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M5 Pro MacBook Pro (14-inch)

M5 MacBook Pro

If you're looking for a more "premium" MacBook without spending upwards of than $2,000, the M5 MacBook Pro might be the move. It uses the same M5 chip as the MacBook Air, but comes with the hardware perks of the Pro line, including a 14.2-inch mini-LED display, built-in fans, an HDMI port, and an SD card reader. It offers the best of both MacBook worlds, but at a better price than the Pros: Right now, Amazon will sell you one with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage for $1,839, $160 off the retail price of $1,999.

M5 MacBook Pro (14-inch)

$1,599.00 at Best Buy

M5 Pro MacBook Pro

If you need more power, you'll find decent deals on Apple's Pro MacBooks as well. The cheapest option right now is the M5 Pro with 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, which Amazon currently sells for $2,351.99, but multiple M5 Pro models have been discounted. That includes the upgraded M5 Pro with an 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU, which Amazon is selling for $2,699, or $500 off its retail price. If you're looking for a larger display, the 16-inch model is currently $2,816, or $183 off, while the upgraded model with 48GB of RAM, an 18-core CPU, and a 20-core GPU is $232 off at $3,367.

$2,351.99 at Amazon

$2,499.00 Save $147.01

$2,351.99 at Amazon

$2,499.00 Save $147.01

M5 Max MacBook Pro

If you want the best Apple has to offer, there's M5 Max. These laptops are anything but cheap, even with their pre-October Prime Day discounts, but if you're already looking at these models, any deal will be appreciated. This 14-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro, with 36GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, is 15% off at $3,499, down $600. That's the best deal in this category. Looking at the larger models, this 16-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro is $4,117, down $282, for 36GB of RAM and 2TB of storage. If you upgrade to the 48GB RAM model, which adds two extra GPU cores to the mix, you'll spend $4,499, $500 off the list price.

M5 Max MacBook Pro (14-inch)

$3,499.00 at Amazon

$3,499.00 at Amazon

Dell 15.6-inch Touchscreen Laptop

Dell 15.6-inch Touchscreen Laptop

If you need a Windows laptop with a large screen that can churn through basic tasks like email, web browsing, and office work, this option from Dell might be worth your time. This machine comes with a 15.6-inch 1080p display with 8GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and an Intel 13th Generation Core i5 chip. Its retail price of $849.99 is a bit steep for what you get, but right now, Best Buy has the laptop $370 off. For $479.99, this is a great choice for most computing needs—though if you know you'll have more demanding work, this likely isn't the machine for you.

Gigabyte Gaming A18

This gaming laptop from Gigabyte is a great pickup. In fact, it's PCMag's choice for the best midrange gaming laptop of 2026. The outlet praises the performance you get for the money, especially with an 18-inch display at 165Hz. It even ekes out some solid battery life, though you typically get the most out of a gaming laptop when it's plugged into power. While this Gigabyte laptop retails for $1,999.99, Amazon currently has it for $150 off that price.

Gigabyte Gaming A18

$1,836.99 at Amazon

$2,099.99 Save $263.00

$1,836.99 at Amazon

$2,099.99 Save $263.00

Acer Swift Go 16 AI

The Acer Swift Go 16 AI has a mouthful of a name, but that doesn't mean it's not a great laptop. This is Wirecutter's favorite big Windows laptop, with a sharp 16-inch 1200p OLED touchscreen display, an Intel Core Ultra 5 Series 3 2026 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. This machine typically retails for a solid $999.99, but Best Buy currently has it $300 off. If you need a larger Windows laptop with more power than the Dell listed above, this is a great choice for $699.99.

Acer Swift Go 16 AI

$999.99 at Best Buy

October Prime Day FAQ

When is Prime Day in October?

Amazon Prime Day is an annual event held in June or July. Amazon's October Prime Day event, known as Prime Big Deal Days, is a two-day sale that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.

What goes on sale during October Prime Day?

Since Prime Big Deal Days happens in the fall, you're likely to see more deals on gaming and indoor gym equipment. Amazon has already announced some of the 35 categories that will be on sale, including beauty, tech, kitchen, fashion, and home. Some brands Amazon has already mentioned are: Shark, Princess Polly, Soundcore by Anker, UGG, Nest New York, Sony, Tarte, Adidas, and Barefoot Dreams.

Is Prime Day once a year?

Prime Day happens every summer. Prime Big Deal Days (or October Prime Day) happens every October. Amazon's Big Spring Sale happens every spring.

Best Prime Day Laptop Deals

Asus Vivobook S16 Ryzen AI 7 1TB SSD 16GB RAM 16" Laptop — $879.99 (List Price $1,095.14)

ASUS Vivobook Go Ryzen 5 7520 15" 1080p Laptop (8GB/512GB) — (List Price $445.00)

Microsoft Surface Snapdragon X Plus 256GB SSD 16GB RAM 13" Touch Laptop — $695.00 (List Price $899.99)

Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 Intel Ultra 7 1TB SSD 16GB RAM 16" 3K AMOLED 2-in-1 Laptop — $1,199.99 (List Price $1,999.99)

MSI Katana A15 AI Ryzen 9 RTX 4070 1TB SSD 32GB RAM 15.6" Laptop — $1,546.42 (List Price $1,699.99)

HP OmniBook 5 Snapdragon X Plus 512GB SSD 16GB RAM 16" 2K Touch Laptop — $799.00 (List Price $799.00)

Asus TUF Gaming A15 Ryzen 5 RTX 3050 512GB SSD 16GB RAM 15.6" Laptop — $829.00 (List Price $999.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

10 Apple 'Photos' Hacks Every iPhone User Should Know

Khamosh Pathak — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 20:30:00 +0000

Apple's Photos app is more than a simple camera roll that eats up all your iCloud storage space. Contrary to popular belief, you can customize the app to make it easier to find the pictures and videos you're looking for, while hidden features help you clean up your storage and keep your media collection organized. If you have an iPhone, these 10 hacks are a must.

Use Reorder to customize what’s shown in the Collections screen

Credit: Khamosh Pathak

The Collections tab in the Photos app arranges itself automatically, showing you suggested photos, memories, and highlight reels at the top. Unfortunately, the way Apple orders things is a bit of a mess. The thing is, Photos has plenty of useful categories and shortcuts for accessing media quickly, such as for screenshots, custom albums, and utilities like Hidden Folder. As such, you should reorder the Collections tab to make it work better for you. Tap the Menu button at the top of the Collections tab and choose Reorder. My advice is to bring the Utilities and Media Types collections to the top, as they serve as useful shortcuts.

Use "Captured By Me" to hide screenshots and saved photos

If you're like me, your camera roll is filled with too many screenshots, saved photos, memes, GIFs, and videos. They all have their place, but the clutter gets in the way when you want to see or show photos you’ve actually clicked with your iPhone’s camera. As it happens, iOS 27 adds a new feature called "Captured By Me" that only filters photos and videos you’ve shot yourself. If you go to the Collections tab, you’ll find a new Captured By Me section in Utilities. You can also activate this when browsing photos in Library using the Filter button.

Hide photos of an ex from showing up in Memories

Credit: Khamosh Pathak

Apple’s Photos suggestions are so good, I let the app handle the images that show up on my iPhone and Apple Watch's wallpaper, along with a widget on my iPhone's Home Screen. But suggestions are only as good as your curation. The last thing you want is to see a photo of your ex (or an ex-friend) when you’re trying to get through emails in the morning. If you don’t want to see a person too often, open their photo, tap the Menu button and choose Don’t Feature a Person. You have two choices here. You can either choose Feature This Person Less or Never Feature This Person. The latter option, of course, is best for exes, while the former works better for anyone you don't want to cut out entirely, but would like to see a little bit less of.

Hide the Hidden folder to truly protect your sensitive photos

Credit: Khamosh Pathak

The Photos app's Hidden folder is an excellent tool for locking away pictures and videos from your main library. The issue is, the folder might still be accessable by anyone who gets their hands on your iPhone. As such, make sure to lock the Hidden folder behind a Face ID lock to truly protect your sensitive pics. To do so, go to Settings > Apps > Photos > Albums and enable Face ID to automatically enable the hidden folder lock.

Make sure to completely delete photos from the Trash

Deleted photos aren’t actually deleted—at least, not right away. Apple actually stores deleted photos for 30 days, helpful when you accidentally delete a photo or have second-thoughts, but it’s a double-edged sword. Someone in the know could snoop through your deleted album and retrieve images you assumed were gone forever. These photos and videos are also taking up storage you likely assumed you got back by "deleting" them. As such, make sure to empty the Trash as well. Go to Photos > Utilities > Recently Deleted and tap the Delete All button.

Use the Identity Documents collection to quickly find photos of your IDs

While it’s not the most secure option, keeping some identification documents, passes, or tickets as photos can help in a pinch. It seems like Apple knows that this is a common use case. In iOS 27, if you go to the Collections tab, you’ll find a new Identity Documents section under the Utilities dropdown. When you open it, you’ll find an automatically curated grid of all the photos that contain IDs. If you like this feature, I highly recommend using the first hack in this list to reorder the Collections screen, putting the Identity Documents section right at the top.

Use this hidden feature to force Photos to sync immediately to iCloud

iCloud can be a huge help for managing your ever-growing Photos library. As long as you have available cloud storage, photos and videos are uploaded in the background automatically, and if you’re low on storage on your iPhone, "Optimize Storage" automatically offloads the files to the cloud.

Unfortunately, sometimes it doesn’t work when you really want to. Perhaps you want to add photos in a shared album, or you want to see photos on your Mac. But your iPhone is low on battery, or on a spotty connection, so the photos never seem to sync. Now, if you’re running iOS 27, you can use a hidden setting to force iCloud sync. Go to Settings > Photos > Sync Immediately and enable For Today.

Use Clean Up's "High-Quality" mode to remove objects from your photos

Credit: Khamosh Pathak

When it launched, Apple’s Clean Up tool left something to be desired. It would remove objects, but leave weird shadows or blobs behind. With the release of Apple’s new Siri AI, Clean Up gets a big upgrade—but only if you use Apple’s iCloud servers. (Apple says its service, Private Cloud Compute, secures your data.) As such, Clean Up is now a reliable option to quickly remove objects from your photos. Open an image, tap on Edit, choose the Tools option, and select the Clean Up tool. From the top, make sure to switch to the High-Quality option to use Apple’s servers. Highlight parts to remove, and tap Clean Up. If it’s a heavier edit, you might need to wait for a minute or two. In my experience, the result will be worth it.

Use "Paste Edits" to copy and paste edits from one photo to multiple photos

Credit: Khamosh Pathak

It can get tedious to apply the same edits across multiple photos. Luckily, you don't need to waste time fiddling with the same sliders on each image: Photos lets you copy all edits from one image and paste them to multiple photos. To do so, choose your edited photo or video, tap the Menu button, and choose Copy Edits. Then, review and disable any edits you don’t want, and choose Copy. Now, go back to your Library, tap Select, and choose all the photos or videos where you want to apply the same edit. Tap the Menu button and choose Paste Edits to add the same edit settings to all images.

Use Live Text to pull text from images

Credit: Apple

Apple’s Live Text feature turns any text digital. Snap a photo of a menu, and you can copy it. Scan a page, and you can paste it in Notes. But it’s not just limited to the camera or screenshots: It’s integrated directly into the Photos app as well, and arguably, it’s the easiest place to use this feature. When you are viewing an image with text in it, you will see the Live Text icon in the bottom right. Tap on it, and iOS will highlight the text in the image. You can tap and hold to take action on text, and you can easily copy things from here as well.

Why You Shouldn't Expect a Tiny Kindle Any Time Soon

Joel Cunningham — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:54:10 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

Earlier this week, I commented that the recent boom in tiny e-readers—I'm talking about those credit card-sized, Chinese-made e-ink devices that have become all the rage on BookTok and Reddit—was the most interesting thing to happen to e-readers in years. From the Xteink X4 Pro to the forthcoming Boox Picco, these wee little guys, which are small enough to slip into any pocket, have gathered a cult following of readers who prize ultra-portability above all else.

Today's announcement of a redesigned line of Kindles didn't do anything to change that opinion. Setting aside the additional reveal of long-requested accessories like a Bluetooth page-turn remote and a charging dock, these new Kindles mostly deliver the same familiar Amazon e-reader experience in a slightly more refined package. And if you were hoping Amazon might hop on the bandwagon with a tiny e-reader of its own—or even a phone-shaped e-reader like the Boox Palma— well, I wouldn't hold your breath.

Amazon Kindle 16GB

$149.99 at Amazon

Xteink X4 Pro 4.3-Inch Pocket E-Reader

$99.00 at Amazon

Yesterday, Amazon invited other journalists and me to the company's New York City headquarters to check out the new Kindles, and during our talk with Kevin Keith, vice president of the Kindle team, we asked him if the company has been monitoring the pocket e-reader trend, and if it would ever make a Kindle with a screen smaller than the standard six inches. His response didn't surprise me at all.

"Our answer to that is, I think [the basic Kindle]—when you're at 140 grams, and you're this lightweight, you can carry it almost anywhere. I carry these in my pocket. In your bag, you're not even going to know it's there," Keith said. "I think that's first and foremost what I'd say." That is, Amazon already thinks the six-inch device is plenty small enough for most readers, and as a company, Amazon is generally targeting most readers. The tiny e-reader audience is "a very vocal group of people," he added, "but I don't know how big that group of people is."

While it's monitoring the chatter around devices like the Palma or even smaller options like the X4 Pro, for Amazon, the existing entry-level Kindle is "a really good format," Keith said. "Getting to four or five inches, I think there's just a lot of compromises there that you have to make. The core answer is just making a better entry device."

Chris Green, Kindle's vice president of design, a veteran who has worked on every Kindle device save the first-generation model (which was released just as he joined the company), agreed, while leaving the door open just a crack wider: "I think they're fascinating," Green said of smaller alternative e-readers, while admitting they weren't for him (he prefers to read on a massive Kindle Scribe). "Are we going to do one? I don't know. Are we looking into them? Yes."

What does "looking into them" mean? Well, "we look into everything," he said, noting Amazon has previously investigated both foldable and rollable e-readers. "But those things are fascinating," he added. "I don't know if [they're] going to be successful, but [they're] definitely worth watching."

Amazon Prime Members Can Get Two Free E-Books in October

Daniel Oropeza — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:30:00 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

You can get thousands of free e-books over the course of 2026 if you know where—and when—to look. All year long, Amazon is offering free Kindle e-books to readers, with new opportunities popping up every month. In October, Prime members can get two free Kindle e-books from Amazon's First Reads program.

What is Amazon's First Reads program?

Amazon First Reads is a program aimed at Prime members that offers early access to new e-books across many genres, as curated by First Reads editors (one of many Prime Member benefits). Prime members can choose to download one free e-book every month from a rotating list—though some months that number is bumped up to two, usually with a free short novel—and non-members get them for a discounted price. These e-books can be read on any compatible Kindle device or via the free Kindle app.

Amazon Kindle (16 GB)

Lightest and most compact Kindle, now with faster page turns, and higher contrast ratio.

$149.99 at Amazon

How to get your free Amazon Kindle e-books in October

Go to the First Reads landing page to see the full list of e-books available this month. Once you find a book that seems interesting, click the "Shop Now" button from the First Reads landing page. Make sure you’re not being redirected to the Kindle or Amazon mobile application, because you won't see the free book option there; instead, use your internet browser on your phone or computer.

Make sure you’re not clicking the ”Pre-order for...” button, as that will direct you to pay; instead, click the “Read for Free” or the "Buy Now with 1-Click" button under the "First Reads" banner on the book's Amazon page (don't worry, you won't be charged). This will send the e-book directly to the Kindle linked to your Amazon account. You can see what it should look like from the screenshot below.

Credit: Daniel Oropeza

You’ll know you did it right when you see a “Thanks, [your name]!” order summary indicating the e-book is being auto-delivered to the Kindle Cloud Reader.

Free Amazon Kindle e-books available in October 2026

This month, you can choose one from 10 new Kindle e-books, including this month's short read. Amazon notes the genre for each of the books above the title, offering a quick way to narrow down your options. (If you hover over the "See Editor Notes" under the "Shop Now" button, you'll be able to read a short description from the First Reads editor who picked the book.)

Here are your options for October 2026. You can get two of these 10 e-books, including this month's short read, Warm Bodies:

Thriller Short Story by John Marrs

Warm Bodies

$1.99 at Amazon

Suspense by Debra Webb

The Woman I've Become

Historical Fiction by Weina Dai Randel

The Lost Kingdom of Daughters: A Novel

Romance by Melissa R. Collings (Author), Mindy Kaling (Introduction)

The Love Operation: A Novel

Crime Procedural by Andrew Mayne

The Session: A Thriller

Romantasy by Sariah Wilson

Thief of Hearts (The Heart of the Goddess Book 1)

Psychological Thriller by Lauren E. Rico

Book Club Fiction by Dani Cessna

Ghost Orchid: A Novel

Historical Fantasy by Nancy Kress

The Queen's Witch (The Tudor Witches Book 1)

Contemporary Romance by Ali Rosen

Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $234.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $427.00 (List Price $449.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

The Best Deals on Fitness Equipment From the October Prime Day Sale

Meredith Dietz — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:00:00 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Amazon's October Prime Day event is still a week away, but you need not wait to start taking advantage of deals on all your home gym needs. Below are my favorite fitness deals from Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale so far. I'll keep updating this article until the sales event officially ends on Oct. 7.

The best October Prime Day deals on cardio equipment

This Sunny Health treadmill is $569.86, normally $899.99. This treadmill comes fully assembled, goes up to 10 mph and a 15% incline, and folds up for storage.
This YOSUDA PRO magnetic exercise bike is $279.98, normally $329.99. With magnetic resistance, you can count on the bike to be quiet enough for a home gym setup.
This Merach walking pad is on sale for $296.99, down from $329.99. I've personally tested it, and I can attest it truly is quiet enough that it won't bother your neighbors (or in my case, a very sleepy roommate). Plus, the 12% incline should appeal to anyone looking to squeeze a high-incline walking workout into their workday.

Sunny Health & Fitness Foldable 15 Level Auto Incline Treadmill, 20" Wide Running Belt, Quiet Brushless, Digital Display, 300 LB Weight Capacity, SunnyFit App Bluetooth Connection- SF-T723030

The best October Prime Day deals on adjustable weights

These UNNMIIY adjustable dumbbells are $159.98 for the 90-pound set, normally $259.99. These can adjust from 2 to 45 pounds per dumbbell, and they have a 5-in-1 design so you can use them as dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, and even push-up stands.
These FEIERDUN adjustable dumbbells are $269.99 for the 110-pound set, normally $349.99. These have my favorite type of adjustment mechanism: a one-hand rotating dial.
This cast iron adjustable kettlebell is $47.99, normally $59.99. This kettlebell starts with a 15-pound weighted handle with four non-weighted removable spacer disks, a five-pound bottom plate, and a center pin to support additional weight plates up to 50 pounds.

UNNMIIY Adjustable Dumbbell set,20/30/45/70/90lbs Free Weight(90LBS)

The best October Prime Day deals on home gym staples

These resistance bands are $17.98, normally $24.99. A solid pair of resistance bands like these is the perfect addition to home gyms, travel workouts, or hotel rooms.
This 5-in-1 foam roller set is $32.99, normally $39.95. You'll get a muscle roller stick, foam roller, resistance band, massage ball, and storage bag.
This weight bench is $69.99, normally $89.99. If you've got dumbbells, a bench is a natural next step to level up your home gym.
This 12-pound weighted vest from Zelus is $36.99, normally $49.99. Other weights are available for various prices, most discounted.

October Prime Day FAQ

When is Prime Day in October?

Amazon Prime Day is an annual event held in June or July. Amazon's October Prime Day event, known as Prime Big Deal Days, is a two-day sale that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.

What goes on sale during October Prime Day?

Is Prime Day once a year?

Prime Day happens every summer. Prime Big Deal Days (or October Prime Day) happens every October. Amazon's Big Spring Sale happens every spring.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $234.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $427.00 (List Price $449.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

The Best Outdoor Home Maintenance Tools on Sale for October Prime Day

Jeff Somers — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 18:00:00 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

October Prime Day is just around the corner—it kicks off on Tuesday, Oct. 6—but early Prime Prime Day sales are already here, and it's time to get some outdoor power equipment. Mowing, weeding, cleaning, and trimming manually using old-timey tools might get the job done, but at the cost of your back and pretty much your entire weekend. Here are the October Prime Day deals that will let you outfit your shed or garage with everything you need.

This Greenworks 48V push lawn mower is 31% off

Lawns require a shocking amount of care if you want them to look like a sane, responsible person lives there, which makes a solid lawn mower an essential piece of outdoor equipment. The Greenworks 48V 20-inch model is incredibly quiet, so you won’t annoy the neighbors even if you like mowing in the morning before it gets hot, the dual batteries will get through moderately-sized yards on a single charge, and it starts with a push of a button. At 31% off, it’s a win-win—and if you have a smaller yard, you can spend even less on the 17-inch version, which is 32% off.

Greenworks 48V (2 x 24V) 20" Brushless Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower (LED Headlight), (2) 4.0Ah Batteries and Dual Port Rapid Charger Included (125+ Compatible Tools)

Greenworks 2 x 24V (48V) 17" Cordless Lawn Mower

This Greenworks electric leaf blower is 34% off right now

If you have even a single tree on (or near) your property, you’ve likely been amazed at the sheer volume of leaves it can leave on the ground. Even if you don’t like to bag and toss leaves, you probably need to clean them up a bit—and that’s where this Greenworks leaf blower comes in. At 34% off, it’s a bargain that offers comparable power to gas models (without the fumes) and can handle up to one acre of yard on a single charge.

Greenworks 80V 770 CFM Cordless Leaf Blower, 4.0Ah Battery and Rapid Charger

This power leaf blower/vacuum/mulcher is 27% off

Leaves make excellent mulch, and excellent mulch makes for excellent yards. This power leaf blower/vacuum/mulcher from Dumos is a terrific buy because it compacts your leaves into mulch at a 15-to-1 ratio, making it fast and easy to transform those leaves into something useful. It’s corded, but that has some advantages—namely never running out of juice or having to breathe in exhaust fumes.

DUMOS Electric Leaf Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher, 500 CFM Corded Blower

This EGO Power+ 24" electric snow blower is almost $200 off

If you live in an area that gets any snow at all, a snow blower is an absolute must (unless you like an aching back and entire afternoons lost to shoveling). Grab this excellent model from EGO while it’s on sale—two powerful batteries throw even wet, heavy snow up to 50 feet, and have enough juice to handle almost any size driveway on a single charge. Plus, the handles are warmed and it sports bright LED headlights so you can see what you’re doing in the early morning or evenings.

EGO Power+ 24" Electric Snow Blower, Cordless Self-Propelled 2-Stage XP, Includes (2) 56 V 10.0Ah Batteries and Dual Port Charger - SNT2416

$1,799.00 at Amazon

$1,979.99 Save $180.99

$1,799.00 at Amazon

$1,979.99 Save $180.99

The Greenworks cordless string trimmer is 40% off

Some people will tell you that you need a gas-powered or corded weed whacker to handle dense weeds or thick stems, but this string trimmer from Greenworks proves them wrong. Its dual-string design slices through just about anything short of a small tree, and it does it while being really light and easy to carry and offering automatic line advance so you don’t have to constantly adjust. It’s also very quiet and manages most yards on a single charge.

Greenworks 12" 40V Cordless String Trimmer

This cordless hedge trimmer from Greenworks is almost 30% off

Hedges are awesome for privacy and are a lot nicer than rusting, sagging fences—but they need constant maintenance. Consider this Greenworks power hedge trimmer; it cuts through branches up to one inch thick with ease, but what really sets it apart is the rotating handle, which can flip 180 degrees to make angling the trimmer around tight spots a breeze.

Greenworks 40V 24" Cordless Hedge Trimmer (1" Cutting Capacity), Tool Only

The Greenworks 24V mini chainsaw is $60 off right now

Everyone with an outdoor space should own a mini chainsaw. This 24V model from Greenworks is almost 40% off right now, and it’s surprisingly powerful for such a small tool. It’s light—just 3.4 pounds with battery—so you can truly use it one-handed, and it chews through thick (four- to six-inch) branches with ease. Whether you’re pruning trees, cutting firewood, or some other outdoor project, you’ll be glad you’ve got a mini chainsaw in your shed.

Greenworks 24V 6" Brushless Mini Chainsaw, Small Cordless Handheld Saw, 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Included

This pole saw comes with a battery and charger and is 31% off

Working with a ladder makes any project instantly more dangerous—especially if there’s a blade of some kind involved. That’s why this Greenworks 24V pole saw is a good idea—you can trim trees and other high vegetation without needing to risk your life by climbing on a ladder. With a nine-foot extension, you can reach most branches comfortably from the safety of the ground, and it weighs under 10 pounds even with the battery, so it doesn’t require strength training to use.

Greenworks 24V 8" Cordless Polesaw (Great For Pruning and Trimming Branches / 125+ Compatible Tools), 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Included

This Greenworks pressure washer is 30% off

Your tidy outdoor space can make your house look kind of dirty in comparison. To balance things out, you’ll need a pressure washer to get your siding, sidewalks, and driveway areas sparkling—and at 30% off, this 3000 PSI model from Greenworks is a great choice. It needs almost no maintenance, and with a two-gallon-per-minute (GPM) flow and “JetFlow” technology, it’ll reach your second and third floors without a problem, and clean them faster, too.

Greenworks 3000 PSI (2.0 GPM Max) Brushless Electric Pressure Washer

October Prime Day FAQs

When is Prime Day in October?

October Prime Day is a two-day event that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.

What happens on Amazon Prime Day?

On Oct. 6 and Oct. 7, Amazon will have a big online sale for Prime Members with many products going for their lowest price of the year.

What goes on sale on Prime Day?

I Tried the Pixel Watch's New 'Health Guardian,' and I'm Not Convinced It's Useful

Beth Skwarecki — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 17:30:00 +0000

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Google’s “Health Guardian” feature set has rolled out to Pixel Watches 3, 4, and 5 this week and will be coming to Fitbit Air users “later this year.” Google says the new features include reports on your blood pressure trends and on insulin resistance, which is a big claim for a wearable. Here’s what we know about Health Guardian, including how to set it up and what to expect.

Google Pixel Watch 5 (41mm) - Android Smartwatch - Obsidian - LTE

$499.99 at Amazon

Can you really measure insulin resistance with a wearable?

Credit: Beth Skwarecki

Insulin resistance is associated with type 2 diabetes, and can be an early sign that you are heading toward pre-diabetes or diabetes. When your body’s insulin receptors stop responding as strongly to insulin, you’re more likely to have higher blood glucose.

Insulin resistance is normally measured with bloodwork. For example, your fasting glucose levels and fasting insulin are combined into a score called HOMA-IR. If you’re concerned about insulin resistance or pre-diabetes, it’s best to talk to an actual healthcare professional to find out what tests they recommend, and what to do with the results.

The insulin resistance feature coming to Google Health is, Google notes, “not intended for medical purposes” and “not a pre-screener for diabetes.”

Google published a paper describing some of the testing that went into developing its insulin resistance algorithm. In the study, the researchers had people use their own Fitbits or Pixel Watches to record a variety of metrics, including heart rate, HRV, and activity. It’s not clear from this paper exactly how the algorithm works or whether it’s likely to be useful in a general population, but apparently Google is betting on it being an interesting factor to track in your Google Health app.

Can you really measure blood pressure with a wearable?

Credit: Beth Skwarecki

Google also published a paper on a blood pressure algorithm, although it is not peer-reviewed. Instead of explaining how the algorithm works, it describes how the researchers tried to figure out what their AI-based model might be looking at. According to this paper, Google's model works about as well as clinical blood pressure measurements, but it's not clear how useful it would be in the real world. For example, the study excluded people with heart disease, but I'd imagine plenty of people with heart disease would be interested in their blood pressure scores.

Is Health Guardian free?

Google said in a press release that Health Guardian, which includes insulin resistance and blood pressure trends, is available for free for people who use a Pixel Watch 3, 4, or 5. Fitbit Air users will get blood pressure and insulin resistance trends “with a Google Health Premium subscription later this year.” So it’s free if you have a Pixel Watch, but not if you only have the Fitbit Air. Google Health Premium is $9.99/month.

It’s unclear what happens if you own both devices; presumably, having a Pixel Watch will get you free access. In any case, other devices, including older Fitbits, do not seem to be included. For the moment, I'll note that a mix of Pixel Watch and Fitbit Air data wasn't enough to get my insulin resistance report; Google Health seems to require data from the Pixel Watch specifically.

How to get Health Guardian’s blood pressure trends and insulin resistance estimates

The new features are built into the 5.09 release of the Google Health app for Android, which is rolling out this week. (It seems iOS will be getting the features later. This makes sense, since iOS users wouldn’t have a Pixel Watch paired, anyway.)

You can set up your blood pressure and insulin resistance tracking as soon as you get the new version of the Google Health app. I was able to set up insulin tracking by going to the health tab and then tapping Metabolic, and I set up blood pressure under Heart. If you go to Respiratory, you can also set up sleep-breathing quality. (Some European users will get a feature that can call for help in a "breathing emergency," but that is not available in the U.S.)

Google said that the insulin and blood pressure features will give you a monthly report on the first of each month, with the first report coming Oct. 1, if you have given the watch enough data in the previous month. Here is what the app requires:

For blood pressure reports: You need to wear the watch for five consecutive days in the previous month. You don't have to wear the watch at night.
For insulin resistance: You need to wear the watch for seven days and nights in the previous month, but they don't need to be consecutive.

How well does Health Guardian work? We don't know.

I set up both features as soon as I got the update last week, but that timeline didn't give me a full seven days and nights. That means I don't have an insulin resistance result. I do have my blood pressure trend result: "Not High." As a reminder, a watch cannot know your actual blood pressure, so the watch is making estimates based on data that may not correspond with your actual blood pressure. That said, my blood pressure tends to read in the normal range at doctors' visits, so at least this wasn't surprising.

What's more confusing is what you're actually supposed to do about the results. If your watch says your blood pressure or insulin are fine, would you delay seeking care or abandon a treatment or lifestyle change that was supposed to help you? If your watch says something is wrong, would you believe that and maybe spend unnecessary time and money getting checked out? Pixel Watch users are discussing their results online, with a variety of reactions. One redditor says: "I awoke to find out that my blood pressure is too high and apparently the insulin in my body does nothing. This despite that my most recent doctor's visit and blood work were all perfectly normal." Another said: "I got this high insulin result this morning. I have really changed my diet the last 4 months and I have been going to the gym regularly. I have lost about 40 pounds this year. It's a bummer to see this. I just wonder if it's accurate." I wonder that, too.

10 Shows Like 'Crew Girl' You Should Watch Next

Ross Johnson — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 16:30:00 +0000

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Sports, romance, and the drama of starting over: Netflix's Crew Girl has it all, or at least everything you could ask for in a coming-of-age YA drama. Miku Martineau (Bet, The Miniature Wife) stars as Teagan Tao, a champion rower who flees a family scandal with her mother and ends up at a private school—but the school has no girls' rowing program, so, despite a lack of experience, she signs on as a coxswain on the boys' team, intending to show 'em all how it's done (while also managing a teen love triangle for the ages). If you're looking for more angsty teen dramas—some also with a sporty edge—try these other shows.

Finding Her Edge (2026 – )

Another coming-of-age sports drama, this one shares with Crew Girl not just a Canadian origin but an executive producer in Jeff Norton. Oh, and also a love triangle—this time involving ice dancing partners. Madelyn Keys is Adriana Russo, scion of a family of competitive ice skaters fallen on hard times. Adriana and her sister hope to reclaim past glory, but things are complicated by her developing feelings for her new skating partner, Brayden, as well as reawakening feelings for her ex-boyfriend, now a competitor. Stream Finding Her Edge on Netflix.

Finding Her Edge (2026 – )

The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022 – 2025)

The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022 – 2025)

Less about sports, but nevertheless one of streaming's most compelling teen love triangles. And it takes place near water, so I'm counting it. Adapted from the trilogy of YA bestsellers by Jenny Han, this series focuses on the coming-of-age of teenager Belly Conklin (Lola Tung), who is 16 as the series starts. Belly and her family spend every summer at Cousins Beach with the Fisher family, a tradition that's all well and good until she starts to develop a romantic attraction for first one Fisher brother (Christopher Briney), and then the other (Gavin Casalegno), planting the seeds for a love triangle that unfolds over the course of several summers, and which sees Belly grow into young adulthood to a soundtrack made up largely of Taylor Swift tunes. The three-season run is over, but there's a continuation movie on the way. Stream The Summer I Turned Pretty on Prime Video.

Gossip Girl (2007 – 2012)

Gossip Girl (2007 – 2012)

Crew Girl co-star Thomas Cadrot (Coach Hayden) described the show as "Gossip Girl and Friday Night Lights on a boat," so our next couple of entries will follow that train. Teen drama at its finest and most bitchy, Gossip Girl follows the many, many scandals of a group of young Upper East Side socialites and hangers-on. The tangled teenage lives of Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively), her best frenemy Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester), scholarship kid Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgley), and plenty more pretty young boys and girls are chronicled in meticulous detail by the title's mysterious, omnipresent Gossip Girl (voiced by Kristen Bell). The short(-er)-lived 2021 follow-up is also available on HBO Max. Stream Gossip Girl on HBO Max and Netflix.

at HBO Max

Friday Night Lights (2006 – 2011)

Speaking of: A show that survived on viewer affection and critical acclaim more than ratings (at a time when such a thing was still possible), Friday Night Lights ran for five seasons without ever being a particularly big hit, but it's had an impressive afterlife. A drama about small-town high school football rather than a comedy, the show nonetheless stays positive and inspirational, even as it captures the highs and (often heartbreaking) lows of life for the kids, coaches, and families around tiny Dillon, Texas. It's one of TV's most successful sports dramas, expanding the tragedy and triumph of the original movie into a long-form narrative. A reboot is in the works. Stream Friday Night Lights on Prime Video and Paramount+.

