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Charli XCX's 'Brat and it's completely different but also still brat' is here and hype lives on

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 12:50

As Brat summer faded into fall, the endless references to Charli XCX's inescapable album seemed to reach a halt. But yesterday the English pop star beckoned in Brat autumn at the viral listening party of her remix album Brat and it's completely different but also still brat. Out today, it features everyone from Ariana Grande to Caroline Polacheck to Tinashe.

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As a result of Brat's outsized cultural impact, the remix album had a lot of hype and unsurprisingly spurred conversation and jokes online. One fan wrote, "pressing play on this after months of teasing is how i imagine it felt when men looked at the pictures of their wives in their wallet while they were out at war."

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Aside from the previously released "Guess" and "Girl, so confusing" remixes featuring Billie Eilish and Lorde, respectively, Brat and it's completely different but also still brat is a true remix album. Each song is completely transformed by the featuring artists all with Charli XCX's creative vision at the helm.

However, some listeners took issue with how different the "completely different" album is spurring a classic schism between new and old fans. One X user said, "the way i love when remixes are real remixes and not just a feature but in brat's case... bring back the old songs jesus of nazareth." A fan struck back at the haters with, "Some people are completely ignoring the ‘and it’s completely different’ part of the album tittle." Another said, "at least we’re getting rid of the basic pop fans who were just there for the trend."

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So far the most talked about song off the remix album is "Sympathy is a knife featuring Ariana Grande." Before it came out people joked that Grande would get on the track and sing, "issa knife." Fans were shocked and delighted to hear she actually did. Ever social media savvy, Charli XCX posted the link to a new text generator with an image reading "issa knife" backwards.

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Since the album features so many artists, it has something for everyone. There's the people freaking out bb tricks on "Club Classics," the Julian Casablancas heads laughing that he managed to sing about his divorce on a club album, and longtime fans celebrating Charli XCX and Tinashe finally sharing the spotlight after such long careers.

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Before the remix album came out, Charli XCX hosted an exclusive listening party...at 3 p.m. on a Thursday in upstate New York. Dubbed the "unemployed people's Coachella" and the "the ultimate test of who has a fake job," images of the event rolled in. One X user wrote, "why does this look like that one movie were people get murdered in a cult in rural sweden." Another captioned a video of fans recording Charli XCX at the event, "Not a phone in sight. Just people in the moment."

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Brat winter next?

Ticketmaster will be first to use new Apple Wallet tickets feature

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 11:58

Among the more overlooked features that iOS 18 brings to the iPhone are the updates to Apple Wallet, in particular the Apple Wallet event ticket experience.

On Thursday, Ticketmaster announced that it would be the first company to take advantage of the new feature-rich Apple Wallet tickets feature. 

SEE ALSO: U.S. Justice Department moves to break up Ticketmaster and Live Nation over antitrust violations

"With the new, enhanced ticket in Apple Wallet experience, fans are closer to the action from the moment they add their pass to their iPhone," said Ticketmaster President Mark Yovich in a statement. "We’re extremely proud to work with Apple to bring this enhanced ticketing experience to fans."

Ticketmaster being the first to take advantage of this new iOS 18 Apple Wallet feature shouldn't come as too much of a surprise. Ticketmaster is a giant in the live events and entertainment industry. However, this announcement does show that the new Apple Wallet tickets feature is quickly being welcomed by the live events industry. iOS 18 launched with this new feature less than a month ago. Expect more live event and ticketing companies to adopt this new Apple Wallet feature soon too.

A look at the new Apple Wallet ticket experience on iOS 18. Credit: Ticketmaster What's new to Apple Wallet tickets

If you've never added tickets to Apple Wallet before, here's how it basically works:

When an iPhone user buys an event ticket, the company can offer that customer an option to add the ticket to Apple Wallet. If selected, the tickets appear in the user's Apple Wallet for easy access. The user can pull up their Apple Wallet when entering a venue and get scanned in via the barcode on their phone screen.

With iOS 18, Apple brings way more functionality to tickets inside Apple Wallet.

Previously, tickets just provided the basic information one might find on a printed ticket like the start time. Now, with the upgrades in iOS 18, tickets in Apple Wallet will provide a map of the venue, parking details, local weather forecasts, related merchandise links, and recommended Apple Music playlists. 

In addition, tickets will have customized designs specific to each event. The new ticket experience also includes location sharing capabilities so users can meet up with friends who are also attending.

Venues and sports teams can also further add to the Apple Wallet ticket experience by linking to their own app or website.

According to Ticketmaster, the new Apple Wallet tickets will launch with Major League Soccer (MLS) on Oct. 19 for the Los Angeles Football Club's (LAFC) home game at BMO Stadium. After that, the new Apple Wallet ticket experience will be used for the Miami HEAT's games and continue to roll out throughout next year.

