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Scientists watch hardcore object blasting energy beams into space

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 05:00

A rapidly spinning, profoundly dense object is blasting a "flame-like" beam into space.

It's a type of neutron star — the remnants of a collapsed, exploded star so dense that just a sugar cube-sized piece of this extremely compact material weighs 1 billion tons — called a "pulsar." That's because the star shoots out "pulses" of energy at regular intervals (kind of like a cosmic lighthouse). Astronomers have used NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and other instruments to watch this pulsar's behavior for over two decades, and it shows a vibrant interstellar scene.

"Normally found only in heavy metal bands or certain post-apocalyptic films, a 'flame-throwing guitar' has now been spotted moving through space," the space agency said in a statement.

Why a "flame-throwing guitar"?

SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.

As the image and clip below show, the fast-spinning pulsar, formally named "pulsar PSR B2224+65," is blasting out a 12-trillion-mile-long beam of energized particles and energy, which is colored reddish-orange. But that's not all. Beneath the pulsar is a colossal guitar-shaped cloud, made of hydrogen gas. This cloud, called a nebula, formed when particles shooting out from the pulsar blew gaseous bubbles over eons, ultimately amassing into the great cloud.

"The guitar shape is undeniable, and is traced by a thin white line in the labeled composite image," NASA wrote. It's located some 2,700 light-years from Earth in the constellation Cepheus.

The "Guitar Nebula" outlined beneath the filament-shooting pulsar. Credit: X-ray: NASA / CXC / Stanford Univ. / M. de Vries et al.; Optical: (Hubble) NASA / ESA / STScI and (Palomar) Hale Telescope / Palomar / CalTech; Illustrated outline: NASA / CXC / K. DiVona; Image Processing: NASA / CXC / SAO / L. Frattare Tweet may have been deleted

Pulsars make themselves known to us by the two jets of energized particles emanating from their poles (which are produced by the particles rapidly moving around the neutron stars' potent magnetic fields). From our vantage point many light-years away, these beams of light can pulse in seconds or even milliseconds. The fastest known pulsars spin at some 716 times per second.

Sometimes, two neutron stars collide, a dramatic event that can produce the most enigmatic object in the universe — a black hole, a realm so gravitationally powerful, not even light can escape.

It's a wild universe out there.

Stuff their stocking with the only $20 charging cable they’ll ever need

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: Give the gift of universal charging with the Statik 360 Pro, a magnetic cable for all devices, on sale for the early Black Friday price of $19.99 (reg. $23).

Opens in a new window Credit: KeySmart Statik 360 Pro 100W Universal Magnetic Charging Cable $19.99
$23.99 Save $4.00 Get Deal

Need a stocking stuffer that won’t end up in a drawer by New Year’s? The Statik 360 Pro 100W Universal Magnetic Charging Cable is here to simplify their charging routine and make life a bit easier.

Designed to work with just about all devices, this cable comes with interchangeable magnetic tips for USB-C, Lightning, and micro-USB — so they can power up phones, tablets, laptops, and more with just one cable. And right now it's on sale for just $19.99.

No more fumbling for the right charger or dealing with worn-out cables. The Statik 360 Pro’s magnetic connection swivels 360 degrees, making it easy to plug in from any angle without the usual wear-and-tear. Its durable design means it shouldn't fray or bend like traditional cords, so it’s built to last. With 100W power delivery, it’s strong enough to fast-charge everything from smartphones to larger devices, letting them power up in record time without switching cables.

This 3-foot cable is compact and travel-friendly, the perfect length for desks, nightstands, or on-the-go charging. It’s the kind of stocking stuffer that actually gets used, solving everyday charging hassles for anyone who juggles multiple devices.

For the early Black Friday price of $19.99, the Statik 360 Pro 100W Universal Magnetic Charging Cable is on sale — a gift that combines versatility, convenience, and speed.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Get a lifetime of language learning with Babbel for only $150

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 05:00

TL;DR: There's no need to wait for Black Friday — lifetime access to Babbel is now $149.97 (reg. $599) through Dec. 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $149.97
$599.00 Save $449.03 Get Deal

Have you seen social media? There's a consensus that Americans are (arguably) bad travelers and unknowledgeable tourists. You could avoid falling into this category (and enjoy a more enriching trip abroad) by learning the local language of your destination or at least a few key phrases to navigate your destination more expertly.

Whether you're planning to stroll through the Champs-Élysées or surf in Indonesia, you don't have to look any further than Babbel to learn a new language. It's an App Store favorite, boasting 10 million users worldwide and counting. You don't need to wait for Black Friday to save, either, since a lifetime subscription is available for only $149.97 (reg. $599) through December 1.

Babbel's language lessons aren't the ones you had in school. These are 10 to 15 minutes long and can be studied at your own pace, providing a more sustainable learning experience to get you from beginner to speaker. Just select one of its 14 languages, which include Spanish, Dutch, and Indonesian. 

You'll gain practical conversational skills that you can apply in your international adventures, or maximize in your job hunt to land your dream job. Learn how to order food, ask for directions, and more to make navigating your vacation destination more easily. You don't necessarily have to be fluent to reap all the benefits of a second (or third) language, either.

While learning a language online does offer flexibility, it can pose a challenge when it comes to figuring out pronunciation and accents. Fortunately, Babbel offers speech-recognition technology that listens to and analyzes your speech to help you improve. Personalized review sessions are also available to ensure your learning actually sticks.

Why wait for Black Friday to start your language-learning journey? Grab this $149.97 Babbel lifetime subscription while supplies still last. No coupon is needed, but this price drop ends December 1 at 11:59 p.m. PT!

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Whats new to streaming this week? (Nov. 22, 2024)

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 05:00

When it comes to streaming, viewers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television within each one!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services trying to determine what to watch! We've got your back whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, animation, and more.

But if you're seeking something brand spanking new (or new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

SEE ALSO: The best Netflix TV shows of 2024

Mashable's Entertainment Team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of this week and ranked them from worst to best — or least worth your time to most watchable. Craving something history-based that reimagines true events? In need of a funhouse horror or deep sea documentary? Even if you're seeking one of the most meta shows of the year or an unfathomable reality competition newcomer, we've got what you're looking for.

Here's what's new on streaming, from worst to best.

12. Human vs Hamster

Yes, you read that title right. There is a new reality competition show on Max that pits human against hamster in a variety of challenges, from hot dog eating contests to a hamster wheel race. (Duh.) And based on its trailer, Human vs. Hamster looks as ridiculous as it sounds.

Hosts Sarah Sherman (Saturday Night Live) and Kyle Brandt, along with "hamster expert" Brian Balthazar, are here to guide us through the madness, as pairs of humans — ranging from nurses to firefighters to magicians — battle it out against these pint-sized pets. Thanks to its premise alone, I can safely say that Human vs. Hamster takes the title for 2024's most coveted prize: Show That Sounds The Most Like A 30 Rock Joke. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Human vs Hamster is now streaming on Max.

11. Spellbound 

Netflix's star-studded animated fantasy adventure Spellbound is flying onto the platform, with West Side Story's Rachel Zegler voicing and singing the leading princess Ellian. She's a regular 15-year-old in a lot of ways, but in others — namely she rides a giant, fluffy winged cat, has royal duties in the kingdom of Lumbria, and has two literal monsters for parents — she's a little different. That last detail forms the core of Spellbound, a tale in which Ellian goes on a quest to free her mother (Nicole Kidman) and father (Javier Bardem) from their beastly curse. — S.C.

