Feed aggregator

Game on with three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for under $30

Mashable - Thu, 11/14/2024 - 10:52

SAVE $15.80: As of Nov. 14, get a 3-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription for $29.19 at Woot with promo code TWENTY for an additional 20% off its sale price of $36.49, down from its standard price of $44.99. This deal is only valid for one day.

Opens in a new window Credit: Woot Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (3-Month Subscription) $29.19 at Woot
$44.99 Save $15.80 Promo Code: TWENTY Get Deal

Planning on getting an Xbox anytime soon? Or maybe you're getting one for a friend or family member, and thinking about what they may play when they get their hands on the system. Don't go overboard buying a bunch of Xbox games and spending more cash than you need to when Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is on the table, which is a great way to get started on the Xbox ecosystem. And right now, you can save big on a membership for you or anyone you're gifting at Woot.

As of Nov. 14, get a digital code for a 3-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription for just $29.19 when you use promo code TWENTY. That's $15.80 off its sale price of $36.49, down from its normal price of $44.99, which is already a 19% discount. This deal is only valid for today, and you'll be emailed the code for your subscription within a few business days, according to Woot. Multiple codes are stackable up to 36 months — you can buy a few so you or your giftee are set.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is a subscription that lets you play hundreds of Xbox games without paying for each one individually. That includes titles like Starfield and the Halo series. It also grants access to new first-party games from Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda Softworks, and more the day they come out. The Ultimate option even comes with access to EA Play for access to a variety of EA titles as well.

There are tons of other reasons to use Xbox Game Pass Ultimate as well, including online multiplayer and Xbox Cloud Gaming, but the unlimited access is the biggest. This is a great price to buy your three months at, so be sure to lock it in while there are still codes available.

Up your soup game this winter with a renewed Vitamix Explorian blender that's 47% off

Mashable - Thu, 11/14/2024 - 10:32

SAVE $196: A certified renewed Vitamix Explorian blender is on sale at Amazon for just $199.95, down from the typical price of $395.95. That's a 47% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Vitamix Vitamix Explorian blender (renewed) $199.95 at Amazon
$395.95 Save $196.00 Get Deal

We're well into fall now, with Black Friday sales upon us and the busy holiday schedule taking shape. That also means it's soup season, and if you've never produced a warm and smooth soup from your blender, you'll want to check out this deal at Amazon.

As of Nov. 14, a renewed Vitamix Explorian blender is on sale for just $199.95 at Amazon, marked down from the normal price of $395.95. That's a savings of $196 and a 47% discount.

The Vitamix Explorian blender is an incredibly versatile kitchen appliance, ready to help you create everything from smoothies to hot soups to fresh salsa. The blender has three program settings for smoothies, hot soup, and frozen desserts. You can also use the blender in a manual mode, selecting a speed on the dial between 1 and 10. The pulse function is perfect for adding in quick bursts of blending.

The blender's container measures a large 64 ounces which means you'll be able to feed the family, but its low-profile design means it's more likely to fit under your cabinets.

Vitamix blenders are known as some of the most powerful and durable blenders out there. Unfortunately, that comes with a steep price, but buying a model that's been renewed from Vitamix's rigorous renewal process is a great way to grab a Vitamix without paying the big bucks. In order to gain the Vitamix Renewed premium stamp of approval, the blender must pass a 17-point inspection process and the blade needs to be under a year old.

Vitamix then puts the sanitized blade into a new container shell and packs it up with a brand new two-part lid and tamper. Essentially, this means buying a renewed model gets you all new parts, except for the blade, which is under a year old.

If you've had your heart on a Vitamix blender but haven't been thrilled with the high price tag, snag a renewed Vitamix Explorian blender from Amazon for under $200. Soup season is about to get much better.

'Better Man' trailer showcases cheeky monkey Robbie Williams

Mashable - Thu, 11/14/2024 - 10:31
Robbie Williams biopic "Better Man" hits select theaters December 25, and opens nationwide January 17.

Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx kick ass in Netflix's 'Back in Action' trailer

Mashable - Thu, 11/14/2024 - 10:00
Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx are spies pulled out of hiding in Netflix's "Back In Action." Trailer.

Amazon launches Shein competitor 'Haul' — everything will cost less than $20

Mashable - Thu, 11/14/2024 - 09:47

Amazon is launching a Shein competitor, according to a new press release.

With Shein's skyrocketing sales, it's easy to see why the Bezos-owned big-box retailer aims to compete head-on in the world of low-cost, trend-driven e-commerce.

Fast-fashion retailer Shein, despite ethical scrutiny regarding its labor practices, environmental impact, and product safety, is a fierce rival in the e-commerce space.

In 2023, it amassed over $32 billion in worldwide sales, indicating a growth of nearly 42% year-over-year. In the same year, Shein secured over $14 billion in sales in the U.S., according to EcommerceDB (ECDB). To put this into perspective, Shein surpassed both Walmart.com and Amazon.com, which had sales between $9 and $12 billion, per ECDB.

"Amazon’s online fashion revenues are now behind both Shein and Walmart," the ECDB report said.

SEE ALSO: Shein exploited marginalized women for their influencer trip. It worked. Amazon's new low-cost retailer is called 'Haul'

Haul, Amazon's new economical online retailer, will keep prices capped at $20. However, most of the products will be less than $10. Amazon's press release cited examples of some of these budget-friendly items:

  • An necklace, bracelet, and earring set for $2.99

  • Two kitchen tongs for $4.99

  • An iPhone 16 case for $1.79

  • A belt for $1.99

  • A three-piece trimmer razor set for $2.99

Orders must be $25 or more to qualify for free delivery — but don't expect them to be delivered in two days. According to Amazon's press release, Haul's delivery timeframe is between one to two weeks.

“Finding great products at very low prices is important to customers, and we continue to explore ways that we can work with our selling partners so they can offer products at ultra-low prices,” said Dharmesh Mehta, Amazon's vice president of worldwide selling partner services.

As mentioned at the outset, the mass production of inexpensive products has faced criticism. For example, Shein's rapid production model contributes to substantial carbon emissions, according to Wired.

We reached out to Amazon about how it plans to evade concerns about environmental degradation and other ethical issues regarding fast-fashion retail. We'll update this story if we get a response.

For now, Haul is in beta and available exclusively through a mobile app. You can access it here.

Meta Fined $840 Million in Europe for Boosting Marketplace Unfairly

NYT Technology - Thu, 11/14/2024 - 09:24
Meta said it would appeal the decision by the European Union, which said the company had abused its dominance in social networking to strengthen its shopping and classified ads service.

I got to play ‘Control’ on a MacBook before you — here's why PCs should be worried

Mashable - Thu, 11/14/2024 - 08:42

I just played an early copy of Control on the new M4 MacBook Pro, and I couldn't help but think, "Yikes, PCs better watch their back!"

Before die-hard PC gamers jump in with, "macOS is still miles away from Windows when it comes to gaming," I hear you. I'm not saying that Macs are nipping at Windows PCs' heels. They're not — at least, not yet.

However, in the gaming realm, the gap between Windows and macOS is beginning to shrink — and that should terrify Windows. Why? While Windows may still have hardcore gamers wrapped around its fingers, it may start to lose its grip on casual and newbie gamers. And my experience with Control confirmed this for me.

'Control' on the M4 MacBook Pro is sick

You may have played Control on another platform before, but you likely haven't played Control like this.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Launched nearly five years ago, the action-adventure game came out on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. But on a shiny new M4 MacBook Pro, I was floored by its graphical fidelity and breathtaking visuals.

The M4 chip breathed new life into Control. Playing as Jesse Faden, a young woman with supernatural abilities, I levitated over the jagged terrain — and I was mesmerized by the dynamic lighting that danced on each rock formation, casting soft-edged, realistic shadows that shifted with my movements.

