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With October Prime Day on the horizon, Amazon has unleashed a few deals to get us excited. These aren't considered early Prime Day deals quite yet, but they are almost as good as what we'll likely see on the big day(s). Brands like Garmin, Apple, Sony, and Amazon itself are seeing big price drops on Monday, Sept. 16 and we've rounded up a few standouts for you to shop.
Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these catch your eye, be sure to check back throughout the week. We'll be selecting new deals each day.
Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin epix (gen 2) smartwatch $499.99 at AmazonThe Garmin epix (Gen 2) smartwatch is built for fitness fanatics. It goes beyond just tracking your heart rate and caloric burn; it tracks pulse oxygen levels, stress, body battery, respiration, recovery time, real-time stamina, running pace, heart rate variability, and much more. You can even follow along with animated workouts or take advantage of personalized Garmin training plans for your next race right from your wrist. And like any good smartwatch, you can also stay connected through smart notifications, download music, breeze through checkout lines with contactless payments (through participating providers), and get a snapshot of your day. Unlike the poor battery life of the Apple Watch, this thing will last up to 16 days in smartwatch mode and up to 42 hours in GPS mode. As of Sept. 16, it's down to $499.99 at Amazon — that's 44% in savings and a record-low price it's only hit once before.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Hub $144.99 at AmazonNew to the Echo family, the Amazon Echo Hub is essentially the brain to your smart home. It's a full-featured control panel that offers instant access to all of your other smart devices — lights, cameras, switches, doorbells, thermostat, etc. Rather than keeping control locked inside someone's phone, anyone can play music, stream videos, ask Alexa questions, dim the lights, adjust the temperature, or see who's at the door in one central place. It's typically $179.99, but for the second time since its release, it's down to just $144.99 — that's 20% in savings.
Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony SRS-XE200 Bluetooth speaker $68.00 at AmazonWhile we haven't tested the Sony SRS-XE200 yet for ourselves, we're big fans of Sony's other speakers and headphones. This lightweight Bluetooth speaker includes two x-balanced speakers, a line shape diffuser, and dual passive radiators, meaning it packs quite the punch in a portable package. It will last you up to 16 hours on a single charge, can quick-charge to give you another 70 minutes of playtime in 10 minutes, and offers personalized sound control in the app. The gray option is on sale for just $68 as of Sept. 16 at Amazon — that's 48% in savings and its lowest price on record by 99 cents.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 9th gen (64GB, WiFi) $199.00 at AmazonAs a proud owner of the ninth generation Apple iPad, my biggest complaint is that I bought it while it was on sale for $224. It's now back down to its record-low price of $199 for anyone who wants to avoid feeling such regret. While it's not the newest iPad around (it debuted in 2021), it's still our favorite tablet for most people. It features the A13 Bionic chip, a 10.2-inch Retina display, and up to 10 hours of battery life that's more than enough to power through basic tasks. I'm regularly surprised by how solid the battery life is. And for less than $200, you really can't go wrong.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd gen) $104.99 at AmazonIn the words of our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis), "The third-generation Amazon Echo Show 8 remains the best Alexa smart display for most homes thanks to software-based audio enhancements and other subtle upgrades." Released in 2023, the newest Echo Show 8 improves on its predecessor's features, adding a centered 13MP front camera for clearer calls, a dynamic interface that adjusts based on your distance to the device, and spatial audio for more enjoyable listening. Snag it for $104.99 and save 30% as of Sept. 16.
None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.
TikTok is set to begin its fight against a possible ban in the United States. The social media company will have a crucial day in court on Monday, Sept. 16.
A federal appeals court will hear arguments about the law, signed by President Joe Biden in April, that would essentially ban TikTok if its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, doesn't sell the platform. TikTok will have about 15 minutes to make an oral argument, which "could well be the most significant of TikTok's U.S. existence," CNN noted.
That's because the whole process is on a pretty tight timeline. A decision in TikTok v. Garland is likely by December, though the potential for more appeals remains.
