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These stunning Cyber Monday streaming deals are live — find all the best deals here

Mashable - Mon, 12/02/2024 - 03:14
Early Cyber Monday streaming deals at a glance: BEST OVERALL Hulu and Disney+ (both with ads) $2.99/month for one year (save $96) Get Deal BEST HULU DEAL Hulu with ads $0.99/month for one year (save $108) Get Deal Best Hulu add-on Starz on Hulu 99 cents/month for one year (save $120) Get Deal BEST PEACOCK DEAL Peacock Premium $1.99/month for six months or $19.99/year with codes REALDEALMONTHLY or REALDEAL (save up to $60) Get Deal BEST MAX DEAL Max With Ads $2.99/month for six months (save $42) Get Deal BEST PRIME VIDEO ADD-ON Paramount+ with Showtime (Prime Video add-on) $2.99 per month for two months (save $20) Get Deal BEST FOR HORROR FANS AMC+ Ad-Free (Prime Video add-on) $2.25 per month for two months (save $13.48) Get Deal BEST FOR NEW THEATRICAL RELEASES MGM+ (Prime Video add-on) $1.75 per month for two months (save $10.48) Get Deal BEST FOR CHRISTMAS ADDICTS Hallmark+ (Prime Video add-on) $2 per month for two months (save $11.98) Get Deal Best for frequent online shoppers Walmart+ (includes free Paramount+ Essential subscription) $49/year (Save $49) Get Deal

'Tis the season for streaming. Black Friday is one of the best times (if not the best time) to sign up for streaming services, as you can typically score some serious savings on monthly membership fees. In years past, we've seen Hulu offer 99-cent subscriptions and Max offer six months of streaming for $2.99 per month. And we're pleased to report that those deals have been resurrected in 2024.

With streaming prices skyrocketing over the past year, we're actually a bit surprised at how impressive some of these Black Friday deals are, with almost all of them in place through Cyber Monday. If you're looking for a way to cut back on streaming costs, now's a great time to take advantage of a majorly discounted subscription. Just note that these deals are limited to new and returning subscribers only — as in, you once subscribed to Max, but cancelled your subscription months back.

And though Black Friday may be over, these subscriptions will persist just a little bit longer. (Most are live through Dec. 2, which is Cyber Monday.) We suggest you lock in these deals before prices go up again. If any other streaming deals surface, we'll be sure to update this with the latest and greatest ones. For now, here are all the best early Cyber Monday streaming deals that are still live.

Note: All newly added or updated deals have been marked with a ✨, while struck-through deals were expired at the time of writing.

Best Cyber Monday streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu / Disney+ Disney+ (with ads) and Hulu (with ads) $2.99/month for one year (save $96) Get Deal Why we like it

Not only did Mashable's streaming reporter Christina Buff call this the best streaming deal of Black Friday. She also said it's her pick for the best streaming deal of the year. When you sign up for Hulu and Disney+ together (the ad-supported versions), you can save $96 on the regular price. Normally $10.99 per month, you can pay just $2.99 for both of these streaming heavy-hitters.

Best Cyber Monday Hulu deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu with ads monthly subscription $0.99/month for one year (save $108) Get Deal Why we like it

Hulu remains the top dog when it comes to Black Friday and early Cyber Monday deals. For the second year in a row, the streamer is offering an entire year of Hulu with ads for just $0.99 per month. That's less than $12 total for an entire year of streaming. It's a bit surprising, honestly, as Hulu upped the cost of its basic plan just last month from $7.99 per month to $9.99 per month. In other words, the savings this year is even more impressive — 90% or $108 in total over 12 months. That's just ... wild. You can sign up at this sale price through Dec 2.

Hulu is the streaming home for three of our favorite shows of 2023, The Bear, Abbott Elementary, and Reservation Dogs, as well as our top favorite show of 2024, Shōgun. It's also where you'll find episodes of ABC shows the day after they air, like Dancing with the Stars, and Neon movies fresh out of the theaters, like Cuckoo (coming Dec. 17).

Best Peacock streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium $1.99/month for six months or $19.99/year (save up to $60) with codes REALDEALMONTHLY or REALDEAL Get Deal Why we like it

Peacock drops one of the best streaming deals year after year during Black Friday and Cyber Monday season. And because of the streamer's price hike back in July, this year's deal is even better. Through Dec. 2, new and returning Peacock subscribers can score a year of ad-supported Peacock Premium for either $1.99/month for six months (reg. $7.99/month) or $19.99 for an entire year (reg. $79.99/year) using the codes REALDEALMONTHLY or REALDEAL, respectively. That's 75% in savings.

Peacock is home to classic TV hits like The Office and New Girl, Peacock Originals like Poker Face and Love Island USA, new theatrical releases from Universal like Abigail, The Fall Guy, and Twisters, as well as live sports, reality TV on Bravo, and more. At just $20 for the whole year, it's going to be a hard deal to beat this Black Friday.

Best Max streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max With Ads $2.99/month for six months (save $42) Get Deal Why we like it

Max has resurrected its exact Black Friday deal from last year, but that doesn't make us love it any less. If you're a new or returning HBO Max subscriber, you can score six months of the streamer's plan with ads for just $2.99 per month (instead of $9.99 per month) until Dec. 2. That saves you $42 total.

The Warner Bros. Discovery-owned streaming service is home to not only Warner Bros. films, but also new A24 theatrical releases. That means you have an insane array of hit films at your fingertips, including Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Civil War, Love Lies Bleeding, Dune, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Barbie, Elvis, The Iron Claw, and more. Max also offers its own original series that are definitely worth watching, like True Detective, The Last of Us, and Station Eleven, as well as the B/R Sports add-on for a limited time.

Best Prime Video add-on deal Opens in a new window Credit: Prime Video / Paramount+ Paramount+ with Showtime (Prime Video add-on) $2.99 per month for two months (save $10 per month) Get Deal Why we like it

Typically $12.99 per month, you can score Paramount+ with Showtime for just $2.99 per month for your first two months as a Prime Video add-on. That saves you $20 total and gets you unlimited, ad-free access to the entire Paramount+ catalog, plus Showtime originals and movies (like Yellowjackets and The Curse), live TV with CBS, and college football.

Paramount+ is home to NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League matches, CBS originals like Ghosts, Survivor, and Big Brother, old Nickelodeon and MTV shows, and Paramount's latest theatrical releases like A Quiet Place: Day One and Smile 2 (coming soon). For just under $6, you can binge a whole lot of stuff over the next two months. After the promo period, the cost will jump back up to $12.99 per month, so be sure to cancel before that if you want to avoid charges. If you're not a Prime member, Paramount+ is also offering the same deal on their standalone streaming service.

More Black Friday & Cyber Monday streaming dealsBest Prime VOD streaming deals

If you already have a Prime Video membership, members can get exclusive video-on-demand deals on some of the latest hit movies for Cyber Monday.

