ResidentialBusiness

The Federal Reserve, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. issued a final rule Tuesday that softens leverage demands for the biggest and most systemically risky banks and lowers the community bank leverage ratio to 8%. View the full article

In today’s fast-paced digital environment, collaborative video editing tools are crucial for enhancing teamwork and efficiency. These platforms enable real-time communication, streamline feedback, and guarantee smooth project management. You’ll want to identify key features like cloud storage, version control, and user-friendly interfaces. As you consider the best tools available, comprehending their unique capabilities can greatly impact your editing workflow. Let’s explore the top five tools that can transform your collaborative editing experience. Key Takeaways Frame.io: A cloud-based tool offering real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to edit simultaneously, starting at $15/user/month. Vimeo: Integrates collaboration tools and AI-driven editing features, making it user-friendly and efficient, with a rating of 4.2/5. WeVideo: Ideal for educational environments, this cloud-based platform supports multi-track editing and enhances collaborative video projects. Review Studio: Priced at $20/month, it accommodates various video formats, facilitating stakeholder collaboration and feedback. Dropbox Replay: Simplifies the video review process with real-time feedback, streamlining iterations for effective collaboration. Importance of Collaborative Video Editing Tools Collaborative video editing tools are essential for modern video production, especially when teams are distributed or working on tight deadlines. These tools improve efficiency by enabling multiple users to edit the same project simultaneously. Real-time commenting and annotation features in video review software allow you to provide direct feedback on specific frames, ensuring clear communication. Version control maintains a history of edits, so you can easily revert to previous versions if needed. Timestamped feedback links comments to precise moments in the video, enhancing the quality of revisions. By utilizing a video collaboration platform with cloud storage, all team members can access the latest files and resources from anywhere, facilitating seamless collaboration and streamlining the entire editing process. Key Features to Look For When considering video editing tools for collaborative projects, several key features can greatly improve your workflow and communication. Here are three vital aspects to look for: Real-time collaboration: This feature allows multiple users to access and edit the same project simultaneously, enhancing teamwork and efficiency. Commenting and annotation tools: These enable users to provide direct feedback on specific frames or sections, facilitating clear communication and ensuring everyone’s on the same page. Version control capabilities: This tracks all edits made, allowing users to revert to previous versions and maintain a history of changes, which is important for managing project evolution. Top Tools for Video Collaboration In today’s digital environment, choosing the right tools for video collaboration can greatly improve your project outcomes. Frame.io is a robust option, offering cloud-based real-time collaboration for production teams, with features like timestamped comments and version control, starting at $15 per user per month. Vimeo integrates collaboration tools and AI-powered editing features, earning a solid 4.2/5 rating, making it suitable for professionals. WeVideo stands out for educational use, providing a cloud-based environment with multi-track editing. Review Studio supports various video formats for stakeholder collaboration, priced at $20 monthly, even though onboarding can be tricky. Finally, Dropbox Replay simplifies the video review process by enabling real-time feedback, thereby streamlining project iterations and comments for teams. Tips for Enhancing Team Collaboration Enhancing team collaboration in video editing involves implementing strategies that streamline communication and workflow. To achieve this, consider the following tips: Utilize real-time collaboration features: Allow multiple team members to edit and provide feedback simultaneously, which boosts efficiency and shortens turnaround times. Adopt version control systems: Track changes easily, enabling your team to revert to previous edits and maintain a clear history of modifications. Establish clear roles and responsibilities: Define specific tasks and deadlines for each team member, reducing confusion and ensuring a smooth editing process. Future Trends in Video Editing Collaboration As video editing continues to evolve, the future of collaboration in this field is being shaped by several key trends. The rise of AI-driven tools will automate complex tasks, improving creativity and efficiency through real-time suggestions and intelligent workflows. Cloud-based platforms are becoming essential, allowing teams