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Apples affordable iPhone is getting a new chip and selfie camera, report claims

Mashable - Tue, 10/27/2026 - 08:17

Apple's most affordable iPhone is getting some neat new features, but a 120Hz display isn't one of them.

This is according to leaker Digital Chat Station, who shared his findings on Weibo.

According to the report, the iPhone 18e will have a 60Hz, 6.12-inch OLED display, Apple's new A20 chip, a single, 48-megapixel camera, and a 24-megapixel front camera.

That last one sounds a bit unlikely, as even the latest iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max only have an 18-megapixel selfie camera. Apple doesn't typically bestow top features on its most affordable device.

The A20 chip sounds more likely; the iPhone "e" series traditionally had a powerful chip, with the company cutting costs on cameras and displays.

Speaking of display, the 60Hz refresh rate is a bit disappointing, but it also seems pretty likely, given that the new iPad mini, which launched earlier this week, features a 60Hz OLED display.

SEE ALSO: Apple officially rolls out iOS 27.2. Here's what's new

The iPhone 18e is likely to launch in spring 2027, alongside the iPhone 18 and Apple's super-thin iPhone Air 2.

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Stuff Your Kindle Day is back for Halloween: How to download 100s of free spooky books

Mashable - Tue, 10/27/2026 - 08:16

TL;DR: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on Oct. 26-30. Get Spooked, hosted by Indie Author Collective, offers thrillers, mysteries, paranormal, and horror books for Kindle and Kobo users.

Stuff Your Kindle Day provides an awesome opportunity for bookworms to add to their TBR list without any guilt.

We're blessed with a pretty busy Stuff Your Kindle Day schedule in 2026, including romance, thriller, and young adult giveaways. Now that it's officially spooky season, Get Spooked has launched with 100s of free thrillers, mysteries, paranormal, and horror books.

Get Spooked, hosted by Indie Author Collective, is aimed at Kindle and Kobo users. Everything you download is yours to keep forever, so you can go wild.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the 2026 Motorola Razr for free — how to qualify

Looking to make the most of the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day? We've lined up everything you need to know about this popular event.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Get Spooked takes place from Oct. 26-30. This five-day giveaway doesn't carry the same stress as a 24-hour event. You can consider your options and take your time. You could dip into the selection today and come back later in the week.

Which books are free?

Get Spooked is offering a huge selection of thrillers, mysteries, paranormal, and horror books. The helpful hub page has filters for price, retailers, e-reader, representations, and genres. Play around with the filters and find exactly what you want to read. Chances are you'll find something for free.

Is Stuff Your Kindle Day the same as Amazon Kindle Unlimited?

Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep forever, and there's no limit on the number of books you can download. Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads don't count towards the 20 books that Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow at the same time, so what's holding you back?

The best Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle (16GB) + Kindle Unlimited (3 Months) $149.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Why we like it

These popular e-readers let you take your entire library on the go, with weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display. Plus, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free with your purchase for a limited time.

Burger King’s new Cartoon Network collab features 6 collectible figures — how to buy

Mashable - Tue, 10/27/2026 - 07:17

TL;DR: Burger King has announced a Cartoon Network collab in the UAE, including collectible figures of Finn, Ben 10, Courage, Bloo, Johnny Bravo, and Rigby with King Jr. Meals.

Burger King is officially resurrecting classic Cartoon Network figures, but you won't find them at your local drive-thru.

The fast-food chain is launching a six-character collectible capsule featuring heavy-hitting icons from back in the day. The problem? The promotion is currently live exclusively across the United Arab Emirates, leaving U.S. collectors stranded on the secondary market. Does that mean we shouldn't cover this collab? Absolutely not. Collectors will always find a way.

View this post on Instagram What’s inside the collection

Each figure from the collection comes bundled with a King Jr. Meal:

  • Finn (Adventure Time)

  • Ben Tennyson (Ben 10)

  • Courage (Courage the Cowardly Dog)

  • Bloo (Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends)

  • Johnny Bravo (Johnny Bravo)

  • Rigby (Regular Show)

Do not expect these to roll into your U.S. drive-thru anytime soon. The focus in the U.S. remains on the Hello Kitty collab.

If you're an obsessive collector who absolutely needs Johnny Bravo or Courage on your desk, you're going to need to track eBay importers. International toy resellers in Dubai are already listing complete sealed sets on eBay. Keep search alerts on "Burger King UAE Cartoon Network 2026."

Jimmy Kimmel gleefully reacts to Obama mocking Trump

Mashable - Tue, 10/27/2026 - 07:17

Obama recently spoke out against Trump during a rally in Detroit, where he – as Jimmy Kimmel puts it in the clip above – roasted Trump "like a suckling pig".

The host plays a clip of the former president talking about what the current one has done to the White House, saying all the gold looks like "Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory."

"Fox News of course jumped on that, they called Obama an out-of-touch elitist for making fun of the Cheesecake Factory," says Kimmel. "Right, but the guy building the 90,000 square foot ballroom? Man of the people, absolute salt of the Earth."

Kimmel goes on to play Trump's reaction, with him addressing Obama directly and saying his comment "just shows why you were a lousy president."

"I think there's only one way to settle this," says Kimmel. "Roast battle on the White House lawn, live."

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Mashable announces Gift of the Year winners for 2026

Mashable - Tue, 10/27/2026 - 07:00

Gift giving is an art form. But picking a truly wonderful gift that the recipient is sure to love for years to come? Now that’s a science. 

Of all the products we’ve tested and loved this year, the following 15 are the ones that we’ve deemed as a Gift of the Year. Everything on this list was rigorously tested in a real world, at-home setting by a member of the Mashable staff. These are the products that sit at the top of our “best of” lists, the ones we gift to others — or may be coveting for ourselves.

