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SAVE $70: As of Nov. 20, the Sennheiser Accentum wireless headphones are on sale for $80 (down from $149.95) at Amazon for Black Friday. That's a 33% discount plus a $19.95 off coupon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sennheiser Sennheiser Accentum $80.00 at Amazon
$149.95 Save $69.95 Get Deal

Finding premium headphones at an affordable price is no small feat, but Black Friday has delivered once again. The Sennheiser Accentum wireless headphones are available for $80 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $149.95. This deal includes a 33% discount and an additional $19.95 coupon for extra Black Friday savings.

Designed for all-day comfort, the Accentum headphones combine a lightweight, ergonomic build with a silicon-lined headband and cushioned ear cups. Whether you’re binging podcasts, tackling work calls, or simply tuning out with your favorite music, these over-ear headphones promise a comfortable fit for hours of uninterrupted listening.

SEE ALSO: Amazon deal of the day: The Sennheiser Momentum 4 earbuds just hit a record-low price

Speaking of uninterrupted, the Accentum boasts a 50-hour battery life — enough to keep your playlists going for days on end. And if you’re in a hurry, fast charging gives you a quick boost to keep the music flowing.

For audio quality, the Accentum delivers HD stereo sound with a customizable five-band equalizer and adjustable sound modes. Whether you’re at home or on the move, the hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) keeps distractions at bay. At the same time, the transparency mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings when needed.

Communication is also a strong suit for these headphones. Their two-microphone beamforming technology ensures clear voice transmission for calls or voice assistant commands, even in less-than-ideal environments.

At just $80, the Sennheiser Accentum headphones offer a mix of style, functionality, and impressive battery life without breaking the bank. This Black Friday deal is hard to beat, so grab them while you can.

SAVE OVER $180: As of Nov. 20, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 wireless headphones are on sale for $199.95 (down from $379.95) at Amazon. This deal includes a $30 coupon for extra Black Friday savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sennheiser Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones $199.95 at Amazon
$379.95 Save $180.00 Get Deal

Suppose premium sound is on your wishlist this Black Friday. In that case, the latest Sennheiser Momentum 4 deal might be music to your ears. Available for $199.95 at Amazon, these audiophile-grade headphones are discounted by over $180 from their original price of $379.95 — thanks to a 39% discount plus an additional $30 coupon.

These over-ear headphones are built for comfort and high performance. They feature Sennheiser's signature sound quality, powered by a 42mm transducer system and aptX Adaptive codec for a dynamic listening experience. Momentum 4 delivers crisp, detailed audio with rich bass and balanced highs. Streaming your favorite playlists or zoning out to a podcast sounds epic.

SEE ALSO: The best cheap laptops for 2024: Models under $1,000 that we've tested and loved

Adaptive Noise Cancellation (ANC) minimizes distractions and is perfect for tuning out noisy commutes or bustling coffee shops. When you need to stay aware of your surroundings, the adjustable transparency mode lets ambient noise in without removing your headphones.

Comfort is also a priority with the Momentum 4. Its lightweight, foldable design includes a padded headband and cushioned ear cups, making it ideal for extended listening sessions. Need a long battery life? You've got it — up to 60 hours of playback on a single charge, with fast-charging capabilities that give you several hours of use in just a few minutes.

The four beamforming microphones ensure your voice comes through clearly if you're taking calls. At the same time, built-in wind suppression helps maintain call quality in breezy conditions. And with the Sennheiser Smart Control App, you can customize your audio settings through an integrated equalizer and sound presets.

At $199.95, these headphones offer serious bang for your buck. Don't wait too long — this Black Friday deal won't last forever.

SAVE 10%: As of Nov. 20, the GoPro Hero compact action camera is available for $179.99 (down from $199.99) at Amazon for Black Friday.

Opens in a new window Credit: GoPro GoPro Hero $179.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

GoPro Hero is worth considering as a reliable outdoor action camera option — especially now that it’s discounted to $179.99 at Amazon for Black Friday. That’s $20 off its usual price of $199.99. While not a massive price drop, this deal offers a chance to snag a solid entry-level camera for under $180.

The GoPro Hero keeps things simple, which is part of its charm. This model records in 4K Ultra HD and captures sharp 12MP photos. It’s designed to take on a bit of rough-and-tumble, with a durable, waterproof build that can handle depths up to 16 feet. Whether you’re heading out for a hike, snorkeling trip, or skate session, this camera is a solid companion.

SEE ALSO: The best cheap laptops for 2024: Models under $1,000 that we've tested and loved

HyperSmooth video stabilization is one of its standout features, helping to smooth out bumpy footage. So, even if your adventures get shaky, your video won’t. With a 1.76-inch touch screen, it’s also intuitive to use — there are no endless menus or complicated settings to navigate. Just point, shoot, and let the camera do the heavy lifting.

The included GoPro Quik app makes managing footage straightforward. Plug the Hero in to charge, and it’ll automatically upload your clips to the cloud, organize them, and even generate highlight reels. It’s not a complete editing suite, but it’ll save you some time.

While it lacks the advanced features of the Hero12 or Hero13, the Hero is a great starter camera. It’s lightweight, durable, and versatile enough to handle most everyday adventures. At $179.99, it’s also a budget-friendly way to dip your toes into the action cam world.

Don’t wait too long — Black Friday deals tend to vanish as quickly as they appear.

SAVE $900: As of Nov. 20, the AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro 4K Projector is on sale for $3,099 (down from $3,999) at Amazon for Black Friday.

Opens in a new window Credit: AWOL AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro 4K Projector $3,099.00 at Amazon
$3,999.00 Save $900.00 Get Deal

Let’s face it, a regular TV doesn’t cut it when you’re chasing the ultimate home theater setup. Luckily, the AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro 4K ultra-short throw (UST) projector has hit its Black Friday pricing, and it’s a deal worth shouting about. You can snag this cinematic powerhouse for $3,099 at Amazon — $900 off its previous price of $3,999.

If you’ve been on the fence about upgrading your home entertainment, this is your sign to take the leap. Designed to deliver a jaw-dropping 150-inch screen, the LTV-3000 Pro makes every movie night like a red carpet premiere. Its 3,000 peak lumens and Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support ensure brilliant picture quality, whether it’s a sunny day or a pitch-black movie marathon.

SEE ALSO: Black Friday is coming, but we're still waiting on Amazon Echo deals

What sets this projector apart? It’s the world’s first UST projector to double as a center-channel speaker, complete with Dolby Atmos for surround sound that pulls you right into the action. Paired with its ability to reproduce over 1 billion colors and 147% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, the result is a viewing experience so rich you’ll forget you’re at home.

For 3D lovers, this deal gets even better. The projector supports active shutter 3D, and Amazon is offering two free pairs of glasses with your purchase. Since this laser projector uses just a fraction of the energy of traditional TVs, you can enjoy guilt-free binge-watching.

Don’t sleep on this one: Black Friday deals this good don’t last forever. Grab the AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro for $3,099 before it’s gone and transform your living room into the theater of your dreams.

SpaceX conducted its sixth Starship test flight on Tuesday, with CEO Elon Musk joined by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to observe from the control room. While the launch went well, SpaceX quickly aborted plans to catch the first-stage Super Heavy booster, instead opting for a standard ocean splashdown.

Starship launched from SpaceX's Starbase launch pad in Brownsville, Texas at 4 p.m. local time (5 p.m. EST / 2 p.m. PST). Building on Starship's fifth test flight early last month, objectives for this week's flight included reigniting its Raptor engine while in space, conducting heat shield experiments, and testing manoeuvring changes for reentry.

