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Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.
Updated: 3 hours 57 min ago

Get a 1TB portable hard drive and 1TB cloud storage for under $100

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 13:39

TL;DR: Until October 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get a 1TB portable hard drive and 1TB lifetime cloud storage for $89.97.

Opens in a new window Credit: Supermusic The Complete 1TB (x2) Cloud & Hard Drive Storage Lifetime Bundle $89.97 at Mashable Shop
$341.63 Save $251.66 Get Deal

Files really do build up over time, and some of them are hard to delete. It's impractical to keep ten years' worth of dog pictures on your phone, but it's also not something you may want to delete. That's why it's worth it to invest in long-term storage, whether it's physical or cloud-based. Those files have to go somewhere. 

The Complete 1TB Cloud and Hard Drive Storage Bundle comes with two storage options: You get a 1TB physical hard drive and a 1TB cloud storage with a lifetime subscription. This whole bundle is on sale for just $89.97 (reg. $341.63), but that won't last much longer. 

What's included?

This bundle is a combination of FolderFort, a reliable cloud storage service, and a 1TB portable hard drive, so you can store your data in two places: online and locally.

With FolderFort, you get lifetime access to 1TB of cloud storage, which means you can upload and access your files from anywhere—whether you're at home, at work, or on vacation. The cloud solution is ideal for backing up photos, work projects, or even sharing files with friends or coworkers. It’s protected with encryption, so you don’t have to worry about security breaches, and it works across multiple devices, from phones to tablets to computers.

But relying solely on the cloud can have its limitations, especially if you’re dealing with large files like high-resolution videos or entire photo libraries. That’s where the 1TB portable hard drive comes in handy. You can easily back up your data onto this slim, lightweight external drive and carry it with you anywhere. It’s perfect for times when you need quick, offline access to your files, especially if you’re dealing with slower internet connections or large files that would take too long to upload to the cloud.

Storage you can count on for every situation

Whether you're looking for security or convenience, this file storage double deal has the answer. Get a 1TB lifetime cloud storage plus a 1TB hard drive on sale for $89.97 until October 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Alleged M4 MacBook Pro spotted for sale on Russia’s version of Craigslist

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 13:37

In what may be the biggest leak in Apple's history since the iPhone 4, the yet-to-be-revealed M4 Macbook Pro was recently spotted for sale on a Russian classified ads website.

SEE ALSO: Apple's new M4 Macs are probably coming in November

To recap, within a week, the M4 Macbook Pro was revealed by two Russian Youtubers who mysteriously got their hands on the laptop. The device, which Apple had apparently planned to reveal later this month, has appeared on Avito, Russia’s equivalent of Craigslist, with an asking price of 720,000 rubles, or roughly $7,000 USD. However, at this time, those posts have been taken down for violating the website's policy on selling "nonexistent products."

The existence of an M4-powered MacBook Pro isn't exactly a shocker. Industry insiders, such as Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, have long speculated about an upcoming version of Apple’s flagship laptop featuring the M4 chip. According to the unboxing video shared by the YouTubers, the laptop boasts three Thunderbolt 4 ports — an upgrade from the usual two — and comes with a baseline configuration of 16GB of RAM.

What’s truly unexpected, and raises more questions than it answers, is how these devices found their way into Russia. Given that the U.S. has imposed strict sanctions on the country, prohibiting companies like Apple from conducting business there, the presence of multiple M4 MacBooks listed for sale on Avito suggests something far more unusual. As MacRumors notes, it's possible a batch of these laptops, manufactured in China, was intercepted and smuggled into Russia.

Whatever the case may be, the leaked M4 Macbook Pro models still haven't been authenticated as real and Apple hasn't made any statements regarding the laptops.

Build up your digital film collection with the best Amazon Prime Day movie deals

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 13:24
The best Prime Day movie deals at a glance: BEST OVERALL 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' $8.99 at Prime Video (save $11) Get Deal BEST KIDS MOVIE DEAL 'Despicable Me 4' $14.99 at Prime Video (save $15) Get Deal BEST HORROR MOVIE DEAL Halloween Trilogy (2022) $14.99 at Prime Video (save $5) Get Deal BEST RENTAL DEAL 'The Fall Guy' $2.98 at Prime Video (save $3.01) Get Deal

Prime Day is no longer just a sale on physical goods like headphones and tablets. In 2024, Amazon has expanded its deals to include digital films as well. If you can't fathom signing up for yet another streaming service, but want to catch up on some of the latest and greatest films to grace the silver screen (or maybe relive some older ones), there's plenty of Prime Video deals on Prime Big Deal Days to satisfy your craving.

These film deals are specifically reserved for Prime members and include both digital rentals and purchases (not physical DVDs or BluRays). With rentals, you'll only get 30 days to start watching and just 48 hours to finish once you begin. That's why the prices are much cheaper than buying the film. However, purchasing digital films allows you to watch at your leisure and often gives you access to extras like behind-the-scenes footage and deleted scenes.

We're keeping a running tab on the best Prime Day movie deals below. Time to queue up your next cinematic experience at home.

Best movie deal at Prime Video Opens in a new window Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' $8.99 at Prime Video
$19.99 Save $11.00 buy in UHD Get Deal Why we like it

One of Mashable's top five films of 2024 (so far), Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is one of those rare prequels that gets it right. George Miller's return to the Mad Max wasteland centers around Imperator Furiosa (played first by Charlize Theron, now by Anya Taylor-Joy) after she's kidnapped from the Green Place, the idyllic refuge where she grew up, and taken into the horde of the warlord Dementus (Chris Hemsworth). As Mashable's reviewer put it, "Furiosa is a magnificent, pulse-pounding achievement unlike anything you'll see this year."

Prime members can purchase the film for their digital collection for only $8.99 during Prime Big Deal Days. That's 55% in savings compared to its cost at other VOD retailers and only $3 more than its current rental price.

Best movie deal for kids Opens in a new window Credit: Illumination 'Despicable Me 4' $14.99 at Prime Video
$29.99 Save $15.00 Buy in UHD Get Deal Why we like it

The latest installment in the Despicable Me franchise isn't set to make its streaming debut until Oct. 31. If you and your kiddos can't wait that long, you can add the film to your digital collection for just $14.99 on Prime Day. That's 50% off its retail price and at least $5 cheaper than you'll find it at any other VOD retailer. Despicable Me 4 follows Gru, Lucy, their three girls, the Minions, and new baby Gru Jr. as they adopt new secret identities on the run. We haven't had a chance to review it ourselves, but it currently has an 88% audience score at Rotten Tomatoes, so it seems fans are pleased with the newest sequel.

More Prime Video movie deals

HBO bitcoin documentary claims it discovered the cryptocurrency's inventor. The guy disagrees.

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 13:16

Well, this is awkward: A new HBO documentary thinks it found the true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous inventor of Bitcoin — but that guy disagrees.

