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Amazons official Black Friday sale is live, and a ton of new deals are here

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 03:52

UPDATE: Nov. 28, 2024, 3:40 a.m. EST Amazon's Black Friday sale officially started on Thursday, Nov. 21. This story has been updated with details on how long the sale will last, plus new deals on Instant Pots, beauty tech from Dyson and Shark, and further discounts on items that were already on sale, like Beats headphones.

Amazon's best Black Friday deals at a glance: Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $154.99 (save $45) Get Deal Best Echo deal Echo Pop $17.99 (save $22) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Roborock Qrevo S $459.99 (save $340) Get Deal Best TV deal TCL 75-inch Q5 QLED 4K Fire TV $549.99 (save $200) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1399.99 (save $199.01) Get Deal Best headphones deal Sony WH-1000XM5 $298 (save $101.99) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Ninja Double Oven and Air Fryer with FlexDoor (DCT402BK) $199.99 (save $100) Get Deal Best beauty tech deal Shark SpeedStyle Pro Flex $179 (save $50.99) Get Deal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More robot vacuum deals at Amazon

Robot vacuum and mop combos

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

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

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

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

More TV deals at Amazon

43-inch TVs

50- to 55-inch TVs

65-inch TVs

75-inch TVs and up

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

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

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

More Apple deals at Amazon

MacBooks

Macs

iPads

Apple Watches

AirPods and speakers

AirTags

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

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

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

More headphones deals at Amazon

Noise-canceling over-ear and on-ear headphones

Noise-canceling earbuds

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

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

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

More fitness tracker and smartwatch deals at Amazon

Smart rings

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

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

More kitchen deals at Amazon

Instant Pot

Air fryers and pizza ovens

Coffee makers

Eco-friendly kitchen gear

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

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

More beauty tech deals at Amazon

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

The Garmin Forerunner 965 is reduced by $100 in Amazons Black Friday sale

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 03:51

SAVE $100: As of Nov. 28 the Garmin Forerunner 965 is on sale at Amazon for $499.99. That's a 17% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Forerunner 965 $499.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

New shoes, new apparel, or a new smartwatch, there's nothing quite like a little running treat. Whether it's a need or a want, a shiny new toy is a great way to kick your running into gear. And if you're looking for a new smartwatch to level up your runs, the Black Friday sales are the best place for you to look, with a range of options now heavily reduced.

One of the major players in this category is, of course, Garmin's Forerunner range. Designed with runners and athletes in mind, through the different price points you'll find watches with GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and a range of performance metrics.

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

As of Nov.28, the Garmin Forerunner 965 is on sale for $499.99 at Amazon. That's a savings of 17% on the list price, or $100 off in total. This deal is across all three colorways: yellow and black, black and gray, and whitestone and gray.

The Forerunner 965 is full of incredible stats and data tracking for the most serious of runners to newbies. The bright AMOLED display is colorful and attractive but also makes for a very accessible user interface. Standout features of this fitness tracker include: training status, sleep score, training readiness, and built-in maps.

The watch is controlled by both a touchscreen and easy-to-use buttons, making it a great option for those who don't want an overly complicated

With a battery life that can last up to 23 days, the Forerunner 965 is an ideal choice for long-distance athletes looking to upgrade.

Three AI products that flopped in 2024

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 03:49

Artificial intelligence is the hip new craze sweeping the globe, with corporations everywhere attempting to shove machine learning tech into every nook and cranny they can find. 

Unfortunately, such an overenthusiastic approach can sometimes result in tech being applied regardless of whether it's actually a good fit. With everyone eager to boast that their shiny new product uses AI, it's become a classic case of companies being so preoccupied with whether or not they can use the tech, that they don't stop to wonder if they should.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI Sora leak: What it was and what it wasn’t.

As such, not every new AI product will succeed, some of those failures having already played out in a very public manner. Here are three AI products that crashed and burned in 2024. 

Rabbit r1 AI voice assistant Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The Rabbit r1 debuted to a frenzy of interest in January, selling 20,000 units within just two days. This $200 AI voice assistant seemed to promise the world in a handheld orange box, using a Large Action Model to navigate apps on your phone in order to complete tasks given to it via voice commands. The Rabbit r1 can also take photos, describe what it's seeing on its camera, recommend recipes based on a photo of ingredients, and summarise written text.

According to Rabbit CEO Jesse Lyu, the idea was apparently to offer a more focused, less intrusive experience than a phone. Rather than open your Uber app to order a ride, you'd just tell Rabbit r1 to do it for you.

To some, the idea of what is essentially a less functional phone that has no apps, can't be used to make calls or browse the web, and requires another phone to get anything done doesn't sound particularly appealing. However, many were enticed by the Rabbit r1's claim that it could utilise AI to offer a seamless, easy way to interact with their tech — one that doesn't require scrolling through apps..

Credit: Mashable

Unfortunately, excitement soon gave way to disappointment when it became clear the Rabbit r1 was buggy, underwhelming, and undercooked, offering more dreams and potential than solid, usable product. The Rabbit r1's early momentum quickly stalled, its rapid descent into irrelevance further hastened by the discovery of a massive security flaw that could expose all responses every device had ever generated.

Even if the Rabbit r1 somehow manages a magical girl transformation into the functional, feature-packed gadget it aspires to be, its moment in the sun has now long passed. Overcoming its poor reputation seems like an insurmountable task at this point.

Meta's AI Personas Credit: Meta

Meta's AI Personas were basically chatbots that used celebrity likenesses. That's it. That's the entire product. CEO Mark Zuckerberg unveiled AI Personas last September, proudly launching the beta for the celebrity lookalike chatbots. By August the chatbots were dead, barely surviving just one year.