to collaborate seamlessly from anywhere, which aligns with the shift toward remote work. Real-time feedback and integrated approval workflows are becoming standard, streamlining communication and reducing reliance on external platforms. Furthermore, the demand for mobile-accessible tools is growing, enabling editing on-the-go. Finally, improved security measures, like end-to-end encryption and compliance with data protection regulations, are critical as teams increasingly share and edit sensitive video content across various platforms. Frequently Asked Questions Which Tool Is Commonly Used for Collaborative Document Editing? When you think of collaborative document editing, Google Docs is a tool that often comes to mind. It allows multiple users to edit documents simultaneously in real-time, offering features like commenting and suggesting edits. You can easily track changes through version history, making feedback efficient. Its integration with Google Workspace tools, such as Drive and Gmail, improves your workflow. Plus, being cloud-based means you can collaborate from any location, promoting flexibility in your work. What Are 321 Rules of Video Editing? The 321 rule in video editing states you should keep three copies of your work, store two on different devices, and have one off-site. This approach guarantees redundancy, protecting against data loss from technical failures or disasters. By following this rule, you streamline your workflow, allowing for quick project recovery without significant downtime. It’s especially vital in collaborative settings, where multiple team members need reliable access to backups and can confidently manage their work. What Is the Best Tool for Collaboration? In terms of collaboration, the best tool often depends on your specific needs and team dynamics. Look for platforms that allow real-time editing, so everyone can contribute simultaneously without conflicts. Features like timestamped comments improve feedback precision, as organized spaces clarify roles and permissions. Tools that streamline the review process and improve workflow efficiency can greatly enhance your project’s quality and speed, making collaboration smoother and more effective for your team. What Is the Editing Software Where Multiple People Can Edit at Once? You can use software like Frame.io, WeVideo, or Adobe Premiere Pro for simultaneous editing. These platforms allow multiple users to edit projects in real-time, enhancing collaboration. They often feature tools like timestamped comments and version control, which help you provide feedback directly on the video. Furthermore, cloud-based access guarantees that everyone can work with the latest media assets, streamlining the editing process and improving overall efficiency in your projects. Conclusion To conclude, utilizing the right collaborative video editing tools can greatly improve your team’s workflow and productivity. By focusing on key features like real-time collaboration, version control, and user-friendly interfaces, you can streamline the editing process. As you explore platforms sucha as Frame.io, Vimeo, WeVideo, Review Studio, and Dropbox Replay, consider how each tool can meet your specific needs. Embracing these solutions will prepare you for future trends in video collaboration, ensuring effective teamwork and communication. Image via Google Gemini This article, "5 Essential Tools for Collaborative Video Editing" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In today’s fast-paced digital environment, collaborative video editing tools are crucial for enhancing teamwork and efficiency. These platforms enable real-time communication, streamline feedback, and guarantee smooth project management. You’ll want to identify key features like cloud storage, version control, and user-friendly interfaces. As you consider the best tools available, comprehending their unique capabilities can greatly impact your editing workflow. Let’s explore the top five tools that can transform your collaborative editing experience. Key Takeaways Frame.io: A cloud-based tool offering real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to edit simultaneously, starting at $15/user/month. Vimeo: Integrates collaboration tools and AI-driven editing features, making it user-friendly and efficient, with a rating of 4.2/5. WeVideo: Ideal for educational environments, this cloud-based platform supports multi-track editing and enhances collaborative video projects. Review Studio: Priced at $20/month, it accommodates various video formats, facilitating stakeholder collaboration and feedback. Dropbox Replay: Simplifies the video review process with real-time feedback, streamlining iterations for effective collaboration. Importance of Collaborative Video Editing Tools Collaborative video editing tools are essential for modern video production, especially when teams are distributed or working on tight deadlines. These tools improve efficiency by enabling multiple users to edit the same project simultaneously. Real-time commenting and