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M4 MacBook Pro: Another YouTuber claims to have gotten his hands on one

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 13:26

The leaked M4 Macbook Pro saga just keeps getting worse for Apple.

SEE ALSO: M4 MacBook Pro: YouTuber claims he secured one before Apple even announced it

What started with one Russian YouTuber showing off the yet-to-be-announced laptop has now escalated with a second video from a channel dubbed Romancev768. His unboxing may be less thorough, but it’s another piece of evidence fueling the growing speculation that Apple’s next-gen hardware is on the horizon. This follows claims from just last week on X (formerly Twitter) that someone was trying to flip an M4 MacBook Pro on Facebook Marketplace.

Tweet may have been deleted

Apple, of course, hasn’t announced these laptops yet. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, an Apple analyst and leaker, says late October is the target date for an announcement, which leaves plenty of room for doubt. Are these actual M4 models or just elaborate fakes?

TechCrunch points out that both unboxings feature the same model numbers and packaging, hinting they could either be from a leaked batch of real devices — or the same knockoff unit is being passed around the Russian tech scene for clicks. Either way, it’s not exactly the product rollout Apple had in mind.

Gurman’s Power On newsletter reports that Apple is set to launch new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models powered by M4 chips, which debuted in the iPad Pro earlier this year. The lineup also includes a redesigned Mac mini with M4 and M4 Pro chips, a refreshed iMac with M4, and a new iPad mini. Expect these releases soon as Apple continues its M-series expansion.

The leaked videos show the 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro with 512GB in Space Black — a color previously exclusive to the 16-inch model. It features three Thunderbolt 4 ports instead of the usual two and starts with 16GB of RAM. Under the hood, it’s powered by a 10-core variant of the new M4 chip.

How these Russian YouTubers managed to get their hands on these M4 MacBook Pros is a real mystery. Apple is prohibited from selling its products in Russia, and the model numbers suggest these laptops were meant for the U.S. market. It’s hard to believe that a security-obsessed company like Apple could lose multiple flagship laptops in an embargoed country.

For Apple's sake, let's hope these are some super well-made dupes.

Save hundreds on Samsonite, American Tourister, and more luggage during October Prime Day

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 13:17
October Prime Day luggage deals: Best overall Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX hardside expandable luggage set $208.34 at Amazon (with Prime) (save $280.66) Get Deal Best carry-on deal Travelpro Maxlite 5 softside expandable carry-on $108.79 at Amazon (with Prime) (save $61.20) Get Deal Best budget pick Amazon Basics expandable hardside luggage (30-inch) $68.89 at Amazon (with Prime) (save $41.10) Get Deal

Summer may be over, but that doesn’t mean the travel season has to end. And now that Prime Day fall edition is finally here, you can get your hands on discounted luggage that’ll last you a lifetime (depending on the brand and how you treat it, of course).

SEE ALSO: Live Blog: The latest news on October Prime Day 2024

Whether you’re in need of a small carry-on for business trips, a roomy checked bag for your next family vacation, or something in between, Amazon’s got hundreds of options from top brands like Samsonite, American Tourister, Travelpro, and more with price cuts that’ll likely disappear once the big event wraps up.

From hardside to softside spinner sets, durable backpacks, and even kids' luggage, we've done the hard work of rounding up some of the best October Prime Day luggage deals.

Here are our top picks:

Best deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Samsonite Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX hardside expandable luggage set $208.34 at Amazon
$489.00 Save $280.66 Get Deal Why we like it

The Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX hardside expandable luggage set is one of the best deals we've seen during Prime Day. This durable two-piece set was originally priced at $489, but you can snag it for just $208.34 right now — that's over 50% off. But you have to be a Prime member to get this deal.

The set comes with one 20-inch carry-on and one 24-inch checked bag, both with expandable hardside shells, multi-directional spinner wheels, and a built-in TSA-approved lock. This set also includes a 10-year warranty, so you can literally use it for years to come.

More October Prime Day luggage deals

More than a dozen states sue TikTok for its allegedly addictive algorithm

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 13:08

TikTok's already long list of legal troubles continue, with 13 states and the District of Columbia filing new lawsuits that claims its "addictive algorithm" is part of a profit model that harms children.

