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Oura's got a new smart ring out. Let's talk about it.

The release of the Oura Ring 4 brings the next generation of Oura's popular wearable to the market. Many tech reviewers, such as Mashable's Kim Gedeon, got some time with it and came away with plenty of thoughts. With competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Ring on sale now, Oura has to work to keep up with more recognizable brands. Instead of wasting any more time, here's what reviewers are saying about the Oura Ring 4.

SEE ALSO: Oura Ring 4 review: It's got this edge over Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Ring Oura Ring 4: 3 things reviewers liked

The good news is that just about everyone agrees that the Oura Ring 4 is really good. Here's why:

Best-in-class health tracking

Oura has made its name with high-quality health tracking through a mobile app, and that is apparently no different here.

In fact, Oura redesigned the app, organizing all of its features into three distinct tabs that help streamline things, according to Victoria Song of The Verge. Beyond that, though, Song said the health tracking the watch does is impressively accurate considering the limitations of a tiny smart ring:

"All I can tell you is what I experienced in my own testing. The Oura Ring 4’s sleep and wake times align with my own manual testing logs. I still saw occasional gaps in nighttime heart rate, though it’s hard to say after only two weeks whether there were fewer or greater than before. My heart rate metrics, however, were all on par with my smartwatches — which is a good thing. Step counts and calorie estimates can be inflated compared to smartwatches, but that’s been true of every smart ring I’ve tested. What I can say for Oura, however, is its measurements are consistent and its margin of error is on the smaller side. After years of testing wearables, I trust the Oura Ring’s measurements for sleep and recovery tracking — in fact, I use it as a control for evaluating the sleep tracking features of other devices."

More comfortable fit

One of the more profound design changes with the Oura Ring 4 is also very simple: The inside of the ring no longer has bumps on it.

Those existed in previous models for health tracking purposes, but Oura found a way to slim the ring down and smooth out the inner surface, so the bumps don't dig into your skin anymore. Pretty much every review I read, including those from the Guardian and Wired, noted this change and pointed out that the ring is more comfortable to wear than before.

Improved battery life

It's not exactly surprising to hear that a new version of an older device has a better battery than previous models, but it's still welcome, nonetheless. Reports vary from one reviewer to the next, but generally speaking, everyone agrees that the battery in the Oura Ring 4 lasts longer than the one in the Oura Ring 3. Adrienne So of Wired had one particularly eye-catching testimonial:

"I get around three days of battery life with the Gen3. Right now, I am on the fourth day of wearing the Oura Ring 4 with, as I said, a pretty crazy amount of tracked physical activity through the weekend that included way too many hikes and a late-night outdoor music festival, and I still have what I would guess to be two to three more days of battery left. (I lead a pretty quiet life, but for some reason, whenever I test an Oura ring, I behave like an absolute maniac.)"

Oura Ring 4: 3 things reviewers didn't like

No device is perfect, and so neither is the Oura Ring 4. Here are a couple of complaints reviewers had about it:

Subscription needed

One major annoyance that could lead someone to go with a Samsung or Apple wearable is that the Oura Ring needs to be paired with a $6/mo or $70/yr subscription to unlock every feature. Every review I read mentioned this because, well, it's something that definitely needs to be mentioned. Whether or not that's too much for you will vary from person to person, but just know that there's a hidden cost to the Oura Ring 4.

Pricing problems

There's also an issue regarding the pricing of the Oura Ring 4. Put simply, you might have to pay more if you want a particular finish for your ring, even if the ring you're getting is functionally identical to cheaper ones with different finishes. Lisa Eadiciccio of CNET laid it all out:

"The Oura Ring 4 is available in six finishes: silver, black, brushed silver, stealth, gold and rose gold. But some finishes cost more than others. While silver and black are available at the $349 (£349, AU$569) starting price, brushed silver and stealth cost $399, and gold and rose gold are $499."

Considering the gold version looks amazing (at least according to Mashable's review, which is of course correct), that's probably going to be disappointing for some potential customers. An extra $150 for a different color is a lot to ask of people.

Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, and Elijah Wood star in "The Monkey," in theaters February 21.

Google is going nuclear — literally. The search engine giant is set to buy a fleet of mini nuclear reactors in a "world's first" corporate energy deal.

