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Apple just confirmed its annual big event, where the company releases its brand new iPhones, for Sept. 9th — and the Apple leakers are already at it.
According to Apple leaker Kosutami, Apple is expected to announce not just one, but two new AirPods products at the September Apple event: AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3.
"The new AirPods Pro is coming—perform with Digital ANC that much better than previous version," the leaker posted on social media platform X.
Tweet may have been deleted"Also for the AirPods 4th generation, both would be announced soon," Kosutami continued in a follow up post.
ANC, or Active Noise Cancellation, is a feature that detects external sounds and cancels them out.
On its website, Apple explains ANC as "an outward-facing microphone or microphones detect external sounds, which your AirPods Pro (1st or 2nd generation) or AirPods Max then counter with anti-noise, canceling the external sounds before you hear them. An inward-facing microphone listens inside your ear for unwanted internal sounds, which your AirPods Pro or AirPods Max also counter with anti-noise."
The notable information from the leaker here is that Apple is improving ANC in the new upcoming AirPods Pro 3 and including it for the first time in the new base model, AirPods 4.
Kosutami did not confirm when these new AirPods would be launched. However, all signs point to the September Apple event. While Apple has started to hold October events as well, those seem to be reserved strictly for Mac announcements. Any new AirPods announcements seem to align more with the big annual iPhone event in September.
So, stay tune as we find out more about Apple's new AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 in the coming weeks.
Oasis, one of the biggest bands ever, broke up for 15 years because of a longtime feud between brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher. They couldn't get along, and their fans suffered for it.
But now Oasis is coming back — barring some massive blow-up between Liam and Noel — and the internet is really excited. See, the Gallagher bros are some of entertainment's best characters. They're wonderful shit-talkers, great musicians, and waspish jerks, and the world cannot wait to see them back in action.
Many have made memes and jokes about the band's triumphant return to touring. (So far, they've committed only to playing in the UK and Ireland.) Rest assured, those tickets will be pricey, considering the pent-up demand and potential for another blow-up that could end Oasis for another 15 years.
A lot of these jokes and memes have been about the money you'll have to spend to see the band.
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deletedThere were also lots of jokes about everything else surrounding the band: the brothers' outfits, the potential for a disastrous fight, and the general sense of excitement about this long-awaited reunion.
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deletedIn short, fans are pumped and also holding their breath, waiting for the next blow-up. Oasis is so back.
The holiday that is "Labor Day" has official significance, of course, but that first September Monday often just serves as the definitive marker that summer is winding down — or as another reminder of how much one doesn't want to labor in the first place.
In either case, annual Labor Day sales can act as a consolation prize of sorts. These typically run between the last week of August and first week or two of September (give or take a few days depending on the retailer) and offer some of the year's best prices on home stuff, kitchen gadgets, and tech devices.
SEE ALSO: Get Max free (with ads) with the DashPass annual planWe've pulled the best deals live ahead of the holiday weekend from those categories below, noting when a big brand like Dyson, Apple, or Casper is involved, as well as end dates to the sales if they're available. This list will be updated daily between now and actual Labor Day on Sept. 2 as more sales go live, so check back often.
Labor Day tech sales Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung save up to 30% sitewide Get Deal Why we like itSamsung's Labor Day sale spans across several categories, dropping deals on devices that could appeal to a variety of shoppers. Those in the market for a new TV ahead of football season can save up to $1,300 on a new Neo QLED or The Frame TV, while those who need a shot of motivation after the summer lull at work can save up to $600 on a new curved monitor or up to $1,375 a new GalaxyBook4 Ultra all together. Large appliances, Galaxy Watches, and Galaxy Buds are also on sale.
More tech dealsAmazon — save up to 40% on Kindles, Echo devices, Apple products, and more
HP — save up to 75% on select laptops, desktops, printers, monitors, and PC accessories
Jabra — save up to 25% on the Elite 8 Active and Elite 10 earbuds
Lenovo — save up to 68% on select laptops, desktops, monitors, tablets, and PC accessories
Roku — save up to $15 on streaming sticks
Dyson's prices are often steeper (and more intimidating) than competitors, so we like any opportunity for someone to become a Dyson person at a more digestible cost. Through Sept. 7, you can save a decent chunk of money — up to $200 — off of Dyson cordless vacuums and air purifiers, including our beloved Mashable V12 Detect Slim (the cheapest Dyson vacuum with a laser) for $449.99.
More home and kitchen dealsMattresses and bedding
Amerisleep — save $500 on any mattress
Bear — save 35% sitewide and get two free pillows, sheets, and a mattress protector with every mattress purchase
Birch — save 25% sitewide and get two free pillows with every mattress purchase using code LDW25
Brooklinen — save 25% sitewide
Brooklyn Bedding – save 25% sitewide through Sept. 3
Casper — save 30% on all mattresses and up to 30% off sleep accessories
Ettitude — save 30% sitewide
Helix — save 25% sitewide and get a free bedding bundle (worth $330+) with the purchase of a Luxe or Elite mattress using code LDW25
Leesa — save 30% on select mattresses and get a free sleep bundle (worth $299) with every mattress purchase through Sept. 10 at 8 a.m. ET
Nectar — save up to 40% on mattresses
Purple — save up to $700 on select mattresses, up to $300 on bases, and up to 20% on pillows and bedding through Sept. 10
Seely — save up to $300 on the Posturepedic Plus collection and get a free $200 Visa gift card
Serta — save up to $900 on select mattresses and adjustable base sets
Tuft & Needle — save up to $700 on select mattresses and 20% on select bedding
Home and kitchen
Best Buy — save up to 50% on select major appliances and receive a free gift card worth up to $500 with qualifying items
Crate and Barrel — save up to 60% on sofas and other best-selling furniture, rugs, decor, dining tables and dinnerware, and more
CB2 — save up to 50% on best-selling furniture, lighting, decor, outdoor items, and more
Eufy — save up to 38% on the Eufy X8 Pro and L60 robot vacuums
Hydro Flask — save 25% on select drinkware, coolers, bundles, and accessories through Sept. 3
iRobot — save up to $300 on the Roomba j9+, i5+, and more
Roborock — save up to 50% on the Roborock Qrevo, Q7, Q5, and S8+ robot vacuums
Stanley — save 25% on select drinkware using code GOODBYESUMMER25 through Sept. 2
Walmart — save up to 65% on cookware, mattresses, patio and garden items, and more
Wayfair — save up to 50% on bedroom furniture and kitchen and dining furniture, up to 60% on living room seating, up to 70% on area rugs, up to 50% on lighting and faucets, up to 50% on mattresses, and more
Automatic feeders are game-changing additions to any household with pets, and several popular models from PETLIBRO are on sale at Amazon. Through Sept. 10, pet parents can choose from multiple dry pet feeders for cats and dogs under $60, including models with WiFi, built-in cameras, and more. Our favorite deal, however, is on PETLIBRO's new automatic wet food feeder for cats — yep, a refrigerated one.