Some floating debris and polished stone surfaces picked up ambient reflections, adding a subtle glossy effect. Even distant light sources bounced off rocks and debris, creating reflections that feel true-to-life.

The graphics were vivid, crisp, and eye-catching. Faden looked visually stunning, too. She was kicking butt and taking names with a leather jacket that seemed so tangible, I was convinced I could feel the texture if I touched the screen.

Why does Control look so darn good? Thank the hardware-accelerated ray-tracing and mesh shading found on the M4 chip (as well as the previous-generation M3 chip). In simple terms, the latest Macs can render ultra-realistic lighting and shadows. Plus, they can manage detailed 3D environments more seamlessly.

With a computationally complex game like Control playing so smoothly and responsively on the 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro, Windows should be concerned.

It's worth noting, though, that I didn't get to feel the underside of the MacBook Pro to determine its thermal management. Plus, I wasn't able to observe any load times for Control — the game was already fired up and ready to play at Apple's showcase.

Apple may lure more laptop consumers away from Windows

Let's say you're looking for a new laptop. You don't consider yourself a gamer, but you want to get started. You want a machine that's perfect for daytime productivity and casual nighttime gaming. You don't have any allegiance to macOS nor Windows, but the former has a reputation of delivering long battery life and beastly performance.

14-inch M4 MacBook Pro Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

After all, in our recent testing of the M4 MacBook Pro, it lasted 16 hours and 32 minutes on a single charge. Performance-wise, it blew rivals away.

Plus, macOS is set to support one of the most graphics-intensive games on the market: Cyberpunk 2077.

MacBooks have a limited library compared to Windows (an issue that Apple is tackling with the Game Porting Toolkit to help developers bring their Windows games to macOS more efficiently), but that's OK — you're just giving gaming a taste and you're fine with just sampling what's on offer.

Additionally, Apple appears to be working tooth-and-nail to bring more games into its catalog, including Control, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, and more.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

While considering a Windows laptop, the same consumer may be attracted to its vast library of games, but they'll likely have to contend with poor battery life and being shackled to an outlet all day long.

That being said, whether you're a newbie gamer who isn't drawn to specific titles, or a casual player who doesn't mind macOS' current catalog, there isn't much that will lure you into Windows' arms, particularly if you're an OS-agnostic consumer.

In other words, if you're a here-and-there gamer who isn't bothered by a limited gaming library, then why opt for Windows?

Control, set to roll out on macOS in February 2025, might be the wake-up call Windows needs to address its possible slipping appeal among casual and newbie gamers. As mentioned at the outset, the gap between Windows and macOS in the gaming world is still wide, but Apple is making steady progress.

Apple MacBook Pro 16-Inch (M3 Max) $2,384.82 at Amazon
Get Deal

How Sharon Horgan found a way to make the unexpected 'Bad Sisters' second season

Mashable - Thu, 11/14/2024 - 08:26
The first season of 'Bad Sisters' was a complete story based off the Belgian limited-series, 'Clan'. After it's smash success, Sharon Horgan had a vision for how it could continue. The star-studded cast tells us how her vision came to fruition.

Get $50 off the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Plus before Black Friday

Mashable - Thu, 11/14/2024 - 07:20

SAVE OVER $50: As of Nov. 14, the 64GB Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Plus is on sale for $169.72, down 23% from its list price of $219.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Plus 11-inch 64GB Android Tablet $169.72 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $50.27 Get Deal

There's been an excellent variety of deals dropping ahead of Black Friday. In particular, there's been a wealth of tablets on sale that are definitely worth checking out if you've been looking for an upgrade or to make the jump into buying your first. One of our favorite tablet deals at the moment is over at Amazon, where you can score a very nice discount on the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Plus.

The 64GB model of Samsung's tablet is currently on sale for $169.72, 23% off its list price of $219.99. This saves you $50.27, which is a very nice discount on such a sleek tablet. It's worth noting as well that it's marked as a 'limited-time deal' at the retailer. So, if you've had your eye on it, you'll want to act fast to pick it up.

