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NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for December 3, 2024

Mashable - Tue, 12/03/2024 - 04:51

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, December 3, 2024:

AcrossPhysicians' degrees

  • The answer is MDs.

Good name for a theology professor

  • The answer is Faith.

Space-related prefix

  • The answer is Astro.

Still in bed

  • The answer is NotUp.

Garden figurine in a pointy hat

  • The answer is Gnome.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 3 DownWorker with bricks and mortar

  • The answer is Mason.

"Me, too!"

  • The answer is Ditto.

Play, as a mandolin

  • The answer is Strum.

One of two in a king cobra's mouth

  • The answer is Fang.

Good name for an optimist

  • The answer is Hope.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

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

13 best websites to analyze your Spotify data

Mashable - Tue, 12/03/2024 - 04:44

Mining your own Spotify data is like accessing a musical window into your soul. What genre do you listen to the most? How obscure are your favorite artists? And, wait, you listened to "Alone" by Heart how many times!?

We've scoured the corners of the internet and collected our 13 favorite websites that analyze your Spotify data. So if you're the type of person who spends your days counting down to Spotify Wrapped or who regularly analyzes your listening habits to understand yourself better, you'll love these clever tools.

SEE ALSO: Got your Spotify Wrapped? Treat it like a shopping list.

A heads up that each of these websites requires you to log in to your Spotify and grant the website access to your Spotify data, and we've included directions at the bottom for how to remove each site's access once you've tried them out.

1. Stats for Spotify

Stats for Spotify is a classic Spotify data analyzer. It shows you your top tracks, artists, and genres organized by the previous four weeks, last six months, and all time. It also shows how your top tracks, artists, and genres have changed since the last time you used Stats for Spotify.

2. How Bad is Your Spotify

How Bad is Your Spotify is an AI tool that judges your music taste. It gained popularity in December 2020 for its snarky roasts of users' listening habits.

Don't judge me. Credit: Screenshot: How Bad Is Your Spotify 3. Instafest

Instafest generates a personalized music festival lineup of your most-listened artists on Spotify. The more you listen to an artist the larger their name will appear on your lineup. It was created by USC student Anshay Saboo. You can choose a festival based on your top artists from the past month, the past six months, or of all time. You can also switch up the aesthetics of the graphic, which is stylized to look like a festival poster. So, who are your headlining acts?

Who wouldn't buy a ticket. Credit: Screenshot: Instafest 4. Icebergify (aka the Spotify Iceberg)

Icebergify grabs the top 50 artists of your short-term, medium-term, and long-term listening trends and organizes them by their popularity or obscurity. If the artist is super popular (think Beyonce), they'll be at the tippy-top. But if you listen to a lot of Antichrist Siege Machine, they'll be closer to the bottom. The tool may also pull in musicians you haven't listened to in a few months, and if you don't listen to any artists in a certain level of popularity, the level will show up blank.

Three very brave staffers at Mashable (Christianna Silva, Crystal Bell, Tim Marcin) share their iceberg results. Credit: Credit: Screenshot / Icebergify / Christianna Silva, Crystal Bell, Tim Marcin 5. Obscurify

Like Icebergify, Obscurify tells you how obscure the music you listen to is compared to other Obscurify users. It'll also show you your top five obscure artists and will rate your music's happiness, danceability, and energy compared to other users.

6. Spotify Pie

"Bake your monthly genre pie" with this website created by UCLA student Darren Huang. Spotify Pie analyzes your Spotify listening and organizes it into a highly sharable pie chart of all the genres you've listened to in the last month. Below the chart, the website reveals your most-listened-to genres and your top artists of the month, too.

Credit: Spotify Pie Credit: Spotify Pie 7. Volt.fm

Volt.fm is a great tool for the music lovers who like to know all their stats. You can see your top artists, songs, and albums but also more nuanced data like number of players, most active hours for listening, and number of plays.

8. Discover Quickly

Discover Quickly sorts your playlists, top songs, and top artists by different criteria, like popularity and danceability. It also lists all of Spotify's wildly specific genres like "deep metalcore," "acid house," and "charred death." The tool will make you a playlist of that genre or can generate a playlist of songs of a random genre.

9. MusicScape

MusicScape generates a landscape based on the tracks you've recently listened to, taking their mood, mode, energy, and key into consideration to create something unique to your sonic palette.

What does your musicScape look like? Credit: Screenshot: musicscape 10. MusicTaste.Space

MusicTaste.Space is fun because it allows you to compare your listening with another Spotify user. Just send a friend the link on the homepage and it will show you all the overlap between your top songs and top artists.

11. Receiptify

Receiptify transforms your favorite songs into a cute little receipt of your musical taste. Choose your top tracks of the last month, last six months, or of all time.

Receiptify gives you an Insta Story ready list of your top songs. Credit: Screenshot: Receiptify 12. How NPRcore Are You

How NPRcore Are You analyzes how closely your music taste aligns with NPR music. Pick a time period and this tool will tell you what percent NPRcore you are or which of your top tracks and artists are most NPRcore.

13. Moodify

Moodify makes AI-generated playlists based on the mood of the song you're currently listening to.

How to unlink your Spotify

After you've had your fun poking around your data, you can easily unlink your account from each site by going to Spotify app settings and selecting "Remove Access."

Spotify Wrapped 2024: When it comes out, how to see yours

Mashable - Tue, 12/03/2024 - 04:37

Spotify users look forward to their Wrapped all year long. And for those who can hardly wait, don't fret: Spotify Wrapped 2024 is nearly here.

What is Spotify Wrapped?

Started in 2016, Spotify Wrapped is exactly what it sounds like: your year in Spotify, neatly wrapped up in a colorful — and uniquely shareable — interactive experience.

Spotify combs through your data and tells you your top artists, songs, albums, and more. For instance, you might find out you were in the Top 1 percent of Selena Gomez listeners. Spotify also creates a playlist of your Top 100 songs of the year.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Spotify Wrapped 2024 Tweet may have been deleted When will Spotify Wrapped be released in 2024?

The short answer: The exact date is a surprise. Spotify has never confirmed it, and let's face it — they probably never will. But we do know Spotify Wrapped will likely arrive quite soon.

It'll certainly come out the week after Thanksgiving. In 2023, it came out the Wednesday after Thanksgiving. So keep that in mind.

Tweet may have been deleted How to view your Spotify Wrapped

It's pretty simple to look at your Wrapped once it is released. All you have to do is open the app on your phone and click on the correct "Wrapped" icon. Typically speaking, it'll be a little button across a hard-to-miss banner. You can also go to the Wrapped section of the Spotify website.