Friday Night Lights (2006 – 2011)

Bet (2025 – )

Not so much with the athletics here, unless we're going to count underground gambling at a private school, which, why the hell not? Our biggest link to Crew Girl is in series leads: both star (the very busy) Miku Martineau, here playing Japanese transfer student Yumeko Kamamoto. Based on a manga series, this one's a bit less grounded, but it's an awful lot of fun: St. Dominic's is an exclusive prep school where the social hierarchy is dictated by success or failure in its highly organized secret betting pools. Luckily, Yumeko is a pretty good gambler, which is no coincidence: Her parents were murdered by a member of the school's board of governors, and her motivation is to climb the ranks, figure out who the killer is, and get revenge. It's returning for a second season. Stream Bet on Netflix.

Bet (2025 – )

Off Campus (2026 – )

More mature (meaning only that there's a bit more sex) than Crew Girl, Off Campus plays in the Heated Rivalry/horny hockey sandbox. The show stars Ella Bright as Hannah Wells, a music student who has a meet-cute with Boston Bruin-in-waiting Garrett Graham (Belmont Cameli) when she accidentally walks in on him naked in the gym showers. He needs a tutor; she needs to make the guy she has a crush on jealous...you get the picture. Stream Off Campus on Prime Video.

Off Campus (2026 – )

All American (2018 – 2026)

All American (2018 – 2026)

Lots of romantic entanglements over the course of this show's eight seasons, but the heart of All American (for most of its run) is Spencer James (Daniel Ezra), based on real-life NFL linebacker Spencer Paysinger. A star player for his high school team in Crenshaw, he's recruited by the coach (Taye Diggs) of a team in Beverly Hills to come and play for them, forcing Spencer to navigate two very different worlds while trying to build a life and potential career. Stream All American on Netflix.

My Life with the Walter Boys (2023 – )

My Life with the Walter Boys (2023 – )

Not much of a sports angle here, but the premise and vibe are similar nonetheless. Nikki Rodriguez is Jackie Howard, a 15-year-old NYC kid whose parents and sister have recently died in a car accident. With nowhere else to go, she's invited to live with her mom's best friend and family on a ranch in Colorado—a very different world. Starting over almost from scratch at a young age, Jackie has to adapt to her new environment while grieving her loss; though, of course, there's some comfort to be found in hot brothers Alex and Cole, each of whom takes an interest in Jackie. Stream My Life with the Walter Boys on Netflix.

Forever (2025 – )

Who does teen coming-of-age drama better than Judy Blume? This adaptation of her widely censored 1975 novel updates the setting to current-day Los Angeles and expands the novel's exploration of the complexities of teen love and sex to include the challenges of being young, exceptional, and Black in 2020s America. Keisha Clark (Lovie Simone) attends a predominantly Black private school and is working toward a track scholarship at Howard, while Justin Edwards (Michael Cooper Jr.) goes to school with white kids and is on his parents' track to go to Northeastern, ideally on a basketball scholarship. The smart show follows their budding romance in a way that feels real and compelling. Stream Forever on Netflix.

Forever (2025 – )

Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)

Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)

The setting is very different both in time and place, but all that only serves to remind us that some experiences are universal. Told in flashbacks via a rediscovered diary, we revisit 1998, when Na Hee-do (Kim Tae-ri) was a champion fencer at her high school, until the IMF crisis that devastated the Southeast Asian economy forced the team to disband. Transferring to a new school, she meets Baek Yi-jin (Nam Joo-hyuk), heir to a chaebol family that went bankrupt during the crisis, who's readjusting to a life with no financial means to speak of. Career and romantic complications intersect with history over the following several years as we follow Hee-do's life into the (nearly) present day. Stream Twenty-Five Twenty-One on Netflix.

Amazon Kindle 32GB Aluminium Design

You Could Lose Your Access to 'Old Reddit' Forever, but There's a Workaround

Jake Peterson — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 16:00:50 +0000

"Old Reddit" is the only way I use Reddit. That's not the case for most of the tech in my life. I don't make a point of only using an iPhone from a decade ago, or avoid playing video games with more than 64 bits. But, in my view, Old Reddit is the only proper way to use the website. While "new" Reddit has more "features," it's bloated and slow. Old Reddit might be extremely basic, and looks about the same as it did when I first started "redditing," but it works. Unfortunately, most of us likely won't be able to experience Old Reddit for much longer.

On Wednesday, Reddit announced a series of infrastructure changes on its r/modnews subreddit. Normally, these updates wouldn't make tech headlines—I can't say Reddit "mod news" often finds its way into my feeds. But as part of these changes, Reddit confirmed a rather massive deprecation: Users will lose access to Old Reddit unless they've used the platform sometime in the last six months. It's not enough to use Reddit itself, mind you: Unless you use Old Reddit at least once in a six-month period, you'll lose access for good.

This builds on a previous Old Reddit change the company rolled out over the summer, which requires users to be logged in in order to access this version of Reddit. While we don't have a true deadline for when these new changes take effect, the new announcement makes it clear that, "in the next few months, we’ll further limit access for logged-in users to only those who have used Old Reddit in the last six months (which covers the vast majority of all Old Reddit users).” The only exception is for moderators.

Why is Reddit going after Old Reddit?

According to Reddit, these changes are designed to prevent abuse on its platform. By forcing users to log in to use Old Reddit, the company says it prevents unauthenticated access, its "largest source of abusive scraping and automated traffic." By blocking accounts that haven't accessed Old Reddit in the past six months, Reddit says it's solving another problem: Now, bad actors won't be able to make Reddit accounts for the sole purpose of accessing (and scraping) Old Reddit and its content.

In Reddit's view, these changes don't affect Old Reddit users. If you rely on Old Reddit, the company thinks you'll be using it frequently enough to bypass these new rules. As such, Reddit believes the vast majority of affected users will only be those trying to abuse Old Reddit, not those who actively use it.

The problem is, not everyone who uses Old Reddit is so steadfast. These new rules mean you can no longer take an extended break from Old Reddit and expect to return in the future. Sure, Reddit will always be there, but you'll lose access to the "best" version of the platform, as so many believe it to be. As this is the second change to Old Reddit in a short period of time, it begs the question: Is Reddit trying to shut down Old Reddit? That's what Ars Technica asked the company, and received the following in response:

"As [Reddit CEO Steve Huffman previously] confirmed, Reddit is continuing to work on the future of Old Reddit. This change is about limiting unauthenticated access and reducing automated abuse—not removing Old Reddit for people and moderators who rely on it. We want to preserve Old Reddit for the real people that use it, not let it be a vector for automated abuse."

How to continue using Old Reddit

Per the rules, the easiest way to continue using Old Reddit is to simply keep using it. If you've never done so before, you can head to old.reddit.com and sign into your account when prompted. As long as you access this version of the site at least once every six months, you'll maintain your access—assuming Reddit doesn't change the rules again.

But if you want a more permanent fix without having to worry about visiting Old Reddit twice a year, become a mod. Moderators don't have the same requirements; simply being a mod gives them perpetual access to the site. The easiest way to become a mod is to simply start your own subreddit. If you have access to Old Reddit, you'll see this on the front page as "Create your own subreddit." If you're on new Reddit, you'll see this as "Start a community" under the three-lined menu. Reddit will walk you through the rest, asking you to answer questions or fill out responses about your new community. Assuming the subreddit isn't already taken, you'll be able to create it at the end, at which point you will automatically become a mod of your new subreddit.

Amazon Just Released New Kindles, but I'm More Excited About the Accessories

Joel Cunningham — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:30:43 +0000

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When Amazon raised the prices of most of its Kindle devices last month—some by more than 30%—it looked like a reaction to the ongoing RAM crisis, but it may have also have been a bit of clever timing: Today, the company has announced a near-total overhaul of its line of e-readers, which are now thinner, lighter, faster, and more thoughtfully designed than ever, and as we've all already absorbed the price hike, there's no bitter pill to swallow alongside the news.

Certainly, the new Kindles are lovely devices: The entire lineup, from the $150 entry-level Kindle to the $319 Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition, now features a new flush-front design. An upgraded standard Kindle and the pricier Signature Editions now have an aluminium back, giving them a premium feel and allowing for a new line of magnetic accessories.

Yesterday, Amazon invited Lifehacker and a number of other tech sites to its headquarters to check out the new lineup, and while I can say that these are easily the prettiest Kindles ever—available in a number of trendy new colors—they are also still mostly just Kindles: improved, to be sure, but not really new. That's why I'm more excited by the accompanying lineup of accessories, including a case with integrated physical buttons and, at long last, a Bluetooth page-turner remote.

The standard Kindle now feels more premium

Amazon Kindle 16GB

$149.99 at Amazon

Amazon Kids Kindle 16GB

$179.99 at Amazon

$189.99 at Amazon

As before, the revamped Kindles are being sold in a few different variations, some (much) pricier than others. The "cheapest" is the standard 16GB Kindle, priced at $149.99 with lock screen ads and $169.99 without ads, which retains the same basic features as the previous model, including a six-inch, 300ppi touchscreen and an adjustable front light, but in the revamped, flush-front design and a bunch of snazzy new colors, from a bluish "Alpine Sky" to a lavender "Ube." (Kevin Keith, vice president in charge of Kindle, said the company was shocked at the response to the matcha-colored Kindle it released a few years ago—it represented more than 50% of device sales—so it's unsurprising to see Amazon doubling down.)

For the first time, there is also a premium version of the standard Kindle with 32GB of storage and an aluminium back, also in the same range of colors (including a refined-looking metallic graphite). This version is priced at $189.99 without lock screen ads, which means you're paying $20 more for double the storage, which isn't too bad in 2026.

The more premium feel and Amazon's boasting of lighter (around 140g) and thinner (6.8mm) builds and better performance—including "30% faster book opening"—aside, the new Kindles aren't that much different than the old ones, not that I'm complaining: Nearly 20 years after it was first introduced, the Kindle remains the gold standard of e-readers in many ways. Though I'm a fan of competing devices in different sizes or with open Android operating systems, on a hardware level, Amazon is still on top.

The redesigned Kindles (which are also available in Kindle Kids versions that include a one-year warranty, a free subscription to Kindle Kids+, and a colorful protective case for $179.99) can be ordered today for immediate shipping.

The new Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Colorsoft Signature Editions are totally metal

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB

$199.99 at Amazon

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB

$249.99 at Amazon

Amazon Kindle Colorsoft 16GB

$289.99 at Amazon

Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition 32GB

$319.99 at Amazon

The aluminium design of the upgraded Kindle has been carried over to the pricier versions of the Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Colorsoft. The former is once again being sold in a textured plastic design with lock screen ads and 16GB of storage for $199.99, or an aluminium-backed "Signature Edition," minus ads and with 32GB of storage, for $249.99—though only the latter is available in the new Seaglass Green color.

The Kindle Colorsoft is likewise available in two versions: For $289.99, the standard Colorsoft offers 16GB of storage and the new flush-front plastic design. If you want the aluminium back, you'll need to spring for the $319.99 Signature Edition, which also has 32GB of storage and is available in a deep reddish "Fig" color. On the plus side, all versions of the Colorsoft are sold without lock screen ads.

Here's the bad news: You'll have to wait if you want one of the new Paperwhites or Colorsofts. The devices are available for preorder now and will ship Oct. 28. (There are Kindle Kids options for these devices, too.)

The accessories actually offer something new (or new again)

As noted, as nice as they are, the redesigned Kindles still look and feel a lot like the old ones, especially once you're immersed in a book. But the accessories the company also unveiled today actually offer something new, or at least bring back something old.

Amazon Kindle Page-Turn Cover

$79.99 at Amazon

Amazon Kindle Click Bluetooth Remote

$34.99 at Amazon

The Page-Turn Cover turns your Paperwhite into an Oasis

Credit: Joel Cunningham

While it has been years since Amazon sold a Kindle with physical page-turn buttons (RIP to the beloved Kindle Oasis), there's a new case option for the aluminium-backed Signature Editions of the Paperwhite and Colorsoft that Amazon is calling the Page-Turn Cover. This case magnetically attaches to those devices, connecting to the pogo pins on the back, and adds two page-turn buttons to one side of the device. Like magic, and without adding much in the way of weight, the Page-Turn Cover makes it feel like your Kindle has real buttons again.

It's an elegant solution to a niche problem—Amazon reports that only around 5% of readers are passionate about physical buttons, so this way, everyone can be happy...provided paying an extra $80 for a case for your $250+ e-reader doesn't make you too unhappy. The Page-Turn Cover (available in different colors that match the new devices) will also ship Oct. 28.

Finally, the Kindle supports a Bluetooth remote

Credit: Joel Cunningham

Physical page-turn buttons need not be attached to your device, because for the first time, the entire lineup of Kindles from 2024 or later now supports a Bluetooth remote for turning pages at the click of a button instead of a tap on the screen (competing e-readers have supported similar remotes for years, but Amazon has blocked that functionality until now).

The idea behind these things is to give you the ability to read your book without actually holding the Kindle in your hands, whether because you have a mobility issue that makes that difficult, or because you're on a treadmill or keeping cozy under the covers. Called the Kindle Click, the remote is priced at $34.99 and will ship in November.

A charging dock to pair with your new remote

Finally, Amazon is also launching a new charging dock that will prop up your Paperwhite or Colorsoft vertically, providing a more hands-free reading experience, particularly when paired with the Click. The dock isn't up for preorder yet, but it will cost $59.99.

The Kindle Kids Is Nearly $60 Off for October Prime Day

Naima Karp — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:00:06 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

A Kindle for Kids is a reliable birthday or holiday gift, and it’s even more affordable ahead of the October Amazon Prime Day sales event. The Kindle Kids encourages learning in budding bookworms, works within the Amazon ecosystem, and comes with a free case in a bunch of colorful, unique styles.

Amazon Kindle Kids 16GB

Unlike Kindles for adults, this kids’ version comes with a protective case, has an ad-free lock screen, and comes with a two-year replacement warranty that takes the stress out of spills and other unforeseen accidents. Right now, the Amazon Kindle Kids is 32% off and down to an all-time low price of $122.99 (originally $179.99) and is one of the best Kindle deals Prime Day has to offer, particularly following the Amazon price hike earlier this year.

Along with the two-year warranty, the Amazon Kindle Kids comes with a free six-month subscription to Amazon Kids+, but it automatically renews starting at $5.99 a month plus tax unless canceled. PCMag describes its six-inch, 300-ppi glare-free display as “bright” and “evenly lit”, reaching 94 nits of brightness yet resembling printed paper. Unlike more general tablets, it’s intentionally limited, making it great for young minds that tend to wander away from their books on a Fire tablet or iPad.

At just over nine ounces, it’s lighter for smaller hands and more compact for backpacks than adult e-readers, yet 16GB of storage can hold thousands of ebooks. It also comes with a Parent Dashboard, which provides content and bedtime controls. Battery life lasts up to six weeks, though that depends on brightness and usage. If you don’t mind spending a bit more, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids is also 26% off during this sales event and it’s faster, longer-lasting a larger display with a longer battery life.

That said, at a lower price point, the Amazon Kindle Kids strikes the ideal balance for parents hoping to encourage more reading and entertain their kids without introducing another game- or app-filled device. At a record-low price and nearly $60 discount, it’s one of the best Amazon Prime Day Kindle deals available right now.

October Prime Day FAQs

What goes on sale on Prime Day?

Will Kindles be on sale for Prime Day?

This 2026 October Prime Day, you won’t likely see Kindles on sale like in previous years. Kindles have gone up in price recently, but there are other non-Kindle e-readers that will be on sale.

Will iPads be on sale for Prime Day?

Yes, you’re very likely to see iPads on sale for Prime Day.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $234.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $427.00 (List Price $449.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

These Are the Best Cordless Power Tools on Sale at Home Depot, Ahead of October Prime Day

Becca Lewis — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:30:51 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

If you have some fall DIY chores to tackle, a good set of cordless tools is a must. But you might have noticed that the price of tools has gone up, and getting through your to-do list on a budget might be tough. October Prime Day often spurs competitors to offer their own deals, and Home Depot has marked down some of its tools by up to 50% during its own fall sale. Here are some of the best deals available right now.

Best deals on cordless tool sets at Home Depot

A cordless tool set can be a good way to save money as you begin to build a DIY tool kit. If you plan to do repairs, like replacing a fence board or fixing railings, or for DIY woodworking projects, a set of cordless tools is a game changer.

The Milwaukee 8-tool 18-volt cordless tool set is on sale for $649, 50% off its regular price. The set comes with a drill, an impact driver, a ⅜-inch impact wrench, a reciprocating saw, an angle grinder, an oscillating multitool, a circular saw, a work light, two 4-amp-hour batteries, a charger, and a tool bag.

Best deals on powered ratchets and impact wrenches at Home Depot

Powered ratchets and impact wrenches are useful for driving nuts for vehicle maintenance or maintenance on home appliances. They can help break a stubborn bolt that’s seized up, as well. Here are some of the best deals on powered ratchets and wrenches.

The Ryobi ½-inch 18-volt impact wrench set is on sale for $159, 41% off its usual price. This tool comes with an 18-volt and a 4-amp-hour battery.

The Milwaukee 12-volt, ⅜-inch powered ratchet is on sale for $199, 57% off its typical price. This tool comes with two 12-volt, 5-amp-hour batteries and a charger. A powered ratchet is good for getting at bolts in tight spaces because you don’t need space to rotate the handle in order to turn the socket.

The Milwaukee 18-volt ½-inch impact wrench is on sale for $299, 35% off its regular price. This is a tool-only deal, so you’ll need a Milwaukee 18-volt battery and charger to use it.

Best deals on cutting and shaping tools at Home Depot

From trim to deck boards, every DIY upgrade or repair can be made simpler with the right saws and trimming tools. Cutting custom shapes to install molding around outlets or adding a built-in shelf to your closet requires that your materials be cut to fit. Here are some of the best deals on cutting and shaping tools.

The Milwaukee 18-volt sawzall kit is on sale for $199, 45% off its usual price. The set comes with the reciprocating saw, an 18-volt, 5-amp-hour battery, and a charger.

The DeWalt 20-volt oscillating multitool set is on sale for $99, 50% off its regular price. This set comes with the multitool, two starter blades, a 1.5-amp-hour battery, and a charger.

The Milwaukee 18-volt cordless router set is on sale for $229, 41% off its usual price. This tool comes with a 5-amp-hour battery, but not a charger, so you’ll need a Milwaukee 18-volt battery charger to use it.

The Milwaukee 18-volt 6 ½-inch circular saw is on sale for $229, 41% off its regular price. This tool comes with a 5-amp-hour battery, but not a charger, so you’ll need a Milwaukee 18-volt battery charger to use it.

Best deals on batteries and chargers at Home Depot

Batteries can be the most expensive part of a cordless tool set, and having enough batteries to keep a fresh one on the charger so you don’t have to wait to swap batteries is a big time-saver. Here are some of the best deals on batteries and chargers.

The Milwaukee 18-volt FORGE battery starter set is on sale for $279, 36% off its typical price. The set comes with a 5-amp-hour battery, an 8-amp-hour battery, and a charger.

The DeWalt 20-volt XR battery starter set is on sale for $199, 50% off its regular price. The set comes with an 8-amp-hour battery, a 4-amp-hour battery, and a charger.

A two-pack of DeWalt 20-volt MAX 6-amp-hour batteries is on sale for $179, 36% off its usual price.

October Prime Day FAQs

When is Prime Day in October?

October Prime Day is a two-day event that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.

What happens on Amazon Prime Day?

On Oct. 6 and Oct. 7, Amazon will have a big online sale for Prime Members with many products going for their lowest price of the year.

What goes on sale on Prime Day?

These Are the Best October Prime Day Deals on Specialty Tools for DIY

Jeff Somers — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:00:00 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Doing DIY projects around the house can feel like a game of whack-a-mole, because every step of the job inevitably requires a tool you don’t have. You can avoid that scenario by stocking up on some essential DIY tools that make every project a little easier (and more professional-looking)—doing it while the stocking up is good, as it is during Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale. Here are some of the best early October Prime Day deals on tools that any dedicated DIYer needs, whether they know it or not.

Best Prime Day 2026 deals on DIY power tools

Power tools make any job just a little easier and faster. Here are some specific power tools that every DIYer should have on hand.

The Seesii 8-1/4" compound miter saw is 18% off

If you’re serious about DIY home projects, you will eventually need to learn how to use a mitre saw to create perfect angle cuts and cross-cuts so your molding, trim, and other angled cuts turn out perfect. Because you can set an angle precisely, you can rapidly make the same cut over and over again, perfect for large-scale projects that would otherwise be a maddening exercise in discarded wood. The Seesii Compound Miter Saw is a solid option for DIYers, and it’s currently 18% off.

SEESII 8-1/4" Compound Miter Saw with Laser 4900RPM Single Bevel 0-45°

The Synxiter oscillating multitool is $40 right now

You can't imagine how incredible a multitool is until you own one—it’s like having a dozen tools in one, and you’ll start using it all the time. From cutting down nails to plunge cuts in drywall to scraping stubborn gunk like old caulk, you will find yourself reaching for your multitool constantly—and this one from Synxiter is a great option for beginners.

Cordless Oscillating Tool for Dewalt 20V Battery,6 Variable Speed Brushless-Motor Tool,22Pcs Oscillating Multi Tool Kit for Cutting Wood Drywall Nails Remove Grout & Sanding(Tools Only)

This Noyafa stud finder is 18% off right now

Finding studs in your walls can be maddening, so having a stud finder is a great idea. But if you’re messing with your walls, you need to know where more than the studs are—you need to know if there are pipes or electrical wires running behind the spot you’re about to drill into. This Noyafa Stud Finder offers both of those options, ensuring that your next DIY project doesn’t end in fire or flood.

NOYAFA Stud Finder,Electronic Wall Detector with Adjustable Sensitivity

The Hychika variable speed rotary tool kit is 39% off

A rotary tool is something you kind of graduate into, as it speeds up and simplifies a lot of little jobs that you can tackle with a hand tool effectively enough—but when you’re tired of manual grout saws and hand sanding, a rotary tool is a must. This one from Hychika is a terrific bargain even at full price, and at 39% off it’s an outright steal.

HYCHIKA 8000-35000 RPM Variable Speed Rotary Tool Kit with 179 Pcs Accessories, 180W Power Rotary Tool with Grinding Chain Bracket Flex Shaft for Wood Carving, Grinding, Cutting, Sanding, Polishing

The Seesii cordless reciprocating saw is more than 20% off

There’s something primal about a reciprocating saw. Ripping through studs, nails, PVC pipe, and almost anything else makes short work of demolition and replacing doors and windows, and it’s just kind of fun. And if your DIY ambitions are bigger than just some spot repairs, a reciprocating saw is a must. This cordless model from Seesii is 22% off it’s a great bargain, especially if you’re just building your tool collection. If a cordless option is a must, this Seesii model is 22% off for Prime Day and offers impressive power for the price point.

SEESII Cordless Reciprocating Saw with Dual-Side Auxiliary Handle

The Deko Pro 20v drill tool kit is under $60

A cordless drill is a pretty obvious DIY tool, but this basic kit from Deko is a great deal if you need a new one or you’re just getting started in your DIY adventures. The drill is powerful enough for most simple DIY jobs, and it comes with a range of basic tools that will enable you to just jump in and get to work instead of patiently building up a toolbox. At 10% off right now, it qualifies as a perfect starter kit for DIYers in need of some basics.

Cordless Drill Tool Kit Set: 20V Power Drill Tool Box with Battery Electric Drill Driver for Men Home Hand Repair Basic Toolbox Tools Sets Drills Case

The Bora mini pocket hole jig kit is nearly half off

When you start off joining boards and building simple things for your DIY projects, you’re just happy if they’re basically square and don’t fall apart immediately. When you reach the point where you’re just a little proud of that cabinet or stool you built, you’ll want a pocket hole jig kit. These tools let you easily create joints with hidden screws, giving your projects a professional sheen, and make repairing old joints a lot easier. This one from Bora is a terrific tool without a discount—at 49% off, it’s a must have for DIYers.

BORA Mini Pocket Hole Jig Kit with 50 Screws Auto-Adjusting Portable System

This Neoteck digital angle finder is 30% off

DIYers know that no house in existence has a single right angle in it. Between the swelling and shrinking of materials in the heat and cold, natural settling, and the creative solutions of builders and DIYers before us, every floor plank, trim piece, and countertop has to be cut to some exotic angle in order to create the illusion of flush—and an angle finder like this one from Neoteck makes this a lot easier. It’s a great addition to your toolbox that Future You will thank you for.

Neoteck Digital Angle Finder 4x90/2x180°Magnetic Protractor LED Display

The best Prime Day 2026 deals on DIY hand tools

Power tools are great, but sometimes the most efficient tool is hand-powered. Here are some great deals on hand tools that will make your DIY jobs go more smoothly.

This Professional auger drill bit is 30% off

You can use this bit with your power drill or just as easily with a manual hand drill, but however you use it, just make sure you have one. DIY work often means dealing with existing framing in your house, framing that is absolutely riddled with old nails and screws that will make drilling new fasteners a nightmare—unless you have an auger bit to drill through them and clear the way. At 30% off, this one is a deal.

1-1/8"×6" Professional Auger Drill Bit for Wood with Quick Change 1/2" Hex Shank- 3-Cutter Design with Dual-Flute for Fast Chip Removal, Fits Hardwood, Softwood, PVC, Drywall & Tree Stumps

This 17-piece screw extractor set is almost 20% off

While an auger bit can chew up old screws, sometimes you want to pull them instead of destroy them, and to do that you’ll need a nifty screw extractor kit like this one. At nearly 20% off right now for early Prime Day, it’s a solid investment that will pay dividends every time you encounter a stripped screw that threatens to stop your DIY project in its tracks.

17Pcs Screw Extractor Set, 3/8" Inch Drive Multi-Spline Screw Extractor Kit

$36.99 at Amazon

The Horusdy 8-piece professional hook and pick set is 10% off

Have you ever been working on a DIY project and encountered a fastener, chain, or other tiny part that made you wonder if the engineers had designed this thing for ants? That’s when it hits you—a pick and hook set is a necessity. These little beauties make it instantly easier to manipulate tiny things, extract stuff from small spaces, and bend thin, delicate bits into shape. At 10% off, this set from Horusdy is a perfect addition to your hand tools.

HORUSDY 8-Piece Professional Hook and Pick Set for Automotive Precision Work, Oil Seal Puller, O-Ring & Gasket Removal Tools with Ergonomic Handles for Mechanics, DIY Car Repair

The Amazon Basics 6-piece one-handed trigger clamp set is nearly 40% off

Having a set of quality clamps in your toolbox is like having an assistant to hold things in place. From sawing pieces of wood to securely clamping glued-together pieces, a good bar clamp is a must, and this set of six hands-free clamps is currently 37% off. There are two 4-inch clamps and four 6-inchers here, and they can be used in a wide variety of applications; I sometimes use mine just to hold other tools in place until I need them, for example.

Amazon Basics 6-Piece Trigger Clamp Set, 2 Pack of 4-Inch, 4 Pack of 6-Inch, Black/ Grey

The Gear Wrench combination wrench & ratchet set is almost 30% off

No one knows what torque is, just that we all need it even if we don’t quite understand it—but you know what it is when you encounter a bolt you can’t seem to budge with a standard adjustable wrench. These combination ratchets and wrenches are ideal for those situations. Gear Wrench makes high-quality, reliable tools, and these ratchets come in a wide range of sizes that will make working stubborn bolts easy—and they double as standard wrenches, giving you twice the tool power, all at 28% off.

GEARWRENCH 30 Piece 12 Point Ratcheting Combination SAE/Metric (1/4-1 in., 8-24 mm) Wrench Set with Wrench Racks - 86702

FAQ for October Prime Day

When is Prime Day in October?

Amazon Prime Day is an annual event held in June or July. Amazon's October Prime Day event, known as Prime Big Deal Days, is a two-day sale that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.

What goes on sale during October Prime Day?

Is Prime Day once a year?

Prime Day happens every summer. Prime Big Deal Days (or October Prime Day) happens every October. Amazon's Big Spring Sale happens every spring.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $234.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $427.00 (List Price $449.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

These Are the Best October Prime Day Deals on Power Banks

Stephen Johnson — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 13:30:00 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

October Prime Day kicks off on Tuesday, Oct. 6, but Early Prime Big Deal Day sales are already live. Flashy TVs and gaming laptops usually hog the Prime Day glory, but don't sleep on tech like power banks and battery chargers. The products listed below will ensure you don't run out of charge halfway through the day or have to wait around too long while your gear fills up.

This Anker Prime Power Bank is 25% off

Anker Prime Power Bank Black Myth: Wukong Edition, 20,100mAh 3-Port Portable Charger with 220W, Two-Way Power, TSA-Approved, App Control, for MacBook, iPhone 17/16 Series, and More (Base Not Included)

I bought one of these Anker Black Myth power banks a few months ago, because I was tired of looking for little charger-dealies and sick of slow charging, and I'm almost embarrassed by how much I like it. It's the size of a soda can, so I can't lose it. It's called "Black Myth: Wukong," after a video game I have never played, and it shows animations of the game to indicate charging. Ridiculous, right? But it has three charging ports and holds enough juice to stream for four days. And it charges things fast: It can charge a 16" MacBook Pro to 50% in 28 minutes with 140W max USB-C output. It even has a USB-A port if you're old-school.

This ZZI Portable Charger Power Bank is 39% off

ZZI Portable Charger Power Bank 60000mAh, 22.5W PD Fast-Charge Battery Pack

This ZZI Power Bank is way cheap—$30, down from $48.99—and can charge five devices at once. It juices an iPhone 15 to 60% in 30 minutes, has a display to keep track of the power, and it weighs only 15.5 oz, so you can take it along to the zoo or wax museum.

The EF Ecoflow Rapid Pro Power Bank is 38% off

EF ECOFLOW Rapid Pro Power Bank (27650mAh, 300W, 140W Built-in Cable), 4-Port Portable Charger w/ 140W Output, Up to 320W Recharge, Compatible with iPhone Series, Samsung, Laptop and More

This EF Ecoflow is so powerful, it's nearly illegal: the 27,650mAh (99.54Wh), is the exact absolute maximum legal limit for a battery you can carry onto a commercial flight. It has a 140W USB-C cable built directly into the unit and a 3.9-inch LCD smart display that pairs with an app to show you real-time telemetry on your wattage and battery life.

The Podoru for MagSafe Power Bank is 23% off

podoru for MagSafe Power Bank 5000mAh, Ultra-Slim Magnetic Portable Charger

This Podoru charger has over 12,000 Amazon reviews and a rating of 4.2 stars. It's less than $20 for pre-Prime Day. It features a 5000mAh battery, and sticks on the back of your phone with a powerful magnet. Plus, it's slim enough to easily fit in the pocket of your skinniest jeans, and comes in a bunch of different colors.

How do October Prime Day deals work?

Prime Day sales, including Prime Big Deal Days, let Prime Members shop online for thousands of products with big discounts. It only lasts two days, so make sure you check out everything we know about the sale before it starts.

What goes on sale during October Prime Day?

Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $234.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $427.00 (List Price $449.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

This Eero Max Wifi Mesh System Is $350 Off for October Prime Day

Pradershika Sharma — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 13:00:00 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Ahead of Amazon’s October Prime Day 2026 sale, the Eero Max 7 (two-pack) has dropped to $799.99 from $1,149.99, taking $350 off and bringing the mesh system to its lowest price on record, according to price trackers. That is still a serious amount to spend on a router setup, but the Max 7 sits at the top of Eero's lineup and carries an Editors' Choice and an "excellent" rating from PCMag for its combination of raw speed and ease of use. For everything else worth knowing about this year's sale, check out our Prime Day deals page.

Amazon Eero Max 7 Mesh Wifi System

with coverage up to 5,000 sq. ft

$799.99 at Amazon

$1,149.99 Save $350.00

$799.99 at Amazon

$1,149.99 Save $350.00

These are tri-band Wi-Fi 7 units with a BE20800 rating and ten antennas apiece—and with each unit covering up to 2,500 square feet and supporting more than 250 connected devices (according to the manufacturer), the two-pack has enough reach for 5,000 square feet under ideal conditions, which should handle most houses. The Max 7’s wired connectivity is also generous for a mesh system, with 10GbE and 2.5GbE ports giving you three LAN connections on the router and four on the node. That means a desktop, a game console, and a NAS can all run wired while the system still has room for a wired backhaul between units, which is the single best thing you can do for mesh performance if you have Ethernet in the walls.

Beyond handling your wifi network, this setup can also double as a smart home hub, with Thread, Matter, and Zigbee support built in so compatible smart bulbs, sensors, and other devices can connect without requiring a separate bridge. That said, there's no USB port, so plugging in a drive to share across the network isn't an option here. More significantly, as PCMag's review points out, parental controls and network security tools sit behind a paid subscription (eero Plus, starting at $9.99 per month), meaning the spending continues after the hardware is paid for. Wi-Fi 7 also only pays off if your devices support it.

October Prime Day FAQs

When is Prime Day?

October Prime Day is Oct. 6 and runs through Oct. 7. It happens every year during October.

When does Prime Day end?

October Prime Day ends on Oct. 7, 2026. It’s a two-day online sale.

What is Amazon Prime Day?