The new film Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery by documentarian Cullen Hoback — he also made HBO's Q: Into The Storm, which (pretty much) revealed the identity of Q-Anon — posits crypto developer called Peter Todd is the real person behind Satoshi. Here's the rub: Todd has publicly denied that Hoback got it right.

"Cullen is wrong. I am not Satoshi… The truth is Cullen is grasping for straws." he told MarketWatch.

In what some could see as a bit of misdirection — if you were inclined to believe Hoback's hypothesis — Todd suggested it would be impossible to dig up the true identity of the inventor of Bitcoin.

"It's likely that hundreds, even thousands, of people had the right skills to create Bitcoin in 2008," Todd told MarketWatch. "Any one of them might be Satoshi. Unless Satoshi chooses to reveal their identity, we will probably never know who they actually were."

The mystery of Satoshi's true identity has been a central part of Bitcoin's story. Australian computer scientist Craig Wright claimed he was Satoshi — which was widely doubted — and a court ultimately decided he was not. Newsweek famously ran a cover story claiming it found the man behind the cryptocurrency in 2014. That man, Dorian S. Nakamoto, strongly denied he was the inventor. And there have been other guesses — and denials — along the way.

Todd has repeatedly denied being Satoshi on X in the wake of the doc coming out.

Tweet may have been deleted

Money Electric is now available to stream on Max if you want to look at the evidence for yourself.

These Amazon Prime Day lightning deals are worth picking up (and almost gone)

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 13:15
Best lightning deals from Prime Big Deal Days Best kitchen deal HexClad Hybrid Nonstick Six-Piece Pot Set $303.20 at Amazon (save $76.79) Get Deal Best air purifier deal Levoit Air Purifier $159.99 at Amazon (save $40) Get Deal Best photography deal Kodak Slide N Scan Digital Film Scanner $159.99 at Amazon (save $40) Get Deal Best travel deal HiLIFE Portable Clothes Steamer $24.69 at Amazon (save $21.30) Get Deal

OK, we're going to make this one quick, because you're running out of time. In fact, if you want to skip this whole intro and start buying our top lightning deal picks below, we wouldn't blame you.

If you're still here, though, we're here to tell you about some great lightning deals that are live during the second day of Prime Big Deal Days. If you don't already know what Amazon's lightning deals are, they're basically time-sensitive, limited-stock items that get steep discounts. That means if you want in, you need to be quick because you're not only fighting the clock, but also the other deal-hungry shoppers who want the same stuff as you do.

SEE ALSO: Shop these Roku, Amazon Echo deals under $50 during October Prime Day

So, what are you waiting for? Take a look at our top lightning deal picks below, and check out the lightning deal landing page if you want to see even more offers. Some of the brands included are questionable, to say the least, but if you look hard enough, you’ll find some diamonds in the rough. For even more deals, head to our live blog to read all the latest live coverage of the event.

Best kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: HexClad HexClad Hybrid Nonstick Six-Piece Pot Set $303.20 at Amazon
$379.99 Save $76.79 Get Deal Why we like it

One item you definitely shouldn't cheap out on is your kitchen's go-to pot and pan set. You're going to be cooking your food with these things, so they should be high-quality! This six-piece pot set from HexClad is normally a whopping $379, but during its lightning deal period, it's only $303.20. We know that's still pretty pricey, but a $76 discount on a well-made, nonstick HexClad set is worth the investment.

Best air purifier deal Opens in a new window Credit: Levoit Levoit Air Purifier $159.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you don't already have an air purifier in your home, it's probably time to change that — unless you like breathing in dust and other allergens. Levoit is a trusted air purifier brand, and this model from their lineup is $40 off the usual price as a lightning deal (just $159.99). The HEPA-equipped purifier will keep your air clean and features smartphone support for quick, at-a-glance air quality measurements whenever you want them.

Best photography deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kodak Kodak Slide N Scan Digital Film Scanner $159.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Why get your film photos scanned when you can do it at home? The Kodak Slide N Scan allows you to do exactly that, and lets you see your scans right away thanks to the included LED screen. You can even edit directly on the screen, but you may want to upload them to your laptop so you can use your preferred software for more detailed adjustments. Pick one up while it's a lightning deal and save yourself $40.

Best travel deal Opens in a new window Credit: HiLIFE HiLIFE Portable Clothes Steamer $24.69 at Amazon
$45.99 Save $21.30 Get Deal Why we like it

While the HiLIFE brand may not be synonymous with just about anything, this portable steamer is actually very highly rated and has been on sale during multiple other Prime Day events. If you travel often, we highly recommend having a steamer handy for getting stubborn wrinkles out of your clothes so you can look your best, whether you're traveling for work or pleasure. It's only $24.69 as a lightning deal, which is $21.30 off the original price.

Get the iPhone 16 for a penny with this Amazon Prime Day deal

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 13:04

SAVE $829.98: Get a new iPhone 16 for only a penny when you sign up for a Boost Mobile plan that costs $65 per month.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon iPhone 16 with Boost Mobile plan $0.01
$829.99 Save $829.98 Get Deal

Want an iPhone 16 for a penny? It's your lucky day.

You can purchase an iPhone 16 with a Boost Mobile plan for a penny... and $65 per month. The iPhone 16 starts at $799 via Apple's official store. The upgraded model is more durable, lighter, and features Camera Control. According to Apple, the new display glass "Ceramic Shield 2" is 50 percent tougher than the original "Ceramic Shield." Plus it's a full .03 ounces lighter than the iPhone 15. Camera Control allows for more intuitive use of the camera.

This iPhone 16 deal does mean you'll have to switch to Boost Mobile. Make sure to do your research before switching providers. As for iPhone 16, we gave the device 4.5 stars out of a possible 5 in our review.

How to copy and paste on a Chromebook

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 12:49

Wondering how to copy and paste on a Chromebook? This basic function is one of the most foundational features of any computer, so you better learn how to do it as soon as you can.

Chromebooks are nifty and affordable alternatives to Windows and Mac laptops, but ChromeOS is a bit unusual for anyone accustomed to more traditional operating systems. Certain features or commands work differently than you might expect.

Thankfully, however, you don't have to do much learning at all when it comes to copying and pasting. Let's get into it.

SEE ALSO: The best Chromebook deals available on October Prime Day aren't on Amazon How to copy and paste on a Chromebook Easy! Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

The easiest method for copying and pasting on a Chromebook is exactly the same as it is on Windows. Here's how it works:

  1. Highlight the text you want to copy

  2. Press CTRL + C

  3. Place the mouse cursor where you want to paste the text

  4. Press CTRL + V

That is, by far, the fastest and simplest way of doing it. If, for some reason, that doesn't work for you, you can also highlight the text and right-click to open up a menu that will have "copy" and "paste" buttons in it. Right-clicking on Chromebooks without a regular mouse can be done in two ways: Holding Alt and clicking, or tapping the touchpad with two fingers instead of one.

Got it? Good. Enjoy your Chromebook!

Amazon Prime Day vs. Black Friday: When are the deals better?