Starring: Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, Titus Burgess

How to watch: Spellbound is now streaming on Netflix.

10. Smile 2

If you thought smiling was safe again, there's a sequel to Smile, Parker Finn's buzzy 2022 horror film in which people suddenly engage in brutal violence wearing broad grins. "It's not often that a sequel exceeds its original, but Smile 2 delivers the thrills and chills of its predecessor with an even more pronounced funhouse feel," writes Monica Castillo in her review for Mashable. In Smile 2, popstar Skye Riley (Charlie's Angels star Naomi Scott) is at the centre of such smile-adorned traumatic events linked to a sinister curse. If you didn't get enough nightmare fuel last time, dive in. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Starring: Skye Riley, Rosemarie DeWitt, Kyle Gallner, Lukas Gage, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Peter Jacobson, Raúl Castillo, Dylan Gelula, and Ray Nicholson.

How to watch: Smile 2 is now available to rent/buy on Prime Video.

9. Our Oceans

If the latest headlines have you wanting to get in the sea, Netflix's beautiful new docuseries Our Oceans will give you both a visual respite and a reminder that the drama doesn't cease at the surface. Narrated by Barack Obama and produced by the Obamas' Higher Ground company, the series will remind you of the vast, highly populated expanse that is our deep, dark oceans — one long under threat thanks to human-induced climate change. But there's wonder among the harsh reality; enjoy playful baby humpback whales, a spring cuttlefish ball, and the general sense that most regular humans have no real clue about what's beneath the surface. If you love David Attenborough’s Blue Planet, you should check this out. — S.C.

How to watch: Our Oceans is now streaming on Netflix.

8. James Acaster: Hecklers Welcome

James Acaster's first HBO special embraces chaos. The comedian invites his audience to heckle him throughout, with results ranging from a devastating Kermit the Frog dig to the most polite heckle ever. As Acaster feeds off the energy from the crowd, he also dissects his own relationship to stand-up comedy, weaving in stories from his childhood (including his lackluster Prince Charles impression) and his first gigs. Gloriously meta and bursting with contagious energy, James Acaster: Hecklers Welcome is a perfect streaming choice for this weekend if you're craving a laugh. — B.E.

How to watch: James Acaster: Hecklers Welcome is streaming on Max from Nov. 23.

7. Joy

Set in the late '60s, early '70s, Ben Taylor's Joy follows the British scientists who pioneered in vitro fertilisation, and enabled the birth of Louise Joy Brown, the first baby born through IVF, on July 25, 1978. The film not only tracks the team — nurse/embryologist Jean Purdy (Thomasin McKenzie), scientist Robert Edwards (James Norton), surgeon Patrick Steptoe (Bill Nighy), and operating theatre supervisor Muriel Harris (Tanya Moodie) — but shows the battle they faced against church, state, and media at the time. A poignant, moving, and deeply timely film about the right to choose, Joy is a gem on Netflix's film slate this year. — S.C.

Starring: Thomasin McKenzie, Bill Nighy, James Norton, Tanya Moodie, Joanna Scanlan, Charlie Murphy, Ella Bruccoleri, Rish Shah

How to watch: Joy is now streaming on Netflix.

6. Blitz

British film writer-director Steve McQueen delivers a powerful World War II drama with the London-set Blitz, which centers on a family torn apart by the threat of unpredictable German bombs. Hoping to save her young son George (mesmerizing newcomer Elliot Heffernan) from the violence of war, single mum/factory worker Rita (Saoirse Ronan) sends him off by train to be safe in country. But the headstrong boy runs away from this route, charting his own course back home to his mother and grandfather. Along the way, he'll meet warm-hearted heroes, and sticky-fingered villains. Meanwhile, she'll struggle with how to use her voice as the world around her falls apart.

While McQueen's film has received mixed reviews overall, Blitz comes alive through Dickensian characters, poignant musical moments, and the astonishing lead performances from Ronan and Heffernan. As Entertainment Reporter Belen Edwards wrote in her review out of the New York Film Festival, "Ronan imbues Rita with both magnificent warmth and deep worry for her son, and Heffernan shines in his breakout role, bringing a still thoughtfulness to even the most harrowing scenes."

If you're seeking a drama that both confronts the horrors mankind is capable of and the hope, resilience, and love of humanity as well, you'll treasure Blitz. But have tissues at the ready. — Kristy Puchko, Film Editor

Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Elliot Heffernan, Harris Dickinson, Benjamin Clementine, Kathy Burke, Paul Weller, and Stephen Graham

How to watch: Blitz is now available on Apple TV+.

5. A Man on the Inside

The Good Place creator Mike Schur and star Ted Danson reunite for A Man on the Inside, a charming new Netflix sitcom. Danson plays Charles, a retired professor and widower who's grown distant from everyone around him. So when his daughter Emily (Mary Elizabeth Ellis) challenges him to find a new project that excites him, he does the unexpected: He teams up with private investigator Julie (Lilah Richcreek Estrada) to go undercover at a retirement home and recover some stolen jewelry.

What follows is a delightful spy caper that, in true Schur fashion, quickly becomes a tale of Charles letting his guard down and finding a new community. You'll laugh plenty, but you'll also find yourself sobbing too, as A Man on the Inside delves into the issues many of its elderly characters face, like absentee family members or the beginnings of dementia. As I wrote in my review for Mashable, "[the show's] ensemble boasts incredible chemistry right off the bat, with Danson proving a rock-solid ringleader. These are things you'd expect from a Schur show, and they build A Man on the Inside's wonderful foundation. But it's the show's thoughtful portrayal of aging that really makes it stand out, and turns A Man on the Inside into something remarkable." — B.E. 

Starring: Ted Danson, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Stephanie Beatriz, Lilah Richcreek Estrada, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Sally Struthers, Eugene Cordero, Margaret Avery, John Getz

How to watch: A Man on the Inside is now streaming on Netflix.

4. Missing

Fast-paced and unpredictable, Missing is an exhilarating new mystery for the modern age, where amateur detectives can be teens as long as they're techno-savvy. Storm Reid plays June Allen, an 18-year-old waiting to pick up her mother, Grace (Nia Long), and her mother’s boyfriend, Kevin (Ken Leung), at LAX after the pair’s trip to Colombia. Unfortunately, they never arrive. And when the FBI fails to make any headway investigating their whereabouts, June decides to use her Gen Z digital native powers to track them down with her friend Veena (Megan Suri).* — Kristina Grosspietsch, Writer

SEE ALSO: Directors Nick Johnson and Will Merrick talk 'Missing' and the real meaning behind its whirlwind ending

Starring: Storm Reid, Nia Long, Joaquim de Almeida, Ken Leung, Amy Landecker, Daniel Henney

How to watch: Missing is now streaming on Hulu.

3. Alien: Romulus

The Alien franchise returns to its roots with Alien: Romulus, a stone-cold horror fest that pits a group of young space colonists against the scariest creatures in the galaxy: good ol' Xenomorphs. Chests will burst. Faces will be hugged. And director Fede Álvarez will deliver what might be the most gonzo, gross-out third act of an Alien film to date. The only thing holding Alien: Romulus back from true perfection? Too much fan service, including a cameo that's sickening — and not in a good way.

Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko said as much in her review. While she praised everything from the sound design ("you don't just watch Alien: Romulus; you are absorbed into it") to the film's gore ("this movie had me dry-heaving") to David Jonsson's performance as android Andy ("David Jonsson steals this movie"), she also noted that its deference to what came before felt stifling.