SEE ALSO: SpaceX's successful Starship flight grabbed by giant mech arms Tweet may have been deleted

Arguably the most significant goal of this launch was a second test of SpaceX's Mechazilla, Starbase's launch tower. More specifically, this test aimed to use Mechazilla's "chopstick" arms to catch Starship's Super Heavy booster rather than have it splash down. 

However, SpaceX abandoned its attempt to catch the 33-engine booster mere minutes into the test flight, the Super Heavy booster ultimately splashing down in the Gulf of Mexico instead. SpaceX has not specified exactly why the test was aborted, saying only that the necessary criteria for a catch were not met. 

Mechazilla previously caught the booster during its first test of the system in October. SpaceX's ultimate goal is for the Super Heavy booster as well as the rest of the Starship system to be entirely reusable. 

Tweet may have been deleted

Fortunately for SpaceX, its other objectives went better. As the Super Heavy booster detached, Starship fired its six Raptor engines to take it to a coast phase. It then successfully reignited one of these Raptor engines while in space, doing so for the first time.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

SpaceX then pushed Starship's limits during its final descent, having removed sections of Starship's heat shield tiles since the last test. Employing a more aggressive angle than typical for reentry, Starship was manoeuvred nose down for the descent rather than its usual "belly flop" orientation. This was intended to deliberately stress the Starship's flaps, testing whether they were still able to maintain control and help slow the spacecraft down.

Despite the stress, Starship did not undergo a "rapid unscheduled disassembly," ultimately splashing down intact in the Indian Ocean.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

Measuring 397 ft (121 m), SpaceX's Starship aims to eventually carry passengers beyond Earth's orbit to "the Moon, Mars, and beyond." The company claims it will be able to transport 100 passengers on lengthy flights between planets.

An old public service announcement that once aired before late-night newscasts posed a simple question to parents: "It's 10 p.m. Do you know where your children are?"

A similar prompt for safety-minded 21st century parents might go something like this: "It's 10 p.m. Do you know what your children are watching online?"

Some parents may have long given up on answering that question, even if they grasp that online videos can expose teens to inappropriate content, including bullying, self-harm, disordered eating, and porn.

SEE ALSO: Instagram will let users 'reset' their recommended content

Yet there's no easy way to track or monitor teens' viewing habits, and they can access videos pretty much anywhere — from YouTube to TikTok to parent-approved streaming platforms like Disney+. Even using software to detect certain types of content on their devices doesn't prevent them from watching questionable or off-limits videos on a friend's phone.

The American Psychological Association hopes to help people navigate this challenging dynamic with a new set of guidelines for healthy teen video viewing.

The recommendations offer parents guidance on warning signs related to harmful viewing habits while highlighting key areas of concern, like content that encourages violent or risky behavior, the negative role that influencers can play, and the dangers of AI-generated video material.

Dr. Mitch Prinstein, co-author of the guidelines and chief science officer of the APA, emphasizes that the burden of preventing harm to teens shouldn't fall to parents alone. That's why the guidelines also recommend policies for both politicians and online video-watching platforms to consider.

In the meantime, here are key strategies for parents who want to help their teen develop healthy video-viewing habits but can't wait on policymakers and platforms to improve content standards:

1. Co-watch video content with them.

Prinstein says it's ideal if parents can watch videos with their child, when possible. This content can and should be wide-ranging, inclusive of TV and movies watched together as a family, videos by their favorite influencer, their top TV show, and short-form posts on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.

This might seem overwhelming, but parents needn't commit to a comprehensive weekly or daily co-viewing habit with their teen. Rather, watch what you can with them, and be sure to ask questions about what aspects of the video they like or don't like.

Open-ended conversations about video content can help teens better understand what they're watching. Plus, it offers an opportunity for parents to talk about their own values, preferably without being judgmental or hectoring.

Instead, parents should feel free to point out that a beloved movie from their own childhood doesn't necessarily hold up to modern ideas about beliefs like gender equality.

Prinstein says that when parents watch objectionable video content with their kids but don't talk about problematic scenes or themes, it can signal approval of those ideas to the teen. "It's good to say something, speak up, and say, 'That might have been funny in the '80s, but we do not agree with that today,'" Prinstein says.

2. Get familiar with your teen's interests and favorite influencers.

Prinstein recommends periodically asking your teen what they're viewing online. This is particularly important if you hear about a popular show, like the animated YouTube series Skibidi Toiliet, or a concerning trend, like "looksmaxxing," which can promote potentially dangerous body care practices.

If your teen is a fan, try to engage them with questions about what makes it interesting or funny. If they don't know about certain video content, parents can still be curious about their teens' opinions on the topics at hand.

Since influencers can play an outsize role in teens' lives, Prinstein urges parents to closely monitor who they're following. This can be as simple as jotting down the names of the influencers they like, and then searching for more information about those individuals online.

Parents should consider limiting a teen's access to an influencer's content when it promotes unhealthy behavior. At the same time, parents can also encourage teens to engage with influencers who champion positive behavior and attitudes, like standing up to bullying and posting body-positive content.

3. Identify firm boundaries.

The guidelines do not recommend limiting video viewing to a certain number of minutes or hours each day. Instead, they suggest looking for signs of distracted behavior, loneliness, and excessive viewing that can interfere with a teen's sleep, among other negative effects.

Prinstein also says this interference doesn't have to be extreme to warrant creating new boundaries. If video viewing keeps a teen from performing their chores, for example, that's reason enough to consider reducing their access to content and devices.

Parents should also stay mindful of teens' exposure to advertising on video-watching platforms, where they may see products that aren't appropriate or safe for them. Similarly, the rise of content generated by artificial intelligence is likely to steer teens toward harmful video content in ways that parents may not understand, particularly if they're viewing explicit deepfake videos.

Parents can talk to their teens about non-obvious video content that may still be dangerous, and set boundaries related to engaging with that material, such as forbidding the use of software that creates deepfakes.

Prinstein says that parents navigating these challenges in their own household should reach out to other parents of teens. Together, they can both commiserate and think about ways to create standards in their own communities while even possibly pressuring politicians and tech companies to make important changes.

"We're all in this together," Prinstein says. "We are all struggling with this in very similar ways, and we should not feel like we have to take care of this all by ourselves."

TL;DR: Protect unlimited devices with a Windscribe VPN 3-Year Pro Plan on sale for £62.26 (reg. £163.13). 

Opens in a new window Credit: Windscribe Windscribe VPN Pro Plan: 3-year subscription £62.26 at the Mashable Shop
£163.13 Save £100.87 Get Deal

Remember when privacy online was easy to come by? Unfortunately, just like MySpace, those days are behind us. Now, if you want to protect your anonymity and get a little taste of the internet without borders, you need a VPN, and a good one, too. 

Windscribe has been around for a while, and there's a good reason for that. With Windscribe, you can browse anonymously on servers spread over 69 countries, break through geo-restrictions, and browse like nobody's watching (because they aren't). It sounds like it should be expensive, but there's actually a sale going on that takes a Windscribe VPN 3-Year Pro Plan down to £62.26 (reg. £163.13). 

What can Windscribe do?

Windscribe takes its protection a step beyond what you'd find with basic VPNs. As both a desktop app and a browser extension, Windscribe protects your entire device and browsing experience, blocking intrusive ads, pesky trackers, and even malware with its signature R.O.B.E.R.T. tool.

R.O.B.E.R.T. acts as a first line of defense, blocking IPs and domains across your devices. Windscribe also boasts top-tier encryption, using AES-256 cipher with SHA512 authentication and a 4096-bit RSA key. This level of encryption, along with a strict no-logging policy and anonymous sign-ups, means you’re surfing in a truly secure bubble.

