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AdGuard family plan: You can now block adverts for life for only £12.54

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Through 15 December, get a lifetime subscription to the AdGuard family plan for just £12.54 (reg. £62.82) — that's a savings of 80%.

Protecting your family from online threats and ensuring a safe and seamless browsing experience is more important than ever. The good news is that it's pretty easy to protect yourself online these days. Platforms like AdGuard were designed to shield you from intrusive adverts, malicious websites, and trackers while providing a smooth and uninterrupted experience. And for a limited time at the Mashable Shop, you can get an AdGuard Family plan for life for just £12.54 (reg. £62.82) through 15 December.

Just one low payment gets you covered on up to nine devices. The three main components of this service are advert blocking, privacy protection, and parental controls.

This means no more annoying pop-ups, video adverts, or banners getting in the way of your online experience. It also means trackers or analysers won't see you. And you can breathe a little easier knowing your kids have more protection to keep them safe online via restricted access settings. AdGuard also protects you and yours from malware and phishing websites.

This offer is only valid for new users, though it is compatible with Apple and Android devices, both mobile and desktop. Plus, this lifetime offer includes any updates or new features. 

AdGuard gives users a versatile set of tools to ensure a safe and enjoyable online experience for everyone in their household. And it's available at a steal just in time for the holidays.

Get a lifetime subscription to AdGuard's Family Plan for only £12.54 (reg. £62.82) when you order by 15 December at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription £12.54 at the Mashable Shop
£62.82 Save £50.28 Get Deal

How to watch Ireland vs. Australia online for free

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream Ireland vs. Australia in the Autumn Nations Series for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Australian expectations for the Autumn Nations Series were probably pretty low after a poor 2024 Rugby Championship, but results have been really encouraging. The final series game for Australia is arguably the toughest. They'll need to pull off an incredible performance to take anything away from Dublin this weekend.

If you want to watch Ireland vs. Australia in the Autumn Nations Series from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Ireland vs. Australia?

Ireland vs. Australia in the Autumn Nations Series kicks off at 3:10 p.m. GMT on Nov. 30. This fixture takes place at the Aviva Stadium.

How to watch Ireland vs. Australia for free

Ireland vs. Australia is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player in Ireland.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock Virgin Media Player. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Autumn Nations Series for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Ireland vs. Australia for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit Virgin Media Player

  5. Watch Ireland vs. Australia for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Autumn Nations Series without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Ireland vs. Australia (plus more Autumn Nations Series fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Virgin Media Player, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

  • 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Ireland vs. Australia in the Autumn Nations Series for free with ExpressVPN.

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 30

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 22:00

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 30 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow - Deconstructed scoring zone

  • Green - Hurler results

  • Blue - A winning history

  • Purple - Similar in one way only.

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

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

  • Yellow - Parts of a basketball hoop

  • Green - Pitching outcomes

  • Blue - Last 4 Stanley Cup winners

  • Purple - Names shared by 2 major professional teams

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #68 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

  • Parts of a basketball hoop: BASE, GLASS, NET, RIM

  • Pitching outcomes: BALK, BALL, PICKOFF, STRIKE

  • Last 4 Stanley Cup final winners: AVALANCHE, GOLDEN KNIGHTS, LIGHTNING, PANTHERS

  • Names shared by 2 major professional teams: CARDINALS, GIANTS, JETS, RANGERS

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 30, 2024

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 22:00

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 30 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Styles of rhythm-based movements

  • Green: Taking something without permission

  • Blue: Excelling at a task

  • Purple: Types of baseball pitches

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

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

  • Yellow: Dance Styles

  • Green: Steal

  • Blue: Perform Well On

  • Purple: ___Ball Pitches

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #538 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Dance Styles: JAZZ, MODERN, SWING, TAP

  • Steal: LIFT, PALM, POCKET, SWIPE

  • Perform Well On: ACE, CRUSH, NAIL, ROCK

  • ___Ball Pitches: CURVE, FAST, KNUCKLE, SCREW

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 30

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 30

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 22:00

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for November 30 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 30 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A very strong and entrenched opinion.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter D.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

DOGMA.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 30

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

NYT Strands hints, answers for November 30

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 22:00

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 30 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 30 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Yas Queen!

