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Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (2021) review: The upgrade is worth the money

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 05:00

UPDATE: Nov. 22, 2024, 5:00 a.m. EST This story has been updated with information on Amazon's Black Friday sale, which includes a discount on the new 2024 Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (12th gen).

The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, despite the fancy name, is a simple device. It's exactly the same as the fifth-generation Kindle Paperwhite, but it costs $40 more and has four upgrades: 32GB of memory (up from 16GB), wireless charging, an automatically adjusting front light, and no ads.

Since we already established that the standard Paperwhite is a great e-reader, the focus of this review is simple: To figure out whether these four improvements are worth the extra money.

SEE ALSO: We tried every Amazon Kindle to find the best for every bibliophile A thoroughly great e-reader

My colleague Alex Perry reviewed the regular fifth-gen Paperwhite, but here are my basic impressions (coming from someone whose primary e-reader before now was a second-gen Paperwhite).

The new Kindle Paperwhite is just the right size and sat perfectly in my hand. It's also beach-ready, with an IPX8 rating, which is a big deal to me, especially when compared to my iPad mini, which officially isn't water-resistant at all.

The USB-C charging port on the bottom was a much-needed upgrade from the microUSB port on previous Paperwhites. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

I have only one beef with the device's design, and that's the fact that Amazon moved the power button to the bottom from the top, which took some getting used to. (It's worth noting that this change happened on a previous iteration of the Paperwhite.)

The new Paperwhite is a lot faster than my old model, but it could be faster still, especially when browsing through menus. The battery lasts forever, and having a USB-C port instead of the old microUSB connector is a blessing.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Kindle Rewards Best Black Friday Kindle deals

Amazon's Prime Day and Black Friday sales are always a great time to grab a discounted Kindle. Here are some of the best deals during Black Friday 2024:

So, what do you get for that extra $40? Compared to my ancient, 3rd generation Paperwhite, the new one is shaped a bit more like a typical book, which isn't a bad thing. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

One thing you won't get on this Kindle is ads. Compared to ads on certain other devices, advertisements on the Kindle's homescreen aren't nearly as intrusive, but I still prefer zero ads on something I paid for. You can remove the ads from the base model Kindle for an extra $20, but then the price difference between the two is a mere $20, which means you should really look at the other extras you get with the Signature Edition.

You know what they say about memory: More is always better. That said, unless you're a voracious reader, or you constantly send a bunch of periodicals to your Kindle, you won't need more than 8GB. The Kindle Paperwhite SE has 32GB, which is overkill, but it is comforting to know you'll never have to worry about storage.

When this review was originally published, the Kindle Paperwhite cost $139.99 for 8GB of storage. That configuration is no longer offered, and the current base model includes 16GB for $149.99. So, there's an even smaller price gap between the standard model and Signature Edition now at $40 compared to the previous $50, making these bonus features even more worth the upgrade.

Whether wireless charging will be worth it for you depends entirely on whether you normally use it in other scenarios. All Kindles have great battery life, so you won't be charging them very often. I do have wireless chargers in my car and scattered all around the house, so the ability to just toss the Kindle onto them and have it charge is a nice, if marginal, improvement.

The MagSafe isn't the best way to charge your Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, but it works! Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Fun fact: I tried to charge the Kindle Paperwhite SE using Apple's MagSafe magnetic charger for the iPhone, and not only does it work, but the charger sticks (though just barely) to the Kindle like it does to the iPhone. Pretty great.

The display, automated

The last big improvement on the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is the display.

The 6.8-inch, 300ppi display is sharp, crisp, beautiful to look at, and won't tire your eyes even after long reading sessions. The bezels on the sides and top of the device are far smaller than on the previous iteration, but there's still enough room to rest your fingers without accidentally flipping the page.

The display now makes brightness adjustments on its own. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Now for the big difference between the regular and the SE version of the Paperwhite: Automatically adjusting front light. The best way to explain the importance of this feature is to think of smartphones: Literally every single modern smartphone has this feature. You don't think about it much, but if someone took the feature away, you'd definitely notice.

It's similar on the Paperwhite. The display automatically sets brightness depending on the amount of light in your environment. I like reading in very dim light, and the Kindle set the screen's brightness pretty much as I would do. The device supports dark mode (bright text on dark background), and if I switched to that, it readjusted the brightness accordingly. I love the feature and though I could live without it, I'd be slightly annoyed about having to adjust brightness manually again.

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition battery life

A single charge should have the Kindle Paperwhite lasting up to 10 weeks. While we didn't run the e-reader for 10 weeks until it died, we can say it had excellent battery life based on our usage.

Is the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition worth it?

This may be because I'm biased from reviewing Apple devices — Apple charges an arm and a leg for upgrades and extra features — but I feel like the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is worth it.

For $50, you get no ads (a $20 value), wireless charging, 32GB, and an improved display. None of it is essential, but it does feel like you're getting a decent value for your money.

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $189.99 at Amazon
Shop Now

UPDATE: Jul. 9, 2024, 5:00 a.m. EDT This review has been updated to reflect that the base Kindle Paperwhite model now houses 16GB and retails for $149.99. Previously, the device started at 8GB for $139.99. That means there's now a $40 difference between the standard Paperwhite and the Signature Edition, rather than $50.

Featured Video For You Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kobo Clara Colour: Which one is better?

Amazon Echo Show 5 vs. Echo Show 8: Which should you buy on Black Friday?

