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Google could be forced to sell Chrome browser by DOJ antitrust lawsuit

Mashable - Tue, 11/19/2024 - 02:57

Earlier this year, Google lost a massive antitrust lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Now the tech giant could be forced to sell off Google Chrome, the most popular web browser in the world.

According to sources speaking to Bloomberg, the DOJ reportedly intends to recommend that Google be ordered to sell off its Chrome browser as a remedy in its significant antitrust lawsuit. In said suit, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta found that Google had engaged in anticompetitive practices through its exclusive distribution agreements with other tech companies.

SEE ALSO: 'Google is a monopolist’: Google loses huge antitrust case over search

Such agreements ensured its Google search engine was the default option on the vast majority of desktop and mobile devices in the country. Web analytics service StatCounter states that Google currently enjoys 89 percent of the global search engine market share. This number jumps even further to 93 percent when solely looking at mobile devices.

In previous years, Google has paid Apple up to $200 billion per annum to guarantee that it is the default search engine in the latter's Safari web browser. Safari is the pre-installed default browser on every Apple iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Such deals are unlikely to be permitted in the future.

"Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly," Mehta wrote in his August opinion.

Google has said it plans to appeal the ruling.

If Mehta does order Google to divest from Chrome, it would be a massive blow to the tech giant. Chrome commands almost 67 percent of the global web browser market share, as per StatCounter. The second most popular browser is Safari with just 18 percent. 

The loss of its Chrome browser isn't the only painful consequence Google could potentially see from this antitrust crackdown. Bloomberg reports that the DOJ will also request measures regarding Google's Android operating system and artificial intelligence, as well as concerning data licensing requirements.

Specifically, the DOJ will reportedly recommend that Google be ordered to unbundle its Android mobile operating system from its other products, offering it to clients separately from other services such as Google Search and the Google Play store. (Fortunately for the tech giant, the DOJ no longer appears to be pushing for it to sell off Android altogether.) The DOJ will further propose that Google be ordered to provide websites more options for opting out of having their content used by its AI, licence the data from its search engine, and give advertisers more control regarding where their ads appear.

The courts could deem a Chrome selloff unnecessary if such measures are enough to create a more competitive market. If they aren't, then Google may lose Chrome in one of the U.S.' largest antitrust crackdowns in history.

Bloomberg's report follows the DOJ's proposed remedy framework filed in October. Barring Google's appeal, a final ruling in this antitrust case is expected in August next year.

Why a security suite is a must for young families

Mashable - Tue, 11/19/2024 - 00:28

Parenting in the modern world comes with its fair share of adventures - from those first baby steps to navigating the teenage years. As your little ones grow up in this digital age, they'll naturally want to explore the vast online world. However, anyone who has spent any time on the internet knows how terrifying that thought can be. While teaching your children about responsible internet use is crucial, there is only so much you can expect from them. Kids are natural explorers, and the internet can just look like one big playground to them. So it’s up to us to understand the digital spaces our children inhabit, and put in the right safety rails to help stop them from getting hurt (or seeing anything inappropriate).

The first, most essential step you must take to help boost your family's online safety is investing in a robust security suite. While basic tools such as antivirus are useful, there are plenty of other tools within a cybersecurity suite that you can take advantage of to help keep your household safe online. Such as masking your children’s location data with a VPN, scanning the dark web for any exposed information, or backing up sensitive documents or family photos in an encrypted vault.

The always-connected generation

Today's kids are growing up in a world where being online is as natural as breathing. While previous generations might have spent hours chatting on landlines or flipping through magazines, today's kids are more likely to be found huddled around their smartphones, tablets, or computers. And although they’re digitally native, kids are still learning cyber safety best practices, so it's essential to have a strong line of defence against potential threats. And with so many different types of devices within the one household (Windows, Mac, iOS and Android), you may need to find a solution that is “one size fits all”.

Staying ahead of the game

Unfortunately, it’s not enough to just throw money at the problem, purchase some software, and call it a day. It’s also important to educate yourself on the safest ways to live and work online. If you want your children to browse the web safely, you need to lead by example. Learn how to recognise scams on Facebook Marketplace, make sure your router is set up correctly, and pass down this wisdom. You can’t expect your kids to understand online safety if you can’t explain it to them.

Choosing the right tools

When it comes to picking the right cybersecurity suite for your family, there are literally hundreds of options to choose from. Do you still need antivirus? Do you need a VPN? What is ransomware? These are questions which can be overwhelming and lead people to throw their hands up in the air and give up. It doesn’t have to be too hard though. PCMag produces our own annual list of the best antivirus software and security suites, and a regular top contender is Norton 360 Deluxe.

