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When Nintendo first unveiled the Switch 2 last month, we (and everyone else) noticed something peculiar about the new Joy-Con controllers. Now, some recently unearthed patent filings more or less confirm all the theories.
Specifically, there are now publicly viewable patents for the Switch 2's controllers that tell us what we already basically knew: You can use them like computer mice. The patent filing, which is largely in Japanese and thus is not especially informative to a native English speaker, includes at least plenty of drawings that explicitly showcase someone using the Joy-Con as a mouse.
SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2: Every new feature and game spotted in the announcement Tweet may have been deletedIt's still not entirely clear what this feature will be used for. One's mind can easily wander to level creation in Super Mario Maker or house decoration in Animal Crossing as mechanics that could be enhanced by mouse functionality, but those are just two of Nintendo's many first-party gaming properties.
Nintendo has a long history of hardware innovation, but it also has an equally long history of theoretically innovative hardware features that are ultimately forgotten after being used in just a few games.
Still, aside from more horsepower, these mouse features are (so far) the only part of the Switch 2 that looks really distinct from the first Switch. We'll probably find out more when Nintendo holds its big Switch 2 reveal livestream on April 2 at 9 a.m. ET.
SAVE $25: As of Feb. 7, get the Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank for $24.99 at Amazon using promo code ANKER1685011 at checkout. That's a discount of 50%.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank $24.99 at AmazonNo one likes dealing with low battery notifications — it always seems to pop up when you're trying to do something important. If you're tired of dealing with battery emergencies, it's time to get a reliable power bank — and Anker has one that's on sale right now.
As of Feb. 7, get the Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank for $24.99 at Amazon using promo code ANKER1685011. Though it's on sale for $29.99 currently, that code knocks the price down to $24.99, which nets you a 50% discount and $25 off its normal price. This deal currently applies to all colorways including Black, Blue, Pink, and White.
SEE ALSO: Charge 6 devices at once with this Anker Prime 200W charger — now under $60This magnetic power bank boasts a 10,000mAh battery that can help you keep your devices fully charged, no matter where you are. In fact, it can do it twice with a smartphone like the iPhone 15. It also has fast charging options, so you can use the 7.5W wireless charging magnetically as your phone sticks to the charger like a stand, or the built-in USB-C cable for 30W charging.
When you have your phone connected magnetically, you can adjust the stand so you can watch your favorite shows or movies or just scroll or text while you're out and about. And you never have to worry about losing any moving parts or remembering to bring a cable with you to get some charging done. For this price, it's a no-brainer.
GET $90 OFF: Get the Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station for $169 at Amazon for a savings of $90, or 35% off.
Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station $169.00 at AmazonHit the backcountry without going off-grid with this 7.1 pound portable power station. The Jackery Explorer 300 is a battery bank meant to go along for the ride. Whether you pair it with a solar panel to make it into a portable generator, or carry it with you, it will keep your devices juiced.
Right now you can get the Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station for $169 at Amazon and save $90, for a price drop of 35%.
SEE ALSO: No one cares about AI on our phones. We just want better battery lifeThis 300 Watt power bank delivers stable power that's compatible with multiple plug types. It features two AC outlet plugs that are compatible with computers, speakers, or small appliances. Smaller electronics can also charge directly through the USB-A and USB-C ports. A DC car port enables still more plug types.
The battery itself charges quickly. It can top off with up to 80% charge within two hours.
Right now, get the Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station for $169 and save 35%.
Whether you're looking to bring a solar generator with you on long fishing weekends, you want a backup battery bank to get you through lapses in the grid, or you want a battery bank that will live permanently in the back of your pickup truck, the Jackery Explorer 300 is a solid pick.
It looks like Mark Zuckerberg is further cozying up to President Donald Trump. The Meta chief was spotted exiting the White House Thursday afternoon.
Molly Nagle, a White House reporter at ABC News, tweeted: "Spotted at the White House: Mark Zuckerberg. He was seen leaving the West Wing earlier today. We've asked the White House why he was there."
