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AI PCs have jumped to the top of holiday wishlists, and it’s no shock to learn why. For efficient productivity and access to new frontiers of creativity, these computers — powered by an Intel Core Ultra chip — offer a major leap forward in nearly all categories. They’re even more secure, with smart defense against data cyberthieves among the many functions enabled by an NPU (neural processing unit).

But which one to choose? Here’s a closer look at what you can expect from a top machine at varying price points, all equipped with Intel’s powerful chip:

Under $1,000  Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS Vivobook S 14 $749.99 at Best Buy
$949.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal

Even at the modest end of the scale, an AI PC should pack a processor that’s ready for serious usage. With the ability to hit 40 TOPS (that’s trillions of operations per second, an important AI metric), ASUS Vivobook S 14’s Intel Core Ultra 5 Series 2 processor provides strong performance in a sleek, lightweight package. Microsoft’s Copilot AI can be summoned with the press of a button, so web searches and creative tasks get an AI boost.

From $1,000 to $1,500 Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS Zenbook S 14 $1,149.99 at Best Buy
$1,399.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal

In the midrange, higher expectations deserve expanded possibilities. Here, the ASUS Zenbook S 14, which boasts an Intel Core Ultra 7 Series 2 processor capable of up to 47 TOPS, stands out even before users see additional features like Harmon/Kardon speakers and an OLED touchscreen. Power users will appreciate this Zenbook’s all-day 72Wh battery, plus the onboard Copilot AI helps with complex tasks, image and text generation, and a multitude of other creative endeavors. 

$1,500 and above Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 $1,699.99 at Best Buy
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At the most premium tier, you’ll find maximal features that deliver on every need — even some you didn’t know you had. In the Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360, an Intel Core Ultra 7 Series 2 processor powers a multitude of AI experiences such as Microsoft Copilot and Samsung Galaxy AI. 

Creatives will appreciate a folding screen that lets the laptop function like a tablet, so AI-infused work can get done using the included S Pen on the AMOLED touchscreen. Plus, Galaxy phone and tablet users will find added value in connective features like Quick Share and Multi Control that allow multiple devices to easily function as one.

T-Mobile customers were in for an unwelcome surprise on Tuesday afternoon as the carrier experienced a widespread service outage, leaving many unable to make calls, send texts, or access data.

According to DownDetector (a sister site of Mashable), the blackout has affected major cities across the U.S., sparking a wave of complaints on social media from frustrated users, including customers of Mint Mobile, T-Mobile’s prepaid subsidiary.

SEE ALSO: Is T-Mobile down? Users report widespread outages

Mint Mobile customers in Utah were hit particularly hard according to outage maps, so here's a look at the states hit hardest by the outage, according to DownDetector:

Outage map: States affected by T-Mobile / Mint Mobile network issues T-Mobile outage map Credit: DownDetector.com T-Mobile:

• Arizona

• California

• Florida

• Georgia

• Illinois

• Indiana

• Kentucky

• Lousiana

• Maryland

• Massachusetts

• Michigan

• Minnesota

• Missouri

• Mississippi

• New Jersey

• New Mexico

• New York

• North Carolina

• Ohio

• Pennsylvania

• Texas

• Virginia

• Washington

Mint Mobile Mint Mobile outage map Credit: DownDetector

• Arizona

• California

• Colorado (minor activity visible)

• Florida

• Georgia

• Idaho (small activity visible)

• Illinois

• Indiana (minor activity visible)

• Kansas (small activity visible)

• Maryland

• Massachusetts

• Michigan

• Minnesota

• Missouri

• Montana (small activity visible)

• Nebraska (small activity visible)

• Nevada

• New Jersey

• New York

• North Carolina

• Ohio (minor activity visible)

• Pennsylvania

• South Carolina

• Texas

• Utah

• Virginia

• Washington

• Wisconsin

As of this writing, however, reports of the T-Mobile and Mint outage appear to be dissipating.

Editorial Disclaimer: Ziff Davis, the parent company of Mashable, owns DownDetector

Typically, after a presidential election in the U.S., search queries about leaving the country spike as supporters of the losing candidate consider what to do next.

While physically moving out of the country may be a bit complicated, finding a new social media home is a much simpler task. And it appears that hundreds of thousands of people have decided to flee Elon Musk's X in the wake of the U.S. election results.

According to Bsky Stats, a website that tracks Bluesky signups, posts, and other analytics, the platform now has more than 14.6 million users. Bluesky user Jaz, who runs the stats website, says that Bluesky has seen more than 100,000 new user signups every day since the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 5th.

If you're wondering how things have been going at the Posting Factory Over 100k new users per day since November 5th and no sign of slowing. ~10M follows per day (+400%) ~18M likes per day (+46%) ~3M posts per day (+30%) Firehose traffic regularly over 500 evt/sec for most of the day now.

[image or embed]

— Jaz (@jaz.bsky.social) November 10, 2024 at 3:08 PM

Bluesky has officially confirmed to outlets like The Guardian and The Verge that the platform has seen more than 700,000 new signups in the past week.