Norton 360 Deluxe also provides award-winning antivirus for your devices, and various other features including a Password Manager, Parental Controls, Dark Web Monitoring, Cloud Backup for Windows PC, and more. It regularly performs well in our in-house lab testing, and comes from Norton - a 56 time winner of PCMag’s Editors’ Choice. You can check out our complete review here.

Parental control: A helping hand

As children start to spread their digital wings, many parents want to keep a watchful eye on their online activities. This is where family-oriented security suites come in handy. For example, Norton 360 Deluxe includes parental control tools¹ that help you to filter out inappropriate content, set screen time limits, and even monitor online activity remotely. This helps allow you to create a safer environment for your children online, enabling them to enjoy the internet without you constantly having to look over their shoulder. With Norton Parental Control, you can see your child’s search terms, viewed videos², browsing history, and set restrictions in real time from your phone (a school holiday game changer).

While a Norton 360 Deluxe subscription includes protection for 3 devices, as your family grows, you can also expand your protection with Norton 360 Premium. This will provide protection and parental control for up to 5 devices.

Building good habits for the future

The internet is here to stay, and its role in our lives is only going to grow. By prioritising cybersecurity in your household, you're not just protecting your family now - you're also teaching your children valuable habits for the future. Best practice starts at home. Teaching your kids the basics: regular software updates, using strong passwords, and recognising potential online threats are all skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Remember, staying safe online is a team effort. By combining a reliable security suite with open conversations about internet safety, you're helping set your family up for a positive and secure digital future. After all, the online world can be a wonderful place for creativity and learning, and as a way to connect with other like-minded people and distant loved ones. But it can also be a scary place, and having the right tools, and the right protection, will help ensure that your family stays safe as we move into an increasingly connected world. Check out more online safety tips here.

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¹ Parental Control features are not supported on Mac or Windows in S mode.

² Monitors videos viewed on YouTube.com (but not YouTube videos embedded in other websites or blogs). It does not work with the YouTube app.

Who has time for creative blocks? A lifetime pass to 1minAI can help you get past them for £32.

Mashable - Tue, 11/19/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to 1minAI for £31.54 (reg. £184.58) and alleviate creative stalls with AI-powered solutions that give you ideas fast — no subscriptions required.

If you’ve ever found yourself in a creative rut, staring at a blank screen and wishing inspiration would just happen, then 1minAI might be your new go-to. With this AI-powered tool, there’s no more waiting for ideas to strike — 1minAI gets to work in under a minute, helping you break through creative blocks and jumpstart any project, fast.

For a limited time, you can score lifetime access for a one-time purchase of £31.54 (reg. £184.58), giving you an always-ready idea generator without the usual monthly fees.

Think of 1minAI as the friend who always knows what to say (or write, or design). From crafting copy to creating images and even helping with video edits, 1minAI handles it all. With the Pro plan, you get monthly credits that let you explore different content types and formats. Whether you need quick marketing copy, visual content, or just a fresh idea to start with, 1minAI helps you save time and keep the ideas flowing.

This lifetime plan is ideal for freelancers balancing tight deadlines, entrepreneurs who wear multiple hats, or just about anyone who’d rather skip the hours-long brainstorming sessions. 1minAI handles the essentials so you can fine-tune and personalise from a strong foundation. It’s AI designed to work with your creativity, not replace it, making this tool a valuable wingman in your creative hustle.

Tackle creative tasks in 60 seconds or less with a lifetime subscription to 1minAI on sale for £31.54 (reg. £184.58) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1minAI: Lifetime Subscription £31.54 at the Mashable Shop
£184.58 Save £153.04 Get Deal

How to watch Chile vs. Venezuela in World Cup Qualifiers online for free

Mashable - Tue, 11/19/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream Chile vs. Venezuela in World Cup Qualifiers for free on SBS On Demand. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Chile have been really poor in the South American World Cup Qualifiers, but they will feel like they stand a chance against Venezuela. In front of their own supporters, they will believe that they can turn things around. Of course, it's not going to be easy. Venezuela are six points ahead of Chile and drew against Brazil in their last match.

If you want to watch Chile vs. Venezuela in World Cup Qualifiers for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Chile vs. Venezuela?

Chile vs. Venezuela in World Cup Qualifiers kicks off at 7 p.m. ET on Nov. 19. This fixture takes place at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos.