The lawsuit, filed individually by each party Tuesday, accuses TikTok of falsely advertising its platform's content moderation and safety policies for minors. Through its intentionally addictive software, the lawsuit claims, children are incentivized to keep watching videos for as long as possible, resulting in poor mental health and body image issues, as well as harm from viral TikTok challenges.

As New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement: "TikTok claims that their platform is safe for young people, but that is far from true. In New York and across the country, young people have died or gotten injured doing dangerous TikTok challenges and many more are feeling more sad, anxious, and depressed because of TikTok’s addictive features."

California Attorney General Rob Bonta wrote that a state investigation found "TikTok cultivates social media addiction to boost corporate profits." The platform "intentionally targets children," said Bonta, "because they know kids do not yet have the defenses or capacity to create healthy boundaries around addictive content."

SEE ALSO: 3 signs of online grooming you're likely to miss

Washington D.C.'s filing also accuses the company of operating an unlicensed money transmission business through its live streaming and virtual currency features, Reuters reported, which also facilitate the sexual exploitation of underage users. Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Vermont and Washington state also filed suit against TikTok.

Only a few days prior, the state of Texas announced its own lawsuit against the Chinese-owned social media giant, accusing the platform of violating the state's Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment Act by not providing proper privacy settings for minor accounts and advertising to them indiscriminately. In August, the U.S. Justice Department sued TikTok for allegedly violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which requires websites obtain parental consent before collecting personal information from children under 13.

These filings are the latest legal blows to the social media platform, following a 2022 report and subsequent investigation of the company's knowledge and complicity in fostering an unhealthy online environment for young people.

Other social media sites have also been under fire for jeopardizing the mental health and safety of their users. Last week, New Mexico filed a lawsuit against Snap (Snapchat), accusing the company of deceptively marketing its platform to children despite known problems of grooming and sexual scams targeting minors. The state has taken similar action against several other websites. Meta (Instagram, Facebook) has also weathered several lawsuits, including ones directly implicating CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

The best Xbox deals from October Prime Day 2024: Consoles, accessories, and more

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 13:01
Best Prime Big Deal Days Xbox deals Best console deal Xbox Series S (512GB) $284.99 at Amazon (save $15) Get Deal Best accessory deal Xbox Elite Series 2 Core controller $140 at Amazon (save $39.99) Get Deal Best bundle deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max + Astral Purple Core controller + 1-month Game Pass Ultimate bundle $79.99 at Amazon (save $61.98) Get Deal

Prime Big Deal Days is finally here, and it's brought with it a bevy of worthwhile gaming deals that you should definitely check out. Xbox fans are particularly lucky when it comes to discounts during the October Prime Day event — we've already found some pretty sweet offers on consoles, accessories, and individual games, and we expect to find more as the sale continues.

SEE ALSO: These are the best October Prime Day deals that cost under $50

Below, find our top Xbox deals from Prime Big Deal Days so far. (If you're looking for an Xbox Series X discount, we couldn't find any at Amazon, but Best Buy has them in stock for $50 off.)

Best console deal Opens in a new window Credit: Xbox Xbox Series S (512GB) $284.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal Why we like it

This isn't the best Xbox Series S deal we've ever seen, but it's something! The Xbox Series S is one of the best consoles you can get on a budget — just $284.99 during Prime Big Deal Days, which saves you $15. It's not as powerful as its Series X counterpart, but it's close, and if you also pick up an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, we're certain that you'll be happy with the overall package.

Best accessory deal Opens in a new window Credit: Xbox Xbox Elite Series 2 Core controller $140.00
$179.99 Save $39.99 Get Deal Why we like it

There's nothing wrong with the Core controller that comes with your Xbox console, but if you're looking to upgrade, there's no better option than Xbox's Elite line. The Elite Series 2 Core controller comes with a more premium-feeling build-quality, adjustable thumbsticks, a rubberized grip, hair trigger locks, back paddles, and more great customization options. During October Prime Day, you can get one for $140, saving you $39.99.

Best bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Xbox / Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max + Astral Purple Core controller + 1-month Game Pass Ultimate bundle $79.99
$141.97 Save $61.98 Get Deal Why we like it

This is easily the best gaming bundle we've found during Prime Big Deal Days so far. It comes with an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (which includes the Xbox streaming app), an Xbox Wireless Core controller, and a 1-month membership to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. That's a $141.97 value for just $79.99. If you're into streaming games, this deal is a no-brainer — pick it up and save $61.98.