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 05:00

It can be exciting when a brand like Amazon drops new versions of its devices, but it can also be overwhelming to figure out which one is best for you (and if it's worth paying more than its original version). After testing the second generations of both the Echo Show 5 and the Echo Show 8, I'll walk you through what’s the same, what’s different, what they bring to the table compared to the first gen versions — and which one you should buy during Black Friday 2024.

While these smart displays don’t have the portability or functionality of an iPad or a Surface tablet, they work flawlessly with Alexa and serve as a smart home HQ to make your day-to-day life just a little bit more streamlined.

Black Friday pricing and discounts

While the 2nd gen Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8 are no longer available, the newest Echo Show 5 retails for $89.99 and the current Echo Show 8 goes for $149.99. For Prime Day, the prices dropped to $49.99 and $84.99 respectively. However, their Black Friday discounts are even better.

As of Nov. 21, these smart displays are now priced at $44.99 and $79.99.

Size: It's in the name

The most noticeable difference between the Echo Show 5 and the Echo Show 8 is, of course, their size. The Echo Show 5 has a 5.5-inch screen and 6-inch x 3-inch footprint, while the Echo Show 8 is significantly larger — boasting an 8-inch screen and an 8-inch x 4-inch footprint.

Echo Show 5 (2nd gen) is smaller and would work better in a bedroom or office. Credit: Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd gen) is significantly larger — best for a central house hub. Credit: amazon

In my opinion, that makes the Echo Show 8 way better suited to be your family “hub” — located in a central location like the kitchen or dining room for easy video calls with the grandparents using Alexa. All you have to do is add contacts you’d like to call in the Alexa app on your phone. However, it may not be a necessary purchase if you already have a tablet with great video functionality. And if you want a larger device as your smart home hub, the Echo Show 10 is an even better choice.

Regardless, the Echo Show 8 offers some other advantages for video calls in addition to its size.

On the other hand, the Echo Show 5 would be better in places where you want the device's functionality, without it being front and center — like your desk or nightstand.

And if you're a sucker for colorways, the Echo Show 8 only comes in the glacier white and charcoal color options. You can get more variety with the new Echo Show 5, which comes in glacier white, charcoal, and deep sea blue. The Echo Show 5 Kids comes in chameleon green.

Camera and video calling

The Echo Show 5 got a decent camera upgrade from its 1st gen version — increasing the megapixels from one to two. However, it was a whole different ball game for the Echo Show 8. While the 1st gen Echo Show 8 offered a 1 MP camera, the revamped 2021 model came equipped with a 13 MP camera, which carried over into the 2023 model.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Echo Show 15 is a smart hub for connected homes

The image is incredibly crisp, and alongside the larger screen makes the Echo Show 8 the video call winner. But that’s not even the best part: The Echo Show 8 features auto-framing functions that automatically pan and zoom the camera to keep it focused on the people in view.

Both devices also feature some handy connectivity features, like intercom to page every Alexa device in the house (“We’re leaving in 15 minutes, so be ready!”) and drop-in, which allows you to video chat with any connected Alexa device.

Zoom calls

The Echo Show 8 can also join Zoom calls, while the Echo Show 5 can’t. To be totally honest, I could not get the Zoom call feature to work after several tries because none of the calls I joined had a dial-in number.

I’ll still say the Echo Show 8 wins on this one just because it’s theoretically possible, and I’m really hoping to be able to join Zoom calls from it soon to free up my laptop and extra monitor for in-meeting multi-tasking.

Kid-friendly content

During the initial setup, you can choose to make any Echo Show device a dedicated device for a kid. This gives you access to some expanded parental controls, which is great for older children, tweens, and teens that you still want to shield from some of the worst things the internet has to offer.

However, the Echo Show 5 Kids is the first and only Echo Show that’s bottom-to-top and side-to-side designed for kids. It features a fun design (the chameleon color looks like dinosaur scales, according to my 5-year-old), and comes with a free year of Amazon Kids (usually $5.99 per month) — which offers curated books, games, and videos just for kids far beyond what’s available through a basic Prime membership. In addition, it comes with souped-up parental controls so you can tweak things even more.

Alexa functionality

Both the 2nd gen Echo Show 5 and the 2nd gen Echo Show 8 have some Alexa abilities that their 1st gen counterparts don’t.

First up is the home monitoring function, where you can remotely access the camera on your device from the Alexa app just to check in on things. You’ll need a WiFi connection to do it, but I had no problems getting it to work. I can imagine it would be great to check in on pets, the babysitter, or just to take a peek at your home while on vacation to make sure everything is on the up and up.

Next is the addition of motion-enabled routines. This allows Alexa to detect when you enter or leave a room and use that activity to start a routine. Fair warning, this can open a can of worms re: privacy, but it also opens up some exciting possibilities for the smart home buff. You could have Alexa read your calendar when you walk into your office, or turn off all smart-enabled devices when there’s no motion detected in the living room — and those are just two simple ideas. With the addition of Alexa-enabled devices or smart plugs, your options open up even more. Amazon does offer ways to manage these settings if you'd like to delete recordings or manage your data.

All of these devices feature the same Alexa functionality you came to expect from the previous iteration of Echo Show devices.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Prime Day vs. Black Friday: When are the deals better? Echo Show 5 vs. Echo Show 8: Which one is better?

For only $45 more, the Echo Show 8 was the clear winner for me. Not only does it have a larger screen and a 13 MP camera with auto-framing (making it the best for video calling), it also allows you to hop on Zoom meetings, if/when you can get that function to work properly.