Zuck can be seen in a somewhat blurry photo exiting the White House in a navy suit.
Tweet may have been deletedMeta spokesman Andy Stone wrote on X: "Mark Zuckerberg was at the White House today to discuss how Meta can help the administration defend and advance American tech leadership abroad."
That's a rather broad description, so it's unclear what the conversation actually entailed. It's worth noting, however, that America's tech overlords have grown concerned about China's ascending tech influence through TikTok and DeepSeek. And just last month on The Joe Rogan Experience, Zuckerberg praised Trump for his America-first initiative.
SEE ALSO: Mark Zuckerberg wants more 'masculine energy' in corporate America"The American technology industry is a bright spot in the American economy," Zuckerberg said. "It's a strategic advantage for the United States that we have a lot of the strongest companies in the world. And I think it should be part of the U.S.' strategy going forward to defend that. And, one of the things that I'm optimistic about with President Trump is he just wants America to win."
So it's unsurprising to see Zuckerberg already at the White House. He's gone out of his way to cozy up to the Trump administration. Ahead of Trump's taking office, Zuckerberg worked to reshape Meta in the president's image by rescinding DEI initiatives, changing its hate speech policies, and dropping fact-checkers in favor of community notes. He also sat on the de facto billionaire's row at Trump's inauguration. Not to mention, Zuckerberg reportedly told employees at Meta that the company is actively courting the president's favor.
SEE ALSO: Mark Zuckerberg doubles down on Meta's submission to Trump"I want to be clear, after the last several years, we now have an opportunity to have a productive partnership with the United States government," Zuckerberg said, according to a report in the New York Times. "We’re going to take that."
So it's hardly a shock Zuckerberg is already at the White House — it's more of the same.
SAVE $100: The Ooni Frya 12 wood pellet pizza oven is on sale for $249, down from the usual price of $349. That's a 30% discount.
Opens in a new window Credit: Ooni Ooni Frya 12 wood pellet pizza oven $249.00 at OoniIt might have snowed this week where you live, but eventually we'll crawl out from winter's chill and head back outside. Once the warm spring sun hits the backyard, we'll be setting up the hammock, planning camping trips, and reapplying sunscreen. If you're onboard with backyard cookouts, check out this deal before spring season hits.
As of Feb. 7, the Ooni Frya 12 wood pellet pizza oven is on sale for $249, down from the normal price of $349. That's a 30% discount that'll save you $100.
Mashable Associate Editor Tim Marcin tested out the Ooni Frya pizza oven and found it can make incredible pizza, but it takes some practice to get them perfect. Marcin explains the super high heat of the Ooni oven means it can bake up delicious pizza (800 degrees and up is ideal, according to Marcin), but that also means it bakes quickly and requires some sharp attention. "Once I got the hang of it, I was definitely churning out pies in about two minutes, the added 60 seconds due to my turning skill being far from perfect," writes Marcin.
SEE ALSO: The Ninja Foodi Smoothie Bowl Maker just dropped to under $80 at AmazonHe also mentioned the Ooni's lightweight design makes it quite portable. "It's pretty sharp looking and light, just 22 pounds. You could carry it anywhere. I imagine it would be a hit at a tailgate," says Marcin.
Overall, he considered the pizza oven to be great. "And the wood pellet version, especially, I found to be neat," Marcin says. "It produced restaurant-quality wood-fired pizza at home. You could taste the sweet smoke. And the super high heat gave you that pleasant char, bubbly crust, and impossibly fast cook time. There is no way, that I know of, to replicate this with an oven or stove."
If you plan to spend the spring and summer in the backyard, the Ooni pizza oven might be your new favorite way to make dinner. Thanks to this off-season sale, you can save $100 on the oven and get ready to impress your neighbors come summer.
SAVE UP TO 39%: Shop Ninja appliances at Best Buy and save up to 39% on blenders, air fryers, and more. Get the Ninja Foodi Smart XL for just $169.99, saving $110 for 39% off.
