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TL;DR: Live stream the 2024 Ningbo Open for free on TVNZ+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Interested in watching live coverage of the 2024 WTA Tour? TVNZ+ is the streaming service for you.

This popular free streaming service is offering coverage of a number of top tennis tournament this year, including the Ningbo Open. The likes of Haddad Maia and Krejčíková are competing in this year's tournament, so fans can expect some stellar performances from some of the best players in the world.

If you want to watch the 2024 Ningbo Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the Ningbo Open?

The Ningbo Open is a women's tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts at the Yinzhou Tennis Center. This tournament is part of the 2024 WTA Tour.

When is the 2024 Ningbo Open?

The 2024 Ningbo Open is the seventh edition of the competition. This year's tournament takes place from Oct. 14 to Oct. 20.

How to watch the 2024 Ningbo Open for free

The 2024 Ningbo Open is available to live stream for free on TVNZ+.

TVNZ+ is geo-blocked to New Zealand, but anyone from around the world can access this free streaming site with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in New Zealand, meaning you can unblock TVNZ+ in just a few clicks.

Access free live streams of the 2024 Ningbo Open 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 New Zealand

4. Visit TVNZ+

5. Watch the 2024 Ningbo Open 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 leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch every Ningbo Open match before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to the WTA Tour, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live tennis is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for the Ningbo Open?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including New Zealand

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream the 2024 Ningbo Open for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

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 October 18'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 October 18 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 October 18 SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 18 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Spent some time in the slammer.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There is one letter that appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter T.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 18 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...

STINT.

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 October 17

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.

The “best bromance in tech” has had a reality check as OpenAI has tried to change its deal with Microsoft and the software maker has tried to hedge its bet on the start-up.

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 October 17'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 SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 18 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 October 18 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: Sorry this wasn't it pal

• Green: You only get one

• Blue: Cashless transactions

• Purple: Types of Amazons

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 - Clunker

• Green - Opportunity

• Blue - Non-Cash Way to Pay

• Purple - Amazon___

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 #493 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Clunker: BUST, DUD, FLOP, MISS

• Opportunity: CHANCE, SHOT, TIME, TURN

• Non-Cash Way to Pay: CARD, CHARGE, CREDIT, PLASTIC

• Amazon___: KINDLE, PRIME, RAINFOREST, RIVER

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 October 17

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

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 17

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.

Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield discuss the ways that food is utilized in 'We Live in Time' and how Florence Pugh's culinary background was able to flourish in this film.

Megan Thee Stallion and Venom have a silly FaceTime call in a promotional clip for "Venom: The Last Dance," out Oct. 25.

We warned you that this change was coming – but X has just made it official: Blocking on Elon Musk's social media platform, formerly known as Twitter, will no longer actually block users from viewing content — and now users appear to be fleeing X once again. 

Tweet may have been deleted

Essentially, a block on X will now just mean that a blocked user can't interact with your posts. They can still see them though, which was not the case before this change. The change to the block function was met with largely negative reactions, with even Musk supporters pointing out the user safety concerns that come with this shift.

SEE ALSO: Musk is gutting X's blocking feature — why this change is dangerous

And it appears the change in the block function was enough for some users to flee to a new social media platform. X alternative Bluesky announced on Thursday that it had gained half a million new users in the 24 hours since X made the formal announcement about the change.

update: half a million new people in the last day 🤯 welcome, いらっしゃいませ, 환영, bem-vindo! 🦋🎉

[image or embed]

— Bluesky (@bsky.app) October 17, 2024 at 1:00 PM Bluesky grows by 500,000 in 24 hours

Bluesky is one of the few X alternatives that have found success after Musk's acquisition of then-Twitter. It is the third largest micro-blogging type social media platform after competitors X and Meta's Threads. However, unlike those two companies, Bluesky is registered as a public benefit corporation, and brands itself as the decentralized social media platform (Threads also has decentralization features).

"welcome to the 100k+ people who have joined Bluesky in the last 12 hours!!!" the official Bluesky account on Bluesky announced just after 2am on Oct. 17.

welcome to the 100k+ people who have joined Bluesky in the last 12 hours!!! 🦋 🎉

— Bluesky (@bsky.app) October 17, 2024 at 2:22 AM

Bluesky then followed up with an update close to the 24 hour mark.

