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If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

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

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme:

These words will crack you up.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The answers are types of crackers

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Crackers.

NYT Strands word list for August 24

• Animal

• Saltine

• Goldfish

• Crackers

• Soda

• Water

• Rice

• Oyster

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and 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 Strands.

Overall, TV viewership of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago was up 14 percent from the Republicans’ event last month.

The new Google Pixel 9 is teeming with AI — and I don’t feel any differently about it now than I did a year ago.

That is to say, when I looked at the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro phones last year, I came away thinking Google was focusing on the wrong things. After years of every new Pixel generation introducing genuinely useful features like live transcription in the Recorder app and tons of camera trickery, the Pixel 8 generation brought us a bunch of novel (but ultimately useless at best and vile at worst) AI features.

That approach has only changed a little in 2024 with the Pixel 9. Google’s entry-level flagship is $100 more expensive than the Pixel 8 at $799 — and for that price you get more RAM, better cameras, and most notably, a bundle of even more new AI features that left me wondering why anyone would use them at all.

This is still a very solid Android phone, but Google’s foray into AI are starting to feel like the kinds of manufacturer-specific bloatware you used to buy Pixel phones to avoid.

Google Pixel 9 price and specs

I’ve already established that the Pixel 9 got a $100 price bump from last year up to $799.

You can't even tell it has more RAM than before. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

But here’s specifically what that gets you:

• Google Tensor G4 chip

• 12GB RAM

• 128GB storage

• 6.3-inch display

The only hardware variant for Pixel 9 is a 256GB model that adds an extra $100 onto the price tag. Aside from the new Tensor chip (which has become a standard expectation for each new Pixel phone at this point), the biggest upgrade over the Pixel 8 here is 12GB of RAM, up from 8GB last year. 

That should theoretically allow the phone to handle more tasks at once, but really, it’s there for AI features. We’ll get to those in a bit.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 9 $799.00 at Google
Get Deal Google Pixel 9 design

The most important thing to know about the Pixel 9, design-wise, is that it comes in a pink, or "Peony," this year. Excellent work by Google. Our review unit wasn’t pink, and I’m very jealous of those who manage to get their hands on the Peony model. The other available colors are the much less striking Porcelain, Wintergreen, and Obsidian choices.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

As for design changes, Google went with flat, aluminum sides going around the phone, as opposed to the curved surfaces on the Pixel 8. I don’t love this. It makes the Pixel 9 less ergonomic in the hands, and I constantly feel like I have less grip on it than I would a phone with curved sides. 

Whether it’s actually in danger of falling out of my hands and onto the cement or not, you never want a phone that feels that way.

The only other major design change worth noting is that the old side-to-side camera bar on the back has been replaced by a horizontal, oval-shaped camera bump that looks more like something you’d see on other phones. It’s less distinctly Pixel than before, but I wouldn’t say it looks bad. Just different.

Google Pixel 9 display

While I have misgivings about other aspects of the Pixel 9, the improved display is not one of them.

It's a really bright display. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

Google bumped the max brightness up from 2,000 nits on Pixel 8 to 2,700 nits on Pixel 9, making this a great phone for use outside on a sunny day. While walking around my neighborhood, I never had trouble seeing the screen, which has become a problem for my slightly older iPhone. 

The adaptive 60-120Hz refresh rate that graced last year’s entry-level Pixel is back and unchanged, which is for the best. As recently as the iPhone 15, Apple’s equivalent handsets (as in the non-Pro models) are still locked at 60Hz. Google (as well as most other competitors at this point) continues to lap Apple in this regard.

Oh, and you get an extra tenth of an inch compared to the Pixel 8. The Pixel 9’s display is 6.3-inches, while the Pixel 8’s was 6.2-inches.

Google Pixel 9 AI features

So far, I’ve established that this is a phone with good specs and a nice display. I don’t love the way it feels in my hands, but hey, you can always buy a case. Now, it’s time to get into what I dislike about Pixel 9: its excessive reliance on AI features.

Just like how the Pixel 8 introduced the Magic Editor feature for quick-and-dirty photo edits, the Pixel 9 brings with it around half a dozen new toys to play with, of varying levels of usefulness. By that, I mean they vary from “inoffensive” to “I don’t know why this exists.” 

For instance, you can use the Reimagine feature in Magic Editor to take a photo of a street and use AI to turn the street into a river. Or you can use Add Me to create group photos that never really happened because one person had to hold the camera.

It works, but at what cost? Credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

There’s also a new native Pixel Weather app that is mostly the same as the Apple one, but it gives you a quick AI summary of the day’s weather when you boot it up.

For example, today’s summary in Brooklyn reads “Pleasant afternoon with comfortable temperatures and clean air.” That’s all true, and it’s also information I could glean for myself by just scrolling down and looking at the rest of the weather app for 15 seconds. 

That’s my primary problem with all of this. Google is going so hard on these features, championing them as the big selling points of the Pixel 9 family, and none of them are really transformative nor innovative in ways that matter. I don’t need an AI to summarize the weather for me when every weather app already has a visually appealing way to do that. 

All of the photo editing features like Add Me and the expanded suite of Magic Editor features rub me the wrong way, too. Google has gone particularly hard on trying to sell these features as ways to create magical family memories, either through Add Me’s ability to create perfect group photos or Magic Editor’s ability to make mundane shots look spectacular. However, to me, this is the opposite of what memories should be about.

I am not a parent, but if I were, I would not want my child to grow up and find out every picture I took of them was actually fake and enhanced by AI trickery. That photo of you sitting in a flowery field with a hot air balloon in the sky in the background? That’s fake, sorry, kid. I cared more about making my social feeds look good than giving you an accurate glimpse of your childhood.

And that says nothing of Pixel Studio, a new text-to-image generative AI tool that, well, turns your text prompts into images. This is standard Midjourney-level stuff and it works very quickly and efficiently on the Pixel 9, but to what end? So I can send my friends an obviously AI-generated photo of a lizard in a cowboy hat? That sounds like a great way to get banned from the group chat.

Pixel Studio as seen on a Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

That’s not to say it’s all useless. Pixel Screenshots is perhaps the lone example of Google leveraging AI in a way that could be life-saving. The idea is that it catalogs every screenshot you take and memorizes the on-screen text or other pertinent details for you. If you need to recall something you took a screenshot of six months ago, you don’t need to scroll back through your library anymore. Simply open the Screenshots app, search for what you need, and it should be there.