How many smart devices do you have at home? With Windscribe, you can protect all of them with a single account. Windscribe lets you connect unlimited devices on one plan. Whether it’s your phone, laptop, or even your smart TV, Windscribe has you covered.

And thanks to split tunneling, you can choose which apps need the VPN connection and which ones don’t, allowing flexibility for things like streaming and online gaming. With split tunneling, you can let certain apps access local content while others stay on the VPN, giving you better control without slowing down your experience.

Ready to protect all your devices? Get a Windscribe VPN three-year Pro subscription while it's still on sale for £62.26 (reg. £163.13). 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

TL;DR: A three-month subscription to Audible is on sale for £0.99 per month. This Black Friday deal includes a free £10 Audible voucher.

Opens in a new window Credit: Audible Audible Black Friday Deal £0.99 for the first 3 months + £10 Audible voucher Get Deal

Although highly likely, can never count on deals on headphones, speakers, laptops, and tablets during Black Friday. Sure, there will probably be discounts to consider, but you might not find exactly what you're looking for at a low price.

So what can you rely on from Black Friday? Deals on Amazon's range of services, that's what. You know for sure that you're going to get impressive offers on the likes of Amazon Music Unlimited, Kindle Unlimited, and of course, Audible.

SEE ALSO: How to use a Visa gift card on Amazon while Black Friday shopping

A three-month subscription to Audible is on sale for just £0.99 per month, saving you over 80% on list price. This Black Friday deal includes a credit each month to purchase any audiobook from the world's largest selection of material, regardless of price and including the latest best sellers. And better yet, a £10 Audible voucher is also thrown in for you to spend on whatever you want.

This Black Friday deal is not available to current Audible members (or anyone who cancelled their membership within the past month). After the promotional period, the subscription will automatically renew for £7.99 per month. You can cancel this function at anytime though, so there is no pressure to pay anything more than the deal price.

Save over 80% on a three-month subscription to Audible this Black Friday.

Black Friday is fast approaching, promising big discounts on TVs, laptops, headphones, speakers, and so much more. It's the best time of the year to shop, with deals on offer from all the top retailers.

And it gets seriously competitive between the leading names in the retail game. Every retailer is looking to get ahead of the competition by launching early-access deals, with savings-packed ads that include some really impressive offers. But where are shoppers supposed to start?

SEE ALSO: Gaming deals are going strong ahead of Black Friday 2024

To help you make the most out of this Black Friday, we've checked out all the best deals from the Black Friday ads of Best Buy, Walmart, Kohl's, and Target. You could take some time to check out each individual page, but for those looking for a handy snapshot of the very best deals, this is the place to be.

These are the best Black Friday deals and doorbusters from Black Friday ads that you can already buy online.

Best deals from Best BuyBest Best Buy deals on Amazon devices

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K — $21.99 $49.99 (save $28)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max — $32.99 $59.99 (save $27)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick HD — $17.99 $34.99 (save $17)

• Roku Ultra 2024 — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)

• Roku Streambar SE — $69.99 $99.99 (save $30)

• Amazon Fire TV Remote Pro — $24.99 $34.99 (save $10)

• Amazon Fire TV Cube 3rd Gen — $99.99 $139.99 (save $40)

Best Best Buy deals on Apple

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $72.99 $79 (save $26.01)

Best Best Buy deals on cameras

• Sony ZV-1F Vlog Camera — $399.99 $499.99 (save $100)

• Sony Alpha ZV-E10 Kit Mirrorless Vlog Camera with 16-50mm Lens — $699.99 $799.99 (save $100)

• Sony Alpha 7 IV Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera with SEL2870 Lens — $2,299.99 $2,699.99 (save $400)

• Sony Alpha 7 IV Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera — $2,099.99 $2,499.99 (save $400)

• Canon EOS R8 4K Video Mirrorless Camera with RF24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens — $1,399.99 $1,699.99 (save $300)

• Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless 4K Video Camera with E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens — $1,149.99 $1,299.99 (save $150)

Best Best Buy deals on earbuds

• JBL Tune 235NC Noise-Canceling Earbuds — $49.99 $99.99 (save $50)

• Shokz OpenRun Pro Premium Bone Conduction Open-Ear Sport Headphones — $99.99 $159.99 (save $60)

• JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless Earbuds — $24.99 $49.99 (save $25)

Best Best Buy deals on gaming essentials

• Acer 27-inch Nitro WQHD 180Hz Monitor — $169.99 $349.99 (save $180)

• Acer 31.5-inch Nitro Gaming Curved WQHD 180Hz Gaming Monitor — $199.99 $399.99 (save $200)

• Samsung 27-inch Odyssey BG65 Curved 240Hz Smart Gaming Monitor — $299.99 $599.99 (save $300)

• Samsung 32-inch Odyssey BG65 Curved 240Hz Smart Gaming Monitor — $349.99 $699.99 (save $350)

• Samsung 43-inch Odyssey Neo G7 Mini 4K UHD Smart Gaming Monitor — $499.99 $999.99 (save $500)

• LG 27-inch UltraGear OLED 240Hz Gaming Monitor — $599.99 $899.99 (save $300)

• LG 32-inch UltraGear OLED Dual Mode 480Hz Gaming Monitor — $999.99 $1399.99 (save $400)

• Astro Gaming A50 Gen 4 Wireless Gaming Headset for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100)

• Astro Gaming A50 Gen 4 Wireless Gaming Headset for PS5, PS4 — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100)

• Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 34-inch Curved Gaming Monitor — $799.99 $1,199.99 (save $400)

• Seagate 2TB Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S — $199.99 $359.99 (save $160)

Best Best Buy deals on headphones

• Sony WHCH720N Wireless Headphones — $99.99 $149.99 (save $50)

• Jabra Elite 10 — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100)

• JBL Live 770NC Headphones — $119.99 $199.99 (save $80)

• Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones — $299.99 $399.99 (save $100)

Best Best Buy deals on health and fitness devices

• Oura Ring Gen3, Horizon, Size 8, Gold — $349 $449 (save $100)

• Oura Ring Gen3, Horizon, Size 9, Silver — $249 $299 (save $50)

• Oura Ring Gen3, Horizon, Size 11, Stealth — $279 $349 (save $70)

Best Best Buy deals on laptops

• Microsoft Surface Pro (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) Keyboard Bundle — $1,199.99 $1,349.99 (save $150)

• Dell Inspiron 16-inch 2-in-1 Mini-LED Touch Laptop (Intel Core Ultra 7, 32GB RAM, 1TB SDD) — $999.99 $1,499.99 (save $500)

• HP 15.6-inch Touch-Screen Laptop (Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $349.99 $629.99 (save $280)

• Lenovo Ideapad 1i 15.6-inch FHD Touchscreen Laptop (Intel Core i3-1215U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $249.99 $499.99 (save $250)

• ASUS 14-inch FHD Laptop (Intel Pentium N6000, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC) — $119.99 $229.99 (save $110)

Best Best Buy deals on phones

• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 256GB (Unlocked), Titanium Black — $949.99 $1,299.99 (save $350)

Best Best Buy deals on security

• Ring Battery Doorbell, Venetian Bronze — $59.99 $99.99 (save $40)

• Blink Smart Wifi Video Doorbell, Black — $29.99 $59.99 (save $30)

• Ring Stick Up Indoor/Outdoor Wire Free 1080p Security Camera, White — $54.99 $99.99 (save $45)

• Ring Floodlight Cam Plus Outdoor Wired 1080p Surveillance Camera, White — $119.99 $199.99 (save $80)

Best Best Buy deals on speakers

• JBL FLIP6 Portable Waterproof Speaker, Black — $79.99 $129.99 (save $50)