More pet dealsLitter-Robot — save $75 on the Litter-Robot 4 Kickstart Bundle
Outdoorsy people who simply hate the heat are about to be in their prime, and they can gear up for any and all fall activities at REI's Labor Day sale through Sept. 2. Participating categories include tents, sleeping bags, and other camping gear, clothing and footwear, and bikes from brands like The North Face, Helinox, and REI Co-op.
More outdoor dealsLabor Day beauty and fitness sales Opens in a new window Credit: Solawave Our pick: Solawave save 35% on select skincare tools using code LABORDAY35 Get Deal Why we like itIf you still haven't gotten your hands on a Solawave, the brand's Labor Day sale knocks the once-viral wand and serum kit down to $122.85 — a cheaper, more compact investment than going full face mask. As a refresher, red light therapy is the bread and butter of skincare TikTok for its ability to stimulate collagen, penetrate dark spots, reduce inflammation, and more. Mashable contributor RJ Andersen saw legit results after one use.
More beauty and fitness dealsRumors of a "PS5 Pro" have been rocking the internet all year — and a new batch out of the big Gamescom trade show in Germany are adding fuel to the fire. First up, Italian journalist Lorenzo Fazio from a website called Multiplayer said on a livestream that he was told the PS5 Pro is real. Specifically, a developer told Fazio that they delayed their game because the PS5 Pro is coming soon.
SEE ALSO: PS5 vs PS5 Slim: What are the differences?Wccftech corroborated this report by saying they spoke to a different developer at Gamescom and were told the same thing: a newer, stronger PS5 is on the way.
Unfortunately, neither of these reports shed much light on when that might happen. Conventional wisdom online for months was that the PS5 Pro would launch this year, but after Sony's summer gaming showcase came and went without a word about the new console, it felt like maybe the rumors were wrong.
However, it's worth noting the PS4 Pro was announced in September of 2016 and released that November, so the same timeline could still theoretically hold for the PS5 Pro.
SAVE $50: As of August 27, get the Google Pixel 8a for $449, down from $499, at Amazon. That's 10% off.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Google Pixel 8a $449.00 at AmazonWith the latest Apple event taking place in September, all eyes are on the new iPhones getting ready to roll around. But if you're looking for a new smartphone, you don't have to rely solely on the iOS ecosystem. There are some excellent Android picks out there that you can opt for instead. Case in point: the Google Pixel 8a, which is a great deal for half the price of what you can expect to pay for the latest and greatest iPhone. And it's even cheaper right now thanks to a sale at Amazon.
As of August 27, get the Google Pixel 8a for just $449 at Amazon. That's $50 off its usual price of $499, and a discount of 10%. It's not back down to its lowest price we've seen, but it's still well worth investing, especially if you find yourself in need of a phone upgrade right now. You can choose from four colors: Aloe, Bay, Obsidian, and Porcelain.
SEE ALSO: iPhone 16 rumors: Everything we knowThe Google Pixel 8a comes equipped with a 6.1-inch Actua display with 2400x1080 resolution and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, with a Google Tensor G3 processor, 128GB of storage, and 8GB of RAM. All that and it's affordable, with a slew of AI features that originally debuted on the Pixel 8, including Circle to Search, AI call screening, Magic Editor, and more.
Mashable's Alex Perry reviewed the Google Pixel 8a, praising it as an "impressive deal" even though it's only a small iterative set of changes over its predecessor, but noted that "its elite performance coupled with a flagship-esque display and decent enough camera specs are more than enough to make up for some lackluster returning AI features." So if you're ready to make a change, but aren't too interested in what's on the table from Apple, this could be your next big upgrade.
UP TO 40% OFF: As of August 27, you can get up to 40% off select tablets at Amazon and Best Buy.
Our top picks: Best iPad deal Apple iPad (9th gen) $199 at Amazon (save $130 ) Get Deal Best Amazon Fire tablet deal Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023 release) $89.99 at Amazon (save $50 ) Get Deal Best kids tablet deal Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet $69.99 at Amazon (save $40) Get DealSwitching from a small screen to a large screen to a medium-sized screen is pretty much all life is about these days. We wake up with our phones in hand, spend most of our day hunched over laptops, and then retreat to the couch with a tablet or phone to scroll Instagram or TikTok until it’s time to sleep. It’s not glamorous, but it's the reality we live in.
SEE ALSO: The best tablets: iPads are great, but have you tried literally anything else?If you’re looking for a new tablet or want a screen that’s a bit larger than your phone, there are tons of deals at Amazon and Best Buy this week.
Here are our top picks:
Best iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: Apple iPad (9th gen) $199.00 at AmazonThe Apple iPad (9th gen) is a Mashable fave. We’ve ranked this tablet as the best tablet for most people. That might sound vague, but the iPad hits a sweet spot in terms of performance, portability, and price. It has a 10.2-inch Retina display, all-day battery life, and iPadOS, so you can run multiple apps at once.
Right now, you can get this tablet for just $199 at Amazon and Best Buy.
Best Amazon Fire tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023 release) $89.99 at AmazonThe Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023 release) is a great budget option if you don't want to spend a lot on a tablet. It’s only $89.99 at Amazon and Best Buy, 36% off the listing price. It has a 10.1-inch display, 13 hours of battery life, and is 25 percent faster than the previous generation. It’s also compatible with the Amazon Stylus Pen, so you can use it for note-taking and drawing.
Best kids tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet $69.99 at AmazonThe Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet is ideal for the little ones. It has a seven-inch display, a two-year guarantee (just in case it gets accidentally dropped), and a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, which gives kids access to thousands of kid-friendly books, movies, TV shows, educational apps, and games. Once the year’s up, it’s just $5.99 per month (but you don’t have to keep the subscription). There’s also a parent dashboard to manage content and screen time.
You can grab this little tablet for just $69.99 at Amazon (it’s no longer available at Best Buy).
