An anonymous reader shares a report: The Pentagon concluded that Alibaba Group, Baidu and BYD should be added to a list of companies that aid the Chinese military, according to a letter to Congress sent roughly three weeks before Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to a broad trade truce.

Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg informed lawmakers of the conclusion in the Oct. 7 letter, a copy of which was seen by Bloomberg News, to the heads of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees. It wasn’t clear whether the companies have been formally included in the the Pentagon’s so-called 1260H list, which carries no direct legal repercussions but serves as a major warning to US investors.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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

Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, 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.

• Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. 

Bose is known for its warm, bass-y sound quality, and this Black Friday has some great deals to bring that signature soundscape into your home. The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (Series II) is available at 40% off during Amazon’s Black Friday 2025 sale, and it’s a really good product at that price. I have the original SoundLink Revolve speaker, and I love its minimalist looks, how small it is, and how easily it slots into any corner of my room. I don’t always like speakers that have a flashy design, so this Bose product is great for me.

Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (Series II)

$180.00
at Amazon

$300.00
Save $120.00

$180.00
at Amazon

$300.00
Save $120.00

With the Revolve+, Bose has kept the same design language as the original, but now there’s a convenient strap for you to pick it up and carry it around, making it even more portable. The sound quality is pretty good for the price, too, and you can actually link two of these speakers together to create an easy stereo setup. If you’re looking for a fuss-free Bluetooth speaker with good sound quality, the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ is a great choice.

My only major complaint is that it still uses an ancient micro-USB port for charging, which is a big oversight from Bose. Fortunately, you can rectify that annoyance by buying the Bose SoundLink Revolve charging cradle ($30). With that, you can drop the speaker on the cradle to charge it, which is a lot easier than fiddling with a micro-USB cable.

I’ll also say that, being smaller, this isn’t the best product if you want the loudest speaker on the market. You’d probably want to go towards Bose’s SoundLink Max for that (but good news: it’s also on sale). Instead, this is a great speaker for those who live in compact spaces and want something that can play relaxing, bass-y music just loud enough to fill the room they’re in. Or, if you have two of them, they also work well for movies. Note that the Revolve+ also has an aux port, which means that you can use it as a wired speaker with your laptop or PC.

What stores have the best sales on Black Friday?

Nowadays, both large retailers and small businesses compete for Black Friday shoppers, so you can expect practically every store to run sales through Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” sales depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to come from larger retailers that can afford lower prices: think places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our live blog. 

Are Black Friday deals worth it?

In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. 

Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday?

Black Friday used to be bigger for major retailers and more expensive tech and appliances, while Cyber Monday was for cheaper tech and gave smaller businesses a chance to compete online. Nowadays, though, the distinction is almost meaningless. Every major retailer will offer sales on both days, and the smart move is to know what you want, use price trackers or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you, and don’t stress over finding the perfect timing.

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

Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, 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.

• Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change.

Apple’s AirPods remain the benchmark standard for sleek wireless earbuds that perform really well (provided you’re in the Apple ecosystem). And right now, the Apple AirPods 4 are significantly cheaper than I’ve even seen them—a record-low $70 (originally $130). Around 47% off for a current generation Apple product is wild.

Apple AirPods 4

$69.99
at Amazon

$129.99
Save $60.00

$69.99
at Amazon

$129.99
Save $60.00

The AirPods 4 have Apple’s H2 chip, relocated to the stem to improve acoustics and airflow and deliver better sound (they offer “Personalized Spatial Audio,” which enables a more immersive experience). They also have design upgrades from their predecessor, like a more angled contour and a smaller charging case.

While they don’t have the active noise cancellation or advanced features of the pricier AirPods 4 with ANC, PCMag notes that they deliver excellent sound and bass response compared to other buds on the market, with clever features like a Personalized Volume function that gradually adjusts sound level based on how noisy your environment is, and hands-free Siri with gesture-based interactions.

Battery life is around 5 hours (closer to 4.5 for talk time), and the charging case will add another 25 hours to that. A five-minute charge provides up to an hour of playback, or 45 minutes of talk time. There’s no dedicated app for these earbuds as they work natively with iOS, which is a big perk for Apple users (and really, who else is buying AirPods?).

What stores have the best sales on Black Friday?

Nowadays, both large retailers and small businesses compete for Black Friday shoppers, so you can expect practically every store to run sales through Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” sales depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to come from larger retailers who can afford lower prices: think places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our live blog. 

Are Black Friday deals worth it?

In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. 

Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday?

Black Friday used to be bigger for major retailers and more expensive tech and appliances, while Cyber Monday was for cheaper tech and gave smaller businesses a chance to compete online. Nowadays, though, distinction is almost meaningless. Every major retailer will offer sales on both days, and the smart move is to know what you want, use price trackers or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you, and don’t stress over finding the perfect timing.

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

Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, 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.

• Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. 

If you’re new to the world of fitness wearables, you might be a bit overwhelmed by all the trackers and watches that are on sale for Black Friday. Here I’ll pick out the ones that are best for beginners, and help you choose among them. There are tons of great options from Fitbit, Garmin, and more.

Fitbit Inspire 3

$69.95
at Amazon

$99.95
Save $30.00

$69.95
at Amazon

$99.95
Save $30.00

Suunto Run

$199.00
at Amazon

$249.00
Save $50.00

$199.00
at Amazon

$249.00
Save $50.00

Whoop 5.0 with 12-month Peak subscription

$199.00
at Amazon

$239.00
Save $40.00

$199.00
at Amazon

$239.00
Save $40.00

Oura Ring 4

$249.00
at Walmart

$349.00
Save $100.00

$249.00
at Walmart

$349.00
Save $100.00

Garmin Vivoactive 6 GPS Health & Fitness Smartwatch (Lunar Gold, Bone Band)

$249.99
at Amazon

$299.99
Save $50.00

$249.99
at Amazon

$299.99
Save $50.00

The best budget fitness tracker for beginners

Fitbit’s Inspire 3 is $69.95 right now, down from the regular price of $99.95. The Inspire 3 can count your steps, track your heart rate during exercise, and give you feedback on your stress and sleep. It’s like a pared-down version of the Charge 6, which I reviewed here. Compared to the Charge 6, the Inspire 3 is missing a built-in GPS, but that’s fine if you take your phone with you on runs and walks. It also doesn’t have the Google apps for music and payment, but again, if you normally have your phone with you, you’ll be fine without those.

