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Amazons official Black Friday sale is live — find the best deals right here

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 02:34

It seemed that Amazon was playing the long game this year, but now, its Black Friday sale has officially started.

The monster retailer announced the official dates for its Black Friday sale weeks later than the other big stores, and the official Amazon Black Friday event itself didn't start until Thursday, Nov. 21. If you're at all familiar with the way Black Friday works nowadays, you know that a Black Friday sale starting a week before Thanksgiving isn't all that early — considering Best Buy, Walmart, and Target had all already unveiled a first round or two of official Black Friday deals by the time Amazon started using that language.

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

But by now, any seasoned Black Friday shopper probably also knows that the lack of official Black Friday nomenclature doesn't mean a lack of early Black Friday deals. Amazon had been quietly dropping some pretty good discounts on products in main categories like robot vacuums, Apple products, and Fire TVs throughout all of November. But now that Amazon's legit Black Friday sale is underway after that post-October Prime Day limbo period, expect deals to get explosive.

We're tracking all of the noteworthy deals live in the days before Thanksgiving, and will be refreshing our list of Amazon deals on a daily basis, because that's how often Amazon is dropping new deals.

As you assess your purchase options, definitely keep an eye on our coverage of the other big retailers to see how their deals compare to Amazon's — Walmart, Best Buy, and Target are going hard, and the variety out there deserves some consideration. Another smart shopping strategy is to drop the listing URL into Amazon price history tracker Camelcamelcamel to see if the current deal is a good one, or add the item to your wishlist to get notified as soon as it goes on sale.

Note: All newly added or updated deals have been marked with a ✨, while struck-through deals were either sold out or expired at the time of writing. Any deal marked with a 🔥has dropped to a record-low price. 

Best Black Friday Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $154.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal Why we like it

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

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

More Kindle deals at AmazonBest Black Friday Echo deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Pop 🔥 $17.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $22.00 Get Deal Why we like it

For less than $20, why not add the convenience of being able to ask Alexa anything in any room of your home? Even if you can't see yourself being a full-screened Echo person, the Pop can subtly squeeze into any living situation. You won't even know it's there — until you're making dinner and can simply ask Alexa for measurement conversions out loud rather than actually figuring out the math. Then you'll definitely know it's there.

More Echo deals at AmazonBest Black Friday Fire Tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 🔥 $74.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"Amazon's Fire HD 10 tablet is a lot friendlier on the wallet than an iPad. With a 10.1-inch screen, it's similar in size, but it's also a fraction of the price. In our review of the Amazon Fire HD 10, we delighted in its lightweight design and long-battery life. The biggest downside to Amazon's Fire tablets are the limited selection of apps offered, especially compared the the Google Play or Apple stores.

That being said, it's still not a bad choice for those who want a tablet for streaming or reading through the Kindle app —especially when the Fire HD 10 is down to its lowest price ever of $74.99. That's a generous 46% off for $65 in savings." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More Fire Tablet deals at AmazonBest Black Friday robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo S 🔥 $459.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $340.00 Get Deal Why we like it

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

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

More robot vacuum deals at Amazon

Robot vacuum and mop combos

Best Black Friday TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL Our pick: TCL 75-inch Q5 QLED 4K Fire TV🔥 $549.99 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"Many people looking to finally replace their old, slow LED TV are looking for the happy medium between the cheapest possible TV and the fanciest possible TV. TCL's base tier QLEDs fall right in this sweet spot, and we're particularly drawn to the $549.99 price point on this huge 75-incher.

Though the 27% discount itself isn't as steep as the 30% or 40% off ones we're seeing in our list, it has to be noted that the TV is already ridiculously modestly priced to start with. $549.99 looks even sweeter in context when put beside the 65-inch version of Amazon's in-house Omni QLED is also on sale for the same price — so you're getting 10 more diagonal inches of screen for the same amount of money.

Even as one of the more basic QLEDs on the market, you'll immediately notice the change in brightness and color of the Q65 over the regular LED you've been watching. The difference comes from a layer of quantum dots laid over the LED backlight, which provides an overall punchier picture that's much better for gaming or watching sports." — Leah Stodart, Senior Shopping Reporter

More TV deals at Amazon

43-inch TVs

50- to 55-inch TVs

65-inch TVs

75-inch TVs and up

Best Black Friday Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) 🔥 $1,399.00 at Amazon
$1,599.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Considering the M4 MacBook Pro hasn't even been on this plane of existence for a full month (it was announced at the Apple Event at the end of October), already getting a $200 discount on the base configuration model is pretty major. That's Black Friday season for you.

So, what's the difference between the M3 and M4 MacBooks, aside from the fact that the M4 powered one is the fastest MacBook that's ever existed? All of your creative projects and gaming will not only benefit from zippier performance of the chip, but will display more responsive motion and gush brighter colors through the M4 MacBook's new quantum dot Liquid Retina display.

More Apple deals at Amazon

MacBooks

Macs

iPads

Apple Watches

AirPods and speakers

AirTags

Best Black Friday headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 $298.00 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $101.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Sony WH-1000XM5.

"If you want headphones that have great noise cancellation and incredible (adjustable) sound, then the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones won't let you down. Out of the noise-cancelling headphones we've tested, these are our top pick for audiophiles. It can be a little annoying that the ear cups don't fold in, but with 30 hours of battery life, you'll probably find yourself wearing them more often than not. Dropped down to $297, these headphones are at a dollar cheaper than their Prime Day price. Our guess is that this means they'll drop even lower on Black Friday, but if you want to pick up a pair early, this is a decent price." — Bethany Allard, Lead Shopping Reporter

More headphones deals at Amazon

Noise-canceling over-ear and on-ear headphones

Noise-canceling earbuds

Best Black Friday fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm, WiFi) 🔥 $279.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Just released in August, this is the first time the new Google Pixel Watch 3 has ever gone on sale for less than $300. Unfortunately, the larger 45mm screen is still at full price, but even this 41mm model has a 10% larger display than the same size Pixel Watch 2, thanks to smaller bezels. The Pixel Watch 3's display is also just brighter and zippier in general, without sacrificing that 24-hour battery life.

