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TikTok is facing a potential ban in the U.S. that could go into effect just one day before a new administration takes the Oval Office — and its fate hinges on legal battles, political maneuvers, and President-elect Donald Trump.
What's going on with the TikTok ban?In short: We're waiting.
In April, President Joe Biden signed a bill into law that gave ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese parent company, nine months to either get a new owner or be banned in the U.S., meaning app stores like Apple and Google and internet hosting companies could face penalties from the government if they distribute or update TikTok. TikTok responded to the potential ban in the courts by suing the government in May, calling the law unconstitutional because the company claims it "subjects a single, named speech platform to a permanent, nationwide ban, and bars every American from participating in a unique online community with more than 1 billion people worldwide."
While the case is ongoing, the Jan. 19 deadline is swiftly approaching. That suit could help give TikTok a bit of leeway, putting the ban on hold until Trump is inaugurated and he has the power to potentially stop it.
Could Trump save TikTok?Trump has flipped his opinion on TikTok, from attempting to ban it through an executive order in 2020 to announcing "I'm gonna save TikTok" on the campaign trail in 2024. The president-elect, who was once a great enemy of the app, is now being painted as its savior.
Trump could indeed, at the very least, slow the ban from being enforced. Under the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, the president can extend the deadline by 90 days if there has been "significant progress toward a sale." Four people close to Trump say he’s going to try and stop it from happening, according to a report from The Washington Post.
SEE ALSO: Here's how the TikTok ban will likely play out in the courtsHowever, to fully repeal the law, Trump would need approval from Congress, which is anything but a clear way to success. The original law passed with wide bipartisan support — 352 in favor in the House of Representatives and 79 in the Senate. Without congressional support, he would have to ask his new attorney general — Matt Gaetz — to refuse to enforce the law.
TikTok is keeping calmIn the past, ban efforts (i.e., Trump's 2020 executive order) have resulted in a chorus of upset from users and creators on the platform. But, lately, it's been oddly quiet on the app — and it's not just creators who don't seem to be freaking out as much as you might expect.
ByteDance's valuation was set at $300 billion, one of its highest valuations to date, on Sunday. And The New York Times reports that employees seem pretty confident, too. "Inside TikTok, there has been little acknowledgment that the company might soon be banned in the United States, despite its thousands of employees here, according to four former employees who spoke on the condition of anonymity, citing nondisclosure agreements. Executives have, at times, made light of the possible ban, suggesting in one all-hands meeting that it would one day be the subject of a Hollywood film, three of the employees said," the Times reported.
One thing is clear: Despite the relatively calming reports from the app, things are still very much up in the air for the future of TikTok.
UPDATE: Nov. 19, 2024, 10:40 a.m. EST This article has been updated to include details of Amazon's Black Friday 2024 shopping event.
Have a Visa gift card that you keep forgetting to use? Black Friday is the perfect rainy day to break that bad boy out — you'll be able to squeeze way more out of those free funds when just about everything is on sale. And BTW, Amazon's Black Friday event kicks off Thursday, Nov. 21 and runs all the way through Cyber Monday on Dec. 2.
Adding a Visa gift card on Amazon isn't the process that you'd expect, though. While it is technically a gift card, it can't be registered as a gift card as an official Amazon gift card would. Rather, register the gift card like you would register a legit Visa debit or credit card to start using it as a payment method.
SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime How to add a Visa gift card to make purchases on AmazonStep 1: Go to Amazon on your phone, tablet, or computer and find your Account tab. On the mobile app, your Account lives in the little person icon in the middle at the bottom of the screen and in the three horizontal lines at the bottom right side of the screen. On a web browser, hover over Accounts & Lists at the top right corner of the webpage, then select Account from the dropdown menu that appears.
Step 2: Once there, scroll to find the Your Payments tab. This option will take you to your digital wallet where you can view your added payment methods.
Step 3: Click on Add a payment method. Because the gift card is a Visa, it functions like a regular debit or credit card, so scroll down to the credit or debit cards category to add the new card.
Step 4: You'll then be prompted to add the necessary card information like the card number and expiration date.
Step 5: Then, it'll ask for the Billing Address. Prepaid Visa gift cards aren't tied to a name or address, so you won't actually receive a billing statement. You can add your own address to be quick, or call the customer service number to get the card issuer's address.
SEE ALSO: Walmart vs. Amazon: Which retail giant has the best deals?There are a few caveats to consider when using a Visa gift card on Amazon. First, not all Visa gift cards may work as debit or credit cards on Amazon. Some may require users to use a CVV to authorize a purchase. Since Amazon doesn't ask for this information while adding payment methods, these Visa gift cards might not go through.
Also, Amazon doesn't allow users to combine multiple cards for a single transaction. This means that you can't cover your total with two Visa gift cards, or use up the remaining gift card balance as a partial payment and cover the rest with another credit or debit card. Keep an eye on your cart total as you chip away at it and make sure that the total order cost (including shipping and taxes) doesn't exceed the account balance.