And, of course, once you do view your Wrapped there's only one thing to do: share it with the internet, as has become obligatory.

The best Cyber Monday Apple deals still available at Walmart

Mashable - Tue, 12/03/2024 - 04:29
The best Cyber Monday Apple deals at Walmart Best overall deal Apple AirPods Pro 2 $154 (save $95) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm, GPS) $329 (save $70) Get Deal Best non-AirPods headphones Beats Studio Pro $159.99 (save $189.01) Get Deal

We're fast approaching the final hours of Cyber Monday, so if you've been waiting to grab any Apple products on sale, consider your wait officially over.

At Walmart, Cyber Monday deals are live until Dec. 2 at 11:59 p.m. ET. While some of the Apple deals we spotted earlier on have sold out (if you're looking for iPad deals you'll want to check out other retailers), there are still plenty of good deals live. Case in point: the $154 AirPods Pro are still available — at the time of writing, they're $159.99 at Best Buy and $169.99 at Target, with only Amazon matching Walmart's price.

SEE ALSO: Cyber Monday is live at Amazon — check out our top picks to grab on the final day of Cyber Week

Walmart is also the exclusive home of the $599 M1 MacBook Air deal. Though it's definitely an outdated MacBook, it's an unheard of price for a laptop that'll get the job done for basic web browsing and note-taking. Along with these two deals, we've sourced more on Apple Watches, accessories, and iPhone cases. Below, you'll find all our favorites from Walmart's Cyber Monday sale.

And if you're looking to squeeze in any more last-minute shopping, check out our entire list of the best Cyber Monday deals worth grabbing before sales end.

Note: Any struck-through deals were either expired or sold out at the time of writing.

Best Apple Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $154.00 at Walmart
$249.00 Save $95.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods Pro 2.

"Apple's second-generation ANC earbuds have an Adaptive Transparency mode that lets the user hear environmental sounds while reducing loud noises, and — as this fall — a new clinical-grade Hearing Aid feature. Our reviewer was impressed by their "great sound" and a "long-lasting battery life," and appreciated the fact that they retained the same "really comfortable" fit as their predecessors. You don't need to upgrade if you already own the original AirPods Pro, but they're a nice upgrade from the non-Pro version.

Walmart has been a trendsetter this Cyber Weekend: After it dropped the AirPods Pro 2 down to a record-low of $154 during its second Black Friday deals event (normally $249), other retailers like Amazon and Target swiftly followed suit. Only the former's deal was still live at the time of writing." — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

More Apple deals at WalmartAirPodsiPadsMacBooksApple WatchMore Apple accessories and headphones

iPhone cases

The best Cyber Monday Samsung Galaxy deals still live at Amazon

Mashable - Tue, 12/03/2024 - 04:28
Best Samsung Galaxy deals at Amazon Best tablet deal Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE (128GB) $299.99 (save $150) Get Deal Best phone deal Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (512GB) $1,059.98 (save $360.01) Get Deal Best Galaxy Watch deal Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (44mm LTE) $219.99 (save $160) Get Deal Best Galaxy Buds deal Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro + $20 Amazon gift card $188.98 (save $81.01) Get Deal

The end of Cyber Monday is fast approaching, but there are still plenty of great tech deals live.

At Amazon, there are still tons of Samsung Galaxy deals available, with all parts of the Galaxy line represented, including phones, tablets, watches, and earbuds. Below, you'll find all the deals we could source that were still available in the final hours of Cyber Monday.

And if you're working on some more Cyber Monday shopping, be sure to check out our main list of all the Cyber Monday deals still live that are worth shopping.

Best Samsung Galaxy deal at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE (128GB) $299.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE.

When it comes to tablets, iPads are far from your only option. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE was released as the budget alternative to the S9 (our favorite Android tablet), but it'll be more than enough for most casual tablet users, with enough processing power to get you through streaming videos just fine, 20 hours of battery life, and an included S Pen for easy note taking.

To contrast, the standard iPad is on sale at the time of writing for $279, which although a decent deal, is for a tablet that has only 64GB of space and a lower screen resolution. The Galaxy Tab also comes with a stylus, while an iPad requires you to purchase one separately (even if you grab it on sale, the cheapest Apple Pencil is an additional $70.

Samsung Galaxy phone Cyber Monday dealsSamsung Galaxy tablet Cyber Monday dealsSamsung Galaxy Watch Cyber Monday dealsSamsung Galaxy Buds Cyber Monday deals

The best Amazon Cyber Monday deals still live on headphones and earbuds

Mashable - Tue, 12/03/2024 - 04:26
Best Cyber Monday headphone and earbud deals 2024 Best headphones deal Sony WH-1000XM5 $298 (save $101.98) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra $229 (save $70) Get Deal Best bone conduction headphones deal Shokz OpenRun $89.95 (save $40) Get Deal

With Cyber Monday underway and Spotify Wrapped just around the corner, there's never been a better time to get a new pair of headphones or earbuds than right now. In the final hours of the holiday shopping event, we're still seeing a ton of deals on audio tech at Amazon from brands like Bose, Sony, and other popular names.

Check out our top deal picks below on earbuds, on-ear and over-ear headphones, and bone conduction headphones (pretty much the entire Shokz lineup is on sale) below. Don't waste any more time, and get shopping!

SEE ALSO: These Cyber Monday gadget deals make excellent gifts Best Cyber Monday headphones deal at Amazon 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

Read Mashable's full review of the Sony WH-1000XM5.

"If you want headphones that have great noise cancellation and incredible (adjustable) sound, then the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones won't let you down. Out of the noise-cancelling headphones we've tested, these are our top pick for audiophiles. It can be a little annoying that the ear cups don't fold in, but with 30 hours of battery life, you'll probably find yourself wearing them more often than not. Dropped down to $298, these headphones are at a dollar cheaper than their Prime Day price." — Bethany Allard, Lead Shopping Reporter

More headphone deals at AmazonBest earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra $229.00 at Amazon
$299.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds.

"For folks who want the best possible noise cancellation they can get in their earbuds, we like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds. They do come with a price tag that reflects their top-notch noise cancellation — but, on sale, they cost less than the full price of AirPods Pro. After testing out these earbuds, Mashable Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino was more impressed than she expected to be, writing, 'Truthfully, I can't imagine a person that wouldn't appreciate these buds. The noise cancellation is the best I've ever experienced, and the music feels like it surrounds you thanks to spatial audio. Plus, the fit is like no other.'" — Bethany Allard, Lead Shopping Reporter

More earbud deals at AmazonBest bone conduction headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shokz Shokz OpenRun $89.95 at Amazon
$129.95 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're headphones or earbuds are starting to feel a little too cumbersome, switching over to a pair of bone conduction headphones may be the move. The Shokz OpenRun are a great example of bone conduction headphones, featuring a completely open-ear design, eight hours of battery life, and an IP67 waterproof rating. For Cyber Monday, you can get a pair for $40 off at Amazon, just $89.95.