Pixel Screenshots actually makes a lot of sense. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon/Mashable

There are also ways to generate to-do lists and summarize phone calls, which I could see coming in handy at some point. 

But broadly speaking, something like 75 percent of these AI features (at least) feel tacked-on, like Google only put them there because the company spent too much on AI development and desperately needs some return on investment. I strongly feel that nobody actually needs things like Add Me, Pixel Studio, or Magic Editor. Just take a real photo of your kids and learn to love imperfections.

Google Pixel 9 performance

All of those superfluous AI features are enabled by the new Tensor G4 chip and the 12GM of base RAM that come with every Pixel 9. Given all of that, and the fact that Pixel phones are generally very performant, one might expect the Pixel 9 to excel here. It doesn’t, really.

I don't like the flat sides. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

That’s not to say there’s anything overwhelmingly wrong with the way the Pixel 9 works on a day-to-day basis. Apps load quickly, the phone never seized up or slowed down in my time with it, and it didn’t get warm on me after too much regular use. However, that’s all been true of the last few Pixels, so it’s not really impressive anymore.

Compounding that is the relatively low Geekbench multi-core score of 4,358. That’s lower than the Samsung Galaxy S23, which isn’t even the newest Samsung flagship. There’s already an S24! Again, I didn’t run into any obvious problems with the Pixel 9’s daily performance, but by the numbers, it isn’t as powerful as even some older competitors. 

Google Pixel 9 battery life

One area where the Pixel 9 is straight-up unimpeachable is the battery life.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

I’ll keep this brief: It rocks. I ran a TikTok video on loop on the Pixel 9 screen with the brightness at 50 percent and, after 19 hours and 20 minutes, it ran out. It actually did better than the Pixel 9 Pro XL at the same test, as the bigger premium Pixel phone got 18 hours and 51 minutes of battery. It also lasts longer than the Pixel 8, which gave me a little more than 15 hours from the same test.

When you're not running videos continuously, it lasts even longer. I was able to go about 24 hours between charges when using the phone normally. Google didn't drop the ball here.

Google Pixel 9 camera

Specs-wise, Google only made one major change with the Pixel 9 cameras: The ultra-wide lens on the rear has been upgraded from 12MP on Pixel 8 to 48MP on Pixel 9. The 50MP main lens and 10.5MP selfie cam are unchanged from a year ago.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Unsurprisingly, I was able to get nice-looking shots out of the Pixel 9 camera even though I'm not a photographer by trade. Google has always packed excellent cameras into these phones, using a combination of hardware and software processing, and the Pixel 9 is no different.

For instance, while you don't get the eye-popping 30x zoom found on the Pixel 9 Pro models, the 8x zoom can produce very clear results from a distance.

I was standing maybe 50 yards away here. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Excuse the fact that I don't really like taking selfies, and thus am not very good at them, but the selfie lens and portrait mode work as well as ever.

It's a good portrait mode. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Aside from just a megapixel upgrade, Google claims that the ultra-wide lens has greatly improved light sensitivity. My backyard has always made for a great low-light testing ground at night, and though the shot I got came out a little blurry, it is indeed much easier to see than it was in real life.

This is pitch black at night. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

For fun, I also tried out portrait mode at night, and it works very well.

Again, impossible to see with your eyes. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable Is the Google Pixel 9 worth it?

If you're a Pixel devotee, and your M.O. is to keep using your next Pixel the way you've always used your older ones, the Pixel 9 will serve you just right. It's got fantastic battery life and quality cameras to go along with adequate everyday performance. It's also much easier to see in the daytime while outside, which is a plus.

But Google has simply gone too far with its AI features this year. I'm just not impressed that the weather app can sum up a temperature chart in one sentence because my brain can also do that instantly by looking at the chart. I don't want photos of my friends and loved ones to exist in this weird plane where they're all artificially edited. If I wasn't able to stand in for a group photo because I was holding the camera, then so be it. Life is full of imperfections and we don't benefit from pretending otherwise.

I'll concede that the Pixel Screenshots app is genuinely useful, but beyond that, I would really rather see Google focus on real innovation or, in the absence of that, a phone that is more comfortable to hold than this one.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 9 $799.00 at Google
Get Deal

Channing Tatum, Zoë Kravitz, Naomi Ackie, Christian Slater, Alia Shawkat and Simon Rex break down the film and whether or not it would be a good date movie.

In case you missed it, in a support document on Tuesday, Microsoft announced that it's in the process of phasing out the Control Panel, a 39-year-old Windows feature, in favor of the Settings app.

This may not be a surprise for many Windows users. Since October 2020, Microsoft has been redirecting users away from the Control Panel, goading them to use the Settings app instead. "The Settings app [...] offers a more modern and streamlined experience," Microsoft said in the support document.

Say goodbye to the Control Panel

The Control Panel has been a part of Windows since 1985, but as mentioned, Microsoft will officially part ways with the nostalgic feature. Control Panel allowed users to add devices and printers, adjust the date and time, personalize their desktop, remove unwanted programs, and more.

However, the Settings app, which launched alongside Windows 8 in 2012, has become the new destination for many of these tasks and has gradually taken over its functions.

Microsoft hasn't announced when, exactly, the Control Panel will officially face its demise. However, many will appreciate the heads up.

With Control Panel being around for nearly 40 years (since Windows 1.0), its departure marks the end of an era — one that will be remembered by longtime PC users as a key part of the Windows experience.

The iPhone 16 is so close, you can almost taste it. According to a new report from Bloomberg, Apple insiders have revealed the iPhone 16 release date which, by extension, also gives us insight into when the next-gen Apple Watch models will drop, too.

Mark Gurman, an Apple analyst and reliable leaker, claims that Apple is planning to have its product launch event on Sept. 10.

The Cupertino-based tech giant will not only reveal the latest iPhones and smartwatches but also introduce a new pair of AirPods, according to Gurman.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 16 cameras: New leak reveals big changes that should yield better photos iPhone 16 release date reportedly revealed

Apple's big product launch event is typically the second Tuesday of September, and according to Bloomberg, this year is no different. Here are the products we're expecting to hear about on Sept. 10:

• iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max

• Apple Watch Series 10

• Apple Watch SE

• Apple Watch Ultra 3

Based on this date, we're expecting the hardware to hit store shelves on Sept. 20.

