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Companies want to know what potential customers are searching for online. Using that information, they can target each internet user with an ad for a product or service that is relevant to what they're looking for.

But people don't always perform an online search for everything they want or need to buy. What if those companies could listen in to potential customers' everyday lives and hyper-target them with advertising based on what they're talking about?

The marketers at media giant Cox Media Group (CMG) pitched this idea to potential advertising partners, according to a report from 404 Media. The tech news outlet recently obtained a pitch deck from CMG from November 2023 that detailed its "Active Listening" service and how it can target advertising based on smart devices like smartphones, smart speakers, and smart TVs.

"What would it mean for your business if you could target potential clients who are actively discussing their need for your services in their day-to-day conversations?" reads the beginning of the CMG sales pitch. "No, it's not a Black Mirror episode - it's Voice Data, and CMG has the capabilities to use it to your business advantage."

The pitch deck goes on to mention how it's legal for companies to listen in on users and collect that data.

"Creepy? Sure. Great for marketing? Definitely," the CMG sales pitch says.

Last year, 404 Media reported on CMG's promotion of Active Listening, the use of microphones in smart devices to listen in to users for the purpose of targeted advertising. The outlet just obtained the pitch deck last week.

Internet users have long speculated that Big Tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Facebook-owner Meta were eavesdropping on them. And now, we have evidence of CMG's marketing team promoting this type of service to advertisers. As 404 Media points out, CMG has maintained current or former partnerships with all four of those Big Tech companies.

So, what's going on here?

Big Tech responds to CMG's Active Listening

Mashable reached out to all four Big Tech companies mentioned in 404 Media's report on CMG's Active Listening pitch deck. We heard back from three out of four companies. 

At the time of publishing, Meta, Amazon, and Google all provided a statement denying working with CMG to target advertising in this way. We are waiting to hear back from Microsoft and will update this post with its statement when it provides one to us.

“Meta does not use your phone's microphone for ads and we've been public about this for years," a Meta spokesperson said in a statement provided to Mashable. "We are reaching out to CMG to get them to clarify that their program is not based on Meta data."

Meta told Mashable that it was looking into whether CMG potentially violated Facebook's terms and conditions. The company said it would take action if necessary. A spokesperson also provided Mashable with a 2016 post that Facebook published about how the company does not use users' phone's microphones for the purpose of advertising.

Amazon and Google also pushed back against any involvement with CMG's Active Listening.

"Amazon Ads has never worked with CMG on this program and has no plans to do so," an Amazon spokesperson told Mashable.

“All advertisers must comply with all applicable laws and regulations as well as our Google Ads policies, and when we identify ads or advertisers that violate these policies, we will take appropriate action," a Google spokesperson said in a statement provided to Mashable.

While the companies who replied all denied taking part in the advertising program, privacy concerns regarding smart home devices will surely continue amongst consumers.

Four years ago, the ReMarkable 2 arrived and changed my writing life.

This ultra-thin, silver-framed e-ink screen, which I still think of as a legal pad from the future, helped me kickstart a handwritten diary I've kept up nearly every day for the last two years. I use its Marker in calligraphy pen mode, which has an aesthetic appeal even the mighty iPad can't match. Plus, the older I get the more I feel the joy of e-ink, tech's most soothing alternative to all that LED screenlight blasting our faces.

So when Norwegian tablet maker ReMarkable handed me the device it's been working on ever since 2020, the Paper Pro, you can bet my peepers went wider than a side-eye emoji.

A bigger screen? A backlight? A redesigned Marker where the nib doesn't wear down as frequently? Half the lag (that milisecond-measured gap between nib touching screen and e-ink appearing) of the ReMarkable 2, where the lag was already impressively low? And a range of colors, not just black and grey? Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes please.

The ReMarkable Paper Pro also updates the keyboard folio, an optional extra I'd been toting around with the ReMarkable 2 for the past couple of years but not actually used that much: the typing lag felt a tad too long, the text column was too narrow, the keyboard wasn't backlit. The Pro folio fixes all those problems, and it comes with a nice little wrap-around magnet that helps lock the Marker in place.

Was this, finally, the perfect distraction-free device for writers I'd dreamed of for a decade?

The Paper Pro isn't perfect

After testing the Paper Pro for a week, I'm less enthused. It has some issues, though not enough for me to stop using it. Still, I can see why ReMarkable will continue to sell the $399 ReMarkable 2 ($449 with the more sensitive Marker Plus) alongside the Paper Pro ($579; $629 with Marker Plus; add a $199 keyboard folio and you're talking serious scratch for any e-ink machine).

For many users on tighter budgets, the ReMarkable 2 will remain a superior choice.

I'm also surprised to find that the two devices don't play well together. The Markers are not swappable. You can sync documents between machines using ReMarkable's Connect service — but a document started on the Paper Pro's 11.8-inch display will spill over the sides of the ReMarkable 2's 10.8-inch screen.

Essentially, ReMarkable is creating a technology fork, asking you to choose one device or the other.

If you take the Paper Pro path after traveling with ReMarkable 2, you might hit some bumps in the transition. You won't necessarily notice the new one is heavier (by 0.17 lbs) since the weight is distributed in a larger form. You may notice it's a few hairs thicker, even though the Paper Pro's ridged sides are pleasant to touch. You will probably find that the screen-nib combination is more slippy on the Paper Pro, a little more like the smooth glass feel of writing on an iPad. I simply tap the screen harder at the end of sentences, period.

Also your mileage may vary on this one, but I felt that the basic black color you'll use for writing most of the time looks a little more washed out, from certain angles, on the Paper Pro screen. This could be the fault of the new backlight, which does the job but has an ethereal, slightly uneven glow around the edges of the screen, and which I found myself turning off as often as possible, for the sake of the battery (which, as you might expect, seems to run out a little faster on the Paper Pro.)