Apple TV+ joins Amazon Prime Video as an add-on

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 11:54

Huge news for fans of the cable TV bundle from the days of yore: it's basically returning, but under the shiny, new framing of "streaming."

If you have Amazon Prime Video, you can select an add-on for Apple TV+ without having to download a separate app. It'll be available for an extra $9.99 per month for users who already have Amazon Prime Video.

"Prime Video is a first-stop entertainment destination offering a wide selection of premium programming including Amazon MGM Studios Originals, live sports, licensed movies and series, the industry’s largest catalog of titles to rent or buy, and over 100 additional streaming subscriptions," Mike Hopkins, the Senior Vice President and Head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, said in a press release. "As we continue to expand our offering and make it easy for customers to personalize their streaming experience directly in one app, we are proud to welcome Apple TV+ and its popular and critically-acclaimed shows, films and events to Prime Video."

That means you can watch "The Legend of Vox Machina," "Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power," "Severance," and "Time Bandits" all on the same tab.

How to know an AirTag is tracking you

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 11:49

Apple first dropped its first GPS AirTags in 2021, and since then, they have proven to be incredibly useful. Users put them on their keys, in their luggage, on their dogs' collars, you name it, and you no longer have to fear losing something. But, as is typical with surveillance tech, there is a more sinister side to AirTags, from a potential appeal to police forces to privacy and safety concerns and unwanted tracking.

The tech giant is aware that AirTags can be snuck into people's bags, pockets, or cars without their knowledge and used as a tool for stalking, so it created a way to detect unknown AirTags. Originally, that was only available for people who had Apple iPhones, but the company announced at Google I/O 2023 that it's working with Google to reign in unwanted tracking via Bluetooth tags like AirTags, Tile, Chipolo, Security, Pebblebee, and more on any device — Android or Apple.

If you have an iPhone, you'll get a push alert if there's an unknown AirTag nearby. The alert will read something like: "AirTag Found Moving With You."

In order to ensure you get those notifications, you'll need to update to at least iOS 14.5, the iOS from 2021.

Then go to your settings, scroll down to privacy and security, and toggle location services on. Scroll to the bottom, click system services, and activate find my iPhone.

Finally, you'll visit the "me" tab on the Find My app, tap customize tracking notifications, and make sure notifications are enabled. This is a lot of steps, but you only have to do it once. If you can't immediately find the tracker, you can use Find My to make the AirTag play a sound, and use that to find it. Then you can deactivate it by removing the battery cover.

If you have an Android, the process is a bit different. If you think you might have a tracker near you, go to settings, click safety and emergency, then unknown tracker alerts. If you have automatic unknown tracker alerts turned on, you'll receive a notification that an unknown tracker is traveling with you.

It's fairly easy to tell if there's an AirTag tracking you as long as you have those notifications turned on — and that only takes a few steps.

Amazon deal of the day: The Beats Solo 4 are still under $100 post-Amazon Prime Day

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 11:46
Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Oct. 11: OUR TOP PICK Beats Solo 4 $99.99 at Amazon (save $99.96) Get Deal BEST BEAUTY DEAL Shark SpeedStyle $149.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal BEST SPEAKER DEAL JBL Clip 5 $59.95 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal BEST SOUNDBAR DEAL Sonos Ray $169 at Amazon (save $110) Get Deal BEST TABLET DEAL Amazon Fire 7 tablet $49.99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days shopping event (aka October Prime Day) has come and gone. The deals, however, are still hanging around. It comes as no surprise, really. Amazon is notorious for making its shopping events month-long extravaganzas — unofficially, of course. If you missed out on the actual two-day Prime celebration, we've rounded up a few of the best deals you can still shop below.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on Oct. 11.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Solo 4 $99.99 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $99.96 Get Deal

The Beats Solo 4 have seen quite a few discounts since their release earlier this year, but none quite as big as the 50% price drop they got on Prime Day. The savings have stuck around following the shopping event, so you can still pick up a pair for their all-time low price of $99.99 at Amazon. The Solo 4s improve upon the previous generation with upgraded drivers, rebalanced acoustics, and an improved frequency response, which basically translates to more dynamic sound. They also have better battery life, clocking in at about 50 hours (10 extra hours compared to their predecessor). Their only downfall is that they lack noise-cancelling technology. Still, at under $100, we're willing to overlook it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark SpeedStyle $149.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Another post-Prime Day deal still sticking around is this $50 discount on the Shark SpeedStyle. The Shark hair dryer offers four heat and three airflow settings, includes a handful of attachments for customization, is light as a feather, and regulates temperature 1,000 times per second. It's already made a name for itself as a potential dupe for the outrageously expensive Dyson Supersonic dryer. This particular model is designed for straight and wavy hair, meaning it includes the QuickSmooth Brush, RapidGloss Finisher, and Turbo Concentrator attachments. Grab it on sale for $149.99 and save 25%.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Clip 5 $59.95 at Amazon
$79.95 Save $20.00 Get Deal