In the world of tech gifts, you’ll find our favorite headphones, a laptop that won’t wipe out your gifting budget, and the season’s must-have gaming device. We have gifts that make your home smarter, your dinner faster, and your music louder. For the kids on your list, we’ve chosen the toys that will evolve and grow with them as they get bigger, and for the smartphone obsessed teen there’s the one piece of tech that will help them find some much-needed balance.

Read on to discover which products made the cut for our inaugural Gift of the Year awards and consider this your must-have shopping list when it comes to Christmas gifts, Hanukkah presents, and beyond.

Best Tech for Teens Gift of the Year Credit: Rene Ramos/Mashable/Camp Snap Opens in a new window Credit: Camp Snap Camp Snap 2 Digital Camera $69.99 at Camp Snap
  Shop Now at Camp Snap Why we like it

Originally designed for summer campers who want a digital camera to capture camp memories, the Camp Snap is screen-free. However, the Camp Snap has attracted an audience beyond summer campers, thanks to its nostalgic-looking photos. The photos the camera takes are reminiscent of photos from a disposable camera, just digitized. It looks like film, but it has the convenience of digital. Don't expect crisp, detailed photos; everything has a slight fuzz to it, but that's part of the style to just embrace. —Samantha Mangino

Best Audio Player for Kids Gift of the Year Credit: Rene Ramos/Mashable/Yoto Opens in a new window Credit: Yoto Yoto Mini (2024 Edition) $79.99 at Yoto
  Shop Now at Yoto Why we like it

There is perhaps no device more universally beloved in my house than the Yoto Mini. Great for a wide range of kids, my 6-year-old and 3-year-old are particularly smitten. The Yoto is a screen-free audio player that puts the power into the hands of the kids. Compatible cards power up everything from chapter books and shorter stories to music and learning-based content and are available to check out at many local libraries. There’s also an ad-free, kid-friendly radio station built-in, as well as a daily podcast, plus others that are accessible via the compatible app. Custom cards allow you to create your own content, including mix tapes, books, family messages — whatever you can come up with. It’s great for little hands, will adapt and grow as kids get bigger, and is both rugged and travel-friendly. We love that this is the kind of device that keeps kids engaged and entertained — without a screen — and will adapt to the whims of our family for years to come. —Nicole Cammorata

Best Toy for Preschoolers Gift of the Year Credit: Rene Ramos/Mashable/Tonies Toniebox 2 $149.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Why we like it

As our kids have grown, we’ve noticed that compared to the Yoto Mini (above), the Toniebox is particularly well-suited for preschool-aged kids. We’ve had one in our family for the last couple of years and our kids have loved being able to listen to stories, choose their own content, and be in charge of their own entertainment. As parents, we love that it’s screen-free, keeps them entertained, travels well, and offers a wide library of content to choose from. The Toniebox is powered by a collection of Tonies — small figures preloaded with content from a multitude of beloved movies and TV shows, including those from Disney, Pixar, Bluey, Peppa Pig, National Geographic, and more. Our kids are often just as smitten with the characters as objects as they are with the content itself. —Nicole Cammorata

Best Headphones Gift of the Year Credit: Rene Ramos/Mashable/Bose Bose QuietComfort (Gen 2) $359 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Bose Why we like it

These headphones are nearly $100 cheaper than the Bose QC Ultra 2 headphones, but offer many of the same features. For starters, the comfort and noise cancellation are nearly on par with the significantly more expensive headphones, which is to say it's very, very good — like easily wearable for a full day of travel. The tactile controls are intuitive and functional, the colors are varied and unique while remaining appealing, and there's an Immersive Audio listening mode for changing up how you hear your music. In a time when most tech prices are rising, it's refreshing to see a brand release a pair of headphones that strive for ultra-premium performance, while sticking to a more mildly premium price. —Bethany Allard

Best Kitchen Gadget Gift of the Year Credit: Rene Ramos/Mashable/Ninja Ninja Crispi $152.95 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $27.04   Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Ninja Kitchen Why we like it

Air fryers are great for anyone, but the Ninja Crispi is made for meal preppers. With its portable design, it stores nicely and can be used on the go. Plus, it actually works. The controls are simple, and the glass baskets come with storage lids for easy food storage. Since we originally tested this device, it's become a favorite of the Mashable shopping team. Not to mention, the Crispi has gotten quite a bit of attention online as folks seek a plastic-free air fryer, and the Crispi is really the best option available. —Samantha Mangino

Best Wellness Gift of the Year Credit: Rene Ramos/Mashable/Oura Oura Ring 5 $499 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Why we like it

Oura outdid itself with the Ring 5. Before its release, we rated the Oura Ring 4 the best smart ring available, but the Ring 5 blows it out of the water. It's the most comfortable, accurate, and well-designed smart ring we've tested. The new Oura Ring 5 still offers the same biometric data and in-app experience, but now it's 40 percent smaller. It's thinner and lighter, meaning the battery had to shrink. But it didn't sacrifice battery life, as it still lasts six to seven days on a single charge. The ring contains a red and infrared LED, a green and infrared LED, a movement-tracking accelerometer, and digital temperature monitors that all work together to calculate your biometrics, which are presented in the app. With a slim fit and rounded edges, it looks like a classic band that blends right into your wardrobe but remains comfortable without digging in or pinching your finger. —Samantha Mangino

Best Stocking Stuffer Gift of the Year Credit: Rene Ramos/Mashable/Brick Opens in a new window Credit: Brick Brick $59 at Brick
  Shop Now at Brick Why we like it