"update: half a million new people in the last day," the official Bluesky account posted.

Both Bluesky and Threads tend to notice a bump in user sign-ups after Musk makes a decision that appears to alienate X users. However, despite having fewer resources than the Instagram-linked Threads, Bluesky continues to attract hundreds of thousands of new users every time X users set off for a new home

For example, when Brazil banned X from operating in the country last month due to the company's refusal to comply with its laws, Bluesky touted another surge in user growth. In just one week, the social media platform gained 3 million new users.

Shortly after that bump in user numbers, Bluesky announced that it had hit 10 million users. Now, thanks to this latest move by X, Bluesky has just blown past 11 million users. It'll be interesting to see what X does next to bring about Bluesky's next milestone.

Elon Musk's X is moving forward with his proposed changes to blocking users, a shift that allows blocked accounts to see a user's public profile and posts but prevents them from interacting with the content. 

Musk, who has long made it known he doesn't agree with the current blocking and moderation environment online, sees the account blocking standard as ineffectual, with bad actors using alternative accounts or private browsers to get around the block. 

Tweet may have been deleted

The notion is a fragment of the truth. Blocking has never been an effective solution for online harassment. Nor does it guarantee a user's online safety. But it's a first defense against bad actors and abusers in online spaces. And, when used in conjunction with more expansive measures and online safety education, it fills out a user's safe online experience toolbox.  

A standard blocking feature is also a required safety component for downloadable social media apps in online marketplaces. So what will happen when it's gone?

SEE ALSO: Bluesky gains half a million new users in one day after X changes how blocking works Stalking, harassment, and the rise of deepfakes make blocking necessary

Almost a month after Musk initially posted about the change, X users logged on to find a formal pop-up from the platform alerting users to the change. Many were enraged, calling it a misunderstanding of how blocking is fundamentally used and a move that will only support further stalking and harassment.  

Users pointed out that the block button is often the first recourse in situations of mass doxxing or online verbal abuse, like death threats, spurred by a viral post or controversy. Most noted that the new blocking tool makes being online even more difficult for those choosing to keep public accounts, often for professional reasons, essentially forcing users to switch to private profiles if they don't want previously blocked accounts to view their musings and photos. It's essential for many in setting online boundaries.

It also means less protections for communities and identities already at risk for harassment. GLAAD's 2024 Social Media Safety Index, an annual review of online platforms' protection policies, found that X was the most unsafe platform for LGBTQ users. The same was true in 2023. Advocacy organizations like the Trevor Project frequently recommend at-risk users exercise the ability to block users liberally. 

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

X's altered blocking features could have even greater repercussions on young users, too, who already face higher risks of abuse on these platforms amid a national mental health crisis. 

A report by Thorn, a tech nonprofit combating child sexual abuse, found that teens rely heavily on online safety tools to defend themselves in digital spaces, and are "most likely to use blocking and leverage it as a tool for cutting off contact in an attempt to stop future harassment," according to the organization. 

"Online safety tools serve as a primary defense for minors facing harmful online sexual interactions," the report reads. "Many youth prefer using tools like blocking, reporting, and muting over seeking help from their offline community. In fact, teenagers are about twice as likely to use these online tools than to talk to someone in their real-life network." 

This reliance on digital features by young users conjures up other issues — an overreliance on piecemeal platform policies, as well as a sense of shame and fear in reporting these interactions to people in real life, to name a few — but that won't be solved by removing the features altogether. 

X is already failing to appropriately address concerns about content moderation on its platform, and has been relying on an opaque policy of "rehabilitating" its offending users. As the amount of AI-generated child sexual abuse material, lamely checked by Big Tech, increases, open access to youth accounts and the media they post is even more concerning.  

At large, social media platforms have been under fire for their failures to address online safety and mental well-being. While Musk has brought back some safety and moderation offerings (after gutting them), other social media platforms have leaned more severely into customizable online safety tools, including blocking features. Instagram's recent "Limits" and "Teen Accounts," for example, have built up even more barriers between young users and strangers online — it's parent company Meta has introduced similar restriction across its platforms.