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 12:42

LIVE BLOG: Get the latest news on October Prime Day 2024

The difference between Prime Day and Black Friday — their roots, anyway — probably isn't a mystery to anyone who has dabbled in online shopping before.

Most of us know that Black Friday is the big sale frenzy that happens around Thanksgiving as a precursor to the holidays, and that almost every store you can think of participates. Alternatively, the name "Prime Day" suggests that the event is indeed an Amazon-specific event made up by Amazon for members of its Prime subscription.

SEE ALSO: Target Circle Week is back...just in time for October Prime Day

The lines between these two shopping holidays also aren't quite as blurred as they are between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which have become pretty indistinguishable from each other due to 1. being just a few days apart on the calendar, and 2. Black Friday relying just as heavily on online shopping as Cyber Monday does.

But back to the question at hand. Most people aren't concerned with these shopping holiday semantics. The people just want to know: Does Prime Day or Black Friday have better deals?

Does Amazon have better deals on Prime Day or Black Friday?

Amazon hypes Prime Day up so much that you can't help but assume those two days in July and two days in October are its Olympics. In the case of October Prime Day, specifically, Amazon can't possibly have the bandwidth to turn around and do the same damn thing a month later for Black Friday, right?

Jeff Bezos is heard cackling in the distance.

Amazon price history shows us that, in many cases, Amazon does go as hard for Black Friday as it does for Prime Day. It's not uncommon to plug the URL for any popular item from Amazon into price tracker Camelcamelcamel to see a handful of very consistent dips to that item's all-time low pricing — those few instances being middle of July (Prime Day) and the end of November (Black Friday), plus a common third dip in mid-October (Prime Big Deal Days, which we know is essentially another Prime Day).

SEE ALSO: What not to buy during Amazon's October Prime Day sale

Black Friday deals also tend to be a little more accessible than Prime Day deals, as you don't have to be a paying Prime member to unlock them (most of the time) like you do for Prime Day deals. (It's the same story for Walmart's Walmart+ events and Walmart's Black Friday sale, though being a paid Walmart+ member still has its perks, like getting early access to Black Friday deals.)

In terms of what's on sale, there's a ton of overlap between Prime Day and Black Friday deals. Robot vacuums, headphones, Apple devices, laptops, and kitchen gear are likely to get similar treatment for both, so if you find a stellar deal on one of those items, there's probably no need to hold out until the other event to see if the deal is better then.

A few categories are better to shop on Black Friday than Prime Day

A few categories do play favorites, though. Black Friday is a better time of year to find TV deals — aside from its own Fire TVs, Amazon doesn't go super hard with TV deals at any time throughout the year. Best Buy has a much wider selection on its (virtual) shelves at any given point, specifically offering way more big screen premium options than Amazon. Though Best Buy does hold competing sales during Prime Day, it tends to put on the bigger show during Black Friday.

Toy deals also tend to pop off more heavily for Black Friday in true nostalgic holiday prep. If you're looking to sign up for a streaming service for cheaper than usual, many of the big ones (Hulu and Peacock come to mind) are almost guaranteed to have a Black Friday sale, while they wouldn't exactly have any reason to participate in Prime Day.

Best October Prime Day deals live right now:

Gaming is my favorite hobby — these are the best Amazon Prime Day gaming deals

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 12:30
Best gaming deals from Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale Best PlayStation 5 deal PlayStation 5 Slim Console $449.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal Best Xbox deal Xbox Series S Console (512GB) $284.99 at Amazon (save $15) Get Deal Best PlayStation storage deal WD_BLACK 2TB SSD Storage Expansion for PS5 $169.99 at Amazon (save $60) Get Deal Best Xbox storage deal Seagate 2TB SSD Expansion Card for Xbox Series X/S $199 at Amazon (save $50.99) Get Deal Best controller deal Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Controller $140 at Amazon (save $39.99) Get Deal Best mobile controller deal Backbone One Mobile Gaming Controller $69.99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal Best keyboard deal Razer Huntsman Mini Gaming Keyboard $69.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal Best gaming headset deal Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Gaming Headset $179.99 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal Best gaming earbuds deal Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed Wireless Gaming Earbuds $159.99 at Amazon (save $40) Get Deal Best bundle deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max + Xbox Core Wireless Controller + 1-Month Game Pass Ultimate Bundle $79.99 at Amazon (save $56.98) Get Deal

Gaming is my favorite hobby, but if I have one big complaint about it, it's that it's just way too expensive. I mean, have you seen the price of the PlayStation 5 Pro? Games are also regularly $70 now. It's wild. That's why I highly recommend taking advantage of sales to stock up on gaming-related items that you maybe wouldn't normally have the budget for. Luckily, Amazon is on the second day of its Prime Big Deal Days sale, and there are a pretty good amount of gaming deals that are live, if I do say so myself.

Below, check out my top picks for the best gaming deals during the sale.

SEE ALSO: More than 300 Amazon Prime Day deals you won't want to miss before the sale ends tonight Best console deals

If you're just getting into console gaming, the October Prime Day event is a perfect opportunity to pick up a PlayStation 5 Slim or Xbox Series S (the Series X isn't included in the sale, but I did find it for $50 off at Best Buy). Both consoles are sitting at decent discounts right now — the PS5 Slim at $50 off, and the Series S at $15 off. It's not the best Xbox Series S deal I've ever seen, but even a few bucks shaved off the already budget-friendly console isn't anything to scoff at. The PS5 Slim deal, however, is an all-time low price. It might be better during Black Friday, but if you're not down to wait until November, I think you should probably just snag this deal now. You can't go wrong with either one, but what I usually tell people who are between the two new-gen consoles is to go with the PlayStation 5 if you're more interested in big-budget, exclusive single-player titles, and go with the Xbox if you want access to a lot of different games at once via Game Pass.

Opens in a new window Credit: PlayStation PlayStation 5 Slim Console $449.00 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $50.99 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Xbox Xbox Series S Console (512GB) $284.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal Best storage expansion deals

File this under "annoying but necessary purchase." Unfortunately, the new-gen consoles just don't come with enough built-in storage (at least, not for me). If you're downloading a lot of games, you're most likely going to need over 1TB of storage at some point, and neither of the heavy-hitter options allows for that out of the box. So unless you want to be playing the "storage shuffle" forever (that fun chore of having to choose which games to delete so you can make room for new ones), you'll want to add an expansion card into the mix. These are the best two options on the market, and both of them are on sale — so do your future self a favor and snag them while you can save some cash.

Opens in a new window Credit: Western Digital WD_BLACK 2TB SSD Storage Expansion for PS5 $169.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Seagate Seagate 2TB SSD Expansion Card for Xbox Series X/S $199.00 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50.99 Get Deal Best controller deals

The stock Xbox controller that you get with the Series X or S is actually pretty good as is, but if you want to upgrade, you shouldn't look anywhere other than Xbox's Elite series controllers. The Elite Series 2 Core controller is almost $40 off, and comes with a bunch of cool extras like back paddles, hair trigger locks, and a more premium feel overall. If you're more of a mobile or cloud gamer, check out the Backbone One controller, which can plug directly into your smartphone and works way better than using on-screen controls. I just recently played through Grand Theft Auto: Vice City using my Netflix app with the Backbone One, and it was a fantastic experience.

