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SAVE $10: As of Nov. 20, you can get the JBL Go 3 for $29.95 at Amazon. That's a 25% discount, or $10 off the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Go 3 $29.95 at AmazonEven someone who has everything can always use a new speaker. Portable Bluetooth speakers are great for the beach, camping, parties, tailgates, or anywhere else you want to listen to music without dealing with wires or being tethered to a power outlet.
As of Nov. 20, you can get the JBL Go 3 Bluetooth speaker for just $29.95 at Amazon. That’s $10 off the list price and just $5 more than its lowest price ever.
SEE ALSO: The 6 best Bluetooth speakers we've tested that are likely to be on sale this Black FridayThe JBL Go 3 may be small, but it still has that legendary JBL signature sound. It offers up to five hours of playtime on a single charge and can connect to just about any device as long as it has Bluetooth.
With an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, you don't have to worry about it getting wet or dirty. Plus, it’s available in 12 color options, so you can pick one that matches your style.
Take your sound on the go for under $30 with this deal.
Microsoft has signed a licensing deal with HarperCollins to train its AI models.
According to Bloomberg sources, HarperCollins will allow Microsoft's LLMs to train on nonfiction titles. Microsoft reportedly doesn't plan on creating AI-generated books, but instead will access high quality data to make its models more intelligent and accurate. "HarperCollins authors will have the option to participate or not," said the outlet.
SEE ALSO: ChatGPT now saves chat history even if you've opted out of sharing training data404 Media first broke the news of a licensing deal with an anonymous AI company. Author Daniel Kibblesmith shared screenshots of an email on Bluesky, likely from his agent informing him about the deal. "You are likely aware, as we all are, that there are controversies surrounding the use of copyrighted materials in the training of AI models," said the memo. "Much of the controversy comes from the fact that many companies seem to be doing so without acknowledging or compensating the original creators. And of course there is concern that these AI models might one day make us all obsolete."
Abominable.
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According to the screenshots of the email, HarperCollins is offering a non-negotiable payment of $2,500 per title for a three-year licensing deal.
HarperCollins confirmed there is a deal with an unnamed AI company, telling Bloomberg, "its limited scope and clear guardrails around model output" respects authors' rights while presenting them with new opportunities.
Meanwhile, multiple outlets have reported that AI companies, like Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic are getting diminishing returns with the development of new models because they're running out of high quality data to train on. Microsoft was not included in these reports, but its Copilot model relies on underlying genAI technology from OpenAI. So training AI models on nonfiction works might be a strategy to combat lessening improvements.
SAVE $300: Prime members can get a 4-pack of the Arlo Pro 5S Spotlight home security cameras for just $299.99, down from the standard price of $599.99. That's a 50% discount.
Opens in a new window Credit: Arlo Arlo Pro 5s Spotlight Home Security Camera (4-pack) $299.99 at AmazonWith dark winter nights (and mornings) upon us, it's time to think more about home security. This is an especially great time for upgrades since many of us will be expecting porch deliveries after shopping Black Friday sales. Or, if you're going away for the holidays, you'll want to keep an eye on your home. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you're in for a special price on a great security system.
As of Nov. 20, a 4-pack of the Arlo Pro 5S Spotlight security cameras is on sale for Prime members for just $299.99, down from the standard price of $599.99. That's a savings of $300 and a massive 50% discount. It's also the lowest price we've seen at Amazon.
SEE ALSO: 6 gadgets to help keep your home clean, from robot vacuums to electric scrubbersThe Arlo Pro 5S Spotlight Home Security Cameras come packed with benefits that don't come standard on all cameras. For starters, you're free to use these indoors or outside. With the 4-pack, you could use two in the front yard, one in the garage, and one on the back porch. The camera's materials are designed to withstand rain, heat, cold temps, and sun. Plus, the wireless cameras are easy to set up.
When it comes to performance, each camera uses 2K HDR video quality, and night vision is in color. Each camera also comes equipped with an integrated spotlight, which means the camera above your garage that faces the driveway will light up as you walk to the front door, helping you better see that step that proves a challenge to spot.
