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California has taken a huge step in protecting children placed in the online spotlight, passing two new pieces of legislation providing financial safety nets for minors starring in digital content.

Gov. Gavin Newsom was joined at the bill signing by singer and former child star Demi Lovato, who recently made headlines for her appearance in Child Star, a new Hulu documentary about youth working in Hollywood. Lovato championed California's new legislation and spoke about its importance at the event.

SEE ALSO: No more TikTok FYP? California social media bill could totally reshape kids' online world

The first of the new laws establishes financial and legal protections for minors featured in monetized online content, mandating a percentage of earnings gathered from online "performers" be placed in a trust by their parent or guardian. The law also requires those overseeing the kid-related content to create a written statement related to the trust and to keep records on revenue generated and how much money is placed in the trust. The second law expands existing legislation protecting child performers to cover minors "employed as content creators on online platforms."

Both laws, known as SB 764 and AB 1880, are intended to bolster the California Child Actor's Bill, also known as the Coogan Law. Passed in 1939, the law requires employers of child performers to place 15 percent of the young talent's earnings into a Coogan Account (formerly called blocked trust accounts or trust accounts) in order to ensure the minor is afforded a portion of their profit once they turn 18.

"A lot has changed since Hollywood’s early days, but here in California, our laser focus on protecting kids from exploitation remains the same," said Newsom. "In old Hollywood, child actors were exploited. In 2024, it’s now child influencers."

Coogan Law isn't infallible, however, and many industry actors have found legal loopholes to the law's provisions. Most recently, advocates have noted the grey area occupied by online child performers or influencers, including children who feature predominately in family "vlog" content created by their parents. Until recently, online "stars" were not protected under current entertainment law, although some states have moved to pass their own protective legislation.

Children "starring" in online content aren't just at risk for financial exploitation. Other advocates are ringing alarm bells on the social and mental repercussions of invasive sharing of children online, also referred to as "sharenting." In addition to financial protections at the state level, other legislators have proposed privacy laws to provide legal pathways for children who are exploited by their guardians without consent.

"In order to build a better future for the next generation of child stars, we need to put protections in place for minors working in the digital space," said Lovato.

"The Last of Us" Season 2, starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, hits HBO and Max in 2025.

Businesses are trying to game Google Maps with fake reviews and Google has had enough.

Google has started restricting profiles of businesses that are found to have hosted fake reviews. On its support website, Google laid out what exactly can happen to such businesses. Some of the possible punishments include, but are apparently not limited to, the following:

• Businesses won't be able to receive new reviews for a set period of time

• Existing reviews will be unpublished for a period of time

• Business profiles will display a warning that they have hosted fake reviews in the past

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Google started rolling this out initially in the UK earlier this year, but the policy is supposedly global now, per The Verge. That said, I haven't personally seen any warnings like this, so I can't guarantee if they're appearing in the U.S. yet.

SEE ALSO: Google launches new gaming world for kids on Roblox

It's no surprise that businesses would try to exploit the reviews system on Google Maps, given that the app is incredibly popular and one of the most common use cases is to find businesses in a user's area. However, fake reviews could erode trust in the system, so it's probably smart for Google to take increased steps against them.

Samsung hosted an event in NYC on Thursday, Sept. 26, revealing a handful of new devices, including new tablets, a phone, and a watch.

As expected this time of year, Samsung revealed the Galaxy Tab S10+ and the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. Interestingly, there isn't a base model this year, so you won't find an entry-level Galaxy Tab S10 in this lineup.

We also got a glimpse of the new Galaxy S24 FE, a budget-friendly addition to the Galaxy S24 series line that was unveiled earlier this year. And finally, Samsung revealed a new watch that has cellular support.

SEE ALSO: Apple Clean Up vs. Google Magic Eraser vs. Samsung Galaxy AI: Which one erases objects better? Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and S10+

As mentioned at the outset, Samsung eliminated the base model, so there's no Galaxy Tab S10 that succeeds last year's 11-inch Galaxy Tab S9.

Say hello to the new Galaxy Tab S10 series tablets Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashanle

This year, there are only two tablets to choose from: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ (12.4-inch) and Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra (14.6-inch).

Interestingly, unlike their predecessors, the Galaxy Tab S10 tablets no longer sport Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. Instead, they come with MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chipsets.

As Liliputing pointed out, this is interesting since MediaTek is often known for being packed inside budget devices (and the Galaxy Tab S10 series are not considered budget tablets). But Samsung claims that they have an 18 percent increase in CPU power as well as a 28 percent jump in graphics performance.

