Mashable

If you do a quick online search for Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses right now, you'll find that the wearable is mostly marketed for its quick photo capturing and livestreaming capabilities.

However, at the Meta Connect 2024 event on Wednesday, Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg didn't have too much to say about photos and videos during the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses section of the presentation.

SEE ALSO: Everything announced at Meta Connect 2024

In fact, Zuckerberg introduced the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses primarily as an AI device.

"Glasses are a new AI device category," Zuckerberg said, noting that his company has just caught up with the consumer demand for Meta smart glasses after sales took off faster than he said he expected.

Aside from a new limited edition Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses device with clear transparent frames, there weren't any new smart glasses hardware announcements from Meta. 

Credit: Meta

However, Zuckerberg did share several new features that he said were coming to the Meta smart glasses in a set of updates releasing over the next couple of months — all of them AI related.

Meta AI is already integrated into Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses in much the same way other companies' voice assistant's are integrated into their devices. But, according to Zuckerberg, new updates will make these interactions "more natural and conversational."

"Hey Meta" instead of "Look and tell me."

For example, currently, users have to prompt their Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses with the phrase "look and tell me" when they have a question. Zuckerberg's demo showcased how users will no longer have to do that. Users will just need to activate the feature with the "Hey Meta" prompt and then ask their question. Meta AI will automatically know the question is in regards to whatever the user is looking at through the glasses.

Furthermore, after the initial "Hey Meta," Meta AI will no longer require that users start each prompt with that phrase. Meta AI will be able to continue interacting with users.

Live Translation on Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses 

The latter feature is similar to what's been seen in other smart glasses when it comes to translations. A user can access live real-time audio translations of another language through the glasses when conversing with another person. The demo seemed to work nearly perfectly at Meta Connect when translating from Spanish to English and English to Spanish.

Credit: Meta Multimodal AI prompts

Zuckerberg explained the multimodal video AI feature through a demo showing a user trying on outfits to wear. Through this feature, Meta AI was able to offer fashion advice and suggestions based on the user's outfit and their specific question about it.

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses will also soon be able to automatically remember things for users. The example showcased at Meta Connect involved Meta AI recalling the parking space number where the user parked their car. The user did not have to prompt Meta AI to do that. It naturally appeared to remember the number because the user viewed it through the glasses.

Credit: Meta

Adding on to that feature is a similar Meta AI capability where Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses users will soon be able to look at a flier or advertisement and ask the smart glasses to call the phone number or scan the relevant QR code. The glasses can also automatically remember those things as well if a user wants to go back to what they previously viewed through the glasses at a later time.

Other updates coming to Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses include the ability to voice control Spotify and Amazon Music through the device as well as new integrations with apps like Audible and iHeartRadio.

Partnership with Be My Eyes for blind and low vision users Credit: Meta

Meta also announced a partnership with Be My Eyes, a mobile app that connects blind and low-vision people with volunteers via live video to talk through what's in front of them. The app will work directly through Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses and volunteers will be able to see through the user's glasses in order to provide assistance.

Google and Roblox are teaming up to combine the worlds of play and internet safety, as the companies announce a brand new gaming experience teaching young Roblox players how to better navigate the internet.

Be Internet Awesome World, a new initiative of Google's Be Internet Awesome program, invites young users into a colorful, magical world full of "Internauts" who help players work through real-world scenarios and online risks. It's a reimagining of the tech company's current safety curriculum, developed alongside organizations like the Family Online Safety Institute, the Internet KeepSafe Coalition, and Connect Safely.

"Roblox is one of the most popular online gaming platforms, with over 79.5 million daily active users," wrote Google. "Working with Roblox helps Google to reach kids where they’re already spending time to teach them the basics of online safety."

SEE ALSO: X just released its first transparency report in years. Here's what they aren't saying.

As they play through the various in-world games — which see avatars flying through forests and navigating desert castles — players will learn important safety tips and critical thinking skills related to a variety of internet safety topics, including how to identify phishing attempts and opportunities to practice how to be a kind and thoughtful digital citizen, explained the company.

Google's learning-through-gaming strategy joins other efforts to address continued threats to young people online. The company announced a $10 million Teen Mental Health Initiative in August, and has previously launched tailored AI literacy resources for teens and beyond. These efforts come in response to growing concern about the negative impact of both bad actors and digital technologies on children's wellbeing.

Meta's big event, called Meta Connect, took place on Wednesday and with it came lots of news.

While it might not draw the same excitement as an Apple Event, it certainly wasn't without headlines and developments. Chief among them: the Meta Quest 3S and the Orion glasses.

Mashable covered all the big news in detail. Here's everything that was announced as well as links to further coverage and more in-depth analysis.

Meet the Meta Quest 3S

Meta announced its new headset that promised good performance at a reduced price. The Quest 3S starts at $299.99, which is hundreds of bucks cheaper than Meta's other headsets. You should be still be able to do all the main attractions of an AR-headset, however, like play games and watch movies.

The Meta Quest 3S is available to preorder now.

Meta's AI gets the celeb treatment

Didn't you always want an AI assistant with a celebrity voice? Well, even if you didn't, it's here. Meta AI will now be able to answer questions out loud in the voice of a number of famous folks like John Cena, Awkwafina, Dame Judi Dench, Keegan-Michael Key, and Kristen Bell.

Mashable's Christianna Silva has all the details.

Meta's Ray-Ban glasses get AI updates

Meta announced a number of improvements to their Ray-Ban glasses. The glasses already featured cameras for taking photos and videos, as well as the capability to listen to audio. But now the AI features should be able to help with things like remembering where you parked your car, record or send messages, and translate speech in real-time.

Story is developing and will be updated.

At Meta Connect, Mark Zuckerberg introduced Orion, Meta’s cutting-edge AR glasses that the company hopes might reshape the future of computing. Unlike traditional AR headsets, the Orion glasses are purportedly lightweight at less than 100 grams, and feature a wide field-of-view holographic display.

Orion lets users interact with virtual objects overlaid on the real world, all without isolating them from their surroundings.

SEE ALSO: Meta Quest 3S announced, adds cheaper headset to Meta line

Orion’s display architecture uses tiny projectors in the arms of the glasses to beam light into waveguide lenses, creating holograms at various depths and sizes. One of early testers shown during the presentation called it "the craziest technology" they’ve ever experienced. Other reactions shown during a montage Zuckerberg shared during his keynote were similarly ecstatic.

The glasses are designed to keep users connected to the physical world while interacting with digital content, allowing for everything from viewing messages to playing holographic games.