SEE ALSO: Snag an Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet for its lowest price ever ahead of Black Friday

This model comes with 64GB of storage alongside an upgraded chipset and quad speakers that offer Dolby Atmos, all packed into a slim, lightweight design with a massive 11-inch screen to boot. It's perfect to take on the go and use for work or play.

This limited-time deal won't last long, so don't miss out on this Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Plus deal at Amazon.

There's plenty more to come from Amazon over this Black Friday shopping season, too. The company recently revealed when its Black Friday sale runs — starting on Thursday, Nov. 21, and going through Cyber Monday on Dec. 2 — which are sure to offer an abundance of new discounts for shoppers. And if you want to see even more early Black Friday deals, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target are all offering different deals ahead of the big shopping day that are worth checking out.

Jimmy Kimmel pranking his aunt with a driverless car is a fun watch

Mashable - Thu, 11/14/2024 - 07:17
Jimmy Kimmel pranked his Aunt Chippy with a lift in a driverless car on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

Martha on a Mantle: Where to find the best deals

Mashable - Thu, 11/14/2024 - 07:17
Where to find the best deals on Martha on The Mantel Best for doll Martha on The Mantel Christmas Green Plush Figurine $24.98 at Walmart Shop Now Best for bundle Snoop and Martha Special Limited Edition Duo Set $98.99 at Walmart Shop Now

It's time for Elf on the Shelf to step aside. That little guy has been tormenting families for years, but his time is up. Martha on The Mantel has arrived to take over his gig.

The Martha On The Mantle Christmas elf doll stands at 10.5 inches tall and includes a scarf, holiday wreath, wine bottle, and gifts. It's a fun way to add some holiday cheer and of course, some signature Martha Stewart sophisticated flair to your Christmas decor. It's absolutely ideal for mantles, shelves, or any festive spot in your home.

SEE ALSO: 'Nutcrackers' trailer: Ben Stiller and David Gordon Green cook up Christmas chaos

And if Martha on The Mantel isn't enough, you can double up with a Snoop and Martha limited-edition duo set. Snoop comes with a festive red outfit, complete with a shimmering necklace and iconic sunglasses. They belong together.

Walmart is the best place to find deals on these elf dolls. And that's not all, because Walmart has already dropped a bunch of early-access Black Friday deals. You can save on absolutely everything on your shopping list (and pick up a few festive items at the same time).

Google Gemini is now available for the iPhone

Mashable - Thu, 11/14/2024 - 07:15

Google's Gemini artificial intelligence assistant is now available as a standalone iPhone app.

The app became widely available on Wednesday after being spotted in some regions a few days ago.

SEE ALSO: Google's Gemini Live may let you talk to it about your uploaded files

This is not to be confused with using Gemini in Google's Google app on iOS, although the experience is quite similar. The standalone Gemini app skips all the additional parts and just goes straight to Gemini, which you can ask questions in text or speech format. Additionally, you can attach a photo to your query.

Other options include Gemini Live, which turns Gemini into a far more conversational partner. This is a big one, as it's not available in the Google app, so it's probably going to be the primary reason to choose the standalone Gemini app over the Google app.

The app is a free download in Apple's App Store, but it does offer in-app purchases. That's if you want to upgrade to Gemini Advanced, which is a part of Google's One AI premium plan. For a $18.99 monthly fee, you'll get a more advanced Gemini model, access to Gemini in apps such as Gmail and Docs, and faster access to new and experimental features.

Gemini Live is something you don't get in the regular Google app. Credit: Google

The app may not yet be available in all markets, but we did try a few big ones and it was there. This includes the U.S., the UK, and Australia.

'Daily Show' roasts Trump's Fox News host defence secretary pick for a solid 5 minutes

Mashable - Thu, 11/14/2024 - 06:16
"Daily Show" host Jordan Klepper has broken down Trump's cabinet picks, focussing on Fox host Pete Hegseth as defence secretary.

