- Help
- Google+
It looks like Google Chrome really wants you to look at advertisements.
In a quote post on X posted by Raymond Hill, the developer who brought us the free ad blocker Chrome extension uBlock Origin, it appears that Google Chrome is turning off the ad blocker.
"The deprecation of uBO in the Chrome Web Store has started," Hill posted.
This comes in response to another user, Christoph Nakazawa posting a screenshot that shows Google Chrome turning off three extensions — MDN Search, Neat URL, and uBlock Origin — with the note "These extensions are no longer supported. Chrome recommends that you remove them."
"After more than 15 years, it's time to switch browsers. I just want Chrome but without nefarious behavior by Google," Nakazawa wrote. "What Chrome-based browser would you recommend on macOS?"
As Mashable noted in August, this change comes as Google Chrome moves from Manifest V2 to Manifest V3. In an emailed statement to The Verge, a Google spokesperson Scott Westover said the majority of "actively maintained" extensions in the Chrome Web Store already use Manifest V3. "The top content filtering extensions all have Manifest V3 versions available — with options for users of AdBlock, Adblock Plus, uBlock Origin and AdGuard," he told the outlet.
This doesn't come as a huge surprise, as Google has already been cracking down on ad blockers on its other sites, including YouTube.
If you'd like to avoid this entirely, consider switching to more ad-blocker friendly browsers, like Brave.
Android 15 is here. Let's talk about it.
The latest build of Google's mobile operating system is finally upon us as of this week, and that means you're probably wondering what exactly it does. The good news is that Google put up a blog post more or less detailing exactly that.
Here are all of the major new features in Android 15, which is now available on devices like the new Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
SEE ALSO: Google could face Chrome and Android split as DOJ seeks breakup Android 15: Every big new featureAndroid 15 doesn't seem that major as big new OS updates go, but there are still a handful of useful-sounding additions here.
Theft Detection Lock and Remote LockAndroid 15 brings in a couple of new anti-theft features that could be life-saving. First up is Theft Detection Lock, which uses AI to sense if someone has taken your phone with the intent of running, driving, or biking away. The phone should automatically lock in those scenarios, but if it doesn't, Remote Lock lets you lock it yourself from any other phone, just by calling your phone number and putting in a security code.
Private spaceDo you have certain apps on your phone that you don't want other people to see or know about? Don't worry, no judgment here. Everyone does, whether they want to admit it or not.
The good news is that Android 15 has something for you. You can create "private spaces" for designated apps, meaning you need to pass a security check (like a fingerprint scan) before you can see or open them. You can even hide the existence of the private space itself, for an extra layer of security.
App pairingGoogle's blog post didn't forget about the other Android devices it makes, like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Pixel Tablet. Devices with bigger screens got a couple of other new toys to play with.
The main one is app pairing, which lets you combine two apps into one app icon on your home screen. When you tap the icon, the two apps open at the same time in a multi-tasking view. The example Google gave in the blog post is combining Gmail and Google Drive, so you can drag files from one to the other. I'm sure you can think of other ways to use app pairing that are more exciting than that.
Circle to Search...for musicAndroid has its own Shazam equivalent now.
Google actually started gradually rolling this out in August, but it's worth noting anyway. Hold down the home button to activate Circle to Search like you normally would while a song is playing. There should be a music note icon you can tap, at which point your device will take a few seconds to listen to the song before telling you what it is.
Not revolutionary by any means, but hey, it'll be useful.
App archivingLast but not least, you can get rid of apps without losing any of your app data.
If you want to create space in your phone's internal storage, you can choose to archive apps rather than fully delete them. This will free up space, but you'll keep all the app's data intact. If you feel like reinstalling the app, it'll be like it never left. This isn't particularly revolutionary (the Nintendo Switch can do this), but it is nice to have.
SAVE 13%: The Shark HyperAir hair dyer with IQ styling concentrator attachment is just $129 at Walmart, marked down from the normal price of $149. That's a savings of $20.
Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark HyperAir hair dryer with IQ styling concentrator $129.00 at WalmartThe Dyson Supersonic hair dyer might have all the buzz (still) but there are some great alternatives that cost a whole lot less. If you're looking to upgrade your hair dyer but don't want to pay Dyson prices, check out this deal at Walmart.
As of Oct. 16, the Shark HyperAir hair dyer with IQ styling concentrator attachment is on sale for just $129 at Walmart, down from the list price of $149. That's a 13% discount or a savings of $20.
If you're looking for shiny and frizz-free hair, the Shark HyperAir could be your new favorite beauty tool. Shark uses the brand's IQ technology to provide high-velocity heated air with ionized air to create a fast-drying solution with no damage from heat. Shark also mentions the negative ion air helps reduce frizz and flyaways.
SEE ALSO: I tested the best Dyson Airwrap dupes under $300: The Shark FlexStyle is no longer your only optionThe hair dyer measures the heat output up to 1,000 times per second to keep the air output at a consistently damage-free temperature. You'll be able to select between three airflow and three heat settings to get your desired hair drying experience. Plus, the cool shot button will help create a smooth finish.
This deal at Walmart includes the Shark IQ styling concentrator. Shark mentions the nozzle opening of the concentrator offers precision drying and shaping, while also helping with creating a smooth style.
If you're ready to put hair care as a top priority this winter, grab the Shark HyperAir for under $130 today at Walmart and you'll be well on your way to healthy locks.
