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ChatGPT updates for Windows and macOS: Everything you need to know

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 13:09

There's now a ChatGPT desktop app for Windows.

OpenAI announced the news on Thursday, sharing how ChatGPT Windows app has Advanced Voice mode, as well as its latest model o1-preview. Windows users can use the Alt + Space shortcut to invoke ChatGPT.

Users can also search the web, share screenshots and upload files and photos to the app. The desktop app is available to Windows 10 and 11 versions.

Tweet may have been deleted What's new with ChatGPT on Mac?

The ChatGPT desktop app for Macs has been out since last May, but it got some updates, too. OpenAI has added integration with developer tools like VS Code, Xcode, Terminal, and iTerm2, so users don't have to manually copy and past code into the chat. Integration with coding tools is available for ChatGPT Plus and Team users, with Enterprise and Edu access coming in the next few weeks. An OpenAI spokesperson said they plan to add access to more apps soon.

Desktop apps with third-party app integration and contextual understanding positions ChatGPT as a more useful tool to compete with Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini. To further complicate things, OpenAI's AI models underpin Copilot and OpenAI also has a partnership with Apple to bring ChatGPT integration to Macs.

Copilot and Gemini still have an edge over the standalone ChatGPT app because they’re deeply integrated into Microsoft and Google’s respective ecosystems, seamlessly connecting to software that users are already familiar with. Copilot works with Windows 10 and 11, Microsoft 365 apps, and Edge. Gemini has various levels of integration with Gmail, Docs, Chrome, and more; the Google AI tool is also housed inside the latest Chromebooks.

As the race for AI dominance barrels ahead, the next phase is shaping up to be all about agents that can perform tasks on the user's behalf. Microsoft already has customizable agents with Copilot Studio, and both Google and OpenAI are rumored to be launching their own AI agents for browsing the web and other tasks. Advancement of desktop apps creates deeper integration into users' daily lives, which might become more useful with agents capable of multi-step reasoning.

When is the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight on Netflix?

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 12:58

Legendary boxer Mike Tyson is set to fight Jake Paul, the influencer turned boxer, in a fight broadcasted live on Friday on Netflix.

Here's the TL;DR: The fight will air on Netflix on Friday, Nov. 15, with coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET. The exact time of the fight, however, isn't exact because there will be four total fights on the main card, which will affect the start time of the Paul vs. Tyson bout. If you want to watch a lot of boxing, there will also be undercard fights starting at 5:30 p.m. ET.

SEE ALSO: Jake Paul is going to fight Mike Tyson. Yes, really.

The fight between Tyson and Paul is highly anticipated, if not really a true boxing match. Tyson is a legendary boxer, of course, but is also 58 years old. Paul is 27. The entire thing is more of a spectacle than a true bout, but one folks are likely to watch regardless.

There may be some actual bad blood with Tyson slapping Paul during their weigh-in this week — though playful machismo is pretty common at such events. While some boxing purists might see the fight as a spectacle more than a real bout, it will certainly be a widely viewed event.

Seven Garmin smartwatch models are down to record-low prices ahead of Black Friday

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 12:22

Several Garmin smartwatch models are already on sale ahead of Black Friday:

The best Garmin smartwatch deals at a glance: BEST OVERALL Garmin Venu 3 $349.99 (save $100) Get Deal BEST DEAL UNDER $200 Garming vívoactive 5 $199.99 (save $100) Get Deal BEST RUNNING WATCH DEAL Garmin Forerunner 955 $399.99 (save $100) Get Deal BEST SPLURGE Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar (47mm) $549.99 (save $250) Get Deal

We're still a week away from Amazon's official Black Friday sale kickoff, but deals have been rolling in pretty steadily the whole month of November. From gaming consoles to books to smartwatches, we've been keeping our eyes peeled for early discounts. And as of Nov. 15, Garmin smartwatch deals are definitely standing out.

Whether you're heading into the holidays hoping to become more active, more mindful, or more rested, a smartwatch from Garmin can assist you in achieving our goals. While the Apple Watch may dominate the market, it's certainly not always the best option. Garmin really makes its case when it comes to health and wellness features. Plus, with these early Black Friday discounts, the prices ain't too shabby either.

Best Garmin smartwatch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Venu 3 (45mm) $349.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

If you're looking for a smartwatch that checks all the boxes — smart features, health features, fitness features, and more — the Garmin Venu 3 is exactly that. It has impressive health metrics and fitness tools, in-depth recovery advice, detailed sleep data, a speaker and microphone for hands-free calls and virtual assistant communication, and a battery life that puts any Apple Watch to shame (up to two weeks). While we haven't had a chance to review the Venu 3, I personally own the original Venu from 2019 (now discontinued) and can't recommend it enough. It still outlasts the Apple Watch in battery life, and it's five years old. The 45mm Venu 3 is usually $449.99, but you can snag it on sale for just $349.99 at Amazon as of Nov. 15. That's 22% off and its lowest price on record. If you prefer a smaller case, the 41mm Venu 3S is on sale for the same price.

