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22 early Black Friday book deals worth adding to your cart: Freida McFadden, Meghan Quinn, Rebecca Yarros

✇Mashable
book covers for
The best early Black Friday book deals at a glance:
best limited-time offer
Paperbacks and hardcovers at Target
BOGO 50% off for a limited time
Bluey book and 'Fall Too Well' book cover with gradient background
best paperback deal
The Divorce book cover by Freida McFadden
best Kindle book deal
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus book cover

Black Friday is still technically more than a month away, but deals are starting to arrive in droves. If you're looking to pad your TBR for cozy season, it's the best time to grab books for less. While I'm not usually one to recommend purchasing physical books via mega retailers like Amazon (show your local bookstores some love!), it's definitely hard to ignore a price drop up to 50% on that new release you've had your eyes on.

We'll be tracking the best deals on physical books and e-books as we inch closer to Black Friday, so remember to keep checking back for more if you don't see the titles you're looking for just yet. As of now, here are some early book deals we recommend.

Best limited-time early Black Friday book deal

Why we like it

While I love a good Kindle or audiobook deal, nothing beats the dopamine hit you get from holding a physical book in your hands. Ahead of Black Friday, Target is running a BOGO 50% off sale that can put paperbacks and hardcovers in your hands for less. The sale includes copies of new releases and BookTok favorites, like The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett, The Witch by Freida McFadden, Whistler by Ann Patchett, The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff, and Big Little Truths by Liane Moriarty. Even better, many of the eligible books are also already on sale, so you can do a lot more damage than you think. The deal is fleeting, however, so snag the books on your TBR while you can.

Best early Black Friday physical book deal

Credit: Poisoned Pen Press
$8.31 at Amazon
$18.99 Save $10.68
 

Why we like it

Freida McFadden's The Witch was just published earlier this month, so naturally her last title, The Divorce, has dropped in price. Mind you, The Divorce is also a 2026 release. While I haven't read it myself, I know what you can expect from a McFadden thriller: a fast-paced, unhinged story you'll devour. The Divorce has a 3.85-star average rating on Goodreads from nearly 400k reviews. If you want a quick, gripping thrill ride this fall, pick up the paperback copy for its best price to date.

Physical book deals

Paperback

Hardcover

Kindle book deals

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Amazon just rebranded Kindle Unlimited — what you need to know about Kindle+

✇Mashable
An illustration of a Kindle

For the most avid readers, Kindle Unlimited is an incredible membership providing access to millions of books on your e-reader. But subscribers may have noticed a change to their membership this week.

As of Oct. 22, Amazon rebranded Kindle Unlimited to Kindle+. Now under your subscription tab, you'll find your membership listed as Kindle+. But what does this mean for your membership? Has the program or pricing changed? Here's everything we know about Amazon's rebrand from Kindle Unlimited to Kindle+.

What to know about Kindle+

The Kindle+ membership live
The Kindle+ rebrand is now reflected on your membership page. Credit: Amazon / Mashable

Luckily, the rebrand from Kindle Unlimited to Kindle+ is just a name change. Everything else about the program has stayed the same. Membership still costs $11.99 per month with the same access. Kindle+ is a library of millions of books, audiobooks, comics, manga, and magazines. Members of Kindle+ can borrow up to 20 books at a time, plus thousands of ebooks also have companion audiobooks, so you can simultaneously read and listen.

You don't need a Kindle e-reader to enjoy Kindle+. As long as you have access to the Kindle app on a computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can access your Kindle library and all the Kindle books you've added through Kindle+. You can even add Kindle+ books directly on your Kindle without going through the Kindle app or a browser.

And right now, enjoy Kindle+ for free.

How to get Kindle+ for free

If you've been eyeing a new Kindle, you can get three months of Kindle+ free. Amazon is running a promotion that bundles a new Kindle with three months of Kindle+ for free. The bundle costs $189.99, which is just the cost of the new e-reader. That saves you $35.97 and gives you access to millions of books for three months. Your membership will auto-renew, so don't forget to cancel before you're charged.

$189.99 at Amazon
$225.96 Save $35.97
 
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Almost all our favorite robot vacuums are on sale, and Black Friday isnt even here yet

✇Mashable
Roborock robot vacuums against a colorful background.
Best early Black Friday robot vacuum deals:
Our top-rated robot vacuum of 2026
Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete
$1,529.99 (save $170)
Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete
Best entry-level robot vacuum-mop deal
Roborock Q10 S5+
$329.99 (save $220)
Roborock Q10 S5+
Best roller mop deal
Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow
$699.99 (save $300)
roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow

Almost all our favorite robot vacuums are on sale right now, and Black Friday is still weeks away. I'm not going to pretend it's normal that we're already covering early Black Friday robot vacuum deals in October, but some of these prices make a pretty good case for getting a head start. Even our top-ranked robot vacuum in 2026, the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete, is on sale.

Of course, I'm checking price history and watching for inflated list prices, too. Not every markdown is worth getting excited about. We'll keep updating this piece as Black Friday approaches and throughout the holiday shopping season, so check back to see what's worth grabbing.

Best entry-level robot vacuum-mop deal

Credit: Roborock
$329.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $220
 

Why we picked this

If you're looking for a robot vacuum-mop combo that won't break the bank, the Roborock Q10 S5+ is on sale for $329.99, down from $549.99. That's a 40% discount, or $220 in savings.