On that screen, you'll be able to swipe through a more detailed running dashboard than the previous generation, check your heart rate changes from sleep, to regular daytime chilling, to a legit cardio workout, make payments via Google Wallet, and more.

More fitness tracker and smartwatch deals at Amazon

Smart rings

Best Black Friday kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Double Oven and Air Fryer with FlexDoor (DCT402BK) 🔥 $199.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

We know some version of the Foodi immediately comes to mind when you think of Ninja deals, but Ninja makes other feature-stuffed countertop appliances that also deserve consideration. For instance, one of the new and improved versions of Ninja's iconic air fryer ovens, which whips up food up to 65% faster than your traditional oven, is subtly chilling under $200 for Black Friday. This countertop air frying oven, specifically model number DCT402BK, has a double stack design that can cook two separate food items on different settings or at different temperatures simultaneously. In total, there are 13 cooking presets, including bake, broil, toast, whole roast, and dehydrate.

More kitchen deals at Amazon

Instant Pot

Air fryers and pizza ovens

Coffee makers

Eco-friendly kitchen gear

Beauty tech deals Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex 🔥 $179.00 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $50.99 Get Deal Why we like it

If a multi styler like the Airwrap or FlexStyle feels like it'll be overkill for your hair routine, you might consider a nice (but still multifaceted) hair dryer like the Shark SpeedStyle. It's one of Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard's favorite Dyson Supersonic dupes, particularly for smoothing — its QuickSmooth brush in particular not only dries hair quickly, but "keeps things from looking too windswept and more styled and volumized." This version also comes with a diffuser for defined curls, a concentrator for sleek, straight styles, and a FrizzFighter finishing tool.

More beauty tech deals at AmazonDeals under $25 at AmazonPet deals at Amazon

Check out our sister site PCMag's best Black Friday deals list for more options.

The best Black Friday streaming deals: Hulu, Peacock, Max, Prime Video, and more

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 02:31
The best Black Friday streaming deals at a glance: BEST OVERALL Hulu with ads $0.99/month for one year (save $108) Get Deal BEST BUNDLE DEAL Hulu and Disney+ (both with ads) $2.99/month for one year (save $96) Get Deal Best Hulu add-on Starz on Hulu 99 cents/month for one year (save $120) Get Deal BEST PEACOCK DEAL Peacock Premium $1.99/month for six months of $19.99/year with codes REALDEALMONTHLY or REALDEAL (save up to $60) Get Deal BEST MAX DEAL Max With Ads $2.99/month for six months (save $42) Get Deal BEST PRIME VIDEO ADD-ON Paramount+ with Showtime (Prime Video add-on) $2.99 per month for two months (save $20) Get Deal BEST FOR HORROR FANS AMC+ Ad-Free (Prime Video add-on) $2.25 per month for two months (save $13.48) Get Deal BEST FOR NEW THEATRICAL RELEASES MGM+ (Prime Video add-on) $1.75 per month for two months (save $10.48) Get Deal BEST FOR CHRISTMAS ADDICTS Hallmark+ (Prime Video add-on) $2 per month for two months (save $11.98) Get Deal

'Tis the season for streaming. Black Friday is one of the best times (if not the best time) to sign up for streaming services, as you can typically score some serious savings on monthly membership fees. In years past, we've seen Hulu offer 99-cent subscriptions and Max offer six months of streaming for $2.99 per month. And we're pleased to report that those deals have been resurrected in 2024.

With streaming prices skyrocketing over the past year, we're actually a bit surprised at how impressive some of these Black Friday deals are. If you're looking for a way to cut back on streaming costs, now's a great time to take advantage of a majorly discounted subscription. Just make note that these deals are limited to new and returning subscribers (as in, you once subscribed to Max, but cancelled your subscription months back) only.

There's no need to wait around for Black Friday proper. Snag these subscriptions before the deals vanish. If any other streaming deals surface, we'll be sure to update this with the latest and greatest ones. For now, here are all the best Black Friday streaming deals live.

Best Black Friday streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu with ads monthly subscription $0.99/month for one year (save $108) Get Deal Why we like it

Hulu remains the top dog when it comes to Black Friday deals. For the second year in a row, the streamer is offering an entire year of Hulu with ads for just $0.99 per month. That's less than $12 total for an entire year of streaming. It's a bit surprising, honestly, as Hulu upped the cost of its basic plan just last month from $7.99 per month to $9.99 per month. In other words, the savings this year is even more impressive — 90% or $108 in total over 12 months. That's just...insane.

Hulu is the streaming home for three of our favorite shows of 2023, The Bear, Abbott Elementary, and Reservation Dogs, as well as our top favorite show of 2024, Shōgun. It's also where you'll find episodes of ABC shows the day after they air, like Dancing with the Stars, and Neon movies fresh out of the theaters, like Cuckoo (coming Dec. 17).

Best Peacock streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium $1.99/month for six months or $19.99/year (save up to $60) with codes REALDEALMONTHLY or REALDEAL Get Deal Why we like it

Peacock drops one of the best streaming deals year after year during Black Friday season. And because of the streamer's price hike back in July, this year's deal is even better. Through Dec. 2, new and returning Peacock subscribers can score a year of ad-supported Peacock Premium for either $1.99/month for six months (reg. $7.99/month) or $19.99 for an entire year (reg. $79.99/year) using the codes REALDEALMONTHLY or REALDEAL, respectively. That's 75% in savings. Peacock is home to classic TV hits like The Office and New Girl, Peacock Originals like Poker Face and Love Island USA, new theatrical releases from Universal like Abigail, The Fall Guy, and Twisters, as well as live sports, reality TV on Bravo, and more. At just $20 for the whole year, it's going to be a hard deal to beat this Black Friday.