More October Prime Day Xbox deals

Games:

Accessories:

Eufy's X10 Pro Omni robot vacuum gets a $250 Prime Day discount

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 12:58

SAVE $250: The Eufy X10 Pro Omni robot vacuum with a bunch of nifty self-cleaning features is on sale now for $549.99 for Amazon Prime Day. That's a savings of $250 off the normal list price of $799.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy/Amazon Eufy X10 Pro Omni robot vacuum and mop $549.99
$799.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal

Let's face it: Cleaning floors stinks. No one likes doing it. It's one of those things we'd all be happy to leave to the robots, and thankfully, Amazon's October Prime Day is a great opportunity to get one of those robot vacuums to clean for you.

SEE ALSO: Our favorite Roomba deals during October Prime Day

The Eufy X10 Pro Omni got nearly a third of its list price slashed off for Prime Day. Not only does it vacuum, but it's also a robot mop. What makes this robot vacuum unique is that you get high-end features like AI-driven obstacle avoidance and self-cleaning and drying mop pads without paying a ton of money for them. You'll spend less time worrying about things like refilling water tanks and cleaning mop pads yourself, in other words.

According to our reviewer Leah Stodart, the X10 Pro Omni is a reliable vacuum and mopping tool with only minor issues, like weirdly ignoring a bath mat and considering it an obstacle to avoid. Most importantly, it's $250 off right now.

Sebastian Stan, Aaron Schimberg and Adam Pearson reveal the significance of the karaoke scene in 'A Different Man'

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 12:57
The karaoke scene in 'A Different Man' is a pivotal one in the A24 film. Sebastian Stan, Adam Pearson and filmmaker, Aaron Schimberg break down the scene and it's significance in the film.

Our favorite tech gifts for the gadget-loving set

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 12:54

Once upon a time, kids (and kids at heart) longed for the biggest present in the pile. But size doesn't matter when picking out the best tech gifts. Some of the year's top gadgets are small enough to fit inside your pocket, and thanks to digital downloads, many popular gaming gifts take up no physical space whatsoever.

Our tech gift guide includes some of the best new releases of the year, most of which we've written about and reviewed. From the new Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Red Edition to new Amazon devices, we've focused on the gadgets our editors really loved this year — the true drool-worthy I can't believe you got this for me gifts.

Here are over 50 of Mashable's favorite gift-worthy gadgets and tech gifts.

National Weather Service releases dire Hurricane Milton storm surge video

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 12:24

Hurricane Milton, a storm expanding in size, will force high surges of ocean into the west Florida coast.

In response, the National Weather Service's Tampa Bay office released a succinct, stark video showing the consequences of the looming hurricane, which exploited warm waters and favorable conditions to intensify into a monstrous cyclone.

"We're going to witness some historic, life-threatening storm surge," meteorologist Christianne Pearce says in the video, posted online.

SEE ALSO: Why it's impossible to forecast the weather too far into the future

At 20 seconds in, Pearce shows the average height of storm surge from recent Hurricane Helene, which was over most people's heads at seven feet. Then, the meteorologist shows the 10-foot surge expected for southwest Florida, which is the height of most home ceilings. Finally, at one minute, Pearce shows the 10 to 15 feet of surge expected where the storm's eyewall — where a hurricane's strongest winds rotate around the eye — makes landfall, along with areas directly south of the landfall.

"Fifteen feet is to our roof."

"Fifteen feet is to our roof," Pearce says, pointing to the top of the Tampa weather service office while urging people to heed evacuation orders.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

The storm's track may change slightly over the coming two days, but the big picture is clear. The west coast of central Florida will see a historic storm. It will likely make landfall Wednesday night.

"If the storm stays on the current track, it will be the worst storm to impact the Tampa area in over 100 years," the National Weather Service said.

Tweet may have been deleted

Though a number of factors influence the formation of strong hurricanes (opposing winds that can break apart storms, moist or dry air, etc.), a vital influence is warm sea surface temperatures of over 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius). Warm oceans act as jet fuel for hurricanes, storm scientists explain. That's because warmer oceans fuel tropical storms as more water naturally evaporates into the air, giving storms energy and moisture to intensify. Crucially, the oceans, which absorb most of the heat created by burning fossil fuels, are relentlessly warming.