The newest iteration of our favorite portable Bluetooth speaker, the JBL Clip 5 is on sale for just $59.95 instead of $79.95. That's a 25% discount (its biggest ever) post-Prime Day, but make note that it only includes the purple model. Quite literally the definition of portable, the Clip 5 can "clip" to any bag, belt loop, or keyring with its built-in carabiner, which has been redesigned with a wider opening. Don't write it off because of its size, either. It boasts up to 12 hours of battery life, a "Playtime Boost" mode that gives you an extra 3 hours of listening, an IP67 waterproof and dust-proof rating, and impressively loud and crisp sound.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Ray $169.00 at Amazon
$279.00 Save $110.00 Get Deal

Read our full review of the Sonos Ray.

If your TV's sound system can't quite live up to its picture, it's time to add a soundbar. The Sonos Ray is our favorite starter soundbar and it's on sale at Amazon for its lowest price ever post-Prime Big Deal Days. Low-profile and budget friendly, the Ray "delivers on the bottom line requirement of any speaker: true, quality sound," according to Mashable reviewer Han Schneider. It may not have a ton of extra features (no Bluetooth connectivity, HDMI hookup, or smart home compatibility), but its ultra-low price tag certainly makes up for it. Regularly $279, it's just $169 as of Oct. 11.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire 7 tablet (32GB) $49.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal

Read our full review of the Amazon Fire 7 tablet.

Whether you're looking for a tablet for your teen or just something you can take on your travels, the Fire 7 tablet is a solid pick on sale for just under $50. That's 38% off and the lowest price on record for the 32GB version. It's also one of the only Amazon device deals still hanging around after Prime Day. The Fire 7 isn't going to blow you away or anything. As Senior Shopping Reporter Haley Henschel put it, it's a "deeply average tablet." Still, it's hard to pass up at just $49.99.

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

The Beats Studio Buds+ are back on sale for their lowest price ever

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 11:28

GET 29% OFF: As of Oct. 11, you can score a pair of Beats Studio Buds+ for just $119.99, down from $169.95, at Amazon. That's $49.96 off the list price and the lowest price we've seen these earbuds go for since November 2023.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Our pick: Beats Studio Buds+ $119.99 at Amazon
$169.95 Save $49.96 Get Deal

Prime Day may be over, but Amazon’s been sneakily dropping prices (or leaving them at Prime Day levels) on several popular tech items. Sure, Kindles are back to their usual price, and we can’t seem to find a Fitbit deal worth writing about, but there are still tons of deals on noise-canceling headphones and earbuds.

As of Oct. 11, you can score a pair of Beats Studio Buds+ for just $119.99 — a record low that we’ve only seen once before, way back in November 2023. This is a 29% discount off the original price of $169.95, or $49.96 in savings.

SEE ALSO: The best noise-cancelling earbuds include the most comfortable buds I've ever tested

The Beats Studio Buds+ feature two listening modes: personalized active noise-cancelling (ANC) and transparency mode. Transparency mode lets you tune into your surroundings when you need to — think subway announcements, sirens, etc. You can switch between the two with the tap of a button.

And with 36 hours of battery life, you can power through your entire day without missing a beat (pun intended). Plus, they come with four different ear tip sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for all-day comfort.

Decorate for the holidays with a Lego flower centerpiece that's over 40% off

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 11:12

Save 44%: As of Oct. 11, you can grab the Lego Icons Dried Flower Centerpiece for just $27.99 at Amazon. At that price, you're saving $22 off the $49.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Dried Flower Centerpiece $27.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $22.00 Get Deal

Anyone who's ever funded a Lego habit for themselves or someone else learns one thing very quick: those bricks don't come cheap. But, they are fun to build, and the Lego Botanicals collection make for unique (and weirdly practical) house decor.

While it may be tempting to put off thinking about the holidays as long as possible, the benefit is getting in early on any deals that pop up. For example: the Lego Icons Dried Flower Centerpiece is on sale for just $27.99, down from $49.99, saving you $22 and actually bringing the Legos down to the realm of affordability.

SEE ALSO: TikTok is in love with the Ninja Creami, but am I?

The set comes with a whopping 812 pieces, making its price point even more affordable. (For comparison, two other Lego Icons holiday sets, the 608-piece Poinsettia and the 1,194-piece wreath, are currently at the full prices of $49.99 and $99.99, respectively).