How to watch Chile vs. Venezuela for free

Chile vs. Venezuela in World Cup Qualifiers is available to live stream for free on SBS On Demand in Australia.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock SBS On Demand. VPNs are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can access free live streams on SBS On Demand from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Chile vs. Venezuela by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

  4. Visit SBS On Demand

  5. Stream Chile vs. Venezuela for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Chile vs. Venezuela in World Cup Qualifiers without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select World Cup Qualifiers before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for SBS On Demand?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on SBS On Demand, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Australia

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Chile vs. Venezuela in World Cup Qualifiers for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Colombia vs. Ecuador in World Cup Qualifiers online for free

Mashable - Tue, 11/19/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream Colombia vs. Ecuador in World Cup Qualifiers for free on SBS On Demand. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Colombia lost their last World Cup qualifying fixture against Uruguay, but they are still in third place in the standings. They will be looking to regain momentum against Equador in their next match, but it's not going to be easy. Equador are only three points behind Colombia, and thrashed Bolivia in their last game.

If you want to watch Colombia vs. Ecuador in World Cup Qualifiers for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Colombia vs. Ecuador?

Colombia vs. Ecuador in World Cup Qualifiers kicks off at 6 p.m. ET on Nov. 19. This fixture takes place at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez.

How to watch Colombia vs. Ecuador for free

Colombia vs. Ecuador in World Cup Qualifiers is available to live stream for free on SBS On Demand in Australia.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock SBS On Demand. VPNs are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can access free live streams on SBS On Demand from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Colombia vs. Ecuador by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

  4. Visit SBS On Demand

  5. Stream Colombia vs. Ecuador for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Colombia vs. Ecuador in World Cup Qualifiers without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select World Cup Qualifiers before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for SBS On Demand?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on SBS On Demand, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Australia

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Colombia vs. Ecuador in World Cup Qualifiers for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Argentina vs. Peru in World Cup Qualifiers online for free

Mashable - Tue, 11/19/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream Argentina vs. Peru in World Cup Qualifiers for free on SBS On Demand. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Argentina lost their last World Cup qualifying fixture against Paraguay, so they'll be looking to bounce back against Peru and solidify their position at the top of the standings. Peru are struggling near the bottom of the table, so Argentina will be favorites to win this matchup at home.

If you want to watch Argentina vs. Peru in World Cup Qualifiers for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Argentina vs. Peru?

Argentina vs. Peru in World Cup Qualifiers kicks off at 7 p.m. ET on Nov. 19. This fixture takes place at La Bombonera.

How to watch Argentina vs. Peru for free

Argentina vs. Peru in World Cup Qualifiers is available to live stream for free on SBS On Demand in Australia.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock SBS On Demand. VPNs are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can access free live streams on SBS On Demand from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Argentina vs. Peru by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

  4. Visit SBS On Demand

  5. Stream Argentina vs. Peru for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Argentina vs. Peru in World Cup Qualifiers without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select World Cup Qualifiers before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for SBS On Demand?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on SBS On Demand, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Australia

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Argentina vs. Peru in World Cup Qualifiers for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Brazil vs. Uruguay online for free

Mashable - Tue, 11/19/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream Brazil vs. Uruguay in World Cup Qualifiers for free on SBS On Demand. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Brazil were not able to overcome Venezuala in their last World Cup qualifying fixture, with Vinicius Junior missing a penalty. That was a tough result for a team struggling under the weight of expectations.

Uruguay are two points above Brazil after beating Colombia 3-2 in their last game. They'll be confident of taking something away from this huge game.

If you want to watch Brazil vs. Uruguay in World Cup Qualifiers for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Brazil vs. Uruguay?

Brazil vs. Uruguay in World Cup Qualifiers kicks off at 7:45 p.m. ET on Nov. 19. This fixture takes place at the Arena Fonte Nova.

How to watch Brazil vs. Uruguay for free

Brazil vs. Uruguay in World Cup Qualifiers is available to live stream for free on SBS On Demand in Australia.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock SBS On Demand. VPNs are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can access free live streams on SBS On Demand from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Brazil vs. Uruguay by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

  4. Visit SBS On Demand

  5. Stream Brazil vs. Uruguay for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Brazil vs. Uruguay in World Cup Qualifiers without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select World Cup Qualifiers before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for SBS On Demand?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on SBS On Demand, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Australia

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Brazil vs. Uruguay in World Cup Qualifiers for free with ExpressVPN.