We'll have to test these claims ourselves when we get the new tablets in for review.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

With Samsung leaning heavily into AI, it's no surprise that the Book Cover keyboards (which can be attached to the tablets) now have a new Galaxy AI key, giving you easy access to the AI assistant that was announced alongside the Samsung Galaxy S24 series earlier this year.

Galaxy AI features include Sketch-to-Image, Circle to Search, and Note Assist. Plus, there's a Handwriting Help feature that helps tidy up your John Hancock.

Samsung also claims that the new Galaxy Tab S10 series also has "long-lasting battery life" as well as ultra-fast charging.

New features, aside from the new processor, include an improved speaker setup with an enhanced AI-powered "Dialogue Boost" perk, which augments voices in video and audio recordings.

The Galaxy Tab S10+ starts at $999.99 while the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra starts at $1,199.99.

Samsung Galaxy Watch FE LTE

Samsung Galaxy Watch FE was already introduced in June, but the company revealed that the watch will get the Galaxy AI features that are available on the pricier Galaxy Watch 7 series, enabling owners to get more personalized insights into their health.

Samsung Galaxy Watch FE LTE Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Plus, the company also dropped a new LTE version of the Galaxy Watch FE. In other words, you'll have the opportunity to take calls, send messages, and track your progress from anywhere — even if you don't have a connection to a phone.

The Galaxy Watch FE LTE starts at $249.99.

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE

If you feel that the Samsung Galaxy S24 series is too pricey and offers too many bells and whistles for your taste, the new Galaxy S24 FE is for you.

A quick look at specs:

• 6.7-inch AMOLED display

• 4,700 mAh battery

• Exynos 2400 chipset

Borrowing from the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, the FE model also has a 50MP wide lens. It also sports an 8MP telephoto lens with 3X optical zoom. Plus, the phone supports a 12MP ultra-wide lens as well as a 10MP selfie camera.

As you might have guessed, the Galaxy S24 FE also supports Galaxy AI, so you can enjoy the following features:

• Generative Edit (move objects around or remove them in photos)

• Portrait Studio (reimagine selfies as other visuals like cartoons, comics, and more)

• Edit Suggestions (remove reflections and other flaws)

• Instant Slow-mo

The Galaxy S24 FE starts at $649.99 and it comes in four colors: Blue, Mint, Gray, and Graphite.

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE in Graphite and Blue Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

All of the aforementioned devices are available for pre-order today. The Galaxy Tab S10 series, Galaxy Watch FE LTE, and the Galaxy S24 FE will start shipping on Oct. 3.

SZA answers questions and eats wings on 'Hot Ones' all while in facial bug prosthetics.

Grab the best unlocked phone deals ahead of Prime Big Deal Days:

The best early October Prime Day unlocked phone deals at a glance: BEST SAMSUNG GALAXY DEAL Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 AI (256 GB) $1,499.99 at Amazon (save $400) Get Deal BEST MOTOROLA DEAL Motorola razr+ 2023 (256GB) $599.99 at Amazon (save $400) Get Deal BEST GOOGLE PIXEL DEAL Google Pixel 8 (128GB) $499 at Amazon (save $200 + get free Googl Pixel Watch (WiFi)) Get Deal

If upgrading your phone is on your fall agenda, Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days could be the perfect opportunity to snag one at a sweet discount. Rather than coordinating a trade-in or new data plan at a specific carrier, save yourself the trouble and check out Amazon's list of unlocked phones. We'll let you in on a little secret: you can usually find better deals.

While Prime Big Deal Days doesn't officially kick off until Oct. 8, unlocked phone deals are already plentiful at Amazon, particularly on Samsung Galaxy and Motorola phones. There are a few Google Pixel deals in the mix as well, but we'll definitely be keeping our eyes peeled for more as we inch closer to the big day(s). We'll be shocked if any unlocked iPhone deals pop up, but there's always a small glimmer of hope.

Here are the best unlocked phone deals at Amazon ahead of the official October Prime Day. We'll be refreshing the list regularly as the shopping event nears.

Best Samsung Galaxy deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 AI (256 GB) $1,499.99 at Amazon
$1,899.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The latest Galaxy Z Fold 6 keeps the same winning formula as the Z Fold 5 (which we loved) but adds a few upgrades to make us love it more. It features a thinner, wider, and brighter display with enhanced resolution, a boost in Snapdragon power, and a ton of AI-powered tools from the Galaxy AI suite. It usually starts at $1,899.99, but ahead of the Prime Big Deal Days event, you can slash $400 off.