X is not a gatekeeper platform and therefore not beholden to the Digital Markets Act strict list of regulations.
But the reason why X isn't one of the seven Big Tech companies that are required to comply with certain fair business practices might sting Elon Musk's ego a bit.
This announcement came from the European Commission in a press release on Wednesday morning. X doesn't qualify as a gatekeeper because the assessment from the Digital Markets Advisory Committee, "revealed that X is not an important gateway for business users to reach end users."
SEE ALSO: Elon Musk's X will no longer pay creators based on ads but on engagementMusk will no doubt be happy that his company doesn't have to adhere to the DMA's "do's and don'ts" which if violated, amount to a penalty of 10 percent of the company's global turnover. But the Commission's conclusion that X isn't an important enough platform for businesses to impact users is like rubbing proverbial salt on the wound of X's current advertising situation.
About a year ago, many big ticket companies including Apple and Disney pulled their ads from X in the wake of antisemitic and hate speech comments posted by Elon Musk. Musk since apologized for his remarks, but revenue has reportedly tanked, since the CEO took over the company which relies heavily on an advertising model. More recently, X filed an antitrust lawsuit against advertisers, claiming they conspired against the X to hurt it financially.
That said, X didn't want to be classified as a gatekeeper anyway. According to the Commission's announcement, X submitted "rebuttal arguments, explaining why its online social networking service should not, in its view, qualify as an important gateway." The seven Big Tech companies classified as gatekeepers are Alphabet (Google's parent company), Amazon, Apple, ByteDance (TikTok's parent company), Meta, Microsoft, and Booking.com. Yeah, Booking.com is a gatekeeper and X isn't. Let that sink in.
GET $200 off: As of Oct. 16, the Samsung Freestyle (2nd gen) projector is $599.99 at Best Buy, down from its usual $799.99 price. That's 25% off for total savings of $200.
Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Freestyle (2ng gen) projector with Gaming Hub $599.99 at Best BuyHave you ever laid down after a long day and wished your ceiling would magically transform into a big-screen TV? (Yes, you could watch TV from the couch or even sit up in bed, but lying down without craning your neck is next-level relaxation.) If your answer is a resounding "Yes!", then you’re in luck — we found the Samsung Freestyle (2nd gen) laser projector on sale at Best Buy.
As of Oct. 16, you can score the Samsung Freestyle 2 for $599.99 (originally $799.99) at Best Buy. That’s a $200 price cut and a sweet deal for a smart, top-rated laser projector. This projector is available at a similar price at Amazon, but only from third-party sellers, making this Best Buy deal your best bet to save.
With this smart laser projector, you can watch your favorite movies on a 100-inch display and enjoy 360-degree sound from the Freestyle speakers. If watching movies or binge-watching your faves on the ceiling isn’t enough to persuade you that this is the treat you need, maybe its Gaming Hub will. With this projector, you can stream games, no console required. Plus, you’ll have access to your favorite streaming apps and everything else you’d get on a smart TV, including a built-in voice assistant.
You can use the Freestyle for gaming, movies, and streaming. Credit: Samsung SEE ALSO: Amazon's Echo Show 10 is one of our favorite smart home devicesThe point-and-play design means anyone can use this projector. Just place it and point it at any flat surface, and you’re good to go. And, with 360-degree audio, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of all the action.
The Samsung Freestyle 2 is famously easy to use, and a heck of a lot cheaper than buying a 98-inch TV. With tons of smart features and a 25% discount, it's the perfect excuse to treat yourself.
We're now chilling in that sweet spot between October Prime Day and Black Friday. That means that, in the land of deals, anything can happen. We're seeing some all-time low prices on some gadgets and some first-time price drops for others. In other words, if you don't want to wait until the next big shopping event to do your shopping, you can rest assured you'll still get a good price. We've rounded up some of the top deals we could find at Amazon as of Oct. 16 to help you out.
Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these are of interest to you, be sure to look back at our picks from Oct. 14 and Oct. 15. Many of those are still live.
Our top pick Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (40mm, Bluetooth) $169.99 at AmazonCheck out our full review of the Galaxy Watch 6.
We saw the Galaxy Watch 6 drop to a record-low during Prime Day and over a week later, it's still hanging out around that price. With the arrival of the Galaxy Watch 7 and Ultra over the summer, it's no surprise that the older generation (which is only a year old, BTW) is basically sitting at a permanent discount. The 40mm version with Bluetooth is a total steal at just $169.99, which is 43% off its full retail price. Though it's no longer the latest and greatest Galaxy Watch, the sixth generation is still a very good smartwatch. It includes a nuanced breakdown of your sleep habits, personalized heart rate zones, irregular heart rate notifications, a large always-on display, and a large suite of fitness and health features. Mashable's Alex Perry called it "the king of the Android smartwatch mountain" when it came out last year.
Samsung Galaxy Ring (select sizes) $399.99 at AmazonCheck out our full review of the Samsung Galaxy Ring.
We were really hoping for some deals on the Galaxy Ring (which we love) during the Prime Big Deal Days event, but only saw one very slight discount on one random size. A week later, however, we're seeing some bigger savings (up to $120 off). There's just one catch: the discounts are on select sizes and only on the gold model. If you wear a size 7, you can grab the gold Galaxy Ring for only $279.99 with an on-page coupon, while size 8 wearers will have to pay $327.99 (still a great deal, but not 30% great). Regardless, if your size is on sale, we highly recommend snatching it up. Our reviewer Kim Gedeon gave it a near-perfect rating and claimed it's "so good, it has made me consider the unthinkable: dropping my beloved Apple Watch Series 9 for the Korea-based tech giant's new wearable."