SEE ALSO: Apple study reveals major AI flaw in OpenAI, Google, and Meta LLMs SEE ALSO: How much is AI hurting the planet? Big tech won't tell us.

The deal, in partnership with California-based Kairos Power, Google aims to build six to seven of these compact reactors by 2035, with the first expected to go live as soon as 2030. The power demands of artificial intelligence are exploding, and Google says nuclear energy provides the "clean, round-the-clock power" it needs to keep its operations running on carbon-free energy 24/7.

According to some estimates, training cutting-edge AI models like ChatGPT or Google’s own Gemini consumes immense energy, potentially generating as much as 626,000 pounds of CO2 per model. That's equivalent to roughly "300 round-trip flights between New York and San Francisco, or five times the lifetime emissions of an average car."

Google isn’t the only tech giant making a play for nuclear energy in the AI era. Last month, Microsoft made headlines by announcing its own nuclear energy deal—a plan to revive the infamous Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Pennsylvania, the site of the worst nuclear meltdown in U.S. history. The facility has long been dormant and is now slated to be restored to meet Microsoft’s growing AI energy demands.

Even Amazon has a nuclear energy deal.

While locations and financial specifics for these deals are still under wraps, the deal has already been set in motion. The company has committed to buying 500 megawatts of nuclear power—enough to drive an electric car around 2 million miles. Kairos also plans to have a demonstration plant slated for construction in Tennessee, set to be operational by 2027.

SAVE $64.98: Over 200 artificial Christmas trees at Amazon from brands like National Tree Company and Puleo come with a free Echo Pop and Amazon Smart Plug, which is a total savings of $64.98.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Free Amazon Echo Pop and Amazon Smart Plug with purchase of eligible artificial Christmas tree Get Deal

The calendar still says October, but it's never too early to be thinking about the upcoming holidays. If you're ready for an upgraded artificial Christmas tree, Amazon is treating us to some freebies that work perfectly with the tree.

Until Dec. 16, select from the 200+ eligible artificial Christmas trees at Amazon and score a free Amazon Echo Pop and Amazon Smart Plug. Together, the two freebies total a savings of $64.98. To score this deal, add all three qualifying products to your cart. The discount appears during checkout.

SEE ALSO: Amazon deal of the day: Score the biggest discount to date on the Sony ULT Wear headphones

An artificial Christmas tree can be ideal if you're not interested in keeping a giant tree watered and happy in your home during dry winter months. It can also be better for those with allergies. If you've been getting by with an artificial tree that's seen better days, plenty of models are on sale at Amazon today. Not only will you save some money off the usual price, over 200 models come with a free Amazon Echo Pop and a free Amazon Smart Plug.

There are many artificial Christmas tree options eligible for the deal. You can snag the National Tree Company Pre-Lit Artificial Mini Christmas Tree on sale for just $68.99 and, at four feet tall, it could be perfect for a smaller home or apartment. Or go with a grand option like the nine-foot National Tree Company Dunhill Fir Artificial Tree, which is currently just $451.82, a 53% discount off the list price of $959.99.

The included free Amazon Echo Pop device is a compact smart speaker, offering great sound for smaller spaces like a bedroom or your office. You'll be able to stream your favorite artists on the Echo Pop or tune into the latest podcast episode. Plug it in near your new Christmas tree and set the mood with some holiday tunes.

The deal also comes with a free Amazon Smart Plug. Since the majority of artificial Christmas trees now come pre-lit with their own strands of lights, you'll want to plug them into a smart plug and turn the tree (or any compatible smart device) on and off with the Alexa app or through voice control.

Combining the joy of an artificial Christmas tree with holiday songs on the Amazon Echo Pop is the perfect pairing. Plus, the Amazon Smart Plug means you'll never have to worry if you left the tree lights on while you're gone for the day. Thanks to Amazon's holiday sale, over 200 artificial Christmas trees are eligible to score a free Echo Pop and Smart Plug. You'll be ready to deck the halls in 2024.