Opens in a new window Credit: Xbox Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Controller $140.00 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $39.99 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Backbone Backbone One Mobile Gaming Controller $69.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Best keyboard deal

Razer's keyboards are my absolute favorite, and the Huntsman Mini is at a huge discount for Prime Big Deal Days — just $69.99, $50 off the usual price. I'm a big fan of mini keyboards because it allows me to still have that amazing mechanical keyboard experience even with minimal desk space. The Huntsman feels amazing to type on and features a ton of cool functions that'll help competitive gamers perform much more efficiently, like Snap Tap strafing. I honestly don't use mine for gaming all that often, but it's great even as a daily driver keyboard for work and other basic tasks. So even if you don't see yourself hopping into Overwatch anytime soon, this keyboard is still a good get.

Opens in a new window Credit: Razer Razer Huntsman Mini Gaming Keyboard $69.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Best headset deals

Listen, I promise I'm not sponsored by Razer or anything. I just really like their stuff, okay? Sue me! Two of my favorite headsets from them are on sale for Prime Day: the BlackShark V2 Pro and the Hammerhead Pro. The BlackShark V2 Pro is by far the most comfortable over-ear gaming headset I've ever used, but it also sounds great and has crystal-clear microphone output (according to my online gaming buddies, at least). If you're more of an earbud person, the Hammerhead Pro buds are also a great option. I'd describe them as AirPods for gaming, basically.

Opens in a new window Credit: Razer Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Gaming Headset $179.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Razer Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed Wireless Gaming Earbuds $159.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Best bundle deal

This one is hard to pass up. If you don't want to buy a console just yet but are intrigued by cloud gaming, this bundle has everything you need to get started: An Xbox controller, a Fire TV Stick 4K Max, and one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which is basically a massive, Netflix-style library of games that you can download and play from at your leisure. At just $79.99, this is a pretty sweet value. I might even grab this deal myself...

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon / Xbox Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max + Xbox Core Wireless Controller + 1-Month Game Pass Ultimate Bundle $79.99 at Amazon
$136.97 Save $56.98 Get Deal

The sinister conspiracy theory behind the 'Thank you, Beyoncé' TikToks

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 12:24

Have you thanked Beyoncé today?

If you've been on TikTok over the past few days, you've probably noticed users thanking Beyoncé for seemingly anything. While lots of these posts are seemingly pretty innocent, the root of the new trend is not that great.

There's a (completely unhinged) theory that celebrities thank Beyoncé at awards shows because the star wields so much godlike power that they bend to her whim. The conspiracy theory started with the passing of Aaliyah, the "Queen of Urban Pop" who redefined contemporary R&B in the 1990s. Some people argue that her passing gave Beyoncé the space to become the icon she is today. In J. Cole's 2013 song "She Knows," he mentions Aaliyah's death. Some of the more deranged TikTok users connect that song with Beyoncé's friendship with P. Diddy, who has been at the center of conspiracy theories connected to Aaliyah's death. The theory goes like this: Thank Beyoncé or face the consequences.

Celebrities do tend to thank Beyoncé for a lot. Kanye rushing the stage when Taylor Swift beat Beyoncé for album of the year; Adele losing her gourd over Beyoncé when she won album of the year; Britney Spears, Lizzo, Lady Gaga, the list goes on.

The celebrity thanking has reached TikTok, where users are thanking Beyoncé at Thanksgiving, or for their dog not having cancer, or for... nothing?

Yes, Beyoncé uses a lot of religious iconography — and even some nods to the illuminati — in her songs and music videos. But no, Beyoncé is probably not tied to some horrifying cult of celebrities who murder other celebrities if they don't thank her on stage.

Land, air, and space footage captures the surging Hurricane Milton

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 12:16
Footage captures the surging Hurricane Milton from land, air, and space.

'Silent Hill 2' review: A surprisingly fantastic remake of the PS2 horror classic

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 11:53

Silent Hill 2 is for the sickos. Yeah, I said it.

After that initial launch trailer that had even the die-hard Silent Hill fans biting their nails in worry, the Polish developer Bloober Team actually pulled off something incredible. Who saw that coming? It's not just a solid remake; it’s the kind of shot in the arm this series has been begging for. In a twist of fate, Silent Hill 2 just got its very own Resident Evil 2 Remake moment — an adaptation so well-executed, it might just be what the franchise needed to claw its way back from the fog.

SEE ALSO: 'Metaphor: ReFantazio' review in progress: The 'Final Fantasy XV' I've always wanted

Remakes are a tricky balancing act. On the one hand, they need to stand on their own, offering something fresh and modern. On the other, they’re forever tethered to the original, carrying the weight of fan expectations and nostalgia. The balance must be respected.

Striking that sweet spot is no easy feat, but Bloober Team nails it here. They’ve taken a beloved horror classic and given it a sleek, modern facelift, all while paying serious respect to its roots and the lasting impact it’s had on the genre. It's both a love letter and a fresh chapter — and it works.

Silent Hill 2 plot and characters Credit: Konami / Bloober Team

Disclaimer: I’ve never played the 2001 original Silent Hill 2. First off, I was three when it came out, and second, I used to hate scary video games. It wasn’t until my freshman year of college (thanks, Resident Evil 7) that I finally got over my aversion to horror games. So, with all that said, Bloober Team’s remake absolutely scared the hell out of me at times. And you should know right now — this review isn’t going to nitpick gameplay or story differences compared to the original. This is purely about my fresh experience, and yeah, it was terrifying.

SEE ALSO: 'Resident Evil Village' is the f*cked up fairytale of your dreams

The plot of Silent Hill 2 centers on James Sunderland, a man still reeling from the loss of his wife, Mary, who passed away three years ago. Out of nowhere, James receives a mysterious letter from Mary herself, claiming that she’s waiting for him in their "special place" — a spot in the quiet town of Silent Hill where they once vacationed.

When James arrives, it doesn’t take long for things to spiral into full-blown nightmare territory. The town is drenched in an eerie fog, and it quickly becomes clear that something is very wrong. As James presses on, he finds himself grappling with disturbing, surreal encounters that challenge everything he knows about his sanity, his morality, his memories, and even who he really is. The further he goes, the more Silent Hill turns into a twisted reflection of his deepest fears and guilt.

Along his journey, James encounters a handful of other lost souls who, like him, have been drawn to the fog-choked town of Silent Hill. There’s Angela Orosco, a deeply troubled young woman searching for her missing mother, whose unstable mental state makes her interactions unsettling and tragic. Then there’s Eddie Dombrowski, an insecure man harboring a lot of anger, especially after years of being bullied about his weight. He’s on the edge of breaking — and wandering into Silent Hill isn’t helping.