Mashable's former robot vacuum expert, Leah Stodart, says it's one of the quietest robot vacuums she's ever tested. It also has 10,000 Pa of suction, obstacle avoidance, and a sonic mop that scrubs (instead of just dragging a damp pad around). The mop lifts automatically when it detects carpet, and the self-emptying dock holds up to 70 days' worth of dust.

Best roller mop robot vacuum deal

Why we picked this

Right now, you can get the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow for $699.99, down from $999.99. That's a 30% discount, or a $300 price cut, on a top-rated 2026 model. CamelCamelCamel isn't showing a lowest price for this model, so I can't call it a record low, but it's the lowest I've seen.

Stodart named it the "Best Roller Mop Robot Vacuum under $1,000." Its petite dock makes it a great option for people who are "limited on floor space," and it cleans with precision. "The Curv 2 Flow's obstacle avoidance is some of the best I've ever experienced," writes Stodart. It delivers 20,000 Pa of suction, has a Dual Zero-Tangle System, plus a full-service dock that empties the dust bin and washes and dries the roller mop.

Read our Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow review.

More Black Friday robot vacuum deals

Dreame

Eufy

iRobot

Roborock

Narwal

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Starbucks has brought back Salem the Cat for its Black Cat Frappuccino — how to try

✇Mashable
Starbucks Black Cat Frap

Starbucks just dropped a Halloween menu update that brings TV’s most sarcastic feline out of retirement.

Launched nationwide on Oct. 22, the new Black Cat Frappuccino is available through Halloween night at participating U.S. stores. To roll out the drink, Starbucks partnered with Archie Comics to bring back Salem Saberhagen (the talking black cat from Sabrina the Teenage Witch) as the campaign's official spokesperson.

I come across a lot of these brand collabs, but this one is special for me. I'm not ashamed to admit that I absolutely love that sassy little guy. And I'm so pleased to see him represented in coffee form. He deserves this.

The Black Cat Frappuccino is built on a caffeine-free Crème Frappuccino base. It blends dark chocolate cake powder and rich cocoa syrup with whole milk and ice to deliver a dense, liquid brownie batter flavor profile. It's finished with a swirl of whipped cream and topped with edible chocolate cat ears.

Will this new drop persuade me to change course from my regular order (venti iced black Americano, thank you very much)? I'm a creature of habit, so probably not. But it's hard to deny how cute those chocolate cat ears are.

It's important to note that this festive beverage is available exclusively in a grande size. Local store inventory is also likely to run out quickly as Halloween gets closer. Your best play is ordering via the Starbucks app for mobile pickup or using DoorDash or Uber Eats promo codes to get it delivered straight to your desk before the holiday menu launches on Nov. 5.

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The truth about iPhone Duo problems: The shoddy-looking apps, FaceTime camera, and the hinge

✇Mashable
Apple iPhone Duo

Apple's iPhone Duo is currently in that strange limbo where it's been announced, it's available to pre-order, but it's not widely available yet.

In this period, every issue and bug gets amplified, especially when the device is so different from anything Apple has done before. We've seen people declaring they would never buy this phone, as well as lists of reasons why that's a good decision.

Having had the iPhone Duo in my hands for a little over a week now (not counting my time with a bunch of Duos at Apple's September event in Cupertino), I got to experience the good and the bad first hand. And, since I switched to the Duo as my primary phone, I can tell you that I haven't yet encountered anything that would make me go back to a different iPhone.

That doesn't mean that the issues aren't real, so let me take a closer look at what the internet says and what the reality is (at least based on my experience with the phone). Oh, and you can also read my in-depth review of the iPhone Duo.

Claim: The FaceTime camera sucks

Is it real? Yes

Can it be fixed? Yes and no

Apple iPhone Duo
4 megapixels just isn't enough for a good selfie these days. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The iPhone Duo has four cameras: A 48-megapixel main camera alongside a 48-megapixel ultra-wide on the back, a 12-megapixel punch-hole selfie camera on the outer display, and a hidden camera in the inner display branded only as the FaceTime camera.

Honestly, the FaceTime camera is bad for taking photos. It has a 4-megapixel sensor, and Apple uses a ton of AI post-processing to make the photos look halfway decent. Sometimes this works well; sometimes the photo comes out awfully plasticky, smudgy, and artificial, but the reality is that you can't get a great selfie with this camera.

But things aren't that simple. If the question is, "Can I take great selfies with the iPhone Duo?", then the answer is an unqualified yes. In fact, the iPhone Duo can actually take better selfies than any other iPhone, including the Pro.

For that, you just have to use the main cameras, even if the process is a little impractical for a quick selfie (unfold the phone, start the camera, turn the phone around, remove the case if it's in the way, slide on the display for the viewfinder). And there's also the 12-megapixel selfie camera on the outer display, which is absolutely fine but not as good as the 18-megapixel selfie cameras on other recent iPhones.

The problem with the FaceTime camera, which should realistically only ever be used for video calls, is that it's just so enticing to use it for selfies. You unfold the Duo, fire up the camera, and see yourself, and everyone else around you, on that large display; it just makes you want to take that selfie right away. Unfortunately, to take good selfies, Duo users will have to consciously skip the FaceTime camera.

