup.  

Categories: IT General, Technology

Planning a trip to Japan? Score 15% off unlimited data with this Ubigi eSIM deal — how to claim.

Mashable - Mon, 09/28/2026 - 13:46

An advertiser paid for editorial consideration of this deal. Our editorial experts vetted the deal based on our independent expertise. Because we determined that the deal will save money for our readers, we wrote the content.

TL;DR: First-time Ubigi buyers can use code MASHABLEJP15 to snag a 15-day unlimited Japan eSIM data plan for $33.15, down from $39. It gives you high-speed 4G/5G coverage on Japan’s top networks without traditional roaming fees.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ubigi Ubigi Unlimited Japan eSIM Plan Save 15% with code MASHABLEJP15 to get 15 days of unlimited 4G/5G data on Japan’s top networks for just $33.15. Get Deal

Planning a trip to Japan means getting ready for incredible food, endless sightseeing, and navigating some of the busiest train networks on the planet. But whether you are looking up train routes, translating menus, or uploading photos on the fly, relying on your home carrier's daily international roaming fees can get expensive.

If you want a fast, hassle-free cellular connection the second your plane touches down, Ubigi offers a dead-simple way to stay connected on a budget. Right now, first-time Ubigi buyers can use the exclusive promo code MASHABLEJP15 at checkout to take 15% off unlimited Japan travel data plans.

Ubigi is a digital travel data provider that uses eSIM technology instead of physical plastic SIM cards. It is a data-only service, so you use internet-based apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or iMessage to communicate rather than traditional voice calls.

Setting it up is simple: you buy a plan, receive a QR code via email, and scan it with your phone to install the profile. You just install the eSIM on your device once, and you can reuse it across more than 200 destinations worldwide without ever needing to scan a new code.

Instead of routing your internet connection through spotty third-party servers, Ubigi gives you direct access to Japan's premier mobile networks. The 15% discount code MASHABLEJP15 works on all unlimited Japan options, but the 15-day tier hits the absolute sweet spot for standard vacations:

Key features
  • Unrestricted tethering — You can freely use your phone as a mobile hotspot to share high-speed data with your laptop, tablet, or travel partner without hidden throttling penalties.

  • Offline app top-ups — If you need to buy extra days or tweak your plan while out and about, the Ubigi app lets you manage and top up your account even if you run out of data or do not have an active WiFi signal.

  • Dual SIM convenience — Your main home phone line stays in your phone, so you do not have to worry about losing tiny physical cards during your flight.

Before you buy, make sure your smartphone or tablet is unlocked by your home carrier and supports eSIM technology. Once you receive your QR code by email, you can install the eSIM at home and activate the plan right before you depart, so your high-speed connection kicks in automatically the moment you land in Japan.

Grab your 15% discount with code MASHABLEJP15 before your trip and stay connected the second your flight hits the tarmac.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Used enterprise DAS enclosures are the storage hack nobody talks about enough

How-To Geek - Mon, 09/28/2026 - 13:30

There is an interesting part of the used server market that I think more homelab builders should pay attention to. Most of you probably already know that companies regularly get rid of perfectly usable enterprise hardware once it reaches the end of its supported life. The problem is that when people talk about buying retired enterprise equipment, they usually think about rack servers, workstations, CPUs, or workstation laptops. Disk shelves rarely get the same attention.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Kindle Scribe is $78 off at Amazon, but theres a catch ahead of Prime Day

Mashable - Mon, 09/28/2026 - 13:22

SAVE OVER $70: As of Sept. 28, Prime members can grab a like-new Kindle Scribe (32GB) on sale for $299.99 at Amazon. That's $78 off its full price of $377.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Like-New Amazon Kindle Scribe (32GB) $299.99 at Amazon
$377.99 Save $78   Get Deal

Amazon's own Kindles are among the many early deals we've spotted at the retailer ahead of its next Prime Day sale.

Prime Big Deal Days kicks off on Oct. 6. If you're a Prime member who doesn't mind buying a refurbished model, this like-new Kindle Scribe (32GB) is one of our favorite offers right now. For a limited time, it has dropped to just $299.99.

That's a $78 price cut compared to the full list price of $377.99, but it's a deal exclusively for Prime members to jump on ahead of the sale. If you're not yet signed up, our how-to guide can get you started. And if you're curious what exactly "like-new" means, Amazon notes that it's fully functional, its battery has been tested and charged, and its software was updated during testing.

