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Beyoncé, 'brat,' and the Beatles: 5 takeaways from the 2025 Grammy nominations

Mashable - Fri, 11/08/2024 - 14:16

With the announcement of this year's Grammy nominations, Beyoncé has officially made history.

The music superstar picked up 11 nominations, the most of the year, officially becoming the most-nominated artist in Grammy history. On top of her 99 career nominations, Beyoncé is also the artist with the most Grammys ever (32), a lead she could very well extend on Feb. 2, 2025, during the next Grammys.

SEE ALSO: Social media feeds toxic fandoms. Is there a solution?

Beyoncé isn't the only artist with reason to celebrate this year's Grammy nominations. From the continued relevance of Charli XCX's brat to a surprise Beatles nomination, here are five takeaways from the nominations from the 2025 Grammy Awards.

Beyoncé and Taylor Swift will face off in top categories.

Women cleaned up at the Grammy nominations, with Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, and Taylor Swift all picking up nods for Album of the Year. (André 3000's New Blue Sun and Jacob Collier's Djesse Vol. 4 round out the list.)

Two of the biggest names from that list, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, will square off in key categories like Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. (Swift picked up six nominations to Beyoncé's 11 for her album The Tortured Poets Department.)

SEE ALSO: Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter': Who are the featured Black country artists?

But as Beyoncé's Grammy dominance continues, one question remains: Can she finally win Album of the Year, this time for her country-Americana opus Cowboy Carter? The award has eluded her for her entire career, to the point that she singles it out on the song "SWEET ★ HONEY ★ BUCKIIN'" ("A-O-T-Y, I ain't win"). However, given the Academy's love for the album, with seven different songs nominated in four genres, 2025 could very well be the year Beyoncé takes home the top prize. About damn time.

The Grammys clearly had a brat summer.

Charli XCX has been a steadily innovative artist for years now, but would you believe she only had two Grammy nominations prior to this year? (Both were for "Fancy," her 2014 collaboration with Iggy Azalea.)

SEE ALSO: Charli XCX's 'Brat and it's completely different but also still brat' is here and hype lives on

This year, though, Charli XCX picked up seven nominations. That's the power of brat, her internet-beloved album that spawned the brat summer phenomenon, powered Kamala Harris's Presidential campaign, and gifted us a banger remix album months after its release. Nominations include Album of the Year, Record of the Year (for 360), Best Pop Solo Performance (for "Apple"), Best Pop Duo/Group Performance (for "Guess" with Billie Eilish), and Best Dance Pop Recording (for "Von Dutch").

Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan celebrate their breakout years.

2024 was the year of Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan, two artists who have been releasing great work for years and finally reached superstardom over the summer. The two picked up seven nominations apiece, including Best New Artist, where they're the likely frontrunners.

SEE ALSO: Tegan and Sara share words of wisdom for Chappell Roan that they got from Neil Young

Sabrina Carpenter's other nominations include Album of the Year (for Short n' Sweet), Record of the Year (for "Espresso"), and Song of the Year (for "Please Please Please"). Chappell Roan's other nominations include Album of the Year (for The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess), Record of the Year, and Song of the Year (both for "Good Luck, Babe!").

The Beatles get a nomination with the help of AI.

The Beatles will compete against Beyoncé and Taylor Swift for Record of the Year thanks to the release of their final song, "Now and Then."

John Lennon wrote and recorded a demo for "Now and Then" prior to his death in 1980. But it's only just now being released thanks to AI technology, which separated his voice from the demo's instrumental. The two surviving Beatles, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, consented to the use of AI and were involved in the song's creation from beginning to end. They also sing and play instruments on the song themselves. The late George Harrison is also featured on "Now and Then," as it uses some of his older guitar recordings.

Kendrick Lamar and Drake's rap beef makes it to the Grammys.

If you needed any more proof as to who won the rap beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, look no further than this year's nominations. Kendrick Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us" picked up five nominations, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Rap Performance. Drake, for his part, has declined to submit to the Grammys in past years. Still, Kendrick Lamar's nominations here — and potential Grammy performance — are just another victory lap.

The Grammy Awards air Feb. 2 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+.

TikTok's latest food trend is an obsession with...onions?

Mashable - Fri, 11/08/2024 - 13:27

You've never quite sure what food TikTok is going to obsess over next. One month it's cottage cheese in everything, the next it's a dense bean salad.

Right now TikTok is really into — of all things — onions. Most notably lots of folks are cooking a dish colloquially dubbed an "onion boil," which is effectively all the things you'd see in a seafood boil — lots of butter and seasoning — stuffed inside an onion.

SEE ALSO: The best TikTok food trends of 2024 (so far)

Videos of folks making onion boils have racked up millions of views. And it really is as simple as I wrote earlier: You core an onion, stuff it with butter, and season it to all hell. Then it is baked in foil for a bit and served. This TikTok from @stephpappas, for instance, racked up nearly 10 million views.

Or here's another from @thishealthytable that has some 3 million views.

To be honest — and this is my opinion — they kind of look like soggy gut bombs. But I imagine onion plus butter plus seasoning served over a starch — let's say rice — would be tasty.