As mentioned at the outset, in addition to the iPhones and smartwatches, Apple is reportedly planning on unveiling the new AirPods 4, which is expected to come in two models for the first time ever. The entry-level variant will likely be quite similar to the current-gen AirPods. However, the higher end model will reportedly feature Active Noise Cancellation.

For more information about all the rumors and leaks for Apple's incoming products, check out our rumor hub for the iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 10.

MMA fighter turned pro wrestler Ronda Rousey finally apologized for making Sandy Hook truther comments after 11 years. To her credit, it was a thorough, well-crafted apology that didn't hedge or dodge her accountability. Less to her credit, the apology came only after she was pressed and roasted in a recent Reddit AMA.

Rousey questioned the reality of Sandy Hook — the massacre that left 20 children and six school staff members dead — back in January 2013 when she shared a YouTube conspiracy theory video, calling it "extremely interesting and must-watch." She caught a lot of flak at the time but never apologized, instead following up that "doing research is more patriotic than blindly accepting what you're told."

More than a decade later, she's issued an actual apology.

"I apologize that this came 11 years too late, but to those affected by the Sandy Hook massacre, from the bottom of my heart and depth of my soul, I am so so sorry for the hurt I caused," she wrote in a lengthy note posted to X. "I can't even begin to imagine the pain you've endured and words cannot describe how thoroughly remorseful and ashamed I am of myself for contributing it."

Rousey claimed she has drafted apologies over the years and even considered including one in her latest memoir. But she wrote that she held off issuing the apology, instead wondering if it would do more harm than good by leading people to conspiracies.

"But honestly, I deserve to be hated, labeled, detested, resented, and worse for it. I deserve to lose out on every opportunity, I should have been canceled, I would have deserved it. I still do," Rousey wrote.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

However, this emotional apology came after Rousey faced pushback, even though she wrote in the note that her comments mostly skirted media attention. She did a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) on Tuesday, which went horribly. Users flooded her with questions about Sandy Hook. It would be...quite the coincidence...that Rousey was finally moved to share her apology, and it wasn't related to Reddit holding her feet to the fire. The site Awful Announcing wrote that she ignored the Sandy Hook questions during the AMA while answering others.

The apology from Rousey was appropriate for the extremely hurtful choice to contribute to such harmful conspiracies spreading online. But it didn't come out of the blue or a sudden desire to do what was right. It came after bad headlines and lots of questions from Redditors.

In her apology, Rousey warned that others should not follow the path she took 11 years ago.

"It doesn't make you edgy, or an independent thinker, you're not doing your due diligence entertaining every possibility by digesting these conspiracies," she wrote. "They will only make you feel powerless, afraid, miserable and isolated. You're doing nothing but hurting others and yourself."

Pump the jams with this week's best deals on Sonos speakers:

Our top picks: Best Sonos speaker deal Sonos Move 2 $359 at Amazon (Save $90) Get Deal Best waterproof Sonos speaker deal Sonos Roam 2 $143 at Amazon (Save $36) Get Deal Best portable Sonos speaker deal Sonos Era 100 $199 at Amazon (Save $50) Get Deal Best compact sub Sonos speaker deal Sonos Sub Mini $343 at Amazon (Save $86) Get Deal

When it comes to smart speakers, Sonos is a brand that delivers. From the perfectly portable Move 2 to the booming Era 300, the company produces absolutely fantastic speakers that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. And this week, you can save big on some of the brand's bestsellers.

As of August 23, you can snatch up some of Sonos's best speakers for 20% off at Amazon. Whether you're looking for a waterproof and rugged portable speaker or even a compact subwoofer, you'll find you can save on each as part of this sale.

Not sure where to start? Check out our picks below and shop some of our favorites. It's past time you gave yourself permission to level up your audio, after all.

Best Sonos speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Sonos Move 2 $359.00 at Amazon
$449.00 Save $90.00 Get Deal Why we like it

This excellent home speaker offers "great sound, battery life, and smart features," according to Mashable's Stan Schroeder, and does so in spades. In addition to delivering absolutely fantastic stereo and 24 hours of battery life, the Sonos Move 2 also fits in well with the Sonos ecosystem, so if you already have Sonos products, it can slot right in seamlessly. It's dust- and water-resistant, and it's compatible with Alexa, so you can issue commands via voice if you'd like. This is your best bet when it comes to a Sonos-branded speaker, especially since you can get it at a great discount right now.

Best waterproof Sonos speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Sonos Roam 2 $143.00 at Amazon
$179.00 Save $36.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Not only is the Sonos Roam 2 perfectly portable, it's waterproof as well. This ultra-compact speaker is the perfect companion for sunny days at the beach thanks to its IP67 waterproof rating, so you can take it with you and enjoy the weather while kicking out the jams. It offers crisp treble and booming bass, as well as a rechargeable battery that gives you up to 10 hours of listening time. And if you happen to drop it in a puddle or even the pool, it's still going to be fine. Plus, its form factor is sleek and modern.

Best portable Sonos speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Sonos Era 100 $199.00 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Sonos Era 100 is a replacement for the Sonos One speaker as of 2023, and it's a great portable option that has upgrades in all the ways that really matter. It's added a new volume control button in addition to a physical button to disable Alexa if that's not something you're interested in using. Aside from that, it's lightweight and easy to transport, with effortless stereo sound, high volume, and two colorways to choose from.

Best compact sub Sonos speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Sonos Sub Mini $343.00 at Amazon
$429.00 Save $86.00 Get Deal Why we like it

This miniature sub is the perfect pairing for other Sonos speakers, adding rich bass that can be tuned and customized to fit your room's acoustics. It can add richer, more full sound to the speakers you already have in place for a more satisfying experience. Controlled via the Sonos app, it's easy to plug and play while mixing and matching this sub with all your other portable speakers. It can be an essential addition to a home theater setup as well.

Labor Day is still ten days away, but we're already seeing some of the biggest sales of the year from major retailers like Home Depot. If you'll be spending your long weekend barbequing with the family, camping out under the stars, or hitting the beach, it's a good idea to shop the deals ahead of time.