These words are lyrics.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are part of a famous Queen song.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is both, starting horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is BohemianRhapsody.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for November 30

  • Life

  • Real

  • Fantasy

  • Easy

  • Come

  • Wind

  • Blows

  • BohemianRhapsody

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

My 2 favorite gaming handhelds are on sale for Black Friday — save 25% on Steam Deck

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 20:04

SAVE UP TO $142.25: With these Black Friday handheld gaming deals, you can grab the Steam Deck ($269.95) and Backbone One mobile gaming controller ($69.99) on sale. Buy them both and save $142.25.

Opens in a new window Credit: Backbone Backbone One $69.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Steam Steam Deck (512GB, LCD) $336.75 at Steam
$449.00 Save $112.25 Get Deal

Handheld gaming is becoming my favorite way to play games. Don't get me wrong, I'll always love booting up one of my consoles and marveling at their beauty on my big 4K TV, but the convenience of being able to play in bed whilst cozying up under the covers or while taking public transportation is an absolute game-changer.

My two favorite handhelds at the moment? The Backbone One and the Steam Deck. (Yes, I also love my Nintendo Switch, I just have other non-Switch games in the rotation at the moment.)

And great news, both are on sale for Black Friday. The Backbone One mobile gaming controller is currently sitting at $30 off on Amazon (just $69.99), and the Steam Deck is $112.25 off at Steam's storefront ($336.75). You could buy just one, but I think there's a case to be made for having both in your repertoire — and if you buy both, you'll save $146.25 total. Not too shabby!

SEE ALSO: Best PS5 Black Friday deals in 2024: Compare Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and more

If you have even a marginal interest in gaming, you've probably heard all the hype about the Steam Deck, including from Mashable's very own reviewers. Basically, it's a handheld gaming PC. That may sound too good to be true, but it really is like having a decently powerful gaming laptop in the palm of your hand. Being able to play games on Steam without having to open up my dusty MSI laptop (no shade to MSI, mine is just very old) is a joy, and I find that I have much less FOMO with new PC releases. Now I can play most of them without any compromises, even without a dedicated gaming PC, and that's huge.

The Backbone One, on the other hand, has flown under the radar compared to the Steam Deck, but it serves an extremely important purpose in my gaming accessory collection: Mobile gaming. Not a lot of people embrace mobile gaming, and I don't blame them considering the excessive microtransactions and dearth of exclusive titles. But, if you ever plan on dabbling in mobile gaming, I encourage you to try one out, mainly because playing with on-screen controls just sucks.

The Backbone One turns your phone into a controller of its own and makes playing games feel much more natural. Owning one has also made my Netflix subscription far more valuable because they already have a sizeable collection of games on the mobile app that you can download and play. I just recently played through Grand Theft Auto: Vice City on my iPhone using Netflix, and I was surprised by how much fun I had. Consider me a mobile gaming convert, I guess!

And if you haven't tapped your shopping budget yet, check out Mashable's guide to the season's best Black Friday gaming deals.

AMC Black Friday deal: Score AMC+ for as low as $1.25 per month

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 15:30

SAVE UP TO $13.48: Through Dec. 2, Prime Video subscribers can add AMC+ to their account for either $1.25 per month (with ads) or $2.25 per month (no ads) for two months. That's up to 75% in savings with this AMC Black Friday deal.

Opens in a new window Credit: Prime Video / AMC+ AMC+ with ads (Prime Video add-on) $1.25/month for two months (save $3.74/month) Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Prime Video / AMC+ AMC+ ad-free (Prime Video add-on) $2.25/month for two months (save $6.74/month) Get Deal

You probably know AMC as the home of The Walking Dead universe, but it actually has a lot more to offer than just post-apocalyptic zombies. The AMC Networks-owned streaming service, AMC+, is arguably one of the most slept on streamers around. And thanks to this AMC Black Friday deal, you can try it out without breaking the bank. The only catch: you have to be a Prime Video subscriber.

While there are no discounts on AMC+ as a standalone service, Prime Video members can score a pretty sweet deal on the streamer for Black Friday. Through Dec. 2, you can add a monthly subscription to AMC+ to your streaming arsenal for only $1.25 per month (with ads) or $2.25 per month (no ads) for two months. Regularly $4.99 per month and $8.99 per month, respectively, that saves you as much as 75% or $13.48 total on a two-month subscription.

Beyond The Walking Dead, AMC+ is also home to some epic shows like Mad Men, Killing Eve, Portlandia, and Kevin Can F*** Himself, as well as movies like Boyhood, Rosemary's Baby, and Late Night with the Devil (one of our favorite films of the year). The library includes full access to the entire Shudder, Sundance Now, and IFC Films catalogs as well. That makes it a must-have for horror freaks. Plus, as of now, they're pretty chill about password sharing, unlike some other streaming services out there (*ahem* Netflix, Hulu, Max, and Disney+).