More bone conduction headphone deals at Amazon

Amazon has the best Cyber Monday robot vacuum deals — low prices are still live

Mashable - Tue, 12/03/2024 - 04:25
The best Cyber Monday robot vacuum deals at Amazon at a glance Best Roomba deal iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ $399 at Amazon (save $330.99) Get Deal Best self-emptying, self-cleaning robot vacuum deal Roborock Qrevo S $459.99 at Amazon (save $340) Get Deal

Cyber Monday robot vacuum deals at Amazon are mostly just Black Friday robot vacuum deals that have rolled over — and those discounts just happen to be on most of my favorite robot vacuums that I've tested this year. That said, a handful of the best deals have finally sold out, so making your upgrade ASAP is crucial.

As unlikely as it sounds, Amazon doesn't have the best deals in every single category on shopping holidays (TVs ring a bell). But Amazon consistently leads the pack in robot vacuum deals. While the other big retailers have a few, Amazon easily has the best variety of Cyber Monday robot vacuum deals, both in terms of the brands and models up for grabs and the actual spectrum of price points. As someone who tests robot vacuums and tracks their prices for a living, I would know — but if you want some cold, hard numbers, just plug any URL into Amazon price history tracker Camelcamelcamel. You'll see that almost every robot vacuum on sale has dropped to a new record-low price.

SEE ALSO: Why Eufy's X10 Pro Omni is the most surprising robot vacuum I've tested all year

I'm tracking all of the Cyber Monday robot vacuum deals still live at Amazon below, and will be refreshing the list throughout Cyber Week as deals eventually start to fade and sell out. Note: Any deal marked with a 🔥 has dropped to a record-low price at Amazon

Best Cyber Monday Roomba deal at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ $399.00 at Amazon
$729.99 Save $330.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Though my previous favorite Roomba deal this Black Friday season, the $299.99 Roomba Combo i5, has sold out, it wasn't hard to pick a new top pick. I've crowned the Roomba Combo j5+ as the best Roomba value when it's on sale, and guess what: It's definitely on sale. The nearly 50% off price slash looks like an even sweeter deal when compared to the current deal on the cheapest self-emptying Roomba, the Roomba Vac 2. For $249.99, that basic Roomba doesn't mop, can't smart map specific rooms in your home, and certainly can't steer clear of small obstacles like phone charges and pet waste. The Combo j5+ does all of those things for $150 more, which is a small jump in cost that I think you'll be thankful you made when your Roomba isn't getting stuck everywhere.

If you live in a small space where a robot vacuum won't scrounge up a ton of debris during every cleaning session (or are otherwise fine with manually emptying the dust bin), the standalone Roomba Combo j5 that doesn't self-empty is at a similarly stellar sale price: $284.98, a record low.

Best Cyber Monday robot vacuum with self-cleaning station at Amazon 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

The robot vacuums that not only mop and self-empty but also wash and dry their own mopping pad, were the number one type of robot vacuum that I was looking forward to seeing on sale this season — because they're typically the most expensive. The Roborock Qrevo S is the best combination of features and price, offering so many types of automation for just over $450.

I think of the Roborock Qrevo S as the diet version of my favorite self-emptying robot vacuum right now, the Roborock Qrevo Master. The main difference between the two is that the Qrevo S skips the fluff like a livestream pet camera or extending side mop. But when the difference in sale price is $459.99 versus the Qrevo Master's $899.99, one choice works better for a ton of people.

More robot vacuums (that don't mop) on sale at AmazonRobot vacuum and mop combos on sale at AmazonRobot vacuum and mop combos with self-washing station on sale at Amazon

The best cordless power tool deals still live after Amazons Cyber Monday sale

Mashable - Tue, 12/03/2024 - 04:23

If by some miracle you own a home in 2024, congrats! That's awesome. But home ownership isn't all sunshine and rainbows — without a superintendent, anything that breaks is yours to fix, whether that's with hired help or by yourself. If you prefer the latter method, you're going to need a decent lineup of power tools on hand to keep you prepared for any surprise issues.

SEE ALSO: Home Depot is still giving away free cordless tools for Cyber Monday

It just so happens that a lot of cordless power tools are on sale at Amazon during their 2024 Cyber Monday sale, from electric screwdrivers, to nail guns, to circular saws, and more. We've been keeping track of all of the best deals, and have listed them out below so you can spend less time shopping, and more time planning your next home project.

Best cordless power tool deal Opens in a new window Credit: DeWalt DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Kit $129.00 at Amazon
$239.00 Save $110.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Whether you live in a home or a studio apartment, you should probably have a power drill handy. This drill kit from DeWalt has everything you need and then some, including an impact driver for more heavy-duty tasks and a case to carry them in. For Cyber Monday, the bundle is just $129, saving you $110.

More cordless power tool deals at Amazon

The best Cyber Monday gaming laptop deals still live at Amazon

Mashable - Tue, 12/03/2024 - 04:20
Amazon's best Cyber Monday gaming laptop deals at a glance: Top pick Acer Nitro V 15 (Intel Core i9-13900H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $929.99 (save $220) Get Deal Best splurge Alienware M18 (Intel Core i7-14700HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,699.99 (save $600) Get Deal Simply the cheapest gaming laptop on Amazon Asus TUF Gaming A15 (AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $649.99 (save $150) Get Deal

Amazon was the dark horse of this year's Cyber Weekend laptop deals, undercutting other tech retailers when it came to discounts on popular Apple MacBooks and Microsoft Surface devices. The gaming laptop deals it's still offering on Cyber Monday aren't quite as competitive as those you'll see at Best Buy, which has a better selection of models at a variety of price points. (That includes a $480 Lenovo LOQ, the cheapest gaming laptop of the past two days.) However, Amazon's options are still worth considering: I've looked them all up on the price-tracking site CamelCamelCamel, and most of them are sitting at record lows.

SEE ALSO: The best Cyber Monday deals in 2024 — new low prices are live

Read on for a comprehensive list of Amazon's best Cyber Monday deals on gaming laptops — including an unprecedented discount on a variant of Mashable's current favorite budget machine.

Note: Any deal marked with a 🔥 has dropped to a record-low price. 

Best gaming laptop deal at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Nitro V 15 (Intel Core i9-13900H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) 🔥 $929.99 at Amazon
$1,149.99 Save $220.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Acer Nitro V 15 (2023).