UPDATE: Aug. 27, 2024, TKTK a.m. EDT This post has been updated to reflect current sale pricing at Amazon leading up to Labor Day.
Our top picks: Best Apple deal Apple iPad, 9th Generation (A13 Bionic Chip, 64GB, WiFi) $199 at Amazon (Save $130) Get Deal Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle $84.99 at Amazon (Save $15) Get Deal Best headphone deal Apple AirPods Max $399 at Amazon (Save $150) Get Deal Best Amazon Echo deal Amazon Echo Dot (5th generation, 2022) $29.99 at Amazon (Save $20) Get Deal Best TV deal Roku Streaming Stick 4K $34 at Amazon (Save $15.99) Get DealWe've seen the pumpkin spice on the shelves, so we know fall is coming. Labor Day is the last hurrah of summer, squeezing in a final beach day or backyard barbecue before transitioning to fall. But taking advantage of every ounce of what the season has to offer also means jumping on Labor Day sales.
This summer kicked off with Memorial Day savings, then 4th of July, and, of course, Prime Day. You'd think by now we've drained all the good deals dry, but Amazon's Labor Day sale is proving quite the opposite. We've spotted iPads and AirPods Max at all-time low prices, not to mention the Amazon Kindle at a lower price than during Prime Day.
These are the best early Labor Day deals on Amazon as of August 27:
Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: Apple iPad, 9th Generation (A13 Bionic Chip, 64GB, WiFi) $199.00 at AmazonThere are many iPads in Apple's line-up, but the mainstay size is our best budget pick. While the 10th generation is the most recent iteration, the 9th generation is still around and has everything you need for gaming, streaming, or reading.
With a 10.2-inch screen, the A13 Bionic Chip, and 64GB of storage, it's stacked with power and even compatible with the Apple Pencil. Now, it's down to its lowest price ever — under $200.
During Amazon's Labor Day Sale, find the iPad, 9th generation for $199, saving you $130, or 40% off.
Best Kindle Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Kindle $84.99 at AmazonThe Amazon Kindle lets you bring your entire library with you. Over the years, Amazon has added the Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, and Scribe to its collection of e-readers, but the flagship Kindle remains the best budget option. It has a glare-free screen, perfect for reading in all types of environments, and 16GB of storage for all the books you'll need on vacation.
Currently, you can find the Amazon Kindle for just $10 shy of its lowest price ever. At $84.99, this is still better than its Prime Day price. Now, you can get it for $15 off for 15% savings. That's a solid amount of savings to help you prep for a cozy fall of reading.
Best headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: Apple AirPods Max $399.00 at AmazonAirPods are undeniably popular. They connect to iOS devices with ease and look good while doing it. AirPods Max are Apple's answer to over-the-ear headphones, with a cool, sleek design. While we generally liked them during testing, there's a clear consensus that they're just too dang expensive at $549. Sure, they have good audio quality, but there are plenty of other headphones that are just as good for far less.
Luckily, Amazon's Labor Day sale brought the AirPods Max down to $399, just $5 shy of their lowest price ever. That's a fantastic $150 off the headphones for 27% in savings.
Best Amazon Echo deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Echo Dot (5th generation, 2022) $29.99 at AmazonAmazon Echo devices offer the convenience of a smart speaker loaded with voice commands. The Echo Dot is a smaller alternative to the flagship Amazon Echo, however, it still packs a lot of punch. It has crisp sound and a built-in mic, that can alert you to a dog barking or a door opening for added home security.
During the Labor Day sale, you can shop the Amazon Echo for $29.99, saving you $20, or 40%. This is a great deal for smart home enthusiasts looking to add a new device.
Best streaming and TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Our pick: Roku Streaming Stick 4K $34.00 at AmazonThere are a lot of streaming devices out there, and we've tested a lot of them. Roku makes a lot of good options, including our best overall and best budget streamer. These sticks do bear a striking resemblance to Amazon's Fire TV Sticks, however, having tested them head-to-head myself, I can confidently say the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is better than any Amazon Fire TV option. While you may be able to get an Amazon Fire TV stick for cheaper during the Labor Day Sale, spending a few extra dollars will save you a lot of strife.
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a quick, efficient streaming device that is a breeze to set up and that allows you to watch your shows without buffering. Right now, you can find it for $34, saving you a sweet $15.99 for 32% off.
Bose is celebrating its 60th anniversary by bringing the bling – and plenty of deals. The audio brand is debuting its Diamond 60th Collection, which includes special dazzling white versions of some of its most popular products, like the QuietComfort Ultra headphones, earbuds, and Ultra Open Earbuds – but that's not all. You can also celebrate the brand's 60th year in business by enjoying a series of special deals, which could save you up to $150.
As of August 27 through September 2, you can save big on a variety of Bose goodies, from speakers to headphones. If you've been looking for an excuse to go ahead and make a few of these products yours, now's the time to do it with all the money you can save. The Diamond 60th Collection products aren't discounted – but if during your frenzy of adding items on sale to your cart you decide you need one of the new variants, you could have a chance to win a very special pair of Ultra Open Earbuds. For each Diamond variant you buy, you'll be automatically entered to win a pair of Ultra Open Earbuds encrusted in diamonds, worth about $9,000.
So whether you're just itching to buy a pair of Bose headphones or you need one of the special colors, now's a good time to shop what the brand has to offer. Below, find some of our favorite deals that'll help you save.
Best Bose headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort headphones $249.00 at BoseBose's QuietComfort line rarely disappoints, and though these aren't the Ultra version that we often praise, they're still well worth investing in. With customizable noise cancelling, adjustable EQ options, and a variety of fun colors, these are affordable headphones that aren't just comfortable to wear, but sturdy and reliable for long listening sessions. When you're not enjoying music or podcasts (or chatting on a call) you can switch from Quiet Mode to Aware Mode to let the sounds in that matter while out and about. Get up to 24 hours of battery with a 15-minute charge juicing you back up to 2.5 hours of play time. It's all you need in one fun package, and a good fit for your personality depending on what color you choose.
Best Bose speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose SoundLink Rev+ II Bluetooth Speaker $229.00 at BoseThis premium portable speaker is an excellent pick for hanging out in your backyard or even taking with you to the beach while you enjoy those final days of summer. It's water-resistant, compatible with other Bose speakers so you can link them together, and it comes with a 17-hour battery life so the party never has to stop. It also offers true 360-degree sound, which is impressive for its size and form factor. There's a reason we named it one of our favorite portable Bluetooth speakers.