Best Ninja appliance deals at Best Buy Best Ninja deal Ninja Foodi Smart XL indoor grill $169.99 at Best Buy (Save $110) Get Deal Best air fryer deal Ninja Prestige Smart XL air fryer $249.99 at Best Buy (Save $100) Get Deal Best blender deal Ninja Mega kitchen system $149.99 at Best Buy (Save $50) Get Deal Best coffee maker deal Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista System $199.99 at Best Buy (Save $50) Get DealIn need of a kitchen refresh? Maybe your blender's motor finally kicked the bucket, or you're sick of turning on the oven for every meal. Whatever cooking dilemma you may find yourself in, you can upgrade your countertop appliances with Best Buy's Ninja deals.
Right now, you can find Ninja appliances over $100 off at Best Buy. Bestselling devices like the Foodi are on sale, helping make dinner time a breeze. These are all the best deals to shop on Ninja devices at Best Buy.
Best Ninja deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Foodi Smart XL indoor grill $169.99 at Best BuyYou can grill all year round without ever stepping a foot outside. The Ninja Foodi Smart XL is an indoor grill that can sear and sizzle proteins and vegetables, but it does much more than that, too. The Foodi Smart XL bakes, broils, and air fries food. If you're nervous about cooking — especially meat — this Foodi comes with an included thermometer so you can make sure everything is up to a safe temp.
Right now, you can get the Foodi Smart XL for just $169.99. That saves $110 for 39% off this do-it-all appliance.
More Ninja dealsNinja Blast portable blender — $79.99 $89.99 (save $10)
Ninja Foodi smoothie bowl maker — $79.99 $119.99 (save $40)
Ninja XL Pro coffee maker — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)
Ninja Professional Plus blender — $91.99 $119.99 (save $28)
Ninja Professional Plus food processor — $99.99 $119.99 (save $20)
Ninja Sizzle countertop indoor grill — $119.99 $139.99 (save $20)
Ninja Air Fryer Pro XL — $129.99 $169.99 (save $40)
Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker Pro — $129.99 $149.99 (save $20)
Ninja Foodi DualZone FlexBasket air fryer — $149.99 $179.99 (save $30)
Ninja Mega kitchen system — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)
Ninja Foodi Power blender — $159.99 $199.99 (save $40)
Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen system — $179.99 $219.99 (save $40)
Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista system — $199.99 $249.99 (save $50)
Ninja Combi all-in-one multicooker — $199.99 $229.99 (save $30)
Ninja Prestige Smart XL air fryer — $249.99 $349.99 (save $100)
GET 15% OFF: Feb. 7th, ProFlowers is offering 15% off on bouquet delivery ahead of Valentine's Day.
Opens in a new window Credit: ProFlowers ProFlowers Get 15% off of bouquet delivery at ProFlowers Shop NowWhen Valentine's Day is coming up, finding that perfect bouquet can be stressful (mentally and financially). ProFlowers is making it easy this year by offering two savings options on bouquet delivery.
Right now you can get 15% off flower bouquet delivery on the ProFlowers website. Alternatively, you can choose an option to get $10 off, however this provides less savings since it's only valid on items from $49 and up. We recommend taking advantage of the 15% off coupon while the sale is still live.
SEE ALSO: These Lego Botanicals deals keep blooming, even after Valentine'sValentine's bouquets include dozens of roses and mixed bouquets with lilies and carnations. If you want to swerve the normal pink and red, the site also features alternative bouquets with delphiniums and eucalyptus.
While Valentine's Day delivery is very much on the table, the savings won't be as deep. ProFlowers charges fees for delivery on Valentine's Day and the day before. Day-of delivery will cost an extra $4.99, while day-before delivery will charge an extra $2.99.
Right now, get 15% off on flower bouquet delivery at ProFlowers.
Whether you're after traditional Valentine's roses, or an ornamental bouquet with with surprising additions, shop ProFlowers now to get 15% off.
