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Black Friday AirPods deals are still live — here are the best deals in 2024

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 02:38

UPDATE: Nov. 29, 2024, 3:30 p.m. EST This post has been updated with the latest pricing on all available AirPods models ahead of Black Friday.

Best Black Friday AirPods deals Best AirPods Pro deal Apple AirPods Pro 2 ✨🔥 $153.99 (save $95.01) Get Deal Best AirPods Max deal Apple AirPods Max $399.99 (save $149.01) Get Deal

Black Friday is finally here, and as always, the deals are coming in hot! We've already seen some early discounts, but now that it's officially Black Friday, things are really kicking into high gear. Tech is always a big focus, and this year is no exception. Speaking of which, if you've been thinking about upgrading your headphones, now's the time to check out the deals on Apple AirPods, including the latest release, the AirPods 4.

SEE ALSO: The 8 best noise-cancelling headphones of 2024

We're tracking all the best Black Friday AirPods deals below. Bookmark this page and keep checking back – we'll be adding new deals as they drop.

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 AirPods Pro deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 ✨🔥 $153.99 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $95.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Apple AirPods Pro 2.

The Apple AirPods Pro 2, which come packed with great features like ANC, hearing protection options, personalized spatial audio, and more, are selling for $153.99 at Amazon. That's $95 off and the lowest price we've seen on these earbuds yet.

Best AirPods Max deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) $399.99 at Amazon
$549.00 Save $149.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Apple AirPods Max.

If you're not really into earbuds, the AirPods Max are a good pair of over-ear headphones that'll allow you to stay within the Apple ecosystem (we get it, we like our tech to have synergy, too). While we like them for Apple users, we do have some qualms with their shorter battery life, weird carrying case, and lack of a power button, especially at their price point. That said, it's easier to look past those flaws with a good discount, which you'll find on the Lightning pairs instead of the newer USB-C model (which is the only upgrade, other than different colorways, on the newer version of these headphones).

More Black Friday AirPods deals

The best Black Friday Apple Watch deals in 2024 — record-low prices are still live

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 02:38

UPDATE: Nov. 29, 2024, 2:45 p.m. EST This post has been updated with the most recent sale pricing and stock of all of the Apple Watches on sale for Black Friday, including a $20 further discount on the 2nd gen GPS + Cellular Apple Watch SE (compared to its initial sale price before Thanksgiving).

The best Apple Watch deals on Black Friday Best Series 10 deal Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm, GPS) $359 at Best Buy (Save $70) Get Deal Best Series 9 deal Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm, GPS) $329.99 at Walmart (Save $100) Get Deal Best Ultra deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS + cellular) $692.99 at Amazon (Save $106.01) Get Deal

Black Friday sales are in full swing, bringing some of the best prices we've seen on Apple Watches all year.

As of Nov. 29 (Black Friday itself), the Series 10 is $70 off in most of its configurations, the 45mm Series 9 is down to $309.99 (returning to its July Prime Day pricing), and the cheapest Watch possible is the SE is at the new low price of $149. We had previously seen the 41mm Series 9 at its record-low of $279.99, but that's already sold out (brand new, at least) — so let that be some indication of how quickly you should move if you see the Apple Watch you want in stock.

SEE ALSO: MacBook deals are going extremely hard this Black Friday — here are the best deals live now

If you hesitated to pick up the Series 9 deal during Prime Day because the Series 10 wasn't out yet, this Black Friday season offers you another chance to make the call between last year and this year's watches. The differences between the watches aren't too drastic, so if you're most focused on saving money, you might want to go with a Series 9, especially as we don't expect them to be available new for much longer.

Below, you'll find each of those picks, along with more of the best Apple Watch deals live on Black Friday and throughout Cyber Monday. 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.

Best Apple Watch deal on Black Friday Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm, GPS) $359.00 at Best Buy
$429.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read more from Mashable about the Apple Watch Series 10.

Just two months after its release, the Series 10 is down to a record-low price for the third time.

Last year, the Series 9 dropped to $359 during Black Friday, so it's pretty impressive to be able to snag the next-gen Apple Watch for the same amount of money — especially when that next-gen watch has a bigger, crispier 46mm display (but a thinner design overall) and an inbuilt speaker for playing audio directly from your watch. If you'd be fine with a smaller screen, you can save an extra $30 and opt for the 42mm Series 10, which is on sale for $329 at Best Buy.

The best Black Friday Apple Watch deals

Series 10

Series 9

SE

Ultra

These Black Friday gift card deals can save you cash on everything from streaming services to groceries

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 02:35

UPDATE: Nov. 29, 2024, 9:50 p.m. EST This post has been updated with the latest gift card deals available on Black Friday, including ones for Instacart, Lyft, and Walgreens.

The best Black Friday gift card deals at a glance: BEST OVERALL DoorDash $100 gift card $85 (save $15) Get Deal ANOTHER GREAT DEAL Instacart $100 gift card $85 (save $15) Get Deal BEST RESTAURANT GIFT CARD Chipotle $100 gift card $85 (save $15) Get Deal BEST GIFT CARD DEAL FOR KIDS Roblox gift card Save 15% on Roblox gift cards with Target Circle Get Deal

Gift cards aren't exactly the most personal way of showing someone how much you care, but they're definitely more practical. At least you know they'll be used. We can't say the same about that personalized sweater you knit years prior.

Black Friday is usually a great time to find gift cards for just about anything for a steal. In years past, we've seen deals on rideshare services, streaming subscriptions, grocery delivery, travel, and more. We've already found some pretty solid deals this year, which we've rounded up below, but we'll have our eyes peeled for any more that pop up as Cyber Week continues.

Here are the best Black Friday gift card deals so far.

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.