Dyson Hot + Cool AM09 $314.99 at AmazonInstead of grabbing a space heater with a single function, opt for the Dyson Hot + Cool, which can keep your home comfortable no matter the season. Its bladeless design can keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. Thanks to Jet Focus control, you can also choose between a personal mode (Focused) or whole-room mode (Diffused) for even more versatility. Did we mention it also looks good in practically any space? As of Oct. 16, you can pick one up for $314.99 at Amazon instead of the usual $469.99. That's a savings of 33% and just $15 more than its all-time low from Prime Day.
AeroGarden Harvest 2.0 $52.49 at AmazonWith the wacky weather patterns as of late, you might be better off testing out your green thumb indoors with an AeroGarden. The Harvest 2.0, the second-generation of the OG planter, is down to just $52.49 at Amazon as of Oct. 16, making it 42% more affordable for curious gardeners. It sits at only 10.6 inches wide and 16.4 inches tall (including the adjustable light height), so it won't take up a ton of space in your home. Yet, it has enough space to grow six different plants using its hydroponic system. No soil is needed — just water and liquid plant food (included) — so it's less messy than other growing systems. The Harvest 2.0 features a one-button control nutrient reminder and a detachable 15W grow light.
Vizio 50-inch MQX QLED 4K TV $427.00 at AmazonWith awesome color performance and key gaming features, including AMD FreeSync Premium, low input lag, and a 120Hz panel, the 50-inch Vizio MQX QLED TV makes for a pretty solid budget-friendly gaming TV. Our friends at PCMag (also owned by Mashable publisher Ziff Davis) gave it an "excellent" rating in their review, which states, "The 50-inch Vizio M-Series Quantum X TV offers an incredibly wide color range and great gaming features for a reasonable price." Its contrast and brightness could be better, but for just $427 on sale, it's hard to complain. Save 32% as of Oct. 16 at Amazon.
None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.
Are you one of the many American consumers who have to ration your internet usage due to your service provider's broadband data caps? The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has heard from consumers just like you and are now going to investigate these data caps.
On Wednesday, the FCC announced that it was opening a formal inquiry into the "impacts of internet services usage limits and fees." The inquiry will look into broadband data caps and how they affect consumers and competing companies alike.
SEE ALSO: FCC wants to force carriers to unlock phones for consumers“For most people in the United States, rationing their internet usage would be unthinkable and impractical," said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. "But, for millions, limitations on how much data they can use online is a constant concern. And many are not happy about it."
What are broadband data caps?For those unfamiliar with the practice, some internet service providers (ISPs) sell plans that limit how much data they can use per month. These are often the lower-cost plans, so the issue typically affects low-income households. However, many others in various economic situations are stuck with similar plans too.
Furthermore, these data cap plans often charge for data overage, which in turn can even make these plans unaffordable for some.
SEE ALSO: Verizon outage is under investigation, according to the FCCAs numerous industries have pivoted to streaming – from movies to video games – over physical media, these data caps become more and more of a concern from those forced to deal with them. The changes that rapidly occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as live video classes for children over Zoom, further exacerbated the issue.
How data caps affect everyday consumersOn the same day that the FCC announced this inquiry, the agency also released hundreds of stories from consumers about how these data caps impact their daily lives. There's the family in Arkansas who has to take their kids to use public WiFi after school to do their homework so they don't go over their data cap. There's the senior citizen in Nevada who is stuck at home due to disability and has to avoid video chatting with loved ones for half the month so they don't get hit with overage charges.
“Restricting consumers’ data can cut off small businesses from their customers, slap fees on low-income families, and prevent people with disabilities from using the tools they rely on to communicate," said FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel. "As the nation’s leading agency on communications, it’s our duty to dig deeper into these practices and make sure that consumers are put first.”
Earlier this year, the FCC officially required ISPs to attach "nutrition labels" to the plans that the offer customers. The labels require that ISPs provide easily accessible information about how much each plan costs, what additional fees could hit customers, how much data comes with the plan, what broadband speeds to expect, and more.
The full disclosure that these nutrition labels bring was certainly a welcomed development. Now the FCC is taking further steps to see if the plans themselves are an issue as well.
What you can doThe FCC wants to hear from more consumers and businesses about the affects data caps have on them. To share your story, fill out the FCC's Data Caps Experience Form.
GET $70 OFF: As of Oct. 16, you can get the Marshall Emberton II portable Bluetooth speaker for $99.99, down from $169.99. That's a 41% discount and $70 off.
Opens in a new window Credit: Marshall Marshall Emberton II portable Bluetooth speaker $99.99 at AmazonPrime Day may be over, but we’re still seeing newsworthy Bluetooth speaker deals across multiple brands, including Marshall.
As of Oct. 16, you can score a Marshall Emberton II portable Bluetooth speaker for just $99.99, down from $169.99. Not only is this a $70 discount, but it’s also a record-low price for this particular speaker, according to the Amazon price-checking tool CamelCamelCamel.