The autumn design can be built solo, but if you want to work with someone else, the split design makes splitting up the job easier than with most Lego sets. Once you're done building, it can be arranged in different ways as a centerpiece, hung on the wall, or combined with our Lego Botanical sets.

If you're most interested in that last option, we've put together a list of a few other Lego Icons set on sale.

More Lego Icons deals

The new Roomba that self-cleans its mopping pad is still at its from Prime Day price

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 10:58

SAVE $400: As of Oct. 11, the Roomba Combo 10 Max robot vacuum and AutoWash dock is still on sale for $999 — the same price as this week's October Prime Day — down 29% from the usual price of $1,399. That's 29% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max + AutoWash Dock $1,399.00 at Amazon
Get Deal

iRobot is making smart moves in 2024. First, it finally gave the people what they wanted — a Roomba that washes and dries its own mopping pads, damn it — in July. iRobot debuted the Roomba Combo 10 Max + AutoWash Dock at $1,399, the same debut price as last year's Roomba Combo j9+ that doesn't self-clean its mop.

Now, for the grand finale: iRobot gave the Roomba Combo 10 Max its first discount ever during October Prime Day, dropping it to a sweet $999. Somehow, that sale price is still live the day after Prime Day. $1,000 for a robot vacuum seems pricey until you realize that that's simply in line with pricing for most of the flagship robot vacs from other brands, and iRobot finally humbling itself to competitive pricing is always a treat.

SEE ALSO: As a Dyson stan, I wouldn't tell anyone to buy the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum

Here's our hot take: If you're going to spend more than $500 on a Roomba, make it this one. That's a practical hard-stop budget when trying to decide which Roomba model is best for you. If you can spend a little extra coin, there's no reason to settle for the s9+ or j9+, which simply do a lot less than the Combo 10 Max. The AutoWash Dock's ability to deal with its own mopping pad after mopping, taking the burden off of its human to touch a soggy, mildewy pad and throw it in the washing machine. This, plus the self-emptying that we've seen on a ton of Roombas, finally creates the ultimate hands-off cleaning and maintenance experience that's becoming the standard for 2-in-1 hybrid robot vacs.

The Combo 10 Max also borrows some of iRobot's best features from the OG Roomba hybrid, the Combo j7+ that I really liked when I first tested it. These are the auto-lifting mop, which completely lifts itself over the vacuum to avoid getting carpet wet, and iRobot's PrecisionVision small obstacle avoidance, which detects and avoids small obstacles like cords, pet waste, and socks. iRobot performs both of these tasks more accurately than any other robot vacuums I've tested.

Cleaning-wise, the Combo 10 Max is also iRobot's best. It deploys a four-stage suction system compared to the three-stage approach that most cheaper Roombas use, has stronger sheer suction power and more intense scrubbing than any model but the Combo j9+ (which cleans identically), and has enhanced brainpower that pays more attention to dirtier areas.

BlueSky is pitching itself as a Threads alternative now

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 10:50

BlueSky isn't trying to replace Twitter, all of a sudden. Instead, it's making a pitch to replace Threads, Meta's Twitter alternative.

The social media platform created an account on Threads this week and immediately began pitching itself as an alternative to the site. Threads has come under fire lately for its haphazard content moderation and a rise in posts that are clear engagement bait. BlueSky was more than happy to claim it does a better job at all that Threads gets wrong.

"heard people were talking about us ... so we created an account to share some more information!" the BlueSky account wrote on Threads, before getting into its content moderation policies and how its platform works.

Shade about Threads, on Threads. Credit: Threads / bluesky_social

BlueSky pitched the idea that its moderation is largely left into the hands of users and that posts get engagement by...being actually engaging. It also noted in a different post that it wasn't owned by someone like Mark Zuckerberg.

It wrote: "we're not like the other girls... we're not owned by a billionaire."

Threads, BlueSky, and others all popped up as Elon Musk reimagined Twitter into what we now see on X. There really hasn't been a collective migration to one site or another, but rather a gradual fracturing of the site Twitter once was.

Though for many, there really has been no alternative to Twitter — it takes time to build that user-base and familiarity — and they're sticking with the often-faulty X, for better or worse.

Apple Intelligence will summarise your breakup texts

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 10:47

Breakup messages are always painful to receive. Even when the sender is trying their best to be gentle and mindful of your feelings.

Of course, not everyone is quite so adept at conveying difficult news in a damage-limitation parcel. Breakups can be messy, hurtful, and honest. Then there's the small matter of practicalities: of dividing up one's lives, our homes, possessions, keepsakes. That's not even considering when children, pets, and shared friendship groups are involved.

A new AI tool is coming, which neatly summarises breakup texts, providing you with the key points without needing to pore over every word that your heartbreaker has sent you.