Arlo also introduced a low-power mode on the Pro 5S cameras, which helps extend battery life, and the brand says you'll get about eight months of use before having to recharge. The 4-camera set comes with two magnetic charging cables.
If you've been considering a home security upgrade, today's deal for Prime members on the 4-pack of Arlo Pro 5S Spotlight home security cameras is a great option. You'll gain reassurance your home is well-protected and save $300.
SAVE $5: As of Nov. 20, you can get Lego 2K Drive for Nintendo Switch for just $14.99. That's a 25% discount or $5 off.
Opens in a new window Credit: 2K 'Lego 2K Drive' for Nintendo Switch $14.99 at AmazonWhether you’re shopping for the kids on your list or need a new video game to scratch that nostalgic itch, Lego 2K Drive for the Nintendo Switch is a must-have. (Don’t have a Nintendo Switch? You can get one for $299 at Best Buy.)
For a limited time, you can snag this game for just $14.99 (that's $5 off!) at Amazon. That’s 25% off the regular price and the lowest price we’ve seen on this title yet.
SEE ALSO: Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday: Which day is better for shopping?Lego 2K Drive throws you into Bricklandia, a massive open world where you can go off-road, race competitors, and customize your ride brick-by-brick. The game features Story Mode, single races, Cup Series tournaments, and online support so you can play with friends or family. It’s like the Lego version of iRacing. Reddit users say it’s an “absolute blast,” and you know how picky those threads can get.
“What really makes the game fun is that it feels like playing with Lego vehicles the way that children do,” one Redditor writes. “There are little minifig pedestrians that you can run over and watch them burst into Lego bricks.”
Bring the fun home for the holiday season for $5 off today.
SAVE UP TO 50%: Unlocked phones from Samsung, Apple, and other top brands are heavily discounted ahead of Black Friday. Find the Motorola Razr for 50% off — it's down to $349.99, saving you $350.
Best Unlocked Phone deals Best unlocked phone deal Motorola Razr, Sage Green $349.99 (Save $350) Get Deal Best Samsung phone deal SAMSUNG Galaxy S24 FE AI Phone $474.99 (Save $175) Get Deal Apple iPhone 14 Plus, Midnight $529.99 (Save $200) Get DealBlack Friday's bounty of deals is here. While we've still got a week left until the event officially kicks off, sale prices are here. We're tracking the deals across retailers from Amazon to Target. If you've been putting off making a big purchase, like a new cell phone, then Black Friday sales are the time to shop.
Unlocked phones allow you to use the device with any cellular carrier. So if you're sick of having your phone attached to a specific network and want the freedom of no contracts, then this is the way to go. Ahead of Black Friday, you can find unlocked phones up to 50% off from Motorola, Samsung, and Apple. Here are the best deals to shop now.
Best unlocked phone deals Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Motorola Razr, 128GB $349.99 at AmazonIf you didn't get to experience the Motorola Razr the first time, or maybe you just miss it, the 2023 version is here for you. Available in pink or sage green, this updated model has a touch screen that still folds in half. It has a high-res camera plus a POLED screen, whether you want to capture video or stream it.
Ahead of Black Friday, you can get the unlocked Motorola Razr for half off, bringing it down to $349.99. That saves you $350 for a brand-new phone.
More unlocked Motorola phone dealsMotorola Moto G Play, 64GB — $109.99 $149.99 (save $40)
Motorola Razr+, 256GB — $799.99 $999.99 (save $200)
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, comes loaded with the brand's Galaxy AI. The AI assists in photo editing, to move — or even remove — objects from precious portraits. Plus, Galaxy AI produces real time translations while texting or calling.
This 2024 model is 27% off ahead of Black Friday. It's marked down to $474.99, saving you $649.99.
More Samsung phone dealsSamsung Galaxy A05, 64GB — $94.50 $118.97 (save $24.47)
Samsung Galaxy A15, 128GB — $169.99 $199.99 (save $30)
Samsung Galaxy A35, 128GB — $299.99 $399.99 (save $100)
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, 512GB — $1,069.99 $1,419.99 (save $350)
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, 512GB — $1,494.99 $2,019.99 (save $525)
While we're all the way up to the iPhone 16, previous models are still available, offering superb tech at a steeper discount. The iPhone 14 Plus come with a 6.7-inch Super Retina display and features cinematic mode so you can watch in 4K Dolby Vision. The A15 Bionic chip has phenomenal processing, so you can watch or game without stalling.