Sometimes the best tech is the device that helps us take a break from our tech. The Brick is a small, square device that does exactly that — and makes for an excellent stocking stuffer. A quick tap via the app will shut down all the apps you’ve deemed unnecessary, and the phone will stay that way until you re-tap it to the Brick. For anyone looking to break free from a phone addiction, get some mental clarity, or find more digital balance, it’s an incredible device that allows all of us to get a break from that tiny screen without losing the convenience of a mobile phone. I love that the app restrictions are customizable and that accessing the forbidden parts of my phone requires a physical action — a much-appreciated counterpoint to the mindless scrolling that comes with phone addiction. —Nicole Cammorata

Best Laptop Gift of the Year Credit: Rene Ramos/Mashable/Apple MacBook Neo $689 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Why we like it

Even after a $100 price bump this summer, the MacBook Neo is still an unrivaled value in the budget category. Most cheap Windows laptops and Chromebooks have plastic components, but this little guy has the same luxe, all-aluminum build quality as any other MacBook. The Neo's A18 Pro processor is technically a pared-down iPhone chip, but don't be fooled: It's extremely impressive for a budget laptop CPU. In simple single-core workloads (web browsing, word processing), the Neo is just as fast as a last-gen M4 MacBook Air. In such scenarios, it feels snappier than most Windows laptops we've tried lately, including 10 that cost $2,000 or more. —Haley Henschel

Best Robot Vacuum Gift of the Year Credit: Rene Ramos/Mashable/Eufy Eufy C28 $529.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $270   Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Eufy Why we like it

The C28 finally answers the call of spill-prone households who need something more heavy-duty (and less likely to smear). The HydroJet system rinses the mop nine times per second as it's mopping to prevent smearing. From catnip flakes to tufts of dryer lint to handfuls of crushed chips, I really had to squint to find a few tiny pieces that the C28 left behind. The Eufy C28 gets bonus points for its slow, deliberate vacuuming when spot-cleaning the tricky area where a rug changes to hardwood — its crumb pickup around rug edges has actually been more reliable than premium Roborock and Dreame models. Its performance on hardwood and tile has been even more stellar. The damp roller presses down firmly to wipe up dust and pet hair on hardwood that would stick to the floor during regular vacuuming. —Leah Stodart

Best Smartwatch Gift of the Year Credit: Rene Ramos/Mashable/Apple Apple Watch Series 12 $389.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Walmart Why we like it

The Series 12 has a new S11 chip that adds support for Audio Intelligence tools and offers more battery life during workouts (plus faster charging). The Apple Watch Series 12's chip and sensors are the exact same ones you'll find inside the rugged Apple Watch Ultra 4, which costs twice as much. The Ultra 4 is awesome in its own right, especially if you prioritize battery life and durability, but this means you don't need to splash out on Apple's most expensive smartwatch in order to use its most advanced features. The mid-tier option has never been a smarter buy or a more worthwhile upgrade from an older model. —Haley Henschel

Best Smart Home Gift of the Year Credit: Rene Ramos/Mashable/Amazon Echo Show 8 $199.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Why we like it

It can act as a sous chef in the kitchen, serving up recipes while keeping your hands free, and it can just as easily make video calls to keep up with friends and family or stay productive while WFH. You can also "Drop-In" on any other Alexa devices in your household, including video chat with other Echo Shows. That's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Echo Show 8's visual feats, though, and the gorgeous display really opens up the door to an incredible amount of enhanced Alexa functionality. The Echo Show 8 can even function as a security camera, and you can check in on what it sees via the Alexa app on your phone while you're away. That said, you can close the camera shutter and shut off the mic for more privacy. —Samantha Mangino

Best Handheld Gaming Gift of the Year Credit: Rene Ramos/Mashable/Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 $499 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Walmart Why we like it

Those who want to stay on the cutting edge of handheld gaming consoles need to get a Nintendo Switch 2 at some point. It's the latest and greatest version of the handheld, with more power, improved features and accessories, and a constantly expanding slate of games that'll almost certainly induce FOMO if you don't hop on the bandwagon. If you're excited about playing the long-awaited The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, love all things Pokémon, or have a kiddo that needs to be introduced to the joys of Mario Kart, then the Switch 2 is a must-have. —Timothy Werth

Best TV Gift of the Year Credit: Rene Ramos/Mashable/TCL TCL 65-inch QM6K Mini LED 4K TV $647.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $152   Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Why we like it

The TCL QM6K is the quintessential beginner fancy TV between the absolute cheapest and most expensive QLEDs out there. Compared to regular LED TVs, the QM6K is brighter and sharper — better for daytime viewing and watching sports. Compared to more premium mini-LED TVs, the QM6K stays comfortably under the $1,000 mark. —Leah Stodart

Best Outdoor Gift of the Year Credit: Rene Ramos/Mashable/Bose Bose SoundLink Plus $269 at Walmart
  Shop Now at Walmart Shop Now at Amazon Why we like it

Bose's SoundLink line includes an array of excellent speakers, and we've found the Plus to be in that sweet Goldilocks spot between the SoundLink Flex and SoundLink Max. It's incredibly loud with crisp, clear audio. And its size makes it portable and not too heavy (though it does have some heft to it), while still producing room-filling sound. Whether you're at the beach, hosting a pool party, camping, or just hanging out at home, the Bose SoundLink Plus is a stellar Bluetooth speaker. It can also easily pair with other Bose SoundLink speakers for extended sound. —Miller Kern

Best Beauty Tech Gift of the Year Credit: Rene Ramos/Mashable/Shark Shark Cryoglow Mask $299 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $50.99   Shop Now at Amazon Why we like it

It would be hard to argue that any mask is a better value or offers a more premium experience than the Shark CryoGlow. The Shark mask is lined with 160 evenly spaced tri-wick bulbs. Every single bulb can emit red, near-infrared, or blue light, and each bulb can emit all three light types simultaneously for 480 light sources total. That's true full-face coverage for the duration of any setting, compared to other masks that turn red light bulbs off completely if you're on the blue light setting. —Leah Stodart

Apple’s upgraded AirTag just dropped to a new all-time low price at Amazon — shop for $23

Mashable - Tue, 10/27/2026 - 06:48

SAVE $6: As of Oct. 27, the latest second-generation Apple AirTag has dropped to its all-time low price at Amazon. Snag one for $23, down from its standard $29 sticker price — a 21% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) $23 at Amazon
$29 Save $6   Get Deal at Amazon

If you are gearing up for holiday travels and need an easy way to keep tabs on your luggage, keys, or backpack, today is your lucky day. The brand-new second-generation Apple AirTag just dropped to $23 at Amazon, down from its standard $29 sticker price. That shaves $6 right off the top, marking the lowest price we have ever tracked for Apple's upgraded tracker.

