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SAVE $15: As of Sep. 4, get Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for Nintendo Switch at Woot for just $44.99, down from $59.99. That's 25% off.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Super Smash Bros. Ultimate' $44.99 at WootWhen it comes to multiplayer games, the Smash series is an undisputed champion. From the series debut on Nintendo 64 through the latest and greatest Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on Nintendo Switch, the brawler has always been the pinnacle of entertainment when it comes to getting Nintendo characters and guests to beat the stuffing out of each other. If you haven't yet experienced one, now's the time to get into it.
As of September 4, you can get Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for Nintendo Switch for just $44.99 at Woot. That's $15 off its normal price of $59.99 and a discount of 25%. This is the physical edition, so you'll have to wait for it to be shipped to you.
SEE ALSO: The best gaming laptops of 2024, hands-on testedThough the game debuted in 2018, it's still very much worth jumping into. It has 89 playable fighters to choose from, handpicked from some of Nintendo's biggest franchises, from Mario to Link to Kirby and everyone in between. Guest characters from third-party franchises make appearances in one form or another as well, but the most exciting thing you can do is pit your favorite characters against each other in knock-down, drag-out fights that you and your friends can participate in.
There's plenty more to do if you don't want to spend your time sending a poor little Yoshi or Pokémon into the stratosphere. You can play challenges, work to collect additional characters and bonuses, and explore a wealth of music, art, and stages.
It's a fantastic game, made even better at this price. Be sure to snatch yours up before this deal goes away.
In the days leading up to Apple's fall hardware event on Monday, Sept. 9, every AirPods model is on sale — even if it's (probably) not getting replaced next week.
Word on the street is that the Cupertino tech giant will at least announce a new version of its standard wireless earbuds, if not a new entry-level and a new mid-range version. The second- and third-generation AirPods are priced accordingly, with several major retailers marking them down within $20 of their record lows.
SEE ALSO: What to expect from Apple's September event: iPhone 16, Apple Watch 10, and moreSuccessors to the noise-cancelling AirPods Pro are less likely to debut at the event, and the AirPods Max are almost definitely not getting updated this month (but maybe before the end of the year). Meanwhile, their current iterations are $30 and $150 off, respectively, putting them within $21 and $5 of their cheapest prices ever.
If anything, consider waiting to buy a pair of the standard AirPods until after Tuesday's Apple event: There's a good chance they'll get even cheaper as retailers ditch their inventory to make room for their replacements (if they do indeed launch). Otherwise, these are mostly solid buys if you need to upgrade, but care more about saving than having the latest, greatest tech. Below, we go deeper on the best AirPod deals of the week:
Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: Apple AirPods (2nd gen) $89.00 at Amazon and WalmartRead Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods (2nd Gen).
If ANC isn't a must-have, we actually prefer the second-gen AirPods from 2019 over the third-gen ones from 2021, which brought too few upgrades for too high a price. With a comfortable fit, a five-hour battery life, hands-free Siri support, and totally fine sound, these offer "the best bang for your buck" out of the current AirPods lineup, said Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard — even more so at $89, or 31% off, instead of their usual $129. (That's a deal we only saw at Amazon and Walmart, by the way: They're 99 cents more at Best Buy and Target.)
More AirPods deals:2nd generation
Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Apple AirPods (2nd Gen) — $59.99 $129 (save $69.01)
3rd generation
Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) — $89.99 $169 (save $79.01)
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) — $139.99 $169 (save $29.01)
Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen).
The AirPods Pro 2 from late 2022 are the AirPods we recommend most people buy if their budget's slightly more flexible. These offer "well-rounded sound, impressive active noise cancellation, plenty of portability," and they're frequently on sale for well under their $249 MSRP, wrote Allard. They're also the only current AirPods that charge via USB-C instead of a Lightning port, so if you have an iPhone 15 (or will soon upgrade to the iPhone 16), you won't need to keep track of separate cables. At the time of writing, Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart all had them marked down to $189.99 — a 24% savings.
More AirPods Pro deals:Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) — $159.99 $249 (save $89.01)
Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods Max.
There are better noise-cancelling headphones out there, but the AirPods Max remain a popular, stylish pick even four years after their release — and they feel much more reasonable at $399 than their usual $549. (Note that this pricing only applies to the Pink variant at Amazon: The Space Gray, Blue, Green, and Silver ones were all at least $50 more there; Best Buy had them listed for $20 off; and Target was holding them at full price.)
More AirPods Max deals:Geek Squad Certified Refurbished Apple AirPods Max — $339.99 $549 (save $209.01)
GET UP TO 25% OFF: As of September 4, Motorola is offering up to 25% off select products as part of its extended Labor Day sale.
Our top picks: Best deal overall Motorola razr+ (2024) with Bose Quiet Comfort II earbuds $999.99 at Motorola (save $299.99) Get Deal Best runner-up deal Motorola razr+ (2023) $599.99 at Motorola (save $400) Get DealLabor Day is famous for its sales and discounts — you can get mattresses, major appliances, and tech at near Black Friday-level prices. If you missed out on the usual Labor Day deals, Motorola is extending its sale, offering a 25% discount on select products.
SEE ALSO: Motorola's rollable concept phone shows foldables aren't the only way forwardAs of Sept. 4, you can score up to 25% off select items on the Motorola site. This includes the company's latest flagship phones and more budget-friendly options.
Here’s more info on the sale and our top picks for the best deals:
Best Motorola deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Our pick: Motorola razr+ (2024) with Bose Quiet Comfort II earbuds $999.99 at MotorolaThe new Motorola razr+ (2024) is $999.99, and it comes with a free pair of Bose Quiet Comfort II wireless earbuds (a $299.99 value). All you have to do to get your free buds is add the razr+ to your cart.