Best Best Buy deals on TVs

• Samsung 50-inch DU6900 4K TV — $249.99 $299.99 (save $50)

• TCL 55-inch Q5 4K UHD HDR PRO+ QLED Smart Fire TV — $249.99 $449.99 (save $200)

• Sony 55-inch BRAVIA 8 4K OLED Smart TV — $1,399.99 $1,699.99 (save $300)

• Sony 65-inch BRAVIA XR X90L 4K TV — $999.99 $1,199.99 (save $200)

• LG 65-inch G4 4K OLED Smart TV — $2,299.99 $3,099.99 (save $800)

• Samsung 75-inch DU6950 4K TV — $549.99 $749.99 (save $200)

• LG 75-inch 85 QNED 4K UHD Smart TV — $999.99 $1,499.99 (save $500)

• LG 77-inch C4 4K OLED Smart TV — $2,199.99 $2,799.99 (save $600)

• Samsung 65-inch LS03D The Frame Series QLED 4K TV — $1,299.99 $1,999.99 (save $700)

Best Best Buy deals on vacuums

• iRobot Roomba j7+ — $359 $799 (save $440)

Best Best Buy deals on video games

• Tomb Raider I-III Remastered (PlayStation 5) — $19.99 $29.99 (save $10)

• Sea of Stars (Nintendo Switch) — $24.99 $34.99 (save $10)

• Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora (Xbox Series X) — $19.99 $49.99 (save $30)

• Assassin's Creed Mirage (PlayStation 5) — $19.99 $39.99 (save $20)

• Outer Wilds Archaeologist Edition (Nintendo Switch) — $19.99 $39.99 (save $20)

• A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead (Xbox Series X) — $19.99 $29.99 (save $10)

• El Paso, Elsewhere (PlayStation 5) — $19.99 $29.99 (save $10)

• Balatro Special Edition (Nintendo Switch) — $19.99 $29.99 (save $10)

• Skull and Bones Limited Edition (Xbox Series X) — $14.99 $49.99 (save $35)

• Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Standard Edition (PlayStation 5) — $19.99 $39.99 (save $20)

• The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe (Nintendo Switch) — $19.99 $29.99 (save $10)

• The Crew Motorfest Standard Edition (Xbox Series X) — $24.99 $69.99 (save $45)

• WWE 2K24 Standard Edition (PlayStation 5) — $24.99 $34.99 (save $10)

• Cult of the Lamb Standard Edition (Nintendo Switch) — $19.99 $29.99 (save $10)

Best deals from Kohl'sBest Kohl's deals on Amazon products

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K — $21.99 $49.99 (save $28)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k Max — $32.99 $59.99 (save $27)

• Amazon eero 6 Wireless Dual-Band Gigabit Mesh Wi-Fi System 3 Pack — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)

• Amazon eero 6 Wireless Dual-Band Gigabit Mesh Wi-Fi System — $69.99 $89.99 (save $20)

• Blink Outdoor Smart Battery-Powered Security 2 System — $74.99 $179.99 (save $105)

Best Kohl's deals on home audio

• Skullcandy Terrain Wireless Speaker — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Victrola Journey+ Bluetooth Record Player — $59.99 $79.99 (save $20)

• Victrola Montauk Bluetooth Turntable System — $109.99 $149.99 (save $40)

• Victrola Century 6-in-1 Music Center — $109.99 $149.99 (save $40)

• JBL Flip 6 Portable Waterproof Speaker — $79.99 $129.99 (save $50)

• iLive 5.1 Home Theater Bluetooth Audio System 6 — $79.99 $129.99 (save $50)

• JBL Xtreme 4 Portable Waterproof Speaker — $299.99 $379.99 (save $70)

• JBL Charge 5 Portable Waterproof Speaker with Powerbank — $179.99 $379.99 (save $50)

• Skullcandy Kilo Compact Wireless Speaker — $29.99 $39.99 (save $10)

• iLive LED+ Wireless Tailgate Party Speaker with Microphone — $49.99 $69.99 (save $10)

Best Kohl's deals on headphones

• Visual Land SOUNDWAVE A1+ — $29.99 $79.99 (save $50)

• Skullcandy Indy ANC — $69.99 $129.99 (save $60)

• JBL JR460NC Wireless Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Kids Headphones — $49.99 $79.99 (save $30)

• JBL Tune Flex True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds — $49.99 $99.99 (save $50)

• Beats Studio Buds+ Ear Buds with Case — $149.99 $169.99 (save $50)

• Visual Land SOUNDWAVE A1 Essential Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds — $34.99 $89.99 (save $45)

• JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless Headphones — $24.99 $49.99 (save $25)

• JBL Tune Buds Noise Cancelling Earbuds — $49.99 $99.99 (save $50)

• Visual Land SOUNDWAVE A1 Essential — $34.99 $89.99 (save $45)

• JBL JR460NC Wireless Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Kids Headphones — $49.99 $79.99 (save $30)

• Skullcandy Mod True Wireless Earbuds — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• JBL Tune 520BT Wireless On-Ear Headphones — $34.99 $49.99 (save $15)

• Altec Lansing 2-in-1 Kid-Safe Headphones — $14.99 $19.99 (save $5)

Best Kohl's deals on smartwatches

• Garmin Venu Sq 2 — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100)

• Google Pixel — $159.99 $279.99 (save $120)

• Garmin Venu 3S — $349.99 $449.99 (save $100)

• Garmin vívoactive 5 — $199.99 $299.99 (save $100)

• Garmin Forerunner 255S — $249.99 $349.99 (save $100)

• iTouch Air 4 Smart Watch — $39.99 $95 (save $55.01)

• Garmin Instinct 2S Solar Smartwatch — $299.99 $399.99 (save $100)

• iTouch Air 4 Jillian Michaels Smartwatch — $49.99 $115 (save $65)

• 24/7 Evo Unisex Smartwatch - EV1S01 — $19.99 $65 (save $45.01)

• iTouch Sport 4 Fitness Smart Watch — $39.99 $95 (save $50.01)

• Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Running Smartwatch — $149.99 $149.99 (save $50)

• iTouch Camo Touchscreen Smart Watch — $19.99 $65 (save $45)

• Citizen CZ Smart Unisex Stainless Steel Hybrid Smart Watch - JX2005-55E — $361.25 $425 (save $63.25)

• Xplora XGO3 Kids' GPS Smartwatch — $99.99 $129.99 (save $29)

• Citizen CZ SMART IP Stainless Steel Hybrid Sport Smartwatch with Camel Leather Strap — $335.75 $395 (save $59.25)

• iTouch Playzoom 2 Kids' Solid Black Smart Watch — $17.99 $65 (save $47.01)

Best Kohl's deals on tablets

• Visual Land Prestige Elite 10.1-inch 128GB Android 13 Quad-Core Tablet — $109.99 $199.99 (save $90)

• Visual Land Prestige Elite 10.1-inch 64GB Android 13 Quad-Core Tablet — $99.99 $149.99 (save $50)

• Visual Land Prestige Elite 10.1-inch 64GB Android 13 Quad-Core Tablet — $94.99 $129.99 (save $35)

• ME K10 Google Kids Space 10-inch 128GB Tablet — $109.99 $199.99 (save $90)

• Visual Land Prestige Elite 10.1-inch 32GB Android 13 Quad-Core Tablet — $89.99 $119.99 (save $30)

• GabbaGoods 10.5-inch Solid Color Doodle Pad — $14.99 $19.99 (save $5)

Best deals from TargetBest Target deals on Apple

• Apple iPad 10.2-inch Wi-Fi (2021, 9th Generation) — $199.99 $329.99 (save $130)

• Apple Pencil Pro — $99 $129 (save $30)

