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As the government wraps up its case, it has built a picture of how Google has become dominant among companies that buy and sell ads online.

It's a big week for Apple. The new iPhone 16 line hits store shelves today alongside the new AirPods 4. Just a few days earlier, Apple released the new iOS 18 and macOS 15, also known as macOS Sequoia, too.

However, Mac users are reporting some issues as it pertains to the latter release and the cybersecurity tools that they use.

As noticed by TechCrunch, Mac users who upgraded to macOS Sequoia are experiencing issues with their cybersecurity software and its compatibility with Apple's new operating system.

SEE ALSO: macOS Sequoia public beta: 5 new features that may convince Windows users to switch Cybersecurity tools reportedly clash with macOS Sequoia

The issue with macOS Sequoia not playing nice with cybersecurity tools was first discovered after some Mac users who upgraded reported that they were experiencing network connection issues on social media.

The errors were solved when users turned off cybersecurity tools from companies like Microsoft, CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, and ESET.

In addition, BleepingComputer also discovered reports of Mac users having issues with utilizing VPNs on macOS Sequoia as well. The cybersecurity news outlet noted a change in macOS Sequoia's release notes that could point to the potential problem. 

It appears that Apple removed a feature in macOS's firewall, which may have broken these applications. The firewall issue appears to be affecting some users' Firefox web browser too.

Obviously, turning off antivirus software or firewalls is not an ideal solution. Companies like CrowdStrike and SentinelOne are recommending that users not upgrade to macOS Sequoia until the issues are resolved.

While many Apple Mac consumers may not be affected by these specific issues as they don't use these products, it's important to note how any new software launch can result in issues on day one.

Be cautious and check with the developers of your essential everyday use applications regarding any compatibility issues before upgrading.

We reached out to Apple for comment. If we get a response, we'll update this article.

Meta Connect 2024 is so close, you can almost taste it.

Launching during the week of Sept. 23, the social media giant is expected to rollout hardware and software goodies that will intrigue VR gamer enthusiasts, AI aficionados, and smart glasses devotees. But what, specifically, does Meta have up its sleeves?

We have a few guesses based on credible reports.

What to expect at Meta Connect 2024

Last year, the Meta Quest 3 was announced in early June, but it got its full reveal at Meta Connect 2023.

The headset boasted a sleeker, more comfortable design, as well as new AR capabilities, that made it more appealing than its predecessor. Once again, for Meta Connect 2024, the social media giant is expected to drop a new VR headset, but it's not necessarily an upgrade over the Quest 3.

Meta Quest 3S

Rumor has it that Meta is planning on revealing a cheaper, more budget-friendly version of the Quest 3 called "Quest 3S."

Tweet may have been deleted

Whether it was intentional or accidental, as discovered by a Reddit poster, Meta leaked Quest 3S in its own Meta Quest Link PC app for Windows. For the uninitiated, this software lets users connect their Meta-branded VR headsets to a PC, allowing them to access more demanding PCVR games with just the Quest Link cable (which helps users siphon graphics power from their PC's GPU).

The image appears to have the body of the Quest 2 (in that it isn't as sleek as the Quest 3), but it has different cameras on the front.

According to a leaker on X, Quest 3S will have the following:

• Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip

• 1,832 x 1,920-pixel resolution per eye

• Up to 120Hz refresh rate

• Quest Touch Plus controllers

• 4 IR tracking cameras

• 2 IR illuminators for depth sensing

• 2 4MP cameras for passthrough

Regarding price, Meta Quest 3S will reportedly have a starting price of $299. For reference, the starting price of the Quest 3 was $499 when it launched last year, so if the reported price is accurate, you'll be saving $200 with Quest 3S.

AR smart glasses

Last year, Meta unveiled the second-generation Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, which is packed with Meta AI.

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

This time around, according to a report from Business Insider, Meta is planning on releasing a new pair of spectacles that are totally unrelated to Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. Called "Orion" internally, these glasses will focus on augmented reality (AR).