SAVE UP TO $220: As of Oct. 15, Dyson is offering several major discounts on refurbished versions of its biggest hair tools. Get a refurbished Airwrap Origin for $249.99, a refurbished Supersonic in the coveted Ceramic Pop colorway for $229.99, or a refurbished Airstrait for $219.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Renewed sale save up to $220 on the Airwrap, Ceramic Pop Supersonic, and Airstrait Shop Now

To be on beauty TikTok and self-care TikTok in fall 2024 is to be bombarded with "winter arc" how-to's. One way to glow up this winter mentioned countless times? Finally investing in your hair.

Reducing heat is a surefire way to do that. But past simply not styling your hair at all, Dyson's hair tools are some of the best for simultaneously minimizing heat damage while securing shine. Though they're typically on the pricier side, Dyson's Renewed section happens to be popping off in mid-October — refurbished versions of the Airwrap, Supersonic, and Airstrait are all even cheaper than usual with discounts between $100 and $220 on six models total.

Best refurbished Dyson hair tool deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Our pick: Dyson Airwrap Origin (refurbished) $249.99 at Dyson
$349.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

While we're all for Airwrap dupes around here, we also don't blame you if you just want an Airwrap, damnit. Not only going with the Origin model, but going with a renewed version of the Origin model is your cheapest route by far — at $249.99, you could buy two of these for less than the $599.99 cost of a brand new Airwrap. For reference, the Airwrap dropped to $499.99 this past October Prime Day, and it likely won't drop past that much for Black Friday.

The difference between the Airwrap Complete Long and the Airwrap Origin featured here is that the Origin pares back on attachments, specifically skipping the soft and firm smoothing brushes, as well as the 1.6-inch barrel. It still comes with the 1.2-inch long barrel for simultaneous curling and drying, the volumizing round brush, and impressively, Dryer+ Flyaway smoother. (If you do want all of the attachments, the renewed Complete Long is also on sale for $349.99.)

Mashable's shopping reporter on the beauty tech beat, Bethany Allard, can personally vouch for the Airwrap's smoothing capabilities, as well as the noticeable difference in heat damage between the Airwrap and a cheaper tool like the Revlon One-Step.

More refurbished Dyson hair tools on sale:

• Dyson Corrale cordless hair straightener in Copper/Nickel — $179.99 $399.99 (save $220)

• Dyson Supersonic hair dryer in Iron/Fuchsia — $219.99 $319.99 (save $100)

• Dyson Airstrait cordless hair straightener in Nickel/Copper — $219.99 $399.99 (save $180)

• Dyson Supersonic hair dryer in Ceramic Pop — $229.99 $349.99 (save $120)

• Dyson Airwrap Complete Long in Nickel/Copper — $349.99 $499.99 (save $150)

"Invincible" returns for its third season in early 2025, and this time there won't be a mid-season break.

SAVE $90: As of Oct. 15, get the DJI Osmo Action 3 camera and accessories at Amazon for just 199, down from its usual price of $289. That's a discount of 31%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DJI Osmo Action 3 $199.00 at Amazon
$289.00 Save $90.00 Get Deal

The weather may be getting cooler, but that doesn't mean you won't be out and about making outdoor memories. If you're the type of person who lives for fall activities, you might want to grab an action camera to capture everything. Specifically, one that you can mount and wear to capture every adventure — and there's a great one on sale at Amazon now.

As of Oct. 15, the DJI Osmo Action 3 is on sale at Amazon for just $199, down from its normal price of $289. That's a discount of 31% and $90 off. You also get a chest and backpack strap mount, as well as two additional batteries for up to a 320-minute runtime.

SEE ALSO: Amazon deal of the day: Score the biggest discount to date on the Sony ULT Wear headphones

The DJI Osmo Action 3 has dual touchscreens with a hydrophobic coating and can go wherever you do. It can take 4K HDR footage of all your activities, whether you're skydiving or hitting the bike trail and pulling off some sick tricks. Your mount will keep your footage steady and level, so you never have to miss a moment of what you've got going on (and neither do your friends and family back home).

The camera has a 160-minute battery life made even longer with the included extra batteries, and it's super simple to mount or use in your hands to get a steady shot. If you like to swim or dive, you can even take it underwater. It's waterproof up to 16 meters without any need for additional attachments, so whether you go for a swim or do some serious scuba diving, you're covered.

Whether you want to head out and take some cool footage this year or you want to give it as a gift, this is a great price on a fall fun-ready camera.