  • Twisters: Rent for $2.99 $9.99 (save $7) or buy for $10.99 $20.99 (save $10)

  • It Ends With Us: Rent for $2.99 $9.99 (save $7) or buy for $6.99 $19.99 (save $13)

  • City of Dreams: Rent for $2.99 $5.99 (save $3) or buy for $3.99 $9.99 (save $6)

  • Deadpool & Wolverine: Buy for $9.99 $29.99 (save $20)

  • Reagan: Rent for $2.99 $9.99 (save $7) or buy for $6.99 $19.99 (save $13)

  • Barbie: Rent for $0.99 $3.99 (save $3) or buy for $4.99 $14.99 (save $10)

  • The Crow: Rent for $2.99 $19.99 (save $17) or buy for $6.99 $24.99 (save $18)

Featured Video For You 5 best Black Friday products to shop

The Cyber Monday deals were obsessing over

Mashable - Mon, 12/02/2024 - 03:12
A quick glance at the best early Cyber Monday weekend deals: Best Apple deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $844 at Amazon (Save $255) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Roborock Qrevo S $459.99 at Amazon (Save $340) Get Deal Best headphone deal Bose QuietComfort headphones $199 at Amazon (Save $150) Get Deal Best laptop deal Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (Snapdragon X Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,499 at Amazon and the Microsoft Store (Save $500.99) Get Deal Best tablet deal Apple iPad, 9th generation (A13, 256GB, WiFi) $199.99 at Best Buy (Save $130) Get Deal Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $154.99 at Amazon (Save $45) Get Deal Best Echo deal Amazon Echo Pop $17.99 at Amazon (Save $22) Get Deal Best TV deal Hisense 75-inch QD6 QLED 4K TV $449.99 at Best Buy (Save $250) Get Deal Best fitness tracker deal Oura Ring Gen3 (Horizon, Gold) $349 at Best Buy (Save $100) Get Deal Best kitchen deal KitchenAid 5.5-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer $279.99 at Target (Save $170) Get Deal

Black Friday may have come and gone, but the best deals live to see another day — and that day is Cyber Monday. All of the top retailers are launching their official Cyber Monday sales early, and on Sunday, Dec. 1, you can find tons of new savings at Target, Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon.

Truly, the sheer volume of deals is dizzying. You're in luck though, as we've done the leg work for you. We've been tracking the best Black Friday deals for weeks, finding the lowest prices on all the big names: Apple, Bose, Sony, iRobot, Dyson, Samsung, and more.

We'll be updating this shopping guide hourly with the latest pricing and opportunities to save. So, before Cyber Monday kicks off on Dec. 2, here are the top early deals you can shop already.

Note: All newly added or updated deals have been marked with a ✨, while struck-through deals were either sold out or expired at the time of writing.

Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 256GB) $844.00 at Amazon
$1,099.00 Save $255.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the M3 Apple MacBook Air.

"Mashable Tech Editor Kim Gedeon was impressed by the M3 Air's peppy performance, satisfying keyboard, vivid webcam, and dual-display support (if you close its lid), rating it a 4.3/5. It may not look all that different from its older M-series predecessors — there is a new midnight finish option — but we think it's the best MacBook for most people, especially now that Apple's bumped its base RAM from 8GB to 16GB.

The starting configuration with 256GB of storage is on sale on Amazon for only $844, which is 23% off its $1,099 MSRP, its biggest discount ever, and $5 better than Best Buy's Black Friday deal on the exact same MacBook. This also puts less than $100 between it and the M2 Air, so opting for the current-gen model over the cheapest model out there feels like an easier, more obvious choice. Just note that delivery times for all finishes are pushed into December and January." — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

More Apple dealsMacBook Air (13-inch)MacBook Air (15-inch)MacBook ProMaciPadiPad AiriPad miniiPad ProApple WatchesAirPodsAirTags and Apple PenciliMac and Mac miniBest robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo S $459.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $340.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"I think of the Roborock Qrevo S as the diet version of my favorite self-emptying robot vacuum right now, the Roborock Qrevo Master. And unless you're open to spending $1,000 or more on a robot vacuum, you can probably live without the Qrevo Master's fluff features like a livestream pet camera or extending side mop — especially when, at this price, you could buy a Qrevo S for two stories of your home for less than the price of one on-sale Qrevo Master.

Opting for the cheaper Qrevo is still a solid move: Compared to other 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop combos also on sale for Black Friday, the Qrevo S is one of the rare options under $500 that washes and dries its mopping pads." — Leah Stodart, Senior Shopping Reporter

More robot vacuum dealsRobot vacuum and mop combosBest headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Headphones $199.00 at Amazon
$349.00 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"Bose makes some of the best headphones we've tested. The brand's QuietComfort line-up strikes the genius balance of sound quality and comfort. While the QuietComfort Ultra headphones and earbuds are the most elevated Bose models, the basic QuietComforts are still great.

If you don't need spatial audio, but you do want sound that will make your music sound better, elevating drop beats and sick synth, go for the Bose QuietComfort headphones. The power button on the side is responsive, and the battery is insanely long. I wore these while taking the train from Boston to New York and by the time I reached my destination, they still had 50% battery life.

Normally, $349, the Bose QuietComfort headphones are down to $199. That saves you $150 for 43% savings." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More headphone and speaker dealsHeadphonesEarbudsSpeakersBest laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (Snapdragon X Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,499.00 at Amazon and the Microsoft Store
$1,999.99 Save $500.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the 13-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7.

"Microsoft's Copilot+ PC has an even longer battery life than the new M4 MacBook Pros — it lasted nearly 23 hours in our testing — and it comes with AI features that 'make Windows fun again,' Gedeon wrote. She gave it a 4.8/5; it's a Mashable Choice Award winner and our current favorite laptop for most people, barring any app compatibility issues.

The upgraded configuration that Gedeon tested is a 13-inch model featuring a Snapdragon X Elite processor, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage. It usually retails for $1,999.99, but Amazon and the Microsoft Store both have it listed for $1,499.99, or 25% off. That's its biggest discount to date." — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

More laptop and computer deals

For MacBook and Mac deals, scroll back up to the Apple deals section.

Windows laptopsChromebooksGaming laptopsBest tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 9th generation (A13, 64GB, WiFi) $199.99 at Best Buy
$329.00 Save $129.01 Get Deal Why we like it

"An iPad under $200 is a true gift this holiday season. Apple's 9th generation model is down to $199.99 at Best Buy, less than a dollar short of its lowest price ever. While there might be newer generations available, this is the most budget-friendly model, especially now that it's $129 off.

The 9th generation Apple iPad comes with the A13 bionic chip, which provides plenty of processing power for streaming, gaming, or working. The 10.2-inch retina display gives plenty of space for your creative pursuits, as it's compatible with the first generation of Apple Pencil.

Black Friday is the right time to shop, as you can find the Apple iPad 9th generation for 39% off." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More tablet deals

For Apple iPad deals, scroll back up to the Apple deals section.

Best Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $154.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"The new batch of 2024 Kindles are the fastest yet, turning pages quickly and with less delay when switching between books in your library. The Kindle Paperwhite and Signature Edition both have bright, high-contrast screens, so you can read in any environment. While I prefer the Kindle Paperwhite over the Signature Edition most of the time, right now you can't beat the SE's Black Friday price.