Or it may have to do with the fact that black isn't actually black on the Paper Pro: it's yellow, cyan and magenta all smooshed together.

Paper Pro Color: a (fun) work in progress Left: How my heart drawing looks on the screen. Right: How it looks in PDF form. Credit: Chris Taylor / Mashable

Technologically speaking, the Paper Pro is an impressive leap forward. Taking e-ink from monochrome to CMYK is no mean feat, considering the ink actually sits there in a real layer under the screen glass. Combinations of cyan, magenta, yellow and white give you a second set of options — black, red, blue, green — and by layering all those colors on top of each other, you can get thousands.

In theory, at least. In practice, you'll see several bumps on the road to color. First off, there's the fact that when you lift the Marker from the page for a second, anything you've just handwritten or drawn in color (you can't type in color yet) has to refresh. Even if you're just writing in blue pen rather than black, that bit of the screen you've just changed flashes on and off a few times, very quickly.

The flashing looks a bit weird at first, like your ink can't decide whether it's invisible or not, like your words aren't secure in their own existence. Still, I was surprised to find I stopped noticing it after a while.

There's a larger color problem, and you can see it in the screenshots above where I made my first-ever e-ink color drawing — a fanciful anatomy of a human heart — using the Marker's brush and pen settings. What you're drawing on the screen is subtle, like pastel colors. But when you send the image (you can email your ReMarkable output with or without turning your handwriting into text), the PDF will show far more intense, almost cartoonish primary colors.

In other words: yes, you can dither your way to interesting color combinations, but the Paper Pro screen won't give you the clearest image of what you're actually creating. Color e-ink is something of a work in progress, and ReMarkable will continue to tweak the software with updates every few weeks. But it's hard to see the company getting around this fundamental divide between e-ink content and a LED screen world.

Are you a Paper Pro kind of pro?

Which leads us to the question: For whom was the ReMarkable Paper Pro made? Artists and designers may enjoy playing around with it, but the color representation problem means they'd be better off using an iPad for serious work. If you just enjoy distraction-free handwriting and typing, you may be better off buying a monochrome ReMarkable 2, and keeping an extra $180 in your pocket.

The core audience for ReMarkable, if Reddit enthusiasm is anything to go by, is students and knowledge workers.

The Paper Pro is for taking and highlighting notes — ReMarkable has taken pains to ensure the highlight moves with the text it's highlighting, no matter how the rest of the page changes — and sketching out new ideas on the fly. Medical and engineering students will have uses for that color. IT departments will like the new six-digit PIN security; I liked the four-digit PIN because that's all I needed to keep prying eyes out of my diary, but I'm not the target audience here.

Then again, my casual color sketching style, where I care more about having fun than true colors, is a nice fit for the new device. I might be more inclined to reach for it, when I feel the urge to make art, than fire up Procreate on my iPad.

The ReMarkable 2 changed my writing life; perhaps the Paper Pro will change my art life.

SAVE $15: As of Sep. 4, get Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for Nintendo Switch at Woot for just $44.99, down from $59.99. That's 25% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Super Smash Bros. Ultimate' $44.99 at Woot
$59.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal

When it comes to multiplayer games, the Smash series is an undisputed champion. From the series debut on Nintendo 64 through the latest and greatest Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on Nintendo Switch, the brawler has always been the pinnacle of entertainment when it comes to getting Nintendo characters and guests to beat the stuffing out of each other. If you haven't yet experienced one, now's the time to get into it.

As of September 4, you can get Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for Nintendo Switch for just $44.99 at Woot. That's $15 off its normal price of $59.99 and a discount of 25%. This is the physical edition, so you'll have to wait for it to be shipped to you.

SEE ALSO: The best gaming laptops of 2024, hands-on tested

Though the game debuted in 2018, it's still very much worth jumping into. It has 89 playable fighters to choose from, handpicked from some of Nintendo's biggest franchises, from Mario to Link to Kirby and everyone in between. Guest characters from third-party franchises make appearances in one form or another as well, but the most exciting thing you can do is pit your favorite characters against each other in knock-down, drag-out fights that you and your friends can participate in.

There's plenty more to do if you don't want to spend your time sending a poor little Yoshi or Pokémon into the stratosphere. You can play challenges, work to collect additional characters and bonuses, and explore a wealth of music, art, and stages.

It's a fantastic game, made even better at this price. Be sure to snatch yours up before this deal goes away.

The best Apple AirPod deals of the week at a glance: Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods (2nd Gen) $89 at Amazon and Walmart (save $40) Get Deal Best AirPods Pro deal Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) $189.99 at Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart (save $59.01) Get Deal Best AirPods Max deal Apple AirPods Max $399 at Amazon (save $150) Get Deal

In the days leading up to Apple's fall hardware event on Monday, Sept. 9, every AirPods model is on sale — even if it's (probably) not getting replaced next week.

Word on the street is that the Cupertino tech giant will at least announce a new version of its standard wireless earbuds, if not a new entry-level and a new mid-range version. The second- and third-generation AirPods are priced accordingly, with several major retailers marking them down within $20 of their record lows.

SEE ALSO: What to expect from Apple's September event: iPhone 16, Apple Watch 10, and more

Successors to the noise-cancelling AirPods Pro are less likely to debut at the event, and the AirPods Max are almost definitely not getting updated this month (but maybe before the end of the year). Meanwhile, their current iterations are $30 and $150 off, respectively, putting them within $21 and $5 of their cheapest prices ever.