Credit: Konami / Bloober Team

James also crosses paths with Laura, a strange, seemingly fearless child who has an inexplicable connection to Mary, James’ late wife. And finally, there’s Maria, a woman James meets who bears an uncanny resemblance to Mary, yet with a more provocative, almost unsettling presence. Each character is caught in their own personal nightmare, mirroring James’ dark descent, and adding to the town’s suffocating mystery.

As a character, James can feel like a bit of a wet blanket. He’s barely holding it together, forgetful, and often reckless in ways that make you want to shake some sense into him. But that’s also the point — something is clearly off about him. Luke Roberts brings James to life with a performance that nails the mild-mannered, almost painfully dull nature of the character. There’s a sense that something inside James is broken, and whether that’s from his wife’s death or something far more sinister is part of the mystery. You can never quite tell what’s going on beneath the surface, and Roberts walks that line well.

The rest of the English voice cast is equally impressive, delivering performances that bring out the character's motivations and inner turmoil in a way that keeps you hooked. Every interaction feels purposeful, and the chemistry between characters adds to the tension. There’s a distinct Twin Peaks-esque vibe to the whole thing, with the schlocky, surreal edge working as a kind of dark, twisted relief from the heavier moments. The voice work, paired with Akira Yamaoka’s haunting score, really elevates the atmosphere, giving the game a quirky yet deeply unsettling quality.

Silent Hill 2 gameplay mechanics

Combat in Silent Hill 2 is downright unsettling — not because it’s poorly executed, but precisely because it’s effective. While the game uses a standard third-person action shooter approach, the melee combat feels viscerally uncomfortable, perfectly matching the game’s eerie atmosphere.

I hate hospitals. Credit: Konami / Bloober Team

The physicality of the melee attacks feels sluggish and raw, adding to the game’s unsettling tone, while the firearms give you a brief sense of power — until the next grotesque creature lunges at you. I hope you're not squeamish because the sounds and sheer brutality of James' every stomp on a downed enemy are downright disturbing. Each hit feels savage, with the accompanying sickening crunches, squishes, and wails from James, adding an unsettling layer to his character.

What I love about this is that it’s more than just a gameplay mechanic — it’s a window into the darker side of James. He may deny it, but there’s a violent streak within him, and his brutality hints at deeper, unresolved issues. The fact that many of the enemies he faces are grotesque, feminine figures raises unsettling questions about his views on women and his relationship with his wife.

It's just great storytelling. Here, everything fits — James' inner turmoil, his violent tendencies, and the distorted nature of the enemies all bleed seamlessly into both the narrative and the gameplay.

Mama, that's a bad bad man. Credit: Konami / Bloober Team

That said, combat encounters with the game’s main enemies are thankfully sparse. Most of the time, Silent Hill 2 won’t force you into battles with more than one enemy at a time. But when it does — and it will at key moments — it can be truly frustrating. The combat isn’t designed to handle swarms of enemies, and juggling multiple threats at once feels clunky and awkward. It’s a deliberate choice that amps up the tension, but it also exposes the limitations of the game’s combat system. When you’re cornered by a group of foes, you really feel the pressure, but not always in a fun way.

Enemies in Silent Hill 2 hit hard, and they don’t take kindly to being underestimated. The game has a nasty habit of punishing reckless combat with a surge of aggression from its monsters. Take the Bubble-Head Nurses, for example — they’ll grab your weapon if you’re too overzealous, tossing you aside and leaving you wide open for serious damage. It’s a reminder that you can’t just button-mash your way to safety; strategy and patience are crucial here.

One of my personal favorite enemies is the Mannequin, a bizarre, headless, armless creature with four legs that moves in unsettling, jerky motions. These creepy dummies will hide before jumping out at you, making encounters with them especially tense. The game provides you with a radio that emits static, getting louder as enemies draw near. Mannequins, however, are tricky, as they tend to hide in shadows or behind objects. The static is often faint, giving you just enough warning without a clear idea of where they’re lurking. They’ll pop out from behind tight corners, under beds, or any spot you least expect. To make matters worse, even during combat, they’ll retreat and hide if you move too far away, forcing you to chase them down or risk getting ambushed all over again.

Throughout James’ nightmarish trek, there are eight different combat weapons at his disposal, though players will only have access to six during their first playthrough. These include the Wooden Plank, Steel Pipe, Great Knife, Handgun, Shotgun, and Hunting Rifle. For much of the game, you’ll primarily rely on the Plank, Pipe, Handgun, and Shotgun.

These weapons form the backbone of the combat loop, paired seamlessly with the game's intricate puzzle-solving. Much of your time in Silent Hill 2 will be spent exploring large, central locations like the Wood Side Apartments or Brookhaven Hospital. In these eerie, labyrinthine spaces, you’ll be scouring for keys, codes, and other items that unlock doors, slowly unraveling the path forward. Each of these areas acts as a major hub — solving them opens up new parts of Silent Hill that were previously blocked off by towering walls, sinkholes, or other nightmarish barriers.

Silent Hill 2 sound design and soundtrack Don't go that way. Credit: Konami / Bloober Team

I have to take a moment to talk about the sound design in Silent Hill 2 — it’s incredible. The atmosphere it creates is genuinely unnerving, veering between moments of eerie quiet and bursts of disturbing, otherworldly sounds. It keeps you constantly on edge, and there are times when the silence itself is scarier than the monsters.

That said, if I had one gripe with the sound design, it’s that there are moments where the backing track while exploring feels oddly out of place. Specifically, at times, it makes a sound that’s almost identical to the “you’re about to be caught” music from The Last of Us. It’s loud, overbearing, and makes me think I’m about to get jumped by an enemy, even when there’s nothing around. But not in a way that feels intentional — it’s legitimately distracting. Every time it happens, it pulls me out of the experience, and it’s frustrating when the soundtrack is unintentionally working against you, instead of immersing you further into the game’s world.

Regardless of those minor hiccups, the sound design does a massive job of immersing you in the eerie, fog-filled world of Silent Hill. The haunting soundtrack that accompanies you as you wander through the town is pitch-perfect. There’s a slow, ominous hum that builds tension in the quieter moments, creating an ever-present sense of dread. And when things do get loud, the shift is jarring, ratcheting up the intensity to match the horror on screen.

What really sells the atmosphere, though, is the attention to detail in the environmental sounds. You can hear every squelch of James’ footsteps as he trudges through water or mud, every drip and creak that echoes through the empty halls of dilapidated buildings. It’s these small, unnerving sounds that keep you constantly on edge, reminding you that even in silence, you’re never truly alone.

Silent Hill 2 performance

For the most part, Silent Hill 2 runs like a gem, and that’s saying something given how many games that have come out in the middle of the PlayStation 5’s lifecycle have been plagued with performance issues.