17 of the best ChatGPT courses you can take online for free

Mashable - Tue, 11/19/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: A wide range of ChatGPT courses are available to take for free on Udemy.

You probably know all about Udemy by this point. It's a popular hub for online courses, covering everything from Python programming to web development. Most of these courses come with a fee, which is fair enough. But there are also a wide range of courses that you can take for free, including some highly-rated ChatGPT courses.

We've checked out everything on offer from Udemy and lined up a selection of standout ChatGPT courses to get you started. These are the best online ChatGPT courses you can take for free this month on Udemy:

These free online courses do not offer certificates of completion or direct instructor messaging, but you still get unrestricted access to all the video content. That means you can learn at a pace that suits you, so what's stopping you?

Find the best free ChatGPT courses on Udemy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Udemy AI Courses Free at Udemy Get Deal

How to watch the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix online for free

Mashable - Tue, 11/19/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Watch the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix for free on ORF or ServusTV. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Max Verstappen has almost done enough to secure another F1 title, and nobody can have any complaints after his masterclass in Brazil. It was the performance of a champion, and now Verstappen will clinch his fourth world title in Las Vegas if he finishes the race 60 points or more ahead of Norris in the standings.

Norris must make up at least three points on Verstappen to keep the dream alive. It's all eyes on Las Vegas to see if he can make it happen.

If you're interested in watching the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix?

The 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix takes place over 50 laps of the 6.2-kilometre Las Vegas Strip Circuit in Nevada, USA. The full schedule can be found here:

  • Practice 1 — 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. ET on Nov. 21

  • Practice 2 — 1 to 2 a.m. ET on Nov. 22

  • Practice 3 — 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. ET on Nov. 22

  • Qualifying — 1 to 2 a.m. ET on Nov. 23

  • Race 1 a.m. ET on Nov. 24

The good news for fans is that it's possible to live stream the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix without spending anything.

How to watch the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix for free

You can find free live streams of F1 on these platforms:

ORF and ServusTV are geo-restricted to Austria, so you might need to use a VPN to access these free live streams from abroad. VPNs are tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can access free live streams of F1 from anywhere in the world.

Unblock free streaming services by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Austria

  4. Connect to ORF or ServusTV

  5. Watch the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix from anywhere in the world

Please be aware that Formula 1 take the view that the use of a VPN to watch content from another territory may be a breach of the relevant broadcasters’ terms of service and may constitute copyright infringement. It is your responsibility to ensure that your use of a VPN is legal and Mashable does not encourage any illegal use of a VPN.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch F1 live streams without actually spending anything. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can stream the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming F1 live is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for F1?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for live streaming F1 for free, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Austria

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is protected

  • Fast streaming speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix for free with ExpressVPN.

NYT Strands hints, answers for November 19

Mashable - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 23:00

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 19 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 19 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Pick-ups

These words belong in the kitchen.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are used to eat.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Utensils.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for November 19
  • Spoon

  • Skewer

  • Fork

  • Spork

  • Knife

  • Tongs

  • Chopsticks

  • Utensils

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and 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 Strands.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 19

Mashable - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 22:00

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. 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 November 19's 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?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. 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 19 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Expert

  • Green: Unlock your phone

  • Blue: Types of pasta

  • Purple: Involves two things

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

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

  • Yellow: Area of Expertise

  • Green: Ways to Unlock A Device

  • Blue: Pasta Shapes

  • Purple: Double____

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 #526 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Area of Expertise: CONCENTRATION, FIELD, FOCUS, SPECIALTY

  • Ways to Unlock A Device: FACE, FINGERPRINT, PASSWORD, PIN

  • Pasta Shapes: EAR, ELBOW, RIBBON, WHEEL

  • Double____: AGENT, DRIBBLE, JEOPARDY, STANDARD

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 19

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.

Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 19

Mashable - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 22:00

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 19'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 19 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 19 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Departing from one place to another.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There is one letter that appears twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter G.

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...

GOING.

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 19

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.

Archive of our Own is down again, and fans are freaking out

Mashable - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 19:31

Archive of Our Own (AO3) is down again, leaving countless fan fiction fans bereft of their much-needed escapism for the second time in two days. They are handling it as well as can be expected.

Reports that popular fan fiction platform AO3 was suffering an outage previously poured in on Sunday evening, as thousands of readers suddenly found themselves cut off from their favourite slow burn enemies to lovers coffee shop AUs. Crowdsourced outage tracker Down Detector (which has the same parent company as Mashable) began receiving reports of the outage from around 5.30 p.m. EST / 2.30 p.m. PST.