Claim: Some apps look bad

Is it real: Yes

Can it be fixed? Yes, and it almost certainly will be

Apple iPhone Duo
Get a grip, Google Calendar! Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Apps that are tailor-made or remade for the iPhone Duo look gorgeous. Apps that aren't fall into two camps. Most of them make use of the Duo's large inner display, but aside from that, nothing's really optimized to look better there. And some are the same as iPhone-only apps on an iPad: A tiny version of the app that sits in the middle of the display, which you can resize to get a larger, blurry version.

There are many apps that fall into the latter category. Numerous Google apps are like that: Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, and so are other popular apps like TradingView or PlugShare. Your local e-banking app almost certainly hasn't been updated yet.

Put all of that together, and you get a middling experience in which you constantly juggle between beautiful-looking apps such as Netflix and crappy-looking ones such as Gmail.

This is Apple we're talking about, though. I bet that 90 percent of popular apps will have Duo-ready versions within a month. The only way this doesn't happen is if Duo sells exceptionally poorly and third-party developers decide it's not worth the hassle, which, judging by Duo's wait times, probably isn't happening.

In fact, from the time I received the phone until the time of writing this text, at least 10 apps that I frequently use have already been updated for the Duo. So yeah, this isn't going to be a long-term issue.

Claim: The phone is buggy

Is it real: Partially

Can it be fixed? Yes, and it probably will be

Apple iPhone Duo
All the bugs I've encountered during testing appear to be fixed at writing time, so here's just another photo of the Duo. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Every new iOS and iPhone launch comes with issues, but the iPhone Duo has the sort of bugs that you wouldn't expect. WhatsApp often gets the camera orientation wrong, both in video calls and when you need to scan a QR code (note: this appears to have been fixed by the time of publishing). Sometimes Apple's own software gets confused, and something on the display will point the wrong way.

There are also other types of small issues, which aren't strictly bugs but come with the foldable phone territory. The most common problem I've seen is this: You fold or unfold the phone and accidentally touch something, and now you don't know what you did and why your app is acting weird.

Again, I'm not very worried. Apple is typically very committed to fixing these bugs, especially on a high-profile device like this. It's not a given, though, and if you're worried about a buggy experience, maybe wait a month or two before getting the Duo, and see whether the bugs are squashed out by then. Though, considering the device is backordered, you may not have a choice but to wait.

Claim: The hinge deteriorates after prolonged use

Is it real? Hard to tell

Can it be fixed? Probably not

Apple iPhone Duo
The crease is there. But you have to look for it. In real life, it's unnoticeable most of the time. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The iPhone Duo's hinge works smoothly out of the box, and the crease in the middle of the inner display can be felt but can rarely be seen, unless you look for it. But what happens when you fold and unfold the phone thousands of times (as you certainly will over time)?

YouTuber Tim Pan put the iPhone Duo into a folding machine and folded and unfolded it 10,000 times (and an additional 1,000 times at -4 degrees Fahrenheit) to see what happens. Then, the internet took over and shared just the image of a before-and-after, indicating a dramatic change in the crease's visibility and depth.

I haven't folded and unfolded my Duo that many times yet, so I can't give that sort of first-hand experience. But in the video, Pan says the hinge is still "very smooth" after the test, which is encouraging. As for that "before and after" photo, what I can tell you is that the hinge is already visible on a brand new iPhone Duo if you angle it right and put it under direct light, but that doesn't translate into real life, where the crease is nearly invisible basically all of the time.

In other words, don't trust any photo that shows that crease dramatically visible unless you've held the iPhone Duo in your hands.

Still, it's hard to say whether the crease will become an issue after a year or two or three of use. It's even harder to say whether it will become an issue for you; everyone reacts to these things differently. Anyone buying a new foldable phone, including the Duo, should expect some wear and tear over time.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

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Lexar’s new microSD card delivers 250MB/s speeds for a low price: Where to buy from $34.99

✇Mashable
Lexar Professional Silver Go microSD

TL;DR: Lexar's new Professional Silver Go microSD card ($34.99) delivers fast 250 MB/s speeds and rugged 4K protection for your GoPro, Switch, or Steam Deck. Available now on Amazon in sizes up to 512GB.

Running out of space on your handheld console is pure digital chaos. Trying to download a massive new RPG update on your Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch only to realize you have to delete at least three other games first is a pain. Lexar’s new Professional Silver Go microSDXC UHS-I Card solves that exact storage crunch.

Launching today on Amazon from $34.99, it gives gamers a hassle-free way to expand their console library without sacrificing performance.

When paired with Lexar's RW360 reader, it delivers read speeds up to 250 MB/s — making file transfers up to 240% faster than standard cards. With write speeds up to 180MB/s and a V30 speed rating, it keeps game loads snappy and effortlessly handles stutter-free 4K 60fps video capture if you like recording gameplay or using action cams like GoPros, Insta360s, and DJI drones.

Because handheld consoles go everywhere with you, the Silver Go is built to take a beating. It features an IPX7 waterproof rating and is drop-proof, shockproof, temperature-proof, X-ray-proof, magnetic-proof, and vibration-resistant (phew). If you ever accidentally wipe a file, Lexar includes free file recovery software, and the card itself is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

It also includes a full-size SD adapter so you can easily transfer files to a laptop or PC. The Lexar Professional Silver Go microSDXC card is available today on Amazon in four storage sizes up to 512GB.