Bluesky continues to grow

Bluesky has quickly become the alternative social media platform of choice for users looking to flee Elon Musk's X. While Meta’s Threads still leads among X alternatives with 275 million users, much of that user base is due to the platform’s close integration with Instagram. Bluesky isn’t backed by any Big Tech company, yet it has managed to grow organically. It currently ranks as the third most popular microblogging platform, following X and Threads.

Bluesky's growth spurts seems directly linked tied to decisions Musk has made regarding X.

In September, millions of users in Brazil flocked to Bluesky after the country's Supreme Court banned X due to Musk's refusal to follow Brazilian law. X has since played ball and paid a hefty fine, resulting in the platform being unbanned. However, Bluesky was able to enjoy a 50 percent growth in its user base as a result of the ordeal.

Just last month, Bluesky saw another surge in user growth after X officially announced it was changing how the block function worked on its platform. Within 24 hours of X's announcement, more than 500,000 new users joined Bluesky.

Social media researcher Axel Bruns speculates that Bluesky's user growth is sparked by X users seeking refuge in a new social media platform "without all the far-right activism, the misinformation, the hate speech, the bots and everything else." He added that the liberal side of the Twitter community have escaped and moved "en masse" to Bluesky.

Musk was a significant supporter and financial backer of Donald Trump’s campaign. While Bluesky’s recent user boost is smaller than past surges — like when Brazil banned X or when X changed its blocking feature — the platform may continue to grow as Musk is expected to be an influential figure in Trump’s administration.

The new agreement builds on an earlier announcement in which the German automaker said it would invest up to $5 billion in Rivian, a maker of electric vehicles. The new venture brings them closer.

Tuesday afternoon wasn't a great time to be a T-Mobile customer.

Users of the self-proclaimed "un-carrier" reported widespread outages for both the main T-Mobile network and Mint Mobile, its subsidiary that focuses primarily on prepaid phones. According to DownDetector (a sister site of Mashable), both T-Mobile and Mint started malfunctioning for customers at around 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

SEE ALSO: 'iPhone 17 Air' plans may be on thin ice — here's why

That said, at the time of writing, the number of reports had decreased dramatically on the T-Mobile side of things, roughly 90 minutes after users started reporting the outage. According to DownDetector, at its peak, the outage was at its most potent in places like Chicago and Atlanta. Strangely, both T-Mobile and Mint had big outages specifically in Utah.

As of 3:50 p.m. ET, the reports are continuing to decline. This parabolic drop reveals that reports are still coming in, but they’re not as frequent as they were earlier in the day.

T-Mobile outage graph within last 24 hours Credit: DownDetector

You can call yourself the "un-carrier," but blackouts come for us all eventually.

This story is developing ...

Apple Intelligence has officially launched with the latest updates for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. While the AI-powered features on iPhone with the iOS 18 update is getting the most buzz because — let's be real — new smartphone features are arguably one of the most impactful in our daily lives,

However, Apple Intelligence on Mac deserves some attention, too. With the macOS Sequoia 15.1 update, Macs with an M1 chip or higher got a bunch of AI-powered features you can try out today.

SEE ALSO: What is Apple Intelligence? Apple Intelligence on Mac: 5 features you can use now

Some of the flashier features won't be available until the macOS Sequoia 15.2 update or later, but here are meaningful updates worth looking into.

1. Writing Tools to clean up Notes (and Messages, Mail, and Pages)

If you're a Notes app devotee like me, you might find Writing Tools worth playing around with. With Apple Intelligence, you can proofread, rewrite, summarize, and organize text into lists and tables by clicking the Apple Intelligence icon in the toolbar at the top of the app.

How does Apple Intelligence do summarizing the Apple Intelligence announcement? Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Apple If you need a TL;DR for a big block of text, Apple Intelligence is your friend. Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Apple

This is helpful for organizing a haphazard to-do list or reworking the draft of a message or email. Speaking of texts and emails, you can also use Writing Tools in Messages, Mail, and Pages for editing documents.

2. Transcribe audio in the Notes app 

Another useful Notes feature with Apple Intelligence is automated audio transcriptions. You do this by importing an audio file or recording directly within Notes. Note: if you import the file, I've found that you have to play the file in order to get the transcription, so it's best used for recording directly. Once you have your recording, you can tap the Apple Intelligence icon to summarize the text.

The Notes can automatically transcribe audio and give you a summary of the transcript. Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Apple 3. Siri on Mac is marginally better

The big announcement with the Apple Intelligence launch is a new-and-improved Siri. Poor Siri languished for years without much attention, making it the subject of ridicule for not being very useful. But with a generative AI boost, Apple says Siri will be more conversational, intelligent, and better able to understand context. Unfortunately, Siri on macOS Sequoia 15.1 is only marginally improved.

The latest update shows a new interface with the Apple Intelligence icon in the Menu bar, which invokes Siri. You can type with Siri or use audio. Siri is slightly better with surfacing information and is more responsive to changes as you type. It can answer basic questions like "what to make for a dinner party for eight people" by providing web search results.