Credit: Konami / Bloober Team

It’s a testament to the work Bloober Team has put in, especially when compared to recent releases like Dragon’s Dogma 2, Final Fantasy XVI, and Black Myth: Wukong — all fun games, but with a tendency to run like absolute crap at times.

That’s not to say Silent Hill 2 is perfect. I did encounter a couple of hiccups. One particularly annoying bug left me stuck on the back of a pickup truck while trying to fight an enemy, forcing me to reload a save. And yeah, there were a few instances of screen tearing, but nothing game-breaking. Overall, the game performs smoothly, which, in this era of day-one patches and constant updates, is a rare treat.

Graphically, Silent Hill 2 looks stunning, but it’s also clear as day that this was made in Unreal Engine. There’s something distinct about Unreal Engine 3D models — they’ve got this particular look with slightly stiff movements and that weird uncanny valley effect in their faces. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it's jarring, to say the least.

Is Silent Hill 2 worth it?

Whether you're a longtime fan of the original or stepping into Silent Hill for the first time, Bloober Team's remake delivers a haunting experience that’s hard to shake.

This is a Laura safe space. Credit: Konami / Bloober Team

From the unsettling atmosphere to the visceral combat and psychological depth, the game excels at drawing you into its twisted world. The storytelling is gripping, with characters like James Sunderland and the cast of disturbing personalities he meets adding layers of complexity that go beyond typical horror fare. The remake respects the source material while modernizing it for today’s audience, and even if you’ve never played the 2001 original, it still stands as a deeply unsettling and rewarding journey.

That’s not to say it’s perfect. The combat, while serviceable, can feel clunky — especially when dealing with multiple enemies — and the occasional technical hiccup can pull you out of the immersion. The sound design, while mostly excellent, has its frustrating moments with an overbearing soundtrack that can confuse more than terrify. And sure, the Unreal Engine's telltale stiffness and uncanny valley visuals might make you feel like you’ve wandered into The Room at times, but it’s a minor distraction in an otherwise gorgeously realized world.

Ultimately, Silent Hill 2 is a love letter to psychological horror fans and a solid step forward for the franchise. With its chilling atmosphere, well-paced story, and genuinely terrifying moments, it’s definitely worth your time.

For more Mashable game reviews, check out our OpenCritic page.

Turn any room into an art gallery with $150 off the Hisense CanvasTV 4K QLED TV for Prime Day

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 11:21

SAVE $151: As of Oct. 9, get the Hisense CanvasTV 4K QLED TV for just $848 for Prime Day at Amazon, down from its regular price of $999.99. That's a discount of 15%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Hisense CanvasTV 4K QLED TV $848.00 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $151.99 Get Deal

Ready to bring home a new TV? The holiday season has almost officially begun, and what better time to grab a new place for friends and family to gather round this year than Prime Day? If you're planning on leveling up your home entertainment system, a great centerpiece of a TV is a good way to do it, especially when it can double as an art piece for when it's not in use. And no, we aren't talking about Samsung's The Frame lineup, but an even more affordable option that you should absolutely consider at its Prime Day price.

As of Oct. 9, you can get the Hisense CanvasTV 4K OLED TV for just $848. That's $151 off its normal price of $999.99 and a discount of 15%. This price applies to the 55-inch version, but the 65-inch display is also on sale for $1,098 if you want a larger screen.

SEE ALSO: The best October Prime Day TV deals are on Fire TVs

This 4K QLED TV boasts rich, deep colors and multiple levels of dark shades to create a sharp and attractive LED picture. Its ultraslim profile makes it perfect for hanging on the wall, as does the snappable CanvasTV frame that lets you swap out multiple options for the one that works best for your decor. That's all because you can use this TV to display photos or artwork when not in use. Choose just one picture or make a slideshow and let the CanvasTV shuffle through your favorite photos and images while not in use to act as an interactive art gallery.

Beyond its artistic features while not in use, this is a sharp TV that's perfect for catching sports, watching some of the biggest movies this year, or gaming; its 144Hz game mode and variable refresh rate of 48Hz to 144Hz make it a great TV for pairing with the console of your choice this fall.

If you want a TV that pulls double duty, this is the one to snag for Prime Day now.

More TV deals you may like

Our tech editor's favorite laptop is at an all-time low price for Prime Day

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 11:19

SAVE $300: If you want to snag the best laptop of 2024, now is your chance. The Microsoft Surface Laptop is on sale for $1,699.99 — 15% off its $1,999.99 listing price.

Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024), Windows 11 Copilot+ PC, 13.8" Touchscreen Display, Snapdragon X Elite (12 core), 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD Storage, Black $1,499.92 at Amazon
$1,599.99 Save $100.07 Get Deal

The laptop excels across the board and boasts the longest battery life of a laptop ever tested by Mashable, a whopping 23 hours! Additionally, its Snapdragon X Elite processor outperforms all M3-based MacBooks earning it the second-highest Geekbench 6 performance score of laptops tested by Mashable. It also supports Microsoft's new AI features which Mashable tech editor, Kim Gedeon, wrote makes Windows fun again in her review.

However, the Microsoft Surface Laptop lacks some app compatibility like Apple Music for example, and is not a gaming laptop. Some Reddit users point out that it might not be the best choice for students, but if you're not a student, app compatibility isn't an issue, and you're not a gamer then this might be the best laptop for you. As Gedeon wrote, "I can't believe I'm saying this, but the Surface Laptop 7 is the better choice over M3 MacBooks." You could be saying this too.

Samsung Galaxy S25: New photo appears to leak all three models

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 11:18

Samsung's next flagship Galaxy phones are a few months away, but the leaks are already rolling in.

Prominent leaker @IceUniverse posted a photo on X (formerly Twitter) that purported to show all three Samsung Galaxy phones that are expected to launch early next year: Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra. It’s unclear if the devices in the photo are operable or just dummy units, as the screens are turned off.

SEE ALSO: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is down to its lowest-ever price at Amazon Tweet may have been deleted

If the leak is to be believed, pretty much all we can glean from this photo is the general size and shape of each phone. The S25 Plus and Ultra appear to be similar in size (the Ultra is slightly bigger), while the regular S25 is much smaller than the other two. As TechRadar pointed out, all three phones have rounded corners, which leaves the S25 Ultra looking more like its less-expensive brethren than last year's model.

If Samsung goes about its business the same way it usually does, expect to hear more about these phones sometime in January.

Hurricane Milton: T-Mobile, Starlink unlocks satellite texting in affected region. Here’s how it works.

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 11:11

T-Mobile customers impacted by Hurricane Milton will get free emergency satellite texting thanks to Starlink.

On Tuesday evening, SpaceX, which owns Starlink, shared that it has activated its Direct to Cell satellites for T-Mobile carriers in Florida, which is expected to bear the brunt of the hurricane. "We have now enabled basic texting (SMS) for those on T-Mobile phones in hurricane affected areas," said SpaceX in a post on X. "Text messages have already been sent and received. You can text loved ones, text 911 and continue to receive emergency alerts."

