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Batman: Arkham Shadow may be the newest installment in a long-running gaming franchise, but it offers something refreshingly unique.

The game, recently released exclusively for virtual reality on Meta Quest 3/3S, is serious about responsibly exploring its characters' minds. Terms like psychotic, for example, aren't tossed around when characters are violent.

And once Batman enters Blackgate Prison under an alias, on a mission to find the villain Rat King before he strikes, he grows conflicted about his understanding of what motivates the criminals he encounters. As it turns out, when Batman attends a group therapy session led by Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel (later known as Harley Quinn), he has just as much to say about childhood trauma as the other inmates.

SEE ALSO: 'The Plucky Squire' review: A wholesome metatextual game for the young of heart

These and other choices were intentional, says Arkham Shadow director Ryan Payton. In 2023, he discovered a series of GQ videos featuring psychiatrist Dr. H. Eric Bender breaking down mental health scenes from popular movies and television, including clips from Joker.

Bender notes that the film "overplays the idea that violence and mental illness are linked." Indeed, people who live with mental illness are far more likely to become victims of violence than to perpetrate it.

Bender had previously observed that the game Batman: Arkham Asylum, labeled the Joker as psychotic when, in Bender's opinion, the character was psychopathic. This difference might seem insignificant to some, but Bender argues that incorrect labels and diagnoses can influence how people see those with severe mental illness, and how those living with such conditions see themselves.

Last fall, Payton asked Bender to consult on Arkham Shadow so that the game authentically depicted the characters' different emotional struggles, without playing into dangerous tropes or stereotypes about mental illness.

The shadow in the game's title has multiple meanings, hinting at menacing themes while also invoking the concept of the Jungian shadow, or unconscious negative beliefs about ourselves that we project onto others. If ever there was a superhero that could shoulder such treatment, it was Batman, Payton says.

"Eventually in the game, you come face-to-face with your own shadow, through many different lenses." - Ryan Payton, director of 'Batman: Arkham Shadow'

"Eventually in the game, you come face-to-face with your own shadow, through many different lenses," Payton says.

But before Payton and Bender met, both of them had powerful experiences that informed the way they thought about mental health in popular entertainment.

Payton recalls playing Final Fantasy VI as a teenager, which depicted a character going through mental health challenges.

"The feelings I was feeling [were] not something I would normally feel playing a lot of other video games I could've pulled off the shelf," Payton says. Since then, he says he's prioritized accurately portraying mental health and other sensitive topics in video games.

One of Bender's a-ha moments came while making a presentation at Comic-Con about media depictions of mental health when someone in the audience asked: "When am I going to see a character with mental illness who does not make me feel like I will turn into a villain?"

For Arkham Shadow, Bender provided Payton feedback on numerous storylines and character traits. This included tense, argumentative exchanges between Dr. Quinzel and Dr. Jonathan Crane, which were written to illustrate the strengths and limitations of different types of therapeutic approaches.

Bender also explained in detail why it could be extremely damaging for one character to hear as a child that they need to bottle up their anger and be good, as depicted in the game's flashbacks.

In total, the game features a half-hour of recorded conversation about mental health and well-being between various characters. There's even "tender moments," Payton says.

Still, Arkham Shadow remains an action game and stays true to the Batman universe. Blackgate Prison doesn't suddenly become a safe, high-quality mental health institution, upending decades of stereotypes about treatment facilities. Nor does Batman suddenly turn into a pacifist, eager to practice conflict resolution with his enemies.

But within these bounds, Bender and Payton feel like they've accomplished something meaningful.

"I'd like to think after people play Batman: Arkham Shadow that they've got a different perspective," Payton says.

UPDATE: Nov. 1, 2024, 2:35 p.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest DoorDash promo codes from across the web. Note that some of these codes are location-specific or exclusive to new users.

Best DoorDash promo codes this week: Best deal for new users Use code JUSTDASHIT Get $5 off your first order of $15+ Get Deal

We all love a good, home-cooked meal. But who has the time to make one every single night? Couldn't be us. That's why we always keep our delivery apps at the ready. Our app of choice at the moment? DoorDash. There's a constant bounty of promo codes, scoring you savings not just on takeout, but also on grocery delivery and select retail stores.

You can find our favorite DoorDash promo codes from across the web below, so take a look and then chow down while booting up your favorite streaming service or video game. Oh, and a lot of these codes will be exclusive to new users, so if you already have an account, you may want to consider creating a new one (you didn't hear that from us). Also, because some codes are location-specific, they may not work for everyone. Just test them out and see which ones stick for you!

SEE ALSO: The best deals on streaming services this week How do I use a DoorDash promo code?

Before we get into our picks for the week, let us quickly go over how to use a DoorDash promo code, because if you don't know how to do that, you won't benefit from any of the great deals we're about to show you. Thankfully, the process is really easy. (If you already know how to do this, feel free to keep scrolling to get straight to the latest DoorDash coupons.)

All you need to do is load up your shopping cart with whatever is on the menu for the night and head to the checkout screen. Once you get there, scroll down to the bottom, where you'll find a section labeled "Summary."

The 'Summary' section lives at the bottom of the checkout screen. Credit: DoorDash

Tap on that section and you'll be brought to a separate screen titled "Promo codes, rewards & gift cards." Then, just input your promo code (and gift card, if you have one) and head back to the checkout screen. You should now see your discount applied automatically.

This is where you'll use your promo code and get those sweet benefits. Credit: DoorDash

Congrats! You just scored some savings, and that takeout order is going to taste so much better because of it.

And before you place your orders, you'll also want to look into this DashPass deal that just went live on Oct. 30: DashPass subscribers can link their Lyft and DoorDash accounts together to score some exclusive savings, including 5% off on on-demand Lyft rides, priority pickup upgrades, and more.

Now, on to this week's promo codes — take a look below, and enjoy your meal.

Best DoorDash promo codes this week

• Receive up to 25% off your order — DD25BACK

• Up to 45% off your order — 50GAMETIME

• 50% off your first order of $15+ — 7P7C2P

• 40% off first grocery of $45+ — 40OFFGROC

• 40% off first convenience order of $20+ — 40OFFCONV

The new Apple M4 Macs are finally here. 

Like many who were waiting on the latest Apple devices before making a purchase, you may be thinking of buying the new M4 MacBook Pro. It's a very powerful laptop and would certainly make for a great purchase. 

