The Shenzhou-22 spacecraft that China launched on November 25 has already reached the Tiangong space station, according to SpaceNews and Chinese state media. Now that it’s docked with the station, the astronauts onboard are no longer left without a vehicle that they can use to head home in case of emergencies. The astronauts part of the Shenzhou-21 mission haven’t had a lifeboat since November 11, because the team before they arrived had to use their vehicle to return to Earth.

On November 5, the astronauts from the Shenzhou-20 mission were supposed to make their way back home aboard their own spacecraft. But just hours before their departure from the station, China’s space agency discovered minor cracks in their vehicle’s window from a suspected debris impact. The Shenzhou-20 crew flew back to Earth on November 11 using the Shenzhou-21 vehicle, which means the newer team stayed in the station with no way to leave for over 10 days.

The Shenzhou-22 spacecraft was supposed to carry three more astronauts to the station in April or May 2026. Instead, it flew much earlier and without a crew, filled with supplies to make up for what the Shenzhou-20 mission astronauts consumed during their extended stay. It will return back to Earth next year after the current crew is done with its six-month stint.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/china-launches-emergency-mission-to-its-space-station-143000171.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.

The Dyson Airstrait Straightener is down to $399.99 for Black Friday, its lowest price yet, according to price trackers. Normally $549.99, this $150 discount makes the premium hair tool a little more accessible, especially if you’ve been waiting for a deal to try it.

Dyson Airstrait Straightener (Ceramic Pink/Rose Gold)

$549.00
at Amazon

$549.00
at Amazon

What sets the Airstrait apart is its unique approach to styling—there are no hot plates, here. Instead, it uses precisely controlled airflow to straighten damp or dry hair without relying on direct heat. This helps minimize heat damage while still delivering a sleek finish, which could be a big deal if you regularly style your hair and want to keep it healthy long-term.

Unlike traditional flat irons, the Airstrait is designed to dry and straighten your hair in one step. For people with thick or frizzy hair, that’s a big time saver. You clamp it closed like a regular straightener, but what’s happening inside is more like a mini hair dryer. You get two modes (wet and dry) and several airflow and heat settings depending on your hair type and needs. And because it doesn’t clamp your hair between burning hot plates, it’s gentler over time. The cord is also salon-length, which makes it easier to maneuver around your head without yanking or twisting.

Still, this isn’t a budget buy, even with the discount. It’s also bulkier and heavier than a typical flat iron, and it’s not the best choice for precise styles such as curls or flips. It also takes some getting used to. But for those who want a fast and efficient way to go from damp to done with less damage, the Airstrait holds up. If you already use a blow dryer and brush daily, this could replace both. And with this being the lowest price tracked so far, it’s a good time to grab it.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

I love the ritual (and taste) of pour-over coffee, but it’s not always feasible to brew two cups for the two adults in my household on busy mornings. Add in guests, and someone has to spend a significant chunk of time grinding beans, boiling water, overseeing the brewing process, cleaning the filter, rinse and repeat.

I bought the Moccamaster KBGV Select coffee maker two years ago for Black Friday, and it has changed my mornings since. It takes a minute or so to grind beans and add water to the machine, and then you’ve got an excellent pot of coffee in 4–6 minutes with just the press of a button—all without sacrificing the complexity and flavor obtained through manual brewing methods. The machine replicates the bloom of a pour-over and brews at a speed that allows for “optimized coffee extraction.”

Moccamaster 53944 KBGV Select 10-Cup Coffee Maker, Candy Apple Red, 40 ounce, 1.25l

$260.63
at Amazon

$389.00
Save $128.37

$260.63
at Amazon

$389.00
Save $128.37

The Moccamaster makes up to 40 ounces of coffee at once, keeps it warm, and automatically shuts off after 100 minutes. You can choose a half or full carafe, and the machine will adjust the brewing speed and hot plate temperature accordingly. Plus, it looks great on the kitchen counter. The only downside I found is that the carafe is pretty fragile—we ended up replacing ours with this sturdier version, also on sale for Black Friday.

The Moccamaster is pricey, making Black Friday an ideal time to buy. Note that the deal is slightly different depending on the color you choose: As of this writing, Black, Red, Brushed Gold, Butter Yellow, Matte Silver, Midnight Blue, Pistachio, Off-White, Orange, Sandstone, Stone Grey, Turquoise, and Pink are 33% off. Apricot is 31% off, and Yellow Pepper, Matte Black, and Polished Silver are 35% off. (It’s not quite the lowest price we’ve ever seen, according to price-tracking tools, but it’s close.)