Lots of folks in the comments of viral TikToks have pointed out onion boils are quite similar to a dish called a dolma, which is basically a stuffed onion. But the onion boils are quite simplified, relying only on butter and seasoning. But, because onions are in via the boil recipe, you can see folks basically doing a true dolma recipe and going viral as well.

So it's not just one onion recipe going viral — you might even say this trend has ... "layers."

Google Maps is adding new color options for your virtual vehicle icon

Mashable - Fri, 11/08/2024 - 13:11

Google Maps users with cars are getting even more customization options soon.

Four years(!) after Google introduced the ability to change what your vehicle looks like on the navigation screen, Google is expanding those options even further, per Android Police. An upcoming update to the Google Maps app will include the option to choose from five new car models — including a hatchback, a Jeep, and something resembling a Tesla — along with eight new colors, giving users more control than before over the visual representation of their car in the app.

SEE ALSO: Did Google accidentally leak its new AI tool that browses the internet for you?

Previously, users could only choose between four options: a regular arrow, a yellow SUV, a red car, and a green pickup truck. Now, they'll have eight vehicles (if you want to call the arrow that) and eight colors for each. It should be noted that Android Police was only able to access this on the iOS version of Google Maps, and even then, it's not widely available yet. Since Google makes Google Maps, it stands to reason that the Android version will get this update at some point soon, too.

Google Maps continues to be the de facto navigation app for a lot of folks, and Google keeps supporting it accordingly. The iPhone version got a redesign a few months ago, for example. Just remember that there are alternatives.

Broadway’s ‘Maybe Happy Ending’ Asks: Can Robots Fall in Love?

NYT Technology - Fri, 11/08/2024 - 13:05
“Maybe Happy Ending” had an initial Korean-language production in Seoul in 2016. Here are five things to know about the show.

Shop Target's early Black Friday sale and get a jump on gift season

Mashable - Fri, 11/08/2024 - 12:57

UPDATE: Nov. 8, 2024, 10:34 a.m. EST Target's Black Friday deals are officially live. We're tracking the sale as products come in and out of stock.

Best Target early Black Friday deals Best Apple Deal Apple iPad, 9th generation (A13, 64GB, WiFi) $199.99 (Save $130) Get Deal Best headphone and speaker deal Bose QuietComfort Headphones $199.99 (Save $150) Get Deal Best TV and Soundbar deal Westinghouse 65-inch 4K Ultra HD Roku TV $299.99 (Save $100) Get Deal Best Kitchen and Home deal KitchenAid 5.5-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer $279.99 (Save $170) Get Deal Best Toy deal Target Play Cash Register $20.99 (Save $9) Get Deal

This year, if you want to get your holiday shopping done by Thanksgiving, it's certainly possible. With Black Friday falling at the very end of this month, it's no surprise that retailers are starting sales way earlier. This week, Target joined Amazon and Best Buy in launching a monthlong sale.

The deals are just about as good as it gets. We're seeing discounts across categories including headphones, TVs, robot vacuums. Ahead of Black Friday, start shopping these deals on Apple, Bose, Ninja, and more.

When does Target's Black Friday sale start?

While Black Friday falls on Friday, Nov. 29, Target has kicked off their Black Friday sale now. The early Black Friday deals run until Saturday, Nov. 9, so it's a mad dash of deals to kickstart your holiday shopping.

However, Target has announced deals running all the way through Dec. 24, so we're eager to see what sales stay in place through Black Friday. Plus, the retailer is offering a holiday season price match. If you purchase an item at Target and it goes on sale leading up to Dec. 24, the brand will refund you the difference. It's also price-matching competitors' pricing within 14 days of your purchase.

What are Target's Black Friday hours?

Unlike Amazon, which operates entirely online, you can shop Target deals online and in-stores. If you're looking forward to shopping in-person this season, Target is a great place to do just that.

Target stores will be opening at 6 a.m. local time on Nov. 29, for those looking forward to joining the crowds.

Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 9th generation (A13, 64GB, WiFi) $199.99 at Target
$329.99 Save $130.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're looking to update your tech or treat a loved one to the ease and convenience of a tablet, Apple's 9th generation iPad is under $200. While you could go for the brand's newest models, the 9th generation iPad is your best bet on a budget. For just $199.99, you'll get a speedy table that's compatible with the Apple Pencil so you can stream, work, or read. This early Black Friday deal saves you $130, knocking 39% off the price.

More Apple dealsTablet dealsSmartwatch dealsBest headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort headphones $199.99 at Target
$349.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Undeniably, Bose makes some of the best headphones we've ever tested. They don't slack on comfort or audio quality, but they are pricey. While we would endorse buying them at full-price, we also know you don't have to.

The Bose QuietComfort headphones are a budget-friendly option in Bose's line-up. Having tested them myself, they're comfortable and easy to use with top-notch active noise cancellation.

Ahead of Black Friday, find them marked down to $199.99 at Target, taking 43% off for $150 in savings.