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Early Black Friday fitness tracker deals include three of Mashables favorites from Fitbit and Apple

✇Mashable
a garmin watch, suunto, google fitbit, and apple watch on a pink background
The best early Black Friday fitness tracker deals:
Best Garmin deal
Garmin Vívoactive 5
$191 (save $108.99)
Garmin Vívoactive 5
Best Apple deal
Apple Watch Series 11
$349 (save $50)
Apple Watch Series 11
Best Fitbit deal
Fitbit Charge 6
$89.95 (save $70)
fitbit charge6
Best Suunto deal
Suunto Vertical
$349 (save $150)
Suunto Vertical

Welcome to the holiday shopping season. While we're still in early Black Friday sales, we're seeing discounts that match the lowest of the year. That includes fitness trackers from top brands like Garmin, Fitbit, Suunto, and more.

These sales are great news if you're shopping for a gift for a fitness fan or if you have health goals for the rest of 2026. Fitness trackers are great tools for monitoring heart rate, gaining insight into sleep quality, and tracking activity levels.

If you've been eyeing an upgrade, check out the best early Black Friday fitness tracker deals below. We'll keep this page updated with fresh deals as we see them roll in.

Best Garmin deal

$191 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $108.99
 

Why we like it

It looks great, has a battery that lasts up to 11 days, and comes with 30 built-in sports modes. If you're looking for a new fitness tracker, the Garmin Vívoactive 5 is on sale for $191 in the ivory colorway. Garmin's Body Battery rating will let you know what activity level is best for each day, and it can automatically detect naps. The Garmin Vívoactive 5 is also great for wheelchair users, since wheelchair mode tracks pushes rather than steps and offers tailored wheelchair fitness tracking for strength workouts.

Best Apple deal

Why we like it

If you're in the Apple ecosystem, going with the Apple Watch Series 11 as your smartwatch and fitness tracker makes so much sense. With a comfortable fit, quick recharging, and a scratch-resistant face, the Series 11 is Mashable's top pick for an Apple fitness tracker. Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder's review of the Apple Watch Series 11 notes a major battery upgrade over the previous model.

Best Fitbit deal

$89.95 at Amazon
$159.95 Save $70.00
 

Why we like it

Google's had a big year of Fitbit launches. The lightweight and ultra-comfortable Fitbit Air has become one of my favorites, and the brand just launched the Fitbit Edge. But if you're looking for a great deal, the Fitbit Charge 6 is already on a huge discount before Black Friday.

On Mashable's list of the best fitness trackers, the Fitbit Charge 6 lands nicely in the middle of an excellent mid-range fitness tracker that does a great job without costing a ton. Mashable considers the Charge 6 to be ideal for "an intermediate fitness tracker user who is looking for a model that'll cover all your bases at a good price."

Best Suunto deal

$349 at Amazon
$499 Save $150
 

Why we like it

Loved by distance runners around the globe, Suunto makes some of the best fitness trackers for the serious athlete. As part of Amazon's early Black Friday offerings, the Suunto Vertical is a massive 30% off. Designed for the adventure-driven, the Suunto Vertical comes with free offline maps that show great details in color, like paths and water features, in addition to showing breadcrumb trails. Battery life can reach up to 500 hours or up to 60 hours in the most accurate tracking mode.

More fitness tracker deals

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Samsung is beating the tech price hikes: Shop the new selection of certified renewed phones on Amazon

✇Mashable
Samsung Galaxy phone on a green background
The best Samsung certified renewed deals on Amazon:
Best budget Samsung phone deal
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE (Certified Renewed), 128GB
Best mid-range Samsung phone deal
Samsung Galaxy S25 (Certified Re-Newed), 256GB
Best premium Samsung phone deal
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (Certified Re-Newed), 512GB

If you're on the lookout for a great deal on a phone — or any tech for that matter — we strongly recommend checking out refurbished devices from top manufacturers. You can find competitive bargains on certified refurbished devices, which are pretty much indistinguishable from brand-new options. You'd never know they're pre-loved.

Now you can find refurbished Samsung Galaxy phones on Amazon, which is a first for the Galaxy line. There are 14 Galaxy models available on Amazon, part of Samsung's certified renewed program, including the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 FE.

This is obviously great news for anyone who needs an upgrade. Tech prices have soared due to the AI price crunch known as RAMageddon, which has caused phone sales to crash to a 14-year low. According to market research from Counterpoint, the increasing demand for memory hardware has led to major price increases and supply disruptions from top tech manufacturers such as Samsung and Apple. Customers have been left to foot the bill with price hikes across the board.

Samsung is one of the few tech names to hold onto decent discounts, largely thanks to demand for phones such as the Galaxy A-series and Galaxy Z Fold 8. While those models don't feature in the certified renewed deals on Amazon, there are plenty of others to choose from, with prices starting from $489 (excluding taxes and fees).

Best Samsung certified renewed deal

Why we like it

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 512GB is the highest-spec option from the certified renewed range at Amazon. This phone is immensely powerful and comes equipped with Galaxy AI, featuring "Circle to Search" (allowing you to Google search by circling something in an image) and daily briefings on everything you need to know for the day ahead.

It's also built with a hi-res camera and advanced video and audio features, allowing you to film clear video in low-light settings and reduce unwanted background noise. Everything comes via a stunning 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 512GB is usually priced at $1,419, so you'll save $390.99 with this refurb deal.