The best Home Depot Labor Day sale deals so far: Best grill deal Weber Spirit E-315 3-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill $569 at Home Depot (save $50) Get Deal Best firepit deal Heat Maxx Fire Pit Table $309 at Home Depot (save $68.78) Get Deal Best outdoor decor deal Hampton Bay Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug $83.76 at Home Depot (save $35.89) Get Deal Best power tools deal 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill and ATOMIC Impact Driver 2 Tool Cordless Combo Kit $279 at Home Depot (save $50) Get Deal Best home appliance deal Maytag Vented Electric Dryer $568 at Home Depot (save $231) Get Deal

As expected, outdoor appliances and decor are a major highlight of Home Depot's Labor Day sale - plus essential home appliances. If you're making home improvements or have been saving up for a major appliance, this sale is one of the best times to buy. The sale is running both in-store and online and is active from today, Aug. 23 until Sept. 4.

Check out some of the best deals we've seen so far.

Best grill deal Opens in a new window Credit: Weber Our pick: Weber Spirit E-315 3-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill $569.00 at Home Depot
$619.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

There's no better time to shop deals on grills than ahead of Labor Day weekend. This Home Depot exclusive Weber Spirit E-315 3-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill can be delivered or picked up in-store ahead of the long weekend, so you have what you need for a feast-worthy cookout. With a surface area of 529 square inches, it comfortably fits enough food to feed a crowd. While the Labor Day sale brings the cost down by $50, you can save an additional $50 if you open up a Home Depot credit card.

Best firepit deal Opens in a new window Credit: Heat Maxx Our pick: Heat Maxx Fire Pit Table $309.00 at Home Depot
$377.78 Save $68.78 Get Deal Why we like it

No outdoor gathering space is complete without a firepit. However, stocking and maintaining a real wood-burning pit can be more of a chore than we're ready to bargain for. That's why this Heat Maxx gas fire pit table is so convenient. It gives you the warm glow and comfort of a fire without all of the hassle. Plus, it's safe to set up on your porch or patio. With a sturdy steel base and a zinc fire bowl, it's designed with longevity in mind.

Best outdoor decor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hampton Bay Our pick: Hampton Bay Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug $83.78 at Home Depot
$119.65 Save $35.87 Get Deal Why we like it

Maybe this year's Labor Day sale isn't about big splurges for you. Instead, your mission is to score those everyday essentials and decor basics, like this Hampton Bay Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug. Measuring 7 by 9 feet, it's a comfortable size for intimate gathering spaces, such as your patio or a cozy living room nook. We love how it comes in a variety of colors and patterns, making it a versatile pick for all design vibes. Plus, it's easy to clean: you can simply take it outside and spray it with a garden hose for a quick wash.

Best power tools deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dewalt Our pick: 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill and ATOMIC Impact Driver 2 Tool Cordless Combo Kit $279.00 at Home Depot
$329.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're prone to home improvement projects, you know how expensive power tools can get. If you're in the market for a new set, the Labor Day sale offers affordable deals on top-notch sets, including this kit from Dewalt. It includes a 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill and an ATOMIC Impact Driver, plus batteries, a charger, and a sturdy carrying bag for getting from job to job. The tools come with a three-year limited warranty and one year of free service.

Best home appliance deal Opens in a new window Credit: Maytag Our pick: Maytag Vented Electric Dryer $568.00 at Home Depot
$799.00 Save $231.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're heading into the Labor Day sales with a gameplan to scoop expensive home appliances for cheap, we see you. Appliances aren't the place to sacrifice quality for cost, so we love seeing the prices slash on reliable name-brand models, like this Maytag Vented Electric Dryer. Normally on sale for $799, this year's sale is bringing the price down to a more affordable $568.

More Home Depot Labor Day sale deals:

• 2-Door Mini Refrigerator in Platinum Steel with Freezer — $179 $229 (save $50)

• Starlink Standard Kit — $299 $499 (save $200)

• Magic Chef Chest Freezer — $189 $219 (save $30)

• GE Microwave — $198 $349 (save $151)

• GE Stainless Steel Dishwasher — $428 $729 (save $301)

• 20V MAX XR Cordless Brushless 1/4 Sheet Variable Speed Sander — $129 $159 (save $30)

• Hampton Bay 3-piece Steel Wicker Set — $481 $718.80 (save $233.80)

• Traeger Series 34 Pellet Grill — $499 $699.95 (save $200.95)

• Instant Canopy Pop Up Tent — $99 $118 (save $19)

• 16 lbs. Original BBQ Smoker Charcoal Grilling Briquettes (4-Pack) — $34.98 $39.96 (save $4.98)

Google Maps on iOS is getting a cleaner look.

According to 9to5Google, which spotted the update, the bottom bar now has three options instead of five. Previously, when you opened up Google Maps on an iPhone, the tabs were Explore, Go, Saved, Contribute, and Updates. Now the bottom bar shows Explore, You, and Contribute.

SEE ALSO: How to share your location on Google Maps

Essentially, Google consolidated some of the Saved and Updates tabs into the You tab. So now when you tap You, you'll see any trips you've bookmarked in addition to notifications and messages from Google. The outlet reports that this redesign appears in the 6.129.1 iOS update.

The old version of Google Maps has five tabs on the bottom bar. Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Google The new version of Google Maps consolidated the tabs into three. Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Google

Google rolled out its Maps redesign for Android users in late July. In addition to a sleeker look, Maps also has new features like a nifty tool that shows you where to park when you arrive at your destination and a larger icon for reporting incidents.

For iPhone users, the decluttered look is a nice update for the popular navigation app. But while, many Apple fans opted to use Google Maps over Apple Maps which has notoriously lagged in usability, Apple Maps has gotten much better. Waze, which is owned by Google, continues to be a good choice for users who want gamification features.

GET $20 OFF: As of Aug. 23, you can get an Echo Dot (5th gen) for $29.99 at Amazon, down from $49.99. That's $20 off the list price and just $7 more than its lowest price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Echo Dot (5th gen) $29.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

Amazon’s new edition to its Echo lineup, the Amazon Echo Spot (on sale for $54.99), is here, but I’m still a tried-and-true fan of the Echo Dot (5th gen) — especially when it's on sale.