Best Target deals on gaming tech

• Xbox Series X Console — $449 $499.99 (save $50)

• Logitech Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)

• Logitech G733 Wireless Gaming Headset — $129.99 $149.99 (save $20)

• MSI Claw 7-inch 155Hz Touchscreen Gaming Handheld — $529 $699.99 (save $170.99)

Best Target deals on TVs

• TCL 55-inch Class S5-Series 4K UHD HDR LED Smart Google TV — $249.99 $349.99 (save $100)

• Westinghouse 43-inch 1080p FHD Smart Roku TV — $129.99 $199.99 (save $70)

• VIZIO 55-inch Class 4K UHD LED HDR Smart TV — $299.99 $329.99 (save $30)

• Roku 40-inch Select Series 1080p Full HD Smart Roku TV — $149.99 $169.99 (save $20)

Best Target deals on laptops

• HP 16-inch WUXGA Touchscreen Laptop — $699.99 $779.99 (save $80)

• HP 14-inch Touchscreen Chromebook — $329.99 $379.99 (save $50)

• Lenovo Ip Slim 3 14M868 14" Refurbished Laptop — $149.99 $319.99 (save $150)

• ASUS Vivobook 16-inch WUXGA Notebook — $559.99 $729.99 (save $170)

• Lenovo IP Duet 5 13Q7C6 13.3-inch Chromebook — $199.99 $399.99 (save $200)

Best Target deals on headphones

• Beats Solo 4 Bluetooth Wireless On-Ear Headphones — $129.99 $199.99 (save $70)

• Bose Ultra Open-Ear True Wireless Bluetooth Open Earbuds — $249.99 $299.99 (save $50)

• Beats Studio Pro Bluetooth Wireless Headphones — $249.99 $349.99 (save $100)

• Beats Studio Buds True Wireless Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Earbuds — $99.99 $149.99 (save $50)

• Sony WH-1000XM5 Refurbished Headphones — $299.99 $399.99 (save $100)

• JBL Tune Flex True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds — $49.99 $99.99 (save $50)

Best Target deals on smart home tech

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2024) — $21.99 $49.99 (save $28)

• Roborock S7 Max Ultra Robot Vacuum — $999.99 $1299.99 (save $300)

• Roku Express 4K+ — $29.99 $39.99 (save $10)

• Roku Streaming Stick 4K — $34.99 $49.99 (save $15)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max — $32.99 $59.99 (save $27)

• Google Nest Cam — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)

• Ring 1080p Wireless Stick Up Security Camera — $54.99 $99.99 (save $45)

Best Target deals on speakers

• Beats Pill Wireless Bluetooth Speaker - $129.99 $149.99 (save $20)

Best Target deals on smartwatches

• Garmin Instinct 2 smartwatch — $199.99 $299.99 (save $100)

Best Target deals on vacuums

• BISSELL CleanView Rewind Upright Vacuum — $99.99 $129.99 (save $30)v

Best deals from WalmartBest Walmart deals on Apple

• Apple AirTag — $24 $29 (save $5)

• Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) — $94 $169 (save $75)

• Apple MacBook Pro (Refurbished) — $299 $499 (save $200)

• Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) — $349 $399 (save $50)

Best Walmart deals on drones

• JY03 Drone — $79.99 $174.99 (save $95)

• L500 Pro GPS Drone — $119.99 $399.99 (save $280)

Best Walmart deals on gaming tech

• RUNMUS Gaming Headset — $19.99 $59.99 (save $40)

• Samsung 34-inch Odyssey G55T WQHD Curved Gaming Monitor — $229 $549 (save $320.99)

Best Walmart deals on headphones

• Skullcandy Crusher ANC XT 2 — $99 $199 (save $100)

Best Walmart deals on laptops

• HP Chromebook 14a-nf0131wm (Intel Processor N200, 4GB RAM, 128GB UFS) — $249 $399 (save $150)

• Acer Chromebook Plus 515 (Intel Core i3 i3-1215U, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) — $199.99 $399.99 (save $180.01)

• HP Laptop 15-fd0131wm (Intel Core i3-N305, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $329 $549 (save $220)

• Lenovo IdeaPad 1i (Intel Core i5-1235U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $299 $559.99 (save $260.99)

• Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 (AMD Ryzen 7 7730U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $429 $799.99 (save $370.99)

• Asus Vivobook 15 (AMD Ryzen 7 7730U, 16GB RAM, 512 GB SSD) — $449.99 $649.99 (save $200)

• HP Victus 15-fa1657nr (Intel Core i7-13620H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $859.99 $1,099.99 (save $240)

• Lenovo LOQ 15.6-inch Gaming Notebook (Intel Core i5, 12GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $539.99 $609.99 (save $70)

• HP Envy x360 15.6-inch FHD Touch 2-in-1 Laptop (Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $449 $979 (save $530)

• Acer 15.6-inch Nitro V 15 Gaming Laptop (Intel Core i7-13620H, 32GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $849.99 $1149.99 (save $300)

Best Walmart deals on TVs

• Samsung 55-inch Class Q60DB QLED 4K TV — $498 $698 (save $200)

• LG 55-inch Class B3 Series OLED 4K TV — $798 $1,699.99 (save $901.99)

• Samsung 65-inch Class Q60DB QLED 4K TV — $698 $898 (save $200)

• LG 65-inch Class B3 Series OLED 4K TV — $998 $2,399.99 (save $1,401.99)

• TCL 75-inch Class S4 4K Roku TV — $378 $498 (save $120)

• Samsung 75-inch Class Q60DB QLED 4K TV — $898 $1,198 (save $300)

• Samsung 85-inch Class DU7200B 4K TV — $898 $998 (save $100)

• Samsung 55-inch Class DU6900 Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV — $298 $348 (save $50)

Best Walmart deals on vacuums

• Shark IQ 2-in-1 RV2402WD — $188 $379.99 (save $191.99)

• Shark Cordless Pet Pro WZ250 — $144 (Special Buy)

• Dyson V7 Advanced — $249.99 $399.99 (save $150)

• Dyson V12 Detect Slim — $399.99 $649.99 (save $250)

• Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner — $98 $129.99 (save $31.99)

• Shark Lift-Away Upright Vacuum — $144 $329 (save $185)

• Shark Detect Pro Self-Empty Robot Vacuum — $449.99 $599.99 (save $150)

• iRobot Roomba j9+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum — $599 $899.99 (save $300.99)

• iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max Robot Vacuum and Mop — $999 $1399.99 (save $400.99)

• iRobot Roomba Combo i5 Robot Vacuum and Mop — $229 $349.99 (save $120.99)

You can find low prices on TVs, laptops, headphones, speakers, and so much more during Black Friday. It's the busiest time of the year for online shopping, with deals on just about everything.

But what deals come out on top during this busy period? What deals really get the people going?

SEE ALSO: Gaming deals are going strong ahead of Black Friday 2024

You could make the argument that TV deals or Apple deals are the top dogs over Black Friday, but gamers would probably disagree. PS5 Black Friday deals can result in mass panic, but there's no need to lose your cool this year. We've checked out everything on offer ahead of Black Friday and lined up a selection of standout PS5 deals. This includes deals on consoles, accessories, games, and more.

These are the best PS5 deals this Black Friday.