The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is 23% off, bringing it down to $154.99. That's some big savings ($45 to be exact) on a device that's usually $200. You get everything you love in the Paperwhite, lightweight and waterproof design, with the added benefits of double the storage, wireless charging, and auto-adjusting brightness." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More Kindle dealsMore e-reader dealsBest Echo device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Pop $17.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $22.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"The line-up of Amazon Echo devices is sprawling. You can find everything from a multitasking smart speaker to a touchscreen smart home hub. The absolute best deal on Echo devices right now is on the Amazon Echo Pop. This small but mighty device with a quality speaker and built-in assistant so you can play music just by calling out to Alexa.

Currently, it's down to $17.99 — its lowest price ever. That knocks 55% off the regular price for $22 in savings. We expect this price to hang around through Black Friday weekend." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More Echo dealsBest TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 75-inch QD6 QLED 4K TV $449.99 at Best Buy
$699.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"Cyber Weekend is all about huge discounts on huge TVs, and this 75-inch Hisense model is a perfect case in point: At just $450, it's far cheaper than any other TV of its size right now. (Walmart had a 75-incher listed for $378 during its first Black Friday Deals event, but it's long sold out.) The fact that it has a bright and vibrant QLED display, not a standard 4K screen, sweetens the deal even further.

At the time of writing, Mashable staffers were seeing different availability depending on their location. If it's out of stock near you by the time you read this, note that Best Buy also has a 75-inch Samsung 4K TV on sale for $549.99 (normally $749.99), a lingering doorbuster from its Black Friday sale — though it's not a QLED model." — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

More TV deals

TV deals are sorted by size, then price.

43- to 50-inch TVs55-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch to 77-inch TVs85-inch TVs and upStreaming devices and media playersBest fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Oura Oura Ring Gen3 (Horizon, Gold) $349.00 at Best Buy
$449.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Oura Ring Gen3.

"The previous-gen Oura Ring is an excellent fitness wearable with heart-rate and blood oxygen monitoring, temperature and activity tracking, and a multi-day battery life — all wrapped up in a sleek, durable titanium design. It's on sale at Best Buy this Black Friday for $50 to $200 off, depending on the style and finish (starting from $249.99)." — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

More fitness tracker deals

For Apple Watch deals, scroll back up to the Apple deals section.

Best kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: KitchenAid KitchenAid 5.5-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer $279.99 at Target
$449.99 Save $170.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"If you're getting ready to whip up dozens of Christmas cookies, don't even think about doing it all by hand. Sure, it will be a great arm workout, but at what cost? Upgrade your kitchen tools ahead of the holiday season with the KitchenAid 5.5-quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer. It has twice the power of KitchenAid's standard tilt-head mixer and can mix batches of 11 dozen cookies at a time. This mixer is no joke.

For Black Friday, it's marked down to $279.99, saving you $170 for 38% off." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More kitchen deals

Multi cookers, air fryers, and ovens

Mixers, blenders, and ice cream makers

Coffee makers and drink makers

Miscellaneous kitchen deals

Best home deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V12 Detect Slim $399.99 at Walmart
$649.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"I crowned the Dyson V12 Detect Slim Dyson's best bang for your buck when it was full price. Let that sink in while reading that the V12 Detect Slim is now $250 cheaper — up for grabs for less than $400 now — thanks to the Black Friday sale happening at Dyson's website.

For just $50 more than the Dyson V11's Black Friday price, the V12 Detect Slim brings aboard Dyson's absolute best feature: a green laser that highlights all the dust on the floor that you definitely would have missed otherwise. That's a no-brainer in my eyes. For plush carpeting, a motorized cleaning head is also included, and all debris collected is sent through a HEPA filter." — Leah Stodart, Senior Shopping Reporter

More home deals

Cordless stick vacuums

Rugs, air care, bedding, and more

Cordless tools

Best mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nectar Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress (Queen) $949.00 at Nectar
$2,286.00 Save $1,337.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"We’re shocked by how many mattress deals are popping off this year. While there are great discounts across the board, the Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress (Queen) has our vote as the best deal on Black Friday.

This 13-inch-thick mattress has twice as much pressure-relieving memory foam as the Nectar Classic, 60 percent more cooling, and is currently 50% off. With five layers of premium OEKO-TEX-certified materials, this mattress will provide an incredibly comfortable and supportive night's sleep. There’s also a 365-day trial and forever warranty, so if you don’t absolutely love it, you can return it." — Tabitha Britt, Mashable Contributor

More mattress dealsBest Travel deals Opens in a new window Credit: Sandals and Beaches Sandals Black Friday Sale Save up to 65% when booking. Plus get one free night and a $1,500 credit. Get Deal Why we like it

Rather than opening your wallet for things you probably don't need this Cyber Monday, put your money toward experiences. Beaches and Sandals resorts are offering major savings on stays booked by Dec. 3. Get up to 65% off your stays, plus one free nights stay, in addition to receiving up to a $1,500 credit for a future stay — no code needed!

More hotel dealsCruise deals

  • Carnival Cruises: Black Friday + Cyber Monday sale. Save up to $900 per from. Plus, deposits just $50 per person and free room upgrades available.

  • Norwegian Cruise Lines: Black Friday Sale, 50% off cruises. Plus with the purchase of an airline ticket, your second guest flies for free. Use code CRUISEFIRST, and receive $250 free.

  • Princess Cruises: Cyber Weekend savings, get an up to $500 onboard credit and up to 50% off. Plus get your third and fourth guests free and 50% off deposits through Dec. 1.

  • Royal Caribbean Cruises: Black Friday Sale, up to $800 off cruises, end Dec. 1.

  • Viking Cruises: Holiday Sale, get free roundtrip airfare. Plus enjoy reduced fares and $25 deposits, through Dec. 31.

  • Virgin Voyages: Cyber Weekend deal, bookings as low as $99 per person per night.

Best streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu with ads monthly subscription 99 cents/month for one year (save $108) Get Deal Why we like it

"Hulu remains the top dog when it comes to Black Friday deals. For the second year in a row, the streamer is offering an entire year of Hulu with ads for just $0.99 per month. That's less than $12 total for an entire year of streaming. It's a bit surprising, honestly, as Hulu upped the cost of its basic plan just last month from $7.99 per month to $9.99 per month. In other words, the savings this year are even more impressive — 90% or $108 in total over 12 months.

Hulu is the streaming home for three of our favorite shows of 2023, The Bear, Abbott Elementary, and Reservation Dogs, as well as our top favorite show of 2024, Shōgun. It's also where you'll find episodes of ABC shows the day after they air, like Dancing with the Stars, and Neon movies fresh out of the theaters, like Cuckoo (coming Dec. 17)." — Christina Buff, Mashable Contributor

More streaming dealsBest book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart 'Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West' by Gregory Maguire $10.00 at Walmart
$19.99 Save $9.99 Get Deal Why we like it

"It's safe to say that the Wicked craze is in full swing. Whether you're holding space for all the memes the press tour is delivering or already ready for your second in-theater watch, have you considered reading the source material? And we're not talking about The Wizard of Oz.