The razr+ is available in four colors: spring green, midnight blue, peach fizz, and, of course, hot pink. Even without the earbuds freebie, it's a great price for an unlocked phone with 256GB of storage and a foldable display.
Best runner-up Motorola deal Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Our pick: Motorola razr+ (2023) $599.99 at MotorolaIf you’re okay with owning the 2023 model, the Motorola Razr+ (2023) is on sale for $599.99. It doesn’t come in hot pink, but you can get it in infinite black, glacier blue, or viva magenta (which is kind of like hot pink). Plus, you get a $150 trade-in discount when you trade in an eligible device.
Not only is this phone compact, but the outer screen makes filming TikToks, video chatting, and checking notifications so much easier.
More Motorola deals worth mentioningMotorola moto g power 2024 — $249.99 $299.99 (save $50)
Motorola razr 2023 — $399.99 $699.99 (save $300)
Motorola edge 2024 — $449.99 $549.99 (save $100)
Motorola edge+ 2023 — $499.99 $799.99 (save $300)
SAVE UP TO $400: Shop Apple iPads at their lowest prices ever. Find the Apple iPad Pro, 4th generation (M2 chip, 512GB, WiFi + cellular) for $899, saving you $400 for 31% off.
Best iPad deals Best iPad deal Apple iPad, 9th gen (A13 Bionic, 64GB, WiFi) $199 at Amazon (Save $130) Get Deal Best iPad Mini deal iPad Mini, 6th gen (A15 Bionic chip, 64GB, WiFi) $379.99 (Save $119.01) Get Deal Best iPad Pro deal Apple iPad Pro, 4th gen (M2 chip, 512GB, WiFi + cellular) $899 at Best Buy (Save $400) Get DealApple's September 9th event, "It's Glowtime," is heavily anticipated to debut several new products, including the iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10, and maybe, just maybe, a new iPad Mini. While nothing is confirmed until the event goes live on Monday, September 9th at 1 p.m. ET, we're eager to see just what the fruit brand is ready to reveal.
In the meantime, older but still fantastic models are heavily discounted. We're talking iPads at their lowest price ever, with discounts up to $400 off. If you care more about savings than the latest tech, these are deals for you.
Best iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Apple iPad, 9th gen (A13 Bionic, 64GB, WiFi) $199.00 at AmazonWhile it may not be the latest model, the 9th generation iPad is nonetheless a reliable, everyday tablet. With the A13 Bionic Chip, it has the right amount of power for your entertainment needs, whether you need to stream, read, or game. Plus, it's compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil (which we should mention is down to $69).
It's down to its lowest price ever of $199. That saves you 40% off for $130 in savings.
Best iPad Mini deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: iPad Mini, 6th gen (A15 Bionic chip, 64GB, WiFi) $379.99 at AmazonThe iPad Mini is one of our favorite Apple tablets, especially when it comes to reading. At 8.6 inches, it has a frame several inches smaller than the next biggest iPad, which gives it a better hand feel when it comes to reading. While it's closer to the size of a Kindle than the usual iPad, it still has all the benefits of the latter. With the A15 chip, you get zippy performance for streaming.
It's dipped down to its lowest price ever of $379.99 — that's $119.01 in savings for 24% off.
Best iPad Pro deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro, 4th gen (M2 chip, 512GB, WiFi + cellular) $899.00 at AmazonThis year's iPad Pro drop delivered an astonishing new tablet with battery life to last for days on end. However, in its wake is the previous model, which is equipped with the M2 chip. This chip powers up Apple's tablets and MacBooks alike, and we're big fans of its performance. If you want an iPad to use for professional endeavors, too, this iPad is the one for you.
While the newest model will cost you $1,399, the 4th gen iPad Pro is down to $899 at Best Buy, saving you a hefty $400 for 31% off.
OpenAI seems to be adding new voices to ChatGPT's Advanced Voice Mode — and we might know what they'll sound like.
New reports have discovered eight new voices that could eventually be added to ChatGPT's current options. TestingCatalog did some reverse engineering to find the potential new voice options and engineer Tibor Blaho posted on X detailed samples of what each voice reportedly sounds like.
Check out ChatGPT's reported new voicesThe alleged new voice options are: Fathom, Glimmer, Harp, Maple, Orbit, Rainbow, Reef, Ridge, and Vale.
Tweet may have been deletedThis would be added to ChatGPT's existing voices, which are Ember, Juniper, Cove, and Breeze (sorry, no more Sky after that whole Scarlett Johansson debacle.) The reportedly new voices seem to vary in gender and accents, with Fathom and Vale sounding like posh Brits and Reef sounding Australian.
OpenAI announced ChatGPT Voice Mode last May as part of its new model, GPT-4o, which integrates text, vision, and audio modalities into one model. GPT-4o's impressive capabilities were somewhat overshadowed by the demo voice's eerie comparisons to actress Scarlett Johansson and a subsequent statement from the her actress herself saying that she turned down Sam Altman's request to use her voice for the model.
Nevertheless, ChatGPT Voice Mode rolled out to a select number of ChatGPT Plus users in July and news about Voice Mode has stayed pretty quiet since then.
Interestingly, Blaho's demo has the voices reading a passage that includes dog barks and crows. The voices do their best to portray the animal sounds with varying degrees of success. Some of the voices seem to be just saying "woof" and "caw," while others attempt to actually mimic the sounds of dogs and crows. If not for these imitations, some of which sound tinny and robotic, you wouldn't know they are AI-generated voices.