Credit: Meta

The glasses, currently codenamed Orion, will initially serve as a developer kit for internal use and select partners. Zuckerberg says Meta aims to refine its software and build diverse content before launching a consumer-ready version. With features like eye and hand-tracking, voice control, and a "neural interface" controlled by a wrist device, Orion offers a seamless, hands-free way to interact with the digital world.

Meta seems to be focused on perfecting the technology for a mainstream audience, rather than releasing a retail product. The current iteration won’t be made available to consumers, but Zuckerberg said future versions will be more fashionable and affordable.

"Orion is a time machine," Zuckerberg said. "These glasses exist. They are awesome. And they are a glimpse of a future that I think is going to be pretty exciting."

One of the best early (or early-ish) VR headsets is dead.

Meta has discontinued the Quest 2 and Quest Pro headsets, as reported by TechCrunch. The news came shortly after the reveal of the new Quest 3S, which starts at $299 and more or less negates the Quests 2 and Pro with its inclusion of full-color passthrough and mixed reality features.

SEE ALSO: Meta Quest 3S announced, adds cheaper headset to Meta line

While the Quest 2 wasn't the first VR headset to work without a powerful gaming PC (obviously, there was a Quest 1), its sub-$500 price tag (which included controllers) at launch in 2019 made it an incredibly appealing option for the VR-curious. For many, the Quest 2 may have provided their first VR experience. The Quest Pro never seemed to catch on quite as much, most likely due to its $1,499 price tag, but its full-color passthrough and AR features felt ahead of their time.

SEE ALSO: Where to preorder the Meta Quest 3S

But the Quest 3S seems, on paper, better than both without being overwhelmingly expensive. At least there's that.

The Federal Trade Commission announced Tuesday a new law enforcement effort called Operation AI Comply. As part of the sweep, it took action against multiple companies that used artificial intelligence to "supercharge" deceptive products and services.

The cases involved AI-generated fake reviews, "the world's first robot lawyer," and online storefront schemes.

The FTC said in a statement that consumers lost tens of millions of dollars, lured by the promise that AI-enabled problem-solving and automation would save them time, money, and, in the e-commerce cases, lead to increased earnings.

Ultimately, the companies didn't deliver on their claims, and knew they were deceiving customers.

"Using AI tools to trick, mislead, or defraud people is illegal," said Lina M. Khan, the agency's chair. "The FTC's enforcement actions make clear that there is no AI exemption from the laws on the books."

SEE ALSO: Could an AI chatbot talk you out of believing a conspiracy theory?

The FTC's complaint against Rytr, the company that offered the AI writing service, describes how subscribers could generate effectively fake reviews that had no basis in their user's input. The FTC said that, in many cases, the AI-generated reviews included false information that would deceive consumers interested in purchasing a certain product. Some of Rytr's subscribers created thousands of reviews that potentially featured inaccuracies.

The FTC argued that Rytr offered a service capable of disseminating a "glut of fake reviews that would harm both consumers and honest competitors." The FTC has proposed barring Rytr from advertising, promoting, marketing, or selling a service related to generating consumer reviews or testimonials in the future. The agency banned AI-generated and fake reviews in August.

As part of Operation AI Comply, the FTC took action against DoNotPay, a company that told consumers its AI robot could help them "sue for assault without a lawyer" and "generate perfectly valid legal documents in no time." While the company billed the service as "the world's first robot lawyer," it didn't conduct testing to compare its AI chatbot to a human lawyer. Nor did it have attorneys on staff.

Instead, the company told customers that it could check a small business's website for violations of federal and state law, a feature that was not effective.

The FTC also filed complaints against three companies that preyed on people looking to open online storefronts, including on TikTok, Walmart, Amazon, and Etsy. These business typically charged a significant fee to start an online store powered by proprietary software and AI that could boost their earnings. Some customers were required to purchase inventory that didn't sell.

One company, FBA Machine, promised customers they could operate a "7-figure business" that would be "risk-free." It falsely guaranteed refunds to customers who fell short of recouping their initial investment, which the FTC said ranged from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. In total, customers lost nearly $16 million to the scheme.

Another company, Ascend Ecom, told customers that they could start stores that would eventually produce a five-figure monthly income, thanks to its "cutting edge" AI tools. The FTC estimated that the scheme defrauded customers of at least $25 million.

Meta is launching a new entry-level version of its flagship virtual reality headset ahead of the holidays, and preorders begin today (Sept. 25).

Unveiled at the company's Connect developer conference Wednesday, the upcoming Meta Quest 3S is nearly identical to the Meta Quest 3, save for a couple of small downgrades — and a $200 cheaper price tag.

• The Quest 3S has a 1832 x 1920 resolution display with 773 pixels per inch (ppi) and 20 pixels per degree (ppd), as opposed to the 2064 x 2208 resolution display with 1218ppi and 25ppd on the Quest 3.

• The Quest 3S uses Fresnel lenses instead of pancake lenses.

• The Quest 3S has a smaller field of view (FOV) of 96 degrees horizontal/90 degrees vertical instead of 110 degrees horizontal/96 degrees vertical.

The Quest 3S is available for preorder on Meta's website ahead of its formal launch on Tuesday, Oct. 15. It starts at $299.99 for 128GB of storage — you can bump that to 256GB for $399.99 — and it comes bundled with two freebies: a three-month trial of Meta Quest+ and a copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow.

Opens in a new window Credit: Meta Meta Quest 3S (128GB) $299.99 at Meta.com
Pre-Order Here

"Quest 3S is the best headset for those new to mixed reality and immersive experiences, or who might have been waiting for a low-cost upgrade from Quest and Quest 2," Meta said in a press release.

Meta also announced a price adjustment for the standard Quest 3 as part of its presentation. The 512GB model now starts at $499.99, down $150 from its original launch price. (The 128GB base configuration was no longer available on the Meta website at the time of writing.)

The arrival of the Quest 3S also marks the discontinuation of Meta's Quest 2 from 2020 and Quest Pro from 2022, TechCrunch reported.

This story is developing.

You can finally ask a question and get the answer in John Cena's voice.

Mark Zuckerberg announced at the Meta Connect 2024 developer conference that Meta's AI assistant, Meta AI, can respond back to questions you ask out loud on Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Facebook.

These voice responses, Zuckerberg said, will be "one of if not the most frequent ways we interact with AI." And it'll answer in AI clones of celebrities including John Cena, Awkwafina, Dame Judi Dench, Keegan-Michael Key, and Kristen Bell.