Best Black Friday gift card deal Opens in a new window Credit: DoorDash DoorDash $100 gift card $85.00 at Best Buy
$100.00 Save $15.00 Get Deal Why we like it

With a $100 DoorDash gift card, you can give someone in your life plenty of meals from local restaurants delivered to their doorstep. Better yet, you'll only have to pay $85 for it at Best Buy (and they'll never have to know!). The deal is valid on both physical and digital gift cards, depending on your preference. The physical gift card will be shipped to you within a few days, while the digital deal will be emailed to you immediately after purchase with details on redemption. Beyond just food delivery, you'll be giving the gift of extra time for people to enjoy the people and things they love.

The next best Black Friday gift card deal Opens in a new window Credit: Instacart Instacart $100 gift card ✨ $85.00 at Amazon
$100.00 Save $15.00 Get Deal Why we like it

These days, there might be no better gift to a loved one, or yourself, than slightly cheaper groceries delivered directly to your door. With the holiday season in full swing, it's especially nice to give the option of a home-cooked meal, or just restocking the essentials, without having to brave the grocery store, especially because eating out can add up (even if you grab that sweet DoorDash deal).

More gift card deals Featured Video For You 5 best Black Friday products to shop

Targets Black Friday sale is still live — here are all the best deals

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 02:33

UPDATE: Nov. 29, 2024, 4:20 p.m. EST This story has been updated with the latest pricing and stock of Target's best Black Friday deals live on November 29.

Best Target early Black Friday deals Best Tablet Deal Apple iPad Air 11-inch, 6th generation (M2 chip, 128GB, WiFi) $499 (Save $100) Get Deal Best headphone and speaker deal Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones $199.99 (Save $150) Get Deal Best speaker deal JBL Flip 6 Speaker $79.99 (Save $50) Get Deal Best TV and Soundbar deal TCL 55-inch 4K UHD Google TV $239.99 (Save $110) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm, Sport Band, GPS + cellular) $679.99 (Save $70) Get Deal Best Kitchen and Home deal KitchenAid 5.5-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer $279.99 (Save $170) Get Deal Best Toy Deal 50% off board games and toys at Target $10.99 (Save $11) Get Deal

After a month of anticipation, Black Friday has arrived. Maybe you got all your holiday shopping done ahead of Thanksgiving, but if not, the biggest shopping day of the year is now in full force. If you've run through Amazon and Best Buy's sales, turn your attention to Target now that Black Friday is officially here.

Target's deals are just about as good as it gets. We're seeing discounts across categories including headphones, TVs, robot vacuums. Ahead of Black Friday, start shopping these deals on Apple, Bose, Ninja, and more.

When does Target's Black Friday sale start?

Black Friday falls on Friday, Nov. 29. Target started the month with an early Black Friday, a 48-hour mad dash of deals to kickstart your holiday shopping. Now, that Black Friday has finally arrived, the deals are coming back around. Target's Black Friday sale is live now and runs until Saturday, Nov. 30.

Plus, the retailer is offering a holiday season price match. If you purchase an item at Target and it goes on sale leading up to Dec. 24, the brand will refund you the difference. It's also price-matching competitors' pricing within 14 days of your purchase.

What are Target's Black Friday hours?

Unlike Amazon, which operates entirely online, you can shop Target deals online and in-stores. If you're looking forward to shopping in-person this season, Target is a great place to do just that.

Target stores will be opening at 6 a.m. local time on Nov. 29, for those looking forward to joining the crowds.

Best tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air 11-inch, 6th generation (M2 chip, 128GB, WiFi) $499.00 at Target
$599.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"This Apple tablet is our favorite for most people, thanks to its versatility. It works just as well for artists as it does for students. The M2 chipset makes it a more viable laptop replacement than other tablets while costing you a few hundred dollars less than a supercharged iPad Pro." — Bethany Allard, Lead Shopping Reporter

More tablet dealsBest headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones $199.99 at Target
$349.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

While our very favorite Sony headphones are the Sony WH-1000XM5s, their predecessor, the Sony WH-1000XM4s are also fantastic. Plus, they're $100 cheaper.

They're phenomenal headphones with active noise cancellation that truly tune out the world. If you like to crank up the volume, these are headphones for you because the audio quality is just so good. Plus, unlike the XM5s, the XM4s fold up for easy storage and toting around.

Right now, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are down to $199.99, saving $150 for 43% off during Target's unofficial early Black Friday deals.

More headphone dealsBest speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Flip 6 Speaker $79.99 at Target
$129.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

JBL makes our go-to Bluetooth speakers. They're waterproof and portable with battery life to last for days. So we always have our eyes peeled for deals on JBL speakers during shopping events. At Target, you can find the JBL Flip 6 Speaker for well under $100.

It lasts up to 12 hours on a single charge and is both dustproof and waterproof. It's equipped with dual pumping bass radiators to deliver JBL's Pure Bass Sound to really get things bumping.

During Target's Black Friday sale, it's down to $79.99, saving you $50 on this top-notch speaker. That knocks 38% off the price.

Speaker dealsBest TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 55-inch 4K UHD Google TV $239.99 at Target
$349.99 Save $110.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Black Friday conjures images of doorbusting deals, with shoppers racing to the TVs to fight over the inventory. Luckily, you don't have to be in the stampede for TV deals with Target's early Black Friday sale.

This TCL 55-inch 4K UHD Google TV is just $239.99, knocking $110 off the price for 31% savings. It provides 4K picture and a built-in Google interface, so you don't need an extraneous streaming device.

More TV dealsSoundbar dealsBest smartwatch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm, Sport Band, GPS + cellular) $679.99 at Target
$749.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The latest Apple Watch is getting a holiday discount. During Target's holiday sale, find the Apple Watch Series 10 for $70 off, marking it down to $679.99.

The Series comes packed with all the essentials for fitness tracking, playing music, and even taking calls. This model comes equipped with cellular, so you can send texts or take calls without being near your iPhone. It's waterproof too, meaning it can come along as you swim laps.

This limited time deal is available for 9% off ahead of Black Friday.