Stephen Colbert mocks Trump picking a Fox News host for defence secretary

Mashable - Thu, 11/14/2024 - 06:08
Stephen Colbert has spoken about Trump's new cabinet picks on "The Late Show", including Fox News host Pete Hegseth being made defence secretary.

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

Mashable - Thu, 11/14/2024 - 06:02

Things are heating up. With Black Friday looming on the horizon, a number of retailers are getting ahead of the competition by launching early-access deals. We're not complaining, because it just means more time to secure savings on absolutely everything on your shopping list.

Walmart is a big name that has already launched its Black Friday campaign. Walmart's Early Black Friday Deals started on Nov. 11, and its savings-packed ad includes some really interesting offers. We've checked out everything from Walmart's Black Friday ad to find the best early deals on everything from Apple products to gaming essentials.

SEE ALSO: Walmart's multi-part Black Friday plans involve new surprise deals and extra early access for members

And if you are going to shop with Walmart over the Black Friday period, you should consider signing up for a Walmart+ membership. This popular plan is currently available at a 50% discount. A one-year subscription is on sale for $49, and includes access to early Black Friday deals, free delivery, savings on gas, discounts on Paramount+, and much more.

But we digress...These are the best deals you can buy online from Walmart's Black Friday ad.

Best deals on AppleBest deals on beauty techBest deals on dronesBest deals on gaming techBest deals on headphonesBest deals on laptopsBest deals on TVsBest deals on vacuums

Get a heavy discount on the Beats Solo 3 at Walmart

Mashable - Thu, 11/14/2024 - 05:21

SAVE $130: As of Nov. 14, the Beats Solo 3 are on sale for $69 at Walmart. This deal saves you 65% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Solo 3 $69.00 at Walmart
$199.00 Save $130.00 Get Deal

There may be a few weeks left until the big event really kicks off, but Black Friday discounts have already started to appear at top retailers, including Walmart. You'll find deals across TVs, phones, and headphones, and we love this latest discount on the Beats Solo 3.

As of Nov. 14, these headphones are reduced to just $69 — saving you $130. This deal is currently only available in the rose gold color. Black was included in this deal too, but is currently sold out, so keep an eye out in case this situation changes.

SEE ALSO: Grab a discount on the Apple Pencil in Walmart's Black Friday sale

While not the latest in the Solo range (for that check out the Beats Solo 4), these are a great option, especially at this reduced price. They offer up to 40 hours of battery life, so you don't have to think about constantly charging. And when you do, the Fast Fuel function will mean that with just a five-minute charge you'll have another three hours of listening.

As is standard with this range, the Beats Solo 3 are designed with comfort in mind. They've got adjustable, cushioned ear cups to keep your head feeling comfy while you listen. They also fold up nicely, perfect for stowing in your bag and heading out the door. You can even use Siri through these headphones, meaning you can take calls and control music hands-free.

And of course, with Beats, you know you're getting second-to-none sound quality, with clear audio and a seriously punchy bass. And for under $70, we can't argue with that.

Grab a discount on the Apple Pencil in Walmart's Black Friday sale

Mashable - Thu, 11/14/2024 - 05:12

SAVE $10: As of Nov. 14, the Apple Pencil (USB-C) is on sale at Walmart for $69. That's a 12% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Pencil (USB-C) $69.00 at Walmart
$79.00 Save $10.00 Get Deal

Walmart's early Black Friday sale officially kicked off on Nov. 11, following retailers Target and BestBuy with the month-long deals. No longer are your discounts limited to one day of madness, you have the whole of November to shop for incredible discounts. Deals spread far and wide across all products, and if you're looking for a discounted iPad stylus, look no further.

As of Nov. 14, the Apple Pencil (USB-C) is on sale at Walmart for $69, saving you $10. This specific stylus charges via a USB-C cable and attaches to your devic magnetically for easy storage. It’s designed with pixel-perfect precision, low latency, and tilt sensitivity for a natural drawing and writing experience.