ChatGPT's Voice Mode is quite new. So new, in fact, that the voice modality is still only available to a small amount of ChatGPT Plus users. Since it's uncertain when the audio capability will roll out to more users, any details about ChatGPT getting more voices is also unknown.
Amazon has already moved on from Labor Day already and shifted its focus to new deals not tied to any particular shopping event or sale. These are just deals simply for the sake of deals — our favorite kind. We went ahead and rounded up a few that have caught our attention on Sept. 4, with standouts from Sony, Hisense, Acer, and Shark.
Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these spark your interest, be sure to check back at our picks from Sept. 3 — many of those are still live.
Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 58-inch U6HF Series ULED 4K Fire TV $319.99 at AmazonIf you're in the market for a new TV, it's hard to beat a 58-inch ULED option from Hisense for only $319.99 — a new record-low price. This 4K Fire TV features Hisense's version of QLED technology, which incorporates a blend of LED backlighting, local dimming, and quantum dot color enhancement for a richer visual appearance that remains budget friendly. It also features a dedicated gaming mode and smooth motion handling, a bezel-less design for extra screen real estate, lots of local dimming zones, and built-in Fire TV for a world of entertainment at your fingertips.
Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony SRS-XE200 Bluetooth speaker $68.99 at AmazonWe haven't tested the SRS-XE200 speaker ourselves, but Sony has been a leader in the audio world for decades, and we're big fans of other speakers and headphones in its lineup. This portable powerhouse includes two x-balanced speakers, a line shape diffuser, and dual passive radiators — in other words, it packs a punch in its lightweight package. It'll last you up to 16 hours on a single charge, and quick-charges to give you an extra 70 minutes of playtime in just 10 minutes. The gray option is currently on sale for only $68.99, which is not only lower than its Prime Day price, but is also its lowest price on record. That also puts it in the range of most budget-friendly speaker options.
Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Nitro V15 gaming laptop (Intel Core i5-13420H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $649.99 at AmazonA Mashable Choice Award winner and our favorite budget gaming laptop, Acer's Nitro V 15 (originally dubbed the Nitro 5) is "packed with delicious internals that can handle triple-A gaming," according to Mashable Tech Editor and reviewer Kimberly Gedeon. Its 13th-gen Intel Core i5-13420H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics paired with a 15.6-inch, 1080p display with a 144Hz refresh rate make it a solid choice for gamers who don't want to spend $1,000 or more. It's certainly not a perfect pick, but it does offer "excellent gaming performance for the price." The model with 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD regularly goes for $779.99, but it's down to just $649.99 at Amazon as of Sept. 4. That's its lowest price on record. Plus, as a bonus, you'll get Assassin's Creed Shadows free with your purchase.
Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Detect Pro self-empty robot vacuum $399.99 at AmazonMashable's resident robot vacuum expert tested the Shark Detect Pro and dubbed it the best Shark for carpet. Thanks to NeverStuck technology, it can seamlessly maneuver between floor types and large obstacles. Plus, it offers Matrix cleaning, which means it can conquer dirty spots by taking multiple passes from multiple angles. When it's finished tidying up, it empties itself into its bagless base, which holds up to 30 days of dirt, dust, and debris. It's regularly $549.99, but as of Sept. 4, it's back down to its record-low price of $399.99 at Amazon.
None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.
Google Assistant is arguably the best digital assistant compared to the likes of Siri and Alexa. However, now that Google has been pushing to replace Google Assistant with AI-powered Gemini, the former's prowess over other virtual companions is even more evident.
On my daily driver, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, my Google Assistant got swapped with the new Gemini assistant. Unfortunately, some of the things I loved to do with Google Assistant no longer works on Gemini.
For example, asking, "Hey Google, what song is playing right now?" used to prompt Google Assistant to tap into its inner Shazam and accurately identify tunes in the background. But with Gemini, this command no longer works.
Fast Company, which said that the new Pixel 9 phones are shipping with Gemini as their default assistant, claims that Gemini is a "trainwreck." The tech and business outlet, and some users on Reddit, called out Gemini for not being able to perform basic tasks that Google Assistant once did, like creating calendar events, playing music, and reading webpages.
If you've been wanting to revert back to Google Assistant, we can help you accomplish that.
SEE ALSO: Gemini vs. ChatGPT: Which one planned my wedding better? How to replace Gemini with Google AssistantYou can switch back to Google Assistant in a few simple steps.
However, keep in mind that these steps are based on navigating with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, so your journey may be slightly different, depending on your device.
Total TimeStep 1: Go to Settings
Tap on "Google / Google Services."
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableStep 2: Tap on "All Services"
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableStep 3: Tap on "Settings for Google apps"
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableStep 4: Tap on "Search, Assistant, and Voice"
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableStep 5: Tap on "Google Assistant"
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableStep 6: Tap on "Digital Assistants from Google"
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableStep 7: Tap on the "Google Assistant" bubble
Here, you can choose which digital assistant you want. In this case, you'll want to tap on the Google Assistant bubble.
Credit: Kimberly GedeonNow, you have Google Assistant back as your digital assistant. If you change your mind, you can always switch back to Gemini by following the same steps.
SAVE $120: The Dyson Cool Tower Fan AM07 is on sale for just $249.99 at Best Buy, marked down from the list price of $369.99. That's a 32% discount.
Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Cool Tower Fan AM07 $249.99 at AmazonSure, pumpkin spice-flavored everything is on the store shelves, but the temperature might not give fall vibes when you step outside just yet. September can often feel like the new August, ushering in heat that not all of us enjoy. If you're struggling with lingering summer heat, Best Buy has a solution.