"Alien: Romulus won't be sunk by its flimsy final act," she wrote, "but some of the thrill is lost amid the clutter of callbacks." — B.E

Starring: Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, Aileen Wu

How to watch: Alien: Romulus is now streaming on Hulu.

2. The Piano Lesson

August Wilson's Pulitzer-winning 1987 play The Piano Lesson has been adapted by the Washington family — it's the directorial debut for Malcolm Washington (who co-wrote it with Virgil Williams), his brother John David Washington stars, and their father Denzel Washington is producing. Set in the '30s in post-Depression Pittsburgh, The Piano Lesson centres on the looming sale of a piano, passed down through the Charles family, an instrument carved with intricate detail by their enslaved ancestor, and emblematic of generations of Black trauma, loss, and resilience.

As Siddhant Adlakha writes in his review for Mashable, "Rather than simply filming a stage show in three dimensions, as was the case with Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and Fences, Washington uses his camera to interrogate the confines of the text, and builds on Wilson's Pulitzer Prize–winning play in impeccable ways." — S.C.

Starring: John David Washington, Samuel L Jackson, Danielle Deadwyler, Ray Fisher, Corey Hawkins

How to watch: The Piano Lesson is now streaming on Netflix.

1. Interior Chinatown

Adapted from Charles Yu's National Book Award-winning novel of the same name, Interior Chinatown centers on Willis Wu (Jimmy O. Yang), a waiter in Chinatown who feels like a background character in someone else's story. (The "someone else" being the lead detectives in the cop show Willis and everyone in Chinatown are unknowingly trapped in, titled Black & White). But when Willis witnesses a crime, he'll team up with Detective Lana Lee (Chloe Bennett) to uncover the sinister truth at the heart of Chinatown.

Featured Video For You How 'Interior Chinatown' made the invisibility of Asian Americans visible

What follows is one of the most stylish, ambitious, and super meta shows of the year, which also doubles as an examination of Asian representation in media. As I wrote in my Mashable review, "between its [police procedural] parodies and its musings on identity, Interior Chinatown already proves that it's a sharply constructed show with a lot to say. But with the help of its dizzying genre switch-ups and some dynamic direction from episode directors like Taika Waititi, Alice Wu (The Half of It), and more, the show jumps into the realm of fearlessly unique, making a place all for itself." — B.E.

Starring: Jimmy O. Yang, Ronny Chieng, Chloe Bennet, Sullivan Jones, Lisa Gilroy, Archie Kao, Diana Lin

How to watch: Interior Chinatown is now streaming on Hulu.

Echo Dot vs. Echo Pop: Which Amazon device should you buy for Black Friday 2024?

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 05:00
Echo Dot vs. Echo Pop: Specs Credit: Chart: SaVanna Shoemaker / Mashable Design: We like color options

The Echo Dot and the Echo Pop are nearly the same size, but while the Echo Dot is round, the Echo Pop has a flat face. It basically looks like a cross-section of the Dot.

The Echo Dot (left) and Echo Pop (right) — as you can see, the Dot has been graced by toddler spaghetti fingers. Credit: SaVanna Shoemaker / Mashable

The Echo Dot also comes in three fairly muted colors (gray, white, and blue), but the Echo Pop is available in some, well, poppier colors (lavender and teal in addition to gray and white).

Overall, I like the appearance of the Echo Pop a little better. The brighter colors add a cute splash of color to a corner shelf. The Pop can serve as a more discreet Alexa assistant than the Echo Dot (which is fairly universally recognized as a smart home gadget).

Both have a modern, sleek appearance that can easily complement or blend into your home decor.

Winner: Echo Pop

Setup and ease of use

Amazon has made setting up these devices extremely easy. You’ll need the Alexa app on your phone, and it walks you through setup step-by-step. The app is also where you’ll connect other apps like Spotify or Audible to stream them on your Echo devices using Alexa voice commands.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best Bluetooth speaker deals ahead of Black Friday

The devices themselves are also very straightforward. The physical buttons on them allow you to mute and unmute the microphone and adjust the volume. Everything else is done through voice commands or through the Alexa app. I had no problems setting up either device and both were highly responsive to my “Hey, Alexa’s.”

Winner: Tie

Sound quality is almost identical

Amazon describes the Echo Pop’s sound as a “full sound” that’s a good fit for bedrooms and small spaces and the Echo Dot’s sound as a “bigger vibrant sound” for any room.

In my side-by-side comparisons of the Echo Dot and the Echo Pop, I couldn’t detect a difference in sound quality between the two devices. Both devices were excellent for playing background music in my office or listening to podcasts while doing housework, providing fuller, clearer sound and increased volume compared to my smartphone.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Prime Day vs. Black Friday: When are the deals better?

The Echo Pop does have an ever-so-slightly larger speaker. However, the Dot’s round shape can help it to fill a space with sound no matter where it’s placed.

Winner: Echo Dot

Alexa integration and smart home connectivity

Both the Echo Dot and the Echo Pop integrate with Alexa through the Amazon Alexa app. You can use Alexa to ask questions, check the weather, set timers and alarms, and open connected apps (like music or streaming apps including Spotify, Pandora, Audible, and Amazon Music). 

Personally, I have always found Alexa devices most handy in the office and in the kitchen. They provide a hands-free, screen-free way to set timers (for productivity or pizza) or to stream audio. A centrally-located Echo device is also a great way to free up space in your brain. I’ve used Alexa to remind me to water my plants, put birthday cards in the mail, and check the water level in the pool at regular intervals when filling it up for the season.

However, the Echo Dot edges out the Echo Pop here in two key ways: temperature sensing and motion detection. So your Echo Dot can execute Alexa Routines that involve temperature or motion, while the Echo Pop can’t. Some examples: 

  • The Echo Dot can adjust your smart thermostat settings when it reaches a certain temperature

  • The Echo Dot can turn on smart lightbulbs when it senses motion in a room

Winner: Echo Dot

Considering additional features

The Echo Dot and the Echo Pop can both serve as WiFi extenders if you have an existing Amazon Eero network, adding up to 1,000 square feet of additional WiFi coverage.

However, once again the Echo Dot edges out the Echo Pop in terms of extra features. As mentioned above, the Dot comes equipped with motion and temperature detection capabilities. 

Winner: Echo Dot

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (2021) review: The upgrade is worth the money

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 05:00

UPDATE: Nov. 22, 2024, 5:00 a.m. EST This story has been updated with information on Amazon's Black Friday sale, which includes a discount on the new 2024 Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (12th gen).

The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, despite the fancy name, is a simple device. It's exactly the same as the fifth-generation Kindle Paperwhite, but it costs $40 more and has four upgrades: 32GB of memory (up from 16GB), wireless charging, an automatically adjusting front light, and no ads.

Since we already established that the standard Paperwhite is a great e-reader, the focus of this review is simple: To figure out whether these four improvements are worth the extra money.

SEE ALSO: We tried every Amazon Kindle to find the best for every bibliophile A thoroughly great e-reader

My colleague Alex Perry reviewed the regular fifth-gen Paperwhite, but here are my basic impressions (coming from someone whose primary e-reader before now was a second-gen Paperwhite).

The new Kindle Paperwhite is just the right size and sat perfectly in my hand. It's also beach-ready, with an IPX8 rating, which is a big deal to me, especially when compared to my iPad mini, which officially isn't water-resistant at all.

The USB-C charging port on the bottom was a much-needed upgrade from the microUSB port on previous Paperwhites. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

I have only one beef with the device's design, and that's the fact that Amazon moved the power button to the bottom from the top, which took some getting used to. (It's worth noting that this change happened on a previous iteration of the Paperwhite.)