Best Garmin smartwatch deal under $200 Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin vívoactive 5 $199.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

While we haven't had a chance to review the Garmin vívoactive 5, we have tested the previous model and had great things to say. As per our reviewer: "The vívoactive 4 is an excellent smartwatch for active people wanting to be more in tune with their bodies, and for less active individuals who have the desire but need a little nudging to stick to their goals." The newer model, released in 2023, boasts even more fancy features, an upgraded AMOLED display, improved heart rate sensor, upgraded sleep and stress coaching, and over 30 sports apps. It's not quite as advanced as the Venu 3, but it's also $150 cheaper. Snag it on sale at Amazon for just $199.99 as of Nov. 15. That's 33% in savings and its lowest price ever. It beats October's Prime Day price by $50.

More Garmin smartwatch deals

Playing the "storage shuffle" with your new console? Pick up a portable SSD on sale ahead of Black Friday.

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 12:13
Early Black Friday SSD deals Best Xbox SSD deal Seagate 2TB Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S $199.99 (save $160) Get Deal Best PlayStation SSD deal WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P Internal SSD for PlayStation 5 $179.99 (save $50) Get Deal

Nobody likes playing the "storage shuffle." You know, the dreadful game we have to play when we run out of space on our consoles for new games, so we have to carefully select which ones to delete to make room? Talk about killing your darlings. Luckily, there's a fix for that problem, and it's an SSD — either internal or external.

SEE ALSO: The 50+ best gifts for gamers that they won't already have

These SSD storage expanders are maintaining a big presence in the days leading up to Black Friday 2024, with many of them sitting at deep discounts at the time of this writing. SSDs aren't cheap, and you'll probably need to buy one eventually anyway, so getting one at a price cut is usually your best bet.

Below, take a look at the best SSD deals we could find ahead of Black Friday.

Best Xbox SSD deal Opens in a new window Credit: Seagate Seagate 2TB Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S $199.99 at Best Buy
$359.99 Save $160.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Xbox owners, installing one of Seagate's SSD expansion cards is one simplest things you can do to enhance your gaming experience, and ahead of Black Friday, you can get a two-terabyte version for just $199.99. Now, that's still not cheap, but it's a whole $160 off the original price, so to us, it's a steal.

Best PlayStation SSD deal Opens in a new window Credit: Western Digital WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P Internal SSD for PlayStation 5 $179.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Installing an internal SSD in your PlayStation 5 is a bit more of a complicated process compared to other consoles, but it's absolutely worth the effort. Western Digital makes some of the best PS5 SSDs on the market, and their flagship model is $50 off leading up to Black Friday. You'll probably need one eventually, so pick one up while it's discounted.

More early Black Friday SSD deals

'Interior Chinatown' review: A very ambitious, very meta police procedural spoof

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 12:00

"I feel like I'm a background character in someone else's story."

So goes the internal monologue of Interior Chinatown protagonist Willis Wu (Jimmy O. Yang), who works as a waiter in Chinatown. While Willis' musings about his role in life could just be the result of aimless angst, they are actually 100-percent true.

SEE ALSO: Should you sign up for Hulu? Our film critics weigh in.

That's because this Chinatown is not what it seems. It's part of the fictional town of Port Harbour, which is the setting of the cop show Black & White. Willis and everyone around him in Chinatown are simply bit players in a larger story. They just don't know it.

That tension between Willis' reality and the reality of Black & White drives Interior Chinatown, which showrunner Charles Yu adapts from his National Book Award-winning novel of the same name. Like the novel, Interior Chinatown dissects Asian representation in media, focusing on tropes and archetypes that often relegate Asian stories to the background. The result, which often takes the form of a spot-on pastiche of police procedurals, is one of the most ambitious, meta shows of the year.

What's Interior Chinatown about? Jimmy O. Yang and Chloe Bennet in "Interior Chinatown." Credit: Disney / Mike Taing

Unknowingly trapped within a police procedural, Willis is a devotee of cop shows himself. But he never thought he could be the hero of one. The way he sees it, someone who looks like him is usually a waiter, a witness, or a victim. Very rarely is a Chinatown resident a winner — unless they're his older brother (Chris Pang), whose skills as "Kung Fu Guy" earned him heroic renown. At least, until his disappearance, which remains unsolved.

But when Wilson witnesses a crime himself, he finds himself inching closer and closer to that coveted hero status. He'll join forces with the eternally cool Detective Lana Lee (Chloe Bennet) in order to solve the crime, only to realize something much larger and stranger is going on in Chinatown — and it may all link back to his brother.

SEE ALSO: 'Bad Sisters' Season 2 review: Is it still gripping now the main mystery's solved? Interior Chinatown offers up killer style and substance. Ronny Chieng and Jimmy O. Yang in "Interior Chinatown." Credit: Disney / Mike Taing

Given that it lifts its name from the formatting of screenplay scene headings, it's a given that Interior Chinatown (or Int. Chinatown) takes a deeply meta approach to media. Its fake intro sequence for Black & White — centered on Black detective Turner (Sullivan Jones) and white detective Green (Lisa Gilroy) — is a nearly one-to-one riff on Law & Order SVU. Scenes involving Turner and Green are bathed in a piercing blue light to denote we're in an episode of Black & White. As soon as they head out, Interior Chinatown reverts to a warmer look.