More Samsung Galaxy deals

• Samsung Galaxy A15 (128GB) — $179.99 $199.99 (save $20)

• Samsung Galaxy A35 (128GB) — $324.99 $399.99 (save $75)

• Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (256GB) — $559.99 $659.99 (save $100)

• Samsung Galaxy S24 (128GB) — $719.99 $799.99 (save $80)

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 AI (256GB) — $949.99 $1,099.99 (save $150)

• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB) — $1,049.99 $1,299.99 (save $250)

Best Motorola deal Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Our pick: Motorola razr+ 2023 (256 GB) $599.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the 2023 Motorola razr+.

Mashable reviewer RJ Andersen recently spent some time with the 2023 Motorola razr+ and found it to be a "worthy opponent to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5." It may not have the best camera, but it is "a solid phone with some solid specs." It has a 3.6-inch outer screen and a striking 6.9-inch internal display. It's also reliable, easy to use, and comes in some fun colors — although currently, only the blue and black are in stock at Amazon. Snatch up the 256 GB razr+ for just $599.99 ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. That's 40% off and just $50 shy of its record low. If you prefer the newer model (quicker processor, larger outer display, and waterproof design), you can slash $100 off the 2024 razr+ and pay just $899.99.

More Motorola deals

• Moto G Play 2024 (64GB) — $129.99 $149.99 (save $20)

• Motorola Moto G 5G 2023 (128GB) — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100)

• Motorola Moto G Power 5G (256GB) — $199.99 $299.99 (save $100)

• Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 (256GB) — $229.99 $399.99 (save $170)

• Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 (256GB) — $349.99 $399.99 (save $50)

• Motorola razr 2023 (128GB) — $399.99 $699.99 (save $300)

• Motorola Edge 2024 (256GB) — $449.99 $549.99 (save $100)

• Motorola Edge+ 2023 (512GB) — $499.99 $799.99 (save $300)

• Motorola razr+ 2023 (256GB) — $599.99 $999.99 (save $400)

• Motorola razr+ 2024 (256GB) — $899.99 $999.99 (save $100)

Best Google Pixel deal Opens in a new window Credit: Google Our pick: Google Pixel 8 (128GB) $499.00 at Amazon
$699.00 Save $200.00 + free Google Pixel Watch (WiFi) Get Deal

Check out our full review of the Google Pixel 8.

The new Google Pixel 9 is $100 more than its predecessor, which makes this deal on the still great Google Pixel 8 so much more appealing. It may not be the most exciting phone on the market anymore, but it's still a solid purchase in 2024. It offers a great camera, all-day battery life, a 120Hz refresh rate, a swanky chipset, and fancy AI features. Plus, when you snag it at Amazon through Sept. 28, you'll save $200 and get a free Google Pixel Watch (WiFi). That's technically a nearly $1,000 value for just $499.

More Google Pixel deals

• Google Pixel 8a (128GB) — $399 $499 (save $100)

• Google Pixel 8 Pro (129GB) — $624 $999 (save $375)

You might have to shell out more for your Star Wars, Disney, or Marvel fix. Disney+ began its password-sharing crackdown this week.

Following in Netflix's frustrating footsteps, Disney+ has limited subscription access to just one household. It detailed the new rules in a blog post in which it actually had the gall to tout the new "features and capabilities" that would expand "its paid-sharing program." In reality, it really just means you can't share your account outside your household without paying extra.

Let's get into the details.

How much will adding an "extra member" cost?

To add an "extra member" to an ad-supported plan, it will cost you $6.99 per month, while adding an ad-free plan costs $9.99 per month.

That's a pretty steep cost considering a Disney+ subscription with ads costs $7.99 per month and ad-free costs $13.99. Though those prices are set to rise to $9.99 and $15.99, respectively, next month.

No matter what, it's a pretty big increase to upgrade as an "extra member" or to get a new account entirely.

SEE ALSO: Which streaming service should you cancel? All of them (most of the time). What does an "extra member" have access to?

You might think that a hefty increase like this would get this "extra member" everything a regular user would receive. You'd be wrong.

The "extra member" is limited to one account and streaming/downloading on a single device at a time. They also "cannot have an active Hulu subscription, or an active or canceled Disney+ or ESPN+ subscription," Disney noted. The "extra member" feature is also not available to subscriptions that are part of a Disney Bundle.

So...there are definitely some limitations.

What now?

If you're stuck figuring out your next move, it seems like you might have to pay more. There may be ways to get around it, but those methods often prove time-consuming or annoying.

It's just another blow to people who stream their TV, amid frequent price hikes and constant advertisements on platforms that were once ad free. Of course, if you want to be brave, it could be time to start canceling subscriptions altogether.

Sometimes good things come with small price tags. Amazon' Prime Day sales are always a great time to snag some new gear, but if you're sticking to a budget this fall, here are some great deals that cost under $25.

