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Hurricane Milton is almost here. Here's how to get help evacuating.

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 04:00

Hurricane Milton is fast approaching Florida, with the historic storm expected to make landfall on Wednesday. If you are in its path, you need to leave immediately.

Speaking to CNN, Tampa mayor Jane Castor urged people in the evacuation zones to get out, warning that it won't be possible to simply ride out Hurricane Milton.

"There's never been one like this," said Castor. "This is literally catastrophic, and I can say without any dramatisation whatsoever [that] if you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you're going to die."

SEE ALSO: Space footage shows Hurricane Milton explode into monster storm Credit: National Weather Service's National Hurricane Center

While it may be tempting to stay in your home, you need to get out right now. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), Hurricane Milton is on track to become the worst storm to hit the Tampa area in over 100 years, and is unlike any previous storms residents may have weathered. Milton "explosively" intensified from Category 1 to 5 in less than 24 hours, becoming the second fastest hurricane to ever do so, hitting wind speeds of 180 mph. 

Hurricane Milton's storm surge is expected to reach over 10ft in some areas as well. In comparison, last month's Hurricane Helene reached over 6ft and incurred a confirmed death toll of over 200, making it the deadliest U.S. hurricane since Katrina killed over 1,800 people in 2005.

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The NWS has warned that you should plan to be in a safe place outside the evacuation zones by Tuesday night. You may not even have to travel very far, with the difference of just a few dozen miles potentially enough to save your life. You should prepare to be more patient than usual on the roads though, with traffic more congested than usual due to hordes of people trying to leave the area. Florida has suspended road tolls and opened roadway shoulders to assist the evacuation.

"HEED EVACUATION ORDERS," NWS posted to X on Monday night (emphasis original). "RUN FROM THE WATER, HIDE FROM THE WIND."

Unfortunately, evacuating is much more difficult for people who are older or have mobility issues. The Tampa Bay Times reports that many of those killed by Hurricane Helene were contending with such challenges, and ultimately did not leave the mandatory evacuation zones.

How to get help evacuating ahead of Hurricane Milton Credit: National Weather Service's National Hurricane Center

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has set up a helpline for anyone who needs evacuation assistance. Simply call 800-729-3413 at any time between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Note that this is a separate service from the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL), which has also been activated and is available 24/7. SAIL provides information such as road closures, available shelters, and what you should do to prepare, and is contactable on 1-800-342-3557.

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A free shuttle and shelter system is running to help people in some areas which have been ordered to evacuate. Running on Tuesday, the shuttle service will cover Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough Counties, and requires no reservation. Its schedule can currently be found on the FDEM website.

FDEM has partnered with Uber to provide free rides for people travelling to and from storm shelters in evacuating counties as well. To use this service, just add promo code "MILTONRELIEF" in your Uber app's Wallet.

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As of writing, mandatory evacuation orders are in place in Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Volusia Counties, with Hernando County expected to join that list on Tuesday morning. Voluntary evacuation orders have been issued for low-lying areas and mobile homes in Glades and Okeechobee Counties, while those in Sarasota County have been instructed to implement their storm plan.

Those in Florida should refer to their local officials for more evacuation information.

A list of storm shelters and whether they're open can be found on the FDEM website. This includes special needs shelters which are better able to care for people with health conditions.

"This will be one of the largest evacuations along our state’s west coast," the Saratosa County Government wrote in a Facebook post on Monday. "Check on your neighbor — work together to prepare."

October Prime Day is finally here — here are all the best deals to shop so far

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 03:57

UPDATE: Oct. 8, 2024, 4:00 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with the latest deals from Prime Big Deal Days, which starts on Oct. 8.

The best Prime Big Deal Days deals at a glance: Best Apple Deal Apple iPad, 10.2-inch (A13 Bionic, WiFi, 64GB) $199.99 at Amazon (save $129.01) Get Deal Best Amazon Echo Deal Amazon Echo Show 5 $49.99 at Amazon (save $40) Get Deal Best laptop deal Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,699 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal Best headphone deal Amazon Echo Buds with active noise cancellation $44.99 at Amazon (save $95) Get Deal Best Bluetooth speaker deal JBL PartyBox On-The-Go Speaker $299.95 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal Best TV deal Amazon 50-inch 4-Series 4K Fire TV $279.99 at Amazon (save $170) Get Deal Best streaming deal Amazon Fire Stick 4K $24.99 at Amazon (save $25) Get Deal Best fitness tracker deal Garmin Venu 3S $395 at Amazon (save $54.99) Get Deal Best home security deal Blink Whole Home Bundle $89.97 at Amazon (save $110) Get Deal

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event is back. Scheduled a little under three months after the retail giant's flagship summer Prime Day sale, this 48-hour "October Prime Day" will present shoppers with an opportunity to get an extra-early start on their holiday shopping before the chaos of Black Friday.

Amazon started rolling out early Prime Big Deal Days doorbusters in mid-September, and we'll be keeping track of them right here in the lead-up to its official start.

When is October Prime Day?

Prime Big Deal Days will run from Tuesday, Oct. 8 (starting at 3 a.m. ET) through Wednesday, Oct. 9 this year. Many of the sale's best deals won't go live until that exact start time, but again, certain doorbusters are up for grabs already — they're basically appetizers for the main event.

What deals will we see during the sale?

Amazon previewed a selection of its top Prime Big Deal Days deals in a press release Thursday (Oct. 3), noting that new offers will drop "as often as every five minutes during select periods throughout the event." These offers include "some of its lowest prices of the year so far" on products from brands like Dyson and Lego (to the tune of up to 40 and 30 percent off, respectively), plus hefty discounts across the following categories:

Once Prime Big Deal Days begins, we'll also be keeping an especially close eye on tech from big-leaguers like Apple, iRobot, and Samsung. Based on our experience covering past Prime events, we expect many of their products to fall to new or year-round lows on Amazon during the event.