More smartwatch dealsBest home and 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 beat the savings ahead of Black Friday as it's marked down to $279.99, saving you $170 for 38% off.

More home deals

Kitchen

Robot vacuums and stick vacuums

Best toy deal Opens in a new window Credit: Pokémon 50% off board games and puzzles at target Get Deal Why we like it

Time's up on screen time. Turn to old school entertainment this holiday season and stock your cabinets with board games and puzzles. Target is offering up to 50% off board games and puzzles during their Black Friday sale. Get Hasbro's The Game of Life for $10.99, knocking 50% off.

More toy deals

Legos

Board games, Barbies, action figures, and more

Best Buys Black Friday sale is still live — find all the best deals here

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 02:31

UPDATE: Nov. 28, 2024, 10:00 a.m. EST This story has been updated with new doorbusters and two new top picks in the TV and gaming categories.

Best Buy's top Black Friday deals at a glance: Best Apple deal Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm, GPS) $329 (save $70) Get Deal Best 4K TV deal Hisense 75-inch QD6 QLED 4K Google TV $449.99 (save $250) Get Deal Best Windows laptop deal Dell XPS 13 9350 (Intel Core Ultra 7 256V, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $999.99 (save $400) Get Deal Best headphone/earbud deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds $229 (save $70) Get Deal Best fitness tracker deal Oura Ring Gen3 Starting at $249 (save up to $200) Get Deal Best gaming deal HP Victus 15-fb2063dx (AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS, AMD Radeon RX 6550M, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $429.99 (save $370) Get Deal Best action camera deal GoPro Hero13 Black Bundle $449.99 (save $100 + free $25 Best Buy gift card) Get Deal

After dropping oodles of early deals in the first few weeks of November, Best Buy officially kicked off its 2024 Black Friday sale on Thursday, Nov. 21. The event runs for 10 days on its website, mobile app, and in stores through Saturday, Nov. 30.

The electronics retailer is serving up two kinds of side dishes with its main course. First, its Black Friday deals are joined by revolving rounds of doorbusters that are up for grabs throughout the holiday season. New waves of them get listed on its website every Friday through Dec. 20, with first dibs the Thursdays prior for paid My Best Buy members (Plus and Total tiers).

The latest batch of doorbusters includes free $75 gift cards with the purchase of the Meta Quest 3 or the Xbox Series X (2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition); discounts of up to $400 on Apple's new M4 MacBook Pros; and a 65-inch 4K Roku TV that's only $299.99. The deals are now live for all shoppers.

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

Best Buy is also releasing rapid-fire "Flash Deals" as part of its Drops program this Black Friday. These offers are available in limited quantities for a short while exclusively on the Best Buy mobile app starting at 9 a.m. ET. Shoppers can preview them in the app or on the homepage of Best Buy's website — look out for the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Copper/Nickel Dyson Corrale.

The Mashable Shopping team is tracking and vetting Best Buy's Black Friday deals as its sale progresses, and you can check out our running list of the best offers below. Keep in mind that Best Buy offers a Holiday Price Match Guarantee, so if anything you buy there gets cheaper later on, you can request a price adjustment. (We've spotted a Ninja air fryer and several Logitech gaming accessories that have dipped in price since the sale started.) The retailer's extended holiday return and exchange period is also in effect.

Note: All newly added or updated deals have been marked with a , while deals with a 🚪 next to them are this week's limited-time doorbusters. Struck-through deals were either sold out or expired at the time of writing.

Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm, GPS) $329.00 at Best Buy
$399.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it:

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple Watch Series 10.

Best Buy is kind of getting clobbered in several categories of Apple deals this Black Friday — MacBooks and AirPods, for two — but it is offering one of the best discounts on a current-gen Apple Watch. The new Series 10 model has a thin, lightweight design with a large display and a built-in speaker, health/fitness features like sleep apnea detection and water depth sensing, and speedy charging. If you own a Series 8 or older, Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder recommends upgrading to it for that last reason alone. (No need to do so if you already have a Series 9.)

The 42mm size sans cellular connectivity is on sale at Best Buy for $329, which is 18% off its normal list price and its lowest price to date (and also matched at Amazon). Take your pick from three colorways: jet black/black, rose gold/light blush, and silver/denim.

If you'd prefer a slightly bigger case, the 46mm Series 10 is only $30 more this Black Friday.

More Black Friday Apple deals at Best Buy:

AirPods

Apple Watches

iPads

Unlocked iPhones

Macs

MacBooks

Best 4K TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 75-inch QD6 QLED 4K Google TV ✨ $449.99 at Best Buy
$699.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why we like it:

Black Friday is all about huge discounts on huge TVs, and this 75-inch Hisense model is a perfect case in point: At just $450, it's far cheaper than any other TV of its size right now. (Walmart had a 75-incher listed for $378 during its first Black Friday Deals event, but it's long sold out.) 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.

More Black Friday 4K TV deals at Best Buy:

43- to 50-inch 4K TVs

55-inch 4K TVs

65-inch 4K TVs

75-inch 4K TVs and larger

Streaming devices and media players

Best laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dell Dell XPS 13 9350 (Intel Core Ultra 7 256V, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $999.99
$1,399.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal Why we like it:

For early adopters, the all-new Dell XPS 13 is one of two Lunar Lake PCs featured in Best Buy's Black Friday sale — the other one being the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition; they come equipped with Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors designed for AI. We haven't tested them ourselves just yet (it's in the works), but their battery life is apparently ridiculous. This is the base configuration with a FHD+ non-touch display, and Dell has rated it at up to 26 hours per charge.

Best Buy marked it down from $1,399.99 to $999.99, which is a 29% savings and its biggest discount since launching in October. The same deal is available on Dell's website during its own Black Friday sale.

More Black Friday laptop deals at Best Buy:

Windows laptops

2-in-1 laptops

Chromebooks

Best headphone/earbud deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds $229.00 at Best Buy
$299.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like them:

Read Mashable's full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.