SAVE $50: As of Feb. 7, get a Fitbit Versa 4 for $149.95 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $199.95. That's a discount of 25%.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fitbit Versa 4 $149.95 at AmazonWe're several weeks into 2025 already, so if you already broke your New Year's resolutions, it's totally fine. But that doesn't mean you can't start them back up again. If part of your resolution is getting in shape, now's a great time to grab a fitness tracker that can help you reach your goals now that it's on sale.
As of Feb. 7, get a Fitbit Versa 4 for $149.95 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $199.95. That's $50 off and a discount of 25%.
The Fitbit Versa 4 is an excellent pick if you're looking to get more steps in per day, lower your stress, or monitor the quality of sleep you're getting. It has 40 exercise modes, a pedometer, a heart rate monitor, and blood oxygen sensor. It can also track your sleep and sleep stages to see if you're actually getting quality shut-eye at night.
Additionally, the Fitbit Versa 4's stress management score is useful for figuring out how you can tackle the day and if there are small ways you can make helpful changes. If you're not exactly into all that, well, you can still use it as a smartwatch and take calls and texts.
If you want to try and make lifestyle changes and see where you're going in terms of fitness, the Fitbit Versa 4 is a no-brainer at this price. And with its help, you can go back and retry your resolutions as many times as you like. No one's judging here.
Google is reportedly testing its "AI Mode" for Search internally, which means it might be released soon.
According to 9to5Google, which saw an internal company email, Google employees have been invited to test out AI Mode for Search. A screenshot published by the outlet shows the tool appearing like a supercharged version of AI Overviews combined with the Gemini chatbot interface, all geared toward asking more open-ended questions.
SEE ALSO: Google makes Gemini 'thinking' model available on the app and launches Gemini 2.0 ProIt seems Google is continuing its effort to put Gemini and AI-powered features absolutely everywhere. Gemini is now embedded in TVs, Androids, Search, Google Workspace apps, as a standalone app, and more. Just this week, Google announced expanded access to its reasoning model Gemini 2.0 Thinking, and a new Gemini 2.0 Pro model for advanced coding.
Based on 9to5Google's screenshot, AI Mode would be a tab that sits next to the News, Images, Shopping, etc. filters. The early look shows a long answer to the question "How many boxes of spaghetti should I buy to feed 6 adults and 10 children, and have enough for seconds?" that showcases its reasoning capabilities, like calculating amount of spaghetti needed based on portion size for kids and adults, etc.
Tweet may have been deletedNotably, AI Mode takes up the entire page on Google Search. Since it's a screenshot, we don't know if links appear below it, but either way it covers a lot of real estate that sites normally fight tooth and nail to stake their claim on. Instead, in a module on the right, there are links to three sites, presumably where AI Mode sourced its information.
The advent of AI Overviews similarly irked publishers who feared the aggregated AI-generated summaries would whittle down traffic to their own sites. Even more space taken up by AI Mode might ramp up concerns.
That said, AI Mode is reportedly designed with more exploratory questions in mind that can't be easily answered by a quick Google Search. Examples given to employees invited to test AI Mode include, "Compare wool, down, and synthetic jackets in terms of insulation, water resistance, and durability" and "What do I need to get started with aquascaping?"
BUY TWO ACCESSORIES, SAVE 20% OFF $100+: As of Feb. 7, buy two PS5 accessories at PlayStation Direct and get 20% off your order of $100+.
Opens in a new window Credit: PlayStation Direct Buy two PS5 accessories, get 20% off your order of $100+ Get DealLooking to buy some goodies to kit out your PS5? They don't come cheap. Whether you want a new controller or a faceplate for your console, you'll need to part with a little bit of cash. But PlayStation Direct is going to sweeten the deal somewhat for you, especially since Valentine's Day is on the way. This deal might make it a bit more worth your while.
As of Feb. 7, buy two PlayStation 5 accessories and get 20% off your purchase of $100+ at PlayStation Direct. This offer is only available for PS Plus members, and it runs through Feb. 19. You must choose the PS5 accessories only marked with the "deal" badge on them on the PlayStation Direct deal page.