SEE ALSO: We track Apple deals year-round — Black Friday season is bringing some of the best prices we've seen

It weighs just 0.72 ounces, so it’s lightweight and comfortable to hold, as well as easy to carry around with you. It connects via Bluetooth and USB-C and requires an iPad running iPadOS 17.1 or later. Compatible iPad models include the iPad Mini A17 Pro, iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 3rd-6th generation), iPad Pro (11-inch, 1st-4th generation), iPad (10th generation), iPad Air (4th and 5th generation), and iPad mini (6th generation).

This is not the latest model in the Apple Pencil range, with the Pencil 2 and Pencil Pro both succeeding it. For a more advanced stylus, we recommend the Pro which boasts haptic feedback and magnetic charging.

Save $250 on this helpful Roomba robot vacuum and mop combo

Mashable - Thu, 11/14/2024 - 05:08

SAVE $250: As of Nov. 14, the Roomba iRobot 15+ is on sale at Amazon for $299. That's a 46% markdown on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roomba Roomba iRobot 15+ $299.00 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $250.99 Get Deal

If a robot vacuum is on your wish list, you'll know all about Roomba. One of the top robot vacuum manufacturers on the market, these devices are both smart and handy. And with Black Friday sales approaching, there couldn't be a better time to treat yourself to fewer chores.

The Amazon Black Friday sales don't officially kick off for another week, but as of Nov. 14, the Roomba iRobot 15+ is reduced to just $299, saving you $250. It's also the lowest this product has been priced in five months.

SEE ALSO: Save over $300 on this impressive robot vacuum ahead of Black Friday

This powerful robot vacuum boasts a four-stage Cleaning System that picks up all types of dirt, whether it's everyday mess, stubborn stains, or pet hair stuck deep into the carpet. It uses Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes, which adjust to various floor types. It uses Imprint Smart Mapping to learn your home’s layout, so there's no need to manually map out a cleaning path. The Dirt Detect Technology also makes sure that there's enough cleaning done in high-traffic areas i.e. where you regularly walk or eat.

Like most premium robot vacuums, it empties its own bin into an enclosed bag that holds up to 60 days of debris, so you don’t have to think about emptying it for two months.

And let's not forget, this robot also has a built-in mop. The microfiber mop pad is perfect for wiping away dirt, dust, and footprints on hard floors.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.

The Hisense Canvas TV is at its lowest-ever price at Amazon

Mashable - Thu, 11/14/2024 - 05:05

SAVE OVER $200: As of Nov. 14, the Hisense 55-Inch Canvas TV is on sale for $798 at Amazon. That's 20% off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 55-Inch Canvas $798.00 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $201.99 Get Deal

A range of retailers have already kicked off their Black Friday campaigns, including the likes of Walmart and Best Buy. Amazon's Black Friday deals don't officially begin until Nov. 21, but there's still a range of active discounts that are worth your attention. TVs are a popular discounted product, and as the discounts pour in we can expect to see options across all brands and sizes. But for now, we love this deal on the stylish Hisense Canvas TV.

As of Nov. 14, you can find it on sale at Amazon for just $798. Not only are you saving 20%, but this is the lowest price it has ever been. This deal is exclusive to the 55-inch TV.

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

The quality of this TV is next to none. With 4K QLED TV it delivers a range of sharp, vibrant colors. The big selling point is that when you’re not watching, the TV can be transformed into a digital gallery, displaying a single image or shuffling through a slideshow of your favorite photos or artwork. The hi-matte display makes the digital gallery look like the real thing, so prepare to trick your friends and family.

This deal is only available for a limited time, so head to Amazon now.

Are A.I. Clones the Future of Dating? I Tried Them for Myself.

NYT Technology - Thu, 11/14/2024 - 05:00
A New York Times reporter tested a handful of chatbots to see if they could help improve his dating life. The results were decidedly mixed.

Pages

Subscribe to Page Integrity, Inc. aggregator