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27.11.2024 18:13 Audible is offering a sweet promotion as a Black Friday deal, allowing new users to sign up for three months of its Premium Plus plan for just $3. That breaks down to $1 per month, and you’ll get a $20 Audible credit on top of that to use as you see fit. It’s only for new users though, so anyone who has previously dipped their toes in the Audible waters are out of luck. This Black Friday offer is available now, and it runs all the way until midnight on New Year’s Eve. The $20 credit part of the deal will disappear after Cyber Monday, though. It’s only for US customers and, as usual, the subscription will automatically renew after the three months, so be vigilant about smashing that cancel button if it’s not working out. The regular price for Audible Premium Plus is $15 per month plus tax. Audible Premium Plus is the top-tier offering for listening to audiobooks. A membership provides access to the entire catalog plus a monthly credit to purchase nearly any title outright. Subscriptions also offer discounts on other newly-released titles. All told, there are thousands of books to choose from, along with podcasts and Audible Originals. To that end, there’s a whole lot of original content here for fans of different literary genres. James Patterson has an Audible Original that features a stacked voice cast, with Cobie Smulders and Reid Scott headlining. There’s also unique fare like sleep meditations and the like. Check out all of the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazon-black-friday-deals-bring-three-months-of-audible-down-to-only-3-183640125.html?src=rss

27.11.2024 18:13 Earlier this year OpenAI unveiled Sora, a text-to-video AI model, showing off detailed scenes and complex camera motion from relatively simple prompts. It's been radio silence since then, but the company recently granted artists free early access to the tool for testing. However, a group of around 20 of those just leaked access to Sora in protest, saying they were acting as "PR puppets," prompting OpenAI to suspend access, The Washington Post reported. "We received access to Sora with the promise to be early testers, red teamers and creative partners. However, we believe instead we are being lured into 'art washing' to tell the world that Sora is a useful tool for artists," the group wrote on the AI art repository site, Hugging Face. Pointing out that OpenAI recently hit a $150 billion evaluation, they noted that artists have been providing unpaid testing and feedback. The group also noted that all Sora-generated content needed to be approved by OpenAI, making it "less about creative expression... and more about PR and advertisement." The group then said it had released the tool to let anyone play with it, saying it hopes that OpenAI will "support the arts beyond PR stunts." In response, OpenAI shut down early Sora access after just three hours while it looks into the situation. "Hundreds of artists in our alpha have shaped Sora’s development, helping prioritize new features and safeguards,” OpenAI spokesperson Niko Felix wrote in a message to The Post. “Participation is voluntary, with no obligation to provide feedback or use the tool.” Another artist in the program, André Allen Anjos, chimed in as well saying that the protest artists' stance didn't reflect the views of most artists in the program. Though Sora isn't yet widely available, the tool has been scrutinized over its training materials. In March, OpenAI CTO Mira Murati said she wasn't sure if Sora took training data from YouTube or other video platforms. The next month, YouTube's CEO specifically warned OpenAI that training models on its videos was against its terms of service. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-suspends-access-to-sora-video-generation-tool-after-artists-protest-133015289.html?src=rss

27.11.2024 18:13 A four-pack of Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 trackers is on sale at Amazon for only $60. This Black Friday deal represents a 41 percent discount and brings this particular combo pack down to a record low price. Bluetooth trackers make excellent stocking stuffers for the folks in your life who might be a bit more forgetful than they’d like to admit. These are a top pick in our guide to the best Bluetooth trackers, and with good reason. They are the perfect companion accessory to Samsung phones. The finding network is vast and the battery life is fantastic. These trackers will stay powered on for up to 500 days, or even longer with Power Saving Mode enabled. We also appreciate the simple, yet aesthetically pleasing, design. There’s an actual hole for keychains, which is something Apple AirTags lack. These trackers are IP67-rated for water and dust-resistance. This means that the unit is protected from dust that’s larger than 1mm in diameter and that it can be submerged in water up to one meter deep for up to 30 minutes. Just don’t throw it in a lake and you should be good to go. The four-pack includes two white tags and two black tags, for a little yin and yang action. There’s not really a serious downside here for Samsung users. However, there’s a major caveat for everyone else. The SmartTag2 trackers only work with Samsung phones and tablets. Check out all of the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-deals-include-a-four-pack-of-samsung-galaxy-smarttag2-trackers-for-60-194307904.html?src=rss