There is, however, a workaround for tracking that Visa gift card balance. You can use the Visa gift card to add or reload funds on an Amazon gift card, which you can then apply toward future Amazon purchases. Once you add a Visa gift card as an Amazon payment method to your account by following the steps above, you can purchase an Amazon gift card for the full amount of the Visa gift card balance (taking into account any fees the Visa card may deduct upon use), or follow these steps to access your existing Amazon gift card balance and reload funds.
Opens in a new window Credit: Visa Add a Visa gift card to your Amazon account Learn MoreWe're just two days away from the kickoff of Amazon's official Black Friday sale, which runs from Nov. 21 through Dec. 2 (Cyber Monday). If you want to get a jump start on shopping, however, there are plenty of early deals you can grab. Some of our favorite brands, like LG and Samsung, have already dropped prices down to all-time lows, so why wait?
Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on Nov. 19. If you missed yesterday's picks, most of those are still live as well — including a new all-time low on the Oura Ring 3 Horizon.
Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (64GB, WiFi) $149.99 at AmazonNot everyone needs their tablet to compete with their computer. If you want a reliable tablet that can tackle basic everyday tasks proficiently without breaking the bank, check out the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+. It's not as fancy as the S9 lineup, but it still checks all the boxes a low-cost tablet should. Our sister site PCMag called it the "best low-cost Android tablet you can buy." It features an 11-inch display, quad speakers powered by Dolby Atmos, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor, and expandable storage up to 1TB. The 64GB option with WiFi is usually $219.99, but as of Nov. 19, it's down to a new record-low price of $149.99 with an on-page coupon. That's $10 cheaper than its previous all-time low.
Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Flip 6 $79.95 at AmazonIt's no secret that JBL makes great speakers. The ultra-portable Clip 5 and heftier Charge 5 both hold spots on our list of the best Bluetooth speakers. In between those, there's the Flip 6 — a rugged, portable, and powerful speaker that we also tested and loved. While it can't charge your devices like the Charge 5, it still boasts an IP67 waterproof and dustproof design, robust sound with deep bass that doesn't distort, adjustable EQ via the redesigned companion app, and roughly 12 hours of battery life. It's regularly $129.95, but as of Nov. 19, it's down to only $79.95. That's 38% in savings and a new record-low price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Ultra $79.99 at AmazonRoku's most powerful streaming player to date, the 2024 Roku Ultra dropped earlier this year with welcome performance upgrades on speed and WiFi, as well as a new and improved remote. It claims to be 30 percent faster than the previous generation and packs a quad-core processor that offers smooth HD, 4K, and HDR streaming on a zippier interface. It also has Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision support, a microSD slot for storing and streaming external media, an Ethernet port, and the Roku Voice Remote Pro with customizable shortcut keys. It was already our favorite Roku streaming device, but these upgrades make it even better. It's regularly $99.99, but you can get it on sale for just $79.99 as of Nov. 19. That's 20% in savings and just 99 cents away from its record-low.
Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 27-Inch StanbyMe $796.99 at AmazonA truly unique gadget with a lot of potential, the LG StanbyMe is on sale for its lowest price to date — down to $796.99 from $999.99. That's 20% in savings. It's essentially a 27-inch touch-screen monitor mounted on a wheeled floor stand that can rotate between portrait and landscape mode and roll from room to room, blurring the lines between a TV and a tablet. The resolution isn't the best at just 1080p, but depending on what you'd use it for, it may not be a dealbreaker. It can mirror your iPhone, run for three hours on battery power, stream all your favorite apps, and more. While our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) called it "a portable TV that could stand to be more," they couldn't deny its unique lifestyle design.
None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.
SAVE UP TO 30%: The REI Winter Sale has hiking, camping, travel, winter sports, and fitness gear on sale through Nov. 25.
Best REI Winter Sale deals Best fitness tracker deal Garmin vivoactive 5 $199.99 at REI (save $100.01) Get Deal Best camping deal REI Frostbreak 5 Sleeping Bag $104.25 at REI (save $44.75) Get Deal Best winter sports deal MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes $135.89 at REI (save $34.06) Get Deal Best travel deal Thule Compression Packing Cube Set $33.69 at REI (save $11.26) Get DealREI stands as one of the best outdoor retailers in the US. But it's famously rejected the notion that we should spend the holiday period of Thanksgiving at the mall. Since 2015, REI has closed its physical stores on Black Friday, adopting the slogan "Opt Outside," which encourages us (and REI employees) to take the day off as an opportunity to explore the outdoors. But since the weather in late November might be wet and cold, time outside requires good gear.
Thankfully, REI's Winter Sale is already underway, offering thousands of sale products that save you up to 30% through Nov. 25. The sale covers a massive range of products for camping, hiking, snow sports, and fitness trackers.
It's a great time to snag holiday gifts before the chaos of Black Friday arrives, which frees you up to enjoy a relaxing day off after Thanksgiving. If your holiday shopping list includes an outdoor enthusiast, the REI sale is worth checking out. Here are some of our top recommendations this year.