The new Paperwhite is a lot faster than my old model, but it could be faster still, especially when browsing through menus. The battery lasts forever, and having a USB-C port instead of the old microUSB connector is a blessing.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Kindle Rewards Best Black Friday Kindle deals

Amazon's Prime Day and Black Friday sales are always a great time to grab a discounted Kindle. Here are some of the best deals during Black Friday 2024:

So, what do you get for that extra $40? Compared to my ancient, 3rd generation Paperwhite, the new one is shaped a bit more like a typical book, which isn't a bad thing. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

One thing you won't get on this Kindle is ads. Compared to ads on certain other devices, advertisements on the Kindle's homescreen aren't nearly as intrusive, but I still prefer zero ads on something I paid for. You can remove the ads from the base model Kindle for an extra $20, but then the price difference between the two is a mere $20, which means you should really look at the other extras you get with the Signature Edition.

You know what they say about memory: More is always better. That said, unless you're a voracious reader, or you constantly send a bunch of periodicals to your Kindle, you won't need more than 8GB. The Kindle Paperwhite SE has 32GB, which is overkill, but it is comforting to know you'll never have to worry about storage.

When this review was originally published, the Kindle Paperwhite cost $139.99 for 8GB of storage. That configuration is no longer offered, and the current base model includes 16GB for $149.99. So, there's an even smaller price gap between the standard model and Signature Edition now at $40 compared to the previous $50, making these bonus features even more worth the upgrade.

Whether wireless charging will be worth it for you depends entirely on whether you normally use it in other scenarios. All Kindles have great battery life, so you won't be charging them very often. I do have wireless chargers in my car and scattered all around the house, so the ability to just toss the Kindle onto them and have it charge is a nice, if marginal, improvement.

The MagSafe isn't the best way to charge your Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, but it works! Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Fun fact: I tried to charge the Kindle Paperwhite SE using Apple's MagSafe magnetic charger for the iPhone, and not only does it work, but the charger sticks (though just barely) to the Kindle like it does to the iPhone. Pretty great.

The display, automated

The last big improvement on the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is the display.

The 6.8-inch, 300ppi display is sharp, crisp, beautiful to look at, and won't tire your eyes even after long reading sessions. The bezels on the sides and top of the device are far smaller than on the previous iteration, but there's still enough room to rest your fingers without accidentally flipping the page.

The display now makes brightness adjustments on its own. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Now for the big difference between the regular and the SE version of the Paperwhite: Automatically adjusting front light. The best way to explain the importance of this feature is to think of smartphones: Literally every single modern smartphone has this feature. You don't think about it much, but if someone took the feature away, you'd definitely notice.

It's similar on the Paperwhite. The display automatically sets brightness depending on the amount of light in your environment. I like reading in very dim light, and the Kindle set the screen's brightness pretty much as I would do. The device supports dark mode (bright text on dark background), and if I switched to that, it readjusted the brightness accordingly. I love the feature and though I could live without it, I'd be slightly annoyed about having to adjust brightness manually again.

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition battery life

A single charge should have the Kindle Paperwhite lasting up to 10 weeks. While we didn't run the e-reader for 10 weeks until it died, we can say it had excellent battery life based on our usage.

Is the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition worth it?

This may be because I'm biased from reviewing Apple devices — Apple charges an arm and a leg for upgrades and extra features — but I feel like the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is worth it.

For $50, you get no ads (a $20 value), wireless charging, 32GB, and an improved display. None of it is essential, but it does feel like you're getting a decent value for your money.

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $189.99 at Amazon
Shop Now

UPDATE: Jul. 9, 2024, 5:00 a.m. EDT This review has been updated to reflect that the base Kindle Paperwhite model now houses 16GB and retails for $149.99. Previously, the device started at 8GB for $139.99. That means there's now a $40 difference between the standard Paperwhite and the Signature Edition, rather than $50.

Featured Video For You Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kobo Clara Colour: Which one is better?

Amazon Echo Show 5 vs. Echo Show 8: Which should you buy on Black Friday?

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 05:00

It can be exciting when a brand like Amazon drops new versions of its devices, but it can also be overwhelming to figure out which one is best for you (and if it's worth paying more than its original version). After testing the second generations of both the Echo Show 5 and the Echo Show 8, I'll walk you through what’s the same, what’s different, what they bring to the table compared to the first gen versions — and which one you should buy during Black Friday 2024.

While these smart displays don’t have the portability or functionality of an iPad or a Surface tablet, they work flawlessly with Alexa and serve as a smart home HQ to make your day-to-day life just a little bit more streamlined.

Black Friday pricing and discounts

While the 2nd gen Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8 are no longer available, the newest Echo Show 5 retails for $89.99 and the current Echo Show 8 goes for $149.99. For Prime Day, the prices dropped to $49.99 and $84.99 respectively. However, their Black Friday discounts are even better.

As of Nov. 21, these smart displays are now priced at $44.99 and $79.99.

Size: It's in the name

The most noticeable difference between the Echo Show 5 and the Echo Show 8 is, of course, their size. The Echo Show 5 has a 5.5-inch screen and 6-inch x 3-inch footprint, while the Echo Show 8 is significantly larger — boasting an 8-inch screen and an 8-inch x 4-inch footprint.

Echo Show 5 (2nd gen) is smaller and would work better in a bedroom or office. Credit: Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd gen) is significantly larger — best for a central house hub. Credit: amazon

In my opinion, that makes the Echo Show 8 way better suited to be your family “hub” — located in a central location like the kitchen or dining room for easy video calls with the grandparents using Alexa. All you have to do is add contacts you’d like to call in the Alexa app on your phone. However, it may not be a necessary purchase if you already have a tablet with great video functionality. And if you want a larger device as your smart home hub, the Echo Show 10 is an even better choice.

Regardless, the Echo Show 8 offers some other advantages for video calls in addition to its size.

On the other hand, the Echo Show 5 would be better in places where you want the device's functionality, without it being front and center — like your desk or nightstand.

And if you're a sucker for colorways, the Echo Show 8 only comes in the glacier white and charcoal color options. You can get more variety with the new Echo Show 5, which comes in glacier white, charcoal, and deep sea blue. The Echo Show 5 Kids comes in chameleon green.

Camera and video calling

The Echo Show 5 got a decent camera upgrade from its 1st gen version — increasing the megapixels from one to two. However, it was a whole different ball game for the Echo Show 8. While the 1st gen Echo Show 8 offered a 1 MP camera, the revamped 2021 model came equipped with a 13 MP camera, which carried over into the 2023 model.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Echo Show 15 is a smart hub for connected homes

The image is incredibly crisp, and alongside the larger screen makes the Echo Show 8 the video call winner. But that’s not even the best part: The Echo Show 8 features auto-framing functions that automatically pan and zoom the camera to keep it focused on the people in view.

Both devices also feature some handy connectivity features, like intercom to page every Alexa device in the house (“We’re leaving in 15 minutes, so be ready!”) and drop-in, which allows you to video chat with any connected Alexa device.

Zoom calls

The Echo Show 8 can also join Zoom calls, while the Echo Show 5 can’t. To be totally honest, I could not get the Zoom call feature to work after several tries because none of the calls I joined had a dial-in number.

I’ll still say the Echo Show 8 wins on this one just because it’s theoretically possible, and I’m really hoping to be able to join Zoom calls from it soon to free up my laptop and extra monitor for in-meeting multi-tasking.