SEE ALSO: Here's how the TikTok ban will likely play out in the courtsThe government's argument centers on the notion that U.S. citizens are put at risk because it is possible that the Chinese government could compel ByteDance to hand over their data. As The Verge reported in a detailed breakdown of the case, a good portion of the government's case centers on dozens of redacted classified materials—meaning only the government and the panel of judges have seen the apparent evidence. Much of the most seemingly compelling information in the case has been redacted from the public.
There's a bit of irony there, considering the entire case centers on freedom of speech. TikTok, meanwhile, has argued that it doesn't have precise info on users, and U.S. data is stored in the U.S.
The court case centers on whether a potential threat from a foreign nation negates some 170 million U.S. citizens' right to use a platform of expression.
ByteDance must sell by Jan. 19, so you can expect some movement on the case in the months to come.
GET $40 OFF: As of Sept 16, you can score a pair of Apple AirPods (3rd gen) for just $129.99. That's a $40 discount and only $10 away from the all-time lowest price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: Apple AirPods (3rd gen) $129.99 at AmazonI hate to admit it, but I’ve become dependent on my devices. My AirPods, MacBook, and iPhone are practically extensions of my body at this point.
Whether you’re chronically online (like me) or you need a new pair of earbuds without spending a fortune, the Apple AirPods (3rd gen) have dropped to their second-lowest price ever.
SEE ALSO: AirPods 4 review: I flew 3,319 miles on a plane with active noise cancellation, but was it good?As of Sept. 16, you can get the Apple AirPods (3rd gen) wireless buds for just $129.99 at Amazon and Target. That’s $10 away from the lowest price they've ever hit, which happened during July’s Prime Day sale, according to CamelCamelCamel. (Best Buy has them at $139.99 — My Best Buy Plus members can get an additional $7 off, but that’s still not as good a deal.)
The third-generation AirPods are sweat- and water-resistant, with an IPX4 rating. They feature spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, so the soundstage moves with your head for a better experience when you’re on the move or working out. You can get up to six hours of listening time on a single charge and up to 30 hours with the Lightning Charging Case (included).
GET 30%+ OFF: As of Sept 16, you can score 30% (or more) off an Amazon Echo device. Shop Echo Show and Dot models for less.
Our top picks: Best Echo Show deal Echo Show 8 (3rd gen, 2023 release) $104.99 at Amazon (save $45 ) Get Deal Best Echo deal Echo (4th gen) with Sengled Smart Color Bulb $64.99 at Amazon (save $54.99 ) Get Deal Best Echo Dot deal Echo Dot (5th gen, 2022 release) Kids $39.99 at Amazon (save $20 ) Get DealPrime Day ~fall edition~ is just around the corner, and with it comes hundreds of deals on everything from home appliances to electronics.
While the annual sales event isn’t until October, Amazon’s already gifting us some sweet deals on Echo devices. (Whether or not these deals will be even better come Prime Day isn’t a question we can answer, but it might be a good idea to take advantage of them now, just in case.)
Here are some of the best Echo device deals you can snag right now:
Best Echo Show deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Echo Show 8 (3rd gen, 2023 release) $104.99 at AmazonThe Echo Show 10 is one of our favorite Echo devices, but it’s usually pretty pricey at $249.99. But you can get the Echo Show 8 (3rd gen, 2023 release) for just $104.99, down from $149.99.
The Echo Show 8 (3rd gen) has an eight-inch screen, so you can video chat with friends and family, watch videos, stream your favorite shows, and view your security cameras right on the display. It’s compatible with Zigbeen Matter and Thread smart home devices, so you can control your compatible lights, locks, and other gadgets without springing for an extra hub.
SEE ALSO: Amazon Echo Show 5 vs. Echo Show 8 (2nd gen): Which one should you buy on Prime Day?You can also set it to auto-rotate through your photos (like a live picture frame), see the weather and news, add things to your to-do list with a button, or just ask Alexa.
Best Echo deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Echo (4th gen) with Sengled Smart Color Bulb $64.99 at AmazonYou can snag an Echo (4th gen) with Sengled Smart Color Bulb bundle for $64.99. That’s a great price for the Echo and around $48 less than buying the devices separately.