But some users have noted that it fails at more complex tasks like briefing a person on their daily schedule.

Reddit

But we weren't expecting any mind-blowing improvements to Siri just yet. Major Siri updates aren't slated until sometime next year.

4. Clean Up tool in Photos to remove unwanted objects 

Removing unwanted objects in photos has been around for a while as a feature for Google devices and apps, but Apple finally launched this for the Photos app with the Clean Up tool.

The Clean Up tool in Photos removes unwanted objects... Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Apple ... but it sometimes leaves weird shadows and artifacts behind. Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Apple

You can access this by opening edit mode on a photo and choosing Clean Up from the options above the photo. From here you can click, circle, or brush over the object you want to remove and within a few seconds, it's gone. This is a useful tool, but be warned, it sometimes leaves weird shadows or artifacts. You can brush over the area with the Clean Up tool to fix it, but hopefully this is something that will be improved with future updates.

5. Email summaries in Mail

For Mail users, Apple Intelligence can help you parse through your inbox by providing brief summaries of what each email is about without having to click on it.

My inbox doesn't currently contain the most exciting batch up emails, but it helps to see which emails are worth reading versus ignoring. Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Apple

Enabling Show Priority in the View menu allows Apple Intelligence to highlight emails it deems important, providing a quick one-liner summary of each. Admittedly, I'm not a big Mail user, but could see this as a useful tool for working your way through your inbox.

A supersmart musical about making a connection arrives on Broadway in a joyful, heartbreaking, cutting-edge production.

"Nutcrackers," starring Ben Stiller and Linda Cardellini, hits Hulu Nov. 29.

Every day, tech and fast food push us into stranger territory. Pizza Hut’s latest creation — the PIZZAWRMR — might just be the most absurd yet.

The PIZZAWRMR is a 3D-printed add-on that harnesses the heat exhaust of Sony’s PlayStation 5 to keep your pizza and cheese sticks warm. Yes, really.

SEE ALSO: There's a new Deadpool Xbox controller — and it has butt cheeks

This is not a retail product; you won’t find it in stores. Instead, the blueprints for this novelty contraption are available on Pizza Hut Canada's website, where pizza and gaming enthusiasts can download the specs and print their own.

View this post on Instagram

The PIZZAWRMR works by covering the PS5's vent, which, on an already notoriously heat-sensitive console, only amps up the risk of overheating. It’s clear that the PIZZAWRMR is riffing off the PS5’s reputation for running hot, but let’s face it — this design seems like a serious oversight.

Pizza Hut isn’t the first food brand to try some weird marketing in the video game space to go viral. There’s the infamous KFConsole — KFC’s custom gaming PC with a built-in “Chicken Chamber” to keep fried chicken warm using the heat from its components. Or, if you go back a little further, the Coca-Cola Game Gear: a limited edition Sega handheld console from the ‘90s bundled with Coca-Cola Kid, a platformer featuring the brand’s Japanese mascot.

Best early Black Friday keyboard deals Best keyboard deal Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk Kit $149.99 (save $30) Get Deal Best gaming keyboard deal SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gaming Keyboard $139.99 (save $40) Get Deal

Black Friday is one of the best, if not the best, times to pick up some new tech at a deep discount (rivaled only by shopping events like Amazon Prime Day). Whether you need a new laptop, TV, or gaming console, you're bound to find a great deal during the holiday shopping season. That also includes keyboards.

If your laptop or daily driver keyboard is no longer cutting it for you and you're looking to add a new one to your tech lineup, now is a good time to do it, because the early Black Friday keyboard deals are actually pretty sweet. Check out our top picks — just be sure to keep checking in, because we'll be updating this page with new discounts as they pop up.

SEE ALSO: The best early gaming laptop deals you can snag ahead of Black Friday 2024 Best keyboard deal Opens in a new window Credit: Logitech Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk Kit $149.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If your laptop's keyboard isn't doing it for you anymore, the Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk Kit is the answer to your problems (we absolutely love it.) The kit comes with a laptop stand, wireless keyboard, and wireless mouse pad that'll serve as a serious upgrade to your work-from-home or coffee shop setup. Ahead of Black Friday, you can grab one of your own for $149.99, which is $30 off the original price. Don't miss this one.

Best gaming keyboard deal Opens in a new window Credit: SteelSeries SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gaming Keyboard $139.99 at Best Buy
$179.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Gaming keyboards are awesome, but they can take up a lot of real estate on your desk. The Apex Pro Mini gaming keyboard is a fantastic compromise, featuring a smaller profile without sacrificing important functions like RGB customization, macro assignments, low latency, and more. It's one of our favorite gaming keyboards, and it's on sale for $40 off in the weeks leading up to Black Friday. If you want a top-tier mini gaming keyboard, look no further.