The best running watch for beginners

If you want to see your pace, distance, and other metrics while you run, it’s worth getting a watch that focuses on features for runners. There are great entry-level models from pretty much every brand on sale right now, and I have a list here if you’d like to compare those offerings. But if you’d like me to choose one for you, there’s an easy pick: the Suunto Run. I enjoyed it when I reviewed it. It’s lightweight, with a bright screen that’s easy to read in all kinds of conditions.

It’s got dual-band GPS for accuracy, and you can either use it to control the music that’s playing on your phone, or store music on the watch itself and leave your phone at home. It’s normally $249, but is on sale right now for $199.

The best screenless tracker for beginners

For those who would rather not have a screen on their wrist, Whoop is the king of screenless trackers, and you can read my review of the latest model here. The catch is that you have to pay yearly for a subscription, but if you can afford that, you really cannot beat the data and experience you get from Whoop’s app. Of the different tiers of membership Whoop offers, the best deal is Peak (the middle tier), which is currently available for $199. That price includes both the device and a 12-month membership. They also offer a budget tier, which you can get for either $129 or $179 depending on the device.

The best smart ring for beginners

The Oura Ring 4 is at its lowest price ever, and it’s another best-in-class tracker that is hard to beat. Prices vary by color, but the black and silver models are $249, which is more than 25% off the regular price of $349. Matte black and brushed silver are $299 down from $399, and gold and rose gold are even more deeply discounted: $349 instead of $499. You can read my review of the Oura ring 4 here, and my takeaways from using it for four solid years. Oura charges a $6.99/month subscription.

The best everyday watch for beginners

All of the trackers above are great, but maybe you just want something that looks and acts like a normal watch, while still being able to track some fitness metrics on the side. I’d recommend the Garmin Vivoactive 6, which is $249.99 right now, down from a regular price of $299.99. You can read my review here. It does almost everything that a running watch can do, but with a smoother, touchscreen-based appearance. You do still have physical buttons to stop, start, and lap your activities, which I feel is essential for any running watch. That’s a sign of how well it bridges the fitness and lifestyle worlds. The previous model, the Vivoactive 5, is also on sale, and it’s $189.95.

How long do Black Friday deals really last?

Black Friday sales officially begin Friday, November 28, 2025, and run throughout “Cyber Week,” the five-day period that runs from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, December 1, 2025. But Black Friday and Cyber Monday dates have expanded as retailers compete for customers. You can get the same Black Friday sales early, and we expect sales to wind down by December 3, 2025. 

Are Black Friday deals worth it?

In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. 

Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday?

Black Friday used to be bigger for major retailers and more expensive tech and appliances, while Cyber Monday was for cheaper tech and gave smaller businesses a chance to compete online. Nowadays, though, distinction is almost meaningless. Every major retailer will offer sales on both days, and the smart move is to know what you want, use price trackers or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you, and don’t stress over finding the perfect timing.

With the gaming industry’s recent rash of layoffs, closures and cancellations, it would be easy to assume Beyond Good and Evil 2 is toast. After all, the game looked like vaporware even before the extreme cost-cutting trend started. But here we are in late 2025, and — lo and behold — Ubisoft is hiring for the prequel.

The job listing (via Eurogamer) is for a technical sound engineer. But aside from revealing that the game is apparently still in the works, the description doesn’t tell us anything new. “Beyond Good & Evil 2 is an action-adventure open world game set in a captivating space opera universe and the direct prequel to the 2003 cult classic,” the posting reads. “Based on a breakthrough technology driven by the proprietary Voyager engine, Beyond Good & Evil 2 aims to offer a seamless experience of exploration and space piracy across a solar system full of exotic locations, colorful characters and mysteries to uncover, solo or with friends.”

Ubisoft first teased the prequel in 2008, then officially announced it in 2017. Engadget even watched a closed-door gameplay presentation the following year. We described what we saw as “wildly ambitious,” perhaps to a concerning degree, given the technical challenges tied to that scope. Those worries appear to have been warranted, as we still hang onto tiny nuggets of hope (look, a job posting!!) over seven years later.

In 2022, Bloomberg poured more cold water on its timeline, reporting that the game was still in pre-production. Engadget contacted Ubisoft for comment on its current status, and we’ll update this story if we hear back. In the meantime, you can revisit the surge of hope that was the game’s 2018 cinematic trailer.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/beyond-good–evil-2-is-somehow-still-under-development-185230052.html?src=rss

Worries about the US grid’s ability to handle the surge in demand due to data center growth have made headlines repeatedly over the course of 2025. And, early in the year, demand for electricity had surged by nearly 5 percent compared to the year prior, suggesting the grid might truly be facing a data center apocalypse. And that rise in demand had a very unfortunate effect: Coal use rose for the first time since its recent collapse began.

But since the first-quarter data was released, demand has steadily eroded. As of yesterday’s data release by the Energy Information Administration (EIA), which covers the first nine months of 2025, total electricity demand has risen by 2.3 percent. That slowdown means that most of the increased demand could have been met by the astonishing growth of solar power.

Better than feared

If you look over data on the first quarter of 2025, the numbers are pretty grim, with total demand rising by 4.8 percent compared to the same period in the year prior. While solar power continued its remarkable surge, growing by an astonishing 44 percent, it was only able to cover a third of the demand growth. As a result of that and a drop in natural gas usage, coal use grew by 23 percent.

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OpenAI will need to raise at least $207 billion in new funding by 2030 to sustain operations while continuing to lose money, according to a new analysis from HSBC that models the company’s cloud computing commitments against projected revenue. The bank’s US software team updated its forecasts after OpenAI announced a $250 billion cloud compute rental deal with Microsoft in late October and a $38 billion deal with Amazon days later, bringing total contracted compute capacity to 36 gigawatts.

HSBC projects cumulative rental costs of $792 billion through 2030. Revenue growth remains strong in the model — the bank expects OpenAI to reach 3 billion users by decade’s end, up from roughly 800 million today — but costs rise in lockstep, meaning OpenAI will still be subsidizing users well into the next decade. If revenue growth disappoints and investors turn cautious, the company’s best option might be walking away from some data center commitments.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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

Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, 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.

• Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. 

It’s not easy to find good deals on current-gen Apple products, but the just-released Apple Watch Series 11 is already on sale ahead of Black Friday 2025. It’s the best non-Ultra smartwatch for your iPhone and, in my experience, its fitness-related features are excellent. This Black Friday deal brings the Series 11 down to $339 (15% off), which is an excellent price for a brand new Apple Watch.

Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm, GPS)

$339.00
at Amazon

$399.00
Save $60.00

$339.00
at Amazon

$399.00
Save $60.00

The Series 11 is available in two sizes: 42mm and 46mm; and two variants: GPS, and GPS+Cellular. At time of writing, the best deal is on the 42mm GPS variant. All other variants are more lightly discounted, but be aware that your favorite color may not be discounted during this Black Friday 2025 sale.

The key to finding great Apple deals is to buy from third-party retailers, and that’s true for this Apple Watch Series 11 deal as well. Amazon’s Black Friday 2025 sales have it cheapest right now.

Lifehacker’s Associate Tech Editor Michelle Ehrhardt said she loves the Apple Watch Series 11, but admittedly, she doesn’t recommend it to those who already have a Series 10. If you have an Apple Watch that’s a few years old, the Series 11 is worth buying, but it’s hasn’t taken a big enough leap ahead to justify annual upgrades.

The Series 11 is thin, light, and plenty comfortable to wear all day. It has support for hypertension notifications, ECG recording, built-in GPS for tracking outdoor workouts, and an Ion-X display that’s more scratch resistant than that of older Apple Watch models. It also has improved battery life compared to the Series 10.

While it’s common knowledge at this point, I still think it’s worth mentioning that the Apple Watch only works with iPhones. You can’t even pair it with an iPad or a Mac, so this device is only for iPhone users. If that sounds like you, this is a great opportunity for an upgrade.

Does Apple do Black Friday?

Yes, Apple participates in Black Friday, though you may want to compare their sales with other retailers like Best Buy and Walmart. Apple is offering an exclusive $250 gift card for eligible purchases, but so far, the best Black Friday sale on an Apple product is the M4 MacBook on sale for cheaper than ever.

What stores have the best sales on Black Friday?

Nowadays, both large retailers and small businesses compete for Black Friday shoppers, so you can expect practically every store to run sales through Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” sales depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to come from larger retailers that can afford lower prices: think places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our live blog. 

Are Black Friday deals worth it?

In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. 

Under ardent anti-vaccine Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has named Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham as its new principal deputy director—a choice that was immediately called “dangerous” and “irresponsible,” yet not as bad as it could have been, by experts.

Physician Jeremy Faust revealed the appointment in his newsletter Inside Medicine yesterday, which was subsequently confirmed by journalists. Faust noted that a CDC source told him, “I heard way worse names floated,” and although Abraham’s views are “probably pretty terrible,” he at least has had relevant experience running a public health system, unlike other current leaders of the agency.

But Abraham hasn’t exactly been running a health system the way most public health experts would recommend. Under Abraham’s leadership, the Louisiana health department waited months to inform residents about a deadly whooping cough (pertussis) outbreak. He also has a clear record of anti-vaccine views. Earlier this year, he told a Louisiana news outlet he doesn’t recommend COVID-19 vaccines because “I prefer natural immunity.” In February, he ordered the health department to stop promoting mass vaccinations, including flu shots, and barred staff from running seasonal vaccine campaigns.

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

Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, 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.

• Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. 

Creating digital content is harder than it looks. I’ve dabbled in it myself, only to realize I severely underestimated what a big difference quality gear can make. Luckily, plenty of my friends are successful (or aspiring) online creators, and they’ve educated me on the tech that has truly elevated their creative journey.

Whether they’re YouTubers, podcasters, streamers, or Instagram influencers, the content creator in your life needs the right tools that help them produce better work. Here are your best options, sorted by price and type of content.

Budget-friendly content creator essentials under $50

Not every gift needs to break the bank. To get started, these smaller items still make a real difference, and all of them are currently on sale for Black Friday:

• Green screen backdrop (around $30) for easy background removal

• Pop filter or foam windscreen (around $15) to reduce breath noise

• USB hub with multiple ports (around $40) for connecting all their gear

• Cable management clips and ties (around $15) to tame the inevitable cable chaos

• Ring light kit (around $30) for flattering, even lighting

• Phone tripod mount (around $20)

• Camera lens cleaning kit (around $20)

Tech for better audio quality

• Blue Yeti USB Microphone (normally $139.99, currently on sale for $94.99). The gold standard for beginner to intermediate content creators—if you weren’t familiar before, now you’ll start to see it every time you watch a video essay. This plug-and-play USB mic delivers professional sound quality without requiring an audio interface. Perfect for podcasters, YouTubers, and streamers who want crisp, clear audio.

• Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones (normally $399.99, currently on sale for $248). These are the best headphones your money can buy if you’re looking for a great audio experience. Their noise cancellation makes these perfect for editing on the go or recording in less-than-ideal environments.

Sony WH-1000XM5

$248.00
at Amazon

$399.99
Save $151.99

$248.00
at Amazon

$399.99
Save $151.99

Lighting that makes a difference

• Elgato Key Light (normally $179.99, currently on sale for $139.99). This is an app-controlled LED panel lighting that’s become ubiquitous in the streaming and YouTube world. The adjustable color temperature and brightness make it easy to achieve that professional look.

• Aputure MC RGB Light (normally $90, currently on sale for $72). A pocket-sized powerhouse that’s perfect for adding creative accent lighting or bringing scenes to life with color. Its portability makes it ideal for creators who film in multiple locations.

Elgato Key Professional 2800 Lumens Studio Light

$139.99
at Amazon

$179.99
Save $40.00

$139.99
at Amazon

$179.99
Save $40.00

Camera and stabilization gear

• DJI Osmo Mobile (normally $69, currently on sale for $55).A smartphone gimbal that transforms shaky footage into smooth, professional-looking shots. Essential for vloggers and creators who film while moving.

• Sony ZV-E10 (normally $899.99, currently on sale for $798). Now, this is perhaps too much of a big ticket item for a holiday gift, but it’s good to know about nonetheless. This mirrorless camera designed specifically for content creators, with features like product showcase mode, excellent autofocus, and a flip-out screen for vlogging.

• GoPro Hero 12 Black (normally $369, currently on sale for $299). The classic action camera for adventure creators, travel vloggers, and anyone who needs durable, waterproof shooting capabilities.

GoPro Hero12 Black

$299.00
at Amazon

$369.99
Save $70.99

$299.00
at Amazon

$369.99
Save $70.99

Productivity and workspace upgrades

• Anker PowerCore Power Bank (normally $89.99, currently on sale for $54.99). For creators who film on location, running out of battery is a nightmare. This high-capacity power bank keeps cameras, phones, and accessories charged all day.

• CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock (normally $449.95, currently on sale for $303.99). One hub that connects their laptop to multiple monitors, hard drives, and accessories. It’s the kind of quality-of-life upgrade that makes their workspace infinitely more functional. On that note…

• Corsair TC500 Luxe Gaming Chair (normally $549.99, currently on sale for $424.99). Another investment piece, but content creators spend hours at their desks. Proper ergonomic support prevents pain and fatigue during those marathon editing sessions.

Corsair TC500 Luxe Gaming Chair

$424.99
at Amazon

$549.99
Save $125.00

$424.99
at Amazon

$549.99
Save $125.00

Remember to add a personal touch

The best gifts show you understand their specific niche. A cooking creator might love new props or kitchen tools for their videos. A gaming streamer might appreciate custom keycaps. A travel vlogger might need packing cubes or a travel-friendly tripod. Or maybe they’re good on hardware, and could really use a subscription to Canva Pro.

Pay attention to what they complain about or wish they had in their setup. The gift that solves a specific pain point they’ve mentioned will mean more than the most expensive item on this list.

Content creation is both art and craft, requiring creativity and technical skill. Any gift that helps them produce better work, stay organized, or simply enjoy the process more will be genuinely appreciated. After all, you’re not just buying them gear, but showing them you’re also invested in their creative journey.

How long do Black Friday deals really last?

Black Friday sales officially begin Friday, November 28, 2025, and run throughout “Cyber Week,” the five-day period that runs from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, December 1, 2025. But Black Friday and Cyber Monday dates have expanded as retailers compete for customers. You can get the same Black Friday sales early, and we expect sales to wind down by December 3, 2025. 

Are Black Friday deals worth it?

In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. 

Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday?

Black Friday used to be bigger for major retailers and more expensive tech and appliances, while Cyber Monday was for cheaper tech and gave smaller businesses a chance to compete online. Nowadays, though, distinction is almost meaningless. Every major retailer will offer sales on both days, and the smart move is to know what you want, use price trackers or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you, and don’t stress over finding the perfect timing.

European manufacturers are facing a two-front assault from China that has German industry associations warning of deindustrialisation: on one side, artificially cheap Chinese goods are flooding into Europe, and on the other, Beijing has demonstrated its willingness to abruptly cut off access to critical inputs like rare earths and semiconductors.

The alarm intensified in October when China added five rare earths to its export-licensing regime and then banned exports of computer chips made by Nexperia, a Dutch-headquartered but Chinese-owned chipmaker that supplies numerous European carmakers, according to The Economist.

Several European firms warned of production stoppages, and some German companies put workers on leave without pay. Germany’s trade deficit with China hit $76.52 billion last year and is expected to surge to around $100.87 billion this year, The Economist reported, driven by collapsing German exports and a rush of imports in categories like cars, chemicals, and machinery that were once German specialties. Chinese brands now account for 20% of Europe’s hybrid market and 11% of electric vehicle sales. German cars command just 17% of the Chinese market, down from 27% in 2020.

The rare earth controls were suspended for a year after the US and China struck a trade deal on October 30th, but the EU found itself a bystander to negotiations that directly affected its economy. Writing in the Financial Times, Robin Harding argues that China’s explicit goal of self-sufficiency leaves Europe with few options. “There is nothing that China wants to import, nothing it does not believe it can make better and cheaper,” he wrote, concluding that large-scale protectionism may be unavoidable if Europe wants to retain any industry at all.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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

Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, 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.

• Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. 

Anker is mostly known for its external batteries, but it also makes some fun iPhone accessories, and one of those is the Anker Prime 3-in-1 wireless charging station. It’s a convenient way to charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods wirelessly and all at once. This Anker Prime charging station is among the most expensive of its kind, but I also think that it’s the best one you can buy. With this year’s Black Friday deals, it’s finally more affordable, making it a great time to snag one.

Anker Prime 3-in-1 Charging Station

$150.00
at Amazon

$230.00
Save $80.00

$150.00
at Amazon

$230.00
Save $80.00

The Anker Prime is down to $150 this Black Friday, which is a cool $80 off the list price, and the lowest price it’s ever had. While you can still find lots alternatives for around $50-$100, this product has plenty of reasons to splurge on it. Aside from conveniently charging all your Apple devices at once, it supports fast 25W wireless charging, has a fan for active cooling to protect the battery, and it has a tiny screen on the front that lets you switch charging modes, check how much power each device is drawing, and see what your charging temperatures look like.

As for why 25W charging is worth it, while wireless charging is generally a lot slower than wired charging, that’s starting to change. You can now charge your iPhone 16 or 17 series devices at 25W wirelessly, up from 15W for previous models. This means that your iPhone will charge a lot faster with a compatible fast wireless charger, and the Anker Prime is one of the few multi-device charging stations to support 25W fast charging for your iPhone. It can also fast charge your Apple Watch Series 7 or newer device and Apple Watch Ultra. If you have an Apple Watch SE or an older Series model, the charging speeds will be slower.

It’s worth noting that you need AirPods with a wireless charging case if you want to use them with the Anker Prime. Also, remember that the iPhone 16e does not have support for wireless charging, so it’s not compatible with this product. And while you also theoretically may be use the Anker Prime to charge your Android phone or other devices that support wireless charging, Anker doesn’t recommend doing so, as this product has been designed specifically for Apple products.

My biggest worry with these products is overheating and fan noise. Thanks to active cooling, the charging station will keep your iPhone’s temperatures in check. And while the fan will kick in while fast charging, that won’t be a problem during a slow overnight charge.

Does Apple do Black Friday?

Yes, Apple participates in Black Friday, though you may want to compare their sales with other retailers like Best Buy and Walmart. Apple is offering an exclusive $250 gift card for eligible purchases, but so far, the best Black Friday sale on an Apple product is the M4 MacBook on sale for cheaper than ever.

What stores have the best sales on Black Friday?

Nowadays, both large retailers and small businesses compete for Black Friday shoppers, so you can expect practically every store to run sales through Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” sales depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to come from larger retailers that can afford lower prices: think places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our live blog. 

How long do Black Friday deals really last?

Black Friday sales officially begin Friday, November 28, 2025, and run throughout “Cyber Week,” the five-day period that runs from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, December 1, 2025. But Black Friday and Cyber Monday dates have expanded as retailers compete for customers. You can get the same Black Friday sales early, and we expect sales to wind down by December 3, 2025. 

Facing five lawsuits alleging wrongful deaths, OpenAI lobbed its first defense Tuesday, denying in a court filing that ChatGPT caused a teen’s suicide and instead arguing the teen violated terms that prohibit discussing suicide or self-harm with the chatbot.