SEE ALSO: The 5 best portable Bluetooth speakers for 2024This vintage-inspired Bluetooth speaker features 360-degree sound with True Stereophonic tech (a multi-directional sound system developed by Marshall) and an IP67-rated design that's dust- and waterproof. You can get up to 30 hours of playtime, and it only takes three hours to recharge.
With the Marshall app, you can adjust the bass and treble using the equalizer. You can also keep the speaker updated with over-the-air updates. If you want a louder sound, the Marshall Emberton II can connect to other speakers with Stack Mode.
In terms of style, Marshall's line of Bluetooth speakers, inspired by the looks of their iconic amps, pass the vibe test. Unless you're willing to pony up for something in the $900 price range, you really can't find a cooler-looking portable speaker for sale in 2024.
We don't know how much longer the Emberton II will remain at its Prime Day price. So, if you need a new party speaker for fall get-togethers, don't wait too long to take advantage of this speaker deal at Amazon. And if you need something even bigger, the Marshall Kilburn II Bluetooth speaker is $100 off at Amazon for a limited time, too.
Not a fan of chilly winter temps? Check out these great deals on portable space heaters to keep you toasty all year long. Here are our top picks to shop today:
Best portable space heater deals Best overall deal Vornado AVH10 Space Heater $82.79 at Amazon (save $17.20) Get Deal Best budget-friendly deal Honeywell HHF360V space heater $34.88 at Amazon (save $8.11) Get Deal Best heater + fan combo Dyson Hot+Cool Jet Focus AM09 $299.99 at Dyson (save $170) Get DealNow that we're in the middle of October, it might be just about time to crank the heat. But if last year's winter temps were cruel even inside your home, this might be the year to introduce a portable space heater into the mix. Space heaters can quickly and efficiently heat up your desired room. Here are some top deals to shop if you're in the market for a portable space heater before the chill sets in.
Best space heater deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Vornado Vornado AVH10 Space Heater $82.79 at AmazonHeating quickly is one of the best features of the Vornado AVH10 Space Heater. As of Oct. 16, it's on sale at Amazon for just $82.88, which works out to a 17% discount off the listed retail price of $99.99 at Vornado.
The heater is designed to warm an entire room thanks to its 1500 watt power. The heater uses a simple control interface that allows you to set the desired room temp, and the heater will automatically shut off once the temperature is reached. If it drops below your set temperature, the heater will kick on again.
This Vornado also has important safety features, including auto shut-off if the unit detects overheating and tip-over protection. Plus, it has convenient cord storage to keep your space neat and organized.
Best budget-friendly space heater deal Opens in a new window Credit: Honeywell Honeywell HHF360V space heater $34.88 at AmazonWith a compact design, the Honeywell HHF360V space heater comes with tons of great features to keep you warm during cold months. Unlike many space heaters, the Honeywell can rotate 360 degrees for total room heating. Cool-to-the-touch housing and a built-in handle mean this model is portable enough to use in different rooms throughout the day. Bring it into the office while you work, then warm the bedroom come evening.
Safety features on the Honeywell HHF360V include tip-over protection, thermal insulated wiring, and overheating protection.
Best heater and fan combo deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Hot + Cool Jet Focus AM09 $299.99 at DysonIf you're interested in a space heater you won't have to find a place to store during warmer months, the Dyson Hot + Cool Jet Focus AM09 works as both a heater and a fan. As of Oct. 16, it's just $299.99 at Dyson, down from the usual price of $469.99, which means you're in for a savings of $170. The AM09 has 10 speed settings, a programmable sleep timer, and uses Dyson's blade-free fan design.
The Dyson Hot + Cool Jet Focus oscillates within 70 degrees, and you can select Focused or Diffused modes when you want personal or whole-room heating. You also get a remote control with the Dyson, which can be great for changing the temperature or turning the heater off from the comfort of the couch or your bed. Since the heater and fan combo weighs a bit under six pounds, you'll also be able to easily move it from room to room.
FREE SMART BULB: Wake up smarter! As of Oct. 16, you can get a free smart bulb with your purchase of the Echo Spot smart alarm clock at Amazon.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Echo Spot with TP-Link Tapo Smart Color Bulb $79.99 at AmazonIf you’re tired of relying on your smartphone to wake you up in the morning, you might want to switch to a smart alarm clock like the Amazon Echo Spot.
The Echo Spot is a compact, Alexa-enabled alarm clock that can do everything the Echo Dot can do (play music, set reminders, control smart home devices, and more) with the added benefit of an LED display. And right now, you can snag a free TP-Link Tapo Smart Color Bulb with your purchase at no extra cost. That’s a savings of $24.99 and a pretty good deal for two smart home devices.
SEE ALSO: The 10 best Echo devices for building a smarter homeThe TP-Link Tapo Smart Color Bulb can adjust from warm to cool whites and has more than 16 million color options. That means you can set the mood no matter the occasion, whether you're winding down for the night or easing into the morning.
Plus, with the Echo Spot, you can control the bulb with your voice — no smartphone required. Set a schedule, turn it on and off, adjust the brightness, or swap out the colors just by asking Alexa. If you want to shut off the lights without getting out of bed, or turn them on in the morning, this 2-for-1 smart home deal makes that possible.
Amazon first released a version of the Echo Spot alarm clock years ago, but the 2024 version has a better display and new smart home features. So, if you've been trying and failing to keep your smartphone off your nightstand, then the Echo Spot is the solution.