annotation features in video review software allow you to provide direct feedback on specific frames, ensuring clear communication. Version control maintains a history of edits, so you can easily revert to previous versions if needed. Timestamped feedback links comments to precise moments in the video, enhancing the quality of revisions. By utilizing a video collaboration platform with cloud storage, all team members can access the latest files and resources from anywhere, facilitating seamless collaboration and streamlining the entire editing process. Key Features to Look For When considering video editing tools for collaborative projects, several key features can greatly improve your workflow and communication. Here are three vital aspects to look for: Real-time collaboration: This feature allows multiple users to access and edit the same project simultaneously, enhancing teamwork and efficiency. Commenting and annotation tools: These enable users to provide direct feedback on specific frames or sections, facilitating clear communication and ensuring everyone’s on the same page. Version control capabilities: This tracks all edits made, allowing users to revert to previous versions and maintain a history of changes, which is important for managing project evolution. Top Tools for Video Collaboration In today’s digital environment, choosing the right tools for video collaboration can greatly improve your project outcomes. Frame.io is a robust option, offering cloud-based real-time collaboration for production teams, with features like timestamped comments and version control, starting at $15 per user per month. Vimeo integrates collaboration tools and AI-powered editing features, earning a solid 4.2/5 rating, making it suitable for professionals. WeVideo stands out for educational use, providing a cloud-based environment with multi-track editing. Review Studio supports various video formats for stakeholder collaboration, priced at $20 monthly, even though onboarding can be tricky. Finally, Dropbox Replay simplifies the video review process by enabling real-time feedback, thereby streamlining project iterations and comments for teams. Tips for Enhancing Team Collaboration Enhancing team collaboration in video editing involves implementing strategies that streamline communication and workflow. To achieve this, consider the following tips: Utilize real-time collaboration features: Allow multiple team members to edit and provide feedback simultaneously, which boosts efficiency and shortens turnaround times. Adopt version control systems: Track changes easily, enabling your team to revert to previous edits and maintain a clear history of modifications. Establish clear roles and responsibilities: Define specific tasks and deadlines for each team member, reducing confusion and ensuring a smooth editing process. Future Trends in Video Editing Collaboration As video editing continues to evolve, the future of collaboration in this field is being shaped by several key trends. The rise of AI-driven tools will automate complex tasks, improving creativity and efficiency through real-time suggestions and intelligent workflows. Cloud-based platforms are becoming essential, allowing teams to collaborate seamlessly from anywhere, which aligns with the shift toward remote work. Real-time feedback and integrated approval workflows are becoming standard, streamlining communication and reducing reliance on external platforms. Furthermore, the demand for mobile-accessible tools is growing, enabling editing on-the-go. Finally, improved security measures, like end-to-end encryption and compliance with data protection regulations, are critical as teams increasingly share and edit sensitive video content across various platforms. Frequently Asked Questions Which Tool Is Commonly Used for Collaborative Document Editing? When you think of collaborative document editing, Google Docs is a tool that often comes to mind. It allows multiple users to edit documents simultaneously in real-time, offering features like commenting and suggesting edits. You can easily track changes through version history, making feedback efficient. Its integration with Google Workspace tools, such as Drive and Gmail, improves your workflow. Plus, being cloud-based means you can collaborate from any location, promoting flexibility in your work. What Are 321 Rules of Video Editing? The 321 rule in video editing states you should keep three copies of your work, store two on different devices, and have one off-site. This approach guarantees redundancy, protecting against data loss from technical failures or disasters. By following this rule, you streamline your workflow, allowing for quick project recovery without significant downtime. It’s especially vital in collaborative settings, where multiple team members need reliable access to backups and can confidently manage their work. What Is the Best Tool for Collaboration? In terms of collaboration, the best tool often depends on your specific needs and team dynamics. Look for platforms that allow