However, what if I told you that you can get all that power for more than half the price? Well, you can with the new M4 Mac mini.

SEE ALSO: Macs with 8GB of RAM are finally dead: Apple makes 16GB the new standard The case for the Mac mini: Price

This week, Apple announced a slew of new Macs powered by its latest silicon chipset, the M4. All of the Macs powered by M4, from the new iMac to the Mac mini to the MacBook Pro, are going to be very powerful computers.

M4 Mac Mini Credit: Apple

However, there is a huge price difference between the Mac mini and MacBook Pro solely based on portability.

Are you going to be traveling around with your computer often? No? Are you mostly going to be using your Mac in a stationary setting like say at your desk or in your home office? Yes? Then, you should consider getting the new M4 Mac mini and save quite a bit of money.

The new base model MacBook Pro powered by the M4 chip starts at $1,599. This M4 MacBook Pro model comes with a 10-core CPU, a 10-core GPU, 16GB of memory, and 512GB of SSD storage.

M4 MacBook Pro Credit: Apple

The new base model M4 Mac mini has the exact same specs, but comes with a slightly smaller 256GB SSD drive. The cost for the Mac mini? $599. That's one thousand dollars in savings. 

If you want the exact same specs, you can upgrade the M4 Mac mini drive to 512GB of storage, which brings the total price to $799. That's still $800 in savings and gets you the exact same computer spec-wise.

Put those extra savings into upgrades and you can have an M4 Mac mini that's much more powerful than the M4 MacBook Pro you were going to purchase at no extra cost then what you initially intended to spend.

In fact, if you're looking at the more powerful M4 Pro chip, going with the Mac mini over the MacBook Pro with the same exact specs will still save you $600.

Credit: Apple

The extra-cost for the MacBook Pro is solely for its portability. So, if you're not going to be regularly traveling with your computer, why get a laptop? 

Yes, the MacBook Pro also comes with a built-in keyboard, mousepad, and display. If you don't have any of those at home, those are all additional costs to add-on to the final cost of the Mac mini. But, many people do have all of those peripheral devices already. And if you don't, you can purchase them all once and use them for subsequent Mac minis when you choose to upgrade in the future. 

AppleCare+ is easier on your pockets

There's another potential for additional savings if choosing the Mac mini over the MacBook Pro and that's AppleCare. AppleCare+ covers damage, technical issues, and support for your new Apple device for one year. For your MacBook Pro, it'll cost $99.99 per year. For the Mac mini, it costs $34.99 per year. 

Credit: Apple

Furthermore, I would recommend that you don't even need AppleCare coverage for their Mac mini whereas it's a must-buy for the MacBook Pro. As a desktop computer, the Mac mini sits stationary on your desk. You will likely not drop it or spill anything on it like you would when carrying your MacBook Pro around to set up a temporary workstation in different locations.

Now, there are situations where you'll choose the MacBook Pro over the Mac mini. If you know you'll be regularly traveling and this is the computer you intend to use, the M4 MacBook Pro is for you. If you need the most powerful Mac available, the new MacBook Pro is currently the only device equipped with an upgrade to the M4 Max chip — at least until Apple releases the new Mac Studio M4 computers.

As such, if you're seeking a stationary setup and a more cost-effective system, the M4 Mac mini is for you.

After their grandmother's death, two estranged cousins — the professional David (writer/director Jesse Eisenberg) and charismatic slacker Benji (Kieran Culkin) — reunite for a trip to her native Poland, where they hope to learn more about where she grew up and what she survived in the Holocaust. In their childhoods, the pair was inseparable, but years of distance have set in until this moment. In her will, their grandmother set aside funds for her grandsons to rediscover their family roots, and David signs them up for a tour that retraces Jewish history in Poland, including a stop at a concentration camp. Along the way, they meet other fellow travelers looking to learn more about their own families and the history of the Jewish community in Poland before and after WWII. Their trip has the potential to bring them closer to their family’s history and each other — if only they can stand each other’s company. 

A Real Pain is a brief but profound journey into reconnecting with one's family history, both in the sense of generations ago and the present day. Along the way, the two cousins make the perfect odd couple, with David fretting many details and Benji willing to shake things up at a moment's notice. The tensions come to a head many times over the trip, but despite David's frustrations and Benji's carefree spirit, the antics reveal a more complicated dynamic — one that has grown and soured over the years, and that might be salvaged from this trip their grandmother stipulated in her will. Yes, A Real Pain is a movie about remembering the Holocaust, but it’s funny and heartwarming, a rare combination when considering the subject matter. 

A Real Pain is a showcase for Jesse Eisenberg's filmmaking.  Credit: Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures

At a brisk 90 minutes, no part of A Real Pain feels too long or drawn out. Written and directed by Eisenberg, the follow-up to his debut feature When You Finish Saving the World moves efficiently along the various highs and lows of the story, allowing each of the main characters to develop their backstories and idiosyncrasies. The comedy is sharp, landing quickly and punctuated by just the right kind of reaction shot, usually from David as he endures one his cousin's latest outburst. The punchlines are sometimes witty, sometimes broad, but the central rapport between the cousins drives everything. And as chaotic as their presence might be in the group, it's heartwarming to see them embraced by strangers and how their dynamic within the group subverts expectations. Eisenberg knows just the emotional beats to hit — the silent looks to underscore unsaid feelings, and when to let Culkin take the spotlight and when to let the somber notes of the film play it straight.

As the lead, Eisenberg’s character is something of a variation of roles we’ve seen him take on elsewhere: a driven (if perhaps slightly neurotic) character who prioritizes order, logic, and efficiency, not too dissimilar from his character in the TV series Fleishman Is in Trouble. But he’s there to serve as a kind of "straight man" for Culkin’s Benji to rebel against, a model of decorum who’s easily mortified and frustrated but trying his best to keep it in so that the pair can enjoy the trip. 

Eisenberg and cinematographer Michal Dymek give A Real Pain a kind of autumnal glow, and these amber-like tones invite feelings of nostalgia and remembrance. It also gives their tour a certain romanticized sheen — not too hot, not too cold, perfect as a postcard  — until the reality of their family's history in Poland punctures the illusion. 