SpaceX has also delivered 10,000 Starlink kits to areas affected by Hurricane Helene.

SEE ALSO: Hurricane Milton: See Florida coast webcams live as the storm approaches Tweet may have been deleted How does satellite texting work?

Activation of satellite-based texting was made possible by the Federal Communications Commission, which granted approval for "special temporary authority" to provide cell service in affected parts of Florida.

Hurricane Milton, currently fluctuating between a category 4 and 5 with up to 160 mph winds, is expected to make landfall on Wednesday afternoon on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Residents in southwestern Florida have been ordered to evacuate and experts are predicting devastating impact. "Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida," said the National Hurricane Center in an announcement on Wednesday.

Featured Video For You Land, air, and space footage captures the surging Hurricane Milton

T-Mobile users won't have to do anything or buy anything extra to get Starlink connectivity, although some devices might require the user to turn on the satellite connectivity option in settings, said a T-Mobile spokesperson in a comment on the SpaceX post.

Tweet may have been deleted

If a phone connects to a Starlink satellite, it will show one to two bars of connectivity and say "T-Mobile SpaceX" as the network name, the SpaceX post explained. It also recommended trying multiple times if a message doesn't go through at first — it works best outdoors or indoors near a window.

For people impacted by Hurricane Milton that don't have T-Mobile, there might be other options for satellite connectivity. Apple has an Emergency SOS via Satellite feature on iPhone 14 models and newer via a partnership with Globalstar, and the Google Pixel 9 has a similar Satellite SOS feature, thanks to a partnership with Skylo.

I'm Mashable's resident laptop deals expert. This Prime Day, I'm genuinely impressed with Amazon's doorbusters.

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 10:40

I'm a senior shopping reporter at Mashable who hunts down the best laptop deals for our readers, and I think my approach is best described as obnoxiously picky.

When scouring online retailers for discounts, I look for significant price drops and cross-check them with the laptops' manufacturers to verify those numbers. I also run them through price-tracking tools and revisit our past deals coverage to see if they've ever been cheaper. I always stick to models with recent specs, and avoid anything that comes from an unfamiliar third-party seller I don't fully trust (if the site allows them). I think it's important to be this picky because laptops tend to be big investments that people rely on for daily work and expect to last for several good years. That's what I tell myself, anyway.

This Prime Big Deal Days, I'm going to do something I don't normally do: I'm going to hand it to Amazon.

SEE ALSO: We've been covering Prime sales for almost 10 years. Here are the best October Prime Day deals we've found.

The retail giant isn't usually my go-to source for incredible deals on the PCs we've reviewed and loved (aside from newer MacBooks, which it tends to put on sale regularly). Its everyday selection is smaller than that of competing retailers like Best Buy, and much of it comes from third parties. It also stocks a lot of older and outdated configurations that I don't consider worth it if you're someone who's looking to upgrade. But Amazon's whipped out some abnormally great deals on newer laptops it's selling itself for its members-only "October Prime Day" sale (live now through Wednesday, Oct. 9).

The honest truth? The deals I've seen over the past 48-ish hours are eons better than the ones Amazon featured during its flagship Prime Day sale this past July, and now I have unreasonably high expectations for its Black Friday programming. (No pressure!)

Below, I've rounded up three standout picks from Prime Big Deal Days that star some of Mashable's best-reviewed laptops. They get my seal of approval. You can also head to our live blog to read all the latest live coverage of October Prime Day.

The best laptop deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 13-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,699.00 at Amazon, Best Buy, and the Microsoft Store
$1,999.00 Save $300.00 Get Deal Why I like it

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

This upgraded 13-inch configuration of Microsoft's new Copilot+ PC features a Snapdragon X Elite processor, a hefty 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. With M3 MacBook-beating performance, a battery life of just under 23 hours, and some new AI-powered features that "make Windows fun again," per Tech Editor Kim Gedeon, it's not just a Mashable Choice Award-winner; it's easily the best laptop we've tested so far in 2024, nabbing a score of 4.8/5. Just make sure you won't into any app compatibility issues with Windows on ARM.

I was cautiously hopeful that we'd see a decent deal on it during Prime Big Deal Days, and Amazon delivered: It's currently on sale there for $1,699.99 (normally $1,999.99) — a 15% savings and its lowest price since launch. Note that Best Buy and the Microsoft Store were both matching that.

The best MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $749.00 at Amazon and Best Buy
$999.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why I like it

Read Mashable's full review of the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air (M2).

An oldie but a goodie, the M2 MacBook Air from mid-2022 is another Mashable Choice Award titleholder. It got a 4.6/5 rating from tech and games reporter Alex Perry, who commended its "[rock]-solid battery life" and deemed its keyboard "to die for." Apple has released a newer Air with an M3 chip in the past year, but if you don't need dual-display support and just want a solid laptop for everyday tasks, this guy's a bargain (and our current favorite budget MacBook).

Prime Big Deal Days and a rumored M4 refresh have created the perfect storm for a returning all-time low on the base configuration: Amazon has it on sale for only $749, or 25% off its $999 MSRP. This is only the second time this deal has materialized, the first being during Best Buy's Labor Day sale — though it was only available to paid My Best Buy members. (It's currently price-matched there without a paywall, FYI.)

The best 2-in-1 laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus Zenbook Duo (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,274.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $225.00 Get Deal Why I like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Asus Zenbook Duo (2024).

Can confirm: "The Asus Zenbook Duo is as badass as it looks," Gedeon wrote. This unique hybrid laptop is made for multitasking, combining two gorgeous touchscreen OLED displays with a relatively long battery life and a peppy Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor whose performance rivals that of the M2 MacBook Air. It also comes with a built-in kickstand, a stylus, and a detachable keyboard, which really ups the value factor. It scored a 4.8/5, and its Mashable Choice Award nod was a given.

It usually retails for $1,499.99, but it's yours during Prime Big Deal Days for just $1,274.99. (That's 15% off and an unprecedented record low.) Meanwhile, it's $1,410.99 at Best Buy and full price at Asus.

Prime Big Deal Days travel deals include up to 40% off Carnival and Princess cruises

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 10:08
Best October Prime Day travel deals: Princess Cruises Prime Day deal Princess Free room upgrade + up to 40% off select cruises Get Deal Carnival Prime Day deal Carnival Up to 40% off cruise rates Get Deal Budget Prime Day deal Budget Up to 35% off + get 15% back Get Deal AVIS Prime Day deal AVIS Up to 30% off + get 15% back Get Deal Viator Prime Day deal Viator Up to 20% off Viator travel experiences Get Deal

Day 2 of Prime Big Deal Days is here, and the clock is ticking! Most of these deals will likely be gone by midnight tonight. If you’ve yet to browse what’s available, we’ve covered everything from robot vacuums to gaming laptops. But that’s not all Amazon has up its sleeve — surprisingly, the retail giant’s Prime Big Deal Days includes some pretty decent travel deals, too.