As of Sept. 4, the Dyson Cool Tower Fan AM07 is on sale for just $249.99, down from the normal price of $369.99. That's a 32% discount, or a savings of $120.
SEE ALSO: My Best Buy members get 20% off the new Dyson Airwrap, Airstrait, and CorraleWhile Dyson does an exceptional job of making vacuums, the brand also produces some incredibly powerful fans to keep us cool. The Dyson Cool Tower Fan AM07 has 10 speed settings and uses the brand's Air Multiplier technology. This produces a high-velocity jet of air that's capable of cooling the whole room. Thanks to its 70-degree oscillation, cool air will reach your full space.
The included remote control means you'll be able to tune settings to your liking from the comfort of the couch or your bed. Speaking of sleep, you can program the fan with a sleep timer, which will automatically shut the fan off after a pre-set time.
Another major benefit of a Dyson fan is the blade-less design. Instead, the fan has a simple loop design which can also easily wipe clean.
While Dyson products tend to come with a steep price, today's sale at Best Buy brings the price of the Cool Tower Fan AM07 to just $249.99. But you'll want to snag one quickly, because this deal expires at 11:59 PT tonight.
Get 20% OFF: As of Sept. 4, My Best Buy Total and Plus members can get 20% off the latest Dyson Airwrap, Airstrait, and Corrale in the strawberry bronze and blush pink colorway.
Overview Airwrap deal Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler (Stawberry Bronze/Blush Pink) $454.99 at Best Buy with Plus or Total (save $45) Get Deal Airstrait deal Dyson Airstrait Straightener (Strawberry Bronze/Blush Pink) $374.99 at Best Buy with Plus or Total (save $125) Get Deal Corrale deal Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener (Stawberry Bronze/Blush Pink) $374.99 at Best Buy with Plus or Total (save $125) Get DealICYMI, Dyson’s strawberry bronze and blush pink colorway product lineup is available for purchase — and it’s on sale for My Best Buy Plus and Total members.
Dyson’s newest colorway dropped at the end of last month (it was available for preorder on Aug 23). Now, Best Buy’s giving its members an exclusive 20% discount when they purchase Dyson Airwrap, Airstrait, and Corrale stylers. That’s $145 off the Airwrap, $125 off the Airstrait, and $125 off the Corrale. Not too shabby!
If you’re not a paid My Best Buy member, you can still get the strawberry bronze and blush pink colorway for a slightly higher price. Or you can join My Best Buy Plus or Total for $49.99 or $179.99 per year to get your 20% off. You’ll also get free two-day shipping on all purchases, exclusive sales and deals, and other perks.
Here’s some more info on each product and how much you’ll save:
Dyson Airwrap deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler $454.99 at Best BuyThe Dyson Airwrap has been a cult-fave hairstyling tool since its release way back in 2018. The only problem? It’s super expensive.
This model retails for $599.99 full price but is currently $120 off for “regular” Best Buy customers. You'll get an additional discount if you’re a Plus or Total tier member, making it $454.99 (or $145 off).
It comes with a complimentary detangling comb and multiple attachments, including the 2-in-1 Coanda smoothing dryer, two Airwrap barrels, a soft smoothing brush, a firm smoothing brush, one large round volumizing brush, and a storage case.
Dyson Airstrait deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Airstrait Straightener $374.99 at Best BuyThe Dyson Airstrait is a newer addition to the Dyson fam, and it’s more affordable than the Airwrap. It’s designed to dry and straighten in a single pass, even if your hair is wet. Thanks to its airflow and styling technology, you shouldn’t smell that awful burning hair scent that usually comes with speedier styling. (If you went to high school in the early 2000s, you know exactly what I’m talking about.)
The list price for the Airstrait is $499.99, but it's currently $100 off for non-members. With a Plus or Total membership, you can get it for $374.99. You’ll also get a storage case with your purchase.
Dyson Corrale deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener $374.99 at Best BuyThe Dyson Corrale is a cord-free straightener that uses flexing plates built to straighten and style with less heat and 50 percent less breakage. It can last up to 30 minutes on one charge and fully recharges in 70 minutes. It also has a safety lock and auto shut-off feature for easy storage.
The Corrale retails for $499.99, but you can get it for $100 off without a membership or for $125 off ($374.99) with a Plus or Total membership.
Singles are sick of dating apps, opting instead for IRL events — or, as some Spanish-speaking TikTokkers have started doing, creating meet cutes at the supermarket.
Spanish TikTok is exploding with videos of singles trying to find love at supermarket chain Mercadona, BBC reports. These folks are placing upside down pineapples — a stateside symbol of swinging — in their grocery carts to signal that they're looking for love. Another rule, according to ITV News, is to bump another cart with a pineapple if you like someone. The time to do this — "flirting hour," as it's apparently been dubbed — is 7 to 8 p.m.
SEE ALSO: People are using AI to date youThe #mercadona hashtag on TikTok has nearly 200,000 posts at the time of publication, many of them about flirting hour. Influencers are trying it out in sparkly gowns, women are trying to signal that they're not available if they have to shop during that time, and others are joking about whose cart they might bump into.
According to the BBC, this trend was fueled by actor and TV personality Vivy Lin, who posted a TikTok in August about hooking up at Mercadona from 7 to 8 p.m.
Someone commented on Lin's post, "Mercatinder." Who needs dating apps, eh?