Best fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin vivoactive 5 $199.99 at REIThe Garmin vivoactive 5 fitness tracker is ideal for anyone looking to keep tabs on fitness goals, whether you plan on walking around the neighborhood more often or start training for a marathon in 2025. The bright, AMOLED display means you'll be able to easily view your stats while getting up to 11 days of battery life. The Garmin vivoactive 5 also features the brand's Body Battery readout, which gives you an energy score based on metrics like activity level and sleep quality. Plus, the vivoactive 5 not only tracks your sleep, it has automatic nap detection.
The Garmin vivoactive 5 is also great for those who use a wheelchair, offering a mode that tracks pushes instead of steps.
More fitness dealsGarmin Instinct 2 Solar GPS Watch — $299.99 $400 (save $100.01)
Thule Urban Glide 3 Stroller — $519.89 $649.95 (save $130.06)
Polar Vantage V3 fitness tracker — $569.99 $599.99 (save $30)
Winter camping can be one of the most rewarding experiences, with the right gear. You'll need a cozy and functional sleeping bag that's rated to handle chilly temps. Enter the REI Frostbreak 5 Sleeping Bag, which is on sale for only $104.29, down from the usual price of $149. Like the name implies, the Frostbreak 5 is rated to handle temps as low as five degrees Fahrenheit. The sleeping bag uses four layers of water-resistant synthetic fill to keep you cozy and warm during chilly nights.
With a mummy shape to the sleeping bag, the face muffler is also great for keeping warm, as is the draft tube which prevents any cold air from seeping in. The unisex sleeping bag comes in short, regular, and long size options so you can find the best fit.
More camping dealsGregory Alpaca Gear Box 45 — $44.89 $59.95 (save $15.06)
Nemo Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair — $149.89 $249.95 (save $100)
REI Base Camp 4 Tent — $331.79 $474 (save $142.21)
Snowy winter adventures await with the MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes which are 20% off during the REI Winter Sale, bringing them down to $135.89 instead of the usual $169.95. While snowshoeing on a crisp winter day can be fantastic, getting the snowshoes on is no one's favorite part. The MSR Evo Trail aims to make that process easier with two roller buckles and toe stops that are designed to be simple to secure, even while you're wearing gloves. The stretch bindings secure your feet comfortably without squeezing or causing pressure points. The pair weighs about four pounds, so it won't be a massive weight to strap to your backpack should you be hiking up to the snowline.
More snow sports dealsSmartwool Thermal Merino Reversible Neck Gaiter — $23.99 $32 (save $8.01)
Smith Rally Snow Goggles — $64.73 $90 (save $25.27)
Dakine Daytripper Snow Helmet — $71.19 $95 (save $23.81)
Rossignol Evo XT 55 Positrack Cross-Country Skis with Turnamic Bindlings — $174.89 $249.95 (save $74.97)
If you'll be heading off on adventures over the holidays or in 2025, a set of compression packing cubes can be a life-saver. With one small and one medium cube, the Thule Compression Packing Cube Set is on sale for just $33.69 which is a solid 25% discount compared to the normal price of $44.95. Compression cubes help minimize space when packing clothing, so you can take along more outfits in less space. Thule uses high-quality YKK zippers for better durability and a rip-stop nylon material that's also water-repellant.
More travel dealsSea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag — $37.39 $49.95 (save $12.56)
Cotopaxi Coso 2-liter Hip Pack — $44.99 $60 (save $15.01)
REI Big Haul 30-inch Rolling Duffel — $195.29 $279 (save $83.71)
We've warned you about QR code scams before. Now, we're warning you about a new QR code scam – one that may show up in your physical mailbox.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in Switzerland has issued a new alert based on a new scheme from hackers and scammers that weaponizes the postal service. The scam involves a physical piece of mail arriving at a target's door, urging them to download an app.
The app, which can be downloaded via a QR code displayed on the mailer, is actually malware disguised as a legitimate app that can steal data from the user's device.
A new type of QR code scamThe hackers and scammers behind this fraudulent scheme imitate Switzerland's Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology, right down to the official governmental seals on the mailed document. The mailer urges recipients to scan the QR code in order to download a "Severe Weather Warning App" for Android devices.
When the QR code is scanned, users aren't taken to the official Google Play store, but instead a third-party site. Once there, they are asked to download an "AlertSwiss" app.
As first reported on by The Register, there are some obvious discrepancies between the hacker's app and the real one that it copies. There is a genuine government app with the same name, but it's called "Alertswiss," without the capitalized "S." In addition, while the fake app attempts to mimic the app logo, it isn't exactly the same.
The fake app, when downloaded, installs a "variant of the Coper trojan" malware on the target's device. This malware can log the user's activity on the device, stealing passwords, messages, notifications, as well as other sensitive information. In addition, phishing pages can be automatically displayed on the infected device as well.