SAVE $72: As of Oct. 16, get a Samsung Galaxy Ring for as low as $327.99, down from the normal price of $399.99. Select colors and sizes available.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Galaxy Ring $327.99 at AmazonSmartwatches can track a number of metrics, from the quality of your sleep to your heart rate. But they aren't convenient for everyone, especially if you don't like to wear a watch all day and night. A good compromise is a ring form factor instead, and there are a couple to choose from. If you're more interested in a ring to help you stay on track with your fitness journey, you can snag one today for a great deal.
As of Oct. 16, you can get a Samsung Galaxy Ring in Gold for just $327.99, down from its normal price of $399.99. That's a discount of 18% and $72 off. (Note that some users may even see lower pricing with on-page coupons due to Amazon's dynamic pricing.) Currently, this price cut only applies to a handful of select sizes in the Gold colorway. While sizes range from 5 to 13, you may not be able to find a suitable size for you at a similar discount, though this particular ring does come with a sizing kit. For other larger sizes, the Oura ring is on sale now as well, and a decent alternative.
SEE ALSO: The best October Prime Day smartwatch and fitness tracker deals that are still live: Samsung, Garmin, Apple, and moreThe Samsung Galaxy Ring has just about everything you'd want from a smartwatch for tracking purposes (sans smartphone connectivity for calls and texts). It's lightweight, attractive, and durable, just like wearing a regular ring on your finger. It can track everything from workouts to sleep to heart rate and more, plus, it's water-resistant, so you can wear it all day long without taking it off to wash your hands or shower.
Your Galaxy Ring sends data to your phone each day for you to review, including a readiness rating and a report about the previous night's sleep and activity. It's a great alternative if you don't want a big, bulky smartwatch to take everywhere with you, and it's an interesting idea to try if you want something more svelte and low-key overall.
Amazon is revamping its Kindle lineup in a big way, though the announcement seems to have come a little early.
The company unveiled the new Kindles via a Spanish-language post on its website, complete with photos, leaving little doubts as to its authenticity. The post was since removed, but the archive is still accessible here (via The Verge).
The most interesting among the new devices is the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition, the company's first Kindle that supports color. That means you'll get colorful book covers, nicer images, and text highlighting in different colors.
SEE ALSO: Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition review: The upgrade is worth the moneyThe post does not have all of the device specs, but it does say the new Kindle Colorsoft has up to 8 weeks of battery, wireless charging, and water resistance. The price is $279.99, and the shipping date is October 30.
Somewhat surprisingly, this is not the priciest Kindle in this bunch. That title belongs to the company's new Kindle Scribe, which lets you take notes, including scribbling directly into a book's page (Amazon calls this Active Canvas). Another feature of note is the AI-powered notebook, which can automatically summarize your notes into bullet points.
Kindle Scribe costs $399.99, and will start shipping December 4.
This one lets you scribble notes directly into a book. Credit: AmazonThen there's the good old Kindle Paperwhite, which comes in two flavors: regular Paperwhite, and Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition.
Both flavors of the new Paperwhite have a 7-inch display, which is larger than the current, 6-inch version, as well as 3-month battery life and water resistance. Page turns should be 25 percent faster, and the display has "the highest contrast ratio of any Kindle."
The primary difference between the two versions in the storage and price: The regular Paperwhite has 16GB of storage and costs $159.99, while the Signature Edition comes with 32GB of storage, an auto-adjusting front light, and wireless charging as option, and it costs $199.99. You also get different colors for the two variants: Kindle Paperwhite is available in Raspberry, Jade Green, and Charcoal, while the Signature Edition comes in Raspberry Metallic, Jade Green Metallic, and Charcoal Metallic. Both versions are available "now."
The Signature Edition has more storage, and fancier (metallic) colors. Credit: AmazonFinally, there's the regular Kindle, which comes in a new color: Matcha. Other than that, its primary traits are its portability (it weighs 5.6 ounces), a 300ppi display that should have faster page turning than before, and 16GB of storage. The price is $109.99, and availability is listed as "now."
New color: Matcha. Credit: AmazonMore details will follow after Amazon decides to make these devices official. For now, though, this is one of the most interesting Kindle lineups so far, and we're eager to try some of these out.
Google's next major version of Android operating system is here - if you have a Pixel phone, that is.
On Tuesday, Google launched Android 15, making it available on Pixel devices (more precisely, Pixel 6 and newer).
Some of the biggest new features are focused on privacy and security. Theft Detection Lock, for example, is an interesting feature that uses AI smarts to detect when someone has snatched your phone and is running (biking, driving) away with it. In such cases, the phone will automatically lock itself, keeping you safe from potential data theft. Remote Lock is another security feature, allowing you to remotely lock your phone from any other phone by using your phone number and passing a security check.
If someone steals your phone and makes a run with it, the phone will now automatically lock itself. Credit: GoogleAnother new feature is called private space (for some reason, Google is capitalizing some, but not all of these features). It lets you lock certain apps into a special, "virtually" invisible folder, that's hidden from your apps list, recent apps view, notifications, and settings. To access these apps, you'll have to authenticate with a fingerprint scan, for example. Additionally, you can completely hide the existence of the private space on your phone, which should be handy if someone is coercing you to hand over whatever is contained within.