When purchased through Best Buy, you can find the iPhone 14 Plus for as low as $529.99. The only stipulation is you have to set up your cell carrier through Best Buy. Not a bad deal when it saves you $200 for 27% off.
More iPhone dealsApple iPhone 13, 128GB — $399.99 $549.99 (save $150)
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB — $579.99 $729.99 (save $150)
Apple iPhone 15 Plus, 128GB — $679.99 $829.99 (save $150)
Remember: The best gifts for men should make the guy you're buying for feel seen. They should make him feel like you truly get him.
No two guys are the same, and not every man spends their days dreaming of whiskey stones. (In fact, we'd guess that very few of them do.) Traditional male stereotypes are a thing of the past, y'all, and it's time we started embracing that fact when we're looking for gifts.
Before you click “buy” on something that will definitely require a gift receipt, let us take the wheel and show you some gifts for him that are sure to make an impression on your lucky guy. And if you need more specific gift ideas, check out this gift guide for the father figure in your life, or this one if you’re shopping for your boyfriend.
Whether he’s into kitchen accessories, fashion-forward athleisure, self-care products, or something more eccentric, we’re confident that he'll love the picks on this list. For Father's Day birthdays, holidays, and any random occasion, we've got you covered.
Amazon's official Black Friday sale officially kicks off tomorrow, but there's no need to wait. Amazon has been dropping deals for weeks for all you early birds out there. As of Nov. 20, top brands like Apple and Bose are already down to all-time lows. You can hold off on shopping until tomorrow if you want, but rest assured, shopping today will still get you a great deal.
We've rounded up a few of the best Amazon deals of the day below. If you missed our picks from Nov. 18 and Nov. 19, be sure to check those out as well. Many of the deals are still live — including a new all-time low on the Oura Ring 3 Horizon and the JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth speaker.
Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort headphones $199.00 at AmazonWhen it comes to headphones that check all the right boxes, including affordability, our minds go straight to the Bose QuietComforts. While not quite as impressive as their more expensive sibling, the QuietComfort Ultras, they definitely won't disappoint. Our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) spent some hands-on time with the headphones and gave them an "excellent" four-star rating, crediting their "top-notch active noise cancellation," rich audio, and comfortable fit. As of Nov. 20, you can snag a pair in any shade (black, white, green, lilac, sandstone, light or dark blue) for only $199 at Amazon. That's 43% in savings and matches its all-time low from October Prime Day.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 2024 MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $849.00 at AmazonApple deciding to make 16GB RAM the new standard on MacBooks is a total game changer. For the same price as the old base model with 8GB RAM, you now get double the storage. That makes this deal on the 13-inch M3 MacBook Air even better. As of Nov. 20, it's on sale for just $849 instead of $1,099 — that's 23% in savings and technically now a new record-low. Previously, we saw the base model with 8GB reach this low, but this is a first for the new 16GB base model. You'll get 15% more power than the M2, WiFi 6E, and support for up to two 5K, 60Hz external displays. We tested our the larger 15-inch model and were blown away. Mashable Tech Editor Kimberly Gedeon writes: "The M2 MacBook Air continues to blur the line of the Air and Pro models, providing ample 'oomph' for creatives, professionals, and students who need robust performance that can handle their multifaceted workflows."
Read our full review of the M3 MacBook Air.
Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Video Doorbell $29.99 at AmazonThe Blink Video Doorbell is already back down to its all-time low of $29.99 at Amazon — that's 50% off its retail price. While there's a chance it could drop even further during Amazon's Black Friday sale, we wouldn't be surprised if this is the lowest price we'll see. Either way, you can rest assured you're getting a hella good price if you shop early. The Blink Video Doorbell lets you see who's at your door (even when you're not home) at any time of day with a 1080p HD live view, two-way audio, and infrared night vision. It can also be installed in minutes and last for up to two years on two AA batteries when paired with the Sync Module (sold separately).
Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Streambar SE $69.99 at AmazonIf you like your gadgets to multitask, the Roku Streambar SE gives you the gift of two devices in one. It's both a soundbar and a Roku streaming device, so it can boost your audio as you stream all of your favorite shows and movies. It also features a system that can automatically adjust the volume to make voices clearer and commercials quieter. It's usually $99.99, but you can snag it on sale at Amazon for just $69.99 as of Nov. 20. That's 30% in savings and $10 cheaper than it was just a week ago.
None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.
OpenAI has announced its latest nonprofit ChatGPT collaboration, a free online course to bolster teachers' AI literacy.
The one-hour learning program was co-created and published by Common Sense Media, one of OpenAI's nonprofit partners, and designed for K-12 educators. According to Common Sense Media's description of the nine modules, teachers learn the basics and ethical implications of artificial intelligence, generative AI, and ChatGPT, and are then taught how to "safely and effectively" deploy it in classroom settings.
SEE ALSO: New video-watching guidelines for teens just droppedAccording to OpenAI, the course has already been used by educators across “dozens” of schools, including those in Arizona, California, and across the charter school system Challenger Schools. "We're in the early stages of AI adoption in K-12, and it will take all of us — educators, technologists, and organizations — working together to ensure this technology enables teachers and improves learning outcomes for students," said OpenAI general manager of education Leah Belsky.
OpenAI released its first guide for educators in 2023, a hub for educators' FAQs, example classroom prompts, and testimonials to encourage the tech's use to "accelerate student learning."
The latest resource supports the company's push for greater AI applications in classroom settings, following an initial blowback to students' generative AI use after ChatGPT's initial launch. Since then, more tech companies have gotten behind the integration of AI into primary education, including Canva and classroom tech giant Google. In August, Google announced a partnership with nonprofit open education resources publisher OpenStax to train its AI chatbot Google Gemini on peer-reviewed textbooks.
Last month, the Department of Education released its own educators' toolkit designed to help K-12 school districts integrate artificial intelligence in administrative and educational settings.
But many educators and their advocates are still wary of generative AI's widespread use in schools and its data privacy implications, expressing continued concern on its impact on student creativity, reasoning, and mental health. At the same time, generative AI is becoming an increasingly impactful part of adolescence, from the threat of nonconsensual deepfakes to companion chatbots. A recent survey of teens from Common Sense Media found that 70 percent were using generative AI for homework help or to stave off boredom, but only a third had informed their parents that they were using the new tech.
SAVE $205.90: As of Nov. 20, get a pair of refurbished Bose QuietComfort Headphones at Bose for $143.10 with promo code SAVE10. A new pair of these headphones costs $349, so you'll save $205.90 on a like-new product.
Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Headphones (Refurbished) $143.10 at BoseA great pair of headphones can enhance just about any audio-centric experience. Whether you're listening to your favorite songs or enjoying a movie on your own, being able to hear everything clearly and crisply is a boon anyone can appreciate. And while there are tons of great options that you can choose from when it comes to headphones, a few do stand tall above the others, especially if you count Bose's line of quality audio products. Right now, you can save big on one of Bose's best pair of cans — as long as you don't mind that they're refurbished.
As of Nov. 20, get a pair of refurbished Bose QuietComfort Headphones for just $143.10 when you use promo code SAVE10. They're currently discounted to $159 from the normal price of $349 for a new pair, and the promo code knocks some additional bucks off, so you can get these like-new headphones for a great price. You can get the headphones in Black, Cypress Green, and White Smoke.
SEE ALSO: The 9 noise-cancelling headphones that our team recommends picking up during Black FridayThese ultra plush, super comfortable headphones are some of the best the brand has to offer, right behind their souped-up Bose QuietComfort Ultra cousins. They're wireless with excellent noise-cancelling features, so you can block out the world any time you need or want to, or keep aware of what's going on around you with both Quiet and Aware listening modes. Plus, you can customize them to your liking with adjustable EQ settings that let you tweak their sound.
You can listen to them all day thanks to 24 hours of battery per charge, but if you're low on time and need a boost, charging them for 15 minutes gets you 2.5 more hours of listening time. And if you need to connect to multiple devices with the same pair of headphones, this pair can do so easily.