Mashable contributor Timothy Beck Werth deemed Bose's QC Ultra buds "impressive in every way": They have unrivaled ANC, they last six hours at a time (which you can bump to 24 hours with their included charging case), and they fit as nicely as their name implies. They also have an Immersive Audio feature that shifts sound around you as you move — it's not a game-changer, but it's still "really cool," said Beck Werth, who ultimately rated the QC Ultra Earbuds a 4.6/5. They're our No. 1 noise-cancelling earbuds and a Mashable Choice Award winner.

They usually retail for $299, but you can snag them on sale at Best Buy for $229 — a 23% savings and their lowest price since launching last fall. Amazon and Bose's online storefront were both matching that discount when we last checked, FYI.

More Black Friday headphone/earbud deals at Best Buy:

Earbuds

Headphones

Best fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Oura Oura Ring Gen3 (Horizon, Silver) $249.00 at Best Buy
$299.00 Save $50.00 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).

More Black Friday fitness tracker and smartwatch deals at Best Buy:Best gaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP Victus 15-fb2063dx (AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS, AMD Radeon RX 6550M, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) 🚪 $429.99 at Best Buy
$799.99 Save $370.00 Get Deal Why we like it:

This entry-level HP Victus 15 is our only sub-$500 gaming laptop sighting of Black Friday 2024 so far. It's equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS CPU, AMD Radeon RX 6550M graphics, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage — nothing special, but perfectly suitable for a younger gamer or someone who sticks with undemanding games like Fortnite or CS2. (Consider putting your savings toward a RAM bump, if anything.) Its 144Hz display and backlit keyboard are nice touches for the price.

Best Buy has it on sale for just $429.99 (normally $799.99) as one of its Black Friday doorbusters, which works out to a juicy 46% discount.

More Black Friday gaming deals at Best Buy:

Video games

Gaming consoles and bundles

Gaming laptops

Gaming controllers

Gaming headsets

Gaming mice

Gaming keyboards

Gaming monitors

Storage expansion cards

Best action camera deal Opens in a new window Credit: GoPro GoPro Hero13 Black Bundle $349.99 at Best Buy
$449.99 Save $100.00 Includes free $25 Best Buy gift card Get Deal Why we like it:

Read Mashable's full review of the GoPro Hero13 Black.

Yet another Mashable Choice Award winner, GoPro's latest action camera "is way better than a $400 video camera has any right to be," wrote Beck Werth (who gave it a 4.7/5). Highlights include "insanely good motion stabilization," a slow-motion burst mode in 5.3K at 120 fps, and a better battery life than its predecessor. This accessory bundle tacks on a spare Enduro battery, a hand grip, a 64GB microSD card, two curved adhesive mounts, and a camera case.

Best Buy has it on sale for $349.99 (or $100 off) and throws in a free $25 gift card you can put toward other Black Friday deals. Considering the camera itself is on sale separately for $339.99 (typically $399.99), you're basically robbing Best Buy blind. Note that the GoPro website was offering the same deal at the time of writing, but there's no gift card freebie offered there.

More Black Friday action camera deals at Best Buy:Unlocked phone deals

Google

Motorola

OnePlus

Samsung

Vacuum deals

Robot vacuums

Stick vacuums

Kitchen appliance deals

Air fryers

Coffee makers and espresso machines

Ice makers

KitchenAid mixers

Miscellaneous

Beauty tech dealsSpeaker dealsSmart home deals

Home security equipment

Mesh WiFi systems

Smart lighting

Smart plugs

How to watch Charlotte Hornets vs. Atlanta Hawks online for free

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 02:00

TL;DR: Live stream Charlotte Hornets vs. Atlanta Hawks in the NBA for free on Ran.de. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're still in the early stages of the NBA season, but it's looking like the Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta Hawks are going to be in the mix for the play-in tournament. Both teams have shown glimses of strong form this season without ever really putting together a run of wins, but that could change as they meet this weekend.

If you want to watch Charlotte Hornets vs. Atlanta Hawks in the NBA for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Charlotte Hornets vs. Atlanta Hawks?

Charlotte Hornets vs. Atlanta Hawks in the NBA starts at 6 p.m. ET on Nov. 30. This game takes place at the Spectrum Center.

How to watch Charlotte Hornets vs. Atlanta Hawks for free

Charlotte Hornets vs. Atlanta Hawks is available to live stream for free on Ran.de in Germany.

If you're traveling outside of Germany during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this free live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Germany, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Charlotte Hornets vs. Atlanta Hawks for free on Ran.de by following these simple steps:

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

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

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Germany

  4. Visit Ran.de

  5. Watch Charlotte Hornets vs. Atlanta Hawks 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 leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Charlotte Hornets vs. Atlanta Hawks before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Germany

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Charlotte Hornets vs. Atlanta Hawks in the NBA for free with ExpressVPN.

AdGuard family plan: You can now block adverts for life for only £12.54

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Through 15 December, get a lifetime subscription to the AdGuard family plan for just £12.54 (reg. £62.82) — that's a savings of 80%.

Protecting your family from online threats and ensuring a safe and seamless browsing experience is more important than ever. The good news is that it's pretty easy to protect yourself online these days. Platforms like AdGuard were designed to shield you from intrusive adverts, malicious websites, and trackers while providing a smooth and uninterrupted experience. And for a limited time at the Mashable Shop, you can get an AdGuard Family plan for life for just £12.54 (reg. £62.82) through 15 December.

Just one low payment gets you covered on up to nine devices. The three main components of this service are advert blocking, privacy protection, and parental controls.

This means no more annoying pop-ups, video adverts, or banners getting in the way of your online experience. It also means trackers or analysers won't see you. And you can breathe a little easier knowing your kids have more protection to keep them safe online via restricted access settings. AdGuard also protects you and yours from malware and phishing websites.