Former Mashable Tech Editor Kim Gedeon tested a $999.99 configuration of the Acer Nitro V 15 last year and rated it a 4.7/5, applauding its quiet keyboard, its sharp design — "the perfect balance of fun and serious," she wrote — and its solid performance. (It ran well and stayed cool even while playing Cyberpunk 2077.) It's a Mashable Choice Award winner and our No. 1 gaming laptop under $1,000.

The model that Amazon has on sale as a Cyber Monday deal has a better CPU and GPU than our testing unit, the same amount of RAM, and half the storage. It's priced at $1,149.99 on Acer's website, which makes Amazon's listing a tad misleading: It's really $220 off, not $270 off. Still, $929.99 is a solid deal: That's the lowest price it's ever hit there since it was first listed in early fall.

Cyber Monday gaming laptop deals under $1,000Cyber Monday gaming laptop deals over $1,000

These are the best Apple deals at Amazon after Cyber Monday

Mashable - Tue, 12/03/2024 - 04:18
The best Apple deals at Amazon for Cyber Monday: BEST AIRPODS DEAL Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) $154 (save $95) Get Deal BEST MACBOOK DEAL Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,099 (save $200) Get Deal BEST IPAD DEAL Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M2, WiFi, 128GB) $499 (save $100) Get Deal BEST APPLE WATCH DEAL Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm, GPS) $329 (save $70) Get Deal

Apple runs a similar gift card promo during Cyber Week every year. This year, through the end of Cyber Monday, you can get a gift card worth up to $200 with the purchase of select iPhones, MacBooks, AirPods, etc. To be honest, it's not anything all that special. If you're looking for more immediate savings, head over to Amazon instead.

Amazon offers much better deals on Apple products than Apple itself on most days, so you can imagine how dramatic the Black Friday and Cyber Monday savings are. We've been keeping track of all the best Apple deals across retailers — here are the best ones you can find at Amazon on Cyber Monday.

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) $154.00 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $95.00 Get Deal Why we like it

With impressive ANC, six hours of battery life per charge, balanced sound, and seamless Apple ecosystem integration, the AirPod Pro 2 continuously top our favorite headphones lists. During Cyber Week, they've dropped to a record-low $154 across multiple retailers, including Amazon. I'd grab them ASAP, though, if I were you; we've seen them go out of stock quite a few times already.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods Pro 2.

More Cyber Monday AirPods deals at AmazonBest MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,099.00 at Amazon
$1,299.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Apple deciding to make 16GB RAM the new standard on MacBooks is the best decision its made it years. For the same price as the old base model with 8GB RAM, you now get double the memory. For Cyber Monday, you can grab the 13-inch M3 MacBook Air with 512GB of storage on sale for $1,099 instead of its usual $1,299 — that's 15% in savings. It's not as good as the Black Friday discount on the base model that's now sold out, but it's still $200 off.

You'll get 15% more power than the M2, WiFi 6E, and support for up to two 5K, 60Hz external displays. Mashable Tech Editor Kimberly Gedeon writes: "The M3 MacBook Air continues to blur the line of the Air and Pro models."

Read our full review of the M3 MacBook Air.

More Cyber Monday MacBook and Mac deals at Amazon

MacBook Air (13-inch)

MacBook Air (15-inch)

MacBook Pro

Mac

iMac & Apple Studio Displays

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

Our favorite iPad for most people, the 2024 iPad Air is powerful enough that can keep up with the big dogs — including some of our favorite laptops. Its battery life is also fantastic; we found it to last even longer than it promise on paper. Aesthetically, it doesn't look much different than the previous model, but as Mashable's Kim Gedeon noted in her review, "The M2 chip brings sweet energy efficiency and a performance uptick." Slash $100 off the list price on the 128GB model with WiFi during Amazon's Cyber Monday sale. That's just a dollar shy of its lowest price on record.

Read our full review of the M2 iPad Air.

More Cyber Monday iPad deals at Amazon

iPad

iPad Air

iPad mini

iPad Pro

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

A new record-low for — checks notes — the third time this month, the Apple Watch Series 10 is now just $329 for the 42mm, GPS model. That's a savings of 18%. Compared to previous models, the Series 10 boasts a thinner and lighter design, a larger display with a built-in speaker, faster charging (a major selling point for our reviewer), and new health and fitness features like sleep apnea alerts and water temperature and depth sensing.

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

More Cyber Monday Apple Watch deals at Amazon

Series 10

SE

Ultra

More Cyber Monday Apple deals

The best TV deals in the Amazon Cyber Monday sale — these deals are still live

Mashable - Tue, 12/03/2024 - 04:16
The best Amazon TV deals at a glance: Best 55-inch TV deal Hisense 55-inch U8 Mini LED ULED 4K TV $697.99 at Amazon (save $402) Get Deal Best 65-Inch TV Deal TCL 65-Inch Class S5 4K LED Smart Fire TV $349.99 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal Best 75-inch TV deal TCL 75-inch Q5 QLED 4K Fire TV $549.99 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal Best Samsung TV Deal Samsung The Frame 50-Inch 4K QLED TV $847.99 at Amazon (save $450) Get Deal Best OLED TV Deal LG 65-inch evo C4 Series 4K OLED TV $1,496.99 at Amazon (save $1,203) Get Deal

We all know that Black Friday is the best time of year to buy a TV. Where to find those stellar TV deals is less obvious, and for many, a question that boils down to one simple question: Amazon or somewhere else?

While Amazon does have its fair share of stellar Black Friday doorbuster TV deals, we have to be honest: Best Buy and Walmart bring some serious competition in this space. Before pulling the trigger on a cheap TV at Amazon, it's worth checking the selection elsewhere. Of course, Amazon will have the lowest price on its own Fire TVs as well as Fire TVs made by TCL, Toshiba, Hisense, and Insignia. And now that Amazon's Black Friday sale is officially underway, most have dropped to all-time low pricing. In fact, some of those TVs are already low in stock, considering Amazon kicked off its Black Friday sale on Thursday, Nov. 21.

Amazon is a good place to find an affordable 4K TV with a smooth smart TV interface. That's especially true now that Amazon has debuted new versions of its Omni TVs, including its very first mini LED TV. However, you can also find some good deals on premium TVs at Amazon, especially if you've been eyeing Samsung's art TV The Frame or an award-winning LG OLED TV. As of this writing, Amazon has the best prices on these flagship TVs, though only by a few dollars.