12 MONTHS FOR THE PRICE OF 10: As of Sep. 4, existing subscribers can get 12 months of Kindle Unlimited for the price of 10. That's $119.90, down from its normal price of $143.88. Alternatively, new subscribers can get 3 months for the price of 1 for a limited time.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 12 months of Kindle Unlimited $119.90 at AmazonKindle Unlimited is officially 10 years old, and Amazon is giving you a chance to celebrate. The subscription service, which lets you read as many books, comics, audiobooks, and magazines as you like for a relatively low price each month on your Kindle device, has been around since 2014. And now with over 3 million books read globally and millions in revenue made, Amazon is giving back. You can save big on a subscription as both a new and existing member.
As of September 4, current Kindle Unlimited members can get 12 months of service for the price of 10: $119.90, down from $143.88. After a year, your Kindle Unlimited membership will renew at $11.99 per month until you cancel your subscription. New members can get in on the festivities as well, with 3 months for the price of 1: $11.99, normally $35.97.
SEE ALSO: Dive into fall reading with a free Kindle book for Prime membersThere's a wide variety of books to read on Kindle Unlimited, from the Harry Potter series to Colleen Hoover's massive catalog of romance sagas, and hundreds of others to keep you busy. To help sweeten the deal, Amazon has also announced a slew of new books that have been added to Kindle Unlimited, with some new releases available only through September 15.
Some of the new titles include Anthony Doerr's All the Light We Cannot See, now a Netflix film, Britney Spears' blockbuster memoir The Woman in Me, Jessica Knoll's Bright Young Women, and Kristin Hannah's Firefly Lane, all of which will be available for the next few weeks to borrow and return when you're ready.
If you're looking to get some serious fall reading in, this is a great opportunity to do it without spending an arm and a leg on a bushel of new books. Be sure to snag your subscription or new read before this deal goes away.
SAVE 20%: The JBL Endurance Peak 3 headphones are just $79.95 at Amazon, down from the usual price of $99.95. That's a savings of $20.
Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Endurance Peak 3 headphones $79.95 at AmazonIf you've ever tried to work out in heavy, over-the-ear headphones or tiny earbuds that bounce out, you know how important it is to take headphones with a secure fit to the gym. Not only is the fit critical, many over-the-ear models use foam that you probably shouldn't saturate with sweat. If you don't yet own a pair of gym-worthy headphones, Amazon has a great deal in store today.
As of Sept. 4, the JBL Endurance Peak 3 headphones are on sale for just $79.95 at Amazon, down from the list price of $99.95. That's a 20% discount or a savings of $20.
SEE ALSO: The 7 best noise-cancelling headphones for flying in 2024Ready for whatever workout you have in store, the JBL Endurance Peak 3 focus on both performance and comfort. You'll get up to 50 hours of playback time on one charge with the included case while being treated to sound powered by 10mm dynamic drivers. In terms of comfort, the pair uses a bendable TwistLock ear hook, which snugly but gently hug the back of your ear for a fit that won't bounce out.
Mashable's sister publication PC Mag (owned by Mashable publisher Ziff Davis) reviewed the JBL Endurance Peak 3, noting they're "ideal for exercise thanks to their secure fit and serious bass thump." The headphones earned the PC Mag Editor's Pick for affordable exercise-friendly earphones, scoring an "excellent" rating from the publication.
Since fit is important, the earbuds come with three pairs of silicone ear tips: small, medium, and large. Plus, they're waterproof and dustproof. The IP68 waterproof rating means the earphones can withstand 30 minutes of being in salt or fresh water at a maximum depth of 4.9 feet. That means you can take the JBL pair out on a rainy day run, to a hot yoga class, or even on your next surfing trip.
If you're not equipped with workout-friendly headphones, today is a great day to upgrade. Amazon has the JBL Endurance Peak 3 headphones on sale for just $79.99, a 20% discount off the standard price. Plus, purchasing the JBL headphones means you'll be eligible for a free 90-day subscription to Amazon Music. Not only will you be better equipped, you'll be set with streaming music, too.
GET A FREE KINDLE BOOK: Amazon Prime members get a free Kindle e-book with Amazon's First Reads program during the month of September. No Prime membership? Get these books for just $1.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Free Kindle book with Prime membership at AmazonWith summer slithering to a close, we're inching closer to the gifts of fall. Cool weather brings a slower pace, with cozy days curled up on the couch with a good book. While summer trips may have burned a hole in your wallet, it's time to kick off fall with some savings. Luckily, Amazon's First Reads program is coming in clutch.
With the First Reads program, Amazon Prime members can choose from eight books to receive a free Kindle book. The variety is plentiful; you can choose between a memoir, contemporary fiction, thriller, romance, and more. In addition to your free Kindle book, members receive a free short story. This month's comes from Jane Green, titled When We Were Friends, about a friendship that is not all that it seems. Non-Prime members can buy one of the eight books and the short story for just $1.99 each.
To take advantage of the Amazon First Reads program, sign up for free. Members receive an email at the beginning of each month with the latest drops. And to read your new Kindle book, you don't need a Kindle device (even though we really like Kindles). As long as you have the Kindle app, you can enjoy your free book.
Make the most of your Prime membership, and get a free Kindle book with the First Reads program.
GET 15% OFF: As of Sept. 4, you can get an Amazon Kindle for just $84.99, down from $99.99, at Amazon. But you'd better hurry; this deal ends in a couple hours.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle $84.99 at AmazonNot to sound dramatic, but you have about two hours left to snag an Amazon Kindle for $84.99 at Amazon. Yes, we covered this deal last week, but now’s your last chance to snatch it up before it’s gone.