The ever-changing cinematography — which bears shades of other genre-switching shows like The Afterparty and Kevin Can F**k Himself — isn't the only way Interior Chinatown signals which storytelling mode we're in. Willis tends to be front and center when Turner and Green aren't in the picture. But as soon as they pop up, they become the focus. Willis is either pushed far to the back or rendered completely invisible. Turner and Green will have full discussions while Willis is next to them, all without noticing him once.

SEE ALSO: 'Dune: Prophecy' review: The Bene Gesserit shine in this sci-fi showstopper

Here, and throughout the show, Yu gestures to the ways in which Asian stories are flattened or pushed aside in American media and real life. Willis has to fight his way into the narrative of Black & White after the doors to the police precinct mysteriously shut him — and only him — out. The only way in is to assume stereotypical roles, going from "Generic Asian Man" to "Delivery Man" to "Tech Guy." To live in Black & White's Chinatown is to be an archetype. Embody the "right" one and you may find yourself assimilating.

Willis isn't the only person in Interior Chinatown to struggle with the roles they've been conditioned to inhabit. As the only Asian American detective on the police force, Lana is tokenized as the "Chinatown expert," even though she knows very little about the neighborhood. Willis' friend and fellow waiter Fatty Choi (Ronny Chieng) learns that his anger at white customers can be commodified and celebrated as authenticity by those same customers. Meanwhile, Willis' mother Lily (Diana Lin) hopes to accomplish her dreams of becoming a successful real estate agent, even though everyone around her is doubtful.

In the first five episodes sent to critics, these latter two subplots occasionally threaten to bloat Interior Chinatown and drag focus away from its central mysteries. However, they also do the very opposite of what Black & White does, which is create space for its Asian side characters as more than just props.

Interior Chinatown is a blast. Jimmy O. Yang in "Interior Chinatown." Credit: Disney / Mike Taing

That audiences already know the "twist" of Interior Chinatown — that it's all in a TV show — doesn't detract from the show's wild ride. The characters aren't aware that their reality is a curated fantasy, so watching them try to put the pieces together adds an extra layer of fun. Plus, there are more mysteries for the audience to unravel, like what happened to Willis' brother, and what's going on with the mysterious street gang known as the Painted Faces.

Interior Chinatown also finds plenty of fun in satirizing cop shows and the TV landscape at large. Everything from corny detective one-liners to extras' background movements (why are they always moving boxes?) gets sent up.

Between these parodies and its musings on identity, Interior Chinatown already proves that it's a sharply constructed show with a lot to say. But with the help of its dizzying genre switch-ups and some dynamic direction from episode directors like Taika Waititi, Alice Wu (The Half of It), and more, the show jumps into the realm of fearlessly unique, making a place all for itself.

All episodes of Interior Chinatown premiere Nov. 19 on Hulu.

Amazon's virtual Holiday Shop is packed with gifts and festive cheer

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 11:57

On Nov. 1, 2024, Amazon launched a Virtual Holiday Shop, a virtual showroom where Amazon shoppers can browse some of the retailer’s best gifts, decorations, and other festive items.

SEE ALSO: 60+ of the absolute best stocking stuffers for 2024

Here’s more info on what Amazon's Virtual Holiday Shop offers and how it can help you check off your holiday shopping list.

What is the Amazon Virtual Holiday Shop?

The Amazon Virtual Holiday Shop is a digital showroom that uses 3D technology to make you feel like you’re in a real store. (It’s giving Macy’s of Herald Square circa 2015 vibes.)

When the page opens, you’ll hear cheerful music and see virtual displays of the latest holiday products and gift ideas, each separated by category (e.g., beauty, tech, etc.).

How does it work?

To actually shop the virtual showroom, move your mouse or use your touchscreen to go from section to section. You can click on individual items to see more details and add them to your cart as you browse.

SEE ALSO: Gift a virtual winter wonderland — no shoveling required

“We're always innovating to enhance the shopping experience and empower customers to discover products in easy and fun ways," Carmen Nestares Pleguezuelo, vice president of North America Marketing & Prime Tech, said in a press release. "With the Virtual Holiday Shop, we are excited to transport shoppers into a new immersive experience where they can browse over 300 of the most coveted gifts and toys of the season."

What can you find in the Virtual Holiday Shop?

Amazon’s Virtual Holiday Shop features the retailer’s Top 100 Holiday Gifts, including electronics, toys, home goods, and more.

While most items are still at full price, there are a few deals amongst the glitter and pizzaz.

Here’s a short list of what’s on sale as of Nov. 15:

There’s also a Virtual Toy Shop

The Virtual Toy Shop is separate from the Amazon Virtual Holiday Shop but is accessible through the same landing page (just look for the waving owl).

SEE ALSO: Finding a gift that kids actually like is tricky. This guide will make it easier.

Here, you’ll find a wide selection of gift ideas from Lego, Disney, and other top toy brands. If you’re looking for something specific, you can visit other brand-specific showrooms. For example, the Lego Virtual Showroom displays the latest Lego sets and gift ideas.

The company says it’ll be updating the Amazon Virtual Holiday Shop regularly throughout the holiday season, so be sure to check back often for new deals and gift ideas. We’ll also be covering new deals and product launches on the page.

Apple didn’t mention that the M4 MacBook Pro has a ‘quantum dot display’ — but what does that mean?