Several other colors are listed at full price as of this piece—of course, it’s always possible that availability will change throughout the deal period from what’s covered here.

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.

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 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.

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.

When I reviewed the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold last year, I called it “a big step forward for foldables”—but it was undeniably expensive. Thanks to a big Black Friday discount, it’s now a lot cheaper: It’s currently $540 off, which means you can now pick it up for $1,259.99 from Amazon.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

$1,259.99

$1,799.00
Save $539.01

$1,259.99

$1,799.00
Save $539.01

That’s still a lot of money for a smartphone of course, but this is a smartphone than turns into a tablet when you open it up. The main 8-inch display is perfect for watching videos, browsing the web, and putting two apps side by side (so you can browse through social media and chat to your friends at the same time). Just as importantly, it feels like a standard phone when it’s closed shut—when all you need is a normal form factor, you’re not really making any compromises in terms of size or usability. (It comes with a Google Tensor G4 chipset and 16GB of RAM.)

I was seriously impressed with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold when I reviewed it, and while Google launched an updated version with the Pixel 10 series, there’s not all that much difference between the 2024 and 2025 models. Given the significant reduction now offered by Amazon, I’d say it’s a more appealing buy than ever.

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.

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. 

You can get the 2024 M3 MacBook Air available refurbished on StackSocial, starting at $829.99 for the 256GB SSD model and $909.99 for the 512GB version. At under three pounds and just 0.44 inches thick, this MacBook still feels like the lightweight, go-anywhere machine it’s known to be, but with a much faster brain. The M3 chip brings an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, and Apple claims it’s up to 60% faster than the earlier M1 model. You’re not just getting a newer processor, you’re getting better multitasking, faster app launches, and smoother performance across the board, especially if you rely on browser tabs, video calls, and creative tools throughout the day.

The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display remains a standout. It’s bright, reaching up to 500 nits, and supports over a billion colors, which is evident in everything from text clarity to editing images or streaming shows. Battery life remains a key selling point, offering up to 18 hours of video playback or approximately 15 hours of web browsing. The updated Wi-Fi 6E helps with faster downloads, and there’s now support for two external displays—great for anyone who splits their work across multiple screens. The machine also includes two Thunderbolt ports, MagSafe charging, and a headphone jack. The 1080p webcam and three-mic array offer sharp video and clear audio for meetings, while the Magic Keyboard and Touch ID provide a reliable typing and login experience.

This is a refurbished unit with a Grade A rating, which means you may find signs of wear, but nothing that affects performance. A 30-day parts and labor warranty is included for added peace of mind. It runs macOS Monterey or later and can be updated to macOS Tahoe 26. For users who want Apple’s latest chip in a smaller form factor and don’t want to shell out full price for something brand new, this deal makes a lot of sense. Eight GB RAM might feel limiting if you tend to run heavy creative software or work with large files all day, but for most users, this MacBook Air M3 hits the right balance of power, portability, and price.

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. 

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.

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. 

Apple has laid off dozens of employees across its sales team to streamline the organization and eliminate overlapping roles., according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. “To connect with even more customers, we are making some changes in our sales team that affect a small number of roles,” the company told Gurman, though it didn’t say how many people were affected. Apple also said that it’s hiring for new sales roles and that laid off employees can apply for them. They have until January 20 to secure a new position within the company, or they will be let go with a severance package.

Some of the affected workers told Gurman that while Apple’s official internal reason was to streamline its organization, the layoffs were primarily driven by its plan to shift sales more towards third-party resellers. By relying on third-party channels further, Apple could lower costs like its spending for people’s salaries, especially since it eliminated longtime employees. They reportedly include managers and other staff members who’ve been with the company for 20 to 30 years.