AI Personas were not AI versions of celebrities, though some of the chatbots' personalities did have faint connections to the person whose face it was wearing. For example, footballer Tom Brady's likeness was used for Bru, a "wisecracking sports debater who pulls no punches." But by and large, AI Personas were entirely different characters who just so happened to look like public figures such as MrBeast, Kendall Jenner, and Naomi Osaka.

Though Meta touted AI Personas as fun interactions with unique personalities, the result was just awkward, creepy, and unsettling. The tech giant reportedly paid up to $5 million for the right to use celebrities' likenesses, but it seemed you could get a close to the same effect just looking at a photo of your favourite actor while using ChatGPT.

Considering this, it's unsurprising that Meta pulled the plug on AI Personas after just one year. The tech giant didn't outright give a reason for ending the project, merely telling Mashable at the time that it "took a lot of learnings from building [AI Personas] and Meta AI to understand how people can use AIs to connect and create in unique ways." But it seems safe to say that AI Personas failed to gain the traction Meta had hoped for.

Humane's Ai pin Credit: Humane

Last November Humane opened preorders for its Ai pin, a $699 wearable AI gadget that responds to voice commands and operates without a smartphone. Like the Rabbit r1, Humane aimed to change the way people operate and interact with their tech, and "integrate AI into the fabric of daily life."

To that end, Humane's Ai pin went all in on futuristic but uncommon design choices. Rather than a screen, the ostensible "smartphone killer" has a tiny projector for your palm, and though it has a touchpad, the vast majority of operation is performed via voice commands. Designed to attach to your clothes like a brooch, Humane's Ai pin can take photos and short videos, answer questions, and send messages — basically everything a phone can already do, just without a screen.

Yet despite Humane's lofty sci-fi ambitions, issues with the Ai pin began to appear before the devices were even released. One of Humane's own promotional videos showed the Ai pin answering two questions incorrectly, an embarrassing mistake which prompted the company to quickly update the clip. 

Credit: Angel Garcia / Bloomberg via Getty Images

Then the Ai pin began shipping in April, and the reviews started coming in. A consensus soon emerged that while Humane's Ai pin had some cool ideas in theory, in practice it's slow and frustrating to use. Music playback was broken (and only supported Tidal anyway), the palm projector was terrible and unreadable in bright light, and the device heated up to an uncomfortable level, which is not ideal on any gadget much less a wearable. The Humane Ai pin also has a mandatory $24 monthly subscription, turning into a useless lump of aluminium and Gorilla Glass without it.

Within mere weeks, Humane was reportedly searching for a buyer, hoping to sell for between $750 million and $1 billion. It's an ambitious goal considering the scathing reviews of its only product. Humane's troubles didn't end with the Ai pin's launch either. The company subsequently sent an email to customers telling them not to use the Ai pin's charging case, as a "quality issue" with the battery made it a potential "fire safety risk."

By August, Humane's Ai pins were reportedly being returned at a pace that outmatched its sales, with only around 8,000 still left in the wild. Humane slashed the Ai pin's price to $499 last month, but at this point, grabbing one for even a tenth of that still doesn't seem worth it.

Black Friday deal: Save $255 on the 2024 MacBook Air (15-inch)

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 03:45

SAVE $255: As of Nov. 28, Apple’s 2024 MacBook Air (15-inch) with M3 chip is $1,044 at Amazon as part of Black Friday deals. That’s a $255 discount from its $1,299 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 15 $1,044.00 at Amazon
$1,299.00 Save $255.00 Get Deal

If you're after a bit more screen real estate than the standard 13-inch 2024 MacBook Air, Amazon Black Friday has you covered with the 15-inch model, too. The 2024 MacBook Air with the M3 chip, Apple's latest grafter, is now $1,044. That's 20% off its regular price of $1,299, a cracking discount for anything Apple.

At just under half an inch thick and weighing a mere 3.3 pounds, it's easy to carry around yet spacious enough for serious multitasking thanks to the bigger screen. Speaking of, the screen packed into this Apple laptop has some serious specs. The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display supports over a billion colors, making sure users have a solid color representation while making games, TV, and movies pop.

SEE ALSO: Get both Hulu and Disney+ for $2.99 per month for Black Friday

This MacBook Air also has the epic M3 chip, which is comprised of an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU. It's designed to handle work, play, and everything in between without slowing down your screen time. Its respectable 18-hour battery life makes this one of the most dependable Macbooks to date, and it's all packed into half an inch of thickness. Crazy, right?

This model comes with 16GB of unified memory and 256GB of SSD storage. This translates to fantastic performance and plenty of headspace for multitasking and saving video, images, projects, and documents locally before uploading to iCloud. It also has a bag of popular features, including Touch ID, MagSafe charging, and Wi-Fi 6E. The spec sheet on the 2024 MacBook Air line is brilliant.

At $1,044, this Black Friday deal makes the 2024 MacBook Air a must-buy for anyone looking for an iOS powerhouse that won't break your back carrying it around. Just don't sit on this Black Friday deal. (Literally, it costs a lot of money.)

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

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 03:44

UPDATE: Nov. 28, 2024, 3:00 a.m. EST The week of Black Friday is finally here. We're tracking all the best deals across retailers and updating this list as things come in and go out of stock.

Best Early Black Friday Deals Best Apple deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $749 at Amazon (Save $250) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Roborock Qrevo S $459.99 at Amazon (Save $340) Get Deal Best headphone deal Bose QuietComfort headphones $199 at Amazon (Save $150) Get Deal Best laptop deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,399 at Amazon (Save $200) Get Deal Best tablet deal Apple iPad, 9th generation (A13, 64GB, WiFi) $199.99 at Target (Save $129.01) Get Deal Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $154.99 at Amazon (Save $45) Get Deal Best Echo deal Amazon Echo Pop $17.99 at Amazon (Save $22) Get Deal Best TV deal Hisense 85-inch QD6 QLED 4K Google TV $649.99 at Best Buy (Save $450) Get Deal Best fitness tracker deal Oura Ring Gen3 (Horizon, Gold) Starting at $249 at Best Buy Get Deal Best kitchen deal KitchenAid 5.5-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer $279.99 at Target (Save $170) Get Deal

The time is nigh. In a matter of hours our bellies — and shopping carts — will be full. While Black Friday properly falls on Nov. 29. this year, retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target have already kicked off their sales early.