If video calls and Zoom meetings aren’t your concern, then the Echo Show 5 is still a great choice — like the 2nd gen Echo Show 8, the new Echo Show 5 boasts many of the same expanded Alexa functions, like home monitoring and motion detection routines. And of course, if you want one made for kids, then you’ll want to go with the Echo Show 5 Kids.

Overall, I’m a fan of both, but the Echo Show 8 came out on top for our home.

Amazon Echo Show 8 $79.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $70.00 Shop Now

Editor's note: This comparison originally focused on the 2021 models of the Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8. New models (with only modest changes) were released in 2023, so the older versions are no longer available to purchase as new. We've updated our links to take you to the current Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8.

The Beats Solo 4 just got a 50% discount in Amazons Black Friday sale

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 04:51

SAVE $100: As of Nov. 22, Beats Solo 4 are on sale for $99.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 50% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Solo 4 $99.99 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $99.96 Get Deal

The discounts are just getting started and Amazon's Black Friday event has officially kicked off. Running from Nov 21. through to Dec. 2, there are plenty of deals and savings to be had across TVs, headphones, tablets, and much more. And if you're on the hunt for a new set of headphones, why not check out this great deal on the Beats Solo 4.

As of Oct. 11, you can grab these headphones for just $99.99, saving $100 on list price. This deal is available across all colorways at Amazon, including matte black, black/gold, cloud pink, and state blue. However, this price is only available when purchasing without AppleCare+. You can add this on for a price of $118.99 (down from $228.95).

SEE ALSO: Don't miss grabbing an Apple Magic Mouse for its lowest price ever

The Beats Solo 4 were only released earlier in the year, so to see such a big discount already is truly a win. This latest model in the Solo range boasts a battery life of up to 50 hours, a super-quick 10-minute charge time, and personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking. This is a technology that creates a 3D surround sound, and a more immersive listening experience by adjusting sound based on your head movements, so music, movies, and calls feel more lifelike. As with all Beats devices, the sound quality is stellar for all types of listening.

Interested? Head to Amazon to grab this deal.

Get Samsung’s blazing-fast 1TB SSD for under $100 this Black Friday

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 04:38

SAVE OVER $60: As of Nov. 22, the Samsung 990 PRO 1TB SSD is down to $98.37 at Amazon. That’s 39% off its regular price of $159.99 for Black Friday.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 990 PRO 1TB SSD $98.37 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $61.62 Get Deal

Black Friday is here, and it's time to supercharge your PC or gaming setup without torching your wallet. Samsung's 990 PRO 1TB SSD sells for just $98.37 — an impressive Black Friday discount of over $60. With sequential read speeds of up to 7,450 MB/s, this PCIe 4.0 drive offers performance that smooths everything from gaming to heavy-duty workloads.

What makes the 990 PRO stand out? It's 40% faster than its predecessor, the 980 PRO. This drive can handle up to 1,400K input/output operations per second (IOPS). It is a beast for resource-heavy tasks like 4K video editing or running modern games. Power efficiency has also been improved by 50%, so you get maximum performance without stressing your system or energy bill.

SEE ALSO: Save over 80% and get a free £10 voucher with the best Black Friday Audible deal

Thermal control is a standout feature here, too. Samsung's nickel-coated controller keeps the drive cool even during intense use, preventing thermal throttling from slowing down your epic gaming sessions or massive file transfers. And with Samsung's Magician software, you can monitor drive health, optimize settings, and protect your data, all from an easy-to-use dashboard.

Upgrading a desktop, laptop, or even a PlayStation 5? The 990 PRO is an easy fit thanks to the PCI-SIG D8 standard for slim devices. Samsung's reputation as the global leader in flash memory backs its top-tier performance and durability.

At under $100, this Black Friday deal is a no-brainer for gamers, content creators, or anyone looking to breathe new life into their system. Don't let this Black Friday deal pass you by — this speed doesn't come cheap any other day of the year.

Save $800 on Samsung’s 65-inch OLED 4K TV this Black Friday

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 04:36

SAVE $800: As of Nov. 22, the Samsung 65-inch OLED 4K S90D smart TV is on sale for $1,397.99 at Amazon. That’s 36% off its $2,197.99 list price for Black Friday.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch OLED 4K S90D smart TV $1,397.99 at Amazon
$2,197.99 Save $800.00 Get Deal

Black Friday is the perfect time to give your entertainment setup a serious glow-up, and this deal on Samsung’s 65-inch OLED S90D smart TV is a chef’s kiss. Originally priced at $2,197.99, this feature-packed screen is now just $1,397.99 — a whopping $800 in Black Friday savings.

So, what makes this TV worth your attention (and wall space)? For starters, Samsung’s OLED technology delivers unbeatable picture quality with inky blacks, dazzling whites, and vibrant, Pantone-validated colours. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or catching the big game, the HDR+ feature ensures stunning brightness and sharpness, scene by scene. It’s like seeing your favourite content in a whole new light — literally.

SEE ALSO: Save over 80% and get a free £10 voucher with the best Black Friday Audible deal

Gamers, this one’s for you too. The Motion Xcelerator 144Hz refresh rate keeps visuals smooth and lag-free, even during the most intense action sequences. Add in Samsung’s Real Depth Enhancer, which makes on-screen content feel almost 3D, and you’ll be totally immersed.

Audio fans aren’t left out, either. Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound Lite create a 3D sound experience that follows the action on screen, making explosions feel bigger and dialogue more explicit. Plus, with Alexa built-in, you can control your TV and smart home devices and even check the weather without lifting a finger (or maybe just the remote).