Right now, you can get an Echo Dot (5th gen) for $29.99 at Amazon. It’s a $20 price reduction and just $7 more than its all-time low price of $22.99, which we usually only see during the holiday season or on Prime Day.

SEE ALSO: Amazon deal of the day: Our favorite starter soundbar, the Sonos Ray, is down to a new record-low price

The Echo Dot (5th gen) does everything you’d want a smart speaker to do — you can play music, set alarms, and create routines via the Alexa app. I also use mine to control my smart lights and set reminders. It doesn’t have a screen or fancy clock display, but it's tough to beat for the price and sound quality (plus Alexa’s capabilities).

Give a quick smart upgrade to your home with an Echo Dot (or three) for just $29.99.

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Aug. 23: OUR TOP PICK Sonos Ray soundbar $179 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal BEST CAMPING DEAL Coleman Roadtrip 285 portable propane grill $223.99 at Amazon (save $96) Get Deal BEST SMART HOME DEAL Amazon Echo Pop + free Sengled smart bulb $22.99 at Amazon (save $36.99) Get Deal BEST CHARGING DEAL Anker Nano power bank with foldable USB-C connector $19.99 at Amazon (save $10) Get Deal BEST SPEAKER DEAL Sonos Era 100 $199 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal

The best part about back-to-school season isn't just that the kids are out of the house. It's also that there are tons of epic deals on devices of all kinds. We did the hard part for you and found the deals on Amazon that are actually worth adding to your cart on Aug. 23. Head into the weekend with epic savings on brands like Sonos, Amazon Echo, Coleman, and Anker.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these deals catch your eye, be sure to take a peek at our picks from Aug. 21 and Aug. 22. Many of those savings are still live — including a Fire HD 8 Plus tablet at a record-low price and a 17-inch Asus laptop for under $700.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Ray soundbar $179.00 at Amazon
$279.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal

A budget-friendly, low-profile soundbar, the Sonos Ray "delivers on the bottom line requirement of any speaker: true, quality sound," according to Mashable reviewer Stan Schneider. While it may not have a ton of extra features (no Bluetooth connectivity, HDMI hookup, or smart home compatibility), the price tag makes up for it. Typically $279, it's on sale for just $179 at Amazon as of Aug. 23 — that's a new record-low for our favorite starter soundbar.

Read our full review of the Sonos Ray.

Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Coleman Roadtrip 285 portable propane grill $223.99 at Amazon
$319.99 Save $96.00 Get Deal

Ideal for road trips, camping trips, tailgates, and beyond, the Coleman Roadtrip 285 packs — you guessed it — 285 square inches of grilling space, three adjustable burners, and a built-in thermometer. And when you're done cooking, the portable propane grill conveniently collapses into a compact design that you can wheel back to the car. It's regularly $319.99, but as of Aug. 23, you can slash that price down to just $223.99. That's a savings of 30%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Pop + free Sengled smart bulb $22.99 at Amazon
$59.98 Save $36.99 Get Deal

The Echo Pop is the least expensive way to add Alexa to your home. It also adds a fun pop of color. It's essentially a pared down Echo Dot designed "for people who like to keep music playing, and who also use Alexa as a home assistant." Mashable's reviewer noted its not anything particularly groundbreaking, but it is a budget-friendly speaker that sounds great in any room in your home. And for just $22.99, you can pick up the speaker and a free Sengled smart bulb as of Aug. 23 — that's 61% in savings.

Read our full review of the Echo Pop.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Nano Power Bank with foldable USB-C connector $19.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal

Released at the end of 2023, the Anker Nano power bank packs a massive 5,000mAH capacity in a extremely compact design. Better yet, it features a flip-out USB-C port you can easily plug into the base of USB-C smartphones and tablets (iPhone 15, Samsung S22 and S23 series, iPad Pro, iPad Air, etc.). It offers a 22.5W output with dual USB-C power delivery fast charging. Plus, as a bonus, it can recharged itself at 18W from the same USB-C connector. Pick it up in a variety of fun colors for only $19.99, down from $29.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Era 100 $199.00 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Released last year, the Sonos Era 100 is a direct replacement for the now obsolete Sonos One. While it unfortunately does not offer spatial audio, it does produce stereo sound on its own (unlike its predecessor). It also has refreshed controls on top with a capacitive volume control and a new button to turn off the voice assistant, is slightly taller, and has two tweeters. It's regularly $249, but as of Aug. 23, it's back down to its record-low price of $199.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

Spice up your life with one of the best sex toy deals we found this week:

Best sex toy deals this week Fun Factory Couple Goals Fun Kit $130 at Fun Factory Get Deal Lovers LELO Smart Wand 2 $159.20 at Lovers (save $39.80) Get Deal FemmeFunn Intro to Funn bundle $209.97 at FemmeFunn (save $50) Get Deal ZALO Tails G-Spot Pulsewave Vibrator $84.15 at ZALO (save $14.85) Get Deal

It’s Anal August! But anal isn’t exactly everyone’s cup of tea, so we browsed the web for the best sex toy deals across the board — from vibrators with literal crystals embedded in them to gender-inclusive toys that work for all bodies.

Here are our top picks for the week of August 23:

Fun Factory Opens in a new window Credit: Fun Factory Our pick: Couple Goals Fun Kit $130.00 at Fun Factory
$145.00 Save $15.00 Get Deal

Fun Factory’s known for its high-end, ethically-made sex toys. They’re a German company with a commitment to getting you off responsibly. Right now, you can snag the Couple Goals bundle (a $145 value) for just $130, so $15 off. This cute little bundle includes the Bootie Fem, a beginner-friendly butt plug designed for people with vulvas, and the NŌS, a vibrating cock ring that stimulates clitorises and penises alike. There’s also a fun game included to get you and your partner in the mood.

If you’d rather shop the catalog and get 10% off, use the code MASHABLE10.

Lovers Opens in a new window Credit: LELO Our pick: LELO Smart Wand 2 $159.20 at Lovers
$199.00 Save $39.80 Get Deal

I love Lovers for its wide selection of toys and bonus freebies. You can find a deal on this site almost every day of the week and extra special promos around major holidays. Today, for example, you can get up to 20% off select vibes, pulsators, and LELO products with the codes NEWVIBE20 and LELO20.