According to The Wall Street Journal, it's been a pretty expensive endeavor, costing Meta millions to use the likenesses of these celebrities. This comes just a few months after Meta axed its Meta AI celebrity avatars, those odd characters "embodied by celebrities" like Kendall Jenner, Snoop Dogg, and Tom Brady.

Meta debuted its new, cheaper headset during its Connect event on Wednesday. Dubbed the Meta Quest 3S, the company promised it has great performance despite the lower price.

Mark Zuckerberg himself announced the Quest 3S at the Meta Connect event. It costs $299.99, which is a steep discount on the newly reduced-price $499.99 Meta Quest 3 or $999.99 Meta Quest Pro.

SEE ALSO: Meta discontinues the Quest 2 and Quest Pro after revealing Quest 3S

Meta said the headset could do pretty much anything most folks want to use a headset for, such as watch a movie, immerse yourself in a concert, or play games.

Tweet may have been deleted

Meta has a detailed page on the different specs of its headset line. Here are the basic specs of the Quest 3S:

• Snapdragon XR2 Gen2 chip

• 8GB RAM

• 128GB or 256GB storage

• 1832x1920 screen resolution

• 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rate

• 96 degrees by 90 degrees field of view

• Fresnel lenses

You're probably wondering how that differs from the Quest 3. The chipset and RAM are the same across both devices, but everything else is a little different. There is no 512GB storage option as there is with Quest 3. In addition, the displays are worse across the board; their resolutions and fields of view are lower, while the refresh rate isn't quite as variable. It also uses Fresnel lenses rather than pancake lenses.

SEE ALSO: Where to preorder the Meta Quest 3S

"Quest 3S is a big step in making mixed reality more accessible, and we hope you’re as excited as we are about the future of this technology," the company said in a statement.

With the discontinuation of the Quest 2 and Quest Pro, it seems like the Quest 3S is your new affordable VR headset of choice.

SAVE $60: Through Sept. 28, the Keurig K-Classic coffee maker is on sale for just $79.99 at Target for Target Circle members (membership is free). That's a savings of 43% and beats other competing retailers.

Opens in a new window Credit: Keurig Keurig K-Classic coffee maker $79.99 at Target
$139.99 Save $60.00 with free Target Circle membership Get Deal

Sometimes, you don't have time for that fancy Chemex or French Press. That's where Keurig coffee makers truly shine. For the busy bees looking to save some time during their morning routine, Keurig machines let you press a button and get a cup of joe in less than a minute.

The Keurig K-Classic is on sale for just $79.99 at Target for Circle members (membership is free) through Sept. 28. That's about 43% off its current retail price of $139.99, and the cheapest you'll find it across all the major retailers. It's currently full price at Amazon, on sale for $99.99 at Keurig's own website, out of stock at Best Buy, and only sold by sketchy third-party sellers at Walmart.

SEE ALSO: Yes, another Prime Day is coming. Here are the early deals to shop now.

Like all Keurig machines, the K-Classic features simple button controls to get brewing instantly. Just fill up the reservoir, insert a K-Cup (or use the reusable filter with your own grounds), and select your cup size. In less than 60 seconds, you'll have a piping hot cup of coffee at the ready. The reservoir can fit 48 ounces of water, which lets you brew six or more cups before having to refill it. There's also an auto-off feature than will shut down the machine to save energy.

If you're not a Target Circle member already and want to get in on the exclusive savings, it's super easy to sign up. All you have to do is enter your name, email, and other basic information to become a member. Unlike other retailer memberships (Amazon Prime, Walmart+, My Best Buy Plus, etc.), Target Circle is 100 percent free. Once you're officially a member and sign into your account, you'll see the savings automatically applied to your cart. With your new account, you'll also be able to shop the deals during Target Circle Week next month.

The best AirPods deals are already pouring in ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. Check out our top picks:

Best AirPods deals ahead of Prime Day 2 Best noise-cancelling AirPods deal Apple AirPods Pro 2 $189.99 at Amazon (Save $59.01) Get Deal Best AirPods under $100 AirPods (2nd generation) $89 at Amazon (Save $40) Get Deal Best over-ear deal Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) $429 at Amazon (Save $120) Get Deal

Apple's AirPods are notoriously expensive — but they're popular for a reason. If you want to see what all the fuss is about without (completely) breaking the bank, shopping events like Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days can be a great time to pick up a pair of the headphones.

Though the October Prime-member exclusive sale doesn't officially kick off until Tuesday, Oct. 8, the AirPod deals are already rolling in — even on the newly released AirPods 4.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon's October Prime Day sale: Official dates, the competition, and more

Older models are also getting some pretty decent deals — the AirPods Pro are down to $189.99, while the AirPods Max with a Lightning charger are down to $429. Neither are at their record-low prices, but both discounts are still significant, and not likely to induce too much buyers' remorse if their prices drop down even further.

Below, you'll find our complete list of the best AirPod deals ahead of Prime Day. For folks who aren't married to the fruit brand, you'll also find plenty of more deals on headphones ahead of Prime Day here.

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $189.99 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $59.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the AirPods Pro.

The AirPods Pro may no longer be the only Apple earbuds with active noise cancellation, but we still think they're the best from the line. At $189.99, they're just a little over $20 more than the AirPods 4 with noise cancellation, but offer the seal of an in-canal fit (and interchangeable ear tips), which helps with both getting the most out of noise cancellation and the sound quality. "Sealed-off ear canals make for better audio balance and bass response, period," writes Tim Gideon at our sister site PCMag (also owned by publisher Ziff Davis). Plus, the Pros offer more battery life per charge.

More early AirPods deals

• AirPods (2nd Generation) — $89 $129 (save $40)

• Apple AirPods 4 — $119 $129 (save $10)

• Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) — $129.99 $169 (save $39.01)

• Apple AirPods 4 with ANC — $169 $179 (save $10)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 — $189.99 $249 (save $59.01)

• Apple AirPods Max (with Lightning) — $429 $549 (save $120)

A new router or a mesh WiFi system can be a solution if you deal with an unreliable internet connection, or you've noticed areas of your home that don't get solid coverage. If you're in the market for an upgrade, here are some deals already live before the official kickoff of Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days.

Best routers and mesh WiFi deals at Amazon Best router deal Google Nest WiFi Pro (Fog) $134.99 at Amazon (save $65) Get Deal Best mesh WiFi system for performance Netgear Orbi Whole Home Tri-Band Mesh WiFi System (WiFi 6, 2-pack) $397 at Amazon (save $227.99) Get Deal Best mesh WiFi system under $100 TP-Link Deco X15 Mesh WiFi System $99.99 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal

Amazon's third major sale of the year, Prime Big Deal Days, is set for Oct. 8 and 9. We're expecting to see some nice deals on Amazon devices, headphones, Kindles, and more — but it's unlikely that you'll need to wait until the official date to get some serious savings.