The earliest look at OpenAI’s strategy to overcome the string of lawsuits came in a case where parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine accused OpenAI of relaxing safety guardrails that allowed ChatGPT to become the teen’s “suicide coach.” OpenAI deliberately designed the version their son used, ChatGPT 4o, to encourage and validate his suicidal ideation in its quest to build the world’s most engaging chatbot, parents argued.

But in a blog, OpenAI claimed that parents selectively chose disturbing chat logs while supposedly ignoring “the full picture” revealed by the teen’s chat history. Digging through the logs, OpenAI claimed the teen told ChatGPT that he’d begun experiencing suicidal ideation at age 11, long before he used the chatbot.

Read full article

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

Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, 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.

• Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. 

Shopping for a teenager can be hard—their tastes are hyper-specific and change daily. But the gifts below take aim at the moving target of teen trends, focusing on gear that’s useful, amusing, and/or even (gasp) educational. Plus, every item on the list is on sale for Black Friday.

From retro-cool instant cameras to room-transforming LEDs and clever toys, here are 20 of the best tech gifts for teens in 2025.

Polaroid Now 3rd Generation

Maybe it’s teenage rebellion against our screen-scrolling lifestyle or a quest for authenticity, but more and more kids are getting into old fashioned cameras. The Polaroid Now 3rd Gen is a classic analog device that lets you watch your photos develop in real time, doesn’t have any megapixels, and ejects a keepable, framable, non-scrollable physical object.

Polaroid Now 3rd Generation I-Type Instant Camera With Film Bundle

$135.95
at Amazon

$159.99
Save $24.04

$135.95
at Amazon

$159.99
Save $24.04

Beats Solo 4 Earphones

For lots of kids, part of growing up is learning exactly how awesome music can be. If your giftee is making that transition, there’s no better gift than decent audio gear, like these Beats Solo 4 bluetooth headphones. They sound great, with spatial audio and head tracking, and they come in five colors, so they look great too. There’s a reason they have a 4.6 star rating on Amazon.

Beats Solo 4 – Wireless Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones, Apple & Android Compatible, Up to 50 Hours of Battery Life – Black & Gold

$129.95
at Amazon

$199.95
Save $70.00

$129.95
at Amazon

$199.95
Save $70.00

Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 1)

Ray-Ban Metas are cool-looking shade packed with smart features, including a camera, open-ear speakers, a built-in AI agent and more, so whether your kid wants to be able to take quick pictures, consult with artificial intelligence, or stream instantly with nothing but a mirror, these shades will do it.

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses

$262.99
at Amazon

$329.00
Save $66.01

$262.99
at Amazon

$329.00
Save $66.01

Powerup 4.0 Smartphone Controlled Paper Airplane

Teenagers might say they don’t want toys for Christmas, but everyone wants toys for Christmas, and a smartphone controlled airplane is a hell of a toy. It works like this: You add a sensor and some propellers to an airplane you fold yourself, and end up with a controllable craft that flies up to 20mph. It can even do a barrel roll.

Smart Paper Planes POWERUP 4.0

$47.48
at Amazon

$59.99
Save $12.51

$47.48
at Amazon

$59.99
Save $12.51

Flashforge 3D Printer

Being able to print 3D objects at home still seems like science fiction to me, but not only is it possible, it’s not even that expensive. The Flashforge 3D printer is only $229 for Black Friday. If you have a teen with artistic, creative, or technical interests, this device is perfect.

FLASHFORGE Adventurer 5M 3D Printer with Fully Auto Leveling

$229.00
at Amazon

$349.00
Save $120.00

$229.00
at Amazon

$349.00
Save $120.00

JBL Clip 5

There’s a reason the JBL Clip 5 is such a massive hit with teenagers. This portable bluetooth speaker is available in nine different designs, it’s waterproof and practically indestructible, and you can clip it onto anything. Plus, it sounds great.

JBL Clip 5 – Ultra-Portable, Waterproof & Dustproof Bluetooth Speaker, Big Pro Sound with Punchy bass, Integrated Carabiner, Up to 12 Hours of Play, Made in Part with Recycled Materials (Purple)

$59.95
at Amazon

$79.95
Save $20.00

$59.95
at Amazon

$79.95
Save $20.00

Boldever Mini Smart Projector

This mini projector connects to Netflix, YouTube, and other services to stream 4K video on any wall or ceiling, so it’s a must-have for a teenager who is sick of watching things on their phone. It can connect via bluetooth or Wi-Fi and it costs less than $100 for Black Friday.

Mini Projector, Support 4K 1080P Portable Projector with WiFi and Bluetooth, Boldever Smart Projector Netflix-Officially-Licensed, TOF Auto Focus & Keystone 5W Speaker Portable Proyector, White

$89.99
at Amazon

$166.99
Save $77.00

$89.99
at Amazon

$166.99
Save $77.00

Apple Airtags

Having a kid that’s into technology likely means a lot of expensive little gadgets—cameras, headphones, tablets, etc.—and they can all get lost. But not if you slap one of these Apple Airtags on ’em. This pack comes with four for $64.99, an investment that will pay for itself with the first misplaced tablet it finds.

Apple AirTag Tracker (4-Pack)

$64.98
at Amazon

$99.00
Save $34.02

$64.98
at Amazon

$99.00
Save $34.02

Govee 100ft RGBIC LED Strip Lights

Decorating with ribbon LED lights is the decorating innovation of younger teenagers, and for good reason: Being able to change colors instantly is legit cool, as is the music sync mode. You can operate them with an app or just your voice (they’re compatible with Google Voice and Alexa). And what a good price: $42.99 for 100 feet of LEDs.

Govee 100ft RGBIC LED Strip Lights, Smart LED Lights Work with Alexa and Google Assistant, LED Lights for Bedroom WiFi App Control Segmented DIY Multiple Colors, Color Changing Lights Music Sync

$42.99
at Amazon

$72.99
Save $30.00

$42.99
at Amazon

$72.99
Save $30.00

Cat Ears for Headphones

Alright, pink cat ears that clip on to gaming headsets isn’t the kind of gift every teenager would like, but if you even suspect that yours is the type who’d squee at these on Christmas morning, you can pick ’em up for only $8. Even if you’re wrong, “that time Mom gave me those dumb cat headphone things” will become a cherished family in-joke.