The Amazon Kindle (2022) is currently $84.99 at Amazon — $15 off the listing price and just $10 more than its lowest price ever of $74.99 back in October. It’s not the newest model, but if you enjoy reading e-books and aren’t interested in the bells and whistles that come with the Paperwhite ($149.99), this is your chance to get Amazon’s lightest e-reader on the cheap.
SEE ALSO: Amazon Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Which one is for you?It has a six-inch display, a six-week battery life, and 16GB to store thousands of e-books. It’s also sustainable, made with 30 percent recycled plastics and 90 percent magnesium, and is packaged in 100 percent recyclable packaging.
According to Mashable’s Mallory Minich, this basic model is ideal for anyone who’s just looking to read. “If you are a book fanatic like me, I highly recommend adding it to your collection,” Minich writes. “For only $99, it has genuinely made me read more than I have in months.”
On Wednesday, Sept. 4, GoPro announced the imminent arrival of two new action cameras, the Hero13 Black and the Hero, as well as new professional lenses. The Hero13 Black is the successor to last year's Hero12 Black, which earned a Mashable's Choice award, but the mini Hero camera is a beginner-friendly addition to the lineup.
The Hero13 Black will cost $399 and is available for preorder now; the camera will be delivered and available for purchase starting on Sept. 10.
The Hero, a smaller, simpler action camera, is priced at $199, available for preorder now, and set to be released on Sept. 22. GoPro says it's the smallest camera of its kind ever made.
SEE ALSO: Review: The best travel camera for every type of photographerMashable got the chance to preview and test both cameras at an August event hosted by GoPro in New York City (on the Hudson River, to be exact). A full review of both cameras will be coming soon, but in the meantime, get the full download on new features and our first impressions.
Opens in a new window Credit: GoPro GoPro Hero13 Black $399.00 at GoProThe Hero13 Black offers iterative improvements in key areas you'd expect, including battery life, editing features, and motion stabilization. However, the new camera also has some new features and accessories geared toward pro users.
The new Hero13 Black can capture close-up footage like never before — with the right lens mod. Credit: GoProSome of the new features include:
New lenses and ND filters
Improvements to color clarity, shadows, and highlights
A new magnetic mounting system
Improved battery life
The return of GPS geotagging
New open-source video overlays that let you track altitude, speed, and G-force
Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) HDR video for broadcast-standard footage
The new Hero13 Black can capture 5.3K footage at 120 frames per second. You can also capture HD-quality footage at up to 400 fps.
SEE ALSO: The best concert cameras for capturing the magic of live music New lenses, accessories, and magnetic mountWhile the Hero12 Black made big advancements to motion stabilization and battery life, the Hero13's biggest changes will be harder to appreciate for casual users. GoPro previously dropped GPS capabilities for the Hero12 (they were a big drain on battery life), but GPS is back in the 13 model.
Credit: GoPro Credit: GoProFor the Hero13 Black, GoPro is debuting new lens mods and filters that give creators and adrenaline junkies new tools for capturing professional-quality photos. However, all of the new accessories have to be purchased separately.
The new GoPro lenses include:
Ultra-Wide Lens Mod: Ideal for capturing POV footage with a 177-degree field of view. A new 1:1 aspect ratio lets you switch between vertical and widescreen while editing. This lens will cost users $99.99.
Macro Lens Mod: The Macro Lens mod provides variable focus, letting the camera clearly depict objects up to four times closer than the default lens. (Focus on objects just 4.3 inches away from the camera.) Plus, a focus ring lets users manually adjust the focus. The Macro Lens Mod is priced at $129.99.
Anamorphic Lens Mod: GoPro created this lens for creators who want to capture more artistic, cinematic footage with their cameras. This lens mod offers a cinematic 21:9 aspect ratio and J.J. Abrams-style lens flares. This lens won't be released until 2025; it will also be priced at $129.99.
ND Filter 4-Pack: For professional videographers, a new ND filter set is available for the Hero13. The 4-pack includes ND4, ND8, ND16, and ND32 filters. These neutral density filters give creators more options and result in more cinematic motion blur. The 4-pack is available for $69.99.
When you attach a lens mod or filter to the Hero13, the camera automatically recognizes the filter and adjusts settings accordingly. It can even recommend the right ND filter for the light conditions.
Finally, a new magnetic latch (a ball joint mount and traditional mount are also available) makes it easier to attach the camera to mounts and accessories. The latch doesn't rely solely on magnetism, and in our initial testing, the connection was plenty secure and much easier to attach.
Introducing the Hero, a smaller 4K action camera The Hero lacks a front-facing display. Credit: GoProWhile the new Hero13 offers new features that pro users will appreciate, what about the rest of us? For those of us not shooting professional surfing videos or jumping out of airplanes, the Hero is an entry-level camera that's more beginner-friendly. GoPro claims it's the smallest, lightest, and cheapest 4K camera with a screen in the world, and I believe them.
The Hero, set to be released on Sept. 22, is priced at $199 and weighs just 46 grams. It's a true micro camera, about the size of a book of matches.
Not only does it have a much simpler UI, but it also strips down the settings to the bare necessities. That said, it's still waterproof up to 16 feet and has some impressive specs for a mini camera:
Capture Ultra HD 4K and HD1080p video
Capture 12MP photos
Capture slow-motion videos in 2.7K and 60 frames per second
Shoot in 16:9 aspect ratio optimized for YouTube-style videos
I'm still in the process of testing these cameras, but in the meantime, I can tell you that I've been very impressed so far. For casual users who already have the Hero12 Black, I probably wouldn't recommend updating to the new camera, but it's working hard to justify its $399 price tag.