The musical is based on Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, the novel by Gregory Maguire, and if you, or the biggest Wicked fan in your life, are eager to dive deeper into the world, now is a great time to pick up a copy. For Black Friday, Walmart is offering 50% off the novel, bringing it down to $10.

Wicked not your thing? Don't sweat because the Black Friday book deals are endless. Explore more deals on fiction, non-fiction, YA, and cookbooks below." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More book dealsKindle book dealsBest gaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom' $30.00 at Walmart
$69.99 Save $39.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

"The stunning sequel to Breath of the Wild was one of Mashable's favorite games of 2023, and it's never been this cheap before. It actually sold out once at Walmart earlier in the week because of this deal, but it's back in stock at the time of writing. Note that it's only available in digital form, so you won’t be able to wrap anything, but you (or a giftee) will be able to start playing right away." — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

More gaming deals

Under $50

Consoles

More gaming deals

Xbox

Nintendo Switch

Accessories

Best toy deal Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart Lego Star Wars Ahsoka Tano’s T-6 Jedi Shuttle (75362) $45.00 at Walmart
$79.99 Save $34.99 Get Deal Why we like it

"The Office Lego Set may have sold out at Walmart within a day or so of dropping, but we still have another favorite Lego deal to highlight. Star Wars fans will get a huge kick out of the Lego Star Wars Ahsoka Tano’s T-6 Jedi Shuttle. With a rotating cockpit, signature red wings, and four figurines including bounty hunter and Sith, this is an action-packed set. Walmart's nearly 28% discount drops this set to $45, beating Best Buy's price by $13.99 on the same model number." — Gabriel Morgan, Mashable Contributor

More toys and games dealsLego dealsToy dealsBoard game dealsBest beauty tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexStyle $229.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read our full review of the Shark FlexStyle here.

"We know the Dyson Airwrap is that girl, but the Shark FlexStyle gives it a run for its money. Our favorite Airwrap dupe is the Shark FlexStyle, providing the same experience for a fraction of the price.

During Black Friday, you can find the Shark FlexStyle for just $229.99, saving $70 for 24% savings." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More beauty tech dealsHair dryer dealsHot air styler dealsSkincare tech dealsHot tools dealsBest gift card deals Opens in a new window Credit: Instacart Instacart $100 gift card $85.00 at Best Buy
$100.00 Save $15.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The deciding factor between going to the store to get groceries or getting them delivered is often the extra fees — even a few extra bucks can feel like enough of a roast to get you off the couch. Think of getting a $100 Instacart gift card for $85 like having a $15 tip or delivery fee covered for free.

More gift card deals

For more Black Friday coverage, check out our sister sites CNET, ZDNET, and PCMag.

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 2

Mashable - Sun, 12/01/2024 - 23:00

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

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

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

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 2 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: "King of Crash" not included

  • Green: Tim Duncan category

  • Blue: "Peyton" might make this one easier

  • Purple: Cosas verdes

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

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

  • Yellow: Babe Ruth Nicknames

  • Green: Terms for a Frontcourt Basketball Player

  • Blue: NFL QB First Names

  • Purple: Green ___

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

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

Drumroll, please!

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

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

  • Babe Ruth Nicknames - BABE, BAMBINO, COLOSSUS OF CLOUT, SULTAN OF SWAT

  • Terms for a Frontcourt Basketball Player - BIG, CENTER, FORWARD, POST

  • NFL QB First Names - BAKER, BO, JOSH, WILL

  • Green ___ - BAY, JACKET, MONSTER, WAVE

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

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

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

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

Caffeinate the fam with a 2-in-1 Keurig on sale for Cyber Monday

Mashable - Sun, 12/01/2024 - 22:09

SAVE $49.99: As of Dec. 1, the Keurig K-Duo Essentials coffee maker is 50% off at Walmart for Cyber Monday. You'll pay $50.

Opens in a new window Credit: Keurig Keurig K-Duo Essentials $50.00 at Walmart
$99.99 Save $49.99 Get Deal

Hosting family this holiday season? They're going to need coffee. And if you're relying on a single-serve coffee maker to caffeinate all your cousins and their assorted significant others, be warned: Disaster is coming.

The solution? Perhaps a Keurig K-Duo Essentials coffee maker that can brew both ground coffee and K-Cup pods. Cup and carafe sizes vary according to your needs: eight, 10, and 12 ounces for cups and eight, 10, and 12 cups for carafes.

SEE ALSO: The Cyber Monday deals we're already obsessing over

There's also only one water reservoir for both sides, which means it's easy to use and even easier to teach someone else to use — great news for your uncle who hasn't listened to a single thing you've said since 2004.

Sound like something you could use? Snag it while Walmart's Cyber Week deals last.

Samsung has a buy one, get one free sale on Odyssey gaming monitors for Cyber Monday

Mashable - Sun, 12/01/2024 - 22:00

Buy One, Get One: In the Samsung Black Friday-Cyber Monday sale, when shoppers buy the Odyssey G9 4K 57-Inch Gaming Monitor on sale, they'll also get the Odyssey G3 Monitor for total savings of $1,130.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 4K Quantum Mini-LED Gaming Monitor $1,599.99 at Samsung
$2,499.99 Save $900.00 Get Odyssey G3 27-Inch Gaming Monitor for Free Get Deal

Typically, you see BOGO deals (that's "buy one, get one free" in deals lingo) on products in the $25 to $100 price range. Usually, these deals cover boring, everyday products that retailers are trying to get rid of. But Samsung has been bucking that trend in recent years. We've seen them offer BOGO deals on TVs on more than one occasion, and for Cyber Monday, the company is giving Odyssey gaming monitors the same treatment.

During the Samsung Cyber Monday sale, when you buy the massive Odyssey Neo G9 4K Quantum Mini-LED 57-inch Gaming Monitor, Samsung will give you an Odyssey G3 27-Inch Gaming Monitor for free. Is there a catch? Well, the monitors are hardly equally priced. The Neo G9 is normally $2,499, but you can buy it on sale right now for $1,599.99. For comparison, the G3 is priced at $229.99 (and it's available on sale for $130). Still, when you add up the savings, you're saving $1,130 on this buy one, get one deal.

The Neo G9 4K is a curved gaming monitor that truly surrounds you for an immersive experience. Per Samsung, it's the "World's first Dual UHD Monitor." What does that mean? You're essentially getting two UHD monitors side-by-side, with no separation whatsoever. It's also got some impressive specs:

  • 240Hz refresh rate

  • HDR 1000

  • 1,000 nits peak brightness

  • AMD FreeSync Premium Pro

For our screen-maxers who want as much virtual real estate as possible, the G3 provides an additional 27-inches of screen. The monitor features a unique borderless design, with a nearly invisible bevel on the left, right, and top edges. In terms of specs, it has a 180Hz refresh rate and AMD Radeon FreeSync for smooth gameplay.