If you don't mind getting a pair of headphones that have been brought back to life with repairs or polishing certified by Bose, this is a fantastic deal. Today is the last day to get them for this price, so get yours quickly.
SAVE $9: As of Nov. 20, you can snag a NASA Lunarscope at Amazon for just $35.99, down from $44.99. That's a 20% discount, or $9 off.
Opens in a new window Credit: Blue Marble Store NASA Lunarscope $35.99 at AmazonIf you’re shopping for kids this holiday season and want to give them something that isn’t screen-based, this NASA Lunarscope tabletop telescope may be the perfect gift. And right now, you can get it at a discounted price.
As of Nov. 20, you can get the NASA Lunarscope tabletop telescope for kids for just $35.99 at Amazon — a 20% discount, or $9 off the listing price. This is the lowest price we’ve seen for this telescope so far.
SEE ALSO: Finding a gift that kids actually like is tricky. This guide will make it easier.Sure, being the relative who gives “educational gifts” is tough, but a telescope is a genuinely cool gift for the kid obsessed with space (or aliens) in your life — and it supports STEM learning. This telescope features a tabletop tripod and smooth mount system, making it easy for kids to set up and use. It also has a finder scope and low-power (18x) and high-power (90x) eyepieces for viewing different planets and stars.
At $35.99, this beginner telescope is ideal for aspiring astronomers who want to start exploring the night sky.
SAVE 57%: The Cuisinart Indoor Pizza Oven (stainless steel) is down to just $129.95 at Amazon, on sale from its list price at Cuisinart of $299.95. That's a savings of $170 and the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon.
Opens in a new window Credit: Cuisinart Cuisinart Indoor Pizza Oven $129.95 at AmazonEnjoying perfectly crisp pizza with your favorite toppings is something magical that often leaves us wondering why we bother eating anything else. If you're shopping for a pizza-lover this holiday season, check out this great deal at Amazon on an indoor pizza oven ahead of Black Friday.
As of Nov. 20, the Cuisinart Indoor Pizza Oven is on sale at Amazon for only $129.95, marked down from the list price at Cuisinart of $299.95. That's an impressive savings of $170 and a 57% discount. It's also the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon. To grab this sale price, select the stainless steel model.
SEE ALSO: Amazon's Black Friday sale hasn't officially started, but early deals are floating aroundAchieving the perfect pizza crisp in your home oven is nearly impossible. Many conventional ovens simply don't get hot enough to replicate that great char that comes from visiting the restaurant with a brick oven that's reminiscent of the ones in Italy. The Cuisinart Indoor Pizza Oven, however, can reach up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit, which the brand mentions is the ideal temp for getting that perfect crisp on the crust.
If you have a friend or family member who loves hosting a homemade pizza night, this oven will seriously up their pizza baking skills. It cooks a 12-inch Neapolitan-style pizza in under five minutes. Or they can use the included deep dish pan to create a savory masterpiece.
The oven takes between 20 and 30 minutes to pre-heat to temperature between 350 and 700 degrees, and the large viewing window with interior lighting helps with knowing just the right moment to take the pizza out.
For the pizza-lover in your life, the Cuisinart Indoor Pizza Oven is the perfect holiday gift. At 57% off at Amazon, you can grab the oven for just $129.95, instead of the typical price of $299.95. Plus, gifting this to your friend or family member means you'll likely get to enjoy perfectly crisp pizza. It's a win-win situation.
On Tuesday, Apple released a bunch of security fixes, and we suggest you take them seriously.
The company released updates for macOS Sequoia, Ventura, and Sonoma. Fixes were also released for iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS. Apple also issued a separate fix for its Safari browser.
SEE ALSO: Apple shares the most popular podcasts of 2024The fixes mostly revolve around two vulnerabilities: one in JavaScriptCore and the other in WebKit. Both vulnerabilities allowed a hacker to maliciously craft web content that could lead to arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability is as critical as it gets; if a hacker can run any program on your system, they can take control of it or infect it with a virus.
The update is available for Mac systems running one of the three affected operating systems, as well as iPhone XS and later, iPad Pro 13-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and later, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 7th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later.
