Mashable

One of the best and most surprising shows of 2023 is back for a second season, and it's honestly (and thankfully) like we never left it. 

Created by Bill Lawrence, Jason Segel, and Brett Goldstein, Shrinking Season 1 hilariously and unabashedly harnessed the everyday pain and absurdity of grief, and left most of its characters in a pretty solid place, emotionally, in the finale. In Season 2, Segel's rule-breaking therapist and widowed father Jimmy is understandably still haunted by the past, but it's different this time — with the sudden arrival of the man responsible for his wife's death (a welcome cast addition in Shrinking writer and Ted Lasso star Brett Goldstein). How the hell would you react?

SEE ALSO: 15 minutes of sadness: Behind the therapy trick in 'Shrinking'

The show's brilliant cast all return for a second round, taking the characters through new challenges and delivering the show's very funny, genuinely moving script to perfection. With just two episodes out on Apple TV+, Shrinking picks up where we left off with these now ingrained characters and wisely doesn't reinvent the wheel.

Shrinking's superpower remains its superb cast and sharp writing. Jessica Williams and Christa Miller. Credit: Apple TV+

Once again a brilliant lead, Segel steps back into the role of Jimmy with relatable finesse, with the actor's signature earnestness and weary sense of optimism being put to the test with the arrival of Goldstein's character this season. Segel is still at his comedic best here, defying the insistence of his revered colleague Paul (an excellent-as-ever Harrison Ford) that he quit it with the "Jimmying" (his tendency to take the therapy sessions out of the office). Some of the outrageous lines that come out of Jimmy's mouth can't be swallowed again ("Speaking of cars…"), despite his attempts. Plus, Segel's awkward banter with the talented Lukita Maxwell as Jimmy's daughter, Alice, really makes the show, with Maxwell giving Alice genuine depth and deadpan hilarity at every turn.

Now a professor, having gained a recommendation from Paul last season, Gaby (the superb Jessica Williams) is struggling with the guilt of sleeping with her dead best friend's husband, while trying to resist their natural chemistry — a chemistry Williams and Segel flawlessly convey, with Williams' speedy retorts one of the show's best elements. But one of the unsung reasons to watch Shrinking is Williams and Christa Miller as Jimmy's neighbour Liz, as the pair craft one of the most satisfying best friendships on TV. They're a duo who say exactly what they think to each other. It's deeply refreshing, and not always the right move, but it's a delight to watch their unpretentious, no-holds-barred connection.

Featured Video For You Jason Segel and the 'Shirinking' cast reveal their tricks to de-stress

Meanwhile, Paul privately struggles with sharing his deeper feelings for Julie (Wendie Malick) and publicly grumbles through contemporary phrases like "Good news if true" and "I never say beep-boop" with all the open, eloquent disdain we've come to expect from Paul. Thanks to what Paul calls Jimmy's "textbook dual relationship" with his patient-turned-friend Sean (an expertly understated Luke Tennie), Paul takes over Sean's treatment. However, never fear, Segel's Jimmy continues his fine-tuned Holt/Perolta energy with Ford's Paul, hoping for his approval at every turn and finally seeing his house.  

As Jimmy's best friend, Brian, Michael Urie is audacious as ever, shining in moments of utter rage — when Brian screams on a hiking trail after hearing some news he wasn't privy to, "Fuck rescue dogs! That's right. Fuck hiking! Fuck that headband! Actually I like that headband … Fuck this whole mountain!" you feel it in your bones.

It's a truly ensemble affair, with this season allowing the characters more room to branch out into anxieties and challenges — with one big one in particular.

Jason Segel's Jimmy is haunted by the past again — but it's different this time. Harrison Ford and Jason Segel. Credit: Apple TV+

For the entirety of Season 1, Segel navigated Jimmy through the complexities and pain of losing a loved one, with the grief of his wife's death in a car accident the driving force in his and his daughter's growth. Though grief is by no means ever "done," Jimmy found himself on pretty solid footing at the end of the season. However, he's faced with a darker side of the past in Season 2, one that's played by Shrinking writer Brett Goldstein. 

Though an accomplished, Emmy-winning comedy actor, Goldstein remained strictly behind the page for Season 1. This season, Goldstein takes on an unenviable role in a cast full of now-beloved characters, showing up as the man responsible for Jimmy's wife's death in a car accident. While the first two episodes don't give us much to go on, Goldstein's few moments on screen have enabled Jimmy's rage to come out, so expect much more here.

Shrinking still gives actually good advice.  Lukita Maxwell and Michael Urie. Credit: Apple TV+

Being a show about therapists, Shrinking often gives some excellent advice (check with your own therapist, of course, before implementing anything you see). Season 1 explored the real "15 minutes of sadness" technique and discussions around compassion fatigue, and this season, Paul leans on a tool called "reversal of desire." In episode 2, Alice's friend Summer suggests she write a letter to the man responsible for her mother's death and not send it, an age-old processing technique. (It's a letter Alice finds difficult to put into words that aren't simply "You ruined my life ... eat my ass.")

Whether its characters are learning to understand their triggers or trying to process their frustrations with one another, Shrinking arms you with a collection of common sense, usable advice for your own complicated stuff. Honestly, it feels great to be reconnected with such flawed, vulnerable, hilarious characters, all of whom are simply trying to figure it out day by day.

Shrinking, one of TV's best-written comedies, returns to cut to the deep shit among the regular shit, without judgment and with a lot of laughs. Consider us prescribed.