Apple’s government sales team, which works with the Defense and Justice departments, was one of the biggest groups affected by the layoffs. It’s not quite clear if it was a direct effect of the recent US government shutdown. As Gurman notes, the layoffs have taken place in the middle of a record-breaking period. After posting a $102.5 billion revenue for the quarter ending in September, it’s now on track to make $140 billion in sales for the quarter ending in December.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-lays-off-part-of-its-sales-team-140000749.html?src=rss

In the latest Windows Insider beta update, Microsoft has announced that it is exploring preloading File Explorer in the background to improve launch performance. The feature will load File Explorer silently before users click on it and can be toggled off for those who prefer not to use it. Microsoft introduced a similar capability earlier this year for Office called Startup Boost that loads parts of Word in the background so the application launches more quickly. The company is also removing elements from the File Explorer context menu in the same update.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Scammers love to impersonate government and law enforcement officials, from the FBI to the U.S. Marshals Service to Medicare and other health insurance programs. There’s a good reason for this: Most Americans use government services at some point, and many may be apt to trust, or at least engage with, someone claiming to be from a well-known agency. Plus, the threat of losing benefits or being targeted by legal action is especially compelling when it comes from a government representative, and victims may be more likely to comply with scammers’ demands.

It’s no surprise, then, that schemes currently making the rounds involve Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits, according to warnings from the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Social Security account suspension scam

Social Security numbers are often part of identity theft, so it would be alarming to receive a notice that yours has been involved in criminal activity. Scammers are counting on this when impersonating the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and trying to trick you into actually giving up your SSN and other sensitive information.

Here’s how the scheme works: Fraudsters are sending emails with the subject line “Alert: Social Security Account Issues Detected” and including attachments on letterhead that looks like it comes from the OIG. The notice contains official-seeming information, such as a reference number and case ID, and states that your SSN will be suspended within 24 hours due to fraudulent activity on your account. The letter also says that criminal charges have been filed and even includes the statutes that have supposedly been violated.

Recipients are instructed to call the number listed to “respond to these allegations,” but the person on the other end is a scammer impersonating an SSA employee. They will try to exploit your fear and confusion to collect personal and financial information from you.

VA benefits overpayment scam

Scammers are also contacting veterans and military family members who receive VA benefits, claiming that said benefits have been overpaid and pressuring targets to pay back the money owed.

According to the VA’s advisory, fraudsters are using fake VA letterhead and logos on notices sent by mail and email as well as spoofing real VA phone numbers. They are trying to convince beneficiaries to make payments immediately using methods like wire transfers, cryptocurrency, prepaid debit cards, and gift cards, and they may also request sensitive information your VA login or bank account credentials.

While VA benefits could legitimately be overpaid, the VA won’t contact you and demand money—especially via bitcoin and other unrecoverable methods. Nor should you ever have to pay an upfront fee for assistance with managing VA debts and claims (the VA does this for free).

If you do actually owe money, you will be able to find more information on repayment through your official VA.gov account. Always verify through official VA channels, such as VA.gov and the VA’s Debt Management Center (800-827-0648). Never rely solely on unsolicited communication, and never give out your password, SSN, or financial information.

Government agencies don’t send threatening notices via email (or by any other means), so if you receive a scary letter out of the blue, don’t act without investigating. Always contact the agency via the information found on its website—don’t call or text any number provided in these notices.

If I didn’t already have this heater and fan (and others, we’ll get to that), this would be a Black Friday deal I snap up immediately. My beloved Dyson AM09 heater and fan is back on sale for $300 right now thanks to Black Friday. We last saw it drop this low during October Prime Day; before that, the last time it was so cheap was in March. 

My love for the AM09 is well documented. I picked it up over five years ago for $280 on super-sale at QVC. I’ll get into what I love about this fan in a moment, but I have to point out that the AM09 has been a staple in Dyson’s lineup for at least five years at this point. To my knowledge, this particular model hasn’t been changed or upgraded since I bought it. That’s impressive, particularly in the world of tech in which any device more than two years old is probably obsolete in some way, shape or form. I took the plunge and bought the AM09 after having a good experience with a Dyson tower fan for many years. At the time, I had been living in apartments that were consistently cold during wintertime and downright stifling during the summer months.

Now, my house is slightly better than my apartment — but certain areas get chilly in the winter and nearly sweltering in the summer (we don’t have central air). The AM09 does a great job circulating air in the summer and cutting the chill in the winter. Just the other day, my husband toted it down to his man-cave in the basement to raise the temperature a bit. I love its handy remote, which attaches magnetically to the top of the fan so you don’t lose it and lets you control the fan speed and heater temperature with just a few presses of a button.

Truly, the kicker is how lightweight the AM09 is. At just under six pounds, it’s incredibly easy to pick up and tote upstairs, downstairs or in the other room, wherever you need it the most. It’s almost like a Dyson shadow, following you around wherever you need a quick temperature adjustment. It’s pretty common in my house for it to go from my office upstairs to the den on the main floor and down to the basement all in one day.