SEE ALSO: The best Black Friday streaming deals so far: Peacock, Max, Paramount+, and more

For the biggest selection of QLED or OLED models, check Best Buy's Black Friday TV deals. It has a bigger selection of large-screen premium options from Samsung, Sony, and LG, and that selection isn't riddled with questionable third-party sellers like Amazon's. And if you're looking on the other end of the pricing spectrum, Walmart is offering the cheapest possible 4K TVs in 2024.

Don't want to price-check TVs across all the different retailers? That's why you've got us. In this guide, we'll curate the best Black Friday Amazon TV deals. We're confident you won't find these TVs at a cheaper price anywhere else.

Best budget Black Friday TV deal at Amazon TCL 65-Inch Class S5 UHD 4K LED Smart Fire TV $349.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Having covered so many Black Friday events in the past, we can tell you this: TCL is the king of Black Friday doorbuster TV deals. That goes for Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. And while TCL has expanded its lineup in the mid-range and near-premium categories, it still makes budget TVs for the masses. And that's exactly what this is. We won't lie and say this is anything but a basic TV with a basic LED display. However, it's hard to argue with $349.99 for a 65-inch smart TV, and we're not going to try.

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

Amazon put its new Mini LED Fire TVs on sale for the first time mere days after announcing them, but that doesn't automatically make those the best deal on a QLED TV at Amazon this Black Friday. We have to give up that prize to this huge 75-inch Hisense TV, which is already ridiculously affordable at full price. Its $549.99 sale price looks even sweeter when compared side-by-side with Amazon's cheapest in-house Omni QLED, which is on sale for $599.99. This TCL gets you 10 more inches of screen for $50 less.

If you need to replace your old, slow TV and are looking for a happy medium between the cheapest possible TV and the fanciest possible TV, then TCL's base-tier QLEDs hit the sweet spot. Even as one of the more basic QLEDs on the market, you'll immediately notice the improved brightness and color of the Q65. 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.

Best premium TV deal at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung The Frame 50-Inch 4K QLED TV $848.99 at Amazon
$1,297.99 Save $449.00 Get Deal Why we like it

You can buy a lot of amazing TVs on Black Friday, but Samsung's The Frame has a legit claim on being the best TV in the world right now, full stop. Mashable was there when Samsung debuted the new iteration of the famous art TV in New York City. The Frame isn't just a 4K TV with a pristine QLED display; it's also an art gallery for your living room wall. When you're not streaming, The Frame's screen displays classic works of art, contemporary photography, or your own photos. It's also got an AI processor and an incredibly unique "matte display," which makes glare disappear.

More TV deals at Amazon22- to 40-inch TVs43-inch TVs50- to 55-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch TVs and up85-inch TVs and up

One more thing: If you're getting rid of an old TV to make room for this Black Friday purchase, take it somewhere that recycles old electronics (like Best Buy) rather than trashing it.

The best Cyber Monday deals still live in 2024

Mashable - Tue, 12/03/2024 - 04:14
A quick glance at the best Cyber Monday deals: Best Apple deal Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) $379.99 at Best Buy (Save $170) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Eufy X10 Pro Omni $549.99 at Amazon (Save $250) Get Deal Best headphone deal Bose QuietComfort headphones $199 at Amazon (Save $150) Get Deal Best laptop deal Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (Snapdragon X Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,499 at Amazon and the Microsoft Store (Save $500.99) Get Deal Best tablet deal Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Plus $149 at Amazon (Save $70.99) 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 75-inch QD6 QLED 4K TV $449.99 at Best Buy (Save $250) Get Deal Best fitness tracker deal Oura Ring Gen3 (Horizon, Gold) $349 at Best Buy (Save $100) Get Deal Best kitchen deal KitchenAid 5.5-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer $279.99 at Target (Save $170) Get Deal

Black Friday may have come and gone, but the best deals live to see another day — and that day is Cyber Monday. All of the top retailers have launched their official Cyber Monday sales, and you can find tons of new savings at Target, Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon.

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, iRobot, Dyson, Samsung, and more. And now is your last chance to save big.

We'll be updating this shopping guide hourly with the latest pricing and opportunities to save. So, now that Cyber Monday has kicked off on Dec. 2, here are the top deals you can shop.

Note: All newly added or updated deals have been marked with a ✨, while struck-through deals were either sold out or expired at the time of writing.

Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) $379.99 at Best Buy
$549.99 Save $170.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the AirPods Max (Lightning).

"Best Buy has an eleventh-hour contender for the best overall Apple deal of Cyber Weekend, bringing the space gray AirPods Max with Lightning charging down to a new record low of $379.99, or 31% off their $549 MSRP. (The other colors are priced at $399.99.)

These premium over-ear ANC headphones from 2020 'have excellent audio quality, easy-to-use controls, and good battery life,' wrote former Mashable Tech Reporter Brenda Stolyar. They've mainly stayed off our guide to the best noise-cancelling headphones because their list price is so gosh-darn high. (Glasses-wearers and those with smaller heads may also find them uncomfy for long-term wear, but that's a more minor nitpick in the grand scheme of things.) They feel much more reasonable well under the $400 mark.

If you'd prefer the 2024 version of the AirPods Max, which have USB-C charging and come in different hues, you'll have to spend $120 more. For what it's worth, Apple's USB-C to Lightning adapter is $29.99." — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

More Apple dealsMacBook Air (13-inch)MacBook Air (15-inch)MacBook ProMaciPadiPad AiriPad miniiPad ProApple WatchesAirPodsAirTags and Apple PenciliMac and Mac miniBest robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy X10 Pro Omni $549.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"Eufy's most all-encompassing hybrid vacuum is a rare option with a full self-cleaning station that actually performs almost every task sufficiently. There are some quirks to get used to, but it's way more hands-off than most robot vacuums in the same price range — especially if you can find it on sale." — 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 we'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 dealsHeadphonesEarbudsBone conduction headphonesSpeakersBest laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (Snapdragon X Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,499.00 at Amazon and the Microsoft Store
$1,999.99 Save $500.99 Get Deal Why we like it

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

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

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

More laptop and computer deals

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

Windows laptopsChromebooksGaming laptopsBest tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Plus $149.00 at Best Buy
$219.99 Save $70.99 Get Deal Why we like it

"iPads are flying out of stock post-Black Friday. The tablet deals taking centerstage on Cyber Monday, are from Samsung and Google. The best Android tablet to snag is the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Plus, which is down to $149, knocking $70.99 off the price.

With an 11-inch screen and Dolby Atmos speakers, it's made for entertainment, streaming all your favorite shows. It comes with 128GB of storage and comes with Samsung's Quick Share, similar to Apple's AirDrop, except it works on both Android and iOS devices.