The Echo (4th gen) is an entry-level smart speaker that lasts for years (I’ve had mine forever). You can play music, listen to podcasts, set reminders, control smart home devices, and more. Plus, with this deal, you’ll also get a smart bulb that you can control with your voice or through the Alexa app.
Best Echo Dot deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Echo Dot (5th gen, 2022 release) Kids $39.99 at AmazonThe Echo Dot (5th gen, 2022 release) Kids is on sale for $39.99, down from $59.99. Yes, this device is specifically for children, but it's a great value and a super cute addition to any smart home setup.
The Echo Dot Kids has the same capabilities as the regular Echo Dot, but it’s clad in fun, kid-friendly designs and has parental controls to filter explicit content. You’ll also get one year of Amazon Kids+, which unlocks tons of age-appropriate content, games, and Alexa skills.
If you have kids in the house, this Echo Dot deal is a no-brainer.
"When will Apple tackle smell cancellation?" was all I could think of while testing the AirPods 4 on a flight from San Jose, Calif. to Atlanta. Unfortunately, I dealt with a flatulent neighbor who kept letting one rip.
Phew!
But while my nostrils were fighting for their life on a Boeing 737, my ears had a different experience: a blissful, quiet ride during an eight-hour trip from California to New York (with a malodorous connecting flight to Atlanta between the journey).
AirPods 4 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableFor the first time ever, the entry-level AirPods have active noise cancellation (ANC). Apple unveiled the new AirPods 4 on Sept. 9 at the "Glowtime" event where the Cupertino-based tech giant debuted the new line with two variants: one with ANC and one without ANC.
During my flight from San Jose to New York, with a (stinky) layover flight to Atlanta, I tested the new AirPods 4 with ANC. How did they fare with loud PA announcements, noisy chit-chat, and the biggest challenge of them all, plane engine noise? Let's find out.
AirPods 4 price and specsAs mentioned, you can choose between two AirPods 4 variants.
Holding the AirPods 4 with ANC Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableThere's AirPods 4 without ANC, which costs $129.
And then you have AirPods 4 with ANC, which will set you back $179.
Both can do the following, thanks, in part, to the H2 chip:
Personalized Spatial Audio (a personalized profile for the best customized listening experience)
Siri interactions (nod your head "no," for example, to reject a phone call after Siri announcement)
Voice Isolation (your voice sounds clearer on calls)
Up to 5 hours of listening time (as claimed by Apple)
However, what sets the $179 AirPods 4 apart from the cheaper option is, of course, active noise cancellation.
They also feature Transparency Mode (lets you hear the environment around you), Conversation Awareness (detects when you're speaking and adjusts audio settings accordingly), and Adaptive Audio (auto adjusts between Transparency Mode and ANC depending on your environment).
The AirPods 4 with ANC can charge with an Apple Watch charger; plus, they have wireless Qi charging support. Finally, the ANC-capable AirPods 4's charging case has FindMy support as well as Precision Finding (which means your iPhone can direct you to your AirPods 4 by telling you how many feet you are from it.)
Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable AirPods 4 with ANC $179.99 at AmazonThe AirPods 4 are available for pre-order now and will start shipping on Sept. 20.
AirPods 4 designI have a pair of AirPods Pro, and while I adore how they sound, they love to fall out of my ears. Not everyone has this issue, though. Just some of us. And for those who fall into that category, Apple has given us some acknowledgement.
AirPods 4 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableThe new AirPods 4, whether you purchase one with ANC or without, are designed to fit most people. Apple boasted that it analyzed the ears of many users. There are, indeed, "common" ear shapes, as well as canals that are more atypical and out-of-the-ordinary. I definitely fall into the latter category, so I thought, "If there's anyone who can test the AirPods 4's new 'one-size-fits-most' design, it's me!"
As it turned out, the AirPods 4 fit really, really well. When I popped them into my ears, I didn't feel the need to lodge them in tightly so they don't take a tumble (like my AirPods Pro). Wearing them on two planes, they remained snug. I even ran on the treadmill with them for an hour — they never fell out.