On the outside, the new AirTag looks identical to the original silver-and-white disc, but the hardware gets some serious bumps. Apple gave it upgraded wireless chips that expand its Precision Finding range by up to 1.5 times, along with a built-in speaker that is 50% louder.

When Mashable's Stan Schroeder put it through its paces, the real-world tracking gains were immediately obvious. While the first-gen model lost signal past 30 feet, Stan's iPhone locked onto the new AirTag from nearly 50 feet away through two walls, pinpointing its exact spot at 36 feet. When he tucked it deep inside a backpack in another room, that louder, punchier chime was still a breeze to hear.

Beyond range and volume, the second-gen tracker brings a couple of new tricks to the table, including the ability to run Precision Finding straight from your wrist on newer Apple Watch models. If your suitcase ever goes on an unplanned solo vacation, you can now securely share the tag's live location directly with more than 50 airline partners through the Find My app. You also get the same dependable IP67 water resistance and a user-replaceable battery that lasts about a year, meaning you can toss it into a bag or hook it to a bike without babying it.

Grab the Apple AirTag (2nd Generation) while it's sitting at its all-time low.

Jon Stewart reacts to Obama roasting Trump

Mashable - Tue, 10/27/2026 - 06:43

Obama has fired some jabs at Trump in the run-up to the midterms, resulting in some inevitable backlash from right-wing news pundits — and Jon Stewart has thoughts.

In the Daily Show clip above, the host plays footage of the former president speaking to a crowd about what Trump's done to the White House.

"There's gold everywhere, what's up with the gold?" says Obama. "He's got the White House looking like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory."

"Ohh! Barack Obama with an illegal joke strike on an American citizen," responds Stewart, before playing a montage of Fox anchors getting angry about Obama's reference to the Cheesecake Factory. "The part of the comparison that bothered you was the Cheesecake Factory part? Not the Saddam Hussein part? The Cheesecake Factory is not an actual factory, you know that? We did not ship Cheesecake jobs to China. What a slap in the face to the hard-working Americans on the cheesecake assembly lines. My pee-paw lost his hand making their skinnylicious avocado tacos."

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Black Friday 2026 at Costco: See the ad and early sales

Mashable - Tue, 10/27/2026 - 06:23
Best early Costco Black Friday deals: Best headphones deal Beats Studio Pro Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones $179.99 (Save $120) Get Deal Best holiday deal Complete Gourmet Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner (Serves 8) $199.99 (Save $70) Get Deal Best outdoor deal Tiki Brand 25-Inch Celebration Smokeless Fire Pit $239.99 (Save $50) Get Deal Best coffee maker deal Philips 800 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine with Milk Frother $299.99 (Save $140) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Roborock QX Revo Ultra 2 Robot Vacuum and Mop $779.99 (Save $200) Get Deal

Costco's holiday ad scans are out, and if you love hunting for bargains, the savings schedule is pretty packed. The markdowns roll out in waves, starting with early pre-Black Friday savings on Oct. 30 and running through Nov. 30. Physical warehouses will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, but the online sale kicks off that day, before doors reopen for regular hours on Black Friday.

To get in on the deals, you will need a Costco card, which starts at $65 a year. That membership gives you access to member-only discounts on laptops, soundbars, TVs, and more, plus Costco's 90-day return policy on electronics.

SEE ALSO: Early Black Friday 2026 deals: See holiday gift guides from Amazon, The Home Depot, Nordstrom, Ulta, and more

The good news is you do not have to wait for the official kickoff to start saving. Costco already has member markdowns live right now on some appliances, robot vacuums, Beats headphones, and outdoor gear. If you want to skip the packed aisles and get ahead of your holiday shopping early, you can grab them online today.

Best headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones $179.99 at Costco
$299.99 Save $120   Get Deal at Costco Why we like it

The Beats Studio Pro wireless noise-canceling headphones deliver rich, balanced sound with custom drivers that keep music crisp without turning muddy at high volumes. They block out background chatter effectively with adaptive active noise cancellation, and flip easily into transparency mode when you need to hear traffic or flight announcements. Unlike older models, they play equally well with both iPhone and Android, pairing in a single tap and connecting seamlessly to your cloud accounts.

More headphone dealsBest holiday deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fortune Gourmet Complete Gourmet Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner (Serves 8) $199.99 at Costco
$269.99 Save $70   Get Deal at Costco Why we like it

The Complete Gourmet Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner takes all the chaos out of holiday hosting, delivering a 30-pound feast that feeds eight people without any stress. You get an antibiotic-free, Amish-raised turkey breast that comes pre-brined, netted, and ready to roast, along with generous trays of classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes, cornbread stuffing, mac and cheese, and green bean casserole. Round that out with dinner rolls, rich gravy, and both pumpkin pie and apple cobbler for dessert, and all you have to do is heat, serve, and enjoy your holiday.