More early Black Friday keyboard deals

• Logitech MK235 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo — $19.99 $24.99 (save $5)

• Amazon Basics Rechargeable Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo — $27.09 $33.99 (save $6.90)

• Lenovo Legion K310 RGB Wired Gaming Keyboard — $34.30 $49.99 (save $15.69)

• Logitech G213 Prodigy Gaming Keyboard — $39.99 $69.99 (save $30)

• Logitech MK470 Slim Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)

• Logitech Signature K650 Wireless Keyboard — $43.99 $49.99 (save $6)

• Logitech Pebble 2 Combo — $49.99 $59.99 (save $10)

• Logitech G413 SE Full-Size Mechanical Gaming Keyboard — $59.95 $79.99 (save $20.04)

• Logitech G PRO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard — $64.59 $129.99 (save $65.40)

• Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT Gaming Keyboard — $69.99 $79.99 (save $10)

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

• Razer Huntsman Mini Gaming Keyboard — $85.38 $129.99 (save $44.61)

• Razer BlackWidow V3 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard — $99.99 $139.99 (save $40)

• Corsair K70 RGB PRO Mechanical Wired Gaming Keyboard — $129.99 $169.99 (save $40)

• Logitech G713 Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard — $132.99 $169.99 (save $37)

• Logitech MX Mechanical Wireless Illuminated Performance Keyboard — $146.67 $169.99 (save $23.32)

• Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless Gaming Keyboard — $159.99 $179.99 (save $20)

• Razer Huntsman V2 Gaming Keyboard — $159.99 $199.99 (save $40)

• SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gaming Keyboard — $165.86 $189.99 (save $24.13)

SAVE UP TO $40: Govee lights are on sale during Walmart's Black Friday sale, including the Govee 50-foot Smart RGBIC Permanent Outdoor Lights for $138 and the Govee DreamView G1S Pro Gaming Lights for $129.99.

Best Govee light deals at Walmart Best outdoor deal Govee 50-foot Smart RGBIC Permanent Outdoor Lights $138 at Walmart (save $21.99) Get Deal Best gaming-setup deal Govee DreamView G1S Pro Gaming Lights $129.99 at Walmart (save $40) Get Deal Best desk lights Govee 6.56-foot RGBIC LED Neon Rope Lights $53.00 at Walmart (save $6) Get Deal

Winter holidays are almost here, and if you're feeling festive, nothing celebrates the season better than some bright lights. We've come a long way from the same-old teardrop-shaped lights and icicle strands. Today, smart lights that you can control from your phone are some of the best options, since they include customizable options, and one of the leading brands for these lights is Govee.

As part of Walmart's Black Friday sale, Govee lights are up to $40 off as of Nov. 12, including models that are ready for your outdoor holiday display. Here are some of our top picks included in the sale:

Best outdoor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Govee Govee 50-foot Smart RGBIC Permanent Outdoor Lights $138.00 at Walmart
$159.99 Save $21.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Let's be honest: the worst part of holiday lights is getting them up on the house. That's just one of the benefits of the Govee Smart RGBIC Permanent Outdoor Lights; once you get them up, you won't need to take them down. They're prepared for harsh outdoor weather with waterproofing and an anti-UV material. That means you can keep them up year-round and choose colors according to the season.

Each light on the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights measures 26 bright lumens. With the Govee Home app, you can choose between 75 scene modes or select your own color from 16 million options.

Govee mentions you can expect to get up to 50,000 hours of operation with this 50-foot light strand.

Best gaming-setup deal Opens in a new window Credit: Govee Govee DreamView G1S Pro Gaming Lights $129.99 at Walmart
$169.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Why settle for a typical gaming experience? Up the enjoyment with the Govee DreamView G1S Pro Gaming Lights. Thanks to the already-live Black Friday sale at Walmart, the lights are just $129.99, or $40 off.

Picking up audio from either your speakers or headphones, the DreamView gaming lights give you an immersive experience by altering the color to match your gaming. A strip of neon lights attaches to the back of your monitor, lighting up the room while you game. With the Govee Home app, you can opt for one of the 42 scene modes created by a professional light designer. Or, customize your own setup.

Best desk lights deal Opens in a new window Credit: Govee Govee 6.56ft RGBIC LED Neon Rope Lights $53.00 at Walmart
$59.00 Save $6.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Add some colorful enjoyment to your desk with the 6.56 foot-strand of Govee RGBIC LED Neon Rope Lights. Designed to attach to the perimeter of your desk with adhesive backing, the neon rope lights use back-facing LED bulbs, which means you'll get a glare-free experience. The rope measures 6.56 feet, but you can adjust that to match your desk by cutting the rope at any of the 12 specified points.

While the Govee Rope Lights are advertised as great for your desk, they can go anywhere you want — including your entryway table, crafting room, or garage gym — to brighten up your experience.