ONITOON Black Cat Ears for Headphone, Silicone Cute Kitty Ears Attachment, Lovely Detachable Accessories Fit for Gaming Headset, Lightweight & Durable

$7.99
at Amazon

$9.99
Save $2.00

$7.99
at Amazon

$9.99
Save $2.00

Sonos Roam 2 Bluetooth Speaker

A Sonos Roam 2 speaker is a great choice for a music loving teen because it’s rugged, waterproof, has a battery that lasts for 10 hours, and it sounds great. It also is compatible with other Sonos gear, so the audio experience can be expanded outwards as necessary.

Sonos Roam 2 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker (White)

$139.00
at Amazon

$179.00
Save $40.00

$139.00
at Amazon

$179.00
Save $40.00

Charmast Portable Charger

If your teenager is anything like mine, they have a million things to charge and no ability to keep track of the necessary cords, so if you give ’em one of these chargers/batteries, you’ll be saving your own precious USB-Cs. This portable charger and batteries has 6 outputs and 3 inputs, so you can charge 6 devices at the same time.

Portable Charger with Built in Cables, Portable Charger with Cords Wires Slim 10000mAh Travel Essentials Battery Pack 6 Outputs 3A High Speed Power Bank for iPhone Samsung Pixel LG Moto iPad

$18.99
at Amazon

$29.99
Save $11.00

$18.99
at Amazon

$29.99
Save $11.00

Galaxy Moon Lamp

Help them decorate their room with a galactically cool lunar lamp. Powered by cool-to-the-touch LED bulbs this lamp’s 16 colors swirl, fade, and smooth in a soothing way, and the hues can be adjusted according to their mood.

Mind-Glowing Galaxy Moon Lamp with Multi Colors, Touch/Remote, Wood Stand – Teen Girl Room Decor, Trendy Stuff – Christmas Gift for Any Year Old Teenage Girl – Cool Night Light for Kids (4.7 inch)

$18.95
at Amazon

$24.95
Save $6.00

$18.95
at Amazon

$24.95
Save $6.00

Otamatone

This weird little synthesizer/toy from Japan is bound to be a huge laugh on Christmas morning, but the Otamatone can actually be played like a real musical instrument, so it’s also a stealth way of encouraging a teen’s musical talent.

Otamatone

$31.99
at Amazon

$39.99
Save $8.00

$31.99
at Amazon

$39.99
Save $8.00

Kaiess Selfie Ring Light

Self-obsession is a hallmark of teenager-hood, so give the gift of flattering selfies with this ring light set. It’s basically everything you need for an ad hoc social media studio: a stand with a phone holder, ring light with adjustable brightness, and a trigger to turn on the recording. Kind of a steal at $22.94 for Black Friday.

Kaiess 10.2″ Selfie Ring Light

$22.94
at Amazon

$26.99
Save $4.05

$22.94
at Amazon

$26.99
Save $4.05

Lightning Reaction Reloaded

Lightning Reaction is an evil, evil party game that a certain breed of teenager will fall in love with. Each player holds onto a handle while an ominous tune plays. When the music stops, players hit a button and the slowest reaction gets a mildly painful electric shock. It’s diabolical and hilarious.

Lightning Reaction Reloaded – Shocking Game

$31.99
at Amazon

$39.99
Save $8.00

$31.99
at Amazon

$39.99
Save $8.00

Metapen Pencil A8

If you have a teenager with an artistic bent, this stylus will take their digital art to the next level. The Metapen works with iPads made between 2018 and now, and delivers pixel-level accuracy of 0.1 mm with high responsiveness and no lag. It charges in half an hour and stays powered up for up to 10 hours.

Metapen Pencil A8 for Apple iPad 2018-2024, (2X Faster Charge), Tilt Sensitivity, Palm Rejection, Stylus Pen for iPad 10/9/8/7/6th Gen, iPad Pro 12.9/11/13-inch M4, iPad Air 3/4/5/M2, iPad Mini 5/6th

$14.99
at Amazon

$26.99
Save $12.00

$14.99
at Amazon

$26.99
Save $12.00

1000X Handheld Microscope

Technically, this device is aimed at younger kids, but I can’t think of anyone, of any age, who wouldn’t be into a 1000X magnification microscope that has its own 4K screen. It comes with prepared glass slides, but nothing is stopping you from magnifying whatever you’d like.

1000X Handheld Microscope for Kids 4K 2.0″ Screen Rechargeable Mini Pocket Digital Microscopes w/Slides Kit Portable Edu Gift Age 4-6 8-12 Children Students

$32.48
at Amazon

$54.99
Save $22.51

$32.48
at Amazon

$54.99
Save $22.51

Ikarao Karaoke Machine

Karaoke machines have come along way. This Ikaro machine is a party in a compact box. It comes with two microphones, works with YouTube, (which basically gives you access to every karaoke recording ever), and even has a cool LED light show. Plus it doubles as a portable PA system.

Ikarao Karaoke Machine for Adults Kids, with Lyrics Display Screen, WiFi Connect to YouTube & Karaoke App, 2 EQ Autotune Wireless Microphones Portable Karaokes PA System for Home Family Party Camping

$151.99
at Amazon

$219.99
Save $68.00

$151.99
at Amazon

$219.99
Save $68.00

Cosmic Globe Boomerang Hover Ball

This high tech, LED-lit orb takes throwing a ball around to the future. The hover ball‘s unique aerodynamics and internal motor let you make mind-blowing throws that would be impossible with an old-fashioned ball. Plus, you can play with it at night. Teens love to be awake at night.

Flying Ball Toys【2021 Upgraded】Globe Shape Magic Controller Mini Drone Flying Toy, Built-in RGB Lights Spinner 360° Rotating Spinning UFO Safe for Kids Adults Magic Flying Toys Outdoor Indoor (Blue)

$24.32
at Amazon

$32.00
Save $7.68

$24.32
at Amazon

$32.00
Save $7.68

What stores have the best sales on Black Friday?

Nowadays, both large retailers and small businesses compete for Black Friday shoppers, so you can expect practically every store to run sales through Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” sales depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to come from larger retailers who can afford lower prices: think places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our live blog. 

Are Black Friday deals worth it?

In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. 

Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday?

Black Friday used to be bigger for major retailers and more expensive tech and appliances, while Cyber Monday was for cheaper tech and gave smaller businesses a chance to compete online. Nowadays, though, distinction is almost meaningless. Every major retailer will offer sales on both days, and the smart move is to know what you want, use price trackers or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you, and don’t stress over finding the perfect timing.

Sony has revealed the final batch of PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for 2025. This time around, you’ll be able to add five games to your library instead of the usual three. As ever, you’ll retain access to claimed games as long as your subscription remains active.