If you're shopping for a mesh WiFi system or need an updated router that supports quicker speeds, we've spotted a few deals that are worth checking out even before the big sale kicks off.

Best router deal Opens in a new window Credit: Google Our pick: Google Nest WiFi Pro (Fog) $134.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Fog colorway of the Google Nest WiFi Pro router is on sale at Amazon for just $134.99, which works out to a 33% discount off the usual price of $199.99. As long as you don't mind the pale blue tone, you're in for a great savings.

The Google Nest WiFi Pro is a tri-band router that provides coverage over an area of up to 2,200 square feet. The router is designed to automatically adjust performance and speed to give priority to important tasks like video calls. Plus, it can support speedy 6E coverage.

With help from the free Google Home app, setting up the router should be a simple process. You can also run speed tests through the app or monitor connected devices while you're not at home.

Best mesh WiFi system for performance Opens in a new window Credit: Netgear Our pick: Netgear Orbi Whole Home Tri-Band Mesh WiFi System (WiFi 6, 2-pack) $397.00 at Amazon
$624.99 Save $227.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Mashable's roundup of the best mesh WiFi systems notes performance doesn't get any better than with the Netgear Orbi Whole Home Tri-Band Mesh WiFi system. Mashable clocked speeds of nearly 900 Mbps in close range and 666 Mbps while 75 feet away.

The two-pack system comes with one satellite extender and can cover an area of up to 5,000 square feet and 100 devices. Netgear mentions that set-up take just minutes, connecting to your existing modem.

This system usually sells for $624.99, but thanks to this early October Prime Day sale, it's just $399.

Best mesh WiFi system under $100 Opens in a new window Credit: TP-Link Our pick: TP-Link Deco X15 Mesh WiFi System $99.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Need a better connection while staying within the budget? Check out the TP-Link Deco X15 Mesh WiFi system which is on sale for just $99.99 for a 17% discount off the normal price of $119.99. For that sale price, you'll get coverage that can extend up to 3,900 square feet on 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz. The system comes with two Deco X15 gigabit ports, supporting up to 120 devices in total. Plus each port contains two Ethernet connections, so you'll have flexibility with the mesh system should you prefer to plug in your PC or gaming console.

Explore the best Samsung Galaxy deals already live at Amazon ahead of Prime Big Deal Days:

The best early October Prime Day Samsung Galaxy deals at a glance: BEST GALAXY BOOK DEAL Samsung 16-inch Galaxy Book4 Pro (Intel Core 7 Ultra, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,399.99 at Amazon (save $350) Get Deal BEST GALAXY BUDS DEAL Samsung Galaxy Buds FE $67.99 at Amazon (save $32) Get Deal BEST GALAXY PHONE DEAL Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 AI (Unlocked, 256GB) $1,499.99 at Amazon (save $400) Get Deal BEST GALAXY TAB DEAL Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ (512GB, WiFi) $819 at Amazon (save $300.99) Get Deal BEST GALAXY WATCH DEAL Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (Bluetooth, 40mm) $195.86 at Amazon (save $104.13) Get Deal

The second Prime Day event of the year, dubbed Prime Big Deal Days, is around the corner. It officially kicks off Oct. 8, but in the typical Amazon fashion, there are already plenty of deals to shop — especially on Samsung Galaxy products.

It's no surprise, really, as Samsung is one of the brands we usually see major discounts on during big shopping events. July's Prime Day aligned with Galaxy Unpacked, which made the perfect recipe for heavily discounted Samsung products. This time around, we're hoping some of those new product launches from July will get the Prime Day treatment — particularly the near-perfect Galaxy Ring. We'll also be keeping our eyes peeled for new lows on the Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6.

We're tracking the best Samsung Galaxy deals below ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, which includes the Galaxy Tab, Galaxy Book, Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Watch, and of course, Galaxy phones. As the official savings event nears, we'll be updating the list with the latest and greatest deals — so stay tuned.

Best Galaxy Book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung 16-inch Galaxy Book4 Pro $1,399.99 at Amazon
$1,749.99 Save $350.00 (Intel Core 7 Ultra, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) Get Deal Why we like it

Released early this year, the Samsung 16-inch Galaxy Book4 Pro packs all the bells and whistles (an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU with Intel Arc Graphics, a 3K AMOLED touchscreen, AKG Quad speakers, a new Knox security chip). The 16-inch base model has 16GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, and a 21-hour battery life and typically retails at a staggering $1,749.99. Ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, however, you can slash $350 off and pick it up for $1,399.99. That's just $50 more than the current price of the 14-inch base model, which means you get two extra inches of screen real estate, a faster processor, and double the storage for just $50 extra.

More Galaxy Book deals

While there are currently no other Galaxy Book deals live at Amazon, we're expecting more to pop up as Prime Big Deal Days approaches. Stay tuned.

Best Galaxy Buds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Buds FE $67.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $32.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Mashable's RJ Andersen reviewed the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE and was pleasantly surprised, noting that even Apple users should consider them. "The sound quality from the Galaxy Buds FE is unmatched for earbuds at this price range," they wrote, adding that the customizable fit, solid battery life, and great active noise cancellation are all major selling points for these buds. Usually $99.99, you can grab a pair ahead of October Prime Day for only $67.99. That's 32% in savings and their lowest price on record.

More Galaxy Buds deals

• Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro — $149.99 $229.99 (save $80)

Best Galaxy phone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 AI (256 GB) $1,499.99 at Amazon
$1,899.99 Save $400.00 Unlocked Get Deal Why we like it

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a beast of a phone. It keeps the same winning formula from the Z Fold 5 (which we loved) when it comes to fundamentals, but makes a few tweaks and adds extras that improve on the design. Those include a thinner, wider, and brighter display with enhanced resolution, a boost in Snapdragon power, and a boat load of AI-powered tools from the Galaxy AI suite. It usually starts at $1,899.99, but ahead of the Prime Big Deal Days event, you can slash the price on the 256GB, unlocked model down to $1,499.99 instead.