The only caveat is that these deals end tomorrow, so you'll want to move quickly if you see something you like. I recommend the LELO Smart Wand 2 — it’s high-powered, about as chic as a sex toy can get, and has an extra-long charge time, so you can use it for hours without worrying about running out of juice.

FemmeFunn Opens in a new window Credit: FemmeFunn Our pick: Intro to Funn Bundle $209.97 at FemmeFunn
$259.97 Save $50.00 Get Deal

FemmeFunn’s been around since 2014, and they’re even credited with creating the first totally seamless silicone bullet vibrator (the Ultra Bullet). Yet, this brand isn’t super well-known outside of die-hard sex toy enthusiasts like me. (A total shame considering the ingenuity and quality of their products.)

If you haven’t heard of them, give the site a browse. Right now, you can get 15% off all anal toys with the code BUTTSTUFF or $50 off the Intro to Funn bundle, which includes the Ultra Bullet, Booster Rabbit, and Ultra Wand.

ZALO Opens in a new window Credit: ZALO Our pick: Tails G-Spot Pulsewave Vibrator $84.15 at ZALO
$99.00 Save $14.85 Get Deal

ZALO is like the Dyson of sex toys (yes, we know there’s Satisfyer and LELO, but ZALO is different in its approach). The brand has five distinct product lines, some of which have actual Swarovski crystals embedded into the handle, making them an actual luxury item.

What’s even cooler about this brand is that it caters to the BDSM crowd in a chic and high-end way. (Think: Spiked metal pinwheels, rose ball gags, and a designer bondage kit.) Right now, you can get your hands on ZALO’s entire product catalog, including the newly-released Tails G-Spot Pulsewave Vibrator, at 15% off with the code ZALOLOVE.

Finding the best back-to-school laptop for students can be taxing, to say the least. With so many different brands to choose between and different spec configurations to compare, it can quickly become overwhelming. Luckily, I’m here to make your back-to-school laptop search a little easier.

I’ve been reviewing laptops for years, so you could say I know my way around a laptop. At this point, I’ve scrutinized keyboard comfortability, personally run battery and performance tests, and compared specs vs. value for almost 20 different laptops.

In other words, I know my way around a laptop.

I chose these three laptops because they’re portable enough to slip into your backpack between classes and deliver enough battery life to last an entire 8-hour day — and then some. If you’re searching for a MacBook, a Snapdragon X Elite-powered machine, or a classic Intel-based Windows laptop, one of these laptops is bound to jump out at you as the perfect pick.

1. Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Pros: The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7’s shining feature for students is its battery life. In our 1080p video test to run down battery life, the Surface Laptop 7 lasted a staggering 22 hours and 50 minutes. That’s the longest battery life we’ve ever seen for a Windows laptop — and it’s largely thanks to the unit’s Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite CPU.

Under the balanced default power mode, the Surface Laptop 7 delivered a multi-core score of 11,875 on the Geekbench 6 performance test. Bumping it up to “best performance” power mode, that score jumped to 14,586, which is on par with what Qualcomm promised and certainly enough oomph for students.

Students will also be happy to know the Surface Laptop 7 is incredibly light, weighing in at just 2.96 pounds. And with slim dimensions of 11.85 x 8.67 x 0.69 inches, it fits nicely inside a backpack.

Cons: Unlike an Intel- or AMD-based Windows laptop, this Windows-on-ARM PC currently has compatibility issues with some apps, like Apple Music, and games, like Fortnite and Dirt 5. But for most students, these minor compatibility issues won’t be an issue. Many apps have native versions for Windows-on-ARM PCs, including Chrome, Zoom, Spotify, Photoshop, and Dropbox. And over the next few years, more apps will develop native versions to accommodate ARM chips.

Where to buy: Grab a Surface Laptop 7 via Amazon for 1,399.

Opens in a new window Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 Get Deal

2. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Pros: If you want to ensure compatibility with all your favorite Windows apps, you can’t go wrong with the Intel-based Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9. 

For those with long commutes or packed days of classes, this laptop’s impressive battery life will be a strong selling point. When looping a 1080p video at 50% brightness, the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 lasted 14 hours and 21 minutes until turning off.

On top of solid performance and a lengthy battery life, the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 comes with a touch display with anti-glare, matte finish, a welcome feature when you’re spending a lot of time staring at a screen. With the laptop’s 2-in-1 functionality, you can flip it into tablet mode to finish your nightly reading from the comfort of your bed.

Cons: The ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 is a bit pricey, but for students, it’s worth it for that 14+ hour battery life. Plus, the laptop boasts a plethora of ports, a comfortably springy keyboard, and surprisingly great under-keyboard speakers.

Where to buy: Snag Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 via Amazon for 1,899.

Opens in a new window Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 $1,899.00 at Amazon
Get Deal 3. Apple 15-inch M3 MacBook Air Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Pros: Apple’s 15-inch M3 MacBook Air is the obvious pick for students who want a MacBook. Whether you plan on vlogging, editing, and uploading your college experience, or you just love the sleek aesthetic MacBooks promise, this laptop offers the best bang for your buck.

You’ll get strong performance, thanks to Apple’s M3 chip. The 15-inch M3 MacBook Air earned a Geekbench 6 score of 12,057, and in practice, our reviewer said it provided “ample ‘oomph’ for creatives, professionals, and students who need robust performance that can handle their multifaceted workflows.”

The 15-inch M3 MacBook Air offers equally impressive battery life. On a single charge, the laptop lasted 10 hours and 52 minutes while looping a 1080p video. This laptop will last all day as your trusty note-taking companion in class, and still have juice leftover to study at a coffee shop before heading home.

In true MacBook fashion, this laptop excels at more than just performance and battery life. Almost every little feature meets or exceeds expectations, including the exquisite, clicky keyboard, an angelic six-speaker sound system, and a bright, crisp 15.3-inch, 2880 x 1864-pixel display.

Cons: There’s really only one reason not to buy the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air: lack of ports. If you’re looking for USB-A ports, an HDMI port, a SD card slot, or anything other than two USB-C ports and an audio jack, you won’t find it in this MacBook Air. That said, you can connect displays with the USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) ports and many peripherals connect via Bluetooth, so lack of port variety won’t be a dealbreaker for many students.