I've been having a lot of fun playing around with the new lenses and accessories. I think vloggers, professional videographers and photographers, and adrenaline junkies will feel the same way. I haven't been able to really play around with the Hero yet, but I can confirm it's adorably small.
Look how small it is! Credit: GoProThe HLG video on the Hero13 is also impressive. A GoPro representative showed Mashable side-by-side footage from the Hero12 and Hero13 on an XDR display, and there were noticeable improvements to color, shadows, and highlights. This camera shoots true professional, broadcast-ready video that can only be fully appreciated by pros (and camera nerds).
Of course, those are just my first impressions, and I'm withholding a verdict and endorsement for now.
Head to GoPro to pre-order the new Hero13 Black ($399) and Hero ($199) cameras now.
GoPro's annual action camera update has arrived, with the company unveiling its new HERO13 Black today — as well as introducing its baby brother HERO.
This year GoPro's flagship model doesn't have many significant changes from last year's HERO12 Black though, with the HERO 13 Black rocking many of the same specs. Like Malibu Stacy's hat, the real upgrades here lie in the accessories.
SEE ALSO: Insta360 launches GO 3S, a tiny 4K action camera with Apple's Find My GoPro HERO13 Black: If it ain't broke Credit: GoProThe $399.99 HERO13 Black unsurprisingly sees the return of GoPro's tried and true form factor, making it compatible with most past accessories. The one notable change to its external hardware is in the new camera's mounting options. While GoPro's standard flip-down mounting prongs are still present, the HERO13 now has a 1/4-20 mounting thread enabling you to attach it to a standard tripod. Other than that, it's the same GoPro body we're familiar with.
Not much has changed regarding its capabilities either. The HERO13 Black's maximum resolutions are the same as the HERO12 Black, maxing out at 5.3K at 60fps or 4K at 120fps. In fact, the vast majority of its specs are the same as last year's model, from its digital lenses to its aspect ratio options, to its video stabilisation, horizon lock, and time lapse intervals.
Though that isn't to say there's nothing new at all.
Credit: GoProThe most notable new feature is that the HERO13 Black's power capacity has been boosted with a new 1900mAh battery, up from the HERO12 Black's 1720mAh. GoPro states that this larger battery combined with the HERO13 Black's improved power efficiency provides the camera with enough juice to continuously record for 1.5 hours at its highest resolution settings, over twice the length of the HERO12 Black's 70-minute limit. However, it's worth noting that the HERO13 Black and its battery have no cross-compatibility with previous GoPros or their batteries, so you can't mix and match.
Another new feature is the HERO13 Black's Burst Slo-Mo mode, which captures short clips at high frame rate and resolution. Both the HERO13 and HERO12 Black already have a slo-mo mode, which has a maximum framerate of 240fps. Burst Slo-Mo mode bumps this framerate to a maximum of 400fps at 720p, turning 15 real-time seconds into a three-minute and 20 second video. It can also record 360fps at 900p, turning 15 real-time seconds into a three-minute clip, while its maximum resolution of 5.3K at 120fps turns five real-time seconds into a 20-second slow motion video.
Further changes include a new audio tuning option which allows you to prioritise voices while retaining ambient sounds. The HERO13 Black also sees the return of GPS data support, a feature which was first introduced in HERO5 Black but was missing from the HERO12 Black.
Even so, the HERO13 Black's improvements are relatively minor overall. If you already have a HERO12 Black, there seems little incentive to upgrade to this year's model. That is, unless you want to take advantage of GoPro's new array of HERO13 Black-exclusive accessories.
GoPro's new magnet mount is much more convenient Credit: GoProGoPro embraced the power of magnets this year, introducing a new Magnetic Latch mount. Previously, mounting a GoPro required taking the time to twist a thumb screw through the camera's pronged mounting system. While undoubtedly secure, this system is irritating if you just want to quickly switch mounts and get back to the action.
The HERO13 Black's Magnetic Latch mount bypasses this process by using magnets to snap the camera into place, as well as a dual-latch system to keep it there. You simply need to pinch the Magnetic Latch mount's sides when you want to attach or remove the camera, making changing your mount so easy that you might actually do it more often.
Despite this, it's important to note that GoPro's Magnetic Latch does still need to be attached to your tripod, head strap, or other mount via the traditional thumb screw. As such, you'll have to invest in several Magnetic Latches for each of your various mounts if you want to swap them out on the fly. The Magnetic Latch isn't as secure as GoPro's standard thumb screw mount though, so you'll still want to stick with that for activities such as extreme sports.
GoPro has also introduced a new Ball Joint mount which will allow you to pivot your camera 180 degrees, simplifying the process of adjusting your camera angle.
New external charging accessory lets you record for longer Credit: GoProAnother new magnetic accessory is the Contacto Magnetic Door and Power Cable Kit.
Attaching a GoPro to an external power source previously meant leaving the battery door open to access the USB-C port underneath, exposing it to the elements. This new kit allows you to swap out the HERO13 Black's battery door for one with magnetic charging capabilities, letting you snap on the included cable and charge your camera while the cover is closed. You can also run your HERO13 Black on this cable alone, with no battery installed in your camera.
This kit means you no longer need to weigh up the risk of your GoPro dying in the middle of a time lapse with the danger of it getting destroyed by inclement weather. The Contacto Magnetic Door and Power Cable Kit is also waterproof to 33 feet (10 metres) deep, even while the charging cable is attached. It is only compatible with the HERO13 Black though, so you'll have to pick up GoPro's new camera if you want to benefit from this functionality.
GoPro's HERO13 Black gets special eyesWhile the HERO13 Black can be operated more or less straight out of the box, this year GoPro has revealed several new lenses offering alternate filming options.