As a reminder, you don't need to buy something just because it's on sale. For more tips on how to shop smart, check out Mashable's guides to finding the best deals and what not to buy.

PROMOTED Canon Pixma TR8620 Wireless Home Office All-In-One Inkjet Printer $199.00 at Amazon
Shop Now Peloton Bike+ $2,495.00 at Amazon
Shop Now Eufy X10 Pro Omni 8,000Pa Robot Vacuum and Mop $799.99 at Best Buy
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Products available for purchase here through affiliate links are selected by our merchandising team. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission or other compensation.

What are the best October Prime Day deals that are already live?

So far, Amazon is reserving most of the best deals for itself: Select devices across its Echo, Fire, Kindle, Blink, and eero brands are on sale for up to 58% off ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. (For the record, its Blink home security bundles and dirt-cheap Fire tablets feel the most worth-it at this point.)

These deals were open to all shoppers at the time of writing, but we've spotted some others that are Team Prime exclusives. Members can snag four free months of Amazon Music Unlimited, three free months of Kindle Unlimited, and a $10 discount on one GrubHub order of $15 or more; don't forget to use the coupon code PRIME10 at checkout.

Beyond that, we've seen a slew of TVs, laptops, tablets, robot vacuums, headphones, and fitness trackers go on sale on Amazon ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. We're keeping a running list of the best early deals below — just keep in mind that things can (and probably will) get cheaper once the event formally begins.

Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 10.2-inch (A13 Bionic, WiFi, 64GB) $199.99 at Amazon
$329.00 Save $129.01 Get Deal Why we like it

The 9th-generation iPad is down to $199.99, back to its lowest price ever in late September. Even with this recent price increase, it's still the most affordable iPad out there.

This tablet comes with the A13 Bionic chip, a powerful processor that lets you stream, browse the internet, and even game. Normally $329, the sweet price of $224 saves you $129.01.

More Apple deals

iPads

MacBooks

AirPods

AirTags and accessories

Best Amazon device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Show 5 $49.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Amazon Echo Show 5 works as a smart home hub that's more than just a speaker. It displays music, recipes, and even video calls with its built-in camera. While we normally prefer the Echo Show 8 over the 5, ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, we're thoroughly pleased with the $40 discount on the Echo Show 5.

Score the Amazon Echo Show 5 for just $49.99, taking 44% off.

More Amazon device deals

Echo smart speakers and displays

Kindles

Fire tablets

Eero WiFi devices

Best laptop deal

For more deals on MacBooks, scroll back up to the "Apple deals" section.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,699.00 at Amazon
$1,999.00 Save $300.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro (M3).

"With a super bright mini-LED display, a good amount of useful, creative-friendly ports, gorgeous-sounding speakers, and an M3 chip that supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, the current-gen MacBook Pro is our No. 1 laptop for photo and video editing (regardless of operating system). It's also the longest-lasting MacBook we've tested to date, clocking in at over 16 hours in our battery life test. It's another Mashable Choice Award winner that earned a 4.5/5 rating.

We highly recommend bumping up to the 1TB variant with 16GB of memory, which is currently marked down to $1,699 (down $300 from $1,999), but the base configuration with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage is also on sale for $1,299 (down $300 from $1,599). Either way, you'll be locking in an all-time low." — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

Best headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Buds with active noise cancellation $44.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $95.00 with wireless charging case Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Amazon Echo Buds (2nd gen).

"While Apple, Sony, and Bose tend to get most of the hype around earbuds, there are plenty of other brands that sneak in there and surprise us. Amazon happens to be one of them with their 2021 Amazon Echo Buds. They provide excellent noise cancellation and are compatible with any system.

Normally $139.99, they're already a steal for a pair of earbuds with active noise cancellation. But ahead of Prime Day, they're down to $44.99, saving you $95 for 68% off." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More headphones deals

Headphones

Earbuds

Best Bluetooth speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL PartyBox On-The-Go Speaker $299.95 at Amazon
$349.95 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"Maybe your Bluetooth speaker kicked the dust this summer after one too many pool parties. If you find yourself in the market for a new one, Prime Day is an especially great time to hit add to cart.

If you need a speaker for a party, the JBL PartyBox is just that. Despite its large size, the shoulder strap makes it easy to carry. Plus, six hours of battery life keeps it running all night long. Built-in lights and a microphone really keep things turning up all night long.

Ahead of Prime Day, you can find the JBL PartyBox down to $299.95, saving $50 for 14% off." — Samantha Mangino, Shopping Reporter

More Bluetooth speaker dealsSoundbar dealsBest TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon 50-inch 4-Series 4K Fire TV $279.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $220.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"Who says you need to spend a grand to get a nice (and decently sized) 4K TV? With the early 35% discount that Amazon slapped on the 55-inch version of its most affordable Fire TV, Prime members could actually get one for two different rooms for way less than $1,000.

As Amazon's most basic in-house Fire TV, the 4-Series would be best suited for people who aren't super picky about saturation or brightness levels as long as it's a step up from their old LED TV — and this definitely will be. With the intuitive Fire TV platform built-in, the 4-Series can access all of your favorite streaming apps, which you can arrange in whatever layout makes sense to you." — Leah Stodart, Senior Shopping Reporter

More TV deals

50- to 55-inch TVs

65-inch TVs

75-inch TVs and up

Best streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Stick 4K $24.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Is the Amazon Fire Stick 4K the best streamer we've ever tested? No, Roku takes the cake there. However, it still works perfectly fine, and not to mention, it's hard to turn away from its delightful $30 price tag ahead of Prime Day. Having tested the Amazon Fire Stick TV, set-up is easy, as simple as plugging it into an HDMI port in the back of your TV.