October Prime Day deals under $25 Best earbuds deal Soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds $19.99 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal Best wireless charging deal Anker PowerWave Magnetic Wireless Charger $23.99 with code ANKER2561 (save $16) Get Deal Best home security deal Blink Mini $17.99 at Amazon (save $12) Get Deal

Life feels pretty expensive these days, which means that many of us are sticking to a strict budget lately. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy Amazon's upcoming Prime Big Deal Days event. Starting on Oct. 8, the retailer is hosting another major sale that's a great time to upgrade any tech that's starting to feel old and sluggish.

However, if you're anxious to get a good deal before the sale officially starts, we have some good news. We're already seeing some noteworthy price drops, including budget-friendly items that cost under $25 thanks to early October Prime Day discounts. Here are some sweet deals to shop today.

Best earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Our pick: Soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds $19.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The ultra-affordable Soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds are on sale at Amazon for just $19.99 which means they're half-off the usual price of $39.99. At this price, you can use them as stocking stuffers or grab a few pairs for your family to always have on hand in case somone's earbuds go missing.

The P20i earbuds use 10mm drivers, focusing on bass while also offering about 30 hours of playtime on a single charge. They're also water resistant, so no worries if you're out in the rain or in the muggy summer heat.

The compact and lightweight design of the Soundcore earbuds paired with the attached lanyard means these earbuds are also great for travel, taking to school, or bringing along to the office.

Best wireless charging deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Our pick: Anker PowerWave Magnetic Wireless Charger $23.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $16.00 use code ANKER2561 at checkout Get Deal Why we like it

If you have an iPhone 12, 13, or 14, you're in for a great deal today. The Anker PowerWave Magnetic Wireless Charger is on sale for just $23.99 at Amazon with checkout code ANKER2561. The magnetic stand means your iPhone can recharge while still being visible and totally usable. You can charge vertically or horizontally, and you can also change the angle to make viewing better.

Below the magnetic charger, you can place AirPods 2, AirPods Pro, Galaxy Buds, or Libery Air earbuds on the charging base to simultaneously charge up your phone and earbuds.

Best home security deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Blink Mini $17.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $12.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Keeping an eye on the inside of your home or apartment while you're away can offer some serious peace of mind. Get reassurance the dog didn't destroy the couch or check that the kids arrived home from school on time with the Blink Mini indoor camera. You'll get a clear and crisp view with the 1080p resolution while also getting night vision views when it gets dark. Two-way audio on the camera means you can let the dog know you see what it's up to should it choose chaos and start chewing on the couch.

You'll get alerts on your smartphone when motion is detected or you can customize your notifications or detection zones. Setting up the Blink Mini includes plugging it into a power source and connecting it to your home's WiFi.

The Blink Mini usually costs $29.99 but thanks to this early October Prime Day deal, you can get the camera for just $17.99. That's an impressive 40% discount.

More October Prime Day deals under $25

• TP-Link Tapo 2K pan tilt security camera — $19.99 $34.99 (save $15)

• Energizer Weatheready rechargeable LED flashlight — $21.99 $28.99 (save $7)

• Logitech MK270 wireless keyboard and mouse combo — $22.99 $27.99 (save $5)

• Amazon Alexa Voice Remote Pro — $24.99 $34.99 (save $10)

• Logitech Brio 101 webcam — $24.99 $39.99 (save $15)

• Paris Hilton enameled cast iron Dutch oven — $24.99 $39.99 (save $15)

Hurricane Helene is a formidable category 2 Hurricane creeping north through the Gulf of Mexico as of Thursday midday — and, importantly, it's still gaining strength. The situation is serious, with NOAA warning Floridians in particular to prepare for landfall this evening, and noting that "preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion."

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Where will it land? When? How severe will it be at or near landfall? Where will it go once its incursion into the mainland has begun, and what will conditions be like there? There are no hard answers to any of these, only forecasts — typically doled out as illustrative maps. But the good news is that forecasts are, broadly speaking, powerfully accurate.

Tweet may have been deleted

Here's the latest on what the immediate future holds in the form of maps:

Latest forecast cone for Hurricane Helene: SEE ALSO: Why it's impossible to forecast the weather too far into the future

According to NOAA's forecast cone as of 11:00 a.m. ET Thursday, coastal residents should be prepared for hurricane conditions as far west as Panama City, and as far east as the Clearwater area (though Tampa might want to batten down the hatches too, as of this writing, just in case).

The cone itself — meaning the geographical range likely to contain the path of the center of the storm — was showing potential direct hits anywhere from the area of St. George Island near the Bryant Patton Memorial Bridge in the west, to the proximity of Steinhatchee in the east.

Credit: NOAA

To refresh your memory, NOAA's cone graphics predict the range of potential paths likely to be taken by the center of the storm. Storm surge and other severe conditions may well occur outside the cone, while inside the cone, there will always be some areas that experience relatively mild conditions.