More Galaxy phone deals

• Samsung Galaxy A15 (Unlocked, 128GB) — $179.99 $199.99 (save $20)

• Samsung Galaxy A35 (Unlocked, 128GB) — $324.99 $399.99 (save $75)

• Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (Unlocked, 256GB) — $559.99 $659.99 (save $100)

• Samsung Galaxy S24 (Unlocked, 128GB) — $719.99 $799.99 (save $80)

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 AI (Unlocked, 256GB) — $949.99 $1,099.99 (save $150)

• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (Unlocked, 256GB) — $1,049.99 $1,299.99 (save $250)

Best Galaxy Tab deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ $819.00 at Amazon
$1,119.99 Save $300.99 (512GB, WiFi) Get Deal Why we like it

Samsung's second most powerful tablet (the first would be the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra), the Galaxy Tab S9+ with 512GB, is sitting at a record-low $819 at Amazon ahead of the major shopping event. The 12.4-inch tablet features the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, a new Dynamic AMOLED 2X 12.4-inch display, and an IP68 water- and dust-proof rating (a first for the Galaxy Tab S). Our sister site at PCMag (we share the same publisher, Ziff Davis) tested out the S9+ and dubbed it a "great alternative to the iPad Pro, especially for Windows users."

More Galaxy Tab deals

• Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (128GB, WiFi) — $219.72 $269.99 (save $50.27)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE (128GB, WiFi) — $347.99 $449.99 (save $102)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (128GB, WiFi) — $499.97 $599.99 (save $100.03)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 (128GB, WiFi) — $656.63 $799.99 (save $143.36)

Best Galaxy Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 $195.86 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $104.13 (Bluetooth, 40mm) Get Deal Why we like it

Since it's no longer the latest and greatest smartwatch in the Samsung Galaxy lineup (that would be the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra), we've been seeing some pretty sweet deals on the Galaxy Watch 6. Ahead of the October Prime Day event, you can pick up the 40mm version with Bluetooth for only $195.86, which is 35% in savings and a new record-low (by about $1). The sixth installment of the Galaxy Watch was named the "king of the Android smartwatch mountain" by Mashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry when it launched last year. It features improved sleep and fitness features over its predecessor, including a nuanced breakdown of sleep habits, sleep coaching, personalized heart rate zones, and irregular heart rate notifications. It also lasts longer on a single charge and has a 20 percent larger display than previous models.

More Galaxy Watch deals

• Samsung Galaxy Watch FE (Bluetooth, 40mm) — $179.99 $199.99 (save $20)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (Bluetooth, 44mm) — $229.99 $329.99 (save $100)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Bespoke Edition (Bluetooth, 44mm) — $279.99 $379.99 (save $100)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic (Bluetooth, 43mm) — $279.99 $399.99 (save $120)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (LTE, 44mm) — $329.99 $379.99 (save $50)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic (LTE, 47mm) — $359.75 $479.99 (save $120.24)

A little over a week after Google’s “Made by YouTube” event, the company is starting to roll out its conversational AI chatbot on the platform.

Dubbed the “Ask” button, this new generative AI feature is currently available exclusively to YouTube Premium subscribers on Android.

First teased late last year, the "Ask" button is a mobile-only tool that allows users to interact with the videos they're watching in a whole new way. According to a demo posted by YouTube on X (formerly known as Twitter), the AI can, for instance, pull up an ingredient list from a cooking tutorial or provide more details about a music video.

Tweet may have been deleted How to access the YouTube 'AI ask' feature

For anyone eager to try out YouTube’s new AI feature, there’s a catch: it’s not available on every video. According to YouTube’s support page, the “Ask” button only works on “select English videos,” which means it’s accessible on just 28% of the platform's nearly 3.9 billion videos — so good luck tracking those down.

On the bright side, if you’re not a YouTube Premium subscriber, the AI tool is still available on some academic learning videos, giving non-paying users a limited chance to experience it firsthand. The Ask button appears below the video player as a pill-shaped option next to the Share button. However, it has also been spotted as a swipeable option within the comments box.

As mentioned above, the tool is also only available on Android devices, with no word yet on whether it's coming to web or iOS.

Is Fitbit in trouble?

9to5Google spotted that Fitbit.com, the official website for the popular brand of wearable fitness trackers, is not long for this world. At the top of the page is a new message stating that the site's functions will move to the Google Store on Oct. 1.

This came only about six months after Google updated the site's branding to read "Google Fitbit" instead of "Fitbit by Google."

SEE ALSO: We're already seeing price drops on select Fitbit models ahead of October Prime Day Is FitBit in danger?

Back in July, Google shut down the popular web interface for looking at Fitbit health metrics, forcing users to use a mobile app that, at least at the time, didn't have as many features as the web interface.

In mid-August, Engadget claimed that Google is demoting the Fitbit brand to focus on minimalist, fitness trackers with long battery life instead of high-end smartwatches that are full of wide-ranging features. A few days later, TechRadar claimed that Google "quietly confirmed" that it will stop producing FitBit Versa and Sense models.

However, in a statement to Ars Technica, Google claimed that TechRadar's reporting was "inaccurate," adding the following:

"We are very committed to Fitbit, and even more importantly to the customers that use and depend on those products and technology. It's also worth noting that many of the health and fitness features we launched in Pixel Watch 3 were because of Fitbit's innovation and ground-breaking fitness advancements. In addition, we just launched Fitbit Ace LTE, and you’ll continue to see new products and innovation from Fitbit."

Based on these reports, it appears that Google is prioritizing the Pixel Watch series while gradually shifting away from the Fitbit "smartwatches," focusing instead on simpler Fitbit fitness trackers. As such, FitBit.com is likely getting shutdown because it'd be redundant; Google can simply sell Fitbit wearables via the Google Store.

Google bought Fitbit for $2.1 billion in 2019 and hasn't manufactured any new Fitbit watches since 2022. If you go to the Fitbit product page in the Google store, the Pixel Watch 3 (which is made to work with the Fitbit Premium subscription service) takes precedence over actual Fitbit models.

This is speculation, but it looks like the move here is to encourage Fitbit users to buy Pixel Watches instead. That's Google's prerogative, but longtime Fitbit users also have the right to be unhappy about it.

Scope out the best tablet deals from Apple, Amazon, and Samsung ahead of Prime Big Deal Days:

The best early October Prime Day tablet deals at a glance: Best Apple iPad deal Apple iPad, 10.2-inch (A13 Bionic, 64GB, WiFi) $199 at Amazon (save $130) Get Deal Best Amazon Fire tablet deal Amazon Fire HD 8 (64GB) $59.99 at Amazon (save $70) Get Deal Best Samsung Galaxy Tab deal Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE (WiFi, 128GB) $349.99 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal

Amazon has released an opening wave of official early offers ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, its members-only "October Prime Day" sale (set for Oct. 8 and 9), and it includes a small selection of tablet discounts.