When app developer Nick Spreen tried out the beta version of iOS 18.1, he experienced first hand the impact of Apple Intelligence's new features.

When Spreen received a breakup text, Apple Intelligence went ahead and provided him with an AI-generated abridged version of the message. It read: "No longer in a relationship; wants belongings from the apartment." Straight to the point.

Spreen posted a screenshot of the breakup text summary on X (formerly Twitter), followed by a tweet confirming that it is real.

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As Mashable senior editor Stan Schroeder points out, Apple Intelligence still isn't available to all users, only in public iOS beta. And Apple's iPhone 16 — which Apple says is "the first iPhone designed for Apple Intelligence"is launching without Apple Intelligence. To get Apple Intelligence, you have to sign up for beta.apple.commore info on how to sign up in this guide.

SEE ALSO: How to separate romantic rejection from your self-worth

Is this the future of breakups? Or, is this just another attempt to "optimise" our emotions and our love lives — something which doesn't entirely feel sustainable or realistic. According to evolutionary psychology, human beings are wired to process rejection as a threat to survival. An AI summary might soften the blow in the short-term, but ultimately, you'll probably still feel really upset about being dumped. You can't AI your way out of emotional processing! You've got to feel the feelings and move on. Look after yourselves!

And remember: you're not being rejected, the relationship is.

Get up to $150 off Apple devices during Target Circle Week — the sale ends at midnight tonight

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 10:47

UP TO $130 OFF: As of Oct. 11, Target is offering up to $150 off select Apple devices. Shop discounted iPads, AirPods, and more during Target Circle Week.

Best Target Circle Week Apple deals: Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) $169.99 at Target with Target Circle (save $80) Get Deal Best Apple AirPods Max deal Apple AirPods Max $399 at Target with Target Circle (save $150) Get Deal Best Apple iPad deal 10.9-inch Apple iPad (10th gen, WiFi, 64GB,) $299.99 at Target with Target Circle (save $50) Get Deal

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days has come and gone, but Target Circle Week is still in full swing (until 11:59 p.m. tonight, that is) — and if you weren’t able to get your hands on the discounts you were hoping for during Prime Day, Target’s competitive pricing might be able to help.

Now through midnight tonight, Target is offering Target Circle members up to $150 off select Apple devices, including iPads, AirPods, and other Apple accessories.

Here are our top picks from the sale:

Best Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE 2 $169.99 at Target
$249.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) is the only non-refurbished Apple Watch deal in Target’s Circle Week sale. This 40mm watch with sport band and GPS is only $169.99 for Target Circle members — $80 off the original list price and the cheapest deal around. (Even Best Buy and Walmart can’t match this price.)

With sleep and heart rate monitoring, GPS, and crash detection, this smartwatch has all the basic fitness and safety features you could want.

Best AirPods Max deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max $399.00 at Target
$549.00 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Apple AirPods Max.

The Apple AirPods Max were selling for $394.99 during October Prime Day (28% off). Now, Target has them on sale for $399 — not as good a deal, but still $150 off the original $549 MSRP.

These over-ear headphones are trendy and offer good sound quality and noise cancellation. But if you’re not ready to spend $400 or want USB-C charging, our Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard recommends trying out Bose QC Ultra headphones or the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones instead.

Best Apple iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 10.9-inch Apple iPad (10th gen, WiFi, 64GB,) $299.99 at Target
$349.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The 10.9-inch iPad (10th gen) is $299.99 during Target Circle Week. Ironically, you can find it for the same price at Amazon and Best Buy. (This is also the lowest price we've seen for this particular iPad model.)

This iPad comes in tons of fun colors and has a large enough screen for reading, streaming, or browsing the web. It has 64GB of space to store photos, documents, and more. Plus, the 12MP camera makes video chatting with friends and family easy.

The Ninja Slushi is back in stock and $50 off

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 10:46

SAVE $50.99: As of Oct. 11, the tough-to-find Ninja Slushi machine is back in stock at Walmart. Not only that, but it's also $50.99 off the usual price of $299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Slushi $249.00 at Walmart
$299.99 Save $50.99 Get Deal

You'd probably think that once Prime Day ends, the deals start slowing down — but that's not necessarily true. In fact, the days right after an Amazon sale event are usually ripe with diamond-in-the-rough deals that you probably shouldn't ignore.

Case in point: The elusive Ninja Slushi machine is back in stock at Walmart, and it's on sale. Get it for $249, or $50.99 off the usual price of $299.99. The Slushi tends to go fast whenever it gets a restock, so act quickly if you want to pick one up and bring a little piece of summer into the colder months with you (there's never a bad time for a piña colada).