Apple had no prior knowledge of these bugs; the company credits the discovery of these issues to Clément Lecigne and Benoît Sevens of Google's Threat Analysis Group.
Apple says it's aware of a report that both issues have been actively exploited by hackers, albeit only on Intel-based Mac systems. Nevertheless, if your device hasn't automatically updated to the latest version, we suggest you update as soon as possible.
In 2016, Pokemon Go was about as wholesome as video games got, as it largely involved walking around your neighborhood and meeting up with strangers. In 2024, nothing is allowed to be wholesome, apparently.
Based on a blog post by developer Niantic as well as news reports from the likes of 404 Media and Garbage Day, it is now known that Pokemon Go players, whether they knew it or not, have been helping to train a large geospatial artificial intelligence. Tied into something called the Visual Positioning System (or VPS), Niantic's blog post said the idea is to help AI learn about complex three dimensional spaces, in a way that can be used for future augmented reality or even robotic applications.
The technical details may fly over the head of many who read Niantic's blog post, but the easiest way to think of it is that certain player actions in Pokemon Go have been training this geospatial AI in the same way that written internet content trains things like ChatGPT. In particular, a feature called "Pokemon Playgrounds" that allows users to pin a Pokemon to a real-world location that they will persistently stay in for other players to see is apparently tied into these efforts.
Tweet may have been deletedWhile Niantic may be telling the truth about the potential future applications of this technology, it's also worth remembering that AI data can be used for nefarious means, too. As OSINT analyst Elise Thomas pointed out, there's a decent likelihood that this technology also enters military use at some point.
Imagine telling yourself all of this back in 2016.
SAVE OVER $170: As of Nov. 20, the MSI Claw 7-inch Gaming Handheld has dropped to $529 at Target. This is 24% off its $699.99 list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: MSI MSI Claw 7-inch 155Hz Touchscreen Gaming Handheld - Intel Core Ultra - 16GB RAM - 512GB SSD Storage - Windows 11 Home $529.00 at TargetConsidering the number of sales that pop up, Black Friday is a great time of year to invest in more expensive pieces of tech that have caught your eye. Gaming consoles, in particular, usually get some very nice discounts during this time. If you've been hoping to pick up a handheld gaming device this year, Target's here to help with an excellent discount right now on the MSI Claw gaming handheld.
The 7-inch MSI Claw with an Intel Core Ultra 7-155H CPU, 512GB SSD, and 16GB RAM, has dropped from its list price of $699.99 to $529 at Target. This marks a 24% discount on the gaming handheld. Considering how costly these portable gaming PCs run, this is a deal that's well worth jumping on.
SEE ALSO: Score $70 off the Apple Magic Keyboard ahead of Black FridayIn our hands-on with the MSI Claw during CES 2024, Mashable's Alex Perry called it "a viable alternative for those who don't want to be locked into Steam." Perry continues on to say that this is where the device truly shines, as "MSI built a simple and clean custom UI that brings all your different libraries together under one roof."
If you've been looking to make the jump into the world of portable gaming PCs, now's a great time. Don't miss out on this early Black Friday deal on the MSI Claw at Target.
There's plenty more Black Friday deals still to come, too. Target's official Black Friday sale kicks off on Nov. 24, and there are sure to be plenty more exciting deals popping up. Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon are all kicking off sale events towards the end of this week or early next week as well. Have a look at our breakdowns for each to learn more.
A year after launching its handheld gaming device, PlayStation has announced an update to PS Portal.
Announced in a blog post on Wednesday, the company announced a system software update to its remote player, released in Nov. 2023.
The update, which is now available to all users, includes a beta version of cloud streaming support for the Portal. This means if you pay for PlayStation Plus Premium you'll be able to access PS5 games in the catalogue on your Portal device — without having to own a PS5 or lug around your console. (Notably, PS4 and PS3 games are not supported.)
SEE ALSO: The Game Awards 2024 nominations: Which games are up for the gold?Games on PS Portal stream at up to 1080p/60fps, and incorporate features like haptic feedback in the DualSense wireless controllers on either side of the LCD screen. Plus, with the cloud beta, you can save games using PlayStation Plus Cloud storage up to 100GB (which will sync with your PS5 if you have one).