OpenAI has lost a lot of top leadership lately, but they're gaining a big one: a top AI researcher from Microsoft.

In the wake of several high-profile exits, Microsoft's Sebastien Bubeck is joining the OpenAI team, according to a report from The Information. Bubeck told his staff on Monday that he's leaving for OpenAI. The new role at OpenAI is currently unknown, but the researcher is leaving Microsoft to "to further his work toward developing AGI," said a Microsoft spokesperson to the outlet.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI unveils major ChatGPT redesign with new ‘Canvas’ interface for writers and coders

Within the past year, OpenAI has seen an exodus of top leadership, including co-founders Ilya Sutskever and Greg Brockman (on extended leave) and most recently, CTO Mira Murati, over reported clashes with the direction CEO Sam Altman is taking the company. Reports have surfaced of prioritizing commercialization over responsible AI development as OpenAI grows further away from a research lab and more into a typical for-profit tech company.

Bubeck is a VP of Microsoft GenAI and led a machine learning team in the development of Microsoft's Phi models, which are low-cost, lightweight versions of OpenAI's GPT models that are now used for Bing Chat and various Office 365 AI features. What Bubeck will do at OpenAI is uncertain, but the development of smaller, cheaper AI models is a growing area of focus for all AI companies, since they can perform many of the same everyday tasks as the the larger foundation models for a fraction of the cost.

Recently, OpenAI has taken to launching mini versions of their models, like GPT-4o mini and o1 mini, a lightweight version of its advanced reasoning model. So perhaps we'll see more cost-effective models as OpenAI looks to turn a profit and recoup its funders $6.6 billion investment.

SAVE UP TO 55%: Find massive savings on nearly every pair of Beats headphones at Amazon. Take $100 off the Beats Studio Pros, which are down to $249.99 for 29% off.

Best Beats deals Best headphone deal Beats Studio Pro $249.99 at Amazon (Save $100) Get Deal Best earbud deal Beats Studio Buds $99.99 at Amazon (Save $49.96) Get Deal Best speaker deal Beats Pill $129.99 at Amazon (Save $19.96) Get Deal

We expect to see discounts across an entire brand's line-up around big sales like Prime Day or Black Friday. Last week brought Amazon's October sale event, and while it ended officially on Wednesday, October 9, we've been following the deals that are still live — or have popped up since.

Beats deals are as good as ever following Prime Day. Nearly every pair of headphones (and a speaker) are discounted. There are hundreds of dollars in savings to be had, and we've rounded up the best deals from the brand.

Best Beats deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro $249.99 at amazon
$349.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Before there were AirPods, there were Beats. While the former has taken off in popularity, we haven't forgotten Apple's OG line of headphones because they're still really great. Among Beats headphones, the Studio Pro headphones are our favorite. They sound fantastic, have 24 hours of battery life with ANC, and fold into a nice portable package. Not to mention, they're stylish too. Kim Kardashian recently collaborated with Beats for a line of chic neutral colors that feel just right for fall.

In comparison to AirPods Max's $549 price tag, the Beats Studio Pro are a bargain at their listed $349.99. However, they're on sale for $249.99, taking $100 off the price for 29% in savings.

More Beats deals

• Beats Flex — $49.99 $69.95 (save $19.96)

• Beats Studio Buds — $99.99 $149.95 (save $49.96)

• Beats Solo 4 — $129.99 $199.95 (save $69.96)

• Beats Pill — $129.99 $149.95 (save $19.96)

• Beats Studio3 — $159 $349.95 (save $190.95)

• Beats Powerbeats Pro — $159.99 $249.95 (save $89.96)

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Oct. 15: OUR TOP PICK Sony ULT Wear headphones $148 at Amazon (save $51.99) Get Deal BEST SUBSCRIPTION DEAL Audible Premium Plus 3-month membership $2.97 at Amazon (save $41.88) Get Deal BEST VACUUM DEAL Dyson V15 Detect Plus $599.99 at Amazon (save $150) Get Deal BEST KITCHEN DEAL Breville The Fresh & Furious Blender $149.95 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal BEST EARBUDS DEAL Apple AirPods 4 with ANC $168.99 at Amazon (save $10.01) Get Deal

Who needs Prime Day when you can score top brands like Dyson, Sony, and Apple at record-low prices on a random Tuesday? As of Oct. 15, we're seeing some great discounts at Amazon — some still lingering from Prime Big Deal Days and others just because. If you missed out on Prime Day 2 and you're looking to do some deal shopping, you've come to the right place.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on Oct. 15. If none of these spark your interest, check back at our picks from yesterday, Oct. 14, as well.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony ULT Wear headphones $148.00 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $51.99 Get Deal

Check out our full review of the Sony ULT Wear noise-cancelling headphones.