SEE ALSO: 30+ kitchen deals still live post-Amazon Prime Day: Ninja, Breville, Vitamix, and more

Senior Shopping Reporter Leah Stodart reviewed the Ninja Slushi for Mashable, and really enjoyed her time with the niche kitchen appliance. The straightforward instructions, easy cleaning, and quiet operation were highlights when she tested the machine out. She thought that the splurge was worth it for those who are really passionate about frozen drinks, or who just like to reward themselves with a little treat here and there. "At any rate, the serotonin boost of one of life's most simple treasures — a fun little drink — is priceless," Stodart wrote. "As is the bonding (and money saving) that could come with staying in with friends and having a frozen marg party in your PJs."

If you too are yearning to host your own marg party this fall, definitely take advantage of this deal. Pick up the Ninja Slushi at Walmart for $50.99 off while you still can.

New to streaming, ranked (Oct. 11, 2024)

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 10:39

Hulu. Netflix. Max. Disney+. Apple TV+. Prime Video. Shudder. Paramount+. Peacock. When it comes to streaming options, the list goes on and on, and it can be overwhelming. So, we offer watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, animation, and more. But maybe you don't know what you want beyond something new and entertaining. No worries. 

Mashable's Entertainment Team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of the week and ranked them by least to most watchable. 

Want to know what's worth your time? We've got you. 

SEE ALSO: What to Watch: Best Scary Movies 5. Teacup

Don't be fooled by the innocuous title. Teacup is a twisted horror series that's likely to brew nightmares. Yellowstone producer/writer Ian McCulloch adapts Robert McCammon's 1988 novel Stinger across eight 30-ish-minute episodes, unfurling a claustrophobic tale of terror. Yvonne Strahovski and Scott Speedman star as Maggie and James Chenoweth, a married couple at odds who live on a rural farm with two kids and a pot-smoking grandma (Kathy Baker). Tensions are rising in the house before a gas-masked stranger turns up, warning them — and their visiting neighbors — that leaving the farm will have horrendous consequences. 

SEE ALSO: 'Teacup' cast on the horror of isolation

McCulloch offers a slow-burn approach, sprinkling creepy elements like a muttering intruder, animals enacting confounding self-harm, and a little boy who hears voices. But by the end of the second episode now streaming, Teacup gets cooking, revealing the eye-popping consequences for crossing the line established by the aforementioned and mysterious stranger. With two new episodes airing each Thursday, this series — executive-produced by James Wan — could deliver chills all through spooky season. 

Starring: Yvonne Strahovski, Scott Speedman, Chaske Spencer, Kathy Baker, Boris McGiver, Caleb Dolden, Emilie Bierre, and Luciano Leroux 

How to watch: Teacup is now streaming, with two new episodes weekly.

4. Caddo Lake

Produced by M. Night Shyamalan, Caddo Lake is a mind-bending thriller spiked with strange twists and a bonkers ending. Co-writers/directors Logan George and Celine Held carve out an original vision of grief and heroics by following two strangers, whose lives are changed forever by their separate searches for a missing 8-year-old girl. 

On the surface, surly teen Ellie (Eliza Scanlen) and haunted twentysomething Paris (Dylan O'Brien) have a lot in common: Both live on the edge of a dense swamp, and lost a parent at an early age through unexplained disappearances. Could it be something in the swamp? When Ellie's stepsister goes missing, efforts to find her unlock secrets from the past and a shocking new reality. If you're seeking something freshly creepy and a bit confounding, check out Caddo Lake. And if you need some help making sense of that climax, check out our ending explainer.  

Starring: Dylan O'Brien, Eliza Scanlen, Lauren Ambrose, Eric Lange, Sam Hennings, and Diana Hopper 

How to watch: Caddo Lake is streaming now on Max.

3. Mr. Crocket

What if Mr. Rogers were magic and evil? That's basically the pitch for Mr. Crocket, a Hulu original about a kids' show host who takes his devotion to his fans way too far. Written by Carl Reid and Brandon Espy, Mr. Crocket introduces home-viewing audiences to an enchanted VHS tape called Mr. Crocket's World. Featuring fluffy puppets, jaunty songs, and a jovial host wearing a big smile and a bowtie, the kids' show seems the perfect escape for children enduring trouble at home. But if Mr. Crocket feels he'd be a better caretaker of a kid than the parents, he'll creep right out of that VCR for some home-invasion horror. When one recently widowed mom (Jerrika Hinton) realizes her son (Ayden Gavin) is at risk of being snatched by Mr. Crocket, she'll do whatever it takes to save him. 

Full of lurid colors, grisly surprises, and a plotline that feels appropriate for Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Mr. Crocket seems designed for Gen X or millennials who remember the solace of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and the horror of stranger-danger hysteria. The tone is broad, relishing in creepy practical effects and Freddy Krueger-style showmanship. All in all, a solid pastiche of throwback influences with some fresh kills and thrills. 