This buy one, get one deal is only available at the Samsung online store.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 2, 2024

Mashable - Sun, 12/01/2024 - 22:00

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

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

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 2 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: Report

  • Green: Requires a thick rubber hammer

  • Blue: Iconic clothing iconography

  • Purple: Types of clips

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: Announce

  • Green: Things Involving Mallets

  • Blue: Icon Embroidered on a Polo Shirt

  • Purple: ___Clip

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 #540 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Announce: BROADCAST, DECLARE, HERALD, TRUMPET

  • Things Involving Mallets: CARPENTRY, CROQUET, WHAC-A-MOLE, XYLOPHONE

  • Icon Embroidered on a Polo Shirt: CROCODILE, LAUREL, POLO PLAYER, SWOOSH

  • ___Clip: ALLIGATOR, HAIR, PAPER, VIDEO

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 December 2

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

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

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

Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 2

Mashable - Sun, 12/01/2024 - 22:00

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

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for December 2 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 December 2 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Sly or cunning.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter G.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

GUILE.

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 December 2

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

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

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

NYT Strands hints, answers for December 2

Mashable - Sun, 12/01/2024 - 22:00

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 2 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 2 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Beatlemania!

These words are famous songs.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are songs from the Beatles

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is SongTitles.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for December 2

  • Yesterday

  • Blackbird

  • Help

  • Revolution

  • Taxman

  • SongTitles

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

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

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

Joy to the Mario World: Nintendo Switch Mario Kart Bundles are back in stock

Mashable - Sun, 12/01/2024 - 21:41

Special Buy: As part of the Best Buy Cyber Monday Deal, you can get the Nintendo Switch: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle for $299.99 and the Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Kart Bundle for $349.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle $299.99 at Best Buy
Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch OLED Model: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle $349.99 at Best Buy
Get Deal

Not to spoil the holiday mood, but do you remember back during the pandemic when price gougers made it near-impossible to find Nintendo Switch consoles at a reasonable price? As shopping journalists, we remember all too well. Ever since, Nintendo and the big retailers have mostly kept these popular consoles in stock, thank goodness. But during Black Friday 2024, we've seen Nintendo Switch bundles selling out fast at Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and elsewhere.

Of all the products selling out during Black Friday, none have gone faster than the Nintendo Switch: Mario Kart 8 Bundles. And just when we were starting to give up hope, Best Buy came through with a surprise restock. On Sunday, Dec. 1, Best Buy launched its Cyber Monday sale online, and with it, a fresh supply of Switch consoles dropped.

While they're not technically on sale, shoppers are essentially getting a free copy of Mario Kart 8 with their purchase.

The bundle is available in two versions: with the regular Nintendo Switch and with the new Nintendo Switch OLED. We liked the OLED, but it's a non-essential upgrade if you're on a budget (and who isn't right now?). As for Mario Kart — well, some games need no explanation. Generations of gamers have played this game, and if you're buying a Switch as a gift, then you can pass on the love to yet another crop of youngsters.

It should go without saying, but we'll say it anyway: We don't expect these bundles to stay in stock long.

Not sure what you want for Christmas? Here are 15 excellent holiday gifts on sale for Cyber Monday

Mashable - Sun, 12/01/2024 - 21:33

If you haven't started your holiday shopping, it's time to get on it. You only have a few weeks to find all the gifts that will cement your status as the best gift-giver in history.

OK, maybe that's too much pressure. Still, Cyber Week is an excellent time to snag gifts for everyone on your list at great prices — in many cases, the lowest prices of the year.

If you're still asking yourself "What do I want for Christmas?" you're in the right place. Whether you're searching for gadgets, games, home goods, or toys (or if you're not sure what you're looking for yet), here are 15 on-sale gift ideas anyone would be excited to unwrap.

You can even gift them to yourself. We won't tell.

SEE ALSO: The Cyber Monday deals we're already obsessing over The Kleenex of e-readers

Sure, there are other good ereaders out there, but the Kindle is still the most iconic. The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition has double the storage of the standard Paperwhite, making it ideal for readers with large digital libraries.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $154.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal A TikTok-famous kitchen appliance

Isn't it so beautiful that we live in a world where appliances can go viral? The Ninja Creami lets you make your own ice cream (and smoothie bowls, gelato, and sorbet) at home with the press of a button. A word of caution: In her review of the Ninja Creami, Mashable's Samantha Mangino noted that it's best suited for meal preppers since it requires some freeze-ahead time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Creami $149.00 at Walmart
$199.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Wicked's source material

Is your giftee obsessed with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in Wicked? Gift them the book that inspired the original musical (which the movie is based on). At Walmart, it's 50% off — prime stocking-stuffer material for the theater kid in your life.

Opens in a new window Credit: HarperCollins 'Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West' $10.00 at Walmart
$19.99 Save $9.99 Get Deal Furbies, but smaller than usual

Doesn't get much better than this. (They play music.)

Opens in a new window Credit: Hasbro Furby Furblets 2-pack $19.99 at Amazon
Get Deal The Dyson Airwrap's superior rival

We've long maintained that the Shark FlexStyle edges out the Dyson Airwrap in terms of quality and price — and now, it's even cheaper. Help your loved one tame their locks with the tool Mashable's Bethany Allard calls "beyond... a gold-standard dupe."

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexStyle $229.00 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $70.99 Get Deal A Dyson Supersonic dupe

If you're working with a smaller gift budget, the Dreame Gleam hairdryer is a sleek, serviceable dupe for the iconic Dyson Supersonic. According to Allard (who uses the tool herself), it "sticks to the basics," but it still makes a great gift for someone wanting to upgrade from the old Revlon they've used since middle school.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dreame Dream Gleame Hair Dryer $64.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal Supremely comfy headphones

Bose's QuietComfort headphones are some of the most dependable out there: They're comfortable and plush, deliver top-notch audio, and have an impressive battery life. (Plus, look at that "Chilled Lilac" color — pretty!) A pair would make a lovely gift for a frequent flier or commuter train rider.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones $199.00 at Amazon
$349.00 Save $150.00 Get Deal "Impressive in every way" earbuds

If they're more of an earbuds person, Bose is also the way to go. Mashable contributor Timothy Beck Werth is a big fan of the Mashable Choice Bose QuietComfort Ultra Noise-Canceling Earbuds (he went so far as to say he was "in love"), noting their impeccable noise cancellation, long battery life, and comfort in his review.

Opens in a new window Credit: bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Noise-Canceling Earbuds $229.00 at Best Buy
$299.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal Our pick for the best MacBook for most people

Ooh, OK, so you're ready to drop some cash on gifts this year? We have just the thing. Apple's M3 MacBook Air is $200 off for Cyber Week. While it's not the $844 deal we saw earlier in the week, it's still a discount on the latest model. Mashable tech editor Kimberly Gedeon admires its "zippy performance" and satisfyingly click-clacky keyboard.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 13-inch M3 Macbook Air $898.22 at Amazon
$1,099.00 Save $200.78 Get Deal A classic Amazon smart speaker

If they've always dreamed of conversing with Alexa in their own home, opt for the latest Echo Dot model. They can use it in the kitchen to set timers, in the living room to listen to music, or in their bedroom to set (and snooze) their alarm — whatever their heart desires.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Dot $22.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $27.00 Get Deal Reusable storage bag

Stasher bags are a godsend for the environmentally conscious cook. They're dishwasher-safe, can be used in the microwave, and (in my experience) hold up exceptionally well long-term. This 104-ounce workhorse is 42% off for Cyber Week. And no, it's not a boring gift as long as you give it to the right person.