SEE ALSO: Archive of Our Own is down, and it could be offline for weeks

AO3 soon acknowledged the outage on its official status update X account, stating that they were "looking into some issues that are causing 503 errors for some folks." The issue was resolved within the hour— though not before many readers have took to social media to yearn for their fics, wondering when their beloved AO3 would return from the war.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

Now AO3 has gone down yet again, stranding fan fiction fans in bitter reality once more. Reports of the second outage began pouring in to Down Detector from around 7 p.m. EST / 4 p.m. PST today. AO3 hasn't yet acknowledged the outage, though fans have turned to social media for a communal freak out.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

Fortunately, it seems that Monday's AO3 outage may also be fixed within the hour, with several users since reporting that their stories have now returned to them.

No other fan fiction platform offers quite the same experience as AO3. However, if you need a quick fan fiction fix to tide you over whenever the popular platform goes down, there are a few other options.

UPDATE: Nov. 19, 2024, 11:46 a.m. AEDT This article has been updated to note that Monday's outage appears to have since been fixed.

Perplexity now lets you buy stuff directly in the AI search engine

Mashable - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 15:56

Perplexity searches are now shoppable with a Perplexity Pro subscription.

Today, the AI-driven search engine unveiled "Buy with Pro," a shopping assistant within Perplexity searches that gives you a one-click shopping experience. If you're researching products, or some kind of shopping-related query, Perplexity includes products in its responses that can be bought on the page — as long as your payment info is saved in the app.

Search results include relevant product info to inform your purchases by comparing prices and features. To sweeten the deal, Perplexity is also offering free shipping.

SEE ALSO: ChatGPT Search is now live. Here's how to use it. How Perplexity compares to Google and OpenAI

Buy with Pro is available with a Perplexity Pro subscription, which costs $20 a month. But notably, Perplexity doesn't earn a commission from purchases like Google Shopping — for now. "We have no concrete plans to introduce affiliate revenue," said Perplexity spokesperson Sara Platnick. "But it's also not off the table." At least for now, it sounds like a way to entice Perplexity users to upgrade to Pro.

Perplexity has gained attention as competitor to Google and OpenAI by offering a combination of AI-generated and real-time responses from the web. It's like a hybrid of Google Gemini and Google's AI overviews or OpenAI's new ChatGPT Search. However, like other generative AI chatbots trained on publicly available content, it has faced accusations of violating copyright and trademark laws. While Perplexity battles infringement lawsuits, it is charging forward with monetizing AI-powered search results.

It's not an AI agent, as in, it doesn't perform multi-step tasks — a feature that's shaping up to be a big theme in the coming year. But shoppable search results could be a stepping stone to this autonomous feature that companies like Google and OpenAI are expected to launch soon.

In conjunction with the AI shopping assistant, Perplexity also announced a Merchant Program for retailers to share product specs with the app. In turn, participating merchants will get an increased chance of product recommendations and purchasing data about their products. Perplexity isn't sharing specific user browsing habits with merchants, Platnick confirmed to Mashable.

Online news influencers are predominantly men and more likely conservative, study finds

Mashable - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 15:54

Americans increasingly get their news from online influencers, and a new study found those creators are predominantly men and more likely to be conservative.

Pew released a detailed study on Monday that examined news influencers in America. Among the key takeaways was that 21 percent of U.S. adults — and 37 percent of those under the age of 30 — said they regularly got their news from social media influencers. Overall, the study found that news influencers were majority men and more likely to be conservative.

The Pew study found that 63 percent of news influencers — a significant majority — were men. When it came to politics, meanwhile, 27 percent were right-leaning, compared with 21 percent who identified as left-leaning. Forty-eight percent, meanwhile, had "no clear orientation."

The fact that a plurality of news influencers identified as having no political orientation may be related to how Pew defined a news influencer. A news influencer was defined as: "[Individuals] who regularly post about current events and civic issues on social media and have at least 100,000 followers on any of Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter) or YouTube. News influencers can be journalists who are or were affiliated with a news organization or independent content creators, but they must be people and not organizations."

SEE ALSO: Are the 2024 presidential campaigns Too Online?

Of the 500 popular news influencers included in the study, 23 percent were or had been employed in the news industry. Those current or former journalists proved much more likely to eschew explicit political bias. Most news influencers with no news background said they did lean one way or the other.