Am I a little miffed that, in my impatience, I bought a discounted Dyson heater/fan/air purifier over the summer because I desperately wanted another AM09 and it wasn’t on sale at the time? Yes — but at least you can learn from my shopping woes and get the AM09 instead.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/this-dyson-heater-and-fan-is-one-of-my-favorite-purchases-and-now-its-on-sale-for-black-friday-135001415.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.

As part of Amazon’s Black Friday deals, the Beats Studio Pro headphones have dropped to $149.95—down from their usual $349.95, and the lowest price they’ve hit so far, according to price trackers. At that price, you’re getting a premium-looking pair of noise-canceling headphones with a few standout features, especially for Apple users. The build is solid, the fit is comfortable, and the overall feel leans high-end.

Beats Studio Pro

$149.95
at Amazon

$349.95
Save $200.00

$149.95
at Amazon

$349.95
Save $200.00

Audio-wise, the Studio Pro delivers the familiar Beats punch, with boosted bass and bright highs. Purists might find it less balanced, but if you like a little extra punch in your playlists, it works. You can get better audio quality by plugging in the USB-C cable, which unlocks hi-res listening and three preset EQ modes that offer some tailoring depending on what you’re listening to. Unfortunately, you can’t access those EQ options in Bluetooth mode, and there’s no custom EQ, either. Android users also get shortchanged, with only SBC and AAC codec support, so they miss out on AptX and LDAC for high-quality wireless audio.

Noise cancellation is where the Studio Pro feels more average. It handles low-end noise fairly well but struggles with higher frequencies and busy environments. There’s also a faint hiss when ANC is on, notes this PCMag review. On the bright side, battery life holds up well—you can expect around 24 hours with noise cancellation on or up to 40 hours without it. Overall, the Studio Pro won’t outperform the best from Sony or Bose in terms of active noise canceling, and it’s not built for audio customization. But, for casual listeners who prioritize comfort, battery life, and seamless Apple integration, this Black Friday deal makes it easier to justify.

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 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.

Since you’re already carrying your phone with you everywhere like a digital appendage, you might as well use it for journaling. It’s always at hand, can capture photos, videos, and voice notes as well as text, and is able to log locations, trips and more. Its new AI tools can even draft a few entries automatically for you.

What’s more, your phone probably now comes with a journal app preinstalled: Apple’s Journal app launched in 2023, and a brand new Journal app from Google, initially exclusive to the Pixel 10, is now available on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 too (apparently because these phones also have Gemini Nano on board). Plus, a wide selection of third-party options is available on the Android and iOS app stores.

In recent days, in an attempt to determine whether or not journaling on my phone might be for me, I’ve tested out both the Apple and Google offerings, as well as some of the best third-party alternatives. Here’s what I found, and which apps I’d recommend if you want to log your thoughts and feelings on your phone.

The built-in options

Journal by Apple

Let’s start with Journal by Apple, launched in December 2023. It’s fair to say there haven’t been a ton of updates released for the app since then, but all of the essentials are covered: Your journal entries can combine text, photos, videos, audio, locations, and sketches, and you can even set up multiple journals for different purposes.

I do like the way this app makes suggestions for journaling, particularly in terms of recent locations and photos—it means it’s easier to get started or to jump back in after a while. There are also a good number of options for what you can attach to your journal entries, and I can see myself using the mood slider a lot.

Journaling with Apple.
Credit: Lifehacker

Journal by Google

As for the Journal app that Google recently launched for Android, it is limited to those with a phone from the Pixel 8, Pixel 9, and Pixel 10 series. It’s also pretty bare bones: I was able to log text, photos, videos, and places, as well as fitness data collected through Health Connect, but there’s nothing here for audio or moods.

In addition, the interface is rather plain—much more spartan than the Apple equivalent. You do get a neat overview of all your posts, but it’s not particularly inspiring, and you can’t configure multiple journals. In addition, the AI-powered prompts for what to write about remain exclusive to Pixel 10 handsets, so you have to do without these on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9.

Google’s Journal app sticks to the basics.
Credit: Lifehacker

Neither of these are bad apps; each will do the job of getting down your thoughts in a digital format, with some useful extras attached. The biggest benefits are they’re both well integrated into their respective operating systems, and you don’t need new accounts to use them. Apple’s journal app is certainly better than Google’s at the moment, though it’s had a two-year head start.