"Dune: Prophecy," set over 10,000 years before the events of "Dune," premieres Nov. 17 on HBO and Max.

I don’t know about you, but I’m all about saving money these days. I’ve sifted through my subscriptions and canceled ones I don’t use. I comb through my bank statements each month. I even invested in a bamboo whisk to make my own matcha lattes.

But I kept hitting a glitch when it came to saving money on my phone’s mobile plan. My big carrier had just increased the price of my plan and added a new monthly fee — but I felt helpless because, well, I need my phone.

I decided to make the jump and give the free TextNow service a try. I knew I could keep my phone and number, two important things to me. I also knew that TextNow offers free unlimited talk and text nationwide, plus what it calls Free Essential Data, which would allow me to check my email and use rideshare apps and maps — also for free with the one-time purchase of a $4.99 SIM card.

An easy SIM setup and Free Essential Data Credit: Michelle Kehm

After downloading the app, I was prompted to either transfer my existing phone number to TextNow or pick a new number with any national area code I desired, a nice perk. I opted to keep my old number, which would transfer over once I activated their SIM card. In the meantime, I was given instant access to free calls and texts through the app over WiFi with a temporary number. 

Since I was looking for an alternative to my big-carrier mobile plan, ordering a SIM card for a one-time payment of $4.99 was a no-brainer.  When my SIM arrived by mail, I popped it into my phone and walked through a simple setup. 

The TextNow SIM is what would allow me to make calls and texts from just about everywhere, with coverage that mirrored my big carrier. My calls were glitch-free, and the audio quality was robust. It’s worth noting that you don’t use your native dialer when using TextNow — all comms go through the app — so the usage felt a little different at first, but I quickly got used to it and could send photos, sushi emojis, and cat GIFs in my texts, plus get voicemails from my dad.

The SIM also unlocked TextNow’s Free Essential Data plan, which let me check my email from the grocery store checkout line, map my way to the nearest tea bar, and even book a ride to get there. 

Add-on data and a 5G network seal the deal Credit: Michelle Kehm

Using TextNow’s basic free services might be enough for some people, but I typically need more data when I’m operating out of pocket. For those days, TextNow offers an unlimited 1-hour pass for $.99, an unlimited 24-hour day pass for $4.99, or an unlimited monthly pass for $39.99. 

I love the flexibility of these options; I don’t always have to commit to a monthly plan to get the service I need. Instead, I can just upgrade for a few hours or a day when necessary. I chose the ad-free month pass and was able to download a work PDF, scroll my socials, and even listen to a podcast episode while at the dog park. I honestly forgot that I was using TextNow mobile data and not my previous big carrier — probably because TextNow uses the nation’s largest 5G network for coverage. 

A mobile plan that saves you big money Credit: Michelle Kehm

All in all, TextNow works like any big mobile carrier but with in-app ads in most plans (that’s how it’s free). It’s a win for students on a budget, parents wanting a free phone plan for their teenagers, and even budget-conscious data hounds like me. 

I think I finally may have found a solution to my mobile budget conundrum. TextNow proved to be a reliable alternative to my big carrier, and even if I buy the month pass for $39.99, I’ll be saving money, considering my big carrier just upped the cost of my monthly plan and added fees. Using TextNow, I can manage my own data costs, starting at $0. With savings like that, I can treat myself to fancy matcha lattes again and still stick to my budget.

Nick Frost and Synnøve Karlsen star in "Black Cab," coming Nov. 8 to Shudder.

The latest trend on TikTok is, well, a fecal matter. People have discovered that nearly every name you can imagine has a "poop song" — a ditty with their name and the word poop in it — seemingly made by the same guy. So, of course, people are posting their respective poop songs, often going viral if they have a particularly unique name.

That is...pretty much the trend in a nutshell. Granted, the poop songs are funny. They're all sung by an artist named The Odd Man Who Sings About Poop, Puke and Pee. (More on that guy later.)

SEE ALSO: No more TikTok FYP? California social media bill could totally reshape kids' online world

Each song follows the same general formula: sing the name, sing the word poop, keep the vocals relatively monotone and the music pretty simple.