We tested the Sony ULT Wear noise-cancelling headphones earlier this year, and they seriously impressed us. In fact, our Deputy Shopping and Reviews Editor Miller Kern wrote in her review, "We try not to make sweeping claims in our reviews at Mashable, but these honestly might be my favorite pair of headphones I’ve tried — especially when you consider the price." They offer multiple bass levels, solid noise cancellation, full 360-degree sound, customizable EQs, and intuitive on-ear controls for just under $200. As of Oct. 15, however, you can slash $51.99 off the regular price tag and get a pair (in white) for only $148. That's the lowest price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Audible Audible Premium Plus $2.97
$44.85 Save $41.88 3-month membership Get Deal

Through Dec. 31, Amazon is offering Audible Premium Plus memberships for just 99 cents per month for your first three months. That's a massive savings of $41.88. A Premium Plus membership gives you discounted or free prices on the Audible Plus catalog of audiobooks, including Audible Originals and podcasts. Plus, you'll get one free title from the Audible premium selection, as well as exclusive member sales and discounts on all additional purchases. If you're hoping to get through your TBR list by the holidays, this is a pretty cheap way to do so.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V15 Detect Plus $599.99 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

Check out our full review of the Dyson V15 Detect.

While it's a few years old and no longer the only Dyson vacuum to sport a laser, the Dyson V15 Detect Plus is still one of the most powerful stick vacuums on the market. Its beastly motor unleashes 230 Air Watts of cyclonic suction while its green laser illuminates any specks of dust on your path. You'll see dirt and debris you didn't even realize was there, which is both disgusting and satisfying. It's usually $749.99, but as of Oct. 15, it's on sale for just $599.99. That's 20% in savings and you get five accessories to help with your cleaning experience.

Opens in a new window Credit: Breville Breville The Fresh & Furious Blender $149.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Breville's Fresh and Furious blender looks and feels like a fancy high-end appliance, but its price tag is surprisingly on the budget-friendly side. On sale for only $149.95 — that's $50 off its regular price — the blender is back down to its record-low at Amazon. It includes a 50-ounce jug, nine one-touch blending tasks, five speed settings, and an 1100W motor that can pulverize your ingredients into a silky smooth concoction. Plus, it just looks good atop your counter.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 with ANC $168.99 at Amazon
$179.00 Save $10.01 Get Deal

Check out our review of the AirPods 4.

Just released last month, we didn't expect a big price cut on the AirPods 4 with ANC during Prime Big Deal Days. But we'll still take any price drop Amazon's willing to offer. As of Oct. 15, one week after the big shopping event, the buds are still down to their Prime Day price of $168.99. That's nothing crazy (just $10.01 in savings), but not bad for a brand-new set of the very impressive fourth-generation AirPods. In case you're wondering if they're better than previous buds from Apple, our reviewer Kim Gedeon said, "I love them so much, they have replaced my AirPods Pro as my new daily driver earbuds."

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

SAVE $10: As of Oct. 15, get the 25W Apple MagSafe Charger at Amazon for just $29, down from its normal price of $39. That's a 26% discount and the same price we saw it for during Prime Day.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple 25W MagSafe Charger $29.00 at Amazon
$39.00 Save $10.00 Get Deal

Did you score a new Apple iPhone 16? If you plan on charging it wirelessly by way of MagSafe, you need a new, up-to-date charger. That means another expense even beyond your initial phone purchase, as your older MagSafe charger isn't going to be able to handle the new phone for wireless re-ups. Instead, you'll want Apple's new 25W MagSafe Charger, which you can grab at Amazon right now. Luckily, you won't have to spend full price on it, since it's gone down to its lowest price since Prime Day.