Best Bose soundbar deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar $749.00 at BoseYou can transform your living room with the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar in a big way. With Bose TrueSpace and Dolby Atmos support, it offers room-filling sound that you'll enjoy throughout every corner of the room. It's super simple to set up with Bluetooth or its wired audio connection, and even boasts an AI-enhanced dialogue mode, since these days it can be nigh-impossible to understand what characters are saying. If you want to bring big theater sound to your home, this is the way to do it.
More Bose deals:
Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker — $99 $119 (save $20)
Bose Smart Soundbar 600 — $449 $499 (save $50)
Bose TV Speaker Soundbar — $199 $279 (save $80)
Bose Bass Module 500 — $399 $499 (save $100)
Bose Bass Module 700 — $399 $499 (save $100)
UP TO 70% OFF: Score deals on furniture, decor, mattresses, rugs, and more during Wayfair’s Labor Day Sale.
Our top picks: Best mattress deal Sealy to Go 12-inch Medium Memory Foam Mattress $379.99 at Wayfair (save $819.01) Get Deal Best bakeware deal Le Cruset Heritage Stoneware 2-Piece Set $57.95 at Wayfair (save $17.05) Get Deal Best coffee maker deal Cuisinart 12-cup Coffee Maker $175.99 at Wayfair (save $249.01) Get DealWhenever I’m stressed, I like to browse online home decor stores and imagine how different my life would be if I could rearrange my living space with a few simple clicks. (If I’m really going through it, I’ll drive to Home Goods and wander the aisles for an hour.)
SEE ALSO: The best robot vacuums for every budget in 2024Now that Labor Day weekend is on the horizon, there are hundreds of sales to peruse, each one more tempting than the last. Wayfair’s Labor Day Sale, for example, is offering customers up to 70% off — from 50% off mattresses to 60% off bakeware, the deals are pretty unbeatable.
Here are the best home finds from Wayfair’s Labor Day Sale:
Best mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sealy Our pick: Sealy to Go 12-inch Medium Memory Foam Mattress $379.99 at WayfairIf you’re looking for a mattress on the cheap, Wayfair has tons of options. The Sealy to Go 12-inch Medium Memory Foam Mattress is currently 68% off, bringing the queen size down to just $379.99. That’s unbelievable for a mattress — all the mattresses I’ve ever owned have been at least $700.
This Sealy model comes in a box; open and unroll it for a quick, affordable bedroom upgrade. It features durable, soft knit fabric and a layer of gel-infused memory foam for comfort and cooling. So, if you’re a hot sleeper or need a new mattress fast, this might be the way to go.
Best bakeware deal Opens in a new window Credit: Le Cruset Our pick: Le Cruset Heritage Stoneware 2-Piece Set $57.95 at WayfairWould you believe me if I told you that you could own Le Cruset bakeware for less than $100? Thanks to Wayfair’s Labor Day Sale, you can get the Le Cruset Heritage Stoneware 2-Piece Set for just $57.95. The set includes an eight-inch square dish and a five-inch square dish — great for everything from lasagna to brownies.
Best coffee maker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Cuisinart Our pick: Cuisinart 12-cup Coffee Maker $175.99 at WayfairWayfair’s sale has quite a few deals on Keurig, but I was pretty impressed by the 59% off price tag on the Cuisinart 12-cup Coffee Maker. Normally $425, this classic coffee maker is now $175.99. It has everything you’d want in a basic coffee maker, including a built-in coffee grinder and the option to brew pods or ground coffee. The water reservoir also holds up to 64 ounces, so you won't have to refill it too often.
Labor Day weekend is approaching, which means deals are dropping left and right. If you're looking to treat yourself while saving some money, look no further. We've rounded up the best Amazon deals we could find on Aug. 27 to save you from having to do the work yourself. And top brands like Apple, Sonos, and Kindle are leading the way.
Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these tickle your fancy, keep an eye out as we select new deals each day this week.
Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Arc soundbar $719.00 at AmazonOne of the things holding us back from recommending the Sonos Arc soundbar as one of our top picks is the price. At $899, it's a bit steep, but today's discount at Amazon drops it down to a more approachable $719. Its audio profile is fabulous, with crisp dialogue, thumping bass, and deep layers — all bolstered by Dolby Atmos. As our friends at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) noted in their review, "The impressive Sonos Arc takes the best parts of the company's other soundbars and combines them into one Dolby Atmos-compatible package."
Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Forerunner 265S running smartwatch $349.99 at AmazonRunners, here's a sweet deal for you: the Garmin Forerunner 265S smartwatch is down from $449.99 to $349.99 as of Aug. 27. That's 22% in savings and its lowest price on record. The 265S packs up to 15 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 24 in GPS mode, as well as 30 plus built-in activities (running, triathlon, cycling, swimming, etc.). It also features training readiness scores, personalized suggested workouts for race prep based on the race and course you input, morning reports with an overview of sleep, recovery, and training outlook, and more. And of course, when you're not in training mode, it also serves as a fantastic smartwatch.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max $399.00 at AmazonWhat's there to say about Apple's AirPods Max that hasn't been said? The stupidly comfy headphones look good, sound great, and play well with Apple gadgetry. They're also stupidly expensive at $549. As of Aug. 27, however, you can save 27% and pick up a pair for only $399. That's just $16 shy of the record-low price they hit following Prime Day.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle $84.99 at AmazonKindle devices rarely see discounts; even on Prime Day, the savings were minimal. So, when we see a price drop, we have to highlight it. This time it's on the classic Kindle. Typically $99.99, you can pick it up on Aug. 27 for just $84.99. That's the same price it hit on Prime Day, for what it's worth. Released in 2022, "Amazon’s newest basic Kindle is compact, has a long battery life, and makes on-the-go reading a breeze," Mashable reviewer writes. It comes with three free months of Kindle Unlimited ($35.97 value), which gives you unlimited access to over 2 million titles, thousands of audiobooks, and more.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Smart Thermostat $63.99 at AmazonA more affordable competitor to the Google Nest, Amazon's Smart Thermostat can help optimize your HVAC energy use and smarten up your home. You can ask Alexa to adjust the temperature while you're snug in bed, or automatically tune your thermostat to suit your preferences when you arrive home. Regularly $80, you can snag it on sale on Aug. 27 for $63.99. That's not the lowest price it's ever been, but it's the biggest price drops since early June.
None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.