More headphone dealsSpeaker dealsBest TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Westinghouse Westinghouse 65-inch 4K Ultra HD Roku TV $299.99 at Target
$399.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Black Friday conjures images of doorbusting deals, with shoppers racing to the TVs to fight over the inventory. Luckily, you don't have to be in the stampede for TV deals with Target's early Black Friday sale.

This 65-inch Westinghouse Roku TV is just $299.99, knocking $100 off the price for 25% savings. It provides 4K picture and a built-in Roku interface, which is already our preferred streaming device.

More TV dealsSoundbar dealsBest kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kitchenaid KitchenAid 5.5-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer $279.99 at Target
$449.99 Save $170.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're getting ready to whip up dozens of Christmas cookies, don't even think about doing it all by hand. Sure, it will be a great arm workout, but at what cost? Upgrade your kitchen tools ahead of the holiday season with the KitchenAid 5.5-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer. It has twice the power of KitchenAid's standard tilt head mixer and can mix batches of 11 dozen cookies at a time. This mixer is no joke.

You can beat the savings ahead of Black Friday as it's marked down to $279.99, saving you $170 for 38% off.

More kitchen dealsHome dealsBest toy deal Opens in a new window Credit: Target Target Cash Register $20.99 at Target
$29.99 Save $9.00 Get Deal Why we like it

This play Target Cash Register is absolutely adorable for the tiny shoppers in our lives. It comes with play money and objects that actually scan. Not to mention, this battery-powered register comes with a working calculator and both English- and Spanish-language options.

This play register is just $20.99 for hours of fun. Ahead of Black Friday, it's 30% off, saving you $9.99.

More toy deals

Emoji reactions finally look normal between iPhone and Android devices

Mashable - Fri, 11/08/2024 - 12:48

Finally some good news for iPhone and Android users in the same group chat. Emoji reactions, or Tapbacks, now work properly between iPhone and Android messages.

According to The Verge, which discovered this quiet update, when an Android user sends a reaction to an iPhone via RCS message, the emoji displays inline instead of as a separate message. The same goes for when an iPhone user reacts to a message sent from an Android.

SEE ALSO: The DOJ accuses Apple of a 'green bubble' problem. Here's why they're right.

We tested this out for ourselves with Mashable Tech Editor and resident Android user Kim Gedeon — and it worked for both of us. For iPhone users just make sure you have the latest iOS 18 update.

Emojis work normally between our resident Android user and this iPhone user. Credit: Screenshot: Mashable And it works for Android users too. Credit: Screenshot: Mashable

Incompatibly between iPhones and Androids, which cause the dreaded green bubble, have tested relationships for years. Androids rely on RCS messages, an end-to-end encrypted method that relies on connectivity provided by your carrier.

Apple uses its proprietary iMessage, an encrypted service that operates over Wi-Fi and cellular data networks, but it lacks seamless compatibility with RCS messaging. However, partly due to the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which enforces interoperability of devices, Apple finally relented and enabled RCS message support with the iOS 18 update.

Unfortunately, while messaging between iPhone and Android is starting to feeling somewhat normal, the green bubble remains.

The new Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are 22% off at Amazon — their first discount ever

Mashable - Fri, 11/08/2024 - 12:38

SAVE $50: The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are on sale for $179.99 at Amazon, down from the usual price of $229.99. That's a 22% discount and the first sale price we've seen since they launched in September.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 $179.00 at Amazon
$229.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Getting your hands on the latest version of any tech comes with some pretty great benefits. You'll be first in line to take advantage of better quality, longer battery life, and often better performance overall. The one downside, however, is that new models often come with a steep price tag. That's one of the reasons why seeing the latest and greatest model at first-time discount is exciting. If you agree, you'll want to listen in on this Amazon deal.

As of Nov. 8, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are $179.99 at Amazon, marked down from the usual price of $229.99. That's a savings of $50 or a 22% discount. It's also the first discount we've seen on the Buds Pro 2.

Freshly launched in September, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 aim to impress with better features than previous versions. For starters, the buds are lighter weight and offer better battery life compared to previous generations, getting up to 30 hours of listening time with active-noise cancelling enabled.

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 also use Conversation Detection, which pauses your music, podcast, or audiobook and switches to Transparency mode when you start talking. That means instead of taking your earbuds out to chat with a co-worker or a neighbor, you can keep them in.

Mashable shopping reporter Dylan Haas also notes the Buds Pro 2 come with some updated functionality. "Most notably, Google's new Tensor A1 Chip allows for much better audio processing and active noise-cancellation (apparently it's two times stronger than the previous Pixel Buds)," writes Hass.

If you've been eyeing the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 since they came out in September but didn't find the price appealing, today's $50 discount helps. Ahead of the chaos of Black Friday sales, secure yourself some top-of-the-line earbuds and rock out to holiday tunes this season.

A lot of fitness tracker deals are live ahead of Black Friday — here are the best ones

Mashable - Fri, 11/08/2024 - 12:12
Best early Black Friday fitness tracker deals Best fitness tracker deal Fitbit Charge 3 $69.95 (save $30) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (44mm) $169.99 (save $160) Get Deal

2025 is nearly upon us, and we can already feel those New Year's resolutions brewing. If your resolution has anything to do with becoming more active, you may want to consider picking up a fitness tracker to assist you in achieving your goals next year. Luckily, Black Friday deals are already starting to rear their heads, so it's a fantastic time to pick one up at a discount whether you're looking for something more basic, or something high-tech like a smartwatch.