Today, Atlantic hurricanes are already twice as likely to develop from a milder storm into a major hurricane.

Our favorite Roomba deals during October Prime Day

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 12:01
Best October Prime Day robot vacuum deals Best budget pick iRobot Roomba Q011 robot vacuum $139.99 at Amazon (save $110) Get Deal Best combo pick iRobot Roomba j5+ self-emptying robot vacuum and mop $450 at Amazon (save $279.99) Get Deal

Roomba is one of the more popular robot vacuum models, and honestly, it's for a good reason: They make really great products. In honor of October's Prime Day event, a bunch of different Roomba models are on sale at pretty steep discounts. There will probably be more as the event goes on, so keep checking back. If you're interested in one of the more premium Roomba companions, we're actually hoping to see better deals on those during the Prime event now that the new Combo 10 Max is out.

If you hate doing chores as much as we do, check out our top Roomba deals ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, including price cuts on regular vacuums, mop combos, and more.

SEE ALSO: The best Dyson vacuums: A guide to the latest versions of stick, ball, and handheld cleaners Best budget pick Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot Our pick: iRobot Roomba Q011 robot vacuum $139.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $110.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you've never had a robot vacuum and don't want to blow a ton of money on one before you even know if you like it, this budget Roomba vac is only $139.99 ahead of Prime Big Deal Days ($110 in savings). It's got all the basics you need: Powerful suction, smart navigation, smartphone app controls, self-recharging, and Alexa support. It's easy to clean, too.

Best combo pick Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot Our pick: iRobot Roomba j5+ self-emptying robot vacuum and mop $450.00 at Amazon
$729.99 Save $279.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Combo robot vacuums are much more well-rounded devices compared to their vacuum-only counterparts. The Roomba j5+, for example, is also a mop and can clean itself. It's also $279.99 off ahead of October Prime Day, taking its price down to just $450. The j5+ features more powerful suction over Roomba's more budget-friendly options, smart mapping, and a sensor that'll help the vacuum steer clear of any pet-related accidents. If you want to knock three items off your chore list with one device (vacuuming, mopping, and cleaning the machine), you'll want to consider picking up this Roomba model.

More October Prime Day robot vacuum dealsPROMOTED ROBOT VACUUM DEALS Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Q8 Max Roborock Q7 Max $219.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $380.00 Shop Now eufy X10 Pro Omni $549.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $250.00 Shop Now

Products available for purchase here through affiliate links are selected by our merchandising team. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission or other compensation.

Get up to 50% off board games during October Prime Day (Day 1)

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 12:00
October Prime Day board game deals: Best overall CATAN $29.99 at Amazon (save $30 ) Get Deal Best runner-up Ticket to Ride $29.99 at Amazon (save $25) Get Deal Best board game for kids Candy Land Kingdom of Sweet Adventures $9.99 at Amazon (sav e $2) Get Deal

Today’s the day: October Prime Day is finally here, and Amazon’s gifting us with hundreds of deals on all sorts of products, from TVs and soundbars to gaming consoles and more. But tech isn’t the only thing getting discounted — we’re also seeing some major deals on top-rated board games.

SEE ALSO: The PlayStation 5 Slim is down to its lowest-ever price on October Prime Day

Whether you’re seriously into board games, want to bulk up your collection, or make family game night a regular thing, October Prime Day is one way to do it on the cheap. From classics like Catan and Monopoly to adult party games like Tipsyland, here are the best October Prime Day board game deals we could find:

Best board game deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: CATAN Catan $29.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Catan is a classic strategy game that’s perfect for families and game nights. And, at 50% off — down to just $29.99 — it's a steal. (You can get the five-to-six-player extension for $24.49). In this game, you’ll need to collect resources, settle the land, and trade with other players to build the biggest settlements. If you like any of the digital empire-building games, Catan is a great tabletop version that requires tight strategy, some luck, and a good dose of diplomacy to win.