Check out the best early Black Friday headphone deals at Walmart:

Walmart's best early Black Friday headphone deals Best headphones deal overall Beats Solo3 $69 (Save $61) Get Deal Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods (3rd gen) $94 (Save $75) Get Deal Best battery headphones deal Skullcandy Crusher ANC XT 2 $99 (Save $100) Get Deal Best budget headphones deal JBL Tune 510BT $34.99 (Save $14.01) Get Deal

Traveling with quality headphones is always going to make your trip better. Whether you’re bumping a new mix or finally cracking open your latest Kindle book, headphones are your best friend on the go. With noise-cancelling headphones you can have access to good sound no matter what you’re doing: training for a marathon, gaming on a laptop, or taking off on a 747. 

Black Friday is almost here, and Walmart is getting started with an early sale on headphones. Right now, you can nab headphones like the noise-cancelling Skullcandy Crusher for up to 50% off.

Here are our favorite Walmart headphone deals as of Nov. 12:

Best headphones deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Solo3 $69.00 at Walmart
$130.00 Save $61.00 Get Deal
Why we like it

Beats headphones (owned by Apple) pump out some marvelous sound. Beats Solo3 have active noise cancellation, plus the attention to detail you expect from Apple products.

With up to 40 hours of playback on a full charge, these headphones are designed to go all day. When they do run out of batteries, their Fast Fuel quick charge gives you a few hours of playback from just minutes of charging. Plus, they easily connect with Bluetooth for great sound on the go. 

These on-ear headphones sit comfortably on your head, cupping your ears. Touch controls on the side make it simple to pause music or take a call. 

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods (3rd gen) $94.00 at Walmart
$169.00 Save $75.00 Get Deal Why we like it

An amazing convergence of portability and hi-fi audio, Apple AirPods 3 are the pick for a truly on-the-go lifestyle. Comfortable, sweat-resistant enough to wear on your daily run, and responsive enough to play a podcast on a crowded subway car, these excel at versatility. Take calls or adjust volume with the force sensor, and when your earbuds’ charge is up (you get about six listening hours on one charge), top them off in the included case.

This model doesn't include ANC, but AirPods for under $100 sweetens the deal.

Best battery headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Skullcandy Skullcandy Crusher ANC XT 2 $99.00 at Walmart
$199.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal
Why we like it

The Skullcandy Crusher ANC XT 2 over-ear headphones are built for people who want to be able to customize their sound. Adjustable bass is controlled with a dial right on the side of the can. 

The Skullcandy Crushers feature four mics for active noise-cancellation, as well as a Stay-Aware mode that helps you hear what's going on around you. The real kicker for us? These headphones have 50 hours of battery life and a fast charge for when you do need to plug them in.

Best budget headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Tune 510BT $34.99 at Walmart
$49.00 Save $14.01 Get Deal Why we like it

These value JBL headphones still connect wirelessly and hold a charge up to 40 hours. With sound controls on the ear cup, the JBL Tune 510BT headphones are simple to tweak and tune to your preference. Take calls, or hit the function button to activate your device's virtual assistant and command it vocally. 

If you’re looking for solid wireless sound in the sub-$50 category, these are the ones. 

Best Bluetooth speaker deals ahead of Black Friday Best overall Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $79.99 (Save $20) Get Deal Best budget option Anker Soundcore Motion 300 $59.99 (Save $20 with on-page coupon) Get Deal Best bigger Bluetooth speaker deal Sony XG300 $199.99 (Save $150) Get Deal

The Black Friday shopping season has officially begun, and the deals we're seeing on Bluetooth speakers are starting to reflect that.

Though it may not be the best time of year to take a Bluetooth speaker poolside, it's always great to think ahead and save some money. Plus, having a quality speaker is never a bad idea if you're planning on hosting any holiday parties.

SEE ALSO: When do Black Friday sales start? Early holiday deals are already here.

So far, savings have cropped up the most at Amazon and Best Buy, bringing deals on speakers from Ultimate Ears, JBL, Beats, and Sony. It's a pretty solid roundup (nearly all of our favorite speaker brands are represented), but as Black Friday proper — Nov. 29 — draws nearer, we'll be updating this list with any new deals that crop up.

Best Bluetooth speaker deal ahead of Black Friday Opens in a new window Credit: Ultimate Ears Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $79.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 is the best speaker we've tested under $100: it doesn't take up much space, has 14 hours of battery life, gets as loud as a larger speaker without losing much clarity, and can be taken on the go to pretty much any situation thanks to its IP67 rating. While it drops to $79.99 throughout the year, its still a fantastic deal for a speaker that we think is well worth it at full price, and at the time of writing, each of the four colorways is available on sale.

If you're in the market for a new Bluetooth speaker, one of the only reasons we'd say to pass on this one is if you already own the Wonderboom 3 (it's incredibly similar) and want to pair up with another Wonderboom speaker to use stereo mode (none of the UE speakers are backwards compatible for stereo mode).