At $1,397.99, this deal on the 65-inch Samsung S90D isn’t just a price drop — it’s a full-on Black Friday flex. Grab it now and make your living room the envy of your entire neighbourhood.

Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 22

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 04:34

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 November 21's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for November 22 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 22 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

An undersea gem.

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 P.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

PEARL.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 22

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.

Save $350 on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra this Black Friday

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 04:32

SAVE $350: As of Nov. 22, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB) is marked down to $949.99 at Amazon for Black Friday. That’s 27% off its list price of $1,299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB) $949.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $350.00 Get Deal

Black Friday has delivered the ultimate upgrade opportunity for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung’s flagship smartphone for 2024. Loaded with cutting-edge features and decked out in a stunning titanium violet finish, this device usually costs a wallet-pinching $1,299.99. But right now, you can snag it for $949.99 — a hefty $350 saving.

Why is this deal worth jumping on? Let’s break it down. This phone features a massive 200MP camera that’s practically a portable DSLR, capable of capturing jaw-dropping detail even in low light, thanks to Samsung’s Nightography feature. That 100x zoom? Perfect for snapping close-ups from, well, really far away. Whether photographing a bustling cityscape or a sleepy cat on the next rooftop, your shots will be ready for social media.

SEE ALSO: Save over 80% and get a free £10 voucher with the best Black Friday Audible deal

The Galaxy S24 Ultra doesn’t just take pretty pictures. With its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and a buttery smooth 120Hz edge-to-edge display, this phone handles multitasking, gaming, and streaming without sweat. Need real-time translation while travelling? Check. Want AI-assisted photo edits that make every pic look flawless? Double-check.

Samsung’s S Pen is also included, transforming this phone into a mini productivity hub. Take notes, draw sketches, or circle and search things on your screen like a futuristic Sherlock Holmes. Plus, with 256GB of storage, you’ll have plenty of room to hoard memes, photos, and all your apps.

At this Black Friday price, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is hard to beat. So why settle for your outdated device when you can grab this tech marvel for less? Don’t wait too long — this deal will disappear faster than your phone’s battery after a TikTok binge.

Score Dell’s stunning 4K 27-inch monitor for under $200 this Black Friday

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 04:28

SAVE $100: As of Nov. 22, the Dell S2721QS 27-inch 4K UHD monitor is available for $199.95 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That’s 33% off its usual price of $299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dell Dell S2721QS 4K UHD Monitor $199.95 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $100.04 Get Deal

Forget Black Friday doorbusters — this is a desk upgrade you can snag from the comfort of your chair. The Dell S2721QS is a 27-inch 4K monitor ready to elevate your home office, gaming rig, or streaming setup. With its $199.95 price tag, down from $299.99, this deal is as sharp as the screen itself.

Let’s talk pixels: 8.3 million of them, to be exact. This monitor boasts 4K Ultra HD resolution with HDR content support, delivering vibrant colours and razor-sharp clarity. Whether you’re binging your favourite series or meticulously editing photos, the visuals on this thing are stunning. The ultra-thin bezel gives you that seamless, edge-to-edge viewing experience — perfect for dual-monitor setups or just flexing your superior tech taste.

SEE ALSO: Save over 80% and get a free £10 voucher with the best Black Friday Audible deal

But it’s not all about looking good. The S2721QS knows you’ll be spending hours staring at it, so it’s built with comfort in mind. The stand is fully adjustable, letting you tilt, swivel, and pivot until you find the perfect angle. Plus, the ComfortView feature reduces harmful blue light, which your eyeballs will thank you for after a long day.

Need functionality? The dual HDMI ports make it easy to swap between devices, and AMD FreeSync ensures buttery-smooth visuals during gaming sessions. Translation: no more screen tearing when you’re mid-battle.

Dell doesn’t put their monitors on sale like this every day, and seeing this 4K beauty drop under $200 is a rare treat. If you’ve been waiting to upgrade, Black Friday just handed you the perfect excuse. Grab this Black Friday deal now — your setup (and eyes) deserve it.

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

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 04:00
Best Early Black Friday Deals Best Apple deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $749 at Amazon (Save $250) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Roborock Qrevo S $459.99 at Amazon (Save $340) Get Deal Best headphone deal Bose QuietComfort headphones $199 at Amazon (Save $150) Get Deal Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $154.99 at Amazon (Save $45) Get Deal Best laptop deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,399 at Amazon (Save $200) Get Deal Best Echo deal Amazon Echo Pop $17.99 at Amazon (Save $22) Get Deal Best TV deal Hisense 85-inch QD6 QLED 4K Google TV $649.99 at Best Buy (Save $450) Get Deal Best fitness tracker deal Oura Ring Gen3 (Horizon, Gold) Starting at $249 at Best Buy Get Deal Best kitchen deal KitchenAid 5.5-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer $279.99 at Target (Save $170) Get Deal

Now that we're in the thick of the holiday season, it also means we're deep into holiday shopping. Black Friday proper falls late in the month this year on Nov. 29. But official sales from big retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target have already kicked off. Even if you're prepared, you know who and what you're buying for, it's hard to not get in a tizzy. You're in luck though, we've done most of the leg work for you. At this point we've been tracking Black Friday deals for weeks, finding the best prices on all the big names: Apple, Bose, Sony, Samsung, and more.

If you want to take the day after Thanksgiving off, you can start shopping early Black Friday deals now. Here are the best deals to shop.