However, after wearing the AirPods 4 for nearly eight hours straight on a plane, I sensed some faint aching. To be clear, they're not painful whatsoever — just a mild discomfort. Where exactly? I had to look this up, but it’s called the "Crus of Helix," which is where the top part of the earbuds rests against my ear.
AirPods 4 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableFortunately, that subtle sensitivity, which only occured in my left ear, disappeared in a few minutes.
Again, this is likely just a "me" thing — I have an abnormal ear shape.
Signature lookThe AirPods 4 still have a signature design language with longer stems (compared to the AirPods Pro lineup). In contrast to my AirPods Pro, the AirPods 4's earbuds appear to be slightly taller and wider.
AirPods 4 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MsshableThe AirPods 4 also still sport that all-white trademark style, but I love a good dark blue or rich black body, so maybe one day — perhaps AirPods 5 — we'll see more color options for the popular earbuds.
Force sensorThe AirPods 4 also continue to feature the force sensor located on the stem. I used it to swap between ANC and Transparency Mode during my flights seamlessly.
AirPods 4 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableWhen I heard the faint sound of a PA system, I'd press on the sensor to turn on Transparency Mode. When I wanted total immersion, I'd press the stem again to turn on ANC. (You can also swap between modes on your iPhone via the Control Center.)
Plus, you can double-press the stem to play the next track — and triple-press the stem to play a previous track (among other controls).
AirPods 4 active noise cancellationAs mentioned at the outset, with the ANC-enabled AirPods 4, I flew from San Jose, Calif. to Atlanta before hopping on another NYC-bound flight.
AirPods 4 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableI spent nearly eight hours with the AirPods 4 in my ears. As I hinted in my hands-on review, the AirPods 4 sounded like honey to my ears — and even more so when ANC was on. While I was at the airport, sounds of coo-ing babies, loud conversations, and rolling luggage were significantly reduced, allowing me to sink deeper into some of my favorite Apple Music playlists.
It was as if the AirPods 4 erased the cacophonous world around me, allowing me to sit in a quiet, empty void, with nothing but myself, my earbuds, and Sabrina Carpenter. "Me Espresso" already sounds darn good, but on the AirPods 4, it sounds immaculate.
Did I hear the airplane engine?No headphones are going to completely get rid of engine noise. For example, when I compared the AirPods Max and Sony XM5s, two high-priced over-ear headphones, even they had some external noise leak through the devices. (But the AirPods Max did a better job at handling ANC.)
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableHowever, the AirPods 4 did, in fact, significantly reduce the drone of the airplane engine. I noticed the ANC eliminated the high-pitched whine of the plane, creating a much more pleasant listening experience. However, it didn't completely get rid of the lower, rumbling sounds of the engine — it was still faintly noticeable.
It reduced it, yes, but it didn't eliminate it completely, which is, again, par for the course for ANC. Overall, the AirPods 4 did a great job at dampening the sound of the plane as it ripped through the air at more than 500 miles per hour.
ANC is a rarity in open-ear designsPeople may underestimate how unusual it is to get ANC support in an open-ear design like the AirPods 4. As I mentioned in my hands-on, unlike the AirPods Pro 2, the AirPods 4 do not feature silicon tips. As such, it doesn't have a tight seal stuffed in your ears to support ANC technology in blocking external sounds.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableHowever, Apple boasted that it was able to accomplish this engineering challenge by using upgraded microphones (the same ones found on the AirPods Pro 2), the H2 processor, and cutting-edge computational audio.
AirPods 4 sound qualityYou know what's funny? I tested the AirPods 4 on both the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. On the former, songs like "Me Espresso" by Sabrina Carpenter and "BIRDS OF A FEATHER" by Billie Eilish sounded great, but there's a clear absence of multi-dimensional audio.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableOn the iPhone 15 Pro Max, these songs sounded phenomenal. It's likely due to the AirPods 4's incredible Personalized Spatial Audio feature, which also comes with dynamic head tracking. It gave the music expansive, enveloping vibes that felt as if the music was twirling all around me.