Kid-friendly content

During the initial setup, you can choose to make any Echo Show device a dedicated device for a kid. This gives you access to some expanded parental controls, which is great for older children, tweens, and teens that you still want to shield from some of the worst things the internet has to offer.

However, the Echo Show 5 Kids is the first and only Echo Show that’s bottom-to-top and side-to-side designed for kids. It features a fun design (the chameleon color looks like dinosaur scales, according to my 5-year-old), and comes with a free year of Amazon Kids (usually $5.99 per month) — which offers curated books, games, and videos just for kids far beyond what’s available through a basic Prime membership. In addition, it comes with souped-up parental controls so you can tweak things even more.

Alexa functionality

Both the 2nd gen Echo Show 5 and the 2nd gen Echo Show 8 have some Alexa abilities that their 1st gen counterparts don’t.

First up is the home monitoring function, where you can remotely access the camera on your device from the Alexa app just to check in on things. You’ll need a WiFi connection to do it, but I had no problems getting it to work. I can imagine it would be great to check in on pets, the babysitter, or just to take a peek at your home while on vacation to make sure everything is on the up and up.

Next is the addition of motion-enabled routines. This allows Alexa to detect when you enter or leave a room and use that activity to start a routine. Fair warning, this can open a can of worms re: privacy, but it also opens up some exciting possibilities for the smart home buff. You could have Alexa read your calendar when you walk into your office, or turn off all smart-enabled devices when there’s no motion detected in the living room — and those are just two simple ideas. With the addition of Alexa-enabled devices or smart plugs, your options open up even more. Amazon does offer ways to manage these settings if you'd like to delete recordings or manage your data.

All of these devices feature the same Alexa functionality you came to expect from the previous iteration of Echo Show devices.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Prime Day vs. Black Friday: When are the deals better? Echo Show 5 vs. Echo Show 8: Which one is better?

For only $45 more, the Echo Show 8 was the clear winner for me. Not only does it have a larger screen and a 13 MP camera with auto-framing (making it the best for video calling), it also allows you to hop on Zoom meetings, if/when you can get that function to work properly.

If video calls and Zoom meetings aren’t your concern, then the Echo Show 5 is still a great choice — like the 2nd gen Echo Show 8, the new Echo Show 5 boasts many of the same expanded Alexa functions, like home monitoring and motion detection routines. And of course, if you want one made for kids, then you’ll want to go with the Echo Show 5 Kids.

Overall, I’m a fan of both, but the Echo Show 8 came out on top for our home.

Amazon Echo Show 8 $79.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $70.00 Shop Now

Editor's note: This comparison originally focused on the 2021 models of the Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8. New models (with only modest changes) were released in 2023, so the older versions are no longer available to purchase as new. We've updated our links to take you to the current Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8.

The Beats Solo 4 just got a 50% discount in Amazons Black Friday sale

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 04:51

SAVE $100: As of Nov. 22, Beats Solo 4 are on sale for $99.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 50% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Solo 4 $99.99 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $99.96 Get Deal

The discounts are just getting started and Amazon's Black Friday event has officially kicked off. Running from Nov 21. through to Dec. 2, there are plenty of deals and savings to be had across TVs, headphones, tablets, and much more. And if you're on the hunt for a new set of headphones, why not check out this great deal on the Beats Solo 4.

As of Oct. 11, you can grab these headphones for just $99.99, saving $100 on list price. This deal is available across all colorways at Amazon, including matte black, black/gold, cloud pink, and state blue. However, this price is only available when purchasing without AppleCare+. You can add this on for a price of $118.99 (down from $228.95).

SEE ALSO: Don't miss grabbing an Apple Magic Mouse for its lowest price ever

The Beats Solo 4 were only released earlier in the year, so to see such a big discount already is truly a win. This latest model in the Solo range boasts a battery life of up to 50 hours, a super-quick 10-minute charge time, and personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking. This is a technology that creates a 3D surround sound, and a more immersive listening experience by adjusting sound based on your head movements, so music, movies, and calls feel more lifelike. As with all Beats devices, the sound quality is stellar for all types of listening.

Interested? Head to Amazon to grab this deal.

Get Samsung’s blazing-fast 1TB SSD for under $100 this Black Friday

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 04:38

SAVE OVER $60: As of Nov. 22, the Samsung 990 PRO 1TB SSD is down to $98.37 at Amazon. That’s 39% off its regular price of $159.99 for Black Friday.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 990 PRO 1TB SSD $98.37 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $61.62 Get Deal

Black Friday is here, and it's time to supercharge your PC or gaming setup without torching your wallet. Samsung's 990 PRO 1TB SSD sells for just $98.37 — an impressive Black Friday discount of over $60. With sequential read speeds of up to 7,450 MB/s, this PCIe 4.0 drive offers performance that smooths everything from gaming to heavy-duty workloads.

What makes the 990 PRO stand out? It's 40% faster than its predecessor, the 980 PRO. This drive can handle up to 1,400K input/output operations per second (IOPS). It is a beast for resource-heavy tasks like 4K video editing or running modern games. Power efficiency has also been improved by 50%, so you get maximum performance without stressing your system or energy bill.

SEE ALSO: Save over 80% and get a free £10 voucher with the best Black Friday Audible deal

Thermal control is a standout feature here, too. Samsung's nickel-coated controller keeps the drive cool even during intense use, preventing thermal throttling from slowing down your epic gaming sessions or massive file transfers. And with Samsung's Magician software, you can monitor drive health, optimize settings, and protect your data, all from an easy-to-use dashboard.

Upgrading a desktop, laptop, or even a PlayStation 5? The 990 PRO is an easy fit thanks to the PCI-SIG D8 standard for slim devices. Samsung's reputation as the global leader in flash memory backs its top-tier performance and durability.

At under $100, this Black Friday deal is a no-brainer for gamers, content creators, or anyone looking to breathe new life into their system. Don't let this Black Friday deal pass you by — this speed doesn't come cheap any other day of the year.

Save $800 on Samsung’s 65-inch OLED 4K TV this Black Friday

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 04:36

SAVE $800: As of Nov. 22, the Samsung 65-inch OLED 4K S90D smart TV is on sale for $1,397.99 at Amazon. That’s 36% off its $2,197.99 list price for Black Friday.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch OLED 4K S90D smart TV $1,397.99 at Amazon
$2,197.99 Save $800.00 Get Deal

Black Friday is the perfect time to give your entertainment setup a serious glow-up, and this deal on Samsung’s 65-inch OLED S90D smart TV is a chef’s kiss. Originally priced at $2,197.99, this feature-packed screen is now just $1,397.99 — a whopping $800 in Black Friday savings.

So, what makes this TV worth your attention (and wall space)? For starters, Samsung’s OLED technology delivers unbeatable picture quality with inky blacks, dazzling whites, and vibrant, Pantone-validated colours. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or catching the big game, the HDR+ feature ensures stunning brightness and sharpness, scene by scene. It’s like seeing your favourite content in a whole new light — literally.

SEE ALSO: Save over 80% and get a free £10 voucher with the best Black Friday Audible deal

Gamers, this one’s for you too. The Motion Xcelerator 144Hz refresh rate keeps visuals smooth and lag-free, even during the most intense action sequences. Add in Samsung’s Real Depth Enhancer, which makes on-screen content feel almost 3D, and you’ll be totally immersed.

Audio fans aren’t left out, either. Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound Lite create a 3D sound experience that follows the action on screen, making explosions feel bigger and dialogue more explicit. Plus, with Alexa built-in, you can control your TV and smart home devices and even check the weather without lifting a finger (or maybe just the remote).