Starring: Jerrkia Hinton, Elvis Nolasco, Ayden Gavin, Kristolyn Lloyd, and Alex Akpobome

How to watch: Mr. Crocket is now streaming on Hulu.

2. The Last of the Sea Women

Produced by Malala Yousafzai, The Last of the Sea Women is an intriguing documentary about an extraordinary but dying tradition. On the coast of South Korea’s Jeju Island, elderly women gather in diving suits to plunge into the depths and harvest seafood for sale. They are known as the haenyeo divers, often compared to mermaids for their ease in the water and their rejection of oxygen tanks. Director Sue Kim gets close to this compelling club, who share their stories, worries, and personalities with candor. Their ways are largely being lost, though Kim finds a pair of young haenyeo divers who have made their mark online by sharing videos of their dives. However, the greatest battle they have to fight is against the rampant pollution that risks their health and the lives of the sea creatures they hunt but cherish.

Gorgeously captured, The Last of the Sea Women easily bestows upon the viewer the majesty of the sea in which the haenyeo divers swim. Kim's curiosity invites us into this wondrous world of hard work and sisterhood. While the film has a clear and powerful message about preservation and the power of activism, it's also a heart-warming portrait of community and bold, charismatic women as enchanting as the sea life that is their calling. Beautiful and moving, The Last of the Sea Women is a trip across the world you can take from the comfort of your couch. 

How to watch: The Last of the Sea Women is now streaming on Apple TV+

1. Disclaimer 

Five-time Academy Award–winning filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón teams with two-time Academy Award–winning actress Cate Blanchett for a seven-part thriller sure to get your blood pumping. Written and directed by Cuarón, Disclaimer stars Blanchett as Catherine Ravenscroft, a revered journalist who has built her career on unearthing the sordid secrets of others. However, her life is thrown into spin when an unsolicited novel shows up on her doorstep, its pages spilling out the skeletons within her own closet. 

In her review for Mashable, Entertainment Reporter Belen Edwards writes, "The overall effect of Disclaimer is one of intrigue and of questioning the layers of narrative you see before you. With its commitment to formal changeups and a brutal knockout of a finale, Disclaimer is a puzzle that gets under your skin and refuses to leave.”

Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Sacha Baron Cohen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Lesley Manville, Louis Partridge, Leila George and Hoyeon 

How to watch: Disclaimer's first two episodes are streaming on Apple TV+, with new episodes each Friday.

For more viewing suggestions check out Mashable's Watch Guides for the latest and greatest movies and TV shows now streaming. 

Snag a pair of free Bose earbuds with the purchase of a Motorola phone

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 10:32

SAVE $299.99: Motorola is offering a free pair of Bose QuietComfort II wireless earbuds with the purchase of a Motorola Razr+ or Motorola Edge smartphone. That's a savings of $300 on the earbuds.

Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Motorola Edge $549.99 at Motorola
Get a free pair of Bose QuietComfort II earbuds with purchase Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Motorola Razr+ $999.99 at Motorola
Get a free pair of Bose QuietComfort II earbuds with purchase Get Deal

October Prime Day may be officially over, but the deals just keep coming.

That includes this intriguing bargain from Motorola and Bose. If you buy either a Motorola Razr+ or Motorola Edge smartphone from Motorola's website right now, you'll also get a free pair of Bose QuietComfort II wireless earbuds. All you have to do, according to Motorola, is add the phone to your cart.

Since the QuietComfort II earbuds are normally $299.99, that's a pretty steep bargain. Bose promises six hours of battery life to go along with active noise cancelation and adjustable EQ settings in a mobile app. These are probably a little more intense and audiophile-centric than AirPods would be, but they're free, so that's fine.

Steam admits you don't actually own any of your games

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 10:31

Steam is now admitting what was true all along: You don't own any of those games.

Valve's PC gaming digital marketplace has started including a notice on the shopping cart screen letting users know that purchasing a game on Steam grants them a license for it, per Engadget. That's a fairly benign message without any context, and you'd be forgiven for barely noticing it. After all, of course I have a license for the thing I bought, right?

SEE ALSO: PS5 vs. PS5 Slim: What are the differences?

Well, it's a little more complicated than that. Thanks to a new California state law signed by governor Gavin Newsom in September, digital storefronts that operate in the state have to add that disclosure before they're allowed to use words like "buy" or "purchase." It's a small thing, but important to note as we move further and further into an era where most people collect things digitally, not physically.

In other words, there will always remain a possibility that someday the licenses you paid for won't be worth anything. Steam might shut down eventually, in the distant future, and the games won't work anymore. The purpose of this law and Valve's new disclosure is to make sure you know that, even if there's not much you can do about it.