Just keep in mind that once the two-month promotional period ends, you'll be charged the full cost of whichever tier you subscribe to. Cancel before then to avoid those charges.

More Black Friday streaming deals you won't want to miss:

Apple AirPods Pro 2 are at sub-$160 pricing at Amazons Black Friday sale

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 14:19

GET $95.01 OFF: As of Nov. 29, you can get Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds for just $153.99. That's 38% off the original price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds $153.99 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $95.01 Get Deal

Apple’s leading AirPods provide sublime sound in a small-format earbud that will travel with you on runs while effectively blocking out noise on busy trains or flights. With such a nimble design and powerful set of skills, it’s no wonder that these headphones are priced up. Thankfully, they’re majorly discounted for Black Friday, so if you've been thinking of upgrading then now is the time.

AirPods Pro 2 don’t just play music well. With a scientifically based hearing test built-in and clinical hearing protection, these are designed to do less harm to your ears than other types of headphones, and to help you keep tabs on how healthy your ears are. AirPods Pro 2 will also act as a hearing aid.

SEE ALSO: The best Black Friday deals at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart

Active noise cancellation and transparency modes eliminate distractions, while amplifying important environmental sounds to make sure you’re in the know about what’s going on in the world around you.

As of Nov. 29, Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds are on sale for $153.99, for a $95.01 savings.

With their charging case, Airpods Pro 2 can extend their charge from 6 hours up to 30. Built to withstand sweat, they’re made to go wherever you do.

More Black Friday deals on AirPods

I’ve spent years testing gadgets, and these 5 Black Friday deals are worth every penny: Oura Ring, AirPods, and more

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 12:25

I've been covering Black Friday sales for nearly five years, and more importantly, I'm a tech journalist who's been passionately testing gadgets during the same time frame. As such, I bring expertise on two fronts: I know Black Friday like the back of my hand, and I’ve personally tested the products I’m recommending in this roundup.

I’ll also include links to our reviews for each product, so you can see for yourself that we at Mashable have had extensive hands-on experience with the gadgets we’re recommending.

Here’s something you should know about my ethos: I’d never recommend a product to readers that I wouldn’t personally buy for myself or a friend.

That being said, let's get into the Black Friday tech deals I'd recommend in a heartbeat.

Best Black Friday tech deals 2024

No piece of tech is perfect. While I’ll explain why I recommend the gadgets on this list, I’ll also point out any potential drawbacks that might give you pause. It’s always better to make an informed decision before committing to a purchase.

1. Oura Ring 3

Before testing the Oura Ring, I thought it was just going to be a less sophisticated version of a smartwatch. I didn't think that for one second that I'd opt for the Oura Ring over the Apple Watch, but my experience with it has blown me away. (Mostly because it lasts so much longer on a charge compared to my Apple Watch Series 9.)

The Oura Ring 3 next to Mashable's Chris Taylor's wedding ring. Credit: Chris Taylor / Mashale

I've tested the Oura Ring 4, and while it comes with cool upgrades, it's not that different from the Oura Ring 3. For example, the Oura Ring 4 doesn't bring any new sensors to the table (but Oura claims that the Ring 4's sensors are more accurate than ever.)

Both the Oura Ring 3 and Oura Ring 4 tracks the following: heart rate, sleep, blood-oxygen levels, cardiovascular age, cardio capacity, daytime stress, body clock and chronotype, and more.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Pros:

  • Its battery life is incredibly long; Oura claims it can deliver about 7 days of battery life, which is accurate.

  • Its AI advisor, available in the companion app, is a beta service that launched alongside Oura Ring 4. Many health trackers give you tons of data, but it's difficult to make sense of it. With the ChatGPT-like AI advisor, you can ask it questions like, "What does my data say about my sleeping habits and how can I improve my rest?"

  • The gold option is stunning, and I get compliments on it all the time.

  • You'll get a sizing kit upon purchase, so you don't have to worry about getting the wrong size.

Cons:

  • I've tested the Oura Ring on Android and iOS devices; I found that results and data took longer to populate on the former compared to the latter

  • I recommend the Oura Ring for iPhone users, but not Android owners

  • It requires a subscription fee of $6 month

See our full reviews of the Oura Ring 3 and Oura Ring 4.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Oura Ring 3 $249.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal 2. Samsung Galaxy Ring

If you have an Android phone, I recommend the Samsung Galaxy Ring.