SEE ALSO: Hurricane Helene: Watch Florida webcams live, including Panama City, Port St. Joe Landfall times for for Hurricane Helene Tweet may have been deleted

According to the North Carolina Local CBS affiliate WNCT, Helene was expected to make landfall at approximately 8:00 p.m. CT (which is 9:00 p.m. ET). Their forecast showed the storm weakening from 120 mph winds at landfall to 65 mph when it reaches the vicinity of North Carolina about 12 hours later.

Spaghetti and "wobble" maps for Helene Tweet may have been deleted

The above map, posted by a storm chaser calling himself Reed Timmer, PhD shows a grouping of potential paths as of Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, nearly all of which appear to be making a beeline for the Big Bend.

As the landfall approaches, some of what were called "spaghetti" models when the storm was further out begin to narrow and look much less spaghetti-like. They also hint at the capricious storm's final plan of attack. Crucially, a storm ends up charting a course outside of the forecast cone 1/3 of the time, according to NOAA.

Tweet may have been deleted

The above maps, posted by Orlando meteorologist Noah Bergren, hint that Helene's eye may be turning slightly east, or may just be wobbling slightly off course before it returns to the cone — either is possible. Though, importantly, Bergren points out that the true "center of circulation" may well still be in the cone. The storm still appears to be headed toward the vicinity of the Big Bend, but it could also veer off the expected course, impacting — for instance — Gainesville more than previously expected.

So while forecasting maps are clues about the future, it's wise to follow NOAA's more general advice at times like this, particularly the part that says "Residents in [affected] areas should follow advice given by local officials and evacuate if told to do so."

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Mashable Tech Editor Kimmie G breaks down why Apple's latest fleet of iPhones could be worth the upgrade.

Shop the best early Prime Big Deal Days deals on soundbars:

Best Prime Day soundbar deals Best soundbar deal Roku TV Wireless Soundbar $99.99 at Amazon (Save $50) Get Deal Best Sony soundbar deal Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar $98 at Amazon (Save $31.99) Get Deal Best Amazon soundbar deal Amazon Fire TV Soundbar $104.99 at Amazon (Save $15) Get Deal

Another Prime Day is coming. This time, Amazon is bringing back its October event, Prime Big Deal Days — expect two days jam-packed with deals. As we prepare for the sale to run October 8 and 9, we're ramping up our deal hunting; we already found the best Bluetooth speaker deals, and now we're rounding up the best soundbar deals.

Now that we're in the thick of football season, WNBA playoffs, and just general cozy season, we're spending a lot more time at home in front of the TV. If your TV is just right, but maybe your sound system just isn't cutting it, October Prime Day is a great right time to get a soundbar. We're tracking the best early deals ahead of Prime Big Deal Days.

Best soundbar deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku TV Wireless Soundbar $99.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Soundbars provide advanced sound to your home theater, but getting one can feel like you're signing up for another thing that requires yet another remote that will inevitably get lost in the couch. Luckily, Roku streamlined their system with this wireless soundbar that seamlessly connects to your Roku TV or streamer. Unfortunately, this soundbar is only compatible with Rokus, but the good news is that Rokus are some of the best streaming devices out there.

Normally $149.99, ahead of Prime Day, the Roku TV wireless soundbar is down to $99.99, saving you $50 for 33% off.

More soundbar deals

• VIZIO 2.0 Home Theater Sound Bar — $69.99 $79.99 (save $10)

• Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar — $98 $129.99 (save $31.99)

• Amazon Fire TV Soundbar — $104.99 $119.99 (save $15)

• VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Soundbar — $129.99 $159.99 (save $30)

• Samsung HW-S50B/ZA 3.0ch Soundbar — $217.99 $247.99 (save $30)

• Sony Bravia Theater Bar 8 Soundbar — $1,444 $1,599.97 (save $155.97)

If you own an LG TV, hit up the settings menu ASAP.

That's because full-screen screensaver advertisements have infected LG televisions, FlatPanelsHD reported. These ads appear before the normal screensaver kicks in, and can be for either LG-centric promotions or third-party partners like car companies. According to FlatPanelsHD's testing, the ads are muted...for now.

SEE ALSO: Get a smart TV for less than $150 ahead of October Prime Day How to turn off screensaver ads on LG TVs

The obvious first response to this, if you own an LG TV, is "can I turn these ads off?" The good news is that, at least at the moment, you can. Here's how:

1. Open the TV's settings menu

2. Navigate to "Additional Settings"

3. Navigate to the "Screen Saver Promotion" toggle and turn it off

LG seemingly turned this on without announcing it ahead of time, and it has infected even the company's newest, most high-end sets, according to the FlatPanelsHD report. That may not sit well with people who paid more than $1,000 for a TV, especially if the ads ever, at any point, start making noise. Ditto if LG ever disables the ability to turn them off.