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 11:50

Apple upgraded the newest MacBook Pro's display without telling anyone.

That's according to prominent display analyst Ross Young, anyway. Young took to X on Thursday to point out that Apple has adopted a "quantum dot" display for the M4 MacBook Pro.

The hardcore technical details are that Apple replaced the red KSF phosphor film it had used on previous MacBook displays with quantum dot film. But Young's post also makes it clear, in layman's terms, what this means for you, the user.

SEE ALSO: Apple Intelligence on Mac: 5 AI-powered features you can test right now Tweet may have been deleted What is a 'quantum dot' display?

As Young put it, quantum dot technology gives Apple equal — or perhaps even better — color output than the old method, as well as more responsive motion performance.

Young highlighted that the latest quantum dot films are not only highly efficient—they’re also cadmium-free. Apple had previously been wary of going to quantum dot displays because they used cadmium, which is a carcinogen, according to the World Health Organization.

These aren't massive upgrades, but they are noteworthy enough that it's odd that Apple chose not to market this change at all. One way to think about it, perhaps, is that you got even more than what you paid for.

Of course the Ninja Slushi sold out within minutes of restocking at Best Buy

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 11:46

UPDATE: Nov. 15, 2024, 11:45 a.m. EST In less than 10 minutes after dropping at 11 a.m. ET, the Ninja Slushi has already sold out at Best Buy. If it happens to get a restock at Best Buy or anywhere else, we'll let you know.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Slushi $299.99 at Best Buy
Shop Now

Finally, some good news: The Ninja Slushi is back in stock.

Technically, this "restock" is the Best Buy Drop of the day for Friday, Nov. 15. Best Buy Drops is a tab in the Best Buy mobile app that features a running list of items dropping that week, which are often high-profile items at record-low sale prices or, in this case, a restock of a high-profile item that's hard to get your hands on.

Once a Drop goes live (this is always at 11 a.m. ET), a status bar will pop up above the item to show how much inventory has been claimed — indicating how quickly you need to make your move. (Once the inventory for that Drop has all been claimed, it's gone.) Given the number of times the Ninja Slushi has sold out since it came out in July, it wouldn't be surprising for the Slushi stock at Best Buy will dwindle within an hour or two.

And coming from someone who has been using the Slushi on a regular basis since the summer, I'm here to let you know that you won't regret taking advantage of this Drop and having Slushi opportunities at your fingertips whenever you want.

SEE ALSO: When do Black Friday sales start? Early holiday deals are already here.

Hear me out: Little treats are more crucial than ever in Times Like These (whatever that means to you). But as we know all too well, the whole "it gets dark at 5 p.m. now" thing makes leaving the house the last thing on Earth that we want to do, even if a fun drink or milkshake is waiting on the other side.

The Ninja Slushi is literally a little treat machine, and the mere variety of its menu is the thing I love most about it. The five settings on the Ninja Slushi are slush, spiked slush, frappé, milkshake, and frozen juice, so the possibilities are pretty endless. You can whip up a frozen version of the orange juice you drink every morning or the protein drink you have after your workouts, recreate a fancy drink you got on vacation that one time, bring to life a collection of ingredients that you think would go well together, or literally just pour in soda and make a Coke slushie. The Slushi takes around an hour to take stuff from liquid to frozen, but it can then keep your mix at that consistency for several hours afterward.

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

Yes, you can pour soda, juice, or wine directly into the Slushi with no other ingredients. The fine print there is that sugar is the main fuel that makes the Slushi slush — so slushing a diet soda or seltzer with no sugar requires having simple syrup or agave on hand. No, the Slushi can't make ice cream exactly like the Ninja Creami, though the milkshake setting is kind of close. Compared to the Creami that is sitting right beside the Slushi on my counter, the Slushi is much quieter and requires much less prep work.

Admittedly, my Slushi usage slowed down for a hot second after prime frozen margarita weather waned off — but usage picked right back up when all of the chilly weather cozy concoction recipes started flowing. Most recently, my friend and I made frozen apple cider mimosas, and next up is a sugar cookie martini. Most frozen dessert-like recipes are pretty much possible with the Ninja Creami, so if you'd rather grab that than wait for another Slushi restock, it's on sale at Best Buy for $219.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Creami Deluxe $219.99 at Best Buy
$249.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal

'Cobra Kai' creators on what to expect in Season 6, Part 2

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 11:32
'Cobra Kai' creators Jon Hurwitz Josh Heald and Hayden Schlossberg break down the arcs of Johnny, Kreese and Tory heading into the 2nd installment of the hit series' final season.

I've tested over 20 robot vacuums — here are the top 5 to shop on Black Friday

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 11:24

There's definitely something to be said for the crisp handheld control of a powerful cordless Dyson. But if you're not one to classify cleaning as cathartic, why not outsource that tedious task to one of the best robot vacuums?

Are Roombas the best robot vacuums?

Though Roombas are really good robot vacuums, they aren't the only good robot vacuums.

iRobot dominated the robot vacuum realm from the early 2000s up until a few years ago, so it's no surprise that much of the general public forgets that "Roomba" isn't simply a generic term for any robotic vacuum.