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

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

Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $749.00 at Amazon
$999.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the M2 MacBook Air.

"A couple of weeks ago, the MacBook Air got a quiet RAM upgrade, without a price hike. Now, we're seeing the M2 MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage on sale for $749, officially back to its lowest price ever. With these specs, this MacBook will be more than capable of handling everyday tasks with ease, while offering you more flexibility to run more (and more intensive) programs at once. Considering Mashable reporter Alex Perry called this laptop "just about the ideal work-from-home (or work-from-wherever, really) companion," in his review, this memory upgrade is certainly welcome." – Bethany Allard, Shopping Reporter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More headphone and speaker dealsHeadphonesEarbudsSpeakersBest laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (Snapdragon X Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,599.99 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal Why we like it

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

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

The upgraded configuration that Gedeon tested is a 13-inch model featuring a Snapdragon X Elite processor, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage. It usually retails for $1,999.99, but Amazon and the Microsoft Store both have it listed for $1,599.99, or 20% off. That's its biggest discount to date." — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

More laptop and computer deals

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

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

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

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

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

More tablet deals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More TV deals

TV deals are sorted by size, then price.

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

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

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

More fitness tracker deals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More gaming deals under $50Best toy deal Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart Lego Star Wars Ahsoka Tano’s T-6 Jedi Shuttle (75362) $45.00 at Walmart
$79.99 Save $34.99 Get Deal Why we like it

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

More toys and games dealsLego dealsToy dealsBoard game dealsBest beauty tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: T3 T3 Aire Luxe $249.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"The Dyson Airwrap is often a popular purchase this time of year, on account of the fact it's $600 at full price. While it is on sale, we recommend checking out our guide to the best Airwrap dupes. Specifically, grab the T3 Aire 360, which comes with curling wands, a standard dryer attachment, and a round brush. What I enjoyed the most about this multi-styler, however, was its vegan leather carrying case, which was easier to use and took up way less space than every other multi-styler I've tried, including the Airwrap." — Bethany Allard, Lead Shopping Reporter

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

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

Black Friday deal: Get a refurbished Apple Watch Ultra for $70 off

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 03:36

SAVE $70: As of Nov. 28, the refurbished Apple Watch Ultra is on sale for $379.99 at Amazon as part of Black Friday deals. That’s $70 off its $449.95 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Ultra $379.99 at Amazon
$449.95 Save $69.96 Get Deal

If you're bringing your fitness game outside or getting extra gains in the gym, you will want a smartwatch to keep up. Don't worry, Amazon Black Friday deals have you covered with a refurbished deal on Apple Watch Ultra. How does $70 off sound? That's $379.99, $70 off the list price of $449.95. Imagine the amount of protein powder you can stock up on now? 35% off Vanilla Truvani Protein Powder, too, by the way.

This is the [GPS + Cellular] Apple Watch Ultra, meaning you can make calls, send texts, and stream music without needing your iPhone nearby. Just give your cell phone carrier a call and activate the eSIM on your account. It features a corrosion-resistant titanium case, 100m water resistance, and a customizable Action Button for quick access to your favorite features. To be fair, we all need more action buttons in our lives.

SEE ALSO: Get both Hulu and Disney+ for $2.99 per month for Black Friday

The Apple Watch Ultra boasts Apple's biggest and brightest Retina display, making it easy to view even in direct sunlight. It also delivers up to 36 hours of battery life, making this beast of a smartwatch dependable even in the most extreme weather conditions. Yes, it's dive-read, too, thanks to the Oceanic+ app, which transforms the watch into a full dive computer.

This Apple Watch Ultra has been inspected and tested as a refurbished product to meet Amazon's rigorous Renewed standards. Don't worry; it has a satisfaction guarantee, too. Looking for an Apple Watch Ultra to gift to someone? It'll rock up in excellent condition, so why not?

Whether climbing mountains, running marathons, or just looking for a smartwatch to keep up with your daily grind (gains), this is a solid opportunity to grab Apple's toughest wearable for less. But don't wait—Black Friday deals like this tend to disappear faster than a trail runner at the starting line.

The best deals from Targets early Black Friday sale

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 03:30

UPDATE: Nov. 28, 2024, 3:00 a.m. EST Target's holiday deals are officially live. We're tracking the sale as products come in and out of stock. These are the latest deals.

Best Target early Black Friday deals Best Tablet Deal Apple iPad, 9th generation (A13, 64GB, WiFi) $199.99 (Save $130) 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 Lego Harry Potter Diagon Alley: Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes $62.99 (Save $27) Get Deal

This year, if you want to get your holiday shopping done by Thanksgiving, it's certainly possible. With Black Friday falling at the very end of this month, it's no surprise that retailers started their sales way earlier. Now that Black Friday week is officially here, the deals are in full force. If you've run through Amazon and Best Buy's sales, turn your attention to Target.

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?

While 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. However, the deals have swung 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, 9th generation (A13, 64GB, WiFi) $199.99 at Target
$329.99 Save $130.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're looking to update your tech or treat a loved one to the ease and convenience of a tablet, Apple's 9th generation iPad is under $200. While you could go for the brand's newest models, the 9th generation iPad is your best bet on a budget. For just $199.99, you'll get a speedy table that's compatible with the Apple Pencil so you can stream, work, or read. This early Black Friday deal saves you $130, knocking 39% off the price.