Shopping for early savings at Amazon's Prime Day Big Deal event? While the event doesn't kick off until the second week of October, we're already seeing some purchase-worthy sales. If you have a budget of under $50, here are some great sales to shop ahead of next month's Prime Day event.

Best October Prime Day deals under $50 Best entertainment deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $34.99 at Amazon with code FTVMAXUP24 (save $25) Get Deal Best headphones deal Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Headphones (black) $39.90 at Amazon (save $20.09) Get Deal Best home security deal Blink Outdoor 4 $39.99 at Amazon (save $60) Get Deal

The temperature and leaves are beginning to fall, which means it's almost time for Amazon's third major sale of the season. Starting on Oct. 8, Amazon will treat us to the Prime Big Deal Days event, and we expect to see solid discounts on Amazon devices, small kitchen appliances, headphones, robot vacuums, and plenty more. But before you add it all to your cart, check out the Mashable guide to items you don't want to buy during Prime Day.

Like most Amazon sales, the deals have already started trickling in ahead of the official start date. If you're looking for some upgraded tech items or you're already getting some holiday shopping taken care of, here are some great deals that'll cost you under $50 during Amazon's October Prime Day sale.

Best entertainment deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $34.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $25.00 with code FTVMAXUP24 Get Deal Why we like it

If your streaming stick doesn't support 4K, it's time for an upgrade. Thanks to an early Prime Big Deal Days sale, you can grab the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max for just $34.99, down from the normal price of $59.99. With the streaming stick, you'll be in for smooth 4K streaming with quick loading and navigation. The stick even supports the blazing fast WiFi 6E.

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max comes with an Alexa voice-controlled remote, so you can tell Alexa to start playing the latest episode of your favorite show. The remote also has four pre-programmed buttons so you'll have easy access to your favorite streaming apps like Netflix and Prime Video.

Gamers can also benefit from the streaming stick since you can play Xbox games with no console required, so long as you have the stick and an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Best headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Anker Our pick: Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Headphones (black) $39.90 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20.09 Get Deal Why we like it

Noise-cancelling headphones tend to cost several hundred dollars, putting them out of range for many folks. But that's not the case today — you can grab the Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Headphones in black for just $39.90 at Amazon.

Are these top-of-the-line Bose headphones? Nope. But they do an excellent job with sound quality and noise cancellation, especially considering the affordable sale price. The ear cups are made with a soft memory foam so you'll be comfortable for all-day wear, and they get about 60 hours of playtime before you'll need to recharge. You'll also get a convenient travel pouch with the headphones for easy storage.

Best home security deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Blink Outdoor 4 $39.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Home security cameras can be a great addition to your tech collection. The wireless Blink Outdoor 4 is on sale at Amazon for just $39.99, down from the list price of $99.99 which means you'll be getting a massive 60% discount. The security camera has a battery that'll keep it powered for up to two years while also offering crisp and clear 1080p HD resolution. Come night time, the camera will switch to an infrared night live view.

Mashable sister publication PCMag (both owned by Ziff Davis) gave the Blink Outdoor 4 an "excellent" review, noting its wider field of view and optional people alerts as pros.

Plus, since the camera is wireless, you won't have to worry about a complicated set-up process.

More deals under $50 at Amazon's Big Deal Days event

• Soundcore P30i earbuds — $29.99 $49.99 (save $20 with on-page coupon)

• Blink Video Doorbell — $29.99 $59.99 (save $30)

• Sony SRSXB1 Portable Speaker — $38 $59.99 (save $20)

• Apple iPhone FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe — $46.99 $59 (save $12.01)

Best Prime Day Bluetooth speaker deals Best Bluetooth speaker deal Sony SRS-XE200 X-Series Speaker $68 at Amazon (Save $61.99) Get Deal Best UE speaker deal Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Speaker $69.99 at Amazon (Save $30) Get Deal Best JBL speaker deal JBL Clip 5 Speaker $69.95 at Amazon (Save $10) Get Deal Best for Bass lovers Sony ULT Field 1 Waterproof Speaker $98 at Amazon (Save $31.99) Get Deal

Each day is another closer to Prime Big Deal Days. While we wait for October 8 and 9 to finally arrive, we're tracking all the early deals, which are not quite rolling in. Maybe trickling is a better word to describe it? All this to say, there aren't an abundance of early Prime Day deals at the moment.