The headliner this time around is Lego Horizon Adventures (PS5), which is a more family-friendly take on the Horizon series. Guerrilla Games and Studio Gobo gave the events of Horizon Zero Dawn a Lego flavor in this spinoff, which is the first co-op game in the series (an MMO is in the pipeline too). I’ve been meaning to check this out, so it’ll be an easy addition to my library.

The same goes for Neon White (PS4 and PS5), a fast-paced precision platformer and first-person shooter that’s also part-dating sim. Each level is a race to the exit but you’ll need to defeat every demon in the stage first.

There are a couple of first-person co-op horror games in the December lineup. Those are the action-focused title Killing Floor 3 (PS5) and the psychological survival horror The Outlast Trials (PS4 and PS5). The final entry in the Monthly Games lineup this time around is extraction shooter Synduality Echo of Ada (PS5). That could help you scratch an Arc Raiders-shaped itch if you don’t fancy shelling out for that particular game right now.

All five games will be available for PS Plus Essential, Extra and Premium members to snag on December 2 and they’ll remain up for grabs until January 5. You still have until December 1 to scoop up November’s PS Plus Monthly Games, which are EA Sports WRC 24, Totally Accurate Battle Simulator and the wonderful Stray.

At the beginning of this year, Sony said it planned to stop offering PS4 games as a “key benefit” on the PS Plus Monthly Games and Game Catalog lineups as of January 2026. While it might add PS4 games from time to time, the onus for PS Plus going forward will be on PS5 (and perhaps some PS VR2) games. Of course, any PS4 Monthly Games that you’ve claimed will still remain available for download as long as your PS Plus subscription remains active.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/decembers-ps-plus-monthly-games-include-lego-horizon-adventures-and-neon-white-174500131.html?src=rss

EU member states have agreed on a position regarding online child protection legislation that doesn’t force global tech companies to identify and remove child sexual abuse materials (CSAM.) This is being seen as a major victory for US tech companies like Google and Meta, according to reporting by Reuters.

This new European Council language contradicts a 2023 position in which the European Parliament would have required messaging services, app stores and ISPs to report and remove CSAM materials and instances of grooming. The proposed legislation doesn’t have any of that. 

Instead, it tasks major tech companies with assessing the risk of their services, taking preventative measures as deemed necessary. It leaves enforcement up to individual national governments and not the EU governing body. 

“Member states will designate national authorities … responsible for assessing these risk assessments and mitigating measures, with the possibility of obliging providers to carry out mitigating measures,” the European Council wrote in a statement. “In the event of non-compliance, providers could be subject to penalty payments.”

There’s no language here regarding the enforced scanning of encrypted materials for CSAM, which was an idea being discussed as recently as last year. However, there is some language that suggests encryption services must be safeguarded. Some detractors, like the Czech Republic, suggest that the Council’s idea to allow tech entities to essentially self-police content could actually hurt encryption platforms.

This is “a great disappointment for everyone who cares about privacy,” Czech politician Markéta Gregorová wrote in a statement. “The Danish presidency has pushed through a compromise version of the proposal after long negotiations, which, while appearing to be less invasive, actually paves the way for what we have long warned against: the blanket scanning of our private conversations.” 

The proposed law does, however, establish something called the EU Center on Child Sexual Abuse. This organization would have a mandate to help countries comply and provide assistance for victims. The European Parliament also recently called on the EU to set minimum ages for kids to access social media, but there’s no current law in the works.

All of this isn’t a done deal just yet. The Council now must enter into negotiations with the Parliament. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/eu-backs-away-from-requiring-tech-companies-to-scan-and-remove-csam-173133351.html?src=rss

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

Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, 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.

• Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change.

In the olden days, you had games you played on the big screen, and games you played on a little screen. The former (console or PC games), could be massive undertakings, with impressive graphics and lengthy gameplay, while the latter (handheld games), were often smaller in scope to accommodate the more limited hardware.

The Nintendo Switch flipped the script: Now, the console was the handheld, and vice versa. All games, big and small, were meant to be played either on your TV or on the Switch’s built-in display. While Nintendo cornered this dual market in the early days, other hybrid handhelds have since arrived, like the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, and Asus ROG Ally.

Sony’s PlayStation Portal let’s you do the same for your PS5 games, (with one very large caveat). Still, if you want a chance to play full PlayStation games on a handheld, consider picking one up this week, as the Portal is currently on sale for Black Friday.

PlayStation Portal

$178.99
at Amazon

$199.99
Save $21.00

$178.99
at Amazon

$199.99
Save $21.00

The PlayStation Portal essentially places an eight-inch LCD screen in the middle of a PS5 controller. As such, you’ll find the feel of the Portal to be similar to that of the DualSense controller, down to key features like haptics feedback and adaptive triggers. The device is able to play PS4 and PS5 games at 1080p up to 60fps. If you’re used to 4K 120fps on your PS5 Pro, that might feel like a compromise, but at this screen size, it should be good enough for most players.

The Portal typically costs $199.99, but ahead of Black Friday, you can pick one up for $178.99. That small discount makes this the lowest price I’ve ever seen for this handheld, at least when buying it new. (You can save another $28 at GameStop buying it refurbished.)

If you’re new to the Portal, you might be wondering why a device that can play PS5 games on the go is even as low as $200 at full price. The original Switch still retails for more than $300, so what gives? The answer lies in the PlayStation Portal’s biggest compromise. While the build quality is right up there with these other handhelds, the Portal doesn’t actually run PS5 games on-device. Instead, the Portal simply streams the gameplay from your PS5 over wifi. As such, you’ll need a PS5 to use this device, bringing up the total investment considerably.

If you don’t have a PS5, now is actually a good time to pick one up, as Amazon has the PS5 slim discounted by $100. (The PS VR2 is also on sale ahead of Black Friday, but it isn’t compatible with the Portal.) If you already have a PS5, the Portal’s cost to entry isn’t quite so steep—especially when you can take some money off the MSRP.

While you can’t play your PS5 games without an internet connection, the Portal can still be relatively versatile. As long as it’s paired with your PS5, and that PS5 is actively connected to the internet, you can use your Portal anywhere you have a stable internet connection. Ideally, Sony would make a dedicated handheld like other companies. For now, the Portal is the best option for PlayStation fans looking to break away from their TVs.

Does Amazon have Black Friday deals?

Yes, Amazon has Black Friday sales, but prices aren’t always what they seem. Use a price tracker to make sure you’re getting the best deal, or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you. And if you have an Amazon Prime membership, make the most of it.

What stores have the best sales on Black Friday?