If anything, consider waiting to buy a pair of the standard AirPods until after Tuesday's Apple event: There's a good chance they'll get even cheaper as retailers ditch their inventory to make room for their replacements (if they do indeed launch). Otherwise, these are mostly solid buys if you need to upgrade, but care more about saving than having the latest, greatest tech. Below, we go deeper on the best AirPod deals of the week:

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: Apple AirPods (2nd gen) $89.00 at Amazon and Walmart
$129.00 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it:

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods (2nd Gen).

If ANC isn't a must-have, we actually prefer the second-gen AirPods from 2019 over the third-gen ones from 2021, which brought too few upgrades for too high a price. With a comfortable fit, a five-hour battery life, hands-free Siri support, and totally fine sound, these offer "the best bang for your buck" out of the current AirPods lineup, said Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard — even more so at $89, or 31% off, instead of their usual $129. (That's a deal we only saw at Amazon and Walmart, by the way: They're 99 cents more at Best Buy and Target.)

More AirPods deals:

2nd generation

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Apple AirPods (2nd Gen) — $59.99 $129 (save $69.01)

3rd generation

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) — $89.99 $169 (save $79.01)

• Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) — $139.99 $169 (save $29.01)

Best AirPods Pro deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) $189.99 at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target
$249.00 Save $59.01 Get Deal Why we like it:

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen).

The AirPods Pro 2 from late 2022 are the AirPods we recommend most people buy if their budget's slightly more flexible. These offer "well-rounded sound, impressive active noise cancellation, plenty of portability," and they're frequently on sale for well under their $249 MSRP, wrote Allard. They're also the only current AirPods that charge via USB-C instead of a Lightning port, so if you have an iPhone 15 (or will soon upgrade to the iPhone 16), you won't need to keep track of separate cables. At the time of writing, Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart all had them marked down to $189.99 — a 24% savings.

More AirPods Pro deals:

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) — $159.99 $249 (save $89.01)

Best AirPods Max deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: Apple AirPods Max (pink) $399.00 at Amazon
$549.00 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it:

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods Max.

There are better noise-cancelling headphones out there, but the AirPods Max remain a popular, stylish pick even four years after their release — and they feel much more reasonable at $399 than their usual $549. (Note that this pricing only applies to the Pink variant at Amazon: The Space Gray, Blue, Green, and Silver ones were all at least $50 more there; Best Buy had them listed for $20 off; and Target was holding them at full price.)

More AirPods Max deals:

• Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Apple AirPods Max — $339.99 $549 (save $209.01)

GET UP TO 25% OFF: As of September 4, Motorola is offering up to 25% off select products as part of its extended Labor Day sale.

Our top picks: Best deal overall Motorola razr+ (2024) with Bose Quiet Comfort II earbuds $999.99 at Motorola (save $299.99) Get Deal Best runner-up deal Motorola razr+ (2023) $599.99 at Motorola (save $400) Get Deal

Labor Day is famous for its sales and discounts — you can get mattresses, major appliances, and tech at near Black Friday-level prices. If you missed out on the usual Labor Day deals, Motorola is extending its sale, offering a 25% discount on select products.

SEE ALSO: Motorola's rollable concept phone shows foldables aren't the only way forward

As of Sept. 4, you can score up to 25% off select items on the Motorola site. This includes the company's latest flagship phones and more budget-friendly options.

Here’s more info on the sale and our top picks for the best deals:

Best Motorola deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Our pick: Motorola razr+ (2024) with Bose Quiet Comfort II earbuds $999.99 at Motorola
Get Deal Why we like it

The new Motorola razr+ (2024) is $999.99, and it comes with a free pair of Bose Quiet Comfort II wireless earbuds (a $299.99 value). All you have to do to get your free buds is add the razr+ to your cart.

The razr+ is available in four colors: spring green, midnight blue, peach fizz, and, of course, hot pink. Even without the earbuds freebie, it's a great price for an unlocked phone with 256GB of storage and a foldable display.

Best runner-up Motorola deal Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Our pick: Motorola razr+ (2023) $599.99 at Motorola
$999.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you’re okay with owning the 2023 model, the Motorola Razr+ (2023) is on sale for $599.99. It doesn’t come in hot pink, but you can get it in infinite black, glacier blue, or viva magenta (which is kind of like hot pink). Plus, you get a $150 trade-in discount when you trade in an eligible device.

Not only is this phone compact, but the outer screen makes filming TikToks, video chatting, and checking notifications so much easier.

More Motorola deals worth mentioning

• Motorola moto g power 2024 — $249.99 $299.99 (save $50)

• Motorola razr 2023 — $399.99 $699.99 (save $300)

• Motorola edge 2024 — $449.99 $549.99 (save $100)

• Motorola edge+ 2023 — $499.99 $799.99 (save $300)

SAVE UP TO $400: Shop Apple iPads at their lowest prices ever. Find the Apple iPad Pro, 4th generation (M2 chip, 512GB, WiFi + cellular) for $899, saving you $400 for 31% off.

Best iPad deals Best iPad deal Apple iPad, 9th gen (A13 Bionic, 64GB, WiFi) $199 at Amazon (Save $130) Get Deal Best iPad Mini deal iPad Mini, 6th gen (A15 Bionic chip, 64GB, WiFi) $379.99 (Save $119.01) Get Deal Best iPad Pro deal Apple iPad Pro, 4th gen (M2 chip, 512GB, WiFi + cellular) $899 at Best Buy (Save $400) Get Deal

Apple's September 9th event, "It's Glowtime," is heavily anticipated to debut several new products, including the iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10, and maybe, just maybe, a new iPad Mini. While nothing is confirmed until the event goes live on Monday, September 9th at 1 p.m. ET, we're eager to see just what the fruit brand is ready to reveal.