More board game deals

Sign up for 3 months of Audible Premium Plus for just $3 on October Prime Day

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 11:41

SAVE $41.88: A 3-month subscription to Audible Premium Plus is just $2.97 ($.099 per month), down from the usual price of $44.85, or $14.95 per month. That's a 93% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 3-month subscription to Audible Premium Plus $2.97 at Amazon
$44.85 Save $41.88 Get Deal

Audiobooks might be the best form of entertainment. It's all the enrichment that comes from reading a book but with a hands-free ability. That means you can "turn pages" while taking the dog for a walk, driving into work, or flying home for the holidays. If you enjoy audiobooks, listen in to this Amazon Prime Day Big Deal Days offer.

Until Dec. 31, sign up for a 3-month subscription to Audible Premium Plus for just $.099 per month, or $2.97 total, down from the normal price of $14.95 per month, or $44.85 total. Overall, you'll save $41.88.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day Kindle deals aren't too impressive yet, but that could change

Audible Premium Plus gives you discounted or free prices on the Audible Plus Catalog of audiobooks, which includes Audible Originals and podcasts. You'll be able to browse a collection of audiobooks that includes some of today's bestsellers while also having access to old favorites. The Premium Plus membership also gives you one free title from the Audible premium selection, regardless of price. You also get 30% off any additional titles you'd like to purchase from the premium selection.

You're free to cancel your membership at any time, but keep in mind it'll be set to renew at $14.95 per month after the sale three-month period is over.

If you find yourself tuning into audiobooks often, an Audible Premium Plus membership could be a great way to get discounted titles for your listening pleasure. Thanks to Amazon's October Prime Day sale, you can start off with paying just $2.97 for the first three months.

Dyson's Supersonic hair dryer is $100 off for October Prime Day

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 11:34

SAVE $100: As of Oct. 8, the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer is on sale for $329.99 on Amazon. That's a savings of $100 from its normal list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson/Amazon Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer $329.99
$429.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

If you've been in need of a swanky new hair dryer, Amazon's October Prime Day is a great opportunity to fix that.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day is here — here are all the best deals to shop so far

Amidst all of the great early deals is a nice bit of savings on Dyson's Supersonic hair dryer. A staple of beauty YouTubers and TikTokers, this hair dryer comes with several magnetic attachments for different methods of hair styling. Whether you're going straight and simple or you have curls, this hair dryer should serve your needs.

Mashable reviewer Bethany Allard noted in her review that the Supersonic is quieter than the competition, fast-working, and light. Swapping magnetic attachments is a breeze and, most importantly, it doesn't damage your hair. Her main criticism was the high default asking price, but with this Prime Day deal, that isn't a problem.

Microsoft Word bug: The word processor will delete your files if you do this

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 11:29

Microsoft has confirmed a bug in Word for Microsoft 365 that deletes files if you try to save them.

According to BleepingComputer, the Word for Microsoft 365 support team said there is a known issue in version 2409 where a file "is deleted after save if the title contains a capitalized file extension (.DOCX, .RTF) or #." Microsoft also explained that "the issue occurs after making an edit to the file and saving when prompted after trying to close Word."

SEE ALSO: Tired of 365 outages? Get the full Microsoft Office suite for life for just $72.

Fortunately, the bug is limited to version 2409, occurs with capitalized file extension names, and happens when you’re prompted to save upon closing Word (not when you manually save).

So that narrows down the issue quite a bit. But it's still pretty bad for the unlucky users whose files are deleted when they're trying to do the exact opposite. Several users on Reddit and Microsoft forums reported this happening to them.

Just a few weeks ago, another Microsoft 365 bug occurred that caused outages and issues with Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and others. And in July a massive outage from CrowdStrike, which provides antivirus software to Microsoft, took down millions of Windows devices and caused global disruption for a few days.

Microsoft is currently investigating the issue. But until there's a fix, a few different workarounds are recommended. First, if your file was deleted, it may have gone to the recycle bin, so you should try to find it there. To mitigate any future problems, manually save documents before closing to avoid triggering the save prompt, which is when files may be deleted. "Our current tests show the issue occurs after saving when prompted on clicking X to close Word. It does not currently reproduce when manually saving before close," said Microsoft.

You can also disable the Backstage option to prevent possibly triggering the bug. Do this by going to File > Options > Save then "Don’t show the Backstage when opening or saving files with keyboard shortcuts."

Last but not least, you can also revert back to an older version of Microsoft 365 until the bug is fixed.