SEE ALSO: Save hundreds on Samsonite, American Tourister, and more luggage on October Prime Day

While you won’t find any flight deals via the Amazon site (we’ll show you where to find those a bit later), Prime members can score discounts of up to 40% off on select Carnival and Princess cruise packages, up to 35% off car rentals, and 20% off Viator travel experiences.

Here are some of the top travel deals we spotted during Prime Big Deal Days:

Best travel deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Princess Cruises Princess Cruises 40% off select cruises + free room upgrade Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon’s partnered with Princess Cruises to offer up to 40% off select cruises and a free room upgrade with just a $99 deposit. Cruise destinations include Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, and more. This deal’s only available for another 40 hours (so, longer than Prime Day itself) — make sure to book fast.

Best flight deal Opens in a new window Credit: Southwest Southwest One-way as low as $69 Get Deal Why we like it

October Prime Day hasn’t included any flight deals (that we've seen), but Southwest is offering a non-Prime deal where you can get a one-way flight for a low as $69. Of course, restrictions apply, but for $69, it’s worth it to put up with a little fine print.

Here's the deal: you need to book by October 10 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time, and plan your trip at least 21 days in advance. Travel within the continental U.S. is valid from October 29, 2024, to January 31, 2025, while flights to Hawaii, international destinations, and San Juan, Puerto Rico are valid from October 29, 2024 to March 5, 2025. Remember: there are some blackout dates for certain routes, so be sure to check those before you book. Also, this deal is nonrefundable, and seats and travel days are limited, so don't wait too long!

More October Prime Day travel deals

How to watch 49ers vs. Seahawks online for free

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 10:02

TL;DR: Live stream 49ers vs. Seahawks for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It's time for Thursday Night Football and we're already at Week 6 of the 2024 NFL season. The next game sees the San Francisco 49ers visit the Seattle Seahawks.

The 49ers started the season as one of the Super Bowl favorites though it's been a tricky start to their Quest for Six. They've been hit by injuries and they're yet to win on the road. The Seahawks are on a two week losing streak and have conceded a grand total of 71 points across those two games. Can the Seahawks' defence hold back the 49ers? Or will the 49ers get their first win on the road this season?

The good news for football fans is you can watch all the action without spending a dime. So if you want to watch the San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks for free, here's all the information you need.

When is 49ers vs. Seahawks?

San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks takes place at 8:15 p.m. ET on Oct. 10. This fixture will be played at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington.

How to watch 49ers vs. Seahawks for free

San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks is available to live stream on Prime Video in the U.S., but you don't need to be fully subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch this game. Simply watch San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (plus more Thursday Night Football fixtures) for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

Fans from outside the U.S. will need to use a VPN to watch the NFL for free on Prime Video. This process is straightforward:

  1. Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)

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

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

  4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

  5. Watch Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons for free from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

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 actually free to use, but the top VPN providers do tend to offer free trial periods or money-back guarantees. Simply leverage these deals to gain access to free live streams of the NFL and you won't have to spend anything. Sure, it's a short-term solution but this gives you enough time to watch select NFL fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries

  • 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 currently available for $99.95. That's an impressive 49% off altogether. As part of this limited time deal you'll get a bonus three months at no extra cost, an entire year of unlimited cloud backup, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream 49ers vs. Seahawks for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Prime Big Deals Day is bursting with beauty deals — here's what to buy

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 09:27
Best Prime Day Beauty Deals Best skincare deal Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask $12.90 at Amazon (Save $6.10) Get Deal Best lip care deal Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask $16.80 at Amazon (Save $7.80) Get Deal Best body care deal Salt & Stone Body Wash $25.20 at Amazon (Save $10.80) Get Deal Best hair care deal Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer $329.99 at Amazon (Save $100) Get Deal

Prime Big Deal Days is here. The sale kicked off on October 8 and runs through the 9. There are some big savings to be had across all categories. We've been digging through the Amazon price history on every product to find the lowest prices ever on headphones, laptops, tablets, and more. While all of these tech deals are great, Prime Day is also a great time to stock up on the small stuff.

If you're savoring the last few drops of face wash or your lips are starting to feel a bit chapped from the crisp autumn air, look to all the great deals on beauty and skincare products during October Prime Day. Time to stock your bathroom and save while doing so.

SEE ALSO: Get $100 off the Dyson Airwrap, plus other top October Prime Day Dyson deals Best skincare deal Opens in a new window Credit: Biodance Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask $12.90 at Amazon
$19.00 Save $6.10 Get Deal Why we like it

After a long day outside, whether you've been raking leaves or out on an autumnal hike, it's nice to give your skin a little TLC. Last Prime Day, I stocked up on the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask as a little treat and my skin has been thanking me. While most face masks you wash off after 20 minutes, this one stays on for hours. Put it on, kick back, and watch several episodes of Love is Blind while the mask gets to work.

It's full of hydrating and plumping ingredients to restore the skin barrier, but it's also safe on sensitive skin. As someone with acne-prone skin, I'm nervous to use new hydrating products as they can often lead to breakouts, but this kept my skin totally clear. Pro tip: store these masks in the fridge for an extra refreshing experience.

During Prime Day, this mask is down to $12.90, saving $6.10.

More skincare dealsBest lip care deal Opens in a new window Credit: Laneige Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask $16.80 at Amazon
$24.00 Save $7.20 Get Deal Why we like it

The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is a little bit of luxury in a .7 ounce container. I'm on my third jar of this lip mask, which is made with hydrating shea butter to protect against dry lips. Especially in the colder months, if you feel like you constantly need to reapply product to prevent chapped lips, this mask is a life saver. While it's marketed as an overnight mask, it's lightweight enough to wear all day. The berry flavor is my favorite, but if you've got a sweet tooth, there are a variety of candy-flavored options to try.

Shop the Laneige lip mask for $16.80 during Prime Big Deal Days, saving $7.20.

More lip care dealsBest body care deal Opens in a new window Credit: Salt & Stone Salt & Stone Body Wash $25.20 at Amazon
$36.00 Save $10.80 Get Deal Why we like it

You don't need a fancy body wash, but it certainly feels good. The body washes from Salt & Stone smell divine and linger even after you've rinsed off. It comes with nourishing ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to keep skin soft, while remaining free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. My personal favorite scent is the Bergamot & Hinoki, but all of the Salt & Stone scents are divine.

You can find the Salt & Stone body washes for 30% off during Prime Big Deal Days, saving you $10.80 on your next bottle.

More body care dealsBest hair care deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer Why we like it

While I haven't gotten to test the Dyson Supersonic myself, my colleague Bethany Allard has spent a lot of time with this hair dryer, assessing its performance and value. While Allard commends the hair dryer for its lightweight design, quick drying, and user-friendliness, its downfall comes with its $429.99 price tag. However, Prime Day presents a fantastic saving opportunity.

During Prime Big Deal Days, get the Dyson Supersonic for $329.99, saving $100 on the device.

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