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 $249.99 at Target
$349.99 Save $100.00 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 $249.99, knocking $100 off the price for 29% 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) $749.99 at Target
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 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 kitchen dealsBest toy deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Harry Potter Diagon Alley: Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes $62.99 at Target
$89.99 Save $27.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Whether you're buying for your child or inner child, Target is offering up to 30% off select Lego sets. A real show stopper of the season is this 834-piece set Lego set depicting the Weasley's Wizard Wheezes shop and even includes 7 mini-figures.

Ahead of Black Friday, get this set for 30% off, bringing it down to $62.99. That saves you a generous $27.

Other toy deals

The best deals from Best Buys Black Friday sale: Sony earbuds, our favorite gaming laptop, and more

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 03:29

UPDATE: Nov. 28, 2024, 3:00 a.m. EST This story has been updated with current pricing/availability and new deals (including one fresh top pick).

Best Buy's top Black Friday deals at a glance: Best Apple deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $749 (save $250) Get Deal Best 4K TV deal Hisense 85-inch QD6 QLED 4K Google TV $649.99 (save $450) 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 Alienware m16 R2 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,299.99 (save $600) 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).

Now live for all shoppers, the current batch of online doorbusters features a $179.99 55-inch Toshiba 4K Fire TV, $129.99 Beats Powerbeats Pro, $80 off the Apple Watch Ultra 2 with cellular connectivity, and half off a JBL soundbar. Best Buy also surprise-added two Nintendo Switch bundles as doorbusters over the weekend, though they're only available in stores.

SEE ALSO: All the best early Black Friday deals at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart

Along with new doorbusters, Best Buy is planning to release rapid-fire "Flash Deals" as part of its Drops program this Friday, Nov. 29 (aka Black Friday proper). These offers will be available in limited quantities for a short while exclusively on its mobile app starting at 9 a.m. ET, and feature gadgets from brands like Apple, Dyson, Ninja, and Sony.

The Mashable Shopping team will be 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 MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) 🚪 $749.00 at Best Buy
$999.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air (M2).

Sleek and lightweight, the previous-generation MacBook Air features a stellar keyboard, an all-day battery life, and an M2 chip that offers plenty of power for everyday tasks. Mashable's Tech and Games Reporter Alex Perry gave it a 4.6/5 rating in his 2022 review, calling it "the ideal work-from-home (or work-from-wherever, really) companion." It's our favorite budget MacBook for most people and a Mashable Choice Award winner.

Apple recently upgraded the base configuration to 16GB of memory, and Best Buy has it on sale for just $749 as a doorbuster during its Black Friday sale (normally $999) — an exact match of the 8GB version's all-time low. If it sells out there, the same deal was available on Amazon at the time of writing.

More Black Friday Apple deals at Best BuyAirPodsApple WatchesiPadsUnlocked iPhonesMacsMacBooksBest 4K TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 85-inch QD6 QLED 4K Google TV $649.99 at Best Buy
$1,099.99 Save $450.00 Get Deal Why we like it

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

Kind of surprised this one wasn't chosen as a doorbuster, TBH. Let's call it a hidden gem. If you want to downsize slightly, Best Buy's Black Friday deal on the 75-inch version drops it down to $449.99 (normally $699.99).

More Black Friday 4K TV deals at Best Buy43- to 50-inch 4K TVs55-inch 4K TVs65-inch 4K TVs75-inch 4K TVs and largerStreaming devices and media playersBest 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. For comparison's sake, the same model is $100 pricier on Dell's website during its own Black Friday sale.

More Black Friday laptop deals at Best BuyWindows laptops2-in-1 laptopsChromebooksBest 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 BuyEarbudsHeadphonesBest 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 BuyBest gaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Alienware Alienware m16 R2 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,299.99 at Best Buy
$1,899.99 Save $600.00 Get Deal Why we like it:

Read Mashable's full review of the Alienware m16 R2.

The m16 R2 is a 16-inch PC from Dell's high-end gaming line. This exact configuration is Mashable's favorite gaming laptop of 2024 (and there's a lot of competition out there) — it's "the ultimate RTX 4070 beast of a gaming laptop you can get," said Mashable Tech Editor Kim Gedeon. She commended its solid mid-range performance, nice build quality, great keyboard, ample port selection, and its support of Nvidia's Advanced Optimus feature, which lets users switch to its integrated graphics for everyday (non-gaming) tasks to conserve battery life. She rated it a 4.5/5, which secured it a Mashable Choice Award.

The m16 R2 is now just $1,299.99 at Best Buy (or 32% off its $1,899.99 MSRP), which is a record-low price and an amazing value.

More Black Friday gaming deals at Best BuyVideo gamesGaming consoles and bundlesGaming laptopsGaming controllersGaming headsetsGaming miceGaming keyboardsGaming monitorsStorage expansion cardsBest 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 BuyUnlocked phone dealsGoogleMotorolaOnePlusSamsungVacuum dealsRobot vacuumsStick vacuumsKitchen appliance dealsAir fryersCoffee makers and espresso machinesIce makersKitchenAid mixersMiscellaneousBeauty tech dealsSpeaker dealsSmart home dealsHome security equipmentMesh WiFi systemsSmart lightingSmart plugs

Save $199 on Apple’s 9th-gen iPad in this Black Friday deal

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 03:29

SAVE $199: As of Nov. 28, Apple’s 9th-gen iPad with 256GB storage is $279.99 at Amazon as part of its Black Friday deals, saving you $199 off its $479 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad 9th Gen 256GB $279.99 at Amazon
$479.00 Save $199.01 Get Deal

Apple products with a Black Friday price tag can even make Android fanboys turn their heads. How about the 9th-generation iPad (256GB) being discounted to $279.99 at Amazon? That's a 42% discount, or $199 in savings, on Apple's budget-friendly yet impressively capable tablet.