Here's one for a person named Aoife, an Irish name, which racked up more than 17 million views.

Here's one from a person named Kia, which garnered 14 million views.

Here are TikToks of poop songs for a Gracie, Amelie, and Mason.

You might wonder why these songs exist. And it's a reasonable question because who would take the time and effort to make so many poop songs. The answer to that question is Matt Farley, an internet character of personal fascination for me.

I first discovered Farley years ago in a manner you might expect. I was visiting friends in New Orleans and found it hilarious to play songs about poop over the speakers in their home — I admit my sense of humor is juvenile but it got a laugh.

Farley absolutely floods Spotify and other streaming services with songs that'll turn up in very specific searches. Things like towns, celebrity names, and, yes, toilet humor. In fact, one of his most popular projects is "The Toilet Bowl Cleaners" with such hits as "Butt Cheeks Butt Cheeks Butt Cheeks!" and "The Poop Song." For what it's worth, I find "Butt Cheeks Butt Cheeks Butt Cheeks!" genuinely hilarious — in a surreal, strange way. Some of these tracks have racked up millions of plays, but Farley's playing a volume game.

Farley has been featured in lots of major media, including the Tonight Show and a profile in the New York Times. That article in the Times noted Farley has put out some 24,000 songs in total. Anything you can think to search — birthdays, promposals, and any name pooping — he's there.

"People like to criticize the whole streaming thing, but there’s really a lot of pros to it, Farley told the Times while estimating he made about $200,000 in 2023 off streaming royalties.

So that's where the trend is coming from — one guy dumping songs into the sewers of the internet. And if poop songs keep being a trend on TikTok he might churn out more steaming hot songs this year.

The tech giant has been increasing live programming on its streaming service, but this will be its first test with news.

SAVE $50: As of Oct. 16, get the Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M4, 256GB, WiFi) for $949 at Best Buy. That's a discount of 10%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 256GB) $949.00 at Best Buy
$999.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal

As far as tablets go, you really can't go wrong with a good iPad. While the base models are great for watching your favorite shows or reading books at home or on the go, you get more oomph when you upgrade to an iPad Pro. It's an excellent option for casual users and professionals alike, specifically artists or creatives who need more power from their tablets, but don't necessarily want to carry around a laptop or rely on their smartphone. If you fall into that category, or just want to drop some cash on some pumped-up tech, you can head to Best Buy and snag a sparkling new M4-powered iPad Pro for a great deal today.

As of Oct. 17, get the Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M4, 256GB, WiFi) for $949 at Best Buy. That's $50 off its normal price of $999 and a discount of 10%. This price applies to both the Space Black and Silver colors.

SEE ALSO: Amazon deal of the day: Slash $300 off the crazy fast M3 Pro MacBook Pro

The iPad Pro itself is one of Mashable's favorite iPads for professionals, and this one comes with an impressive one-two punch of the M4 chip and Ultra Retina XDR display for a crisp screen no matter what you get up to on it. Tech Editor Kimberly Gedeon praised the 13-inch model with the same internals, complimenting its "power efficiency" and "breakneck performance."

This model works with additional accessories like the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, so you can feasibly create a portable MacBook-like situation on the go by putting all three together. It's more than powerful enough to handle all your doodling, note-taking, and any other creative tasks you may throw at it, while simultaneously acting as a viable entertainment system on-the-go.

If you've had your eye on an iPad Pro for some time, $50 off is a bit of savings that goes a long way to getting a great new tablet home with you.

Just because the temperatures have fallen doesn't mean camping season is over. As long as you're geared up with some good equipment, fall camping can be a great experience. Check out some of our favorite camping deals this week.

Best camping deals at REI Best tent deal Mountain Hardware Mineral King 2 Tent with Footprint $226.93 at REI (save $98.07) Get Deal Best sleeping bag deal Nemo Jazz 30 Sleeping Bag $149.83 at REI (save $150.12) Get Deal Best campsite accessory deal Nite Ize Radiant 314 Lantern $31.73 at REI (save $13.26) Get Deal

Refreshingly crisp temps, stunning fall colors, and close to empty campgrounds is what camping in the autumn is all about. Sure, you might need some warmer clothes and camping gear compared to August camping, but October and November weekends in the wilderness can be incredibly rewarding. If you're up for braving some cooler temps, check out these great camping deals at REI that'll help make fall camping both comfortable and enjoyable.