27.11.2024 18:13 If you're looking to treat yourself or a loved one to a new laptop without breaking the bank, there are plenty of early Black Friday deals worth considering. Even better, there's a discount on what we reckon is the best laptop for most people and the best laptop for college students. Apple's M3 MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM has dropped to its lowest price to date. The laptop is available for $849, which is $250 off the list price . Apple just released its first M4-powered Macs, but it has yet to slot the latest chip into the MacBook Air. The 13-inch MBA's blend of power and portability makes it a potent choice and we gave it a score of 90 in our review. It delivers fast performance and has a killer display. The design is sleek and sturdy and it sounds great thanks to a quad-speaker array. We like the trackpad and keyboard as well, while the upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E connectivity is a definite plus. Our main quibble is that the USB-C ports are on the same side of the unit as the one for the charger — having even one USB-C on the right side would be handy. But that's a minor complaint about an otherwise terrific laptop. If you're willing to go with a slightly older processor, the M2 MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage has dropped to $749 — another record-low price. Check out all of the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-apple-deals-discount-the-m3-macbook-air-with-16gb-of-ram-to-a-record-low-price-180617486.html?src=rss

27.11.2024 18:13 AirTags are not only some of the best Bluetooth trackers you can get right now, but they also make a useful, affordable gift for anyone in your life who has an iPhone. Black Friday Apple deals have brought the price of a four-pack down to $73, which is only $3 more than their all-time-low price. That brings the cost per AirTag down to $18.25, which is currently cheaper than if you were to buy just one on its own. Apple AirTags easily made our list of the best Bluetooth trackers, particularly for regular iPhone users. We love the vast finding network, which really helps when you misplace a tag. Just think of all of those AirTags, iPhones and other Apple devices out there helping to create this network. Apple AirTags also offer the ability to tap into the ultra-wideband wireless protocol. This creates a sort of game out of finding lost items, as long as the object is within 25 feet of the phone. The screen will display directional arrows and a distance meter so you can zero in on the lost item without having to ring the AirTag. There are some caveats. These trackers only really work with iPhones, so Android users should buy something else. Also, the ringer only goes for seven seconds at a time, which isn’t always enough time to track something down. Finally, there’s no attachment point for connecting to a keychain or a related item. However, there are plenty of good AirTag accessories to solve that problem. We expect to see more Apple Black Friday deals come out in the coming days, but right now, also on sale is the USB-C Apple Pencil, which is down to $69. Apple's stylus lineup is pretty confusing, so we wouldn't blame you for not knowing if this one is right for you. The USB-C Pencil is best for those who don't want to spend the extra money on the Apple Pencil Pro as its a more affordable option, or 10th-gen iPad owners who don't need pressure sensitivity. It's a good value for iPad owners who are only casual note-takers or doodlers. Check out all of the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apple-black-friday-deals-bring-a-four-pack-of-airtags-down-to-73-191040283.html?src=rss

27.11.2024 18:13 Whether that special person on your gift list is a photographer or content creator, a camera or accessory is always highly appreciated. And with technology in areas like autofocus and video quality constantly improving, it’s a great time to own a new camera. However, it can be confusing to sort through the latest models or find the best memory cards, backpacks, tripods and more. Fortunately, we’ve done the research and selected the best cameras at a wide range of prices, along with accessories that will help your loved one get the most out of their gear. Check out the rest of our gift ideas here. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/best-gifts-for-photographers-and-videographers-140040483.html?src=rss

27.11.2024 18:13 Black Friday deals have come for Apple’s AirPods: the AirPods Pro 2 have dropped to $154, which is a record-low price. At the moment, you can also get the AirPods 4 starting at $119. These are some of the most sought after wireless earbuds during this time of year precisely because the sales are so good. While we periodically see AirPods dip in price throughout the year, the best time to buy is during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday time period. However, that also means they can be some of the first tech items to sell out, so if you’ve had your eye on a new pair or want to gift one this holiday season, we recommend buying them now. AirPods Pro 2 are the best wireless earbuds that Apple makes with excellent sound quality and ANC, plus good battery life. They have all of the conveniences you’d expect from a pair of Apple earbuds, like quick paring and switching between Apple devices and hands-free Siri. And with a recent software update, the AirPods Pro 2 can double as hearing aids for those who take Apple’s hearing test and the results show mild to moderate hearing loss. Whereas the AirPods Pro 2 have looked and felt mostly the same since their