October Prime Day is the fall version of Prime Day, which is the biggest sale Amazon hosts during the spring, summer, and fall. You can find deals on many categories during the sale, including tech, tools, appliances, apparel, and more.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $234.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $427.00 (List Price $449.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

These Are the Best October Prime Day Deals on Smart Home Tech

Pradershika Sharma — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:30:00 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Amazon's October Prime Day sale doesn't officially begin until Oct. 6, but you don't have to wait until then to start finding smart home discounts. Early deals have already landed across just about every corner of the category, from $13 smart plugs and sub-$30 security cameras to robot vacuums with hundreds of dollars knocked off their usual prices. Whether you're looking to add a 2K/4K camera to the backyard, swap your deadbolt for a smart lock, automate a few appliances, or finally hand floor-cleaning duties over to a robot, these are the early October Prime Day smart home deals worth knowing about.

A lot of these are sitting at their lowest prices on record (according to price trackers), and the range is wide enough that you could outfit a whole house for the cost of one premium robot vacuum. For more on the October Prime Day sale, you can browse more deals and sale announcements on our Prime Day Deals page.

These outdoor security cameras are up to 70% off

Blink Wired Floodlight Camera

Ring Spotlight Cam Plus (Battery)

Eufy Security SoloCam S340

Arlo Essential Pan Tilt 2K Security Camera (Wired)

Tapo MagCam C460 (4K, Wireless, 3-Pack)

Blink’s Wired Floodlight Camera is $29.99, down from $99.99—a 70% discount on a camera that pairs motion-triggered floodlights with 1080p video, though it needs existing wiring, according to this PCMag review.
Ring Spotlight Cam Plus is $79.99 (regularly $149.99). Also at a record low, this is the battery model, so placement is flexible, with its built-in spotlight giving you color footage at night.
For wireless options, the Eufy Security SoloCam S340 is $139.99, down from $199.99—it’s more expensive upfront, but Eufy stores footage locally, so there's no subscription bill afterward, and the solar panel means you may never charge it by hand. PCMag gave it an “excellent” rating, with its review offering a closer look at how those features perform in practice.
If you need multiple cameras, a two-pack of the Arlo Essential Wired Outdoor Camera is $59 (originally $69), its lowest price yet, which works out to just under $30 per camera. Each records in 2K and has motorized 360-degree pan and 180-degree tilt for wider coverage, though you'll need an outlet near each mounting spot, notes this PCMag review.
For even more coverage, the Tapo MagCam C460 three-pack is $199.99, down from $399.99, cutting the usual price in half. That works out to about $67 per 4K camera.

These indoor security cameras start at just $16

Tapo C246D 2K Indoor/Outdoor Camera

Eufy Security Indoor Camera E30

Blink Mini 2K+ is $15.99 (was $39.99). The cheapest thing on this list by a distance, and at its lowest price ever. Fine for keeping an eye on a pet or a back door, though cloud storage requires a Blink subscription.
The Ring Indoor Cam is $24.99, down from $49.99. It comes with a manual privacy shutter for when you don't want a camera watching your living space; this PCMag review goes into more detail. For only $5 more, the newer Ring Indoor Cam Plus is $29.99 (was $59.98) and bumps the resolution from 1080p to 2K. PCMag gave this model an “excellent” rating in its review. Both cameras are at their lowest prices yet.
Tapo's C246D 2K Indoor/Outdoor Camera pairs a 125-degree wide-angle lens with a 6mm zoom lens and supports microSD cards for local storage, which sidesteps the need for subscriptions entirely. It's currently down to $54.98 from $69.99, its lowest price to date.
For about $5 more, the Eufy Security Indoor Camera E30 steps up to a 4K sensor with 360-degree pan-and-tilt and automatic tracking that follows movement around a room. It is currently $59.99, down from $69.99.

Save up to $115 on these smart video doorbells

Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ with Chime

Chamberlain myQ Video Doorbell

Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen) with Chime

Ecobee Smart Video Doorbell

Eufy Security Video Doorbell E340 Kit with Chime

Ring Wired Doorbell Pro with Chime

Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ with Chime is $44.99 (was $109.98). A record low on a 2K doorbell bundled with the chime you'd otherwise buy separately, and the wire-free installation makes it renter-friendly. For more on its performance, check out this PCMag review.
At an even lower $37.99, the Chamberlain myQ Video Doorbell is down from $99.99. You can read more about it in PCMag's review.
Moving up slightly in price, the Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen) with Chime is $55.99 (was $69.99). Its square aspect ratio gives you a head-to-toe view of visitors while also showing packages left on the doorstep, an advantage PCMag highlights in its “excellent” review.
If you're already using other Ecobee devices, the Ecobee Smart Video Doorbell is $119.99 (was $159.99) and slots neatly into the same ecosystem. It also integrates with Apple Home, something you won't find on every doorbell in this price range. PCMag's review has more on how it works.
The Eufy Security Video Doorbell E340 Kit with Chime is $149.99 (was $249.99) and uses dual cameras: a front-facing one for visitors and a downward-facing one for packages left at your door. It also supports local storage, so you can use it without a subscription. PCMag gave it an “excellent” review.
At the top end of this group, the Ring Wired Doorbell Pro (3rd Gen) with Chime is $169.99 (was $284.98). It uses radar-based motion detection for more precise alerts, helping filter out things like passing cars. PCMag gave it an “excellent” review.

These smart locks are up to 41% off

Eufy C220 Smart Lock with Door Lever

Eufy FamiLock E34 with Palm Vein Recognition

Eufy Security Video Smart Lock E330

Philips Wi-Fi Smart Door Lock

Philips WiFi Keypad Door Lock with Handle

Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Door Lock

myQ Secure View 3-in-1 Smart Lock

Eufy has four locks discounted, and they climb steadily in both price and ambition—the Smart Lock C220 at $99.99, down from $169.99, is the entry point and reads a fingerprint in well under a second. The Smart Lock Front Door Lever Set at $139.98, down from $189.99, replaces the handle as well as the deadbolt and is weather-rated for exposed doors, while the FamiLock E34 at $229.99, down from $279.99, swaps fingerprints for palm vein recognition, handy for when your hands are wet or cold. And at the top sits the Video Smart Lock E330 at $249.99, down from $299.99, combining a video doorbell into the deadbolt itself with local storage support.
The Philips Wi-Fi Smart Door Lock is $109.97 (was $142.49), its lowest price yet, and has a touchscreen keypad that lets you hand out temporary access codes to a cleaner, dog walker, or guest. For essentially the same price, the Philips Wi-Fi Keypad Door Lock with Handle at $109.99 (was $179.99) includes both the deadbolt and matching handle, making it the better fit if you want to replace the entire lock assembly in one go.
Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Door Lock is $108.53 (was $149.99), with fingerprint, keypad, and app entry, plus a rechargeable battery that needs a USB-C top-up once or twice a year instead of fresh AAs.
If you'd prefer to combine several front-door devices into one, the myQ Secure View 3-in-1 Smart Lock with 2K HDR Video Doorbell Camera is $142.50, down from $199.99.

Discounted robot vacuum and mops from Roborock, Eufy, Ecovacs, and more

iRobot Roomba 415X Robot Vacuum & Mop Combo

$1,399.99 Save $700.00

$699.99 at Amazon

$1,399.99 Save $700.00

Roborock Robot Vacuum Mop with LiDAR

Roborock Qrevo Edge 3 Pro

$1,099.99 at Amazon

$1,499.99 Save $400.00

$1,099.99 at Amazon

$1,499.99 Save $400.00

Roborock Saros 20 Sonic

$1,699.99 Save $200.00

Shark AI Ultra Robot Vacuum

$1,699.99 Save $200.00

Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum & Mop Combo

iRobot has five Roombas discounted, all at record lows—the Roomba 415X is $398.99, down from $799.99, with self-emptying, self-cleaning, and obstacle avoidance that steers reliably around cables and shoes. The Roomba 505 and Roomba 505X are both $469.99, down from $999.99, sitting a tier above on navigation and mopping. The Roomba Plus 415 is $499.99, down from $599.99, while the Roomba 705X rounds out the group at $699.99, down from $1,399.99, adding an extending mop arm that reaches into corners other models skim past.
Roborock's five span the widest range of anything here—the Robot Vacuum Mop with LiDAR at $249.99, down from $429.99, packs 10,000Pa of suction and LiDAR mapping into a machine you still empty yourself, while the Qrevo S Pro at $429.99, down from $669.99, adds mop lifting for carpets and a dock that washes and dries. It is also the most well-rounded midrange pick here. Moving up, the Qrevo Edge 2 at $849.99, down from $1,299.99, and the Qrevo Edge 3 Pro at $1,099.99, down from $1,499.99, both use extending side brushes and mops for proper corner coverage, with the Edge 3 Pro adding stronger suction for houses mixing carpet and hard floors. And if getting under low furniture is the bigger concern, the flagship Saros 20 Sonic is $1,499.99, down from $1,699.99, with a low-profile chassis designed to slip beneath furniture that taller robot vacuums may not clear.
Shark's four are the value end of the category—the AI Ultra Robot Vacuum at $249.99, down from $599, gets you a self-emptying base for a fraction of what most cost, and the Matrix Plus at $229.99, down from $449.99, adds mopping and a cleaning pattern that goes over the same patch repeatedly. The Stratos and PowerDetect are both $399.99, down from $549.99, with the former offering an odor-neutralizing base that counts in a home with pets and the latter ramping suction automatically when it detects carpet or heavier debris.

Eufy E25 HydroJet System

Ecovacs Deebot T90 Pro Omni

Eufy's three cover the budget-to-premium span—the Omni C20 at $339.98, down from $549.99, is the cheapest route here to a dock that washes mop pads as well as emptying the bin, while the E25 at $599.98, down from $999.99, is a $400 cut on a machine whose dock runs noticeably quieter than most when emptying. At the top of Eufy's lineup here, the Omni S2 is $1,399.99 (was $1,599.99). It's still a significant investment despite the $200 discount, but you're getting Eufy's more advanced cleaning and automation features in one machine.
Ecovacs rounds out the category with two steep cuts—the Deebot T90 Pro Omni is $499, down from $799.99, taking $300 off a machine built with long hair and pet fur in mind, thanks to a brush design that resists tangling. For something more premium, the Deebot X12 Omnicyclone is $799, down from $1,499.99, a $700 discount on a model whose bagless dock means no replacement bags to keep buying.

Amazon's Echo smart speakers and displays are on sale starting at $39.99

Early October Prime Day discounts have brought Amazon's entire Echo smart-speaker lineup down in price, starting with the Echo Dot at $39.99, down from $79.99, still the easiest way to add voice control to a spare room, and the Echo Spot at $54.99, down from $109.99, which adds a small display that makes it a better bedside clock. The Echo Dot Max at $79.99, down from $119.99, has enough low end to work as a real kitchen music speaker, and the Echo Studio at $179.99, down from $219.99 and its lowest price yet, is the only Echo genuinely built for listening instead of just asking about the weather. All of these support the AI assistant Alexa+.

The Echo Show displays are discounted across the range too, and they scale by where you plan to put them—the Echo Show 5 at $59.99, down from $99.99, is nightstand-sized, while the Echo Show 8 at $124.99, down from $199.99, reaches the point where recipes and video calls become readable from across a counter. The Echo Show 11 at $149.99, down from $249.99, splits the difference, and the wall-mounted Echo Show 15 at $249.99, down from $349.99, is built to serve as a family calendar and note board. The Echo Show 21 at $349.99, down from $499.99, is large enough to double as a small kitchen TV. All of these support the AI assistant Alexa+.

Save up to $35 on these smart thermostats

Amazon Smart Thermostat

Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced

Amazon’s Smart Thermostat is $56.99 (was $79.99), and is the cheapest way to get scheduling and remote control, though it has no built-in display worth speaking of and leans on the app.
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced is $164.99 (was $199.99), with support for remote room sensors, so the temperature reflects where people actually are instead of the hallway.

These smart plugs and power strips start at under $13

Kasa KP303 Smart Plug Power Strip

Philips Hue Smart Plug

Eightree 5GHz Smart Plug (4-Pack)

Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip

Amazon Smart Plug is $12.98 (was $24.99). A record low, and the simplest way to put a lamp or coffee maker on a schedule.
Kasa’s Smart Plug Power Strip KP303 is $24.98 (was $29.98), and it gives you three independently controlled outlets plus surge protection, useful behind a TV stand.
Philips’ Hue Smart Plug is $29.98 (was $37.99), and it earns that price if you want a non-Hue lamp joining your existing Hue scenes.
Eightree 5GHz Smart Plug (4-Pack) is $35.99 (was $39.99). Four plugs for the price of one Hue, with energy monitoring and 5GHz support that many cheap plugs lack.
Tapo’s Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip is $39.99 (was $49.99), and with Matter support, it works across Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home instead of locking you into any one ecosystem.

Amazon October Prime Day FAQs

When is October Prime Day?

October Prime Day (actually called "Prime Big Deal Days") begins Oct. 6 and runs through Oct. 7. This is one of three major Amazon sales throughout the year, and it happens every year during October.

How do October Prime Day deals work?

Prime Day sales, include Prime Big Deal Days, let Prime Members shop online for thousands of products with big discounts. It only lasts two days, so make sure you check out everything we know about the sale before it starts.

What goes on sale during October Prime Day?

Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $234.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $427.00 (List Price $449.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

10 Hacks Every 'YNAB' User Should Know

Emily Long — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 22:30:59 +0000

YNAB is a personal finance and budgeting platform designed to help you manage your money by giving every dollar a job. The acronym stands for "You Need a Budget", and it works like a digital envelope system: You put funds into different categories based on your spending priorities. If you're newer to this type of budgeting, there can be a learning curve, but there are plenty of useful tips and tricks to get the most out of YNAB's philosophy and features.

Assign a small amount into future month to view underfunded categories

By default, YNAB shows your budget only one month ahead of the current month. But as soon as you assign money into the next month, it'll unlock the month after that. This allows you to see targets and any underfunded amounts going into the future, so you can better plan ahead. You don't need to cover a full "month ahead" in order to do this—simply assign a small amount to a category to see what's coming in the future. For example, if it's October, assign a dollar to a category in November to unlock December's budget.

Create a holding category for next month to avoid overspending or overbudgeting for the future

You can take YNAB's "month ahead" approach by assigning available funds directly into future months, so on the first of next month, money is already sitting in categories, ready to be spent. An alternative workflow is to keep extra cash in a holding category ("Next Month's Money," for example) in the current month. When the month rolls over, move that money to Ready to Assign and then distribute it to underfunded categories using the auto-assign feature. This prevents you from overbudgeting for "refill up to" categories that weren't fully spent in the previous month, and makes it easy to cover overspending in the current month without stealing from the future.

Assign reimbursement inflows directly to the "spent" category to keep spending reports accurate

When you receive a reimbursement—such as for a work-related charge, from a friend repaying you for dinner, or a credit back from a return—assign that transaction directly to the category it came from instead of sending it to Ready to Assign first. This ensures that the inflow doesn't look like earned income in your "Income v Expense" report. For example, you can assign a Venmo transaction directly to "Dining" or a store credit to your "Shopping" category.

Separate work charges and reimbursements to keep your personal budget reports accurate

If you do have to pay for work expenses from your personal accounts, create a category specifically for these transactions ("Work Reimbursements," for example). When the charge comes in, enter it in this category and allow it to stay overspent. This shows you at a glance exactly how much your employer owes you, so you can stay on top of reimbursement requests. When those funds are paid back, assign them directly to the Work Reimbursements category to cover the overspending. As with the hack above, this prevents reimbursements from artificially inflating your actual income.

Flag preauthorization charges to avoid recording both pending and cleared transactions

For accounts that sync automatically with your budget, preauthorization charges may appear as pending for a few days before a final transaction clears. In some cases, these totals differ—due to tip amounts being added later, for example—and the preauthorization may not drop off once the actual charge goes through. If you've entered a preauthorization transaction to stay on top of your cash flow, flag it so you don't forget to delete it if the actual charge comes in separately. Tap the flag icon next to the transaction and choose a color specifically for preauthorizations. You can use flags to organize other transaction types, such as charges that need to be reimbursed.

Add gift cards and store credits as on-budget accounts to ensure funds get spent

It's easy to lose track of gift cards and store credits if they're not part of your regular budget, which means those funds may never get spent (and you leave money on the table). But if you add these to your budget as unlinked cash accounts, they'll be visible—and you may be more likely to actually use them. This also keeps your reporting accurate, as you can categorize these transactions just as you would those made with other cash or credit accounts.

Add due dates to category titles and sort by deadline to fund what’s most important first

If you have dozens of categories you're prioritizing and funding over the course of each month, a little bit of organization goes a long way to keeping track of what's most important. YNAB shows you when you need funds based on the targets you've set, but for major bills that have the same deadline each month, you should add the due date to the category title and put your categories in order from earliest to latest. This will offer an easy visual reminder of what you should fund first, second, third, etc. as you have money ready to assign.

Enter recurring bills as scheduled transactions to forecast cash flow

YNAB shows you what your money is assigned to do, but it doesn't show you where your money is or when it will leave your account to cover your bills. This means that categories can be funded, but you can still overdraft if the timing of paychecks and auto-drafts doesn't line up. To avoid this gap with your cash accounts, select View and toggle Show Running Balance on. Then, enter future fixed transactions, such as rent and utilities, with amounts and due dates, as well as fixed paychecks. You can set these as recurring for specific dates or frequencies. This will allow you to know at a glance if your account is expected to dip into the negative with scheduled payments, so you can move funds around to cover.

Cross-check available funds and cleared balances to expose hidden debt

The YNAB method is designed to get you away from credit card "float," which is when you don't have enough cash to cover your total card balance, and paying down current debt is dependent on future income. This may not be obvious in your budget if none of your categories are overspent, but you can compare the "payment available" balance for the card with the cleared negative balance for that same account in the left sidebar to expose hidden debt. If the available payment is less than the current balance, you are on float. If you have funds to spare (from flexible spending categories, for example), you can move money directly to the credit card category to close the gap. Otherwise, you'll need a strategy to gradually pay down the difference.

Install the Toolkit extension to get more customization

YNAB already has fairly detailed reporting, but for users who want even more, the open-source Toolkit for YNAB browser extension adds extra data views, filters, and UI customizations to the platform's web version. For example, you can tweak fonts and progress bars, add buttons and toggles, bulk edit, and enable custom filters and reports. Toolkit is available for Chrome and Firefox, though note that it is not an official offering from YNAB.

The Best Deals on Sony Tech During October Prime Day

Daniel Oropeza — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 22:00:00 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

October Prime Day is just around the corner, kicking off on Tuesday, Oct. 6, but early Prime Big Deal Days sales are already here, giving you an opportunity to snatch some products at big discounts. One major brand participating in the early sales is Sony, with many TVs, sound systems, and headphones already on sale. I've rounded up the best deals I've found so far for you below. Take a look and see if there is anything you'd rather not wait to pick up.

The best Sony TV deals during the early October Prime Day sale

65" Sony Bravia 8 II 4K QD-OLED Smart Google TV (2025 Model)

Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar

The Sony 65 Inch Bravia 8 II is down to $2,498 (originally $3,299), 24% off. The Bravia 8 II earned an "Excellent" rating from PCMag for its gorgeous picture quality and a central channel input that uses the TV's built-in speakers as part of a surround sound setup. It is also one of the only high-end OLEDs that uses Google TV (my favorite) as its smart TV platform. This is a great option for anyone looking for great OLED picture quality, high brightness, a colorful panel, and built-in Google TV at a great price.

Other Sony TV deals

Sony BRAVIA 3 II 85 Inch 4K HDR LED Smart Google TV $998.95 (originally $1,198)
Sony QD-OLED 77 inch BRAVIA XR A95L TV $3,498 (originally $4,999.99)

The best Sony soundbar deals during the early October Prime Day sale

Speaking of surround sound systems, the Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar would pair well with the Bravia 8 II. It's compact and slim, affordable under $100, and will sync up seamlessly with the TV. If you're the kind of person shopping for an OLED TV, you're likely the kind of person who cares about other details like audio, and no matter how many times a company promises how great their TV speakers are, a soundbar will always be exponentially better.

Other Sony soundbar deals

Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5, 3.1ch Home Theater Soundbar & Wireless Sub $298 (originally $349.99)
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 6 3.1.2ch Home Theater Soundbar with Wireless Sub $548 (originally $699.99)
Sony BRAVIA Theater System 6 5.1ch Soundbar with Subwoofer & Rear Speakers $648 (originally $799.99)

Best Sony headphones deals during the early October Prime Day sale

Sony WH-1000XM5/B Wireless Industry Leading Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headphones (Renewed)

The Sony WH-1000XM5 are last year's model, but still excellent headphones in 2026, despite being recently overtaken by the Sony WH-1000XM6. Right now, Amazon is heavily discounting refurbished Sony WH-1000XM5s, meaning you can get these premium headphones for just $159.99 (originally $399 new). That is a great way to get your hands on a pair of flagship Sony headphones for a steal.

Other Sony headphone deals

Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones $298 (originally $399)
Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds $278 (originally $329)
Sony WH-CH720N headphones $103.99 (originally $178)
Refurbished Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones $349 (originally $458)

Amazon October Prime Day FAQs

When is October Prime Day?

October Prime Day (actually called "Prime Big Deal Days") begins Oct. 6 and runs through Oct. 7. This is one of three major Amazon sales throughout the year, and it happens every year during October.

How do October Prime Day deals work?

Prime Day sales, includ Prime Big Deal Days, let Prime Members shop online for thousands of products with big discounts. It only lasts two days, so make sure you check out everything we know about the sale before it starts.

What goes on sale during October Prime Day?

Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $234.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $427.00 (List Price $449.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

This Credit Card-Sized E-Reader Has a Front Light and a Touchscreen, and It's 15% Off for October Prime Day

Joel Cunningham — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 21:59:24 +0000

I've read 25 books in the past year, all of them on an e-reader with a screen roughly the size of a credit card. If you think that sounds untenable, I say: Don't knock it 'til you've tried it. Once you're immersed in a book, you'll find it really doesn't matter, and the convenience of being able to slip it into any pocket and forget it's there means you need never be without it. If you're the kind of person who prefers a soothing e-ink screen to the harsh distractions of a smartphone, this is golden.

Right now, the best tiny e-reader I've tried so far, the Xteink X4 Pro, is on sale from Amazon ahead of next week's October Prime Day event (aka Prime Big Deal Days)—but this flash sale will only be live for around eight more hours, so act quickly.

Xteink X4 Pro Pocket E-Reader

$99.00 at Amazon

The X4 Pro is the newest and best e-reader from Xteink, the Chinese tech startup that turned the e-reading world upside down last year with the launch of the original X4 pocket e-reader. While the X4 Pro is the same size as the basic X4, it adds two big upgrades—a temperature-adjustable front light and a touchscreen—plus a faster processor and more memory. As a result, it costs a bit more, but you can pick one at a 15% discount right now, bringing it down to $85. (Even at full retail, the X4 Pro is $50 cheaper than the entry-level Kindle after its recent price increase).

Now, as much as I love them, these minuscule e-readers aren't for everyone. Some may indeed find the screen too small (though if you've ever read a book on a phone, the experience is similar). Then there's the fact that they can't load your existing libraries of Kindle books; you'll need to source copies of e-books lacking Digital Rights Management (DRM) software. But if you can jump those hurdles, you might just discover it's the weirdest, most lovable piece of tech you've used in years.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $234.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $427.00 (List Price $449.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

How to Sign up for Amazon's ‘Invite-Only’ Deals During October Prime Day

Daniel Oropeza — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 21:30:00 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

Not all Prime Day deals are open to just anybody. Since 2023, some of the best offers in Amazon's biggest sales are invite-only—meaning you have to sign up for them in advance of the sale going live, and hope you get chosen to receive the discount. These deals have become a common fixture for Amazon's major sales, including this summer's Prime Day.

With the October Prime Day sale kicking off on October 6, you can expect to see more invite-only deals popping up around the site. Here's how to find and sign up for them, so you have a fighting chance at scoring some great offers.

Who is eligible for Prime Day invite-only deals?

Only a select number of products will be available via invite-only deals. You'll be able to spot them by the "invite-only" banner visible on the product page. As Amazon explains, you must be a Prime Member to sign up for the invite-only deals, and when you sign up, you're essentially requesting an invitation to purchase the deal, which will come by email—but only if you're chosen to receive it.

Here are the steps to sign up:

Find an "Invite-Only Prime Deal" that you want to purchase. You can find these deals listed on the Deals page once Prime Day begins.
Navigate to the product detail page.
Select "Request Invite." If you are not a Prime member, sign up for Prime to be able to request an invite.
You will receive an email notification confirming that you requested an invite. The confirmation will be sent to the email that is on your Amazon account. If you don't have an email on your account, add one by navigating to Your Account > Login > Security.

How to know if you were approved for an invite-only deal

Keep in mind that just because you requested an invitation doesn't mean you'll receive one. If you are selected, you'll receive both a push notification in the Amazon app and email notifying you during the sale. If you're not selected, Amazon will also let you know you didn't get one. You can only buy one of the products that you were invited for, but you can request as many different product invitations as you want. The invitation will last as long as the sale lasts, or as long as there is stick remaining.

Invite-only deals are usually some of the sale's most impressive offerings. One year, for example, Amazon sold a 43-inch 4K Smart Fire TV for just $99, and you'll likely see similar deals this year. Amazon has not promoted Invite-only Deals in their press releases for Prime Day like they've done in the past, but they've also not said the program is discontinued. Keep an eye out for these banners starting October 6. If you see them, you'll know what to do.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $234.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $427.00 (List Price $449.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

This Compact Sony Soundbar Is Under $100 in an October Prime Day Sale

Naima Karp — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 21:00:26 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

TVs may have become slimmer over time, but for many models, the built-in speakers haven’t necessarily improved along with that aesthetic shift. If you want clearer dialogue and more cinematic sound without sacrificing space, introducing a bulky look into your media room, or spending hundreds of dollars, the compact Sony S100F soundbar is currently down to $98 (originally $159.99) in an early October Prime Day 2026 deal.

Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar

Along with being at a more approachable price (and size) for a soundbar compared to more premium options from brands like Sonos, the soundbar connects via the tidy setup of HDMI ARC or optical audio, while Bluetooth lets you play music from a phone or tablet, and a USB port supports audio files. Voice Mode helps improve dialogue clarity, while Sony’s S-Force Pro Front Surround processing allows for better sound from the two-channel system.

Unlike pricier bundles, this one doesn’t include a separate subwoofer or rear speakers, but that also makes it a more versatile option to mount or place on a wider range of furniture. That said, compared to those models, bass on the S100F isn’t as deep, and with its two-channel design, it doesn’t offer full surround sound.

That said, if your priority is improving sound when watching dialogue-heavy content, TV and movies, or sports, the Sony S100F soundbar gets it done in a sleek and simple package, making it one of the top deals for shoppers determined to stay below the $100 mark.

October Prime Day FAQs

How long is Prime Day?

October Prime Day is a two-day event that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.

Is Prime Day only for Prime Members?

Yes, you will need to be a Prime Member to shop the exclusive sales during Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days. Prime membership starts at $14.99 per month.

What goes on sale on Prime Day?

Looking for something else? Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy have Prime Day competition sales that are especially useful if you don’t have Amazon Prime.

Walmart’s Prime Day competition sale runs through Sunday, July 13 and includes deals up to 50% off. It’s an especially good option if you have Walmart+.
Best Buy’s Prime Day competition sale, “Black Friday in July,” runs through Sunday, July 13 and has some of the best tech sales online. It’s an especially good option if you’re a My Best Buy “Plus” or “Total” member.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $234.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $427.00 (List Price $449.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

One Tech Brand Will Get the Biggest Discounts During October Prime Day

Jake Peterson — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 20:30:00 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

Amazon's October Prime Day is nearly here, and with it comes a surge of discounts and savings. While Amazon wants you to think each and every deal you come across is worth your time and attention, the truth is that few of these deals are actually that great.

All the chaos overwhelms even the most seasoned online shopper, making it hard to know if you’re really saving money at all. But there’s one category that will undoubtedly stand out on October Prime Day by design: tech made by Amazon itself. That means items like Fire tablets, Fire TV Cubes, and anything else specifically made by Amazon.

For typical tech sales, most retailers want you to buy whatever they can convince you to plunk down money for, be it an iPhone or an Android, a Mac or PC, Xbox or PlayStation. They want as much of your money as possible, and so traditional shopping events like October Prime Day see deals across the spectrum of brands and manufacturers. But Amazon is different.

Amazon is both a store and a manufacturer

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus

Amazon Ember 43" 4-Series TV

While the company sells tons of products from a wide variety of manufacturers, it also makes its own tech. If you’re looking for a new smart TV, Amazon makes one; if you just want the smart TV streaming device, Amazon makes that as well. For home security, there are both Blink and Ring products. Alexa powers so many of these devices, so why not get one of its smart speakers or screens operated via the personal assistant (including the new Alexa+)? Amazon Basics even makes plenty of accessories, from USB cables to batteries.

Amazon now makes so much tech, it only makes sense that the company would prefer to sell you its version of a product over that of the competition. Instead of a Roku, buy a Fire TV stick. Instead of a Nest Mini, buy an Echo Pop. It seems Amazon has comparable products in almost every category. The quality of these products compared to the competition is certainly up for debate, and I encourage you to do your own research before buying any tech product—made by Amazon or otherwise. But whenever you search for a tech product on Amazon—especially during October Prime Day—you’re going to be served up an Amazon alternative. It’s only in the company’s best interest to use the event to run big deals on its own products.

Amazon is still a market, and it’s good for them when you buy anything, so if you end up going with a Samsung TV over an Amazon TV, that’s still a sale. That's why you’ll still find plenty of deals throughout October Prime Day for non-Amazon devices. But Amazon products will be pushed the hardest and likely see the biggest discounts and promotions.

Don’t impulse-buy during October Prime Day

Eye-grabbing discounts and tempting product bundles aside, don’t buy an Amazon device just because it looks like a killer deal. If you are in the market for a specific Amazon-made product and it goes on sale, great. That’s a smart purchase. If you were more interested in a non-Amazon device but the Amazon version is now significantly cheaper, though, it’s not necessarily worth chasing value over getting the product you actually want to buy.

Take the time to research the difference between Amazon’s version and the competition. If you do find an Amazon device you want to buy, you can set alerts to be notified when the product hits the price you're looking for. That’s good general advice for any Prime Day deal (or any big-ticket purchase), but considering how hard Amazon will be pushing its own products soon, it’s especially important to keep in mind. If you buy anything during October Prime Day, I hope you get deals on the best devices for you, whether Amazon made them or not.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $234.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $427.00 (List Price $449.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

10 'One UI 9' Hacks Every Samsung Galaxy User Should Know

David Nield — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 20:00:00 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

Samsung is rolling out a major One UI 9 update, based on Android 17. If you've got one of the Galaxy S26 handsets launched at the start of the year, you should see it pop up on your device soon (it came pre-installed on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 devices unveiled in July).

Samsung Galaxy S26 (256GB)

Samsung Galaxy S26+ (256GB)

$1,099.99 at Amazon

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (256GB)

$1,199.99 at Amazon

$1,399.99 Save $200.00

$1,199.99 at Amazon

$1,399.99 Save $200.00

After the Galaxy S26, next in line for the update are the Galaxy S25, Galaxy Z Fold 7, and Galaxy Z Flip 7 phones—though Samsung hasn't said exactly when the software will arrive for those devices. After that, phones from as far back as 2023 should eventually get One UI 9, including the Galaxy S23, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Galaxy Z Flip 5 handsets.

If you do have an eligible phone, you'll want to dive in and start making the most of the update as quickly as possible. These 10 hacks should get you up and running. From making your device more secure to creating your own custom widgets, these are my favorite tricks and tips for the updated OS.

Cut down your doomscrolling with "AI Network Guard"

AI Network Guard is a new feature in One UI 9 that cuts off the internet when you open an app you've put on a specific restricted list. It's actually designed to stop kids from stumbling across unsuitable content, but it works great for limiting doomscrolling for grown-ups as well.

The feature isn't easy to find, though—it's on the same hidden menu that features Samsung's wifi signal scanner (why Samsung is keeping it hidden is anyone's guess). From Settings, tap Connections and Wi-Fi, then tap the three dots in the top right corner and select Intelligent Wi-Fi. On the next screen, tap the Intelligent Wi-Fi button seven times to reveal a new Connectivity Labs option.

Go into Connectivity Labs, and you will at last discover AI Network Guard. Follow the instructions to set up a PIN, and you can then pick the apps you want to block internet access for. Use the Downtime feature (via the three dots, top right) to set certain periods in the day when those apps can be used as normal.

Tailor your phone's menus by adjusting "Quick Panel" shortcuts

More customization options are available for the Quick Panel. Credit: Lifehacker

One UI has always impressed in terms of the number of customization options it gives users, and there's a new tweak available in the latest update. If you swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to get to the Quick Panel, then tap the pencil edit button, you've got more freedom to adjust its layout. You've always been able to swap widgets in and out, but now you can position them in any way you like (just tap and drag), and change their sizes (via the handles around the edges). The sound button is also now decoupled from the volume slider, so you can manage them separately. Tap Add a control to introduce new elements, and tap Done when you're finished.

Use "My FanCam" to spotlight one person in your videos

If you want one person in particular to be the star of a video, My FanCam is here for you in One UI 9. It lets you load up a video you've already recorded and create a new clip with a specific individual front and center. The obvious use case for this is your kid in the school play or at sports day, but you can use it for whatever you want. You do need to give My FanCam plenty of material to work with in terms of footage and framing—it can't magically produce new angles or new clips out of nothing.

To get started, open up a video from the Gallery app, then tap the Galaxy AI button (the stars) and My FanCam to get started. After a few moments, you'll be able to choose the person you want to follow and select crop and aspect ratio settings.