Best tent deal Opens in a new window Credit: Mountain Hardware Our pick: Mountain Hardware Mineral King 2 Tent with Footprint $226.93 at REI
$325.00 Save $98.07 Get Deal Why we like it

The three-season Mountain Hardware Mineral 2 Tent with Footprint will keep you cozy and dry should you wind up camping in some autumn rain, and the included footprint means the tent floor won't end up in a muddy mess. Plus, the tent is seam taped for a waterproof construction. The tent sleeps two people and has an overall floor area of 33 square feet.

Interior and an overhead pocket give you ample space to store important items like the flint to start a fire, your cellphone, and car keys. REI's customer reviews rate the Mountain Hardware Mineral 2 Tent as having a very easy setup, which can make all the difference if you arrive at the campground after a long drive.

Best sleeping bag deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nemo Our pick: Nemo Jazz 30 Sleeping Bag $149.83 at REI
$299.95 Save $150.12 Get Deal Why we like it

Keep cozy during cooler nights with the Nemo Jazz 30 Sleeping Bag. With a temperature rating of 30 degrees F, the Nemo sleeping bag adds in some great comforts that you don't often find in a camping sleeping bag. For starters, it comes with a built-in (but removeable) bedsheet and the bottom features a pad sleeve that's designed to ensure your sleeping pad stays snugly in place if you reposition while sleeping. Double zippers mean you'll have an easier time getting in and out of the sleeping bag, and there's also a pillow pocket to make sure your pillow doesn't slip away.

The Nemo Jazz 30 usually sells for $299.95, but it's currently 50% off at REI which means you'll pay just $149.83 for ultimate camping comfort.

Best campsite accessory deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nite Ize Our pick: Nite Ize 314 Lantern $31.73 at REI
$44.99 Save $13.26 Get Deal Why we like it

Since the sun rises later and sets earlier in the fall, the Nite Ize Radiant 314 Rechargeable Lantern is the perfect campsite accessory. It offers 314 lumens of white light but the built-in diffuser makes this easy on the eyes. You can switch between high, medium, and low settings or switch to a warm amber color. The included storage bag can also double as a light-diffuser if you prefer a softer light.

On a single charge, the Nite Ize can get up to 96 hours of use and there's a built-in USB charger port, so you can charge up your devices from the lantern. Recharging the lantern takes about three hours with the included micro-USB cable.

More camping deals at REI:

• Ignik Multi-Use Toe Warmers (30 pairs) — $15.73 $29.95 (save $14.22)

• REI Trailsmith Gloves — $19.83 $39.95 (save $20.12)

• Osprey Daylite Cinch Pack — $39.73 $55 (save $15.27)

• REI Kindercamp 40 Kids' Sleeping Bag — $51.93 $69.95 (save $18.02)

• Klymit Ridgeline Camp Chair — $59.73 $89.99 (save $30.26)

• GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Dualist HS Cookset — $59.73 $94.95 (save $35.22)

• Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Blanket — $107.73 $180 (save $72.27)

SAVE UP TO 41% OFF: Enjoy brilliant displays at a major discount with up to 41% off the LG Evo C4 Series TVs at Amazon. Get the 65-inch model for $1,596.99, saving a whopping $1,103 off the list price of $2,699.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 65-inch Evo C4 Series OLED 4K TV $1,596.99 at Amazon
$2,699.99 Save $1,103.00 Get Deal

Now that the weather has officially turned chilly, it's time for TV season. Whether you celebrate by tuning into every NFL game or are making your way through every spooky movie, a good TV makes all the difference. We want to see every play on the field in crisp detail and every jump-scare in vivid color — even if we're hiding behind our hands. If you're looking into a new TV, LG's Evo C4 Series of TV are seriously discounted.