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

Check out our full review of the M2 MacBook Air.

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

More Apple dealsMacBooksMacsiPadsApple WatchesAirPods and speakersAirTagsBest robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo S $459.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $340.00 Get Deal Why we like it

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

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

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

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

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

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

More headphone and speaker dealsHeadphonesEarbudsSpeaker dealsBest 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 dealsBest laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (Snapdragon X Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,699.99 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal Why we like it

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

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

The upgraded configuration that Gedeon tested is a 13-inch model featuring a Snapdragon X Elite processor, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage. It usually retails for $1,999.99, but Amazon and the Microsoft Store both have it listed for $1,699.99, or 15% 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 Echo device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Pop $17.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $22.00 Get Deal Why we like it

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

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

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

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

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

More TV deals

TV deals are sorted by size, then price.

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

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

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

More fitness tracker deals

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

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

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

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

More kitchen deals

Mini crossword answers for November 22

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 03:39

The Daily Mini Crossword is one of the many popular daily word games available on Mashable. Powered by Arkadium, the mini crossword offers a speed round of puzzle fun with clues that are sure to challenge experienced crossword enthusiasts.

But there's no need to let the challenge get in the way of your enjoyment! If moments are turning to minutes after getting stuck on a clue, find the answers you need to progress right here.

And when you're done, check out the many other word games you can play on Mashable, including a full-size crossword.

Also, if you get stuck on any other daily word games, such as Wordle, Connections, or Strands — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for November 22 SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to Daily Mini Crossword for Friday, November 22, 2024:

Across____ Wednesday

  • The answer is Ash.

Old anesthetic

  • The answer is Ether.

"Behold!"

  • The answer is Voila.

Representative

  • The answer is Envoy.

Break bread

  • The answer is Eat.

DownObserve Yom Kippur

  • The answer is Atone.

Supreme being

  • The answer is Shiva.

Spartan serf

  • The answer is Helot.

Adam's madam

  • The answer is Eve.

Sunbeam

  • The answer is Ray.

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.

Hurdle hints and answers for November 22

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 03:31

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

To undo something spoken.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for November 22 Hurdle Word 1 answer

UNSAY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A plainly true statement.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 22 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

AXIOM

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A type of clothing.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 22 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 22 Hurdle Word 3 answer

DRESS

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Moisture in the air.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for November 22 Hurdle Word 4 answer

HUMID

Final Hurdle hint

A dark timber from a tropical tree.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

EBONY

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

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 22

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 03:26

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 22 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow - Grabbing or catching

  • Green - Hopping to it

  • Blue - Likely to have or be near t-shirt cannons

  • Purple - People with the same first name

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow - Field a baseball

  • Green - Figure skating jumps

  • Blue - NFL mascots

  • Purple - Famous Bills

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #60 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

  • Field a baseball: CATCH, FIELD, PICK, SCOOP

  • Figure skating jumps: AXEL, LOOP, LUTZ, SALCHOW

  • NFL Mascots: MAJOR TUDDY, POE, SIR PURR, SWOOP

  • Famous Bills: BELICHICK, LAIMBEER, RUSSELL, WALTON

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

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

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

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

NYTs The Mini crossword answers, hints for November 22, 2024

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 03:17

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 Friday, November 22, 2024:

AcrossIcelandic singer with 16 Grammy nominations

  • The answer is Bjork.

Batman's sidekick

  • The answer is Robin.

African mammal with striped legs

  • The answer is Okapi.

Awkward response to hear when you introduce yourself to someone

  • The answer is Wemet.

Competed in a 5K

  • The answer is Ran.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 22 DownBody part that can be furrowed

  • The answer is Brow.

Batman's archnemesis

  • The answer is Joker.

President who used Keegan-Michael Key as his "anger translator" at the White House Correspondents' Dinner

  • The answer is Obama.

Turn red, as a chili pepper

  • The answer is Ripen.

Make a scarf

  • The answer is Knit.

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.

Spellbound review: Netflixs animated adventure finds its magic right at the end

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 03:01

The following review contains spoilers for the ending of Spellbound.

For a movie that features dark curses, enchanted forests, and flying cat-creatures, Spellbound is surprisingly devoid of any magic. At least, not until the end.

Directed by Vicky Jenson (Shrek), this animated adventure about a young princess (voiced by West Side Story's Rachel Zegler) trying to free her parents from a spell is an unfortunately formulaic ride for its first two thirds. Its final act, on the other hand, proves to be a mature and compassionate examination of parental separation. But is it enough to save the rest of the movie?

SEE ALSO: 'A Man on the Inside' review: Ted Danson and Mike Schur reunite for sweet sitcom gold What is Spellbound about? Credit: Skydance / Netflix

Stop me if you've heard this one before: A princess in a magical kingdom struggles with a curse that threatens to throw her whole world into disarray. It's a tale as old as time, albeit one that can work fairly well if given an appropriate twist. In Spellbound, that twist is that it's not the princess who's dealing with the curse: It's her parents. And she's left to deal with the fallout.

Princess Ellian (Zegler) of Lumbria is about to turn 15. But instead of celebrating, she's busy caring for her parents, who are monsters. Literally. About a year ago, a curse that feeds on "dark feelings" transformed them into (frankly, adorable) beasts with seemingly no memory of who they once were. Since then, Ellian and her parents' ministers Bolinar (voiced by John Lithgow) and Nazara (voiced by Jennifer Lewis) have kept the transformation a secret from the rest of Lumbria as they try to figure out their next steps. But the stress of making sure her parents don't escape (or eat anyone) is clearly weighing on Ellian. All she wants is to reverse the spell and bring things back to the way they were.