initial launch, the AirPods 4 received a big overhaul this year. They now come in ANC and non-ANC styles, and they have a slightly revised open-wear design. The H2 chipset inside gives them the same Apple conveniences as the AirPods Pro 2, but note that neither model supports MagSafe charging via wireless chargers. But these buds have improved sound quality and a better fit than the AirPods that came before them, and they’re noticeably more affordable than the Pro 2. If you prefer over-ear headphones, your only option in the Apple ecosystem is the AirPods Max. You can grab them for $400 right now. We always recommend waiting for a sale to buy these cans since they start off much more expensive than all of our other top picks for the best wireless headphones. They also sport the H2 chipset inside, plus good sound quality and ANC, reliable touch controls and a solid battery life. Check out all of the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/black-friday-apple-deals-include-the-airpods-pro-2-for-an-all-time-low-price-165732887.html?src=rss

27.11.2024 13:32 Alongside a new foldable and flagship phone, Huawei has revealed its first mobile OS made entirely in-house. It’s part of Huawei’s plans to build a platform entirely free of major US tech sources, both for hardware and software — because the company is banned from using some of them. Huawei Case in point: the Mate 70 series follows the Mate 60, the first Huawei smartphone to use a fully made processor in China. Huawei said the new OS still needs several months of refinement to improve the user experience, but the aim is to install it on all future smartphones. While we haven’t tested it yet, many of the features and screens look rather iOS-inspired, like the drop-down menu. There is also design consistency across Huawei’s phones, tablets and foldables. Of course, there’s an AI assistant, too, called Xiaoyi. — Mat Smith Get this delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here! The biggest tech stories you missed Intel’s CHIPS Act funding cut by over $600 million Amazon Japan hit with a raid over antitrust concerns The best Black Friday deals on gaming X says The Onion can’t have Alex Jones’ Infowars accounts So now it has rules? X filed a limited objection to the transfer of Infowars’ X accounts to The Onion in a federal bankruptcy court on Monday. Jones’ assets, including the Infowars website, went into a liquidation auction earlier this month to raise money for the nearly $1.5 billion in damages he accrued in civil trials brought by the family members of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The Onion’s parent company, Global Tetrahedron, stepped in to purchase the Infowars site after receiving permission from the families to accept a lower bid. X Corporation cites its own terms of service agreement in its objection. The TOS states accounts cannot be transferred, gifted, sold or assigned to other parties “without X’s express written consent.” Continue reading. Uber tries offering coders for hire It’s the new gig economy. Uber’s new Scaled Solutions division is a platform of “analysts, testers and independent data operators,” according to the company’s website. Bloomberg reports the once in-house team is now offering coders and data labelers to outside companies, like the makers of Pokémon Go and self-driving trucking software company Aurora. According to an onboarding FAQ reviewed by Bloomberg, contractor pay is distributed monthly, based on the tasks contractors complete. Continue reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-122522339.html?src=rss

27.11.2024 03:42 Another legal complication may have surfaced in The Onion’s bid to buy the Infowars empire from bankrupt conspiracy media mogul Alex Jones. X filed a limited objection to the transfer of Infowars’ X accounts to the satirical media empire in a federal Bankruptcy Court on Monday. The objection claims that X Corporation’s terms of service states “the Trustee cannot sell, assign or otherwise transfer such license absent X Corp.’s consent,” according to court records. X Corporation cites its own Terms of Service agreement in its objection. The TOS states accounts cannot be transferred, gifted, sold or assigned to other parties ”without X’s express written consent.” “Because the X accounts are governed by the TOS, the TOS make clear that X accounts are X Corp.’s ‘exclusive property,” according to X’s court filing. Jones’ assets including the Infowars website went into a liquidation auction earlier this month to raise money for the nearly $1.5 billion in damages he accrued in civil trials brought by the family members of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Jones was found liable for spreading rumors about the victims’ family members that the Sandy Hook shooting was staged as a false flag attack. The Onion’s parent company Global Tetrahedron stepped in to purchase the Infowars site after receiving permission from the families to accept a lower bid and forgo a portion of the sale to pay Jones’ other creditors. Onion CEO Ben Collins announced the deal on his Bluesky account as well as the newspaper’s plans to turn Infowars.com into “a very funny, very stupid website.” US Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez halted the deal calling for an evidentiary hearing to review the auction process. The auction’s trustee Christopher Murray said in court that Global Tetrahedron’s bid was not the highest offered but the sale price included a legal clause citing its deal with the families. The Associated Press reported Monday that Lopez will hear arguments on the trustee’s sale of Infowars to The Onion on December 9 or 17 in order to ensure “a fair and transparent process.”This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/x-says-the-onion-cant-have-alex-jones-infowars-accounts-000006993.html?src=rss