As of Oct. 15, you can get the 25W Apple MagSafe Charger for just $29 at Amazon. That's $10 off its normal price of $39 and a 26% discount. This matches the Prime Day prices we saw last week. This price is for the 1 meter cable. You can get the 2 meter cable for $39 instead if you need some additional length.

If you want to make sure your iPhone 16 reaches max battery capacity quickly while charging it wirelessly, this is your only option. The previous 15W model won't cut it, so you'll hae to do an upgrade if you plan on dropping your phone to charge and go. It has a braided cable and a USB-C slot with a circular puck, if you're unfamiliar with MagSafe charging pads, so all you have to do is put your phone down and walk away – it'll do the rest.

Of course, you can still charge your older MagSafe-compatible models with this puck as well. That applies to iPhone 8 and later, and it'll work with AirPods that have wireless charging cases as well. Be sure to snatch up a charger if you want to keep up with the times.

SAVE 50%: Amazon Prime members can get a refurbished Amazon Smart Thermostat for just $34.99, down from the normal refurbished price of $69.99. That's a savings of $35.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Refurbished Amazon Smart Thermostat $34.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $35.00 Prime member exclusive deal Get Deal

Frosty winter days will be here shortly. Now's a great time to find those wool socks and make sure you still have a decent pair of gloves. It's also time to start thinking about heating costs, and if you haven't yet upgraded to a smart thermostat, today's deal at Amazon is meant just for you.

As of Oct. 15, Prime members can buy a certified refurbished Amazon Smart Thermostat for just $34.99, down from the usual refurbished price of $69.99. That's a 50% discount for Prime members or a savings of $35. A new Amazon Smart Thermostat sells for $79.99, which means Prime members are scoring a $45 savings compared to buying a new device.

The Amazon Smart Thermostat aims to please when it comes to keeping you at a comfortable temperature. Made with Honeywell Home Thermostat technology, the device comes backed with Amazon's stamp of approval that the refurbished device looks and functions like new.

SEE ALSO: Move over Roomba! An Apple smart home robot is reportedly in the works

With the Alexa app, you can schedule specific temperatures for specific times. With the ability to control the thermometer remotely, you can also alter the schedule or temperature when you're not home. That means you'll never need to deal with a dreaded bill if you happen to leave for a long weekend and forget to turn the thermostat down.

If you have an Alexa-enabled device at home like an Echo, you can use voice control to alter the settings of the Smart Thermostat. Keep in mind you'll need to be an Amazon Prime member to snag this discounted price. If you're not already a member, check out the benefits, which include free two-day shipping and exclusive sale offers. Prime costs $14.99 per month, or you can opt to save a bit and get an annual membership for $139.

If you're in the market for a more intelligent way to control your home's heat this winter, a refurbished Amazon Smart Thermostat is on sale for just $34.99 for all Prime members. Compared to a new model, you'll save $45.

SAVE $51.99: Our favorite pair of headphones for pounding bass is down to $148 post-Prime Day. Score a pair of off-white Sony ULT headphones for $148 for 26% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony ULT headphones $148.00 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $51.99 Get Deal

We're still coming down from Amazon's October sale, Prime Big Deal Days. Last week, the retailer dropped prices on headphones, laptops, and far more. If you missed out on the sale frenzy, no worries because the deals never stop rolling in. Or to be accurate, some prices just never came back up. The Sony ULT headphones just happened to be one of those products.

One of our favorite pairs of headphones, the Sony ULTs deliver pounding bass that creates a surround sound experience. It's all about bass with Sony ULTs, as these headphones, like the rest with a special ULT line-up, come with a button that punctuates the bass to even higher levels. If you like bass — you will like these headphones.

Some other things to like about these headphones includes insane battery life that tops 30 hours with ANC and 50 hours without. Plus, compared to Sony's other headphones, these are already affordable starting at $199.99.

Currently, the Sony ULT headphones in off-white are down to $148, saving you $51.99 for 26% off. This is the lowest price ever on these headphones, and considering only one color way is still on sale, we know this deal won't last long.