Listening to "Me Espresso," the deep bass was steady and comforting while the higher notes felt light — almost as if I was floating. This song, with ANC in the mix, felt like I was sinking into a plush bean-bag chair where the world disappeared around me and I could immerse myself into a colorful, well-balanced soundscape.
Eilish's voice sounded haunting and ethereal on the AirPods 4. The earbuds perfectly captured the slow, pulsing, heartbeat-like rhythm.
AirPods 4 battery lifeApple says that the AirPods 4 are rated for up to five hours of battery life on a single charge (four hours with ANC), but what was battery life like during my own experience?
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableTo test it, on a Friday, I popped my AirPods 4 in at 1:30 p.m. when it was juiced up to 100%. I listened to music, with ANC on, throughout the whole experience, barely giving my AirPods 4 a break. At times, I spoke to my mom, dad, and fiancé. By around 6:42 p.m., it died.
That being said, Apple was nearly spot on with its four-to-five hour rating. The AirPods 4 lasted 5 hours and 12 minutes.
Of course, with the charging case, you'll be able to squeeze out more time. (Apple says up to 30 hours.)
AirPods 4 call qualityI called two people to test the AirPods 4's call quality.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable(After several people told me that I sound like I'm in a "hole" while using my Sony XM4's, I couldn't wait to test the AirPods 4 to see if it delivered a better experience.)
As it turned out, whether I spoke with my mom or partner, both reported that I sounded crisp and clear on the AirPods 4, thanks, in part, to the AirPods 4 Voice Isolation feature.
This perk is designed to enhance your voice and remove unwanted background voice — and it worked well as I walked through the busy streets of Manhattan.
AirPods 4 charging caseI am totally digging the AirPods 4 charging case. Apple condensed the size and made it significantly smaller and more compact. My AirPods Pro were already pretty portable, but the AirPods 4 takes up even less space, which is always welcome while traveling.
AirPods 4 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableI would often stick the case inside the seatback pocket in front of me on the plane, but it's so tiny, it would often disappear into the abyss.
By the way, at one point, I did manage to misplace my AirPods. But luckily for me, I was able to use FindMy. The earbuds emitted some beeps, allowing me to find them with ease.
As mentioned, the AirPods 4's charging case supports Qi charging. You can use your Apple Watch's charging cable to charge it, too.
Keep in mind, though, that to pair your AirPods 4 with your device, you'll need to double tap the indicator light until it turns white. In other words, there's no more back button. There's a hidden functionality within the LED indicator that lets you initiate paring mode. To launch a reset, you'll need to double tap three times.
Plus, for what it's worth, the AirPods 4 charging case is now dust, sweat, and water resistant with an IP54 rating. So it can tolerate some splashes of water and dust, but you may want to keep it away from the pool and sand.
AirPods 4 Siri interactionsAvailable on iOS 18 for iPhone, as well as iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and watchOS 11 (if you're pairing the AirPods 4 with a supported iPad, MacBook, or Apple Watch, respectively), the new earbuds have a new perk called Siri Interactions.
AirPods 4 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableHow does it work? Siri will ask you questions that will require your confirmation, and you can "reply" without even uttering a sound by shaking your head yes or no.
You can use Siri Interactions to accept and reject calls, and dismiss or answer messages/notifications.
Are AirPods 4 worth it?Absolutely. I love them so much, they have replaced my AirPods Pro as my new daily driver earbuds. Again, fit was one of my concerns with my AirPods Pro, but now, I don't have that issue with the new one-size-fits-most design on the AirPods 4.
The active noise cancellation is elite, allowing me to immerse myself into the honeyed soundwaves that emanate from the AirPods 4. The AirPods 4 are, without a doubt, the best in-ear earbuds I've ever tested in a long while. They're definitely getting a place in our best headphones for noise cancellation list.