Fancy an iPad that doesn't cost a fortune but still gets OS updates and runs the latest apps? This will be your hand's final push to dig into your wallet. It features a gorgeous 10.2-inch Retina display ideal for streaming, browsing, and even drawing with an Apple Pencil (It's not included, but you can find one here for 40% off). True Tone technology adjusts the screen brightness and color temperature to match your environment. It's a handy feature that makes the retina screen easy for your eyes no matter where you use it.

SEE ALSO: Get both Hulu and Disney+ for $2.99 per month for Black Friday

So, what powers this budget beast? An A13 Bionic chip delivers solid performance for any task you can think of. Gaming, streaming, and browsing the web are all taken in this iPad's stride. Plus, with all-day battery life, you can count on it not to die in the middle of a bus ride. Although most people depend on cloud storage for backing up pictures and streaming services for music and video, 256GB of local storage still comes in handy for documents and downloads for offline Netflix binges.

The 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage is excellent for video calls, ensuring loved ones see more than your forehead (You know who you are). The 8MP back camera does the job, although don't expect massive flagship performance here.

At $279.99, this Black Friday iPad deal is a steal for anyone wanting to join the Apple ecosystem without the Apple price tag. Most users will be happy with its performance and compatibility with iOS updates and apps. This Black Friday deal will fly off warehouse shelves, so take advantage of it.

Amazon has up to 50% off premium gifts from top brands like Dyson, Samsung, TheraGun, and more

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 03:25

SAVE UP TO 50%: Amazon has marked down gifts from premium brands like Dyson, Ninja, Le Creuset, and more during this year's Black Friday event.

Best premium gifts on sale at Amazon's Black Friday event Best tech deal Amazon Echo Buds (wired charging case) $34.99 at Amazon (save $85) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Ninja Indoor Grill $149.99 at Amazon (save $110) Get Deal Best self-care deal TheraGun Prime massage gun $199 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal

This year, the retailers did not make us wait to start holiday shopping until after we've had massive turkey dinner. Instead, sales dropped earlier in November and are still coming in hot before the official Black Friday date hits. And honestly, this isn't such a bad thing. Not only does shopping early give you more time to find great deals on the perfect gifts, it frees up the holiday after Thanksgiving to spend time with friends and family.

Amazon's no stranger to awesome Black Friday deals and this year, the retailer has set aside some special daily deals. Today, Nov. 27, Amazon has the discounted premium gifts for anyone in your life who deserves something extra special. By shopping these deals, you'll be able to get a truly special gift for a non-premium price. Think premium brands like Dyson, Ninja, Vitamix, Samsung, and more are all included in today's sale.

Check out some of our favorite premium gift options so you'll be able to wow someone with an awesome present they would never expect or splurge on for themselves.

Best tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Buds (wired charging case) $34.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $85.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Everyone deserves to have a great pair of earbuds that offer both high-quality sound and prove to be comfortable to wear for hours. Enter the second generation Amazon Echo Buds. While they usually cost $119.99, Amazon has marked them down for Black Friday to just $34.99, which means you'll be getting a massive 71% discount.

With the charging case, expect to get about 20 hours of battery life, which is perfect for anyone who's traveling this holiday season. The Echo Buds are also sweat-resistant, great for active friends who head off to the gym a few times each week.

More premium tech deals at AmazonBest kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Indoor Grill $149.99 at Amazon
$259.99 Save $110.00 Get Deal Why we like it

While indoor grilling season has ended for most locations in the U.S., that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy grilled veggies, kebabs, and meats while indoors for the winter. The Ninja Indoor Grill can reach up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit with settings that include roast, grill, bake broil, and air fry. While the grill usually sells for $259.99, it's down to just $149.99 during the Amazon Black Friday event. The sale price means you'll be getting a sweet 42% discount on a versatile kitchen countertop appliance that's great for the summertime grill master.

The included smart thermometer helps the home cook get the perfect level of doneness, from rare to well-done. The large size of the grill means you'll be able to cook up six steaks or 24 hot dogs at once. Did someone say Superbowl party?

More premium kitchen deals at AmazonBest self-care deal Opens in a new window Credit: TheraGun TheraGun Prime massage gun $199.00 at Amazon
$299.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

It's likely that every single person in your life (and on your holiday shopping list) could benefit from a great massage. The TheraGun Prime is a deep-tissue massage gun that can aid in back, shoulder, leg, neck, and really any body pain that crops up.

The TheraGun Prime comes with four foam attachments that are ideal for targeting specific areas of the body. The Thumb attachment is great for trigger points or lower back pain, while the Cone is optimal for helping with foot and hand pains. It also connects to the Therabody app, which takes the guesswork out of how to use the TheraGun to ease pains that come from common ailments like plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and sciatica.

While the TheraGun Prime usually sells for $299, it's on sale at Amazon today for $199, which means you'll be getting a 33% discount on a gift that your loved ones can use every day of the year.

More premium self-care deals at Amazon

Save $255 on Apples sleek 2024 MacBook Air for Black Friday

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 03:23

SAVE $255: As of Nov. 28, the 2024 MacBook Air with M3 chip is on sale for $844 at Amazon for Black Friday. That’s $255 off its $1,099 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 13-Inch MacBook Air M3 $844.00 at Amazon
$1,099.00 Save $255.00 Get Deal

A solid Apple deal is rarer than finding a lightning port in the wild right now, but thanks to the Amazon Black Friday sale, the 2024 Macbook Air (13-Inch) is $255 off. That's the latest and sleekest-looking Macbook, down from $1,099 to a classy $844, so this is the time to bite on a solid upgrade powered by the powerhouse M3 chip.

We're used to some great deals for Black Friday. Still, Apple is notorious for not discounting its newest products, such as the Mackbook Air M3 refresh. Its featherweight footprint and epic performance are squeezed into a half-inch thickness, weighing only 2.7 pounds. Taking this bad boy on the go isn't going to kill your shoulder, that's for sure. For spec nerds, that's an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU to handle anything from general work to creative projects like graphic design and music production.