SAVE $10.01: As of October 15, get the noise-cancelling Apple AirPods 4 at their Prime Day price of $168.99, down from $179, a week after the sale. That's a discount of 6%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple AirPods 4 $168.99 at Amazon
$179.00 Save $10.01 Get Deal

There are tons of earbuds you could choose from if you're looking to buy a pair. But if you're an iOS fan, you probably gravitate more toward AirPods than any other brand. And if that's the case, you've more than likely already seen that there's a new pair of AirPods to be had: Apple AirPods 4, with or without ANC. They made their debut in late September, but they already saw a Prime Day price drop last week. If you happened to miss that discount, fear not – it's still alive and kicking.

As of Oct. 15, you can get a pair of noise-cancelling Apple AirPods 4 for just $168.99 at Amazon. That's $10.01 off their normal price of $179 and a discount of 6%. That's the same deal you could snag the AirPods for during Prime Day, so consider this your second chance at getting them for this price.

These new AirPods have been redesigned to be more comfortable and longer wear, with a shorter stem and quick-press on-board controls. Powered by an H2 chip, they blend active noise cancellation and a transparency mode to make listening more immersive than ever. They also work alongside Siri for hands-off multitasking, even the ability to share a song or show across multiple sets of AirPods so you can spend time with friends and family experiencing the same thing.

Mashable Tech Editor Kim Gedeon took the AirPods for a test run and came away appreciating their "excellent ANC" and "honeyed sound quality."

"The AirPods 4 are, without a doubt, the best in-ear earbuds I've tested in a long while," Gedeon shared in our official review. "They're definitely getting a place in our best headphones for noise cancellation list."

It's a great time to snag these earbuds while they're still up for grabs at their Prime Day price, so don't miss them a second time.

If you're someone who encourages people to follow you on Instagram often, the Meta-owned social media company's latest update might be a game changer.

SEE ALSO: 'Underconsumption core' is just another form of consumerism

As of today (Oct. 15), you no longer have to hover over someone and painstakingly watch them type in your Instagram handle. Now you can set up profile cards that make your profile discoverable by QR code, similar to Venmo. Profile cards are two-sided, one side with the scannable QR code and the other features your handle, profile picture, bio, and a song of your choice. You can also customize the background of the QR code.

A preview of what profile cards look like. Credit: Instagram

In a press release, Instagram described the feature as "your IG digital business card." While it will be helpful for creators and small businesses who rely on the platform to make money and connect with customers, it may further encourage all users to commodify their profiles — to think of a follow as a networking opportunity. It's part of the endless signaling from social media platforms to reframe personal profiles as professional profiles and to treat social media as another job.

Profile cards are just another reminder that the days of posting a heavily filtered photo of your BLT are long gone.

Watch Ridley Scott and Fede Álvarez break down the Xenomorph in this exclusive "Alien: Romulus" behind-the-scenes clip. "Alien: Romulus" is available for purchase on digital October 15, and on Blu-Ray December 3.

SAVE 20%: Through Nov. 17, all existing Prime members can get 20% off their next Grubhub delivery of $20 or more with code PRIME20.

Opens in a new window Credit: Gruhub / Amazon Get 20% off a $20+ Grubhub order Applies to Amazon Prime members Get Deal

Thinking about cancelling your Prime membership now that October Prime Day has passed? Sneak in a discounted food delivery first with a Prime-exclusive Grubhub promo code first.

Now through Nov. 17, all existing Prime members can use code PRIME20 to get 20% off their next order of at least $20. That's on top of the $0 in delivery fees that all Prime members get on every Grubhub order thanks to Grubhub+ being a full-time perk of Prime.

SEE ALSO: Testing the Ninja Slushi by making a frozen version of every drink I can think of

If the delivery fees and the tip (which your 20% off discount could cover) are always your point of hesitation between getting food delivered and sucking it up and doing pickup instead, this deal is the ultimate little treat.

If you order (or daydream about ordering) food a lot, just know that Amazon drops Prime-exclusive Grubhub deals all the time. During Prime Big Deal Days, we saw this same deal, but for 50% off instead of 20%. There will surely be more to come over the next few months, too — a true cozy comfort when it's too cold to leave the house.

PREORDER: The new iPad mini (2024) is available for preorder through the Apple Store as of Oct. 15. The 128GB model starts at $499 and will start shipping on Oct. 23.