To save her parents, Ellian embarks on a daring quest into the Dark Forest of Eternal Darkness, where she'll meet with the powerful Oracles of the Sun and Moon (voiced by Tituss Burgess and Nathan Lane), cross dangerous deserts and rivers, and hide from the dark energy that cursed her parents.

SEE ALSO: 'Arcane' Season 2 review: The best fantasy show of 2024, hands-down

Despite the occasional fun touch — shout out to the odd couple Oracles — Ellian's journey plays out with an unfortunate blandness. World-building elements go woefully underdeveloped, like a magical key fob that seemingly has several settings and abilities, yet only ever sends out generic purple sparkles to get the job done. Tropes like Ellian's purple furry sidekick Flink feel overdone after mere seconds, a sentiment that only increases after Flink and Bolinar suffer an unexpected body swap.

Making matters worse are the film's songs, which sound nice enough (Zegler's voice here should get you more excited for her turn as Snow White) but are instantly forgettable. The animation falters too, at times feeling oddly textureless. Take the darkness that hunts Ellian and her parents through the forest. It takes the shape of a black tornado, yet it reads as flat and slack onscreen, to the point that it doesn't feel threatening at all.

Because of these many shortcomings, I'd almost written Spellbound off entirely as it approached its halfway point. But then something extraordinary happened: Ellian's monster parents began talking, hinting at a much more mature and complex story of family relationships.

Spellbound's ending is a solid rumination on how divorce impacts children. Credit: Skydance / Netflix

Ellian's parents don't master speech right away. Her mother (voiced by Nicole Kidman) and father (voiced by Javier Bardem) puzzle through language, unable to string together sentences or say anything more than "girl!" when talking to Ellian. And yes, hearing Kidman and Bardem's voices come out of giant monsters is absolutely as delightful as it sounds.

Yet as Ellian and her parents forge ahead on their quest, tensions rise between Lumbria's king and queen. They can barely get through a conversation without snarling at each other, causing Ellian even more anxiety as she struggles to keep her family together. With all this parental infighting, Spellbound makes you wonder why the curse — which, again, stems from dark emotions — really happened in the first place.

Just as Ellian's parents are about to become humans again, they realize that the source of the curse was themselves. Their constant arguing made them the monsters they are today: the angry couple who's so different from the happy parents Ellian remembers, to the point that they've become completely unrecognizable. Now, they don't want to go back to being those humans, since it caused them so much pain.

Of course, that news destroys Ellian, who has fought so hard for her parents every step of the way. Do they not love her enough to complete the last stage of their journey? After everything she did for them, why would they not do this for her? She's gone through so much stress trying to keep this family together, and now her parents want to throw it all away? It's a remarkable allegory for the pressure kids may put on themselves to resolve tensions within a fractured family, and of how they may feel guilty for a parental separation or divorce — something that's totally out of their control!

Similarly remarkable is what comes next: The king and queen apologize to Ellian, admitting that they didn't consider how hurt she would feel by their decision to remain apart. They reiterate how much they love her, and how much they will always love her. And while their separation will take work and getting used to, they vow that they will do whatever they can to prioritize her and help her through this transition. And guess what? It works. A flash forward proves that Ellian and her parents are getting used to the new normal and are working through it, day by day.

For Spellbound to present separation (the word "divorce" is never used, yet it's clear that's what this is) as a viable happily ever after feels like uncharted territory for a children's movie. Yet it is also so heartening to see, as this is the reality for so many young people out there. Spellbound treats Ellian's experience with so much empathy, and it also presents the separation as infinitely more healthy (and frankly, normal) for her family than any attempts to keep up facades. That's a bold, necessary statement to make about family relationships, one that many might find healing. So while Spellbound's exterior may not always break the mold, its heart is more than happy to break new ground, gifting us a truly special ending.

Spellbound is now streaming on Netflix.

Silo Season 2, episode 2: What happened between Bernard and Judge Meadows?

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 03:00

Another episode into Season 2 of Silo, and the mysteries are stacking up.

We found out last season that Head of Judicial Judge Meadows (Tanya Moodie) isn't really the powerful figure people believe her to be. Season 2, episode 2 gives us even more of an insight into her character — and, in particular, her relationship with the person actually in charge of the titular Silo, Bernard (Tim Robbins).

But what exactly is going on between the two of them, and what secret is Meadows hiding? We've had a go at breaking it down.

SEE ALSO: The 13 best TV episodes of 2024 (so far) What happens between Bernard and Judge Meadows in episode 2?

In episode 2, a desperate Bernard visits Meadows in her apartment to ask for help. He wants her to join him while he addresses the people of the Silo as a show of support, but Meadows refuses. Later, though, when Bernard takes to the podium, Meadows is there waiting — and she steps in to speak up for him after he lies to the Silo about inventing a new kind of protective tape.

Back in Meadows' apartment after the speech, she reveals to Bernard that she's stopped drinking. Then she tells him what she wants in return for her help.

"For the first time in 25 years, I don't want to be drunk. I want to be as clearheaded as I can about this, and you, going forward. I'll help you, Bernard," Meadows says. "Get me some of the good tape and put it aside until the crisis is over. I want my freedom."

For some reason, Meadows wants to follow Juliette Nichols (Rebeccas Ferguson) and leave the Silo's confines. But why?