More Bluetooth speaker deals

• Anker Soundcore 2 — $29.99 $39.99 (save $10 with on-page coupon)

• Sony XB13 — $38 $59.99 (save $21.99)

• Anker Soundcore Motion 300 — $59.99 $79.99 (save $20 with on-page coupon)

• Sony ULT Field 1 — $98 $129.99 (save $31.99)

• JBL Flip 6 (Martin Garrix colorway) — $99.99 $129.99 (save $30)

• Ultimate Ears Boom 4 — $122.25 $149.99 (save $27.74)

• Beats Pill — $129.95 $149.95 (save $20)

• Sony XG300 — $199.99 $349.99 (save $150)

• Ultimate Ears Epicboom — $299.99 $349.99 (save $50)

• Sony XV500 — $299.99 $399.99 (save $100)

Hot on the heels of launching new iPhones and MacBooks, Apple is reportedly brewing something entirely new in the kitchen.

In a post on Medium, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that the company is working on its first smart home camera.

SEE ALSO: Apple defended its oddly placed M4 Mac mini power button — here's my take as a new owner Apple smart home camera: Everything we know

According to Kuo, the rumored Apple smart home camera will launch in 2026.

Kuo also made two other predictions about the device that aren’t particularly surprising. One is that Apple intends for this camera to interface with other Apple products via wireless connection — a standard feature for all smart home tech in 2024. The other is that it will have Siri and Apple Intelligence features, but Kuo didn't say what those might be.

Beyond that, all we can do is speculate. It’s unclear what form this camera will take or what its intended purpose might be. Is it a doorbell security camera like Ring, or something a little less reminiscent of a surveillance state? In 2026, we will hopefully find out.

SAVE $35.04: As of Nov. 12, get the JBL Clip 4 for $39.95 at Walmart, down from its usual price of $74.99. That's a discount of 49%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart JBL Clip 4 $39.95 at Walmart
$74.99 Save $35.04 Get Deal

If you're the type of person who likes to take your music with you on the go, a great portable speaker is a must. While summer days are long gone by now, fall is still a great time to head out on a walk and enjoy the crisp, cool weather while enjoying tunes or a good podcast. And if you're having family or friends over during the holidays, you can play some music to improve the ambiance, too. Right now, you can score a great deal on a speaker that's not only perfect to carry around wherever you go, but it's up for an excellent price as well.

As of Nov. 12, you can get the JBL Clip 4 portable speaker for $39.95. That's $35.04 off its original price of $74.99 and a discount of 49%. This price currently applies to all of the colorways available, except for White. It's also on sale, but you'll have to pony up $43.98 for that model instead if you want it.

The JBL Clip 4 is a literal clip – it looks like a carabiner – and you can add it to your bag, purse, belt loop, or whatever you travel with. It's lightweight, rugged, and a self-contained speaker that has no moving parts to have to worry about losing. You can choose your favorite hue, clip it on your stuff, and go, all while listening to songs, podcasts, or whatever comes to mind. It also happens to be one of our favorite portable speakers of 2024.

It may be small, but it's mighty. You get punchy, bass-laden sound and up to 10 hours of listening time with each charge, which is a surprising amount of power and quality for a speaker this size. It's up for grabs at a great price now ahead of Black Friday, so if you're planning on getting one, now's the time to snag yours.

It's pretty weird to live in a world in which there are sales on the price of not being bombarded with advertisements but, alas, here we are.

On Tuesday, Meta announced that it is reducing the price of a monthly subscription for its ad-free tier in the EU by 40 percent, from €9.99 to €5.99 on the web and from €12.99 to €7.99 on iOS and Android. Each additional Facebook or Instagram account will be charged €4 on the web and €5 on iOS and Android.

SEE ALSO: I tried out Facebook's ad-free tier. Here's what it's like.

The company also announced that it would "offer people in the EU an additional new choice to use Facebook and Instagram for free with less personalized ads."

Meta adds that it will use "significantly less data to show ads," which means the ads will likely be less relevant to someone's interests. The company notes that it's offering this option despite studies showing that "people and businesses prefer personalized ads." Personalized ads, the company notes, "will always be the cornerstone of a free and inclusive internet."

SEE ALSO: Meta allegedly considering ad-free, paid version of its EU apps

"Over the coming weeks, people in the EU who choose to use Facebook and Instagram for free with ads will be able to choose to see 'less personalized ads,'" Meta said in a blog post. "This less personalized ads option relies on less data, so we’ll show ads based only on context – what a person sees in a particular session on Facebook and Instagram – and a minimal set of data points including a person’s age, location, gender, and how a person engages with ads."

This comes a year after Meta first announced it would be offering a monthly subscription fee to use Facebook and Instagram without any ads for users in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland.

SAVE $120: As of Nov. 12, get the Shark Clean and Empty Cordless Vacuum for $199 at Walmart, down from its usual price of $319. That's a discount of 37%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart Shark Clean and Empty Cordless Vacuum $199.00 at Walmart
$319.00 Save $120.00 Get Deal

Having trouble keeping up with all the dirt and debris in your home? That's understandable, especially if you have kids or pets. Make sure you have a reliable tool to help you handle all that mess, like a good cordless vacuum. If you're looking for one right now, it would be a good idea to head over to Walmart to take advantage of this early Black Friday deal.