If you just want something quick and simple that’s made by the company that made your phone (and that may well come preinstalled on your phone), then they’re fine. However, these two journal apps remain rather bare bones compared to the other options, as well as keeping you locked in on either Android or iOS. That’s why, if you’re serious about your journaling, I think it’s worth exploring a third-party app installed.

The best third-party journal apps

Day One

Day One was one of the first mobile journals to appear.
Credit: Lifehacker

Outside of Google and Apple, Day One (Android and iOS) has long been one of the best journaling apps around—and you can take it with you if you ever jump between the Apple and Google platforms. It’s been around since 2011 and is stacked with features, including multiple view types, prompts, tags, summaries, recaps, and a gorgeous design that looks great on every device.

Your entries can include all the usual features, plus weather details, playlists, health data, social media posts, and more. You get a lot for free, but there is also a premium plan available for $50 a year. It gives you support for unlimited images, videos, and audio, plus extras like the ability to create journal entries over email.

5 Minute Journal

5 Minute Journal focuses on positivity.
Credit: Lifehacker

As someone just dipping a toe into the world of journaling, 5 Minute Journal (Android and iOS) appeals right from the name. The idea is you don’t have to spend too long jotting down your thoughts and ideas each day, and the app is geared towards getting you to record the more positive aspects of your life, boosting mindfulness and well-being.

I like the writing prompts and journaling reminders this app provides to keep you motivated, as well as the really simple way you can log your mood as you go. It’s also a beautifully designed and organized app—a completely different aesthetic experience than a more utilitarian option like Google Journal. However, some features (including unlimited photos and videos) requires a premium subscription, which starts at $5 a month.

Rosebud Journal

Rosebud comes with a few AI prompt extras.
Credit: Lifehacker

One more recommendation from my own experience: Rosebud (Android and iOS). It’s branded as “AI-powered” but thankfully you don’t have to worry too much about that, and it does a really nice job of summarizing and tracking your thoughts over time, as well as encouraging you to jot stuff down in the here and now.

The app does quite a bit of hand-holding and prompting, but that’s perfect if you’re just getting started or struggling to journal each day, and you can always just jot down standard journal entries with text and images if you prefer. As you might have guessed given the other options on my list, there is a pro-level subscription for $13 a month that gives you a lot more insights in terms of past entries, trends, and emotional patterns and triggers, if an AI’s summary of your life is interesting to you.

The best journal app is the one you use

One of the benefits of there being so many journal apps out there is that there really is something for everyone, so there’s no harm in testing out Google and Apple’s offerings first—they are, after all, completely free. But for journaling apps that really invest in user design and features, there are much better options out there. Now I just need to pick the one I’m going to stick with, because in the end, the best journal app is the one that you use consistently.

Our explanation of the outer Solar System has revealed a host of icy moons, many with surface features that suggest a complex geology. In some cases, these features—most notably the geysers of Enceladus—hint at the presence of oceans beneath the icy surfaces. These oceans have been ascribed to gravitational interactions that cause flexing and friction within the moon, creating enough heat to melt the body’s interior.

Something that has received a bit less attention is that some of these orbital interactions are temporary or cyclical. The orbits of any body are not always regular and often have long-term cycles. That’s also true for the other moons that provide the gravitational stress. As a result, the internal oceans may actually come and go, as the interiors of the moons melt and refreeze.

A new study, released today by Nature Astronomy, looks at one of the consequences of the difference in density between liquid water and ice (about 10 percent): the potential for the moon’s interior to shrink as it melts, leaving an area of low pressure immediately below its icy shell. If the moon is small enough, this study suggests, that could cause the surface of the ocean to boil.

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Yes, it’s Tuesday, but the Black Friday sale bonanza continues to start earlier (wielded by even more retailers) each year. Our team was, is and will be curating the best Black Friday tech deals for this year’s retail push and with less than a week to go, plenty of the best offers are already live. 

One surprise: PlayStation 5 discounts, with $100 off all the versions of the console . That brings the PS5 Digital Edition down to $399, the standard PS5 to $449 and the new PS5 Pro to $649. 

It’s also a good year for home tech, whether you’re looking for an air fryer upgrade or even a Dyson robot vacuum with $600 off. It’s not the right season for it, but Ninja’s ice cream maker is down to $180 too. 