It’s that time of year again — the holidays are on the horizon. What better way to celebrate with your casual lover, new fling, or long-term partner than with a spicy advent calendar?
With Lovehoney’s history of appealing advent calendars in the sex toy shopping aisle, this year's edition is full of sexy goodies that make the perfect gift for couples to get even closer. Whether you’re looking to explore new fantasies together, reach new sexual heights, or add a steamy addition, ‘tis the season.
Here are three reasons why this hot advent calendar is the best of its kind from the sex toy brand so far, and one that's sure to bring many surprises to the bedroom.
Opens in a new window Credit: Lovehoney Womanizer Couple's Sex Toy Advent Calendar $199.00 at LovehoneyMany couples find that using vibrators or other sex toys leads to improved communication and a more open, honest dialogue. Plus, incorporating toys can help keep experiences fresh and exciting. If you're looking for a starting point, Lovehoney's advent calendar could be a great way to explore new options with daily surprises.
2. Naughty and nice surprises Credit: LovehoneyWhether you’re a sex toy aficionado or you and your partner are just dipping your toes in, Lovehoney has something for everyone. For folks who may be interested in exploring what sensory play feels like or those wanting to try their hands at beginner-friendly bondage, opening your calendar each day will only add to the endless possibilities of your fantasies, date nights, and celebrations.
3. Get a playful variety packYou and your honey save over 60% on Womanizer toys like the Womanizer Liberty 2, (available for $99) a clitoral stimulator toy with special Pleasure Air technology that can be used together or solo. For a steamy couples session, the calendar also comes with the We-Vibe Sync Lite (available for $89), an app-controlled and hands-free toy perfect for sharing every moment of pleasure.
The calendar, valued at over $530, is priced at $199 and includes free shipping within six business days and a choice of one of three free gifts, offering significant value for the cost. With kink-friendly toys like feathers, paddles, massage tools for sensual touch, and easy-to-use restraints made for beginners, this calendar is perfect for couples across the gender spectrum.
Looking for fresh ways to heighten you or your partner's pleasure? Check out Lovehoney's Advice page for expert tips on everything from selecting the perfect sex toy to adding a thrilling touch of bondage to your relationship.
UP TO 40% OFF: Get up to 40% off camping essentials, hiking apparel, and more, now through Labor Day weekend.
Our top picks: Best tent deal The North Face Wawona 4 Tent $239.99 at REI (save $160.01) Get Deal Best sleeping pad deal MegaMat 10 Sleeping Pad $143.89 at REI (save $96.06) Get Deal Best duffle deal The North Face Base Camp Voyager $116.19 at REI (save $38.81) Get DealSummer may be winding down, but there’s still plenty of time to get out, touch the grass, and enjoy nature. Whether you’re into camping, hiking, cycling, or just want to get away from your desk for a bit, REI’s Labor Day Sale has a little something for everyone.
SEE ALSO: The best camping hammocks for your next outdoor excursionFrom now until Labor Day, you can get up to 40% off a wide range of outdoor gear and apparel, plus up to 50% off clearance items. If you're a member, you can score an additional 20% off one REI Outlet item, using the code SAVEOUTLET. Shop brands like The North Face, Patagonia, Marmot, and Kelty for discounted tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, and more.
Here are our top picks to help you round out your summer or get a head start on your fall adventures:
Best tent deal Opens in a new window Credit: The North Face Our pick: The North Face Wawona 4 Tent $239.99 at REIThe North Face Wawona 4 Tent features double-wall construction and a large vestibule (for additional seating or storage), so you’ll feel safe and secure even if it’s raining. This tent can comfortably sleep four people, has ceiling pockets to hold headlamps and other essentials, and the color-coded poles make it easy to set up, even for first-timers.
Best sleeping pad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Exped Our pick: MegaMat 10 Sleeping Pad (regular) $143.89 at REISleeping on the hard ground (sleeping bag or not) isn’t exactly the most luxurious experience, but the MegaMat 10 Sleeping Pad from Exped is a self-inflating mat that provides up to four inches of plush comfort. It comes with a mini pump for quick inflation and a repair kit just in case you need it.
Best duffle deal Opens in a new window Credit: The North Face Our pick: The North Face Base Camp Voyager $116.19 at REIEven if you’re just going on a day hike, having a durable, roomy duffle to toss your gear in can make the trip a lot easier. The North Face Base Camp Voyager is lightweight, water-resistant, and has tons of pockets to keep everything organized. It has an internal secure-zip pocket for important items, like your passport or wallet, and the adjustable divider gives you the option to separate your gear or use the entire capacity as one large compartment.
The US Open is underway and everyone is living their Challengers dream (watching tennis and yelling "Come on!").
Dating app Grindr is getting in on the action, offering a new "grunt" notification that goes off when users tap on a potential match.
SEE ALSO: From Grindr to Scruff: The best dating apps for gay, bi, and queer men"From short shorts, to fuzzy balls flying in faces, the sport has been a space the gay community loves to play in, yet they haven't had the chance to play out publicly," Grindr said in an email to Mashable, referring to former professional player Brian Vahaly, who only came out after retiring from tennis. "That's changing and culture's catching on with recent phenomenons like the premiere of Challengers."
"The grunt noise is a humorous celebration of the often sexually charged sport," Grindr continued.
The notification is literally a male grunt, much different than the trilling sound Grindr users are used to. Users on Reddit don't seem very enthusiastic about the change, with several threads on the r/grindr subreddit stating they disabled the sound, called it nonsense, and said they plain hate it.
If you, however, want to pretend the canonically bi Patrick from Challengers is serving whenever you tap a potential match, here's how:
How to enable the Grindr grunt soundGo to your profile photo.
Tap Settings at the bottom left of the screen.
Under Notifications, toggle Sound on.
Ugh!
This Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Apple Watch SE comparison should answer all the questions you have about the Apple popular smartwatches.
I've always been a smartwatch skeptic. Whether it's the Google Pixel Watch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch, or the Apple Watch, they all seemed superfluous for anyone who has a phone. When people tried to persuade me to join the smartwatch squad, they always brought up fitness as a use case, which has never been a priority for me — until now.
After hearing my doctor tell me that my blood pressure is too high, I decided to take exercise more seriously. What really drew me to consider an Apple Watch, however, is that I want to make sure I'm hitting — and maintaining — a target heart rate while running on the treadmill, ensuring effective calorie burning.