If you're unsure about buying a refurbished device, you can rely on Samsung's certified renewed program for quality control. It ensures that all phones are serviced by Samsung specialists and repaired exclusively with Samsung parts. Each receives a certified new battery and undergoes rigorous testing with 147 checkpoints.

Samsung certified renewed smartphones are also eligible for Samsung Care+, which protects you against drops, spills, and mechanical breakdowns.

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Maria Bamford on showbiz and Paralyzed by Hope

✇Mashable
Maria Bamford talks her new Judd Apatow documentary,

Maria Bamford is a comedian for comedy nerds, as was clear when she made Game Changer contestants starstruck in the Season 8 finale, "Last Talent Standing."

Her unique brand of stand-up blends personal stories, a wide range of silly voices, and an irreverence that is deliriously entertaining. Over her years onstage and in voice-acting across a panoply of projects, she has made fans of bigger names in the industry, like Stephen Colbert, Patton Oswalt, and Conan O'Brien. And all of them appear in her new Netflix documentary, Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story.

While the film played SXSW earlier this year, comedy nerd (and Mashable Entertainment Editor) Kristy Puchko sat down with Bamford to talk about the documentary, her thoughts on fame, capitalism, and why she's stayed true to her own voice — literally.

Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story is now streaming on Netflix.

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Maria Bamford on showbiz and 'Paralyzed by Hope'
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New Duo apps have me rethinking how to use the iPhone

✇Mashable
iPhone Duo apps

Developers are just starting to release apps optimized for the different screens of the iPhone Duo. Bridget Carey goes hands-on and talks with developers to learn how the first batch of Duo apps is using folding screens creatively. 

Read more about iPhone Duo apps and reviews: 7 apps that look gorgeous on the iPhone Duo's display
iPhone Duo reviewers dislike this one thing about Apple's foldable

Timecode chapters
0:00 Relearning how to use an iPhone with the iPhone Duo
0:19 It’s iPhone Duo release day
0:37 Learning from iPhone Duo app developers
0:43 Deck-Man (fka Duo-Man) turns iPhone Duo into a Walkman
1:35 Back to the early iPhone days
1:40 Remember iBeer?
1:50 How developers optimize iPhone apps for iPhone Duo
2:02 New York Times Cooking app on iPhone Duo
2:46 Major League Baseball’s MLB app for iPhone Duo
3:13 How developers are using iPhone Duo’s screen real-estate in new ways
3:32 Getting lost in gaming on iPhone Duo with Ungodly
4:02 Visual design tricks in the Netflix app for iPhone Duo
4:20 iPhone Duo is the most exciting iPhone since the first iPhone
4:47 Bridget has the iPhone Duo
5:06 iPhone Duo release day coverage coming soon
5:31 Apple has something to “pro and tell”

Video credits
Host: Bridget Carey
Scripted by: Bridget Carey
Producer: Carly Marsh
Camera: Carly Marsh
Video Editor: Carly Marsh
Thumbnail Designer: Tharon Green

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New Duo apps have me rethinking how to use the iPhone
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Our favorite budget earbuds are on sale before Black Friday — save over $20 on EarFun Air Pro 4

✇Mashable
earfun air pro 4 earbuds against a purple background

SAVE OVER $20: As of Oct. 23, the EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds are on sale for $53.16 at Amazon. That's $26.74 off their full price of $79.90.

$53.16 at Amazon
$79.90 Save $26.74
 

If new earbuds are on your holiday shopping list, Amazon's here to help.

Rather than waiting for Black Friday, the retailer has been squeezing in discounts on various models ahead of time. This includes a price cut on our favorite budget earbuds, the EarFun Air Pro 4.

If that color has caught your eye, you can snag them on sale for $53.16 at Amazon. This is over $20 cheaper than their usual price and just a few bucks away from their lowest-ever price of $50.51.

The EarFun Air Pro 4 are mighty impressive for a pair of budget earbuds, boasting solid sound quality and adaptive ANC technology that can block up to 50dB of outside noise. They even offer a long battery life of up to 11 hours on a single charge, which can be extended to 52 hours with the charging case.

Many of these reasons, paired with their more affordable price tag, are why we consider them the best budget earbuds. Overall, they "can adeptly handle a multipoint connection, feature a well-rounded sound profile with variation thanks to the in-app equalizer," and even "offer manually adjustable ANC, which isn't even a given on premium noise-canceling earbuds."

Why not take advantage of this early deal on the EarFun Air Pro 4 at Amazon?

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Brick’s new device automatically blocks your bedroom doomscrolling: How to buy

✇Mashable
Brick Night app blocker

TL;DR: Brick's new Brick Night ($129) uses Bluetooth to create a 25x25 ft zero-scroll zone in your bedroom. Set your time window in the app, and it automatically blocks distracting apps when you enter your room — requiring you to physically leave the space to unblock them.

If you’ve ever promised yourself you’d go to sleep at a reasonable hour, only to realize you’ve been staring at a glowing screen for two hours in the dark, you're not alone. Most of us try to rely on willpower or built-in phone tools, but let’s be real — Apple’s Screen Time, Android’s Digital Wellbeing, and standard Do Not Disturb modes are way too easy to bypass.

It takes half a second to tap "Ignore Limit for 15 Minutes" and go right back to doomscrolling. That’s precisely why distraction-blocking brand Brick just created Brick Night: a dedicated physical device that forces an actual boundary between you and your phone the moment you step into your bedroom.