Opens in a new window Credit: Stasher Stasher Mega Reusable Storage Bag (104oz) $20.44 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $14.55 Get Deal A miracle pet hair remover

The Chom Chom may not look like much, but gifting it to a pet owner pretty much guarantees you a 1000-word thank-you letter. Just make sure they're prepared to realize just how much fur was embedded in their couch cushions.

Opens in a new window Credit: Chom Chom Chom Chom Roller Pet Hair Remover $14.69 at Amazon
$27.99 Save $13.30 Get Deal An ultra-portable speaker

The JBL Go 3 is basically built for a picnic on the beach. It's IP67 waterproof (which means it can handle being submerged in 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes), has a solid five-hour battery life, and comes in many delightful colors to match their swimsuit. It also makes a great shower speaker if they're not much of a beach bum.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Go 3 Speaker $29.95 at Amazon
$39.95 Save $10.00 Get Deal The water bottle of the moment

Move over, Stanley. The Owala FreeSip is the hydration tool du jour, and it's a mere $23 for Cyber Week. This water bottle's big draw is that you can sip or chug from it. Real water drinkers know what a big deal that is.

Opens in a new window Credit: Owala Owala FreeSip $23.00 at Amazon
$27.99 Save $4.99 Get Deal A gift to send a subtle message

Sometimes, you need to use a gift to get a point across — like, please keep track of your things. A four-pack of Apple AirTags will do just that. You'll save 26% on the four-pack's usual price, and your recipient will hopefully save four of their most prized belongings from being lost forever. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving.

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

Cyber Monday travel deals are the perfect excuse to book an extra holiday

Mashable - Sun, 12/01/2024 - 19:06
The best Cyber Monday travel deals: Best Cyber Monday hotel deal Sandals Beaches Resorts Take up to 65% off, get a $1,500 credit, and one free night Get Deal Best Cyber Monday cruise deal Carnival Cruises Save up to $900 per room, get a $50 deposit, and qualify for a free room upgrade Get Deal

Cruise lines and hotel chains are offering major discounts for Cyber Monday, with savings up to $900 per room on Carnival Cruises.

When we think of Cyber Monday the mind often jumps to gadgets, kitchen appliances, and toys, but the shopping holiday is also a fantastic time to book travel online. (If Thanksgiving with your in-laws has left you longing for a holiday from your holiday, you're in good company.) Whether you’re looking for a warm-weather resort to get ahead of those winter blues, or a cruise package for the whole family, Cyber Monday travel deals deliver pre-holiday savings on hotels like Marriot and cruise lines like Virgin.

Here are some of the best travel deals we’ve spotted this Cyber Monday:

Best Cyber Monday hotel deals Opens in a new window Credit: Sandals Sandals Beaches Resorts Take up to 65% off, a $1,500 credit, and one free night Get Deal

With lavish resort hotels in attractive locations like Jamaica and Antigua, Sandals Beaches resorts are filled with opportunities for fun and relaxation. You’ll experience on-resort dining, local attractions, water sports, and beachside accommodations.

Book a Sandals Beaches Resort package before Cyber Monday is done and get 65% off, a $1,500 credit, and one free night’s stay. Sandals offers promotions throughout the year, but few deals like this. If you want to dip your toes into the surf at one of Sandals’ 17 locations, then book now while this offer is still available.

More Cyber Monday hotel deals

  • Hotels.com: Save 30% on select hotels through December 15, 2025.

  • Booking.com: Cyber Monday deals, take up to 50% off before Dec. 4.

  • The Standard: Get up to 30% off.

  • Hilton: 20% off stays through April 21, 2025 when you book by Jan. 5.

  • Hyatt: Get 20% off when you book in the Americas between Nov. 21 and April 20, 2025. Book before Dec. 9 with code SAVENOW.

  • Marriott: Up to 25% off for members on stays booked by Tuesday, Dec. 3.

  • Omni Hotels & Resorts: Get 30% off on 2+ night stays through May 26, 2025. Book by Dec. 4.

Best Cyber Monday cruise deals Opens in a new window Credit: Carnival Carnival Cruises Save up to $900 per room, get a $50 deposit, and qualify for a free room upgrade Get Deal

We all know that cruisin’ ain't cheap — at least, as a general rule of thumb. However, Carnival might be about to shatter your expectations. Carnival Cruises is offering major discounts through Cyber Monday starting with savings up to $900 per room, deposits from $50 per person, and free room upgrades.

With journeys all over the world, Carnival will take you on a journey through the Caribbean, along the coast of Alaska, or far abroad to the other side of the world. Book now and sail the world, wherever your heart desires.

More Cyber Monday cruise deals

Early Cyber Monday deal: You can still grab Beats Solo 4 headphones at 50% off

Mashable - Sun, 12/01/2024 - 17:26

Save $100: Early Cyber Monday shoppers can save $100 on the popular Beats Solo 4 wireless headphones. Normally $199.95, you can save 50% and pay just $99.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats / Amazon Beats Solo 4 wireless headphones $99.99 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $99.96 Get Deal

Cyber Monday is officially here to steal the Black Friday spotlight, and while the calendar still says Sunday, retailers like Amazon and Walmart aren’t waiting. You can score tons of deals on headphones, earbuds, and speakers, but one deal in particular stands out to us: Beats Solo 4 wireless headphones.

Sure, the AirPods are getting all the headlines, but those aren't your only options. And for budget shoppers, the eye-popping $499.99 price of the new Apple AirPods Max headphones are a non-starter. If you’ve been looking for new headphones that won't bankrupt you, then Beats offers a more practical alternative.

At a solid 50% off, the Beats Solo 4 headphones are sleek, wireless cans. Designed to work seamlessly with both Android and iOS, they deliver an effortless setup experience. These headphones showcase Beats’ signature sound, featuring custom acoustic architecture and upgraded drivers that deliver deep, punchy bass and crisp audio clarity.

The flexible headband and angled ear cups ensure a secure fit without unnecessary pressure, making these headphones perfect for everything from your daily commute to marathon streaming sessions. It's comfort meets style. And unlike the flagship headphones from Apple, Sony, Bose, Sonos, and Dyson, these headphones fold up for easy storage.

Plus, with up to 50 hours of battery life, they’ll keep the music going long after the Cyber Monday deals fade away.

Last chance: These Black Friday deals are selling out fast

Mashable - Sun, 12/01/2024 - 16:13

Black Friday time is coming to a close, and some of the hottest deals are already slipping through shoppers’ fingers. From premium tech to outdoor essentials, inventory is moving fast — some items are already sold out or only available through third-party sellers. If you want to score big, here’s what’s flying off the shelves.