You can choose from a wide variety of goodies, including PS5 Console Covers to switch out the way your console looks, a DualSense Wireless Controller, or even a PlayStation Portal Remote Player. There's plenty that goes toward building the total for your deal, including the DualSense Charging Station.
All you have to do is add qualifying items to your cart and check out, where your discount will automatically be applied. You'll have to sign in via your PlayStation account wit a valid PS Plus subscription. This is a great time to share the love and get your Player 2 outfitted with everything they want this time of year, and it's not a bad option to save some money, either.
SAVE $50 + GET 3 MONTHS OF FREE KINDLE UNLIMITED: The new Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition (32GB) is on sale for $229.99, down from the typical price of $279.99. This 18% discount matches the lowest price we've seen at Amazon. This deal also includes three months of free access to Kindle Unlimited.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition (32GB) $229.99 at AmazonIt's no secret the Amazon Kindle is one of the most popular e-readers on the market, and for good reason. Amazon packs in the features of these lightweight digital readers and the display is impressively similar to reading an actual physical page. But if you prefer your pages with a pop of color, check out this deal at Amazon.
As of Feb. 7, the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition (32GB) is on sale for $229.99, marked down from the list price of $279.99. That means you'll save $50 with this 18% discount that matches the lowest price we've seen at Amazon. This deal also includes free access to Kindle Unlimited for three months, which typically costs $11.99 per month, saving you a total of $35.97 over the three months. Bundled together, the deal takes $85.97 off the Kindle Colorsoft and Kindle Unlimited subscription.
SEE ALSO: The latest Kindle Paperwhite is on sale for the first time this yearThe Kindle Colorsoft's 7-inch display brings full colors to your reading experience. Of course, this makes book covers look great, but it also gives a huge benefit when enjoying graphic novels, comics, and magazines.
The Kindle Colorsoft also allows you to highlight text in pink, orange, yellow, or blue. That makes this Kindle an awesome option for book club meetings since you can easily flag and then highlight specific passages.
Amazon also mentions the Colorsoft has pretty impressive battery life, lasting for up to eight weeks before you'll need to charge up with a USB-C cable. Recharging takes under 2.5 hours. Plus, this model is waterproof, which makes it spring-break worthy for poolside reading.
Kindle Unlimited gives you untethered access to over four million digital titles, including bestsellers. Since the Colorsoft Signature Edition has 32GB of storage space, you'll have plenty of room to hold thousands of books.
Gift yourself or your sweetheart the Kindle Colorsoft this Valentine's Day and opt for a gift that lasts longer than chocolates or flowers. With today's deal at Amazon, you'll save $50 off the normal price while also getting three months of access to Kindle Unlimited to kickstart your new reading obsession.
TLDR: Feb. 7th, Amazon is cutting prices on Lego Botanicals flowers by 20% just in time for Valentine's, including Lego Botanicals Roses, Lego Sunflowers, and Lego Orchids.
The best Lego Botanicals deals at Amazon Best Lego Botanicals Valentines deal overall Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses $47.99 (Save $12) Get Deal Best small Lego Botanicals deal Lego Sunflowers $11.99 (Save $3) Get Deal Best Lego Botanical deal with flower pot Lego Botanicals Orchid $39.99 (Save $10) Get DealLego flowers don't wilt. Valentine's Day is coming up in one week, on Feb. 14th. Flowers are an enduring symbol of care — but some flowers are even more enduring.
Right now, Amazon is providing a stand-out Valentine's gifting opportunity, with select Lego Botanicals sets on sale for 20% off. If you're looking for a bouquet that's eternal, use this deal to get a Bouquet of Roses or one of the other Lego sets that's currently on sale.
SEE ALSO: Lego is giving away a Valentine's Day Heart for free. Here’s how to get yours. Best Lego Botanicals Valentine's deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses $47.99 at AmazonThere's little that says Valentine's Day more than a rose, so this Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses deal comes right on time. With 12 roses at different stages of blooming, the set can be collected in a vase or scattered around the home.