Shrinking Season 2's first two episodes is now streaming on Apple TV+, with a new episode every Wednesday.

The Federal Trade Commission just announced a new set of rules intended to pull customers out of their frustrating subscription cancellation "doom loops." The "Click to Cancel" rule not only ensures that customers know what they're signing up for before paying, but that they have an easy way out if it gets to be too much.

SEE ALSO: FCC investigating why broadband data caps are still a thing. What you can do to help.

"Too often, businesses make people jump through endless hoops just to cancel a subscription. The FTC’s rule will end these tricks and traps, saving Americans time and money. Nobody should be stuck paying for a service they no longer want," commission chair Lina M. Khan wrote in the rule's announcement.

Khan told NBC that the commission now receives more than 70 complaints per day pertaining to difficult subscription cancellation processes. Part of the body's "Time is Money" initiative — which also includes cracking down on fake reviews and AI-generated advertising — the new rule seeks to protect consumers against what are known as negative option programs, or marketing tactics that require consumers to input payment information and consent to a subscription before accessing free services or trials.

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Under the new provisions, sellers are prohibited from misrepresenting these negative option features in marketing. They must disclose terms before obtaining a customer's billing information, get customer consent, and (most relevant to current subscribers) provide simple cancel options that would immediately stop charges.

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The FTC is amending an existing subscription and negative option rule, introduced in 1973.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has pushed back against the FTC's customer-focused rulings, arguing that things like the click to cancel requirement will cost the average American more time and only succeed in "micromanaging" businesses. "Businesses succeed by being responsive to customers and have a far better track record of customer service, streamlined paperwork, and prompt response times than the federal government," wrote U.S. Chamber of Commerce executive vice president Neil Bradley. "Imposing heavy-handed regulations that micromanage business practices and pricing is the wrong approach, inevitably raising costs for consumers."

Khan responded to the claims in a comment to NBC, "At the end of the day, if a business is dependent on tricking or trapping people into subscriptions, that’s not a good business model, and that’s not one that we should stand for."

Save $26.01: As of Oct. 16, you can score the EA Sports College Football 25 PS5 video game for $42.99 at Walmart, the lowest price we've found for this title yet.

Opens in a new window Credit: Electronic Arts EA Sports College Football 25 (PS5) $42.99 at Walmart
$69.00 Save $26.01 Get Deal

Looking for something to do this weekend? If you need a new game to play, we found a lingering Prime Day deal worth checking out.

As of Oct. 16, you can score EA Sports College Football 25 for PS5 at $42.99, the lowest price it saw during Amazon’s recent October Prime Day event. However, this deal is only available at Walmart this time (only used copies of the game are discounted at Amazon, as of this writing). If you want a brand-new copy at the lowest price, Walmart is the place to go, as it's currently undercutting Amazon, GameStop, and other retailers.

According to Mashable reviewers Alex Perry and Chance Townsend, this game will satisfy gamers who used to love to play Madden, one of the all-time best sports video game franchises.

“Of course, it's gonna play better than its 11-year-old predecessor, but there's a level of fluidity in here that even puts Madden to shame,” writes Townsend. “This shines within the running game, which is ultra-fun, crisp, and doesn't feel too animation-heavy.”

SEE ALSO: 'EA Sports College Football 25' review: Why it puts 'Madden' to shame

Although Townsend and Perry note that this isn’t the game everyone’s been waiting for for the last 11 years, it’s still a solid college football experience that's well worth the $42.99 price tag.

So, if you love college football and haven’t bought EA Sports College Football 25 for PS5 yet, now’s the time. If you’d rather try the game first, you can also subscribe to EA Play and get 10 hours of playtime for free.

UPDATE: Oct. 16, 2024, 12:10 p.m. EDT This story has been updated with additional details about the new Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition's specs.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition (32GB) $279.99 at Amazon
Pre-Order Here

After an unceremonious leak earlier in the morning, Amazon officially unveiled its first color Kindle on Wednesday, Oct. 16. That's right: Almost 17 years after the release of the very first Kindle, a model with a color display is finally hitting the market.

In addition to the new Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition, Amazon is also releasing new versions of the Kindle, Kindle Scribe, Kindle Paperwhite, and Kindle Kids, the first major update to the Kindle line of e-readers since 2022.

The Colorsoft Signature Edition is set for launch on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at $279.99 and preorders are now live at Amazon.

Meet the next generation of Kindles. Credit: Amazon Introducing the first-ever Kindle with a color display

The new Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition is a 7-inch, waterproof e-reader with a glare-free "Colorsoft" display that supports a full spectrum of shades. That means users can view book covers, scroll through comics, and highlight sentences in vivid colors. In a press release, Amazon said the new color Kindle "packs a suite of innovations that make every hue and shade pop," including a light guide with micro-deflectors that brighten without fading and an oxide backplane for crisp contrast and speedy page turns.

Just like the newly updated Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, which has a grayscale display, this color variant comes with an auto-adjusting front light, 32GB of storage, and wireless charging via USB-C. (Its battery life is just slightly shorter: It lasts up to eight weeks per charge versus the standard Paper Signature Edition's twelve.) The Colorsoft Signature Edition also omits the lockscreen ads found in other Kindle models, which cost a premium to remove. It comes in a metallic black finish.

The Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition features a metallic black shell. Credit: Amazon SEE ALSO: I've read 34 books this year and these are my favorite e-readers

The Colorsoft Signature Edition is one of six new Kindles in Amazon's newly refreshed Kindle lineup, joining the flagship Kindle ($109.99 with lockscreen ads), the Kindle Paperwhite ($159.99 with ads), the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition ($199.99), the Kindle Paperwhite Kids ($179.99), and the Kindle Scribe (starting at $399.99 with 16GB of storage). All the other models are available for purchase immediately, save for the Kindle Scribe, which is up for preorder ahead of its Dec. 4 release date.

The release of the Colorsoft Signature Edition sets up some long-awaited competition for the $219.99 Kobo Libra Colour, which debuted this April as "the first color e-reader from a major brand," per Bethany Allard, lead shopping reporter at Mashable. Allard gave the Kobo Libra Colour a 3.8/5 rating in her review, praising its overall design and software support but noting that it's "definitely a first-generation product with a few issues to work out."

Stay tuned for our review of the Colorsoft Signature Edition.

Surfshark's new free Data Leak Checker tool couldn't come at a better time. Seemingly every day there's a new report of a data breach from Fidelity to MoneyGram to Comcast and it's overwhelming — and unfair — for customers to keep track it all themselves.

SEE ALSO: Fidelity data breach compromises more than 77,000 customers

Just enter your email on Surfshark's Data Leak Checker website and it tells you if your data was found in leaks, which leaks it was found in, and what was leaked. Some of the leaks will be paywalled, but the free version still tells you all the information about up to six leaks as well as the full number of leaks. If you're wary of sharing your email address with yet another company, Surfshark ensures that it won't be shared for marketing purposes.

For the full report, you have to sign up for Surfshark Alert, which monitors your personal data through your email address and notifies you when it leaks.

The Data Leak Checker checks for both database and malware-based data leaks. In the report the information is split up onto database and malware-based leaks, so it looks at both the large-scale data breaches you read about in the news and anything leaked due to malware on your device.

There are other free tools on Surfshark's website including a map of global data breach statistics that's updated regularly. Right now, the map sits at 18 million breached accounts reminding you how important the Data Leak Checker tool can be.

Bring all the skellies to the yard this year with deals on poseable skeletons, all available to shop now:

Best poseable skeleton deals: Best Poseable Skeleton Deal Steve the Poseable Skeleton $174 at Walmart (Save $75) Get Deal Best 2-Pack Poseable Skeleton Deal Xonor Posable Skeleton (2-Pack) $78.99 at Amazon (Save $11) Get Deal Best Fully Poseable Skeleton Deal Joyin Posable Life Size Skeleton $69.99 at Amazon (Save $6) Get Deal Best Budget Poseable Skeleton Deal Crazy Bonez Pose-N-Stay Life Size Skeleton $64.99 at Amazon (Save $25) Get Deal

Everyone loves a huge, poseable skeleton. How many times have you driven past someone's home and appreciated a big ol' bone daddy perched in their yard? If you live in an area where people take their Halloween decor seriously, probably plenty. But why settle for being the person who just drives by? Why not be the Halloween decor champ by grabbing a giant poseable skeleton and doing something creative with it?

You might have already missed out on The Home Depot's popular, massive 12-foot Giant-Sized Skelly this year, but don't despair. There are tons of other options you can choose from that would all make great additions to your yard this year.

To help you make the most of your Halloween yard tableau this year, we found a few of our favorite bone-tastic picks so you can stay in vogue with spooky design trends and also just have a bunch of big skeleton friends hanging out in front of (or in back of) your home. Sounds like a win to us. Read on for our favorite skellies.

Best poseable skeleton deal Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart Steve the Poseable Skeleton $174.00 at Walmart
$249.00 Save $75.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you missed out on The Home Depot's Skelly, Steve (yes, that's this guy's name) is the next best thing. You get a 10-foot poseable friend (which is only two feet shorter than Skelly, but who's counting?) crafted from bone-colored plastic with a wide base and iron legs. It comes with poseable arms and legs and four ground stakes to keep it stable. Steve will feel right at home among your Halloween decorations.

Best 2-pack poseable skeleton deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Xonor Poseable Skeleton $78.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $11.00 Get Deal Why we like it

What's better than one huge, poseable skeleton? Two, obviously. This deal nets you two 5.4-foot poseable skeletons with plenty of movable joints so you can work them into whatever position you want. This is an excellent option if you want to start a skeleton party in your yard. They're both pretty realistic-looking, and you can set plenty of spooky scenes with two figures instead of one. You'll have to assemble the head, rib cage, and legs, though.

Best fully poseable skeleton deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Joyin Poseable Life Size Skeleton $69.99 at Amazon
$75.99 Save $6.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you like to be able to contort your large skeletons into whatever pose you'd like, this one is incredibly flexible. It has fully poseable joints and it's nearly six feet tall. You can use it indoors or outdoors, but it'll shine the brightest outside, maybe with a fun little skeleton dog or other spooky accessories. Since it has so many points of articulation, you'll love being able to give it plenty of different "assignments" in your yard. It's a bit pricier than getting a 2-pack, but you're paying a little extra for quality.

Best budget poseable skeleton deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Crazy Bonez Pose-N-Stay Life Size Skeleton $64.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Don't want to pay an arm and a leg to bring home a skeleton for your yard? You can opt for this budget pick instead. It's still five feet tall and comes molded in all-weather plastic, with poseable limbs and knees that can lock into place. It's also quite detailed, and you can save a decent amount of money setting up this guy instead of some of the more expensive options out there this year. He even has a pleasant yellowing effect that stands out from all the other gray skeletons out there.