Fortunately, you won't have to fiddle around with the settings on your GoPro every time you swap out its lens. The HERO13 Black automatically detects when a new lens is attached and adjusts its settings accordingly. All the lenses are waterproof to various depths, so you can safely take them on beach trips as well.
However, buying these lenses can feel like a lot after you've already shelled out $399.99 for the camera itself. GoPro's new lenses are all sold separately to the HERO 13 Black, and are unfortunately incompatible with previous models. As such, you'll probably want to see if the base camera alone is enough to fulfil your needs before you consider investing in a new lens.
Ultra Wide Lens Mod Credit: GoProThe Ultra Wide Lens Mod allows you to capture footage in a 1:1 aspect ratio, allowing you to crop it to your preference later on. This ability to choose between landscape or portrait later seems particularly handy for people who want to create both YouTube videos and TikTok clips from the same footage.
With a 177-degree field of view, the Ultra Wide Lens Mod isn't compatible with the HERO13 Black's maximum resolution, topping out at 4K at 60fps. Even so, that's still more than enough for the average user. Its flexible aspect ratio still means it's arguably the HERO13 Black's most versatile optional lens.
Macro Lens Mod Credit: GoProClose-up shots probably aren't the first thing to come to mind when you think of an action camera. Even so, getting up close and personal can let you highlight the subtle details of a scene, as well as produce good B-roll fodder for your final edit. The new Macro Lens Mod allows you to focus on objects as close as 4.3 inches (11 centimetres), four times closer than the GoPro's standard lens. It also has a variable focus for manual adjustments.
Anamorphic Lens Mod Credit: GoProThe Anamorphic Lens Mod offers an ultra-wide 21:9 field of view, the widest ever offered on a GoPro HERO camera. It does this with little distortion as well, so you don't get that fish-eye look that frequently appears in wide action camera shots. GoPro's Anamorphic Lens also adds horizontal lens flares to help make your shots look more like movie scenes than home videos.
ND Filter 4-Pack Credit: GoProFinally, GoPro's ND Filter 4-Pack set adds a motion blur to your footage for a cinematic effect, allowing you to choose between ND4, ND8, ND16, and ND32 filters. You don't have to have a deep understanding of videography to use GoPro's new neutral density filters either. The HERO13 Black automatically detects whichever ND filter you've added, adjusts its settings accordingly, and even suggests you switch out the filter if it isn't the optimal choice for your environment.
More advanced users can still choose to adjust the shutter speed and exposure manually, but the HERO13 Black's ability to automatically optimise its settings makes its ND filters much easier for the average person to use.
Introducing GoPro's little HERO Credit: GoProGoPro strayed into the tiny camera space in 2022 with the HERO11 Black Mini, a screenless 133-gram device comparable in size to an AirPods Pro case. This year the company's going even lighter, introducing the 86-gram HERO. And this time, it has a screen.
Like the HERO11 Black Mini, the $199.99 GoPro HERO is capable of shooting 4K video and has just one physical button. Unlike the HERO11 Black Mini, the HERO has a LCD touchscreen making it easier to frame up shots and swap between modes. It also claims up to 100 minutes of recording at its highest settings on a single charge, and can take 12MP photos while the HERO 11 Black Mini is restricted to video.
Not everything is an upgrade. The HERO is only waterproof to 16 feet (five metres), half the depth that the HERO11 Black Mini and HERO13 Black can handle. It also isn't as small and lightweight as other options, such as the thumb-sized 39g Insta360 GO 3S.
Even so, the addition of a screen makes the HERO an intriguing prospect for those who prefer a smaller camera, but still want to see what they're filming without referring to an app.
Credit: GoProThe $399.99 GoPro HERO13 Black and most of its lenses are available for preorder now, with shipping to begin Sept. 10. The exception is the Anamorphic Lens Mod, which will arrive in 2025. The $199.99 HERO is also currently available for preorder, however it will only begin shipping Sept. 22.
Just in time for IFA 2024, Acer unveiled a concept gaming laptop called Project DualPlay.
This isn't just any ol' gaming laptop. This rig has a touchpad that doubles as a gaming controller. In other words, Acer has conceptualized a gaming laptop with a detachable wireless controller.
And once you're done with it, you can pop it back into its dock.
Project DualPlay: Everything we know about itThe operative word here is "concept." This gaming laptop that Acer has envisioned here is nowhere near the ready-for-market stage.
Credit: Mashable Composite: Acer/Mikhael Johanes/Shutterstock.comIn fact, it may never come to market at all, but it's certainly a bold idea.
Users can detach the controller from its electromagnetic lock by placing two fingers on the release button, which is located on the keyboard deck.
If that's not enough, Acer said the controller on this concept laptop will be able to separate into two joysticks. What's one of the use cases for this? "Head-to-head combat on the next evolution of the Street Fighter series," Acer said.
Releasing the controller also prompts two speakers to pop out from the sides of the laptop; this audio system offers "high fidelity," five-watt speakers.
If you're a fan of the flashy gamer aesthetic, you'll love that Project DualPlay is wrapped in customizable, 360-degree RGB lighting on the display bezels, keyboard, and trackpad area.
Credit: AcerIt's a bit wacky, yes, but it gives us some insight into how gaming laptops may look like in the future.
Alongside Project DualPlay, Acer announced a slew of other laptops that are actually real, including the Swift 14 AI and Swift 16 AI laptops, as well as some gaming laptops like the Nitro V 14 and the Nitro V 16.
Finally, Acer also unveiled a new Steam Deck rival called the Nitro Blaze 7.
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