AR incorporates virtual elements into your real-world environment. Meta's Quest 3 is capable of AR. For example, it has a "passthrough mode" that lets you see your true surroundings, but at the same time, you'll have the option to see or interact with virtual objects in your space.

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, on the other hand, have zero AR capabilities. It can play music, take pictures, capture videos, take calls — and even lets you chat with Meta AI. However, it doesn't offer another augmented dimension — but Orion, reportedly, will.

Meta AI

Meta AI can be found across a myriad of Meta products, including Instagram, WhatsApp, and even the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses.

Credit: Meta

Last year, Meta introduced Instagram-based "Meta AI Personas," which were celebrity-look-a-like chatbots that didn't quite resonate with many people, including Mashable's own AI reporter Cecily Mauran.

Based on Meta AI, these chatbots featured the likeness of popular, high-profile people (i.e., Padma Laksmi and Snoop Dogg) while taking on roles like "Creative Writing Partner," "Travel Expert," and more.

However, this year, they got the boot.

This doesn't mean that Meta AI won't continue to be spotlighted during Connect 2024. We're expecting lots of AI updates during the livestream.

Meta Connect 2024 will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 1 p.m. ET.

Best early Apple deals ahead of October Prime Day Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $929 at Amazon (save $170) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad Pro (256GB, WiFi + Cellular) $1,119 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods Max $449 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS + Cellular) $689 at Amazon (save $110) Get Deal

Amazon's next big event — Prime Big Deal Days — is just around the corner. Prime Day Part Two will kick off on Oct. 8 and run for 48 hours, with big discounts going live throughout. Be there, or be square. And as usual, lots of early deals are already ripe for the picking, especially when it comes to Apple (the company, not the fruit).

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day is closer than you think: 4 tips for finding the best deals

Check out our top early Apple deals ahead of October Prime Day so far, including discounts on MacBooks, iPads, AirPods, and plenty more.

Best MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $929.00 at Amazon
$1,099.00 Save $170.00 Get Deal Why we like it

It doesn't really get much better than Apple's recent M3 line of MacBooks. The M3 Air is one of our favorites, and ahead of Prime Big Deal Days you can score one for just $929, which $170 off the usual price. This MacBook Air in particular comes with a 13-inch screen (great for traveling), and features the speedy M3 chip. It also has support for Apple Intelligence and can handle up to 18 hours of usage on one charge.

More MacBook deals

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $849 $999 (save $150)

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M2, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,299 $1,499 (save $200)

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,449 $1,699 (save $150)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M1 Pro, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,896.51 $2,699 (save $803.49)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M3, 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,999 $2,499 (save $500)

Best iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro (256GB, WiFi + Cellular) $1,119.00 at Amazon
$1,199.00 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're more of a tablet person than a laptop person, then the iPad Pro is where it's at. The Pro is packed with the lightning-fast M4 chip, Ultra Retina XDR display, and supports use of the Apple Pencil (which is unfortunately sold separately). It's on sale for $80 off ahead of October Prime Day, just $1,119 for one of the best tablets on the market.

More iPad deals

• Apple iPad 9th Generation (64GB, WiFi) — $199 $329 (save $130)

• Apple iPad 10th Generation (64GB, WiFi) — $299 $349 (save $50)

• Apple iPad Mini 6th Generation (64GB, WiFi) — $379 $499 (save $120)

• Apple iPad Air (128GB, WiFi) — $559 $599 (save $40)

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max $449.00 at Amazon
$549.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The AirPods Max are a great pair of over-ear headphones for those who prefer that style to that of earbuds. The Max provide super high-quality audio, active noise cancellation, a transparency mode so you can enjoy your tunes and the world around you, and personalized spatial audio. It's also got a 20-hour battery life, which is pretty sweet. Snag a pair before Prime Big Deal Days and save $100.