Best Max streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max With Ads $2.99/month for six months (save $42) Get Deal Why we like it

Max has resurrected its exact Black Friday deal from last year, but that doesn't make us love it any less. If you're a new or returning HBO Max subscriber, you can score six months of the streamer's plan with ads for just $2.99 per month instead of $9.99 per month. That saves you $42 total. The Warner Bros. Discovery-owned streaming service is home to not only Warner Bros. films, but also new A24 theatrical releases. That means you have an insane array of hit films at your fingertips, including Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Civil War, Love Lies Bleeding, Dune, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Barbie, Elvis, The Iron Claw, and more. Max also offers its own original series that are definitely worth watching, like True Detective, The Last of Us, and Station Eleven, as well as the B/R Sports add-on for a limited time.

Best Prime Video add-on deal Opens in a new window Credit: Prime Video / Paramount+ Paramount+ with Showtime (Prime Video add-on) $2.99 per month for two months (save $10 per month) Get Deal Why we like it

Typically $12.99 per month, you can score Paramount+ with Showtime for just $2.99 per month for your first two months as a Prime Video add-on. That saves you $20 total and gets you unlimited, ad-free access to the entire Paramount+ catalog, plus Showtime originals and movies (like Yellowjackets and The Curse), live TV with CBS, and college football. Paramount+ is home to NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League matches, CBS originals like Ghosts, Survivor, and Big Brother, old Nickelodeon and MTV shows, and Paramount's latest theatrical releases like A Quiet Place: Day One and Smile 2 (coming soon). For just under $6, you can binge a whole lot of stuff over the next two months. After the promo period, the cost will jump back up to $12.99 per month, so be sure to cancel before that if you want to avoid charges. If you're not a Prime member, Paramount+ is also offering the same deal on their standalone streaming service.

More Black Friday streaming deals

The best Black Friday deals at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 02:27
Best Early Black Friday Deals Best Apple deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $844 at Amazon (Save $255) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Roborock Qrevo S $459.99 at Amazon (Save $340) Get Deal Best headphone deal Bose QuietComfort headphones $199 at Amazon (Save $150) Get Deal Best laptop deal Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (Snapdragon X Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,499 at Amazon (Save $500) Get Deal Best tablet deal Apple iPad, 9th generation (A13, 64GB, WiFi) $199.99 at Target (Save $129.01) Get Deal Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $154.99 at Amazon (Save $45) Get Deal Best Echo deal Amazon Echo Pop $17.99 at Amazon (Save $22) Get Deal Best TV deal Hisense 85-inch QD6 QLED 4K Google TV $649.99 at Best Buy (Save $450) Get Deal Best fitness tracker deal Oura Ring Gen3 (Horizon, Gold) $349 at Best Buy (Save $100) Get Deal Best kitchen deal KitchenAid 5.5-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer $279.99 at Target (Save $170) Get Deal

The moment has arrived. As we head into the final hours of Thanksgiving, bellies full, it's time to also fill our shopping carts. While Black Friday properly falls on Nov. 29. this year, retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target have already kicked off their sales.

Truly, the sheer volume of deals is dizzying. You're in luck though, as we've done the leg work for you. We've been tracking the best Black Friday deals for weeks, finding the lowest prices on all the big names: Apple, Bose, Sony, Samsung, and more.

If you want to get a head start, you can start shopping early Black Friday deals right now. So, for our early birds, here are the best deals to shop.

Note: All newly added or updated deals have been marked with a ✨, while struck-through deals were either sold out or expired at the time of writing. Any deal marked with a 🔥has dropped to a record-low price. 

Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) 🔥 $844.00 at Amazon
$1,099.00 Save $255.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the M3 Apple MacBook Air.

"Mashable Tech Editor Kim Gedeon was impressed by the M3 Air's peppy performance, satisfying keyboard, vivid webcam, and dual-display support (if you close its lid), rating it a 4.3/5. It may not look all that different from its older M-series predecessors — there is a new midnight finish option — but we think it's the best MacBook for most people, especially now that Apple's bumped its base RAM from 8GB to 16GB.

The starting configuration with 256GB of storage is on sale on Amazon for only $844, which is 23% off its $1,099 MSRP, an all-time low, and $5 better than Best Buy's Black Friday deal on the exact same MacBook. This also puts less than $100 between it and the M2 Air, so opting for the current-gen model over the cheapest model out there feels like an easier, more obvious choice." — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

More Apple dealsMacBook Air (13-inch)MacBook Air (15-inch)MacBook ProMaciPadiPad AiriPad miniiPad ProApple WatchesAirPodsAirTags and Apple PencilBest robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo S $459.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $340.00 Get Deal Why we like it

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

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

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

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

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

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

More headphone and speaker dealsHeadphonesEarbudsSpeakersBest laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (Snapdragon X Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) 🔥 $1,499.99 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $500.00 Get Deal Why we like it

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

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

The upgraded configuration that Gedeon tested is a 13-inch model featuring a Snapdragon X Elite processor, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage. It usually retails for $1,999.99, but Amazon and the Microsoft Store both have it listed for $1,499.99, or 25% off. That's its biggest discount to date." — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

More laptop and computer deals

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

Windows laptopsChromebooksGaming laptopsBest tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 9th generation (A13, 64GB, WiFi) $199.99 at Target
$329.00 Save $129.01 Get Deal Why we like it

"An iPad under $200 is a true gift this holiday season. Apple's 9th generation model is down to $199.99 at Target, less than a dollar short of its lowest price ever. While there might be newer generations available, this is the most budget-friendly model, especially now that it's $129 off.

The 9th generation Apple iPad comes with the A13 bionic chip, which provides plenty of processing power for streaming, gaming, or working. The 10.2-inch retina display gives plenty of space for your creative pursuits, as it's compatible with the first generation of Apple Pencil.

Now is the right time to shop, as you can find the Apple iPad 9th generation for 39% off." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More tablet deals

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

Best Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 🔥 $154.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal Why we like it

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

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

More Kindle dealsMore e-reader dealsBest Echo device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Pop 🔥 $17.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $22.00 Get Deal Why we like it

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

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

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

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

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

More TV deals

TV deals are sorted by size, then price.