While the home screen is a little clunky and slow, full of ads and promotions for Prime Video content, it is a dream for those who primarily stream on the site. The Amazon Fire Stick 4K is down to $24.99, saving you $25 and 50% off.

More streaming dealsBest gaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch Lite (Gray) $170.52 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $29.47 Get Deal Why we like it

"The Nintendo Switch Lite (Gray) is $179.99 at Amazon right now. It might go down in price during Prime Day, but its record-low is $196.80, and that was back in February 2022, so this deal (even at just $20 off) is still worth considering. If you want to save even more, you can buy a renewed model for $165.

The Nintendo Switch Lite is a portable version of the original Nintendo Switch. You can play classic games like Super Mario Bros and Zelda on the go and purchase and download other Switch games straight to the console.

If you prefer gaming on a TV, the Nintendo Switch is $264.97, down from $299.99. That's not a massive discount, but it's a decent price for a new Nintendo Switch." — Tabitha Britt, Mashable Shopping Contributor

More gaming deals Best drone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Holy Stone Holy Stone GPS drone HS175D RC Quadcopter $169.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"If you’re really into drones, the name Holy Stone should be on your radar. This brand is known for making high-end drones that are feature-packed and, at times, super affordable.

The Holy Stone GPS drone HS175D RC Quadcopter is currently $169.99 at Amazon, which is $60 off the listing price. It’s a solid mid-range drone option that shoots 4K videos, has a 46-minute flight time, and a special flight mode where you can direct its movement — whether you want it to follow you or fly along a specific path." — Tabitha Britt, Mashable Shopping Contributor

More drone deals Best robot vacuum dealsMore vacuum dealsMore home dealsBest fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Venu 3S $395.00 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $54.99 Get Deal Why we like it

"Ideal for smaller wrists, the Garmin Venu 3S is about .2 inches smaller in diameter and .3 oz lighter than the standard Venu 3. It still offers the same advanced features, like a built-in speaker and microphone to take calls, the ability to store music, and an abundance of health and fitness tools and insights. The only real difference besides the size is that the 3S has a slightly shorter battery life (about 10 days in smartwatch mode versus the 3's 14 days), but it still blows the Apple Watch battery out of the water. It's usually $449.99, but you can save $55 ahead of the October Prime event and get it for only $395. That's a new all-time low." — Christina Buff, Mashable Shopping Contributor

More fitness tracker dealsBest kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker $169.99 at Amazon
Get Deal Why we like it

"Trying to break your Starbucks habit? Invest in a fancy brewer for your home, like the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker. It happens to be on sale for just under $100 ahead of October Prime Day, which is 41% in savings and matches its Black Friday price from last year. It features four brewing styles (classic, rich, over ice, and specialty brew), six brewing sizes (cup, XL cup, travel mug, multi-serve travel mug, half carafe, and full carafe), and a fold-away milk frother. That means you can create anything from hot or ice lattes and macchiatos to cappuccinos and iced coffee from the comfort of your kitchen." — Christina Buff, Mashable Shopping Contributor

More kitchen deals

Air fryer deals

Blender deals

Coffee maker deals

Espresso machine deals

Multicooker deals

Stand mixer deals

Best book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Avery 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear $13.79 at Amazon
$27.00 Save $13.21 Get Deal Why we like it

"If you’re not into self-help books, James Clear’s Atomic Habits might not be on your radar. But this is one of the best nonfiction titles to come out within the past few years, and it's currently 49% off in hardcover.

This book is all about teaching yourself to build good habits, break bad ones, and generally become more focused, productive, and successful in your daily life. And at just $13.79 for the hardcover, it’s a steal." — Tabitha Britt, Mashable Shopping Contributor

More book deals Best home security deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Whole Home Bundle $89.97 at Amazon
$199.97 Save $110.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"If you could put a price tag on peace of mind, it'd be pretty close to this Blink Whole Home Bundle deal. It includes the Blink Outdoor 4, Mini 2, Video Doorbell, and Sync Module 2, all for just $89.97. That's 55% off the retail value and the lowest price we've seen on this particular bundle. The Blink Mini 2 can take care of the inside of your home, day or night, while the Outdoor 4 can keep an eye on things outside. Paired with the Blink app, the video doorbell can show you who shows up at your door (even at night). And the Sync Module 2 will let you keep track of all the action in one place (and store your clips locally). It's one of the most affordable ways to keep an eye on every part of your home." — Christina Buff, Mashable Shopping Contributor

More home security deals

Video doorbell deals

Single security camera deals

Home security bundle deals

Best printer deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP ENVY 6055e $79.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The HP ENVY 6055e wireless color inkjet printer can print quickly, going through five pages a minute in color, and eight and a half pages in black and white. It also comes with three months’ worth of ink through HP+. You just have to activate your subscription to get it — it's pretty easy to do through the app. This compact printer is ideal for at-home printing or dorm room use.

More printer deals

3D printer deals

Best Samsung Galaxy deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy A35 (Unlocked, 128GB) $313.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $86.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Samsung's Galaxy A35 is a 'strong buy for the price,' as our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) said in their review. The budget-friendly Galaxy phone was released as a more affordable alternative to the Galaxy S24. As a budget phone, it doesn't offer the same speed and performance as the S24, but it also doesn't cost over $1,000. It packs a gorgeous 6.6-inch display, Samsung's Exynos 1380 processor, a 50 MP wide-angle camera with optical image stabilization, and a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery that supports fast charging. It's not the most impressive phone on the market, but on sale for just $313.99, it's a pretty hard deal to beat. That's 22% in savings." — Christina Buff, Mashable Shopping Contributor

More Samsung Galaxy deals

Galaxy Book deals

Galaxy Buds deals

Galaxy phone deals

Galaxy Tab deals

Galaxy Watch deals

Best keyboard deals Opens in a new window Credit: Royal Kludge Royal Kludge S98 mechanical keyboard $89.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"For under $90, you're getting a hot-swappable keyboard with a 96% layout, a knob, a small display, and a Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and USB-C connection. In other words, this Royal Kludge keyboard is a great affordable mechanical keyboard, whether you're into gaming or just want something cute for your desk. There are also four different keycap colorways available, but the coupon amount may vary depending on which you choose." — Bethany Allard, Lead Shopping Reporter

More keyboard deals

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for October 8, 2024

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 03:55

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, October 8, 2024:

Across___ apple

  • The answer is Adams.