This offer is only valid for new users, though it is compatible with Apple and Android devices, both mobile and desktop. Plus, this lifetime offer includes any updates or new features. 

AdGuard gives users a versatile set of tools to ensure a safe and enjoyable online experience for everyone in their household. And it's available at a steal just in time for the holidays.

Get a lifetime subscription to AdGuard's Family Plan for only £12.54 (reg. £62.82) when you order by 15 December at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription £12.54 at the Mashable Shop
£62.82 Save £50.28 Get Deal

How to watch Ireland vs. Australia online for free

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream Ireland vs. Australia in the Autumn Nations Series for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Australian expectations for the Autumn Nations Series were probably pretty low after a poor 2024 Rugby Championship, but results have been really encouraging. The final series game for Australia is arguably the toughest. They'll need to pull off an incredible performance to take anything away from Dublin this weekend.

If you want to watch Ireland vs. Australia in the Autumn Nations Series from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Ireland vs. Australia?

Ireland vs. Australia in the Autumn Nations Series kicks off at 3:10 p.m. GMT on Nov. 30. This fixture takes place at the Aviva Stadium.

How to watch Ireland vs. Australia for free

Ireland vs. Australia is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player in Ireland.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock Virgin Media Player. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Autumn Nations Series for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Ireland vs. Australia for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Ireland

  4. Visit Virgin Media Player

  5. Watch Ireland vs. Australia 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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Autumn Nations Series without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Ireland vs. Australia (plus more Autumn Nations Series fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Virgin Media Player, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Ireland vs. Australia in the Autumn Nations Series for free with ExpressVPN.

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 30

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 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 30 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 - Deconstructed scoring zone

  • Green - Hurler results

  • Blue - A winning history

  • Purple - Similar in one way only.

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 - Parts of a basketball hoop

  • Green - Pitching outcomes

  • Blue - Last 4 Stanley Cup winners

  • Purple - Names shared by 2 major professional teams

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 #68 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today
  • Parts of a basketball hoop: BASE, GLASS, NET, RIM

  • Pitching outcomes: BALK, BALL, PICKOFF, STRIKE

  • Last 4 Stanley Cup final winners: AVALANCHE, GOLDEN KNIGHTS, LIGHTNING, PANTHERS

  • Names shared by 2 major professional teams: CARDINALS, GIANTS, JETS, RANGERS

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 30, 2024

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 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 30 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: Styles of rhythm-based movements

  • Green: Taking something without permission

  • Blue: Excelling at a task

  • Purple: Types of baseball pitches

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: Dance Styles

  • Green: Steal

  • Blue: Perform Well On

  • Purple: ___Ball Pitches

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 #538 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Dance Styles: JAZZ, MODERN, SWING, TAP

  • Steal: LIFT, PALM, POCKET, SWIPE

  • Perform Well On: ACE, CRUSH, NAIL, ROCK

  • ___Ball Pitches: CURVE, FAST, KNUCKLE, SCREW

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 30

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 30

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 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 30 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 30 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A very strong and entrenched opinion.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter D.

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...

DOGMA.

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 30

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 30

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 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 30 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 30 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Yas Queen!

These words are lyrics.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are part of a famous Queen song.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is both, starting horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is BohemianRhapsody.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for November 30
  • Life

  • Real

  • Fantasy

  • Easy

  • Come

  • Wind

  • Blows

  • BohemianRhapsody

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.

My 2 favorite gaming handhelds are on sale for Black Friday — save 25% on Steam Deck

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 20:04

SAVE UP TO $142.25: With these Black Friday handheld gaming deals, you can grab the Steam Deck ($269.95) and Backbone One mobile gaming controller ($69.99) on sale. Buy them both and save $142.25.

Opens in a new window Credit: Backbone Backbone One $69.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Steam Steam Deck (512GB, LCD) $336.75 at Steam
$449.00 Save $112.25 Get Deal

Handheld gaming is becoming my favorite way to play games. Don't get me wrong, I'll always love booting up one of my consoles and marveling at their beauty on my big 4K TV, but the convenience of being able to play in bed whilst cozying up under the covers or while taking public transportation is an absolute game-changer.

My two favorite handhelds at the moment? The Backbone One and the Steam Deck. (Yes, I also love my Nintendo Switch, I just have other non-Switch games in the rotation at the moment.)

And great news, both are on sale for Black Friday. The Backbone One mobile gaming controller is currently sitting at $30 off on Amazon (just $69.99), and the Steam Deck is $112.25 off at Steam's storefront ($336.75). You could buy just one, but I think there's a case to be made for having both in your repertoire — and if you buy both, you'll save $146.25 total. Not too shabby!

SEE ALSO: Best PS5 Black Friday deals in 2024: Compare Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and more

If you have even a marginal interest in gaming, you've probably heard all the hype about the Steam Deck, including from Mashable's very own reviewers. Basically, it's a handheld gaming PC. That may sound too good to be true, but it really is like having a decently powerful gaming laptop in the palm of your hand. Being able to play games on Steam without having to open up my dusty MSI laptop (no shade to MSI, mine is just very old) is a joy, and I find that I have much less FOMO with new PC releases. Now I can play most of them without any compromises, even without a dedicated gaming PC, and that's huge.

The Backbone One, on the other hand, has flown under the radar compared to the Steam Deck, but it serves an extremely important purpose in my gaming accessory collection: Mobile gaming. Not a lot of people embrace mobile gaming, and I don't blame them considering the excessive microtransactions and dearth of exclusive titles. But, if you ever plan on dabbling in mobile gaming, I encourage you to try one out, mainly because playing with on-screen controls just sucks.

The Backbone One turns your phone into a controller of its own and makes playing games feel much more natural. Owning one has also made my Netflix subscription far more valuable because they already have a sizeable collection of games on the mobile app that you can download and play. I just recently played through Grand Theft Auto: Vice City on my iPhone using Netflix, and I was surprised by how much fun I had. Consider me a mobile gaming convert, I guess!