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

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

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

More fitness tracker deals

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

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

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

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

More kitchen dealsBest home deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V11 Cordless Vacuum $349.99 at Walmart
$599.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"As you get ready for guests during the holidays, a vacuum is your best friend. It sucks up crumbs leftover from dinner, or anything trailed in on winter boots. In the panic of prepping for visitors, if you don't want to deal with cords or bags, look to the Dyson V11 Cordless Vacuum.

With whole-machine filtration, it removes even the smallest particles of pollen and bacteria. Plus there's nothing worse than hair getting stuck in the vacuum head, but it automatically detangles hair. Ahead of Black Friday, you can find this vacuum for just $349.99. That saves you $250, for banging savings of 42%." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More home dealsBest mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nectar Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress (Queen) $949.00 at Nectar
$2,286.00 Save $1,337.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"We’re shocked by how many mattress deals are popping off this early in the game. While there are great discounts across the board, the Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress (Queen) has our vote as the best deal ahead of Black Friday.

This 13-inch-thick mattress has twice as much pressure-relieving memory foam as the Nectar Classic, 60 percent more cooling, and is currently 50% off. With five layers of premium OEKO-TEX-certified materials, this mattress will provide an incredibly comfortable and supportive night's sleep. There’s also a 365-day trial and forever warranty, so if you don’t absolutely love it, you can return it." — Tabitha Britt, Mashable Contributor

More mattress dealsBest streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu with ads monthly subscription 99 cents/month for one year (save $108) Get Deal Why we like it

"Hulu remains the top dog when it comes to Black Friday deals. For the second year in a row, the streamer is offering an entire year of Hulu with ads for just $0.99 per month. That's less than $12 total for an entire year of streaming. It's a bit surprising, honestly, as Hulu upped the cost of its basic plan just last month from $7.99 per month to $9.99 per month. In other words, the savings this year are even more impressive — 90% or $108 in total over 12 months.

Hulu is the streaming home for three of our favorite shows of 2023, The Bear, Abbott Elementary, and Reservation Dogs, as well as our top favorite show of 2024, Shōgun. It's also where you'll find episodes of ABC shows the day after they air, like Dancing with the Stars, and Neon movies fresh out of the theaters, like Cuckoo (coming Dec. 17)." — Christina Buff, Mashable Contributor

More streaming dealsBest book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart 'Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West' by Gregory Maguire $10.00 at Walmart
$19.99 Save $9.99 Get Deal Why we like it

"It's safe to say that the Wicked craze is in full swing. Whether you're holding space for all the memes the press tour is delivering or already ready for your second in-theater watch, have you considered reading the source material? And we're not talking about The Wizard of Oz.

The musical is based on Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, the novel by Gregory Maguire, and if you, or the biggest Wicked fan in your life, are eager to dive deeper into the world, now is a great time to pick up a copy. Ahead of Black Friday, Walmart is offering 50% off the novel, bringing it down to $10.

Wicked not your thing? Don't sweat because the Black Friday book deals are endless. Explore more deals on fiction, non-fiction, YA, and cookbooks below." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More book dealsKindle book dealsBest gaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony The Last of Us Part I $29.99 at Best Buy
$69.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"The second season of The Last of Us is coming in 2025, and if you still haven't played the video game, now is your time to catch up. Ahead of Black Friday, find The Last of Us Part I for PlayStation 5 marked down 57%. It's down to $29.99, saving you $40. Plus, you can save 15% on Astro Gaming headsets with the purchase of a video game at Best Buy.

And while you're at it, you may as well pick up "The Last of Us Part II Remastered" for PlayStation 5, which is also on sale ahead of Black Friday." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More gaming deals under $50More gaming deals for the Nintendo Switch

Games

Accessories

Best toy deal Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart Lego Star Wars Ahsoka Tano’s T-6 Jedi Shuttle (75362) $45.00 at Walmart
$79.99 Save $34.99 Get Deal Why we like it

"The Office Lego Set may have sold out at Walmart within a day or so of dropping, but we still have another favorite Lego deal to highlight. Star Wars fans will get a huge kick out of the Lego Star Wars Ahsoka Tano’s T-6 Jedi Shuttle. With a rotating cockpit, signature red wings, and four figurines including bounty hunter and Sith, this is an action-packed set. Walmart's nearly 28% discount drops this set to $45, beating Best Buy's price by $13.99 on the same model number." — Gabriel Morgan, Mashable Contributor

More toys and games dealsLego dealsToy dealsBoard game dealsBest beauty tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexStyle $229.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read our full review of the Shark FlexStyle here.

"We know the Dyson Airwrap is that girl, but the Shark FlexStyle gives it a run for its money. Our favorite Airwrap dupe is the Shark FlexStyle, providing the same experience for a fraction of the price.

During Black Friday, you can find the Shark FlexStyle for just $229.99, saving $70 for 24% savings." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More beauty tech dealsHair dryer dealsHot air styler dealsSkincare tech dealsHot tools deals

For more Black Friday coverage, check out our sister sites CNET, ZDNET, and PCMag.

The 2024 National Dog Show winner is everything a Pug should be

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 02:12

It's Thanksgiving, which means it's once again time to behold the best boys and girls from across the country. NBC has continued its annual tradition of broadcasting the National Dog Show after the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, blessing dog lovers everywhere with this year's batch of furry friends.

The Kennel Club of Philadelphia's 2024 National Dog Show featured 1940 dogs across 205 breeds, all of whom gathered at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center on Nov. 16 and 17. These dogs were sorted into seven different divisions for judging, namely Herding, Hound, Non-Sporting, Sporting, Terrier, Toy, and Working.

SEE ALSO: This tiny toasted marshmallow won 2023's National Dog Show

Though all dogs are good dogs, the National Dog Show's judges are required to narrow down the candidates to determine this year's top dogs. Even so, it would be rather unbalanced to assess both a Chihuahua and a Great Dane by the same criteria. The judges therefore evaluate entrants according to their "mental image of the perfect dog as described in the breed’s official standard," considering factors such as what tasks or characteristics they were bred for. One winner is announced for each of the seven divisions, before Best in Show is chosen from among them.