Apple___

  • The answer is Sauce.

Many a film at Sundance

  • The answer is Indie.

Plants with leafy fronds

  • The answer is Ferns.

Droop

  • The answer is Sag.

Down"You wish!"

  • The answer is Asif.

"Great" big dogs

  • The answer is Danes.

___ McDonald, Broadway actress with Tony, Emmy and Grammy accolades

  • The answer is Audra.

Hosting an open mic, informally

  • The answer is MCing.

Understands

  • The answer is Sees.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

Score a stunning October Prime Day saving on this popular Dyson heater

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 03:54

SAVE OVER $170: As of Oct. 8, the Dyson Hot+Cool AM09 Jet Focus is on sale for $299.23 at Amazon. That's a saving of 36% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Hot+Cool AM09 Jet Focus $299.23 at Amazon
$469.99 Save $170.76 Get Deal

Prime Day delivers some of the biggest discounts of the year, and October's offering is no different. Deals are everywhere, and we've been on the lookout for some of the very best discounts you can find this Prime Day. The latest to catch our eye is the discounted Dyson Hot+Cool AM09 Jet Focus.

As of Oct, 8, you can save 36% on this hot/cold fan at a reduced price of $299.23. You might think this is still a high figure, but it's reduced down from $469.99.

The Dyson Hot+Cool AM09 is a fan and heater combo, so it works for both summer and winter temperatures. It has a bladeless design that makes it nice and easy to clean, and its sleek design won't stand out like a sore thumb in your space. It is also remote-controlled, can be scheduled with a sleep timer (here's looking at you, white noise fans), and oscillates at a 70-degree angle.

And in the colder months, the ceramic plates heat up almost instantly so you feel warmth in no time at all. Ideal for those cold mornings before heading out to work.

This discount is part of October Prime Day, so move fast so you don't miss out.

NYT Strands hints, answers for October 8

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 03:48

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for October 8 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for October 8 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Protective measures

These words will close things off from prying eyes.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words for ways to protect things.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Security.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for October 8

  • Password

  • Lock

  • Backup

  • Safe

  • Security

  • Firewall

  • Encryption

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 8 SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 8

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.

Get the Amazon Fire TV for its lowest-ever price this October Prime Day

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 03:44

SAVE $40: As of Oct. 8, the Amazon Fire TV 40-inch 2-Series is on sale for $159.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 20% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV 40-inch 2-Series $159.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

There couldn't be a better excuse to upgrade your tech than Amazon's October Prime Day. There are deals across hundreds of brands and products, but the discounted Amazon Fire TV 40-inch 2-Series should catch your eye.

As of Oct. 8, this popular TV is at its lowest-ever price at Amazon, reduced down to $159.99. This is a 20% saving on the original list price of $199.99. This is an exclusive Prime Day price, so you'll need to have an Amazon Prime subscription to shop the deal. It's $14.99 a month to sign up, but you can always start with a 30-day free trial to see if it's worth it for you.

SEE ALSO: The best October Prime Day deals for 2024 – live now

As with most Amazon devices, this TV has Alexa voice control built in. A top feature when you need to search through multiple streaming platforms for your favorite movie. It runs on Fire OS, so you'll have access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more. It also features two standard HDMI inputs and 1 ARC input, making it easy to connect gaming consoles or Blu-ray players, and supports Dolby Audio for even better sound quality.

This deal might not last, so if you want to upgrade your screen we'd recommend acting fast.

Amazon's Fire HD 10 tablet is 46% off on October Prime Day

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 03:36

SAVE $65: As of Oct. 8, the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet is on sale for $74.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 46% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet $74.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal

Amazon's October Prime Day has officially started, with the first trickle of deals coming through. Things are going to seriously ramp up through the day but there are plenty of bargains to be had before the madness really begins, including Amazon's Fire HD 10 tablet.

The Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet boasts a 10.1-inch 1080p Full HD display and is a great all-rounder. Perfect for streaming your favorite shows, reading, and searching the web. Like most Amazon devices, it is integrated with Alexa for useful hands-free control. This discount is available on all colorways for the 32GB model (with ads). Without ads, you can purchase for $84.99, at an even bigger saving of 53% on list price.

This is one of the best Prime Day tablet deals we've seen, and a great option if you're looking to upgrade for under $100.

If you want the latest in the Fire tablet range, however, we recommend going for the Fire 11 Max. This model is even more advanced and features an 11-inch display, faster performance with 4GB of RAM, and support for a stylus and keyboard. Save 39% on this model on Prime Day.

ChatGPT-4, Gemini, MistralAI, and more join forces in this personal AI tool

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: 1minAI puts AI models from OpenAI, Meta, Google, and more at your disposal to generate text, images, or edit audio, and you can get it for life for £30.57 (reg. £178.86). 

ChatGPT was a huge deal when it dropped, but it's not the only big AI model on the playground anymore. GPT-4 is pretty fancy, but it's not always the best option for every type of content you want to create. The only problem is that if you want more options, that often means more subscriptions. At least, it would if you didn't have the option to access multiple AI models for life in one place by getting 1minAI.

This lifetime AI subscription gives you access to tools such as ChatGPT-4, Mistral AI, and a lot more for just £30.57. 

What does 1minAI do?