'The Diplomat' Season 2 trailer sees Allison Janney for vice president

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 11:27
Netflix's deeply addictive political dramas returns for Season 2 — one of the TV shows we can't wait to see this autumn.

MoneyGram confirms hack: Social Security numbers, driver’s licenses, and other customer data have leaked

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 11:15

On Monday, MoneyGram confirmed that it had been targeted in an cyberattack, resulting in an unauthorized party gaining access to their company's internal systems. 

It's unclear how many of MoneyGram's customers were affected. According to the company's website, MoneyGram has more than 150 million customers across 200 countries and territories.

MoneyGram notified customers about the data breach on its website, explaining that the information affected will be different for each customer.

The types of customer data that have been stolen in the breach include names, home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, birthdays, Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, MoneyGram Plus Rewards numbers, and transaction information. 

In addition, copies of IDs, such as driver's licenses as well as other identification documents like copies of utility bills, were also taken. MoneyGram said that for a "limited number of consumers," criminal investigation information was also taken in the cybersecurity incident.

MoneyGram data breach just the latest theft of customer data

MoneyGram first became aware of unauthorized access of its internal systems on Sept. 27, 2024 and proceeded to temporarily shut down the affected systems.

"Upon detecting the issue, we took steps to contain and remediate it, including proactively taking certain systems offline, which temporarily impacted the availability of our services," MoneyGram said in a statement.

After a subsequent investigation, the company shared that the breach took place between September 20 and 22.

Just yesterday, Mashable reported on a data breach affecting Comcast customers. However, in that cybersecurity incident, Comcast customers' data was taken via a data breach at a third-party data collection company. MoneyGram's data breach is a result of a direct hack of the money transfer company itself.

According to BleepingComputer's report, the cybersecurity incident at MoneyGram was the result of a social engineering attack on its IT help desk. A hacker allegedly impersonated an employee and gained access to the company's network. MoneyGram has yet to share details of the incident. However, the company has confirmed that it is not a ransomware attack.

Due to the breach, MoneyGram will be providing affected customers with two years of free identity protection and credit monitoring services.

The 'typical U.S. adult' follows no politicians or journalists on TikTok, survey finds

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 11:11

Ahead of the 2024 presidential election there has been much speculation about where U.S. voters are getting their news and engaging with candidates. A new survey suggests that TikTok might not be that place.

SEE ALSO: Bill Nye will only take a selfie with you if you're voting pro-climate

Pew Research Center analyzed 664 adult TikTok users in the U.S. and concluded that "the typical U.S. adult on TikTok" follows no politicians, civil actors, traditional media outlets, or journalists. Each of those categories — the Pew study grouped who users followed into types of accounts — made up less than half a percent of the total accounts followed by surveyed users. For instance, just 0.4 percent of the followed accounts belonged to journalist, pundits, or traditional media outlets. Instead, TikTok users tend to follow accounts that post about pop culture and entertainment — which made up 56 percent of accounts followed in the study.

But TikTok accounts can be challenging to pigeon-hole into one topic. Many TikTokkers occupy a niche of pop culture news, vlogs, or dance content, while also pivoting their content to speak about political issues they are passionate about. For example, many content creators participated in initiatives supporting Palestine like Operation Olive Branch and Creators for Palestine. Pew Research Center found that 43 percent of surveyed users follow accounts that post a mix of pop culture and entertainment news as well as politics.

The study also focused on who users follow, which can be different that what content a TikTok user is actually interacting with regularly. That's because the For You Page surfaces content to users based on an algorithm that reigns supreme on the platform. A previous study conducted by Pew Research Center found that 39 percent of adults under 30 get their news on the platform. The combination of the studies suggests that users don't necessarily rely on trusted sources that they follow to keep up with the news.

Pew Research Center surveyed 664 adult TikTok users in the U.S., collecting data in April and June 2024. The first collection took place before Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump launched their TikTok accounts. The second collection of data was less than two weeks after Trump created his account and before Harris joined the platform.

Hurry to save 50% on the Holy Stone HS175D quadcopter drone

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 10:27

SAVE 50%: The Holy Stone HS175D quadcopter drone is on sale at Amazon for just $135.99, down from the Holy Stone MSRP of $269.99. That's a savings of $134.