The more granular takeaways from the study were interesting as well. For instance, if Facebook seems more conservative, the study would agree. There were three times as many conservative influencers on the platform (39 percent) compared with liberal ones (13 percent). TikTok had the most equitable distribution of news influencers when it came to both politics and gender. Forty-five percent of news influencers on TikTok were women compared to 50 percent men. And 28 percent were liberal compared with 25 percent conservative.

The data from Pew seems to back the reporting and notion that there's a growing ecosystem of right-wing influencers. The 2024 election, after all, seemed to be, in part, proof of that idea.

How to sign up for Amazon Prime ahead of Black Friday

Mashable - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 15:02

Black Friday is upon us once again. Though the official shopping holiday is on Nov. 29, Amazon's Black Friday shopping event kicks off Thursday, Nov. 21, and runs through (Cyber) Monday, Dec. 2. Exciting deals await on electronics, toys, kitchen gadgets, and more. In fact, many are already live, as in years past.

Unlike Prime Day, which is exclusively for Prime members, shoppers aren't required to have a Prime membership to enjoy Black Friday deals at Amazon. Of course, it never hurts, though. With Prime, you'll have access to some exclusive savings, free and fast delivery, and access to the Black Friday NFL game on Nov. 29. The Kansas City Chiefs will host the Las Vegas Raiders at 3 p.m. ET in a game exclusive to Prime Video. New discounts on toys, electronics, and apparel will be up for grabs during the game.

Here's how shoppers can sign up for Amazon Prime:

Total Time
  • 5 minutes, email address or phone number
What You Need
  • Internet access

Step 1: Go to the Amazon Prime sign-up page and click on Start your free 30-day trial.

Head to Amazon Prime's sign-up page.

Step 2: Input your email if you have an existing Amazon account or click on Create Your Amazon account.

A new sign-in page will open up on the website. Input your email or mobile number and password if you have an existing Amazon account or click on Create Your Amazon account. If you make a new account, you'll need to provide some basic information such as name, email, and password.

Step 3: If you're creating a new account, follow the steps to verify your email with a One-Time Password.

If you choose to create a new account, Amazon will send an OTP to your respective email address or mobile number for account verification. If you are using an existing account, skip to Step 5.

Step 4: Input the OTP and click on Verify.

Once the OTP verification page appears on the screen, input the code and click on Verify.

Step 5: Sign up for your free one-month trial or purchase a full subscription.

Now users have two options: sign up for a free one-month trial or purchase a full subscription, though many users might not qualify for a free trial if they have already availed it in the past with the same email or phone number. If you are purchasing a subscription, click on one of these four plans to become a prime member: Monthly Prime Membership — costs $14.99 per month Annual Membership — costs $139 per year or under $12 monthly Student Monthly Membership — costs $7.49 per month; students are eligible for exclusive offers including a 6-month free Prime trial. Prime for government assistance recipients — costs $6.99 per month (must verify eligibility)

The best cheap laptops for 2024: Models under $1,000 that we've tested and loved

Mashable - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 14:30

When it comes to shopping for the best cheap laptops, you can do a lot with $1,000. (Heck, even $500 cuts some mustard nowadays.) But you'll probably have to make some compromises along the way to stay below that price point.

That doesn't mean you have to settle for a total clunker that doesn't tick any of the boxes on your must-have specs list. It just means you have to shop a little smarter than someone with unlimited funds.

That's where we come in. The Mashable team is constantly reviewing new laptops with different operating systems and use cases, and we recommend several affordable machines that meet most, if not all of our performance and build quality standards.

Our top picks

As of Nov. 2024, we believe the best cheap MacBook is the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air powered by the previous-generation M2 chip. It's speedy enough for most people, it lasts all day, has an excellent keyboard, and it starts at $999 (though it's often on sale for well under $900). What's more, it just got a welcome base configuration bump to 16GB of RAM.

Among Windows PCs, the Lenovo Yoga 7i 14 (Gen 9) is currently the best laptop under $1,000 that we've tried. It has a peppy processor and a good battery life, it doubles as a tablet, and it starts at $899.99.

If you're really into Microsoft machines, look into the Surface Laptop Go 3. The company's current cheapest offering is a super portable notebook with a chic look and a clicky keyboard — though I'd encourage shoppers to find it on sale, given its older CPU. It otherwise starts at $799.99.

SEE ALSO: The best laptops of 2024, tested and approved by Mashable staff

The best cheap Chromebook is the $499 HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch, with its big, vibrant display and competent everyday performance. It also supports some useful AI features and multimedia editing apps.