In the meantime, older but still fantastic models are heavily discounted. We're talking iPads at their lowest price ever, with discounts up to $400 off. If you care more about savings than the latest tech, these are deals for you.

Best iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Apple iPad, 9th gen (A13 Bionic, 64GB, WiFi) $199.00 at Amazon
$329.00 Save $130.00 Get Deal Why we like it

While it may not be the latest model, the 9th generation iPad is nonetheless a reliable, everyday tablet. With the A13 Bionic Chip, it has the right amount of power for your entertainment needs, whether you need to stream, read, or game. Plus, it's compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil (which we should mention is down to $69).

It's down to its lowest price ever of $199. That saves you 40% off for $130 in savings.

Best iPad Mini deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: iPad Mini, 6th gen (A15 Bionic chip, 64GB, WiFi) $379.99 at Amazon
$499.00 Save $119.01 Get Deal Why we like it

The iPad Mini is one of our favorite Apple tablets, especially when it comes to reading. At 8.6 inches, it has a frame several inches smaller than the next biggest iPad, which gives it a better hand feel when it comes to reading. While it's closer to the size of a Kindle than the usual iPad, it still has all the benefits of the latter. With the A15 chip, you get zippy performance for streaming.

It's dipped down to its lowest price ever of $379.99 — that's $119.01 in savings for 24% off.

Best iPad Pro deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro, 4th gen (M2 chip, 512GB, WiFi + cellular) $899.00 at Amazon
$1,299.00 Save $400.00 Get Deal Why we like it

This year's iPad Pro drop delivered an astonishing new tablet with battery life to last for days on end. However, in its wake is the previous model, which is equipped with the M2 chip. This chip powers up Apple's tablets and MacBooks alike, and we're big fans of its performance. If you want an iPad to use for professional endeavors, too, this iPad is the one for you.

While the newest model will cost you $1,399, the 4th gen iPad Pro is down to $899 at Best Buy, saving you a hefty $400 for 31% off.

OpenAI seems to be adding new voices to ChatGPT's Advanced Voice Mode — and we might know what they'll sound like.

New reports have discovered eight new voices that could eventually be added to ChatGPT's current options. TestingCatalog did some reverse engineering to find the potential new voice options and engineer Tibor Blaho posted on X detailed samples of what each voice reportedly sounds like.

Check out ChatGPT's reported new voices

The alleged new voice options are: Fathom, Glimmer, Harp, Maple, Orbit, Rainbow, Reef, Ridge, and Vale.

Tweet may have been deleted

This would be added to ChatGPT's existing voices, which are Ember, Juniper, Cove, and Breeze (sorry, no more Sky after that whole Scarlett Johansson debacle.) The reportedly new voices seem to vary in gender and accents, with Fathom and Vale sounding like posh Brits and Reef sounding Australian.

OpenAI announced ChatGPT Voice Mode last May as part of its new model, GPT-4o, which integrates text, vision, and audio modalities into one model. GPT-4o's impressive capabilities were somewhat overshadowed by the demo voice's eerie comparisons to actress Scarlett Johansson and a subsequent statement from the her actress herself saying that she turned down Sam Altman's request to use her voice for the model.

Nevertheless, ChatGPT Voice Mode rolled out to a select number of ChatGPT Plus users in July and news about Voice Mode has stayed pretty quiet since then.

Interestingly, Blaho's demo has the voices reading a passage that includes dog barks and crows. The voices do their best to portray the animal sounds with varying degrees of success. Some of the voices seem to be just saying "woof" and "caw," while others attempt to actually mimic the sounds of dogs and crows. If not for these imitations, some of which sound tinny and robotic, you wouldn't know they are AI-generated voices.

ChatGPT's Voice Mode is quite new. So new, in fact, that the voice modality is still only available to a small amount of ChatGPT Plus users. Since it's uncertain when the audio capability will roll out to more users, any details about ChatGPT getting more voices is also unknown.

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Sept. 4: OUR TOP PICK Hisense 58-inch U6HF Series ULED 4K Fire TV $319.99 at Amazon (save $230) Get Deal BEST SPEAKER DEAL Sony SRS-XE200 Bluetooth speaker $68.99 at Amazon (save $61) Get Deal BEST LAPTOP DEAL Acer Nitro V15 gaming laptop $649.99 at Amazon (save $130) Get Deal BEST HOME DEAL Shark Detect Pro self-empty robot vacuum $399.99 at Amazon (save $150) Get Deal

Amazon has already moved on from Labor Day already and shifted its focus to new deals not tied to any particular shopping event or sale. These are just deals simply for the sake of deals — our favorite kind. We went ahead and rounded up a few that have caught our attention on Sept. 4, with standouts from Sony, Hisense, Acer, and Shark.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these spark your interest, be sure to check back at our picks from Sept. 3 — many of those are still live.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 58-inch U6HF Series ULED 4K Fire TV $319.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $230.00 Get Deal

If you're in the market for a new TV, it's hard to beat a 58-inch ULED option from Hisense for only $319.99 — a new record-low price. This 4K Fire TV features Hisense's version of QLED technology, which incorporates a blend of LED backlighting, local dimming, and quantum dot color enhancement for a richer visual appearance that remains budget friendly. It also features a dedicated gaming mode and smooth motion handling, a bezel-less design for extra screen real estate, lots of local dimming zones, and built-in Fire TV for a world of entertainment at your fingertips.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony SRS-XE200 Bluetooth speaker $68.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $61.00 Get Deal