real-time editing, so everyone can contribute simultaneously without conflicts. Features like timestamped comments improve feedback precision, as organized spaces clarify roles and permissions. Tools that streamline the review process and improve workflow efficiency can greatly enhance your project’s quality and speed, making collaboration smoother and more effective for your team. What Is the Editing Software Where Multiple People Can Edit at Once? You can use software like Frame.io, WeVideo, or Adobe Premiere Pro for simultaneous editing. These platforms allow multiple users to edit projects in real-time, enhancing collaboration. They often feature tools like timestamped comments and version control, which help you provide feedback directly on the video. Furthermore, cloud-based access guarantees that everyone can work with the latest media assets, streamlining the editing process and improving overall efficiency in your projects. Conclusion To conclude, utilizing the right collaborative video editing tools can greatly improve your team’s workflow and productivity. By focusing on key features like real-time collaboration, version control, and user-friendly interfaces, you can streamline the editing process. As you explore platforms sucha as Frame.io, Vimeo, WeVideo, Review Studio, and Dropbox Replay, consider how each tool can meet your specific needs. Embracing these solutions will prepare you for future trends in video collaboration, ensuring effective teamwork and communication. Image via Google Gemini This article, "5 Essential Tools for Collaborative Video Editing" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. 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. Finding the perfect gift for someone who lives and breathes fitness can be tricky. As a runner, I can't tell you how many times I've been gifted a handheld water bottle. It's a nice thought, but there's only so much space on my shelf. Likewise, I'm sure the lifters out there have more than enough lifting gloves by now. The thing is, with a little research, you could find a present that genuinely enhances someone's workouts and recovery. Here's a thoughtful guide to help you choose something they'll actually use. For the home gym builderAdjustable dumbbells are a game-changer for anyone with limited space. These designs let you switch between weights quickly, replacing an entire rack of traditional dumbbells. While they can be an investment, they're one that serious fitness enthusiasts truly appreciate. There are plenty of highly rated options as part of Amazon's Black Friday sale, like this set here for just $142.48 right now. Otherwise, a solid set of adjustable dumbbells could fall outside of most gift exchange budgets. After your gift, your loved one could upgrade to my favorite Nüobells for $795. Yoga mats with extra cushioning or non-slip surfaces benefit anyone who works out at home or focuses on recovery regularly. A good mat, like my go-to from Amazon Basics, can last for years and make a noticeable difference in comfort during floor work. A set of resistance bands offers incredible versatility without taking up much space. They're perfect for travel, warm-ups, or adding difficulty to bodyweight exercises. Look for sets with different resistance levels and door anchors. You could spring for a full suspension trainer system, like the TRX GO on sale for $102.95 right now. Otherwise, a set of resistance bands shouldn't cost more than $30. TRX GO Suspension Training $102.95 at Amazon $139.95 Save $37.00 Get Deal Get Deal $102.95 at Amazon $139.95 Save $37.00 Recovery essentialsThe world of recovery gadgets is so much bigger than just massage guns. Foam rollers remain one of the most practical gifts for muscle recovery. Consider textured versions that provide deeper tissue work, or vibrating models that add an extra dimension to self-massage routines. I recommend this 5-in-1 foam roller set for $39.95. All that said, a good massage gun has become nearly essential for anyone training regularly. They help with muscle soreness, improve circulation, and can be used both pre and post-workout. From my testing, I've found many mid-range options now offer professional-level features at reasonable prices. For Black Friday, Theragun massagers are on sale, including this Theragun Mini for $168, down from $219.99. This Theragun Pro is $349.99, down from $529.99. And the premium Theragun Pro Plus is $548.88, down from $649.99. Theragun Pro $349.99 at Amazon $529.99 Save $180.00 Get Deal Get Deal $349.99 at Amazon $529.99 Save $180.00 Wearable techFitness trackers are a must-have for even the most casual gym-goer. Even if someone already has one, newer models often provide significantly better insights that can genuinely improve training effectiveness. Lifehacker's senior health editor Beth Skwarecki has got you covered when it comes to all the best deals on fitness trackers and watches right now. While you might not know someone's preferences between an Apple Watch versus a Garmin versus a Pixel, I recommend introducing