Mashable reviewed the PS Portal when it released last year, with reporter Alex Perry writing of the device: "One thing that is inherently a hindrance with a game streaming device is latency. There’s just no way around the fact that there's a tiny, almost imperceptible gap between you pressing a button and something happening on-screen with PlayStation Portal. The good news is that, for a lot of games, this doesn’t matter at all."
Perry also noted, "While latency is not a huge problem on Portal, visual hiccups are more prevalent. If a game runs at 60 frames per second on a PS5, it’ll also run that way on Portal, but not all the time. I personally noticed lots of little dips here and there, seemingly having more to do with my WiFi connection than anything happening in the games themselves. Again, for a lot of titles, this isn’t a big deal, but shooters and racing games would be hampered by that."
In the blog post, Hiromi Wakai, Sony Interactive Entertainment's VP of product management, noted the company was "in the beginning stages of publicly testing cloud streaming on PS Portal" and specified that "some features will not be available, such as Game Trials, streaming games purchased on PS Store, system features such as Party voice chat and game invites for select games, Create button, 3D audio, and in-game commerce."
The PS Portal update also includes several audio improvements including a speaker audio output adjustment which lets you make the volume lower than the minimum setting. Plus, users will be able to use the settings on the Portal to adjust settings on PlayStation Link USB devices.
I watch TikTok on mute, and I'm not ashamed to say it.
Yes, I actively avoid a primary feature of TikTok, but you know what, I know I'm not alone. So for everyone else like me, you should proudly unmute your dark secret and be your authentic volume-less selves.
Opening TikTok on full volume is a jarring plunge into the icy cold whims of the algorithm. One second, you're subject to a woman crying in her car to sad lo-fi music, the next you're watching a dog making a mess with the obnoxious chipmunk voiceover. Even TikToks without music or sound effects — like the wellness influencers listing the five toxic brands YOU MUST AVOID OR YOU'LL DIE — often seem to be yelling into the microphone as if screaming for my attention like a spoiled toddler. At least this is what my For You page is like.
The short-form video format alone is overstimulating by nature. TikToks have a millisecond to capture your attention. So every time I swipe up, I'm inundated with sensory overload turned up to 11 in a video that's been frontloaded with action to compete with every other TikTok doing the same thing.
It turns out there's a neurochemical reason behind my instinct to make all the noises go away. "The way your brain works, it kind of figures out where it wants to spend its resources," said Dr. Michelle Quist Ryder, a social psychologist and CEO of the American Psychological Foundation.
"When you start introducing the brain to things that are higher stimulus, and you have to go through that kind of adjustment period where all of a sudden you have to process that, and your brain has to realize that it needs to allocate more resources in that direction, that's part of where overstimulation comes from."
And if you're already depleted since you're, say, a tech reporter who spends eight hours a day in front of a screen writing about technical artificial intelligence concepts, mentally sifting through AI hype on X, and scrutinizing the fine print of the latest Big Tech product release, you might exhaust those resources pretty quickly.
"Watching it on mute is kind of a trade-off, where you're still engaging in the behavior that you're associating with dopamine or serotonin but you're reducing the amount of stimulus that you are feeding your brain, and so you're kind of staying away from that overstimulation," said Quist Ryder.
The irony of all of this is that when I take a break, I still find myself reaching for my phone and opening up TikTok, when the obvious solution is to avoid any more brain throttling. Why don't I just quit TikTok?
But as Quist Ryder points out, this behavior makes sense.
"TikTok is a little bit unique in that it makes you change your attention in really quick cuts," she said. "So you can be really excited about this video, and then 30 seconds later be scared about this video, and then 20 seconds after that, feel cuddly."
That's the overwhelming part. But also, Quist Ryder added, "That can get your brain used to that level of stimuli, so when you are not engaging in that level of stimuli, then you kind of miss it."
Tweet may have been deletedTo be clear, my home is not The Quiet Place. I live a sound-filled existence with music, podcasts, and a TV lovingly left on in the background. And when it comes to TikTok, it's not like I never unmute. Instead, I start my browsing on mute and turn on the sound if I come across a particularly appealing TikTok. This method functions as a litmus test to gauge whether something is really worth my full attention and protects my mental resources if it's not.