Build your own "Now Brief" cards to receive more relevant alerts

You can have up to three custom Now Brief cards. Credit: Lifehacker

Samsung Now Brief is aiming to give you timely alerts throughout the day about information that's relevant to you—such as weather updates or appointment reminders—and in One UI 9 you can make it more useful with the option to create your own cards. From Settings, tap Galaxy AI > Now Brief, then choose Custom cards. You can have three active at any one time, centered around weather details, health statistics, or particular categories of video pulled from the web.

Cut down on car sickness with "Motion Assist"

Google has finally gotten around to building something to match the anti-car sickness Vehicle Motion Cues feature that Apple put into iOS last year, and it's called Motion Assist. It was rolled out as part of the Android 17 update, and Samsung has carried it over to its own One UI 9 upgrade.

To find it, open up Settings, then choose Google services > All services > Motion assist. Beyond enabling and disabling the feature, you can customize the color, shape, and opacity of the dots that flow across the screen while you're moving, and which will (hopefully) keep any nausea at bay.

Liven up the interface with a "Motion Photo" wallpaper

Give your wallpaper game a bit of a lift by setting a Motion Photo as your phone's backdrop, rather than a static image. These images are accompanied by short videos when they're captured, giving you a second or so on either side of the still frame—tap the little icon that's an 'A' inside a series of rectangles to turn it on in the Camera app.

One UI 9 lets you set these Motion Photos as wallpaper to add a bit more movement and interest. You still set the wallpaper in the same way: Wallpaper and style, then Change wallpapers > Gallery from Settings. You should see a Motion photo option appear on compatible images.

Search your phone more quickly by adding "Finder" to the home screen

There's now the option to add Finder to the home screen. Credit: Lifehacker

The Finder is the search tool built into One UI, and it's traditionally been available at the top or bottom of the app drawer that appears when you swipe up on a home screen: You just type in the app or file you want to find on your phone. One of the nice tweaks introduced with One UI 9 is the option to have the Finder on the home screen for more convenient access. Open Settings, then choose Home screen > Show search on Home screen to enable it.

Keep an eye on what your AI assistants are up to

AI continues to become more integrated into our phones, and Galaxy handsets are no exception: You may well have several third-party AI apps on board your device, as well as the built-in Galaxy AI features. One UI 9 ushers in a new "AI Assistant Activity" dashboard that lets you keep tabs on what AI apps and their agents are doing on your phone, from booking concert tickets to analyzing photos. You can see everything that's been happening in one place. You can find the dashboard from Settings by tapping Security and privacy > AI assistant activity. Any actions AIs have taken on your behalf can be viewed app by app, with filters for activity over the last seven days or the last 24 hours.

Learn faster by taping over your Samsung Notes

The new Tape tool in Samsung Notes. Credit: Lifehacker

Perhaps not a One UI 9 upgrade that's going to grab many headlines, but a useful one nevertheless: Samsung Notes now has a Tape tool that works exactly like the name suggests: It lets you put a bit of digital "tape" over part of your note. You can use this as a revision aid, as a decoration for scrapbooking or journaling, or to protect sensitive information when you're sharing screenshots of your notes. You'll find it along the bottom toolbar when a note is open (the icon looks like a piece of tape). You can choose different colors and patterns for your tape, change the size, and have the app automatically straighten your taping too. Use the tape icon on the tool pop-up to show or hide all your tape.

This is a tip that you'll hopefully not have to call on too often, but there's a new Warranty and Care section in Settings that brings together a few older features and adds some new ones on top. From here, you can sign up for Samsung Care+, check if your phone is still under warranty, book repairs for your device, or run a diagnostics check on your phone. You can even ask Bixby for some troubleshooting tips and advice.

Three Reasons Not to Use ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ During the Amazon Prime Day Sale

Meredith Dietz — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Prime Big Deal Days (or October Prime Day) starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7, and as usual, we'll be keeping you updated on all the best deals leading up to and throughout the mega-sale. As you're adding item after item to your cart during the sale, you might be tempted by Amazon's "affordable monthly payment system." Also known as "buy now, pay later" (BNPL), the pitch is a tempting one: Buy what you need now, and pay later, "on your own timeline." But as convenient as it sounds, you should think twice before using buy now, pay later options, whether during Prime Day or at any other time.

While BNPL plans can allow you to pay for purchases in installments without interest, they come with a cost that can easily outweigh any big discounts. Let's take a look at the hidden costs of BNPL, and why you're better off paying upfront for all your Prime Day purchases.

How does Amazon's buy now, pay later program work?

To be clear, Amazon doesn't have its own buy now, pay later program, and the company is not uniquely misleading on this front. The process is straightforward: you choose your items, select Affirm (a third-party lender) at checkout, complete a quick application, and receive an instant decision on your loan terms. Individual transactions initiated through Affirm are limited to $25,000, with a daily maximum of $100,000 across multiple purchases—but of course, your Prime Day splurge will be nowhere near that big, right? (Right?!)

The main draw of these programs is the ability to "pay at your own pace." If you are required to pay a down payment, that is due at the time of the transaction. From there, your first monthly payment is usually due one month after your purchase is processed. Each following payment will be due one month later, on the same day of the month.

You can choose your own timeline, usually spanning 3, 6, 12, or 24 months, depending on the purchase amount and your creditworthiness. Unlike traditional credit cards, Affirm shows you the exact payment amount and total cost upfront, and claims no hidden fees or compound interest.

You need a separate Affirm account in addition to your Amazon Prime membership. The application process requires basic information, including your name, mobile phone number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Affirm performs a soft credit check initially, which doesn't impact your credit score, though they may conduct a hard inquiry for some loans.

BNPL plans are helpful if you really need to finance something big, but whenever possible, it’s best to avoid taking on debt for everyday expenses.

It makes impulse spending easier

The ease of this sort of financing can make expensive purchases feel more affordable than they actually are. When you can buy a $1,000 tablet for "just $67 per month," it's easy to lose sight of the total cost, as well as your overall financial picture. In turn, this makes it all too easy to overspend on items you might not have purchased otherwise. You're better off taking a breath, stepping away from your shopping cart, and setting alerts to be notified when a product hits a price you can stomach, at a time you can afford it.

It can impact your credit score

Despite what you may have heard in the past, BNPL purchases can now affect your credit score. For Amazon specifically, all Affirm payments (including on-time, late, and missed payments) are now reported to the credit bureau Experian. So if you miss payments or default on the installment plan, it will cause damage to your credit score—making it even harder to get approved for mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, and other financing down the road.

You'll have limited purchase protections

When you use a credit card, you get valuable purchase protections like extended warranty coverage, price protection, and the ability to dispute fraudulent charges. BNPL plans generally don't come with these safeguards. This means you're on the hook if something goes wrong with your Prime Day purchase and the retailer doesn't make things right. The smarter move is to only buy what you can afford during a sale, no matter how tempting those deals may seem.

Although installment plans are helpful if you really need to finance something major, it’s best to avoid taking on debt for everyday expenses. Better to wait for a good price for something you truly need and can afford to pay for right now.

The bottom line

If there's a big-ticket item on sale for Amazon Prime Day but it's still out of your budget, consider these two questions before you turn to BNPL through Affirm:

Is this really an essential purchase? BNPL should really only be used on completely necessary purchases that you can’t afford right now, but can afford in six weeks. On that note...
Will I be able to pay this off within six weeks? When a bigger payment gets broken down into smaller installments, you might find yourself overspending in the long run, because it "feels" like you can afford it. Stay on top of how much you’re actually spending—especially if you're considering multiple BNPL purchases—and how it will impact your overall budget going forward.

For more information about deals and discounts, keep an eye on all of Lifehacker’s Amazon Prime Day coverage.

Amazon Prime Day FAQs

When is Prime Day in October?

October Prime Day is a two-day event that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.

What goes on sale on Prime Day?

Is Prime Day once a year?

Prime Day happens every summer. Prime Big Deal Days (or October Prime Day) happens every October. Big Spring Sale happens every spring.

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Is the Treadmill or Your Watch More Accurate on How Far You've Run?

Beth Skwarecki — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 18:30:00 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

Outdoors, smartwatches do a great job of telling you how far you ran or walked. Indoors, they often disagree with the readout on the gym’s treadmill. Which leaves a lot of us wondering—should we trust the treadmill, or the watch?

I won't make you wait: The answer to this question is the treadmill. While a watch guesses at your speed based on wrist movements, the treadmill will always have a better idea than the watch of what your feet are doing. But I don’t blame you for doubting everything you see on a gym machine’s readout. After all, their calorie counts are notoriously inaccurate.

How treadmills determine distance

Whenever we’re evaluating accuracy, it’s important to know whether a device is measuring something directly, or interpreting data to make a guess. In this case, the treadmill is measuring distance, while the watch is guessing at it. (Calories are always interpreted, which is why they are never truly reliable.)

Distance is pretty simple: It’s the number of miles (or meters) of treadmill belt that passes under your feet while you run. The treadmill knows how long its belt is, and how fast the motor is running, so it’s pretty directly measuring how much belt it’s sending under your feet. (Sticklers will note that technically there is still some interpretation going on here, since the relationship between the motor's performance and how much belt it moves can change over time, which is why gyms should recalibrate their treadmills from time to time. But the treadmill's number is likely to be close to accurate even if it's not perfect, and is still your best bet for the purposes we discuss here.)

How watches determine distance

Your watch, by contrast, is on your wrist. There’s no way it can know what your feet are doing. It can make some guesses based on how much your wrist is swinging back and forth, and thus pick up a cadence (each arm swing corresponds to one footstep). You’ll swing your arms a bit harder and higher when you’re running faster, so it can use the oomph in your arm swing to make a guess at the speed you’re running. From speed and time, it calculates distance.

Some devices use outdoor, GPS-tracked activities to estimate the length of your average stride. That number then goes into the distance calculation, which helps to improve accuracy. But your stride length isn't the same for every speed you might run or walk, or for every type of terrain. The calculation is pretty limited in its usefulness.

How to get the most accurate numbers on a treadmill

Neither is guaranteed to be perfect, but the treadmill is a lot more likely to get the right idea. A treadmill can be slightly miscalibrated, and give you a distance that’s a smidge off from what you actually ran. But a watch is just riding on your wrist, guessing. I’ve noticed that my arms don’t swing all that differently when I’m running at a fast versus a slow pace.

In fact, while following an interval workout on the treadmill on a Garmin, I’ve found that the watch thinks I’m going slower than I am during the fast parts. If I'm following a Garmin workout that asks me to run specific paces, it often buzzes to chide me (“Pace low”) even if I'm going at the right speed. I can often convince it I’m in range by pumping my arms a little harder. This isn’t really a solution, though.

Garmin Forerunner 570 42mm Advanced GPS Smartwatch (Slate)

$549.99 at Amazon

Instead of trying to get more accurate numbers from my watch during the run, I approach my treadmill workouts with the assumptions that the following things are accurate:

The treadmill speed during the workout
The treadmill distance at the end of the workout
The heart rate from my watch (especially if I’m using a chest strap)
The time from either or both devices (which should be the same if I started them at the same time)

I then follow my workouts appropriately. If it’s a heart-rate-based workout, I let my watch handle everything. (Garmin might tell me to do 32 minutes at 139 to 167 beats per minute. Perfect. All you, Garmin.)

But if I want to do a speed- or distance-based workout, I manage that manually, with my human brain. A quarter mile at 7.5 miles per hour, repeated eight times? I boop the buttons on the treadmill accordingly. At the end of the workout, I’ll either “calibrate” (from the watch) or edit the distance on my app to make sure it recorded the correct total distance.

How Often You Need to Order From Amazon to Cover the Cost of Prime

Meredith Dietz — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 18:00:00 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

Prime Big Deal Days (or October Prime Day) starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7, and as usual, we'll be keeping you updated on all the best deals leading up to and throughout the mega-sale. In order to take advantage of all the discounts Prime Day has to offer, you'll need to be a Prime member. But is the cost of that membership going to be worth it for you?

Millions of Amazon Prime users currently pay $14.99 per month or $139 per year for their memberships—though other plans cost less if you qualify. For example, the Amazon Prime Student program allows young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 to get all of the Prime perks for half the cost—$7.49 per month or $69 annually.

For frequent Amazon shoppers, Prime can quickly pay for itself—mostly thanks to the free shipping perk. But how does the math shake out if you aren't regularly ordering from Amazon? Is it worth signing up if you only shop during Prime Day events? If you’re on the fence about signing up for (or renewing) your Prime membership, here’s how to judge whether or not the benefits outweigh the $139 cost.

The benefits of Amazon Prime

Here are the main perks of Amazon Prime that make it worth the cost for so many users.

Free two-day shipping on millions of items: This is the main draw of Prime. If you shop frequently on Amazon and want quick free delivery, the shipping perks alone may make Prime worthwhile. Prime members also get free same-day delivery on over 3 million items in eligible areas. The ultra-fast (and morally suspect) shipping usually costs $9.99 per order for non-members, though you can choose lower-cost or free shipping options if you're willing to place larger orders and wait longer to receive them.
Access to Prime Video: Prime includes unlimited streaming of movies, TV shows, and Amazon Originals. If you ask me, the content library isn’t as robust as Netflix or Hulu, but this is still an added value.
Other Prime benefits: You also get Amazon Music for streaming songs, Prime Reading for ebooks, magazines, and audiobooks; Prime gaming, free photo storage, and occasional exclusive discounts/deals.
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa card: Cardholders get 5% back on Amazon/Whole Foods purchases. Prime members who use this card extensively can earn rewards that offset the annual fee.
Number of users: Prime benefits can be shared with other members of your household. The more users, the more value per person.

Is an Amazon Prime account worth it?

Let's say you don't care about Prime Video, Amazon Music, or free e-books, and just want to know if you'll save money you would otherwise be spending on shipping.

For non-Prime members, Amazon requires a minimum order of $35 to qualify for free shipping on eligible items. The average shipping costs for non-members aren't publicly listed, and can vary by item and shipping speed, typically ranging from $5 to $10.

For our purposes, I messed around on my non-shared, non-Prime Amazon account to find an average shipping cost of around $6 per order (assuming the order total fell below the $35 threshold, of course). Of course, shipping costs will vary depending on the item and how quickly you want it, but let’s compare the cost to the appeal of Prime’s two-day shipping option. So, we have the cost of individual online orders (around six bucks) compared to the free delivery that comes with an $139 annual fee. This means the costs you’d save on shipping alone make Prime worth the cost as long as you place more than two dozen orders in a year.

In other words: The $139 annual fee pays for itself as long as you order from Amazon Prime at least twice a month.

Of course, this conclusion is strictly in terms of shipping costs. How it stacks up ethically is between you and the person in the mirror.

And then there's this important caveat: You can still get free shipping from Amazon without a Prime membership, provided your order has $35 or more of eligible items. However, this won't grant you Prime shipping speed—your order will typically take five to eight days to be delivered. But you can place fewer, larger orders and wait a little longer, and still never pay for shipping.

What about Prime Day?

Also worth considering is how much of that membership cost you'll be able to recoup via exclusive Prime Day offers. During the sale, some items will be heavily discounted only for Prime members—but whether the Prime Day price is really a "deal" will vary greatly based on the item you're buying. Some of those "big discounts" aren't any greater than what the item typically sells for. The Prime Day price can even be higher than other sale prices throughout the year. That's why it's important to make sure what you're ordering is something you planned to buy anyway—and that the sale price is actually a true bargain—before you order.

The bottom line

The cost of a Prime membership is a solid value for anyone using Amazon 23 times per year or more—especially if you're also watching shows on Prime Video or purchasing something that is deeply discounted for Prime Day. But if you only shop on Amazon a few times a year and don't take advantage of Prime Day offers or the other benefits, then that $139 annual fee isn't necessarily paying for itself.

Of course, if you are interested in Prime Day bargains, you can always sign up right before the start of the sale and then cancel your membership after Prime day is over—but Amazon doesn't always make it easy on you. For more information about deals and discounts, keep an eye on all of Lifehacker’s Amazon Prime Day coverage.

When is Prime Day in October?

October Prime Day is a two-day event that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.

What goes on sale on Prime Day?

Is Prime Day once a year?

Prime Day happens every summer. Prime Big Deal Days (or October Prime Day) happens every October. Big Spring Sale happens every spring.

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These Are the Best Deals on Apple Products From the October Prime Day Sale

Jake Peterson — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 17:30:00 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Apple products are infamously expensive, but that doesn't mean those prices never come down. While Apple doesn't typically offers discounts of its own, retailers frequently cut prices MacBooks, AirPods, and iPads, and such is the case ahead of Amazon's October Prime Day sale.

But be warned: This year, at both Amazon and competing retailers, the Apple deals are few and far between—at least for now—and some of the discounts that are in effect are small. You might be better off waiting until next week to see if prices come down further, and if more devices go on sale. (I'll keep updating this article between now and the end of the sale on Oct. 7.)

M5 MacBook Air (15-inch)

Apple's 15-inch MacBook Air is a good option for users who want more screen real estate without having to pay "Pro" prices. Following recent price hikes, Apple's 512GB model retails for $1,499, but ahead of October Prime Day, you can save $100 on the laptop when buying through Amazon. According to Keepa, this is the 15-inch MacBook Air's best price since early August. With this MacBook Air, you get a 15.3-inch display, Apple's M5 chip with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, 512GB of storage, 16GB of RAM, and up to 18 hours of battery life (according to Apple).

M5 MacBook Air (15-inch)

M5 Max MacBook Pro (14-inch)

M5 Max MacBook Pro (14-inch)

While the M5 chip in the MacBook Air is more than enough to handle most computing tasks, Apple's M5 Max is on a whole other level. For users who do intense graphics work or AI processing, there are few chips better than the one found in this 14-inch MacBook Pro. Of course, all that power comes at a cost: Apple's MSRP for this particular configuration is $4,099. But right now, Best Buy has it discounted by $600. For $3,499, you get a 14.2-inch mini-LED display, the M5 Max chip with an 18-core CPU and 32-core GPU, 36GB of RAM, and a 2TB SSD.

$3,499.00 at Best Buy

$3,499.00 at Best Buy

AirPods Max (previous generation)

AirPods Max (USB-C)

As much as I love my AirPods Max, I have a hard time recommending them because of the price—$549 is expensive for wireless headphones, and it's tough to ignore other excellent options that cost hundreds of dollars less than Apple's. However, they become easier to recommend when they're on sale. Right now, you can pick up Apple's USB-C AirPods Max for $429—still expensive, but a bit more reasonable. There's a big caveat here: These are Apple's previous-generation AirPods Max. If you want AirPods Max 2 with extra features like Live Translation and Adaptive Audio, Amazon currently sells them at a smaller but still decent discount.

AirPods Pro 3

Apple's third-generation AirPods Pro are excellent, but they're also pricey. For $249, you get Apple's best earbuds, with Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Transparency, a built-in heart rate monitor, and interchangeable tips to fit the buds to your ears. Of course, Apple offers cheaper AirPods with similar features, so unless you need the Pros' exclusive perks, you might be better served by the new, full-featured AirPods 5 ($149 for the version with the wireless charging case). Amazon's current discount isn't great, but right now, you can take $15 off the price of the AirPods Pro 3.

M5 iPad Pro (11-inch)

Apple's 11-inch iPad Pro is powered by the same M5 chip as the MacBook Air—though it still runs iPadOS. Despite missing perks you get with a laptop, like a built-in keyboard, trackpad, and macOS support, this iPad Pro isn't too far off from the MacBook Air's price tag. Typically, this unit retails for $1,199, but Amazon has it listed at $60 off. Not a big discount, but you could apply those savings towards an Apple Pencil Pro—currently 23% off—or take a chunk off of Apple's Magic Keyboard. This model comes with an 11-inch OLED display, the M5 chip, and two 12MP cameras—one on the front and one on the back.

M5 iPad Pro (11-inch)

$1,139.00 at Amazon

$1,199.00 Save $60.00

$1,139.00 at Amazon

$1,199.00 Save $60.00

Apple Watch Ultra 3

Apple just launched the Apple Watch Ultra 4, so big discounts aren't likely this fall. Instead, you can save $100 by opting for Apple's last-gen Ultra wearable. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is still a capable watch, with the S10 chip, 5G support, up to 42 hours of battery life, and water resistance up to 100m. You'll be missing out on the S11 chip, "Audio Intelligence," and Apple's new persistent heart rate monitor, but the savings may be worth the small sacrifice.

If You Loved 'Furious,' There's One Movie You Need to Watch Next

Jeff Somers — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 16:30:00 +0000

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Furious rocks. Well-written, packed with terrific performances (especially by leads Emmy Rossum, Lola Petticrew, Scoot McNairy, and breakout star Quincy Tyler Bernstine), and offering a nuanced, detailed look at the chain of violence caused by abuse, it landed on a lot of people’s “must-watch” lists this year. One reason it resonated so much is the visceral power of its core stories—the three primary women in Furious are righteously justified in their rage, depressingly limited in what they can do about it, and struggling to keep their heads above water in an unfair world where the smallest bit of respect can feel like the only reason to keep going. If you’re a Furious superfan looking for a movie to watch, there’s an obvious answer: The movie that inspired the show, 1987’s Black Widow.

Why you should watch Black Widow after Furious

It’s no secret that Black Widow inspired Elizabeth Meriwether to create Furious, and the connection between the films is pretty clear. The 1987 film stars Debra Winger as a U.S. Justice Department data analyst, Alexandra Barnes, who notices a pattern of suspicious deaths among wealthy men. She eventually realizes that the younger women these men had recently married are all the same person in different disguises—and that this woman (played by Theresa Russell) is seducing, marrying, and murdering these men in order to inherit their wealth.

Black Widow isn’t as complex as Furious. The story is more of a conventional thriller, with Russell’s character more conventionally evil and driven by greed rather than revenge. But the bones of the story offer the same kind of thrill; Alexandra and Russell’s character bond in a weird, subliminally queer way that faintly echoes the complex relationship between Rossum’s broken rookie FBI agent and Petticrew’s broken serial killer. And Alexandra has to battle a sexist, skeptical array of powerful men in order to track a killer and prove that she’s smarter than all of them.

Watching the film, you can see the precise bits of the story that inspired Meriwether to tackle the story from a more modern, more complex perspective. And it’s good to remember how remarkable it was in 1987 to release a major film that not only featured two female lead characters, but two female lead characters who didn’t rely on men to achieve their goals—with one actively treating men as disposable steps toward their own goals (and murdering them). The inversion of traditional sex roles was kind of thrilling forty years ago and still has juice today. If you want to be a Furious completist, check it out. Stream Black Widow on Hoopla or rent it on Prime Video.

Black Widow (1987)

Promising Young Woman (2020)

More movies to watch after Furious

Still feeling kind of angry? Don’t worry, there are plenty of other movies that explore the same dark impulses and justified rage against a culture of abuse against women. Here are some that will definitely give you vibes similar to Furious.

Promising Young Woman (2020)

If Catherine’s terror campaign against the men who destroyed her before she even had a chance to live resonated with you, Promising Young Woman shares that dark vibe. Carey Mulligan plays Cassie, who dropped out of medical school after the death of her best friend Nina, who was sexually assaulted and eventually committed suicide after the men responsible received no punishment. Cassie now goes to bars at night, feigning intoxication so she can lure and confront men who would take advantage of her, and later embarks on a self-destructive, rage-fueled campaign to punish the people she deems responsible for Nina’s abuse and death. It’s visceral, darkly funny, and Mulligan’s performance will remind you of Catherine in powerful ways. Stream Promising Young Woman on Peacock or rent it on Prime Video.

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

Catherine is a victim who lets her justifiable rage consume her and drive her to seek violent revenge—and if you love the thrill of seeing a woman turning the tables on the men who seek to destroy her, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is your next stop. The novel the film is based on was originally titled “Men Who Hate Women” in the original Swedish, after all, and it introduces the character of Lisbeth Salander, who is Catherine with a little more self-control and tech-savvy. Lisbeth’s story of vengeance against a man who assaults her and tries to impose his power over her is a (thrilling) sub-plot in the book and film, but the investigation into a decades-old murder leads you directly into the same dark, violent places as Furious. Stream The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo on Netflix or rent it on Prime Video.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Monster (2003)

Furious was both compelling and unsettling because of its unflinching look at cycles of violence and the impact of violence against women. Monster, based on a true story, is a similar exploration. Aileen “Lee” Wuornos (Charlize Theron) is a prostitute who is on the verge of suicide when she meets Selby Wall (Christina Ricci) and falls in love. Determined to make a life with Selby, Lee turns back to prostitution, and after a traumatic, violent encounter, begins murdering her clients and stealing their money and cars to survive. It’s a heartbreaking look at what a lifetime of abuse in a world where women are often valued solely for their bodies can do to a person, and what we do to survive. Rent Monster on Prime Video.

Monster (2003)

$2.99 at Prime Video

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

If you found Emmy Rossum’s performance as rookie FBI agent Alice Black the best part of Furious, this classic film from director Jonathan Demme and screenwriter Ted Tally (based on the book by Thomas Harris) is the right choice. Jodie Foster (who won a Best Actress Oscar for her performance) plays Clarice Starling, who is plucked out of training at Quantico to interview the brilliant, insane serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins, offering a performance so good he won a Best Actor Oscar with just 16 minutes of screen time) in the hopes that he’ll offer insight into Buffalo Bill, an active serial killer targeting women. It’s a taut, emotionally rich story anchored by Foster’s performance as a young woman in a male-dominated field forced to confront the violence aimed at women on a daily basis. Rent The Silence of the Lambs on Prime Video.

Get more out of your Mac with less effort

Destroyer (2018)

The character Nicole Kidman plays in Destroyer, Detective Erin Bell, is a kind of amalgamation of Catherine and Alice from Furious—a bent cop who did something horrible in the past and has been punishing herself for it ever since. It’s a searing look at the impact of trauma and guilt that parallels what Catherine and Alice are going through, as Bell initially struggles to cover up her sins and then seeks a kind of absolution, leaving a trail of bodies and bad decisions in her wake. Bell isn’t strictly a victim in the story—she’s the architect of her own misery—but her suffering and rage definitely echo the characters in Furious. Stream Destroyer on Kanopy, Hoopla, Plex, or Tubi.

Destroyer (2018)

at Kanopy

Your Mac Should Be Doing More of the Work. Here's How MacPaw Helps

Lifehacker BrandX for MacPaw — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 14:37:02 +0000

The work you actually sat down to do rarely gets interrupted by something dramatic. It gets interrupted by housekeeping—a quick fix here, a quick lookup there, each one small enough to feel harmless and just long enough to break your focus.

This is true for freelancers, founders, designers, and developers. But it’s also true for work-from-home employees and busy people in general. And it’s not that any of these tasks are difficult (which almost makes them more annoying); it’s that each one takes just enough time and attention to pull you away from whatever you actually sat down to do. Little interruptions may not seem like much, but they add up to a surprising amount of time spent taking care of your Mac instead of letting your Mac take care of you.

MacPaw has spent 18 years building tools that take everyday work off Mac users' hands by noticing the small stuff you've stopped noticing, and quietly handling it for you. For anyone whose Mac doubles as an office, the files, apps, and projects add up—but the upkeep shouldn't have to.

MacPaw

Here’s how MacPaw’s products help you save time and frustration while using your trusty Mac computer.

The cleanup you keep putting off

When storage starts disappearing, you can open folders one by one, sort through old downloads, track down duplicate files, and try to uncover large files that are eating up space and collecting dust. Or, you can make that maintenance somebody else's problem.

CleanMyMac keeps everyday care in one place, so maintenance takes less of your attention. If you work with video or like to keep many applications open at once, freeing up space can help your Mac work as intended. You’ll spend less time staring at the dreaded spinning color wheel and more time getting things done.

CleanMyMac

at MacPaw

The small, niche task that might already have a plug-and-play solution

Sometimes you just need an app for one specific task. Maybe you need to compress a video before sending it to a client. The job itself takes two minutes, but first you have to find an app, compare your options, figure out whether you trust it, download it, and possibly even pay for yet another subscription.

Setapp cuts out much of the scavenger hunt by giving you one trusted place to look for the right app, so a two-minute task doesn't start with 15 minutes of searching, comparing, and managing software. It also makes it easy to discover time-savers and cool tricks you didn't even realize were possible on a Mac.

Setapp

at MacPaw

The thing you did once before, but can't remember how

Splitting a PDF or trimming the first few seconds from a video isn't complicated, but if you only do it occasionally, you might still end up digging through menus or Googling it all over again. Eney is MacPaw's on-device helper for handling straightforward tasks like these. Instead of relearning the process every time, ask Eney to take care of it on your Mac.

Go on, then—forget the steps. For straightforward tasks like these, Eney can handle them on your Mac.

Eney

at MacPaw

Your Mac should ask less of you

There's no shortage of software promising to make you more productive, but finding, installing, learning, and managing all those tools can become another job of its own. The next time a small Mac task pulls you away from what you meant to do, see how MacPaw can help.

And there's more on the way. MacPaw is currently developing its own on-device AI stack for the Mac — an AI runtime called Elix and a memory layer called Mnemos — designed to make its products smarter, keep more of the work and your data on your Mac, and understand what you need before you have to spell it out.

Your Mac should do more for you without giving you more to manage. Explore MacPaw to see how Setapp, CleanMyMac, Eney, and other tools take everyday work off your hands.

These Are the Best October Prime Day Deals on Cordless Power Tools

Becca Lewis — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 13:30:00 +0000

A quality set of cordless power tools can be a game changer for any DIY home tool kit. If you have some fall projects to take care of, now is the time to prepare for them: Amazon's October Prime Day event, Prime Big Deal Days, is coming up next week, but you can already find great early deals on cordless power tools. Here are the best I've found so far.

The best early October Prime Day deals on drills and drivers

A cordless drill and driver are the cornerstone of a tool set. They allow you to drill holes and drive fasteners like screws and nuts with ease, making any job much less stressful, from hanging a picture to fixing a fence or putting together flat-pack furniture.

DeWalt 20-volt MAX drill and driver set

The DeWalt 20-volt MAX drill and driver set is on sale for $179, 25% off its regular price. This set comes with a drill, an impact driver, two 20-volt, 1.5-amp-hour batteries, a charger, and a tool bag. This is a good beginner set because aside from bits, it's ready to use.

DeWalt 20-volt cordless drill set

The DeWalt 20-volt cordless drill set is on sale for $125, 30% off its typical price. The set comes with a drill, a 20-volt, 2-amp-hour battery, and a charger. This is a good standalone tool for basic home maintenance because it can be used to drill any hole and drive any fastener (with the right bits).

DeWalt 20-volt impact driver

The DeWalt 20-volt impact driver is on sale for $127.99, 25% off its usual price. This is a tool-only deal, so while it’s a good addition to your DeWalt set if you want to add an impact driver to your kit, you’ll need a 20-volt DeWalt battery and charger to use it.

The best early October Prime Day deals on sanders and finishers

Finishing off your work and getting it ready for paint is one of the final steps for a DIY project. A cordless sander can save a lot of time, and carving and shaping tools can too. Here are some early Prime Big Deal Days finds on cordless finishing tools.

DeWalt 20-volt cordless sheet sander

The DeWalt 20-volt cordless sheet sander is on sale for $119.99, 33% off its typical price. This type of sander can be used to remove old paint (provided you know for certain that it isn’t lead-based), prep surfaces for painting, and smooth out rough lumber. This is a tool-only deal, so you’ll need a DeWalt 20-volt battery and charger to use it.

Dremel cordless rotary tool kit

The Dremel cordless rotary tool kit is on sale for $79. 21% off its regular price. This kit comes with a rotary tool, a 12-volt battery, a charger, three sanding drums, a sanding bit, a cutoff bit, a cutoff disc, and a tool case.

The best early October Prime Day deals on cordless nailers

As batteries get lighter and more efficient, cordless nailers and staplers have become more practical. If you have DIY projects that involve putting up trim or other woodworking, a cordless nailer will be clutch.

DeWalt 20-volt, 16GA finish nail gun

The DeWalt 20-volt, 16GA finish nail gun is on sale for $369, 43% off its usual price. This is another tool-only deal, so you’ll need a DeWalt 20-volt battery, too. You can use this type of nailer for installing millwork like box frame molding or crown molding.

Makita 18-volt 16GA finish nail gun

The Makita 18-volt 16GA finish nail gun is on sale for $297.30, 51% off its regular price. You can use this nailer to install thicker trim like baseboards, or for shooting through deeper parts of crown molding. This is a tool-only deal, so you’ll need a Makita 18-volt battery and charger to make use of it.

FAQ for October Prime Day

When is Prime Day in October?

Amazon Prime Day is an annual event held in June or July. Amazon's October Prime Day event, known as Prime Big Deal Days, is a two-day sale that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.

What goes on sale during October Prime Day?

Is Prime Day once a year?

Prime Day happens every summer. Prime Big Deal Days (or October Prime Day) happens every October. Amazon's Big Spring Sale happens every spring.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $234.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $427.00 (List Price $449.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

This Versatile Multi-Port Charger Is on Sale for Under $100 Right Now

Pradershika Sharma — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Gitryin has opened pre-orders for Nexus, a 140W desktop charging station with four retractable USB-C cables built directly into the unit, giving you a way to charge several devices without keeping a collection of loose cables stretched across your desk. A fifth USB-C port takes your own cable, and you also get three adapters that cover Lightning, Micro-USB, and USB-A devices like older earbuds or an aging e-reader. The whole setup is currently available for $89.99 as part of an early-access offer running through Oct. 14, before the price increases to $109.99 on Oct. 15. From then through Nov. 30, you can use the code NexusPR10 to take $10 off orders of $100 or more, effectively bringing the Nexus down to $99.99, with units expected to begin shipping Nov. 15.