Last chance for 15% off gift cards — this Target Circle Week deal ends at midnight

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 10:01

SAVE 15%: Now through 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get 15% off select gift cards with Target Circle.

Opens in a new window Credit: Target Get 15% off select gift cards with Target Circle Shop Now

Now that Prime Day’s officially over, we’ve been looking elsewhere for the best deals. If you missed Amazon’s shopping extravaganza, you still have until Oct. 12 to shop Target Circle Week and snag member-only discounts.

One deal worth looking into is Target’s 15% off gift card offer, valid through 11:59 p.m. PT tonight (Oct. 11). With this deal, Target Circle Members can save 15% on gift cards for Fandango VUDU, Cinemark Theatres, and IHOP. Even though the selection is limited, this gives you an opportunity to grab some gift cards for the pancake or movie lovers in your life at a discounted price.

Bonus offer: Buy a $100 One4all Happy Holidays Dining gift card (e.g., The Cheesecake Factory, Outback Steakhouse, Red Robin, and others) or Domino’s Pizza gift card and receive a $15 Target gift card for yourself!

How to watch Arizona State vs. Utah football without cable

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 09:12
Wondering how to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: Best for affordability Sling TV Blue Plan $20 for the first month, then $40/month (save $20 ) Get Deal BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV Pro plan 7-day free trial, then $59.99/month for 1 month (Save $20) Get Deal

The Arizona State vs. Utah football teams are going head-to-head at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, on Friday, Oct. 11. The game is scheduled to start at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT. 

SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable

It's set to be an exciting game, so keep reading to find out how and when you can tune in.

Arizona State vs. Utah football kickoff time and network

The Arizona State vs. Utah football game is scheduled for a 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT start on ESPN on Friday, Oct. 11.

If you don't have cable or satellite TV, there are some options available if you want to watch the Arizona State vs. Utah football game via online live stream.

Best streaming services for Arizona State vs. Utah football game

To watch college football, you'll need to choose a streaming service to watch college football without cable or satellite TV. Here are the best streaming services to consider for Friday's Arizona State vs. Utah football game on ESPN. 

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Getting Sling TV for the Arizona State vs. Utah football game is an option for catching the game. You’ll need to purchase the Orange Plan, which comes at $15 for the first month and $40 for subsequent months.

Sling TV’s sports channel offerings also include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

If you want to watch just a single game of the season, FuboTV is one to try. It offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once and, you can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period.

Visit the FuboTV website to see if your zip code includes the FOX broadcast. If you’re in luck, then you can get ESPN with the FuboTV Pro plan, which has a one-month introductory rate of $59.99/month and a regular subscription rate of $79.99 per month. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Watch Jordan Peele rank classic horror movies

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 06:17
Jordan Peele appeared on "The Tonight Show" and ranked classic horror movies for Jimmy Fallon.

CDC confirms link between teen social media use and mental health struggles

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 06:07

Social media has been a part of Americans' lives for well over a decade and, in part because of its newness, some people argue that there is a dearth of research about its effect on us — particularly its effect on young people.

For the first time ever, the Centers for Disease Control's Youth Risk Behavior Survey assessed the frequency of social media use among U.S. high school students. Using that data, the organization drew some conclusions on the relationship between high school students' social media use and bullying, feelings of hopelessness, and suicide risk. The findings show that most students use social media frequently and it significantly affects their mental health.

SEE ALSO: Teens feel burnt out. Social media can make it worse.

The study showed that the vast majority — 77 percent — of high school students use social media at least several times a day, which the CDC defines as "frequent social media use." Female students use social media more — 81.8 percent — in comparison to male students' 72.9 percent. Heterosexual students reported using it more frequently than lesbian and gay students, 79.2 percent to 67.7 percent, but bisexual and questioning students reported using social media more frequently than students identifying with any other sexual orientation with 82.2 and 82.6 percent, respectively.

"Students who reported frequent social media use were more likely to be bullied at school and electronically bullied compared with less frequent social media users," the report reads. "Frequent social media users also were more likely to report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Frequent social media use was associated with having seriously considered attempting suicide and having made a suicide plan."

While those findings break down by gender, race, and sexuality, all groups surveyed — male students, female students, and LGBQ+ students — who reported "frequent social media use" were more likely to report feeling sad, hopeless, and seriously considering attempting suicide than their less online counterparts.

While social media can also help young people find community, express themselves, and create, this study is further confirmation that the darker effects also exist.

'Daily Show' mocks Fox News for saying 'real men' don't vote Democrat

Mashable - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 05:38
"Daily Show" host Jordan Klepper has made fun of the people on Fox implying that real men don't vote Democrat.

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