Samsung Galaxy Ring Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

If you own a Samsung device, even better. In pairing your Galaxy Ring to a Samsung phone, you get the full benefits of Galaxy AI.

Samsung Galaxy Ring's case Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Galaxy AI powers Energy Score, a calculation featured in the Galaxy Ring's companion app that looks at your sleep, physical activity, and heart rate. It also provides a short summary of your wellness.

Pros:

  • It has long battery life; it lasts about 7 hours on a single charge

  • It has the best charging case in the ring-wearable market; you can use it to give the Galaxy Ring an extra battery boost and it's excellent for travel

  • You don't need to purchase a subscription to use it

  • It pairs very well with Samsung phones; while wearing the Galaxy Ring, you can use the "double pinch" gesture, for example, to trigger the shutter button in the Camera app

Cons:

  • Not compatible with iOS

  • Only Samsung users get the full benefits of the Galaxy Ring

See our full review of the Samsung Galaxy Ring.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Samsung Galaxy Ring $339.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal 3. Apple Watch SE 2

I've tested the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Series 10.

Apple Watch SE 2 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Apple wants you to believe these two smartwatches are significantly better than the Watch SE 2. But as someone who has tested all three, the feature gap between the SE 2 and the Series 9 and 10 isn't that wide.

Me testing both the Apple Watch SE 2 and the Apple Watch Series 9 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Pros:

  • The Apple Watch SE 2's battery life is just an hour or two shorter than the Apple Watch Series 9

  • Save for the absence of an always-on display and a larger screen, the display quality difference between the SE 2 and Watch Series 9 is imperceptible

  • Great for smaller wrists and for those who prefer a "dainty" look

Cons:

Check out our Apple Watch SE 2 versus, Apple Watch Series 9 review, and Apple Watch Series 10 review.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Apple Watch SE 2 $149.00 at Walmart
$249.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal 4. Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses

I can't tell you how underrated the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses are. I've owned the first iteration of these spectacles, called Ray-Ban Stories, and now, I own the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. I purchased them with my own money and they're easily one of the best tech-gadget investments I've ever made.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses look like a regular pair of shades, but they can play music, take calls, take pictures, and record videos.

Mashable Tech Editor Kimberly Gedeon testing the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses also come with Meta AI, which is Meta's answer to ChatGPT. As such, you can ask Meta AI questions just by speaking out loud. You can also ask it to do things for you like, "Hey Meta, call mom!"

Pros:

  • Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses are perfect for hands-free photos and videos

  • Stylish despite sporting advanced tech

  • Comfortable to wear

  • Supports calls, as well as photo and video capture

  • They can play music, and the audio quality is great

  • Many different styles to choose from

Cons:

  • Don't lose the case; it's difficult to repurchase one

  • Battery life could be better

See our full Ray-Ban Smart Glasses review.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses $263.20 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $66.79 Get Deal 5. AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

If you have trouble with your AirPods falling out of your ears, the AirPods 4 is what you're looking for.

The AirPods 4 in its charging case Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Pros:

  • Apple changed the design of the fourth-generation AirPods 4 so that they now fit most ears

  • AirPods 4 (with ANC) do a good job of cancelling out noise, like conversations, the rush of traffic, etc.

  • You can use head gestures, like nodding or shaking your head "no," to accept or deny calls

  • Music sounds crisp and honeyed

Cons:

  • You can't increase nor decrease volume on the AirPods 4 itself via touch controls

I'd also recommend the AirPods Pro 2, which come with a slew of updates that the AirPods 4 do not support, including hearing test capabilities and doubling as high-tech earplugs for concerts.

See our full AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 reviews.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon AirPods Pro 2 $153.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $96.00 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable AirPods 4 $119.99 at Target
$129.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal

TikTok owner ByteDance sues intern for $1.1 million in damages for ‘sabotaging’ AI project

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 11:22

TikTok parent company ByteDance is going after a former intern for allegedly sabotaging an AI training project.

According to The South China Morning Post, ByteDance is seeking 8 million yuan (about $1.1 million) in damages and a public apology from ex-intern Tian Keyu. The case, which has already been accepted by Haidian District Court in Beijing, centers around accusations of Tian tampering with code related to an AI training project. ByteDance also owns AI chatbot Doubao, which is the company's answer to OpenAI's ChatGPT.