SEE ALSO: 15 early October Prime Day tech deals, hand-picked by our gadget experts

Pre-owned devices such as this like-new Kindle Scribe undergo a full diagnostic test that includes cleaning and inspection, wiping any data, and replacing any defective parts. By the end, it feels like a brand new device. So, if you don't want to splash out on the shiny new model at its full price, this is a great alternative to keep in mind.

We certainly think the Kindle Scribe is worth buying, landing as our favorite Kindle model for taking notes. Its 10.2-inch glare-free, 300 ppi front-lit display is great for reading in various environments, and the Premium Pen makes jotting down notes and marking up pages a breeze. Plus, with 32GB of storage, you have plenty of space for books and documents, and its battery life can last up to 12 weeks.

This deal on the like-new Kindle Scribe (32GB) is available exclusively to Prime members. If that's you, don't miss out on this great offer at Amazon.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by our shopping experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

Owala’s exclusive Pokémon bottles are live at Target: Shop Pikachu, Eevee, Charizard, and Gengar designs

Mashable - Mon, 09/28/2026 - 13:19
Owala’s limited-edition Pokémon collection: Owala FreeSip Water Bottle (Charizard Brings the Heat) $29.99 at Target Shop Now Owala FreeSip Water Bottle (Pikachu I Choose You) $29.99 at Target Shop Now Owala FreeSip Water Bottle (Eevee Evolutions) $29.99 at Target Shop Now Owala FreeSip Water Bottle (Gengar In the Shadows) $29.99 at Target Shop Now Owala FreeSip Water Bottle (Kanto Region First Partners) $29.99 at Target Shop Now

If you thought the madness around Stanley cups was intense, welcome to a world in which the Owala obsession collides with 30th Anniversary Pokémon nostalgia.

Owala drops at Target notoriously disappear in minutes, and adding Pokémon designs practically guarantees these will hit the secondary reseller market fast. Seriously, these water bottles are going to sell like crazy. You don't need data to know that. It's just staring you in the face.

Each bottle in this cool lineup features Owala's signature FreeSip lid with a push-button leak-proof cap and a carry loop that doubles as a lock. But you don't really care about that, do you? It's all about the fun Pokémon designs. We understand.

Which Pokémon bottle should you buy?

At $29.99 each, the entire lineup stays in the easy impulse-buy category for kids, gym-goers, students, or collectors trying to complete their 30th Anniversary merch shelf:

  • Charizard Brings The Heat: Deep blue body framed with bold flame graphics.

  • Gengar In The Shadows: A dark purple and turquoise colorway made for fans of ghost-type Pokémon.

  • Pikachu I Choose You: Bright yellow lid paired with electric blue and lightning graphics.

  • Eevee Evolutions: Pale cream base featuring Eevee, Vaporeon, and Sylveon with subtle pastel accents.

  • Kanto First Partners: Dark green starry background featuring Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, and Poké Balls.

If your local Target is already cleaned out, keep an eye on online listings for restocks.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Grab the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Knock Out Collection for over $10 off at Walmart

Mashable - Mon, 09/28/2026 - 13:17

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG’s 30th Celebration Knock Out Collection is on sale for $47.39 at Walmart, down from its $59.99 previous price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Knock Out Collection $47.39 at Walmart
$59.99 Save $12.60   Get Deal

Walmart is once again getting ahead on Pokémon TCG deals for the new 30th Celebration expansion, this time taking more than $10 off one of the new collection’s best ways of picking up a couple of booster packs. 

As of Sept. 28, the Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Knock Out Collection is $47.39 at Walmart, down $12.60 from its previous $59.99 price for a roughly 21% discount. That’s with free shipping included, with an estimated delivery for Oct. 3 arrival at the time of writing. 

Amazon is slightly more expensive if Walmart sells through its remaining supply, just a couple of dollars more at $49.99. 

SEE ALSO: Shop the best early Prime Day deals on Pokémon, including 30th Celebration trading cards for under market price

TCGplayer is once again the cheapest go-to option — with listings as low as $35.96, only $3.55 above its current estimated market price of $32.41. You’ll find some are cheaper, but fair warning that some are just for the Eevee promo trading card rather than the complete box, or have other conditions, like requiring you to order multiple units at once.

Along with said Eevee promo card, the Knock Out Collection gives you two Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration booster packs and a plastic coin. That puts Walmart’s deal at about $23.70 per booster before factoring in the promo and coin. 

You can also buy almost any 30th Celebration Pokémon card right now on TCGplayer — including the $3,500+ RGG Rare Mew, $150+ Mew ex SIR, $115+ Gengar ex SIR, and the $100+ Jirachi ex SIR. 