So private, it's (virtually) invisible. Credit: GoogleOther new improvements include logging in with a single tap when you use Passkeys, app pairing on foldables and tablets, allowing you to quickly launch two apps at the same time, as well as the ability to quickly pin and unpin your taskbar on the screen.
SEE ALSO: Android is rolling out 3 new theft protection tools — use them if your phone gets stolenWhile Android 15 is rolling out to Pixels first, it will probably take some time until it starts showing up on other Android phones. The good news is that some of these features, including Theft Detection Lock and Remote Lock, will be coming to devices running older versions of Android (version 10 and newer).
This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
How safe are you online? It’s easy to write off cybercrime as something that happens to other people, but it’s more common than you might think. Cyber criminals are becoming increasingly creative in their attempts to hack your data, steal your information, or spy on you at home. The online world can be a perilous place.
Fortunately there are plenty of softwares that can detect, prevent, and deter such threats against you. The problem, as is often the case with these things, is selecting the right software for you. For instance, are you looking to protect just your computer, or do you also want something for mobile devices and tablets?
There are other points to consider, too. Do you need extra layers of security such as webcam protection, data encryption, password managers, parental controls, and private VPNs? Thankfully, we’re here to guide you towards a malware protection that works for you. Here’s some useful information to get you started.
What is malware?The name malware is short for “malicious software”. That means software or programs that are designed specifically to do harm to your computer. Malware can infect, damage, or shut down computers, systems, networks, tablets, and other mobile devices. The best-known malware is the computer virus. Malware usually works by taking control of any given device’s operations. It’s sometimes done to scam you for money, or even just for the hell of it sometimes.
How can you spot malware?It’s good to be personally vigilant against malware attacks. If you don’t know much about how they work and what to look out for, we highly recommend doing some research on the topic. Good tips include watching out for “phishing” emails — these are emails that include suspicious links or ask for personal information.
How does malware protection work?Being vigilant only gets you so far. Reliable malware protection is the only option for complete cover. Good protection checks downloads, regularly scans the computer, and updates itself to protect against ever-evolving threats. It also warns you against suspicious websites before you visit them and protects you against phishing attempts (i.e. websites that want you to input personal information such as passwords or account details). Good anti-malware software also protects online payments and safeguards your finances online.
How many devices are covered by malware protection?That depends on the level — or to put it more bluntly, the price — that you sign up for. The most basic protection will cover just one device, while more advanced versions may cover three, five, or more devices. That will also mean a range of devices, from laptops and PCs to phones and tablets.
Can you trial malware protection for free?Most malware protection products will offer a free trial before you make a purchase. This is important because every type of protection has its own way of working with your computer, and some will suit you and your online usage better than others.
Can you get malware protection for Windows and Macs?Yes, absolutely. We tend to think of Macs as being virus-proof but that’s actually not true. Whatever type of computer you use, there’s some type of malware out there that’s ready to attack. Windows' built-in antivirus software is better than ever before, but don't get complacent. Malware protection for any computer is important.
What is the best malware protection?It’s hard to choose with so many options out there. Add that to the fact that shopping for software can feel like navigating an obstacle course of tech jargon and specifications. It's hard to know exactly what you're looking for. But we’ve done the hard work for you and pulled together some of the best options. Simply read on and decide which is the best fit for you and your devices.
This is the best malware protection software in 2024.
SAVE $40: As of Oct. 16, the LifePro Waver Vibration Plate Exercise Machine is on sale for $159.99 at Amazon. That's a 20% saving on list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: LifePro LifePro Waver Vibration Plate Exercise Machine $159.99 at AmazonWe've heard it all before. Every now and then a new fitness machine comes along and promises to get you your dream body without any work on your part. We're sorry to tell you that in reality, you are going to need to work hard to build your perfect physique.
That being said, there are machines out there that really can help you on your journey. The LifePro Waver is one such machine. This vibrating exercise machine creates full-body vibrations for muscle contraction and activation, which LifePro claims can improve metabolism, circulation, and bone density, while also reducing joint stress.
SEE ALSO: The best fitness trackers for monitoring your heart rateAs of Oct. 16, the LifePro Waver Vibration Plate Exercise Machine is on sale for $159.99 at Amazon. That's a 20% saving on list price. This deal includes yoga straps and resistance bands, so you're ready to make progress right away.
Save $40 on this game-changing exercise machine at Amazon.
SAVE $625: As of Oct. 16, the JBL Bar 9.1 Sound System is reduced to $569.95 at Amazon. That's a 53% discount on list price, and the lowest price in over a year.
Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Bar 9.1 Channel Soundbar System $569.95 at AmazonCozy season is upon us, which means much more time in front of the TV, watching movies, and binge-watching your favorite shows.
If you've already upgraded to one of the best TVs, why not take your sound to the next level too? And you can do so with a great deal because as of Oct. 16, the JBL Bar 9.1 Sound System is reduced by 53% at Amazon, taking the price down from $1199.95 to $569.95. This is the lowest it has been priced in well over a year, so if a new sound system is on your wishlist, this isn't a deal to skip.
This bundle from JBL includes a soundbar, two detachable wireless surround speakers, a wireless subwoofer remote control, and everything you need to set it up including wall brackets, cables, and a kit to build it all.