Bernard seems confused by Judge Meadows Credit: Apple TV+ Why did Judge Meadows stop being Bernard's shadow?

Clearly, Judge Meadows wasn't always this troubled. At one point back in time, we learn, she was in fact Bernard's shadow.

"Nobody knows me better than you," says Bernard early in the episode, making it clear that the two of them share a bond he doesn't share with anyone else in the Silo. What's just as obvious, though, is that this bond has become fractured — and whatever went wrong can be traced back to an event 25 years in the past.

We don't yet know what this event was. All we know is that 1) It caused Meadows to start drinking, and 2) Not even Bernard knows what happened.

"I'll never fucking understand you," he says. "What was it, Mary? 25 years of this secret. What are you holding onto? What aren't you telling me? You're hiding something."

Our only other clue is Meadows' request to go outside. Whatever secret she's holding on to, maybe it's something to do with the mystery of what's going on beyond the Silo's metal walls.

How to watch: Silo is streaming now on Apple TV+ with new episodes releasing weekly.

Silo Season 2, episode 2: What does Bernards book on The Order say?

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 03:00

We already know Bernard (Tim Robbins) has information nobody else in Silo does, but Season 2, episode 2 shows us he even has his own private manual.

After we followed Juliette (Rebecca Ferguson) into that semi-abandoned silo in episode 1 we cut back to the original silo in the next episode, watching as Bernard runs into his private server room and sees — through a camera in Juliette's visor — her pushing long-dead bodies out of the way to get to possible safety, just before the signal cuts out.

Panicking, Bernard grabs a large black book titled "The Order". After flipping through it he stops on a page with instructions on what to do if someone sent out to clean doesn't actually clean.

SEE ALSO: The 13 best TV shows of 2024 (so far)

The page only flashes up for a second, but with a bit of pausing and zooming we've managed to transcribe it:

IN THE EVENT OF A FAILED CLEANING, PREPARE FOR WAR

This failed cleaning action plan is provided only as a guide to help Mayoral and Judicial and employees/Raiders comply with the requirements of the Occupational Health Administration's Silo Emergency Action Plan Standard, 34 Code of Silo Regulations (CSR). It is not intended to supersede the requirements of the standard. This plan contains the basic elements of an emergency action plan. However, you should review the...

After that the text gets too blurry to make out. We can't see much of the text on the right-hand page, either, but the words "Begin with a list..." can be deciphered.

Credit: Apple TV+

In the next shot, you can make out a subheading further down the same page that reads "SILO WAR PLAN" followed by some more text that's impossible to make out.

What does the text in The Order tell us?

Presumably The Order, like The Pact, is a text provided by the silo's mysterious Founders. Unlike The Pact, though, which is taught to all citizens, it seems as though The Order is a book only someone in Bernard's position is privy to. The text itself is fairly jargon-filled, but the line near the bottom — "This plan contains the basic elements of an emergency action plan" — stands out.

In short, the Founders (and therefore Bernard) view a "failed cleaning" as something that's a high level emergency — something that is likely to lead to "war" in the silo. Clearly, the Founders set out instructions in case of such an event, which we can presume Bernard will start to follow as Season 2 progresses.

We don't know what these instructions are — although the "Begin with a list..." line on the second page sounds a bit ominous — but judging by everything else we know about the silo's strict regime, it probably won't be good news for the citizens.

How to watch: Silo is streaming now on Apple TV+ with new episodes releasing weekly.

Threads tweaks algorithm to show accounts you actually follow

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 02:53

Threads is apparently deprioritising its algorithmic feed, allowing you to see more posts from people you actually follow. It seems Meta is trying to increase the appeal of its microblogging platform as people search for X alternatives in the wake of the U.S. election.

Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri announced the change in a Threads post on Thursday. Though his initial post did not specify whether he was referring to Threads or Instagram, he implied it was the former in a subsequent reply.

SEE ALSO: Stephen King is ditching X for Threads

"We are rebalancing ranking to prioritize content from people you follow, which will mean less recommended content from accounts you don’t follow and more posts from the accounts you do starting today," Mosseri wrote. "For you creators out there, you should see unconnected reach go down and connected reach go up."

View on Threads

Many users have compared Threads' announced changes to Twitter spinoff Bluesky, which already defaults to showing users content from accounts they follow. Bluesky CEO Jay Graber has previously stated that it aims to offer a "marketplace of algorithms" users can choose from instead of a single "master algorithm," noting that a chronological feed of accounts you follow is technically an algorithm as well.

"Great to see other social networks copy custom feeds!" Bluesky wrote on its Threads account, apparently in response to Mosseri's announcement. "This is the kind of competition and innovation that's been missing from social for the last decade, because progress has been locked within tech giants. This is what improves our experience online."

love the giant brain super genius action of "maybe people want to read the things posted by the people they follow"

[image or embed]

— the Mountain Goats (@themountaingoats.bsky.social) November 22, 2024 at 1:51 PM

Having experienced them all: Bluesky > Threads > Staring into the middle distance in longing > the emptiness inside > twitter

— John Green (@johngreensbluesky.bsky.social) November 21, 2024 at 8:56 AM

Upon reflection, staring into the middle distance in longing is better than threads.

— John Green (@johngreensbluesky.bsky.social) November 21, 2024 at 9:02 AM

bluesky is so much better at threads then threads.