But Roombas officially aren't in a league of their own anymore: You can't even Google "Roomba" without a question involving Shark robot vacuums popping up, and other brands like Roborock and Eufy have entered the chat with a fury. And I'm here to put some respect on their names.

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

I'm regularly testing the top robot vacuums at multiple price points and comparing them to top performers from previous years, with all of my evaluations taking place in my own home on various rugs, tile, and hardwood floors. During the testing of each robot vacuum, I keep notes on how they stack up based on criteria like overall suction power and scrubbing efficiency (if that robot vacuum is one that also mops, which is seen more often than not nowadays), self-maintenance features like self-emptying or self-washing and -drying mopping pads, smart mapping to specific rooms and navigation around obstacles, and the overall experience of having that robot vacuum live in my home.

Do robot vacuums go on sale for Black Friday?

Big time. If you're strict about not dropping more than a few hundred dollars on a robot vacuum, your chances of buying a nicer model without going over budget just went up. Alternatively, if you're heavily considering taking the plunge on a fancy, expensive model (like the self-cleaning ones mentioned above), grabbing it on sale during the Black Friday season will make you feel a bit better about your splurge.

As a staple category of any Amazon sale event, you can expect every major robot vacuum brand to throw in some serious Black Friday deals. We wouldn't be surprised if the more premium models in our list beat their own record-low pricing from October Prime Day. I'm tracking all of those Black Friday robot vacuum deals and will give a special heads up if any hit a new all-time low sale price throughout Cyber Week. (Note: The price listed for each of the robot vacuums below is their MSRP, not their sale price — so don't be surprised to see several hundred dollars shaved off once you click on the product.)

With so many options on sale, though, your decision fatigue may be worse than it was outside of sale season. I've narrowed down your shopping list to five top options, all of which I've put to the test in my own home. Here are the best robot vacuums for every home and budget in 2024:

Crush the laptop-gifting game this holiday

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 11:15

Gifting a laptop can be a daunting experience, with countless options and confusing specs that can lead you down a scrolling spiral. But fear not — we've done the heavy lifting for you.

This holiday season, we've rounded up a list of next-gen laptops that cater to everyone on your list. While each machine boasts its own bells and whistles, they all share one standout element: the cutting-edge Snapdragon® X Elite processor.

Known as Copilot+ PC laptops, these six powerhouses are redefining performance standards. With lightning-fast speeds, impressive on-device AI capabilities, and extraordinary battery life* — made possible with Snapdragon X Elite — these laptops are set to wow your loved ones. Let's dive in and find the one that’ll knock their themed socks off. 

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For your WFH whiz

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For your brilliant artist

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For your multi-tasking parent

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For your AI innovator

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For your digital nomad friend

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For your creator

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For your brilliant artist

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Wrap up your holiday shopping with confidence, knowing you've found the perfect tech gift. A next-gen laptop powered by the Snapdragon X Elite processor is designed to complement any lifestyle, delivering lightning-fast performance, impressive AI capabilities, and exceptional battery life. 

Happy holidays and happy gifting!


*Battery life varies significantly based on device, settings, usage, and other factors.

1. Source: Samsung; Based on local, 1080p resolution video playback, default video player (full screen), 150 nit brightness, default earbud volume, Wi-Fi and mobile network off, keyboard backlight off. Results vary with settings, usage and other factors.

2. Source: HP; Based on HP's internal analysis as of next gen PCs with a 40-60 TOPS NPU as of (current date). Battery life tested by HP using continuous FHD video playback, 1080p (1920x1080) resolution, 200 nits brightness, system audio level as image default, player audio level at 100%, played full screen from local storage, headphone attached or through speaker (if no audio jack port), wireless on but not connected. Actual battery life will vary depending on configuration and maximum capacity will naturally decrease with time and usage.

3. Source: Asus; Battery tests conducted by ASUS on May 7, 2024 using the 1080p Video Playback scenario. Test configuration: ASUS Vivobook S 15 (S5507Q), 3K OLED panel, Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite 12C, 1 TB SSD, 32 GB RAM, 70Wh battery. Test settings: WiFi disabled, Keyboard backlit disabled, Windows Power Plan set to Best Power Efficiency, display brightness set to 150 cd/m2. Actual battery life may vary depending on product configuration, usage, operational conditions and power management settings. Battery life will decrease over the lifetime of the battery.

4. Source: Dell; https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/xps-13-laptop/spd/xps-13-9345-laptophttps://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/xps-13-laptop/spd/xps-13-9345-laptop. Multi-day battery life, up to 27 hours based on XPS 13 tested with Snapdragon X1 Elite X1E-80-100, FHD+ display, 16GB, 512GB SSD. Testing conducted by Dell labs in May 2024 with display brightness set to 150 nits (40%) and wireless enabled. Based on streaming Netflix 1080p content using the Netflix Windows 11 app. Actual battery life may be significantly less than the test results and varies depending on product configuration and use, software, usage, operating conditions, power management settings and other factors. Maximum battery life will decrease with time. The stated Watt Hour (WHr) is not an indication of battery life.

Snapdragon and Qualcomm branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries.