SEE ALSO: Get both Hulu and Disney+ for $2.99 per month for Black Friday

The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is stunning. Its 1 billion colors look crisp and vibrant. This screen delivers on every front, making it a solid choice for users needing a realistic-looking color with definition to match. Buyers can also look forward to 18 hours of battery life, so there are no worries about this MacBook dying on the train or subway.

This model has 16GB of unified memory and 256GB of SSD storage, which is plenty for most users. The Midnight finish gives it a sleek, modern look and is an absolute flex in front of your colleagues or in your local coffee shop. Touch ID makes logging in or making purchases quick and secure, so security is locked down on this Macbook bargain, too.

At $844, this is the best time of year to upgrade your MacBook. Don't have Black Friday regrets; this deal will be snapped up quicker than the last slice of pumpkin pie.

Save over $300 on the roborock Qrevo S Robot Vacuum this Black Friday

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 03:19

SAVE $340: As of Nov. 28, the roborock Qrevo S Robot Vacuum is on sale at Amazon for $459.99. That's a 43% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: roborock roborock Qrevo S Robot Vacuum $459.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $340.00 Get Deal

If a robot vacuum is on your wishlist, Amazon's Black Friday event is your time to pounce. The retailer's Black Friday sale kicked off a week early and there has been huge discounts across everything from coffee machines to TVs. And of course, robot vacuums. If you've been lusting over one for a while, and love the idea of no more manual vacuuming, check out this deal on the roborock Qrevo S Robot Vacuum.

As of Nov. 28, you can save $340 on this vacuum, now down to $459.99. It comes in both black and white, and both colors are at the same discounted price.

With both vacuuming and mopping functions, this robot vacuum really is an amazing addition to your home. A large 5-litre water tank can support up to 4,305 square feet of mopping, while the self-emptying bin allows for hands-free cleaning for up to seven weeks, so no daily emptying is required.

It boasts a 7,000Pa suction power and a multi-directional floating brush to make sure carpets, tiles, and hardwood floors are all cleaned thoroughly. Dual spinning mops rotate at 200 RPM, so spills and dried dirt that are really stuck into your floors are no problem.

And no need to guide the vacuum around your house, this model is equipped with PreciSense LiDAR Navigation and 3D Mapping to help it detect and avoid obstacles.

Head to the Amazon website to grab this great deal.

Save over $70 on the Echo Show 5 bundle this Black Friday

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 03:03

SAVE OVER $70: As of Nov. 28, the Echo Show 5 is on sale at Amazon for $49.99. That's a 60% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Show 5 $49.99 at Amazon
$124.98 Save $74.99 Get Deal

Black Friday is just a day away but if the excitement is too much, you can shop active deals at Amazon right now. And if you're a fan of smart home devices then you'll love this discount. As of Nov. 28 the Echo Show 5 is reduced to $49.99 at Amazon, saving you over $70 on list price.

This deal also comes with the Blink Mini camera. This allows you to see, hear, and speak to people and pets in your home from your smartphone with the live view and two-way audio.

SEE ALSO: The Meta Quest 3S comes with $75 in free credit this Black Friday

The Echo Show 5 is a handy smart assistant with a screen. It comes with built-in Alexa, the ability to watch shows, and video chat capabilities. It has a bright screen, coming in at 5.5 inches, perfect for looking at the weather, recipes, or the time at a glance.

You can even stream music from the Echo Show, with compatibility with the most popular streaming apps including Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Deezer. This model benefits from deeper bass and clearer vocals for a better listening experience. Plus, the Echo Show 5 is eco-friendly, featuring fabric made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester yarn and an aluminum body crafted from 100% recycled materials.

Head to Amazon now before this Black Friday deal runs out.

Are there any stores that price match Black Friday deals? Not officially, for the most part.

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 03:00

If scoring the best Black Friday deals is an art form, taking advantage of early doorbusters and cross-checking discounts between retailers are techniques of the masters. Just don't forget to read the fine print.

Some stores offer price protection, letting shoppers request adjustments if something they previously bought there gets cheaper down the road. Price matches may also be on the table if a rivaling retailer offers a better discount on the same item. However, lots of exclusions and asterisks typically apply.

SEE ALSO: All the best early Black Friday deals at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart

This isn't to say that major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart don't offer identical deals during savings events like Black Friday, because they often do. (There's a lot of overlap among Apple products and PlayStation 5 bundles this season.) But for the most part, it's best to think of them as happy accidents rather than official policy. Target is the sole store that will actually match a rival's Black Friday deal by request.

If you buy something from a store that doesn't offer price protection and/or matching this Black Friday, be sure to take advantage of its extended holiday return policy if you spot a lower price on the item there or elsewhere: All major retailers have one in play. An extra-good deal, like a new record-low, can be worth the hassle of returning and rebuying.

Amazon's price-match policy

Price matching is a hard no from Amazon. "We constantly compare Amazon's prices to our competitors' prices to make sure that our prices are as low or lower than all relevant competitors," the retail giant explains. "As a result, we don't offer price matching."

If Amazon ever misses a better deal somewhere else, shoppers can sound the alarm using the "Tell Us About a Lower Price" feature (located under "Feedback" in an item's Product information section). But many items are excluded — Apple devices, for some — and there's no guarantee that Amazon will update its price to reflect the best discount after it's flagged.

Amazon doesn't offer price protection, either, except when it comes to "qualifying items" that are up for preorder. (If a product get cheaper there at any point between the day it's bought and the day it's released, Amazon will honor the lower price.) We recommend that shoppers bookmark the Amazon price-tracking site CamelCamelCamel, which makes it easy to vet the quality and rarity of deals there.

Best Buy's price-match policy

Best Buy will match a deal from certain competitors if it stocks the exact same item in new condition — down to the brand, model number, and color — and if the competitor has the item readily available for shipping or store pickup. (Shoppers can request matches online or in person.) But this has a bunch of exclusions attached to it, especially during the holidays.