In recent years, Black Friday sales have included even the most premium recent models, though the discounts are a little less remarkable. For example, the AirPods Pro 3 are currently on sale with a $29 discount on Amazon. Sadly, no discount for the iPhone Pocket.

— Mat Smith

The biggest stories on Engadget.com

• The best Black Friday 2025 deals I didn’t already mention 

• Apple Black Friday deals on AirPods, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches and AirTags

• Samsung’s Beverage Center is the best fridge feature competitors can’t copy

• The OnePlus 15R smartphone is budget-friendly, durable and coming next month 

Black Friday streaming deals include one year of HBO Max for $36

Get the ad-supported plan for $3 per month for one year.

HBO Max has rolled out a limited-time one-year subscription for $3 per month, a total cost of $36 for a year. The deal’s Basic With Ads plan, which allows full HD streaming on two devices, costs $11 a month at full price.

The MasterClass Black Friday deal has up to 50 percent off subscriptions. Annual plans cost $120 to $240, so it’s a notable discount — and it works for returning users too. 

Meanwhile, Audible is offering three months for $3, with access to Audible’s enormous library of published audiobooks, podcasts and Audible Originals. Sadly, it’ll then revert to the usual $15 a month.

More Black Friday deals on subscription services.

Meta allegedly buried research showing its products are harming users

Deactivating Facebook may lessen depression, anxiety and loneliness.

Meta allegedly suspended internal research into the mental health effects of its products after it showed that people who stopped using Facebook experienced less depression, anxiety and loneliness. This comes from unredacted court filings in a lawsuit filed by multiple US school districts against major social media companies. According to Reuters, the filings also showed internal research staff expressing the findings had merit. One compared the findings to the tobacco industry “doing research and knowing cigs were bad and then keeping that info to themselves.” 

Yesterday, Malaysia announced it plans to ban social media for young people, like Denmark and Australia.

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Dell 16 Premium laptop review

Stylish to a fault.

Engadget

Dell’s 16 Premium looks as beautiful as ever, but the company’s usability issues from the XPS lineup remain. It’s kept the invisible trackpad, and the keyboard’s function keys disappear under sunlight. It’s gorgeous and fast, but as a premium device, we want more functionality, more battery life, more ports. Just… more.

Continue reading.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-the-best-early-black-friday-2025-deals-121500600.html?src=rss

Like many mushroom harvesters, I got interested in foraging for fungi during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I had been preparing for a summer of field work studying foraged desert plants in a remote part of Australia when the pandemic hit, and my travel plans were abruptly frozen. It was March, right before morel mushrooms emerge in central Pennsylvania.

I wasn’t doing a lot other than going on long hikes and taking classes remotely at Penn State for my doctoral degree in ecology and anthropology. One of the classes was an agroforestry class with Eric Burkhart. We studied how agriculture and forests benefit people and the environment.

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Fortunately, we live in a time when most information can be recovered from another device or the cloud. Now, iPhone users can add another app to that list. Signal has announced that secure backups are now available for iOS devices. It follows a similar launch for Android devices in early September. The company shared the news on X and linked to the previous Android blog post for all additional information.

At the time, Signal noted that secure backups would be an opt-in feature and available in Android users’ latest beta release. The company stated this was to test the feature on a smaller scale before it came to iOS and desktop — so clearly something worked. 

The end-to-end encrypted backup offers no-cost storage of a user’s text messages and up to 45 days of media. Keeping older media costs $2 per month — Signal’s first paid offering. “The reason we’re doing this is simple: media requires a lot of storage, and storing and transferring large amounts of data is expensive,” Signal said at the time. “As a nonprofit that refuses to collect or sell your data, Signal needs to cover those costs differently than other tech organizations that offer similar products but support themselves by selling ads and monetizing data.”

Anyone who opts-in will have their messages backed up each day. The secure backups use a 64-character recovery key that is available exclusively on a user’s device. It’s required to access the backup and Signal is unable to recover it. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/signal-extends-backup-feature-to-ios-users-133006884.html?src=rss

The EPA has approved new pesticides that qualify as PFAS “forever chemicals” (paywalled; alternative source), sparking criticism from scientists and environmental groups who warn these decisions could increase Americans’ exposure through food and water at a time when many states are moving to restrict such substances. The Washington Post reports: This month, the agency approved two new pesticides that meet the internationally recognized definition for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS or fluorinated substances, and has announced plans for four additional approvals. The authorized pesticides, cyclobutrifluram and isocycloseram, which was approved Thursday, will be used on vegetables such as romaine lettuce, broccoli and potatoes. The agency also announced plans to relax a rule requiring companies to report all products containing PFAS and has proposed weakening drinking water standards for the chemicals. “Many fluorinated compounds registered or proposed for U.S. pesticidal use in recent years offer unique benefits for farmers, users, and the public,” EPA spokeswoman Brigit Hirsch said in a statement.