Sony XM5 Earbuds Opens in a new window Credit: Sony / Amazon Sony WF-1000XM $228.00
$299.00 Save $71.00 Get Deal

If you’re hunting for top-tier earbuds, the Sony XM5s are a no-brainer. With stellar sound quality and industry-leading ANC, these have been a go-to gift for audiophiles and travelers. Unfortunately, the black variant is completely sold out — only third-party sellers have them now.

Act fast if other colors are still on your radar.

YETI Roadie 24 Opens in a new window Credit: YETI / Amazon YETI Roadie 24 Cooler $200.00
$250.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal

The Yeti Roadie 24 is one of the most durable and portable coolers out there, making it perfect for road trips or tailgating. It’s also the only Yeti cooler on sale across multiple colors, which is why inventory is dwindling fast.

If you’ve been eyeing a cooler that lasts a lifetime, grab this one before it’s gone.

YETI Roadie 48 Opens in a new window Credit: YETI / Amazon YETI Roadie 48 $300.00
$400.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal

Except for the Roadie 24, Yeti’s Black Friday discounts for the Roadie 48 are limited to products in Lilac and King Crab Orange, two fan-favorite colors. These are selling out faster than we’ve seen in previous years, with Tundra coolers in those shades already wiped out everywhere.

If you want a premium cooler in these sought-after hues, don’t wait — check Yeti and Amazon now.

Apple Airpods Pro 2 Opens in a new window Credit: Apple / Amazon Apple AirPods Pro 2 $154.00
$249.00 Save $95.00 Get Deal

Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 are a perennial favorite for their seamless ecosystem integration and impressive sound quality, making them a no-brainer holiday gift. That’s why we’re seeing stock levels fluctuate at Amazon.

While they probably won’t sell out entirely, it’s smart to act now rather than risk delays later.

Samsung The Frame TV Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung / Amazon Samsung 55-Inch The Frame $897.99
$1,497.99 Save $600.00 Get Deal

Samsung’s 2024 The Frame TV isn’t just a television — it’s a work of art, literally. Perfect for blending into stylish living spaces, it’s one of the most in-demand TVs this season. Some sizes have already sold out at major retailers and are now only available from third-party sellers. Right now, there are only 20 left in stock at Amazon.

If you want the best TV for aesthetics and functionality, check Samsung’s store or risk missing out.

Whats going on with ChatGPT and the name David Mayer?

Mashable - Sun, 12/01/2024 - 14:43

For some unknown reason, typing the name "David Mayer" prompts an error message from ChatGPT. The internet is trying to figure out why.

The issue first bubbled up a few days ago with one Redditor on the r/ChatGPT subreddit posting they asked "who is david mayer?" and got a message saying, "I'm unable to produce a response."

SEE ALSO: ChatGPT Search: iPhone users can now leverage the AI search engine with ‘Shortcuts’ support Tweet may have been deleted

Since then it has kicked off a flurry of attempts to try and get ChatGPT to even say the name, let alone explain who the mysterious man is. People have tried all sorts of tricks, like sharing a screenshot of a message including the name or changing their profile name to David Mayer and prompting ChatGPT to recite it back. But nothing has worked.

Of course the big question is who is David Mayer and why does the utterance of his name break ChatGPT? Numerous theories have already cropped up. As the online world quickly figured out, googling "David Mayer" results in David Mayer de Rothschild, heir to the famed Rothschild banking family, who is an adventurer and environmentalist.

But users discovered that ChatGPT could talk about "David de Rothschild," and notable figures with the last name "Mayer" and the first name starting with "D," but would crash once it seemed to be typing "David Mayer."

Others were able to prompt ChatGPT to offer a possible explanation for why it blocks certain responses. It could be some kind of bug or "specific filter or rule in the system that blocks certain names from being processed." So for some reason, the name David Mayer might have been blacklisted either by accident or on purpose, which lead to further speculation. Maybe the heir to the Rothschild fortune has the means of preventing his name from being generated by ChatGPT?

Another theory is that it's a different David Mayer, like the historian who was mistaken for a Chechen terrorist with the same alias, and is somehow blacklisted from being mentioned.

The likeliest theory is that someone named David Mayer has done a good job of scrubbing his internet presence. In some jurisdictions like the EU, where there are strict privacy and Right to be Forgotten laws, users can request the removal of their personal information from ChatGPT training data. One user (via Justine Moore on X) found other names that "trigger the same response."

Tweet may have been deleted

Mashable has reached out to OpenAI for explanation and will update this story with a response.

Earn double points on Kindle Rewards through Cyber Monday

Mashable - Sun, 12/01/2024 - 13:38

EARN DOUBLE POINTS: Through Cyber Monday, enjoy double rewards on all Kindle book purchases. Shop this year's best titles and earn while you spend.

Shop the Kindle Store Best Kindle Deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $154.99 at Amazon (Save $45) Get Deal Shop this year's best books "Martyr!" by Kaveh Akbar $6.99 at Amazon Shop Now Shop this year's best books "James" by Percival Everett $14.99 at Amazon Shop Now Shop this year's best books "Intermezzo" by Sally Rooney $14.99 at Amazon Shop Now

There are a lot of perks to Kindles. They're lightweight and portable, and the 2024 models are the fastest yet. Plus, through Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Amazon dropped prices on Kindles, providing early discounts on the latest tech. However, once you get your Kindle, you've got to stock your Kindle's library. That's where Kindle Rewards comes in.

Still in its beta phase, Kindle Rewards is a loyalty program, where you can earn points on every Kindle book purchase. For every 300 points earned, you get $3 back to use on your next purchase in the Kindle store. Typically, you earn three points for every dollar spent, but for during Amazon's Cyber Monday sale, you can earn twice that. Now, for every dollar spent, get six points through Dec. 2.

You can make the most of it by shopping all the best deals on Kindle books during Cyber Monday. Or finally catch-up on this year's award winning novels like James by Percival Everett.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Join Kindle Rewards Earn double points on every dollar spent through Dec. 2. Shop Now

Tired of pop-ups? Get AdGuard for 9 devices for just $16.

Mashable - Sun, 12/01/2024 - 13:18

TL;DR: Streamline and protect everyone's online world for life with the AdGuard Family Plan — just $15.97 (reg. $79) ahead of the holidays.

Tired of bothersome ads interrupting you online? AdGuard's Family Plan offers a seamless solution with top-notch data privacy tools — for life.

This plan includes powerful ad blocking and malware protection features, making your family’s browsing safer and more enjoyable. Get protected on up to nine devices with a lifetime AdGuard subscription for $15.97 (reg. $79) through December 15.

AdGuard’s advanced ad blocker cleans up your screen, speeding up your browsing and eliminating distractions. Say goodbye to those annoying pop-ups and banners that slow you down and drive you crazy.

The malware protection feature is equally impressive. It safeguards your devices from cyber threats, ensuring your family's online safety. This protection is essential for keeping your sensitive information secure and your devices running smoothly.