As useful as having five charging connections may be, the Nexus’s 140W of power is shared—a single compatible device can draw up to the full 140W, while connecting two devices divides the available power to as much as 65W apiece. With three devices plugged in, the split becomes 100W, 18W, and 18W, and filling all five connections gives you up to 65W from the primary connection and 18W from each of the other four. Gitryin’s testing at the full 140W output saw a 16-inch MacBook Pro reach 50% in 25 minutes and a full charge in one hour and 31 minutes, though actual speeds will vary depending on your device, battery level, and charging conditions.

That combination of laptop-level power and support for several smaller devices makes the Nexus particularly suited to a desk or nightstand where most of your charging happens in one place, and the retractable cables help keep that setup from becoming cluttered—each one extends up to 31.5 inches and locks at multiple lengths, while the 30.2-ounce weighted base and non-slip strips help keep the station planted as you pull a cable out. The tradeoff is portability: At roughly 4.3 by 3.5 by 4.5 inches and nearly two pounds, it’s much better suited to staying on a desk or nightstand than traveling with you.

An advertiser paid for editorial consideration of this deal. Our editorial experts vetted the deal based on our independent expertise. Because we determined that the deal will save money for the consumer, we wrote the content.

These Top-Rated TVs Are up to 41% Off for October Prime Day

Pradershika Sharma — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:30:00 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Early October Prime Day 2026 deals are rolling out, and 65-inch TVs are where the cuts have landed hardest, with sets from Samsung, Hisense, Sony, LG, TCL, Roku, Toshiba, and Amazon all marked down and several sitting at their lowest prices on record, according to price trackers. The range runs from budget QLEDs under $500 to OLED panels and art-display TVs built to look like framed artwork when they're off-duty. For more on the October Prime Day sale, you can browse more deals and sale announcements on our Prime Day Deals page.

These Samsung TVs are up to $200 off

Samsung 65-inch S90H TV

Samsung 65-inch The Frame Pro

Samsung 65-inch S85H TV

$1,397.99 at Amazon

$1,597.99 Save $200.00

$1,397.99 at Amazon

$1,597.99 Save $200.00

$1,797.99 at Amazon

$1,897.99 Save $100.00

$1,797.99 at Amazon

$1,897.99 Save $100.00

Samsung has three 65-inch sets discounted right now—the S90H, at $1,697.99 down from $1,897.99, is the one to reach for if picture quality and gaming both matter to you, since its OLED panel handles dark scenes without the grey wash you get from backlit sets, the glare reduction keeps it watchable in a room with afternoon sun, and variable refresh rates up to 165Hz cover anything a current console or PC can throw at it.

The S85H is the more affordable OLED option at $1,397.99 (down from $1,597.99) and its lowest price yet, giving up some brightness and processing compared with the S90H while keeping the per-pixel lighting that makes an OLED worth it in the first place. The Frame Pro is the outlier here at $1,797.99, down from $1,897.99, and because it's more than either OLED on this list, choosing it on picture quality alone doesn't hold up—a point PCMag's review makes as well. What you're paying for is the matte finish and art-mode design, which earn their keep if what you want is a screen that can pass for a framed piece of art.

These Hisense TVs are up to 41% off

Hisense 65-inch U6 Pro Mini-LED TV

$647.99 at Amazon

$1,099.99 Save $452.00

$647.99 at Amazon

$1,099.99 Save $452.00

Hisense 65-inch S7 Canvas TV

$1,197.99 at Amazon

$1,999.99 Save $802.00

$1,197.99 at Amazon

$1,999.99 Save $802.00

Hisense covers the budget-to-midrange spread here, with the 65-inch U6 Pro at $647.99 (was $1,099.99)—a steep cut on the entry-level mini-LED, which combines strong contrast, a matte anti-reflective coating to keep glare down, and a 144Hz refresh rate for gaming. PCMag’s review has more on how this TV performs. At the other end is the 65S7SG Canvas TV, Hisense's take on the art-display TV, with an anti-glare matte screen and art mode while landing $600 under The Frame Pro.

Some early October Prime Day deals on TCL TVs

TCL has two 65-inch mini-LED TVs on sale, with a $78 difference between them. The 2025 QM6K is $697.99 (down from $799.99)—and PCMag gave it an “excellent” rating for its strong contrast, accurate colors, and low input lag, though the review found its brightness less impressive. Still, its local dimming helps produce deeper blacks than you’d typically get from a standard LED TV. The 65QM64L sits a step below at $619.99, down from $699.99, trading away some of the QM6K's dimming zones in exchange for being the cheapest way into mini-LED on this list.

More TVs on sale for October Prime Day

Sony 65-inch Bravia 6

$1,698.00 at Amazon

$1,999.99 Save $301.99

$1,698.00 at Amazon

$1,999.99 Save $301.99

Amazon Ember 65-inch QLED Series TV

Roku 65-Inch Plus Series Smart TV

Sony’s 65-inch Bravia 6 OLED is $1,698, down from $1,999. The brand’s processing is still one of the best in the business at cleaning up older or lower-quality sources, which counts for a lot if your viewing skews toward cable, catalogue films, or anything that wasn't mastered yesterday. Amazon’s 65-inch Ember QLED is $709.99, down from $849.99—with Fire TV and Alexa built in, it’s an easy fit for a home that already uses Echo speakers and voice commands to control other devices.

Finally, Roku's 65-inch Plus Series TV is down to $449.99 from $649.99, making it the cheapest way on this roundup to get a large screen with Roku’s streaming interface built in. It also has a QLED panel and full-array local dimming, though its 60Hz refresh rate makes it better suited to streaming and casual gaming than to getting the most out of a newer console.

October Prime Day FAQs

When is Prime Day in October?

October Prime Day is a two-day event that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.

What happens on Amazon Prime Day?

On Oct. 6 and Oct. 7, Amazon will have a big online sale for Prime Members with many products going for their lowest price of the year.

What goes on sale on Prime Day?

Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $234.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $427.00 (List Price $449.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

10 Spotlight Search Hacks Every iPhone User Should Know

Pranay Parab — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 22:30:00 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

Spotlight is the gateway to everything on my iPhone. From looking up contacts to toggling obscure features, I use Spotlight every day to get things done. But while many of us use it, I don't think most use Spotlight to its fullest potential. Yes, it's a way to search for things on your iPhone, but it's also a "launcher" for automations, a calculator, a currency converter, and a way to run tasks inside your favorite apps. If you have an iPhone, these are 10 Spotlight search hacks you should know.

Bypass the Clock app to set timers, alarms, or to use the stopwatch

The Clock app lets you set timers, alarms, and set a stopwatch, too. Normally, you'd launch the Clock app to access all those features on your iPhone, but Spotlight lets you bypass that. Open Spotlight on your iPhone, and search for "Clock." The top results will be: Clock, Set Timer, Add Alarm, and Stopwatch. Tap any of the last three buttons to run those features from your iPhone's Dynamic Island.

Tapping "Set Timer" shows a slider to choose the timer's length. Similarly, "Add Alarm" lets you set an alarm without opening Clock, and "Stopwatch" immediately starts the count, and even lets you pause or set a lap time without opening the app.

Locate text in photos and screenshots via Spotlight search

Your iPhone has built-in OCR (optical character recognition), which means that it can identify, select, and copy text in photos and screenshots. Spotlight lets you search for text in images without opening the Photos app. Just fire up Spotlight and search for a word or a phrase. The "Photos" section of results will show you all images containing your search term.

Convert units and currencies without opening websites or apps

Credit: Pranay Parab

I grew up in a country that follows the metric system, and I just can't wrap my head around Imperial units used in the U.S. and U.K. Every time I read something that mentions gallons, fluid ounces, miles, stones, or other units that should've been retired in the 19th century, I use Spotlight to convert them quickly. Try searching for "1 inch to cm," or similar terms with different units, and the result will display at the top.

For currency conversions, type the currency symbol followed by the amount, and Spotlight will convert it to your local currency by default. Try searching for "£120" or "$240," and the converted currency will show up in the results. You can also try a more specific query such as "£360 to USD" to convert to a currency of your choice.

I rarely open the calculator on my iPhone. When I need to perform basic math, I fire up Spotlight and type the calculation. It works with addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, and even percentages. The syntax for calculations is straightforward in Spotlight, but to get percentages, you'll want to try something like "20% x 180." This is great for calculating tips or splitting bills.

Type any date to create a calendar entry or to find photos

You can use Spotlight to quickly add calendar entries. Activate Spotlight on your iPhone, type a future date, and tap the Add button in the Event widget. This will open a Calendar entry page, and allow you to add the event without opening the Calendar app. You can also search for specific months from the past, such as "October 2024" to look for photos, messages, and emails from that month. The results show up in neatly organized sections under each app's name, and tapping a result takes you to specific photos, messages, or emails.

Type "Record" to start a voice recording

Credit: Pranay Parab

Spotlight also allows you to start a voice recording quickly. Type "Record" to reveal results related to the Voice Memos app on your iPhone. Tap the Record button to record a voice note, and it'll show a timer and a stop recording button in your iPhone's Dynamic Island.

Download videos from Instagram, Threads, or YouTube directly from Spotlight

If you use iPhone automations to download videos from Instagram, Threads, or YouTube, you can run these directly from Spotlight. Just search "Download" in Spotlight, and the shortcuts named "Download Instagram," "Download Threads," and "YouTube Download" will appear in the results. As long as you have a video URL from one of those sites copied to the clipboard, tapping the respective shortcuts will instantly begin downloading the video. This is perfect for times when you receive a social media link in a messaging app. You can copy it, then run the automation via Spotlight.

Use Spotlight to enable greyscale mode when you want to eliminate distractions

I use this automation every day to reduce my smartphone usage. Searching for "Color Filters" lets me toggle that setting directly from Spotlight, and enables greyscale mode when I need to focus on work. Disabling this feature is just as easy. If you use any other feature that is buried deep in iOS settings, you can use Spotlight to search for it, and toggle it as needed.

Type "Focus" to toggle various DND modes on your iPhone

The search bar is not the most obvious place for switching between different Focus modes on your iPhone, but it works quite well. Just type "Focus" in Spotlight search, and it'll list multiple DND modes, allowing you to toggle the one you need. These results appear in the "Settings" section in Spotlight's search results.

Check iOS Settings to hide apps and content from Spotlight

You can also hide apps and search results from Spotlight. This is a good way to keep dating apps or sensitive data away from results. To set this up, go to Settings > Search on your iPhone. Under "Before Searching," tap the drop-down menu next to "Suggest Apps." Choose "Don't suggest" if you want to hide all app suggestions from Spotlight. Instead, you can use your iPhone's App Library to find and launch apps faster.

If that feels a bit extreme, scroll down to find individual apps you want to hide from Spotlight. Tap the app's name, and disable "Show App in Search." To hide results from that app in Spotlight, disable "Show Content in Search" on the same page. You'll have to do this once per app.

The Best Deals on Tablets and iPads From the October Prime Day Sale

Daniel Oropeza — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 22:00:00 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

October Prime Day isn't until next week, but you can already shop many early deals right now. I've searched Amazon to find the best deals on tablets and vetted them using price tracking tools. While only one of the best tablets of 2026 made it onto the list below, all of these devices are great deals at their current prices.

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025)

Amazon Kindle Scribe 16GB 10.2" eReader & Notebook (Like-New Condition, Black)

TCL Nxtpaper 14 256GB 14.3" Tablet With Pen and Case (Gray)

XTEINK X4 Classic Pocket eReader, Ultra-Light 68g & 4.9mm Thin, Space Black

Amazon Fire HD 10 10.1" Tablet (4GB RAM, 32GB, Black)

The iPad 11th-Gen is $427 right now

iPads were one of the many tech products that went up in price dramatically in 2026 due to ongoing RAM crisis, so it's nice to see this model get a discount, even if it's not that big. Right now, the iPad 11-inch with the A16 chip is $427 (originally $449). This is the 128 GB version, which is one of the most affordable iPads. It supports the Apple Pencil, is bright and colorful, and is considered the best tablet for most people.

A like- new Kindle Scribe is nearly half the price of a new one

Kindle Scribes are expensive—the 64GB can run for nearly half a grand—but you can get a "like-new" 64GB version for $319.99 right now. The 16GB version is $284.99, but the upgrade in storage is worth the $35 difference. It's unlikely you'll find a better deal on s like-new Scribe during this sale.

The TCL NXTPAPER 14 is $120 off

TCL started venturing into tablets in 2020, and their latest tablet, the NXTPAPER 14, came out this year. Right now, it's at its lowest price ever: $349.98 (originally $469.99). This tablet has a 14.3-inch matte screen with different viewing modes for reading, streaming video, and writing. While it's not the most portable due to the size, its design makes it versatile, and perfect for people who want a tablet that can do a bit of everything.

The Xteink X4 Classic pocket e-reader is just $76

Pocket readers seem to be gaining popularity lately, with more companies making new models of these hyper-small reading tablets. The Xteink X4 Classic is particularly small: At just four inches (about the size of a credit card), you can fit comfortably into almost any pocket. This is the second generation of the device, which came out in early September, and it's incredibly affordable: At $75.99 (originally $89), it's around half the price of the entry-level Kindle.

The Fire HD 10 tablet is 53% off

Right now, the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet is more affordable than ever: It's currently 53% off, bringing its price down to a record low of $72.99. (Note that this deal is for the version of the device with lock-screen ads.) While this tablet won't win any awards for offering the latest and best specs, it's an incredible value for the price, and it can probably handle all the basic tasks you'd ask of a tablet.

FAQ for October Prime Day

When is Prime Day in October?

Amazon Prime Day is an annual event held in June or July. Amazon's October Prime Day event, known as Prime Big Deal Days, is a two-day sale that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.

What goes on sale during October Prime Day?

Is Prime Day once a year?

Prime Day happens every summer. Prime Big Deal Days (or October Prime Day) happens every October. Amazon's Big Spring Sale happens every spring.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $234.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $427.00 (List Price $449.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

The US Government Just Launched an AI Chatbot

Jake Peterson — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 21:42:26 +0000

AI is virtually everywhere in 2026; that now includes U.S. government websites. On Tuesday, the Trump administration launched "America.gov," a new website that uses AI to answer questions about the government. While the experience currently feels like ChatGPT running U.S. government-themed instructions, the plan is for America.gov to eventually let you take action as well.

What is America.gov?

America.gov "combines" the nearly 30,000 websites under the umbrella of the U.S. government into one set of sources. Rather than invite you to browse those tens of thousands of pages to answer your questions, that dataset serves as the basis for the site's proprietary chatbot. You ask the chatbot a question about the U.S. government, and the AI sifts through those websites to generate an answer. It's like ChatGPT, but if the model only had access to U.S. government websites and sources.

You could ask the site how to replace your Social Security card, renew your passport, or register to vote in your state. You could ask for information on changing your address with the USPS, when Medicare open enrollment dates are, or upload a PDF of a government form for assistance. The site says any personal information will be automatically removed, though the privacy policy clarifies that it "will make a best-effort attempt in your browser to remove any private details using Rampart (an open-source classifier system to detect some types of PII, such as Social Security Numbers, phone numbers, email addresses, and credit card numbers)."

The website currently supports three languages—English, Spanish, and French—as well as voice commands, if you prefer speaking to your chatbots rather than typing to them. You don't need an account to use it, nor is there a fee or subscription, and there are no ads.

What America.gov might be able to do in the future

In its current form, America.gov is a simple chatbot. But the site has bold claims for future features. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to let users apply for and renew their passports directly through the site, including a dynamic progress tracker to keep tabs on your documents. Other future abilities could include enrolling in Medicare or finding a job with the federal government.

But as with all claims, take these with a grain of salt. The government says these features are coming in early 2027, but this is a tall order for such a project. A single website that lets you complete complex government processes with the simplicity of a chatbot sounds great, but it would need to be accurate and reliable for all possible tasks and functions. It would certainly take significant proof of security and dependability for me to trust such a program with renewing my passport or helping me enroll in health care.

America.gov is full of ironies

It's impossible to discuss America.gov without acknowledging the administration that is spearheading the project. One would assume that an AI-powered government website developed by this administration would be biased towards Trump and his many falsehoods. And yet, the tool is astoundingly neutral, to the point where I can only imagine how frustrated Trump would be by some of these answers.

The first question many tested America.gov with was "Who won the 2020 election?" Donald Trump famously and frequently says that the election was stolen from him, but his new website plainly states that Joseph R. Biden Jr. won. The bot does sometimes tie the answer to the electoral count, stating that Biden won 306 votes to Trump's 232, but I was surprised to see "Joseph R. Biden Jr. won the 2020 presidential election under the official Electoral College count" as an answer on this site.

The site will also tell you that Donald Trump was president when diesel prices hit their highest historic price ($6.529 per gallon as of Sept. 21, 2026.), and that prices are high, in part, due to "military action" affecting the Staight of Hormuz. It will also say that grocery prices were higher in August than they were a year ago, which contradicts Trump's claims that prices have come down under his term.

Of course, Trump-influenced information that appears on official government sites will appear here. Ask it what the body of water that abuts Texas is called, and it will say the Gulf of America, formerly the Gulf of Mexico. Ask it what lake borders Toronto, Canada, and the bot will say Lake America, formerly Lake Ontario. In both cases, it will refer to the executive orders that changed those names.

Typically, I'd be worried about an AI tool hallucinating its answers and providing incorrect information to users. That's still a concern here, of course. But by creating a chatbot that only pulls information from official government sources, Trump has inadvertently created an official government fact-checker. And unless Trump starts injecting these sites with the same falsehoods he tells in interviews and on Truth Social, America.gov may be a reasonably reliable source of information.

These Are the Best October Prime Day Deals on Smartwatches

Beth Skwarecki — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 21:30:47 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Amazon's October Prime Day sale won't officially be here until next week, but we're already seeing early deals on smartwatches. Here are some of the best deals I've found so far. I'm including traditional smartwatches like those from Apple, Google, and Samsung, and will also be looking for fitness-focused watches like Garmins. Read on to see what I've found, and stay tuned because I'll be updating this list throughout the sale.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is $200 off

It's hard to beat an Apple Watch as a combination smartwatch and fitness tracker. You can read more about how they hold their own against Fitbits and Oura rings, or see which are our favorite models for 2026. So far, only a few models are on sale: The Apple Watch Series 11 with cellular is $379.97 (down from $499.99). This is the 2025 model. Or if you're looking for an Ultra, try the Apple Watch Ultra 3 for $699.97 (down from $899.99).

Apple Watch Ultra 3 [GPS + Cellular 49 mm]

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is $100 off

Samsung's Galaxy Watches tend to be strong in fitness features and are a great companion to a Samsung phone. I'm seeing the 2024 Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, 40 mm, Bluetooth only, for $185.00 (down from $249.99). But what's even better is the deal on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, LTE, 46 mm, $449.95 (down from $549.99).

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic (46mm, LTE, Black Band)

The Pixel Watch 4 is $120 off

Pixels are another brand of smartwatch that has done well in my testing. The Pixel Watch 4, last year's model, is on sale for $329.95, down from its original price of $449.99. This is the 41 millimeter size, with cellular LTE capabilities. This is the watch that impressed me with its ultra-fast charging, and it just got some new health features, including reports that estimate your insulin resistance.

Google Pixel Watch 4 (41mm, LTE, Matte Black)

Amazon Prime Day FAQs

Is Amazon Prime Day worth it?

Yes, we’ve done the math, and it’s worth it for most people.

Is Prime Day once a year?

Prime Day happens every summer. Prime Big Deal Days (or October Prime Day) happens every October. Big Spring Sale happens every spring.

Is Prime Day a scam?

No. Prime Day is a legitimate online sale from arguably the biggest and most reputable online retailer in the world.

‘Aura Battle,’ ‘Tylenol Baby,’ and Other Gen Z and Gen Alpha Slang You Might Need Help Decoding

Stephen Johnson — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 20:53:37 +0000

If constantly being mogged by sigmas has you feeling like a fuhuhluhtoogan, and you have no idea what any of that means, you've come to the right place. This glossary aims to define and explain popular slang words and phrases of Generation Z (usually defined as people born between 1997 and 2012) and Generation A (anyone born between 2012 and now) so you'll know what the hell people are talking about.

A word of warning: If you aren't of those generations, and/or you need an online list to know what slang words mean, you should not say them aloud unless you're trying to be embarrassing.

New entries

Aura battle: Aura is coolness or charisma ("rizz" if you prefer). An "aura battle" is a public contest in which the person with the most aura, as determined by the crowd and/or comment section reaction, wins. (See "Aura")

Cortisol-coded: Describes something that's meant to be relaxing but is actually stressful, like watching a video of the 5 a.m. yoga routine of an influencer surrounded by $400 candles.

Misery girl: A young woman with piercings, a penchant for the darkly dramatic, and highly stylized makeup that makes them appear to have a skinny, pointy nose and huge eyes and lips.

Pheromone maxxing: Trying to influence the behaviors of others through your stink. Supposedly, young men in the "looksmaxxing" community are skipping showers and not washing their clothing in an attempt to make young women like them more. (See "-maxxing").

Quiet on the creek: A fishing-inspired way to say "keep it on the down low" or "be cool."

Side quest: A side quest in a video game is a quest that is not necessary to complete the game's main objective. In slang, a side quest is anything you do in life just for the experience of doing it.

Tylenol baby: After President Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a scientifically dubious link between the active ingredient in Tylenol and autism, kids have been calling each other "Tylenol babies."

Viking rap: A musical sub-genre consisting of AI-generated Vikings rapping about longboats, raiding, and other Viking things.

304: Hoe. (Type "304" on a calculator and turn it upside down.)

4+4: Ate. Four plus four is eight, or "ate." (See "ate.")

6-7 (or 67): This piece of Generation Alpha brainrot slang doesn't mean anything. It's just funny to some people to say "6-7," especially in answer to any question involving numbers. Ex: "Q: What time is it? A: six-seveeen."

6-7 weekend: A weekend in which Saturday falls on the 6th day of the month and Sunday on the 7th.

7x7=49: Often refers to a man who is attractive in a self-evident way. Based on the belief that the equation 7x7=49 makes intuitive sense in a way other equations do not.

80/20 rule: An axiom in online incel spaces, the 80/20 is the idea that 80% of women only date the "top" 20% of men.

Algo speak: Coded language used to bypass online content moderation. Examples: "regarded" used instead of "retarded" and "unalive" instead of "kill."

Alpha male: Taken from animal ethology, an alpha male is the dominant member of a group of males, or just a male who is in charge. (See "beta male" and "sigma male.")

Alpine divorce: An alpine divorce is when a man takes his wife or girlfriend on a hike, usually in the mountains, and then just leaves her there to fend for herself.

ASAP (or A$AP): When a rapper has ASAP or A$AP in front of their name, it indicates affiliation with the ASAP Mob, a New York hip-hop collective.

Ate/eat: Done very well, often regarding clothing. e.g.: "You ate that outfit." See also: "serving."

Aura: Someone who is mysterious and cool is said to "have aura."

Aura farming: Depending on the context, “aura farming” can refer to a person who does something cool without trying or someone who is trying too hard to appear cool.

Baby Boo syndrome: A joking reference to people who are very into the Baby Boo memes popular on TikTok.

Baddie: A bad/wild girl. Meant as a compliment.

Baka: Japanese word meaning “crazy" or “foolish.” Used mainly in the anime community.

Based: Independent in a cool way.

Bed-rotting: Staying in bed all day. You may know it as “lazing around.” (See "Hurkle-durkle.")

Beez: Popularized in Nicki Minaj's 2012 track "Beez in the Trap," beez means something like "I am always." So "beez in the trap" means "I am always in the trap." (See "Trap.")

Beta male: A beta male, or just "beta," is a weaker, subservient male. (See "alpha male" and "sigma male.")

Boombayah: A euphemism for having sex. It’s used mostly online, often to defeat censorship algorithms.

Bop: A girl who sleeps around. Also: a great song.

Boy aquarium: TikTok slang that describes hockey games.

Boy kibble: The male response to "girl dinner," boy kibble is food boys eat. It usually consists of rice and ground beef, often served without spices or vegetables.

Boysober: Someone who has sworn off sex, relationships, and/or dating.

Brain-rot: A description of the overuse of stupid slang. See also: “Skibidi.” Also used to describe the effects of being overly online.

Brat: The contemporary meaning of "brat" is an adjective describing a person who is edgy, imperfect, and confident. It was coined by pop star Charli XCX who defined it as "that girl who is a little messy and likes to party and maybe says some dumb things sometimes. Who feels herself but maybe also has a breakdown."

Bruzz: Bros. Part of the -uzz family of slang words. See "Huzz" and "-uzz."

Bubba truck: A lifted or otherwise modified pick-up truck.

Bussin': Very good or excellent.

Cap: A lie. Often used to say "no cap."

Cake: Butt, especially a nice butt.

Catch a fade: To have a fight. (See "fade.")

Chad: An attractive man; an “alpha male.” See "Giga-Chad."

Chat: A reference to streamers addressing their chat windows aloud. Saying “chat” in real life is an ironic joke.

Cheesin': The slang word "cheesin'" refers to smiling, particularly a big, goofy smile. It comes from the common exhortation to "say cheese!" before a photo is taken. The word "cheesing," with a "g" at the end, often means the same thing, but it can also refer to the trend of throwing slices of cheese at cars and/or people.

Chopped: Ugly. Chopped is often applied to someone's face or outfit, but anything that isn't aesthetically pleasing could be called "chopped," as could anything that is generally not good, like an awkward situation.

Choppelganger: A portmanteau of "chopped" and "doppelgänger," a choppelganger is someone who looks like another person, but worse. (See "chopped.")

Chud: A physically unappealing person. Sometimes used for a man who holds right-wing views.

Clanker: A slur aimed at robots and AI agents pretending to be human.

Clock that: "I understand and agree." Not to be confused with older slang, where "clock" meant to see, or even older slang where "clock" meant "to hit or punch."

Coomer: A man who masturbates too often.

Corn: “Corn” is algo-speak that means “porn.” Used in online spaces where the word might cause your account to be flagged or banned.

Coworker-core: A catch-all description for things that are unfunny or uninteresting in a way that appeals to older people.

Cracked: This slang term has two meanings: to have sex, as in "I got cracked last night," and to be really good at something, like "he’s cracked at Fortnite."

Crashout: To have an intense emotional outburst, usually accompanied by impulsive behavior. Crashing out is often due to being overwhelmed or overly frustrated.

D1 Crashout: An epic, elite level, extreme crashout. (See "crashout.)

Dah Bih Gah: "That bitch good," ie: "I like that thing." Usually used to describe food.

Dah Bih Tah: "That bitch tough," ie: "I like that thing." Usually used to describe food.

Dead: Past tense of having died laughing. If someone responds to a joke with "dead" or a skull emoji, they find it funny.

Deadass: Seriously. Used like, "I am deadass not lying."

Delulu: Delusional.

Deriod: A combination of "dick" and "period," deriod refers to men seeming to experience the mood swings commonly associated with women's menstrual cycles.

Dih: Algo speak for “dick.” (See "Algo speak.")

Doi doi doi: This piece of brain-rot slang doesn't mean anything. It's correctly pronounced by putting your hand up to your mouth and saying "doi doi doi" in a way that sounds funny.

Doomer: A person who is overly negative and/or cynical.

Drip: A fashionable or stylish look.

Dwerking: A male-centric variation of twerking. A sexually suggestive dancing characterized by rapid, repeated hip thrusts and shaking of the dick. Other variants include "pwerking" and "bwerking" where the "p" and "b" stand for pussy and boobs.

Edgar: A variation of the Caesar haircut worn especially among Hispanic males. Also refers to the kind of person who wears the haircut.

Fade: A fight. (See "catch a fade.")

Fambushing: A combination of "family" and "ambushing," fambushing refers to young people checking where their parents are on location-sharing apps so they can get free food—if you see mom at Chipotle, you ask for a burrito.

Fanum tax: The theft of food between friends. Named for streamer Fanum, known for “taxing” his friends by taking bites of their meals or stealing fries.

Fax, no printer: Telling the truth. Since "fax" and "facts" are pronounced the same, this is a colorful way of saying "facts, no cap."

Fent-fold: A description of the bent-over posture of people nodding on heavy drugs.

Fit: Short for "outfit."

Fuhuhluhtoogan: Supposedly from Baltimore slang, this is a nonsense word used so people will ask what it means but never receive an answer. Often paired with "Jittleyang."

Fujoshing: The verb form of the Japanese slang term "fujoshi," fujoshing describes women/girls enjoying media that depicts romantic relationships between men. This word is used almost exclusively in online fandom communities.

Gamer dent: The temporary indentation left on someone’s hair or skin after wearing headphones for too long.

Geeker: Someone who uses a lot of drugs.

Giga-Chad: A Chad among Chads.

Glaze: To overly praise someone, often insincerely, or with the hope of getting something in return.

Gleek: An older slang term that is gaining prominence lately, gleeking describes squirting saliva from under the tongue.

Glizzy: Hot dog. "Glizzy" was originally slang for Glock or gun, but came to mean hot dog based on the hot dog shape of a Glock's magazine.

Green fn: An interjection one might used when someone does something cool or impressive. Often used ironically.

Goonbait: (See "gooning") Goonbait is, essentially, media that exists to inspiring gooning.

Gooner: A man who goons. (See "gooning.")

Goonette: A woman who goons. (See "gooning.")

Gooning: Extended masturbation without orgasm done for the purpose of entering an altered state of consciousness. (See "gooner," "goonette.")

Gyatt or Gyat: Once an interjection used when seeing someone sexy, like “god-DAMN,” “gyatt” has come to mean “attractive booty.”

Heavy soda: Pop with extra syrup. Some gas station soda machines have settings that control the ratio of syrup to carbonated water. A heavy soda is a soda with the syrup level set very high.

Hewwo: An overly cute way of saying "hello." Usually used online, and often ironically.

HGS: Abbreviation for "home girls" used in comment sections.

Hiplet: Derogatory slang for a woman who has "hip dips," i.e. inward curves on their outer thighs just below the hip bone.

Hozier yell: Named for singer/songwriter Andrew Hozier, a "Hozier yell" refers to the sound one makes when experiencing a peak, climactic, and/or awe-inspiring moment.

HTN: This acronym comes from the online incel community, where fairly good-looking men are described as "high-tier normies" or "HTN." (See "normie.")

Hurkle-durkle: Based on an archaic Scottish word, “hurkle-durkle” means to lounge in bed after it is time to get up. See also: “bed-rotting."

Huzz: -uzz slang for "hoes." See "bruzz" and "-uzz."

"It's giving": Used to convey that something has a specific vibe. Example: "That dude texts you every 10 minutes; it's giving desperate."

"It's so over": The situation is hopeless. The opposite of "we're so back." See also: "Doomer."

IWEL: This comment-section acronym is short for "I wouldn't even lie." Sometimes written as "IWL."

Jelqing: The use of stretching or weights in an attempt to increase penis size.

Jit: A kid. Used ironically online.

Jittleyang: Supposedly from Baltimore slang, this is a nonsense word used so people will ask what it means but never receive an answer. See also: "Fuhuhluhtoogan."

JOMO: A play on FOMO (fear of missing out) JOMO is an acronym that stands for “joy of missing out.”

Jugg: To grab quickly or to steal.

"Learn Chinese": Sports slang directed at failing players. They are in danger of being sent to play in China, so they should "learn Chinese."

Loaded water: Water enhanced with something—a flavor boost, fruit juice, electrolytes, carbonation, and even vitamins or prebiotics. The idea is to increase hydration by making water more palatable.

Looksmaxxing: Maximizing one’s physical attractiveness through personal grooming, working out, and dressing stylishly. See also: “-maxxing.”

🪫 (low battery emoji): The low battery emoji means "I am experiencing emotional depletion, heartbreak, or a general feeling of 'I can't anymore.'"

Lowkenuinely: This mash-up of "low key" and "genuinely" expresses sincerity but in a way that says "let's not make a big deal about it."

Lucky Scoops: Lucky Scoops are a kind of TikTok or Instagram video where buyers purchase a scoop that represents a chance to win merchandise. These videos are very popular with children; critics feel like they are a form of gambling.

Mason (or Mason 6-7 kid): A "Mason 6-7 Kid" or "Mason" is a stereotypical male member of Generation Alpha. Mason kids are known for their love of baseball-inspired fashion (caps and shorts), their "ice cream" haircut, and for repeating brainrot slang like "6-7."

-maxxing: A suffix used with any word to indicate trying to improve. Seeing your friends could be called "friendmaxxing," working out could be called "gymmaxxing," making jokes could be called "jestermaxxing," etc.

Mid: Average, bland, expected.

Mewing: A facial exercise meant to strengthen the jawline.

Mirror sex: Using a mirror to watch yourself have sex.

Mog: To be more attractive than someone, usually in an intentional or aggressive way. Example: "I was rizzing up this girl, but he walked in and totally mogged me."

"My 90 in a 30": A song played while driving that inspires speeding.

"My steak is too juicy": The phrase "my steak is too juicy" and other variants like "my lobster is too buttery," are online insults that suggest someone is complaining about something they should be grateful for.

Neurospicy: A different way of saying “neuro-divergent.”

Normie: A person who is considered normal or average. It's sometimes an insult suggesting someone is boring and witless. (see also, "mid.")

NPC: Non-player character. Originally describing video game characters, NPC is now used on the internet to mean people who don't think for themselves.

Opp: Short for "opposition." Someone who is out to get you. An enemy.

Performative male: An insult for young men whose tastes, hobbies, and lifestyle are seen as a performance aimed at obtaining societal approval, especially the approval of young women.