At $1,397.99, this deal on the 65-inch Samsung S90D isn’t just a price drop — it’s a full-on Black Friday flex. Grab it now and make your living room the envy of your entire neighbourhood.

Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 22

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 04:34

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for November 21's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for November 22 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 22 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

An undersea gem.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter P.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

PEARL.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 22

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

Save $350 on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra this Black Friday

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 04:32

SAVE $350: As of Nov. 22, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB) is marked down to $949.99 at Amazon for Black Friday. That’s 27% off its list price of $1,299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB) $949.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $350.00 Get Deal

Black Friday has delivered the ultimate upgrade opportunity for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung’s flagship smartphone for 2024. Loaded with cutting-edge features and decked out in a stunning titanium violet finish, this device usually costs a wallet-pinching $1,299.99. But right now, you can snag it for $949.99 — a hefty $350 saving.

Why is this deal worth jumping on? Let’s break it down. This phone features a massive 200MP camera that’s practically a portable DSLR, capable of capturing jaw-dropping detail even in low light, thanks to Samsung’s Nightography feature. That 100x zoom? Perfect for snapping close-ups from, well, really far away. Whether photographing a bustling cityscape or a sleepy cat on the next rooftop, your shots will be ready for social media.

SEE ALSO: Save over 80% and get a free £10 voucher with the best Black Friday Audible deal

The Galaxy S24 Ultra doesn’t just take pretty pictures. With its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and a buttery smooth 120Hz edge-to-edge display, this phone handles multitasking, gaming, and streaming without sweat. Need real-time translation while travelling? Check. Want AI-assisted photo edits that make every pic look flawless? Double-check.

Samsung’s S Pen is also included, transforming this phone into a mini productivity hub. Take notes, draw sketches, or circle and search things on your screen like a futuristic Sherlock Holmes. Plus, with 256GB of storage, you’ll have plenty of room to hoard memes, photos, and all your apps.

At this Black Friday price, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is hard to beat. So why settle for your outdated device when you can grab this tech marvel for less? Don’t wait too long — this deal will disappear faster than your phone’s battery after a TikTok binge.

Score Dell’s stunning 4K 27-inch monitor for under $200 this Black Friday

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 04:28

SAVE $100: As of Nov. 22, the Dell S2721QS 27-inch 4K UHD monitor is available for $199.95 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That’s 33% off its usual price of $299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dell Dell S2721QS 4K UHD Monitor $199.95 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $100.04 Get Deal

Forget Black Friday doorbusters — this is a desk upgrade you can snag from the comfort of your chair. The Dell S2721QS is a 27-inch 4K monitor ready to elevate your home office, gaming rig, or streaming setup. With its $199.95 price tag, down from $299.99, this deal is as sharp as the screen itself.

Let’s talk pixels: 8.3 million of them, to be exact. This monitor boasts 4K Ultra HD resolution with HDR content support, delivering vibrant colours and razor-sharp clarity. Whether you’re binging your favourite series or meticulously editing photos, the visuals on this thing are stunning. The ultra-thin bezel gives you that seamless, edge-to-edge viewing experience — perfect for dual-monitor setups or just flexing your superior tech taste.

SEE ALSO: Save over 80% and get a free £10 voucher with the best Black Friday Audible deal

But it’s not all about looking good. The S2721QS knows you’ll be spending hours staring at it, so it’s built with comfort in mind. The stand is fully adjustable, letting you tilt, swivel, and pivot until you find the perfect angle. Plus, the ComfortView feature reduces harmful blue light, which your eyeballs will thank you for after a long day.

Need functionality? The dual HDMI ports make it easy to swap between devices, and AMD FreeSync ensures buttery-smooth visuals during gaming sessions. Translation: no more screen tearing when you’re mid-battle.

Dell doesn’t put their monitors on sale like this every day, and seeing this 4K beauty drop under $200 is a rare treat. If you’ve been waiting to upgrade, Black Friday just handed you the perfect excuse. Grab this Black Friday deal now — your setup (and eyes) deserve it.

All the best early Black Friday deals at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 04:00
Best Early Black Friday Deals Best Apple deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $749 at Amazon (Save $250) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Roborock Qrevo S $459.99 at Amazon (Save $340) Get Deal Best headphone deal Bose QuietComfort headphones $199 at Amazon (Save $150) Get Deal Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $154.99 at Amazon (Save $45) Get Deal Best laptop deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,399 at Amazon (Save $200) Get Deal Best Echo deal Amazon Echo Pop $17.99 at Amazon (Save $22) Get Deal Best TV deal Hisense 85-inch QD6 QLED 4K Google TV $649.99 at Best Buy (Save $450) Get Deal Best fitness tracker deal Oura Ring Gen3 (Horizon, Gold) Starting at $249 at Best Buy Get Deal Best kitchen deal KitchenAid 5.5-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer $279.99 at Target (Save $170) Get Deal

Now that we're in the thick of the holiday season, it also means we're deep into holiday shopping. Black Friday proper falls late in the month this year on Nov. 29. But official sales from big retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target have already kicked off. Even if you're prepared, you know who and what you're buying for, it's hard to not get in a tizzy. You're in luck though, we've done most of the leg work for you. At this point we've been tracking Black Friday deals for weeks, finding the best prices on all the big names: Apple, Bose, Sony, Samsung, and more.

If you want to take the day after Thanksgiving off, you can start shopping early Black Friday deals now. Here are the best deals to shop.

Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $749.00 at Amazon
$999.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the M2 MacBook Air.

"A couple of weeks ago, the MacBook Air got a quiet RAM upgrade, without a price hike. Now, we're seeing the M2 MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage on sale for $749, officially back to its lowest price ever. With these specs, this MacBook will be more than capable of handling everyday tasks with ease, while offering you more flexibility to run more (and more intensive) programs at once. Considering Mashable reporter Alex Perry called this laptop "just about the ideal work-from-home (or work-from-wherever, really) companion," in his review, this memory upgrade is certainly welcome." – Bethany Allard, Shopping Reporter

More Apple dealsMacBooksMacsiPadsApple WatchesAirPods and speakersAirTagsBest robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo S $459.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $340.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"I think of the Roborock Qrevo S as the diet version of my favorite self-emptying robot vacuum right now, the Roborock Qrevo Master. And unless you're open to spending $1,000 or more on a robot vacuum, you can probably live without the Qrevo Master's fluff features like a livestream pet camera or extending side mop — especially when, at this price, you could buy a Qrevo S for two stories of your home for less than the price of one on-sale Qrevo Master.

Opting for the cheaper Qrevo is still a solid move: Compared to other 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop combos also on sale for Black Friday, the Qrevo S is one of the rare options under $500 that washes and dries its mopping pads." — Leah Stodart, Senior Shopping Reporter

More robot vacuum dealsRobot vacuum and mop combosBest headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Headphones $199.00 at Amazon
$349.00 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"Bose makes some of the best headphones they've tested. The brand's QuietComfort line-up strikes the genius balance of sound quality and comfort. While the QuietComfort Ultra headphones and earbuds are the most elevated Bose models, the basic QuietComforts are still great.

If you don't need spatial audio, but you do want sound that will make your music sound better, elevating drop beats and sick synth, go for the Bose QuietComfort headphones. The power button on the side is responsive, and the battery is insanely long. I wore these while taking the train from Boston to New York and by the time I reached my destination, they still had 50% battery life.