Where to preorder the new iPad mini The Apple Store Apple iPad mini From $499 Preorder here

You'd think at the frequency Apple debuts iPhones and MacBooks, we wouldn't have to wait three years for a new iPad model, and yet, the iPad mini hasn't seen a refresh since 2021. We'd long speculated that a new iPad mini was coming, but several Apple events passed without any news. So imagine our surprise when Apple quietly dropped the announcement that we're finally getting a new iPad mini next week.

The new iPad mini also comes with new folio cases in charcoal gray, light violet, denim, and sage. Credit: Apple

Our favorite iPad for reading is getting an upgrade from the inside out. The 7th generation iPad mini comes with the upgraded A17 chip, giving a 30 percent power boost from the previous generation. However, what that chip really unlocks is Apple Intelligence. The brand has been doubling down on AI in all its latest product drops, and the iPad mini is no different.

SEE ALSO: Free Apple Intelligence upgrade likely arriving soon, leak suggests

Later this month, all users with A17, M1, and later devices will get an update that includes new Apple Intelligence features including a writing assistant, Image Playground and Image Wand to generate images, and ChatGPT integration.

The new iPad mini is now compatible with the latest Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) and supports Bluetooth keyboards (no mention of the iPad mini finally getting its own Magic Keyboard.)

The iPad mini comes in four colors: space gray, blue, purple, and starlight. Models start at 128GB of storage, with 256GB and 512GB options also available. Preorders through the Apple Store are live with models shipping as soon as Oct. 23.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad mini $499.00 at Amazon
Pre-Order Here

UPDATE: Oct. 7, 2024, 12:00 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with the apps' latest pricing and availability.

In the age of on-demand everything, hookup apps are the go-to for casual dating. After all, if we can stream movies (thank you, Netflix) and order takeout (hello, DoorDash) with a few taps, why can't we find a potential partner the same way?

SEE ALSO: The dating app glossary: The A to Z of terms you need to know What makes a good hookup app?

There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to hookup apps. What works for your friends might not work for you. Your best bet is to download a handful of options and see which one clicks with your vibe.

Skip the apps that are all about romance and happily ever afters (we're looking at you, eharmony). Instead, keep an eye out for apps that get straight to the point. The best hookup apps make chatting quick and easy (messaging, video calls, all that good stuff), and even the free ones should have features like profile verification to help keep you safe.

SEE ALSO: The best free dating apps for budget-conscious singles

If you want to pay for a premium membership, that's up to you. But we recommend starting with the free versions of cult faves like Tinder, Grindr, and Hinge. These popular dating apps give you just enough functionality to connect with potential partners for casual encounters — all without spending a dime.

Whether you're looking to have a one-night stand, exchange nudes with strangers, or have some phone sex before you doze off, we've rounded up the most reliable hookup apps for every type of single. You can download them via Google Play or the App Store and start swiping in minutes.

SAVE 50%: Get an annual membership to Calm Premium for $34.99, instead of the usual price of $69.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Calm Annual Calm Premium membership $34.99 at Calm
$69.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal

The holidays are just a few weeks away, which means things might get a bit more stressful for a while. Even if you love the holidays, it's undeniably a busy and chaotic time. Introducing some relaxation can make a big difference and thanks to this birthday celebration sale, you could have relaxation at your fingertips for a lot less.

As of Oct. 15, a yearly Calm Premium membership is just $34.99, down from the normal price of $69.99. That's a 50% discount during the brand's birthday sale or a savings of $34.99.

Through the Calm app on Android or iOS or the website, Calm Premium offers restorative relaxation. With a Premium membership, you'll have access to a library of music, stories, and meditation to keep you feeling grounded through the hectic holiday season and beyond.

Calm Premium also comes with several original daily offerings, so you'll have fresh content each day. You also get access to Masterclasses with mindfulness experts that can help teach you how to keep calm without the app.

The membership can also be great if you struggle with sleep. Calm Premium has over 200 Sleep Stories that are designed to lull you into a restful sleep with narrations that include topics like nature, music, and fiction. If those don't sound appealing, tap into the Calm library of ASMR.

If you deal with stress and anxiety during the holidays, gift yourself an annual membership to Calm Premium before the chaotic season begins. Thanks to Calm's birthday sale, the membership is currently 50% off.