Phonk: The word phonk can refer to one of two musical sub-genres. It originally referred to throwback '90s hip-hop categorized by slow-tempo "chopped and screwed" production and vintage Memphis rap vocals. It now more commonly describes the heavily distorted, up-tempo EDM used in brainrot videos.

Pink cocaine: Also known as "pink snow," pink cocaine is slang for a powdered drug mixture that usually contains some combination of ketamine, MDMA, meth, opioids, and other substances.

Pole: A gun. See "up pole."

"Press F for respect:" In 2014 video game Call of Duty: Advanced Warfighter, the player attends a funeral and a prompt is given that reads "Press F to pay respects." Now, a singular "F" in a chat window indicates respect. It's usually ironic.

Rawdogging boredom: Rawdogging is "doing something with no safeguards or support," so "rawdogging boredom" is consciously doing nothing.

Regarded: “Regarded” is algo-speak for “retarded."

RegencyCore: A fashion and design aesthetic that springs from the popularity of the fantasy-regency era look of the Netflix show Bridgerton, RegencyCore combines the opulent style of the British Regency era of the early 1800s with fantasy elements like pastel colors and gold accents.

"Reheating your own nachos:" This slang phrase comes from cultural critics in online fandom communities. It refers to performers and/or artists whose new works are seen as trying to recapture what was good about their previous artistic output. It's not always negative; it's possible to successfully reheat your own nachos.

Rizz: As a noun, "rizz" means charisma. As a verb, "rizz" or "rizz up" means attracting someone with your charisma.

Scientology speedrun: Young people running into a Scientology building and acting foolish until they are ejected.

Scorigami: A slang term among football fans for when the final score of an NFL game has never happened before in the league's history. The most recent scorigami was on September 28, 2025, when the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys tied 40 to 40.

SDIYBT: An acronym for "start digging in your butt, twin," this brainrot phrase doesn't mean anything. Some people just think it's funny to say.

Sendy and “Let’s get sendy": Sendy is an adjective based on the older rock-climbing and extreme sports slang phrase "send it." A shortened version of "ascend it," "send it" is said right before one is about to do something challenging. "Sendy" describes a person who is prone to doing bold things. "Let's get sendy" means something like "Let's get wild." It's been adopted by brainrot fans, so it's often repeated with no meaning meant to be attached.

Serve: Wearing a particularly stylish outfit. See also: "ate."

Serve cunt: To act in a powerfully and unapologetically feminine way; to slay.

Sharking: Looking for people to hook up with.

Sigma male: An internet-created male classification, a "sigma male" is as dominant as an alpha male, but is outside the male hierarchy, i.e.: a lone wolf. Originally used seriously, the concept was so widely derided it's now almost always used ironically. (See "Alpha male" and "Beta male.")

Skibidi: Named after “Skibidi Toilet,” a popular series of YouTube videos, “skibidi” itself has no specific meaning, beyond ridiculing the overuse of slang itself. See “brain-rot.”

Skrt: Onomatopoetic word for the sound of tires squealing upon acceleration.

Slopcore: This term describes the countless 100s of millions of cheesy-looking, unsettling, AI-generated images, videos, and songs that have hit the internet since AI was given to the masses a couple of years ago.

Slopper: Insult directed at people who use AI programs too much, people who takes conversations with LLMs too seriously, and people who have basically offloaded their thinking to an algorithm.

Snatched: Very attractive and/or flawlessly styled.

Spawn point: Mother. Based on the spot you start in a video game.

Spoopy: Spooky.

Striker: Stolen/no-title car.

Surf Dracula: A hyper-specific phrase that describes "prestige" television series. The joke is that if there were an older TV show called "Surf Dracula," Dracula would be surfing in every episode, but modern shows would make the whole first season about how Dracula got his surfboard.

Sweat: A person who tries too hard, usually used in reference to video games. The adjective form is "sweaty."

SYBAU: An online acronym that stands for “shut your bitch ass up.”

That's AI: "I don't believe you" or "I doubt it," even when not connected to artificial intelligence.

TLPUR: This supposed acronym section has no meaning. The joke is to tell people it means something like "True Love Pills Until Rope" or "Too Late for Puberty."

Tradwife: Believer in traditional married gender roles.

Trap: Once used to refer to a house where drugs are sold, trap has come to describe both a form of music and any place where one works or hustles.

Treatler (and Treatlerite): "Treatler" and "Treatlerite" are online insults that combine "treat" and "Hitler" to refer to entitled users of services like Doordash or Uber Eats who regard luxury delivery services as a human right, and don't consider the hardships of the people who do the work that makes "private taxis for burritos" possible.

TS: TS originally was AAVE shorthand for "this shit," but it is often used to just mean "this."

Turnt: Excited or intoxicated, or excitedly intoxicated.

Tweaking: In older slang, "tweaking" referred to the nervous and erratic actions of someone on drugs, specifically, speed. Generations A and Z have expanded the definition to refer to any actions that are erratic, or even just mildly energetic, not necessarily related to drug use.

Twelve: Police.

Twin: Best friend.

Unc: Short for "uncle," used to describe slightly older people. Example: "The class of 2024 are unc-status to the class of 2028." See "yunc."

-uzz: -uzz slang words use "uzz" at the end of any word, so "bros" becomes "bruzz," "hoes" becomes "huzz," "granny" becomes "gruzz," etc.

Up pole: To raise a gun.

"We're so back": Opposite of "it's so over."

Venus tummy: When a woman's belly is a little fat, but not too fat, she is said to have a Venus tummy. Named for ancient Greek statues of Venus and Aphrodite who were a little fleshy.

Wojack: The name of a style of internet drawings used to quickly stereotype someone. See this post for a full explanation of the Wojak universe.

Yapping: Describes a presentational style often seen on online streams of talking a lot and/or quickly while not saying anything worthwhile.

Yeet: To quickly and/or forcibly eject.

You the birthday: A phrase that means "you're awesome" or "you're great" in the way a birthday is great: fun, exciting, extra, etc.

Young ho: "Young ho" is both a reclamation of the word "ho" and an expression of youth-based solidarity. Young women are posting videos of themselves defining what makes them "young hos," noting things like "Getting up at 7:50 to be at work at 8," and air-frying chicken nuggets.

Yunc: Yunc is a variation of "unc." In AAVE, a "yn" is a "young n-word." So "yunc" means something like "young uncle," or a person who may be young but has uncle vibes or unc status.

Zoomer Perm: A curly on top, short on the sides haircut popular among young people.

OpenAI Just Announced 'Dots,' a New Type of Personalized AI Agent

Jake Peterson — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 19:30:15 +0000

Not only are AI agents all the rage in the tech world, but they're becoming more mainstream by the week. Apple recently upgraded iOS and macOS with Siri AI, while earlier this month, Meta also launched "Muse," an agent that can perform tasks on your behalf—and potentially expose your private information. Now, it's OpenAI's turn to launch an AI agent, but its take on the trend is a bit different, and less accessible, at least at launch. The company is calling it "Dots."

What are OpenAI "dots?"

"Dots" isn't a single AI agent platform. Rather than having all OpenAI users tapping into the same "Dots" system, users create their own individual "dot" for a specific purpose. OpenAI says dots are always-on agents powered by the company's GPT-6 Astra model that learn over time based on your responses. They can connect to over 4,000 apps at launch, including ChatGPT (of course), Slack, and Teams.

According to OpenAI's pitch, you won't always have to instruct your dot to do things for you; instead, the agent will take anticipatory action, guessing what you need done based on previous experience. That might mean identifying a bug in the app you're developing and deploying a fix without being asked. One early dots tester reportedly forgot to file an invoice for work, and their dot prepared one on his behalf, only sending it after gaining his go-ahead.

Dots run on their own cloud computer. OpenAI says you can view this computer at any time to check what it's up to and what it has done. Dots can connect to other devices, including your laptop, if you grant it permission first. OpenAI says you can continue adding to its workload without worrying about slowing your bot down: It can supposedly handle many concurrent tasks. Maybe you're working on an app, and you task the dot with monitoring customer feedback and fixing small issues with code. Perhaps you're a content creator, and your dot analyzes interview transcripts for clippable segments, while drafting up social media posts.

Like other AI agents, dots are chat-based. The idea is to simulate the experience of texting a friend or colleague. You text them in ChatGPT, Slack, or Teams, and they text you back with updates and questions. They can even text you first when there's been a development. At launch, OpenAI says you can create a "primary" dot. You can give it a name and "make it your own," though it's not clear exactly what that means.

Are OpenAI's dots safe to use?

OpenAI says that dots build on ChatGPT's security systems "with additional safety and privacy safeguards." The company says all dots work on their own cloud computer, separate from your own machine—unless you choose to connect the two. The company claims that dots can sign you into accounts using saved passwords without actually exposing those passwords to the AI model. In fact, when you sign into an account, the AI model pauses working until sign-in is complete. Your dot will then resume its activity.

Dots will work in the background as part of its "proactive research" feature, but it will only connect to apps you've already permitted it to, using tools that cannot make changes. While prompt injection is always a risk with agentic AI, OpenAI says that dots have built-in safeguards to protect against malicious instructions. If the AI detects something suspicious, it will stop the dot from proceeding. In addition, you can set up custom rules to ensure the bot will never perform a task you don't want it to, such as sending emails.

Dots also operate on a system called "Auto-review," which compares upcoming steps against your instructions, rules, and safety requirements. If it detects an issue, it stops itself. The dot can then investigate further on its own or come to you with the problem. However, OpenAI acknowledges that dots can still make mistakes.

Who can use dots?

Unlike Meta, which is actively pushing Muse on all users, OpenAI's dots are not as widely accessible as of this writing. At launch, dots are only available to paying users, including ChatGPT Pro, Business Premium, and Enterprise users. What's more, you can only set up one dot right now, though OpenAI says you'll be able to set up multiple dots in the future.

10 Shows Like 'Lioness' You Should Watch Next

Ross Johnson — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 16:01:29 +0000

For Lioness, TV superproducer Taylor Sheridan teamed up Oscar winner Zoe Saldaña for an action spy thriller—and it's not at all surprising that the show's a hit. Saldaña stars as Joe McNamara, a CIA senior case officer in charge of a program that deals almost exclusively in recruiting women as undercover operatives. Having just completed season three, the show is on track for a renewal...if the producers can lock down Saldaña and company. While we eagerly await word, enjoy these other thrillers with distinctive takes on crime and spycraft. Some with men!

Black Doves (2024– )

Keira Knightley stars as Helen Webb in this genre-bender, wife of the Secretary of State for Defense of the UK—and also a secret spy in the employ of the Black Doves mercenary spy organization of the title. She learns from her handler (Sarah Lancashire) that her lover has been killed, thus potentially blowing her cover, but luckily, she has a hitman bestie (Ben Whislaw) to help her out. It's all deliberately pulpy, with a tongue-in-cheek self-awareness that lightens the tone. A second season is coming later in 2026. Stream Black Doves on Netflix.

Black Doves (2024 – )

The Day of the Jackal (2024 – )

The Day of the Jackal (2024– )

With an entirely cinematic scope, this new adaptation of the Frederick Forsyth novel is buoyed by rather brilliant casting: Eddie Redmayne plays the Jackal, a cold and steely international assassin pursued by MI6 operative Bianca Pullman—she's played by Lashana Lynch, putting her experience as the new 007 in No Time to Die to good use. I'm not sure there's anything here we haven't seen in countless other spy thrillers (including, of course, the 1973 and 1997 film adaptations), but the performances and production values are top-notch, with each episode playing out like a tense mini-movie. It's been renewed for a second season. Stream The Day of the Jackal on Peacock.

at Peacock

Marshals (2026– )

Lioness is a rare Taylor Sheridan show that's not particularly related to Yellowstone, but fear not...Marshals takes us back out west and into the soothing arms of the Dutton family. Luke Grimes reprises his role as Kayce Dutton, former Livestock Agent turned...you guessed it...U.S. Marshal, protecting Montana from all manner of criminals and rustlers. The case-of-the-week format has more in common with police procedurals than with espionage drama, but the action-heavy vibe is similar. Stream Marshals on Paramount+.

Marshals (2026 – )

at Paramount+

Homeland (2011–2020)

The focus shifts a bit after Homeland's first few seasons, but the series begins with CIA case officer Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) coming to suspect that decorated Marine Corps scout sniper Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis), recently rescued from an al-Qaeda compound, has been turned and is planning a terrorist attack on the United States. Having been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, her superiors don't give Mathison's suspicions much credence, kicking off a cat-and-mouse/is-he-or-isn't he? game between the two in the background of one of TV's most lauded spy dramas. Both leads won Emmys for their performances, and the series took the Outstanding Drama prize in its first year. Stream Homeland on Hulu and Netflix.

Homeland (2011 – 2020)

at Hulu

Quantico (2015–2018)

Priyanka Chopra stars as Alex Parrish, who graduates from the titular FBI Academy only to find herself the prime suspect in a terrorist attack on Grand Central Terminal in NYC. The show initially splits its time between Alex's quest to prove her innocence while on the run and her training days at the academy. The second season has her working for the FBI as an undercover CIA recruit (got that?) under mysterious circumstances, while the third finds her trying to bring down an international arms dealer and save a fellow agent. Stream Quantico on Hulu.

Quantico (2015 – 2018)

at Hulu

The Little Drummer Girl (2018)

South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook (Decision to Leave, No Other Choice) directs this series, based, like Night Manager, on a John le Carré novel, bringing an undeniably sexy period style into the mix. Florence Pugh is Charlie, a young actress recruited by Mossad spymaster Martin Kurtz (Michael Shannon) to infiltrate a group of Palestinian terrorists, even as she's being manipulated by an Israeli intelligence officer (Alexander Skarsgård). Crucially, like the book, the show offers nuanced characters on multiple sides of the conflict, dealing more with individuals as pawns of state politicians. Buy The Little Drummer Girl from Prime Video.

The Little Drummer Girl (2018)

The Night Manager (2016 – )

The Night Manager (2016– )

Another from John le Carré, the wellspring of many modern spy sagas, so it's probably no surprise that The Night Manager (from a 1993 novel) was successful—though it certainly doesn't hurt to have a cast led by Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie, and Olivia Colman. Hiddleston is Jonathan Pine, working the night shift at a luxury hotel in Switzerland when he encounters an unexpected guest: arms dealer Richard Roper (Laurie). Former Army veteran Pine had previous dealings with Roper in Cairo, and the reluctant night manager is persuaded by Foreign Office head Angela Burr (Colman) to infiltrate the criminal's organization. The first season sees Pine as a regular guy who gets involved in espionage out of near-happenstance, while the second season finds him more seasoned. A third is on the way. Stream The Night Manager on Prime Video.

The Night Agent (2023 – )

The Night Agent (2023– )

An action drama that plays a bit like a spy thriller, The Night Agent stars Gabriel Basso as Peter Sutherland, an FBI agent who works overnights in the basement of the White House watching a phone that never, ever rings. Until...it does. Peter gets a call from Rose Larkin, a cybersecurity expert whose aunt and uncle were just killed and, unbeknownst to her, were also government operatives. Rescuing Rose puts Peter deep inside a web of conspiracy and official corruption. (This is why I never answer the phone.) Stream The Night Agent on Netflix.

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, Immersive Audio Open Ear Earbuds, Clip on Earbuds for Comfort, Running Earbuds with OpenAudio for Awareness, Up to 48 Hours of Battery Life, White Smoke

SEAL Team (2017–2024)

David Boreanaz is Master Chief Special Warfare Operator (a title, apparently) Jason Hayes, leader of a Navy SEAL team. There's plenty of military and undercover action of the type that you'd expect, but the show begins in the wake of the unexpected death of a team member, setting the stage for the show's unexpected emphasis on the aftermath of action, and the toll taken by service and loss on lives and families. Stream SEAL Team on Paramount+ and Netflix.

SEAL Team (2017 – 2024)

at Paramount+

Dark Hearts (2023– )

See, initially, during the 2016 Mosul Offensive, this strikingly realistic (at least, it feels that way) series drops us into the middle of an elite French special forces unit on the ground in Iraq, even though France has no official presence in the conflict. They're tasked with exfiltrating the child of a prominent IS leader, one who's offering assistance and cooperation only if the French are able to hold up their end of the bargain. For the women and men involved, it's an extremely complicated (downright messy, frankly) situation with impossible choices made by people who may or may not be making things worse. The vibe is very Hurt Locker. Stream Dark Hearts on The Roku Channel.

Dark Hearts (2023 – )

at The Roku Channel

10 Hacks Every Canva User Should Know

Emily Long — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:30:00 +0000

Canva is one of the most popular design tools for creating everything from flyers and business cards to interactive presentations. It's pretty user-friendly even for those who don't have any design experience, but if you want to level up your Canva experience, consider these tips and tricks.

Use "Tidy Up" to create perfect spacing

If you've ever tried to manually align multiple images, text boxes, or other design elements so they're evenly spaced, only to have them off by a tiny margin with each adjustment, the "Tidy up" tool is the solution to your problem. With this feature, you can group elements, and Canva will automatically snap them into place so you don't have to shift them pixel by pixel. Select three or more elements in your design, click Position in the toolbar, and choose Tidy Up. You'll also find a bunch of other alignment and spacing options on this menu.

Upload a CSV with "Bulk Create" to generate templated content

For designs that need to be replicated with unique information—such as matching business cards for different employees or localized marketing flyers with a consistent design—use the Bulk Create tool to generate and fill in a template instead of manually editing each individual file. Bulk Create pulls data from an Excel or CSV file (or a compatible data app, like Google Analytics) and matches it to form fields on your design. You can use Canva's AI match or drag and drop data fields manually, then preview and generate the design.

Search graphics by artist or collection to create a cohesive visual effect

If you find an image or graphic that you like, you can filter your search to see more assets from that same artist, so all of the illustrations in your design look cohesive. This is especially useful if you are creating a manual, guide, or series of social media posts that you want to keep visually consistent. Hover over the visual element and tap the three dots, then select View more by or See more like this. You can also star the artist to easily find them again.

Generate a color palette from an image to keep design consistent

If you're basing your design around a photo or image, you don't have to trial-and-error your way to finding the right colors for other elements. Canva has a free custom color palette generator that analyzes uploaded images and creates four-color combinations, complete with names and hex codes. You can apply the palette to a Canva design or save it for future use. If you already have a photo in your design, select the photo, click the color swatch, and look for Photo colors on the toolbar to see the palette.

Use "Copy Style" to quickly apply changes across elements and pages

Once you settle on the style and format of text and elements in your design, use "Copy Style" to apply them across the board without needing to manually select each individual setting, such as background colors, font styles and sizes, text colors, and alignment. Select the element or text you want to copy, then click the paint roller icon in the floating toolbar and choose the element or text you want to copy the formatting into. Canva also has a "Style Match" tool that uses AI to match the visual style of existing elements.

Use “Lock Position Only” locking to freeze layouts for collaboration

If you have multiple team members working on the same Canva file but don't want anyone to accidentally move or resize elements while editing text, you can lock only certain elements in place while still allowing the content itself to be changed. Select the element you want to lock—such as a text box, image, or graphic—and select Lock position only. Collaborators can edit text or unlocked elements without affecting those parts that are locked.

Turn on "Grids" to automatically create margins and spacing

Canva's Grids feature divides your design into compartments, such as rows or columns, which you can use to place and align images, videos, color fills, or other elements with consistent, even spacing. Grids can also be used to easily crop images or retain custom filters and effects even if images are swapped out. You can also change the spacing between grid cells to create consistent margins. Grid layouts can be found under Elements > Browse. This is especially useful for collages, vision boards, and visual storytelling.

Download your design as a PDF to keep links clickable

If a URL is written out on your Canva design, viewers can copy and paste it to visit the website. If you want to add a hyperlink and ensure it remains clickable, you'll need to download your file as a PDF and share it in that format. No other file types support clickable hyperlinks (and social media platforms strip links out of PDFs as well). Go to Share > Download > PDF to save your design with clickable links.

Link a Hovercode account to get free custom dynamic QR codes

Canva has a built-in QR code generator that allows you to drop custom codes into your design using your existing color palette. By default, these QR codes are static, meaning the link is permanently fixed, and you'd have to swap out the QR code and distribute the new design if you wanted to make changes. Dynamic codes use a redirect link that can be updated and also track scan data, such as click counts and location. If you add the Hovercode app to Canva (search "Dynamic QR Codes" under the Apps tab) and link a Hovercode account, you can have up to 10 dynamic QR codes available at once for free. After that, you can upgrade to a paid Hovercode tier.

Start a "Canva Live" session to get audience feedback during your presentation

When using Canva to present to a group, you can start a Live session to have audience members ask questions and leave comments as well as upvote feedback from other participants. Simply select Present > Present full screen or Presenter view > Present and click Canva Live > Start new session. This will generate an 8-digit code, which audience members can enter at canva.live to join the session. Audience chat messages and questions will show in the Presenter window.

Spotify and Claude Are Both Down

Jake Peterson — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 14:48:05 +0000

If you're having trouble getting your Spotify playlists up and running this morning, you're not alone. The music streaming platform is currently down for tens of thousands of users, at least. Downdetector is showing roughly 40,000 reports since 9:31 a.m. ET, with the last batch of reports coming in at 10:24 a.m. Spotify confirmed the issue in a post on X, writing: "We're aware of some issues right now and are checking them out!"

Curiously, Spotify's outage comes at the same time as an outage with Claude, the AI platform from Anthropic. Downdetector shows tens of thousands of user reports here as well, and Anthropic confirmed an ongoing issue with Claude: "We are investigating reports of degraded performance affecting claude.ai, platform.claude.com, the Claude API, Claude Code, and Claude Cowork. We will provide an update as soon as possible."

It's not clear why these services are down this morning, or if they are related. But in all likelihood, Spotify and Anthropic will get their platforms back up and running soon. Typically, these occasional outages are resolved in hours, if not minutes, barring a widespread problem, like an outage with a cloud hosting provider. Last year's AWS outage "broke the internet," as did November's Cloudflare outage. There's no reason to think that's the case with these outages at this time.

The Out-of-Touch Adults' Guide to Kid Culture: What Is Viking Rap?

Stephen Johnson — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0000

This week's Out-of-Touch guide takes us from the frozen wastelands of ancient Scandinavia to Alabama courtrooms, with side quests to examine hometown nostalgia and the peculiar love Gen Z has for clowns.

What is "Viking rap"?

The newest trend in music online is videos of Vikings rapping. Clips from fake artists with names like "Viggo Ironside" and "Ragalor" are rapidly proliferating on TikTok and other places where videos are shared. The vibe is aggressive beats and bars about Valhalla, longships, tattered flags, and wolves. The visuals are usually of muscular blonde people with tattoos in a studio doing their thing, like this:

The only other setting these Viking rappers seem to inhabit are concerts, particularly ironic given that no one will ever actually see these "artists" perform live:

The most famous Viking rapper is Draugr Balled, who was the first to really solidify the whole Viking rap genre. Balled's videos regularly earn millions of views, and you can listen to this music on legit streaming services if you want to never hang out with me.

Judging from the hundreds of comments these videos inspire ("Just wasting water," "Reposted by every 45yr old divorced dad," etc.) Kids regard Viking rap as extremely cringe, so it seems like a guilty pleasure, the kind of thing you wouldn't admit that you like, even if you secretly dig it.

For the record: Actual Vikings probably didn't have tattoos, but Viking women were generally less subjugated than women in other civilizations of the time period. Actual Vikings were also into "flyting," verse-based insult battles that seem a lot like freestyle rap battles, so there's a little historical precedent for these videos. Anyway, check out the "vikinghiphop" hashtag if you actually want to listen to more of this kind of thing. Just don't tell anyone you like it.

What is a side quest?

As I'm sure you know, a side quest in a video game is a quest that is not necessary to completing the game's main objective. In slang, a side quest is anything you do just to do it. If going to college is your quest, a side quest might be finding the underground tunnels everyone talks about, or taking an outside-your-major elective like Fencing 101 just because it looks interesting.

TikTok rolls out age restrictions

Big news for kids out of Alabama this week, where a court settlement may change how every kid in the U.S. uses social media. TikTok's parent company ByteDance agreed to pay Alabama over $100 million dollars to end a lawsuit claiming TikTok is designed to keep kids addicted to the platform. TikTok will also implement a two-hour daily usage limit for children, overnight and school-hour restrictions, and ban the use of cosmetic filters on kids' accounts. Underage users will also receive an interruption after 15 minutes of TikTok use, and additional pauses at 60 and 90 minutes.

While these restrictions only apply to Alabama, this is only the first state settlement of what will likely be many. There are 27 similar suits working through the court systems in other states. The likely result will be nationwide guidelines for all social media. Meta, having recently settled a federal suit, has already implemented two-hour daily time limits for young users of Facebook and Instagram and is urging it competitors to do the same. Because navigating a patchwork of state laws is not easy for tech companies, big platforms are likely to adopt the strictest state requirements as a universal standard.

What are "how I feel in my hometown" memes?

I love when young people use new tools to express age-old emotions in novel ways. That's what "How I Feel in My Hometown" memes are about. You choose a fictional character, usually from an anime, to represent yourself and place 'em in scenes representing your hometown to capture that unique and melancholic sense of being a stranger in your birthplace, or having outgrown the place and seeing it with a different set of eyes. Here's an example, where Madoka Kaname contrasts with a small town:

and here's an anime character called Marin Kitagawa from My Dress-Up Darling in a Midwest town:

Another layer of irony comes from the song many memers use to accompany the video, That's My Kind of Night by Luke Bryan, an unapologetic pop-country ode to small-town life. You don't even have to know who Megumi Fushiguro from Jujutsu Kaisen is to get how he'd feel about hanging out at Texas Buc-ee's:

Viral video of the week: I accidentally found the origins of the "propeller hat"

YouTuber BouncyClown's examination of the origin of the propeller hat "only" has about 150,000 views, so it isn't the most viral video this week, but it's a really interesting story and it's indicative of a growing trend among young people: They're really into clowns.

Clowncore is a whole thing, whether it's people doing a modern take on the "evil clown" aesthetic pioneered by the Insane Clown Posse in the last generation, kids celebrating happy clowns in general, or folks like BouncyClown who take things in a new direction by combining clown-stuff with the kind of quirky pop-culture history YouTube is known for.

To get speculative for a minute, the popularity of clowns and clowncore among young people seems like a reaction to how stultifying it is to live in a world where everyone is perfect on social media, and "cringe" is the greatest crime. It's rebellion in pancake makeup. Clowncore folks are saying, "Fuck trying to be beautiful. I'm going to make myself look as ridiculous as possible and just have fun." I'm no clown guy, but I stand behind the message 100 percent.

These Are the Best Headphones on Sale Right Now for October Prime Day

Daniel Oropeza — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 14:00:13 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

You might not need to wait until the October Prime Day sale starts next month to pull the trigger on a pair of headphones, with many big brands already discounting their flagship models to their lowest prices ever. I've gathered the best deals on some of the biggest brands currently available on Amazon right now. If you see a pair that speaks to you, these early deals are a good deal.

Bose's open earbuds are $83 off

The Ultra Open Earbuds are Bose's attempt at riding the trending tech wave of open earbuds that allow you to hear your surroundings, rather than canceling them, and they're a pretty good option at that, earning an 8/10 from my colleagues at CNET. And at their current price of $199.99 (originally $299.99), they are also something of a steal.

The Sony WH-CH720N are just $98

Not everyone needs or can spend nearly half a grand on the latest Sony headphones. If you are looking for a bargain on a budget, then perhaps the more affordable Sony WH-CH720N are for you. While they're not quite as premium, they're significantly cheaper and offer good enough quality for most people. You can get them for $103.99 (originally $179.99) on Amazon right now.

Sony WH-CH720N Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones

$0.00 at Amazon

The older and refurbished Sony 1000XM5 are just $160

If you don't need the latest XM6 headphones and are good with the older XM5 version—which are still incredible headphones—a refurbished pair is $159.99 on Amazon. A new pair will run you $298, which is still a pretty good deal compared to the $399.99 launch price.

Sony WH-1000XM5/B Wireless Industry Leading Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headphones (Renewed)

The Beats Fit Pro earbuds are $70 off

The Beats Fit Pro (1st Gen) earbuds aren’t the newest exercise earbuds on the market (or even on the Beats line—that would be the Powerbeats Pro 2), but they’re a classic option with ANC and a comfortable fit, making them a sportier version of AirPods Pro, with a slight edge when it comes to battery life. You can get a pair in white or pink for $124.95 (originally $199.95), the lowest price ever.

Beats Fit Pro (1st Gen)

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are $50 off

If you value comfort, user-friendliness, and the best ANC for the money, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) are your best option. And right now, the latter of those is $50 off, bringing them down to $249 (originally $299). I've had my own pair of Bose earbuds for over a year, and they're still my go-to choice for everyday listening. As much as I like the idea of being able to fine-tune every detail of my audio, something keeps pulling me toward the simplicity and user-friendliness of these earbuds, despite having so many options at my disposal as a tech reviewer.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)

When is Prime Day in October?

October Prime Day is a two-day event that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.

What goes on sale on Prime Day?

Is Prime Day once a year?

Prime Day happens every summer. Prime Big Deal Days (or October Prime Day) happens every October. Big Spring Sale happens every spring.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $234.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $427.00 (List Price $449.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

This Blink Floodlight Camera Is 60% Off for October Prime Day

Pradershika Sharma — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 13:30:00 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

The Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera is down to $39.99 at Amazon as October Prime Day deals roll out, a sizable discount from its $99.99 list price and, according to price trackers, its lowest price to date. At that price, you’re getting a home security camera and a motion-activated floodlight in one unit, making it an easy way to cover a backyard, driveway, side yard, or whichever corner of your property never seems to get enough light. For more on the sale, our Prime Day Deals page rounds up standout discounts and other promotions.

Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera

The real appeal, though, is that there's no wiring to deal with, because both the camera and the floodlight run on batteries. That flexibility also extends to placement—since the camera connects over wifi, as long as you have a decent signal, you can install it without having to plan around a nearby outlet, notes this PCMag review. The setup pairs a motion-activated floodlight with a 1080p camera, powered by four D-cell batteries and two AA batteries, respectively. Naturally, you’ll need to keep an eye on battery life over time and replace the batteries periodically, but it’s otherwise fairly straightforward. When the camera detects movement, the floodlight kicks on with up to 700 lumens of brightness, which should be enough to illuminate a driveway, side yard, or other dark area around the house, while the camera records in 1080p. It also has infrared night vision, so you can continue monitoring the area after dark even when the floodlight isn't on.

The bigger consideration is the ongoing cost if you want more than basic camera access. Blink’s subscription plans start at $3.99 per month for one device and $11.99 per month for unlimited devices, with cloud storage, video history, and advanced alerts among the features tied to the paid plans. You do get a 30-day trial to see whether those extras are useful before committing, but anyone who wants to keep recorded clips in the cloud should factor the subscription into the overall cost. For those who prefer local storage, you’ll need to purchase a Sync Module XR and a MicroSD card with up to 256GB of storage separately, since the included Sync Module Core doesn’t support local backups.

October Prime Day FAQs

When is Prime Day in October?

October Prime Day is a two-day event that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.

What happens on Amazon Prime Day?

On Oct. 6 and Oct. 7, Amazon will have a big online sale for Prime Members with many products going for their lowest price of the year.

What goes on sale on Prime Day?

Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $234.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $427.00 (List Price $449.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

These Fire TV Soundbars Are up to 42% Off for October Prime Day

Pradershika Sharma — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 13:00:00 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

As October Prime Day 2026 approaches and early deals start rolling out, Amazon has cut prices across its entire Fire TV Soundbar lineup, which covers everything from a basic two-channel bar meant to replace your TV's built-in speakers to a full 5.1 setup with a wireless subwoofer and rear surrounds. For more on the sale, you can check out our Prime Day deals page for coverage of this year’s event.

with Subwoofer and Surround Sound Speakers

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus

with Alexa Voice Remote Pro

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar is $79.99 (was $119.99), making it the least expensive option in the lineup for anyone who wants a step up from TV speakers for everyday viewing—it's a 24-inch, two-channel bar that supports DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio, though it doesn’t have Dolby Atmos or a separate subwoofer. Despite its name, it's an audio-only soundbar and requires a Fire TV streaming stick for you to get any of the Fire TV experience. For more on this soundbar, read PCMag’s review here.
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is down to $144.99 from $249.99, and the extra money over the base model gets you a dedicated center channel that helps make dialogue easier to follow, along with a built-in subwoofer, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X support. That said, it doesn’t have up-firing drivers, so the Atmos effect stays largely horizontal, but the center channel does real work on mumbled dialogue in prestige dramas. As with the base model, this one also handles audio only and needs a Fire TV device for any of the streaming features. This PCMag review has more detail on how it performs.
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar with Alexa Voice Remote Pro is $139.98 (was $154.98). This pairs the entry-level bar with the upgraded remote, which adds backlit buttons, two customizable shortcuts you can set for favorite apps or Alexa commands, and a remote finder (for when it inevitably disappears into the couch). If you don’t specifically want the remote, though, the Soundbar Plus is a more capable soundbar for just $5 more.
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus with Subwoofer is $239.99, down from $374.99. This configuration takes the same 3.1-channel bar and pairs it with a separate wireless subwoofer, which gives bass-heavy scenes and film scores considerably more weight than the bar's built-in woofer can manage on its own—and at $95 more than the discounted Soundbar Plus, this is the option I'd consider if fuller bass is a priority. Keep in mind that it doesn't add rear speakers, so you're still working with a 3.1 setup and sound that stays in front of you.
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus with Subwoofer and Surround Sound Speakers is $389.99, down from $489.99. This is the complete 5.1 package, adding two rear speakers to the 3.1 bar and wireless subwoofer, so action scenes and other surround effects come from behind you, rather than only from the direction of the TV—but it costs $150 more than the discounted soundbar and subwoofer bundle, so it’s worth considering how much you want that surround-sound effect. Also, while the rear speakers connect to the soundbar wirelessly, each still needs a power outlet.