27.11.2024 03:42 Microsoft has quietly announced the end of an era, with the Xbox Avatar Editor going away early next year. "Due to low engagement and our shift in focus towards delivering other player experiences, the Xbox Avatar Editor app will no longer be available starting on January 9, 2025," the company wrote in its FAQ about the feature. The latest approach to personalizing avatars launched in 2018. The Xbox Avatar Editor allowed players to customize cartoon versions of themselves with both a free and purchased library of cosmetics. The options gave a lot of room for diversity and personal expression, so that you really could create a clear likeness of yourself, or whatever self you wanted to show to the Xbox community. Microsoft said it will refund players for Xbox Avatar Editor purchases made between November 1, 2023 and the app's end date. Microsoft introduced avatars to player accounts back in the Xbox 360 era. These Xbox Original Avatars will not be impacted by the editor app's departure; they'll continue to appear for players using those old school images as well as on Xbox 360 hardware. If you created an avatar that you want to preserve as your profile photo on the Xbox into the future, you can use the Avatar Editor app until the shutdown date to save a picture to your account. The Xbox support forums have a full explainer on how to create or upload your profile photo.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/microsoft-is-taking-away-the-xbox-avatar-editor-233712034.html?src=rss

26.11.2024 23:01 In addition to all of the gadgets and gear you can find on sale during Black Friday, there are also a number of service and subscription deals you can get, too. VPNs are included in this, and there’s a good deal on one of our favorites right now. ExpressVPN’s Black Friday deal gives US-based customers up to 61 percent off various plans. The one-year plan, which includes four extra months, costs $6.25 per month, billed at a total of $100, and the 2-year plan costs just $4.99 per month, billed at a total of $150. Those are much better rates than the $12.95-per-month rate you’d pay regularly. Engadget deemed ExpressVPN the best for streaming services, frequent travel and gaming. Its biggest drawback is generally considered to be the price — higher than most rivals in the space — so this is a great time to get it at a discount. Since we conducted our review, ExpressVPN has added some additional features making it more of a full-service suite, including a password manager and ad blocker. More recently, it's added ID alerts , as well as a data removal service . Some notable caveats: The data removal service is only available on the 30-month plan, and the ID alerts, insurance and data removal features are only applicable to subscribers in the US. Furthermore, these discounts are applicable only to new ExpressVPN customers. And the service will automatically renew at the standard rate after the initial discount period expires. It goes without saying that ExpressVPN is compatible with nearly all major operating systems, with support for connecting 8 devices at a time. And its no-logs policy means your online activity is as anonymous as can be. If you're looking for a dependable VPN that now has a bevy of additional privacy features, ExpressVPN is worth checking out. But don't delay: This offer is only good through December 6. Check out all of the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/expressvpn-black-friday-deal-get-up-to-61-percent-off-a-30-month-plan-120441157.html?src=rss

26.11.2024 23:01 Bloomberg reports that Uber has started farming out independent contractors for data-labeling services as well as coders-for-hire. Uber describes its new Scaled Solutions division as a platform of “analysts, testers and independent data operators,” according to the company’s website. Scaled Solutions began life as an internal team, handling “large-scale annotation tasks” for Uber’s other services. Now it’s been expanded to provide coders and data labelers for outside companies like Pokémon Go developer Niantic Inc. and the self-driving trucking software firm Aurora Innovations. Aurora acquired Uber’s self-driving Advanced Technologies Group unit in 2020 and Uber is one of Aurora’s investors. Uber started recruiting workers this month for its Scaled Solutions division from India, the US, Canada, Poland and Nicaragua. Scaled Solutions also posted some corporate openings for positions in San Francisco, New York and Chicago. According to an onboarding FAQ reviewed by Bloomberg, contractor pay is distributed monthly and totals are based on the tasks that contractors complete. The company did not reveal any specific rates to Bloomberg for its new crop of freelance employees.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/ubers-latest-gig-economy-play-is-offering-out-coders-for-hire-215036314.html?src=rss