NCSC told The Register that this was the first time it had ever come across malware being delivered via physical mail in this way.
Unlike email, there is a cost associated with sending each piece of physical mail, so this attack method must be delivering some level of success to the scammers behind it.
If bad actors aren't already looking at replicating this campaign outside of Switzerland yet, this warning should serve as an important notice to be on the look out for QR code scams being sent to your physical address in the not-so-distant future.
SAVE $150: As of Nov. 19, the Asus ROG Ally gaming handheld with AMD Ryzen Z1 processor, 512GB storage, and 7-inch FHD 120Hz display is just $349.99, down from $499.99, at Target. That's a 30% discount and the lowest price we've seen.
Opens in a new window Credit: Target Asus ROG Ally $349.99 at TargetBlack Friday may still be over a week away, but that hasn't stopped retailers like Target from serving up some of the best deals we've seen, particularly when it comes to gaming and tech. If you've been holding off on getting a handheld gaming PC, now's the time to do so, since the Asus ROG Ally just dropped to its lowest price yet.
As of Nov. 19, the Asus ROG Ally is on sale for $349.99 at Target, down from its usual price of $499.99. That's a discount of $150, or 30% off. This is the lowest price we've tracked for the handheld so far, so now's a great time to lock yours in.
SEE ALSO: The best early gaming laptop deals you can snag ahead of Black Friday 2024This handheld gaming PC is a Steam Deck competitor that won't break the bank. It's powered by an AMD Ryzen Z1 processor, has 512GB SSD and 16GB of RAM, and has a 7-inch 1080p touchscreen that runs at a 120Hz refresh rate with FreeSync. Suffice to say, this bad boy can handle just about any game you throw at it, though it will eat up your battery pretty quickly if you're playing while on the go.
But you don't have to use it as a handheld; you can also hook it up to a TV or monitor, so you have a gaming PC wherever you go or wherever you stay. It can even quick charge up to 50% battery in 30 minutes, so you don't have to wait long to get your next session in. At this price, you'll want to act fast, so snag yours while it's still up for grabs at Target.
Save up to 37%: As of Nov. 19, more Lego deals hit Walmart ahead of Black Friday.
Best new early Black Friday Lego deals at Walmart: Best Lego gift deal overall Lego Dreamzzz Crocodile Car $27.00 (Save $14.77) Get Deal Best budget Lego deal Lego City Space Explorers Pack $20.00 (Save $11.99) Get Deal Best large Lego Walmart deal Lego City Deep-Sea Explorer Submarine Building Set $70.00 (Save $39.99) Get DealWith early Black Friday sales unfolding at Walmart and beyond, now is the time to start ticking gifts off the holiday shopping list. Any parent with a Lego-obsessed kid knows the sound of Legos scraping in the box. There are few better times throughout the year to add more Legos to the war chest.
Lego has tons of great options, from exclusives like Lego Dreamzzz to franchise sets. Whether you’re shopping for an engineer, a collector, or a Minecraft-obsessed kid, there's sure to be a set they'll love.
Best Lego gift deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Dreamzzz Crocodile Car $35.00 at WalmartWe love this surrealist Lego Dreamzzz Crocodile Car set that ushers kids into a customizable dream world. The main component is a fire spitting car/beast with four legs, a tail, and a huge blue gator maw. True to dreamland, the set also comes with a black-clad motorcyclist on a pink winged bike, as well as a minion on a fire spitting scooter.
Dreamzzz is about ushering kids into a fantasy dream world, so when they’re done with their crocodile car, the set offers alternate builds, with the car becoming a truck and mini-boat. If you’re buying for someone who like offbeat fantasy, this set is the way to go.
Best budget Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego City Space Explorers Pack $20.00 at WalmartLooking for a smaller Lego set? The Lego City Space Explorers Pack is value-priced but mighty. With a mech, hover scooter, and an agile space craft, this multi-set ushers kids into future space exploration, and comes with a few set pieces to create the scene, including air and land drones and blue crystals on rock.
With 426 pieces, this three-in-one set is a real Lego value pack. Get it for $20 and save 35%.
Best large Lego Walmart deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego City Deep-Sea Explorer Submarine Building Set $70.00 at WalmartLearn the secrets of the sea with the Lego City Deep-Sea Explorer Submarine Set. Can this advanced submarine, aqueous mech, and diver squad make it into the shark infested undersea wreckage without getting chomped? As with all Lego, there are many ways for it to play out.
Right now this Lego City submarine set is available for $70 — buy it now and save $39.99.
Apple's list of top podcasts for the year is in and it's...not very surprising.
The most popular podcast of the year in the U.S., according to Apple, was the New York Times' The Daily, followed by Crime Junkie, and The Joe Rogan Experience in the third spot.