The biggest markdowns so far are going to Amazon's own Fire tablets (not at all shocking), two of which have fallen to all-time lows. They're even cheaper now than they were during the retailer's flagship Prime Day sale in July.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon's October Prime Day sale: Official dates, the competition, and more

We've also spotted deals on two Samsung Galaxy Tabs: At the time of writing, Amazon was undercutting the actual Samsung website's pricing on both of them. That said, we've seen them get even cheaper before, so consider waiting to add them to your cart until Prime Big Deal Days actually starts (unless you desperately need a new tablet stat).

iPad deals are, of course, the elephant in the room. While Amazon hasn't technically included any Apple tablets in its formal pre-Prime Big Deal Days programming yet, four models are separately on sale there at record-low prices this week, so we think they're worth mentioning. (Branding aside, a bargain's a bargain.) Read on to learn more about them and all the other tablets deals up for grabs ahead of Prime Day 2.0.

Note: Deals marked with a 🔥 have dropped to an all-time low price.

Best Apple iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: Apple iPad, 10.2-inch (A13 Bionic, 64GB, WiFi) $199.00 at Amazon
$329.00 Save $130.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Apple's ninth-generation iPad has a lightweight design that includes a bright 10.2-inch Retina display, an A13 Bionic chip, Touch ID, and a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage support. If you're someone who doesn't need the oomph of a current-gen tablet, and you don't mind carrying around a spare lightning charging cable, it's a decent value — now more than ever.

The 64GB base configuration is currently on sale on Amazon for $199, which is 40% off and its lowest price ever. (Best Buy was matching it when we last checked.) Apple devices rarely see discounts that high, so it's tough to imagine this guy getting any cheaper come Prime Big Deal Days.

More Apple iPads on sale

• Apple iPad, 10.9-inch (A14 Bionic, WiFi, 64GB) — $299 $349 (save $50) 🔥

• Apple iPad mini, 8.3-inch (A15 Bionic, WiFi, 64GB) — $379.99 $499 (save $119.01) 🔥

• Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M2, WiFi, 128GB) — $549 $599 (save $50)

• Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M2, WiFi, 128GB) — $729 $799 (save $70)

• Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 256GB) — $919 $999 (save $80)

• Apple iPad Pro, 13-Inch (M4, WiFi, 256GB) — $1,199 $1,299 (save $100) 🔥

Best Amazon Fire tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Fire HD 8 (64GB) 🔥 $59.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

This 8-inch Fire tablet from 2022 features a clear HD display, a battery life of up to 13 hours, and a built-in Alexa assistant that responds to voice commands. It's certainly not the most powerful tablet out there, but it's a good option for shoppers who prioritize portability (and affordability).

Amazon has the 64GB model on sale for just $59.99 in the lead-up to Prime Big Deal Days. (The 32GB base model is only available used.) That's a whopping 54% off its usual sticker price of $129.99 and its biggest discount since launch; it now costs the same as the 16GB Amazon Fire 7, which has a dinkier non-HD display and a 10-hour battery life.

More Fire tablets on sale

• Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro (32GB) — $89.99 $149.99 (save $60)

• Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids (64GB) — $94.99 $179.99 (save $85) 🔥

Best Samsung Galaxy Tab deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE (WiFi, 128GB) $349.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Samsung's 10.9-inch Android mid-ranger has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance and supposedly lasts up to 18 hours per charge. It also comes with an S Pen stylus, so you can use it for doodling and note-taking (without needing to spend more money on extra accessories).

The Galaxy Tab S9 FE is stuck at full price on Samsung's website, but Amazon currently has the 128GB base variant on sale for $349.99, or $100 off. (Note that Best Buy is matching that offer.) Keep in mind that it fell to around $330 earlier this month, so you may want to off on buying it until Prime Big Deal Days begins in case it returns to that pricing.

More Samsung Galaxy Tabs on sale

• Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (WiFi, 128GB) — $219.72 $269.99 (save $50.27)

Shop the best early Prime Big Deal Days printer deals now:

Early Prime Day printer deals: Best printer deal overall HP DeskJet 4255e $69.99 at Amazon (save $30 ) Get Deal Best for business HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e $159.99 at Amazon (save $65) Get Deal Best budget pick Canon PIXMA TS6420a $59 at Amazon (save $70.99) Get Deal

It’s that time of year again — Amazon’s gearing up for Prime Day ~fall edition~ (aka Prime Big Deal Days), which means there will be deals and discounts on hundreds of items leading up to the big event.

October’s Prime Day event is officially October 8 and 9, but the retailer’s already running early discounts on everything from laptops to home goods, including some pretty sweet deals on printers. Whether you need a simple, basic printer for occasional home use or something to help you run your side hustle or small business, now’s a good time to shop for a new one.

Here are the best early Prime Day printer deals we could find this week:

Best printer deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: HP Our pick: HP DeskJet 4255e $69.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The HP DeskJet 4255e all-in-one wireless color inkjet printer can print, scan, copy, and fax. It also comes with three months’ worth of ink through HP+. You just have to activate your subscription to get it; it's pretty easy to do through the app.

This compact printer is ideal for at-home printing or dorm room use. The sheet tray holds 60 sheets at a time and can print color pages at up to five pages per minute.

Best for business Opens in a new window Credit: HP Our pick: HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e $159.99 at Amazon
$224.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e is a more serious printer. This all-in-one model can print, scan, copy, and fax. It also has auto two-sided printing to help save paper.

With an auto document feeder, 225-sheet input tray, and a printing speed of up to 10 color pages per minute, it can handle everything from making fliers to printing client documents. The touchscreen display makes it easy to use and the HP Wolf Essential Security helps protect sensitive info.

You’ll get three months’ worth of ink with this one, too, through HP+.

Best budget pick Opens in a new window Credit: Canon Our pick: Canon PIXMA TS6420a $59.00 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $70.99 Get Deal Why we like it

The Canon PIXMA TS6420a is a seemingly basic printer, but it’s still an all-in-one model that works with Alexa. You can copy, print, and scan with this one. It also has auto two-sided printing, a nice feature to have for under $60.

It has a print speed of six pages per minute, is Apple AirPrint-compatible, and can connect wirelessly via WiFi or Bluetooth so you can print on the go.

If you want to save a little more, the Canon PIXMA MG3620 is only $49 and comes in black, red, or white. It's an all-in-one color inkjet printer with mobile and tablet printing capabilities.