And if you haven't tapped your shopping budget yet, check out Mashable's guide to the season's best Black Friday gaming deals.

AMC Black Friday deal: Score AMC+ for as low as $1.25 per month

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 15:30

SAVE UP TO $13.48: Through Dec. 2, Prime Video subscribers can add AMC+ to their account for either $1.25 per month (with ads) or $2.25 per month (no ads) for two months. That's up to 75% in savings with this AMC Black Friday deal.

Opens in a new window Credit: Prime Video / AMC+ AMC+ with ads (Prime Video add-on) $1.25/month for two months (save $3.74/month) Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Prime Video / AMC+ AMC+ ad-free (Prime Video add-on) $2.25/month for two months (save $6.74/month) Get Deal

You probably know AMC as the home of The Walking Dead universe, but it actually has a lot more to offer than just post-apocalyptic zombies. The AMC Networks-owned streaming service, AMC+, is arguably one of the most slept on streamers around. And thanks to this AMC Black Friday deal, you can try it out without breaking the bank. The only catch: you have to be a Prime Video subscriber.

While there are no discounts on AMC+ as a standalone service, Prime Video members can score a pretty sweet deal on the streamer for Black Friday. Through Dec. 2, you can add a monthly subscription to AMC+ to your streaming arsenal for only $1.25 per month (with ads) or $2.25 per month (no ads) for two months. Regularly $4.99 per month and $8.99 per month, respectively, that saves you as much as 75% or $13.48 total on a two-month subscription.

Beyond The Walking Dead, AMC+ is also home to some epic shows like Mad Men, Killing Eve, Portlandia, and Kevin Can F*** Himself, as well as movies like Boyhood, Rosemary's Baby, and Late Night with the Devil (one of our favorite films of the year). The library includes full access to the entire Shudder, Sundance Now, and IFC Films catalogs as well. That makes it a must-have for horror freaks. Plus, as of now, they're pretty chill about password sharing, unlike some other streaming services out there (*ahem* Netflix, Hulu, Max, and Disney+).

Just keep in mind that once the two-month promotional period ends, you'll be charged the full cost of whichever tier you subscribe to. Cancel before then to avoid those charges.

More Black Friday streaming deals you won't want to miss:

Apple AirPods Pro 2 are at sub-$160 pricing at Amazons Black Friday sale

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 14:19

GET $95.01 OFF: As of Nov. 29, you can get Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds for just $153.99. That's 38% off the original price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds $153.99 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $95.01 Get Deal

Apple’s leading AirPods provide sublime sound in a small-format earbud that will travel with you on runs while effectively blocking out noise on busy trains or flights. With such a nimble design and powerful set of skills, it’s no wonder that these headphones are priced up. Thankfully, they’re majorly discounted for Black Friday, so if you've been thinking of upgrading then now is the time.

AirPods Pro 2 don’t just play music well. With a scientifically based hearing test built-in and clinical hearing protection, these are designed to do less harm to your ears than other types of headphones, and to help you keep tabs on how healthy your ears are. AirPods Pro 2 will also act as a hearing aid.

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

Active noise cancellation and transparency modes eliminate distractions, while amplifying important environmental sounds to make sure you’re in the know about what’s going on in the world around you.

As of Nov. 29, Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds are on sale for $153.99, for a $95.01 savings.

With their charging case, Airpods Pro 2 can extend their charge from 6 hours up to 30. Built to withstand sweat, they’re made to go wherever you do.

More Black Friday deals on AirPods

I’ve spent years testing gadgets, and these 5 Black Friday deals are worth every penny: Oura Ring, AirPods, and more

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 12:25

I've been covering Black Friday sales for nearly five years, and more importantly, I'm a tech journalist who's been passionately testing gadgets during the same time frame. As such, I bring expertise on two fronts: I know Black Friday like the back of my hand, and I’ve personally tested the products I’m recommending in this roundup.

I’ll also include links to our reviews for each product, so you can see for yourself that we at Mashable have had extensive hands-on experience with the gadgets we’re recommending.

Here’s something you should know about my ethos: I’d never recommend a product to readers that I wouldn’t personally buy for myself or a friend.

That being said, let's get into the Black Friday tech deals I'd recommend in a heartbeat.

Best Black Friday tech deals 2024

No piece of tech is perfect. While I’ll explain why I recommend the gadgets on this list, I’ll also point out any potential drawbacks that might give you pause. It’s always better to make an informed decision before committing to a purchase.

1. Oura Ring 3

Before testing the Oura Ring, I thought it was just going to be a less sophisticated version of a smartwatch. I didn't think that for one second that I'd opt for the Oura Ring over the Apple Watch, but my experience with it has blown me away. (Mostly because it lasts so much longer on a charge compared to my Apple Watch Series 9.)

The Oura Ring 3 next to Mashable's Chris Taylor's wedding ring. Credit: Chris Taylor / Mashale

I've tested the Oura Ring 4, and while it comes with cool upgrades, it's not that different from the Oura Ring 3. For example, the Oura Ring 4 doesn't bring any new sensors to the table (but Oura claims that the Ring 4's sensors are more accurate than ever.)

Both the Oura Ring 3 and Oura Ring 4 tracks the following: heart rate, sleep, blood-oxygen levels, cardiovascular age, cardio capacity, daytime stress, body clock and chronotype, and more.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Pros:

  • Its battery life is incredibly long; Oura claims it can deliver about 7 days of battery life, which is accurate.

  • Its AI advisor, available in the companion app, is a beta service that launched alongside Oura Ring 4. Many health trackers give you tons of data, but it's difficult to make sense of it. With the ChatGPT-like AI advisor, you can ask it questions like, "What does my data say about my sleeping habits and how can I improve my rest?"

  • The gold option is stunning, and I get compliments on it all the time.