It looks like Google Chrome really wants you to look at advertisements.

In a quote post on X posted by Raymond Hill, the developer who brought us the free ad blocker Chrome extension uBlock Origin, it appears that Google Chrome is turning off the ad blocker.

"The deprecation of uBO in the Chrome Web Store has started," Hill posted.

This comes in response to another user, Christoph Nakazawa posting a screenshot that shows Google Chrome turning off three extensions — MDN Search, Neat URL, and uBlock Origin — with the note "These extensions are no longer supported. Chrome recommends that you remove them."

"After more than 15 years, it's time to switch browsers. I just want Chrome but without nefarious behavior by Google," Nakazawa wrote. "What Chrome-based browser would you recommend on macOS?"

As Mashable noted in August, this change comes as Google Chrome moves from Manifest V2 to Manifest V3. In an emailed statement to The Verge, a Google spokesperson Scott Westover said the majority of "actively maintained" extensions in the Chrome Web Store already use Manifest V3. "The top content filtering extensions all have Manifest V3 versions available — with options for users of AdBlock, Adblock Plus, uBlock Origin and AdGuard," he told the outlet.

This doesn't come as a huge surprise, as Google has already been cracking down on ad blockers on its other sites, including YouTube.

If you'd like to avoid this entirely, consider switching to more ad-blocker friendly browsers, like Brave.

Android 15 is here. Let's talk about it.

The latest build of Google's mobile operating system is finally upon us as of this week, and that means you're probably wondering what exactly it does. The good news is that Google put up a blog post more or less detailing exactly that.

Here are all of the major new features in Android 15, which is now available on devices like the new Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL.

SEE ALSO: Google could face Chrome and Android split as DOJ seeks breakup Android 15: Every big new feature

Android 15 doesn't seem that major as big new OS updates go, but there are still a handful of useful-sounding additions here.

Theft Detection Lock and Remote Lock

Android 15 brings in a couple of new anti-theft features that could be life-saving. First up is Theft Detection Lock, which uses AI to sense if someone has taken your phone with the intent of running, driving, or biking away. The phone should automatically lock in those scenarios, but if it doesn't, Remote Lock lets you lock it yourself from any other phone, just by calling your phone number and putting in a security code.

Private space

Do you have certain apps on your phone that you don't want other people to see or know about? Don't worry, no judgment here. Everyone does, whether they want to admit it or not.

The good news is that Android 15 has something for you. You can create "private spaces" for designated apps, meaning you need to pass a security check (like a fingerprint scan) before you can see or open them. You can even hide the existence of the private space itself, for an extra layer of security.

App pairing

Google's blog post didn't forget about the other Android devices it makes, like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Pixel Tablet. Devices with bigger screens got a couple of other new toys to play with.

The main one is app pairing, which lets you combine two apps into one app icon on your home screen. When you tap the icon, the two apps open at the same time in a multi-tasking view. The example Google gave in the blog post is combining Gmail and Google Drive, so you can drag files from one to the other. I'm sure you can think of other ways to use app pairing that are more exciting than that.

Circle to Search...for music

Android has its own Shazam equivalent now.

Google actually started gradually rolling this out in August, but it's worth noting anyway. Hold down the home button to activate Circle to Search like you normally would while a song is playing. There should be a music note icon you can tap, at which point your device will take a few seconds to listen to the song before telling you what it is.

Not revolutionary by any means, but hey, it'll be useful.

App archiving

Last but not least, you can get rid of apps without losing any of your app data.

If you want to create space in your phone's internal storage, you can choose to archive apps rather than fully delete them. This will free up space, but you'll keep all the app's data intact. If you feel like reinstalling the app, it'll be like it never left. This isn't particularly revolutionary (the Nintendo Switch can do this), but it is nice to have.

SAVE 13%: The Shark HyperAir hair dyer with IQ styling concentrator attachment is just $129 at Walmart, marked down from the normal price of $149. That's a savings of $20.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark HyperAir hair dryer with IQ styling concentrator $129.00 at Walmart
$149.00 Save $20.00 Get Deal

The Dyson Supersonic hair dyer might have all the buzz (still) but there are some great alternatives that cost a whole lot less. If you're looking to upgrade your hair dyer but don't want to pay Dyson prices, check out this deal at Walmart.

As of Oct. 16, the Shark HyperAir hair dyer with IQ styling concentrator attachment is on sale for just $129 at Walmart, down from the list price of $149. That's a 13% discount or a savings of $20.

If you're looking for shiny and frizz-free hair, the Shark HyperAir could be your new favorite beauty tool. Shark uses the brand's IQ technology to provide high-velocity heated air with ionized air to create a fast-drying solution with no damage from heat. Shark also mentions the negative ion air helps reduce frizz and flyaways.

SEE ALSO: I tested the best Dyson Airwrap dupes under $300: The Shark FlexStyle is no longer your only option

The hair dyer measures the heat output up to 1,000 times per second to keep the air output at a consistently damage-free temperature. You'll be able to select between three airflow and three heat settings to get your desired hair drying experience. Plus, the cool shot button will help create a smooth finish.