SEE ALSO: The best soundbar deals are still live after Prime Day — save on the Sonos Ray, Vizio V-Series, and moreThis system supports Dolby Atmos, giving a seriously impressive 3D audio that makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. The sound quality is next to perfect, namely due to the built-in subwoofer and incredible speaker configuration. Boasting 820 watts of total system power, you'll really feel like you have a cinema in your living room.
And we can't forget the two detachable speakers adding an extra kick to the surround sound, from wherever you place them in your room. These come with built-in batteries that can be docked to the soundbar to recharge after 10 hours of playback.
This is a limited-time deal on Amazon, and not one you'll want to miss, so you'll need to be fast.
TikTok is in its Regency Era with creators dancing their way to love.
The most popular dance trend on the platform sees men appeal to a woman's father with their dance moves. Before breaking into dance, men lip sync to a sound ripped from Gilmore Girl's Kirk's (Sean Gunn) bizarre Season 2 short film. In the soundbite Kirk (and the chorus of TikTok boys) say, "I love your daughter." Kirk's love interest's father replies, "What do you have to offer her?" And he (and all the boys) say, "Nothing, only this…" At this point, the men employ their goofiest dance moves — Kirk to "White Lines (Don't Don't Do It)" by Grandmaster Melle Mel and TikTok boys to Olly Alexander's "Breathe."
SEE ALSO: Adult creator hosts 'Corn Telethon' to raise awareness against Project 2025The remixed Gilmore Girls scene soundtracks nearly 100,000 videos and dozens have racked up millions of views. A video posted by Austin Pepito garnered 41 million views and nearly seven million likes.
Women leave comments on the videos like, "This is working for me I fear," "I'm going to miss you when I scroll away," and "Never skipping [the] 'I love your daughter' trend.'" One female creator posted a video captioned, "i love this trend i hope it never dies all the boys look so cute doing their little dances."
Comedian and creator and star of English Teacher, Brian Jordan Alvarez, posted three videos to the trend and followed up with a video addressing their horny reception. In it, he jokes, "I'm getting hit on by girls and I'm like, 'Where was this energy when I was pretending to be straight?'"
Zo, a 28-year-old TikTokker who posts under the handle @pokemonmasterzo, called the trend "successful peacocking" in a call with Mashable. "It's successful because people are falling for it. Those dumb or funny dance moves actually do work," he explained. His video to the trend received nearly four million views and 550,000 likes.
But the trend also harkens back to the time of courtship — and not just in its involvement of a woman's father and heteronormative nature. In the 18th and early 19th centuries, dancing at a ball was the path to marriage among the English middle class and elite. As depicted in Jane Austen novels and more recently in Bridgerton, much hedged upon the ritual of a gentleman asking a lady to dance and the lady refusing or accepting his hand. Balls were also one of the few places where displays of sexuality were socially permitted.
Not unlike on TikTok where participants adhere to the rules and norms of a dance trend, ball participants followed strict choreography and rules, and adherence could've rewarded them with a husband or wife. Now TikTokkers are rewarded with a thirst comment, or a thirst follow if they're lucky.
One TikTokker, @cheyennerose1997, made a video to the trending sound saying, "This trend is just boys doing bird-like mating dances and girls realizing bird-like mating dances totally work on them." It received over five million views and 800,000 likes.
If the response to the "I love your daughter" trend is any indication, these videos could also be the path to love, even if it's only parasocial. It suggests that ritualized dancing hasn't lost its allure in modern dating.
Tweet may have been deletedThe "I love your daughter" trend is one of three dating-adjacent dance trends overtaking FYPs right now.
Another trend sees men performing interpretive dances to get something from a woman, usually their partner. One popular iteration of the trend reads, "making my roommate's boyfriend perform an interpretive dance in order to spend the night" — one video received over 11 million views and nearly two million likes. A rhythmic drum track first uploaded by a modern dancer scores the trend and it's been used in over 12,000 videos.
But some single men are getting in on the trend too. One posted a video captioned, "I don't have a girlfriend yet but if I did this would be the dance I would do for them" to the tune of over 17 million views and over two million likes. A comment with over 100,000 likes says, "Suddenly, I understand nature and birds. If a male did this dance for me, I'd simply swoon. Ugh."
The other trend focuses on women pursuing men. Soundtracked by "Birthday Sex" by Jeremih, each video reads, "when he asks you to dance for him, but…" followed by a reason the creator is doing the dance she's doing. For example, one creator wrote, "when he asks me to dance, but i grew up learning indian classical dance." It received over 15 million views and over two million likes. Another said, "when he asks you to dance for him but you were one of rihanna's marshmallows," in reference to Rihanna's Super Bowl performance.
Sage Thomas, a 22-year-old creator, posted two videos to the trend. "Sometimes the dating world is taken so seriously," Thomas told Mashable. She explained that she thinks so many people participated because struggling with dating is so relatable. "It pokes fun at how bad the dating world is right now, like I have nothing else to offer besides my amazing dance moves," she said.
Thomas' comments imply that these trends are a response to modern dating. If we can't dance together at a ball, at least we can watch each other dance onscreen.
As a chill begins to take hold in the air — well, kind of — folks are eagerly thumbing through their sweater collections, stirring soups, and lining up for their pumpkin spice lattes. The Fall Industrial Complex tells us it's a beautiful, cozy yet temperate time of the year. But I'm here to say fall is completely overrated.