Help your kids get moving with the Fitbit Google Ace LTE at its lowest price yet

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 11:08

SAVE $99.96: As of Nov. 15, get the Fitbit Google Ace LTE on sale for $129.99 at Woot, down from its usual price of $229.95. That's a discount of 43%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Woot Fitbit Google Ace LTE $129.99 at Woot
$229.95 Save $99.96 Get Deal

Your kids are clamoring for a smartwatch. You know they don't need one just yet, but an activity tracker makes sense for their active lifestyles. Or maybe you want to encourage your little ones to start getting up and out there to get their blood flowing so they build healthy habits at an early age. Whatever the case may be, a kid-centric smartwatch is a great idea that can help you encourage and motivate your brood. And you can get a fantastic one right now for its best price yet.

As of Nov. 15, get the Fitbit Google Ace LTE for just $129.99 at Woot. That's $99.96 off its normal price of $229.95 and a 43% discount, as well as one of the lowest prices we've seen. Woot has the Mild colorway in stock, which features a light gray wristband with plenty of fun watch faces to choose from.

This kid-focused smartwatch may be for young users, but it's no slouch when it comes to features. It has built-in 4G LTE and GPS capabilities, so you can keep an eye on where your kid goes no matter what they get up to. They'll love using their new tracker because it comes pre-loaded with games and activities to help them keep track of those impromptu basketball games or hopping on a scooter and hanging out in the backyard.

The watch boasts a 16-hour battery life, so it can keep up with the kids even when your own watch is starting to get low. Pop it on the charger for a fast charge session to get up to 11 hours of battery back in just a half-hour. And if you need to tweak important settings, use options like School Time to make sure your kids actually pay attention in class and don't game on their watch when it's time to learn. And that's not all – there's a host of other comms and even payment features so your kid has everything they need on their wrist.

Snatch this smartwatch up for the kids in your life at this price before the holidays officially roll around.

Grab free audiobooks on Stuff Your Earbuds Day

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 10:36

GET FREE AUDIOBOOKS: Stuff Your Earbuds Day is here! Get free audiobooks on Nov. 15 and Nov. 16.

If you thought Stuff Your Kindle Day was exciting, get ready for its audio equivalent: Stuff Your Earbuds Day. This lesser-known shopper’s holiday is the best way to score free audiobooks and treat yourself to a cozy Autumn night in.

Here’s how to make the most of Stuff Your Earbuds Day.

What is Stuff Your Earbuds Day?

Stuff Your Earbuds Day is an annual event hosted by romance author Rebecca Hefner via the Romance Audiobookworms website. During the event, booklovers can snag hundreds of free audiobooks from romance authors across genres, including sci-fi and historical romance.

The deals are live for 48 hours, and there’s no limit to how many you can download.

When is Stuff Your Earbuds Day 2024?

Stuff Your Earbuds Day takes place on Nov. 15 and Nov. 16, 2024. If you want updates and reminders, you can sign up for Romance Audiobookworms’ newsletter via Substack.

Who can participate in Stuff Your Earbuds Day?

Unlike most shopping events, this isn’t a members-only affair. Anyone can participate in Stuff Your Earbuds Day. All you have to do is find the audiobook you want (you can find the list on Hefner’s site) and download it from whatever platform you normally use to listen to audiobooks (e.g., Google Play Books, Apple Books, Spotify, Chirp, Kobo, BookFunnel, and Barnes & Noble Nook). Note: These audiobooks aren’t available on Audible.

Shop Stuff Your Earbuds Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kait Nolan Let It Be Me Get Deal Why we like it

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of audiobooks available this Stuff Your Earbuds Day, but if you’re looking for somewhere to start, might we suggest Let It Be Me.

In this story, Emerson Aldridge became a mother very early in life. Once her daughter is old enough to leave for college, Aldridge isn’t sure what to do with herself. Not remembering what life was like before motherhood, she sets out on a journey of self-discovery (which includes canoodling with her firefighting neighbor).

Amazon deal of the day: The very impressive Garmin Venu 3 just hit a record-low price

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 10:35
Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Nov. 15: OUR TOP PICK Garmin Venu 3 (45mm) $349.99 (save $100) Get Deal BEST OUTDOOR DEAL Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 with stand $195.99 (save $104) Get Deal BEST APPLE DEAL Apple 2024 iMac (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $1,349.99 (save $149.01 with on-page coupon) Get Deal BEST HEADPHONES DEAL Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-cancelling headphones $198 (save $150) Get Deal

Before you head into the weekend, check out some of our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. Though we still have to wait a week until the mega retailer's official Black Friday sale begins, there are tons of deals already flooding in that are worthy of adding to your cart — including products from top brands like Apple, Garmin, Solo Stove, and Sony.