Think of this app as an AI hub where you can access models for generating text, images, and editing audio. If that sounds too good to be true, what's the catch? There's a finite amount of material you can generate every month, but with this deal, you get 450,000 free credits per month, and unused credits roll over. If you're using 1min for work, that means your vacation time isn't wasting credits you've already paid for. 

The list of AI models included with 1min is seriously impressive. Check it out: 

  • GPT-4o, GPT-4 Turbo, GPT-4, GPT-3.5 (OpenAI)

  • Claude 3 Opus, Claude 3 Sonnet, Claude 3 Haiku, Claude 2.1, Claude Instant 1.2 (Anthropic)

  • Gemini Pro 1.5, Gemini Pro 1.0 (GoogleAI)

  • Llama 3, Llama 2 (MetaAI)

  • MistralAI

  • Command (Cohere)

The AI writing tools are super versatile. Working on an SEO project? Save time doing keyword research. Can't remember what passive voice is? One can be helped by an AI grammar tool. There's even a paraphraser for research and a ton of social tools for writing Facebook, LinkedIn, and X content. 

Not all of these AI models are for generating text. You can generate images, turn text to speech or speech to text, enhance videos, or even use AI to look over a PDF file. Now, instead of skimming a whole long document, you can just ask AI to answer your questions for you. 

1minAI is your new AI team

You don't have to subscribe to every big AI tool. 

Just get a lifetime subscription to 1minAI for £30.57 while it's on sale at the Mashable Shop. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1minAI: Lifetime Subscription £30.57 at the Mashable Shop
£178.86 Save £148.29 Get Deal

14 of the best Georgia Tech courses you can take online for free

Mashable - Tue, 10/08/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: A wide range of online courses from Georgia Tech are available to take for free on edX.

edX is a popular platform that hosts a large bank of free online courses from some of the top educational institutions in the world, including Georgia Tech. This batch of online courses includes lessons on AI, machine learning, programming with Python, and much more.

We have checked out everything on offer from Georgia Tech and lined up a standout selection to get you started. These are the best free online courses from Georgia Tech this month:

These free courses don't include a certificate of completion, but that's the only catch. Students can still enroll at any time and start learning at their own pace, which sounds like a pretty good deal to us.

Find the best free online courses from Georgia Tech with edX.

Opens in a new window Credit: Harvard University Harvard University Courses Free at edX Get Deal

Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for October 8

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 22:00

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for October 8's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for October 8 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for October 8 SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 8 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Shorthand for a place that serves burgers; something to smoke weed.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter J.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 8 The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

JOINT.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

The best Amazon Prime Big Deal Days deals for 2024

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 21:03

With the silly season soon upon us, Amazon has kicked off their second exclusive sales event for 2024, Prime Big Deal Days (not to be confused with Prime Day in July). From now until midnight on Sunday October 13 (AEDT), Amazon.com.au will feature some of it's biggest discounts all year – in some cases, with even lower prices than even Prime Day or Black Friday week.

Bear in mind that the event is exclusive to Amazon Prime members, so, if you're not a member, you'll need to sign up for a free 30-day trial to get in on the bargains.

Without further adieu, here's are the top deals we've spotted so far:

Best robot vacuum dealsBest smart home dealsBest smartphone and tablet dealsBest wearable tech dealsBest headphone and speaker dealsBest TV and home cinema dealsBest laptop dealsBest gaming deals

--

What is Amazon Prime Big Deal Days?

Similar to Prime Day (which normally takes place in July) this month's Prime Big Deal Days is a sales event exclusive to Amazon Prime members in Australia and overseas. Aside from Prime Day and Black Friday, it's just about your best chance all year to score some eyewatering deals on a huge range of products being sold on Amazon.

When is Amazon Prime Big Deal Days in Australia?

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days in 2024 commenced 12:01am AEDT on October 8, with local deals running for six days until 11:59pm AEDT on October 13.

Amazon Prime Big Deal Days shopping tips

Strategy is key for making the most of the Prime Big Deal Days event. Knowing how to shop on Amazon across the days will get you the best deals and save you heaps of time. If you feel like browsing for fun, be sure to check out the main Big Deal Days page!

Meanwhile, here are our top shopping tips for taking advantage of the sale:

  • Amazon's ‘Spotlight Deals’ run for 24-hours or more – some even run for the whole Big Deal Days event. You can take your time with these purchases, read the reviews, compare prices, and hit "buy" once you are sure you're getting bang for your buck.

  • Meanwhile, ‘Lightning Deals’ last for a limited amount of time, and have a limited amount of stock. If you see a good price on a lightning deal on something you want, be sure to get in quick!

  • Keep an eye on specific items you want, especially with the upcoming holiday gifting season. Simply search for these items on the Amazon store and see if they're on sale.

  • Try out Alexa shopping. You can simply ask “Alexa, what are my Prime Day deals?”, or even track your orders by asking “Alexa, where’s my stuff?”.

NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for October 8

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 21:00

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for October 8's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 8 What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for October 8 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: Spooky iconography

  • Green: Stop

  • Blue: Reading music

  • Purple: Types of candy

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Halloween Symbols

  • Green: Prohibit

  • Blue: Found on Sheet Music

  • Purple: Candy___

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #485 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Halloween Symbols: BAT, PUMPKIN, SPIDER, WITCH

  • Prohibit: BAN, BLOCK, DENY, FORBID

  • Found on Sheet Music: ACCIDENTAL, NOTE, REST, STAFF

  • Candy___: APPLE, BAR, CANE, CORN

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 8

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Upgrade your desk setup with one of these keyboard deals live ahead of October Prime Day

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 19:56
Best keyboard deals ahead of October Prime Day Best standard keyboard deal Apple Magic Keyboard with numeric keyboard $106.47 at Amazon (Save $22.53) Get Deal Best mechanical keyboard deal Royal Kludge S98 mechanical keyboard $89.99 at Amazon (Save $10) Get Deal

Whether you're deep in the rabbit hole that is having a keyboard building hobby or you're simply looking to update your home office setup, Prime Big Deal Days is shaping up to be a great time to pick up a new keyboard on sale.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day is just one day away — here are all the best deals to shop so far

Though Amazon's sale doesn't officially start until Oct. 8, plenty of keyboards are already marked down from brands like SteelSeries, Epomaker, and more.