a Whoop band into your fitness enthusiast's life. Whoop is the iconic screenless wristband that tracks your workouts and recovery without looking like a watch. The Whoop Peak with a 5.0 device is an option that makes the most sense for most people, and is currently on sale for $199 (down from $239). Wireless earbuds designed for workouts make a huge difference. Look for sweat-resistant models with secure fit and good battery life. When it comes to eliminating the racket of the outside world, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra come out on top, and they're on sale for $199 (a full $100 off their list price). For running specifically, my absolute favorite headphones—the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2—are currently $124.95, a 31% discount off their list price of $179.95. Whoop Peak with a 5.0 device $199.00 at Amazon $239.00 Save $40.00 Get Deal Get Deal $199.00 at Amazon $239.00 Save $40.00 Practical additionsI joke about having enough water bottles, but if someone needs an upgrade, a high-quality water bottle still a great budget gift option. Insulated versions keep drinks cold through long training sessions, and many people like having multiple bottles for different purposes. This Owala is on sale for $27.97. Gym bags with specialized compartments for shoes, wet clothes, and electronics make getting to and from workouts more organized. Look for durable materials and thoughtful design features like ventilated shoe compartments. This Adidas duffel is on sale for $29.14. adidas Unisex Defender 4.0 Gym Duffel Bag for Men and Women $29.14 at Amazon $45.00 Save $15.86 Get Deal Get Deal $29.14 at Amazon $45.00 Save $15.86 The bottom line: Consider what type of training they do most, what might be wearing out in their current setup, and what could take their workouts to the next level. And as you're shopping around, don't forget to add a personal touch. Consider buying someone a sports massage, or maybe customize whatever gear you get. Their name, some motivational text, or their favorite fitness quote on quality athletic wear or accessories adds a personal element they won't find in stores. How long do Black Friday deals really last?Black Friday sales officially begin Friday, November 28, 2025, and run throughout “Cyber Week,” the five-day period that runs from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, December 1, 2025. But Black Friday and Cyber Monday dates have expanded as retailers compete for customers. You can get the same Black Friday sales early, and we expect sales to wind down by December 3, 2025. Are Black Friday deals worth it?In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday?Black Friday used to be bigger for major retailers and more expensive tech and appliances, while Cyber Monday was for cheaper tech and gave smaller businesses a chance to compete online. Nowadays, though, distinction is almost meaningless. Every major retailer will offer sales on both days, and the smart move is to know what you want, use price trackers or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you, and don’t stress over finding the perfect timing. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $339.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $134.99 (List Price $179.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

During the pandemic, I was struggling. After graduating from college in 2019, I had an amazing job offer fall through because of the lockdown. I felt completely rudderless at a time when I thought I had it all figured out. Since we were all stuck inside together for months, there was no hiding my internal distress from my family. Fortunately, my parents recognized this even more than I did. That year, they gave me a gift that pulled me out of that pit, reignited my passion for creating, and set the journey in motion that led me to my career today as a professional creator and video producer. That gift was the Cricut Explore, and this device literally changed my life. What is the Cricut Explore?For those of you who don’t know, Cricut Explore machines let you design and cut tons of materials like vinyl, cardstock, iron-on, and even leather into custom patterns that you can use for shirts, hats, or any other DIY projects that you might have in mind. Able to work with over 100 materials, the Cricut Explore line allows you to create almost anything you want on demand in a user-friendly, inexpensive way. The cost-effective aspect was huge for me, as I had almost zero money to my name and all the time in the world to learn. Since the Cricut Explore works via Bluetooth or USB, I was able to create custom items on request for people, featuring specialized materials and designs that would normally take weeks or months to complete. The Cricut took on a pivotal role in my creative process. It led to the creation of XtarBoy Apparel, my custom apparel company, which would eventually support me throughout the entire pandemic. I made custom shirts for yoga studios, limited-run apparel and merch for micro-influencers, and