Cheap gaming laptops don't get much better than the Acer Nitro V 15, which combines a cool design with cool Triple-A performance for $999 as tested. (The base model is only $749.) We also now recommend the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE as an even cheaper "cheap gaming laptop" pick — which shouldn't be a huge surprise, given how much we liked its very similar predecessor. It costs the same $649, too.

Other cheap laptops on our radar

We currently have the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 in hand for testing (specifically, the 2023 model with a 12th-generation Intel processor that retails for $399.99). If it feels like a better value than HP's Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch, it could be a new "best cheap Chromebook" contender.

We'll also test the Asus Vivobook S 14, a new Copilot+ PC with a Lunar Lake CPU and an OLED display, as well as the latest Framework Laptop 13, a repairable laptop that seems like a solid long-term value. We were big fans of an older version.

Look for extra-cheap laptops on Black Friday

Tech retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, HP, Dell, and Lenovo save the bulk of their year-round lows for Black Friday season. (That's why we've deemed it the best time of year to score a great deal on a laptop.) For the next couple of weeks, we expect our favorite cheap laptops to be even cheaper than usual.

SEE ALSO: The best early Black Friday laptop deals on Apple, HP, Dell, Lenovo, and more

Don't want to scour the myriad listings yourself? Bookmark Mashable's guide to the best Black Friday laptop deals. We'll be updating it constantly throughout the holidays with vetted discounts on MacBooks, gaming laptops, Chromebooks, and more.

Read on for Mashable's in-depth guide to the best cheap laptops of 2024. FYI: We've listed the pricing and specs of our testing units, which may not apply to each laptop's base model.

New Apple AirTags are coming next year. How will they be different?

Mashable - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 14:26

Apple is reportedly working on an upgraded version of AirTags.

In his latest Power On newsletter for Bloomberg, prominent Apple insider Mark Gurman revealed that the first hardware update for AirTags is expected to arrive in mid-2025.

Apple AirTags debuted in April 2021. While a four-year hardware update might typically promise significant new features, Gurman suggested that this may not be the case for the upcoming revision.

SEE ALSO: Apple makes iPhone 6s Plus and XS Max vintage as obsolete list updated Apple AirTags: Updates to expect in 2025

According to Gurman, the next-generation AirTags will reportedly offer improved range, but the standout feature will be a design tweak making it harder to disable the onboard speaker — a key safeguard for detecting unknown AirTags placed on you. Gurman also said the new AirTags will improve privacy in general, but it's difficult to know right now if there will be other measures beyond protecting the speaker from removal.

Other than that, it sounds like the new AirTags will be a more incremental revision than some might like. The new model will also reportedly look similar to the old ones, so you won't even get a visual upgrade. But at least Apple is fixing the speaker issue.

There are tons of board games on sale at Amazon right now

Mashable - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 13:05

SAVE UP TO 58%: As of Nov. 18, you can score up to 58% off select board games at Amazon.

Best board game deals as of Nov. 18 Best board game deal overall Operation $12.49 (save $7.50) Get Deal Best runner-up board game deal Twister $10.99 (save $9) Get Deal Best budget board game deal Sorry! $5 (save $6.99) Get Deal

With Thanksgiving coming up in just a week, you might be scrambling to find something for the kids to do (that doesn’t involve a screen) while relatives visit or to keep everyone occupied and entertained as you host friends and family for the upcoming holiday season.

SEE ALSO: The best board games that we played and loved

Luckily, Amazon has a pretty sizeable selection of board games currently on sale — from family-friendly classics to the latest strategy and party games. And as of Nov. 18, you can score up to 58% off popular titles like Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Twister.

Here are the best board game finds that caught our eye:

Best board game deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Hasbro Operation $12.49 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $7.50 Get Deal Why we like it

Operation is a game of skill and precision that’s fun for kids and adults. In this classic game (which I also had growing up), players use a pair of metal tweezers to carefully remove tiny plastic body parts from the patient's body without touching the sides and setting off the buzzer. Each successful removal earns them a paper $50 or $100, and the player who racks up the most dough by the end of the game wins.

Pro tip: This also makes for a fun drinking game for older crowds!

Best runner-up board game deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hasbro Twister $10.99 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $9.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Twister is a party game that ties you up in knots (literally!). To play, you spin the wheel and twist your body to put your hands and feet on whatever color it lands on. It's perfect for rainy days, family game nights, or any time you need a good laugh and a bit of a stretch, and with up to four players, it’s ideal for small groups or a double date. It’s also portable and 45% off right now, so you can’t lose (monetarily, at least).