Here are our top picks from the best Amazon deals of the day on Nov. 15. Be sure to look back at our picks from Nov. 13 and Nov. 14 as well. Many of those are still live, including a 41% price drop on the very impressive Samsung Galaxy Buds FE and a record-low M2 iPad Air.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Venu 3 (45mm) $349.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

The latest Garmin Venu checks all the right boxes when it comes to a smartwatch — and then some. It's equipped with an abundance of health metrics and fitness tools, in-depth recovery advice, detailed sleep data, and a battery life that'll outshine even the most expensive Apple Watch. In smartwatch mode, it'll last you up to two weeks before needing a charge (less when tracking workouts). While the smart features aren't quite as bright and shiny as the Apple Watch, the Venu 3 truly stands out for anyone who prioritizes sleep, wellness, fitness, and battery life. It's usually $449.99, but you can slash 22% off and get it for $349.99 at Amazon as of Nov. 15. That's its lowest price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Solo Stove Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 with stand $195.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $104.00 Get Deal

It's not fall without bonfires. Ahead of Black Friday, Solo Stove dropped the price of its Bonfire 2.0 bundled with a stand down below $200. While the list price at Amazon is a bit inflated (it's really $299.99 on the Solo Stove website), it's still a 35% discount. The Bonfire 2.0 is ideal for intimate gatherings of four to six people and with the smokeless signature 360-degree airflow, nobody should get smoked out while sitting around it. It weighs about 22 pounds and comes with a carrying case to tote it around, making it ideal for backyard hangs or weekend camping trips.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 2024 iMac (M4, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $1,349.99 at Amazon
$1,499.00 Save $149.01 with on-page coupon Get Deal

Announced during October's Mac week, the latest iMac boasts Apple's in-house M4 chip, which is allegedly 1.7 times faster than the M1 model. It also features a 24-inch 4.5K display, a 12MP front camera, four USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, Apple Intelligence (of course), and a 16GB starting RAM. Plus, it comes in seven fun colors, including pink! As of Nov. 15, an on-page coupon drops the $1,499 price down to just $1,349.99 for the 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD model. While it's not the biggest discount ever, it's the lowest price we've seen it so far.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-cancelling headphones $198.00 at Amazon
$348.00 Save $150.00 Get Deal

While Sony's WH-1000XM5s have now replaced the WH-1000XM4s as our favorites, they're a whole lot more expensive and only offer a slight upgrade over the previous generation. The WH-1000XM4s are still excellent headphones in 2024. They earned the Best of the Year badge of honor in 2020, as well as an Editor's Choice award from our friends at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis). With top-notch noise cancellation, impressive sound quality, customizable EQ, and a cozy fit, you could certainly do worse. While they're usually $348, you can snag them on sale for $198 as of Nov. 15. That's 43% in savings and $130 cheaper than the 1000XM5s.

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

Target Black Friday ad: The best deals you can buy online

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 08:06

Black Friday is just around the corner, but if you can't wait for the deals to start, we've got good news. A whole host of retailers have already started releasing discounts, meaning you have almost the whole of November to score some great deals.

Walmart and Best Buy are among those that have started the month-long savings, and now so has Target. Enjoy early sales on select products, as well as daily "deals of the day." To help you in your bargain hunting, we've checked out everything from Target's Black Friday ad to find the best early deals on everything from Apple products to high quality headphones.

With so much to browse and so many deals to choose from, here are some of the best deals you can buy online from the Target Deal Days Black Friday ad.

Best deals on AppleBest deals on gaming techBest deals on TVsBest deals on laptopsBest deals on headphonesBest deals on smart home tech

Sony's WH1000XM4 headphones drop to $200 in Best Buy's early Black Friday sale

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 07:19

SAVE $150: As of Nov. 15, Sony's WH1000XM4 wireless headphones are on sale for $199.99 as part of Best Buy's early Black Friday sale. This is $150 off their list price of $349.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Over-the-Ear Headphones - Black $199.99 at Best Buy
$349.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

Black Friday has grown into quite the sale event throughout November, with several retailers offering up a variety of deals for shoppers to enjoy in the weeks leading up to the official day. Best Buy's Black Friday plan includes weekly doorbuster deals alongside plenty of early sales, ranging from TVs to gaming consoles to headphones. If you've had your eye on picking up the latter, we've got good news, the retailer's dropped a fantastic discount on Sony WH1000XM4 wireless headphones that's definitely worth checking out.

The sleek Sony WH1000XM4 wireless headphones are currently on sale for $199.99, $150 off their list price of $349.99. That's a fantastic early Black Friday treat for shoppers, especially considering how high-quality these headphones are.

We've ranked these headphones as the best overall in our list of the best wireless headphones. Mashable's Deputy Editor of Shopping and Reviews, Miller Kern, said that the Sony WH1000XM4's "have superior sound quality and noise cancellation. They're comparable to the Sennheiser PXC 550-II headphones, but have a more stylish look in our opinion — the ear cups are less bulky."

SEE ALSO: Best Buy Black Friday ad: The best deals you can buy online

They also offer a nice selection of colors, all of which are on sale right now at Best Buy so you can have your pick of the black headphones, midnight blue, or silver.

Best Buy's Black Friday sales have been the gift that keeps on giving, so don't miss out on this excellent deal on the Sony WH1000XM4 wireless headphones.

If you're looking for even more early Black Friday deals, you're in luck. Both Target and Walmart have their own Black Friday plans going on throughout the month of November, with each offering a wide variety of early discounts for shoppers to enjoy. Other retailers, like Amazon, also have plans set for the Black Friday shopping event, so you can set a reminder for when their biggest deals go live.

Crypto Congress + HBD ChatGPT + What Social Media Platform Should I Be On?

NYT Technology - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 07:00
Cryptocurrency is poised to have a huge year in 2025.