October Prime Day FAQs

What is Amazon Prime Day?

How long is Prime Day?

October Prime Day is a two-day event that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.

What time does Prime Day start?

October Prime Day starts Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 12:00 a.m. PT / 3:00 a.m. ET.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $234.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $427.00 (List Price $449.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

These Kindle Scribes Are 21% Off for October Prime Day

Pradershika Sharma — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:30:00 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

As October Prime Day 2026 approaches, the sale is ramping up, and we're already seeing early deals go live, among them the refurbished Kindle Scribes—the 64GB model is down to $319.99 right now, and since a brand-new unit costs $449.99, the savings are significant, especially considering how Amazon recently hiked its price for Kindles. The smaller configurations are discounted too, so if 64GB is more than you need, the 32GB version is $299.99 (down from $377.99) and the 16GB version is $284.99 (down from $359.99)—with only a $15 difference between them, I’d go with the 32GB model for twice the storage. As for its “like-new” status, it means Amazon has cleaned, inspected, and cleared the device to function like a new unit, just without the shrink wrap.

If you're not a Kindle person and are considering alternatives, you might want to check out this roundup of the best e-readers that aren't a Kindle, by our deputy editor Joel Cunningham. For a fuller picture of what else is discounted, our Prime Day deals coverage rounds up the standout promotions from this year's sale.

Like-New Amazon Kindle Scribe (64GB)

Like-New Amazon Kindle Scribe (32GB)

Like-New Amazon Kindle Scribe (16GB)

This is the Scribe with the Premium Pen bundled in, and paired with its 10.2-inch E Ink screen, it offers a nice balance of size and sharpness, with 300 ppi, and an adjustable cool- to warm-toned front light, which helps during long reading sessions. But even with that crisp display, it’s still grayscale, and the lack of color does feel limiting when compared to competitors. The software has gotten better, though—note-taking now includes direct annotation on books via something called Active Canvas. Just don’t expect the fluidity of an iPad or Supernote. Also, according to this PCMag review, things like drawing arrows or circling aren’t supported, and even Amazon’s AI features (like cleaning up your notes or summarizing) feel a little half-baked, considering the Scribe’s price point.

That said, for pure reading, the Scribe still holds up. It’s light, looks good with its aluminum frame, has ample storage, and offers a battery that can last over two months with basic use. If you’re writing or sketching regularly, that drops to around three weeks—but even then, it’s more than respectable. You do need your own USB-C charging brick, though. And unless you like slippery backs, a case is basically required. Still, at $85 off, this version makes more sense than it ever did at launch.

October Prime Day FAQs

When is Prime Day?

October Prime Day is Oct. 6 and runs through Oct. 7. It happens every year during October.

Is Prime Day a scam?

No. Prime Day is a legitimate online sale from arguably the biggest and most reputable online retailer in the world.

Will Kindles be on sale for Prime Day?

This 2026 October Prime Day, you won’t likely see new Kindles on sale as in previous years. Kindles have gone up in price recently, but there are other non-Kindle e-readers that will be on sale.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $234.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $427.00 (List Price $449.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

This 65-Inch Sony OLED TV Is $800 Off During the October Prime Day Sale

Naima Karp — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Prime Day 2026 ends tonight, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over.

Follow our live blog to stay up to date on the best sales we find.
Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more.
Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox.
New to Prime Day? We have a primer on everything you need to know. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change.

OLED TVs are a hot (yet pricey) item on many shoppers’ wishlists, and many wait to add to cart until the next sale season arrives. Now that early October Prime Day deals are in full force, a few OLEDs from premium brands are seeing discounts, including the Sony 65 Inch Bravia 8 II, which is 24% off during Amazon's "Big Deal Days" sale, according to price-tracking tools.

Sony 65 Inch BRAVIA 8 II QD OLED 4K HDR Smart Google TV

DJI Mic Mini (Two mics, one receiver)

The Bravia 8 II earned an "Excellent" rating from PCMag for its gorgeous picture quality and a central channel input that allows you to incorporate the TV into a surround sound setup by using its built-in speakers for the center channel while leaving the other channels to your satellites. It’s also one of the only high-end OLEDs that uses Google TV as its smart TV platform and supports Google Assistant.

The Wi-Fi 6E-equipped set is “satisfyingly bright” according to PCMag, though it doesn’t get quite as bright as competitors like the Hisense U8QG or the Samsung QN90F. If this means it's not the best for daytime viewing (though it does have an anti-glare layer), the Bravia 8 II makes up for it with deep blacks, elite motion handling, dazzling colors, and best-in-class image processing. It also has a 120Hz refresh rate with VRR and an input lag of 16.1 milliseconds, which makes it a decent choice for gaming as well as sports, movies, and TV.

If you’re looking for an OLED with striking picture quality, a bright, colorful panel, and Google TV, the Sony 65 Inch Bravia 8 II is an excellent option—and now that it's $800 off, it's a smart time to buy.

October Prime Day FAQs

Is Prime Day once a year?

Prime Day happens every summer. Prime Big Deal Days (or October Prime Day) happens every October. Big Spring Sale happens every spring.

How do you prepare for Prime Day?

You can read our prep guide to be ready for the big sale. One thing you can start doing is setting price alerts for products you want so you can be notified when they go on sale.

Is Amazon Prime Day worth it?

Yes, we’ve done the math, and it’s worth it for most people.

Looking for something else? Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy have Prime Day competition sales that are especially useful if you don’t have Amazon Prime.

Walmart’s Prime Day competition sale runs through Sunday, July 13 and includes deals up to 50% off. It’s an especially good option if you have Walmart+.
Best Buy’s Prime Day competition sale, “Black Friday in July,” runs through Sunday, July 13 and has some of the best tech sales online. It’s an especially good option if you’re a My Best Buy “Plus” or “Total” member.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $234.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $427.00 (List Price $449.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

These Are the Best Tech Gifts Under $50

Jake Peterson — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 21:30:52 +0000

Tech products can get expensive fast. When you factor in the historic demand from the ongoing memory crisis, you might find yourself spending more than you'd like for the people on your list. It doesn't have to be this way. There's a surprising variety of products you can pick up for $50 or less. While not everything in the tech world can be found at this price point (at least, not with any expectation of quality), you can buy name-brand speakers, headphones, trackers, and more. If someone on your gift-giving list is looking for a new gadget, these under $50 products may just be it.

Best portable speaker under $50 to gift: JBL Go 4

If your giftee wants a portable speaker, it's tough to beat the JBL Go 4 at this price point. This is a great portable (emphasis on portable) speaker from a company that makes excellent audio equipment. It has up to seven hours of battery life on one charge and an IP67 rating against water and dust, which makes it as good of a speaker to bring to the beach as it is for your shower. As it happens, one of my favorite things about this speaker is the fact that it's made by JBL: For less than $50, you get a speaker that can pair with any other compatible JBL speaker, big or small. I've found it to be a lifesaver for parties, events, or when traveling: Usually, someone else in the group has a JBL speaker (if not multiple people), which makes setting up an impromptu sound system easy. Better yet, outlets like Amazon often have these speakers on sale, which means you can pick it up well under its already-reasonable MSRP.

Longest-lasting portable speaker to gift under $50: Soundcore Select 4 Go

If you're looking for something even less expensive for your gift, Anker's Soundcore Select 4 Go is a great option. It, too, has an IP67 water and dust resistance rating, though its main advantage is its 20-hour battery life. You can pair two of these speakers together to create a stereo system, and, depending on available discounts, you may be able to buy two for under $50—though its MSRP is $34.99.

Soundcore Select 4 Go

Best wireless mic under $50 to gift: DJI Mic Mini

Wireless microphones are often pricey, and "cheap" options are often not worth the money. However, if you need wireless lav mics on a budget for someone on your list, DJI's "Mic Minis" might be the move. This particular option comes with two mini mics and one USB-C receiver. You can connect the receiver to any smartphone (iOS or Android) that supports USB-C, and mic up two different subjects to capture remote audio. Your subjects can move up to 300 meters away from the receiver while recording, and each mic supports noise cancellation.

$45.00 at Amazon

Best smartphone game controller to gift under $50: 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller

Dedicated portable handheld gaming consoles, like the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck, are great, but most of us already own capable game systems of our own: our smartphones. The problem is, playing on a touchscreen doesn't come close to matching the experience of a physical controller, which is why smartphone game controller accessories are such a great buy for any gamer on your list. One of the best—$50 or under, anyway—is 8BitDo's Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller. This device turns your giftee's iPhone or Android into a Switch or Steam Deck, complete with an Xbox-designed button and joystick layout.

8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller

$49.99 at Amazon

Best game controller to gift under $50: 8BitDo Ultimate 2C

Let's switch gears slightly. If your giftee wants a great gaming controller but for PC, console, or to wirelessly connect to a mobile device, the Ultimate 2C from 8BitDo is also an excellent option. Unlike other gaming controllers that can get expensive fast, the Ultimate 2C retails for $29.99—but Amazon reviews note that it doesn't feel "cheap." The build quality feels solid, the connections are snappy, and there are even three sets of triggers, in case you find yourself needing to assign extra functions in your games. While third-party game controllers have had poor reputations over time, 8BitDo's products seem to offer a lot of value at these price points.

8BitDo Ultimate 2C

$29.99 at Amazon

Best tracker to gift under $50: Apple AirTags

There's really no beating AirTags when it comes to keeping tabs on your stuff—assuming your giftee has other Apple products already. AirTags work with Apple's Find My network: While they don't have the ability to connect to the internet on their own, they can communicate securely and privately with other internet-connected Apple devices in the wild, which then update the AirTag's location on the Find My network. In addition, if your giftee is within Bluetooth range of their AirTag, their compatible iPhone or Apple Watch can use Precision Finding to guide them to its location. These retail for $29.99, but when they're on sale, you can pick up two for under $50.

Apple AirTag (2nd Generation)

Best earbuds to gift under $50: Soundcore P30i by Anker Noise-Cancelling Earbuds

Wireless earbuds are not cheap, especially if your friend or family member wants them to come with noise cancellation. Anker's Soundcore P30i earbuds, however, retail for $49.99 and come with both noise cancellation and transparency mode. Anker says you can get up to 10 hours of playtime on one charge (or six hours with noise cancellation turned on). The charging case even doubles as a phone stand, which is quite clever—especially at this price point.

Anker Soundcore P30i Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds (White)

Best earbuds to gift Apple users under $50: Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds

You may want to consider these wireless earbuds from Beats for the Apple users in your life. The Beats Flex wireless earbuds come with Apple's W1 chip. That means your giftee can quickly switch between their various Apple devices (iPhone, Mac, Apple TV, etc.) and their Beats will follow, all without having to repair them at each juncture. While they retail for over $50, Amazon hasn't listed them at that price in three months, according to Keepa. As such, I'm recommending them here, if for no other reason than to offer the Apple users in your life an Anker alternative.

Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds

Best headphones to gift under $50: Soundcore Anker Life Q20

Similar to the Beats Flex, the Soundcore Anker Life Q20 retail for more than $50. However, Amazon has had them priced well below that for the past three months, which makes them an excellent over-the-ear headphone purchase. RTings says these headphones have "an excited sound profile," with nearly 50 hours of battery life between charges. These headphones have noise cancellation, transparency mode, as well as 40mm drivers in each earcup. Your giftee can also pair them to two Bluetooth devices at once, so they can quickly switch between both when they need to.

Soundcore by Anker Q20i

Best portable charger to gift under $50: Anker 622 Magnetic Battery (MagGo)

Whenever I travel, I always have the same two thoughts concerning my iPhone: I wish I could prop it up, and I worry about when I can charge it up. This MagSafe power bank from Anker solves both those problems. It attaches magnetically to your iPhone, giving you extra battery life, while also serving as a stand, so you can use it hands-free. That's perfect for planes, trains, though perhaps not automobiles—assuming the latter doesn't offer a seatback tray-table equivalent. Anker says this 5,000mAh charger is typically good for one full charge at a time, which should mean your giftee can double their iPhone's total battery life.

Anker Magentic Battery Stand

Best streaming device to gift under $50: Amazon Fire TV 4K

If your giftee needs a new streaming device, but you don't have more than $50 to spend, the Amazon Fire TV 4K Select may be your best bet. As the name implies, this device can stream in 4K, but it's also compatible with HDR10+. Amazon is happily advertising this device's Alexa+ capabilities, which add the company's generative AI assistant to the streaming device. But even if your giftee just need something to stream Apple TV, HBO, or Netflix in 4K, this stick can handle it. Plus, as of this article, the device is heavily discounted, making it an excellent deal.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select

Best gaming mouse to gift under $50: SteelSeries Rival 3 gaming mouse

If your giftee needs a new gaming mouse, but the "best" options are giving you sticker shock, consider the Rival 3 from SteelSeries. This is one of CNET's picks, and despite its $35 price tag, it comes with the same switches as some of SteelSeries' premium mice, as well as a 8,500 DPI sensor. It's lightweight at 77g, and while that might not be surprising at this price point, it could make for a convenient travel mouse, as well as a dedicated gaming option.

SteelSeries Rival 3 Gen 2 Gaming Mouse

Best Razer gaming mouse to gift under $50: Razer DeathAdder Essential

If your giftee is more of a Razer fan, the company has its own affordable gaming mouse. The DeathAdder Essential is the budget version of its more expensive DeathAdder mouse, but it comes with a 6,400 DPI sensor, five programmable buttons, and support for up to 10 million clicks. As of this article, Razer is offering this mouse for just over $20, an excellent price for a capable gaming mouse.

Razer DeathAdder Essential Gaming Mouse

10 Security Hacks Every Local AI User Should Know

Ritoban Mukherjee — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 21:00:00 +0000

When you think of local AI, you might assume that running models on local hardware instead of paying for cloud-based services is the safer and more private option. That’s only partially true. When running AI locally, you maintain better control over your workflows and data. You decide whether to share your data with any third-party services, and if so, under what terms. You also don’t have to worry about data breaches and cyberattacks targeting major tech corporations. But on the other hand, you refuse the multimillion-dollar security infrastructure built by established players like OpenAI or Anthropic. Your security is now fully your responsibility, for better or worse. With that in mind, here are ten clever hacks to help you achieve better security when running AI models on your PC or a private VPS (virtual private server).

Is it safer to run AI models on local hardware?

When running AI models on your personal hardware using a platform like Jan, Ollama, or LM Studio, your messages, documents, and chat history do not leave your device and aren’t sent to someone else’s cloud servers. If you’re worried about an AI company selling your data without your consent, or if you don’t want to end up with your credentials leaked in the next data breach, going local is the smart move.

That said, it isn’t foolproof. You’re still downloading the AI model files from a public database. You may also have to let the model access certain APIs so it can talk to your software or data over the public web. Finally, if you’re using a public wifi, anyone else connected to the network may be able to breach your operating system by targeting the AI. In other words, things are not as simple as people sometimes make them out to be.

Just this January, SentinelOne and Censys found 175,000 publicly exposed Ollama hosts that could be used by any attacker with an internet connection to execute code and connect to third-party services from a user’s credentials and hardware. If you want to run AI locally, you have to be very careful with where you get your models from and what they have access to. Here are some tips to help you get it right.

Keep your model server on localhost

To run AI models on your local machine, you’ll need to use an inference engine (also called a runner) like Ollama or LM Studio, which let the model load and execute on your hardware. By default, AI runners are configured to run models on localhost (127.0.0.1 or 0:0:0:0:0:0:0:1), meaning that other devices on your network or the public web can’t access it. But if you run your AI model on 0.0.0.0, that opens up access to all devices in your network. Anyone on your shared wifi can boot up your local AI setup, then use it to make changes to your hardware or steal sensitive data.

Sometimes, setup guides will suggest that you do this anyway, so that you can access your local AI model from other devices on your network, like a smartphone or laptop. It also comes up when people try to run AI models on VPS servers or Network-Attached Storage (NAS) devices. But this will put your data and workflows at risk, so if you did something to change the default server configuration of your model runner, make sure to change it back now:

On Ollama, you can do this by changing the OLLAMA_HOST variable back to 127.0.0.1.
For LM Studio, toggle off “Serve on Local Network."
If you use Jan, click the gear icon on your Hub interface to get to the Settings page. Then select Local API Server and make up an API key using an online generator like RandomKeygen.

Use a private VPN tunnel instead of port forwarding

You shouldn’t expose your AI model to your public IP address on the internet. But what if you still need to share model access to your other devices remotely? Normally, people enable port forwarding on their routers to configure access to their resources and data from a remote location. But you should never use this approach to configure remote access to AI models or runners on your local machine.

If you’re already running your AI model on 0.0.0.0, and you choose to enable port forwarding on your router on top of that, anyone on the internet can break into your local AI setup if they manage to guess your IP address. Cyber attackers often operate bot networks that routinely scan the internet for open ports on residential IPs, so you're running the risk of being targeted if you do this. A better way is to set up an encrypted tunnel using a VPN or Cloudflare ZTNA. Mesh VPNs like Tailscale are a popular choice for this, as is Cloudflare Zero Trust’s new Tunnel feature.

Update your AI runner as soon as patches land

In May 2026, Cyera uncovered a new Ollama vulnerability that let attackers steal chunks of your data and credentials using unauthenticated API calls. The flaw, called “Bleeding Llama,” had a CVSS rating of 9.3 out of 10. At the time, it put around 300,000 publicly exposed Ollama servers at risk until it was addressed in patch version 0.17.1.

AI runners like LM Studio, Ollama, Jan, and GPT4All are still experimental and often reveal new vulnerabilities that get patched in subsequent releases. If your runner is even a few versions out of date, your server could be vulnerable to a serious attack vector that hackers can exploit. Always grab the latest release as soon as you can from the AI runner’s official website or GitHub repository.

Choose safetensors or GGUF files over pickle

AI models based on older deep learning models like PyTorch are often downloadable as pickle files, with extensions like .bin, .pt, or .pkl. But due to the nature of the Python pickle file format, these model files can be altered to execute malicious code as soon as you try to load them using your runner.

Back in 2025, ReversingLabs found two live model files on Hugging Face that had cleared the platform’s automated security checks even though they had an unauthorized remote access function hidden in plain sight. Now, Hugging Face’s own documentation notes pickle files as a major security risk.

To avoid data breaches or unauthorized access, you should only download LLMs that come packaged in newer file formats like .safetensor or .gguf. These file formats store your data in numerical format, which makes malicious code execution impossible as a model loads. If a particular model is only available as a .pt or .pkl file, I’d just skip it. There are plenty of newer-version LLMs that use more secure file formats.

Download models from publishers you can verify

AI hubs like Hugging Face or ModelScope allow anyone with an internet connection to upload AI models to their website. While they have some platform-level security protocols in place, in cases like the incident discovered by ReversingLabs in 2025, newer or more sophisticated exploits can bypass these protocols and verifications very easily.

For better safety, download model files uploaded from official accounts managed by major model developers only. For example, Google, Mistral, Meta, and Qwen (Alibaba) all have separate organizational accounts with a verified badge on Hugging Face. Verification badges indicate that a company account is really owned and administered by that company, because the uploader would have had to use an official company email address to log in and upload the model files. You can see the Advanced Security section of Hugging Face’s documentation for more details on how verified badges work for enterprises.

Get your AI apps from official websites only

Hackers like to use popular GenAI tools as a lure to get people to install malicious software. Often, they’ll set up fake websites or upload to popular app marketplaces where they can pose as official platforms. Earlier attempts focused on ChatGPT clones on lookalike websites that seemed like the real OpenAI. They would get people to download a corrupt .exe or .dmg file, which would then deliver dangerous payloads like Redline, Lumma, or the Odyssey infostealer for Mac. Similar attempts have also been used to target Android users through malicious apps uploaded to the Play Store.

But the attacks have grown more sophisticated since then and may even target obscure local AI platforms and Python packages. Attackers have gone as far as to breach official GitHub repositories and Python Package Index (PyPI) uploads. TrendAI reported one particularly disturbing instance where malicious code was inserted directly into the official PyPI package of LiteLLM, an open-source AI gateway that lets you call hundreds of LLMs from a single API. Positive Security also discovered malicious Python packages uploaded to PyPI as Deepseek lookalikes.

Make sure to verify where you’re getting your AI tools from. Your best bet is to rely on direct official sources, verified GitHub repos maintained by trusted AI vendors, and Python packages referenced directly in the source company’s official documentation.

Double-check packages your model tells you to install

I already covered how Python packages are corrupted to install malware as soon as you run them on your system. But it’s not just the LLM files and AI tools that you need to watch out for. When you ask AI agents to write code or execute tasks, they also install and run any packages or dependencies needed to complete that job. And because AI models are prone to hallucination, agents will often just make up package names that don’t exist. A recent study that analyzed 16 models across 576,000 code samples found that open-weight LLMs do this 21.7% of the time, while frontier AI models have a lower hallucination rate of 5.2%.

Hackers know this, hence "slopsquatting," a new attack in which bad actors register fake software packages under commonly hallucinated package names across different LLMs. These packages can run malicious code, prompt injection attacks, or infostealers as soon as your AI agent runs them on your local machine.

The best way to avoid these attacks is to limit what your AI agent can install and run without your approval. You can either choose to manually approve each software package before the model installs or runs it, or you can whitelist certain trustworthy repositories that aren’t likely to contain malware. Either way, make sure to review your model’s log to see what pip install and npm install commands it runs to avoid unauthorized installations.

Limit what your AI agents can touch

Even when you run them on your local hardware, AI agents can call MCP servers, download and run files, search the web, or connect to third-party services using APIs. Moreover, they can read and write files to your local hardware and even change core operating system settings. All of these features should be enabled only with an abundance of caution based on your security profile. Carefully manage the level of access an AI agent or model runner has on your system, especially newer open-weight models that are more likely to hallucinate or have exploitable vulnerabilities.

There are multiple ways to regulate how much access an AI agent has. The first is to run your AI workflows inside a Dockerized container that can’t make direct changes to your system files. Beyond that, you can also restrict permissions by changing the default configuration of your agentic framework, like OpenClaw or Hermes. OpenClaw lets you choose between three default permission profiles, including ask, deny, and allowlist, which can be further scoped to specific workflows and services. Hermes also lets you set up a similar allowlist (whitelist) or restrict tool usage per cron job.

Switch on local-only mode

AI model runners like Ollama and LM Studio can support local as well as cloud-hosted models. But you can configure them to restrict network access through a single function even if you haven’t done so at the orchestration layer with Hermes or OpenClaw. You do this by binding the service to your local IP address (127.0.0.1) to prevent other devices from accessing it over your network or the public web.

Encrypt the drive that holds your chat history

When you keep your AI workflows local, your entire chat history, along with any credentials, secrets, or API tokens you may have shared with your model, exist in plain text on your local drives. If someone managed to access your device physically, they could take all of it. Apps like FileVault, BitKocker, or LUKS can encrypt your hard drive so that your chat history can’t be read in plain text without an encryption key to decode it. Use them to avoid the risk of exposure if your device is stolen or lost.

A few local AI platforms to get started with

If you’re new to local AI, here are a few platforms to play around with. They offer the best accessibility for new users who aren’t familiar with the technicalities of AI engineering.

Ollama: An open-source model runner for macOS, Windows, and Linux. Large model library and a simple desktop app that most other local AI tools can plug into.
LM Studio: A polished desktop app that lets you download models from Hugging Face inside a graphical UI. It's been free for both work and personal use since July 2025.
Jan: An open-source, Apache 2.0-licensed ChatGPT alternative that runs fully offline on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
AnythingLLM Desktop: A free MIT-licensed app for chatting with your own documents locally. It's a solid pick if you want to feed PDFs and notes to a model without uploading them anywhere.
Open WebUI: A browser-based offline chat interface that can connect to Ollama and make the UI more accessible. Pair it with a mesh VPN, and your whole household can use one AI server safely.

Sam's Club Has Some Great Tech Deals to Compete With October Prime Day

Daniel Oropeza — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 20:00:00 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

With October Prime Day around the corner, other retailers are starting their own competing sales in the hopes of getting a slice of your business. Sam's Club is one of them, and although they haven't officially announced a sale for the same timeframe as October Prime Day, they are currently offering tech deals in different categories that are worth considering. One of the biggest is a discount on a membership, which you can get for 50% off right now. Below are the best tech deals I've found so far from the wholesaler in the lead-up to Amazon's big fall sale.

Best Sam's Club TV deals

SAMSUNG 85" Class QN70FD Series 4K Neo QLED Smart TV

$1,198.00 at Sam's Club

$1,698.00 Save $500.00

$1,198.00 at Sam's Club

$1,698.00 Save $500.00

The QN70F Neo QLED TV is Samsung’s attempt at incorporating AI tech into its QLED TVs. This is a midrange QLED TV with a sizeable $500 discount that makes it a great buy, especially for an 85-inch TV. At $1,198 (originally $1,698), its lack of Dolby Vision support and middling HDR feel more palatable, and the AI enhancements, brightness, and low input lag with a high refresh rate are a nice bonus.

Other TV deals:

TCL 65” Class All in One A Series Smart QLED Art TV $997.99 (originally $1,297.99)
SAMSUNG 75” Class M70H Series Mini LED $547.99 (originally $647.99)
TCL 85" Q Series QD-Mini LED Smart TV 85QM63K $897.99 (originally $1,197.99)

Best Sam's Club security camera deals

Night Owl Wired 4K Deterrence Security Cameras, 2pk.

$149.00 at Sam's Club

$179.00 Save $30.00

$149.00 at Sam's Club

$179.00 Save $30.00

I hate products that require subscriptions, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. I always look for security cameras with local storage and no restrictions on app features. Night Owl's two-pack of wired 4K security cameras are a good bet in this regard. They're currently $149 (down from $179)—though you'll need to get a Night Owl Flex Protect DVR to save your footage locally.

Other security camera deals:

Night Owl 4K Cameras with 2TB NVR Security System, 8pk. $399.91 (originally $629)
Night Owl Wi-Fi Metal Floodlight Deterrence HD+ Camera with 2-Way Audio and 64GB MicroSD Card $119 (originally $139)
Cync Indoor WiFi Smart Camera, 2pk $29.86 (originally $64)

Best Sam's Club monitor deals

Samsung 49" Curved LED Dual QHD Display, 240Hz 1ms, Gaming Monitor

This 49-inch Samsung Odyssey is a gaming monitor with some impressive specs, including a 240Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time. It's available for $699.99 (originally $899.99). It's a curved ultrawide monitor with a massive screen that makes gaming much more immersive.

Other gaming monitor deals:

LG 32" UltraGear OLED UHD, 165Hz, Nvidia Gsync, AMD FreeSync, HDR10, Gaming Monitor $799 (originally $1,299)
LG 32" UltraFine™evo 6K Nano IPS Black Monitor with Thunderbolt™ 5 $1,299 (originally $1,999)
SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey G55C Curved Display, QHD, Gaming Monitor $209 (originally $249)

Best Sam's Club laptop deals

Samsung Galaxy Book4 15.6" FHD Laptop | Intel Core 7 | 16GB RAM | 512GB SSD

$749.00 at Sam's Club

$899.00 Save $150.00

$749.00 at Sam's Club

$899.00 Save $150.00

The Samsung Galaxy Book4 is an ultra-portable laptop with a 15.6-inch display, an Intel Core 7 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB storage. Personally, I think these are the minimum specs you should be shopping for in 2026; anything below that risks becoming outdated very quickly. At $749 (originally $899), it's a great option for students or anyone who values portability and performance over the beefiest specs.

Other laptop deals:

HP 17.3" FHD Windows 11 Laptop | Intel Core 7 | 16GB RAM | 512GB SSD $749 (originally $899)
ASUS Vivobook 15 Slim 15.6” FHD Laptop - Intel Core i9-13900H - 16GB RAM - 1TB SSD $899 (originally $999)
HP 15.6" FHD Touch Laptop | Intel Core i5-1334U | 16GB RAM | 512GB SSD $599 (originally $699)

October Prime Day FAQs

When is Prime Day in October?

October Prime Day is a two-day event that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.

What goes on sale on Prime Day?

Is Prime Day once a year?

Prime Day happens every summer. Prime Big Deal Days (or October Prime Day) happens every October. Big Spring Sale happens every spring.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $234.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $427.00 (List Price $449.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

This Hanging Dryer Finally Solved My Smelly Shoe Problem

Meredith Dietz — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 18:30:00 +0000

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I'm sticking to my marathon training schedule, nor'easter be damned. Normally, that means I'd come home with soaked shoes, prop them in front of a fan, and hope they dry out overnight. And normally, that means I head out with still-damp shoes the next day. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it makes my home smell like a locker room.

This weekend I had two training runs back to back in the rain, which meant my shoes had to be ready to go again almost immediately. This week's upgrade is the gadget that made it work: this Hedgehog Hanger.

Hedgehog Hanger Shoe Dryer and Deodorizer for Sneakers, Gloves & Mittens – Rapid 4 Pair Shoes Dryer with Ionic i3 Turbo Technology, Turbocharged Drying, Silent & Tornado Mode, Adjustable Heat, Black

$179.00 at Amazon

The Hedgehog Hanger is my upgrade of the week

The Hedgehog Hanger is a hanging shoe and glove dryer. You can easily hang it in a closet or wardrobe (there's a stainless steel hook), plug it in, and slide your shoes onto its arms. Instead of just warming the air, it pushes airflow through the shoes. The brand says the patented turbine technology moves humidity out of the fabric, and that a pair of shoes or gloves dries in about 15 to 30 minutes.

I really like the control it gives you. The heat is adjustable, from room temperature up through a few warm settings, including lower ones meant for leather and more sensitive materials. That matters if you don't want to blast a nice pair of shoes at full heat. There are five speed settings, and it goes up to a "tornado" mode for the fastest drying when you're in a hurry.

The controls on the Hedgehog Dryer. Credit: Meredith Dietz

After my first run in the rain this weekend, I hung my wet shoes on the Hedgehog and let it do its thing. By the time I was ready for the next session, they were dry, fresh, and ready to wear. I didn't have to rotate to a backup pair—or lace up soggy shoes and hope for the best.

If you're a runner, hiker, or anyone who trains through bad weather, that turnaround time is the real selling point. Consistency is so much easier when wet gear isn't a reason to skip a session. That said, I do wish it were a little more affordable: If you only deal with wet shoes a few times a year, $199 is a bit steep.

Still, if you train in all weather, live somewhere rainy or snowy, or have kids constantly tracking in soaked shoes and gloves, you'll get a lot of use out of this gadget. Hey, even when it's not plugged in, I'm grateful for the extra storage by my shoe rack.

If Your iPhone 18 Pro Is Randomly Rebooting, There's a Fix

Jake Peterson — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 18:00:00 +0000

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Apple released a bunch of new devices this month. The Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 support new health-tracking features and Siri AI, while the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max introduce the A20 chip and variable aperture for the first time on Apple's smartphones. But while all these new products are objective upgrades over their predecessors, they all have one issue in common: They keep randomly rebooting.

iPhone 18 Pro

$1,199.00 at Apple

What is Apple's rebooting problem?

As reported by 9to5Mac, some iPhone 18 Pro users are noticing that their smartphones are freezing up after a failed Face ID scan. When this happens, you won't be able to interact with your iPhone, even if the "Try Face ID Again" button appears onscreen. Instead, after a few moments, the iPhone will reboot. It's not a catastrophic issue, but it is annoying, and it's affecting a number of users, as this Reddit thread shows.

It's a similar story with the latest Apple Watches. While the Series 12 and Ultra 4 obviously don't use Face ID, users are still experiencing random reboots—emphasis on "random." Unlike the iPhone 18 Pro users, affected Apple Watch users aren't doing anything in particular when their watches reboot. They could be in the middle of a workout, chatting with Siri AI, or using the Maps app, when all of a sudden, the Apple logo appears. Some analyses showed that the Neural Engine was at fault, but Apple never confirmed the exact issue.

Apple just released a fix for iPhone 18 Pro users

Apple did find solutions to the reboot issues on all of these devices. Apple released watchOS 27.0.1 exclusively for Series 12 and Ultra 4 users on Wednesday, Sept. 23, which it says should fix random reboots going forward. Then, on Monday, Apple released iOS 27.0.1 for iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. This update doesn't only fix rebooting issues, either. Apple also patched a bug that could add a color artifact on photos shoot at 2x at f/1.48 aperture, as well as a glitch that would freeze the display when opening Notification Center and Control Center at the same time. Here are the full release notes:

iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max may unexpectedly restart when Face ID fails to authenticate.
A color artifact may appear on photos captured at 2x under certain lighting conditions at f/1.48 on a small number of iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max devices.
Opening Notification Center and Control Center simultaneously may cause the touchscreen to become unresponsive.

As such, don't feel the need to take your new iPhone 18 Pro to the Apple Store if your only issue is covered by one, two, or three of the above. While some Apple Store employees have swapped out affected units, this software update should be enough to take care of the issue. To update, head to Settings > General > Software Update.

If You Love 'American Horror Story,' There's One Movie You Need to Watch Next

Jeff Somers — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 17:30:00 +0000

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American Horror Story is kind of an institution, at this point. Seasons may vary in impact and the precise tone of the horror may fluctuate, but we’ve come to count on its gonzo sensibility and commitment to the bit. With its anthology approach and rotating troupe of semi-permanent actors (including Jessica Lange and Sarah Paulson), AHS has delivered plenty of twisted stories to keep you up at night. If you’ve watched them all (and the streamalike shows that offer similar chills), it’s time to dive into long-form horror on the same wavelength—starting with what might be the first (and still one of the best) horror anthologies ever made: Dead of Night.