26.11.2024 23:01 The US Fair Trade Commission published a paper that found 89 percent of connected devices do not detail how long the item will receive software support. The study examined product websites looking for specifics about how long the company expected to support the device. Within the 11 percent of product sites that shared this information, the review found cases with ambiguous language as well as inconsistencies in where dates were displayed. As a secondary test, the researchers conducted basic Google searches for information about support dates and couldn't quickly find answers for 67 percent of the devices. "Consumers stand to lose a lot of money if their smart products stop delivering the features they want," said Samuel Levine, director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection at the FTC. "When shopping for smart devices, consumers should ask questions and consider how long their product will last." The 89 percent figure sounds like a pretty damning rate, but there is a major caveat to this research. The FTC only looked at 184 products, and they fell across a huge range of categories. The review excluded laptops, personal computers, tablets and automobiles, but any other "connected device" was covered. So while the real percentages are likely hazier than this report suggests, the FTC's point about considering ongoing product support is still a good one. It's becoming more common for smartphone manufacturers to say upfront how long they'll support the device; for instance, Samsung will keep the S24 line updated for seven years. The wave of right to repair laws that have been passed in a few states, most recently in California, could also point toward longer lifespans for hardware. However, that practice clearly hasn't spread to all personal and home tech. Today's paper from the FTC doesn't advise any action on the topic, but it does highlight a need to set expectations around how and when companies will offer support for their software-driven products.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/ftc-warns-that-companies-dont-disclose-how-long-connected-devices-will-be-supported-212432111.html?src=rss

26.11.2024 23:01 Noble Audio just announced pending availability of its most advanced earbuds yet. The FoKus Rex5 earbuds manage to cram a whole lot of tech into a small package, with a $450 price tag to prove it. First of all, Noble has installed five drivers into each earbud. This is likely the first time that’s ever been done, as the idea of cramming multiple drivers into a tiny earbud is a relatively new concept. Noble’s own FoKus Prestige earbuds include three drivers, but certainly not five. Noble Audio The FoKus Rex5 earbuds include a dynamic driver, a planar driver and three balanced armature drivers to extend the frequency range. The company says this particular combination creates “an impressive soundstage that effortlessly delivers rich, full bass, detailed mid-tones, and crystal-clear highs across an extended frequency range of 20Hz to 40kHz.” For the uninitiated, planar drivers provide a more accurate signal through the treble and mid ranges. Dynamic drivers have the power to move a whole lot of air, resulting in an improved bass response. The company’s recently-released FoKus Apollo headphones also combine these two types of drivers. These earbuds integrate with a proprietary app and Audiodo’s personalization software. This lets people create a custom EQ setting based on their hearing, which is then actually uploaded to the earbuds. Of course, the Rex5 buds offer active noise cancellation and multiple transparency modes. Noble Audio As for connectivity, the Rex5 earbuds use Bluetooth 5.4 with Multipoint. They’re also equipped with both aptX Adaptive and LDAC hi-res codecs, along with AAC and SBC. The company says customers should expect five hours of use per charge with ANC on and seven hours when it's off. The earbuds come with a charging case that can power an additional 40 hours of use, with a quick charge feature. The case is also green to match the buds. Noble Audio’s FoKus Rex5 earbuds are available for preorder right now, with shipments beginning on November 29. As previously mentioned, they cost $450, which is $200 more than Apple’s top-of-the-line AirPods Pro 2. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/noble-audio-announces-its-most-advanced-earbuds-yet-with-five-drivers-per-ear-193352556.html?src=rss

26.11.2024 23:01 When it comes to new tech, $50 doesn’t get you a lot— except perhaps during Black Friday sales. Surprisingly, quite a few of the smaller electronics and accessories we recommend are currently on sale for less than $50. These deals include picks from our guides to accessories, portable batteries, budget earbuds and smart speakers. There are also quite a few streaming subscription deals that fall within that price range, too. Everything on this list has earned the Engadget seal of approval — be it from official reviews, buying guides, personal use or devices from brands we know to be reputable — so you don’t have to guess whether these Black Friday tech deals are worth your $50. Black Friday tech deals under $20 Amazon Halo: The Master Chief Collection for $10 : As part of the Xbox Black Friday sale, you can save up to 55 percent on titles . A number of our top picks for the best Xbox games are included in the sale, including this Halo collection, Death Stranding: Director’s Cut, Street Fighter 6 and Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred. And if you’re looking for more deals on game titles, check out Jeff Dunn’s Black Friday gaming roundup. Amazon Echo Pop for $18 : Amazon’s smallest Echo will fit in any room in your home, so Alexa can add things to your shopping list, set a timer, or answer questions from anywhere. Anker Nano Charger 30W USB-C for $13 : This compact 30-watt wall charger