— Vijay Pemmaraju (@vijay.io) November 21, 2024 at 4:14 PM

A significant number of those abandoning Elon Musk's X have moved to Bluesky, which gained over 700,000 new users to hit 20 million this week. Meanwhile, Mosseri announced that Threads reached 275 million monthly active users at the start of this month — a number Meta is clearly hoping to grow.

"This [ranking rebalancing] is definitely a work in progress — balancing the ability to reach followers and overall engagement is tricky — thanks for your patience and keep the feedback coming," Mosseri wrote on Tuesday.

Threads' decision to back off algorithmically recommended content is a departure from Meta's apparent strategy in recent years. Instagram and Facebook literally doubled down on algorithmic feeds in 2022, with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg declaring that both would increase the amount of algorithmically chosen content they displayed twofold. This was despite the overwhelming unpopularity of the algorithmic feed, which Meta was well aware of but determined to power through.

"Now, if you're seeing things in your Feed that are recommendations that you're not interested in, that means that we're doing a bad job ranking, and we need to improve," said Mosseri at the time. "But we're going to continue to try and get better at recommendations because we think it's one of the most effective and important ways to help creators reach more people."

It now seems that, at least for Threads, Meta is finally letting users see more of the content they actually signed up for, and deprioritising algorithmic experimentation.

Price drop: Learn automation scripting and PowerShell with this £11.89 bundle

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Learn PowerShell scripting, task automation, and more with this £11.89 (reg. £61.95) online course bundle, on sale at the Mashable Shop through 8 December.

Opens in a new window Credit: StackCommerce The 2024 Windows PowerShell Certification Bundle £11.89 at the Mashable Shop
£61.95 Save £50.06 Get Deal

Automation is getting more common for most businesses, and for good reason. Who wants overly complicated operations and hefty workloads? To stay on top of this growing trend in the IT world, you may want to look into learning Windows PowerShell.

PowerShell is a cross-platform task automation and configuration management program designed to make your professional life easier. Learn automation, PowerShell scripting, and more with this 2024 training bundle, now available for only £11.89.

This training collection contains six courses spearheaded by Vijay Saini, an IT professional with years of experience working in multiple industry domains. Saini specialises in tackling small- to large-scale automation to save businesses money. In short, he's someone who knows his stuff.

Beginners can start with the Anybody Can Script course. Here, you'll discover the basics of creating and using scripts with lessons on the fundamentals of automation for simple tasks. Some of the other topics you'll dive into are basic command lines and how to integrate PowerShell with non-Microsoft products.

If you're familiar with Windows PowerShell already, the Advanced Scripting and Tool Making course might be a more practical starting point. You'll explore more advanced scripting techniques and learn about advanced file handling, database interactions, and creating graphical user interfaces (GUIs) using PowerShell.

At the end of each course, students will earn a certificate of completion, which they can add to their LinkedIn profile or CV to impress employers.

Grab the 2024 Windows PowerShell training bundle for just £11.89 (reg. £61.95) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Get 3 months of Kindle Unlimited for under £1 this Black Friday

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: A three-month subscription to Kindle Unlimited is on sale for £0.99 this Black Friday. This special offer saves you £27.48 on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Unlimited Kindle Unlimited (3-Month Subscription) £0.99 at Amazon
£28.47 Save £27.48 Get Deal

Amazon has launched its Black Friday sale with massive deals on just about everything. There are some really interesting offers, but the very best deals might be on Amazon's own range of services.

A three-month subscription to Kindle Unlimited is on sale for £0.99, saving you £27.48 on list price. This Black Friday deal is live until Dec. 2.

SEE ALSO: Suction up these Dyson deals ahead of Black Friday and get up to 46% off

So why should you consider signing up for Kindle Unlimited? This popular subscription service provides unlimited reading and listening on any device, with over 1 million titles, thousands of audiobooks, and selected magazine subscriptions available on any device.

It's important to note that after the three-month promotional period, your subscription will automatically renew at the monthly rate of £9.49 for Prime members. You can cancel this automatic renewal function at anytime though, so there's no pressure to pay anything. Kindle Unlimited subscribers with active free trials or paid memberships are not eligible for this exclusive promotion. Customers who have benefited from a Kindle Unlimited promotion or free trial within the past 36 months may also miss out on this offer.

Get three months of Kindle Unlimited for £0.99 this Black Friday.

Save $20 on the Pulse Elite wireless headset for Black Friday

Mashable - Fri, 11/22/2024 - 00:00

SAVE $20: Until Jan. 2, the Pulse Elite wireless headset is on sale for $20 off in the PlayStation Black Friday sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Pulse Elite Wireless Headset Save $20 in the PlayStation Black Friday Sale Get Deal

Weirdly, you don't expect to find the best PS5 deals during major shopping events like Black Friday from PlayStation. Instead, the best discounts can most often be found from retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target.

But that could all change this year, because PlayStation has jumped ahead of the competition by offering a bunch of tempting deals on consoles, accessories, and more. And most of these deals are available until the end of the year, so you don't need to feel like you're being pressured into a purchase.

SEE ALSO: PS5 vs. PS5 Slim: What are the differences?

Until Jan. 2, the Pulse Elite wireless headset is on sale for $20 off in the PlayStation Black Friday sale. This premium headset offers lifelike sound in your favourite games with planar magnetic drivers, and lets you hear every detail with a lossless, lightning-fast PlayStation Link wireless connection. The fully retractable microphone is even equipped with AI-enhanced noise rejection.

Save $20 on DualSense wireless controllers in the PlayStation Black Friday sale.

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