AdGuard's data privacy tools are designed to work across multiple devices, providing comprehensive coverage for your entire family. Whether you're using a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, AdGuard has you covered. The plan allows installation on up to nine devices, ensuring that everyone in your household benefits from enhanced privacy and security.

Customization is another key benefit. AdGuard offers user-friendly settings that let you tailor the protection to fit your specific needs. You can block inappropriate content for kids, manage tracking settings, and even create custom filters. This flexibility ensures that you get the exact level of protection you want.

Upgrade today and enjoy a secure, ad-free online experience with the best data privacy tools available.

Don't miss a lifetime subscription to the AdGuard Family Plan while it's available for the super-low price of $15.97 (reg. $79) for Black Friday.

AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription - $15.97

Get It Here

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $15.97
$79.99 Save $64.02 Get Deal

Elon Musk files an injunction to stop OpenAI from becoming a for-profit

Mashable - Sun, 12/01/2024 - 12:40

Elon Musk asked a court to stop Sam Altman, Greg Brockman, OpenAI, and other co-defendants from transitioning the ChatGPT maker into a for-profit enterprise.

Per TechCrunch, Musk filed a motion on Friday evening in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, accusing Altman, Brockman, OpenAI board members, and stakeholder Microsoft of "violating the terms of Musk’s foundational contributions to the charity," and engaging in anticompetitive behavior as OpenAI seeks to convert from non-profit to for-profit status.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk announced support for OpenAI firing Sam Altman. Here’s why.

"Plaintiffs and the public need a pause," said the court filing. "OpenAI’s path from a non-profit to for-profit behemoth is replete with per se anticompetitive practices, flagrant breaches of its charitable mission, and rampant self-dealing."

Musk was an early investor and board member of OpenAI, but broke ties with the company in 2018. He later claimed Altman and Brockman violated their agreement of maintaining its non-profit status and developing open-source AI technology. In the past year, Musk has filed a lawsuit for breaching this contract, dropped the lawsuit, and then filed a new "more forceful" lawsuit based on the same claims.

Now, Musk seeks an injunction "to preserve what is left of OpenAI’s nonprofit character, free from self-dealing," according to the motion. "If not, the OpenAI promised to Musk and the public will be long gone by the time the Court reaches the merits."

Musk's injunction accuses OpenAI of engaging in behavior that merits halting the company's conversion. Allegations include an agreement obtained from OpenAI investors to not fund competitors like Musk's xAI, "exclusive arrangements" between OpenAI and Microsoft to collectively achieve market dominance of generative AI products, and Altman's "rampant self-dealing" through OpenAI contracts between companies like Stripe, Rain AI, Helion Energy, and Reddit, where he has financial interests.

In a statement to TechCrunch, an OpenAI spokesperson said "Elon’s fourth attempt, which again recycles the same baseless complaints, continues to be utterly without merit."

This Cyber Monday deal will change how you watch TV

Mashable - Sun, 12/01/2024 - 12:05
Sonos Cyber Monday deals Best Sonos soundbar deal Sonos Arc soundbar $699 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal Best Sonos headphones deal Sonos Ace headphones $349 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal

I tested Sonos's first pair of headphones, Ace, when they first came out earlier this year, and they changed the way we watch TV in my household.

The noise-cancelling headphones are impressive on their own, but when paired with the Sonos Arc soundbar, they're transformative. (The soundbar is also amazing on its own.) The two Sonos products work together to create spatial audio that's totally immersive and adapts with you wherever you go in the room.

I work from home, so on days when I'm working and my boyfriend isn't (like today), he's able to watch TV without bothering or distracting me by pairing the Sonos Ace headphones with the Arc soundbar. And he actually prefers this setup, especially for movies. As I'm typing this, he's watching soccer and I can't hear a peep.

Both the Arc and Ace are on sale for Cyber Monday, at $699 and $349, respectively. Now, I know, these are not light purchases — all together we're looking at around $1,000. But the Sonos setup is totally worth it if you're a big TV or movie buff or if you have multiple people in your household. Plus, there are tons of great Cyber Monday streaming and TV deals to pair with your new sound system.

Heres how to get a free Samsung QLED TV from Verizon when you buy a new Samsung phone

Mashable - Sun, 12/01/2024 - 10:45

GET A FREE SAMSAUNG QLED TV: Buy a new Samsung phone at Verizon with an Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate plan and get a free 50 or 75-inch Samsung TV.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Free 50 or 75-inch Samsung TV with purchase of Samsung phone sign up for an Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate plan Get Deal

We've been busy this holiday weekend. Like many, we debated about whether pumpkin, apple, or pecan pie is the ultimate holiday pie. But after that, we got to work. We've been scouring for the best Black Friday and early Cyber Monday sales to find you the best gifts for your loved ones and yourself. While we've found some awesome discounts, this deal at Verizon offers something impressive at our favorite price: free.

As of Dec 1, buy a new Samsung phone at Verizon with an Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate plan and get a free eligible 50 or 75-inch Samsung TV. To snag this deal, you'll need to buy an eligible Samsung phone like the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, Samsung Galaxy A15 5G, or the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, to list a few eligible options.

Now that we're into the chilly winter months, get ready to cuddle up and catch up on all your favorite shows with a new (totally FREE) Samsung TV. We have the new season of The White Lotus to look forward to, as well as a new season of Squid Game, and Queer Eye season 9 coming in just a few days.

What better way to enjoy these than on a brand new TV? Thanks to Verizon's early Cyber Monday sale, you can enjoy a free 50 or 75-inch Samsung TV when you purchase a qualifying Samsung smartphone which includes the Samsung S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, Z Flip6, or Z Fold6.

SEE ALSO: Do not sleep on these Cyber Monday streaming deals

You'll also need to sign up for an Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate plan with Verizon and keep it active for 12 months. After your initial 30 days of Verizon service, you'll be able to redeem this offer for a free Samsung TV at Samsung's online store.

Keep in mind this deal is only eligible for one Samsung TV per Verizon account, and the deal has limited supply, so you'll want to shop soon if this sounds like the best deal for your winter watching activities.

If your Cyber Monday shopping list includes a Samsung phone, why not get a free Samsung TV too? Sign up for a plan at Verizon and you'll be in for a great treat.

NYTs The Mini crossword answers, hints for December 1, 2024

Mashable - Sun, 12/01/2024 - 10:10

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, December 1, 2024:

AcrossFolder for unwanted files

  • The answer is Trash.

Map app suggestion

  • The answer is Route.

Country whose flag depicts a blue dharmachakra ("wheel of dharma")

  • The answer is India.

Colorful coat material?

  • The answer is Paint.

Eggy holiday drink

  • The answer is Nog.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 1 DownStumble

  • The answer is Trip.

"Brooklyn" star Saoirse

  • The answer is Ronan.

The "A" of A/V

  • The answer is Audio.

"Float like a butterfly, ___ like a bee"

  • The answer is Sting.

Spiciness

  • The answer is Heat.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

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

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