We haven't tested the SRS-XE200 speaker ourselves, but Sony has been a leader in the audio world for decades, and we're big fans of other speakers and headphones in its lineup. This portable powerhouse includes two x-balanced speakers, a line shape diffuser, and dual passive radiators — in other words, it packs a punch in its lightweight package. It'll last you up to 16 hours on a single charge, and quick-charges to give you an extra 70 minutes of playtime in just 10 minutes. The gray option is currently on sale for only $68.99, which is not only lower than its Prime Day price, but is also its lowest price on record. That also puts it in the range of most budget-friendly speaker options.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Nitro V15 gaming laptop (Intel Core i5-13420H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $649.99 at Amazon
$779.99 Save $130.00 Get Deal

A Mashable Choice Award winner and our favorite budget gaming laptop, Acer's Nitro V 15 (originally dubbed the Nitro 5) is "packed with delicious internals that can handle triple-A gaming," according to Mashable Tech Editor and reviewer Kimberly Gedeon. Its 13th-gen Intel Core i5-13420H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics paired with a 15.6-inch, 1080p display with a 144Hz refresh rate make it a solid choice for gamers who don't want to spend $1,000 or more. It's certainly not a perfect pick, but it does offer "excellent gaming performance for the price." The model with 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD regularly goes for $779.99, but it's down to just $649.99 at Amazon as of Sept. 4. That's its lowest price on record. Plus, as a bonus, you'll get Assassin's Creed Shadows free with your purchase.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Detect Pro self-empty robot vacuum $399.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

Mashable's resident robot vacuum expert tested the Shark Detect Pro and dubbed it the best Shark for carpet. Thanks to NeverStuck technology, it can seamlessly maneuver between floor types and large obstacles. Plus, it offers Matrix cleaning, which means it can conquer dirty spots by taking multiple passes from multiple angles. When it's finished tidying up, it empties itself into its bagless base, which holds up to 30 days of dirt, dust, and debris. It's regularly $549.99, but as of Sept. 4, it's back down to its record-low price of $399.99 at Amazon.

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

Google Assistant is arguably the best digital assistant compared to the likes of Siri and Alexa. However, now that Google has been pushing to replace Google Assistant with AI-powered Gemini, the former's prowess over other virtual companions is even more evident.

On my daily driver, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, my Google Assistant got swapped with the new Gemini assistant. Unfortunately, some of the things I loved to do with Google Assistant no longer works on Gemini.

For example, asking, "Hey Google, what song is playing right now?" used to prompt Google Assistant to tap into its inner Shazam and accurately identify tunes in the background. But with Gemini, this command no longer works.

Fast Company, which said that the new Pixel 9 phones are shipping with Gemini as their default assistant, claims that Gemini is a "trainwreck." The tech and business outlet, and some users on Reddit, called out Gemini for not being able to perform basic tasks that Google Assistant once did, like creating calendar events, playing music, and reading webpages.

If you've been wanting to revert back to Google Assistant, we can help you accomplish that.

SEE ALSO: Gemini vs. ChatGPT: Which one planned my wedding better? How to replace Gemini with Google Assistant

You can switch back to Google Assistant in a few simple steps.

However, keep in mind that these steps are based on navigating with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, so your journey may be slightly different, depending on your device.

Total Time

• 3 min

What You Need

• Android device and patience

Step 1: Go to Settings

Tap on "Google / Google Services."

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 2: Tap on "All Services"

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 3: Tap on "Settings for Google apps"

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 4: Tap on "Search, Assistant, and Voice"

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 5: Tap on "Google Assistant"

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 6: Tap on "Digital Assistants from Google"

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Step 7: Tap on the "Google Assistant" bubble

Here, you can choose which digital assistant you want. In this case, you'll want to tap on the Google Assistant bubble.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon

Now, you have Google Assistant back as your digital assistant. If you change your mind, you can always switch back to Gemini by following the same steps.

SAVE $120: The Dyson Cool Tower Fan AM07 is on sale for just $249.99 at Best Buy, marked down from the list price of $369.99. That's a 32% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Cool Tower Fan AM07 $249.99 at Amazon
$369.99 Save $120.00 Get Deal

Sure, pumpkin spice-flavored everything is on the store shelves, but the temperature might not give fall vibes when you step outside just yet. September can often feel like the new August, ushering in heat that not all of us enjoy. If you're struggling with lingering summer heat, Best Buy has a solution.

As of Sept. 4, the Dyson Cool Tower Fan AM07 is on sale for just $249.99, down from the normal price of $369.99. That's a 32% discount, or a savings of $120.

SEE ALSO: My Best Buy members get 20% off the new Dyson Airwrap, Airstrait, and Corrale

While Dyson does an exceptional job of making vacuums, the brand also produces some incredibly powerful fans to keep us cool. The Dyson Cool Tower Fan AM07 has 10 speed settings and uses the brand's Air Multiplier technology. This produces a high-velocity jet of air that's capable of cooling the whole room. Thanks to its 70-degree oscillation, cool air will reach your full space.

The included remote control means you'll be able to tune settings to your liking from the comfort of the couch or your bed. Speaking of sleep, you can program the fan with a sleep timer, which will automatically shut the fan off after a pre-set time.

Another major benefit of a Dyson fan is the blade-less design. Instead, the fan has a simple loop design which can also easily wipe clean.

While Dyson products tend to come with a steep price, today's sale at Best Buy brings the price of the Cool Tower Fan AM07 to just $249.99. But you'll want to snag one quickly, because this deal expires at 11:59 PT tonight.

Get 20% OFF: As of Sept. 4, My Best Buy Total and Plus members can get 20% off the latest Dyson Airwrap, Airstrait, and Corrale in the strawberry bronze and blush pink colorway.