Opens in a new window Credit: Holy Stone Holy Stone HS175D quadcopter drone $135.99 at Amazon
$269.99 Save $134.00 Get Deal

Whether you're hoping to capture epic footage of friends skiing this winter or would like to share aerial views of trips to your family back home, a drone can be a fun tech gadget to play with. Thanks to Amazon's Prime Day Big Deal sale event, we're seeing some incredible deals on drones (and smartphones and Apple Watches and all kinds of tech).

As of Oct. 8, the Holy Stone HS1775D quadcopter drone is on sale for just $135.99 at Amazon, down from the listed price at Holy Stone of $296.99. That's a 50% discount or a savings of $134 — and an even better deal than Amazon has listed.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day is finally here — here are all the best deals to shop so far

Holy Stone makes quality drones that come in at affordable prices. With a 4k camera, the Holy Stone HS175D quadcopter drone captures a wide 110-degree angle with 90 degrees of adjustability. Thanks to the two batteries, you can get up to 46 minutes of flight time with the drone. Plus, you get an included carrying case.

Holy Stone designed the HS175D to be friendly for beginners to the world of drones. Functions like altitude hold and one key take off and landing make learning how to control the drone less intimidating. Plus, this model has GPS auto return, meaning it'll use GPS to automatically return home should it lose signal, get out of range, or enter a low battery mode.

If you've been considering a drone or have someone on your holiday shopping list who would love one, today's deal on the Holy Stone HS175D is an impressive one.

Shop the best smartphone deals during October Prime Day — including an offer to get the new iPhone for just one penny

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 10:15
Best Smartphone Deals Best iPhone deal Apple iPhone 16 with Boost Mobile (128GB, locked) ✨🔥 $0.01 at Amazon (Save $829.98) Get Deal Best Motorola deal Motorola Razr (128GB, unlocked) ✨🔥 $349.99 at Amazon (Save $350) Get Deal Best Google deal Google Pixel 8 (128GB, unlocked)✨🔥 $402.80 at Amazon (Save $296.20) Get Deal Best Samsung Deal Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (256GB, unlocked) ✨🔥 $1,399.99 at Amazon (Save $500) Get Deal

Prime Big Deal Days is here. Running through October 9, the next 48 hours bring a bounty of savings. We're tracking all the deals on brands like Apple, and products including tablets and headphones. There are also some seriously good deals on smartphones.

Whether you use iOS or Android devices, there is a smartphone deal here for everyone. You can find savings on Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola. That includes the update Motorola Razr if you're feeling nostalgic for your old pink Motorola Razr flip phone. And these prices are seriously good: all of these smartphones are down to their lowest prices over.

We did the hunting so you don't have to. Here are the best smartphone deals to shop during the October Prime Day event.

Note: All newly added deals are marked with a ✨, while deals with a 🔥 have dropped to an all-time low price. Deals with a strikeout were either sold out or expired at the time of writing.

Best smartphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 16 (128GB, locked) ✨🔥 $0.01 at Amazon
$829.99 Save $829.98 With signup for a 36-month Boost Mobile plan Get Deal Why we like it

You're probably looking at that single cent price for the iPhone 16 and thinking that can't possibly be true. But Boost Mobile really is offering this incredible deal on a new iPhone — with all the new features including Apple Intelligence, the A18 chip, and new camera controls — during October Prime Day.

There are some stipulations, of course. With this deal, you get the iPhone 16 for just $0.01 (plus the taxes on it's $829.99 retail price) when you sign up for a 36-month Boost Mobile plan. These plans start at $65 per month and include unlimited talk, text, and data. Plus, you can upgrade to a new iPhone every year. These are stellar savings if you're ready to jump over to Boost Mobile.

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'A Complete Unknown' trailer: Watch Timothée Chalamet transform into Bob Dylan

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 10:05
Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, and Monica Barbaro star in Bob Dylan biopic "A Complete Unknown," in theaters Christmas Day.

'Underconsumption core' is just another form of consumerism

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 09:49

Once, the trend on TikTok was to own dozens of Stanley cups, displaying each prized possession like an exhibition at a museum. Now, that ideology has been replaced by influencers who have just one Stanley cup and actually use it — a trend called "underconsumption core."