This deal at Walmart includes the Shark IQ styling concentrator. Shark mentions the nozzle opening of the concentrator offers precision drying and shaping, while also helping with creating a smooth style.

If you're ready to put hair care as a top priority this winter, grab the Shark HyperAir for under $130 today at Walmart and you'll be well on your way to healthy locks.

X is not a gatekeeper platform and therefore not beholden to the Digital Markets Act strict list of regulations.

But the reason why X isn't one of the seven Big Tech companies that are required to comply with certain fair business practices might sting Elon Musk's ego a bit.

This announcement came from the European Commission in a press release on Wednesday morning. X doesn't qualify as a gatekeeper because the assessment from the Digital Markets Advisory Committee, "revealed that X is not an important gateway for business users to reach end users."

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk's X will no longer pay creators based on ads but on engagement

Musk will no doubt be happy that his company doesn't have to adhere to the DMA's "do's and don'ts" which if violated, amount to a penalty of 10 percent of the company's global turnover. But the Commission's conclusion that X isn't an important enough platform for businesses to impact users is like rubbing proverbial salt on the wound of X's current advertising situation.

About a year ago, many big ticket companies including Apple and Disney pulled their ads from X in the wake of antisemitic and hate speech comments posted by Elon Musk. Musk since apologized for his remarks, but revenue has reportedly tanked, since the CEO took over the company which relies heavily on an advertising model. More recently, X filed an antitrust lawsuit against advertisers, claiming they conspired against the X to hurt it financially.

That said, X didn't want to be classified as a gatekeeper anyway. According to the Commission's announcement, X submitted "rebuttal arguments, explaining why its online social networking service should not, in its view, qualify as an important gateway." The seven Big Tech companies classified as gatekeepers are Alphabet (Google's parent company), Amazon, Apple, ByteDance (TikTok's parent company), Meta, Microsoft, and Booking.com. Yeah, Booking.com is a gatekeeper and X isn't. Let that sink in.

GET $200 off: As of Oct. 16, the Samsung Freestyle (2nd gen) projector is $599.99 at Best Buy, down from its usual $799.99 price. That's 25% off for total savings of $200.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Freestyle (2ng gen) projector with Gaming Hub $599.99 at Best Buy
$799.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal

Have you ever laid down after a long day and wished your ceiling would magically transform into a big-screen TV? (Yes, you could watch TV from the couch or even sit up in bed, but lying down without craning your neck is next-level relaxation.) If your answer is a resounding "Yes!", then you’re in luck — we found the Samsung Freestyle (2nd gen) laser projector on sale at Best Buy.

As of Oct. 16, you can score the Samsung Freestyle 2 for $599.99 (originally $799.99) at Best Buy. That’s a $200 price cut and a sweet deal for a smart, top-rated laser projector. This projector is available at a similar price at Amazon, but only from third-party sellers, making this Best Buy deal your best bet to save.

With this smart laser projector, you can watch your favorite movies on a 100-inch display and enjoy 360-degree sound from the Freestyle speakers. If watching movies or binge-watching your faves on the ceiling isn’t enough to persuade you that this is the treat you need, maybe its Gaming Hub will. With this projector, you can stream games, no console required. Plus, you’ll have access to your favorite streaming apps and everything else you’d get on a smart TV, including a built-in voice assistant.

You can use the Freestyle for gaming, movies, and streaming. Credit: Samsung SEE ALSO: Amazon's Echo Show 10 is one of our favorite smart home devices

The point-and-play design means anyone can use this projector. Just place it and point it at any flat surface, and you’re good to go. And, with 360-degree audio, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of all the action.

The Samsung Freestyle 2 is famously easy to use, and a heck of a lot cheaper than buying a 98-inch TV. With tons of smart features and a 25% discount, it's the perfect excuse to treat yourself.

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Oct. 16: OUR TOP PICK Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (40mm, Bluetooth) $169.99 at Amazon (save $130) Get Deal BEST FITNESS TRACKER DEAL Samsung Galaxy Ring (select sizes) $279.99 at Amazon (save $120 with on-page coupon) Get Deal BEST HEATER DEAL Dyson Hot+Cool AM09 $314.99 at Amazon (save $155) Get Deal BEST HOME DEAL AeroGarden Harvest 2.0 $52.49 at Amazon (save $37.50) Get Deal BEST TV DEAL Vizio 50-inch MQX QLED 4K TV $427 at Amazon (save $202.99) Get Deal

We're now chilling in that sweet spot between October Prime Day and Black Friday. That means that, in the land of deals, anything can happen. We're seeing some all-time low prices on some gadgets and some first-time price drops for others. In other words, if you don't want to wait until the next big shopping event to do your shopping, you can rest assured you'll still get a good price. We've rounded up some of the top deals we could find at Amazon as of Oct. 16 to help you out.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these are of interest to you, be sure to look back at our picks from Oct. 14 and Oct. 15. Many of those are still live.

Our top pick Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (40mm, Bluetooth) $169.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $130.00 Get Deal

Check out our full review of the Galaxy Watch 6.

We saw the Galaxy Watch 6 drop to a record-low during Prime Day and over a week later, it's still hanging out around that price. With the arrival of the Galaxy Watch 7 and Ultra over the summer, it's no surprise that the older generation (which is only a year old, BTW) is basically sitting at a permanent discount. The 40mm version with Bluetooth is a total steal at just $169.99, which is 43% off its full retail price. Though it's no longer the latest and greatest Galaxy Watch, the sixth generation is still a very good smartwatch. It includes a nuanced breakdown of your sleep habits, personalized heart rate zones, irregular heart rate notifications, a large always-on display, and a large suite of fitness and health features. Mashable's Alex Perry called it "the king of the Android smartwatch mountain" when it came out last year.