Normally, $349, the Bose QuietComfort headphones are down to $199. That saves you $150 for 43% savings." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More headphone and speaker dealsHeadphonesEarbudsSpeaker dealsBest Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $154.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"The new batch of 2024 Kindles are the fastest yet, turning pages quickly and with less delay when switching between books in your library. The Kindle Paperwhite and Signature Edition both have bright, high-contrast screens, so you can read in any environment. While I prefer the Kindle Paperwhite over the Signature Edition most of the time, right now you can't beat the SE's Black Friday price.

The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is 23% off, bringing it down to $154.99. That's some big savings ($45 to be exact) on a device that's usually $200. You get everything you love in the Paperwhite, lightweight and waterproof design, with the added benefits of double the storage, wireless charging, and auto-adjusting brightness." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More Kindle dealsBest laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (Snapdragon X Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,699.99 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the 13-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7.

"Microsoft's Copilot+ PC has an even longer battery life than the new M4 MacBook Pros — it lasted nearly 23 hours in our testing — and it comes with AI features that 'make Windows fun again,' Gedeon wrote. She gave it a 4.8/5; it's a Mashable Choice Award winner and our current favorite laptop for most people, barring any app compatibility issues.

The upgraded configuration that Gedeon tested is a 13-inch model featuring a Snapdragon X Elite processor, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage. It usually retails for $1,999.99, but Amazon and the Microsoft Store both have it listed for $1,699.99, or 15% off. That's its biggest discount to date." — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

More laptop and computer deals

For MacBook and Mac deals, scroll back up to the Apple deals section.

Windows laptopsChromebooksGaming laptopsBest Echo device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Pop $17.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $22.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"The line-up of Amazon Echo devices is sprawling. You can find everything from a multitasking smart speaker to a touchscreen smart home hub. The absolute best deal on Echo devices right now is on the Amazon Echo Pop. This small but mighty device with a quality speaker and built-in assistant so you can play music just by calling out to Alexa.

Currently, it's down to $17.99 — its lowest price ever. That knocks 55% off the regular price for $22 in savings. While we expect this price to hang around through Black Friday weekend, you can rest assured you're getting it at a great deal when you buy now." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More Echo dealsBest TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 85-inch QD6 QLED 4K Google TV $649.99 at Best Buy
$1,099.99 Save $450.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"Black Friday is all about huge discounts on huge TVs, and this 85-inch Hisense model is a perfect case in point: Now just $650, it's far cheaper than any other TV this big — not just at Best Buy, but at Amazon and Walmart, too. (And abnormally-cheap-for-their-size TVs are really more Walmart's thing.) The fact that it has a bright and vibrant QLED display, not a standard 4K screen, sweetens the deal even further.

Kind of surprised this one wasn't chosen as a doorbuster, TBH. Let's call it a hidden gem." — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

More TV deals

TV deals are sorted by size, then price.

43- to 50-inch TVs55-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch TVs and largerStreaming devices and media playersBest fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Oura Oura Ring Gen3 (Horizon, Gold) $349.00 at Best Buy
$449.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Oura Ring Gen3.

"The previous-gen Oura Ring is an excellent fitness wearable with heart-rate and blood oxygen monitoring, temperature and activity tracking, and a multi-day battery life — all wrapped up in a sleek, durable titanium design. It's on sale at Best Buy this Black Friday for $50 to $200 off, depending on the style and finish (starting from $249.99)." — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

More fitness tracker deals

For Apple Watch deals, scroll back up to the Apple deals section.

Best kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: KitchenAid KitchenAid 5.5-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer $279.99 at Target
$449.99 Save $170.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"If you're getting ready to whip up dozens of Christmas cookies, don't even think about doing it all by hand. Sure, it will be a great arm workout, but at what cost? Upgrade your kitchen tools ahead of the holiday season with the KitchenAid 5.5-quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer. It has twice the power of KitchenAid's standard tilt-head mixer and can mix batches of 11 dozen cookies at a time. This mixer is no joke.

You can get the savings ahead of Black Friday as it's marked down to $279.99, saving you $170 for 38% off." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More kitchen deals

Mini crossword answers for November 22

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 03:39

The Daily Mini Crossword is one of the many popular daily word games available on Mashable. Powered by Arkadium, the mini crossword offers a speed round of puzzle fun with clues that are sure to challenge experienced crossword enthusiasts.

But there's no need to let the challenge get in the way of your enjoyment! If moments are turning to minutes after getting stuck on a clue, find the answers you need to progress right here.

And when you're done, check out the many other word games you can play on Mashable, including a full-size crossword.

Also, if you get stuck on any other daily word games, such as Wordle, Connections, or Strands — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for November 22 SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to Daily Mini Crossword for Friday, November 22, 2024:

Across____ Wednesday

  • The answer is Ash.

Old anesthetic

  • The answer is Ether.

"Behold!"

  • The answer is Voila.

Representative

  • The answer is Envoy.

Break bread

  • The answer is Eat.

DownObserve Yom Kippur

  • The answer is Atone.

Supreme being

  • The answer is Shiva.

Spartan serf

  • The answer is Helot.

Adam's madam

  • The answer is Eve.

Sunbeam

  • The answer is Ray.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

Hurdle hints and answers for November 22

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 03:31

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

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

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

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

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

To undo something spoken.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for November 22 Hurdle Word 1 answer

UNSAY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A plainly true statement.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 22 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

AXIOM

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A type of clothing.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 22 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 22 Hurdle Word 3 answer

DRESS

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Moisture in the air.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for November 22 Hurdle Word 4 answer

HUMID

Final Hurdle hint

A dark timber from a tropical tree.

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

EBONY

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

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 22

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 03:26

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 22 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow - Grabbing or catching

  • Green - Hopping to it

  • Blue - Likely to have or be near t-shirt cannons

  • Purple - People with the same first name

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow - Field a baseball

  • Green - Figure skating jumps

  • Blue - NFL mascots

  • Purple - Famous Bills

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #60 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

  • Field a baseball: CATCH, FIELD, PICK, SCOOP

  • Figure skating jumps: AXEL, LOOP, LUTZ, SALCHOW

  • NFL Mascots: MAJOR TUDDY, POE, SIR PURR, SWOOP

  • Famous Bills: BELICHICK, LAIMBEER, RUSSELL, WALTON

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

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

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

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

NYTs The Mini crossword answers, hints for November 22, 2024

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 03:17

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, November 22, 2024:

AcrossIcelandic singer with 16 Grammy nominations

  • The answer is Bjork.

Batman's sidekick

  • The answer is Robin.

African mammal with striped legs

  • The answer is Okapi.

Awkward response to hear when you introduce yourself to someone

  • The answer is Wemet.

Competed in a 5K

  • The answer is Ran.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 22 DownBody part that can be furrowed

  • The answer is Brow.

Batman's archnemesis

  • The answer is Joker.

President who used Keegan-Michael Key as his "anger translator" at the White House Correspondents' Dinner

  • The answer is Obama.

Turn red, as a chili pepper

  • The answer is Ripen.

Make a scarf

  • The answer is Knit.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

Spellbound review: Netflixs animated adventure finds its magic right at the end

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 03:01

The following review contains spoilers for the ending of Spellbound.

For a movie that features dark curses, enchanted forests, and flying cat-creatures, Spellbound is surprisingly devoid of any magic. At least, not until the end.

Directed by Vicky Jenson (Shrek), this animated adventure about a young princess (voiced by West Side Story's Rachel Zegler) trying to free her parents from a spell is an unfortunately formulaic ride for its first two thirds. Its final act, on the other hand, proves to be a mature and compassionate examination of parental separation. But is it enough to save the rest of the movie?