SEE ALSO: TikTok execs know exactly how many videos it takes to get addicted to its platform

Tian was fired in August because he "maliciously interfered with the model training tasks," according to a statement from ByteDance. In the same statement, ByteDance disputes rumors that the tampering involved 8,000 GPU cards and lost the company tens of millions of dollars, saying those claims are "seriously exaggerated." The company also said Tian claimed to be a part of the AI Lab, but he was really part of a separate commercial technology team.

ByteDance has been busy with its AI-focused projects. It has introduced several features for TikTok including, AI-generated digital avatars and AI tools for advertising. It also reportedly has a powerful web crawler called Bytespider that's gobbling up content on the internet for LLM training.

Meanwhile, the TikTok ban deadline is coming up in January, making its future in the U.S. uncertain. That said, President-elect Donald Trump, who is now on TikTok, said he wants to overturn the ban.

This bumper MacBook Air bundle is at its lowest-ever price at Amazon

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 10:21

SAVE $305: As of Nov. 29, the 2024 MacBook Air with AppleCare+ bundle is on sale for $1,223 at Amazon. That's a 19% saving on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 2024 MacBook Air AppleCare+ Bundle $1,223.00 at Amazon
$1,528.00 Save $305.00 Get Deal

If a laptop upgrade is on the horizon, look no further than Amazon's Black Friday sales to grab a great bargain. There are many options discounted this year, but we love this deal on the 2024 MacBook Air. Beloved by students and workers alike, it's no surprise it was named one of Mashable's best laptops of the year.

And as of Nov. 29, this MacBook is reduced by over $300 to $1,223 at Amazon. This price is for the 16GB model with a 256GB capacity. You can choose from the colors midnight, space grey, silver, and starlight. This deal also includes three years of AppleCare+. This is an extended warranty for Apple devices, covering repairs for accidental damage, technical support, and battery service.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Black Friday deal: Get 4 Apple AirTags for $26 less

The 2024 model of the MacBook Air benefits from the new and improved M3 chip, which, according to extensive Mashable testing, is about 20% faster than the previous generation M2 chip. It also boasts an 18-hour battery life, perfect for working or studying away from home when you don't have access to a charging outlet.

This model includes all the essential MacBook Air features, such as a backlit keyboard, Touch ID, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster wireless connections. Plus, its stunning 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display supports an impressive 1 billion colors.

Don't miss out on this great Black Friday deal, head to Amazon now.

Best Black Friday deals you need to shop right now:

The Apple iPad (10th Gen) just got a bonus discount in Amazons Black Friday sale

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 10:19

SAVE OVER $99: As of Nov. 29, the Apple iPad (10th Gen) is on sale for $249.99 in Amazon's Black Friday sale with the additional money-off coupon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad (10th Gen) $249.99 at Amazon
$349.00 Save $99.01 Get Deal

The big day is finally here, the retail holiday of all holidays, Black Friday (queue the choir chorus). But unlike Black Fridays of the past, this year the discounts have been going on for weeks at some retailers. And that includes Amazon, which kicked off its sales over a week ago.

And one of the top discounts the retailer has been offering is this great deal on the Apple iPad (10th Gen), currently reduced to $259, its lowest-ever price. And Amazon has now treated us to an extra Black Friday discount by adding an additional $9.01 coupon to the listing. Just tick the orange coupon box below the price, head to the checkout and see your discount applied.

SEE ALSO: Black Friday Apple deal: Get a MacBook Pro 14-inch with M4 Pro chip for $250 off

However, there is one small catch, if you can call it that. The coupon is only available on the silver and blue options. Pink and yellow are still at the discounted price of $259, but you won't see the additional coupon offer.

But if blue or silver are your favorite colors, you can enjoy a sleek, modern design with the iPad (10th Gen). It's perfect for work or entertainment on the go and it has a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and the A14 Bionic chip that delivers a super powerful performance for multitasking, whether you're browsing, gaming, or working.

The battery life is seriously impressive and will keep you going all day. And let's not forget the cameras, the 12MP Ultra Wide front camera is ideal for video calls — it keeps you centered during video calls, so you always look your best. The back camera is also 12MP and can shoot 4K video.

The Apple iPad (10th Gen) also supports the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Folio, so it's a versatile option for note-taking, sketching, and all your creative needs.

Amazon's Black Friday sale ends on Dec. 2, so don't miss out on this great deal.