What makes a good keyboard can have a lot to do with personal preferences. We've included 15 different keyboard deals on our list below so you can find what you're looking for, whether you want something you can plug and play, or a hot-swappable keyboard you can customize as much as you'd like.

Best standard keyboard deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Magic Keyboard with numeric keyboard $106.47 at Amazon
$129.00 Save $22.53 Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple Magic Keyboard is pricey, but for folks who enjoy a quiet, low-profile typing experience, it could very well be worth it. Windows users are probably going to want to pass on this keyboard, but Apple fans will appreciate the easy connectivity to their MacBook or iPad, as well as the 100% layout. Note that this is an older version of the Magic Keyboard without a Touch ID sensor.

Best mechanical keyboard deal Opens in a new window Credit: Royal Kludge Royal Kludge S98 mechanical keyboard $89.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it

For under $90, you're getting a hot-swappable keyboard with a 96% layout, a knob, a small display, and a Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and USB-C connection. In other words, this Royal Kludge keyboard is a great affordable mechanical keyboard, whether you're into gaming or just want something cute for your desk. There are also four different keycap colorways available, but the coupon amount may vary depending on which you choose.

More keyboard deals

Elon Musk's weirdest weekend, explained

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 19:44

In September, there were signs that Elon Musk's attempts to elect Donald Trump — on and off the network formerly known as Twitter — were faltering.

Now, after a weekend in which Musk immortalized the hashtag #DorkMAGA at a Trump rally, appropriated the @America account from its owner, and used it to literally offer money to swing state voters, those attempts have entered uncharted territory.

How did we get here? Let's recap.

On September 23, Musk was successfully fact-checked, a.k.a. Community Noted, on an X post relating to U.S. politics, for the first time in 2024. Musk spread a false rumor that a bomb had been found at a Trump rally. A New York Times examination of Musk's 171 posts that week found that nearly a third of them were "false, misleading or lacked vital context." The fact that only one of them was marked as such gives you a sense of just how much Musk's supporters on the service are downvoting Community Notes on his posts.

Even for the stans, it seems, a fake bomb threat was beyond the pale.

Meanwhile IRL, Musk's pro-Trump America PAC was stumbling. In two swing states that will decide the 2024 election, Arizona and Nevada, where voter turnout is crucial, Musk fired its entire turnout operation. Given that America PAC is pretty much the only ground game the Trump campaign has, this was bad news for the GOP candidate that Musk officially endorsed back in July. As of last week, with early voting already underway in some states, America PAC was still hiring.

Then on Friday, Musk got another very public online fact-check. Not a Community Note this time, but a response from Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg to Musk sharing a screenshot of an anonymous text making wild claims about the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Tweet may have been deleted

"Support flights are underway, much appreciated," Musk replied after talking to Buttigieg — kind of claiming credit for solving a nonexistent problem, but also essentially walking back his fake claim about FEMA blocking Musk's satellite internet company from aiding in hurricane relief.

Could the weekend get any more embarrassing for him?

Musk: hold my beer Tweet may have been deleted

At a weekend rally for Trump in Pennsylvania, Musk appeared in a black "Make America Great Again" cap and declared himself "dark MAGA."

According to the Global Network for Extremism and Technology, the #DarkMAGA hashtag goes back to 2022, and represents a desire to go down a harsh path of retribution against MAGA critics. Dark MAGA posts frequently include Nazi and QAnon imagery.

If Musk's intent was to evoke a more terrifying image, he succeeded in part — though not in the way he might have hoped. When Musk shook Trump's hand, a strange look crossed his face — and one photograph launched a thousand memes.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

But even that meme could not withstand the firepower of Musk's midriff-baring ... well, let's just call it a rocket launch.

Tweet may have been deleted

Put the two together, and it's no surprise that a new hashtag blossomed: #DorkMAGA.

New profile, who dis

Those images contrasted with Musk's new Twitter/X profile photo. His red-armored Halloween costume, used on and off since October 2022, was replaced after the Trump rally Saturday by a more flattering (and more edited) picture of Musk in the Dark MAGA cap against an American flag. (Even some of Musk's blue-check buying supporters were quick to note they would lose their verification badge if they were to change their profile photo.)

Clearly, this was a long way from the claim Musk made back in April 2022, when he was preparing to buy Twitter, that the service should be "politically neutral" and upset "the far left and the far right equally."

And in case anyone was confused by the subtlety of the black-on-black MAGA cap, Musk also made his political message clear in his new bio: "Read @America to understand why I'm supporting Trump for president."

This was the first indication that Musk had seized the @America account from its original owner, and handed it over to his America PAC. As my Mashable colleague Matt Binder revealed, the original account owner — someone who happened to call Musk "anti-American" in 2020 — was given the rather less memorable handle of @America123_12.

Musk is within his rights to seize any account, of course — it's his service, he overpaid for it. He has done so once before, appropriating the "X" handle from a photographer. But at least that was the new name of his company. Seizing the name of a country, for entirely political purposes ... well, let's say it may not fully convey the "free speech" concept Musk believes himself to be defending.

Tweet may have been deleted

But hey, what's more American than promising free money for election-related purposes? That's what Musk proceeded to do with the America account, posting a bounty of $47 for any user who got a user in a swing state to sign the PAC's petition (and of course, harvesting their contact data in the process).