Right now the Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses is on sale for $47.99 for a savings of $12, or 20%.
Best small Lego Botanicals deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Sunflowers $11.99 at AmazonSunflowers are emblems of summer — what better way to bring sunlight to an apartment in February? This small Lego Botanicals set includes two sunflowers. With 191 pieces, it's a simple set to build and makes a good gift for the Lego fan who likes a shorter building session.
Currently, these Lego Sunflowers are on sale for $11.99, saving you 20%, or $3.
Best Lego Botanical deal with flower pot Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Orchid $39.99 at AmazonOrchids thrive in humid climates, but elsewhere these plants are difficult to grow — February in the Midwest for example? No, that's probably not going to work. The Lego Botanicals Orchid set on the other hand will bloom anywhere.
This Lego Botanical set comes with a flower pot, so you won't need a separate vase to display this orchid. Currently the Lego Botanicals Orchid set is on sale for $39.99 saving you $10.
Other Lego Botanicals sets we likeLego Botanicals Tiny Plants — $47.99 $59.99 (save $12)
Lego Icons Plum Blossom Building Sets — $23.95 $29.99 (save $6.04)
Lego Roses — $13.49 $14.99 (save $1.50)
You've made it through the first week of February. You deserve a little treat, and we've rounded up the best discounts at Amazon today to help you find the perfect one. From Kindle to Bose, some of our favorite gadgets are down to their best prices ever (or at least pretty close).
Here are our picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on Feb. 7. If these aren't sparking your interest, take a look at our picks from Feb. 5 and Feb. 6. Many of those discounts are still live, including a 13-inch iPad Air at its lowest price ever and $50 off Fitbit's fanciest smartwatch.
Our top pick: Kindle Colorsoft Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Colorsoft $229.99 at AmazonA few months ago, Amazon revealed its first ever Kindle with a color display after nearly two decades, dubbed the Colorsoft. It's a seven-inch waterproof e-reader with a glare-free display that also supports a full spectrum of color. It also packs an auto-adjusting front light, eight weeks of battery life, 32GB of storage, and wireless charging. And did we mention there's no lockscreen ads? As of Feb. 7, it's got only its second-ever discount at Amazon. Snag it for just $229.99 instead of its usual $279.99. That's 18% in savings.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra $349.00 at AmazonThe Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones top our list of the most comfortable headphones we've tested — and we've tested a lot. They also happen to deliver excellent battery life, rich sound, and "perfectly good ANC," according to our reviewer Sam Mangino. They usually cost $429, but as of Feb. 7, you can slash 19% off and pick up a pair for $349 at Amazon.
Read our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones.
Amazon Luna controller Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Luna controller $49.99 at AmazonThe Luna controller is a gamepad designed specifically for use with Amazon Luna. Although it's technically optional for the Luna gaming experience, our friends over at PCMag (also owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) consider it a "must-have." It has a separate WiFi connection that reduces input lag as you play and streamlines the whole cloud gaming experience. It's usually $69.99, but is down to $49.99 as of Feb. 7. It also comes with a free month of Luna+ for newbies.
Kindle Paperwhite Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Paperwhite $134.99 at AmazonMashable's resident Kindle expert Sam Mangino considers the latest Kindle Paperwhite not only the best Kindle, but "the best e-reader overall." It dropped in October alongside the new Colorsoft with some long-awaited upgrades. It's compact and lightweight, waterproof, features a responsive interface with adjustable warmth that's good for your eyes, and is the fastest Kindle yet. It's on sale for only $134.99, down 16% from $159.99, as of Feb. 7. That's just $5 shy of its best price ever.
Read our full review of the Kindle Paperwhite (2024).
Amazon Echo Buds with ANC Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Buds with ANC $54.99 at AmazonWhen the third-generation Echo Buds dropped in 2023, the 2021 Echo Buds became the "Echo Buds with ANC." While they're a handful of years old, they still hold up with a comfortable build, effective noise cancellation, and solid sound quality. The battery life is just average, but if you're looking for budget earbuds that can quiet the noise around you, they're basically a no-brainer. "It's not unusual for Amazon's self-made products to come in at cheaper prices than the competition, but in this case, the product's quality is high enough to bring serious value," Mashable's Alex Perry writes in his review. Usually $139.99, the buds are on sale for only $54.99 at Amazon as of Feb. 7. That's 61% in savings.