More holiday dealsBest outdoor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Tiki Tiki Brand 25-Inch Celebration Smokeless Fire Pit $239.99 at Costco
$289.99 Save $50   Get Deal at Costco Why we like it

The Tiki Brand 25-Inch Celebration Smokeless Fire Pit keeps backyard hangs warm without leaving your clothes smelling like a campfire for days. It produces a steady, low-smoke flame with a 4-foot heat radius, keeping everyone comfortable around the patio on brisk evenings. Setup takes just a couple of minutes by twisting on the legs and sliding in the removable ash pan, and you can burn either regular firewood logs or quick-lighting wood pellets depending on how easy you want cleanup to be.

More outdoor dealsBest coffee maker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Philips Philips 800 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine with Milk Frother $299.99 at Costco
$439.99 Save $140   Get Deal at Costco Why we like it

The Philips 800 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine makes getting coffeehouse-quality drinks at home completely effortless. With just one touch, its built-in ceramic grinder grinds fresh beans, tamps them down, and brews a rich cup of espresso or drip coffee in under a minute. You can tweak both the strength and the drink size through the simple menu to match your taste, while the attached classic steam wand lets you whip up warm, frothy milk whenever you crave a latte or cappuccino.

More coffee dealsBest robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock QX Revo Ultra 2 Robot Vacuum and Mop $779.99 at Costco
$979.99 Save $200   Get Deal at Costco Why we like it

The Roborock QX Revo Ultra 2 takes the grunt work out of floor care, packing strong 25,000 Pa suction that digs deep into carpets and pulls up everyday pet hair without flinching. Its smart obstacle sensors steer clear of toys, power cords, and stray pet messes, while anti-tangle brushes keep shedding fur from jamming up the works. Best of all, the hands-off dock does the gross chores for you: it washes the mop pads with hot water to melt away sticky spills, then blows warm air over them so damp pads never sit around smelling funky.

More robot vacuum deals

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are back on sale: Save $50 on Apples ultimate workout earbuds

Mashable - Tue, 10/27/2026 - 06:18

SAVE $50: As of Oct. 27, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are on sale for $199.95 at Amazon. That's a 20% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 $199.95 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50.04   Get Deal at Amazon

For a good pair of workout earbuds, you really can't go wrong with the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2. And it's not just about their great sound quality and secure fit, they also provide heart rate tracking to support your training. 

Sensors inside the earbuds measure your pulse during exercise, taking readings more than 100 times per second. So, if you want to head out for a run or go to the gym without a fitness tracker, you can still get a clear picture of your workout effort.

The ear-hook design also makes them a good choice for sports. This helps keep them secure during runs, gym sessions, and other high-intensity workouts. They also have an IPX4 rating, meaning they're designed to withstand sweat and splashes from rain or water during workouts.

And because they're Beats, you know the sound quality is top-notch. Active Noise Cancellation helps shut out distractions when you need to concentrate, and Transparency mode lets you hear surrounding sounds, a useful feature if you run outdoors often.

As of Oct. 27, these impressive earbuds are available for less at Amazon. Normally $249.99, you can save $50 with the sale price of $199.99. This applies to all four colorways, too.

The GhostShield VPN flags suspicious connections — and lifetime access is just $49.99

Mashable - Tue, 10/27/2026 - 06:00

TL;DR: Get GhostShield VPN Premium lifetime access for only $49.99 (reg. $399).

Opens in a new window Credit: GhostShield VPN GhostShield AI-Powered VPN Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription $49.99
$399 Save $349.01   Get Deal

A VPN is more useful when its controls fit the way you actually use your devices. GhostShield’s AI-Powered VPN Premium Plan is $49.99 (reg. $399) for lifetime access, covering up to 10 simultaneous connections with one payment.

Its standout feature is an AI Threat Analyzer that inspects traffic behavior in real time and flags malicious domains and suspicious connections. That adds information about potential risks alongside the VPN’s core job of encrypting your connection.

GhostShield uses WireGuard with ChaCha20 encryption and offers 20 server locations across 16 countries. Unlimited bandwidth means there are no plan-based data caps or throttling limits to manage during downloads, streaming, or video calls. A built-in speed test lets you check performance inside the app.

The connection controls are practical, too. A kill switch cuts internet access if the VPN tunnel drops, while DNS leak protection keeps DNS requests within the encrypted connection. Split tunneling lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which connect directly.

For browsing, built-in ad and tracker blocking helps reduce unwanted activity. Family Mode filters gambling and adult content while allowing social media access.

For households or individuals juggling several devices, you get a shared set of privacy and connection tools without recurring subscription payments. The 10-device allowance leaves room for different screens under one account.

Get GhostShield VPN Premium lifetime access for just $49.99 (reg. $399).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

Replace recurring storage and transfer fees with this $89.99 purchase

Mashable - Tue, 10/27/2026 - 06:00

TL;DR: Get the 1TB Cloud Storage & File Transfer Lifetime Subscription Bundle for $89.99 (reg. $748), including Drime’s 1TB storage plan and Transfr Pro with encrypted transfers.

Opens in a new window Credit: StackCommerce The 1TB Cloud Storage & File Transfer Lifetime Subscription Bundle $89.99
$748 Save $658.01   Get Deal

Finishing a project is one job. Storing it securely and getting it to the right people are two other things to check off your list. The 1TB Cloud Storage & File Transfer Lifetime Subscription Bundle is only $89.99 (reg. $748), and it pairs Drime storage with Transfr Pro delivery tools for one payment.

Drime provides 1TB of lifetime cloud storage with no file-size cap. Large videos, raw photos, and client deliverables can stay intact rather than being split into smaller uploads. Desktop and mobile synchronization keeps your files accessible across devices.

Shared workspaces support up to 15 members, with built-in document and media editing, timestamped comments on videos and PDFs, and electronic signatures through Drime Sign. Password-protected links and expiration dates help control sharing, while 120-day version history lets you restore earlier files.