Best Black Friday deals you need to shop right now:

2024 Black Friday ads: Best deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Home Depot, and more

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 09:45

Black Friday is hours away, promising big discounts on TVs, laptops, headphones, speakers, and so much more. It's the best time of the year to shop, with deals on offer from all the top retailers.

In the battle for Black Friday, the leading names in the retail game are competing harder than ever. Every retailer is looking to get ahead of the competition by launching early-access deals, with savings-packed ads that include some really impressive offers. But where are shoppers supposed to start?

SEE ALSO: Gaming deals are going strong ahead of Black Friday 2024

To help you make the most out of this Black Friday, we've checked out all the best deals and doorbusters from the Black Friday ads of Best Buy, Walmart, Kohl's, The Home Depot, and Target. You could take some time to check out each individual page, but for those looking for a handy snapshot of the very best deals, this is your cheat sheet.

These are the best deals from Black Friday ads that you can already buy online.

Best deals from AmazonBest Amazon deals on AppleBest Amazon deals on EchoBest Amazon deals on fitness trackersBest Amazon deals on headphonesBest Amazon deals on KindlesBest Amazon kitchen dealsBest Amazon deals on robot vacuumsBest Amazon deals on TVsBest deals from Best BuyBest Buy Apple dealsBest Buy deals on camerasBest Buy deals on fitness trackersBest Buy deals on gamingBest Buy deals on headphonesBest Buy deals on kitchenBest Buy deals on laptopsBest Buy deals on smart home gadgetsBest Buy deals on speakersBest Buy deals on TVsBest Buy deals on vacuums Featured Video For You 5 best Black Friday products to shop Best deals from The Home DepotBest Home Depot deals on cordless toolsBest Home Depot deals on air purifiersBest Home Depot deals on smart homeBest Home Depot deals on home securityBest Home Depot deals on ice makersBest Home Depot deals on mini fridgesBest Home Depot deals on vacuumsBest deals from Kohl'sBest Kohl's deals on Amazon productsBest Kohl's deals on home audioBest Kohl's deals on headphonesBest Kohl's deals on smartwatchesBest Kohl's deals on tabletsBest deals from TargetBest Target deals on Apple productsBest Target deals on gaming techBest Target deals on TVsBest Target deals on laptopsBest Target deals on headphonesBest Target deals on smart home techBest Target deals on speakersBest Target deals on smartwatchesBest Target deals on vacuumsBest deals from WalmartBest Walmart deals on AppleBest Walmart deals on dronesBest Walmart deals on gamingBest Walmart deals on headphonesBest Walmart deals on laptopsBest Walmart deals on TVsBest Walmart deals on vacuums

Bluesky now displays replies by hotness

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 07:33

Bluesky replies will now default to appear by "hotness" in a contentious update to the social media platform.

Announced this week as part of the app's 1.95 software update, post replies will now appear as "hot replies first", which is the new default setting. "With this release, you can now display replies by “hotness,” which weights liked replies that are more recent more heavily," the app's official Bluesky account posted.

📢 1.95 is rolling out now (2/6) With this release, you can now display replies by “hotness,” which weights liked replies that are more recent more heavily.

[image or embed]

— Bluesky (@bsky.app) November 27, 2024 at 9:10 PM

Post reply settings also include sorting by oldest or newest replies, most liked, or a random setting labelled "Poster's roulette".

SEE ALSO: Bluesky has growing pains. Here's what it can learn from X/Twitter

But while Bluesky's announcement was delivered with excitement, a lot of users aren't happy with the addition, especially as it's now the default setting. Users protested the act of rewarding "clout farmers" and lamented this similarity to platforms like X — where many Bluesky users have fled from.

"Prioritising 'popular' like this is one of the main reasons all the other social media sites became awful and encourages shitty behaviour," wrote Phonogram author and illustrator Jamie McKelvie.

Making "hotness" the default is a terrible change. Let's not speed run to be X or FB, okay?

— Marc Ruvolo (@marcruvolo.bsky.social) November 28, 2024 at 10:12 PM

Most recent replied has always been the best system. It ensures that everyone's opinion gets views. popular just means whoever shouts loudest & quickest starts at the top & more eloquent or valid posts get pushed down to the bottom. May as well cut off replied after the first 20

— Stu (@galaxy4t2.bsky.social) November 29, 2024 at 11:33 AM

Yeah, unless it can train up on relevance, uniqueness of engagement and sound logic a post attracts, it will roll this right into those problems of amplification and clout. All the same behaviors and bots will come right along. Brand new here but I could see it happening very fast.