Grab it now, and save 32%." — 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. We expect this price to hang around through Black Friday weekend." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

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

"Cyber Weekend is all about huge discounts on huge TVs, and this 75-inch Hisense model is a perfect case in point: At just $450, it's far cheaper than any other TV of its size right now. (Walmart had a 75-incher listed for $378 during its first Black Friday Deals event, but it's long sold out.) The fact that it has a bright and vibrant QLED display, not a standard 4K screen, sweetens the deal even further.

At the time of writing, Mashable staffers were seeing different availability depending on their location. If it's out of stock near you by the time you read this, note that Best Buy also has a 75-inch Samsung 4K TV on sale for $549.99 (normally $749.99), a lingering doorbuster from its Black Friday sale — though it's not a QLED model." — 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 to 77-inch TVs85-inch TVs and upStreaming 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.

For Black Friday, it's marked down to $279.99, saving you $170 for 38% off." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More kitchen deals

Multi cookers, air fryers, and ovens

Mixers, blenders, and ice cream makers

Coffee makers and drink makers

Miscellaneous kitchen deals

Best home deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V12 Detect Slim $399.99 at Walmart
$649.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"I crowned the Dyson V12 Detect Slim Dyson's best bang for your buck when it was full price. Let that sink in while reading that the V12 Detect Slim is now $250 cheaper — up for grabs for less than $400 now — thanks to the Black Friday sale happening at Dyson's website.

For just $50 more than the Dyson V11's Black Friday price, the V12 Detect Slim brings aboard Dyson's absolute best feature: a green laser that highlights all the dust on the floor that you definitely would have missed otherwise. That's a no-brainer in my eyes. For plush carpeting, a motorized cleaning head is also included, and all debris collected is sent through a HEPA filter." — Leah Stodart, Senior Shopping Reporter

More home deals

Cordless stick vacuums

Rugs, air care, bedding, and more

Cordless tools

Best 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 year. While there are great discounts across the board, the Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress (Queen) has our vote as the best deal on 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 Travel deals Opens in a new window Credit: Sandals and Beaches Sandals Black Friday Sale Save up to 65% when booking. Plus get one free night and a $1,500 credit. Get Deal Why we like it

Rather than opening your wallet for things you probably don't need this Cyber Monday, put your money toward experiences. Beaches and Sandals resorts are offering major savings on stays booked by Dec. 3. Get up to 65% off your stays, plus one free nights stay, in addition to receiving up to a $1,500 credit for a future stay — no code needed!

More hotel dealsCruise deals

  • Carnival Cruises: Black Friday + Cyber Monday sale. Save up to $900 per from. Plus, deposits just $50 per person and free room upgrades available.

  • Norwegian Cruise Lines: Black Friday Sale, 50% off cruises. Plus with the purchase of an airline ticket, your second guest flies for free. Use code CRUISEFIRST, and receive $250 free.

  • Princess Cruises: Cyber Weekend savings, get an up to $500 onboard credit and up to 50% off. Plus get your third and fourth guests free and 50% off deposits through Dec. 1.

  • Royal Caribbean Cruises: Black Friday Sale, up to $800 off cruises, end Dec. 1.

  • Viking Cruises: Holiday Sale, get free roundtrip airfare. Plus enjoy reduced fares and $25 deposits, through Dec. 31.

  • Virgin Voyages: Cyber Weekend deal, bookings as low as $99 per person per night.

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

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

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

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

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

The musical is based on Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, the novel by Gregory Maguire, and if you, or the biggest Wicked fan in your life, are eager to dive deeper into the world, now is a great time to pick up a copy. For 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: Nintendo 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom' $30.00 at Walmart
$69.99 Save $39.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

"The stunning sequel to Breath of the Wild was one of Mashable's favorite games of 2023, and it's never been this cheap before. It actually sold out once at Walmart earlier in the week because of this deal, but it's back in stock at the time of writing. Note that it's only available in digital form, so you won’t be able to wrap anything, but you (or a giftee) will be able to start playing right away." — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

More gaming deals

Under $50

Consoles

More gaming deals

Xbox

Nintendo Switch

Accessories

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

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

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

Read our full review of the Shark FlexStyle here.

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

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

More beauty tech dealsHair dryer dealsHot air styler dealsSkincare tech dealsHot tools dealsBest gift card deals Opens in a new window Credit: Instacart Instacart $100 gift card $85.00 at Best Buy
$100.00 Save $15.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The deciding factor between going to the store to get groceries or getting them delivered is often the extra fees — even a few extra bucks can feel like enough of a roast to get you off the couch. Think of getting a $100 Instacart gift card for $85 like having a $15 tip or delivery fee covered for free.

More gift card deals

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

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew review: Star Wars meets Goonies proves a winning combination

Mashable - Tue, 12/03/2024 - 03:01

How do you bring childlike wonder back to Star Wars, a franchise whose TV offerings are currently plagued with mindless fan service and unfortunate creative decisions? According to Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, the answer is quite simple: Put the focus on actual children.

SEE ALSO: All 12 Star Wars movies, ranked from worst to best

The latest Star Wars series, created by Spider-Man: Homecoming director Jon Watts and writer Chris Ford, meshes the wonders of the Galaxy Far, Far Away with the daring kids and treasure-hunting shenanigans of The Goonies. The formula, while simple, works wonders. Skeleton Crew proves charming as can be, with its classic adventure story feel setting it squarely apart from other Star Wars TV offerings.

What's Skeleton Crew about? Robert Timothy Smith and Ravi Cabot-Conyers in "Skeleton Crew." Credit: Matt Kennedy / Lucasfilm

Skeleton Crew takes place in the years following Return of the Jedi. The Empire is long gone, and piracy runs rampant across the galaxy. Thankfully, Skeleton Crew wastes no time in embracing the coolness of space pirates. The show's first episode treats us to Star Wars' take on a pirate attack, complete with laser cannon fire and massive harpoons that double as walkways for boarding an enemy ship.

From this rousing opening, we cut to the polar opposite of space pirates: well-ordered space suburbs, complete with manicured lawns, pavements, and street lamps. This is the planet At Attin, which initially seems like what you'd get if you spread a suburban American neighborhood across an entire planet. Still, there are enough sci-fi twists poking through this familiar facade to remind us that this is Star Wars. Hoverbikes are kids' rides of choice, holograms provide entertainment, and for some reason, all the adults on the planet are obsessed with completing "the Great Work."