As of Nov. 12, you can get the Shark Clean & Empty Cordless Stick Vacuum for $199, down from its usual price of $319, at Walmart. That's $120 off, or a discount of 37%.

SEE ALSO: 4 best robot vacuums and mops to buy on Black Friday, tested

This cordless vacuum comes with its own base that automatically empties itself and charges up after each use. It's a svelte, lightweight cleaning apparatus that's tough on dirt and other messes (like pet hair), and it's 30% lighter than one of Shark's most lightweight vacuums, the Shark Vertex Pro. If you need it to be even more portable, you can remove the stick to turn it into a handheld vacuum for cleaning all over your home. It can even auto-adjust to multiple floor types, so you don't have to lift a finger.

It has 40 minutes of runtime, which should get you through most vacuuming sessions, and, when you're finished, all you have to do is return it to your base for an easy top-up and empty. You'll have to empty the base when it gets too full, but if one of your least favorite things is making sure your vacuum isn't too full of dirt to do its job, you'll love this Shark. Grab one now and tidy up before the holidays get here, and you'll be ready for all the parties and get-togethers.

Like any good story, BookTok itself is reaching what feels like a climax in its newest conflict. The once-unified community has become a battleground over politics and how it intersects with writers, influencers, readers, and the books themselves.

In a viral video that has since been taken down, TikTok creator @Kenzies, who deleted their account in the aftermath, said they wanted people to "do better" and "leave politics out of BookTok" because it is meant to be a "safe space." It might sound like they're encouraging people to separate the art from the artist, one side of a classic debate. But many creators don't see a way to critique and engage with books — the core use of BookTok — without acknowledging the politics of them. And this is all bubbling up to the surface while political book bans and accusations of anti-intellectualism further polarize the community.

Some of the most-viewed videos advocating for a "politics-free" BookTok tend to come from creators who have openly supported Donald Trump and say they've significant backlash. For instance, one creator, @jacobsreadingg, shared a video with over 200,000 views using an audio clip of an expletive-filled rant to express the intense reaction he allegedly received after disclosing his political stance.

SEE ALSO: Why does BookTok care about the NHL?

The comment section is understandably divided. The most-liked comment comes from a reader who typically reads fantasy, arguing that "most of the books I read are about people rebelling against the government or kingdom or some corrupted power," which is inherently political. But the second most-liked comment argues that the politicization of BookTok has made her feel unwelcome. There is no consensus.

These comments cut to the core of the debate on BookTok: Can someone support President-elect Donald Trump while claiming their political views don’t influence their reading choices or are reading and politics inherently linked? For New York Times bestselling author Victoria Aveyard, the answer is simple.

"If you're gonna hold up that argument of 'let's keep politics out of BookTok' but then also not allow people to talk about the politics of those said books, not to actually critically engage in the books, then I'm not quite sure what we can use BookTok for at all," Aveyard said in a TikTok video. "I don't know how we're having any kind of disagreement over whether or not books are political because...no piece of art, no book, is written in a vacuum because no artist, no writer, no person exists in a vacuum. We are all products of our upbringing, of our environment, of our context, of our awareness, and of our perspective."

The political tensions on BookTok aren't new. TikTok creator Raghad (@finepressedition) highlighted that discussions around "anti-intellectualism" began surfacing in the community about two years ago. The debate centered on whether readers who approach books purely for enjoyment, without critical analysis, promote anti-intellectualism. But, as Aveyard points out, there are complexities to this argument.

"Even if you're someone who admittedly or proudly says, 'My books are no thoughts, just vibes,' I hate to tell you this, that is still a thought," Aveyard explained on TikTok. "You are still having thoughts even when you are writing 'no thoughts, just vibes.' Everything is a choice, everything is a product of your perspective, everything is a part of something you want to say, whether you think it is or not… You cannot have a piece of art that is divorced from the environment in which it was created." Aveyard argues that discussing politics on BookTok should be a given because it's inherently tied to the craft of writing and how one’s perspective shapes one's work.

Additionally, the right to read is under attack. BookTok is, at its core, a celebration of the consumption of books — and any conversation about consumption needs to include an interrogation of access. Financially, books can be a hefty expense, and libraries make them far more equitable — but libraries are facing stark funding cuts across the country. Multiple states have legislation that allows librarians and library workers to be prosecuted, and, according to EveryLibrary, 73 individual libraries were on the ballot in 2024. Many people literally voted on books this year.

Book bans are a political reality, and voting — or political engagement — is one way to combat them. While the conservative party attempts book banning more often than the democratic party, neither is innocent of attempts. According to PEN American and the ALA, conservative groups tend to target books written by or about people of color and LGBTQ people, such as The Hate U Give, The Bluest Eye, Gender Queer, and All Boys Aren't Blue. Liberal groups tend to target books with racist themes, like Of Mice and Men and some Dr. Seuss titles that use racist imagery and language.