The competitor's deal can't come from a third-party seller, nor can it involve a members-only promotion, a coupon, a clearance item, or a limited-time special (like flash sales and Lightning Deals). It can't be labeled as a Black Friday deal, either. Best Buy's price-match policy is straight-up null and void from the Thursday before Thanksgiving through the Monday after Thanksgiving to really hammer that point home.

Best Buy gives shoppers a little leeway in the form of seasonal price protection (called its "Holiday Price Match Guarantee"). Customers who purchase something from the electronics store between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31 have until Jan. 14, 2025 to ask it to honor its own new lower price, so long as the better deal applies to a new, in-stock counterpart. Certain products aren't eligible, including those that come with a third-party contract (like a cell phone plan) and holiday decor.

Target's price-match policy

The bullseye brand matches deals from Amazon and Walmart if it carries an equivalent — same name, brand, size, model number, color, weight, everything. The deal just has to be listed by the competitor (and in stock for shipping or pickup) when the match request is made. Target will honor the better discount at checkout or up to 14 days afterward, which is kind of huge. Requests can be made in stores and online.

Crucially, Amazon and Walmart's designated Black Friday deals are eligible for price matching at Target so long as they tick some boxes.

A deal doesn't count if it comes from a third-party seller, if it's on clearance, if the item is pre-owned or refurbished, if there's a promo code attached, if it's part of a Lightning Deal, if it's only for Amazon Prime members, or if it's due to a pricing error. And a competitor price match can't be combined with exclusive deals for members of Target Circle, the retailer's free rewards program.

Target will price-match its own deals for items bought online or in person if they wind up getting cheaper. (You can match an online purchase to in-store prices and vice versa, but you can't price-match between stores.) The policy went into effect on Nov. 7 and covers all purchases made at Target through Dec. 24. What's more, it applies to Target Circle deals if you're a member by the time you ask for the lower price, barring any personalized Target Circle Bonuses. Other exclusions include Target coupons, gift card freebies, phones that come with contracts, and items on preorder.

Walmart's price-match policy

Walmart doesn't price-match other retailers, full stop.

The big-box store will adjust the price of an in-store item if a shopper finds the exact same product listed for less on its website, but only at the time of checkout with a supervisor's approval. (You can't go back and request a post-purchase correction.) The stars really have to align here: The online item has to be in stock and identical; it has to be shipped and sold by Walmart itself, not a third-party ("Marketplace") seller; and it can't be a Rollback, on clearance, or part of a Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale.

Walmart will not honor price matches between stores because their inventories are managed independently. "[A] manager may lower a price to clear out an overstock item, to reward customers with an in-store sale, or to compete with local merchants," it says. "It is not our policy to price match our own stores since we are not in competition with ourselves."

There's no price protection for items sold on the Walmart website. The company's reasoning: "We strive to offer the best possible price on Walmart.com every day, on all items."

Wow! Grab Microsoft Office + Windows 11 Pro at £43

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

TL;DR: Bundle Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro together for £43.37 (reg. £345.60) at the Mashable Shop.

For students, winter is all about exam revision. For professionals, it's last-minute prep for holiday. Whether you’re hitting the books or finishing up work, check out this productivity bundle: Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Pro for £43.37.

Separately, this office suite and OS cost hundreds of pounds, but they’re on sale when you buy them together. Best of all, the Microsoft Office suite comes with a lifetime pass for your device. This is your last chance to upgrade your Windows computer before the new year.

Microsoft Office 2021 apps

Everyone needs reliable productivity apps. Students lean on tools like Microsoft Word and PowerPoint for homework, OneNote for note-taking, and Outlook and Teams to stay connected to peers and teachers. Once you enter the workforce, these tools are just as necessary.

Microsoft Office for Windows also comes with Access and Publisher. Your one-time purchase gets you a lifetime device license to all of these MS Office tools.

Windows 11 Pro + Copilot AI

Upgrading your OS isn’t just for the new user design; you’ll also get the new AI assistant, Copilot.

Copilot uses a custom version of ChatGPT, so it’s like getting the chatbot's premium version without having to pay for it. You could use it to:

  • Have it explain complex class concepts in simpler terms

  • Make custom flashcards

  • Summarise emails and meetings

  • Simulate conversations in a new language you’re learning

You’ll also enjoy how Windows 11 Pro boosts your PC’s load times, gives you new productivity tools, and adds new security features like BitLocker device encryption. It’s like an internal makeover for your computer.

Take advantage of this Microsoft app bundle with Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro at £43.37 (reg. £345.60). No coupon is needed for this discount.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle £43.37
£345.60 Save £302.23 Get Deal

The Meta Quest 3S comes with $75 in free credit this Black Friday

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

$75 FREE CREDIT: Get the Meta Quest 3S (128GB), Batman: Arkham Shadow, and a three-month trial of Meta Quest+ for $299 at Amazon. This Black Friday bundle deal comes with $75 of free credit with the code QUEST75.

Opens in a new window Credit: Meta Meta Quest 3S Bundle $75 of free credit with code QUEST75 Get Deal

Black Friday is the best time of the year to find deals on gaming essentials. We still haven't reached the pinnacle of the deals period, but we've already had deals on PS5 consoles, PS5 controllers, and VR headsets like the budget-friendly Meta Quest 3S.

Bundle deals are usually where it's at over the Black Friday shopping period, and this year is no different. Gamers can get the Meta Quest 3S (128GB), Batman: Arkham Shadow, and a three-month trial of Meta Quest+ for $299 at Amazon. This Black Friday bundle comes with $75 of free digital credit with the code QUEST75.

SEE ALSO: Hulu's Black Friday deal is back. Get a whole year for just $0.99 per month.