Credit: Bill McCay / NBC via Getty Images

This year's Best in Show winner was Vito the Pug, also known as GCHG Andi In Cahoots. Vito triumphed first in the Toy division before taking the grand prize, with runner up going to Welsh Terrier Verde, winner of the Terrier division.

"Compact, features, movement — [Vito is] everything a Pug should be," said judge George Milutinovich. "Wow. Just wow. Lots of dog in a small package." 

"He's very smug," Vito's handler Michael Scott said when asked if the pug knew he'd been crowned Best in Show. "I think he knows."

Though just two years old, Vito is already a highly decorated dog. The pug previously won Best of Breed at this year's Westminster Dog Show, as well as at last year's American Kennel Club National Championship. That isn't even mentioning the pile of over 20 other Best in Show titles he's already swept up.

"To look at a Pug is to put a smile on your face," said Milutinovich.

He isn't wrong. But to be fair, that's true of pretty much any dog.

Credit: Bill McCay / NBC via Getty Images Credit: Bill McCay / NBC via Getty Images Credit: Bill McCay / NBC via Getty Images Credit: Bill McCay / NBC via Getty Images Credit: Bill McCay / NBC via Getty Images Credit: Bill McCay / NBC via Getty Images Credit: Bill McCay / NBC via Getty Images Credit: Bill McCay / NBC via Getty Images Credit: Bill McCay / NBC via Getty Images Credit: Bill McCay / NBC via Getty Images Credit: Bill McCay / NBC via Getty Images Credit: Bill McCay / NBC via Getty Images

Get 1TB of cloud storage for life for just £47

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Get a Google Drive alternative with 1TB of cloud storage space when you get a lifetime subscription to FolderFort for just £47.19 (reg. £198). 

Opens in a new window Credit: FolderFort FolderFort 1TB Storage Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription £47.19 at The Mashable Shop
£198.00 Save £150.81 Get Deal

In the early days of your Google Drive, it probably felt like you'd never run out of space. Now, you're getting constant low-storage warnings. Suddenly, you have to pay a fair bit to backup your photos and save all your other files online. Or you could skip all that and get 1TB of cloud storage for life on sale today at the Mashable Shop.

FolderFort is a Google Drive alternative that gives you a full 1TB that you can access through any modern browser or mobile device, and you aren't paying for it every month. Get 1TB of cloud storage space with a lifetime subscription to FolderFort for just £47.19 (reg. £198).

Reliable cloud storage for life

What makes FolderFort a solid alternative to Google Drive is how seamlessly you can upload and access your files on all your devices. Transferring files between devices? Open FolderFort in both your browsers, then all you have to do is upload from one and download from the other. Upload speeds are lightning-fast, too. Plus, FolderFort guarantees a 99.9% uptime. 

If you take a lot of photos, 1TB is a lot of space, and you might end up paying for storage you would never use if this were another cloud service. With FolderFort, you can upgrade or downgrade whenever you want. Don't pay for what you're not going to use. 

You can even add other people to your workspace, and each person gets their own 1GB slice of the 1TB pie.

Share across all your devices

Google Drive isn't the only place to keep your files safe. Regularly £198, Mashable readers can get a lifetime subscription to FolderFort Pro 1TB Storage plans for £47.19 for a limited time. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Stock up on hundreds of romance books with the Black Friday Stuff Your Kindle Day

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 00:00

$0.99 BLACK FRIDAY EVENT: Until Dec. 2, you can stock up on a wide range of romance books for under $1 in the Black Friday Stuff Your Kindle Day.

Think Black Friday isn't for bookworms? Wrong. It's the best time to shop for deals on books and Kindles, with literally hundreds of deals to consider.

And Stuff Your Kindle Day is back once again to join the party, but this time things are slightly different. We're used to free giveaways of hundreds of books, but this time you do need to pay $0.99. It's not all bad: This Black Friday event is running until Dec. 2, you've got plenty of time to stock up on all the romance titles on your wishlist.

SEE ALSO: The Kindle Paperwhite made me enjoy reading books again

The Black Friday Stuff Your Kindle Day is an author-organized event that drops the price of hundreds of romance e-books to under $1. And the books that you choose to download are yours to keep. This latest event is a romance-focused book blast hosted by Romance Book Lovers.

Want to make the most of this Black Friday Stuff Your Kindle Day? We've read ahead and lined up everything you need to know about this latest event.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Bookworms have been treated to a number of Stuff Your Kindle Days this year. This latest Black Friday event takes place from Nov. 29 to Dec. 2. The best way to find out about dates hosted by Romance Book Lovers is to join the free reader alert email service.

Who can take part in Stuff Your Kindle Day?

The great thing about these events is that anyone can participate in a Stuff Your Kindle Day. You don't even need to own a Kindle to get involved. Kindle, Kobo, and Nook readers can download these free e-books. You can even download these books on your preferred app and read them straight from your phone, as you can also find these free titles on the Google Play and Apple Books apps.

Which e-books are $0.99?

Sourcing these free romance e-books is straightforward thanks to Romance Book Lovers. Everything is organized by genre, so you can find exactly what you want. Peruse the selection of $0.99 books in genres like Steamy Romance, Science Fiction, Historical Romance, Erotica and Erotic, and more.

Is Stuff Your Kindle Day the same as Amazon Kindle Unlimited?

Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep, and there's no limit on the number of books you can download. Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads don't count towards the 20 books per month that Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow, so don't hold back.

The best Black Friday Kindle deals

How to watch Raiders vs. Chiefs online for free

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL Black Friday game for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime Prime.

The NFL Black Friday game is slowly becoming the best thing about the whole shopping period. Sure, we love perusing the best deals from this marathon event, but we really like checking out the best deals when there's a game on. And this year's game is a real treat, as the Las Vegas Raiders take on the Kansas City Chiefs.

If you want to watch the Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL Black Friday game for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Raiders vs. Chiefs?