Get a 55-inch 4K QLED TV from TCL for under $300 in early Black Friday sales at Best Buy

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 06:51

SAVE $200: As of Nov. 15, the TCL 55-inch Q5 4K QLED Smart Fire TV is on sale for $249.99 at Best Buy as part of its early Black Friday sale. That's $200 off its list price of $449.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 55-inch Class Q5-Series 4K UHD HDR PRO+ QLED Smart Fire TV (2024) $249.99 at Best Buy
$449.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal

Best Buy's Black Friday sales have quite a bit for shoppers to check out, from new doorbuster deals every Friday to a variety of early discounts that have dropped ahead of the big sale event. As part of those early deals there's been a wealth of TVs on sale, and this deal on a TCL 4K TV is one that immediately caught our eye.

If you've been looking to make the jump to a 4K TV but don't want to shell out a ton of cash for it, this is your time to shine. Best Buy's offering a 55-inch TCL Q5 4K UHD HDR PRO+ QLED Smart Fire TV for just $249.99, $200 off its list price of $449.99. Considering the price of other 4K QLED TVs, this is a fantastic discount to take advantage of. Not to mention, this pick is worth every penny.

With QLED Quantum Dot Technology you're getting richer images for an eye-catching display, no matter if you're watching movies, catching up on a new show, or settling in for a night of gaming. This richness is made even better when paired with crisp 4K resolution. And that's not all. You're also getting features like Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos Audio that help create a truly cinematic experience, and all of this is fitted into a nice 55-inch screen size.

Smart features are also included in this TV, so you can have all of your favorite streaming apps right in the palm of your hand. What's even better is that you can even set up voice control with Amazon Alexa to flick through said apps. What better way to enjoy your favorite entertainment?

If you've been looking to score a new TV, or just get an upgrade, don't miss out on this early Black Friday deal on the TCL 55-inch Q5 4K QLED Smart Fire TV.

Other top retailers are jumping in on the early Black Friday sale action, too. Both Target and Walmart have their own Black Friday plans that include early discounts for shoppers to check out in the lead-up to the big day. Amazon's even revealed when their Black Friday sale event officially kicks off, so keep your eyes out for even more deals in the coming weeks.

Paul Mescal valiantly battles the spice on 'Hot Ones'

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 06:36
Paul Mescal took on the mighty wings of "Hot Ones" in a very different battle to "Gladiator II".

Meet 'Daisy' an AI bot that wastes phone scammers' time

Mashable - Fri, 11/15/2024 - 06:26

Scammers beware, there's a new AI ready to waste your time on the phone — and it's intentionally programmed to sound like someone's proud grandma.

Developed by UK provider Virgin Media O2 and announced on Thursday, "Daisy" is an AI-fuelled call answering service that aims to keep scam callers on the line as long as possible, meaning less time spent with potential human victims. It's the same idea we've seen in a fair few time-wasting bots in the past — and it's the signature strategy adopted by scam fighter Scamalot aka James Veitch.

O2 worked on the AI with YouTuber Jim Browning, whose scambusting work has seen him track and expose many a fraudulent scheme using various strategies.

SEE ALSO: 7 of the best robocall blocking apps and tools for avoiding phone spam

Described by the company as "head of scammer relations", the Daisy AI is programmed to give rambling stories to callers — and I'm not going to lie, the details sound a little bit like age-based stereotyping of elderly women but who am I to say what a scammer will believe? According to O2, Daisy has told "meandering stories of her family, talked at length about her passion for knitting and provided exasperated callers with false personal information including made-up bank details." The company claims Daisy "has successfully kept numerous fraudsters on calls for 40 minutes at a time."

According to O2, Daisy is the result of multiple AI models that listen to the caller and make a live transcription. Then, the program generates an appropriate response from its language model, delivered in a human-like voice embedded with Daisy's personality. This is the ad:

Why make the AI sound like the social stereotype of an elderly woman? The prevalence of telephone fraud in the UK is particularly felt by the elderly, with scammers targeting people over the age of 75 — and a huge majority of these scams are conducted by phone. This is not unique to the UK — according to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), impersonation scams caused over $1.3 billion in losses for people in the U.S. in 2023, with call centres targeting older adults — "almost half the complainants report to be over 60 (40 percent), and experience 58 percent of the losses (over $770 million)."

Scam callers use social engineering techniques to try and convince people to hand over their personal details like banking, social security, and other ID details — so having an AI chat right back to them without the risk of losing real money seems like a pretty smart technique.

You won't be able to interact with Daisy yourself (unless you're a scammer). When I reached out to the company for further information, an O2 spokesperson told me, "The purpose of creating Daisy was to both waste scammers time and to create a campaign to educate the public on the danger of scam calls. The tool was purpose built to interact with scammers and so is optimised to do that rather than have general conversations. Opening the tool up to everyone would also require a huge amount of computing power, so right now this isn’t something Daisy is able to do."

In the case that the scammer makes it through to you instead of Daisy, you can forward suspected scam calls and text messages to O2's existing blocking service at 7726.

Unfortunately, the sheer, sinister creativity of scammers has no limit, so companies need to think equally if not more creatively to combat them.

In the meantime, go call your actual grandma and don't dismiss her stories as "waffle". She's not Abe Simpson or an AI bot.

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