even inked my first sponsorship deal for a motorsport racing team in San Diego. The Cricut also introduced me to an important business mentor in my life. As I was trying to get XtarBoy off the ground, I had quietly taken on a job at a local auto-tinting place in San Diego, and the owner took a liking to what I was working on. He would request custom shop merch and team gear, and was one of the biggest supporters of my side project when I had almost zero faith in myself. He even set aside a corner of the shop for the Cricut, so I could print things for customers whenever I had one, and let me use the shop as a storefront for all my designs. Later, the gifting came full circle when my mom released her first book series, as I was able to help her with promotion and marketing by making custom merch to pair with the book. Gifts can have lasting valueSometimes we take the gifts we receive for granted. There can be an expectation that they should be the newest device, the latest collab, or the most expensive item in order to be considered a “good gift.” But for me, the greatest gift I got wasn’t just the Cricut itself, but the opportunities and experiences it opened up for me to create, take risks, and challenge myself in a new and exciting way. And at the core, that’s what a holiday with heart truly represents. View the full article

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 base Amazon Kindle is one of the cheapest ebook readers that you can buy right now. Even better, the 2024 version was updated with a new screen, and a trendy new "matcha" color option. Currently, you can get the base Kindle 16GB model with Lockscreen Ads for $79.99. That’s a $30 discount off the usual price of $109.99. The model without Lockscreen Ads is also discounted to $99.99 (down from $129.99). This is the lowest price we’ve seen for the base Kindle, ever. That makes this pretty tempting, since because the Kindle is already one of the cheapest e-readers out there, it doesn’t go on sale that often. Amazon Kindle 16GB (with ads) $80.00 at Amazon $110.00 Save $30.00 Get Deal Get Deal $80.00 at Amazon $110.00 Save $30.00 The 2024 Kindle comes with a 6-inch e-Ink display with 16GB storage and a screen with 94 nits of brightness (25% brighter than before). The new updated screen with 300 PPI pixel density is also now as bright as the Kindle Paperwhite, which retails for $159.99 (and is currently discounted to $124). There’s also an updated processor that promises faster page turns. It still offers the same 6-week long battery life, too. The Kindle measures 6.2 x 4.3 x 0.32 inches (HWD) and weighs 157 grams. The device has a USB-C port for charging and manually transferring books and files. The 16GB storage should be good for thousands of books. The Amazon Kindle comes with the standard Kindle software, where ebooks bought using Amazon will show up automatically on your device. You can also use Amazon’s Send to Kindle feature to wirelessly transfer your own books to the Kindle. There’s also Goodreads integration and a recommendation engine to help you discover more books to read. In PCMag's review, the Amazon Kindle (2024) received a 3.5-star “Good” rating. PCMag noted that “We like its small size and consistent lighting, and even though it isn't as fast as the Paperwhite, it works perfectly well.” If you have the extra $70 to spend, you can also consider the Kindle Paperwhite, which comes with a bigger screen, faster page turns, a waterproof body, a longer battery life, and the option for warm backlighting. 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 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. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $339.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $134.99 (List Price $179.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

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 MacBook Air is the best laptop for most people, but not for everyone. While most of us will get more machine than we could possibly need out of a modern Air, the Pro offers both extra features and power that you simply can't get with Apple's cheaper computer. While I could certainly get by on an M1 MacBook Air, my daily driver is an M3 Pro MacBook Pro. If you're in the same boat, and you're in the market for a new pro-level MacBook, this deal on the M5 MacBook Pro is excellent. You'd be hard-pressed to find a better value in a pro laptop, especially one from Apple. M5 MacBook Pro $1,399.99 at Walmart $1,599.00 Save $199.01 Get Deal Get Deal $1,399.99 at Walmart $1,599.00 Save $199.01 Apple's M5 MacBook Pro is the company's latest laptop, and the first Mac with the M5 chip. Right off the bat, this chip offers some modest performance gains over M4, which is the chip you'll get in Apple's newest MacBook Airs. But that's to be expected from one Apple silicon generation to the next. Even if Apple's MacBook Air also shipped with M5, the Pro would have it beat in sustained performance, thanks to a crucial hardware component: the fan. MacBook Airs are fanless, which