Best deals on PS5 consoles

• PS5 Slim Digital Edition — $449 at Amazon

• PS5 Slim Digital Edition (NBA 2K25 Bundle) — $499 at Amazon (price match at Walmart and Best Buy)

• PS5 Slim — $499.99 at Amazon (price match at Walmart and Best Buy)

• PS5 Pro — $699 at Amazon

Best deals on PS5 accessories

• PowerA DualSense Charging Station — $19.54 $24.99 (save $5.45 at Amazon)

• Playstation HD Camera — $53 $59.99 (save $6.99 at Amazon)

• Sony PS5 DualSense Wireless Controller — $65.98 $74.99 (save $9.01 at Walmart)

Best deals on PS5 games

• Tomb Raider I-III Remastered — $19.99 $29.99 (save $10 at Best Buy)

• Assassin's Creed Mirage — $19.99 $39.99 (save $20 at Best Buy)

• El Paso, Elsewhere — $19.99 $29.99 (save $10 at Best Buy)

• Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Standard Edition — $19.99 $39.99 (save $20 at Best Buy)

• WWE 2K24 Standard Edition — $24.99 $34.99 (save $10 at Best Buy)

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a U.S. audience and has been adapted for the U.K. audience.

Like everything else when it comes to parenting, finding the perfect gift is an all encompassing job. You have to listen to them closely, keep an eye on heir latest obsessions, and gauge their reactions to the newest toy advertisements. Plus, there's all that modern-day tech to stay in tune with...

Which is all a way of saying that kids can be particular. The things kids like change not just with age, but also with evolving trends from TV shows and new technology... and TikTok. If parents are lucky enough, their kid will provide a long list of the precise items they'd like as gifts — but sometimes, it can be as much of a lucky dip as gifting to someone else's child.

Instead of buying yet another gift card or random stuffed animal, here are some tips on how to gift to children of all ages.

What should you buy for a toddler?

Everyone is familiar with the "terrible twos" rep that the not-a-baby-but-not-yet-an-independent-kid stage of development gets. At this age, kids are bouncing constantly between the desire to explore on their own and the reliance on parents for most basic needs like eating, getting dressed, or going to the bathroom. That's a lot of frustrating emotions to go through in a day. Kitchen play sets, toys that involve different motor skills, and anything with music are gifts that aren't just distractions, but gifts that let the toddler feel in charge without too much assistance from a parent.

What should you get for primary school kids?

Potentially a more daunting phase than the terrible twos: the one where the pressure to be cool is relentless. This is that age. Though "cool" can lend itself to multiple interpretations, gifts that contribute to a kid's evolving critical thinking skills and sense of independence, responsibility, and style are all smart ideas. These could be anything from STEM toys to beginner's makeup tools to a fitness tracker or a pretend pet that encourages routine-making. Anything that involves an app or a tablet is also a guaranteed win.

What should you buy for teenagers?

Finding a gift that a teenager will think is cool (and that will be on-trend for longer than a few months) might be some of the trickiest shopping you'll do all year. They'll probably offer up a few suggestions, but if you're going the surprise route, remember that they care about brands. Thanks to social media influencers promoting products directly to teens on Instagram, Gen Z kids are loyal to very specific brands of tech, accessories, and even water bottles.

These are the best gifts for kids of all ages in 2024.

Need a new pair of headphones? Of course you do. They're one of life’s essentials — like food to eat or a roof over your head. And the thing about life’s essentials is this: It's always time for an upgrade. The good news is, there are hundreds of headphones and earbuds to consider. The bad news, however, is selecting the perfect pair isn't easy.

A good way to start is by asking yourself some key questions. What do you actually need thd headphones for? Working out? Commuting? Listening at home? There are more questions: Do you need a super long battery life or quick and easy charging? What about noise cancellation, so you can drown out the world around you? All headphones fundamentally promise the same thing — to deliver great sound — but some pairs are better tailored to your specific lifestyle.

Sure, you could always visit Amazon and nab the cheapest pair, but that’s never a long term solution. You should always do your research before buying a pair of headphones. Let us get the ball rolling with some helpful headphone information and a selection of the best headphones and earbuds available right now.

Which is better — over-ear headphones or earbuds?

There’s no clear-cut winner. Ultimately, it comes down to personal choice. Some people prefer the old school-feel of over-ear headphones. Others like buds that drill tunes directly into their ears. There are benefits to both. Over-ear headphones tend to have higher-quality sound, and therefore audiophiles should focus largely on over-ear style headphones. Earbuds meanwhile are more compact, portable, and inconspicuous. Generally, earbuds will likely suit anyone who prioritises portability — whether that’s for commuting, air travel, or taking to the gym — and anyone who gets uncomfortable from long, sweaty sessions under padded headphones.

What is true wireless?

This is a term you’ll come across a lot when researching headphones. But wireless is wireless, right? Well, not exactly. Technically there are different types of wireless headphones — particularly when it comes to earbuds. Regular “wireless” means they are independent from the device or stereo — as in, not connected by a wire — but the buds are still wired to each other. “True wireless” means the buds are completely independent and connect via Bluetooth.

Wireless over-ear headphones often aren’t “true wireless” as they might have an optional cable that can be plugged into your device, which is handy for when you run out of juice. Even so, wireless is usually the preference.

What is noise cancellation?

This is another important feature that’s common in the latest headphones. It’s a built-in feature that keeps out or suppresses external noise, allowing you to fully immerse in the music without any distractions. There are two basic types of noise cancellation — passive and active noise cancelling. Passive noise cancellation is achieved by the design of the headphones, which may physically block out noise. Active noise cancellation — or ANC — uses a system of small microphones to pick up incoming sounds and create anti-noise sound waves that cancel them out.

There are other advanced modes, such as ANC that adapts to surroundings (known as adaptive noise cancellation), or a transparency mode that allows in certain ambient sounds. This is especially useful in you work in an office and need to tune into chats with colleagues, or for listening out for announcements on public transport.

What are the most important headphones features?

Some of the jargon around headphones can be confusing, so we've broken down some of the most important headphone features to help you pick a perfect pair:

• Bluetooth codecs — These are clever bits of software that encode and decode digital audio signals. The codecs decode at a specific bitrate, which determines whether the headphones have a high or low latency (AKA lag), measured in milliseconds. Look out for headphones with low latency that support Qaulcomm’s aptX codecs, which are usually rated as the best codecs for streaming video content or hooking up to a TV.

• Closed-back/open-back — Closed back headphones have completely sealed ear cups, which directs sound to your ears and keeps out ambient noise. Open-back headphones let air into the ear cup but can cause sound leakage that goes both ways — in and out. This is sometimes found on very expensive headphones for clearer, more natural sound. Closed-back are a go-to choice for commuting and loud environments.

• Drivers — These are little cone-shaped gadgets in the ear cups that are responsible for your tunes. They convert electrical signals into sounds. In over-ear headphones they usually measure between 20mm and 50mm in headphones. In earbuds, they measure between 8mm and 15mm.

Keep these features in mind when shopping around for your next pair.

What are the best headphones?

We've checked out just about every set of headphones and earbuds, and taken notes to help you decide. Regardless of your budget or requirements, there's a perfect pair of headphones for your needs. Just pick the pair that, well, sounds best.

These are the best headphones in 2024.

Getting reliable antivirus software is as essential as a keyboard and a mouse. It’s absolute madness to log on without it, to be quite honest. It doesn't matter what computer you have, there’s always something nasty lurking out there.

Staying safe from viruses, malware, ransomware, and phishing threats is just the start of it. A strong antivirus software package can protect you from much more. It's not so much the hardware that's in danger, but stuff like your private documents, banking details, and personal photos that could be at risk from cyber criminals.

Free antivirus software is an option but, typically, free solutions are limited. Luckily, there are plenty of options out there for securing your PC, though that can make it hard to know which package to purchase. Buying this stuff can be a chore, with so much jargon and impenetrable tech-speak to wade through. That’s why we’re here help point you in the right direction. Here’s some handy need-to-know information.

What is antivirus software?