Apple has a handle on ANC, but if it can drop a lil' somethin' somethin' for smell cancellation, my traveling survival kit will be complete.
Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable AirPods 4 $179.99If 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 hintHorse noise.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for September 16 Hurdle Word 1 answerNEIGH
Hurdle Word 2 hintNot to be confused for an alpaca.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for September 16 Hurdle Word 2 AnswerLLAMA
Hurdle Word 3 hintBinding.
SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for September 16 Hurdle Word 3 answerTYING
Hurdle Word 4 hintNot a smile, not a sneer.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 16 Hurdle Word 4 answerSMIRK
Final Hurdle hintThe USA has this many states.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answerFIFTY
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Apple's iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have the same starting price as last year's models, but replacing the battery on this phone is costlier than before.
According to Apple's iPhone Repair and Service page (first noticed by MacRumors), getting the battery replaced on the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max costs $119. The same type of repair costs $99 for the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, just as it was on last year's iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models.
Ouch. That's a 20 percent increase. Credit: Apple SEE ALSO: Don't get iPhone 16 Pro Max — here's why iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are better buysThis, of course, is for out-of-warranty battery replacement; if your phone is covered by warranty and its battery fails, Apple will replace it for free. The exact terms are as follows, per Apple's own page: "Your product is eligible for a battery replacement at no additional cost if you have AppleCare+ and your product's battery holds less than 80 percent of its original capacity."
We still haven't seen a teardown of the iPhone 16 Pro models, so we don't know what its internals look like. Apple did say that it reorganized the phone's insides and added larger batteries to its Pro models, which may be why the battery replacement has gotten pricier.
TL;DR: Get a refurbished 13.3-inch 2018 Apple MacBook Pro (i5 2.3GHz, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) on sale for $399.99 (reg. $999).
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 2018 Apple MacBook Pro (i5 2.3GHz, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $399.99Why overpay when you can enjoy premium features at a fraction of the price?
This refurbished, 13.3-inch 2018 Apple MacBook Pro (i5 2.3GHz, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) offers all the high-end specs you want — like the sleek Touch Bar, 512GB of storage, and a Retina display — for just $399.99. That's 59% off the regular price of $999.
The Touch Bar gives you shortcuts and tools right above your keyboard for faster navigation and productivity. It’s perfect for professionals and students who want to streamline their workflow.
Plus, the Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM give you the smooth performance you need, no matter what apps you’re running. With 512GB of SSD storage, you’ve got plenty of space for files, photos, and projects, and it keeps everything running fast and efficiently.
And because it’s refurbished, you get all these top-tier features at a fraction of the price. Each unit is tested, so you’re getting the same quality as a brand-new device without the new price tag, especially this particular computer, which received an "A" refurbished rating, which means you probably won't even be able to tell it's used.
Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just looking for a reliable laptop that doesn’t break the bank, this refurbished 2018 13.3-inch MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar delivers serious value — on sale for $399.99.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Get lifetime access to Afirstsoft PDF Editor for $49.99 — AI extraction, interactive tools, and 20GB of secure storage included.
If you’re tired of spending hours digging through lengthy PDFs just to find a small piece of information, Afirstsoft is here to make your life easier. Its AI-powered extraction feature allows you to pull out the key information from any PDF document in seconds, no manual scanning needed.
It’s a great option for anyone who deals with contracts, research papers, reports, or any other data-heavy PDFs. Instead of wasting time scrolling endlessly, Afirstsoft does the hard work for you — and it's on sale for $49.99 (reg. $179).
One of the major highlights of Afirstsoft is the interactive PDF "chat". This revolutionary tool lets you ask your document questions and instantly receive answers. Imagine working on a detailed report or a dense research paper — instead of going through hundreds of pages to find specific data, you can simply ask the document. The AI will quickly locate the information and present it to you, transforming the way you interact with your PDFs.
With 20GB of secure, cloud-based storage, you can store all your critical PDFs in one place, accessible whenever you need them. This is ideal for keeping your work organized, especially when dealing with important documents that you need to reference frequently.