SEE ALSO: Apple Podcasts are now available on the webThe full list is as follows:
Apple's top podcasts of 2024The Daily
Crime Junkie
The Joe Rogan Experience
Dateline NBC
SmartLess
Huberman Lab
This American Life
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Up First from NPR
Morbid
Apple actually shared 10 different top lists, including the list of Top New Shows (headed by The Tucker Carlson Show), Top Series (with Serial on top), and Most Shared Shows (with the first places belonging to Huberman Lab).
You can check out all the 2024 top charts in the Browse tab in the Podcasts app. In some markets, you can also check out Apple's curated collection of "standout" shows called Shows We Love.
The company hasn't yet revealed the Show of the Year; that's coming on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
Check out all of Apple's top lists (so far), below:
Apple's top new podcasts of 2024The Tucker Carlson Show
Three
Mortal Sin
Drowning Creek
The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke
Blood is Thicker: The Hargan Family Killings
Noble
Murder in the Hollywood Hills
Hysterical
Who Killed JFK?
Serial
Up and Vanished
Three
The Bakersfield Three
CounterClock
Something Was Wrong
Dr. Death
The Binge Cases
Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra
The Binge Crimes
Crime Junkie: “SERIAL KILLER: The Alphabet Murders Part 1”
The Joe Rogan Experience: “#2219 - Donald Trump”
The Daily: “Harris Baits Trump: Inside Their Fiery Debate”
Dateline NBC: “Dangerous Secret”
The Bakersfield Three: “Episode 1: Fight Like a Mother”
SmartLess: “Vince Vaughn”
Three: “Skylar Is Missing | Chapter 1”
Serial: “Serial S04 - Ep. 1: Poor Baby Raul”
Mortal Sin: “1 – Ashes to Ashes”
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce: “Travis Wins on the Road, Jason Celebrates Shirtless and Full Divisional Round Recap | Ep 75”
Huberman Lab
Scamanda
Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus
The Daily
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
The Bible Recap
The Mel Robbins Podcast
Sold a Story
Who Killed JFK?
Crime Junkie
The Tucker Carlson Show: “Calley & Casey Means: The Truth About Ozempic, the Pill, and How Big Pharma Keeps You Sick”
The Mel Robbins Podcast: “The #1 Menopause Doctor: How to Lose Belly Fat, Sleep Better, & Stop Suffering Now”
The Daily: “The Year of Taylor Swift”
Huberman Lab: “Dr. Stacy Sims: Female-Specific Exercise & Nutrition for Health, Performance & Longevity”
The Joe Rogan Experience: “#2219 - Donald Trump”
The Ezra Klein Show: “Is Tim Walz the Midwestern Dad Democrats Need?”
Honestly with Bari Weiss: “Why the Kids Aren’t Alright”
We Can Do Hard Things: “263. Healing from Emotionally Immature Parents with Lindsay C. Gibson”
Call Her Daddy: “Vice President Kamala Harris”
Good Inside with Dr. Becky: “The Anxious Generation with Jonathan Haidt”
The Joe Rogan Experience
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Huberman Lab
Call Her Daddy
The Tucker Carlson Show
The Mel Robbins Podcast
SmartLess
Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Crime Junkie
The Daily
Apple News+ Narrated
Morbid
Dateline NBC
The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke
Dr. Death
SmartLess
Something Was Wrong
Scamtown
American Scandal
Mortal Sin
Wondery
iHeartPodcasts
The New York Times
audiochuck
SiriusXM Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Dear Media
iHeart True Crime
Scicomm Media
Cumulus Podcast Network
Too often, a curious teen comes across the wrong Instagram influencers or accounts and finds their feed flooded with similar suggestions.
It could've been a relatively harmless foray into content they don't want to see all day, every day, like horror movie fan accounts. Or, it could be something more dangerous, such as influencers promoting disordered eating or certain conspiracy theories.
SEE ALSO: Your Instagram Story Highlights might be moving to the gridNow teens will finally have a way to cleanse their feed of recommended content, which is based on their recent activity and who they follow. On Tuesday, Instagram announced that it's testing a "reset" feature.
The tool, slated to roll out globally after a short testing period, will be accessible in the content preferences menu. With three clicks, users will be able to clear out suggestions for Instagram's Explore, Reels, and Feed products. During the process, users will be prompted to review and unfollow accounts they don't care for any longer.
How to reset your Instagram content recommendations. Credit: MetaTeens also won't be the only ones to take advantage of resetting their content recommendations. Instagram is making the feature available to everyone, ostensibly because a feed full of uninspiring or mismatched suggestions isn't only a teen problem.
Instagram already allows users to curate their recommendations by labeling specific posts as "interested" and "not interested," as well as hide content with captions that contain certain words or phrases.
Instagram has also debuted other features related to teen safety and well-being in recent months.
In September, it launched restrictive "Teen Accounts" for users under 16. Last month, the platform announced tools to combat financial sextortion, which devastates victims and largely affects teens.
Instagram's parent company, Meta, is a defendant in a lawsuit against it and other major social media platforms. The complaint alleges that the companies' products exploit children and adolescents, including by exposing them to an "algorithmically-generated, endless feed" to keep them scrolling. Meta has disputed the claims.