Overview Airwrap deal Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler (Stawberry Bronze/Blush Pink) $454.99 at Best Buy with Plus or Total (save $45) Get Deal Airstrait deal Dyson Airstrait Straightener (Strawberry Bronze/Blush Pink) $374.99 at Best Buy with Plus or Total (save $125) Get Deal Corrale deal Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener (Stawberry Bronze/Blush Pink) $374.99 at Best Buy with Plus or Total (save $125) Get Deal

ICYMI, Dyson’s strawberry bronze and blush pink colorway product lineup is available for purchase — and it’s on sale for My Best Buy Plus and Total members.

Dyson’s newest colorway dropped at the end of last month (it was available for preorder on Aug 23). Now, Best Buy’s giving its members an exclusive 20% discount when they purchase Dyson Airwrap, Airstrait, and Corrale stylers. That’s $145 off the Airwrap, $125 off the Airstrait, and $125 off the Corrale. Not too shabby!

If you’re not a paid My Best Buy member, you can still get the strawberry bronze and blush pink colorway for a slightly higher price. Or you can join My Best Buy Plus or Total for $49.99 or $179.99 per year to get your 20% off. You’ll also get free two-day shipping on all purchases, exclusive sales and deals, and other perks.

Here’s some more info on each product and how much you’ll save:

Dyson Airwrap deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler $454.99 at Best Buy
$599.99 Save $145.00 Get Deal

The Dyson Airwrap has been a cult-fave hairstyling tool since its release way back in 2018. The only problem? It’s super expensive.

This model retails for $599.99 full price but is currently $120 off for “regular” Best Buy customers. You'll get an additional discount if you’re a Plus or Total tier member, making it $454.99 (or $145 off).

It comes with a complimentary detangling comb and multiple attachments, including the 2-in-1 Coanda smoothing dryer, two Airwrap barrels, a soft smoothing brush, a firm smoothing brush, one large round volumizing brush, and a storage case.

Dyson Airstrait deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Airstrait Straightener $374.99 at Best Buy
$499.99 Save $125.00 Get Deal

The Dyson Airstrait is a newer addition to the Dyson fam, and it’s more affordable than the Airwrap. It’s designed to dry and straighten in a single pass, even if your hair is wet. Thanks to its airflow and styling technology, you shouldn’t smell that awful burning hair scent that usually comes with speedier styling. (If you went to high school in the early 2000s, you know exactly what I’m talking about.)

The list price for the Airstrait is $499.99, but it's currently $100 off for non-members. With a Plus or Total membership, you can get it for $374.99. You’ll also get a storage case with your purchase.

Dyson Corrale deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener $374.99 at Best Buy
$499.99 Save $125.00 Get Deal

The Dyson Corrale is a cord-free straightener that uses flexing plates built to straighten and style with less heat and 50 percent less breakage. It can last up to 30 minutes on one charge and fully recharges in 70 minutes. It also has a safety lock and auto shut-off feature for easy storage.

The Corrale retails for $499.99, but you can get it for $100 off without a membership or for $125 off ($374.99) with a Plus or Total membership.

Singles are sick of dating apps, opting instead for IRL events — or, as some Spanish-speaking TikTokkers have started doing, creating meet cutes at the supermarket.

Spanish TikTok is exploding with videos of singles trying to find love at supermarket chain Mercadona, BBC reports. These folks are placing upside down pineapples — a stateside symbol of swinging — in their grocery carts to signal that they're looking for love. Another rule, according to ITV News, is to bump another cart with a pineapple if you like someone. The time to do this — "flirting hour," as it's apparently been dubbed — is 7 to 8 p.m.

SEE ALSO: People are using AI to date you

The #mercadona hashtag on TikTok has nearly 200,000 posts at the time of publication, many of them about flirting hour. Influencers are trying it out in sparkly gowns, women are trying to signal that they're not available if they have to shop during that time, and others are joking about whose cart they might bump into.

According to the BBC, this trend was fueled by actor and TV personality Vivy Lin, who posted a TikTok in August about hooking up at Mercadona from 7 to 8 p.m.

Someone commented on Lin's post, "Mercatinder." Who needs dating apps, eh?

The company is an increasingly popular source of political news. It’s adding more content about how elections work and media literacy.

12 MONTHS FOR THE PRICE OF 10: As of Sep. 4, existing subscribers can get 12 months of Kindle Unlimited for the price of 10. That's $119.90, down from its normal price of $143.88. Alternatively, new subscribers can get 3 months for the price of 1 for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 12 months of Kindle Unlimited $119.90 at Amazon
$143.88 Save $23.98 For new subscribers only. Get Deal

Kindle Unlimited is officially 10 years old, and Amazon is giving you a chance to celebrate. The subscription service, which lets you read as many books, comics, audiobooks, and magazines as you like for a relatively low price each month on your Kindle device, has been around since 2014. And now with over 3 million books read globally and millions in revenue made, Amazon is giving back. You can save big on a subscription as both a new and existing member.

As of September 4, current Kindle Unlimited members can get 12 months of service for the price of 10: $119.90, down from $143.88. After a year, your Kindle Unlimited membership will renew at $11.99 per month until you cancel your subscription. New members can get in on the festivities as well, with 3 months for the price of 1: $11.99, normally $35.97.

SEE ALSO: Dive into fall reading with a free Kindle book for Prime members

There's a wide variety of books to read on Kindle Unlimited, from the Harry Potter series to Colleen Hoover's massive catalog of romance sagas, and hundreds of others to keep you busy. To help sweeten the deal, Amazon has also announced a slew of new books that have been added to Kindle Unlimited, with some new releases available only through September 15.