One of the best ways to track heart rate is to use an Apple Watch. But I've been faced with a dilemma. Should I get the SE (second generation) or splurge a little more for the Watch Series 9? I decided to get both to determine their differences.
Note: Apple is reportedly unveiling the Apple Watch Series 10 on Sept. 9. For more information about all the credible leaks about the next-gen wearable, check out our Apple Watch 10 rumor hub.
SEE ALSO: iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 15 Pro: What are the differences? Apple Watch Series 9 vs. SE: price and specsI got the cheapest model for both variants. This means I spent $249 for the Apple Watch SE (second generation), which I purchased from Apple's official website.
Apple Watch SE Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableThe model I have comes with the following specs:
40mm case size
Silver finish
Aluminum chassis
GPS (no cellular)
Ocean Blue solo loop
Some features require you to shell out a little more. For example, a stainless steel chassis is an extra $50. A larger case size (i.e., 44mm) is an extra $30. If you want GPS and cellular support, that will set you back $50.
The Apple Watch Series 9 costs $399 on Apple's official website (again, this is the cheapest you can get in this model).
Apple Watch Series 9 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableHere's my configuration:
41mm case size
(Product) Red finish
Aluminum chassis
GPS (no cellular)
Product (Red) sport band
As with the Watch Series 9, you can spend an extra $50 to get a stainless-steel chassis. If you want cellular support, that will set you back another $100.
With the Watch SE being the cheaper of the two, it's the obvious winner in this round.
Winner: Apple Watch SE
Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Apple Watch SE 2 $169.99 at AmazonThe first thing I noticed about the Watch SE is that it has thicker bezels, which reduces its screen real estate — and the display is minimal to begin with.
Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch SE side-by-side. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableThe Watch Series 9's bezels are a lot less obstructive, but either way, I still found display navigation to be fine on both screens. Thicker bezels, in my opinion, aren't a big deal.
It's also worth nothing that the resolution is different for the watches:
Watch Series 9 (41mm) - 430 x 352 pixels
Watch SE (40mm) - 394 x 324 pixels
Looking at them side by side, the Watch Series 9 definitely delivers a sharper, clearer visuals. But if I were looking at the Watch SE independently, I would think that the display quality is sufficient enough.
Now, let's talk brightness:
Watch Series 9 (41mm) - up to 2,000 nits
Watch SE (40mm) - up to 1,000 nits
The Watch Series 9 is supposedly brighter than Series 9, delivering a max of 2,000 nits over the SE's 1,000-nit screen. However, while comparing both watches in the sun, I could see both of them just fine, even with the rays shining bright on them like a spotlight.
Apple Watch SE (left) and Apple Watch Series 9 (right) Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableYou can tell the Watch SE is slightly dimmer, but the difference is negligible to the naked eye.
The main difference between the two screens, however, is the always-on display. I thought I wouldn't care about the Watch SE not having an always-on display (AOD). (For the uninitiated, AOD means that the screen is always feeding you visual information.)
However, I found myself getting frustrated that I had to keep either touching the Watch SE's screen or flick my wrist toward myself to check the time. Meanwhile, the Watch Series 9, well, stays on. As you can see in the photo below, the Watch SE's screen is completely dark, but the Series 9's display is still "active" (though it is dimmed).
Apple Watch SE (left) and Apple Watch Series 9 (right) Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableAlso, from a fashion standpoint, an always-on display looks more attractive.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. SE: DesignI decided to go with two color choices to determine whether I'd prefer the more sophisticated, subtle design of the Watch SE — or the conspicuous, striking presence of the Watch Series 9.
Apple Watch SE displaying sleep data Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableTo my surprise, I prefer the Watch Series 9's gorgeous (Product)Red look. I feared that it would be too red — like the eyesore of a hue that drapes the blindingly orange Rabbit R1. However, the Product (Red) has the perfect balance of vividness and elegeance. It's such an eye-catching ruby red.
Apple Watch Series 9 displaying Indoor Run app Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableI went with the Silver finish for the Watch SE along with the Ocean Blue solo loop — and I regret it. Oddly, the solo loop collects dirt easily. And unlike the sports band that's featured on the Watch Series 9, the solo loop requires custom sizing. Mine is a size 3, which fits OK, but it could stand to be a smidge tighter.
Apple Watch SE with solo loop Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableThe sports band has an adjustable strap, allowing me to make it as tight or loose as I need it to be. The solo loop, on the other hand, is just a stretchy bracelet band. I also don't expect it to have good durability. As you take it off and on over time, I foresee it getting too stretched out.
Apple Watch Series 9 sports band Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableOther than that, the Watch Series 9 and SE have the same squircle design, with a digital crown and side button on the right.
Simply because of its larger watch face, Series 9 is the winner here.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. SE: Texting and callingI tested texting and calling with both the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Watch SE.
Texting with the Apple Series 9 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableWhen it comes to texting, the Apple Watch Series 9 features a QWERTY keyboard. I thought it'd be an awkward mess trying to text on the Apple Watch Series 9 with one finger, but it wasn't half bad if you have a little bit of patience in you.
The Watch SE has something different. You can still text, but there is no keyboard available. Instead, you'll get a field that lets you scribble the letter or word you want to write — and it will transform it into digital text.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableTo be fair, neither the Watch Series 9 nor the Watch SE are ideal for texting, but the most useful feature for messaging — a perk that both devices have — is Dictation. I found that Dictation, a utility that transforms your speech into text, is the best for texting on the Series 9 and SE.
There are prepared replies readily available, too, like "Thanks" and "OK."
After calling a friend with the Watch Series 9 and Watch SE, I blind-tested him and asked him to pick which smartwatch sounded better. Surprisingly, he said I sounded better on the Watch SE. I couldn't tell a marked difference between the two in terms of sound quality.
Due to its superior texting features, the Watch Series 9 wins this round.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. SE 2: Double TapDon't buy the Apple Watch Series 9 because of its Double Tap feature. The Watch SE supports the Double Tap, too.
Double Tap with the Apple Watch Series 9 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableWith the Apple Watch Series 9, you simply need to make sure it's turned on in Settings — and you can use Double Tap to accept and end calls, turn off alarms, play and pause songs, and more. However, with the Watch SE, you can only use Double Tap when prompted. For example, a blue-outlined prompt that says "End call" will appear on the Watch SE, allowing you to hang up.