keep them particularly thin and light. That's great for aesthetics and portability, and, in many cases, you won't really miss the fans. But if you push these machines with demanding tasks—especially concurrent demanding tasks—M5 may heat up, to the point where the machine may need to slow down its processing speeds to keep the temperature in check. A built-in fan can move hot air out, and keep the chip cooler for longer, extending the peak performance of the computer. That's where the Pro shines. Aside from the extra power boost, Apple's modern MacBook Pro line sports some great features for enthusiasts and casual users alike. While the MacBook Air uses an LED display (a high quality one, no doubt), the Pro uses a mini-LED display. The latter offers a much greater contrast than LED, thanks to multiple "dimming zones," versus LED's one solid backlight. If you're watch a dark scene on a MacBook Air and a MacBook Pro side-by-side, you'll notice how the dark areas are really gray on the Air, while on the Pro, they're inky black. While I'd prefer an OLED display on the Pro, the mini-LED looks great, and is why I use my Pro for most of my streaming needs. Plus, the Pro adds an extra 0.6 inches of screen real estate, at least compared to the Air's 13.6-inch display. Apple also reserves the best port selection for the MacBook Pro. While the MacBook Air gets two USB-C ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a MagSafe connector, the MacBook Pro adds a third USB-C port, an HDMI port, and an SDXC card slot. It's a great I/O for professionals, but also for anyone who connects their computer to a TV or external monitor. Most of these perks are not necessary, of course. The display on the Air is great; many of us can live with just two USB-C ports; and M4 is more than enough for most day-to-day tasks. You might even find you like the form factor of the Air better than the Pro: The Pro is considerably chunkier than the Air, and weighs more as well. Anyone looking for a thin and light machine will be content with the dimensions of a MacBook Air. And when you can pick up an M4 Air for as little as $749, the Pro can seem like overkill. But if you're someone who wants those extra features, or needs some additional power that the Air can't quite provide, the current Black Friday deal on the Pro is amazing. $1,599 isn't a bad price for what you get with the M5, but at $1,399, it's a fantastic value. You'll just need to be the judge as to whether all these extra perks are worth the additional $650. 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. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $339.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $134.99 (List Price $179.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Instax Smartphone Printer $79.95 at Amazon $111.95 Save $32.00 Shop Now Shop Now $79.95 at Amazon $111.95 Save $32.00 SEE -2 MORE At 22, I moved over 9,500 miles from my hometown of Ushuaia, Argentina—the southernmost city in the world—to Sweden to pursue a Ph.D. in computer science. Mid-way through my studies, I learned my mom had cancer and would have to go through treatment. With her birthday coming up, I knew I needed to visit home. What I didn't know was that a spontaneous purchase during an airport layover would lead to lasting memories. My itinerary had three connections each way. While on a layover in Rome, I spotted a small, white box in a tech store: an Instax Mini Link printer. My scientist brain screamed "no" at an impulse buy, but my heart, which had already booked a transcontinental flight, made the decision, and I bought it. The idea of capturing a moment and immediately holding it felt like an antidote to the digital distance I’d been feeling. After all, the best camera is the one you have with you, and for most of us, that’s our phone. An amazing weekendAfter 24 hours in the sky, knocking on my parents’ door felt surreal. We all burst into joyful tears, and for the next 48 hours, our agenda was packed: birthday party preparations, driving around town, and signing up for a local 3K race. The author and his mother at a race. Credit: Gérman Ceballos That weekend became one of the most emotional of my life. And through it all, that little printer became my partner in crime. Without telling my mom, I just kept taking and printing pictures of every single moment together. At her birthday party, I gave her the stack of photos. The printer wasn’t just a gadget, it was a tool for connection. In an age where our memories live on servers and are viewed through the cold glow of a screen, those small, tangible photos were a priceless gift. They were physical proof of our time together, something she could hold in her hand, put on her nightstand, or carry in her wallet. That tiny printer taught me a powerful lesson: The value of a photograph is in its presence. That pocket-sized printer transformed digital moments into lasting, physical artifacts, leaving behind not just files, but living memories. It was some of the best money I’ve ever spent, and if you're looking for a way to make memories with loved ones, consider packing this printer in your travel bag so you can turn photos you're already taking on your phone into keepsakes you'll continue to cherish. View the full article