Quist Ryder compares it to the reason why we love rewatching old shows, which proved especially true during the stressful times of the pandemic.
"I can still have those emotions, but I don't have to worry that it's gonna be something that I can't take, or something that I don't want to, or even just extend those resources of processing a new thing…you can lessen the amount of of investment you have to put into it by turning off the sound," she said.
SEE ALSO: You should delete your drafts.And I'm not the only one who browses TikTok in a blissfully volume-less manner. Anecdotally, several Mashable staffers came out of the woodwork to confess their muted habits, sharing how it's simply a good way to ease into the day or tune out unwanted noise.
There are multiple Reddit posts devoted to how to open TikTok on mute. Amongst several similar posts, one Redditor asked: "Is it common for people to watch social media videos without the volume on, or am I the only one who does this?" They received 150 upvotes and enthusiastic agreement, with one commenting with the "there are dozens of us" Arrested Development GIF.
Statistically speaking, there are more than dozens of us. A study by Verizon found that 92 percent of U.S. consumers watch videos on mobile with the sound off. Another study from ad tech firm Sharethrough said 75 percent of those surveyed "keep their phone on mute even when a video is playing."
Granted, many people watch videos on mute out of respect for the people they live with or because they don't want to blast the subway with the unpredictable choices of their For You page (although some lawless degenerates have no consideration for social norms). Others may also mute videos on other platforms like Instagram or Facebook, but watch TikTok with the sound on because it is an audio-focused app. But I suspect some of it has to do with keeping the auditory siege at bay for their own mental well-being.
As I learned from talking to Quist Ryder, some people are simply more sensitive to sound. See: FoodTok and Misophonia. And she says there is definitely a generational component, where younger generations are natively "more used to high stimulus things like TikTok." But it's worth noting that 74 percent of the 16-24 age group in the Sharethrough study said they watch videos on mute, and half of that same age group watch TV with subtitles. So this isn't just curmudgeonly millennials or Gen Xers we're talking about here.
Now that I've voiced my quiet preferences, it may be time for you to step into your silent power and mute TikTok for all the world to hear. You're not a freak for watching TikTok on mute. Sure, you might be sensitive to noise and mentally overextended, but that's actually pretty normal.
And if this sounds good to you, my parting words are actually a bit of advice: You can easily change your playback settings to automatically open TikTok on mute. Simply open Settings > Playback and toggle on "Open TikTok on mute."
Now take a deep breath and enjoy the sound of silence.
SAVE $70: As of Nov. 20, the Apple Magic Keyboard for the 13-inch iPad Air is on sale for $279.99 at Target. That's 20% off its list price of $349.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Air 13‑inch (M2) $279.99 at TargetBlack Friday is right around the corner, but Target is already offering plenty of incredible early deals for shoppers to get a taste of seasonal savings ahead of the big shopping event. In particular, the retailer has had quite a few Apple discounts popping up over the past few weeks. If you've been itching to get an Apple Magic Keyboard to go with your iPad Air, Target's got a great deal for you.
The Apple Magic Keyboard for the 13-inch iPad Air (M2), in colors black and white, has dropped to $279.99 from its list price of $349.99. That saves you 20% overall, which is an excellent deal to upgrade your tablet into a nice little laptop setup.
SEE ALSO: Home Depot is giving away free cordless tools for Black FridayAnd it's an upgrade that's worth it, as the Apple Magic Keyboard sets up your iPad with a backlit keyboard and responsive keys, a trackpad, and a USB-C port to make charging simple and easy. This is all made better by its slim design that can be easily packed up to take on the go whenever you need it.
If you're looking to pick up the iPad to go with this as well, you're in luck. The iPad Air is currently discounted $100 at Target, making it one of our favorite iPad deals ahead of Black Friday. What better time to invest in some new Apple products?
Don't miss out on this Apple Magic Keyboard deal ahead of Black Friday at Target.
This is just the beginning of Target's big deals drop, though. The company's official Black Friday sale kicks off on Nov. 24 and runs until Nov. 30. Several more retailers are also starting up their sale events soon. Have a look at our breakdowns of Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon's Black Friday sale events to learn more.
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