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs takes place at 3 p.m. ET on Nov. 29. This fixture will be played at the Arrowhead Stadium.

How to watch Raiders vs. Chiefs for free

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs is available to live stream on Prime Video in the U.S., but anyone can watch this game for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (not to mention a long list of Thursday Night Football fixtures).

Fans from outside the U.S. will need to use a VPN to watch the NFL for free on Prime Video. This process is straightforward:

  1. Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)

  2. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  3. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

  5. Watch Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but top VPN providers do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can gain access to free live streams of the NFL without actually spending anything. It's a short-term fix, but it will give you enough time to watch select NFL fixtures before claiming back your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is currently available for $99.95 — 49% off list price. This deal includes an extra three months at no extra cost, an entire year of unlimited cloud backup, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Save $23 off your first two months of YouTube TV during Black Friday

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 23:08

SAVE $46: As of Nov. 28, YouTube TV is offering two months of the service for $23 off the usual price for Black Friday. This Youtube TV Black Friday deal brings the streaming service to just $49.99 per month, and $46 in total savings (after that, your membership will revert to the original price of $72.99 per month).

Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube YouTube TV (Base Plan, 2 months) $98.00 at YouTube TV
$144.00 Save $46.00 Get Deal

Come on, admit it. You miss cable sometimes, don't you? We never thought we'd see the day once streaming services became the norm, but here we are. There's just a certain itch that live television scratches, one that the likes of Netflix and Max can't.

Thankfully, we have YouTube TV to fill that void, and memberships to the popular live TV service are on sale for Black Friday. Sign up for the Base Plan during the promotion, and you can save $23 off your first two months, just $49.99 per month, and score $46 in total savings (after that, your membership will revert to the original price of $72.99 per month).

SEE ALSO: Walmart's Black Friday TV deals go extremely hard

With a YouTube TV Base Plan, you'll get access to over 100 live TV channels, unlimited cloud DVR storage, the ability to stream on multiple devices at once, and more. You also won't have to deal with the confusing contracts, installations, and hidden fees that traditional cable companies would normally subject you to. If you're a former cord-cutter who's ready to dip their toes back into cable, YouTube TV is a good place to start — especially during Black Friday.

The M4 MacBook Pro is the fastest laptop in the world — get it for $200 off

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 22:00

Save $200: On Black Friday Eve, you can grab the new M4 MacBook Pro for $1,399 — a $200 price drop — at Best Buy and Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,399.00 at Best Buy
$1,599.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal

For certain types of professionals, it's MacBook Pro or bust. Sure, there are Windows laptops that can run Final Cut and Photoshop without making your work life a living hell, but MacBooks just have that ineffable cool factor —especially in the new Midnight Black color. (Fair warning, fingerprint smudges will be your new worst enemy.) And if you need to upgrade your laptop, Black Friday is the best time to do it.

For Black Friday 2024, you can buy the new 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro laptop for $200 off its retail price. The base model comes with a 10‑core CPU and 10‑core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. And if you need a little more firepower, you can opt for the 16-inch version with the M4 Max chip (or a more specced-out version of the 14-incher). We know what you're wondering, and, yes, those models are on sale, too.

SEE ALSO: We track Apple deals year-round — Black Friday 2024 has the lowest prices we’ve seen

Ever since Apple introduced its M series silicon, it's been running laps around the competition. However, in the past year or so, Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite chips started matching or beating the M3. But the new MacBooks equipped with the M4 chip are back on top, according to our benchmark testing. In her review of the M4 MacBook Pro, Mashable East Coast Tech Editor Kimberly Gedeon wrote that "Windows PCs must feel sick right now."

Where can you get the best price on the MacBook Pro? Forget the Apple Store. The new M4 MacBook Pro laptop is at its lowest-ever price at Amazon and Best Buy for Black Friday. However, it's currently out of stock at Amazon, though probably not for long.

You can also check out even more advanced versions of the new MacBook Pro:

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 29

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 22:00

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

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

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

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 29 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow - Decisively winning

  • Green - Bogey bound

  • Blue - Organized throwing

  • Purple - Formal nicknames

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

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

  • Yellow - Defeat soundly

  • Green - Mishit a golf shot

  • Blue - Dart games

  • Purple - Mr. ____

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #67 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

  • Defeat soundly: ANNIHILATE, CRUSH, SQUELCH, WRECK

  • Mishit a golf shot: DUFF, HOOK, SHANK, SLICE

  • Dart games: 301, BASEBALL, CRICKET, KILLER

  • Mr. _____: 3000, CUB, HOCKEY, OCTOBER

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

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

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

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

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 29, 2024

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 22:00

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 29 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: A significant task or project that requires effort

  • Green: Measurements

  • Blue: Pro baseball teams

  • Purple: Prestige TV shows

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

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

  • Yellow: Undertaking

  • Green: Units

  • Blue: MLB Team Member

  • Purple: First Words of HBO Shows

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #534 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Undertaking: ENDEAVOR, ENTERPRISE, PROJECT, VENTURE

  • Units: HERTZ, MOLE, SECOND, VOLT

  • MLB Team Member: NATIONAL, RAY, TIGER, TWIN

  • First Words of HBO Shows: BOARDWALK, CURB, GAME, SILICON

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 29

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

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

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

Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 29

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 22:00

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

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for November 29 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 29 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

What is Moo Deng.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There is one reoccurring letter.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter H.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

HIPPO.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 28

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

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

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

NYT Strands hints, answers for November 29

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 22:00

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

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

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

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.

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.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 29 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 29 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Give me a break

These words are things you might do with free time.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are different ways to describe rest.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is DownTime.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for November 29

  • Chill

  • Pause

  • Lounge

  • Loaf

  • Relax

  • Unwind

  • Luxuriate

  • DownTime

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.

Amazon Prime members get 2 months of Discovery+ for $2.50

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 20:49

Save 75%: Through Cyber Monday, Amazon Prime members can get Discovery+ for just $1.25 per month for up to two months.