— Jenn Hartt (@2aspirin.bsky.social) November 29, 2024 at 3:19 AM

If you want to change your default setting from "hot replies first," you can switch the setting within Thread Preferences — go to Settings, then Content and Media, then Thread Preferences.

Credit: Shannon Connellan / Mashable screenshot

Bluesky is experiencing more growing pains than reply mechanics, despite recently passing the 20 million-user mark. Reports of the platform scraping a million public Bluesky posts to train AI haven't been ideal optics for the alternative to Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter) and Meta's Threads. However, engagement on the platform has already been celebrated as feeling better than X, especially due to its customisable algorithm model, opt-in Feed types, and growing stan support.

Mashable's Chris Taylor dug into just what Bluesky can learn from its competitors, for better or worse.

Hard Fork’s 100 Most Iconic Technologies

NYT Technology - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 07:00
“I just love imagining all of the angry emails we’re going to get from people who are like, ‘Why did you put the fulcrum on this list?’”

Amazon Black Friday deal: Get 4 Apple AirTags for $26 less

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 06:53

SAVE $26: As of Nov. 29, you can snag a 4-pack of Apple AirTags for $72.99 at Amazon for Black Friday. That’s a 26% discount off their $99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTags (4-Pack) $72.99 at Amazon
$99.00 Save $26.01 Get Deal

Don't give your partner another smug look when you can't find your keys because you didn't put them in the nice bowl they bought again. Apple Air tags have hit Black Friday on Amazon, with this handy 4-pack at a solid 26% discount off the usual $99. That's $72, or $18 per tag, a small price to avoid another school-run argument.

SEE ALSO: 2024 Black Friday ads: Best deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Home Depot, and more

Apple's AirTags use the Find My network to track your items precisely. They're convenient for iPhone users, as setup takes just one tap to sync to your device. Once connected, you can use the Find My app to see your AirTags' last known location on a map or activate Precision Finding with Ultra-Wideband technology to track them down to the inch (select iPhone models only, because Apple). If your item is really MIA, you can play a sound on the built-in speaker or rely on the vast Find My network, powered by hundreds of millions of Apple devices worldwide, to locate it.

SEE ALSO: Get both Hulu and Disney+ for $2.99 per month for Black Friday

Each AirTag in this pack comes with a replaceable CR2032 battery, which Apple claims will last about a year. So there's your time limit for lost luggage in the wild. At $18 a tag, this deal is a cost-effective way to keep an eye on your valuables without the frantic scramble of looking for something that obviously doesn't want to be found. Maybe stick one to your kid's favorite toy that they always lose on a shopping trip?

At $72.99, this deal is a no-brainer if you've been considering adding extra tracking power to your life. It's Apple tech at its most straightforward and valuable — but act fast because deals on AirTags don't stick around long.

A $72.99 Black Friday deal is peanuts for that sweet peace of mind. It's simple Apple tech that works well and will make life easier. This deal will probably get snapped up fast, so grab yours before stock runs dry.

The 13-inch Apple iPad Pro has hit its lowest-ever price this Black Friday

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 06:45

SAVE $200: As of Nov. 29, the 13-inch Apple iPad Pro (M4) is on sale for $1,099 in Amazon's Black Friday sale. This is 15% off its list price of $1,299.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro 13-Inch (M4) $1,099.00 at Amazon
$1,299.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal

There's an excellent variety of Apple deals to check out during the Black Friday sale event. If you've been looking to upgrade your iPad, now's a great time to do it with so many offers available. Even the newer models have had great discounts, including the latest Apple iPad Pro.

The 13-inch 256GB Apple iPad Pro has had a very nice $200 discount during Amazon's Black Friday sale, dropping its price from $1,299 to $1,099. According to price tracker camelcamelcamel, this also marks its lowest-ever price, so there's truly no better time to pick it up if you've had your eye on it.

SEE ALSO: Save $800 on this stunning Samsung 65-inch TV during Black Friday

Fitted with the powerful M4 chip and a stunning Ultra Retina XDR display, the new iPad Pro is a powerful tablet. Our tech editor was blown away by it, with Mashable's Kimberly Gedeon saying, "the iPad Pro has mind-blowing endurance on a single charge. On top of that, the new iPad Pro is as svelte as a haute couture model." It has even made our list of the best tablets as a fantastic pick for graphic artists.