Given that America PAC is having trouble hiring, posting the bounty makes sense. Whether it counts as a violation of federal election law, in particular 18 U.S. Code § 597, is up to the Federal Election Commission, which has not yet weighed in. Some seasoned political observers were in no doubt, however.

Tweet may have been deleted Not helping, mom Tweet may have been deleted

And as if that weren't enough, Musk's mother, Maye, weighed in on another one of the X owner's posts — jokingly suggesting election fraud.

"It's not illegal," Mother Musk claimed of the suggestion that her son's supporters register 10 times and vote 10 times at different polling stations.

"This is, in fact, illegal," read a Community Note that was appended on Maye Musk's Saturday tweet. The note appeared to have been removed on Sunday, but was restored on Monday.

For Musk fans, evidently, supporting mom's right to suggest this kind of electoral fraud — something that Republican officials have already been prosecuted for doing — was a step too far.

The best 3D printer deals under $500 ahead of October Prime Day

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 18:57
Best 3D printer deals ahead of Prime Big Deal Days Best overall AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer $199.99 at Amazon (Save $100) Get Deal Best multi-color deal Bambu Lab A1 mini 3D Printer $199 at Bambu (Save $100) Get Deal Best for large objects Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus $349.99 at Amazon (Save $70) Get Deal

Not that long ago, a 3D printing hobby wasn't really possible unless you had serious cash to burn. These days, while buying a 3D printer isn't super cheap, there are definitely some affordable options out there, which only become more so during sales like Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days.

None of the below deals from brands like AnkerMake, Sovol, and Anycubic are officially tied to Big Deal Days, but some of them are limited to Prime members only. These printers are also all from third-party sellers, with the Bambu deal coming straight from the brand's website.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's early Prime Day laptop deals are finally ramping up: Shop record lows on Apple, LG, and Acer

While we typically only recommend products shipped and sold by Amazon, we found that 3D printers are mainly sold by third-party sellers. We still vetted the seller pages and brands, but as always, we recommend shopping at your own risk with third-party — if something feels way too good to be true, it probably is.

With all that said, here are the best 3D printer deals ahead of October Prime Day's official start on Oct. 8.

Best 3D printer deal Opens in a new window Credit: AnkerMake AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer $199.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) deemed the AnkerMate M5C the best budget option for folks looking to get a 3D printer. They were fans of how easy the printer was to use, and how quickly it worked without sacrificing quality. It comes without higher end features like real-time video monitoring or an on-device display, but as Senior Analyst Tony Hoffman writes "it has a generous print area for its price, and the prints we produced were of high quality, even with the default settings in the slicer software." In other words, it's a great buy even at full price, so shaving $100 off the price makes it an even better value 3D printer.

More 3D printer dealsPROMOTED Canon Pixma Wireless Printer $199.00 at Amazon
Shop Now Rollo Wireless Printer X1040 $249.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $30.00 Shop Now Canon imageClass D570 $129.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $50.00 Shop Now

Products available for purchase here through affiliate links are selected by our merchandising team. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission or other compensation.

Don't sleep on these espresso machine deals live ahead of October Prime Day

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 17:49
The best espresso machine deals ahead of October Prime Day Best for the basics De'Longhi Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine $98.98 at Amazon (Save $30.97) Get Deal Best for single serve coffee or espresso Nespresso Vertuo Next $109.19 at Amazon (Save $69.81) Get Deal Best mid-range machine Breville Duo Temp Pro $299.95 at Amazon (Save $200) Get Deal Best splurge Breville Barista Touch $799.95 at Amazon (Save $200) Get Deal

Timeless beverage as it may be, espresso is having an especially good year. For starters, Sabrina Carpenter made it the song of the summer. Now, Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days are making espresso machines one of the sale's must-get deals.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day is just one day away — here are all the best deals to shop so far

It makes sense — the weather is finally cooling down, and the days are getting shorter. Hot espresso and the access to a latte whenever you want it are perhaps most essential at this time of year. Plus, if you like getting your holiday shopping done early, grabbing an espresso machine on sale can save you a couple hundred bucks.

Case in point — most of Breville's espresso machine line is on sale, from the Duo Temp Pro at just $299.95 to the fancier Barista Touch, also on sale for $200 off. If you're more into popping in a pod, Nespressos are also on sale, as well as picks from De'Longhi and Mr. Coffee. Whether you're looking for a high-end machine that can make any espresso drinks with the touch of a button, or something simple that can reliably pull an espresso shot, we've got you covered.

SEE ALSO: Instant Pot deals aren't great, but there are a few worth checking out ahead of Prime Day

Find all our picks for the best espresso machine deals below, and if you don't see one you like, make sure to check back during Prime Big Deal Days — we'll be updating this list as new deals appear.

Best espresso machine deal Opens in a new window Credit: Breville Breville Duo Temp Pro $299.95 at Amazon
$499.95 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we picked this

Espresso machines can easily run you near $1,000, and though Breville is known for their pricier machines, this Duo Temp Pro deal sits squarely in the middle of the budget range for most consumer espresso machines. You'll get the low-pressure pre-infusion designed to help you achieve even extraction, a milk frother, and a machine that heats up quickly. If you're not a huge coffee drinker or prefer to be as minimal effort as possible, one of the under $200 options or a Nespresso might work better for you. However, if you're looking to level up your espresso game but don't want to pay $500-plus, then the Duo Temp Pro is a solid pick.

According to the price tracker camelcamelcamel, this machine has dropped lower in price only one time before for a record low of $279.99.

More espresso machine deals

Best deals under $200

Best deals under $500

Best deals under $1,000

Google Must Open Android to Other App Stores, Judge Says

NYT Technology - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 17:21
The internet giant was ordered by a federal judge to make a series of changes to address its anticompetitive conduct.