There's been a veritable avalanche of great games in 2024, and the big hitters are now up for the gold.
The nominations for The Game Awards were announced on Monday evening, with Game of the Year nominees Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Balatro, Black Myth: Wukong, Astro Bot, Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree, and Metaphor: ReFantazio dominating the list.
Indie games like Life is Strange: Double Exposure, Neva, Indika, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, Manor Lords, Pacific Drive, and more are all up for awards, and major releases like Helldivers 2, Silent Hill 2, Star Wars Outlaws, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 are up for awards too — though not Game of the Year.
And for TV fans, Arcane, Fallout, Knuckles, Like a Dragon: Yakuza, and Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft are all nominated for Best Adaptation.
SEE ALSO: The 10 best video games of 2024 (so far)Notably, one of the biggest snubs was BioWare's excellent Dragon Age: The Veilguard, which only landed one nomination this year for Innovation in Accessibility. I'm sure complete and utter icon Taash would have something to say about this.
Here are the nominations for The Game Awards 2024 — have you played them all?
Game of the YearAstro Bot
Balatro
Black Myth: Wukong
Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Best Game DirectionAstro Bot
Balatro
Black Myth: Wukong
Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Best NarrativeFinal Fantasy VII Rebirth
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Metaphor: ReFantanzio
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
Silent Hill 2
Best Art DirectionAstro Bot
Black Myth: Wukong
Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Neva
Best Score and MusicAstro Bot
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Silent Hill 2
Stellar Blade
Best Audio DesignAstro Bot
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
Silent Hill 2
Best PerformanceBriana White, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Hannah Telle, Life is Strange: Double Exposure
Humberly González, Star Wars Outlaws
Luke Roberts, Silent Hill 2
Melina Juergens, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
Innovation in AccessibilityCall of Duty: Black Ops 6
Diablo IV
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Star Wars Outlaws
Games for ImpactCloser the Distance
Indika
Neva
Life is Strange: Double Exposure
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
Tales of Kenzera: Zau
Best Ongoing GameDestiny 2
Diablo IV
Final Fantasy XIV
Fortnite
Helldivers 2
Best Community SupportBaldur's Gate 3
Final Fantasy XIV
Fortnite
Helldivers 2
No Man’s Sky
Best Independent GameAnimal Well
Balatro
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes
Neva
UFO 50
Best Debut Indie GameBalatro
Animal Well
Manor Lords
Pacific Drive
The Plucky Squire
SEE ALSO: 6 of the coolest upcoming indie games at SXSW Sydney 2024 Best Mobile GameAFK Journey
Balatro
Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket
Wuthering Waves
Zenless Zone Zero
Best VR/AR GameArizona Sunshine Remake
Asgard's Wrath 2
Batman: Arkham Shadow
Metal: Hellsinger VR
Metro Awakening
Featured Video For You CES 2024: The AR glasses that let you game on the go Best Action GameBlack Myth: Wukong
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Helldivers 2
Stellar Blade
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Best Action/Adventure GameAstro Bot
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Silent Hill 2
Star Wars Outlaws
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Best RPGDragon’s Dogma 2
Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Best Fighting GameDragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising
Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics
MultiVersus
Tekken 8
Best Family GameAstro Bot
Princess Peach Showtime
Super Mario Party Jamboree
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
The Plucky Squire
Best Sim/Strategy GameAge of Mythology: Retold
Frostpunk 2
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
Manor Lords
Unicorn Overlord
Best Sports/Racing GameF1 24
EA Sports FC 25
NBA 2K25
Top Spin 2K25
WWE 2K24
Best Multiplayer GameCall of Duty: Black Ops 6
Helldivers 2
Super Mario Party Jamboree
Tekken 8
Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2
Best AdaptationArcane
Fallout
Knuckles
Like a Dragon: Yakuza
Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft
Most Anticipated GameDeath Stranding 2: On the Beach
Ghost of Yotei
Grand Theft Auto VI
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Monster Hunter Wilds
Content Creator of the YearCaseOh
IlloJuan
Techno Gamerz
TypicalGamer
Usada Pekora
Best Esports GameCounter-Strike 2
DOTA 2
League of Legends
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
Valorant
Best Esports Athlete33
Aleksib
Chovy
Faker
ZyWoO
ZmjjKk
Best Esports TeamBilibili Gaming (League of Legends)
Gen.G (League of Legends)
NAVI (Counter-Strike)
T1 (League of Legends)
Team Liquid (DOTA 2)
The Game Awards will be announced on Dec. 12 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. The event will be streaming live on The Game Awards website.
We make a lot of noise about all the tech deals you can bag during Black Friday, and it's true that you can find low prices on TVs, laptops, headphones, speakers, and just about everything else on your shopping list during this busy period. But what about tools? Is Black Friday the best time to find deals on everything you need to build out your toolkit? Of course it is.