If you take the free credit into consideration, you're getting the Meta Quest 3S and a popular game for just $224. That's a low price to pay for what Mashable's Tech Editor described as "the best VR headset for new gamers" in its review. In the words of Kimberly Gedeon, the "Meta Quest 3S delivers an impressive, budget-friendly VR experience with solid performance and a wide selection of games." We can't argue with that.

Don't miss out on this stacked Meta Quest 3S bundle deal for Black Friday.

There are a lot more gaming deals worth exploring this Black Friday. Top retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart are dropping delightful deals each day over this hectic shopping marathon, so check out our breakdowns for each to see if any more offers catch your eye.

The best laptops in 2024

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

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

There's more to buying a new laptop than buying something that looks nice and shiny. A laptop is a lifestyle choice, which means you need one that suits your life and style. Indeed, your work and leisure (like streaming Netflix) will be vastly improved by the purchase of a slick, reliable, efficient laptop.

It’s certainly not a decision that should be made based on simply price or looks. Like everything else in life, it's what's on the inside that counts.

Laptop beginners may want something user-friendly and straightforward, while frequent travellers will need something that's both light and long-lasting. Designers and gamers may seek top-notch 4K graphics and quick central processors. And everybody needs something that's not just going to break after a year. If you're stuck on a decision, we can help. We're done the research and compiled a roundup of some of the best models available, along with some useful laptop info.

What are the best laptop brands?

Apple reigns supreme as the most popular laptop manufacturer and its flagship models — such as the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air — regularly top lists of the very best laptops that money can buy. But it’s far from the only option out there.

The Microsoft Surface has been seriously impressing since its launch in 2012, peaking, in our opinion, with the Microsoft Surface 4 (though newer versions are available). HP offers a range of laptops that span price options and capabilities. Dell is another trusty and versatile manufacturer, with a laptop range including 2-in-1 models and dedicated gaming options. Lenovo is also worth your attention.

What are the best gaming laptops?

If you’re a hardcore gamer, you need a laptop that’s built for gaming. Manufacturers such as Asus, Gigabyte, Razer, and Acer produce laptops that are dedicated to gaming and handling the latest software, combining powerful CPU, GPU, and RAM specs for smooth, uninterrupted gameplay. Household name brands such as HP and Dell also have machines built for top-flight gaming.

What are the most important laptop features?

Not every laptop will suit everyone’s needs. But there are important inner components that every laptop has and it’s important to know what they are:

  • CPU — Also known as the the processor, this is the brain of the laptop. It controls and communicates with everything else. For general web-surfing, emails, and essay-writing, you won’t need an all-singing, all-dancing CPU. But if you’re a serious gamer, video editor, or graphic designer — or do anything that requires you running big-time software — look for a machine with a solid, up-to-the-minute CPU processor.

  • Display — If you’re a gamer or designer, a stunning, high-resolution display is absolutely essential. We recommend a HD 1080p resolution as a base level. Some laptops also have touchscreen capabilities, doubling up as laptop-tablet combos. This is one area where size does matter. Laptops built for gaming and creative work tend to have 15-inch displays but more portable laptops may be 13 or even 11 inches.

  • GPU — The graphics processing unit, otherwise known as the graphics card. This is responsible for your laptop’s visuals. Once again, the GPU will depend on your laptop activity. You might not need eye-popping graphics for answering emails or writing coursework, but for design work or — perhaps most importantly — rendering visuals in the latest games, choose a machine with the latest, supremely powerful GPU.

  • RAM — This stands for random-access memory. It's for running various applications at the same time and using them as and when you need to access. (How many apps are open in your dock right now? That’s all thanks to RAM.) This basically controls the speed and dexterity of your laptop. 8GB of RAM is a good starting point if you’re a multitasker or do heavy-duty gaming and creative work.

  • Storage — You’ll notice that laptops usually come with one of two types of storage space — hard-disc drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD) storage. HDD is essentially a hunk of metal inside the machine that holds onto all your info. SSD stores the info on little flash-memory chips. A HDD typically holds more but it's slower than SSD. Premium and higher-ticket laptops usually come with SSD as standard. There are also cloud and external storage options, depending on your storage needs.

How much should a laptop cost?

As with anything in life, you get what you pay for. Just as there's a laptop specification to suit everyone, there's a price point too. The laptops included in this list range from around £280 to £3,060. Remember that a laptop is an investment in not just your work but your life too. It's sometimes worth spending a little extra to get a laptop that will perform harder, faster, and better.

What is the best laptop for you?

It's overwhelming but this is the kind of stuff we enjoy researching. We've put together a definitive guide of the best laptops on the market right now. We compare top brands that you probably have in mind like Apple and Dell, as well as other players you may not have considered otherwise. You're in good hands.

These are the best laptops in 2024.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 28, 2024

Mashable - Wed, 11/27/2024 - 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 28 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: A Show of gratitude

  • Green: Deceives or tricks others

  • Blue: Eating fast

  • Purple: Themed Tuesdays

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: Appreciation

  • Green: Fraudster

  • Blue: Eat Voraciously

  • Purple: ___Tuesday

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

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

Drumroll, please!

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

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Appreciation: CREDIT, PRAISE, RECOGNITION, THANKS

  • Fraudster: CHEAT, CON, FAKE, QUICK

  • Eat Voraciously: BOLT, DOWN, GOBBLE, SCARF

  • ___Tuesday: FAT, GIVING, SUPER, TACO

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 27

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 28

Mashable - Wed, 11/27/2024 - 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 28 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 28 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A wedge.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There is one reoccurring letter.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

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...

CHOCK.

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

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

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

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

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

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

NYT Strands hints, answers for November 28

Mashable - Wed, 11/27/2024 - 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 28 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 28 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Thank goodness!

These words are part of a holiday meal.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are part of Thanksgiving dinner.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is LetsFeast.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for November 28

  • Turkey

  • Potatoes

  • Yams

  • Cranberries

  • Gravy

  • Rolls

  • LetsFeast

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