Where to buy: You can pick up a 15-inch M3 MacBook Air via Apple, starting at $1,299 for the base model.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable 15-inch M3 MacBook Air Get Deal

Looking for Amazon shopping tips? With so many options available, from home essentials to to trendy gadgets, making a decision can be overwhelming. It’s especially challenging when you’re unsure if a product will perform as advertised.

That's why YouTuber Ryan Trahan decided to test some of quirkiest Amazon items he could find, including a fart neutralizer and a steering-wheel food tray, to determine whether they actually live up to their manufacturer's claims.

I Tested the Weirdest Amazon Items

Aside for making content for his YouTube channel, Trahan claims that he was on the hunt to find the weirdest birthday gift for his friend. Watch (and laugh) as he tests a bird feeder, a mini donut maker, a tiny smoothie blender, and a gaggle of other odd bits and bobs from Amazon.

Discover which Amazon item made the cut for the weirdest birthday gift in this must-watch 22-minute video.

UPDATE: Aug. 23, 2024, 11:20 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with the latest information about Prime Big Deal Days 2024, which has officially been announced for October.

Even though it feels like Amazon Prime Day just ended, it's time to gear up for yet another massive Amazon sale in just over a month. That's right, Prime Big Deal Days is back this October, and while it doesn't share the same name as the retail giant's flagship annual sale, it's still a pretty big deal (see what we did there?).

Here's what you need to know about Prime Big Deal Days 2024 ahead of the big event.

What is Prime Big Deal Days?

Prime Big Deal Days is basically Prime Day Part 2. The now-annual fall sale has been hosted by Amazon since 2022 (back then, it was called the "Prime Early Access Sale"), and is usually the perfect teaser for the storefront's Black Friday festivities. While Prime Day is still Amazon's flagship sale, the two-day Big Deal Days event has quickly become something you really don't want to miss.

SEE ALSO: When is the next Prime Day? Here's how long you have to wait. When is Prime Big Deal Days 2024?

We don't know the exact dates of Prime Big Deal Days 2024, but we can make an educated guess as to when the sale will go live. We know it'll take place this October — the official announcement from Amazon says as much — but we also know that the past two iterations of the sale have taken place during the second week of the month on either Monday and Tuesday or Tuesday and Wednesday, and summer Prime Day typically runs Tuesday through Wednesday. So, with that in mind, our best guess for Prime Big Deals Days 2024 would be Oct. 8 through Oct. 9.

What deals will Prime Big Deal Days 2024 have?

Prime Big Deal Days doesn't always have the same exact deals as Prime Day, but they're usually of a similar flavor. We expect to see fewer summer items and more fall stuff, though — think indoor products like gaming and home gym equipment, in addition to the usual discounts on big tech from Amazon, Apple, and others. Like with the Prime Day sale, we may also see some early deals going live before Big Deal Days, so stay on your toes.

What early deals did we see before Prime Day 2024?

In doling out many of its steepest price drops ahead of Prime Day 2024, Amazon kept things in the family. A slew of Echo devices from Amazon's in-house brand of smart home gadgets got slashed to all-time low prices for Team Prime, including the all-new Echo Spot (44% off), the Echo Show 8 (43% off), the Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation (71% off), and the Echo Frames (37% off, plus a free Echo Pop). Prime members could also snag five free months of Amazon Music Unlimited, three free months of Audible Premium Plus, and three free months of Kindle Unlimited if they hadn't subscribed before. Meanwhile, Prime Video rentals and purchases were up to 50% off.

Outside of the Amazon ecosystem, we saw some new all-time lows on big-ticket tech, including Apple devices, robot vacuums, and kitchen appliances. Highlights included an $800 M2 MacBook Air (20% off), a $300 Apple Watch Series 9 (25% off), a $450 Eufy X90 Pro (50% off), and a six-quart Chefman dual-basket air fryer for $70 (42% off). None of them had been labeled by Amazon as official early Prime Day deals, so anyone could take advantage of them — even non-members.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day 2024: 5 must-shop product categories Can you shop Prime Big Deal Days without being a Prime member?

You have to be a Prime member in order to shop Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days. But if you don't want to commit to a monthly or annual paid subscription, you can still participate by scheduling a free 30-day trial of Prime around the sale. Just remember to cancel it as soon as Prime Big Deal Days is over to avoid getting charged.

Who's competing with Prime Big Deal Days?

We don't know of any official sales from other retailers just yet, but they do traditionally hold competing sales during Prime Day and Prime Big Deal Days. During this year's Prime Day event, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart all ran their own counter-sales, so we may see that happen again. Watch this space.

NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER: As of August 23, you can pre-order Dyson hair tools, like the Dyson Airstrait straightener ($499.99), in the new strawberry bronze and blush pink colorway.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Airstrait straightener (Strawberry Bronze/Blush Pink) at Dyson
Get Deal

If the special edition topaz orange or Prussian blue/rich copper Dyson hair tool colors had you in a chokehold, prepare to go absolutely feral. Not to be totally dramatic, but the hair-styling world is shook – Dyson's new strawberry bronze and blush pink is officially available across its range of hair tools, and you can lock in your own now.

As of August 23, you can preorder some of Dyson's most popular hair tools, like the Dyson Airstrait straightener ($499.99), Dyson Airwrap multi-styler ($599.99), Dyson Supersonic Nural ($499.99), and Dyson Corrale styler straightener ($499.99) in the new strawberry bronze and blush pink colorway.

View this post on Instagram

Inspired by a "single strawberry and a magnitude of hues," this special edition color sprang forth from Dyson Farming strawberries, according to the company. It's described as a "complex shade of pink, tinged with fresh red." Indeed, the body of each tool is a juicy deep red with soft, baby pink accents with black and blue tinges depending on which tool you buy.

We're right on the precipice of fall, but these juicy pink and red hair tools have us thinking Valentine's Day, or at the very least holiday gifts that fit some of the very specific ~girlypop~ aesthetics we can't stop pinning or saving TikToks to emulate. If you've been looking for a unique color from Dyson before finally grabbing a hair tool, this is your chance to snatch what might very well be one of the best. Get yours now before the preorders sell out.

Apple is rumored to reveal everything about the iPhone 16 in just a few weeks — and this major leak will likely heighten the anticipation.