A Real Pain is also a chance for Culkin to showcase his acting chops. Credit: Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures

Kieran Culkin didn't steal as many hearts as he did in Succession by playing a well-behaved role model. As Roman, he was an unrepentant jerk with a vulnerable side, a proverbial cannonball swinging chaotically from one cause célèbre to the next. As Benji, he's significantly toned down, still a jerk who perhaps speaks his mind so freely that he may hurt people in the process, but as David reveals, Benji is also going through his own troubles after the death of his beloved grandmother. The script avoids therapeutic but cliched expository dumps from Benji, leaving it up to Culkin to hint at his character's inner turmoil and Eisenberg’s David to fill in the backstory Benji isn’t keen to share on his own. Behind the confident bravado of the resourceful slacker who mailed himself weed in another country is someone really struggling with grief and purpose.

A Real Pain reflects the different ways family members cope (or don't) with their ancestors' history, especially when there is inherited trauma involved. David, more so than Benji, feels guilty for the horrors his grandmother experienced in the Holocaust, her immigration to America, and the struggles she faced reestablishing herself in another part of the world. These details of their grandmother's life don't seem to haunt Benji in the same way, but the historical aspects of the tour move him more than others in the group. For example, while traveling to their next tour stop, he nervously paces a train when thinking about how Jews like their grandmother were transported to concentration camps decades earlier. In another poignant scene, he asks the group's well-meaning tour guide James (Will Sharpe, White Lotus) to stop sharing facts and let them take in the silence at a Jewish cemetery. It's a level of unpredictability that can be funny yet sincere, and Culkin threads the needle between emotions with surprising acuity.

Despite its title, A Real Pain is genuinely funny. Benji is such an extraordinary, off-beat character, yet he seems like someone you might know from work or in your own family gatherings. As the beleaguered grown-up who's both exasperated by his cousin's antics but also enjoys reconnecting with his childhood companion, David is the perfect foil for Benji to play off — sometimes indirectly like when he says something outrageous, and David is left with a quizzical, helpless look on his face. Over the course of their tour through Poland, they reveal more about themselves and their pasts to their fellow travelers, which affects how the audience perceives their relationship and how the tour group sees them moving forward.

The supporting cast of A Real Pain elevates the star performers. Credit: Agata Grzybowska / Searchlight Pictures

The tour David and Benji joins takes them through various landmarks of Jewish history in Poland, stopping at statues and former Jewish neighborhoods that were displaced during the Holocaust. While the tour is not strictly for the descendants of Holocaust survivors, many of those alongside David and Benji are also trying to learn more about their family history. While Sharpe's earnest tour guide leads the way, Jennifer Grey's divorced mom is similarly looking to reconnect with her family's roots. The ensemble also includes Kurt Egyiawan as a Jewish convert who survived the Rwandan genocide, whom Benji immediately takes a liking to, and a retired couple played by Daniel Oreskes and Liza Sadovy, who are less charmed by Benji's behavior. Through them, we also see how different people process and grieve their family's tragedies and what this trip means to them. 

A Real Pain isn’t necessarily asking bigger questions about current events; it’s focused specifically on this family and their experiences, making it feel relatable to anyone whose family migrated to the States in the wake of a historical event. It’s short and sweet, striking a delicate balance between the heaviness of the cousins’ trip and the pair’s mismatched dynamic. And like many vacations, A Real Pain feels like it’s over too soon, but it lasts just long enough to avoid overstaying its welcome. It’s a bittersweet tribute to the journeys our ancestors took to bring us to where we are today and coping with the troubled relationships we may share with our present-day relatives. 

A Real Pain is now in theaters.

Wondering how to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: Best for affordability Sling TV Blue Plan $20 for the first month, then $40/month (save $20 ) Get Deal BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV Pro plan 7-day free trial, then $59.99/month for 1 month (Save $20) Get Deal

The San Diego State Aztecs and Boise State Broncos football teams go head-to-head this weekend at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. The match will take place on Friday, Nov. 1, and is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. 

SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable San Diego State vs. Boise State football kickoff time and network

The San Diego State vs. Boise State football game is scheduled for a 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT start on FS1 on Friday, Nov. 1.

Best streaming services for SDSU vs. Boise State football game

You need to choose a streaming service to watch college football without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the San Diego State vs. Boise State football game on FS1. 

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

Go to the FuboTV website to check if ESPN is available in your zip code. If it is, you can access ESPN with the FuboTV Pro plan, which offers an introductory rate of $59.99 for the first month and a regular rate of $79.99 per month.

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

UPDATE: Sep. 18, 2024, 10:51 p.m. EDT Genmoji, part of the Apple Intelligence (Apple's new suite of AI features), is not available yet. Apple Intelligence has launched with iOS 18.1, however, Genmoji is not yet part of the currently available AI suite. We expect Genmoji to launch in December.

Genmoji, unveiled at WWDC 2024, is arguably one of the most highly anticipated features coming to iOS 18. An amalgamation of the words "generative AI" and "emoji," Genmoji lets you describe the emoji you'd like to create.

Although iOS offers a sizable library of emoji to choose from, there are times when you can't quite find the right character that encapsulates an expression you want to convey. Genmoji solves this problem. Leveraging Apple Intelligence and on-device processing, the new AI-powered iOS 18 will have the ability to generate customized emoji. The question is, though, "How do you use Genmoji?"

SEE ALSO: Why 'Apple Intelligence' isn't a chatbot: 'We're not taking a teenager and telling it to fly a plane.'

Genmoji isn't out just yet, but if you're curious how to use it before it launches, here's a quick tutorial.

iOS 18: How to use Genmoji

Genmoji, like other Apple Intelligence features, are only available on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models, as well as the entire iPhone 16 lineup.

With that being said, if you want to get a head start on knowing how, exactly, one uses Genmoji, here's what we know based on an update from Apple.

Genmoji demo at WWDC 2024 Credit: Apple

1. Open the Messages app.

2. Tap on a thread or compose a new message.

3. Tap on the emoji icon.

4. Start typing your description in the text field. For example, "A pink flamingo with tap-dancing shoes."

5. Tap on "Create new emoji."

An ovular bubble will appear, showing that it is currently generating a new Genmoji. After a few seconds, you should see some iterations of your new AI-generated emoji. Swipe through the options and hit "Insert" on the one you like the most.

Genmoji demo at WWDC 2024 Credit: Apple Featured Video For You iOS 18: 8 cool new features you can try right now, including Apple Intelligence Genmoji release date on iOS 18

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Genmoji isn't expected to roll out until iOS 18.2, which will likely launch in December.