Multiple surveys have shown fall is Americans' favorite season. A 2022 poll from Morning Consult, for instance, found 41 percent of Americans listed fall as their top season, compared with 24 percent for spring and summer, and 11 percent for winter. I'd argue 41 percent of Americans are wrong.
I don't particularly understand the love for fall. Do you all really love Halloween and pumpkin patches that much? Those are actual cited reasons in a 2023 poll.
Tweet may have been deletedFirst, let's look at fall, the season, before the fall the trend — because autumn has absolutely become A Thing, especially online. The season begins around Sept. 22 every year and runs through early or mid December, depending on if you use a meteorological or astronomical definition. During the prime fall months, October and November, the average temperature in the U.S. was around 56 and 44 degrees, respectively, in 2023. That's pretty cold! And it'll be chillier in the states where the seasons change the most, aka where those pretty leaves exist. And it's also often overcast and gloomy in the parts of the country that get the weather we most associate with fall. I think, in folks' minds, they picture fall as a perfect Autumn day: 61 degrees, sun out, slight chill, orange-leafed trees, light-jacket weather. In reality, you're far more likely to get such a day in late May or early September, which is late spring or late summer. (And California, or other similar states, don't get on my case about your sweltering September heat waves. You don't count because your whole "winter" is your closest approximation of fall).
Granted, the Earth is warming and fall is getting warmer and wetter, but that isn't necessarily a good thing, either. At best, most fall days you're getting the kind of day where you can be long-sleeved at midday, but need a sweater at the ready for when the sun goes down early.
I truly, fully do not understand why summer is not everyone's favorite season. I'm not trying to be contrarian but it's a belief I've long held.
Tweet may have been deletedThe summer is when all the fun things happen! It's when you get to be outside, in the fresh air, all the time. Going to the beach, seeing a sporting event (in a t-shirt), swimming, hiking, beers on a patio, golf, riding a bike, watching TV inside in the air-conditioning — nearly any activity is possible in the summertime. Oh you can't ski? I'm so sorry you can't freeze your ass off while desperately trying to avoid a broken leg. You can do lots of fun things in the fall, but I'd argue most any of them — and much more — are available in the summer. People hold out hope for the perfect fall day you get once in a while, rather than the countless fantastic summer days. And sure, as a dude who sweats at the slightest movement, I get that the summer can be too hot — duh — but that opens the door for a nice shower, a dip in a pool, or jumping in the ocean. I'd rather recover from the heat after doing fun things than be limited from doing them altogether.
You actually like shorter days? Leaves are really that beautiful to you? I don't see it.
Why does fall have to be a trend?I'd argue that some folks love the idea of fall more than the reality of it. Once something becomes A Thing — especially online — people feel like they have to enjoy it. Everyone absolutely loved Hamilton until everyone didn't. And you'd have to be logged off for years not to recognize fall as A Thing online. As Mashable's Elena Cavender wrote in a 2021 piece titled "Fall is still the internet's favorite season": "In the first week of fall, Twitter and TikTok became inundated with fall movies, fall outfits, fall playlists, fall recipes. It’s Christian Girl Autumn, Meg Ryan Fall, the time we can really start dressing."
Sure, we get viral recipes in all seasons, but none get the treatment of pumpkin spice everything or the ubiquity of people loving so-called Soup Season online. I love Soup Szn as much as the next guy, and pumpkin spice has its time and place, I suppose, but I also enjoy eating with every season. I love tomatoes sandwiches in the summer or an herbaceous spring salad. But those things aren't memes. They're just good food.
SEE ALSO: Fall is still the internet's favorite seasonThe PSL was invented by Starbucks in 2003, but pumpkin spice truly spiked as a food trend around 2010, spice-maker McCormick told USA Today.
"We have a global report called the 'Flavor Forecast' and then we identified pumpkin pie spice in 2010 as an emerging trend, and that was really at the beginning of where we started to see, both in restaurants and in (the) home, use start to pick up," Kevan Vetter, executive chef at McCormick, told the paper in 2022.
That is, not coincidentally, right around the time Twitter became super-popular and Instagram launched. It was an original food trend that stuck around because it's almost foundational to the social media ecosystem. Lining up for your first PSL of the season has become so rote it's a meme. The fall memes have only grown from there.
I generally skeptical of most things that become A Thing online. At some point the merits of the thing are surpassed by the terminal velocity of the internet's hunger to jump on a trend.
What if fall is just another season and not necessarily the best one? What if it has its merits — football, some beautiful days, colorful leaves — but those merits are not necessarily far and away better than other times of the year? What if the idea of a hot bowl of soup, a soft sweater, a spiced latte, are better than the actuality of lots of overcast days that are chilly outside but too hot to turn on the heat inside?
What if — hear me out — people force their love onto fall as a means of coping with the recent passage of the actual best season, summer?
Take a New York Minute to Review Your Recovery Plan Don Henley is right: everything can change in a New York...
I Lost all of my Photos In every disaster I have ever responded to from here to...
Boston's most important responders: Bostonians The people of Boston are to be congratulated for being...
3 Values Your Business Continuity Plan Should Have Your business lives with risk every day from competitors...
Digital Privacy: A Catch 22 Mobility, convenience, accessibility and real-...
Take a New York Minute to Review Your Recovery Plan Don Henley is right: everything can change in a New York...
3 Values Your Business Continuity Plan Should Have Your business lives with risk every day from competitors...
I Lost all of my Photos In every disaster I have ever responded to from here to...