Categories: IT General, Technology

I built a smarter music player by modernizing Winamp with Claude's help

How-To Geek - Mon, 09/28/2026 - 13:00

Winamp is one of the most iconic programs of the late 90s and early 2000s. Despite its long history, it has fallen by the wayside as newer, more capable programs have taken its place.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The next Windows update might make your old printer obsolete (as in, you'll need a new one)

How-To Geek - Mon, 09/28/2026 - 13:00

If you still have a printer, it's likely something you only use occasionally, so you haven't really been pressured to buy a new one for years now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The new Sonicare DiamondClean 9900 Prestige uses AI to save your gums — where to buy

Mashable - Mon, 09/28/2026 - 12:43

TL;DR: The Philips Sonicare Next-Generation DiamondClean 9900 Prestige is live on Amazon at $379.99. This smart brush uses on-device AI to track your pressure 100 times per second and automatically adjusts intensity in real-time to protect your gums.

Opens in a new window Credit: Philips Sonicare Philips Sonicare Next-Generation DiamondClean 9900 Prestige $379.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now

Your daily dental routine is getting a high-tech makeover. Philips Sonicare is officially dropping its most advanced electric toothbrush yet: the Next-Generation DiamondClean 9900 Prestige.

Starting at a cool $379.99, this luxury electric toothbrush brings high-tech personalization straight to your teeth. Built around on-device AI and the brand’s SenseIQ technology, the handle monitors your brushing technique 100 times every single second.

If you start aggressively scrubbing like you are scouring a dirty skillet, the brush senses the excess pressure and automatically dials back the intensity in real-time to protect your gums. A glowing light ring built into the base gives instant feedback, letting you know whether you are pressing too hard, brushing too softly, or hitting the sweet spot.

Beyond automatic intensity adjustments, the handle functions like a live oral care coach. It connects to a companion app featuring a 12-segment mouth map that tracks where you brush, highlights missed zones, and guides you through a thorough clean. Philips Sonicare claims the internal motor delivers up to 2,000% more plaque removal and improves gum health by 1,500% over six weeks compared to a manual toothbrush.

You can also tailor the experience to your teeth's specific quirks using eight distinct cleaning modes and three intensity settings. The design matches the hefty price tag, coming in four sleek matte finishes: Silver White, Quartz Black, Satin Mauve, and Storm Blue. Each unit includes a glass charging base and a leather-style travel case that doubles as a charger.

The Philips Sonicare Next-Generation DiamondClean 9900 Prestige is available on Amazon for $379.99. If you are ready to let artificial intelligence take over your morning dental routine, head over to Amazon to pick one up.

Categories: IT General, Technology

DeLonghis Rivelia automatic espresso machine has never been cheaper — save $300 before Prime Day

Mashable - Mon, 09/28/2026 - 12:39

SAVE $300: As of Sept. 28, the De'Longhi Rivelia automatic espresso machine is at its lowest-ever price of $999.95 on Amazon. That's $300 off its full price of $1,299.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: De'Longhi De'Longhi Rivelia Automatic Espresso Machine $999.95 at Amazon
$1,299.95 Save $300   Get Deal

We're just over a week out from Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale, but why wait until then to shop?

The retailer has dropped some exciting early deals to check out, including price cuts on various kitchen items like espresso machines. If you've been thinking about buying one to brew up tasty drinks this fall, De'Longhi's Rivelia automatic espresso machine has dropped to $999.95 for a limited time.

That's $300 off the list price of $1,299.95. This marks the lowest-ever price on Amazon, a real treat ahead of October Prime Day sale. If you're able to splash out, this is a great opportunity to grab it before the price goes back up.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime in time for the next Prime Day

If you're hoping to reduce your trips to the coffee shop, the De'Longhi Rivelia can certainly help with its wide range of brewing settings. In total, it offers 18 different preset recipes, including latte, cappuccino, cortado, coffee, flat white, iced coffee, espresso, espresso over ice, and more. It even has settings to adjust the intensity and volume of your preferred drink, so you can have your ideal cup brewed each time.

If you prefer multiple bean types, such as a caffeinated cup in the morning and decaf by the afternoon, the De'Longhi Rivelia makes it easy to swap between your favorites with two 8.8-oz interchangeable bean hoppers. Plus, its automatic milk frother is an excellent bonus if you love drinks like lattes or cappuccinos.

Don't wait until next week to grab the De'Longhi Rivelia automatic espresso machine; now is your chance to save on it at Amazon ahead of Prime Big Deal Days.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by our shopping experts
Categories: IT General, Technology
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