Read our full review of the Echo Buds with ANC.
None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.
One of the best parts of running a small business is the pride of getting everything off the ground yourself. Not everyone has the vision and drive required to successfully take a concept and bring it to life. And the thought of hiring external staff, like a bookkeeper, can feel a bit daunting.
“Early on, when you’re just starting out, it’s manageable to track everything yourself or use basic software. But as your business grows, you might find that managing all those invoices, payments, and expenses becomes overwhelming,” explains Steven Kibbel, certified financial planner and founder of Kibbel Financial. “I’ve seen small business owners who wait too long to address this and end up with errors in their books, missing payments to vendors, or even misreporting revenue.”
SEE ALSO: The 20 best tools for starting your own businessSure, you might pride yourself on running a lean business, but a good bookkeeper should be seen as an investment, one that helps you track and retain more of your hard-earned money and frees up your time to focus on what you’re best at.
If you’ve been wondering whether or not you need outside help to track and manage your small business expenses and income, you’ll want to read on. Here are the tell-tale signs that it might be time to hire a bookkeeper, according to a certified financial planner and a small business tax advisor.
1. When you’re unable to keep track of the inflow and outflow of cash
“As your business grows, managing your own books can quickly become overwhelming. You might lose track of who owes you money, miss vendor invoice deadlines, and struggle to accurately track cash flow,” says Alex Cook, VP of Small Business Tax at Block Advisor. “Reliable cash flow management is crucial for making informed business decisions that ensure long-term success. However, if bookkeeping isn't your strength, it can hinder your progress.”
According to Cook, untangling financial messes on your own can consume valuable time that could be better spent on sales and revenue generation. If this sounds familiar, it might be time to outsource your accounting to a trusted provider.
2. When bookkeeping starts eating into your time
Another big trigger is when bookkeeping starts eating into the time you should be spending on running and growing your business. “I worked with a client who owned a small retail shop, and she told me she was staying up until midnight every night trying to reconcile her accounts. That’s time she could have spent sourcing new inventory or marketing her business,” explains Kibbel. “Hiring a bookkeeper freed her up to focus on the creative side of her business, knowing her finances were in good hands.”
3. When you go international
Financial complexity is another issue. Think about it like this: If you start hiring employees or expanding into new markets, you’ll start dealing with payroll taxes, inventory tracking, or even multi-state sales tax compliance, which you might not be entirely proficient in. This is where a bookkeeper becomes invaluable because they can handle those details while keeping your records clean and accurate. “One of my clients who runs a small e-commerce business hit this point when she started selling internationally. The tax and currency issues got complicated fast, and she realized it wasn’t something she could keep doing on her own,” says Kibbel.
4. When tax season becomes a headache
“Tax season is a huge pain point for a lot of small business owners,” says Kibbel. “If you find yourself scrambling to pull together receipts and records, or worse, missing out on deductions because your books aren’t organized, it’s probably time to hire someone.”
“I’ve seen business owners save thousands in taxes because a bookkeeper ensures everything is categorized properly and ready for the CPA to review,” adds Kibbel. “And if you’ve ever been hit with a penalty for missing a tax deadline, you know how costly that can be.”
TL;DR: Live stream Manchester United vs. Leicester City in the FA Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The FA Cup fourth round includes some really interesting matchups, including Manchester United vs. Leicester City. Neither side is looking particularly strong right now in the Premier League, so this competition can provide a welcome distraction.
If you want to watch Manchester United vs. Leicester City in the FA Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Manchester United vs. Leicester City?Manchester United vs. Leicester City in the FA Cup starts at 8 p.m. GMT on Feb. 7. This fixture takes place at Old Trafford.