Priced at $129, Brick Night turns your sleep sanctuary into an automatic zero-scroll zone. The compact, midnight-blue block uses Bluetooth signal strength to detect when your phone enters a designated bedroom area (up to 25 x 25 feet). You choose the apps you want to block, pick your custom time window for winding down and waking up, and place the device where you sleep.

The second your phone enters that room during your set hours, your selected apps stay locked. To unblock them, you have to physically get up and walk out of the room. That physical barrier transforms your sleep routine: your favorite distraction apps lock the moment you walk into bed so you can unwind and rest, and you wake up on your own terms without feeds setting your mood before you even roll out.

Designed to be as frictionless as possible, the compact device features a clean ABS and TPU build and requires zero WiFi connection. It also doesn't need to be plugged into a wall and runs on two included CR2477 batteries. Plus, if you share a bed or room, multiple people can use the same Brick Night device simultaneously — each person can set up their own independent time windows, blocked app lists, and custom modes on their own phone.

If you're ready to stop relying on willpower and finally reclaim restful nights, Brick Night is now available for $129.

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Sharks UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus has never been cheaper — save $20 ahead of Black Friday

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shark ultracyclone pet pro plus cordless handheld vacuum against a pink and purple background

SAVE $20: As of Oct. 23, the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus cordless handheld vacuum is back to its lowest-ever price of $79.99 at Amazon. That's $20 off its full price of $99.99.

Amazon is wasting no time in dropping early deals for shoppers before Black Friday, including household items like vacuums.

For those hoping to grab a smaller model for quick cleanups, Shark's UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus handheld vacuum is down to its lowest-ever price on Amazon. The Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus usually costs $99.99, but Amazon has slashed $20 off, bringing it down to $79.99.

The Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus is sure to come in handy during the busy holiday season, with a cordless, lightweight design (weighing just 2.8lbs) that's easy to grab and go to clean up crumbs, dirt, pet hair, and more that pop up around the house. It also boasts powerful suction from dual cyclonic air streams, which help protect the filter and motor by separating large and small debris as it cleans.

Plus, there's no need to worry about touching everything inside the dust cup when you empty the vacuum, thanks to the CleanTouch Dirt Ejector button. It even comes with extra attachments — a crevice tool, a scrubbing brush, and a self-cleaning pet power brush — so you have multiple options for cleaning.

Since the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus is currently at its lowest-ever price on Amazon, why wait for Black Friday to pick it up?

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Bose is holding a huge sale on refurbs: $170 off QuietComfort headphones and soundbars for under $200

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Bose headphones on orange backdrop
The best deals from the Bose refurb sale:
Best QuietComfort headphones deal
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) - Refurbished
Best QuietComfort earbuds deal
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds - Refurbished
Best portable speaker deal
Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) Refurbished
Best soundbar deal
Bose Solo Soundbar 2
$199 (save $100)
Bose Solo Soundbar 2 Refurbished
Best gaming headset deal
Bose A30 Aviation Headset - Refurbished

Refurbished tech often goes overlooked, but it's always worth shopping when top tech brands offer marked-down prices on as-new devices. Seriously, if they didn't tell you up front that these devices are refurbished — pre-owned and restored to box-fresh condition — you'd never know the difference.

Bose has launched a sale of refurbished audio devices, including headphones, portable Bluetooth speakers, TV soundbars, and high-end gaming headsets.

For a limited time, you can get up to $300 off higher-ticket devices. You can save on Bose A30 Aviation gaming headsets and the Bose Solo Soundbar 2 is down to just $99 — a fantastic deal for upgrading your home cinema set-up.

The standout deal is $170 off the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) headphones, the latest, most advanced version of Bose's signature headphone line. Bose is offering the refurbished QuietComfort Ultra headphones for $279, down from the regular list price of $449. According to the price tracker camelcamelcamel, that's $90 below the lowest-ever price on Amazon.

Best Bose refurbished deal

Why we like it

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are superb everyday headphones from one of the top names in audio tech.

They combine industry-leading noise cancellation and spatial audio to create an immersive listening experience that rivals any headphones on the market. You can choose from different active noise cancellation options, including Quiet and Aware modes, which let in varying degrees of external ambient noise.

The audio is tailored to you, with CustomTune technology that adapts to the shape of your ears to ensure optimal sound quality. Other key features include a massive 30-hour battery life and full customization via the Bose app.

More Bose refurbished deals

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The Roku Pro Series LX OLED TV has finally dropped on Amazon, and shoppers are clearing stock

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Roku Pro Series LX OLED TV

TL;DR: Roku's new Pro Series LX OLED TV is available on Amazon. Offered in 55-inch ($1,299) and 65-inch ($1,599) sizes, it features a 144Hz panel, anti-glare tech, Dolby Vision, and an on-TV remote finder button.

Roku built its massive following by keeping smart TVs simple, but its latest release proves simple doesn't have to mean basic. Following its reveal last month, the Roku Pro Series LX OLED TV is officially available, bringing high-end picture quality straight to the brand's iconic, hassle-free interface.

The flagship screen dropped in 55-inch ($1,299) and 65-inch ($1,599) sizes on Amazon, and if you were eyeing the larger option, you might be late to the party. Demand was so high that the 65-inch model sold out in a single day, but thankfully, the 55-inch version is still available at the time of writing.