I've been on the headphone and speaker beat this week, watching for the latest drops on our favorite brands. Unfortunately, there haven't been a ton yet, but that's not to say the deals aren't coming. Historically, we've seen big price drops on speakers from Sony, Ultimate Ears, JBL, Bose, Sonos, and more during major Amazon shopping events.

If you're in a hurry to score a deal on a Bluetooth speaker, you do have options. Some of our favorite new speakers are on sale, including the bass-heavy Sony ULT Field 1 speaker and the new Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4. So, while we patiently wait for more savings, here are the early Bluetooth speaker deals to shop now.

Best Bluetooth speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony SRS-XE200 X-Series Bluetooth Speaker $68.00 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $61.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Did your Bluetooth speaker kick the dust this summer after one too many pool parties? Then October Prime Day is an especially great time to hit "Add To Cart."

The Sony SRS-XE200 X-Series Bluetooth speaker is 48% off ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. It comes with a corded strap, making it easy to tote around on your adventures. With a IP67 rating, it's water- and dust-proof, giving it a rugged build. Not to mention the 16 hours of battery life that keep the party going all day.

More Bluetooth speaker deals

• Oontz Angle 3 Speaker — $24.99 $39.99 (save $15)

• Anker Soundcore 2 Speaker — $29.99 $39.99 (save $10 with on-page coupon)

• Sony SRSXB13/B Extra Bass Speaker — $38 $59.99 (save $21.99)

• JBL Clip 5 Speaker — $69.95 $79.95 (save $10)

• Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Speaker — $69.99 $99.99 (save $30)

• JBL Flip 5 Speaker — $89.95 $99.95 (save $10)

• Sony ULT Field 1 Speaker — $98 $129.99 (save $31.99)

• Ultimate Ears Boom 4 Speaker — $104.99 $149.99 (save $45)

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Sept. 26: OUR TOP PICK Blink Outdoor 4 3-camera system $99.99 at Amazon (save $160) Get Deal BEST KITCHEN DEAL Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ coffee and espresso maker $99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal BEST LEGO DEAL Lego Star Wars 2024 Advent calendar $35.99 at Amazon (save $9) Get Deal

Can we let you in on a little secret? You don't have to wait until Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event on Oct. 8 and 9 to score epic deals. In fact, there are plenty of pretty awesome deals already live at Amazon as of Sept. 26. We did the honor of rounding up a few that we think are worthy of adding to your cart ahead of the big day.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these do it for you, be sure to take a look back at our picks from Sept. 24 and Sept. 25. Many of those are still live, including a Blink Video Doorbell already sitting at its Prime Day price and a record-low price on the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 speaker. Happy shopping, folks.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Outdoor 4 3-camera system $99.99 at Amazon
$259.99 Save $160.00 Get Deal

When it comes to budget-friendly security cameras, the Blink Outdoor 4 is hard to beat — especially when a three-pack is down to its lowest price on record. Great for pet owners, frequent travelers, or any homeowner hoping to keep an eye on things that go bump in the night, the Blink Outdoor 4 works seamlessly with other Alexa-enabled devices, comes with customizable motion zones, offers infrared night vision and two-way audio, and has a battery life that'll last two years. That's why it's one of our top overall picks for security cameras. As of Sept. 26, you can grab a three-pack of these cameras and cover your home's perimeter for just $99.99. That's 62% in savings and a new record-low. You basically get two cameras for free.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ coffee and espresso maker $99.00 at Amazon
$149.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal

May the summer of "Espresso" never die. Get in on the espresso craze with your very own Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ machine while it's on sale for 34% off. It allows you to make a piping hot shot of espresso any time you desire at the press of a button. It's not a one-trick pony, though. It can brew coffee in five different ways: five-, eight-, and 12-ounce cups, or single or double espresso shots. Just pop in a Nespresso pod, fill up the 37-ounce water tank, give it about 30 seconds to heat up, and boom — you're ready to brew. Usually $149, you can pick up the sleek and slim Vertuo Pop+ machine for only $99. That matches its lowest price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars 2024 Advent calendar $35.99 at Amazon
$44.99 Save $9.00 Get Deal

Lego makes a bunch of great Advent calendars for kids and Lego-loving adults. The Lego Star Wars one is one of the most popular, and the 2024 edition is on sale ahead of the holiday season. It contains 368 pieces that eventually assemble into 18 collectible mini toys and six Star Wars figures, including holiday Princess Leia, holiday Luke Skywalker, Millennium Falcon, TIE Fighter, Yoda's Jedi Starfighter, and so much more. The packaging also serves as a festive backdrop for all the builds. Slash 20% off and pick up the Lego Star Wars Advent calendar for just $35.99 as of Sept. 26.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

The PlayStation 5 Pro is now up for grabs. Hope you started saving for it yesterday.