For sensitive material, Drime’s end-to-end encrypted Vault encrypts files locally. Drime hosts data in Europe without routing it through United States servers.

Transfr Pro handles the delivery side. Send files without a transfer-size cap, personalize transfer pages with your branding, and let recipients preview documents, images, and videos before downloading.

Its Send & Track analytics show views, downloads, visitor locations, and transfer activity in real time. That visibility is useful when you need to confirm whether someone has accessed a deliverable.

Transfr includes its own 1TB capacity for shared files, with transfers available for up to 60 days. That allowance is separate from Drime’s 1TB storage. End-to-end encryption protects transferred files, and browser-based access requires no desktop installation.

For freelancers and teams managing both ongoing projects and finished deliverables, the pairing addresses two distinct needs.

Get both lifetime Drime storage with Transfr Pro subscriptions for one $89.99 payment (reg. $748).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 are under $200 at Amazon — save $50 before Black Friday

Mashable - Tue, 10/27/2026 - 05:57

SAVE $40: As of Oct. 27, Apple AirPods Pro 3 are on sale for $199.99 at Amazon. That's a 20% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $49.01   Get Deal at Amazon

Apple's AirPods Pro 3 have dipped below $200 at Amazon, so if you've been eyeing up the premium earbuds for early Christmas shopping or an upgrade for yourself, now is a good time to buy. Normally $249.99, this new deal drops the price to $199.99, saving you $50.

The AirPods Pro 3 are a great choice if noise cancellation is important to you. They block up to twice as much unwanted background noise as the previous generation, and the new acoustic system also delivers improvements to bass, clarity, and detail.

SEE ALSO: Three AirPods deals worth picking up before Black Friday, plus one to wait on

Built-in heart rate monitoring is incredibly clever, letting you track your pulse and estimated calorie burn during workouts without needing a separate fitness tracker. Using tiny pulses of light to measure blood flow in your ear, the AirPods can record your heart rate throughout a session and send the information to your iPhone.

The battery life is just as impressive. You can get up to eight hours of listening with active noise cancellation enabled, or up to 10 hours in Transparency mode when using the Hearing Aid feature.

Find this AirPods deal at Amazon now.

Dysons Supersonic Nural is nearly $80 off, but is this viral hair dryer worth $372?

Mashable - Tue, 10/27/2026 - 05:51

SAVE OVER $70: As of Oct. 27, the Dyson Supersonic Nural is on sale for $372.49 at Amazon. That's a 17% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Supersonic Nural $372.49 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $77.50   Get Deal at Amazon

Every day should be a good hair day, and while the best dupes can go a long way, there's nothing quite like the real thing when it comes to the Dyson Supersonic Nural. Its clever technology doesn't just give you perfectly blown-out hair, but it also protects it from heat damage that's normally associated with hot styling.

As of Oct. 27, the Dyson Supersonic Nural is on sale for more than $70 off the list price. Usually $449.99, it's now $372.49 at Amazon.

This hair dryer is known for its built-in sensor technology, which automatically adjusts settings to help make drying more comfortable. Scalp Protect mode, for example, regulates the air temperature to maintain a target of 130°F at the scalp, helping to reduce exposure to excessive heat.

This Dyson dryer also learns your styling preferences. The attachment recognition feature identifies which accessory you're using and automatically remembers your preferred heat and airflow settings, so you don't have to adjust them manually every time. There's also Pause Detect, which reduces airflow and switches off the heater when you put the dryer down, then turns it back on when you use it again.

This Dyson deal is available at Amazon now, so don't miss out.

This AI-powered robot vacuum from Shark is almost $300 off at Amazon

Mashable - Tue, 10/27/2026 - 05:48

SAVE $270: As of Oct. 27, the Shark AV2501S AI Ultra robot vacuum is on sale for $279.99 at Amazon. That's a 49% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark AV2501S AI Robot Vacuum $279.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $270   Get Deal at Amazon

Staying on top of floor cleaning can feel like an endless task, especially if you have a busy home with pets that love to shed. Robot vacuums take some of that hassle away from you, and models like the Shark AV2501S AI Ultra can do so with incredible efficiency.

The vacuum comes with a bagless, self-emptying base that can hold up to 30 days' worth of dirt and debris, so you won't need to empty it after every cleaning session. And its self-cleaning brushroll is designed to tackle loose hair, so long strands or pet hair stand no chance.

SEE ALSO: Sam's Club Black Friday 2026: See the ad scans, doorbusters, and early savings

Battery life is another useful feature, with up to 120 minutes of runtime on a full charge. When the battery runs low, the robot can return to its base to recharge and resume where it left off, so you don't have to restart the cleaning cycle yourself.

If this robot vacuum sounds like a dream come true for your chores list, you'll be pleased to know it's also on sale. As of Oct. 27, it's down to $279.99, saving you $270. You'll find it available at Amazon right now.

Best iPhone Duo hidden features thatll make you need this phone

Mashable - Tue, 10/27/2026 - 05:41

The iPhone Duo is a whole new type of device in Apple's lineup, and the first thought that came to mind when I got it was, "This thing has to have a bunch of cool new hidden tricks."

As it turns out, I was right. After 10 days with the Duo, I've found myself discovering new ways to do stuff almost every day. And it's not just easter eggs; I'm talking about features and tricks that have since become a regular part of my arsenal. I'm using these to do things faster, make my life easier, and yes, to show off to anyone who'll listen.

These are my favorite hidden features and tips for using the Apple iPhone Duo.

Control Center shortcut Not only is the iPhone Duo's Control Center more informative than on other iPhones, it's also easier to invoke. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

This one is simple, but so very satisfying. One of the features that annoyed me on all of the iPhones I've had over the years (ever since the iPhone X, that is) was the Control Center. It should show up when I swipe down from the top-right corner of my display, but sometimes it doesn't appear, or I accidentally open the Notification Center.