This display is the most capable television the company has ever engineered. The 4K OLED panel delivers deep blacks, ultra-wide viewing angles, and vibrant colors without forcing you to dig through confusing settings menus. A clever system called Roku Smart Picture Max automatically tunes the display to whatever you're watching, while an advanced anti-glare finish reduces reflections in the room.

Gamers get plenty of love here, too. The display features a super-fast 144Hz variable refresh rate, Automatic Game Mode, and AMD FreeSync Premium to keep action smooth with virtually no lag or screen tearing. An ultra-thin metal frame gives it a borderless look, and it comes with an adjustable, tool-free stand and built-in cable management straps to keep your setup clean and tidy.

Roku also packed in a few thoughtful features you'll use every day. The included Roku Voice Remote Pro is fully rechargeable over USB-C and features backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and customizable shortcuts.

Even better, if the remote ever vanishes into the couch cushions, you can simply press a built-in remote-finder button right on the TV frame to track it down. Throw in Bluetooth Headphone Mode for quiet late-night watching and instant access to over 500 free live channels, and it's easily Roku's most impressive screen yet.

With the 65-inch size already snapped up, make sure to snag the 55-inch model before it sells out.

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This DJI drone dupe is $70 off: Shop the Skyrover S1 Mini drone for $279 at Amazon

✇Mashable
Skyrover S1 Mini

SAVE $70: As of Oct. 23, the Skyrover S1 Mini is on sale for $279 at Amazon. That's a 20% discount on the list price.

Credit: Skyrover
$279 at Amazon
$349 Save $70
 

Want to capture aerial footage without investing in an expensive, bulky drone? You're in luck, because the Skyrover S1 Mini drone is on sale at Amazon.

It's a compact, beginner-friendly option for anyone looking to take their photography and video to the next level. It's normally priced at $349, but right now it's down to $279.

It's an incredibly compact drone, weighing under 249 grams, but this doesn't make it any less impressive. This drone is still very much built for high-quality shooting, with a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor capable of recording 4K video at 60 fps and taking 48 MP photos. It also comes with several features to make flying less complicated, including one-touch takeoff and landing, forward obstacle avoidance, and Smart Return-to-Home.

Battery life is another selling point, with up to 40 minutes of flight time per battery. It's also designed to meet FAA requirements for recreational flying in the U.S. and is a handy size to take with you while traveling.

This drone deal is available on Amazon now. Get it for $279 while it's on sale.

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How to watch La Liga online for free

✇Mashable
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid looks on

TL;DR: Live stream select La Liga fixtures for free on CazéTV. Access these free live streams from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Premier League has fast-paced football that's all about physicality. The Bundesliga has the best attendances in incredible stadia. Ligue 1 is all about young talent coming up against the strength of PSG. But what about La Liga? The top of the Spanish football league system leads the way in technical ability and superstar names.

Of course, many fans watch La Liga to follow Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid, but there's so much more on offer from this incredible league. Want to see for yourself? It has never been easier to watch online.

If you want to watch 2026-27 La Liga for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is La Liga?

La Liga is a professional football league in Spain and the highest level of the Spanish football league system. It is controlled by the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional and is contested by 20 teams over a 38-matchday season.

The defending champions are Barcelona.

When is La Liga?

The 2026/27 La Liga season started on Aug. 15. The campaign will likely end on May 23 or May 30.

How to watch La Liga for free

CazéTV will be showing select La Liga fixtures for free on their YouTube channel.

These free live streams are geo-restricted to Brazil, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Brazil, meaning you can unblock free live streams of La Liga from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2026-27 La Liga by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit CazéTV

  5. Watch La Liga fixtures for free from anywhere in the world

Credit: ExpressVPN
$12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams of La Liga without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch select fixtures (plus coverage of the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1) before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free live streams all season, you will need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for CazeTV?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

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

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

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 80% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with a money-back guarantee).

Live stream La Liga for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

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The iPhone Duo has launched: How to save $1,000 without a trade-in

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iPhone Duo on wooden surface

TL;DR: The new Apple iPhone Duo is $1,000 off with T-Mobile. To qualify for this preorder deal, you need to switch to T-Mobile and bring your number on an Experience Beyond plan.

The launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max had a big impact, but the iPhone Duo's drop has resulted in absolute chaos. It's Apple's first-ever foldable phone — what did you expect?

Stan Schroeder reviewed the iPhone Duo for Mashable, writing that it's the "first choice for Apple customers looking for a cool new phone."

The Apple iPhone Duo has officially launched, and T-Mobile is coming out of the gate with one of its biggest carrier promotions of the year.

Right now, T-Mobile is offering up to $1,000 off the Apple iPhone Duo via 36 monthly bill credits when you switch and bring your number on an Experience Beyond plan. You are still required to cover local sales tax on the phone's full pre-credit retail value upfront at checkout, plus T-Mobile's standard $35 device connection fee.

The $1,000 discount is distributed as 36 monthly bill credits. If you decide to cancel your service, downgrade your plan, or switch carriers before three years have passed, the remaining hardware balance becomes due immediately. But if you are already planning to stick with T-Mobile's top-tier unlimited plan for the long haul, taking $1,000 off Apple's iPhone Duo is a massive win for your tech budget ahead of Black Friday.

iPhone Dup on wooden surface
Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Carrier deals like this might be your best chance to score the iPhone Duo. Preorders for the iPhone Duo opened last week, and the phone sold out moments later. Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Werth tried to get his hands on the new phone, but missed the "blink-and-you'll-miss-it window."