It's worth noting, though, that the Watch Series 9's Double Tap feature lets you do more with it. For example, you can use Double Tap to trigger the shutter button on the Camera app or scroll through your Widget stacks (things you can't do with the Watch SE's Double Tap).
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. SE: SiriApple boasted that the Watch Series 9 lets you tap into Siri for your health data. One time, I asked, "Siri, how many hours did I sleep last night?" In response, it said, "5 hours and 51 minutes."
Siri on the Apple Watch SE Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableIn response to "How many calories did I burn today?", it said, "You burned 285 calories today."
If I were to ask Siri the same questions on the Watch SE, Siri wouldn't respond with a direct answer. It would, instead, show me the app that would provide me the right answer.
Apple claims that the Watch Series 9's S9 chip yields a faster on-device Siri, allowing you to have zippier access to your health data.
The only disappointment I'd add for both devices is that Siri directed me to the iPhone app when I asked for ovulation estimates.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. SE: Health trackingIf you want a watch with the best health-tracking features, get the Watch Series 9. Here are the sensors and trackers you'll get with it:
Temperature sensing (not on Watch SE)
Cycle tracking (available on Watch SE, but doesn't provide ovulation estimates)
Irregular rhythm notifications (available on Watch SE)
High or low heart rate notifications (available on Watch SE)
ECG testing (not on Watch SE)
On the Watch SE, you will not find the ECG app, a tracker that analyzes your heart's electrical pulses. However, you will find it on the Apple Watch Series 9. It prompts you to hold your finger on the digital crown for 30 seconds. You'll then get a reading that tells you your beats per minute (bpm) — and whether your heartbeat is "sinus," "AFib," "low heart rate," "high heart rate," or "inconclusive."
ECG on Apple Watch Series 9 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableIts worth noting that its AFib detection is the first digital-health tech to qualify for the FDA's MDDT program. In other words, an official authority in the medical device space has green-lighted the Apple Watch for testing atrial fibrillation. Sweet!
As for ovulation tracking, again, you'd be better off with the Watch Series 9. Ovulation tracking relies on taking temperature readings while you sleep every five seconds overnight. And, well, the Watch SE doesn't have a temperature sensor.
However, whether I was on the SE or Series 9, I could still log my menstrual cycle, allowing me to check when my next estimated cycle will arrive.
Apple Watch Series 9 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableSpeaking of the temperature sensor, on the Watch Series 9, you can get temperature readings of your skin by going to Settings > Health > Health Data > Body Measurements > Wrist Temperature. Not sure why I need to know that my right wrist is 96 degrees Fahrenheit, but er, it's there in case anyone asks, I guess.
Interestingly, I also noticed that both watches test for environmental noise using the mics. Before turning off a whistling teapot, I got an alert from the Apple Watch Series 9 that the decibels in my surroundings are too high.
Apple Watch Series 9's loud environment alert Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableOddly, I didn't get that alert on my Watch SE, though it has a noise detector feature, too.
Note: The Apple Watch Series 9 no longer supports the blood-oxygen monitor for U.S. consumers.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. SE: Fitness trackingI haven't spotted much of a difference between the Watch Series 9 and SE when it comes to fitness tracking.
Apple Watch Series 9 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableIf you want something that tracks your steps and lets you close your rings at the end of the day, the Watch SE will do just fine.
While wearing the watches to run on the treadmill everyday, I set both devices to tell me when I've hit my target beats per minute (i.e., 146 to 156 bpm) while running. (I did this by fiddling with the "Indoor Run" preferences under the "Workout" app.) My experience with both have been seamless.
If you're a swimmer or a diver, however, you may want to consider the Apple Watch Ultra 2 instead; it supports high-speed water sports and recreational diving.
Winner: Draw
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. SE: Battery lifeI thought that the Apple Watch Series 9's battery life would be significantly better than the Watch SE, but the differences in their power efficiency are minimal.
Apple Watch Series 9 text conversation Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableOne day, to test both devices' battery life, I charged the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch SE to 100 percent at 4:30 p.m. The Apple Watch SE tapped out the next day at 8:10 p.m. while the Watch Series 9 lasted a little longer by an hour and some change.
Apple Watch SE - 1 day and 3 hours and 30 minutes
Apple Watch Series 9 - 1 day and 4 hours and 36 minutes
The usage profile included using Siri to ask questions throughout the day (e.g., weather, math calculations, asking for health data), setting timers for workouts, tracking my heart rate during jogs, sleep monitoring, texting friends, controlling Apple Music, glancing at emails, and more.
Photos app on the Apple Watch SE Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableIt's worth noting, though, that Apple Watch Series 9 supports fast charging; the Apple Watch SE does not. This means that, on the Watch Series 9, the battery can go from 0 percent to 80 percent in 45 minutes, according to Apple.
You can use a USB-C Apple charging brick like this one from Amazon to get the fast-charging job done.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. SE: Which one should you buy?Apple Watch Series 9 is better at tracking your health. If you're seeking a device that can give you ovulation estimates, deliver ECG readings, keep tabs on your skin temperature (if you care about that sort of thing), and lets you access most of that data via Siri, get the Series 9.
Apple Watch Series 9 with Snoopy watchface Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableIf you're more fitness-focused, and you don't mind the thicker bezels and lack of always-on display, the Watch SE is a solid choice.
You, like me, may assume that the Watch Series 9 has better battery life because it's pricier, but in my experience, both held up pretty well in terms of power efficiency (though the Series 9 edged out the Watch SE by an hour or so).
The only thing I'd warn against is getting the solo loop band for your Apple Watch. It seems to get loose after some time — and it's not very durable. Instead, get the sports band, allowing you to adjust the Apple Watch to your wrist as you like it.
Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Apple Watch SE 2 $169.99 at AmazonIf you've scrolled through TikTok recently, you might have noticed that it's not just viral dances, get-ready-with-mes and story-time videos on your For You Page right now. In fact, I rarely scroll through eight or nine TikToks before I come across a live video where I'm being directly sold to. "Caroline! 11 items! I'm gonna have a great time packing up this order," is the first thing I hear when I open the app today, coming across a livestream of a woman standing in front of a cupboard stacked full of make-up products. She's streaming on behalf of the make-up brand Made By Mitchell and talking directly to someone who is commenting on the livestream and making purchases. "Seeing as you've ordered two of the mystery boxes, I'm going to throw you an extra lip gloss in. Don't tell anyone," the streamer continues, talking in a familiar tone to her customer on a live stream that over 200 people are watching.