Afirstsoft offers lifetime access to these premium features for a one-time payment. No need to worry about ongoing subscription fees or renewal dates.
For anyone who regularly works with PDFs and values efficiency, AI integration, and secure storage, take advantage of this great deal on a lifetime subscription to Afirstsoft AI PDF Editor for $49.99.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Afirstsoft Afirstsoft AI PDF Editor: Lifetime Subscription $49.99TL;DR: Get 4K night-vision binoculars for sharp views and the ability to capture footage, day or night, on sale for just $99.99 (reg. $169).
Opens in a new window Credit: Mesay 4K Night Vision Digital Binoculars with 8x Digital Zoom $99.99Whether you’re out for a night hike, observing wildlife, or just enjoying a stargazing session, 4K Night Vision Digital Binoculars are the perfect tool for seeing what the dark usually hides.
Forget grainy, hard-to-make-out images — this gear gives you crisp 4K visuals no matter the lighting conditions. Get 4K night vision binoculars on sale for just $99.99. That's 41% off the regular price of $169.99.
And with the added bonus of 8x digital zoom, you can bring distant scenes right up close, making them ideal for nature lovers, explorers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Its powerful night vision mode allows you to see clearly in total darkness. Imagine being able to spot wildlife on your next camping trip or take in the nighttime landscape. You can even record what you see, due to built-in photo and video capabilities. Capture the magic of the night in stunning detail and save your footage directly to a microSD card — no extra equipment required.
Designed to be tough, these binoculars can handle the rugged outdoors, so you don’t have to worry about bumps or the occasional drop. The ergonomic design means they’re easy to carry and hold, whether you’re birdwatching in broad daylight or catching a glimpse of the stars after sunset.
If you’ve ever felt limited by what you could see after dark, these 4K Night Vision Digital Binoculars with 8x Digital Zoom unlock a whole new world of possibilities for $99.99 (reg. $169).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
We've been banging on about VPNs for years, and now the world has opened its eyes to how great these services are for boosting online security and bypassing geo-restrictions.
It's about time.
What is a VPN?Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) provide important protection for your data and identity when you're online by creating a private network that hides your real IP address. This means that all of your activity is untraceable and secure. You can think about VPNs as encrypted tunnels through which all of your online traffic passes through. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware.
Do you need a VPN when working from home?More and more businesses are making the transition from a traditional office setting to a remote workforce. A VPN is absolutely essential for working remotely because it provides an organisaton with an encrypted connection for securely accessing internal company networks.
VPNs can also be used to watch shows on Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more of the most popular streaming sites. The need for online entertainment has grown recently, and more people are now turning towards VPNs to unlock blocked or restricted content.
The message is: VPNs are vital for both work and play at home.
What should you consider before investing in a VPN?The first thing you're likely to notice when you begin the hunt for a VPN is just how many services there are to consider. Yes, it's good to have options, but it's easy to get bogged down by all the choice. That's why it's important to focus on some key factors when making your decision:
Customer support — if you encounter any problems, it's good to know that you can rely on support agents with the technical knowledge to help.
Fast connection speeds — the best VPNs offer servers in countries all around the world, ensuring that you get a fast and reliable connection for when you need it most.
Kill switch — this technology makes sure your sensitive data is not exposed, even if your connection drops unexpectedly.
Multi-logins — some accounts let you connect multiple devices simultaneously, which is great for protecting an entire household under the same subscription.
Reliable encryption — the most important thing to consider is how well a service protects your connection, so your data and identity remain hidden from prying eyes.
If you take all of these features into consideration, and find something that ticks most of the boxes, you should be in a good position. Don't panic if things still aren't clear though, because we have already considered these points in detail. We're nice like that.
What is the best VPN for working from home?We have lined up some of your best options for working and playing at home, with top providers like ExpressVPN and NordVPN making the cut. There is something for everyone and every budget in this list. All you have to do is pick your favourite.
These are the best VPNs for working from home in 2024.
We know why you're here, and that's to access more content from around the world with the help of a VPN. You can use these popular services to binge-watch all of the movies and shows you want, even if they're not usually available in your location. Once you've connected to a VPN, you'll be able to override streaming geo-restrictions and unblock everything on offer.