SEE ALSO: Home gym starter kit: Everything you need to work out from home

Below, take a look at our favorite fitness tracker deals we've found in the weeks leading up to Black Friday. Keep checking in with us, though — we constantly update our deals pages with new discounts as soon as they go live, so if you want to stay on top of it, stick with us.

Best fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Charge 3 $69.95 at Amazon
$99.95 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Fitbit is synonymous with the entirety of the fitness tracker category, and it's for a good reason: They work well, and they're affordable. The Fitbit Charge 3 has become even more affordable ahead of Black Friday — just $69.95 for the tracker, which is $30 off the original price. If you want to track your activity, stress, sleep, and more on a budget, the Fitbit Charge 3 isn't a bad place to start.

Best smartwatch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (44mm, Bluetooth) $169.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $160.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Most people turn to the Apple Watch for their smartwatch needs, which isn't a bad choice, but the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 also might be something you want to consider. (You don't always have to go for the most popular thing!) It also packs in a bunch of great features like heart monitoring in addition to your usual activity and sleep analytics, and it's on sale for $160 off the usual price at Amazon. Pick one up ahead of the Black Friday season and secure those savings.

More early Black Friday fitness tracker deals

Best Buy's early Black Friday deals have arrived: Save on TVs, laptops, gaming monitors, and more

Mashable - Fri, 11/08/2024 - 12:01

Best Buy kicked off the first portion of its holiday savings schedule today (Friday, Nov. 8), dropping a preview of its top Black Friday deals alongside four tech doorbusters. These include deep discounts on a Dyson stick vacuum, a 75-inch Samsung smart TV, an HP gaming laptop, and a 45-inch LG curved OLED gaming monitor with built-in speakers.

The electronics store will release additional rounds of doorbusters every Friday through Dec. 20, with paid members of its My Best Buy program receiving early access every Thursday prior. (Shoppers can preview them online via Best Buy's new Black Friday Sneak Peek hub.) These festivities will run alongside Best Buy's formal Black Friday sale from Thursday, Nov. 21 to Saturday, Nov. 30, which will revive doorbusters from earlier in the month alongside new ones.

SEE ALSO: Shop Samsung's early Black Friday deals and save up to $1,900 on TVs, tablets, phones, and more

As if all of that weren't enough, Best Buy continues to release limited-time deals and restocks on its mobile app throughout the holidays as part of its Drops program.

Shoppers can preview Best Buy's holiday doorbusters online on its new Black Friday Sneak Peek hub. Credit: Best Buy

The Mashable Shopping team has been covering Black Friday sales since 2017, so we know how to cut through the noise and weed out good deals from junky ones. Below, we're keeping a running list of the best early Black Friday deals and doorbusters at Best Buy across its selection of TVs, laptops, headphones, unlocked phones, gaming gear, robot vacuums, and smart home gadgets. We'll continue to update the list as the holiday season progresses, so check back often.

Keep in mind that Best Buy offers a Holiday Price Match Guarantee, so if anything you buy ahead of Black Friday gets cheaper down the road, you can request a price adjustment.

Note: Any deal marked with a 🚪 is a doorbuster that's set to expire next Friday (unless it sellers out sooner).

Early Black Friday TV deals at Best BuyEarly Black Friday laptop deals at Best Buy

Note: You'll find deals on gaming laptops grouped with other gaming gear below.

Windows laptops

Chromebooks

Early Black Friday headphone deals at Best Buy

Headphones

Earbuds

Early Black Friday unlocked phone deals at Best BuyEarly Black Friday gaming deals at Best Buy

Gaming laptops

Gaming monitors

Early Black Friday vacuum deals at Best BuyEarly Black Friday smart home deals at Best Buy

Smart speakers

Home security equipment

You don't have to wait until actual Black Friday to find a good self-emptying robot vacuum deal

Mashable - Fri, 11/08/2024 - 12:01
A quick look at the best self-emptying robot vacuum deals ahead of Black Friday Best under $300 Dreame D10 Plus Gen 2 279.99 (save $120) Get Deal Best Roomba deal iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ 399 (save $330.99) Get Deal Best hybrid deal with self-cleaning mopping pads Roborock Qrevo S 549.99 (save $250) Get Deal

The majority of robot vacuums you'll see on sale this Black Friday will be self-emptying ones, and there's a reason that feature is more common than not nowadays. Having a robot vacuum typically means you'll be vacuuming more often, and that means a fuller dustbin faster — but thanks to the universalization of the self-emptying dock, you won't have a hard time outsourcing dustbin duty for more than $300 or $400.

SEE ALSO: Roomba models, explained: The guide to deciding which Roomba to buy on Black Friday

This wasn't the case even a few years ago, when automatic emptying was a feature reserved for the high-end robot vacs from a select few brands that were ahead of the game. Now, there are tons of options on both ends of the spectrum, including super affordable, compact options that barely take up more room than a non self-emptying option.