Nowadays, both large retailers and small businesses compete for Black Friday shoppers, so you can expect practically every store to run sales through Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” sales depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to come from larger retailers that can afford lower prices: think places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our live blog. 

Are Black Friday deals worth it?

In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. 

An anonymous reader shares a report: It is shocking but not surprising. Lightning crackles on Mars, scientists reported on Wednesday. What they observed, however, were not jagged, high-voltage bolts like those on Earth, arcing thousands of feet from cloud to ground. Rather, the phenomenon was more like the shock you feel when you scuff your feet on the carpet on a cold winter morning and then touch a metal doorknob.

“This is like mini-lightning on Mars,” Baptiste Chide, a scientist at the Research Institute in Astrophysics and Planetary Science in Toulouse, France, said of the centimeter-scale electrical discharges. Dr. Chide and his colleagues reported the findings in a paper published on Wednesday in the journal Nature. The electrical sparks, although not as dramatically violent as on Earth, could play an important role in chemical reactions in the Martian atmosphere.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

HP Inc. said that it will lay off 4,000 to 6,000 employees in favor of AI deployments, claiming it will help save $1 billion in annualized gross run rate by the end of its fiscal 2028.

HP expects to complete the layoffs by the end of that fiscal year. The reductions will largely hit product development, internal operations, and customer support, HP CEO Enrique Lores said during an earnings call on Tuesday.

Using AI, HP will “accelerate product innovation, improve customer satisfaction, and boost productivity,” Lores said.

Read full article

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

Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, 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.

• Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change.

Over the past year, I’ve reviewed so many digital notebooks for Lifehacker that my wife now rolls her eyes when she sees me running to the door to meet the UPS delivery person—probably because it’s slightly ironic that I, a somewhat disorganized person who never used to write anything down, am devoting a lot of attention to devices built for organized people who love to write stuff down.

And yet! I’ve now put so many of these things through their paces (and spent so much time scouring their brand-specific Reddit communities), that I have lots of capital-O Opinions about what makes a good one. Therefore, I hope you’ll trust me when I tell you that if you’ve been waiting to pull the trigger on one of these productivity machines, Black Friday is a great time to do it, because five of my favorites are currently on sale. Depending on your needs, I think you’d be happy with any of them.

reMarkable Essentials Bundle – Black | reMarkable 2 Paper Tablet | includes 10.3” reMarkable Tablet, Marker Plus Pen with Eraser, Book Folio Cover in Black Leather, and 1-Year Free Connect Trial

$529.00
at Amazon

$599.00
Save $70.00

$529.00
at Amazon

$599.00
Save $70.00

reMarkable Paper Pro Bundle – Premium Leather | Includes 11.8” reMarkable Paper Tablet, Marker Plus Pen with Eraser, and a Book Folio Cover in Black Leather

$749.00
at Amazon

$799.00
Save $50.00

$749.00
at Amazon

$799.00
Save $50.00

Boox Note Air 4C

$499.99
at Amazon

$529.99
Save $30.00

$499.99
at Amazon

$529.99
Save $30.00

Boox Note Max Bundle With Stylus and Cover

$629.99
at Amazon

$680.98
Save $50.99

$629.99
at Amazon

$680.98
Save $50.99

Viwoods AiPaper Bundle With Stylus Pro

$469.00
at Amazon

$549.99
Save $80.99

$469.00
at Amazon

$549.99
Save $80.99

reMarkable 2 Essentials Bundle

The reMarkable 2 is one of the granddaddies of the modern digital tablet space. When it was released in 2020, it offered an unparalleled paper-like writing experience, a crisp 10.3-inch e-ink screen, and innovative options for organizing your notes and sharing them between devices. Even five years later, it’s a great option (though if you need extras like a front light and color, you’ll want to go for the upgraded reMarkable Paper Pro from 2024). Right now the reMarkable 2 is available for $529 ($70 off the usual price) in a bundle with the Marker Pro stylus with eraser and a leather cover, or you can pick up a refurbished model for additional savings.

reMarkable Paper Pro Bundle

The reMarkable Paper Pro is the reMarkable 2’s younger but somehow bigger brother, offering an 11.8-inch Canvas color display with a front light, plus all the same killer organizational and cloud-sync features as the older model. It’s currently $749 (that’s $50 off) in a bundle with the Marker Pro stylus and a leather cover. If you’d rather have a cloth cover, that bundle is a bit cheaper, at $729.

Boox Note Air 4C

The Boox Note Air 4C was supplanted this year by the Boox Note Air 5C, but considering the devices are nearly identical save for the connector pins on the back of the latter that let you attach a pricey keyboard cover (sold separately), you might prefer to save $30 and go with the 2024 version. Either way, you’ll be getting what I think is the best all-around digital notebook for most people, with a color screen with a temperature adjustable front light, a great writing experience, a versatile open Android OS, and Google Play Store access.

Boox Note Max Bundle

With a massive 13.3-inch Carta 1300 black-and-white display, the Boox Note Max is the biggest digital notebook you can buy. It’s also one of the sharpest looking—the lack of color and front lighting is arguably a benefit, as it leaves nothing between the outer glass and the inner display, making the writing experience feel that much smoother and more paper-like. (Through truth be told, I mostly use mine for reading manga.) You can currently get one for $50 off in a bundle that includes a stylus and a folio cover—or spend an additional $35 and get the leather keyboard cover instead (considering the keyboard goes for $140 on its own, this is a great deal).

Viwoods AiPaper Bundle

Boox and reMarkable are among the biggest names in e-ink notebooks, but in 2025, the Viwoods AiPaper came out of nowhere and challenged their dominance. This AI-forward tablet has a great writing feel (if not quite on par with the reMarkable devices, it’s at least an equal to Boox), Google Play access, and clever software that makes adding AI to your note-taking and research workflows pretty seamless. During Black Friday, it’s more than $80 off in a bundle that includes a cover and the updated Viwoods Stylus Pro.

What stores have the best sales on Black Friday?

Nowadays, both large retailers and small businesses compete for Black Friday shoppers, so you can expect practically every store to run sales through Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” sales depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to come from larger retailers who can afford lower prices: think places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our live blog. 

Are Black Friday deals worth it?

In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. 

Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday?

Black Friday used to be bigger for major retailers and more expensive tech and appliances, while Cyber Monday was for cheaper tech and gave smaller businesses a chance to compete online. Nowadays, though, distinction is almost meaningless. Every major retailer will offer sales on both days, and the smart move is to know what you want, use price trackers or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you, and don’t stress over finding the perfect timing.