“It is important to differentiate between the highly toxic PFAS such as PFOA and PFOS for which the EPA has set drinking water standards, versus less toxic PFAS in pesticides that help maintain food security,” notes Doug Van Hoewyk, a toxicologist at Maine’s Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. He added that concerns about food residue depend on the PFAS and the quantity.

Nathan Donley, a senior scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity, also commented: “The data we have about the use of PFAS pesticides is already seven years old, and since there have been many new approvals during that time, those numbers are sure to underestimate the amount were using today.”

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Streaming deals come and go throughout the year, but they are most abundant around Black Friday. It’s been a testy year for streaming services to say the least, and one big manifestation of that has been continuously rising prices. Disney+ and HBO Max were just a couple of the streaming services that bumped up prices, which means it’s more important than ever to subscribe if and when you can get a discount. These are the best Black Friday streaming deals you can get this year; just note, though, that most require you to be either a new subscriber to get the deal, or a returning subscriber who hasn’t been a paid customer in a hot minute.

Best Black Friday streaming deals

Apple TV+ — 6 months for $36: Apple TV+ is offering six months of access for only $36 for Black Friday, which comes out to a discounted price of $6 per month for the six-month period. The deal is live now for new and eligible returning subscribers and runs through December 1, giving you a chance to stream shows like Silo, The Morning Show and For All Mankind for less. The biggest caveat to the deal is that you must subscribe directly through Apple and not through a third-party service.

HBO Max — one year for $36: HBO Max’s Black Friday deal gives subscribers one year streaming for $36 through December 1. This Black Friday streaming deal is on the ad-supported option, which normally goes for $11 per month. With this discount, you’re getting it for $3 per month for one year. You can sign up via HBO Max’s website or, if you’re a Prime Video subscriber already, via that service as an add-on.

Sling TV Orange — day pass for only $1: Sling TV launched Day Passes earlier this year, giving users one-day access to a variety of its packages. This deal cuts $4 off the normal price of a day pass for Sling Orange. With that, you get unlimited access for 24 hours to Orange’s more than 30 channels that includes ESPN, CNN, TBS and others.

MasterClass — up to 50 percent off annual subscriptions: The MasterClass Black Friday deal discounts most subscription tiers by 50 percent when you pay for one year upfront. The Premium tier, the most expensive option, usually costs $20 per month but now only sets you back $10 per month for one year. That gives you access to the entire MasterClass content library, offline viewing and up to six simultaneous streams.

Audible — three months for $3 + $20 Audible credit: For literally $1 per month, you can get access to Audible’s enormous library of published audiobooks, podcasts and Audible Originals (which can be anything from never-before-heard books to live performances). It’s only three months, after which you’ll have to cancel or renew at the regular price, but an audiobibliophile can cram a lot of listening into 90 days.

Plex — lifetime pass for $150: Plex offers personal media servers you can use to organize your digital collection — imagine your own curated Netflix homepage that nothing ever vanishes from. It’s also a streaming platform in its own right, with movies and TV from all genres and eras. Plex did just raise its prices, so now’s your chance to get a lifetime pass for close to what it used to cost.

Fubo TV — up to $30 off your first month: Fubo is arguably the best live TV streaming service for sports, and now new subscribers can save up to $30 on their first month. You’ll get that discount if you subscribe to the Elite plan, which normally costs $95 per month and provides access to 325 channels including ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox, and it includes ESPN Unlimited as well. If you’re looking for a more affordable plan, the News + Sports tier has a $10 discount for new subscribers.

Starz — one year for $24: Pay upfront for one year and you can get more than $40 off a Stars annual subscription. There’s a month-to-month option too, which costs $3 per month for the first three months if you don’t want to commit to the full year. Either option gives you access to the entire Starz TV and movie library with offline viewing and no ads.