If your budget is a little more flexible, you can squeeze more out of your $500 to $1,000 during Black Friday and secure not only automatic emptying, but automatic water refilling and automatic mopping pad washing and drying. All of the big brands like iRobot, Shark, Roborock, and Eufy all have at least one robot vacuum and mop combo that deals with its own dust and dirty mopping pads all in the same dock, and we're expecting them all to get groundbreaking discounts for Black Friday 2024.

SEE ALSO: Why Eufy's X10 Pro Omni is the most surprising robot vacuum I've tested all year

In fact, prices have already started to drop weeks before Black Friday officially comes on Nov. 29, meaning you have plenty of options to treat yourself to automated cleaning amid Thanksgiving stress. I'm tracking the best self-emptying robot vacuum deals below and will be refreshing this list as more options pop up.

Best early Black Friday self-emptying robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Q Revo S $549.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why we like it

I think of the Roborock Qrevo S as the diet version of my favorite self-emptying robot vacuum right now, the Roborock Qrevo Master. And unless you're one of the few open to spending $1,000 or more on a robot vacuum, you can probably deal with the Qrevo S skipping the Qrevo Master's fluff features like a livestream pet camera or extending side mop — especially when at $549.99, you could buy two Qrevo S vacs for the price of one on-sale Qrevo Master.

Buying the Qrevo S at Amazon over Roborock's own website also saves you an extra $50.

And anyway, the most important aspect about the Qrevo S is that it has that coveted self-washing and drying mopping pad feature baked into its self-empty dock. I also have to give Roborock credit for arming this Qrevo with the same dual spinning mopping pads as the Qrevo Master, which I feel do a more detailed mopping job than a singular pad that lays flat across the bottom of the vacuum.

More self-emptying robot vacuums (that don't mop) on saleSelf-emptying robot vacuum and mop combos on sale

Keep an eye on your porch from anywhere with Google Nest Doorbell — now 44% off

Mashable - Fri, 11/08/2024 - 12:00

SAVE $80: As of Nov. 8, you can get a Google Nest Doorbell for just $99.99 and save 44%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Nest Doorbell $99.99
$179.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal

Google Nest is one of the most advanced video doorbells around. With built-in smarts that differentiates people from animals, packages, or passing cars, the Google Nest Doorbell Wired keeps you abreast of the action. Notifications are sent wirelessly right to your phone. 

SEE ALSO: 4 futuristic AI features now common in home security devices

When you can’t be there in person, the Google Nest Doorbell will be your eyes, with live high-definition video and even night vision. If you miss a notification, it doesn’t, providing three hours of event history. This capacity expands to 60 days of event history with a subscription. 

Right now the Google Nest Doorbell Wired is available for $99.99 at both Amazon and Best Buy. Shop now and save $80. 

Two-way talk ensures that you won’t only get a glimpse of visitors, but you’ll also be able to chat with them. Give instructions to the dog walker or tell a delivery driver where to leave your package right from your phone. 

The Nest ecosystem works better together. Your Nest doorbell pairs with other Google Nest devices like smart speakers or a smart display, pair them up for even better communication with your doorbell.

15 rad gifts for every gamer on your list — even you

Mashable - Fri, 11/08/2024 - 11:52

If you know someone who eats, sleeps, games, and repeats — we don’t envy you when it comes to buying gifts for them. Even if you’re looking to upgrade your own setup, scrolling through the sea of specs can be exhausting. 

We’ve rounded up 15 picks for every type of gamer on your list, including yourself. Each of these gaming laptops, PCs, and Graphics Cards comes with its own unique perks, but they also have something in common: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs and NVIDIA DLSS 3, a breakthrough in AI gaming graphics that’ll knock any gamer’s holiday-themed socks off.

Pricing is controlled by the retailer and is subject to change, so you'll want to act fast.

Amazon deal of the day: Snag the AI-powered Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 for their cheapest price yet

Mashable - Fri, 11/08/2024 - 11:33
Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Nov. 8: OUR TOP PICK Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 $179 (save $50) Get Deal BEST SMARTWATCH DEAL Fitbit Versa 4 $119.95 (save $80) Get Deal BEST HEADPHONES DEAL Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones $298 (save $101.99) Get Deal BEST HOME SECURITY DEAL Google Nest Cam with Floodlight $189 (save $90.99) Get Deal

If retail therapy is just what the doctor ordered, you'll be thrilled to know you can get more for your money with these early holiday deals at Amazon. As of Nov. 8, prices on gadgets from major brands like Google, Fitbit, and Sony have dropped by up to 40%. And there's still a few weeks until Black Friday. We've rounded up a few of our favorite deals at the mega retailer to help you kick off your shopping.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If you don't see anything that sparks your interest, take a look at our picks from Nov. 6 and Nov. 7. Many of those are still live, including 30% off the Mashable Choice award-winning Fitbit Inspire 3 and a coupon that takes $700 off the fancy Roborock S8 Pro Ultra.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 $179.00 at Amazon
$229.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Just released this past August, this is the first time we've seen the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 get this big of a price drop. As of Nov. 8, you can snag a pair in any of the four color varieties for just $179. That's 22% in savings. The second generation of these buds promise to trump their predecessors in every way. Like most tech in 2024, they're AI-powered. They feature a new Tensor A1 Chip for better audio processing and active noise cancellation, boosted battery life, a more comfortable fit, and a lighter, smaller, and more secure design. We haven't had a chance to test them out, but our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) gave them 4 out of 5 stars and called them "great for Pixel users and good for everyone else."