SEE ALSO: 'The Acolyte's cancellation is a huge mistake for Star Wars

Emphasis on adults, because At Attin's kids have other problems on their minds. Daydreamer Wim (Ravi Cabot-Conyers) obsesses over the Jedi, to the point that it interferes with his schoolwork, including an important test that will decide his upcoming career. His best friend Neel (Robert Timothy Smith, Dear Santa) is much more studious, but that doesn't stop him from playing Jedi with Wim — or from helping him dig up what they think might be a hidden Jedi temple. However, Wim and Neel aren't the only kids looking to break into the temple. Headstrong Fern (Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Firestarter) and her cyborg-adjacent best friend KB (Kyriana Kratter) are also on the hunt.

The two pairs meet in a prickly boys-against-girls face-off that feels ripped straight from a playground argument. It's another surprisingly relatable detail to go with At Attin's suburbs, one performed with gusto by Skeleton Crew's delightful young cast. But when the kids realize that the temple is actually a starship, and that it's taking them to destinations unknown, they'll have to work together to find their way home.

Skeleton Crew presents a charming Star Wars adventure. Kyriana Kratter, Robert Timothy Smith, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, and Ravi Cabot-Conyers in "Skeleton Crew." Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.

As soon as Wim, Neel, Fern, and KB leave At Attin, it's clear why Skeleton Crew started them off in the suburbs. Their prior lives, characterized by structured routines and suburban mundanity, are nothing compared to the hives of scum and villainy they'll find themselves in once their starship docks in a pirate haven. Similarly, by positioning the audience in a strangely familiar environment for Star Wars, we get to experience the kids' culture shock right alongside them.

Seeing the world of Star Wars through children's eyes winds up being one of the sweetest parts of Skeleton Crew. They marvel at the universe around them as they fly through space for the first time, their faces a mirror of mine (and millions of others) as I watched A New Hope for the first time as a kid. They're simultaneously terrified and awestruck by the many space pirates they encounter, most of which are brought to life by incredible, tactile animatronics. Honestly, their reactions are fairly similar to mine when I first saw Neel, whose blue, elephant-like head immediately sent me into orbit. What can I say, I love a good Star Wars creature — and boy oh boy, are there several in Skeleton Crew.

There's also a new Force user in the mix: the mysterious Jod Na Nawood (Jude Law, The Order), who helps the kids perform a daring escape. But while Jod is the only adult in the mix — unless you're also counting droid SM-33 (voiced by Nick Frost, Black Cab) — he's certainly not here to take on the role of wise babysitter. Instead, he's a shifty wild card who plays excellently off the kids, especially starry-eyed Wim, who's prepared to idolize Jod as a Jedi, and no-nonsense Fern, who will not hesitate to stand up to him if he gets in her way.

The kids' ever-evolving relationship with Jod makes Skeleton Crew's already enjoyable journey through space even better. But it's the fact that there are no gratuitous plot tie-ins to other Star Wars shows (at least, not in the first three episodes sent to critics) that really allows Skeleton Crew to chart its own path. Without these ties, Skeleton Crew can focus on delivering what it does best: adventure, plain and simple. And wouldn't you know, it's an absolute blast.

Skeleton Crew is now streaming on Disney+.

What’s Next for Google’s Search Monopoly

NYT Technology - Tue, 12/03/2024 - 03:00
The federal judge who ruled Google was a monopolist in search is weighing the U.S. government’s proposal to force the company to sell its Chrome browser. Here’s what happens now.

Get Microsoft Office on your Mac forever for £32

Mashable - Tue, 12/03/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: For a limited time, Mashable readers can up their productivity with a lifetime device license for Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac, on sale for a one-time payment of just £31.63 (reg. £181.11).

As the most-recognised office software, a Microsoft Office suite comes in handy for professionals and students alike. If you aren't running it on your Mac, this might be a good time to install it. In this Mashable Shop deal, you can get lifetime access to the 2019 version of MS Office for your Mac computer. While this deal lasts, the entire MS productivity suite can be yours on sale for £31.63 (reg. £181.11).

Office 2019 for Mac has been specifically designed to take advantage of the unique features of the Mac OS. Whether you're drafting a proposal in Word, analysing data in Excel, or creating a presentation in PowerPoint, the software is tailored to help you accomplish your tasks efficiently.

In addition to the three core apps, you also get Outlook to manage your emails and Teams Classic 2019 to stay connected with your team at work. You will also have access to OneNote, a digital note-taking app.

One of the bigger advantages of Office Home & Business 2019 is that it only requires a one-time purchase. This means no recurring subscription fees. You will have access to Office on one Mac for life and free customer service. What's the catch? The device license never expires, which means it will last for the rest of your device's life, not yours.

While this isn't the most current version of Office, this 2019 version has had several updates since its prior 2016 version. It is supported by the three most recent Mac operating systems.

For Mac users, this is a comprehensive, all-in-one suite of productivity tools that combines classic features with some newer upgrades at an affordable price.

A lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac is on sale for just £31.63 (reg. £181.11).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac £31.63 at the Mashable Shop
£181.11 Save £149.48 Get Deal

This massive ethical hacking training bundle is on sale for £27.66

Mashable - Tue, 12/03/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: As of 03 December, you can get The All-In-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Course Bundle for just £27.66 (reg. £868.36) at the Mashable Shop — that's 96% off for a limited time.

There are tons of high-paying IT skills you could chase, but few have more potential than cybersecurity. Whether you’re looking to change fields completely or simply add some new tools to your toolbox, the cybersecurity field is worth a closer look. It’s poised to be one of the fastest-growing and best-paid careers in the coming years.

At the Mashable Shop, the All-in-One Super-Size Ethical Hacking Bundle is less than £28 in December 2024. When you enroll in this 18-course online learning bundle, you'll get an introduction to the world of ethical hacking. This bundle packs 18 courses taught by IT professionals with decades of combined experience and a variety of disciplines under their belts. And with just over 130 hours of lessons, they’ll cover every corner of the cybersecurity world.

You’ll begin with a course on Python, where you’ll learn to code your own penetration testing tools and create other projects from scratch. Then you’ll dive into more hacking courses to put your skills into practice. Each course is hands-on, so you’ll actually learn while doing things yourself, not just watching someone else. From BitNinja to Metasploit, you’ll touch on every weapon an ethical hacker should have in their toolbox. And top-rated instructors like penetration tester Aleksa Tamburkovski and senior information security consultant Gabriel Avramescu make the material accessible for beginners.

With lifetime access to all 18 courses, and both desktop and mobile access available, you’re free to work through the content completely on your own time. This massive bundle is valued at £868, but for a limited time you can sign up for only £27.66.

Prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: IT Security Company The All-In-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle £27.66 at the Mashable Shop
£868.36 Save £840.70 Get Deal

Top 7 most-bought items by Mashable readers on Cyber Weekend, a few still on sale

Mashable - Mon, 12/02/2024 - 22:06

We can curate a list of the best Black Friday-into-Cyber Monday deals still live as carefully as we want, but the number of items on sale is going to be overwhelming regardless.