While every size of the LG Evo C4 Series is on sale, the best deal is on the 65-inch model. Typically, $2,699.99, it's down to $1,569.99. That takes $1,103 off the price for 41% savings. This is just $100 short of its lowest price ever, so while it's technically not the best deal we've seen, it's still really fantastic.

SEE ALSO: You can get art from MoMA on your Samsung Frame TV now

The LG Evo C4 Series are OLED TVs, but in a market flooded by terms like QLED and LED, what does that really mean? OLED stands for organic light-emitting diode. Unlike traditional LED TVs that create displays through backlit panels, OLEDS have organic compounds that generate their own light, according to our sibling publication PC Mag (also owned by publisher Ziff Davis). This leads to vivid contrasting displays, better than any other tech on the market. Keep in mind that OLED TVs are best for dark rooms, as they are typically less bright than their LED counterparts.

If that all sounds good to you, the LG Evo C4 Series is a great candidate for your next TV purchase. OLED TVs are typically more expensive than standard LEDs due to their organic elements. That's why this sale is so good.

The LG Evo C4 Series has OLED 4K displays that contain over 8 million self-lit pixels. Plus, if you're concerned about brightness, LG has "Brightness Boosting" technology that magnifies and illuminates the display. For our cinephiles, these TVs comes with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for picture and sound that the filmmaker intended.

NotebookLM, Google's AI-powered teaching tool is getting some upgrades.

When we say teaching tool, that sounds rather dry, but in reality, NotebookLM is a mindblowing platform that generates an Audio Overview of two AI voices explaining source material in a podcast deep dive format. Within a few minutes, you get a completely customized podcast episode that bears the same elements of your favorite podcasters, speaking in a natural, friendly back-and-forth conversation.

Audio Overview essentially creates and AI-generated podcast tailored to every user. Credit: Google

After being teased at Google I/O last May, NotebookLM launched Audio Overviews in September. It's gained traction amongst AI enthusiasts for its abilities to synthesize information in a digestible format for students or just about anyone looking for an easier way to learn something new. Users have even been feeding NotebookLM diary entries to get an outsider perspective. By the way, NotebookLM says it doesn't use your information to train the model, but maybe don't use it as your AI therapist?

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As of Thursday, Google is moving NotebookLM out of experimental mode and introducing some new features to make it more useful. Previously, users didn't have much control over how their uploaded sources were interpreted and presented in the Audio Overviews.

Now, users can guide the conversation by giving instructions before they generate a custom podcast. According to the announcement, you can prompt NotebookLM to "focus on specific topics or adjust the expertise level to suit your audience." Users can give instructions by hitting "Customize" next to the "Generate" button.

Now users can customize their podcasts even more by giving NotebookLM further instructions. Credit: Google

Also live today, is the ability to keep tinkering with your custom Notebook while the Audio Overview plays in the background. While listening, you can "query your sources, receive citations, and explore relevant quotes without interrupting the audio," said the blog post.

Google is also introducing NotebookLM Business, which is paid version with premium features for businesses, universities, and organizations.

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Oct. 17: OUR TOP PICK Apple MacBook Pro (M3 Pro chip, 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,699 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal BEST TABLET DEAL Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE (128GB, WiFi) $339.99 at Amazon (save $110) Get Deal BEST EARBUDS DEAL Soundcore Liberty 4 NC $74.98 at Amazon (save $25.01) Get Deal BEST KITCHEN DEAL SodaStream Terra sparkling water maker starter kit $59.98 at Amazon (save $40.01) Get Deal

Amazon has already moved on from Prime Day and shifted its focus to new deals not tied to any particular shopping event or sale. With a month separating us from Black Friday, we've gotta fill that gap somehow — and deals for the sake of deals are our favorite kind. We did some digging and rounded up a few that have caught our attention on Oct. 17, with some standouts from Apple, Samsung, and more.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these are of interest to you, be sure to look back at our picks from Oct. 15 and Oct. 16. Many of those are still live, like $155 off the Dyson Hot + Cool and a record-low on the Sony ULT Wear headphones.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro (M3 Pro chip, 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,699.00 at Amazon
$1,999.00 Save $300.00 Get Deal

After hanging out at $1,799 for the last week or so, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 Pro chip is back down to $1,699 at Amazon. While that's not quite its lowest price ever (that would be $1,499), it's still a significant $300 discount. The M3 Pro is scary fast with an insanely good battery life (up to 22 hours versus the M3's 17). Other upgrades include fast remote screen sharing with other Macs, Game Mode, and a new Space Black color. The base model packs pretty impressive specs as well: an M3 Pro chip with 11‑core CPU, 14‑core GPU, 18GB RAM, and 512GB SSD.