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Apples Pro and Tell MacBook event is almost here: Everything we expect

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Apple

Apple isn't done with new product releases quite yet.

Fall has proven to be quite a busy season for Apple, with the September iPhone event, which saw the grand debut of the new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo. Apple then followed up with the "Welcome Home" smart home launch event earlier this month, where the company unveiled its new HomeView device alongside a slew of other products.

Apple is now preparing for an Oct. 28 event in Los Angeles. What does Apple have in store next? The invitations for the event went out with the tagline "Pro and Tell," so all signs point to a new MacBook Pro. In fact, we fully expect that Apple will reveal the long-awaited touchscreen OLED MacBook. 

However, we all know Apple loves a "One More Thing" approach, and we're following rumors on a few new devices. Here's everything we expect to learn at the "Pro and Tell" special event next week.

Touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro

Apple has never released a MacBook with a touchscreen or OLED display, so this is a big deal. 

Bloomberg's Apple insider Mark Gurman says the touchscreen MacBook will have a different design than the current MacBook Pro models. The laptop will be thinner and lighter, and the OLED display will allow for thinner bezels on the device. Apple is also expected to replace the notch with a hole-punch camera with a Dynamic Island, much like the iPhone, according to Gurman.

Don't get too excited, though, unless you're ready to pay a premium for Apple's upcoming new laptop. The touchscreen OLED MacBook won't be cheap.

The existing MacBook Pro lineup starts at $1,999 for the 14-inch M5 chip model and $2,499 for the 16-inch M5 Pro chipset model. So, a touchscreen OLED model could get pricey.

M6 MacBooks and iMacs

While Apple may not be launching touchscreen MacBooks with the M6 chip, the company is expected to launch refreshed versions of its current MacBook Pro with the new chipset.

Apple unveiled its first M6 device with the new Mac mini in August. The company seems on track to roll out the M6 chip to the MacBook Pro and iMac next.

Based on how Apple rolled out the M5 chip last year, and Gurman's latest reports, don't be surprised to see a new entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro launched on Oct. 28 with the M6 chip.

There's also a rumor of an updated iMac launching at the event as well. The iMac hasn't seen a refresh since 2024, when the M4 model was released. If a new M6 iMac is indeed unveiled, there could be new color options as well.

iPad Mini 8

The last iPad mini was launched in 2024 with the A17 Pro chip, which was the chipset powering the iPhone 15 Pro. It's well time for a refresh, and it seems like we will be getting one.

Apple has been rumored to be working on its first water-resistant iPad, and it appears that the new iPad mini will be that device, although it's unclear as to what level it will be water-resistant.

The new iPad mini is expected to be powered by the new A20 Pro chip, have an OLED display with thinner bezels, and a new front-facing selfie camera, according to MacRumors.

Updates to Apple Creator Studio?

We're speculating here a bit, but Apple is reportedly taking a creator-centric approach to its Oct. 28 special event. In addition, 9to5Mac reported this week that Apple keeps acquiring companies with a specific strategy in mind: Improving its Apple Creator Studio subscription offering.

If Apple did want to announce updates to Creator Studio, then a creator-focused event like this would be the perfect opportunity.

Will Apple also unveil any unexpected surprises? We'll have to wait and see on Oct. 28.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

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Looking for a gift your Dad will actually wear? This stylish Joseph Abboud sport coat is $75 off.

✇Mashable
Joseph Abboud sport coat up close

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 our readers, we wrote the content.

TL;DR: The Joseph Abboud Modern Fit Windowpane Plaid Sport Coat is on sale for $174.99 at Men's Wearhouse, down from $249.99. That's a $75 discount on a sharp, breathable holiday gift for dads.

Shopping for dads during the holiday season usually devolves into the same predictable routine: novelty socks, overpriced grill tools, or tech gadgets he'll forget to charge. If you want to give him a wardrobe upgrade that won't end up buried in the back of his closet, Men's Wearhouse just dropped the Joseph Abboud Modern Fit Windowpane Plaid Sport Coat down to $174.99, a $75 discount.

The main reason most dads resist dressing up is sheer discomfort, but this Joseph Abboud Heritage jacket makes it a non-issue. Woven from a rich wool blend (60% wool, 38% polyester, and 2% spandex), it offers built-in stretch for comfortable movement from a morning commute to weekend gatherings. Plus, instead of a heavy, suffocating lining, it uses a lightweight butterfly lining that keeps things breathable and prevents overheating during stuffy indoor holiday parties or long family dinners.

Visually, the bold windowpane plaid pattern gives any outfit an effortless style upgrade, elevating a smart-casual look. It’s packed with classic, high-end tailoring details like fine pick stitching, a notch lapel, flap pockets, side vents, and a sleek single-breasted two-button closure.

The tailored Modern Fit delivers a balanced, comfortable profile through the chest and shoulders, keeping him looking consistently dapper without feeling squeezed into a restrictive suit. Whether paired with chinos for a casual weekend dinner or thrown over dark slacks to complete a holiday look, this imported sport coat is a versatile wardrobe staple built to last.

Skip the generic dad gifts this year and grab the Joseph Abboud Modern Fit Sport Coat at Men's Wearhouse for $174.99.

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