It's an ostensibly retro sales technique, almost identical to what you probably remember of '90s shopping channel QVC, watching an older relative dial in to buy a discounted kettle or a plant pot. And although live shopping is just taking off in the UK, it's hardly a niche corner of the internet. In China, in 2023 alone, an estimated $500 billion in goods were sold via livestream on apps, according to the New York Times. And now plenty of businesses in the UK and the U.S. are turning to this sales format via TikTok Shop, the video-sharing app's ecommerce leg, which is rapidly expanding since it launched in November 2022. According to research, 44 percent of social media users have made a purchase directly through TikTok.
In fact, some businesses are making hundreds of thousands – even millions – of pounds via live shopping, according to figures shared by TikTok. On their most successful day, Made By Mitchell made $1 million dollars on TikTok, thanks to a 12 hour stream that almost 600,000 viewers tuned into and one product being sold every second, a representative from TikTok Shop told Mashable. Launching in 2020, most of the business' growth has taken place on TikTok and they recently launched in high-street store Boots.
Why your FYP is full of teleshoppingSo what is it about live shopping that appeals right now? "We have a group of people who watch our live videos every single day. There's an element of people thinking, 'I just want to be involved with what you're doing right this second'," says Josh Reais, Live Sales Host at luxury second-hand fashion company Luxe Collective.
A big part of live selling on apps like TikTok Shop is the novelty of good old-fashioned bargaining. On Josh’s daily live streams, viewers will haggle with Reais in the comments, trying to get him to knock £25 off a vintage Louis Vuitton purse. Hosts like Reais tend to use traditional sales techniques and slogans, broadcasting themselves for hours at a time and offering flash sales throughout the stream. All of Luxe Collective's products are second-hand, which means they offer a more sustainable outlet for their customers' consumerist tendencies. But this buy-now-buy-quick attitude feels a little at odds with what we know about how Gen-Z (the biggest age demographic on TikTok in 2024) want to shop, as they're not only often dubbed the most sustainable generation, but as some of the most practical spenders too, with 43 percent cutting back on non-essential spending and 51 percent choosing to prioritise their finances as a result of rising prices, according to a 2024 report carried out by market research agency Mintel.
SEE ALSO: Want to buy that viral TikTok Shop product? Think twice."We've never had a shopping experience like this — imagine going into Selfridges and having 400 people standing behind you, cheering you on," Reais says, although he adds that he isn't worried about people making irresponsible buying decisions, from both a financial and environmental perspective. "People in the comments will give advice, telling the potential buyer that they own an item and it's worth it or, on the other hand, that maybe they should wait and make the decision at a later date," he explains.
The future of shopping?The community that live shopping events create is seemingly at the heart of the success of platforms like TikTok Shop, something that is immediately clear to me when I arrive at a in-person event hosted by TikTok and Luxe Collective and see a group of 15 women excitedly chatting around a table, as though they've known each other for years. "Let me guess because I think I've nailed some of you," one woman says as she approaches the table, pointing at some of the people who are sitting down and shouting out names. I quickly realise that these women have all met in person less than half an hour ago, but are acquainted on a daily basis in the comments section of Luxe Collective's live shopping events. The reason these women all get on so well is because they have a shared interest, one that they feel very strongly about. In their case, it's luxury fashion, but live shopping platforms provide spaces for enthusiasts with varied interests.
Another platform that is becoming increasingly popular for live shopping is Whatnot, a large livestream shopping platform in North America and Europe. General Manager at Whatnot, Daniel Fisher, says that many of their users see themselves as collectors, rather than shoppers: "Our focus is helping buyers and sellers discover things that they're passionate about, be it collectible cards, trainers, fashion, vintage."
SEE ALSO: 60+ best back-to-school deals for students on a budgetWith high street shopping becoming continuously less popular and most people making most of their purchases from fast fashion websites or big online retailers like Amazon (65 percent of UK shoppers agree that shopping online is more convenient than in-store), live shopping appears to offer a middle ground between the two, so its appeal is hardly surprising. "There's been this anonymity to ecommerce for decades and live shopping has completely changed that because you're able to interact with the sellers and other buyers," Fisher says. "It's a combination of ecommerce and that in-person shopping element which I think people probably miss."
Plus, live shopping offers something in-person shopping generally doesn't: hundreds of people who are just as interested in the thing you're about to purchase as you are. "It is a win buying something that big: buying it is a huge momentous occasion and being able to celebrate that with 400 people is amazing," Reais says, speaking about the people who tune into Luxe Collective's streams.
And what's crucial is sales hosts like Reais aren't just salespeople, but performers. And these streams aren't just shopping experiences, but forms of entertainment. "Our consumers spend about 80 minutes a day watching live streams on Whatnot," Fisher says. Compare that to Netflix subscribers, who spend an average of 192 minutes watching TV series and movies on a platform, it's clear that a lot of people see live shopping as an alternative form of entertainment to TV or other social media sites, rather than just a means to an end. "In China, the new generation of influencers are actually set live stream sellers," Fisher says.
So with the celebrities of the future set to be teleshoppers, it's difficult to decide whether live shopping feels more nostalgic or dystopian. Either way, platforms like TikTok Shop and Whatnot set to grow exponentially, so don't be surprised if in the near future you find yourself lost in the comments of a livestream, haggling down the price of a toaster, just for the thrill of it.
Apple's iPad mini hasn't been updated since 2021, but there are signs that a new one is coming.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has noticed that "many" Apple stores are low on stock of the iPad mini in several configurations. The device, he says, is internally considered "constrained."
SEE ALSO: What to expect from Apple's September event: iPhone 16, Apple Watch 10, and moreThis could mean that Apple is looking to launch a new iPad mini soon, though Gurman did not offer any clues as to whether that may happen at the upcoming iPhone launch event, scheduled for Sept. 9.
Tweet may have been deletedThis is not the first time we heard about a new iPad mini being in the works. In July, reports said that Apple is planning to launch a new iPad mini in 2024, and there were clues that the device would come with Apple's A17 chip. This should make the iPad mini capable of running Apple Intelligence, and Gurman said he "wouldn't be surprised to see it updated for AI."
SEE ALSO: The 9th Generation iPad just hit its new record low priceThe iPad mini was last updated in October 2021, with a completely new design, including a larger display, narrower bezels, a Touch ID button built into the power button, and Apple's A15 Bionic processor. It's an excellent device and my favorite iPad ever, but it could use an update, especially in the chip department.
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