More printer deals

• HP ENVY 6055e — $79.99 $129.99 (save $50)

• Brother MFC-J1010DW — $89.99 $149.99 (save $20)

• HP ENVY 6455e — $79.99 $99.99 (save $60)

• Epson EcoTank ET-2800 — $199.99 $229.99 (save $30)

• Epson EcoTank ET-2803 — $199.99 $279.99 (save $80)

The best Apple Watch deals ahead of Prime Big Deal Days are here:

Best Apple Watch deals ahead of Prime Day Best Series 9 deal Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm, GPS) $329 at Amazon (Save $100) Get Deal Best Series 10 deal Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm, GPS) $369 at Amazon (Save $30) Get Deal Best Ultra deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 $734.89 at Amazon (Save $64.11) Get Deal

Prime Big Deal Days (aka Prime Day part two) is nearly back again, officially kicking off on Oct. 8. As in years past, we're noticing some early savings drops on major categories, including Apple Watches.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon's October Prime Day sale: Official dates, the competition, and more

Though the sale is still a few weeks away, the new Series 10 watch dropped $30 in price. We're also seeing $100 discounts on both GPS models on the Series 9 watch, which will likely be phased out after this round of fall sales (as has happened historically with older Apple Watch generations following a newer gen's release).

We'll be updating this page often, so be sure to check back if you're interested in grabbing the best Apple Watch deals ahead of October's Prime Day. And in the meantime, check out our full list of early Prime Day deals (and even more Apple deals).

Best Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm, GPS) $369.00 at Amazon
$399.00 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read more from Mashable about the Apple Watch Series 10.

The Series 10 officially hit the market about five days ago, and already Amazon marked it down $30. That's the magic of a fast-approaching sitewide sale. Why should you grab the latest Apple Watch? You'll get a slightly larger watch face than other models, a new colorway, a brighter display from all angles, faster charging, and a new sleep apnea sensor. They're not huge changes, but if you've been hanging on to on an older model, the small upgrades along with the discount might be your reason to jump on this deal. Or it might be your reason to go for the Series 9 on sale, which offers many similar features, but starts at $299.

More early Apple Watch deals

Series 10

• Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm, GPS) — $369 $399 (save $30)

• Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm, GPS) — $418.99 $429 (save $10.01)

• Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm, GPS + cellular) — $479.36 $499 (save $19.64)

Series 9

• Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm, GPS) — $299 $399 (save $100)

• Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm, GPS) — $329 $429 (save $100)

• Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm, GPS + cellular) — $599 $749 (save $150)

SE

• Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS) — $189 $249 (save $60)

Ultra

• Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS + cellular) — $734.89 $799 (save $64.11)

If you're in the market for a security system or a video doorbell, Amazon has discounted prices on some great products ahead of the official Prime Big Deal Days sale on Oct. 8 and 9. Here are some of our favorite home security deals at Amazon:

October Prime Day home security deals Best video doorbell deal Google Nest Doorbell (battery, snow) $99.99 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal Best home security system deal eufy Security eufyCam 2C (3-cam kit) $199.99 at Amazon (save $130) Get Deal Best single security camera deal TP-Link Tapo MagCam $59.99 at Amazon with on-page coupon (save $60) Get Deal

Amazon's second massive sale is set to take place on Oct. 8 and 9 this year, so if you're shopping for some good deals this fall you'll want to tune into Prime Big Deals Days. Last year we saw nice discounts on kitchen appliances, Amazon devices, Apple products, and plenty more.

You might be thinking you have a wait until Oct. 8 to cash in on the savings, but Amazon would never make us wait that long. The retailer has already dropped prices on some great items, including home security systems and video doorbells, so you can start shopping today.

Of course, you should check in when the official Prime Big Deal Days event starts, since we're bound to see thousands of additional deals drop. But if you're looking to upgrade your home security this week, here are some early Prime Day deals to shop.

Best video doorbell deal Opens in a new window Credit: Google Our pick: Google Nest Doorbell (battery, Snow) $99.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

As long as you're cool with the Snow colorway, you can grab a battery-powered Google Nest Doorbell for just $99.99 at Amazon, which works out to a 44% discount compared to the normal price of $179.99.

The Google Nest Doorbell uses a vertical field of view, which means you'll be able to see packages left on the porch or people from head to toe. It can also detect if it's a human at the door, the neighbor's dog coming to say hello, or a friend's car that just parked in your driveway. In all cases, you'll get an immediate alert in the Google Home app, which is free to download and use.

From the app, you'll be able to check in on the doorbell camera anytime with live HD video and HDR night vision. You can also use the app to speak to visitors, giving delivery instructions or telling your friend you'll be right out.

Best home security system deal Opens in a new window Credit: eufy Security Our pick: eufy Security eufyCam 2C (3-cam kit) $199.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $130.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're looking for a home security system instead of a single video doorbell, the eufy Security euftCam 2C kit could be perfect. This set comes with three cameras and an in-home hub for local storage of footage. Each of the three cameras included in the set are built to weather any summer storm or winter blizzard. They capture footage in 1080p resolution, so you'll clearly be able to make out details, and the 135 degree field of view gives you a great view of what's happening around your home.

The cameras are also designed with detailed night vision and will only alert you when they detect human activity. All cameras are battery powered and get up to 180 days of life before needing a recharge. That means you'll only need to recharge once every six months.

While the eufy Security eufyCam 2C three-camera kit usually costs $329.99, it's on sale at Amazon for just $199.99, which means you'll get a 39% discount.

Best single security camera deal Opens in a new window Credit: TP-Link Our pick: TP-Link Tapo MagCam $59.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $60.00 with on-page coupon Get Deal Why we like it

If you only need a single security camera, the TP-Link Tapo MagCam is a reliable choice. The Tapo camera has an impressive 150-degree wide frame of view so you'll have a great eye on your home. The camera uses clear 2K HD video for crisp images, allowing you to see more details like license plate information.

Coming with a 1000mAh battery, you can get up to 300 days of power before needing to recharge, and the camera comes with a magnetic mounting base, which gives you the versatility of easily attaching it to metal surfaces.

The TP-Link Tapo MagCam security camera usually sells for $119.99, but thanks to today's sale at Amazon and the on-page coupon, you can get the camera for just $59.99.

When you think of the term "Instagram stalking," what kind of scenarios come to mind? Is it vetting an upcoming Hinge date’s profile to ensure they tick all the critical boxes: they have friends, they like to travel and they look the same in their tagged photos as they do the ones on their profile? Is it to suss out whether a couple has broken up? Is it being sucked into a black hole of scrutinising the fashion (and lifestyle) choices of your high school arch nemesis? 