Some of the new titles include Anthony Doerr's All the Light We Cannot See, now a Netflix film, Britney Spears' blockbuster memoir The Woman in Me, Jessica Knoll's Bright Young Women, and Kristin Hannah's Firefly Lane, all of which will be available for the next few weeks to borrow and return when you're ready.

If you're looking to get some serious fall reading in, this is a great opportunity to do it without spending an arm and a leg on a bushel of new books. Be sure to snag your subscription or new read before this deal goes away.

SAVE 20%: The JBL Endurance Peak 3 headphones are just $79.95 at Amazon, down from the usual price of $99.95. That's a savings of $20.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Endurance Peak 3 headphones $79.95 at Amazon
$99.95 Save $20.00 Get Deal

If you've ever tried to work out in heavy, over-the-ear headphones or tiny earbuds that bounce out, you know how important it is to take headphones with a secure fit to the gym. Not only is the fit critical, many over-the-ear models use foam that you probably shouldn't saturate with sweat. If you don't yet own a pair of gym-worthy headphones, Amazon has a great deal in store today.

As of Sept. 4, the JBL Endurance Peak 3 headphones are on sale for just $79.95 at Amazon, down from the list price of $99.95. That's a 20% discount or a savings of $20.

SEE ALSO: The 7 best noise-cancelling headphones for flying in 2024

Ready for whatever workout you have in store, the JBL Endurance Peak 3 focus on both performance and comfort. You'll get up to 50 hours of playback time on one charge with the included case while being treated to sound powered by 10mm dynamic drivers. In terms of comfort, the pair uses a bendable TwistLock ear hook, which snugly but gently hug the back of your ear for a fit that won't bounce out.

Mashable's sister publication PC Mag (owned by Mashable publisher Ziff Davis) reviewed the JBL Endurance Peak 3, noting they're "ideal for exercise thanks to their secure fit and serious bass thump." The headphones earned the PC Mag Editor's Pick for affordable exercise-friendly earphones, scoring an "excellent" rating from the publication.

Since fit is important, the earbuds come with three pairs of silicone ear tips: small, medium, and large. Plus, they're waterproof and dustproof. The IP68 waterproof rating means the earphones can withstand 30 minutes of being in salt or fresh water at a maximum depth of 4.9 feet. That means you can take the JBL pair out on a rainy day run, to a hot yoga class, or even on your next surfing trip.

If you're not equipped with workout-friendly headphones, today is a great day to upgrade. Amazon has the JBL Endurance Peak 3 headphones on sale for just $79.99, a 20% discount off the standard price. Plus, purchasing the JBL headphones means you'll be eligible for a free 90-day subscription to Amazon Music. Not only will you be better equipped, you'll be set with streaming music, too.

GET A FREE KINDLE BOOK: Amazon Prime members get a free Kindle e-book with Amazon's First Reads program during the month of September. No Prime membership? Get these books for just $1.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Free Kindle book with Prime membership at Amazon
Non-members can score Amazon First Reads for just $1.99 Get Deal

With summer slithering to a close, we're inching closer to the gifts of fall. Cool weather brings a slower pace, with cozy days curled up on the couch with a good book. While summer trips may have burned a hole in your wallet, it's time to kick off fall with some savings. Luckily, Amazon's First Reads program is coming in clutch.

With the First Reads program, Amazon Prime members can choose from eight books to receive a free Kindle book. The variety is plentiful; you can choose between a memoir, contemporary fiction, thriller, romance, and more. In addition to your free Kindle book, members receive a free short story. This month's comes from Jane Green, titled When We Were Friends, about a friendship that is not all that it seems. Non-Prime members can buy one of the eight books and the short story for just $1.99 each.

To take advantage of the Amazon First Reads program, sign up for free. Members receive an email at the beginning of each month with the latest drops. And to read your new Kindle book, you don't need a Kindle device (even though we really like Kindles). As long as you have the Kindle app, you can enjoy your free book.

Make the most of your Prime membership, and get a free Kindle book with the First Reads program.

"A Minecraft Movie" hits theaters Apr. 4.

GET 15% OFF: As of Sept. 4, you can get an Amazon Kindle for just $84.99, down from $99.99, at Amazon. But you'd better hurry; this deal ends in a couple hours.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle $84.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal

Not to sound dramatic, but you have about two hours left to snag an Amazon Kindle for $84.99 at Amazon. Yes, we covered this deal last week, but now’s your last chance to snatch it up before it’s gone.

The Amazon Kindle (2022) is currently $84.99 at Amazon — $15 off the listing price and just $10 more than its lowest price ever of $74.99 back in October. It’s not the newest model, but if you enjoy reading e-books and aren’t interested in the bells and whistles that come with the Paperwhite ($149.99), this is your chance to get Amazon’s lightest e-reader on the cheap.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Which one is for you?

It has a six-inch display, a six-week battery life, and 16GB to store thousands of e-books. It’s also sustainable, made with 30 percent recycled plastics and 90 percent magnesium, and is packaged in 100 percent recyclable packaging.

According to Mashable’s Mallory Minich, this basic model is ideal for anyone who’s just looking to read. “If you are a book fanatic like me, I highly recommend adding it to your collection,” Minich writes. “For only $99, it has genuinely made me read more than I have in months.”

On Wednesday, Sept. 4, GoPro announced the imminent arrival of two new action cameras, the Hero13 Black and the Hero, as well as new professional lenses. The Hero13 Black is the successor to last year's Hero12 Black, which earned a Mashable's Choice award, but the mini Hero camera is a beginner-friendly addition to the lineup.