is smaller than others of its wattage and can speedily juice up an iPhone or Android handset. Anker is one of Engadget’s most recommended accessory brands and this is the model we picked for our fast charger guide. Get the same deal at Anker with an auto-applied code. Anker Nano power bank with built-in USB-C connector for $16 : It’s the size of an old-timey lipstick case but packs enough juice to get a dying smartphone back in service with at least a half charge. It’s one of the winners in our guide to power banks. Also direct from Anker with an auto-applied code. Glocusent Tri-head clip-on book light for $16 : Glocusent’s book light can stand on a desk or clip to a book and casts a wide swath of light across the widest of pages. It’s a pick in our book lovers gift guide. Beshon European travel plug adapter for $13 : If you’re planning any trips abroad, take one of these, as Engadget’s Valentina Palladino recommends in our gifts for travelers guide. They come in versions made for Ireland, China and Japan, too. Elden Ring for $20 : One of our favorite games is down to the best price we’ve tracked. It feels impressively handmade despite its epic scale that feels big but never superfluous. Also at Best Buy. Amazon Smart Plug for $13 : If you rely on Alexa as your smart home assistant, this is an affordable and reliable way to control your lamps, fans and Christmas lights. It was one of the more reliable and fuss-free plugs I tested. Anker Nano II 713 Charger for $20 : This 45-watt charger has a single USB-C port and will let you take advantage of the faster charging speeds newer devices offer . It’s one of the picks in our iPad accessories guide. Also at Anker with an auto-applied code. Chipolo ONE for $20 : Our favorite Bluetooth tracker overall is loud, compact and readily tells you when you’ve left your keys behind. If you’re looking for a finding network to locate things you’ve lost out in the wild, this isn’t the one to get, but for everyday locating misplaced keys in the house, this is great. Belkin Apple AirTag secure holder for $15 : AirTags are great, and we recommend them for iPhone users, but they have no built-in method for attaching them. This is one of the gizmos we recommend in our guide to secure the tag to your luggage and more. Also at Amazon. Elevation Lab TagVault for $16 : Another recommendation from our guide, Elevation Labs fabric mount is ideal for sticking an AirTag inside your coat, backpack or anything else you want to track. Also at Elevation Lab without Prime. PopSockets Phone Grip for $15 : You can save 50 percent on the Pop Socket we recommend in our guide to iPhone accessories. Many other Pop Sockets are on sale directly from Pop Socket for Black Friday. J-Tech Digital Ergonomic Mouse for $18 : The best budget ergo mouse has a vertical grip that’s a little wider than others of its ilk, which we found to be more comfortable. There are RGB lights, which can be fun. But which can also be turned off. WAVLINK USB-C hub for $13 : The budget pick in our guide to USB-C hubs has an HDMI port, three USB connections plus a generous 10-inch cable to give you more options when plugging into your laptop or tablet. Anker USB-C 240W Bio-Braided cable for $12 : A fast charger won’t do much if the cable isn’t rated to handle the wattage. This 240W Anker cable is pulled from our list of the best iPhone accessories and will charge those devices as quickly as the brick and device will allow. Peak Design Packable Tote for $16 : We recommend this handy bag in our gift guide for travelers. We like that it zips shut, is water resistant and has a padded shoulder/hand strap. Plus it packs into itself and takes up just a little more room than a deck of cards. The Best Black Friday subscription deals under $20 Max / Engadget Max subscription for $18 : You can get six months of Max with Ads for $2.99 monthly instead of the usual $9.99. The subscription will automatically renew at that rate each month until the end of the promo period, when it'll automatically renew for the full $10. New and returning subscribers are eligible through Max.com, Roku, Apple and other streaming ecosystems, but is only open to new subscribers via Amazon Fire TV. Paramount+ Showtime for $6 : New and former subscribers can get two months of Paramount+ Essential or Paramount+ with Showtime for just $3 per month. It's one of our favorite streaming services and the best place to watch as much Star Trek as you want. As with all subscriptions, remember the standard pricing will auto-renew after two months. Peacock for $20 for : New and returning subscribers can get a full year of Peacock for just $20. It's also one of our favorite streamings services and has some excellent shows like Mrs. Davis, Poker Face and Killing It. Note this is the ad-supported tier, it is only available through Peacock's website and will auto renew after the year is up. Audible Premium Plus for $1 : If you don’t currently subscribe to Audible you can get three months of the audiobook service's Premium Plus plan for $1. The service is usually $15 per month after a 30-day free trial. Premium Plus gives you access to the Audible Plus library, and lets you keep one title from a curated selection of audiobooks each month. Amazon Kindle Unlimited for $0 for one month : Amazon's ebook subscription service gives you access to a selected catalog of thousands titles for unlimited reading as well as some Audible audiobooks and magazines. Prime members can get two months for only $5. Black Friday tech deals under $30 Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 for $21 : If you have a Samsung smartphone, this is the tracker we recommend. The finding network isn’t as vast as Apple’s, but in our tests, the accuracy was good and the physical design is one of the best of its kind. Roku Streaming Stick 4K for $29 : On our list of the best streaming devices we named the Roku Streaming Stick 4K the best pick for those wanting an ocean of free and live content. By combining Roku’s own free channels with content from other FAST apps this simple stick turns any screen into a portal to a near-infinite amount of movies and shows that you won’t pay a dime for. Also at Target and direct from Roku for $1 more. Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker for $28 : Anker’s Soundcore brand proves the accessory brand can make some excellent electronics and we named a number of Soundcore audio devices to our buying guides. This is one of the smaller and more affordable models from Anker and it’s currently back to one of its lowest prices yet. Anker Nano 3-in-1 10K portable charger for $30 : A top pick in our best power banks guide, this 10K brick has a built-in USB-C cable so you don't need to remember to bring one with you, plus it has an extra USB-C port for charging other devices. Also at Anker within an auto-applied code. HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 gaming headset for $30 : Though we ultimately recommend getting an external mic along with your wired headphones if you need to chat while playing, the Cloud Stinger 2 is our pick for a budget gaming headset. Also at Best Buy and direct from Hyper. Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget Kasa Smart Plug Mini 15A for $30 : Our favorite smart plug overall connects to all the major smart home platforms, including from Apple, Google and Amazon. It’s perfectly simple to set up, stays connected and makes it easy to make your lights do what you want them to. Also at Amazon. EarFun Free 2S wireless earbuds for $25 : These don’t sound as sharp as other budget earbuds we recommend and there’s no noise cancellation or transparency mode, but if you need a pair of earbuds under $50 these are decently comfortable with a sound that’s a bit richer than others in its price range. Amazon Echo Buds for $25 : Our favorite budget earbuds with an open ear design are made by Amazon. They don’t go all the way in your ear so you’ll hear more of what’s going on around you. The sound is decently separated, though we recommend tweaking the EQ in the Alexa app to bring down the treble a touch. Anker USB-C Hub 341 for $25 : Anker’s seven-port hub lets you use a range of extras with your tablet, which is why we named it one of the best accessories for an iPad. In addition to extra USB connections, you also get a microSD and standard SD card slots. Logitech Signature M650 wireless mouse for $30 : This portable mouse is great for anyone who changes locations when they work because it connects quickly and easily slips in a pack. It’s one of the gifts we recommend in our stocking stuffer guide. Also at Staples and direct from Logitech. Baseus 30W Magnetic Power Bank for $25 : An honorable mention in our battery guide, this small Baseus bank delivers a fast charge either wirelessly for MagSafe compatible iPhones or via the attached USB-C cable. Ransom Notes board game for $28 : Engadget’s Karissa Bell recommends this party board game in our gift guide thanks to its hilarity-inspiring appeal. It forces players to communicate complex concepts using a given number of word magnet tiles. Mysterium Board Game for $30 : Our own Valentina Palladino recommends this game to anyone who loves a good mystery. It takes Clue to the next level and is best played with friends and family on a dark and stormy night. Settlers of Catan board game for $26 : It's hard to find anyone into board games who hasn't yet played Catan, but this trading and settling game is a classic for a reason. Get it and prepare for some lively sheep bartering. Black Friday tech deals under $40 Engadget Anker 525 charging station for $36 : This is one of the handy items that makes working from home easier, as we recommend in our WFH gift guide. It offers four USB ports up front and three extra AC plugs in the back. Blink Mini 2 for $35 : The newest Blink Mini wired security camera came out earlier this year and it supports 1080p video recordings, a wider field of view than the previous model and improved low-light performance. It may be wired, but you can use it outside with the $10 weather-resistant adapter. JBL Go 4 for $40 : JBL’s smallest portable speaker has up to seven hours of battery life on a charge, has an IP67 waterproof rating and has a tiny built-in carry strap so you can bring it wherever you go. Also at JBL and Best Buy. Headspace annual plan for $35 : Our top pick for the best meditation app has tons of courses that address specific anxieties and worries, a good in-app search engine that makes it easy to find the right meditation you need, and additional yoga routines, podcasts and music sessions to try out. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max for $33 : Amazon's most powerful dongle supports 4K streaming with Dolby Vision, Wi-Fi 6E and live picture-in-picture mode so you can see security camera feeds directly on your TV as you're watching a show or movie. In addition to being a solid streamer, it also makes a good retro gaming device. Anker 633 Magnetic Battery for $40 : Choose from a MagSafe option or the 20W Power Delivery port via a USB-C cable . The handy kickstand means you can look at your phone while it charges and that port lets you charge non-MagSafe devices too. Blink Outdoor 4 $38 : Amazon’s latest outdoor Blink camera works well with Alexa, letting you check on your surroundings using the app or a compatible display : This is the larger-capacity model of the mid-range battery we recommend in our guide to power banks. Not only does it look cool, it’s durable and charges up a phone quickly through either the USB-C or USB-A port. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth for $40 : Engadget’s Mat Smith gave this title a favorable review earlier this year. It helps if you’ve played its predecessor and it’s absolutely stuffed with things to do. This is a new low for the PS5 exclusive. Govee Smart LED Light Bars for $35 : We like Govee’s playful smart lights and recommend the brand in our guide to smart bulbs. These light bars made the list in our stocking stuffer gift guide thanks to their versatility and there’s no end to the multiple colors and sequences you can program. Razer Basilisk V3 ergonomic gaming mouse for $40 : This is the gaming option in our guide to the best ergonomic mice. It’s super light and glides across multiple surfaces. The buttons are customizable and the thumb rest is comfortable. Also at Amazon. UGREEN Revodok Pro 109 USB-C hub for $38 : The top pick in our buying guide to USB-C hubs has a good array of ports, the ability to support two 4K monitors, and a nice long host cable so you can easily arrange it on your desk. Moft Tripod iPhone Wallet for $40 : Moft's origami-inspired accessories tend to be clever and surprisingly useful. This one is no different, combining a single-card wallet with a dual-height stand. I was impressed with the sturdiness of the stand in such a thin package. If you don't need to carry a single card, the wallet-less version is $32 right now. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for $40 : Nintendo announced its Black Friday deals early, but they didn’t go live until November 25. The big callout here is Tears of the Kingdom. We found the game to be an absolute delight as it builds on all of the concepts and story introduced in Breath of the Wild. Black Friday tech deals under $50 Amazon JBL Clip 5 for $49.95 : JBL makes a good number of the winners in our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers. We didn’t review this one formally for our guide, but it’s one of the more affordable models the brand makes and the clip plus dunkable water resistance makes it easy to bring JBL’s signature dynamic range just about anywhere. Also at Walmart and direct from JBL. Amazon Echo Show 5 for $45 : The newest Echo Show 5 made our list of the best smart displays because it doubles as a “stellar alarm clock” with the auto-dimming screen, tap-to-snooze feature and a sunrise alarm. Plus the tiny, five-inch screen is perfect for a nightstand. Also, oddly, at Best Buy. Amazon Echo Spot $45 : The mini display just shows simple data like the time, weather or song that’s playing while the other half of the circle plays music. It’s an updated version of a model Amazon discontinued a couple of years ago and now it’s back. Elecom Nestout power bank 15,000mAh for $48 : For outdoor charging, this is one of the few portable batteries that can handle a dunk in water . We recommend it in our guide and particularly like the handy accessories like a tripod stand and light that you can buy to go on it. Also at Nestout for $1 more. 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller for $48 at Amazon : Engadget’s Jeff Dunn raved about this wireless gamepad for Switch and PC, calling it comfortable with durable Hall effect joysticks that should avoid the “drift” sensation that plagues many modern controllers. Also at Best Buy. Soundcore by Anker Space A40 wireless earbuds for $45 : Our top budget wireless earbuds are just $5 shy of their all time low. They have outstanding active noise cancellation for the price and offer a warm and pleasant default sound. Ultimate Ears Mini Roll for $50 : This less-than-a-pound sound maker came out at the same time as the Everboom and is the smallest speaker in UE’s lineup. It’s IP67 rated to be dust- and waterproof and can crank out 85 decibels of volume — impressive for something so small. Also at Amazon and B&H Photo. Tribit StormBox Micro 2 for $42 : This is the smallest speaker in our guide and it can go with you anywhere with the built-in strap. It pumps out impressive volume for its size and can go for 12 hours on a charge. The audio isn’t the highest fidelity, but this is more about bringing the vibes than emitting flawless musical clarity. Also directly from Tribit . Anker PowerConf C200 2K webcam for $48 : The budget pick in our buying guide to webcams is back down to a low it’s hit a few times before. We like the excellent video clarity and easy set up and customization. Also at Anker with a coupon code. Thermacell Mosquito Repeller for $43 : The mosquitos may be gone for the winter, but we all know they'll be back next year. This is one of the few mosquito-repelling products we recommend, so grab one now for a less irritating summer next year. Lego Star Wars: A New Hope Boarding The Tantive IV for $44 : This set recreates the scene in which Darth Vader and his Stormtroopers battled the Rebels, and it includes seven Star Wars minifigures. Also at Target. Check out all of the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-62-best-black-friday-tech-deals-under-50-164632307.html?src=rss