Comcast breach: Over 200,000 customers had their data exposed, including social security numbers

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 17:06

Comcast customers are the latest victims of a data breach – and the information taken in this one is extremely sensitive.

According to a notice sent to the Office of the Main Attorney General, more than 200,000 Comcast customers have been affected by a data breach at Financial Business and Consumer Solutions (FBCS). FBCS is a debt collection agency contacted by various companies to collect on unpaid debts. 

The FBCS breach was previously reported during the summer. More than 3.2 million Americans were affected by the breach. However, the notice, first reported by Bleeping Computer, gives us a look at which customers of which specific companies were affected.

This report revealed that 237,703 Comcast customers were among those impacted.

What data was exposed in the Comcast breach?

The private data involved in the breach is especially concerning. According to the notice, an "unauthorized party" downloaded files that contained Comcast customers' name, address, birthdays, Social Security number, ID numbers, and Comcast account number.

While FBCS discovered the breach in February, according to Comcast, the cable service provider was only made aware that the breach affected its customers in July.

According to The Verge, Comcast no longer uses FBCS' services and the data affected in the breach dates back to around 2021.

Comcast says it's providing affected customers with 12 months of free identity theft protection. In addition, the notice states that there has been no evidence yet of this private data being misused by bad actors.

Two standout PlayStation 5 deals ahead of October Prime Day

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 16:32
Best early October Prime Day PS5 deals Best PS5 for the budget conscious PS5 Slim Digital Edition 399.00 (Save $50) Get Deal Best overall PS5 console deal PlayStation 5 Slim 449.00 (Save $50) Get Deal

If you're in the market for a PlayStation 5, now is a perfect time to strike, as some of the best deals on the PS5 Slim are rolling in ahead of Amazon Prime Day. Both versions of Sony's latest, more compact console are currently discounted by $50. The PS5 Slim with a disc drive is now priced at $449 (down from $499), while the all-digital version is available for just $399.

Whether you're looking for a streamlined digital experience or want the flexibility of physical games and media, this deal is tough to beat.

One noteworthy deal to keep an eye on this week is Walmart’s preorders for the PlayStation 5 (Slim) Digital Edition 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Bundle. As part of Walmart’s Holiday Deals event — its counterprogramming to Amazon's Prime Day — the preorders will open on Thursday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m. ET, with early access for paid Walmart+ members. This bundle, which sold out quickly on PlayStation Direct last month, is expected to be in high demand once again. If you're looking to score this limited edition PS5 Slim, you’ll want to act fast.

Best PS5 console deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Sony PlayStation 5 Slim $449.00 at Amazon
$499.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

For gamers who prefer physical media, the PS5 Slim with a disc drive strikes a perfect balance between flexibility and performance. At $449 during this Prime Day deal, it’s $50 off, making it an attractive choice for those who enjoy building a physical game collection or prefer buying used games to save even more.

The disc drive also doubles as a 4K Blu-ray player, giving you access to a broader entertainment experience beyond just gaming.

Best PS5 deal for the budget-conscious Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon PlayStation 5 Digital (Slim) $399.00 at Amazon
$449.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Digital PS5 Slim is perfect for those looking to embrace the convenience of an all-digital gaming experience. Without the bulk of a disc drive, this version is slightly slimmer and sleeker, making it an ideal fit for minimalists who want to keep their setup clean and simple. Priced at $399 during Prime Day, it’s the most affordable way to get into next-gen gaming.

Plus, with the rise of digital game sales and subscription services like PlayStation Plus, you won’t miss physical discs. It also offers the same 1TB of storage and cutting-edge performance as its disc counterpart, so you’re not sacrificing power or features for the savings.

More PS5 deals

Space footage shows Hurricane Milton 'explode' into monster storm

Mashable - Mon, 10/07/2024 - 16:17

Some hurricanes rapidly intensify. Hurricane Milton has "explosively" intensified.

The National Hurricane Service, after observing the Category 5 cyclone continually strengthen, reported Monday that Florida-bound "Milton Explosively Intensifies With 175-Mph Winds." This means Milton "is unfortunately hitting the top-end of possible intensification rates," meteorologist Levi Cowan posted online. The hurricane jumped from a Category 1 to 5 in under a day.

Tropical storms, particularly the most powerful hurricanes, can exploit favorable environment conditions to rapidly intensify. This means increasing wind speed by some 35 mph, or 30 knots, in 24 hours. Milton has gone well beyond that.

"There is such a thing as 'extreme rapid intensification' and #Milton has done it," Kathryn Prociv, a meteorologist with NBC news, explained online. "Extreme RI defined as a 58mph+ increase in 24 hours. Milton has gone 90mph."

SEE ALSO: Why it's impossible to forecast the weather too far into the future

The footage below, captured by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather satellites, demonstrates Milton's robust windup and growth. The storm is projected to make landfall on the west coast of the Florida peninsula on Wednesday, and is tracking toward the well-populated Tampa Bay region. It's serious.

"If the storm stays on the current track, it will be the worst storm to impact the Tampa area in over 100 years," the National Weather Service said.

Tweet may have been deleted "Extreme RI defined as a 58mph+ increase in 24 hours. Milton has gone 90mph." Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

The storm is now rapidly spinning through the Gulf of Mexico, with extreme winds circulating around its well-defined eye:

Tweet may have been deleted

Though a number of factors influence the formation of strong hurricanes (opposing winds that can break apart storms, moist or dry air, etc.), a vital influence is warm sea surface temperatures of over 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius). Warm oceans act as jet fuel for hurricanes, storm scientists explain. That's because warmer oceans fuel tropical storms as more water naturally evaporates into the air, giving storms energy and moisture to intensify. Crucially, the oceans, which absorb most of the heat created by burning fossil fuels, are relentlessly warming.

Today, Atlantic hurricanes are already twice as likely to develop from a milder storm into a major hurricane.

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