Alongside Genmoji, we're also expecting to see another highly anticipated AI-powered tool called Image Playground, which lets you generate AI images. Image Playground is also expected to launch via iOS 18.2 in December.

This nugget of information was later corroborated by Apple itself, which announced that Genmoji will land on supported iPhones next month.

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Mariah Carey, the queen of Christmas, has announced the season's return in an Addams Family-themed video on social media.

In a video posted to Instagram and X, she starts in a Morticia Addams Halloween costume, adorned with a Kay Jewelers diamond necklace. She dances with a man dressed as Gomez Addams, and once the clock strikes midnight on Halloween night, Carey is seen with her classic Christmas fit as she sings, "It's tiiiiiiiiiiime."

Gomez turns into a snowman, and Carey's "All I Want For Christmas" begins blasting.

Tweet may have been deleted

The pop icon has more than just a video on social media to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season. If you search her name on Google, you'll see a flurry of snowflakes. Pop-up bars featuring Carey and Christmas are coming to New York City and New Orleans. And it's only a matter of time before "All I Want For Christmas" returns to the top of the Billboard charts.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

This is an annual tradition for Carey, who posts an iconic video immediately after Halloween every year to ring in the season. So, consider this your official countdown to Christmas.

OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman had a busy day on Thursday. After launching ChatGPT Search, a new search engine feature that connects ChatGPT to real-time information, Altman and other OpenAI executives hosted an AMA (Ask Me Anything) on Reddit's r/ChatGPT subreddit.

Altman and co. shared some interesting nuggets about ChatGPT Search, model updates, and the future plans where AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) plays a role. We've distilled the biggest takeaways from the AMA and shared them here so you don't have to read through the seemingly endless barrage of questions.

And yes, in case you were wondering, Altman used ChatGPT for some of his answers.

Using ChatGPT as a therapist

Altman addressed one of the most controversial use cases of ChatGPT, which is turning to the chatbot as a form of therapy. "It's obviously not a therapist, but clearly a lot of people get value out of talking about their problems with it," he said before adding, "we have seen a lot of startups really exploring how to do more here; i hope someone builds soemthing [sic] great!"

Credit: Iryna Imago / Shutterstock.com

Reading between the lines, Altman isn't condoning ChatGPT for therapy, but he's also not saying don't use it to work through your personal issues. On a related note, ChatGPT is not HIPAA compliant. This means deeply personal information you share, or shared unethically by mental health and medical professional isn't protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

When asked about plans to train new models for specific medical literature, OpenAI CPO Kevin Weill shared that they're "starting to work on HIPAA compliance for our enterprise product." ChatGPT might be HIPAA compliant soon, but as mentioned, it isn't currently.

Expect ChatGPT to message you first sometime soon

Remember that "glitch" when ChatGPT started messaging users first? Maybe it wasn't a glitch, but a preview of future plans. When asked whether ChatGPT will eventually be able to perform tasks on its own, like messaging the user first, Weill said, "IMHO this is going to be a big theme in 2025."

Credit: Ascannio / Shutterstock.com

On a related note, in response to the one thing he wishes ChatGPT could do but can't yet, VP of Engineering ​​Srinivas Narayanan said, "I'd love for it to understand my personal information better and take actions on my behalf."

Questions about AGI came up frequently throughout the AMA, but the biggest takeaway is that Altman believes "it is achievable with current hardware." So brace yourselves for a near future where ChatGPT has some form of autonomous agency.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI: No plans for ads in ChatGPT Search ChatGPT Search looks to shake up SEO

On the day OpenAI launched its search engine, ChatGPT Search, Redditors had a lot of questions. Not much is known yet about how the search engine works, but OpenAI divulged a few tidbits. Does ChatGPT still use Bing as a search engine? "We use a set of services and Bing is an important one," said Narayanan.

Credit: Ascannio / Shutterstock.com

Redditors were also curious about how SEO strategy plays into publishers and businesses get ranked in ChatGPT Search. And the answer was a big fat non-answer. "The product just launched today so there's a lot to figure out still about where search will be similar and where it will be different in an AI world," said Weill.

Altman also teased potential plans about ChatGPT Search, saying he "look[s] forward to a future where a search query can dynamically render a custom web page in response!" In short, if ChatGPT Search succeeds, it could significantly reshape search traffic.

Hallucinations will always be a tough problem

No matter how advanced ChatGPT gets, hallucinations will be a persistent problem. However, SVP of Research Mark Chen attempted to shift the blame onto human error. "We're putting a lot of focus on decreasing hallucinations, but it's a fundamentally hard problem - our models learn from human-written text, and humans sometimes confidently declare things they aren't sure about," said Chen.

Credit: sf_freelance / Shutterstock.com

Nonetheless, Chen said OpenAI's models are "improving at citing, which grounds their answers in trusted sources." He also believes reinforcement learning can help to check when models hallucinate and "reward it for not doing so."

Singing ChatGPT, new DALL-E and NSFW content

What about other future plans for ChatGPT? In a demo last spring, OpenAI showed Advanced Voice Mode's singing skills, but it's not currently a live feature. When asked whether OpenAI will "loosen" restrictions around musical capabilities" like singing, Weill said they're working on it.

Is there going to be a new DALL-E anytime soon? There's no release plan yet, but "the next update will be worth the wait," said Altman.

Credit: olivia_Brown / Shutterstock.com

And it wouldn't be a Reddit AMA without some questions about NSFW content. Will adults be able to access NSFW content? One Redditor asked. "We totally believe in treating adult users like adults. but it takes a lot of work to get this right, and right now we have more urgent priorities. would like to get this right some day," said Altman.

SAVE $40: As of Nov. 1, the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE are down to just $59.99 at Amazon. That's 40% off the list price of $99.99 and the lowest price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Buds FE $59.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

Finding earbuds that offer excellent noise cancellation, a cozy fit, decent battery life, and incredible sound quality for less than $100 is tough. Finding earbuds with all of those qualities for under $60 is almost impossible. Unless you find a stellar deal like this one on the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE.

As of Nov. 1, the Galaxy Buds FE are on sale at Amazon for just $59.99. That's 40% off the usual cost of $99.99 and the lowest price on record. For reference, they dropped to $67.99 in Sept. and then a few dollars more to $65 on October Prime Day. This is the first time they've ever been this cheap, though.