Antivirus software is a programme designed to detect and remove viruses and other malicious software (or malware, as it’s better known) from your computer. They detect, isolate, and delete viruses, which prevents the malware from damaging your device. Antivirus products update automatically to provide protection against the latest viruses and malware.

What’s the difference between a virus and malware?

They’re different but also kind of the same. Malware is an umbrella term for all kinds of malicious software. Viruses are just one type of malware. Other types include trojans, spyware, ransomware, and scareware.

How do computer viruses work?

A computer virus will replicate itself and spread to devices as widely and quickly as possible (hence the name virus). Computer viruses infect applications and email. They are transmitted via websites, email attachments, storage devices, and even routers. Simple viruses can damage a hard disk or delete files. More sophisticated viruses can cause you to spam or may have clever ways of avoiding detection.

What’s anti-malware software?

Antivirus software detects and removes viruses and some other types of malicious software, while anti-malware is a program that safeguards the system from all sorts of attacks. Anti-malware tends to deal with newer, more sophisticated threats. Antivirus software often comes built into a new PC (don’t let that stop you upgrading to something more sophisticated) while anti-malware is usually an add-on.

What are the best antivirus features?

It’s tricky to pick one antivirus software because each one will suit different people and different types of computer usage. It’s worth remembering that having multiple antivirus software programs installed can cause issues, so it’s best to stick with just one. There are features worth looking out for to help make your choice. For instance, many threats stem from internet browsing so phishing protection can be a vital feature. Spyware and adware are also a problem, so it's worth checking out antivirus software options that can scan for these too. 

Finally, you need software that provides an on-demand malware scan, as well as a vulnerability scan, so that you're always in control of what's going on with your data. Security is a fast-moving field so you want software that keeps on top of new trends, such as the recent growth in ransomware keen to steal your files from under you. 

What's the best antivirus software?

If that all sounds a bit complicated, don't sweat it — we've checked out the best paid antivirus software solutions and we've outlined why they're worth the money. Generally, you get what you pay for, but what price can you put on keeping your computer (and, more importantly, the data on there) safe from potential threats?

These are the best antivirus solutions for every situation in 2024.

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 20 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 20 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: For our furry friends

These words are for a dog or cat.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are things you'd buy for a pet.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is PetSupplies.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for November 20

• Ball

• Bone

• Collar

• Kibble

• Catnip

• Litter

• Laser

• PetSupplies

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

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

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

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

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for November 20's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

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

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 20 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Dog noises

• Green: Ways to view an event

• Blue: Mixology terms

• Purple: Corporate organization

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

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

• Yellow: Sound Like A Dog

• Green: Broadcast, As Online Media

• Blue: Cocktail-Making Verbs

• Purple: Organizational Structures, Metaphorically

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #528 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Sound Like A Dog: BARK, BAY, HOWL, SNARL

• Broadcast, As Online Media: AIR, PLAY, RUN, STREAM

• Cocktail-Making Verbs: GARNISH, MUDDLE, STIR, STRAIN

• Organizational Structures, Metaphorically: CHAIN, LADDER, PYRAMID, TREE

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 20

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

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

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

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

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for November 20's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for November 20 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 20 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A specialized corner where one truly belongs.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter N.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

NICHE.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 19

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

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When curious minds Google "LOLCow," a phrase making the rounds across TikTok, the first link to populate is to an outdated blog server, its mission preserved only in Google's archived page description: "Anonymously share juicy gossip and candid opinions about foolish and bizarre people, also known as lolcows. Freedom of speech friendly."

Urban Dictionary suggests several similar, but varying, definitions for a LOLCow. A person "who is easy/safe for the majority of people to mock. It's a cash cow but you instead milk 'lols' from it," describes one. Another: "A lolcow is a person you get extensive laughs from, who doesn't know they are being made fun of. They can often think they are admired for what they are doing, but secretly are being laughed at constantly." And, less to the point, "Someone who makes a fool of themselves on the internet over and over. Usually drug spurred." A final one for the sports fans: "A term that can be used to describe a perennial factory of sadness in sports…"

SEE ALSO: Why is the internet 'crashing out?'

The concept, while fresh in TikTok's vernacular, isn't particularly new, a vestige of early internet days where anonymous accounts gave users the gall to openly harass each other as part of the digital carnival. It's a term integral to the 4Chan lexicon, and many point to Christine Chandler, a former blogger now embattled by online trolls and accusations of both illegal and unethical behavior, as one of the internet's preeminent LOLCows.

What has evolved since the days of accepted online trolling is the general public's access to the LOLCow. New one-stop-shop platforms like TikTok offer creators intense spikes of virality (and money) nearly overnight, often stemming from the algorithm's crowning of a new app obsession.

No longer just fodder for a fleeting meme or an obsessive sub community, these individuals become the star of everyone's FYP. They're flown out to collaborate with big creators, pegged for brand deals, and given the tools to turn their online persona — which, in many cases, stems from the ability to be mocked — into a source of income. An environment rife for manipulation, TikTok obscures the modern LOLCow under the guise of love and fandom. Obsessive posters aren't always following just to be cruel, some believe, at least according to their comments, they are building community with the internet's underdogs.

'Milking' LOLCows: modern bullying or harmless fun?

In a 7-minute long video posted by user @PinkBinz on Aug. 31, TikTok's version of a "LOLCow" is described as the target of "middle school bully" behavior, in which a user is uplifted by disingenuous engagement from viewers. To be more precise, according to the creator, the LOLCow is thinly-veiled cruelty, if not outright ableism. "LOLCows are almost always picked out by the internet because they essentially have disabilities," she says, pointing to the rise of creator Shawty Bae, who has not identified as someone with a disability. "Ninety-nine percent of the time, if these people were never involved in the internet, their life would have been completely different. Most of the things that happen to them in their real life have happened thanks to the impact of people on the internet bullying them."

In a comment liked more than 13,000 times, one viewer added, "lolcows are right wing pipelines to try to make it look like disabled people are dangers to society. It’s diet eugenics." 

Another video, posted in 2023 by @GamerMagee, argues that more attention needs to be paid to the people who are baiting creators. "The level of depravity of the people who are f*cking with them is just mindboggling," he said. Commenters likened the rise of LOLCows to the popularity of TV shows on channels like TLC, parading "unusual" behaviors, appearances, or trauma for ratings. 

Not all watchers feel that way, however, arguing they find these creators relatable or that they only want to "check in" on them out of compassion. "If you are ever wondering why you are drawn to shawtybae, it’s because she doesn’t try to be anyone but herself. In a world that wants perfection, she doesn’t take herself too seriously and she’s incredibly humble despite her fame," wrote one user on a YouTube video featuring Shawty Bae.

"Authentic" is joined by other, less kind phrases used to describe the TikTok creators pegged as new era LOLCows: "easy targets," "gullible," "vulnerable," "memeable." Viewers on @PinkBinz' video chimed in with dozens of examples falling under these categories, each with fervent "fanbases," including viral pages of those like Tophia Chu, trans creator Elphaba Orion Doherty, Daniel Larson, and — one of the most controversial — @WorldOfTshirts. Joshua Block, the face of World of Tshirts, shot to popularity in the pandemic-spawned TikTok boom, known for his daily vlogs around New York City featuring spontaneous performances, verbal assails, and destructive drinking. His account, followed by 3.6 million people, boasts even more millions of views by onlookers who proclaim to obsessively watch his videos out of morbid fascination. 

Block and Chandler are examples of the bleak direction "LOL farming" can head, where incessant goading leads creators down increasingly harmful pathways and often abusive behavior, lobbed toward themselves or others. In some examples, LOLCows are outrightly doxxed or the victims of swatting. In others, they become engagement-getters for other creators, like the relationship between Block and creator Mr. Based NYC, using them to grow their own channels.