DirecTV — starting at $50/month for one month: All of DirecTV’s signature packages are up to $45 off right now for your first month when you sign up. If you opt for the base “Entertainment” package, you’ll spend $50 for the first month and get access to over 90 channels, including many local stations as well as ESPN, ESPN 2 and Fox Sports 1. You’ll also be able to watch on the go with the DirecTV mobile app.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/best-black-friday-streaming-deals-for-2025-one-year-of-the-disney-hulu-bundle-for-60-plus-save-on-apple-tv-hbo-max-and-more-094257206.html?src=rss

The Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) bundle is officially on sale for $5 per month for one year (for a total of $60) through December 1, giving new and returning subscribers a full year of both streaming platforms for less than the cost of a few movie tickets. The bundle includes Disney+ and Hulu’s basic plans with ads, so if you’ve been waiting for a sign to catch up on Only Murders in the Building or dive into the Star Wars universe, this is it.

Disney+ and Hulu make one of the most balanced streaming pairs available, blending family-friendly favorites with acclaimed originals and network TV staples. Disney+ brings a vast library of animated classics, blockbuster franchises and exclusive content from Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars and National Geographic. It’s the place to stream nearly every Star Wars film and series, plus the full Marvel Cinematic Universe lineup and Disney’s most recent theatrical releases.

For families, it doubles as a reliable destination for animated favorites, from Encanto to Inside Out 2, and its kid-friendly interface makes it simple to hand over the remote without worrying about what’s queued next.

Hulu balances things out with a more adult-oriented lineup of current TV shows, next-day network episodes and a growing roster of award-winning originals. The platform hosts series like The Bear, The Handmaid’s Tale and Only Murders in the Building, alongside comedies, thrillers and documentaries that regularly feature in awards conversations. It’s also the home for next-day streaming of ABC and FX shows, making it especially useful if you’ve already cut the cable cord but still want to keep up with primetime TV.

The Duo Basic bundle ties these two services together under a single subscription, offering a simple way to expand your library without juggling multiple accounts. This tier includes ads on both platforms, but the trade-off is significant savings compared with paying for each service separately. For many households, that’s an acceptable compromise when it means access to such a wide range of content.

Both platforms also integrate smoothly across devices. Disney+ is available on nearly every smart TV and streaming stick and Hulu’s interface is built around customizable profiles, so everyone in the household can keep separate watch lists. The bundle login works seamlessly between the two, and since they’re both owned by Disney, it’s easy to switch from a Marvel marathon to a new episode of The Great or Abbott Elementary without leaving the ecosystem.

If you prefer a more premium experience, you can upgrade to the Duo Premium bundle for ad-free viewing, but the Basic plan remains the best value for most users. It’s an especially practical pick if you’re looking to consolidate your streaming subscriptions without losing access to major franchises or hit series.

If you’re still comparing options or thinking about how to simplify your lineup, our guide to the best streaming services outlines how Disney+, Hulu and others stack up. But for those already invested in Disney’s worlds or Hulu’s critically acclaimed originals, this annual Duo Basic deal offers one of the easiest and most affordable ways to keep it all in one place.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-the-disney-and-hulu-bundle-for-60-for-one-year-in-this-black-friday-streaming-deal-094131027.html?src=rss

Scientists report that the Antarctic ozone hole in 2025 is the fifth-smallest since 1992, thanks largely to decades of global restrictions on ozone-depleting chemicals under the Montreal Protocol. ABC News reports: The ozone hole reached its greatest one-day extent for 2025 in early September, measuring 8.83 million square miles, about 30% smaller than the largest hole on record in 2006. NOAA and NASA scientists emphasize that recent findings show efforts to limit ozone-depleting chemical compounds can have a significant impact. The regulations are established by the Montreal Protocol, which went into effect in 1992. Subsequent amendments are driving the gradual recovery of the ozone layer, which remains on track to fully recover later this century as countries worldwide replace harmful substances with safer alternatives.

For decades, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting compounds were widely used in aerosol sprays, foams, air conditioners and refrigerators, causing significant reductions in ozone levels. Natural factors, such as temperature and atmospheric circulation, also influence ozone concentrations and are likely to have contributed to a smaller ozone hole this year, according to researchers. “This year’s hole would have been more than one million square miles larger if there was still as much chlorine in the stratosphere as there was 25 years ago,” said Paul Newman, a senior scientist at the University of Maryland system and longtime leader of NASA’s ozone research team.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.