SEE ALSO: The 6 best earbuds to buy in 2024

Mashable's RJ Andersen tested the Samsung buds earlier this year, and they truly wowed her. "The sound quality from the Galaxy Buds FE is unmatched for earbuds at this price range," she wrote, adding that as a lifelong Apple user, they had her questioning everything. The only slight cons of these buds are the microphone quality and difficulty swapping between devices. Otherwise, the noise cancellation works great, they're comfortable to wear for long periods of time, the battery life is solid (six hours of playtime with ANC or eight-and-a-half with it off), and the sound quality is robust. Our reviewer even compared them to the beloved (and now discontinued) Bose QuietComfort 45s.

If earbuds are on your wishlist, it'll be hard finding a better deal than this one.

Apple's big week of Mac announcements may be over, but the real work starts now.

By that, I mean people are going to poke and prod at these new devices until every single facet has been tested. That starts with benchmarking, and the first Geekbench 6 benchmarking scores for the new Mac devices have been published. In multi-core testing, the M4 Pro inside the Mac mini delivered an average of about 22,000.

SEE ALSO: Every Apple Mac announcement so far

You might be wondering what that means. The actual testing and calculations for Geekbench scoring are too technical to get into here, but the main thing to know is that a higher number means better performance. According to MacRumors, the 14-core M4 Pro beat out the 24-core M2 Ultra in the Mac Studio, which got an average score of 21,351.

The M4 Pro beating the M2 Ultra is impressive because the Mac mini housing the former starts at $1,599, while the Mac Studio housing the latter is a staggering $3,999. In other words, Apple is offering nearly the same level of performance from a very recent high-end desktop computer in a much smaller device that costs just over half as much.

M4 Max benchmarks

After reports of the M4 Pro's high benchmark scores came in, Geekbench's database was updated with scores from the even more powerful M4 Max chip.

Stunningly, the 16-core M4 Max chip in a MacBook Pro comes in at around 26,500 if you average out the handful of scores on the site at the time of writing. This is now the most powerful Apple device recorded by GeekBench. However, if you want that one, you'll have to pay; as MacRumors pointed out, you'll have to shell out $3,999 for a 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 Max chip inside of it.

But if you don't need a laptop and have $1,599 to spare, it seems like the M4 Pro Mac mini will do the trick just fine, too.

With these M4 Pro and M4 Max benchmarks landing on Geekbench, we're getting a sneak peek of the new MacBook Pro's capabilities — and competitors should be shaking in their boots. The only Windows laptop we've tested that comes close to the M4 Pro chip's score is the 2023 Lenovo Legion 9i that runs on the Intel Core i9-13980HX — and that will set you back nearly $3,500.

EARLY ACCESS: Skip the lines and see Wicked early. Prime members can grab tickets to an exclusive early screening on Nov. 18.

Opens in a new window Credit: Universal Pictures Early screening of 'Wicked' for Prime members Get Deal

If you’ve been counting down the days to Wicked’s release, your wait may be over soon — if you have a Prime membership, that is.

As of Nov. 1, Amazon Prime members can score early access tickets to see the highly anticipated film adaptation of the Broadway musical before it hits theaters nationwide on Nov. 22.

SEE ALSO: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo belt it out in 'Wicked' trailer

The early screening will take place on Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. at select theaters throughout the U.S. To see Wicked on the big screen before the general public, use the official landing page on Amazon to check availability and purchase tickets. They’re first come, first served, so you might want to grab yours before they’re gone.

Amazon’s also featuring Wicked Wednesdays, where you can buy Wicked-themed merch and see exclusive content. (Click the “notify me” link to get notifications of the next drop!)

Want even more Wicked? Bring the enchantment into your home with Amazon Alexa. If you have an Alexa-enabled device, say, “Alexa, send me to Oz.” You can also say, “Alexa, follow the Good Witch,” or “Alexa, follow the Wicked Witch,” to add a little magic to your everyday interactions.

The gathering had nothing to do with the election. That didn’t stop conspiracy theorists from spreading falsehoods.

Shop Bose deals up to 40% off at Amazon right now. Here are some of our top picks:

Best Bose Deals Best Bose Deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones $329 at Amazon (Save $100) Get Deal Best Bose Earbud Deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Earbuds $229 at Amazon (Save $70) Get Deal Best Bose Speaker Deal Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker $299 at Amazon (Save $100) Get Deal

When it comes to audio, Bose knows what they're doing. If you want a pair of great-sounding headphones that cradle your ears with soft, plushy ear cups or a pair of earbuds to listen to anywhere, Bose is always a reliable go-to. You'll get noise-cancelling, satisfying audio at reasonable prices that often go even lower on sale at regular intervals. That includes this weekend, as there are a variety of Bose goodies on sale now.

As of November 1, you can snag some of Bose's best headphones and speakers at Amazon for up to 40% off their normal price. That includes popular picks like (our favorite) the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphone line as well, so if you've had your eye on one of Bose's best and brightest picks for some time, it might be a good idea to lock in and snap yours up, with the holidays around the corner.

Check out our picks from the Bose sale below.

Best Bose deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones $329.00 at Amazon
$429.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are our favorites out of the Bose line, and for good reason. Not only are they extremely comfortable, but they feature excellent noise cancelling and a 24-hour battery life. You might actually want to wear them that long, too, as their plush ear cups make them a dream for long listening sessions. They're perfect for crispy treble and booming bass, and offer three listening modes to help you decide how much of the world you want to let in while you're listening to your favorite music or podcasts. They're the best over-ear Bose headphones you can get, and this is their lowest price yet.

Best Bose earbud deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Earbuds $229.00 at Amazon
$299.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're not into over-ear headphones, you might want a good pair of earbuds to toss in your bag or wear to the gym. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are the best the company has to offer, and they're perfect for a wide variety of use cases. They're comfortable, loud, and powerful – plus, they offer active noise cancellation and spatial audio support. Their satisfying bass is surprisingly powerful for their size, and they make a great substitution if you want or need to listen discreetly in a location where over ear headphones might make you look out of place. Plus, they work great for calls, too.

Best Bose speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker $299.00 at Amazon
$399.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you like to take the party with you (and share it with everyone else), Bose's best portable speaker is one we highly recommend. Its impressive stereo sound, clear audio, and waterproofing that can handle a dunk in the water make it well worth snagging. It boasts 20 hours of battery life, and you can, as the name may inspire you to do, link several speakers up at once for the ultimate house party. Plus, it comes in cool colors if that's something you're interested in.