The best movie to watch if you're a fan of American Horror Story

Without Dead of Night, released in 1945, there might not be an American Horror Story. Hugely influential, the movie is regarded as one of (if not the) first horror anthology films widely released, and more than 80 years later it’s still considered one of the best. Watching it is an exercise in noting everything that the horror anthologies that followed—including AHS—have freely borrowed from it. If you love the anthology aspect of AHS, the way each season (or half-season) is a self-contained story with its own tone, visuals, and style of horror, this is the movie you should watch.

The frame story involves architect Walter Craig (Mervyn Johns), who travels to a remote cottage for a potential renovation project. When he arrives, he finds himself one of several guests—all of whom have appeared in dreams experienced by their host, Elliot Foley (Roland Culver). Craig experiences what seem like psychic visions, which prompts the guests to tell tales of supernatural experiences they’ve had, all of which are presented as apparently standalone episodes. The most famous of these is the story of a ventriloquist whose dummy, Hugo, seems to have a will of its own, but all the stories are well-made and effectively scary.

What really sets Dead of Night apart—and makes it perfect for AHS fans—is the way the guests’ tales and the frame story merge into a truly unsettling whole. The film conveys both a sense of dream logic and visceral fright that’s surprisingly powerful and modern for a film of its vintage, and AHS fans will see the clear line of inspiration that starts here and ends with Jessica Lange leading an insane asylum in “The Name Game” (among many, many other insane moments from the show). If you’re looking for a feature film that will slot into the same pleasure centers in your brain as American Horror Story, this is the one to start with. Stream Dead of Night on Kanopy, Plex, or Fawesome, or rent it on Prime Video.

Dead of Night (1945)

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

More movies for fans of American Horror Story

Horror is addictive, and the only cure for the end of a horror movie is ... more horror movies. Here are a few more that any fan of AHS will love.

The Shining (1980)

One of the more obvious points of inspiration (especially for Season Five, “Hotel”), The Shining is one of the greatest modern horror films. The combination of Stanley Kubrick’s cold perfection, Jack Nicholson’s volatility (and Shelley Duvall’s criminally underrated desperation), and Stephen King’s wild imagination (despite his reservations about Kubrick’s interpretation) results in a slow burn of insanity as an unstable alcoholic (Nicholson’s Jack Torrance) unravels while working as a winter caretaker in an enormous, haunted mountain hotel. Every scene in this film ramps up the sense of unease and terror, leading to one of the most famous final shots in film history. Rent The Shining on Prime Video.

The Shining (1980)

$5.99 at Prime Video

Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

Season 12 of American Horror Story, “Delicate,” riffs enthusiastically off of Rosemary’s Baby, and the 1968 film could be an entire season of the show itself. The tone, visuals, and story are a perfect match—you can easily imagine most of the usual actors from the AHS troupe showing up as the creepy, devil-worshipping neighbors who manipulate a young woman (Mia Farrow) into conceiving a child under what could be called ominous circumstances. Aside from being an ideal companion film to the series, it’s also a classic that every horror fan should watch (despite some serious implications around marital sexual assault and director Roman Polansky’s gross legacy). Stream Rosemary’s Baby on Kanopy or rent it on Prime Video.

Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

$4.99 at Prime Video

Twisted Nerve (1968)

If you recall the weird whistling theme song associated with serial killer Tate Langdon in Season One, “Murder House,” you’ve already heard the theme song to this movie (you also heard it in Kill Bill: Volume 1). While not overtly gory, Twisted Nerve is a great example of simmering tension as a disturbed man with a split personality, Martin (Hywel Bennett), stalks and ingratiates himself with a young woman named Susan (Haley Mills). The film is dated in many ways (especially its enraging attitude toward Down syndrome), but as a thriller it still works gangbusters. Stream Twisted Nerve on Plex.

Twisted Nerve (1968)

at Plex

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

The moment Bloody Face shows up in the second season of American Horror Story, the connection to Tobe Hooper’s 1974 film is pretty clear—but The Texas Chainsaw Massacre reverberates throughout American Horror Story (as it does through most of the horror movies that followed it). Ostensibly based on the true crimes of Ed Gein, it follows five teenagers on a road trip as they stumble into the house where a man wearing a skin mask—the legendary Leatherface—proceeds to savagely murder most of them using a hammer and, of course, a chainsaw. The film’s sweaty, gritty style is a long way from Ryan Murphy’s slicker and more composed approach, but it’s a visceral kick of pure horror fans of the show will love (if they don’t already). Stream The Texas Chainsaw Massacre on Pluto or Tubi, or rent it on Prime Video.

$2.99 at Prime Video

The Craft (1996)

If “Coven” was your favorite season of American Horror Story, this is the film for you. Four outcast teen girls—played by Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, and Rachel True—discover that they can access supernatural forces, and seek to use this power to punish their enemies and improve their lives. Their spells have unintended consequences, however, and Balk’s character quickly goes power-mad as the girls turn on each other. It’s dark, but anyone who attended high school will 100% understand why things go pear-shaped so fast—and fans of AHS will find a lot to love in this story of teenage angst, rebellion, and occult horrors. Stream The Craft on Plex or rent it on Prime Video.

The Craft (1996)

DEWALT Mechanics Tool Set

These Are the Best October Prime Day Deals on Tools

Becca Lewis — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 16:59:11 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

If you need to tackle some DIY projects this fall, you might be looking to beef up your DIY tool kit. But if you’ve looked for tools recently, you may have also noticed that getting quality tools that will last can be expensive. Here are some deals on some of my favorite tools ahead of Amazon’s Big Deal Days sale.

Best Prime Day 2026 deals on tool sets

If you’re just starting out on your DIY adventure, beginning with a tool set will give you a solid foundation. Here are some deals on quality tools that will be with you for years to come.

DeWalt 20-volt oscillating multitool set

The DeWalt 20-volt oscillating multitool set is on sale for $157, 47% off its regular price. The set comes with the multitool, a 2-amp-hour battery, a charger, three starter blades, a sanding attachment, and some sandpaper. This tool can be used to cut metal, wood, plaster, drywall, PVC, and tile, and you can also use it for sanding and polishing. It’s a good deal for expanding your existing DeWalt set or if you’re just starting out with DIY projects.

DeWalt 192-piece mechanic's tool set

The DeWalt 192-piece mechanic’s tool set is on sale for $169.94, 41% off its usual price. This set comes with ½-inch, ⅜-inch, and ¼-inch ratchets, sockets in SAE and metric sizes, a set of spark plug sockets, driver bits, a set of hex wrenches, and adapters. This is a full tool set that will allow you to work on cars, as well as do maintenance on small home appliances like changing filters and replacing hoses.

Craftsman 10-piece mechanic's tool set

The Craftsman 10-piece mechanics tool set is on sale for $14.99, 51% off its typical price. The set comes with a ⅜-inch ratchet and nine metric sockets. This compact set is good for most beginner DIY projects and can be used for light vehicle maintenance; it's also perfect for an emergency roadside kit.

Best Prime Day 2026 deals on cutting and shaping tools

Saws are essential for many DIY projects, like repairing fencing or building shelves, and they’re also excellent for yard work and demolition. Having the right tools for making precision cuts will make your projects go more smoothly. Here are some deals on saws for all your DIY needs.

DeWalt 7 ¼-inch cordless compound miter saw

The DeWalt 7 ¼-inch cordless compound miter saw is on sale for $296.65, 20% off its regular price. This is a tool-only deal, so you’ll need a DeWalt 20-volt battery and charger to use it. This saw is compact and portable so it’s useful for situations where you don’t have a permanent home shop set up. You can use it to cut molding and trim for door frames, stairs, and finishing decks.

Husqvarna 14-inch 225i battery-powered chainsaw

The Husqvarna 14-inch 225i battery-powered chainsaw is on sale for $264.99, 30% off its regular price. The saw comes with a chain, a battery, and a charger. It can make up to 190 cuts on a single charge, and you can use it to cut up downed tree limbs and clear thick branches.

DeWalt 20-volt jigsaw

The DeWalt 20-volt jigsaw is on sale for $139.90, 41% off its usual price. This is a tool-only deal, so you’ll need a DeWalt 20-volt battery and charger to use it. A jigsaw can be used to cut curves and irregular shapes and is useful for making specialty cuts in fencing or for making decorative cuts on decor or furniture.

Husqvarna Power Axe 225i Battery Operated Chainsaw, Outdoor Tools

$379.99 at Amazon

Best Prime Day 2026 deals on bits and accessories

Bits and accessories for your power tools don’t seem like they’ll be a big expense until you’ve made your third trip to the hardware store for a size you don’t have on hand. Having a wide range of sizes for drivers and drill bits will allow you to keep working on your project instead of running out for one more thing. Here are some of the best deals on bits and accessories.

DeWalt 35-piece impact bit set

The DeWalt 35-piece impact bit set is on sale for $29.98, 66% off its regular price. The set comes with a bit holder, a socket adapter, several types of driver tips, and a set of sockets. It’s a good set for driving fasteners, but you’ll need drill bits if you want to drill holes.

Bosch 41-piece drilling and driving combo set

The Bosch 41-piece drilling and driving combo set is on sale for $21.47, 57% off its usual price. This set comes with drill bits up to ¾”, several types of driver tips, an adapter, and a case. This bit set is a good starter set because it has both driver tips and drill bits, so you could use it with a drill for hanging pictures or curtains, or for assembling flat-packed furniture.

Milwaukee socket adapter set

The Milwaukee socket adapter set is on sale for $8.21, 47% off its regular price. This set comes with socket adapters for ¼-inch, ½-inch, and ⅜-inch sockets. This is a tool that you won’t know you need until you don’t have it. I use mine all the time to switch between driving screws and driving nuts for installing wheels and assembling metal parts.

DEWALT Screwdriver Bit Set, Impact Ready, FlexTorq, 35-Piece (DWA2T35IR)

Are these tool deals likely to sell out?

October Prime Day starts Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 12:00 a.m. PT / 3:00 a.m. ET, so the sale doesn't even officially begin for another week. That said, there is no guarantee any Prime Day deal will last, so it's a good idea to figure out what products you need and what price you can live with, and make your purchase when you can, rather than trying to time the sale.

Do these Prime Day tool discounts apply to other brands?

There is no blanket discount on any particular tools, tool categories, or brands. Instead, Prime Day deals seem to be on a product-to-product basis. The sale only lasts two days, so make sure you check out everything we know about October Prime Day before it starts.

Are these Prime Day deals only for Prime Members?

Yes, generally you will need to be a Prime Member to shop the exclusive sales befor and during Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days. Prime membership starts at $14.99 per month and comes with a host of other perks, including free shipping, access to the Prime Video streaming service, free e-books and audiobooks, and more.

The Boox Picco Is a Contender for My New Favorite Tiny E-Reader

Joel Cunningham — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 15:10:43 +0000

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Forget the Kindle Colorsoft—the release of the Xteink X4 last fall felt like the first truly interesting thing to happen to e-readers in years. A cheap, slightly clunky Chinese device with a 4.3-inch screen, its perfectly pocketable size (and a smart marketing gimmick—"You can attach it to the back of your phone with a magnet! Never mind that that isn't really a practical or sensible way to read!") quickly attracted an online cult following of tinkerers.

Xteink has since translated its viral social media success into mainstream awareness (including coverage in The New York Times), quickly releasing a flurry of new devices, including the Xteink X4 Pro, which brought familiar features like a front light and touchscreen into the mix. And the competition has definitely taken notice.

Xteink X4 Pro

$99.00 at Amazon

Boox, another Chinese company—albeit one that has been around for more than a decade—previously experienced a similar trajectory with the Palma, its own weirdly shaped e-reader. First released in 2023, that phone-shaped device appealed to readers who wanted something that was easier to carry than a full-sized Kindle and didn't tie them to the Amazon ecosystem. Yet even as the company prepares for the launch of the Palma 3 this fall, it's clearly not willing to let Xteink eat its lunch—hence the release of its own itty-bitty e-reader, the 3.97-inch Boox Picco.

Why all tiny e-readers are so similar

Credit: Joel Cunningham

First revealed in a surprise announcement back in July, the Picco is clearly modeled on Xteink's success—and with good reason, considering in many ways, the devices are identical by necessity. All e-reader screens are made by the same company, E-Ink, which means that all of these micro-readers—the Xteink X4, the X3, the X4 Pro, and, yes, the Picco—use the same screen with the same 480x800 resolution (though with more or fewer pixels per inch based on screen size, from 219ppi on the X4 Pro to 259ppi on the smaller X3). They also run on similar, simple ESP32 processors (though there's a bit more variation between models there) and make similar trade-offs, like abandoning onboard storage in favor of a microSD card slot. Like the X4 Pro, the Picco includes a temperature-adjustable front light and a touchscreen for navigation.

Firmware isn't even really a differentiating factor: Part of the reason for Xteink's early success was the fact that its simplicity made it easy to hack. No sooner had it found a following than a group of fans developed a custom firmware, called CrossPoint, that corrects most of the issues with Xteink's undeniably underbaked native operating system—there's even a website that makes flashing your reader with CrossPoint a matter of a single click. Early on, there was uncertainty about whether the Picco would run on Android like Boox's other devices, including the Palma. But no: Not only is Boox's device not a full-fledged Android device—it actually runs on a modified version of CrossPoint itself. Wild.

So, the components and firmware are darn similar on paper. How does the Boox Picco measure up in real life? Boox sent me a pre-release unit to test out, and after a day of messing around with it, I can report that it's pretty great. Do I like it more than the X4 Pro, its closest competitor in terms of features? I haven't quite decided.

My initial thoughts about the Boox Picco

AirPods Pro for scale; no, this isn't an audiobook player. Credit: Joel Cunningham

Whatever their interior similarities, the Picco and the X4 Pro are pretty different at a glance. The Picco initially looks and feels much more refined, with a two-toned plastic back panel and an aluminum frame and buttons that recall the iPhone 5, of all things. With a 3.97-inch display, it's slightly larger than the 3.7-inch Xteink X3 but smaller than the 4.3-inch X4 and X4 Pro. At this size, pixel density is around 235ppi, slightly sharper than the X4 Pro, though the difference is hard to spot when comparing them directly at a normal reading distance.

The Picco's 5.5mm thickness also sits between those devices (the X3 is 5.1mm thick, and the X4 Pro, 5.95mm). These differences are mostly inconsequential, though: Depending on your settings, all will display about the same number of words onscreen at the same time, and all will disappear easily into any pocket.

The Picco is also a lot lighter than the X4 Pro—58g versus 72g. It feels almost too light to me. Most of the weight difference is likely down to the fact that the Picco lacks the X4 Pro's internal magnets; the Boox device won't be able to snap into a magnetic case or clip to the back of your phone (though, again, I question why you'd want to do that). Whatever the reason, the lighter build makes the Picco feel slightly insubstantial to me.

Credit: Joel Cunningham

Personally, I'm still trying to decide if I like the feel and form factor of the Picco—its straighter edges don't sit in my hand quite as comfortably as the Xteink devices, and I prefer the button placement on the X3 and X4 Pro that places forward and back page turn buttons on opposite sides of the device to the Picco's single right-side rocker button, which is small enough that I occasionally click to go back a page when I mean to go forward.

One unique touch: A switch on the left-hand side offers manual control over the front light (also adjustable in the on-screen menus), though you can also map it to turn on dark mode. It's tough to directly compare the front lights between the devices, as the firmware I'm running on the X4 Pro (CrossInk) overrides the native settings to allow more granularity in the brightness settings, but in terms of uniformity of the lighting and the cool/warm color balance, the devices seem identical.

Yes, the Boox Picco has USB-C

Judging by the ongoing turmoil in the r/xteink subreddit, the biggest differentiating factor for many users will be the fact that the Picco charges and transfers files via a standard USB-C port, a feature Xteink has since dropped from all of its devices in favor of magnetic pogo pins, which require a separate cable or an adapter. Considering their battery life is measured in weeks even with daily reading, this isn't a big deal to me, but lots of people really care about it. Opting for USB-C was definitely a good call on Boox's end.

The Picco has better native firmware—but does that matter?

Credit: Joel Cunningham

While the X4 Pro can easily be flashed to run CrossPoint, it currently ships with Xteink's own operating system, which is still a bit of a work in progress. Out of the box, the Picco is immediately much more usable, owing both to Boox's experience at building devices for a global market and to the fact that it's just a variant on CrossPoint, which most everyone who has used one of these wee readers already loves.

While the fun thing about CrossPoint is that there are hundreds of different forks that add or take away features to suit every user, the version that comes on the Picco is pretty darn good, all things considered. It displays your books well; it includes thoughtful options like a dark mode and the option to turn off the touchscreen; and it offers multiple options for getting files onto the device, including via connecting to a smartphone that's on the same wifi network, via the new BooxTile website/cloud app (not yet launched as of this writing; BooxTile is the company's name for its new line of smaller e-ink devices, of which the Picco is the first), or by plugging it into your computer to act as an external USB drive.

A note on file transferring: Though ostensibly the device supports a whole host of file formats, including MOBI and EPUB, getting them onto the device currently requires conversion to a proprietary format Boox is calling "OPUB." Because of this, whatever upload method you choose will require you to go through either the BooxTile website or app—even when loading directly via USB-C. This could change with future firmware updates, but right now it's an annoying extra step—especially because I experienced some bugginess with the BooxTile website during my testing (though I expect this to be taken care of before the device actually launches).

While the Picco does support Bluetooth connections, there are no menu options for it in the current firmware, which means you cannot (yet) connect to peripherals like the Boox Tappy remote page turner. There is, however, a menu of basic apps, including a simple pomodoro timer, some reading stats (including daily reading time and a graph charting your reading sessions over time), a to-do list, and a countdown timer. I can't imagine using any of these myself save the stats, but they're there if you want them.

There are limited options to customize things to your liking, including remapping the buttons to trigger different actions with a short or long press (like choosing to jump to the next chapter rather than the next page). You can also remap the touchscreen, though the options are limited to changing where to tap to change pages or open the in-book settings menu.

In terms of performance, the Picco feels at least as fast as an X4 Pro running CrossInk. This tracks, as they have the same processor, the ESP32-S3 with 8MB of PSRAM. (Initially, it was rumored that the Boox device had a slower chip without the PSRAM, but since initially publishing this piece, I've confirmed those more impressive specs with Boox.) If anything, the Picco is faster when paging through a book quickly, suffering none of the momentary pauses for "indexing" that are common when reading on any Xteink device. It also seems to process and display cover art and embedded images much more quickly, which is a welcome change.

Credit: Joel Cunningham

It's not yet clear how much it will matter that the Picco has nicer firmware, however. Given it uses the same basic processor as the Xteink line (though one that is a bit less powerful than that in the X4 Pro, which has dual cores and 8MB of onboard RAM), it's very likely the Picco will also be flashable with custom software. In theory, this will mean that you will soon be able to pick and choose your own features from any number of options readily available online.

How to preorder the Boox Picco

Whether you're interested in comparing the Picco to your Xteink device or are looking to buy your first tiny e-reader, you'll have to be patient: The Picco doesn't have an exact release date, and can currently only be preordered directly from Boox (though I expect it to show up on Amazon eventually). Boox promises the device will be shipped "around October." In the meantime, you can pick up the X4 Pro on Amazon. Whichever you choose, you'll be paying about the same: Both devices list a retail price of $109, but can currently be ordered for $99—around $50 less than the entry-level Kindle.

These Are the Best October Prime Day Deals on DeWalt Cordless Tools

Becca Lewis — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 14:30:20 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

If you want to start building a cordless tool set, DeWalt is a good choice because they’re known for making durable tools that have good battery life and are comfortable to use. DeWalt has been making cordless tools since 1994, and their line of 20v batteries can now power over 300 tools. If you already have DeWalt tools and want to expand your set or replace some batteries, getting a deal on some new gear is a plus. Here are some of the best early October Prime Day on DeWalt cordless tools on Amazon.

Best drill and driver combo set

A quality drill and driver set is the foundation of a DIY tool set. These tools allow you to drill holes for screws and bolts and drive screws and nuts. You can use these tools for anything from hanging a picture to fixing a deck.

The DeWalt 20-volt drill and driver set is on sale for $149, 38% off its regular price. The set comes with a drill, an impact driver, two 20-volt 4-amp-hour batteries, a charger, and a tool bag. This is a good set to start a kit with because it comes with everything you need to use it except for drill and driver bits.

DEWALT 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Miter Saw, Tool Only, Cordless (DCS361B)

Best oscillating multitool set

An oscillating multitool is a versatile game-changer in your tool set. You can use it for cutting metal, wood, PVC, drywall, plaster, and tile, and it has a sanding attachment that allows you to sand and polish as well.

The DeWalt 20-volt oscillating multitool set is on sale for $157.69, 47% off its usual price. The set comes with an oscillating multitool, a 20-volt, 2-amp-hour battery, a charger, a sanding attachment, some sandpaper, and three starter blades.

I used my oscillating multitool to replace the drain on my sink, and I was able to cut out the plaster around the old drain, trim the edge of the drain pipe, trim the new PVC sink drain, cut a patch for the wall, and sand the patch all with one tool.

Dewalt DCS356D1 20V Max XR Variable Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit

Best cordless saws

Saws allow you to cut and shape wood for DIY builds like shelves, decks, and fences. For intermediate DIY projects and repairs, saws are essential tools.

The DeWalt 20-volt 7 ¼-inch cordless miter saw is on sale for $329, 37% off its typical price. This saw comes with a 20-volt MAX battery and a charger. A miter saw can be used for making straight cuts for frmaing or fencing, but it’s also able to cut at an angle for trim and molding.

The DeWalt 20-volt jig saw is on sale for $139.90, 41% off its typical price. This is a tool-only deal, so you’ll need a DeWalt battery and charger to use it. You can use a jigsaw for cutting custom profiles like cutting molding out to go around a switch plate or outlet, or for shaping fence boards to fit along a slope.

Dewalt 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Miter Saw

Best random orbital sander

A random orbital sander is an essential woodworking tool. It can evenly smooth out a rough surface on wood, and it helps you finish a surface without leaving tool marks.

The DeWalt 20-volt random orbital sander is on sale for $95.99, 46% off its regular price. This sander comes with a dust collection bag, but no battery, so you’ll need a DeWalt 20-volt battery and charger to use it. I use my random orbital sander after filling nail holes on my woodworking projects and to prepare surfaces for paint.

DEWALT 20V MAX Orbital Sander, Tool Only (DCW210B)

Best batteries

Even quality batteries will wear out over time and need to be replaced. You might also choose to buy extra batteries so you can always have a fresh one on the charger, or so you can use more than one tool at once without switching the battery back and forth while you’re working.

A DeWalt 20-volt XR 4-amp-hour battery is on sale for $68.40, 60% off its usual price. You can also get a pair of 4-amp-hour batteries for $132, 51% off their typical price.

DEWALT 20V MAX Battery XR POWERPACK™ 4Ah Lithium Ion, 50% More Power, Dewalt Battery Compatible with 20V MAX Tools (DCB2104)

What is Amazon Prime Day?

How long is Prime Day?

October Prime Day is a two-day event that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.

What time does Prime Day start?

October Prime Day starts Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 12:00 a.m. PT / 3:00 a.m. ET.

This Blink 2K+ Doorbell and Five-Camera Bundle Is 71% Off for October Prime Day

Pradershika Sharma — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 14:00:00 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Ahead of Amazon’s October Prime Day sale, the Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ and five Outdoor 2K+ camera bundle is down to $119.99 from $419.98, a 71% discount and the lowest price trackers have recorded for the set. That works out to roughly $20 per device, which is a steep drop for a whole-home security system. For more offers as they arrive, follow our October Prime Day 2026 live blog or browse our Prime Day deals coverage.

Blink Battery 2K+ Camera and Doorbell Bundle

The draw here is covering a whole property without wiring anything, since all six devices run on AA lithium batteries. Each Outdoor 2K+ camera shoots 2K video with color night vision, carries an IP65 weather rating, and offers 4x zoom, so you can check whether a box on the porch is yours or get a clearer look at a car in the driveway. That said, color night vision depends on ambient light, with the camera falling back to black-and-white infrared vision when there isn't enough of it. As for Blink's two-year battery claim, it assumes efficiency settings at 1080p and typical use, so running everything at full 2K with constant motion events will shorten that estimate, notes this PCMag review. These cameras also work with accessories made for the Outdoor 4, including its floodlight mount and battery extension pack (sold separately), for anyone wanting to build the system out.

Coming to the doorbell, it records at 1920 x 1920 with a square 140-by-140-degree view that shows a visitor head to toe, and it can be mounted wire-free or connected to an existing doorbell, which is the only way it will trigger your mechanical chime; otherwise, you'll need a Blink Chime to hear it ring indoors. You’ll also get a Sync Module Core in the box to help connect all these cameras, but it cannot store clips locally, so saving and sharing footage after the 30-day trial means paying for cloud storage, with plans starting at $4.99 per month or $49.99 for the first year (and $69.99 annually thereafter) for one camera or 19.99 per month, or $149.99 for the first year before renewing at $199.99 annually for unlimited devices. Without a subscription, you can still use live view and receive motion alerts.

October Prime Day FAQs

When is Prime Day in October?

October Prime Day is a two-day event that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.

Is Amazon Prime Day worth it?

Yes, we’ve done the math, and it’s worth it for most people.

How does Prime Day work?

Prime Day lets Prime Members shop online for thousands of products with big discounts. It only lasts two days, so make sure you check out everything we know about the sale before it starts.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $234.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $427.00 (List Price $449.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

This 65-Inch Samsung Mini-LED TV Is at Its Lowest Price Ever for October Prime Day

Pradershika Sharma — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 13:30:00 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Some early deals for Amazon’s October Prime Day are already live, and one among them is the 65-inch Samsung M80H Mini-LED TV on sale for $647.99, down from $697.99—an all-time low price, according to price trackers. For anyone who wants to level up from a smaller TV without having a screen take over the entire room, a 65-inch TV is an ideal fit.

65-inch Samsung M80H TV

This 2026 Samsung release is an entry-level 4K smart TV with a Mini LED backlight, running on the Tizen interface and loaded with Samsung Vision AI features. It supports HDR10+ and Auto HDR Remastering, which aims to enhance older content, while Pure Spectrum Color keeps colors looking natural. It runs on an NQ4 AI Gen2 processor that handles upscaling, so lower-res content looks cleaner on the 4K panel.

It has a native 144Hz refresh rate and Samsung’s Gaming Hub, making it a good pick for gamers; the TV supports HDMI 2.1 and variable refresh rate, including AMD FreeSync Premium. Still, fast-moving scenes may show some blur, so while it will perform better than a standard 60Hz budget TV, it might not be the first choice for those shopping primarily for a gaming TV. The M80H has built-in Alexa and AirPlay support, along with Tizen’s usual broad catalog of streaming apps.

Despite being a solid starter TV, it doesn’t include local dimming, meaning that dark movie scenes may look more gray, HDR brightness is limited, and it’s not the best for very bright rooms. Plus, it only has three HDMI ports. But for under $650, the 65-inch Samsung M80H TV is still a strong choice for casual gaming and everyday use in most rooms.

October Prime Day FAQs

When is Prime Day?

October Prime Day is Oct. 6 and runs through Oct. 7. It happens every year during October.

When does Prime Day end?

October Prime Day ends on Oct. 7 in 2026. It’s a two-day online sale.

What is Amazon Prime Day?

Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $234.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $427.00 (List Price $449.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

This Philips Smart Door Lock With Handle Is 26% Off for October Prime Day

Pradershika Sharma — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 13:00:00 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Amazon has discounted the Philips Wifi Keypad Door Lock with Handle from its usual price of $142.49 to $105.99 as early deals for October Prime Day 2026 begin to go live. For that price, you’re getting a smart deadbolt, keypad, fingerprint reader, app controls, and a matching handle set in one package. Many smart locks at this price only replace the deadbolt, so the included handle makes this feel like a more complete front-door upgrade without buying extra hardware. For more on the October Prime Day 2026 sale, you can browse our entire Prime Day coverage.

Philips Wifi Keypad Door Lock with Handle

The day-to-day convenience is the real reason to consider it—since it connects directly to 2.4GHz wifi, there's no separate bridge or hub to buy, plug in, or troubleshoot later. Once connected, you can unlock the door with your fingerprint, enter a PIN on the keypad, use the Philips Home Access app, or stick with a physical key when needed. The app is especially useful if you need to check whether the door is locked, see recent access history, or let someone in while you're not home—it lets you create different types of codes for different people, including one-time codes for guests or recurring codes for cleaners, dog walkers, or family members. It also works with both Alexa and Google Assistant, so checking whether the front door is locked can be as simple as asking a smart speaker.

Philips says the lock is designed for doors between 1⅜ and 1¾ inches thick, and installation should be manageable with a screwdriver, though replacing both a deadbolt and handle still takes some patience. Once installed, you can set it to re-lock automatically within zero to 180 seconds after closing. In all, this is probably more smart lock than you need if you only want a basic keypad. But if you want app control, fingerprint entry, guest codes, and a cleaner-looking handle set in one box, this Philips deal makes sense at just over $100.

October Prime Day FAQs

How long is Prime Day?

October Prime Day is a two-day event that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.

What time does Prime Day start?

October Prime Day starts Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 12:00 a.m. PT / 3:00 a.m. ET.

How does Prime Day work?

Prime Day lets Prime Members shop online for thousands of products with big discounts. It only lasts two days, so make sure you check out everything we know about the sale before it starts.

Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $234.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $427.00 (List Price $449.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

This Highly Rated TCL Mini-LED TV Is 32% Off for October Prime Day

Pradershika Sharma — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:30:00 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

TCL introduced its QM8L lineup earlier this year, and the 65-inch model has already dropped to $1,697.99 from its $2,499.99 launch price as early October Prime Day deals roll out. That’s about $800 off a 2026 TV that brings some of TCL’s higher-end display technology to a model just below its flagship range. The larger 85- and 98-inch versions are also heavily discounted. As October Prime Day gets closer and the sale ramps up, our Prime Day deals coverage will give you a fuller picture of what else is discounted.

65-inch TCL QM8L TV

$2,499.99 Save $1,000.00

Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera With Sync Module Core (Black)

$2,499.99 Save $1,000.00

85-inch TCL QM8L TV

$2,497.99 at Amazon

$3,999.99 Save $1,502.00

$2,497.99 at Amazon

$3,999.99 Save $1,502.00

98-inch TCL QM8L TV

$3,997.99 at Amazon

$5,999.99 Save $2,002.00

$3,997.99 at Amazon

$5,999.99 Save $2,002.00

The screen itself has TCL’s slim “Zero Border” bezel, giving it a clean, minimalist look, but brightness is its more defining strength—PCMag measured the 65QM8L at 3,504 nits—below TCL’s advertised peak of 6,000 nits, but still bright enough to earn the television the publication’s first Lab Award for the brightest television it had tested. That level of brightness should help high-dynamic-range highlights stand out and keep the picture visible in a sunlit room, an area where Mini-LED televisions generally have an advantage over OLED models. (You can learn more in our guide to the differences between OLED and QLED displays.) TCL pairs that brightness with up to 4,000 local dimming zones and Halo Control, which limits the glow around bright objects and bring the contrast closer to OLED. CNET was similarly impressed, giving the QM8L an 8.8 out of 10 and naming it the best television its reviewer had tested in 2026.

Gaming support is equally comprehensive, with a native 144Hz refresh rate, variable refresh rate, and four HDMI 2.1 ports capable of accepting 4K video at 144Hz. Beyond gaming, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ cover movies and streaming, while Google TV brings together your apps and adds Gemini voice controls. As for audio, its Bang & Olufsen audio system works with Dolby Atmos and produces better sound than many built-in TV speakers. While it cannot give you the deep bass or directional effects of a dedicated surround-sound system, it may still be enough for someone who wants to avoid adding a soundbar immediately.

October Prime Day FAQs

Is Prime Day once a year?

Prime Day happens every summer. Prime Big Deal Days (or October Prime Day) happens every October. Big Spring Sale happens every spring.

Is Prime Day a scam?

No. Prime Day is a legitimate online sale from arguably the biggest and most reputable online retailer in the world.

What goes on sale on Prime Day?

Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Prime Day Deals Right Now

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $234.00 (List Price $249.00)

Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99)

Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $119.98)

Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $427.00 (List Price $449.00)

Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core + Doorbell — $65.99 (List Price $259.98)

Ring 2nd Gen 2K Wired Video Doorbell With Chime (2026 Release) — $49.99 (List Price $114.98)

Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $37.99 (List Price $69.99)

Deals are selected by our commerce team

I’m a Deals Writer, and These Are My Top 10 Tech Deals This Week

Daniel Oropeza — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 21:00:00 +0000

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

As Lifehacker's deals writer, I'm always looking for the best bargains on TVs, speakers, laptops, and other tech. Now that it's Friday, I've gathered together this week's sales highlights, all of which I've vetted using my favorite price-tracking tools to make sure they are actually good deals.

This week, you can find bargains on the GoPro LIT Hero, Pixel Watch 4, OLED TVs, TCL tablets, and more.

GoPro LIT HERO Lightweight Compact Waterproof Action Camera

Google Pixel Watch 4 (41mm, LTE, Matte Black)

Ultimate Ears MINIROLL Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

TCL Nxtpaper 14 256GB 14.3" Tablet With Pen and Case (Gray)

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, 512GB, Cream

$2,099.99 at Amazon

Amazon Fire HD 10 10.1" Tablet (4GB RAM, 32GB, Black)

MiniLED QLED UHD 4K HDR Glare-Free Smart Google TV with Gemini (2026)

Hisense 65" Class U7

$899.99 at Best Buy

$1,499.99 Save $600.00

$899.99 at Best Buy

$1,499.99 Save $600.00

Samsung 65-Inch Class S90H Series