Best budget board game deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hasbro Sorry! $5.00 at Amazon
$11.99 Save $6.99 Get Deal Why we like it

For just $5, you and your friends or family can get in on Sorry! — a classic that teaches strategy, planning, and friendly competition. This game board includes 12 pawns, 44 cards, and instructions. Just be warned: If you can’t take a joke or are a sore loser, this might not be the game for you.

More board game deals

Creating an Amazon wishlist is our go-to Black Friday shopping hack

Mashable - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 12:55

Black Friday is back, babes.

This year, Amazon is hosting a "Black Friday Week" savings event that kicks off on Thursday, Nov. 21, and runs through Friday, Nov. 29 — aka Black Friday proper. Later that day, the mega-retailer will shift into Cyber Monday mode, which will run through Monday, Dec. 2. Expect to see "millions of deals across more than 35 categories" throughout the event, including all-time low prices on brands like Yeti, Beats, and Ninja.

Of course, it's Amazon, so plenty of early deals are already live. And there's a chance that thing you've been eyeing is already on sale. If you want to ensure you score the best deals on your must-have items this Black Friday season, we've got a shopping hack for you: Create a wishlist.

Curating your personal list of must-have items and setting price alerts can help you stay on track and avoid adding things to your cart just because they were on sale.

Get your scroll on and find out how to create an Amazon wishlist for Black Friday.

SEE ALSO: Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday: Which day is better for shopping? Tip No. 1: Organize your Amazon wishlist

If it’s news to you that Amazon even offers such a feature, here’s how it works:

Every product page on the retail giant’s website has a little “Add to List” button right near “Add to Cart.” Click on the list button and you can add said product to your personal Amazon wishlist, or any other saved list that you’ve created on your profile.

Do this with all of those items that you've been eyeing, but can't seem to make a move on unless they're on sale. Then, you can view your definitive list at a glance, or even rank each item based on how badly you want it.

Then — and here's the important part — be sure to check back on your wishlist when Black Friday 2024 kicks into high gear. You’ll be able to see which products have gone on sale and snatch them up before they’re gone.

WARNING: Only add the necessities to your wishlist or risk critical failure and end up with mass shipments of stuff you don’t need, never needed, and will never need.

Tip No. 2: Turn on wishlist alerts

That’s not where the perks of "wishlisting" cap out. If you download Amazon’s mobile companion app, you’ll be granted the added benefit of "wishlist alerts."

These alerts notify you when an item on your wishlist becomes a “lightning deal,” as well as when a sold-out item on your wishlist goes back in stock.

This isn’t a notification setting that's turned on by default, so you’ll have to go in and check it off yourself. All you have to do is open up the Amazon app, go into your settings, then to your notifications, and click on “your watched and waitlisted deals.”

It's this one. Credit: Screenshot: Amazon Tip No. 3: Turn on Alexa's advanced deal alerts

As it turns out, newer Echo smart speakers are good for more than just bumping out your playlists. They can also notify you of a sale on an item in your wishlist, shopping cart, or "saved for later" queue up to 24 hours before it even goes live.

  • Open up the Alexa mobile app to turn on the advanced deal alerts feature. You'll find it under More > Settings > Notifications > Amazon Shopping

  • Once you're there, click Shopping Recommendations and then Deal Recommendations. Since you already have your wishlist organized and ready to go, that's all there is to it.

  • You'll see a pop-up alert or a yellow ring light on your Echo device whenever Alexa finds out about an upcoming deal on products in your wishlist. Ask, "Alexa, what are my notifications?" to get the scoop.

You can either have Alexa let you know once the deal is live or even give her the go-ahead to order it for you ("Alexa, buy it for me"). Your default payment and delivery address on file will be used automatically.

Voilà — now you’ll never miss a deal for something you want. Your Amazon wishlist is one of the most useful tools that you have at your disposal to ensure a successful shopping experience.

When you're done curating your list, you can even share it with your friends. You can also view wishlists created by other Prime members. Just click the "Invite" button in your wishlist or click over to the "Your Friends" tab in your profile.

Bonus tip: Get ready for Black Friday 2024 with Mashable

We like to think we're just as on top of tracking deals on the stuff you care about as a wishlist is. Follow along with our Black Friday and Cyber Monday coverage (which has already started!), where we'll be highlighting all of the most important intel from the sale, from record-low price alerts to any invite-only deals for Prime members that may pop up to giant lists of the best deals in categories like TVs, Apple stuff, robot vacuums, headphones, and kitchen gear.

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