"We’re seeing organized political attacks on our libraries and on our school libraries, intending to limit books to what is politically approved, morally approved, that fits the narrow agenda of the groups that are bringing these challenges," the director of ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom Deborah Caldwell-Stone told MSNBC in 2023. 

It is important to note that even though both parties seek to ban books in some way, the number of books liberals want to ban is dwarfed by the huge swath of books conservatives look to ban.

Ultimately, the rift on BookTok seems to be shrinking an already niche community into even smaller factions.

People who view books as inherently political have divided into distinct groups: one for Trump supporters, another for those who favor Democratic figures like Vice President Kamala Harris, and perhaps a third for those who choose not to vote at all. Meanwhile, creators who believed that books and politics could be kept separate carved out their own space. This fracturing of BookTok mirrors the world outside — highlighting the polarization and lack of curiosity that often defines today’s discourse. The result has been a wave of blocking and unfollowing, dubbed by some as an "unfollow party," leaving others saddened by the loss of community and not leaving anyone particularly thrilled.

"Y'all asked for BookTok not to be a place that is political," Mrs. Yang (@them_yangs) said in a TikTok with nearly 700,000 views. "And people honored your boundary and blocked you so you would no longer see them on your feed, and now you are crashing out because strangers on the internet don't want to be friends with you. OK, beloved."

The conversations among writers, editors, readers, and BookTok influencers echo broader societal divides — between those who feel they can compartmentalize politics from other aspects of life and those who argue that even seemingly apolitical choices, like the books we read or how we discuss them, carry ideological implications. Is it possible to create a space for book lovers if political issues are excluded? Or is the concept inherently flawed since art, literature, and community are inseparably intertwined with politics?

Creators and audiences are left to grapple with whether a space for "just books" can ever really exist — or if that very goal undermines what makes literature powerful and unifying in the first place.

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Nov. 12: OUR TOP PICK Apple AirTags (4-pack) $69.99 (save $29.01) Get Deal BEST PHONE DEAL Google Pixel 9 (Unlocked, 256GB) $549 (save $250) Get Deal BEST TV DEAL Amazon 4-inch 2-Series Fire TV $149.99 (save $100) Get Deal BEST SMARTWATCH DEAL Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm, WiFi) $279.99 (save $70) Get Deal

Only two and a half weeks separate us from Black Friday, but deals have steadily been streaming in for days already (weeks, even!). If you're looking to start your shopping while saving some money, Amazon has early holiday deals on major brands like Apple and Google worth grabbing. We've rounded up a few of our favorites on Nov. 12 to help you out.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If you don't see anything that sparks your interest, check back tomorrow for all new picks.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTags (4-pack) $69.99 at Amazon
$99.00 Save $29.01 Get Deal

AirTags are a must for iPhone users who travel a lot. As long as there's an Apple device with Find My nearby, you'll be able to keep track of whatever you put your AirTag on — suitcase, keys, purse, guitar case, backpack, etc. You'll be able to see where you are in proximity to your stuff with an accuracy of just a few feet. Typically, a single AirTag costs $29, which would add up to $116 if you bought four separately. With this four-pack deal, however, you'll pay just $69.99 at Amazon. That's 29% in savings, the lowest price we've ever seen, and gets you more than one and a half for free.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 9 (Unlocked, 256GB) $549.00 at Amazon
$899.00 Save $350.00 Get Deal

The Google Pixel 9 dropped back in August at the Made by Google 2024 event, alongside the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. Mashable tech editor Kim Gedeon had some hands-on time with the phone and wrote: "Overall, this year's Pixel 9 series proves that Google is serious about competing against the major players in the mobile industry — and this bold move will challenge Samsung and Apple's dominance like never before." And when tech reporter Alex Perry fully tested it, he added that while the AI features are getting out of hand, it still has a fantastic battery life, high-quality cameras, and adequate performance. If you're a Pixel fan, you won't be disappointed. Snag an unlocked Pixel 9 with 256GB at Amazon for only $549 as of Nov. 12. That's 39% in savings. Right now, this deal is only available in pink for the 256GB version of the phone.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon 40-inch 2-Series Fire TV $149.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

It may not be the fanciest TV on the market, but Amazon's 2-Series Fire TV is still a fine choice for anyone seeking a no-frills smart TV on a budget. As of Nov. 12, the 40-inch model is on sale for only $149.99. That's 40% in savings and matches its lowest price on record. While it doesn't support 4K resolution (check out the 4-Series or Omni Series for that feature), it does offer all the smart capabilities from the Fire TV experience, hands-free control through on on-board Alexa, and support for HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Audio.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm, WiFi) $279.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal

Also released at the Made by Google event in August, the Google Pixel Watch 3 introduced lots of new features. Some of those include more accurate heart rate tracking, advanced running features, loss of pulse detection, a brighter display with smaller bezels (more screen real estate), and two different size display options. As of Nov. 12, the 41mm option with WiFi only is down to just $279.99 at Amazon. That's 20% in savings and the lowest price we've seen since its release.

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

Netflix's new Biblical epic is on the way, with a trailer for "Mary" landing today. Watch.