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Versa 4 $119.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $80.00 Get Deal

We haven't had a chance to review Fitbit's Versa 4, but we did love its predecessor, the Versa 3. Our sister site PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) reviewed it, however, and called it "an excellent fitness-focused smartwatch with welcome design improvements over the last generation." Is it a perfect smartwatch? No, but it does sport a larger selection of built-in fitness features, notable design and usability upgrades, and a more responsive touch screen. We just wish it had more sensors and third-party app support to expand its versatility. The Versa 4 typically goes for $199.95, but as of Nov. 8, you can grab it on sale for $119.95. That's 40% in savings and about $15 shy of its record-low price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones $298.00 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $101.99 Get Deal

We've tested lots of headphones at Mashable and the Sony WH-1000XM5s are some of our favorites. Our Deputy Reviews Editor Miller Kern gave them a nearly perfect rating and a Mashable Choice award for their impeccable sound quality, great noise cancellation, and customizable sound. They also packs up to 30 hours of battery life, crisp call clairty, voice assistant support, comfy ear cushions, and a "quick attention" ambient mode feature that can help you tune into your surroundings in a flash. As of Nov. 8, they're back down to their record-low price of $298 at Amazon. That's 25% in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Nest Cam with Floodlight $189.00 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $90.99 Get Deal

Shine a light on what's happening outside of your home — literally — with the Google Nest Floodlight Cam. As of Nov. 8, it's down to just $189 instead of $279.99 at Amazon, saving you 32%. That's the lowest price we've seen on this model. It packs the same Google Nest Cam (one of our top picks) features you know and love, but adds a bright LED floodlight and 180-degree motion detection with built-in intelligence that can help you decipher between a grazing deer, a car pulling up, or a mischievous person. It'll send you alerts directly through the Google Home app to let you know which one it is with no subscription requires.

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

Shop Samsung's early Black Friday deals and save up to $1,900 on TVs, tablets, phones, and more

Mashable - Fri, 11/08/2024 - 11:31

SAVE UP TO $1,900: The Samsung early Black Friday sale has major discounts on TVs, tablets, watches, earbuds, home appliances, and more. Slash $1,700 off the 4-Door Flex refrigerator.

Best early Black Friday deals at Samsung Best earbuds deal Galaxy Buds3 Pro $209.99 at Samsung (save $40) Get Deal Best home appliance deal Samsung Bespoke 4-Door Flex Refrigerator (full-depth) $3,299 at Samsung (save $1,700) Get Deal Best TV deal Samsung 55-inch Class Neo QLED 4K $999.99 at Samsung (save $400) Get Deal

From phones to watches to earbuds and almost every major home appliance, Samsung consistently makes some of the highest quality tech. If you're thinking of updating some of your personal tech in 2024, like earbuds or a smartwatch, the Samsung early Black Friday sale has discounted prices on tons of wearable tech.

There are also major discounts if you could use a new TV, refrigerator, or washing machine. All in all, the early Black Friday deals at Samsung are worth paying attention to. Here are some of our top recommendations:

Best earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro $209.99 at Samsung
$249.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Less than a month since their release, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are already seeing a pretty sweet discount. While they usually sell for $249.99, Samsung's early Black Friday sale puts them at just $209.99, which saves you a nice $40.

The Galaxy Buds3 Pro focus on fit and comfort, with a redesigned ear canal form that's both more comfortable for wearing all day and better when it comes to immersive sound. The Buds3 Pro also feature some of Samsung's most advanced features, like hearing language translations in the buds during face-to-face conversations. If you have international travel coming up in 2025, the Buds3 Pro could be ideal for both the long flights and having a better understanding on the ground once you arrive with the translation feature.

More wearable tech dealsBest home appliance deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Bespoke 4-Door Flex Refrigerator (full-depth) $3,299.00 at Samsung
$4,999.00 Save $1,700.00 Get Deal Why we like it

With incredibly convenient features, the Samsung Bespoke 4-Door Flex Refrigerator will become the reason people gather in the kitchen during holiday parties. For starters, the model comes with Samsung's Family Hub display, a large screen that lets you display photos, check on recipes, or stream your favorite shows and playlists.

This model also includes extra features like a door sensor that opens with a light touch, dual ice makers, and a flexible zone that you can use as a refrigerator or a freezer.

More home appliance dealsBest TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 55-inch Class Neo QLED 4K $999.99 at Samsung
$1,399.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Winter calls for enjoying some relaxing time at home with no pressure to be productive. A great excuse to add to your arsenal of reasons to chill at home this winter is enjoying a new TV. The Samsung 55-inch Class Neo QLED 4K is the perfect reason to enjoy football games, the new season of Squid Game in December, or learn from baking tutorials. The Samsung uses Quantum Matrix with mini LEDs that work to increase brightness and clarity in every scene.