Soundcore Liberty 4 NC earbuds $74.98 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $25.01 Get Deal

Although Apple may have you thinking you need to drop over $100 on a pair of good noise-cancelling earbuds, that's not always the case. The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC are some of our favorite buds under $100, and they just got a 25% price drop at Amazon, making them even more budget-friendly. The Liberty 4 NC buds boast Adaptive ANC 2.0, which can calculate your external environment in real time and automatically adjust to the proper noise-cancelling mode (you can also adjust it on your own), plus Wind Noise Reduction, 3D Surround Sound, and custom HearID sound settings. They're not perfect, but as former Mashable intern Stacia Datskovska noted in testing, "The fact that Soundcore even offers these features sets the brand apart from market competitors."

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE (128GB, WiFi) ¤339.99 at Amazon
¤449.99 Save ¤110.00 Get Deal

The Galaxy Tab S9 FE should be called the Galaxy Tab S9 Lite. It touts the same tough IP68 dust- and water-resistant rating as the S9, a slightly smaller battery capacity (8,000 vs. 8,400 mAh), and the same included S Pen. But it's also significantly cheaper. Usually $449.99, the 128GB version with WiFi only is on sale for only $339.99 at Amazon. The S9 with the same amount of storage, on the other hand, is about $400 more. If you want a reliable tablet on a budget, it's certainly worth checking out. If you want a larger screen and a slight boost in RAM, the FE+ is also a solid option and is on sale for $499.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: SodaStream SodaStream Terra sparkling water maker starter kit ¤59.98 at Amazon
¤99.99 Save ¤40.01 Get Deal

Sparkling water lovers can start making their own concoctions at home with the help of the SodaStream Terra starter kit. Complete with a CO2 can, a SodaStream carbonation bottle, and a Bubly Drops bottle to get you started, it's a $99.99 value, but as of Oct. 17, it's on sale for only $59.98. That's 40% in savings and matches its record-low price. With a low learning curve, you can start creating fresh sparkling drinks at the push of a button after setup.

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

SAVE $300: All the models of the newest M3 Pro Apple MacBook Pro are $300 off at Amazon. Get the 14-inch model with 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD for $1,299, down from $1,599, or 19% off — its lowest price ever. Or, level up with 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD for $1,699, down from $1,999, for 15% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M3 Pro, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,299.00 at Amazon
$1,599.00 Save $300.00 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M3 Pro, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,699.00 at Amazon
$1,999.00 Save $300.00 Get Deal

Whether you're a graphic designer, video editor, or any kind of creative, the best laptop you can buy is a MacBook Pro. Not only do they have lightning fast processors, but their graphics are brilliant, so you can see every single detail while working. While they are the best, MacBook Pros come with a steep price tag. That's why we keep a watchful eye on deals that bring that price way down.

Right now, the new line of M3 Pro MacBook Pro laptops is $300 off at Amazon. You can get the 14-inch model with 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD for its lowest price ever of $1,299, or 19% off. That's this model's lowest price ever. Or, level up with 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD for $1,699, or 15% off.

SEE ALSO: Best HP laptops 2024, tested and reviewed by experts

When we got our hands on the M3 Pro MacBook Pro, we were impressed by its 11,998 score on Geekbench 6, an 18% increase in performance from its M2 predecessor. East Coast Tech Editor Kimberly Gedeon particularly noted the two-day battery life, immaculate speakers, and "just-right" size.

If you're ready for a powerful new laptop that can handle anything you throw at it, it might be the perfect time to grab the M3 Pro MacBook Pro for $300 off.

Mary Barra, G.M.’s chief executive, said that the company had fixed battery-manufacturing problems and that its electric vehicles would soon be profitable.