Though Mashable shopping reporters have hands-on experience with nearly every single top pick in the most popular categories, knowing what other people actually spent their money on is always helpful insight.

SEE ALSO: Cyber Monday streaming deals are here for one last day

So we've narrowed down that intel for you, too. Of the hundreds of Cyber deals we've been tracking, here are the seven most popular items from core product categories like Apple devices, robot vacuums, and Kindles.

If you'd like to be influenced even more, we also have a list of the deals Mashable shopping reporters would actually spend their money on.

1. Most popular MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $899.99 at Best Buy
$1,099.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why people like it

Our favorite MacBook for most people in 2024 was also the favorite MacBook of Mashable readers this Black Friday and Cyber Monday season.

"A few weeks ago, the M3 MacBook Air got a quiet RAM upgrade without a price hike. That makes this new record-low price on the base configuration with 256GB of storage an even sweeter deal. (What's more, it's now a sub-$100 bump from the older, also-on-sale M2 version.) For reference, this is our favorite MacBook for most people in 2024: It's fast enough to handle light creative work, its keyboard and speakers are both fantastic, and it can support two external displays — so long as you close its lid first." — Bethany Allard, Lead Shopping Reporter

The 256GB M3 Air has sold out at Amazon, but the same model is still on sale in some colors at Best Buy as of Dec 2. Otherwise, several other Cyber Monday MacBook deals are still around.

2. Most popular earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) $154.00 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $95.00 Get Deal Why people like it

You can't expect Apple to not snatch this crown when it continuously beats its own record-low prices from the last big shopping holiday. The second generation AirPods Pro, which have consistently been a favorite purchase of Mashable readers, are Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard's favorite noise-cancelling earbuds for Apple users. They simply seal out ambient noise better than many truly wireless earbuds and can be charged directly from an iPhone 15.

This deal is still live as of Dec. 2, and many more Cyber Monday earbuds deals are still around.

3. Most popular 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 people like it

This is the first Black Friday that robot vacuum and mop combos that also wash and dry their own mopping pads have really popped off. When they first became a big thing at the beginning of 2024, it was rare to find one under $1,000 let alone under $500.

Of the full Roborock Qrevo lineup, the Qrevo S falls nicely in the middle of the pricing spectrum. Senior Shopping Reporter and resident robot vacuum expert Leah Stodart thinks of it as the diet version of her favorite self-emptying robot vacuum right now, the Qrevo Master. The Qrevo S skips the livestream pet camera and has slightly less powerful suction, but is still a beast that can also recognize small obstacles like phone chargers.

This deal has sold out as of Dec. 2. However, many other Cyber Monday robot vacuum deals are still around, including the most popular vacuum from Prime Day, the Eufy X10 Pro Omni.

4. Most popular Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32GB) $154.99 at Amazon
$189.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal Why people like it

Black Friday 2024 was the first real time the newest Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition had a chance to go on sale after just being released in late October, missing Prime Day in early October. Our readers opted for this slightly more often than the regular Paperwhite, though Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino actually prefers the regular Paperwhite. It's possible that extreme bookworms were looking for the 32GB of storage that only the Signature Edition can supply.

This deal is still live as of Dec. 2, and a few other Cyber Monday Kindle deals are still around.

5. Most popular TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-inch U8 Series Mini LED 4K TV $899.99 at Best Buy
$1,499.99 Save $600.00 Get Deal Why people like it

Hisense has offered several excellent TV deals this Black Friday and Cyber Monday season, but readers were particularly sold on this 65-inch Mini LED model. This certainly isn't Hisense's cheapest QLED TV, but it's still a steal compared to the premium counterparts from LG, Samsung, and Sony. We'll take a wild guess that most of the readers who took the bait on the U8 were gamers — it's a beloved choice for gaming with a 144Hz native refresh rate and little lag.

Fun fact: Mashable readers also opted for Hisense's Samsung The Frame dupe over the actual Frame.

This deal is still live as of Dec. 2, and many other Cyber Monday TV deals still around.

6. Most popular iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad (10th generation, WiFi, 64GB) $259.00 at Amazon
$349.00 Save $90.00 Get Deal Why people like it

Yep, the most affordable iPad had a slight edge over even the newest iPad Mini and Air. The 10th generation iPad is likely the best option for most folks, with the A14 Bionic chip offering plenty of power for streaming and note-taking, without creeping anywhere near M1 or higher prices. The biggest downside of the tablet is that it isn't compatible with the second-gen Apple Pencil or new Apple Pencil Pro, but it is compatible with the newer USB-C Apple Pencil.

This deal is sold out at Walmart as of Dec. 2, and also sold out at its slightly-pricier sale price of $279 at Amazon. However, multiple other iPad deals are still around.

7. Most popular over-ear headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra $329.00 at Amazon
$429.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why people like it

Readers who aren't earbuds people were more likely to opt for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra over both the AirPods Max and Sony WH-1000XM5, and we don't blame them — the QuietComfort Ultras are our overall favorite noise-cancelling headphones. Shopping reporter Samantha Mangino asserts they're the most comfortable pair of headphones you can buy right now, and their all-day battery life keeps pace with their all-day wearability.

This deal is still live as of Dec. 2, and many other Cyber Monday noise-canceling headphones deals are still around.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 3, 2024

Mashable - Mon, 12/02/2024 - 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 December 3 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: Iconic New Jersey mob family

  • Green: Names you call a loved one

  • Blue: Beloved puppets teaching ABCs

  • Purple: Phonetic abbreviations for people

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: Sopranos

  • Green: Familial Nicknames

  • Blue: Sesame Street characters

  • Purple: Names That Sound Like Two Letters

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 #541 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Sopranos: CARMELA, JUNIOR, MEADOW, TONY

  • Familial Nicknames: CUZ, GRAMMY, MUMMY, POP

  • Sesame Street characters: COOKIE, COUNT, OSCAR, SNUFFY

  • Names That Sound Like Two Letters: CECE, EDIE, EMMY, KATIE

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 December 3

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 December 3

Mashable - Mon, 12/02/2024 - 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 December 3 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 December 3 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Unsteady or trembling.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. SEE ALSO: The Cyber Monday deals we're obsessing over 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...

SHAKY.

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 December 3

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 December 3

Mashable - Mon, 12/02/2024 - 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 December 3 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 3 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Lead the way

These words are used to light the way.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are what you'd hold at the front of a dark path.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Illumination.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for December 3

  • Torch

  • Candle

  • Headlamp

  • Lantern

  • Flashlight

  • Illumination

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

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