More AirPods deals

• Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) — $89 $129 (save $40)

• Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) — $129 $169 (save $40)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 — $189.99 $249 (save $59.01)

Best Apple Watch deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS + Cellular) $689.00 at Amazon
$799.00 Save $110.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a smartwatch made for active people. Apple's most durable piece of wristwear has advanced features for hikers, runners, and swimmers like offline maps, advanced metric tracking, and up to 100m of water resistance. The Always-On Retina display is bright and easily readable, and the watch also allows for up to 36 hours of use on a charge (and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode). Get one on sale ahead of October Prime for $689, which is $110 in savings.

More Apple Watch deals

• Apple Watch SE 2nd Generation (40mm, GPS) — $189 $249 (save $60)

• Apple Watch Ultra (49mm, GPS + Cellular) — $449 $559 (save $110)

• Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm, GPS + Cellular) — $599 $749 (save $150)

More Apple deals

• Apple MagSafe Charger — $29 $39 (save $10)

• Apple AirTag (4-pack) — $79 $99 (save $20)

• Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) — $99 $129 (save $30)

• Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad — $108.47 $129 (save $20.53)

• Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad — $278.99 $349 (save $70.01)

The best smart home deals at Target at a glance: BEST SMART SECURITY DEAL Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro 6-in-1 (WiFi) $144.49 at Target (save $35.50 with Target Circle) Get Deal BEST SMART SPEAKER DEAL Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen) $34.99 at Target (save $15) Get Deal BEST SMART AIR PURIFIER DEAL Blueair Pure 211i Max 100 $297.99 at Target (save $52) Get Deal

We're only a few weeks away from Target Circle Week, but the bullseye retailer is already dishing out plenty of deals. If you're looking to finally automate your home in 2024, you can start ASAP with some solid deals from brands like Ultraloq and Echo. We've rounded up a few we think are worth adding to your cart as of Sept. 20.

Best smart security deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ultraloq Our pick: Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro 6-in-1 (WiFi) $144.49 at Target
$179.99 Save $35.50 with Target Circle Get Deal Why we like it

One of our favorite smart locks for families with kids, the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro offers six different ways to unlock your door. Each person in your home can create a user profile and add up to two fingerprints per profile. In other words, your fingerprint is your key, so you don't have to worry about forgetting it. There are also options to unlock by a passcode, voice commands via Alexa or Google Assistant, a button on the Ultraloq app, location-based auto locking and unlocking, and of course, a regular old key. Plus, all you need is a screwdriver for its DIY installation. As of Sept. 20, Target Circle members (signing up is free) can get the WiFi-enabled U-Bolt Pro for just $144.49. And although the original price listed on Target's website says $169.99, the MSRP is actually $179.99, making this a savings of 20%.

Best smart speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen) $34.99 at Target
$49.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Like the Echo, but in smaller form, the Echo Dot is meant to seamlessly add smart benefits into your daily life. Its smaller design makes it ideal for a bedside table, shelf, countertop, or desk, and it can be used for everything. Ask it to set a timer, save a recipe, schedule a task, play white noise, call your mom, turn on your lights, set a reminder, or just play your favorite tunes. The 5th generation Dot features more vibrant sound, clearer vocals for phone calls, and deeper bass. While it doesn't include Dolby audio like its bigger cousin, the Echo, it does feature new motion sensors and a front-firing speaker. As of Sept. 20, it's on sale for just $34.99 a Target. That's a savings of 30%.

Best smart air purifier deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blueair Our pick: Blueair Pure 211i Max 100 $297.99 at Target
$349.99 Save $52.00 Get Deal Why we like it

While an air purifier might not be on your radar as a smart home deal, voice-assistant support and the ability to control it with your phone make the Blueair Pure 211i Max 100 a solid smart home addition. See the quality of air in your home via quick readings on the LED screen or through the app at any time. A convenient Welcome Home mode puts your purifier in standby when you leave the home and turns it back on when you're getting close. Plus, the RealTrack algorithm will inform you when it's time to replace your filter. Slash 15% off this purifier built for extra large rooms as of Sept. 20.