Opens in a new window Credit: Discovery+ Discovery+ monthly subscription Get two months for $1.25 per month (save $7.48) Get Deal

Black Friday is a great time to grab expensive products on sale, and in this day and age, that means taking advantage of all the streaming deals that crop up between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

SEE ALSO: This can't-miss Hulu and Disney+ bundle is just $2.99 per month for Black Friday

For Amazon Prime Members, we spotted an especially good deal that lets you sign up for Discovery+ for just $1.25 per month for up to two months. If you've been on the fence about signing up for this streaming app, then this is the perfect excuse to try it out. Typically, members pay $4.99 per month, meaning this promotion nets you a 75% discount. In total, you'll save $7.48, just make sure you sign up before Dec. 2, aka Cyber Monday, to grab the savings.

This deal doesn't apply to the streaming service's ad-free plan, so be aware that you will have to sit through some ad breaks while you're watching 90 Day Fiancé, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, or How the Universe Works. You can find a list of what channels are available on Discovery+ here, and if you find yourself needing more options for streaming deals, you can check out more Black Friday offers from Max, Hulu, and Paramount+.

This Black Friday Xbox Game Pass deal comes with way more than just a membership, and youll save over $50

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 20:06

SAVE $51.98: As of Nov. 28, Amazon is offering $51.98 off an Xbox Game Pass bundle that comes with one month of the service, an Xbox controller, and a Fire TV Stick 4K. This Game Pass Black Friday deal was also a hot Amazon Prime Day deal, so don't miss your second chance at snagging it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (1 month) + Xbox Core Wireless Controller + Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K bundle $74.99 at Amazon
$127.96 Save $52.97 Get Deal

If you have even the smallest interest in video games, you already know that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is one of the best, if not the best deals in gaming. It's basically the Netflix of gaming, offering you access to a massive library of titles to download from and play at your leisure for a relatively reasonable monthly price. You also get exclusive discounts in the Microsoft Store, the ability to play online with friends, and more. That's a way better deal than buying all of your games individually at $70 a pop.

If that sounds good to you, then we've found a Black Friday deal that'll probably be of interest: Amazon is offering a month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox Core Wireless Controller, and a Fire TV Stick 4K for just $74.99 (that saves you $51.98). This deal was also available during Amazon Prime Day 2024, so don't waste your second chance if you missed it the first time around.

SEE ALSO: Playing the "storage shuffle" with your new console? Pick up a portable SSD on sale this Black Friday.

And before you ask, no, you actually don't need an Xbox console to make this bundle useable. You can stream your Game Pass titles directly from the Fire TV Stick 4K, no Xbox required (assuming you have a decent WiFi connection). If that doesn't sell you on this bundle, we don't know what will.

Canada Accuses Google of Creating Advertising Tech Monopoly

NYT Technology - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 19:53
The case largely echoes an antitrust action in the United States and seeks to force Google to sell off sections of its online ad business.

The best Black Friday tech deals in Australia for 2024

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 19:05
Top Black Friday deals I've spotted today... Best Robot Vacuum Deal Eureka E10s A$499 at Amazon AU (was $1,099, 55% off) Get Deal Best Appliance Deal KitchenAid K400 Variable Speed Blender A$309 at Amazon AU (was $549, save 44%) Get Deal Best Earbuds Deal Anker Soundcore Space A40 A$79.99 at Amazon AU (was $159, 50% off) Get Deal Best Headphones Deal Bose QuietComfort SC A$299 at Amazon AU (was $499.95, 40% off) Get Deal Best TV Deal Hisense U7NAU A$1,195 at The Good Guys (was $1,695, $500 off) Get Deal Best Laptop Deal Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 14” A$2,154.56 at Lenovo Australia (was $3,619, 40% off) Get Deal Black Friday robot vacuum dealsBlack Friday laptop dealsBlack Friday headphone and speaker dealsBlack Friday wearable tech dealsBlack Friday TV and home cinema dealsBlack Friday VPN and security deals

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The biggest shopping day of the year is here again! That's right, it's Black Friday. And for us in Australia, that means a full day of lowest prices on just about everything (online, of course, meaning you won't have to fight off an angry crowd of Americans lining up at Walmart). With so many deals to wade through on the internet, we've done the hard work for you. Above, you'll find the biggest savings we've seen on everything tech, from all the major Aussie retailers, including Amazon, The Good Guys, Bing Lee and more. Happy hunting!

Is there a Black Friday in Australia? What is it?

Black Friday is 100% in Australia, with most retailers in the country partaking in the sales. Traditionally a single day of sales, it has become the term used to describe most sales in late November.

"Black Friday" originally comes from the United States, where in the 1950s, shops would offer huge discounts on all stock in order to clear their shelves following Thanksgiving. It also gave shoppers the chance to get on top of their holiday shopping early, and save some valuable dollars to boot. In the 70-odd years since then, Black Friday has grown into a global shopping bonanza. And the growth of e-commerce and online shopping has made it more accessible than ever.

How about Cyber Monday?

You may have also heard the term "Cyber Monday", which is a more recent event falling on the Monday straight after Black Friday. It was supposed to be more of an online thing, and typically features big savings on software, particularly security software like VPNs and antivirus.

These days, the whole month of November sees huge deals, with many retailers advertising their sales during "Black Friday Month" or "Black Friday Week". That said, you'll still often find the best prices on the official Black Friday day.

When is Black Friday in 2024?

Today! November 29, 2024. As we mentioned above, retailers have lately been referring to the whole week as "Black Friday Week", which kicked off on Monday, November 25, and concludes on Cyber Monday (December 2).

What should I buy on Black Friday? Any other shopping tips?

Thanks to the Black Friday hype, November is a great month to score some solid discounts on pretty much anything you need. That said, during Black Friday Week there are some especially low prices on the more expensive tech items, such as TVs, robot vacuums, laptops and electronics. Even a small percentage discount on some of these items can translate to hundreds of dollars in savings, so we definitely recommend buying any big-ticket items you need (or plan to gift, you lovely human), as opposed to getting too enticed by big percentage discounts on less expensive items. Definitely keep an eye out for the following sorts of products, as they're often marked down on Black Friday.