Though a larger coalition of fact checkers has disbanded, a team of students and researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle is still working to document how lies online threaten to undermine this year’s presidential race.

In the words of Mariah Carey, "it's time!"

"All I Want for Christmas is You" is arguably the ultimate holiday anthem, marking the official start of the festive season. Even Google joined the celebration, adding a whimsical touch to the user experience whenever the words "Mariah Carey" are typed into the search bar.

Type in 'Mariah Carey' into Google Search for a holiday surprise Watch the snowflakes float down Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Whether you type "Mariah Carey" in Google Search on your desktop or mobile device, you'll spot animated snowflakes cascading down the screen in honor of the iconic songstress. (If you don't see the animation, scroll down and search for a teal button with a snowflake icon on it.)

This isn’t the first time Google has added the animation. Last year, the search engine delighted fans with the same festive touch.

Now that it's Nov. 1, and Christmas is just under two months away, Carey has put Halloween behind her (she dressed up as Morticia Addams by the way) and welcomed the holiday season with a new Santa-inspired video.

Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" is debatably the queen of holiday tunes. Launched 30 years ago, the upbeat holiday song is still a timeless classic. Billboard reports that each year, Carey earns around $1.55 million from the song’s plays and sales, along with an additional $830,000 in royalties from its use — all before fees are taken out.

According to an estimate from The Economist, as of 2017, the song generated $60 million through royalties since its 1994 release.

The best deals to watch 'My Old Ass' online at a glance: BEST OVERALL Prime Video only $8.99 per month (save $6) Get Deal LONG-TERM DEAL Prime Annual Free 30-day trial, then $139 per year (save 22%) Get Deal BEST FOR 18-24 YEAR OLDS Prime for Young Adults free 6-month trial, then $7.49 per month (save 50%) Get Deal

If you're looking for a feel-good movie to shift out of spooky season, My Old Ass is officially making its streaming debut on Nov. 7. The time-travel flick from writer/director Megan Park is a lively comedy about growing up and moving on that Mashable's film editor calls "a true joy." Starring Aubrey Plaza and Maisy Stella, a true star on the rise, as older and younger versions of the same woman, the film manages to reject the same old tired time-travel mission trope, which is quite refreshing.

Here's everything you need to know about how to watch My Old Ass online (and maybe even for free).

What is My Old Ass about?

My Old Ass follows Elliott (Stella), who decides to take a mushroom trip to ring in her 18th birthday. The trip brings her face-to-face with her sarcastic 39-year-old self (Plaza), who delivers bits of wisdom and warnings about life. What follows is a spirited coming-of-age journey that "captures the joy of carefree youth without romanticizing it," as Mashable's film editor Kristy Puchko puts it.

Here's the official trailer:

Is My Old Ass worth watching?

The coming-of-age comedy from Margot Robbie's LuckyChap Entertainment is currently holding a 91 percent critic rating and 89 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes — both pretty impressive numbers. Though it wasn't particularly a box office hit, My Old Ass has seen largely positive reviews online. And box office numbers don't usually tell the whole story anyway.

Puchko notes that it does veer into schmaltzy, but ultimately is "a briskly funny time-travel movie that bucks genre convention and allows its characters to be as charming as they are messy."

Read our full review of My Old Ass.

How to watch My Old Ass at home Credit: Amazon MGM Studios

Rather than making its digital retail debut first, like most new theatrical releases, My Old Ass will go directly to streaming first. Since My Old Ass is an Amazon MGM Studios film, it's set to make its streaming debut on Prime Video on Nov. 7. The film will also be available to rent or purchase at digital retailers (Apple TV+, Vudu, etc.) at a later date.

Can I get Prime Video for free?

Yes! If you're new to Prime or you're returning after some time away, Amazon offers a free 30-day trial to test the waters. With a trial, you'll still have full access to Prime perks — including Prime Video. Once your trial period ends, you'll be charged the full price for a Prime membership, which is currently $14.99 per month. Be sure to cancel before the month is up if you want to avoid charges.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Prime monthly subscription Free 30-day trial, then $14.99 per month Get Deal The best Prime Video streaming dealsSave $6/month: Prime Video only

For those who don't want or need all of the extra Prime member perks, you can simply subscribe to Prime Video as a standalone service instead for just $8.99 per month. That's $6 per month less than a full membership. Of course, Amazon makes it unnecessarily complicated to sign up for Prime Video alone. When you go to sign up for a subscription, you'll have to select the option to "see more plans" or "change plans" and navigate to the option for Prime Video on its own. Like a Prime membership, you can still cancel whenever you want with no strings attached.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Prime Video only $8.99 per month Get Deal Save 22%: Amazon Prime annual membership

As opposed to paying for a monthly Prime membership, you can pay for an entire year at once and save about $40. You'll enjoy all of the perks of being a Prime member, including access to Prime Video, for a full year. And instead of paying $14.99 every month, you'll pay $139 upfront, which works out to just $11.59 per month. That ends up saving you about 22% in total.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Prime Annual Free 30-day trial, then $139 per year Get Deal Save 50%: Prime for Young Adults

Amazon's Prime Student subscription has now evolved into Prime for Young Adults. In other words, you don't have to be a college student anymore to score the deal. If you're between the ages of 18 and 24, student or not, you can get a free six-month trial to Prime, then pay just $7.49 per month. That's 50% in savings. All you have to do is verify your age or your student status and the world of Prime is yours — including Prime Video.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Prime for Young Adults Free 6-month trial, then $7.49 per month Get Deal

GET UP TO 50% OFF: As of Nov. 1, you can get up to 50% off select Ninja products at Amazon, including the Ninja Sizzle Smokeless Indoor Grill and Griddle and the Ninja Mega Kitchen System.

Our top picks: Best deal overall Ninja Mega Kitchen System $99.99 at Amazon (save $100 ) Get Deal Best slow cooker deal Ninja Foodi Everyday Possible Cooker Pro (MC1101) $99.99 at Amazon (save $20 ) Get Deal Best griddle deal Ninja Sizzle Smokeless Indoor Grill & Griddle (GR101) $79.99 at Amazon (save $60 ) Get Deal

It’s officially soup season (no matter what the weather report says), and, right on time, the prices on Ninja’s lineup of kitchen gadgets are dropping to some of their lowest prices yet.