But on the iPhone Duo, you can open the Control Center in a new way. In the top-right of the display, there's a neat new icon that combines WiFi and cell signal strength with battery life. Tap that, and the Control Center immediately slides down (the combo icon also expands into separate icons that display more information about battery, cellular, and WiFi signal).

It took some getting used to, but this is a far better way to open the Control Center. Not only is it easier to tap an icon than to swipe down, but the Control Center opens reliably every single time.

Shortcut controls for opening and closing the phone

I admit it: I haven't yet found a truly useful case for this one. But it does sound like it could be useful down the road. As noted by Federico Vittici, you can bind a Shortcut to opening and closing the iPhone Duo, which lets you do almost anything with those actions automatically.

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Obvious ideas include launching a favorite app, changing the wallpaper, or just invoking the good old creaky door sound for Halloween. Whatever people end up doing with it, it's definitely one trick that you just cannot do on any other iPhone.

Change the position of the volume controls Wait, which one is volume up, again? Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The first issue I've had with the iPhone Duo is something I'll call orientation fatigue. The phone is so much fun to use when it's open that I kept flipping it around to see how the apps would adapt, but I constantly found myself lost about where the power, camera, and volume buttons are.

The iPhone Duo has two ways to mitigate the issue. The power button will, in certain cases, get highlighted when it's needed, though this is not always the case. But there's also a setting that dynamically adjusts the volume buttons based on the iPhone Duo's orientation.

The setting is located in Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Fixed Position Volume Controls. By default, it's turned on, meaning the volume buttons will stay fixed no matter how you turn the phone. But if you switch this option off, the volume buttons will change so that the button on the right or on top is always the "volume up" button, no matter how you hold the phone.

Vertical multitasking Side-by-side view only works in horizontal mode, but you can still have two apps open at the same time in vertical mode, as long as one of them is a video. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Apple highlighted this one, so it's not exactly hidden, but it's slightly more challenging to invoke, making it easier to miss. The iPhone Duo supports "regular "multitasking in horizontal mode, in which you drag two apps to opposite sides of the display to get a side-by-side view.

If you turn the phone to a vertical position, the side-by-side view will vanish. But you can also multitask in a vertical position, though under one condition: one of the apps has to be a video PiP (picture-in-picture) window. To get this, open a video app such as YouTube, start a video, then minimize the video app. The video should stay in a tiny window floating above all other apps on the Duo's display. Now, start a second app, turn the Duo vertical, and drag the little video window to the top of the display. You'll get a cool split-screen view where the video plays on top, and the other app sits beneath it.

On any other phone, this wouldn't be very useful, but the Duo's display is wide enough to make this a viable option.

The other StandBy mode Yes, there are two different StandBy modes on the iPhone Duo. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

In its promo materials, Apple mostly highlighted StandBy in tent mode, in which you fold the iPhone Duo halfway, then position it on a flat surface like a little tent. When the phone goes to sleep, it will launch a beautiful StandBy screen, with several customizable views.

But you can also get that when the phone is fully unfolded and positioned horizontally. If you have a case with a kickstand, you can position it upright and get a larger StandBy mode that doesn't have multiple views but is far more customizable in itself, allowing you to populate it with widgets such as Clock, Calendar, Photos, TV+, Stocks, Notes; nearly anything you can think of.

Both StandBy modes are useful. When I go to sleep, I prefer to have the phone in tent mode for a glance at the time. But when I work, I like the larger StandBy mode with a Calendar and a large world time view of the Clock.

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The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is back under market price at Amazon — buy for $59.99

Mashable - Tue, 10/27/2026 - 05:34

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is available for $59.99 at Amazon. That's way under market price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box $59.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

For a brief period, Amazon's stunning $59.99 deal on the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box vanished. At the start of the week, we were seeing prices hovering around $175. The "request invite" had gone, but we were looking at paying well over market price. This was a tough time for everyone involved, but we're glad to see Amazon's wild offer has made a triumphant return.

For a limited time, the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is listed for just $59.99 on Amazon. Shipping and sales are handled directly by Amazon, but Amazon is still routing orders through its "request invite" system. These are selling fast, so collectors are clearly getting through.

Amazon’s price is way under TCGplayer’s $1117 market price. That's rare to see these days, so you know shoppers are going to jump on this.

The 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box contains nine 30th Celebration booster packs, an exclusive full-art foil Nidorina promo card, 16 foil Basic Energy cards, 65 custom card sleeves, damage-counter dice, a condition marker, card dividers, a collector’s player guide, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live.

Shop the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration ETB for under $60 at Amazon.

Wanted: Robot-Dog Walkers. $20/Hour.

NYT Technology - Tue, 10/27/2026 - 05:03
No pooper scooper required.

In the A.I. ‘Robogym,’ Machines Train to Be More Like Humans

NYT Technology - Tue, 10/27/2026 - 05:02
Germany’s Neura is one of the companies at the forefront of efforts to use artificial intelligence in robotics, and crucial to whether Europe can close the gap with China.

Streamer MeganPlays just needs her phone and some lip gloss

Mashable - Tue, 10/27/2026 - 05:00

After more than a decade of making content online, MeganPlays has learned she doesn't need an elaborate creator setup to get the job done.

In fact, when Mashable asked the gaming creator what essential tech and tools she keeps in her bag, she had a pretty simple answer. "I raw-dog it," Megan said. "I just have my cell phone." Fair enough.

SEE ALSO: How MeganPlays has adapted through every era of YouTube

Megan has spent more than 13 years creating content online, building an audience through gaming videos on YouTube before expanding across platforms like TikTok, where she now has 5 million followers. But her mobile creator kit remains surprisingly minimal.

Here's what MeganPlays keeps in her bag.