Home Depot is offering a bunch of buy one, get one free deals on cordless tools this Black Friday. Decent tools are seriously expensive, so the opportunity to pick up a tool for free is surely worth your consideration.
SEE ALSO: Best Buy is treating most of November like Black FridayWe've gone ahead and checked out everything on offer from Home Depot, and lined up a selection of standout deals. We've included big discounts on popular brands like Milwaukee, Ryobi, DeWalt, and Makita. So whether you're a professional, DIY enthusiast, or an absolutely hopeless amateur, there is a deal for you right here.
These are the best deals on cordless tools this Black Friday.
Best deals on MilwaukeeMilwaukee 18-Volt Cordless Router — free with Milwaukee Battery Starter Kit
Milwaukee 18-Volt Cordless Jig Saw — free with Milwaukee Battery Starter Kit
Milwaukee 18-Volt Angle Grinder — free with Milwaukee Battery Starter Kit
Ryobi 18-Volt Oscillating Tool — free with Ryobi Battery Starter Kit
Ryobi 18-Volt Reciprocating Saw — free with Ryobi Battery Starter Kit
Ryobi 18-Volt Power Scrubber — free with Ryobi Battery Starter Kit
DeWalt 18-Volt Router — free with DeWalt Battery Starter Kit
DeWalt 18-Volt Planer — free with DeWalt Battery Starter Kit
Dewalt 18-Volt Jigsaw — free with DeWalt Battery Starter Kit
Makita 18-Volt Jigsaw — free with Makita Battery Starter Kit
Makita 18-Volt Square-Drive Ratchet Nut Driver — free with Makita Battery Starter Kit
Makita 18-Volt Angle Grinder — free with Makita Battery Starter Kit
Ridgid 18-Volt Oscillating Tool — free with Ridgid Battery Starter Kit
Ridgid 18-Volt Orbiting Sander Tool — free with Ridgid Battery Starter Kit
Ridgid 18-Volt Circular Saw — free with Ridgid Battery Starter Kit
The Daily Mini Crossword is one of the many popular daily word games available on Mashable. Powered by Arkadium, the mini crossword offers a speed round of puzzle fun with clues that are sure to challenge experienced crossword enthusiasts.
But there's no need to let the challenge get in the way of your enjoyment! If moments are turning to minutes after getting stuck on a clue, find the answers you need to progress right here.
And when you're done, check out the many other word games you can play on Mashable, including a full-size crossword.
Also, if you get stuck on any other daily word games, such as Wordle, Connections, or Strands — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for November 18 SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableHere are the clues and answers to Daily Mini Crossword for Tuesday, November 19, 2024:
AcrossAuction offThe answer is Sell.
The answer is Anoxia.
The answer is Carhop.
The answer is Titans.
The answer is OrElse.
The answer is Rare.
The answer is Sorter.
The answer is Exhale.
The answer is Lions.
The answer is Lapse.
The answer is Actor.
The answer is Naira.
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 GamesAre 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.
TL;DR: Give the gift of portable sound with the JBL Clip 5 Bluetooth speaker — now just $59.99 (reg. $79.95) for a limited time.
Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Clip 5 Ultra-Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Open Box) $59.99 at the Mashable ShopAre you on the hunt for something to really wow the music lover or outdoor enthusiast on your shopping list? The JBL Clip 5 Ultra-Portable Bluetooth Speaker can help elevate every adventure with rich, punchy JBL Pro Sound in a compact, durable design. Mashable has named JBL Clip speakers some of the best Bluetooth speakers in the world, praising them for their portability and surprisingly full sound.
At just $59.99, this new, open-box speaker offers big sound and ideal portability, making it a fantastic gift for anyone who loves music on the go. New, open-box items are typically excess inventory from store shelves.
The JBL Clip 5 features an upgraded carabiner clip that can attach to just about anything, so your tunes are always within reach. The IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating ensures it’s ready to handle the elements, whether clipped to a backpack during a mountain hike or set up poolside for a day in the sun.
With an impressive 12 hours of playtime on a single charge and an optional Playtime Boost for extra volume, it’s ready to keep the music flowing all day.
But it’s not just about the sound. The JBL Clip 5 is also smartly designed for flexibility. Pair it with another Clip 5 or other JBL Auracast-enabled speakers to create a wider, more immersive audio experience for your next gathering. And with the JBL Portable app, users can adjust EQ settings to fine-tune their audio for the perfect sound. This speaker is ultra-portable, ultra-durable, and ultra-ready for almost anything.
Whether picking one up for yourself or grabbing a couple for the audiophiles in your life, this price on a new JBL speaker is a can't-miss.
Get a JBL Clip 5 Ultra-Portable Bluetooth Speaker for just $59.99 (regularly $79.95) while supplies last at the Mashable Shop.
JBL Clip 5 Ultra-Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Open Box) - $59.99 | Get It Here
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Transform your online productivity with Merlin AI’s 26-in-1 assistant — research, create, and organize for just $99 a year.