SEE ALSO: TikTok is in love with the Ninja Creami, but am I?

Whether you're looking to whip up some homemade soups or smoothies or just want to get ahead on meal prep, these deals on Ninja’s top appliances — including blenders, slow cookers, and more — are too good to miss.

Here are the best price cuts we've spotted so far:

Best deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Mega Kitchen System $99.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Ninja Mega Kitchen System can do just about anything — it can blend, mix, crush, and make single-serve smoothies.

Its 72-ounce crushing pitcher is ideal for making large batches of smoothies or frozen drinks, while the eight-cup food processor bowl can chop ingredients (nuts, fruits, veggies, etc.) or make up to two pounds of dough in 30 seconds. Plus, with the two 16-ounce Nutri Ninja Cups (with to-go lids), you can blend morning smoothies, blended coffee, or whatever else you like to take on the go.

If you need some inspiration, it comes with a 31-recipe book to help you get started.

SEE ALSO: Testing the Ninja Slushi by making a frozen version of every drink I can think of Best slow cooker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Foodi Everyday Possible Cooker Pro (MC1101) $99.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Ninja Foodi Everyday Possible Cooker Pro (MC1101) is an eight-in-one kitchen workhorse that can slow cook, sear/sauté, braise, and more.

With a 6.5-quart capacity, you can make meals for the whole family (or store leftovers in the freezer for later). According to the manufacturer, it can cook a seven-pound roast or up to four six-ounce chicken breasts.

It also has an oven-safe pot, so you can pop it in the oven (up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit) for a crispy finish and then serve it at the table. This one-pot design is ideal for easy cleanup and traveling for holiday potlucks.

Best griddle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Sizzle Smokeless Indoor Grill & Griddle (GR101) $79.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Ninja Sizzle Smokeless Indoor Grill & Griddle (GR101) has an interchangeable grill and griddle plates, so you can make everything from fajitas to pancakes.

It can reach up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and the mesh lid prevents smoke from escaping, so you can cook indoors without setting off your fire alarm. It has a 14-inch cooking surface — perfect for big family breakfasts or cookouts. (If you haven’t had a fall bonfire BBQ, you’re missing out!)

This grill-griddle combo is super convenient and at an all-time low price of $79.99.

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Nov. 1: OUR TOP PICK Bose QuietComfort Ultra $329 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal BEST SPEAKER DEAL Bose SoundLink Max $299 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal BEST EARBUDS DEAL Samsung Galaxy Buds FE $59.99 at Amazon (save $40) Get Deal BEST HOME DEAL Shark HP302 NeverChange Air Purifier Max $249.99 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal

Now that Halloween is in the rearview, Amazon is shifting into holiday mode. That means deals are popping up out of the blue — and we're here for it. Some of our favorite brands, like Bose and Samsung, are seeing big discounts that match or even exceed Prime Day. We've rounded up a few we think are worth adding to your cart on Nov. 1.

Here are out top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. Be sure to check out our picks from Oct. 30 and Oct. 31 as well if you missed them. Plenty of those are still live — including an $80 price drop on our favorite kids tablet and a cloud gaming bundle that includes the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, a wireless Xbox controller, and one month of GamePass Ultimate for just $79.99.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra $329.00 at Amazon
$429.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra are the most comfortable headphones we've tested at Mashable — and we've tested quite a lot. They also deliver excellent battery life, rich sound, and "perfectly good ANC," according to our reviewer Sam Mangino. And did we mention they also look pretty dang good as well? Last month, the fancy pants headphones from Bose dropped to an all-time low $329 during Prime Big Deal Days. And to kick off the month of November, that deal is back in action. Better yet, it includes every color except Sandstone, which is currently sold out.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark HP302 NeverChange Air Purifier Max $249.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal

Shark's HP302 air purifier uses NeverChange filtration, so you can enjoy steady air-cleaning power for up to five years before needing a new filter replacement. Its anti-allergen HEPA filter capture 99.98 percent of particles both large and small in spaces up to 1,400 square feet. And thanks to Clean Sense IQ, it tracks and adjusts your air quality automatically to keep things extra fresh. Usually $329.99, you can snag it on sale for just $249.99 as of Nov. 1. That's 24% in savings and its lowest price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose SoundLink Max $299.00 at Amazon
$399.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal

Looking for a Bluetooth speaker to take with you on the go? Whether you want to blast your tunes by the campfire or hold an impromptu karaoke sesh with friends at the park, the Bose SoundLink Max is the perfect blend of portability, durability, and power. Our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) tested it out and found it to offer "considerable power from a compact package." It's also completely waterproof and can last for up to 20 hours per charge. As of Nov. 1, it's back down to its record-low price of $299, which matches Prime Day.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Buds FE $59.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

It's hard to find earbuds with stellar sound quality, excellent noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit for under $100, let alone under $60. That's why this deal on the Galaxy Buds FE is so impressive. "The sound quality from the Galaxy Buds FE is unmatched for earbuds at this price range," Mashable reporter RJ Andersen wrote in her review of the Samsung buds, adding that even Apple users should consider them. Regularly just $99.99, you can snag a pair of the Galaxy Buds FE for only $59.99 as of Nov. 1. That's 40% in savings and their lowest price on record.

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

GET UP TO 50% OFF: As of Nov. 1, you can get up to 50% off select Shark vacuum models at Amazon. Shop cordless, upright, and robot vacuum models.

Our top picks: Best cordless vacuum deal Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum (IX141) $149.99 at Amazon (save $110) Get Deal Best upright vacuum Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum (AZ3002) $249.99 at Amazon (save $250 ) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Shark ION Robot Vacuum (AV753) $149.99 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal

If you've been patiently waiting for Black Friday to get a good deal on a vacuum cleaner, you might want to take a quick look at what's available on Amazon right now.

SEE ALSO: I've tested a ton of robot vacuums — these 4 work the best on carpet

As of Nov. 1, you can get a Shark vacuum for less than $300 at Amazon. That’s a pretty good deal, considering this sale includes cordless, upright, and robot vacuums.