Underconsumption core is framed as the antidote to overconsumption. It seems like a refreshing alternative, and, in some ways, it is. Encouraging people to avoid trends and use what they have despite the aesthetic it might create is a good thing. But why do we have to turn even that — avoiding aesthetic spending — into an aesthetic itself? With underconsumption core, we've created overcorrected away from overconsumption so aggressively that we've created another form of consumerism that keeps us tethered to the same cycle.

SEE ALSO: Huberman husbands and the rise of self-optimization

As we navigate late-stage capitalism, where our identities are increasingly tied to what we buy or refuse to buy, both extremes — overconsumption and underconsumption — center our lives around consumption.

Why does "underconsumption core" exist?

This past summer I went to a carnival in my neighborhood. I sat on the pirate ship ride, an open-seated gondola that swings back and forth. It made my stomach drop, then crawl back up to stasis and drop again. It's one of the few at the carnival that didn't make me sick — the motions are so predictable. We'll swoop backward, and then we'll overcorrect and swoop forward. It seemed like I could sit on that gondola forever and never get off or get comfortable, either. But when I tested my theory, I found my hypothesis wasn't correct. Eventually, I stopped feeling the effects of the pirate ship ride altogether. Swinging on the ride, I felt I was solid on the ground.

Staying in a constant state of correction has a way of numbing you; after a while, it starts to feel like the only reality. Just as the pirate ship ride loses its thrill, so too does the back-and-forth of consumerism. Underconsumption, positioned as a reaction to overconsumption, is simply another turn on the same ride, swinging us from one extreme to another without ever stepping off.

We're all trapped in a cycle of consumption-centered identity, particularly online. Separating who we are from what — and how — we consume has become a test of great will.

What's wrong with "underconsumption core?"

In our late-stage capitalism, fueled by inequality, globalization, and commodification, consumption has become a central identifier. We’re continually pushed between the extremes of overconsumption and underconsumption, but either way, we’re still centering consumerism. You either participate in conspicuous consumption — buying something specifically to show off your economic or social status — or refuse to at all, instead identifying as a minimalist.

The problem is that it might force us to continue the cycle. Right now, it's cool to underconsume — but if that gondola swings back, and history has shown us that it will, returning to old tricks will be all too easy, particularly as we treat it as a trend. American consumer culture thrives on dissatisfaction, and if your move to consume less is purely aesthetic or trend-focused it leaves much to be desired.

Water bottles are perhaps the most infamous culprit of commodity-based trends, but they're not the only items holding our wallets — and self-perception — in a choke-hold. Users were obsessed with the Ugg Tasman Slippers but quickly discarded them after they discovered their heels kept falling out of the shoe. The Dyson Airwrap has become a symbol of aspirational beauty and luxury tech, quickly replaced with dupes — and if you look at the Google trend interest over time, you can see that the cycle for each of these goes in and out of popularity every few months.

It’s not your fault. We live in a society that commodifies everything from emotional vulnerability and love to heartbreak and grief to art and trash. What is the newest way to center consumerism in your life? The underconsumption core trend.

SEE ALSO: Don't fall for the productivity aesthetic. It's a scam.

On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, "underconsumption core" encourages buying less, using what you already own, and embracing minimalism. While the trend is a revolt against overconsumption, wouldn't a more helpful response be removing consumerism from our identity altogether?

It’s easy to understand the appeal of underconsumption. Overconsumption has drained our wallets, cluttered our spaces, and rotted our sense of self-worth while flooding our social media feeds with endless suggestions to buy more. But underconsumption, while seemingly different, doesn’t address the core issue. How the trend is presented on TikTok, it centers underconsumption as an aesthetic choice rather than a genuine lifestyle change. It promotes individual action over addressing the larger systemic issues related to consumerism and waste. And, while attempting to move our gaze away from consumerism, it does the opposite.

According to one study from Global Environmental Politics, plenty of efforts are being made to make consumption better for the environment. But progress "needs to be seen in the context of a rising global population and rising per capita consumption, where states and companies displace much of the costs of consumption far from those who are doing most of the consuming." The study argues that there need to be "more global cooperation to mitigate the ecological effects of consumption."

Ultimately, the constant fixation on how much or how little we consume keeps us locked in a cycle where consumerism defines our identity. We’re still on the ride, swinging between extremes, never quite getting off.

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