Priced at $699.99, preorders for Sony's upcoming mid-gen console began at around 7 am PT/10 am ET on Thursday, Sept. 26 — and for the time being, U.S. shoppers can only purchase it through the PlayStation Direct storefront. Preorders will open at other participating retailers starting Thursday, Oct. 10, including Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. The PS5 Pro will start shipping four weeks later on Thursday, Nov. 7.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony PlayStation 5 Pro $699.99 at PlayStation Direct
Pre-Order Here

Mashable reached out to Sony to find out whether the company expects the PS5 Pro to sell out quickly at launch since initial availability is limited to one retailer, and if it had any plans to avoid inventory shortages. At the time of writing, we hadn't heard back.

A 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Bundle featuring a special variant of the PS5 Pro will also be available for preorder today, according to a PlayStation blog post. It includes a PS5 Pro decked out in the '90s gray aesthetic of the very first PlayStation, plus matching DualSense and DualSense Edge controllers, a DualSense charging station, a disc drive cover, a vertical stand, and a handful of collectibles.

The bundle is limited to 12,300 units, with each PS5 Pro individually numbered, and it will presumably be very expensive; Sony hasn't confirmed how much it will cost yet. A PS5 Digital Edition 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Bundle that omits the DualSense Edge controller and charging station will also be for sale.

So beautiful... so much money... Credit: Sony

The PS5 Pro was formally unveiled earlier this month during a nine-minute "Technical Presentation" led by Mark Cerny, Lead Architect of the PS5, on the PlayStation YouTube channel. The announcement followed months of speculation and leaks, including one that seemed to come from inside the house.

With a larger GPU than the original PS5, ray tracing upgrades, and new custom hardware for AI-powered upscaling, Cerny said the PS5 Pro is the "most powerful console we've ever built." It also brings support for WiFi 7, 8K gaming, and a new "Pro" version of the PS5's Game Boost feature that can upgrade the performance of over 8,500 backward-compatible PS4 titles. It includes 2TB of storage, which is double the capacity of the original PS5 (which is now nearly four years old).

Notably, the PS5 Pro does not come with a disc drive: You have to purchase it separately for $79.99. (Our sister site IGN reports that it's been selling out consistently across major retailers ever since the PS5 Pro was announced.) A vertical stand that's compatible with the console is also available for $29.99.

Next-gen upgraders who balk at the price of the PS5 Pro and its add-ons might consider purchasing a used system at a discounted price. Certified refurbished PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition consoles are "Coming Soon" at PS Direct, as the X account Wario64 pointed out. They'll cost $399.99 and $349.99, respectively, or $100 less than their new counterparts.

The PS5 Pro marks the fifth iteration of Sony's current flagship console (not counting any bundles), which had a much sloppier launch and faced years of pandemic-related supply issues after the fact. Along with the standard PS5, it joins the PS5 Digital Edition, the PS5 Slim, and the PS5 Slim Digital Edition.

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Spotify is expanding its Open Access API, allowing you to see your favorite creators' subscriber-only podcast episodes in the same feed as free content.

Called Synched Feeds, the update gives users a more streamlined experience on the app. Because through Synched Feeds, creators can now display their free and subscriber-only content in one feed.

SEE ALSO: Spotify wants to make you an AI Playlist for every occasion

Previously, a creator might have posted a teaser of a premium episode with a link to their content elsewhere or had two separate podcast feeds one for free and the other for subscriber-only content. Now, a subscriber-only episode will appear within the creator's feed on Spotify with the option to subscribe to listen to it.

To participate, creators enable Synced Feeds through their Spotify for Podcasters account. Creators must use Spotify's Open Access API to enable distribution on Spotify from another platform. Then, listeners link their premium account from the other platform to their Spotify account, unlocking the subscriber-only content. Spotify does not take a cut of creator revenue from subscribers.

Spotify launched Open Access in 2021 as its work around for manually uploading RSS content to the platform. According to TechCrunch, it's the only major podcasting platform that doesn't allow manual uploads, which is how users listen to subscriber-only episodes on other platforms. Last year, Open Access integrated with Patreon, Memberful, Supercast, and Supporting Cast. And beginning next month, The New York Times will make its audio subscription available for purchase through Spotify.

According to a press release, since launching Open Access with Patreon last year, nearly half of podcasters earning money on Patreon take advantage of it. Those same creators saw 15 percent of their Spotify listeners who visited their Patreon sign up for a paid membership.

A new VR immersive tool by Orbis is training ophthalmologists in low- and middle-income countries.

Stephen Colbert has responded directly to Trump's recent Truth Social post ranting about him and calling him "boring".