It was only a couple of years ago that ChatGPT blew our collective minds. So, it's pretty cool to see how much the AI service world has expanded in a couple of short years.
Merlin AI is a powerful new AI assistant that combines 26 different tools right in your browser, and it's always ready to help you research, summarize, and create content at lightning speed. And for a limited time, you can get a one-year subscription for just $99 (regularly $228).
Whether you’re researching complex topics, creating social media posts, or summarizing long reports, Merlin is on call — no more juggling multiple tabs or switching between all the different AI tools.
With instant access to top AI models like Chat GPT-4, Claude, and Gemini, Merlin gives you real-time answers to nearly any question. Imagine being able to chat with any website, document, or PDF to pull out exactly the information you need.
With one click, Merlin can analyze and summarize web content, YouTube videos, or lengthy articles, helping you skip the fluff and get to the essentials. And if you’re active on LinkedIn or X (formerly Twitter), Merlin can even generate personalized content and replies for maximum engagement, with no extra apps required.
Merlin is also a creative powerhouse with its Merlin Projects and Merlin Crafts features. You can turn your own data into a personalized AI assistant for easy access to information or use Merlin Crafts to generate professional content that’s ready to share. Ideal for professionals, students, and anyone looking to streamline their digital life, Merlin is here to save you time and transform the way you work online.
Explore all this tool has to offer and grab it while it's on sale.
Get a one-year subscription to Merlin AI for just $99 (regularly $228).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Merlin Merlin AI: 1-Year Subscription $99.00TL;DR: This 2-pack of Apple-compatible Smart Trackers comes with key rings for just $34.99 (reg. $69.98) for a limited time.
Opens in a new window Credit: Ethos Smart Tracker with Key Ring - Works with Apple Find My App (2-Pack) $34.99 at the Mashable ShopFinding a truly thoughtful gift can be challenging, but here’s an idea that combines practicality with tech-savviness — a 2-pack of Smart Trackers for just $34.99. An ideal present for busy friends, family travelers, or anyone prone to misplacing their essentials, these trackers are a reliable alternative to Apple’s AirTags for less.
These sleek Smart Trackers work seamlessly with Apple’s Find My app, letting you easily track down your keys, wallet, luggage, and even your pet. Lightweight and compact, they attach to just about anything and connect via Bluetooth to your smartphone, providing instant updates and precise directions for locating items at the tap of a button.
With customizable alerts, you’ll receive reminders for your essential items, helping you avoid that sinking feeling when you realize you left something important behind.
These trackers also offer simplicity and reliability. The Apple Find My integration means iPhone users can keep tabs on valuables with one app without juggling multiple tools. Plus, the massive reach of the Apple Find My network means that if your items do get lost, you're more likely to find them.
And they're made to be incredibly easy to set up and use, which means everyone from the tech-averse to the gadget enthusiast can use them. And with a long-lasting battery and durable design, these trackers offer peace of mind on the go, whether you’re traveling across the world or just tackling a busy day.
So, if you’re looking for unique, useful stocking stuffers that won’t break the bank, this 2-pack of Bluetooth Smart Trackers is a fantastic choice. Get them on sale for just $34.99 (reg. $69.98) for a limited time.
Smart Tracker Includes Key Ring - Works with Apple Find My App (2-Pack) - $34.99 | Get It Here
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Don't miss this Grade-A refurbished MacBook Air for just $399.99 (reg. $1,099), on sale at the Mashable Shop until supplies run out.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 13.3" (2019) 1.6GHz i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Silver (Refurbished) $399.99 at the Mashable ShopIf someone on your holiday shopping list is hoping for a MacBook this year, we have got a solid option for you. This Grade-A refurbished Apple MacBook Air from 2019 is an affordable workhorse of a laptop.
For just $399.99 (originally $1,099), you can own a MacBook Air that’s terrific for everyday tasks like browsing, multitasking, and getting work done. Quantities are very limited, so once they’re gone, they’re gone.
The 2019 MacBook Air is both powerful and portable. Its 13.3-inch Retina display offers vibrant colors and clear visuals, all adjusted by True Tone for a more natural look. Its Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost lets you breeze through daily tasks and projects, while the battery can last up to 12 hours—meaning it’s ready to keep up with you from morning to night.
And at only 2.75 pounds, this MacBook Air slips easily into a bag, making it an easy travel companion.
You or your giftee will enjoy the convenience of Touch ID for secure login, two Thunderbolt 3 ports for lightning-fast data transfer, and a 720p FaceTime HD camera for staying connected. With Grade-A refurbished quality, this MacBook arrives in near-mint condition, ready to deliver Apple’s signature performance and design without the hefty price tag.
If you’re after a reliable, stylish laptop that covers all the basics, this MacBook Air is a fantastic choice.
This grade-A refurbished MacBook Air (2019) is just $399.99 (reg. $1,099) while stock is still available.
Apple MacBook Air 13.3" (2019) 1.6GHz i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Silver (Refurbished) - $399.99 | Get It Here
StackSocial prices subject to change.
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