There's no better time than Black Friday to upgrade your iPad, so don't miss out on this 13-inch Apple iPad Pro deal at Amazon.

Amazon's not the only retailer offering up some excellent tech deals right now, either. Have a look at our roundups of the best deals at Best Buy, Walmart, and Target to see even more tech discounts that have caught our eye during Black Friday.

Save $800 on this stunning Samsung 65-inch TV during Black Friday

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 06:41

SAVE $800: As of Nov. 29, the Samsung S90D 65-inch TV is on sale for $1,397.99 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's a 36% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung S90D 65-inch TV $1,397.99 at Amazon
$2,197.99 Save $800.00 Get Deal

It's the big moment — Black Friday itself — and there's no greater pleasure on this fine day than getting an incredible deal on an incredible bit of tech. You know, the sort of thing you just can't bear to buy at full price. Among the most popular bargains on Black Friday are smart TVs. And Amazon's Black Friday event, which runs from Nov. 21 to Dec. 2, is offering an absolute corker of a deal on a Samsung TV.

As of Nov. 29, the Samsung S90D 65-inch TV is priced at $1,397.99, which is a massive saving of $800. In terms of performance versus price, it's arguably the best TV deal available on Amazon right now — a mega saving of 36% off the list price of $2,197.99.

SEE ALSO: We track Apple deals year-round — Black Friday 2024 has the lowest prices we’ve seen

You know you're in safe hands with Samsung. They're a top-rated brand when it comes to high-end, high-spec TVs and the S90D is no different — a 4K OLED beast of a set that's absolutely packed with features and immersive, eye-popping technology.

It has HDR support plus a feature called Real Depth Enhancer. This processes images like the human eye to increase foreground contrast. The effect is a realistic, three-dimensional image. It also has AI-powered upscaling, which transforms lower def visuals into 4K. Not to mention the fact it's a full 65 inches.

And if you want to use it for gaming, it's equipped for next gen consoles thanks to Motion Xcelerator. The features allows for fast-paced, fluid game play with a refresh rate of 144Hz. The TV automatically optimises into gaming mode once you switch the console on, giving you the best gaming experience possible.

SEE ALSO: The best early gaming laptop deals you can snag ahead of Black Friday

Another great thing about this TV is that it sounds as great as it looks. It's built something called Object Tracking Sound Lite, which delivers 3D surround sound that effectively follows the movement of objects and action on the screen.

And with Samsung's Tizen OS — a slick, easy-to-use operating system — the choice of films and shows to watch is pretty much endless.

Don't miss this remarkable deal on a remarkable TV this Black Friday.

Score the new Kindle Paperwhite at an all-time low price for Black Friday

Mashable - Fri, 11/29/2024 - 06:32

SAVE $30: As of Nov. 29, the brand-new Kindle Paperwhite (16GB) is discounted to $129.99 in Amazon's Black Friday sale. This is 19% off its list price of $159.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) $129.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal

If you're an avid reader, Black Friday is a fantastic time to track down deals in your wheelhouse. Whether you enjoy reading physical books or listening to audiobooks, there's a little something for everyone to enjoy during this seasonal sale event. If you've been wanting to pick up an e-reader to start building a digital library, Amazon offers an abundance of deals during this time on their Kindles, including on the all-new Kindle Paperwhite.

The new 16GB Kindle Paperwhite has had a $30 discount in Amazon's Black Friday sale, dropping its price from $159.99 to $129.99. This marks a discount of 19%, and is worth jumping on considering this Kindle only just released last month. It also marks its lowest-ever price, according to price tracker camelcamelcamel.

SEE ALSO: Get a free $75 gift card with the Xbox Series X in the Best Buy Black Friday sale

The Kindle Paperwhite is considered to be the fastest Kindle available, offering 25% faster page turns so you can cruise through your favorite novels with ease. It also features a large seven-inch display with an adjustable warm light so you can read your books in bright sunlight or in the dark before bed. On top of that, it also has an incredibly long battery life of up to 12 weeks.

Want even more Kindle deals to jump on right now? You're in luck, as it's also Stuff Your Kindle Day. You can have a look through a plethora of romance e-books right now that have dropped to under $1 for Black Friday.

Amazon's got plenty more on offer for the biggest sale event of the year, too. In our roundup of Amazon's best Black Friday deals, you can see some of our favorite picks from the sale event, including more Kindle deals, discounts on Echo devices, and so much more.

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