  • You'll get a sizing kit upon purchase, so you don't have to worry about getting the wrong size.

Cons:

  • I've tested the Oura Ring on Android and iOS devices; I found that results and data took longer to populate on the former compared to the latter

  • I recommend the Oura Ring for iPhone users, but not Android owners

  • It requires a subscription fee of $6 month

See our full reviews of the Oura Ring 3 and Oura Ring 4.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Oura Ring 3 $249.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal 2. Samsung Galaxy Ring

If you have an Android phone, I recommend the Samsung Galaxy Ring.

Samsung Galaxy Ring Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

If you own a Samsung device, even better. In pairing your Galaxy Ring to a Samsung phone, you get the full benefits of Galaxy AI.

Samsung Galaxy Ring's case Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Galaxy AI powers Energy Score, a calculation featured in the Galaxy Ring's companion app that looks at your sleep, physical activity, and heart rate. It also provides a short summary of your wellness.

Pros:

  • It has long battery life; it lasts about 7 hours on a single charge

  • It has the best charging case in the ring-wearable market; you can use it to give the Galaxy Ring an extra battery boost and it's excellent for travel

  • You don't need to purchase a subscription to use it

  • It pairs very well with Samsung phones; while wearing the Galaxy Ring, you can use the "double pinch" gesture, for example, to trigger the shutter button in the Camera app

Cons:

  • Not compatible with iOS

  • Only Samsung users get the full benefits of the Galaxy Ring

See our full review of the Samsung Galaxy Ring.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Samsung Galaxy Ring $339.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal 3. Apple Watch SE 2

I've tested the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Series 10.

Apple Watch SE 2 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Apple wants you to believe these two smartwatches are significantly better than the Watch SE 2. But as someone who has tested all three, the feature gap between the SE 2 and the Series 9 and 10 isn't that wide.

Me testing both the Apple Watch SE 2 and the Apple Watch Series 9 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Pros:

  • The Apple Watch SE 2's battery life is just an hour or two shorter than the Apple Watch Series 9

  • Save for the absence of an always-on display and a larger screen, the display quality difference between the SE 2 and Watch Series 9 is imperceptible

  • Great for smaller wrists and for those who prefer a "dainty" look

Cons:

Check out our Apple Watch SE 2 versus, Apple Watch Series 9 review, and Apple Watch Series 10 review.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Apple Watch SE 2 $149.00 at Walmart
$249.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal 4. Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses

I can't tell you how underrated the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses are. I've owned the first iteration of these spectacles, called Ray-Ban Stories, and now, I own the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. I purchased them with my own money and they're easily one of the best tech-gadget investments I've ever made.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses look like a regular pair of shades, but they can play music, take calls, take pictures, and record videos.

Mashable Tech Editor Kimberly Gedeon testing the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses also come with Meta AI, which is Meta's answer to ChatGPT. As such, you can ask Meta AI questions just by speaking out loud. You can also ask it to do things for you like, "Hey Meta, call mom!"

Pros:

  • Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses are perfect for hands-free photos and videos

  • Stylish despite sporting advanced tech

  • Comfortable to wear

  • Supports calls, as well as photo and video capture

  • They can play music, and the audio quality is great

  • Many different styles to choose from

Cons:

  • Don't lose the case; it's difficult to repurchase one

  • Battery life could be better

See our full Ray-Ban Smart Glasses review.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses $263.20 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $66.79 Get Deal 5. AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

If you have trouble with your AirPods falling out of your ears, the AirPods 4 is what you're looking for.

The AirPods 4 in its charging case Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Pros:

  • Apple changed the design of the fourth-generation AirPods 4 so that they now fit most ears

  • AirPods 4 (with ANC) do a good job of cancelling out noise, like conversations, the rush of traffic, etc.

  • You can use head gestures, like nodding or shaking your head "no," to accept or deny calls

  • Music sounds crisp and honeyed

Cons:

  • You can't increase nor decrease volume on the AirPods 4 itself via touch controls

I'd also recommend the AirPods Pro 2, which come with a slew of updates that the AirPods 4 do not support, including hearing test capabilities and doubling as high-tech earplugs for concerts.

See our full AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 reviews.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon AirPods Pro 2 $153.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $96.00 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable AirPods 4 $119.99 at Target
$129.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal

TikTok owner ByteDance sues intern for $1.1 million in damages for ‘sabotaging’ AI project

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 11:22

TikTok parent company ByteDance is going after a former intern for allegedly sabotaging an AI training project.

According to The South China Morning Post, ByteDance is seeking 8 million yuan (about $1.1 million) in damages and a public apology from ex-intern Tian Keyu. The case, which has already been accepted by Haidian District Court in Beijing, centers around accusations of Tian tampering with code related to an AI training project. ByteDance also owns AI chatbot Doubao, which is the company's answer to OpenAI's ChatGPT.

SEE ALSO: TikTok execs know exactly how many videos it takes to get addicted to its platform

Tian was fired in August because he "maliciously interfered with the model training tasks," according to a statement from ByteDance. In the same statement, ByteDance disputes rumors that the tampering involved 8,000 GPU cards and lost the company tens of millions of dollars, saying those claims are "seriously exaggerated." The company also said Tian claimed to be a part of the AI Lab, but he was really part of a separate commercial technology team.

ByteDance has been busy with its AI-focused projects. It has introduced several features for TikTok including, AI-generated digital avatars and AI tools for advertising. It also reportedly has a powerful web crawler called Bytespider that's gobbling up content on the internet for LLM training.

Meanwhile, the TikTok ban deadline is coming up in January, making its future in the U.S. uncertain. That said, President-elect Donald Trump, who is now on TikTok, said he wants to overturn the ban.