Samsung also uses Motion Xcelerator, which gives off crisp images at the speed of 120 frames per second. Plus, enabling AI Energy Mode means you could be reducing energy consumption this winter.

More TV and home entertainment deals

Trade in and get 4 free iPhone 16s from T-Mobile with new lines for Black Friday

Mashable - Fri, 11/08/2024 - 10:42

T-Mobile’s early Black Friday sale has started, offering up to 4 new iPhone 16 phones for free with trade-ins of eligible phones and new lines.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 16 Get 4 free iPhone 16s with eligible trade-in and new lines at T-Mobile Get Deal

Has your phone seen a little wear and tear this year? Now’s the time to do something about that with T-Mobile’s new iPhone 16 deal for up to four phones. If you have a qualifying used phone, you can trade it in to get access to this deal and get $830 off on a new iPhone 16. Trade in four phones and start new lines to update the whole family.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15: How are they different?

First, select a new iPhone 16 — available in five colorways. This deal only triggers when you trade, so make sure you don’t skip that option on the website menu. To get the credit you’ll need to trade in an iPhone 11 Pro or newer, or equivalent value phone from another brand. If your phone is too old, then T-Mobile will offer you an alternate credit of $415 off.

After you select your phone and set up the trade, add a new eligible T-Mobile line. Once your purchase and trade go through, you’ll receive a bill credit, which will fund the balance of the offer over 24 months. This bill credit will apply each month. Keep paying for the whole 24-month cycle to take full advantage of the deal.

Additionally, grab this deal now and T-Mobile will waive your online activation fee, for $35 of savings per line.

Apple is planning a massive iPhone camera upgrade, but it won't come soon

Mashable - Fri, 11/08/2024 - 09:10

Apple is planning a major camera upgrade, but it might not arrive until 2026.

According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the company is working on adding a variable aperture main camera to its iPhone 18 Pro series.

That wasn't a typo: We're talking about the iPhone 18 Pro, the one that's likely to arrive in 2026. Yes, we know that's very far in the future, but Kuo gets his info from Apple's supply chain, and the company often does plan this far ahead.

SEE ALSO: Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro, 2024) review: Record-breaking performance

Kuo's post focuses on the potential suppliers of this new camera; he thinks they'll be Sunny Optical, Largan Precision, and Luxshare.

Notably, an earlier report from The Information claimed that Apple would bring the variable aperture camera to the iPhone in 2025, but it appears that the launch has been delayed for a year.

For the end user, the variable aperture main camera should bring noticeable improvements; the camera should perform better in low light, as the variable aperture allows the camera to control how much light hits the lens. It could also improve portrait mode, as variable aperture should allow for more precise depth of field control.

While we'll apparently have to wait two years for an Apple phone with this tech, phones with variable aperture cameras do exist on the market already. One example is the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, which Xiaomi unveiled (as a global device) during Mobile World Congress in February this year.

'Black Cab's twisty ending, explained

Mashable - Fri, 11/08/2024 - 07:57

A young couple kidnapped by a creepy driver is a straightforward enough horror concept, but Bruce Goodison's Black Cab throws in a spooky twist to shake things up.

While the first two acts are easy enough to follow, the movie's ending — and particularly the final moments — is a bit more of a head scratcher.

What was the deal with that ghost? Is Anne (Synnøve Karlsen) alive or dead at the end? We've had a go at breaking it down below.

SEE ALSO: 25 hidden gems of horror found on Shudder What's Black Cab about?

First, a quick recap of the key points. In Black Cab, Anne and her fiancé Patrick (Luke Norris) are kidnapped by a taxi driver called Ian (Nick Frost), who claims to have driven Anne previously. After remembering that he picked her up from a hospital maternity ward and spoke to her about her pregnancy in their last ride, Ian electrocutes Patrick with a taser and zip-ties both of them.

Ian then drives them to Mabel Hill, a notorious road that he claims is haunted by the ghost of a woman whose child died before she did — a ghost that Anne herself keeps catching glimpses of during their drive. But it isn't until the final act that we discover why Ian is doing this.

What happens at the end of Black Cab?

We learn Ian has a wife and son of his own, but he's clearly mentally unstable. Although he changes his story a couple of times, the final version reveals that he's had ideas of killing the boy as a way to punish his wife for accusing him of cheating. Ian believes these dark thoughts are what's led to him being haunted by the ghost he's seen on the road; he thinks she's searching for a living child as a replacement for her own that she lost.

Ian's twisted plan in kidnapping Anne, therefore, is to offer her and her unborn baby up to the ghost as a way of getting her to leave him alone. The problem? As Anne finally reveals to Ian, she's no longer pregnant; she had a miscarriage shortly after he gave her that previous lift from the hospital.

After breaking this news Anne chases after the ghost, accusing her of taking her baby. Ian runs away through the woods only to circle back to his black cab. He gets in, drives off, then appears to crash into Anne when she runs out into the road — but when he gets out and checks, there's nobody there. As he drives off again we see a ghostly image of Anne sitting in the back seat of his cab.