More smart home deals

• Amazon Echo Pop — $24.99 $39.99 (save $15)

• Amazon Kids Echo Dot (5th Gen 2022) — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Black+Decker smart home starter kit — $64.99 $105.99 (save $41)

• ULTRALOQ U-Bolt 5-in-1 smart deadbolt door lock — $93.49 $109.99 (save $16.50 with Target Circle)

• Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) — $104.99 $149.99 (save $45)

Owners of three particular Anker products need to stop using them right away.

The portable battery maker issued a recall notice this week due to potential battery fire hazards in a few of its products. While Anker's recall notice noted that this problem should only affect a relatively small batch of batteries (i.e., those that were manufactured between Jan. 3 and Sept. 17 of this year), it's still recalling every unit it has sold.

The three Anker products that are being recalled are as follows:

• Anker 334 MagGo Battery (PowerCore 10K)

• Anker Power Bank

• Anker MagGo Power Bank

SEE ALSO: Anker 535 PowerHouse review: Is this power station the workhorse its name suggests?

If you own any of those three products, immediately cease use of it and store it on a safe place. Anker has a form on its recall notice page where you can fill in the serial number on the product to get the recall process going. After that, Anker recommends disposing of the device somewhere that accepts lithium ion batteries.

This marks the second time in 2024 that Anker has had to issue a recall for the same issue. If you regularly use an Anker portable power bank, maybe just make sure it doesn't get too hot.

SAVE $34.99: As of Sept. 20, get the Amazon Echo Pop with Sengled Smart Color Bulb bundle for just $24.99. That's a discount of 58%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Pop with Sengled Smart Color Bulb $24.99 at Amazon
$59.98 Save $34.99 Get Deal

Halloween's right around the corner. If you're planning a party, or just a hangout with friends where you touch grapes and pretend they're eyeballs or demand your visitors believe that spaghetti is a bunch of monster brains, you need ambiance. What better way to do that than with a smart bulb and a hub to control it? Amazon is offering its compact Echo Pop smart assistant with a smart bulb right now at a great price, which means you can have the coolest Halloween party on the block with little effort and without having to spend very much money.

As of Sept. 20, get an Echo Pop bunlded with a Sengled Smart Color Bulb for just $24.99. That's down from its normal price of $59.98 and a discount of 58%. You save $34.99 by snagging this bundle on sale, and it's $19.99 less than if you were to buy both items separately.

The Echo Pop is a smaller version of the Echo smart speaker, which can play music, podcasts, work with Alexa apps, and even make calls to other devices. But you'll likely find the most use with it as a smart home hub that can control your new Sengled smart bulb. Turn your lights on and off with the Echo Pop and change up your light colors as you please. You can even set a schedule during which your lights will come on – and other useful patterns as well.

Set up a blood red light for a full moon, pink and purple for a Halloween rave, or just use it to set the mood while you decorate for the season. Whatever you choose, this is a great deal you'll have plenty of uses for.

A tablet is the perfect middle ground between a smartphone and a laptop. If your current tablet is slowing down, doesn't keep a charge, or lacks in display quality, today is a great day to look into a new Amazon Fire tablet. Here are some early Prime Big Deal Days deals that'll take up to 54% off the list price.

Fire tablet deals to shop today Best overall deal Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (64GB) $99.99 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal Best budget-friendly Fire tablet Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet (64GB) $59.99 at Amazon (save $70) Get Deal Best kids Fire tablet deal Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet $139.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal

The second iteration of Prime Day is fast approaching. Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days kicks off on Oct. 8 and 9 this year, and we expect to see some great discounts. If you've become a fan of shopping for the holidays well before Black Friday, Prime Big Deal Days is likely to be one of your best opportunities to shop sale prices.