Samsung Galaxy Ring (select sizes) $399.99 at Amazon
$279.99 with on-page coupon Get Deal

Check out our full review of the Samsung Galaxy Ring.

We were really hoping for some deals on the Galaxy Ring (which we love) during the Prime Big Deal Days event, but only saw one very slight discount on one random size. A week later, however, we're seeing some bigger savings (up to $120 off). There's just one catch: the discounts are on select sizes and only on the gold model. If you wear a size 7, you can grab the gold Galaxy Ring for only $279.99 with an on-page coupon, while size 8 wearers will have to pay $327.99 (still a great deal, but not 30% great). Regardless, if your size is on sale, we highly recommend snatching it up. Our reviewer Kim Gedeon gave it a near-perfect rating and claimed it's "so good, it has made me consider the unthinkable: dropping my beloved Apple Watch Series 9 for the Korea-based tech giant's new wearable."

Dyson Hot + Cool AM09 $314.99 at Amazon
$469.99 Save $155.00 Get Deal

Instead of grabbing a space heater with a single function, opt for the Dyson Hot + Cool, which can keep your home comfortable no matter the season. Its bladeless design can keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. Thanks to Jet Focus control, you can also choose between a personal mode (Focused) or whole-room mode (Diffused) for even more versatility. Did we mention it also looks good in practically any space? As of Oct. 16, you can pick one up for $314.99 at Amazon instead of the usual $469.99. That's a savings of 33% and just $15 more than its all-time low from Prime Day.

AeroGarden Harvest 2.0 $52.49 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $37.50 Get Deal

With the wacky weather patterns as of late, you might be better off testing out your green thumb indoors with an AeroGarden. The Harvest 2.0, the second-generation of the OG planter, is down to just $52.49 at Amazon as of Oct. 16, making it 42% more affordable for curious gardeners. It sits at only 10.6 inches wide and 16.4 inches tall (including the adjustable light height), so it won't take up a ton of space in your home. Yet, it has enough space to grow six different plants using its hydroponic system. No soil is needed — just water and liquid plant food (included) — so it's less messy than other growing systems. The Harvest 2.0 features a one-button control nutrient reminder and a detachable 15W grow light.

Vizio 50-inch MQX QLED 4K TV $427.00 at Amazon
$629.99 Save $202.99 Get Deal

With awesome color performance and key gaming features, including AMD FreeSync Premium, low input lag, and a 120Hz panel, the 50-inch Vizio MQX QLED TV makes for a pretty solid budget-friendly gaming TV. Our friends at PCMag (also owned by Mashable publisher Ziff Davis) gave it an "excellent" rating in their review, which states, "The 50-inch Vizio M-Series Quantum X TV offers an incredibly wide color range and great gaming features for a reasonable price." Its contrast and brightness could be better, but for just $427 on sale, it's hard to complain. Save 32% as of Oct. 16 at Amazon.

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

Are you one of the many American consumers who have to ration your internet usage due to your service provider's broadband data caps? The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has heard from consumers just like you and are now going to investigate these data caps.

On Wednesday, the FCC announced that it was opening a formal inquiry into the "impacts of internet services usage limits and fees." The inquiry will look into broadband data caps and how they affect consumers and competing companies alike.

SEE ALSO: FCC wants to force carriers to unlock phones for consumers

“For most people in the United States, rationing their internet usage would be unthinkable and impractical," said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. "But, for millions, limitations on how much data they can use online is a constant concern. And many are not happy about it."

What are broadband data caps?

For those unfamiliar with the practice, some internet service providers (ISPs) sell plans that limit how much data they can use per month. These are often the lower-cost plans, so the issue typically affects low-income households. However, many others in various economic situations are stuck with similar plans too.

Furthermore, these data cap plans often charge for data overage, which in turn can even make these plans unaffordable for some.

SEE ALSO: Verizon outage is under investigation, according to the FCC

As numerous industries have pivoted to streaming – from movies to video games – over physical media, these data caps become more and more of a concern from those forced to deal with them. The changes that rapidly occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as live video classes for children over Zoom, further exacerbated the issue.

How data caps affect everyday consumers

On the same day that the FCC announced this inquiry, the agency also released hundreds of stories from consumers about how these data caps impact their daily lives. There's the family in Arkansas who has to take their kids to use public WiFi after school to do their homework so they don't go over their data cap. There's the senior citizen in Nevada who is stuck at home due to disability and has to avoid video chatting with loved ones for half the month so they don't get hit with overage charges.

“Restricting consumers’ data can cut off small businesses from their customers, slap fees on low-income families, and prevent people with disabilities from using the tools they rely on to communicate," said FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel. "As the nation’s leading agency on communications, it’s our duty to dig deeper into these practices and make sure that consumers are put first.”

Earlier this year, the FCC officially required ISPs to attach "nutrition labels" to the plans that the offer customers. The labels require that ISPs provide easily accessible information about how much each plan costs, what additional fees could hit customers, how much data comes with the plan, what broadband speeds to expect, and more.

The full disclosure that these nutrition labels bring was certainly a welcomed development. Now the FCC is taking further steps to see if the plans themselves are an issue as well.