LOLing outside of TikTok

There exist more mainstream instances, too: The obsessive coverage of YouTube star Gabbie Hanna's erratic behavior and subsequent manic breakdown, documented in its completeness on her TikTok page. Or the mass consumption and meme-ing of Britney Spears' eccentric social media videos, especially those posted during her fight for independence from her conservatorship, that still continues today. 

Even more complicated: Some of the most popular LOLCows are, in the eyes of the internet (and often the law), "bad" people, the perpetrators of legitimate crimes, threats, or problematic behavior. Others branded with the title are right-wing, or even white supremacist, figureheads. Cancel culture thus collides with LOLCows in a flurry of retaliatory online behavior. 

Off TikTok, there are dedicated subreddits and Discord servers tasked with following the spirals of these creators, including Block, with posts oscillating between concern and mockery. This online voyeurism also includes a 15-year-old Wiki page dedicated to Chandler's movements and an entire host of "snark" pages offering forums for widespread LOLCow discussion. 

TikTok & LOLCows: Made for each other

To many, TikTok is more than a hub for viral humor and recommendations, it's a LOLCow factory farm. 

And where blogs of yore were more up front with their cruelty, the modern notion of a LOLCow is less on-the-nose in its detestation of difference. Instead, people say they engage out of the urge to offer advice or, more commonly, reality checks — take the incessant commentary spawning from the dating blog of lifestyle creator Molly Rutter as example. Others, for all intents and purposes, say they are genuine fans of the creator. Comments like "you know what, hell yeah" or "can't tell the chat I f*ck with this" convey the idea that these human beings are an embarrassing guilty pleasure. But what's even more concerning is how the modern social media landscape exacerbates these urges. Platforms harnessing endless scrolling, pushing e-commerce opportunities, and adding all-encompassing search integrations, keep people locked to their devices, a feedback loop between creator and user that promotes even more obsession.

Will internet culture grow out of LOLing at people?

In the age of online profitability — the possibilities of the creator economy not yet discovered in the early 2000s — this parasocial relationship can lead down unexpected paths. Some of the aforementioned personalities and other ridiculed creators have pivoted to adult content, linking Only Fans pages in their bios to capitalize off of their virality. In the case of ShawtyBae, explicit images taken from her Only Fans account were leaked online without consent, more fuel for the fire. Others lean into money-making ventures through brand deals, celebrity appearances, or product endorsements. Public ridicule becomes inextricably tied to their livelihood. 

At large, more and more people are reckoning with the ethical repercussions of posting on social media, from the generational trauma of family vlogging, to the platforming of people with disabilities by creators, with or without their consent. The revival of the phrase LOLCow in public consciousness, while a concerning continuation, suggests more people are becoming aware of social media's dark side.

Alongside growing self-awareness, and a renewed love of criticism, among users, some are repositioning the phrase as a behavioral check for their peers online: Are you really engaging with a creator out of sympathy, enjoyment, or care…  or are you milking them for "LOLs"?

Get ready to see just how much everyone was streaming brat and The Tortured Poets Department. That's right, Spotify Wrapped, the day when everyone shamelessly shares their music taste, is just around the corner.

If you're completely lost or desperately trying to secure your most-streamed artist for Wrapped, here's everything you need to know.

SEE ALSO: Take your Spotify playlists to the next level with custom playlist art What is Spotify Wrapped?

Spotify Wrapped is when the music giant packages your past year's listening habits into brightly colored, sharable infographics. It reveals your top songs, artists, and genres, as well as a couple of gimmicks that vary from year to year. Additionally, you get a playlist of your top 100 songs of the year.

When is Spotify Wrapped?

The exact date is a surprise, but it typically comes out the week after Thanksgiving.

When does Spotify Wrapped's tracking period end?

The company has kept tight-lipped about when the tracking period ends but insists that it's after Halloween — the internet's speculative end date of the tracking period.

At a press preview of Wrapped in 2022, Spotify's vice president of product development, Babar Zafar, further explained, "The Wrapped personalized experience covers streaming for 2022, so beginning in January and ending a few weeks prior to the launch on November 30. We aim to leave the cut-off date as late as possible to really create a truly personalized experience for the millions of listeners around the world."

SEE ALSO: 13 best websites to analyze your Spotify data Can you see your previous Spotify Wrapped?

You can no longer access the interactive playback of past years' Spotify Wrapped, but you can listen to the playlists from previous years. These playlists are compiled of your top 100 songs of each year.

How to remove music from your taste profile

Freaking out about how embarrassing your Spotify Wrapped will be? You're in luck...for next year. You can remove a playlist from your "Taste Profile" and how the company defines your taste. Once you remove a playlist, it will take 48 hours to be removed. If you exclude a playlist from your Taste Profile today, it won't be reflected in your Wrapped for this year.

To remove a playlist from your Taste Profile, open Spotify and navigate to the playlist you want to exclude. Then tap the three gray dots and select "exclude from your taste profile."

Elon Musk’s X has expanded its legal battle, now targeting Amazon-owned livestreaming platform Twitch as part of its lawsuit against former advertisers.

On Monday, Twitch was added to X's ongoing lawsuit against brand members of the now-defunct Global Alliance of Responsible Media (GARM), as first reported by Business Insider. X claims in its lawsuit that members of GARM illegally conspired to boycott the platform formerly known as Twitter in late 2022, shortly after Musk acquired the company. 

According to the lawsuit, X says that Twitch has not advertised on the platform in the U.S. since November 2022. As Business Insider reports, X cites a GARM document in its lawsuit that mentions an "executive endorsement" from Twitch regarding GARM's brand safety standards.

X originally filed the lawsuit back in August. Since then, the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) disbanded the coalition of advertisers known as GARM. In addition, X removed Unilever from the lawsuit after reaching an undisclosed agreement with the company.

Regardless of the closure of the GARM initiative, WFA says it intends to fight the allegations in court.

X is still hurting thanks to declining ad revenue

X's lawsuit against GARM came shortly after the coalition chose to bring X back into the fold. One month before filing the suit, X touted that GARM had reinstated X back into the initiative.

Making matters worse for X, the company still hasn't been able to fix its advertiser failings.

According to official X documents obtained by Bloomberg in June 2024, X's revenue fell by nearly 40 percent in the first half of 2023, a period of time entirely under Musk's leadership. This was before Musk infamously told advertisers to "go f*** yourself" in November 2023. Musk said this after a number of major brands like Disney and Apple stopped advertising in response to Musk's endorsement of an antisemitic conspiracy theory and a report revealing ads being displayed alongside Nazi content on the platform.

Some advertisers have recently returned to X, seeking to curry favor with Musk following Donald Trump's election win. However, the advertising spend from these brands fell significantly compared to previous levels. According to analytics firm Sensor Tower, the ad spend from X's top 100 advertisers was only one percent more than it was from this time last year, which was around the same time as the aforementioned advertiser boycott.

Furthermore, ad spend from X's top advertisers is still down a whopping 64 percent, according to Sensor Tower, when compared to this time in 2022. That would mean that X's ad revenue is doing worse now than it was in the same time period that X claims GARM conspired to boycott the company.

Things don't seem to me improving over X either. In September, multiple reports found that X was facing a declining daily active user base in some of its top markets like the U.S., UK, and EU. Following Musk's involvement in Trump's reelection, X has also been facing a mass user exodus. X competitors Bluesky and Threads have seen millions of new users as a result. 

Regardless how X's lawsuit against Twitch, Mars, CVS Health, and other former coalition members of GARM unfolds, Musk's company faces numerous ad revenue challenges in the months ahead.

Journals had retracted papers on superconductors that worked at room temperature and materials science that involved Ranga Dias.