  • TVs: We expect pretty much all the leading tech retailers to be marking down prices on TVs quite significantly, since they'll be making room for next year's stock. In fact, The Good Guys and Bing Lee have both already kicked off their Black Friday sales. The good deals on top brands like Samsung, LG and Sony go very quickly, so be sure to get on it!

  • Appliances: You can save literally hundreds of dollars on whitegoods and appliances like fridges, freezers, dishwashers and more, with even relatively small percentage discounts. If you need to replace or upgrade your home appliances, do it today!

  • Games consoles: It's been easier to get the PS5 and Xbox Series X in Australia than in the past years, but that means we can finally expect some pretty good discounts on these. Consoles and games make fantastic gifts, and we've already spotted some pretty great bundle prices on the latest games with new consoles this past month. If you're in the market for one, definitely keep an eye out!

  • Smartphones: Need a new phone? Now is the time to snag one for cheap. Apple iPhones notoriously rarely go on sale, but we've spotted some hefty Apple deals on Amazon Australia.

  • Smart home tech: Ever thought about upgrading your home to the future, with a robot vacuum, video doorbell or smart lock? You'll find some especially good deals on everything smart home this Black Friday, especially on Amazon Australia.

  • Cybersecurity software: Cybersecurity software, such as antivirus and a VPN, is a must have in the modern online climate. If you need to renew or update your security set up for the new year, we suggest doing it now since the prices are so low as part of the aforementioned Cyber Monday sales.

A dog climbed an Egyptian pyramid — and things just got weirder from there

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 16:09

A bizarre story out of Egypt has shed light on not only the untrustworthiness of many viral videos, but the plight of stray dogs in that nation's capital.

Last month, American paraglider Alex Lang was utilizing a motor and wing attached to a backpack to soar above the Giza complex near Cairo. At the top of the 448-foot tall Pyramid of Khafre, Lang spotted a dog near the apex of the structure and managed to film the adorable and bizarre spectacle.

After landing, Lang showed the footage to other paramotorists, including a man named Marshall Mosher. According to the New York Times, Mosher then took the footage, edited it so it appeared Mosher was in the air (and not Lang), and posted it on Instagram without Lang's permission. Not surprisingly, the clip went viral (28 million views and counting) and Mosher soon received interview requests and financial opportunities.

“It’s my video edit, my post, and I’m not required by any legal or moral rules to tag him,” Mosher told the Times.

Mosher did end up sharing some of the proceeds of the video with Lang, who seemed mostly unbothered by the wannabe influencer's machinations.

About that dog

The dog captured atop Khafre — Apollo — was actually a stray, though he was well known around the Giza complex. Apollo and his brood, along with many other stray dogs, often hang around the pyramids. A group known as the American Cairo Animal Rescue Foundation has long cared for Apollo and his pack, feeding, vaccinating, and spaying and neutering most of them (Apollo has not been neutered, according to the Times). Like his canine companions, Apollo is still wild and often bolts to the top of Khafre when someone from the rescue foundation tries to capture him.

Egypt has long been filled with unhoused pups, with the population now estimated at 15 million. While dogs and humans lived harmoniously for centuries, Napoleon helped change that. Upon entering Egypt in the late 18th century, would-be French conquerors viewed the dogs as a nuisance at best, a danger at worst, and began shooting and poisoning them. The practice of poisoning stray dogs continued until the modern era, though it's now technically illegal.

Organizations like the American Cairo Animal Rescue Foundation have stepped in to help these animals, housing hundreds of them and finding permanent homes for them all around the world.

“The society here considers street dogs to be varmints,” the foundation's Vicki Michelle Brown told the Times. “Fortunately, strays are increasingly gaining acceptance and grass-roots support.”

A ton of Pokémon items, including cards, are 30% off at Target for Black Friday

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 15:44
Opens in a new window Credit: Pokémon cards Pokémon cards and action figures 30% off at Target Shop Now

Lego and Pokémon have cemented themselves as pillars of Black Friday toy shopping because both icons have the rare dichotomous appeal to kids and adults. If anyone on your list is more of a Pokémon person — whether that's a 10-year-old just beginning their phase or a 30-year-old still religiously playing Pokémon Go (yes, we exist) — Target is the place to find Pokémon deals this Black Friday.

SEE ALSO: Found it: Here's the cheapest 55-inch QLED TV so far this Black Friday

Target's Black Friday sale on Pokémon stuff offers 30% off Pokémon cards (including several premium collections), action figures, kids' apparel, Squishmallows, and more. We've pulled out some of the best steals below, but you might want to peruse the full six pages of Target Pokémon deals yourself.

And if you happen to find a better deal on something Pokémon (or any other item, for that matter) at Amazon or Walmart, Target's Black Friday price matching policy will come in clutch — the item just has to be identical to the one sold at the other retailer.

Best Pokémon deals at Target

The sub-$20 gift Im buying everyone this Black Friday

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 14:39

SAVE $10.40: The Anker Zolo portable charger (10,000mAh) is on sale for $15.59 during Amazon's Black Friday sale — a savings of 40%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Zolo portable charger $15.59 at Amazon
$25.99 Save $10.40 Get Deal

I've been a die-hard Pokemon Go player since the game came out in 2016 (remember how beautiful that summer was?), and I finally got my boyfriend to start playing this year. We've been raiding and following routes and spending entire days catching Pokemon during events and community days.

This is all very fun for us, that is, until one of our phones dies. It's usually his as he has an iPhone 13 mini. Just this past weekend, we had to head home early because our phones were running out of juice. I knew I had to buy us some power banks if we were going to get the most out of the game.

That's where this Black Friday deal comes in. The Anker Zolo is small, has a built-in USB-C cable, and can charge a phone from 0 to 57 percent in half an hour. Plus, it comes in some cute baby pink and blue colors in addition to white and black. It's on sale for about $15 at Amazon as an official Black Friday deal. My boyfriend and I will each be getting one in our stocking this year — and maybe some of my other family members, too.

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