What you can do

The FCC wants to hear from more consumers and businesses about the affects data caps have on them. To share your story, fill out the FCC's Data Caps Experience Form.

GET $70 OFF: As of Oct. 16, you can get the Marshall Emberton II portable Bluetooth speaker for $99.99, down from $169.99. That's a 41% discount and $70 off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Marshall Marshall Emberton II portable Bluetooth speaker $99.99 at Amazon
$169.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal

Prime Day may be over, but we’re still seeing newsworthy Bluetooth speaker deals across multiple brands, including Marshall.

As of Oct. 16, you can score a Marshall Emberton II portable Bluetooth speaker for just $99.99, down from $169.99. Not only is this a $70 discount, but it’s also a record-low price for this particular speaker, according to the Amazon price-checking tool CamelCamelCamel.

SEE ALSO: The 5 best portable Bluetooth speakers for 2024

This vintage-inspired Bluetooth speaker features 360-degree sound with True Stereophonic tech (a multi-directional sound system developed by Marshall) and an IP67-rated design that's dust- and waterproof. You can get up to 30 hours of playtime, and it only takes three hours to recharge.

With the Marshall app, you can adjust the bass and treble using the equalizer. You can also keep the speaker updated with over-the-air updates. If you want a louder sound, the Marshall Emberton II can connect to other speakers with Stack Mode.

In terms of style, Marshall's line of Bluetooth speakers, inspired by the looks of their iconic amps, pass the vibe test. Unless you're willing to pony up for something in the $900 price range, you really can't find a cooler-looking portable speaker for sale in 2024.

We don't know how much longer the Emberton II will remain at its Prime Day price. So, if you need a new party speaker for fall get-togethers, don't wait too long to take advantage of this speaker deal at Amazon. And if you need something even bigger, the Marshall Kilburn II Bluetooth speaker is $100 off at Amazon for a limited time, too.

Not a fan of chilly winter temps? Check out these great deals on portable space heaters to keep you toasty all year long. Here are our top picks to shop today:

Best portable space heater deals Best overall deal Vornado AVH10 Space Heater $82.79 at Amazon (save $17.20) Get Deal Best budget-friendly deal Honeywell HHF360V space heater $34.88 at Amazon (save $8.11) Get Deal Best heater + fan combo Dyson Hot+Cool Jet Focus AM09 $299.99 at Dyson (save $170) Get Deal

Now that we're in the middle of October, it might be just about time to crank the heat. But if last year's winter temps were cruel even inside your home, this might be the year to introduce a portable space heater into the mix. Space heaters can quickly and efficiently heat up your desired room. Here are some top deals to shop if you're in the market for a portable space heater before the chill sets in.

Best space heater deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Vornado Vornado AVH10 Space Heater $82.79 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $17.20 Get Deal Why we like it

Heating quickly is one of the best features of the Vornado AVH10 Space Heater. As of Oct. 16, it's on sale at Amazon for just $82.88, which works out to a 17% discount off the listed retail price of $99.99 at Vornado.

The heater is designed to warm an entire room thanks to its 1500 watt power. The heater uses a simple control interface that allows you to set the desired room temp, and the heater will automatically shut off once the temperature is reached. If it drops below your set temperature, the heater will kick on again.

This Vornado also has important safety features, including auto shut-off if the unit detects overheating and tip-over protection. Plus, it has convenient cord storage to keep your space neat and organized.

Best budget-friendly space heater deal Opens in a new window Credit: Honeywell Honeywell HHF360V space heater $34.88 at Amazon
$42.99 Save $8.11 Get Deal Why we like it

With a compact design, the Honeywell HHF360V space heater comes with tons of great features to keep you warm during cold months. Unlike many space heaters, the Honeywell can rotate 360 degrees for total room heating. Cool-to-the-touch housing and a built-in handle mean this model is portable enough to use in different rooms throughout the day. Bring it into the office while you work, then warm the bedroom come evening.

Safety features on the Honeywell HHF360V include tip-over protection, thermal insulated wiring, and overheating protection.

Best heater and fan combo deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Hot + Cool Jet Focus AM09 $299.99 at Dyson
$469.99 Save $170.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're interested in a space heater you won't have to find a place to store during warmer months, the Dyson Hot + Cool Jet Focus AM09 works as both a heater and a fan. As of Oct. 16, it's just $299.99 at Dyson, down from the usual price of $469.99, which means you're in for a savings of $170. The AM09 has 10 speed settings, a programmable sleep timer, and uses Dyson's blade-free fan design.

The Dyson Hot + Cool Jet Focus oscillates within 70 degrees, and you can select Focused or Diffused modes when you want personal or whole-room heating. You also get a remote control with the Dyson, which can be great for changing the temperature or turning the heater off from the comfort of the couch or your bed. Since the heater and fan combo weighs a bit under six pounds, you'll also be able to easily move it from room to room.

FREE SMART BULB: Wake up smarter! As of Oct. 16, you can get a free smart bulb with your purchase of the Echo Spot smart alarm clock at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Echo Spot with TP-Link Tapo Smart Color Bulb $79.99 at Amazon
$104.98 Save $24.99 Get Deal

If you’re tired of relying on your smartphone to wake you up in the morning, you might want to switch to a smart alarm clock like the Amazon Echo Spot.