Credit: Shudder What really happens to Anne at the end?

A lot to unpack, isn't it? The main question we were left with when Black Cab finished, though, had to do with Anne's fate. Is she alive at the end of the film, or dead? What's happened to her?

Ultimately Anne's fate isn't clear, but the implication seems to be that she's dead at the end of the movie. Maybe she collapsed in the woods while chasing the ghost, dying from complications related to Ian also tasering her earlier in the film? Her cause of death isn't clear, but the fact that the road is empty after Ian appears to crash into her strongly suggests that Anne is a ghost at this point — as does the final shot of her sitting in the back seat of his cab as he drives away.

Our best guess? Anne has essentially replaced the ghost haunting her and Ian throughout the film. The ghost lost a child, so she took Anne's — and now that Anne's dead, like a curse being passed down, she'll be the one haunting Mabel Hill in search of what she's lost.

How to watch: Black Cab is streaming now on Shudder.

How to watch Sabalenka vs. Gauff in the 2024 WTA Finals online for free

Mashable - Fri, 11/08/2024 - 07:42

TL;DR: Live stream Sabalenka vs. Gauff in the 2024 WTA Finals for free on TVNZ+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're quickly approaching the conclusion of the 2024 WTA Finals. There's a place in the final up for grabs as Sabalenka takes on Gauff in the second semi-final matchup. The Riyadh singles champion will win no less than $4.45 million, so this game really matters.

If you want to watch Sabalenka vs. Gauff in the 2024 WTA Finals for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Sabalenka vs. Gauff in the 2024 WTA Finals for free

The 2024 WTA Finals are available to live stream for free on TVNZ+ in New Zealand, including Sabalenka vs. Gauff.

If you're abroad for this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock TVNZ+. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can unblock TVNZ+ from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2024 WTA Finals by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in New Zealand

  4. Visit TVNZ+

  5. Watch Sabalenka vs. Gauff in the 2024 WTA Finals for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can access free live streams of Sabalenka vs. Gauff without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch every WTA Finals match before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the WTA Finals?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the WTA Finals for free, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including New Zealand

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Sabalenka vs. Gauff in the 2024 WTA Finals for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Zheng vs. Krejcikova in the 2024 WTA Finals online for free

Mashable - Fri, 11/08/2024 - 07:35

TL;DR: Live stream Zheng vs. Krejcikova in the 2024 WTA Finals for free on TVNZ+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2024 WTA Finals are nearing their conclusion. We're at the semi-final stage, meaning the remaining players can almost taste the absolutely huge prize money reward on offer. The Riyadh singles champion will win no less than $4.45 million, so there's quite literally a lot of stake.

Zheng meets Krejcikova in the first semi-final matchup. If you want to watch Zheng vs. Krejcikova in the 2024 WTA Finals for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Zheng vs. Krejcikova in the 2024 WTA Finals for free

The 2024 WTA Finals are available to live stream for free on TVNZ+ in New Zealand, including Zheng vs. Krejcikova.

If you're abroad for this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock TVNZ+. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can unblock TVNZ+ from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2024 WTA Finals by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in New Zealand

  4. Visit TVNZ+

  5. Watch Zheng vs. Krejcikova in the 2024 WTA Finals for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can access free live streams of Zheng vs. Krejcikova without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch every WTA Finals match before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the WTA Finals?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the WTA Finals for free, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including New Zealand

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Zheng vs. Krejcikova in the 2024 WTA Finals for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Target Circle members can get 15% off Fandango gift cards

Mashable - Fri, 11/08/2024 - 07:17

15% OFF: As of Nov. 8, Target Circle members can get 15% off Fandango gift cards.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fandango Target Circle Members: Get 15% Off Fandango Gift Cards Get Deal

This time of year is all about excellent deals. Target, in particular, is already dropping early Black Friday deals for shoppers to enjoy. If you're part of their Target Circle program (and if not, it's free to join), you can score even more discounts. One of our favorites at the moment is this deal on Fandango gift cards, but you'll want to act fast as it expires after Nov. 8.

Target Circle members can get 15% off Fandango gift cards. This offer applies to the $25 card, $50 card, and $100 card. If you've been looking for a good gift idea, you truly can't go wrong with a Fandango gift card that can set someone up for some fun visits to the movie theater.

SEE ALSO: Movie lovers can score 50% off The Criterion Collection at Barnes and Noble

These gift cards can be used to purchase tickets online for a wide variety of upcoming movies at numerous movie theaters. Thankfully, their website has a full breakdown of movie theater partners as well so you can find your best local option. And with so many movies coming out this holiday season — from Gladiator II to Wicked to Nosferatu — a gift like this can save someone a lot on multiple trips to the cinema.

Target's got plenty more deals to check out right now as well, given their early Black Friday sale event is running until this Saturday. A few other retailers are jumping in on the Black Friday action ahead of the actual day as well, like Walmart and Best Buy, so check out our breakdowns of each to learn more about what their plans are.

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