How to watch Manchester United vs. Leicester City for freeManchester United vs. Leicester City in the FA Cup is available to live stream for free on ITVX.
ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX from anywhere in the world.
Access a free live stream of Manchester United vs. Leicester City by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit ITVX
Live stream Manchester United vs. Leicester City for free from anywhere in the world
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 Manchester United vs. Leicester City without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream this game before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for ITVX?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
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 Manchester United vs. Leicester City in the FA Cup for free with ExpressVPN.
CELEBRATE STARBUCKS MONDAY: After the big game on Sunday, take advantage of Starbucks Monday on Feb. 10, which offers a free 12-ounce hot or iced brewed coffee to all Starbucks Rewards members. Signing up for the membership is free.
Opens in a new window Credit: Starbucks Free 12-ounce hot or iced brewed coffee Starbucks Rewards membership required Learn MoreYou might be feeling a bit extra slugging this coming Monday morning. Your plans might involve celebrating well into the night if your team wins Sunday's big game, or maybe you're up late enjoying the accompanying snacks. Whatever the reason, Starbucks has us all covered come Monday morning.
On Monday, Feb. 10, all Starbucks Rewards members are welcome to stop into Starbuck and cash in on a free 12-ounce (tall) hot or iced brewed coffee. To grab your free coffee on Starbucks Monday, you'll need to be a member of the Starbucks Rewards program by 11:59 pm PT on Feb. 9, which is free to join.
There's no better way to start off a Monday morning that with free coffee, and that's exact what we're being treated to during the upcoming Starbucks Monday. At any time on Monday, Feb. 10, stop by your local Starbucks to get yourself a free 12-ounce hot or iced brewed coffee.
The one catch here is that you'll need to be a member of the Starbucks Rewards program, which is free to join. You'll need to sign up for the membership before the clocks strikes 11:59 p.m. PT on Sunday Feb. 9. After that, here's how to cash in on your free coffee:
If you're ordering via the Starbucks app for pickup, apply the Starbucks Monday coupon when placing your order. If you'll be ordering in store or in the drive-thru, let your barista know you'll be using your free Starbucks Monday coupon.
Keep in mind this deal only allows for one free 12-ounce (tall) brewed coffee per Starbucks Rewards member. You won't be able to snag a Nitro Cold Brew or Cold Brew, either. And additions like syrup will come at a charge. The deal is also not valid on delivery orders.
After the big game on Sunday, treat yourself to a free Starbucks brewed coffee on Monday. It'll be a great way to start your week regardless of how you feel about the game's outcome.
SAVE 10%: Through Feb. 17, Amazon Prime members get 10% off orders of $30 or more at Grubhub. Use code GET10 at checkout.
Opens in a new window Credit: Grubhub Amazon Prime members get 10% off at Grubhub Runs Feb 7-17. Use code GET10 at checkout on orders of $30+. Get DealWhen the Big Game comes on, you won't want to peel your eyes away from the screen. Not only do you not want to miss a single play, but even the commercials provide endless entertainment. Luckily, dinner is just a few clicks away on your phone. While you stay on the couch, dinner shows up straight to your dinner. And right now, Grubhub is offering extra savings for Amazon Prime members.
Starting in May 2024, Grubhub+ officially became a full-time perk to Amazon Prime members. Grubhub+ plus gets you $0 delivery in addition to lower service fees. But right now, the savings for Amazon Prime members are even bigger. Through Feb. 17, Amazon Prime members receive 10% off orders of $30 or more. To get these savings, make sure to add code GET10 at checkout.
SEE ALSO: The Ninja Foodi Smoothie Bowl Maker just dropped to under $80 at AmazonTo take full advantage of your Amazon Prime membership and get GrubHub+, make sure your Prime and Grubhub accounts are linked. Once linked, visit the Grubhub+ landing page and start your order. It's the perfect opportunity to save 10% off food orders for the Big Game.
Heart Eyes stars Mason Gooding and Olivia Holt go back-and-forth debating which iconic movie slashers they would either dump or try to fix.