As evidenced above, when we imagine ourselves digital sleuthing, it always involves other people. But look inward, and you might realise that you — yes you — are your own most dedicated viewer. For many on TikTok, it’s common practice: we share an Instagram story – a supposed 24-hour-only glimpse into our lives – and we find ourselves in a deadly cycle of replaying it and monitoring the viewer list. While the latter exists for a reason (allowing us the privilege of knowing if that person who we wanted to see the story, saw it), what is it that drives us to watch our content back? It’s not like we’ll find anything new – we’re the ones who published it, after all. 

This behaviour isn’t limited to stories, either. I’ll admit it: sometimes when I’m feeling down, I’ve found myself looking back over my grid, pausing on holiday photos, snapshots from nights out, birthday celebrations, and sometimes, a selfie where I know I look great. I’m not the only one, either: while some flick through their social media profiles for a morale boost, others, like @xoxotatianaa on TikTok, state the facts: she watches her content repeatedly because she can, and she doesn’t care (and neither do the 667k others than agree with her). 

SEE ALSO: Why some people on dating apps just want to be 'pen pals'

So, why do we do it? Is it because we’re perfectionists, obsessed with our content fitting in with the digital version of ourselves we present to the world? Are we so hyper-aware of being perceived that we try to view ourselves through someone else’s eyes? Or are we just in love with ourselves?

"Say I get some new followers, I like to view my profile from the perspective of what they’re seeing..."

I posed the question to my own Instagram followers (via a story which, yes, I watched back a few times). "Say I get some new followers, I like to view my profile from the perspective of what they’re seeing, even if I know what my profile looks like," one friend, Tom replied. "When someone follows me, I wonder what they’re looking at, so I check through it to see what they see." Another friend, Kat, said: "I pretend I’m someone else because I want to see how other people perceive me and if they’d think I have a cool grid (I just cringed typing that out)."

Seeing ourselves from other people's POV

According to Eloise Skinner, a psychotherapist and author specialising in existential identity, there are several factors as to why we stalk ourselves – one being a desire to see ourselves from an external perspective (think Ariana Grande’s song POV). "The desire to understand how we’re perceived has been present in human instinct for generations," she explains. "As we try to understand ourselves – answering the timeless question of ‘who am I?' – we often draw on the opinions and reflections of others to guide us." She continues that when we don’t have that information handy, we take it upon ourselves to decipher the thoughts and opinions of others by imagining what they might see when they look at our profiles. 

Psychologist Zoe Mallet agrees, and says that evolution has shaped our innate desire for social acceptance and status, ingraining a "deep-seated need for social approval" into our being. "The tendency to present oneself favourably is a direct offshoot of this, online and offline," she says. "It’s a subconscious attempt to enhance our social standing, increase our chances of belonging and create a positive self-image, which is part of our survival coping mechanisms as humans." 

"The desire to understand how we’re perceived has been present in human instinct for generations."

Both Skinner and Mallet note that our attempts to control how we’re perceived existed long before the arrival of Instagram – like how we spend time picking out an outfit for an event, or what we say in a conversation with an acquaintance. Social media, then, has become a digital platform to project this onto – it’s an attempt to reflect the identity we want people to perceive us as embodying. Although it may seem like stalking ourselves is the best way of ensuring that we keep this identity in check, Skinner points out that for some, self-stalking is rooted in perfectionism. 

Take journalist and content creator Mared Perry, for example, who tells me that she watches her stories repeatedly for two reasons. The first is to make sure "content looks slick" in case of potential work opportunities, and secondly "because of the paranoia that other people may find something cringe, or that I’m oversharing". "Self-stalking could stem from a feeling of insecurity about our sense of identity, how we appear to others, or even a critical feeling about what we post and where we should improve," Skinner continues. "There’s a greater awareness of how we compare to others online – in other words, it’s easier to hold up our digital lives against someone else’s, to see what we like or don’t like." 

How am I presenting myself online?

It’s important to remember that not everyone uses social media in the same way. Some use it to maintain relationships and stay connected ("If this is the case, it might seem less important to present in a certain way," Skinner says), whereas for others, like Perry and journalist David Chipakupaku, it’s deeper than that – it’s an extension of who they are. "I want to show all the different facets of who I am on my social media, and I don’t want to be known for just one thing," Chipakupaku tells me. "I’ll share the different sides of myself – I’ll post a meme and I’ll share news posts. It’s about getting the balance right. Am I being too funny? Too serious? Too weird? Too much?"

He says that he’ll check his content over and over again due to a mix of "anxiety and sense-curating". "When someone taps on my story, are they going to come away with a full understanding of who I am? If yes, I’ve done it right. If not, I’ll add something or take it away. It sounds so insidious and weird, but it’s true." Mallet points out that this phenomenon is unique only to social media. "Think about how we show up in real life – there are limits to how many sides of ourselves we can show per situation or experience. We can’t go back and curate it. But online you can, which adds to this mounting pressure of wanting to present as perfect," she says. Skinner adds that while this pressure could be internal (the same impulse that makes us reflect on how we presented ourselves at a work event, for example), it can also be external: "For instance, the demands we put on ourselves to have a certain image, following or level of popularity on social media." 

There’s a host of reasons why we trawl back through our content (so it’s not just because we’re in love with ourselves, which isn’t always a bad thing). But does a distinction exist between this behaviour being normal and unhealthy? As of September 2024, Instagram has 2 billion active users globally, all of whom produce a lot of content. Skinner believes It’s pretty normal, then, that we’d want to look back over our content from time to time, like how we’d flick through a photo album, journal or scrapbook. "Social media can act as a storage unit for older versions of ourselves and our identities, so reflecting with appreciation, nostalgia or thoughtfulness can be a supportive, beneficial activity."

The signs to spot when we might be going too far? Other than if it’s taking focus away from other important parts of our lives, Skinner urges us to be aware of how the act of self-stalking makes us feel, in the moment and afterwards. If we find it motivating or comforting, great. But it also risks making us more critical of ourselves or leaving us wrapped up in the past. "If it makes us more self-conscious, self-absorbed or distracted from whatever we’d like to use social media for, it’s worth rethinking the habit," she advises.

Last year, research from Bournemouth University found that young adults who use social media passively (by browsing the content of others) are more likely to experience mental health problems such as anxiety and depression than those who share their own content (active users). Self-stalking puts a spanner in the works, though: we’ve posted this content ourselves, but we’re now the ones viewing it passively, too. While research into self-stalking doesn’t exist (yet), Mallet urges us to remember that from the start, social media was designed to be addictive. "When we post, we’re validated by the responses we receive and get a hit of dopamine. We want that hit again and again, so of course we’ll head back to the source where we experienced it before," she says. "It’s not that we’re addicted to looking at our own Instagram. We’re addicted to the feeling we get when we do."