Like most Prime Day events, Amazon isn't making us wait around to score great discounts, and we're already seeing sale prices on items like Amazon devices, Apple products, and robot vacuums.

If you happen to be shopping for a new tablet, Amazon has gone ahead and marked down many Fire tablets ahead of the official sale. That means you can shop today and have your new tablet in hand by the time the official Prime Day Big Deal Days start. Here are some great deals to snag today.

Best Fire tablet deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (64GB) $99.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

With a 10.1-inch screen and 64GB of storage space, the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet is ready for all your streaming shows or typing out that work email from bed. The octa-core processor and 3GB RAM means you'll be able to multitask with the Fire HD 10. Amazon mentions the tablet gets about 13 hours of battery life, so it could also be a great choice for taking on your next trip.

Thanks to the early Prime Big Deal Days sale price, the Fire HD 10 tablet with 64GB of storage is just $99.99 at Amazon, a 44% discount off the usual price of $179.99. The 32GB size is on sale for $89.99, so you'll be scoring twice as much storage capacity for just $10 more.

Best budget-friendly Fire tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet (64GB) $59.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

You can still grab a tablet upgrade from Amazon even if you're shopping on a budget. The Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet (64GB) is an impressive 54% off today at Amazon, selling for just $59.99 instead of the usual price of $129.99. That means for under $60, you're getting an 8-inch tablet with 2GB RAM. If the 64GB storage ends up being too small for your downloaded shows, the tablet can accept a 1TB microSD card.

Through Amazon's app store, you'll be able to download streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Max, Disney+, and more. If you don't already own a Kindle, this size can also be great for reading e-books.

Best kids Fire tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet $139.99 at Amazon
$189.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet doesn't mess around when it comes to features and functions. For starters, it offers ad-free content, parental controls, and 13 hours of battery life. The 10.1-inch display means kids can play games, read books, or watch movies on the HD screen.

Amazon also added some peace of mind to this kids' tablet by including a durable case to help with protection from inevitable falls and a two-year warranty. If the tablet happens to break within those two years, Amazon will replace it for free.

If you'll be heading to the grandparent's for Thanksgiving, now is a great time to snag a kid-friendly tablet at a great sale price.

More Amazon Fire tablets on sale

• Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet (16GB) — $54.99 $94.99 (save $40)

• Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet (32GB) — $64.99 $119.99 (save $55)

• Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet (64GB) — $94.99 $179.99 (save $85)

• Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids tablet — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)

• Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet (64GB) — $179.99 $229.99 (save $50)

Sony might make PS6 — PlayStation's next-gen console — very expensive at launch.

In a chat with GamesBeat, multiple prominent games industry analysts, including Circana's Mat Piscatella and Midia Research's Rhys Elliott, expect a theoretical PlayStation 6 to cost around $600, whenever it comes out, though that likely won't be anytime soon.

Sony is about to release the $700 PS5 Pro in November, and these analysts believe the huge price tag on that mid-generation update console is a sort of trial balloon for more expensive consoles in the future.

For reference, the OG PS5 launched at $400 without a disc drive and $500 with a disc drive in 2020, so a $600 PS6 would indeed be an escalation for an entry-level machine.

SEE ALSO: PS6 rumor: Intel reportedly rejected for the next-gen console — here's why

But Sony might have an uphill climb to get there. The internet raised torches and pitchforks when the PS5 Pro price was announced a couple of weeks ago, but perhaps more relevant to this discussion is what happened when Sony originally revealed the price of the PlayStation 3 in 2006. The phrase "five hundred and ninety-nine U.S. dollars" has echoed through the halls of internet history ever since.

For those who remember the old days, it might be difficult to believe that Sony would repeat history more than 20 years later. But, like it or not, inflation is real, and prices tend to climb over time, whether it makes sense or not.

If you’re eyeing a PS6, it might be wise to start saving up now.