The Echo Spot is a compact, Alexa-enabled alarm clock that can do everything the Echo Dot can do (play music, set reminders, control smart home devices, and more) with the added benefit of an LED display. And right now, you can snag a free TP-Link Tapo Smart Color Bulb with your purchase at no extra cost. That’s a savings of $24.99 and a pretty good deal for two smart home devices.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best Echo devices for building a smarter home

The TP-Link Tapo Smart Color Bulb can adjust from warm to cool whites and has more than 16 million color options. That means you can set the mood no matter the occasion, whether you're winding down for the night or easing into the morning.

Plus, with the Echo Spot, you can control the bulb with your voice — no smartphone required. Set a schedule, turn it on and off, adjust the brightness, or swap out the colors just by asking Alexa. If you want to shut off the lights without getting out of bed, or turn them on in the morning, this 2-for-1 smart home deal makes that possible.

Amazon first released a version of the Echo Spot alarm clock years ago, but the 2024 version has a better display and new smart home features. So, if you've been trying and failing to keep your smartphone off your nightstand, then the Echo Spot is the solution.

SAVE $72: As of Oct. 16, get a Samsung Galaxy Ring for as low as $327.99, down from the normal price of $399.99. Select colors and sizes available.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Galaxy Ring $327.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $72.00 Get Deal

Smartwatches can track a number of metrics, from the quality of your sleep to your heart rate. But they aren't convenient for everyone, especially if you don't like to wear a watch all day and night. A good compromise is a ring form factor instead, and there are a couple to choose from. If you're more interested in a ring to help you stay on track with your fitness journey, you can snag one today for a great deal.

As of Oct. 16, you can get a Samsung Galaxy Ring in Gold for just $327.99, down from its normal price of $399.99. That's a discount of 18% and $72 off. (Note that some users may even see lower pricing with on-page coupons due to Amazon's dynamic pricing.) Currently, this price cut only applies to a handful of select sizes in the Gold colorway. While sizes range from 5 to 13, you may not be able to find a suitable size for you at a similar discount, though this particular ring does come with a sizing kit. For other larger sizes, the Oura ring is on sale now as well, and a decent alternative.

SEE ALSO: The best October Prime Day smartwatch and fitness tracker deals that are still live: Samsung, Garmin, Apple, and more

The Samsung Galaxy Ring has just about everything you'd want from a smartwatch for tracking purposes (sans smartphone connectivity for calls and texts). It's lightweight, attractive, and durable, just like wearing a regular ring on your finger. It can track everything from workouts to sleep to heart rate and more, plus, it's water-resistant, so you can wear it all day long without taking it off to wash your hands or shower.

Your Galaxy Ring sends data to your phone each day for you to review, including a readiness rating and a report about the previous night's sleep and activity. It's a great alternative if you don't want a big, bulky smartwatch to take everywhere with you, and it's an interesting idea to try if you want something more svelte and low-key overall.

The newest "Wallace & Gromit" film arrives January 3 on Netflix.

Willem Dafoe, Finn Wolfhard, and Helena Zengel star in this fantasy adventure from A24, out Feb. 28, 2025.

Amazon is revamping its Kindle lineup in a big way, though the announcement seems to have come a little early.

The company unveiled the new Kindles via a Spanish-language post on its website, complete with photos, leaving little doubts as to its authenticity. The post was since removed, but the archive is still accessible here (via The Verge).

The most interesting among the new devices is the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition, the company's first Kindle that supports color. That means you'll get colorful book covers, nicer images, and text highlighting in different colors.

SEE ALSO: Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition review: The upgrade is worth the money

The post does not have all of the device specs, but it does say the new Kindle Colorsoft has up to 8 weeks of battery, wireless charging, and water resistance. The price is $279.99, and the shipping date is October 30.

Somewhat surprisingly, this is not the priciest Kindle in this bunch. That title belongs to the company's new Kindle Scribe, which lets you take notes, including scribbling directly into a book's page (Amazon calls this Active Canvas). Another feature of note is the AI-powered notebook, which can automatically summarize your notes into bullet points.

Kindle Scribe costs $399.99, and will start shipping December 4.

This one lets you scribble notes directly into a book. Credit: Amazon

Then there's the good old Kindle Paperwhite, which comes in two flavors: regular Paperwhite, and Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition.

Both flavors of the new Paperwhite have a 7-inch display, which is larger than the current, 6-inch version, as well as 3-month battery life and water resistance. Page turns should be 25 percent faster, and the display has "the highest contrast ratio of any Kindle."

The primary difference between the two versions in the storage and price: The regular Paperwhite has 16GB of storage and costs $159.99, while the Signature Edition comes with 32GB of storage, an auto-adjusting front light, and wireless charging as option, and it costs $199.99. You also get different colors for the two variants: Kindle Paperwhite is available in Raspberry, Jade Green, and Charcoal, while the Signature Edition comes in Raspberry Metallic, Jade Green Metallic, and Charcoal Metallic. Both versions are available "now."

The Signature Edition has more storage, and fancier (metallic) colors. Credit: Amazon

Finally, there's the regular Kindle, which comes in a new color: Matcha. Other than that, its primary traits are its portability (it weighs 5.6 ounces), a 300ppi display that should have faster page turning than before, and 16GB of storage. The price is $109.99, and availability is listed as "now."

New color: Matcha. Credit: Amazon

More details will follow after Amazon decides to make these devices official. For now, though, this is one of the most interesting Kindle lineups so far, and we're eager to try some of these out.