Here are a few of the best Shark vacuum deals on Amazon right now:

Best cordless vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Our pick: Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum (IX141) $149.99 at Amazon
$259.99 Save $110.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum (IX141) is lightweight, works on multiple surfaces (even carpets), and can clean for 40 minutes straight on a single charge. It also transforms into a hand vac for above-floor cleaning and comes with an extra large dust cup with a CleanTouch Dirt Ejector to make emptying easy.

This little stick vac is a good option for anyone who wants a cordless vacuum that’s tough enough to handle pet hair but is lightweight and easy to maneuver for quick cleanup.

Right now, you can get it for $149.99 at Amazon. That’s a 42% discount, $110 off the list price, and just $0.99 more than the all-time lowest price.

Best upright vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Our pick: Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum (AZ3002) $249.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum (AZ3002) features an odor neutralizer, ultra-powerful suction, and a brushroll system built for pet owners. The no-hair wrap bristles and self-cleaning brush roll help prevent long hair from getting tangled around the roller.

The lift-away pod lets you clean without dragging the whole upright vacuum behind you, so you can get underneath furniture or above it with the flexible wand and crevice tool.

With an anti-allergen complete seal and an easy-to-empty dust cup, this upright is a no-brainer for fur parents or anyone else who enjoys a deep clean — and it’s $250 off, which is a record low!

Best robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Our pick: Shark ION Robot Vacuum (AV753) $149.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Shark ION Robot Vacuum (AV753) has a tri-brush system that combines side brushes, channel brushes, and a multi-surface brushroll to clean carpet and hard floors without missing a spot.

It also features voice control capabilities, so you can ask Alexa or Google Assistant to start cleaning, stop, dock, or perform other commands. You can also schedule cleanings from your phone via the SharkClean app.

With a 120-minute runtime and intelligent cliff sensors, this robot vacuum should be able to clean your entire home without getting stuck or falling down the stairs. The only caveat is that this model doesn’t come with a self-empty base, so you’ll have to manually empty the dustbin. But for $149.99, you can’t beat the value.

The bottom line is that Apple Watch Ultra 1 is a very capable device, with Apple hitting all the right spots from the get-go: It's rugged, durable, has great battery life, and is great for serious sporting activities, be it diving, snorkeling, hiking, or running.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is, in many ways, identical to the original. It looks exactly the same, has a very similar (albeit brighter) display, very similar battery life, and pretty much the same set of features when it comes to durability, health, and fitness tracking. Instead of listing the similarities, we'll focus on the differences — and you'll get better insight into whether you should opt for the older, first-generation Apple Watch Ultra 2 or the newer Apple Watch Ultra 2/

Apple Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Price

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a starting price of $799 via T-Mobile.

You won't find the Apple Watch Ultra 2 on T-Mobile, but you can find some options via Amazon, Best Buy, and eBay — we've seen refurbished units go for less than $500. If you can snag one from a reputable vendor with great reviews, that's a pretty sweet deal.

Apple Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Specs

The Apple Watch Ultra has an Apple S8, dual-core processor, the first generation of Apple's ultra-wideband chip, with 32GB of storage; the Ultra 2 has the S9, dual-core processor, the second generation ultra-wideband chip, and 64GB of storage. It is a significant upgrade, but we bet a lot of users won't notice the difference. Personally, I jumped from a Series 6 to a Series 9 Apple Watch, which is a far bigger leap in specs, and I did notice it was a little snappier, but it still wasn't a massive upgrade.

Other specs, such as dust and water resistance, the customizable action button on the side, and a multitude of sensors that track temperature, heart rate, and other metrics, have remained unchanged on the Ultra 2.

Bottom line: Yes, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is fast, but the old model should also be plenty fast for most users.

One more thing: The Apple Watch Ultra 2 supports Apple's Double Tap gesture. It can be a nice addition if you get used to it; personally, I never managed to do so, and I stopped using it after initial testing.

Apple Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Design

There's nothing to say here except this: The two devices look exactly the same.

If you're buying it for the looks, then it doesn't matter if you get the Ultra 1 or Ultra 2; they're the same. Credit: Apple

Even the display resolution is identical at 410x502 pixels. The Ultra 2 is significantly brighter though, at 3,000 nits vs. the Ultra 1's 2,000 nits maximum. This is important for outdoorsy types (which is sort of who this device is aimed at), as higher brightness makes it easier to use the watch in direct sunlight.

Interestingly, Apple didn't unveil a third-generation Apple Watch Ultra 3 this year, but it did add some updates to the Ultra 2 line. For example, there's a new jet black titanium option for those who gravitate towards onyx finishes. Plus, there are new bands for you to choose, including Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, Ocean Band, and Titanium Milanese Loop.

Apple Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Health and fitness tracking

Before Apple's "Glowtime" livestream launched in September, the Ultra and the Ultra 2 had the same health and fitness features initially — but that has changed with some new announcements from the Cupertino-based tech giant.

Love Apple's Double Tap feature? Then the Ultra 2 is for you. Credit: Apple

Both track your heart rate and sleep, as well as water depth, temperature, among other metrics. Also, they both have crash and fall detection. However, thanks to some new upgrades from Apple, the Ultra 2 now supports sleep apnea detection — something that the first-generation Watch Ultra doesn't have. (It's also worth noting that the Apple Watch Series 9 and 10 models also have sleep apnea detection.)

Curiously, the old Apple Watch Ultra has an edge over the Ultra 2: it has a blood-oxygen sensor, which is not present on newer Ultra 2 models in the U.S. due to Apple's legal issues with medical tech company Masimo.

Apple Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Battery Life

The Ultra has a standard battery life of 36 hours, and extended battery life of 60 hours in Low Power mode.

The Ultra 2 improves on this slightly; it has the same standard battery life of 36 hours, but the extended battery life in Low Power mode is 72 hours. It's not much, but it is something to consider if you often take the watch for multi-day hikes or very long races.

Apple Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Should you upgrade?

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 costs $799, and it's a good price, considering that sports watches from the likes of Garmin and Suunto often cost north of $1,000 (although these typically feature much higher battery life). Technically, the Apple Watch Ultra isn't for sale new anymore, but we still think it's worth trying to find a refurbished or a pre-owned unit since the original Ultra is quite similar to the Ultra 2.

However, if sleep apnea detection is important to you, or the jet black model is calling your name, the Ultra 2 may be the most ideal option out of the two.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple Watch Ultra 1 (Refurbished) $469.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: T-Mobile Apple Watch Ultra 2 $799.99 at T-Mobile
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