SEE ALSO: 'A Man on the Inside' review: Ted Danson and Mike Schur reunite for sweet sitcom gold What is Spellbound about? Credit: Skydance / Netflix

Stop me if you've heard this one before: A princess in a magical kingdom struggles with a curse that threatens to throw her whole world into disarray. It's a tale as old as time, albeit one that can work fairly well if given an appropriate twist. In Spellbound, that twist is that it's not the princess who's dealing with the curse: It's her parents. And she's left to deal with the fallout.

Princess Ellian (Zegler) of Lumbria is about to turn 15. But instead of celebrating, she's busy caring for her parents, who are monsters. Literally. About a year ago, a curse that feeds on "dark feelings" transformed them into (frankly, adorable) beasts with seemingly no memory of who they once were. Since then, Ellian and her parents' ministers Bolinar (voiced by John Lithgow) and Nazara (voiced by Jennifer Lewis) have kept the transformation a secret from the rest of Lumbria as they try to figure out their next steps. But the stress of making sure her parents don't escape (or eat anyone) is clearly weighing on Ellian. All she wants is to reverse the spell and bring things back to the way they were.

To save her parents, Ellian embarks on a daring quest into the Dark Forest of Eternal Darkness, where she'll meet with the powerful Oracles of the Sun and Moon (voiced by Tituss Burgess and Nathan Lane), cross dangerous deserts and rivers, and hide from the dark energy that cursed her parents.

SEE ALSO: 'Arcane' Season 2 review: The best fantasy show of 2024, hands-down

Despite the occasional fun touch — shout out to the odd couple Oracles — Ellian's journey plays out with an unfortunate blandness. World-building elements go woefully underdeveloped, like a magical key fob that seemingly has several settings and abilities, yet only ever sends out generic purple sparkles to get the job done. Tropes like Ellian's purple furry sidekick Flink feel overdone after mere seconds, a sentiment that only increases after Flink and Bolinar suffer an unexpected body swap.

Making matters worse are the film's songs, which sound nice enough (Zegler's voice here should get you more excited for her turn as Snow White) but are instantly forgettable. The animation falters too, at times feeling oddly textureless. Take the darkness that hunts Ellian and her parents through the forest. It takes the shape of a black tornado, yet it reads as flat and slack onscreen, to the point that it doesn't feel threatening at all.

Because of these many shortcomings, I'd almost written Spellbound off entirely as it approached its halfway point. But then something extraordinary happened: Ellian's monster parents began talking, hinting at a much more mature and complex story of family relationships.

Spellbound's ending is a solid rumination on how divorce impacts children. Credit: Skydance / Netflix

Ellian's parents don't master speech right away. Her mother (voiced by Nicole Kidman) and father (voiced by Javier Bardem) puzzle through language, unable to string together sentences or say anything more than "girl!" when talking to Ellian. And yes, hearing Kidman and Bardem's voices come out of giant monsters is absolutely as delightful as it sounds.

Yet as Ellian and her parents forge ahead on their quest, tensions rise between Lumbria's king and queen. They can barely get through a conversation without snarling at each other, causing Ellian even more anxiety as she struggles to keep her family together. With all this parental infighting, Spellbound makes you wonder why the curse — which, again, stems from dark emotions — really happened in the first place.

Just as Ellian's parents are about to become humans again, they realize that the source of the curse was themselves. Their constant arguing made them the monsters they are today: the angry couple who's so different from the happy parents Ellian remembers, to the point that they've become completely unrecognizable. Now, they don't want to go back to being those humans, since it caused them so much pain.

Of course, that news destroys Ellian, who has fought so hard for her parents every step of the way. Do they not love her enough to complete the last stage of their journey? After everything she did for them, why would they not do this for her? She's gone through so much stress trying to keep this family together, and now her parents want to throw it all away? It's a remarkable allegory for the pressure kids may put on themselves to resolve tensions within a fractured family, and of how they may feel guilty for a parental separation or divorce — something that's totally out of their control!

Similarly remarkable is what comes next: The king and queen apologize to Ellian, admitting that they didn't consider how hurt she would feel by their decision to remain apart. They reiterate how much they love her, and how much they will always love her. And while their separation will take work and getting used to, they vow that they will do whatever they can to prioritize her and help her through this transition. And guess what? It works. A flash forward proves that Ellian and her parents are getting used to the new normal and are working through it, day by day.

For Spellbound to present separation (the word "divorce" is never used, yet it's clear that's what this is) as a viable happily ever after feels like uncharted territory for a children's movie. Yet it is also so heartening to see, as this is the reality for so many young people out there. Spellbound treats Ellian's experience with so much empathy, and it also presents the separation as infinitely more healthy (and frankly, normal) for her family than any attempts to keep up facades. That's a bold, necessary statement to make about family relationships, one that many might find healing. So while Spellbound's exterior may not always break the mold, its heart is more than happy to break new ground, gifting us a truly special ending.

Spellbound is now streaming on Netflix.

Silo Season 2, episode 2: What happened between Bernard and Judge Meadows?

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 03:00

Another episode into Season 2 of Silo, and the mysteries are stacking up.

We found out last season that Head of Judicial Judge Meadows (Tanya Moodie) isn't really the powerful figure people believe her to be. Season 2, episode 2 gives us even more of an insight into her character — and, in particular, her relationship with the person actually in charge of the titular Silo, Bernard (Tim Robbins).

But what exactly is going on between the two of them, and what secret is Meadows hiding? We've had a go at breaking it down.

SEE ALSO: The 13 best TV episodes of 2024 (so far) What happens between Bernard and Judge Meadows in episode 2?

In episode 2, a desperate Bernard visits Meadows in her apartment to ask for help. He wants her to join him while he addresses the people of the Silo as a show of support, but Meadows refuses. Later, though, when Bernard takes to the podium, Meadows is there waiting — and she steps in to speak up for him after he lies to the Silo about inventing a new kind of protective tape.

Back in Meadows' apartment after the speech, she reveals to Bernard that she's stopped drinking. Then she tells him what she wants in return for her help.

"For the first time in 25 years, I don't want to be drunk. I want to be as clearheaded as I can about this, and you, going forward. I'll help you, Bernard," Meadows says. "Get me some of the good tape and put it aside until the crisis is over. I want my freedom."

For some reason, Meadows wants to follow Juliette Nichols (Rebeccas Ferguson) and leave the Silo's confines. But why?

Bernard seems confused by Judge Meadows Credit: Apple TV+ Why did Judge Meadows stop being Bernard's shadow?

Clearly, Judge Meadows wasn't always this troubled. At one point back in time, we learn, she was in fact Bernard's shadow.

"Nobody knows me better than you," says Bernard early in the episode, making it clear that the two of them share a bond he doesn't share with anyone else in the Silo. What's just as obvious, though, is that this bond has become fractured — and whatever went wrong can be traced back to an event 25 years in the past.

We don't yet know what this event was. All we know is that 1) It caused Meadows to start drinking, and 2) Not even Bernard knows what happened.

"I'll never fucking understand you," he says. "What was it, Mary? 25 years of this secret. What are you holding onto? What aren't you telling me? You're hiding something."

Our only other clue is Meadows' request to go outside. Whatever secret she's holding on to, maybe it's something to do with the mystery of what's going on beyond the Silo's metal walls.

How to watch: Silo is streaming now on Apple TV+ with new episodes releasing weekly.

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