You've already got a lot of options when it comes to streaming, with the likes of Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ pumping out masses of great entertainment at the moment, but sometimes these sites can be cruel. We've all been in the same situation: you sign up to a service to watch a particular show, only to realise that it's not available in your location.
This is when a VPN can help.
What is a VPN?Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are valuable tools for improving your online security. They help you to stay safe and anonymous online by shielding your personal data from the prying eyes of authorities and hackers.
These clever services work by hiding your IP address and rerouting your internet traffic through an encrypted VPN tunnel. This secures your bank transactions, protects your digital identity, and lets you work safely on public WiFi networks. This process also means that you can trick leading streaming sites into thinking you are based in another country, meaning you can watch all the extra content that is normally locked to that location.
What should you consider when subscribing to a VPN?There are plenty of things that you should consider when it comes to streaming with a VPN, and we have highlighted a selection of the most important things to think about before subscribing:
Bandwidth — There are some VPNs out there that place monthly caps on network bandwidth, meaning you can only download a certain amount of data. You should avoid these services, unless you're on a free trial. If you're paying for a VPN, you should be able to download and upload as much as you want.
Connection speed — A VPN is going to produce a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldn't accept anything that results in painful buffering. If you're going to be streaming with a VPN, you obviously don't want anything that will impact your connection speed to the point that you can't watch a film or show without frustration.
Encryption — There are different levels of encryption, and whilst it's important to take note of the grade provided by your VPN, the best options will all offer powerful protection for your data. You are likely to come across terms like "military-grade" and "enterprise-grade," which just means that you can rely on it to do its job.
Number of connections — The best VPNs let you connect an unlimited number of devices with the same account. At the very least, you should opt for a service that offers multiple simultaneous connections. This means you can stream securely on all your devices.
Privacy policy — It's worth paying special attention to the data-handling, storage, and usage practices of the VPN you are planning on using. These practices should be laid out in a privacy policy, and if they aren't clear, it's best to avoid. Most VPNs require access to your IP address, online transactions, and browsing history, plus your personal details when you sign up. If privacy is the objective, it's absolutely essential that your VPN is not going to store these details. If it does, the whole thing is kind of pointless.
Server network — The best VPNs provide access to thousands of geographically diverse servers, which means you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for streaming. If you want to unlock content from a particular location, you should make sure a VPN has servers in that country.
There are absolutely loads of things to consider when subscribing to a VPN, and we wouldn't expect you to remember everything. The most important things to keep in mind when searching for a streaming-friendly VPN are connection speed and server network. The rest is a bonus.
Should you use free VPNs?The good news is that there are plenty of free versions of popular VPNs, plus free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. Alternatively, you can pay for a VPN. So which option is best for you and your lifestyle?
As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs. There tends to always be a catch with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. If you're just an occasional user, these plans will work fine. But if you're going to be streaming or downloading, this isn't going to work. Free trials are a little bit different: they come with everything you get in a paid plan, but obviously they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.
What we're saying is that the best option for streaming securely and accessing the online world without restrictions is with a paid subscription to a VPN. To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you need to pay up. The best VPNs are generally the most expensive, but there are plenty of cheap plans out there, especially if you're willing to commit to a lengthy contract.
What is the best VPN for streaming?A VPN is the safest, fastest, and most reliable way to gain access to your favourite shows, movies, sporting events, and videos. This does not mean that every VPN is great for streaming however, and some services are better suited to the job than others.
Finding a VPN for streaming is not a simple task, and that's why we've helped you out by lining up a selection of your best options. We know that everyone has a different set of priorities when it comes to connection speed, security, and customer support, and that's why this line-up offers a bit of everything.
We checked out everything on offer, and ExpressVPN, NordVPN, CyberGhost VPN, Surfshark, and more have made the cut. It's really down to you to decide on your favourite option, and we recommend taking your time and carefully considering everything on offer.
These are the best streaming VPNs in 2024.
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