MeganPlays doesn't overthink her creator gear. Credit: Ian Moore/Mashable/Getty Images Her phone Apple iPhone 17 Pro iPhone 17 Pro on Us With Trade-in and Qualifying Plan at T-Mobile
  See It at T-Mobile See It at Best Buy See It at AT&T Wireless

No complicated camera setup here. "I just have my cell phone," Megan said.

That's particularly useful for the more personal content Megan posts to TikTok, where her approach is intentionally loose. Rather than overthinking every upload, she films vlogs, tries filters, participates in trends, and posts whatever strikes her as fun in the moment.

As she put it when describing her TikTok strategy: "If it comes to mind, do it."

A magnetic phone light Magnetic Selfie Light for iPhone Phone Light with Clip,Magnetic Ring Light for Phone Rechargeable with 3 Modes Travel Video Light LED Mini Ring Light for Recording Android Ipad $25.99 at Amazon
  See It at Amazon

There is one accessory attached to that phone: a small magnetic light. "I also have a little magnetic light on the back of my phone for selfies, of course," Megan said. Priorities.

There is, however, one downside. "It does make a ringing noise," she added.

Which brings us to a brand-new addition to Megan's creator bag.

A tiny microphone Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon RØDE Wireless Micro (2 Mics + Case), USB-C for Smartphones, Orange $99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

Technically, Megan didn't arrive at Mashable's VidCon studio with a microphone. She left wanting one.

After spotting the mini Rode wireless mics we were using for interviews, she decided her minimalist setup could accommodate one more piece of tech. "You were telling me about these little mics," Megan said. "I'll pick one of these up. Add it to my bag."

Then she realized it could solve the problem of her noisy phone light. "Now I'm gonna have this mic," she said. "Oh my God, the ideas, they come to me."

Consider her creator setup officially upgraded.

Lip gloss

And finally, the actual nonnegotiable. "Lip gloss, obviously," Megan said. "Obviously lip gloss. Always gotta look good."

Phone. Light. Mic. Lip gloss. After 13 years online, that's all that MeganPlays needs.

From YouTubers and TikTok stars to streamers and podcasters, Mashable talks to creators about how they built their platforms, the gear they swear by, and the trends they see coming next. Read more of our creator coverage and meet The Mashable 101 to discover the internet’s most exciting voices.

Webb spotted a subtle difference in the interstellar comets ice

Mashable - Tue, 10/27/2026 - 05:00

Astronomers caught something unusual about the ice of a comet that came from another star system.

A Southwest Research Institute team pointed NASA's James Webb Space Telescope at interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS three times between Aug. 2025 and April 2026, catching it before and after its closest pass by the sun. 

The space telescope spreads a comet's light into a rainbow, including infrared light that human eyes can't see. Water ice soaks up light at a few specific spots in the rainbow. That pattern makes it possible to detect water ice the way a fingerprint can identify a person. 

Ice normally leaves one deep mark and two faint ones, and most comets around our sun show all three. But in 3I/ATLAS, the two faint marks barely registered, if they showed up at all. Researchers ran computer simulations and found that light scatters off comet grains in a similar way if tiny bits of ice are blended with more dust. Because the dust blocks light before it penetrates far through the ice, the lighter two marks tend to vanish.

"At first glance, 3I/ATLAS looks different from the icy comets we know," said Silvia Protopapa, lead author of a new paper in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, in a statement. "But when we placed it alongside distant icy worlds in our own solar system, it no longer looked out of place." 

SEE ALSO: China is coming for the moon. NASA's answer: a faster, leaner plan

While the alien comet's dusty ice looked strange compared to the form usually seen in solar system comets, the team noticed that its makeup actually lines up with ice on some frozen worlds far past Neptune. That suggests ice may form in similar ways around different stars, as tiny grains that range from nearly pure to heavily dusty. If so, the raw materials for building planets may look much alike from one star to the next. 

Comets like this one start out in planet-forming disks — the flat, spinning clouds of gas and dust that surround young stars. As worlds assemble, gravity can hurl leftover icy chunks clear out of a system. That may explain how some interstellar objects have lost their way from home. 

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Astronomers have caught just three passing through our solar system. Telescopes never detected a glowing halo of ice turning into gas, known as a coma, around the first, 'Oumuamua, causing many to later doubt that it was a comet. But both 2I/Borisov and 3I/ATLAS showed signs of a coma. 

The team compared 3I/ATLAS's halo to existing Webb data on Trans-Neptunian objects, icy bodies that circle the sun beyond Neptune. Many scientists view these distant worlds as time capsules from our solar system's infancy.

Several groups of them share the comet's pattern: a strong water-ice signature, with the two faint ones barely detected or missing altogether. The best matches also carry carbon dioxide ice and carbon-rich compounds. 

The ice grains in interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS appear dustier than those in native comets, according to new research. Credit: Southwest Research Institute / Silvia Protopapa infographic

"The icy building blocks of planets, here and around other stars, may share ice in the form of tiny, micron-scale grains, ranging from relatively pure ice to ice mixed with dust," Protopapa said, "with 3I/ATLAS toward the dusty end."

If more evidence backs up this notion, a young star's disk may decide early on what form its ice will take, the researchers said. Comets and other icy bodies that grow there would carry at least some of that original material with them.

By April, as 3I/ATLAS raced away from the sun, Webb's readings pointed to a second crop of ice-rich grains. They ran slightly larger than the earlier ones but still measured roughly a micron — one-millionth of a meter and far thinner than a human hair.

"We can't yet tell whether the changes over time are the result of the sun heating the grains differently at each observation, or of new material exposed as the comet’s surface eroded near the sun," said Michael Kelley, a co-author of the paper, in a statement. "Both are possible, and telling them apart is one of the open questions we aim to address."

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