Apple Insider claims that it has secured the iPhone 16's camera specs on Thursday. There are a few key details to note, especially that the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will share the same camera specs this year. However, these leaks offer even more to consider.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review: 3 ways it beats the iPhone 15 Pro Max iPhone 16 camera specs

According to Apple Insider, these are the specs you can expect from the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus:

• 48MP wide camera

• Ultra-wide camera with f/2.2 aperture

The iPhone 16's wide camera, also known as the main lens, appears to have the same specs as the iPhone 15. However, the ultra-wide lens now features a faster aperture, upgraded from f/2.4 to f/2.2. That should improve low-light shooting capabilities. According to Apple Insider, the non-Pro phones will also get macro photography this year. The two lenses are also stacked vertically, rather than diagonally.

These rumors really get juicy when you get to the iPhone 16 Pro models, though. Here are the specs Apple Insider reported for the Pro phones, both of which supposedly have the same specs this year:

• 48MP main lens

• 12MP telephoto lens with 5X optical zoom

• 48MP ultra-wide lens

There are two major things to note here. First, both Pro phones have 5X telephoto zoom this year, as opposed to last year where only the Pro Max had that. Second, the ultra-wide lens has gone all the way up from 12MP to 48MP on the Pro phones this year.

Lastly, Apple Insider reported that the rumored "capture button," a capacitive button specifically for use with camera features, is real and is coming to all four iPhone 16 models. You'll theoretically be able to open the camera app with the press of a button, among other things. You can also slide your finger along the button for other potential actions.

Apple is rumored to announce the iPhone 16 at an event on Sept. 10.

GET $25 WHEN YOU SPEND $250: Don't miss Best Buy's Tech Fest! Get the latest tech deals before the event ends on August 25 at 11:59 p.m. CT. Plus, all members get a $25 bonus reward with any purchase of $250 or more.

Our top picks: Best laptop deal MacBook Air 13-inch laptop (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $849 at Best Buy (save $250 ) Get Deal Best gaming deal Xbox Series X, Insignia 42-inch LED 4K smart Fire TV, and extra Xbox controller $599.99 at Best Buy (save $139.98) Get Deal Best headphone deal Sony WH1000XM5 noise-canceling over-ear headphones $299.99 at Best Buy (save $100 ) Get Deal

This year has been filled with sales events. Target Circle Week, Prime Day (round one), and others have been happening throughout the year, and now Best Buy is gifting us with a Tech Fest.

SEE ALSO: M3 MacBook Air vs. M3 MacBook Pro: Which Mac is best for you?

During this special weekend event, you can get discounts on everything from unlocked phones to major appliances. Plus, Best Buy members will get a $25 bonus reward with any purchase of $250 or more.

Here are our top picks:

Best laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: MacBook Air 13-inch laptop (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $849.00 at Best Buy
$1,099.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Whether you’re looking for a new laptop for school work, entertainment, or professional tasks, the MacBook Air 13-inch laptop (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is a solid choice. This lightweight laptop has an 18-hour battery life, a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, and a powerful M3 chip, making it a good option for productivity, streaming, and more. But if you plan on running multiple apps at a time or having multiple browser tabs open, you might want to splurge for the 16GB RAM option.

Best gaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft, Insignia Our pick: Xbox Series X, Insignia 42-inch LED 4K smart Fire TV, and extra Xbox controller $599.99 at Best Buy
$739.97 Save $139.98 Get Deal Why we like it

Best Buy’s also offering a bundle deal on the Xbox Series X (1 TB), which includes an extra Xbox controller and an Insignia 42-inch LED 4K smart Fire TV for just 599.99. That’s a gaming console, an additional controller, and a TV for less than the price of most standalone gaming consoles.

This bundle deal is a pretty good value, especially if you want to upgrade your gaming setup for less than a grand. You can also customize your bundle to include different controllers, like the nocturnal vapor special edition controller, to fit your style.

Best headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Our pick: Sony WH1000XM5 noise-canceling over-ear headphones $299.99 at Best Buy
$399.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Sony WH1000XM5 noise-cancelling over-ear headphones are $100 off right now at Best Buy. These headphones, a 2022 Mashable Choice award winner, feature active noise cancellation, 30 hours of battery life (you can also get up to three hours of listening time on a quick 3-minute charge), and a Speak to Chat feature that automatically pauses your music when it detects you're talking.

In a news release on Thursday, rideshare giant Uber revealed that a new crop of self-driving cars will be launching on its platform as early as next year.

Uber announced that this is possible thanks to its multiyear partnership with Cruise, a self-driving car company based in San Francisco. In other words, in 2025, you'll have the option to hail a Cruise robotaxi via the Uber app — but only if your region supports it.

How will self-driving Uber rides work?

Once Cruise-based self-driving Uber rides roll out, customers may be presented with two options when they request a ride. Their trip can be at the helm of a traditional human driver, or they can choose to have it completed by a self-driving car.

Uber said that Cruise's autonomous vehicles will be modified Chevy Bolt vehicles.

Is it safe?

It's too early to say whether the Uber-and-Cruise autonomous vehicle launch will be safe. But as DigitalTrends pointed out, Cruise, which is owned by General Motors, suffered a reputation hit when one of its self-driving cars ran over a jay-walking pedestrian in San Francisco in 2024 after she was struck by a hit-and-run human driver.

According to SFChronicle, after the human driver sent the woman into the autonomous vehicle's path, Cruise's robotaxi dragged the woman "about 20 feet" in the October 2023 incident. Fortunately, the woman survived, but as a consequence, California blocked Cruise from operating in the state.

Cruise has been gingerly returning to the market. It began testing its robotaxis again in April 2024, including Phoenix, Dallas, and Houston, according to TechCrunch.

In a press release, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi claims that the rideshare giant is committed to customers' safety, adding "we believe Uber can play an important role in helping to safely and reliably introduce autonomous technology to consumers and cities around the world."

Cruise CEO Marc Whitten echoed Khosrowshahi's statement: "Cruise is on a mission to leverage driverless technology to create safer streets and redefine urban life."

It's worth noting that Cruise isn't the first autonomous vehicle company that Uber has inked a deal with. The rideshare giant has already partnered with Waymo, which has been available on the Uber app since October 2023.