This bumper MacBook Air bundle is at its lowest-ever price at Amazon

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 10:21

SAVE $305: As of Nov. 29, the 2024 MacBook Air with AppleCare+ bundle is on sale for $1,223 at Amazon. That's a 19% saving on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 2024 MacBook Air AppleCare+ Bundle $1,223.00 at Amazon
$1,528.00 Save $305.00 Get Deal

If a laptop upgrade is on the horizon, look no further than Amazon's Black Friday sales to grab a great bargain. There are many options discounted this year, but we love this deal on the 2024 MacBook Air. Beloved by students and workers alike, it's no surprise it was named one of Mashable's best laptops of the year.

And as of Nov. 29, this MacBook is reduced by over $300 to $1,223 at Amazon. This price is for the 16GB model with a 256GB capacity. You can choose from the colors midnight, space grey, silver, and starlight. This deal also includes three years of AppleCare+. This is an extended warranty for Apple devices, covering repairs for accidental damage, technical support, and battery service.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Black Friday deal: Get 4 Apple AirTags for $26 less

The 2024 model of the MacBook Air benefits from the new and improved M3 chip, which, according to extensive Mashable testing, is about 20% faster than the previous generation M2 chip. It also boasts an 18-hour battery life, perfect for working or studying away from home when you don't have access to a charging outlet.

This model includes all the essential MacBook Air features, such as a backlit keyboard, Touch ID, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster wireless connections. Plus, its stunning 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display supports an impressive 1 billion colors.

Don't miss out on this great Black Friday deal, head to Amazon now.

Best Black Friday deals you need to shop right now:

The Apple iPad (10th Gen) just got a bonus discount in Amazons Black Friday sale

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 10:19

SAVE OVER $99: As of Nov. 29, the Apple iPad (10th Gen) is on sale for $249.99 in Amazon's Black Friday sale with the additional money-off coupon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad (10th Gen) $249.99 at Amazon
$349.00 Save $99.01 Get Deal

The big day is finally here, the retail holiday of all holidays, Black Friday (queue the choir chorus). But unlike Black Fridays of the past, this year the discounts have been going on for weeks at some retailers. And that includes Amazon, which kicked off its sales over a week ago.

And one of the top discounts the retailer has been offering is this great deal on the Apple iPad (10th Gen), currently reduced to $259, its lowest-ever price. And Amazon has now treated us to an extra Black Friday discount by adding an additional $9.01 coupon to the listing. Just tick the orange coupon box below the price, head to the checkout and see your discount applied.

SEE ALSO: Black Friday Apple deal: Get a MacBook Pro 14-inch with M4 Pro chip for $250 off

However, there is one small catch, if you can call it that. The coupon is only available on the silver and blue options. Pink and yellow are still at the discounted price of $259, but you won't see the additional coupon offer.

But if blue or silver are your favorite colors, you can enjoy a sleek, modern design with the iPad (10th Gen). It's perfect for work or entertainment on the go and it has a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and the A14 Bionic chip that delivers a super powerful performance for multitasking, whether you're browsing, gaming, or working.

The battery life is seriously impressive and will keep you going all day. And let's not forget the cameras, the 12MP Ultra Wide front camera is ideal for video calls — it keeps you centered during video calls, so you always look your best. The back camera is also 12MP and can shoot 4K video.

The Apple iPad (10th Gen) also supports the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Folio, so it's a versatile option for note-taking, sketching, and all your creative needs.

Amazon's Black Friday sale ends on Dec. 2, so don't miss out on this great deal.

Best Black Friday deals you need to shop right now:

2024 Black Friday ads: Best deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Home Depot, and more

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 09:45

Black Friday is hours away, promising big discounts on TVs, laptops, headphones, speakers, and so much more. It's the best time of the year to shop, with deals on offer from all the top retailers.

In the battle for Black Friday, the leading names in the retail game are competing harder than ever. Every retailer is looking to get ahead of the competition by launching early-access deals, with savings-packed ads that include some really impressive offers. But where are shoppers supposed to start?

SEE ALSO: Gaming deals are going strong ahead of Black Friday 2024

To help you make the most out of this Black Friday, we've checked out all the best deals and doorbusters from the Black Friday ads of Best Buy, Walmart, Kohl's, The Home Depot, and Target. You could take some time to check out each individual page, but for those looking for a handy snapshot of the very best deals, this is your cheat sheet.

These are the best deals from Black Friday ads that you can already buy online.

Best deals from AmazonBest Amazon deals on AppleBest Amazon deals on EchoBest Amazon deals on fitness trackersBest Amazon deals on headphonesBest Amazon deals on KindlesBest Amazon kitchen dealsBest Amazon deals on robot vacuumsBest Amazon deals on TVsBest deals from Best BuyBest Buy Apple dealsBest Buy deals on camerasBest Buy deals on fitness trackersBest Buy deals on gamingBest Buy deals on headphonesBest Buy deals on kitchenBest Buy deals on laptopsBest Buy deals on smart home gadgetsBest Buy deals on speakersBest Buy deals on TVsBest Buy deals on vacuums Featured Video For You 5 best Black Friday products to shop Best deals from The Home DepotBest Home Depot deals on cordless toolsBest Home Depot deals on air purifiersBest Home Depot deals on smart homeBest Home Depot deals on home securityBest Home Depot deals on ice makersBest Home Depot deals on mini fridgesBest Home Depot deals on vacuumsBest deals from Kohl'sBest Kohl's deals on Amazon productsBest Kohl's deals on home audioBest Kohl's deals on headphonesBest Kohl's deals on smartwatchesBest Kohl's deals on tabletsBest deals from TargetBest Target deals on Apple productsBest Target deals on gaming techBest Target deals on TVsBest Target deals on laptopsBest Target deals on headphonesBest Target deals on smart home techBest Target deals on speakersBest Target deals on smartwatchesBest Target deals on vacuumsBest deals from WalmartBest Walmart deals on AppleBest Walmart deals on dronesBest Walmart deals on gamingBest Walmart deals on headphonesBest Walmart deals on laptopsBest Walmart deals on TVsBest Walmart deals on vacuums

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