The Hero13 Black will cost $399 and is available for preorder now; the camera will be delivered and available for purchase starting on Sept. 10.

The Hero, a smaller, simpler action camera, is priced at $199, available for preorder now, and set to be released on Sept. 22. GoPro says it's the smallest camera of its kind ever made.

SEE ALSO: Review: The best travel camera for every type of photographer

Mashable got the chance to preview and test both cameras at an August event hosted by GoPro in New York City (on the Hudson River, to be exact). A full review of both cameras will be coming soon, but in the meantime, get the full download on new features and our first impressions.

Opens in a new window Credit: GoPro GoPro Hero13 Black $399.00 at GoPro
Pre-Order Here Opens in a new window Credit: GoPro GoPro Hero mini 4K action camera $199.00 at GoPro
Pre-Order Here What's new with the Hero13 Black action camera?

The Hero13 Black offers iterative improvements in key areas you'd expect, including battery life, editing features, and motion stabilization. However, the new camera also has some new features and accessories geared toward pro users.

The new Hero13 Black can capture close-up footage like never before — with the right lens mod. Credit: GoPro

Some of the new features include:

• New lenses and ND filters

• Improvements to color clarity, shadows, and highlights

• A new magnetic mounting system

• Improved battery life

• The return of GPS geotagging

• New open-source video overlays that let you track altitude, speed, and G-force

• Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) HDR video for broadcast-standard footage

The new Hero13 Black can capture 5.3K footage at 120 frames per second. You can also capture HD-quality footage at up to 400 fps.

SEE ALSO: The best concert cameras for capturing the magic of live music New lenses, accessories, and magnetic mount

While the Hero12 Black made big advancements to motion stabilization and battery life, the Hero13's biggest changes will be harder to appreciate for casual users. GoPro previously dropped GPS capabilities for the Hero12 (they were a big drain on battery life), but GPS is back in the 13 model.

Credit: GoPro Credit: GoPro

For the Hero13 Black, GoPro is debuting new lens mods and filters that give creators and adrenaline junkies new tools for capturing professional-quality photos. However, all of the new accessories have to be purchased separately.

The new GoPro lenses include:

Ultra-Wide Lens Mod: Ideal for capturing POV footage with a 177-degree field of view. A new 1:1 aspect ratio lets you switch between vertical and widescreen while editing. This lens will cost users $99.99.

Macro Lens Mod: The Macro Lens mod provides variable focus, letting the camera clearly depict objects up to four times closer than the default lens. (Focus on objects just 4.3 inches away from the camera.) Plus, a focus ring lets users manually adjust the focus. The Macro Lens Mod is priced at $129.99.

Anamorphic Lens Mod: GoPro created this lens for creators who want to capture more artistic, cinematic footage with their cameras. This lens mod offers a cinematic 21:9 aspect ratio and J.J. Abrams-style lens flares. This lens won't be released until 2025; it will also be priced at $129.99.

ND Filter 4-Pack: For professional videographers, a new ND filter set is available for the Hero13. The 4-pack includes ND4, ND8, ND16, and ND32 filters. These neutral density filters give creators more options and result in more cinematic motion blur. The 4-pack is available for $69.99.

When you attach a lens mod or filter to the Hero13, the camera automatically recognizes the filter and adjusts settings accordingly. It can even recommend the right ND filter for the light conditions.

Finally, a new magnetic latch (a ball joint mount and traditional mount are also available) makes it easier to attach the camera to mounts and accessories. The latch doesn't rely solely on magnetism, and in our initial testing, the connection was plenty secure and much easier to attach.

Introducing the Hero, a smaller 4K action camera The Hero lacks a front-facing display. Credit: GoPro

While the new Hero13 offers new features that pro users will appreciate, what about the rest of us? For those of us not shooting professional surfing videos or jumping out of airplanes, the Hero is an entry-level camera that's more beginner-friendly. GoPro claims it's the smallest, lightest, and cheapest 4K camera with a screen in the world, and I believe them.

The Hero, set to be released on Sept. 22, is priced at $199 and weighs just 46 grams. It's a true micro camera, about the size of a book of matches.

Not only does it have a much simpler UI, but it also strips down the settings to the bare necessities. That said, it's still waterproof up to 16 feet and has some impressive specs for a mini camera:

• Capture Ultra HD 4K and HD1080p video

• Capture 12MP photos

• Capture slow-motion videos in 2.7K and 60 frames per second

• Shoot in 16:9 aspect ratio optimized for YouTube-style videos

The new GoPro cameras: Mashable's first impressions A new magnetic latch makes it easier to connect the camera to accessories (sold separately, of course). Credit: GoPro

I'm still in the process of testing these cameras, but in the meantime, I can tell you that I've been very impressed so far. For casual users who already have the Hero12 Black, I probably wouldn't recommend updating to the new camera, but it's working hard to justify its $399 price tag.

I've been having a lot of fun playing around with the new lenses and accessories. I think vloggers, professional videographers and photographers, and adrenaline junkies will feel the same way. I haven't been able to really play around with the Hero yet, but I can confirm it's adorably small.

Look how small it is! Credit: GoPro

The HLG video on the Hero13 is also impressive. A GoPro representative showed Mashable side-by-side footage from the Hero12 and Hero13 on an XDR display, and there were noticeable improvements to color, shadows, and highlights. This camera shoots true professional, broadcast-ready video that can only be fully appreciated by pros (and camera nerds).

Of course, those are just my first impressions, and I'm withholding a verdict and endorsement for now.

Head to GoPro to pre-order the new Hero13 Black ($399) and Hero ($199) cameras now.

John Cho turns our game 'Know Your Role' on its head by creating a new storyline for each image from iconic AI movies.