My mom has been a master Chinese painter for over 40 years. I recently used AI to incorporate her art into physical gifts. If you want to achieve the same quality with a meaningful family photo, here's how you can utilize Adobe's new upscaling features to get the best results. For this process, I used Adobe Firefly and Photoshop. Adobe Firefly is Adobe's generative AI application, and the company released a phone app this summer to help you create on the go. If you're a total newbie to Firefly, you can just ask the app for help along the way. Photoshop, which has long been the gold standard for image editing, recently added an AI upscaling feature that can improve scanned photos or images with the click of a button. Here's how I did it. How I used Adobe AI features to make giftsI started by using Adobe Firefly to visualize my mom’s art on various products, including aprons, scarves, and even dresses. Seeing mockup options helped me decide on an apron as the perfect first piece. Next, I brought an image of an original painting into Photoshop and used the AI upscaling feature. Wearables require a much larger print size, and this step ensures every detail stays crisp and vibrant. I then uploaded the file to Printful, a print-on-demand platform. You can also use Printify or a different print-on-demand provider, as the process is nearly identical. In just a few clicks, the apron was ready to print and ship directly, and it was such a pleasure to see my mom wear her own artwork. With technology and AI, we’ve been able to take her creations beyond the canvas and share them with people everywhere, making every gift feel personal, meaningful, and timeless. If you want to tinker with AI this holiday season, this is one way to get some practice and make a thoughtful gift for a loved one along the way. View the full article

Nintendo Switch 2 $449.99 at Best Buy Shop Now Shop Now $449.99 at Best Buy SEE -2 MORE Video games aren't just a leisurely pastime. For some, they're a way to connect with loved ones and relive nostalgic memories from childhood. I am one of those people. I pounced on the Nintendo Switch 2 when it came out earlier this year because I wanted something that felt familiar while living abroad. I've been a digital nomad for nearly ten years and currently live in Bangkok, Thailand, nearly 8,500 miles away from my six children and two grandchildren. The Switch 2 lets me play the latest games with my kids, which I love to do, even when the time change makes schedules wonky. It reminds me of when I bought them a Wii many years ago and the hours of fun we had as a family playing Wii Sports in the living room. It also reminds me of a deeper, older memory – one that's been on my mind more than ever before. The gift that changed my lifeI'm a first-generation American with a Kenyan mom and a stepfather from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Growing up, the emphasis in our home was on working hard, doing well in school, and not taking for granted the opportunities we had in America. That meant things like video games were frowned upon. The idea of having a video game system in our home was unthinkable to my immigrant parents. My parents worked hard to afford our lives and support family members back in Africa, so there wasn't a lot of spare money for gifts. Gifts were rare, even during the holidays; we were lucky to get a single gift. I was fine with not getting as many gifts or the types of games and tech that my friends got. I understood early that not everyone's life can be the same. When the PlayStation came out in 1994, however, that was the first time I really wanted a gift. I begged my mom every day leading up to Christmas, did extra work around the house, and ran errands, all while pleading for my mom to make an exception and let us have a video game system in the house. I established a set of self-governing rules for my brothers and me to follow, ensuring the game wouldn't interfere with our school work. The author, right, and one of his brothers in an old family photo. Credit: Kimanzi Constable That's why I cried every ounce of liquid out of my body on Christmas morning when there was a PlayStation and some games. My brother later had cancer, and my mom is battling late-stage cancer now. My mom can't talk much these days, but I can still talk to her. I often share with her the core memory of that gift and what it meant to me. The author and his mother. Credit: Kimanzi Constable Giving a similar gift to my childrenI wanted my kids to have the same kind of gaming console memory that I had when I was a kid. So in 2012, I gifted them a Nintendo Wii. We spent every night playing Wii Sports as a family, creating memories that my kids, now adults, recall often. I had to teach them how to take turns playing the Wii and how to play against each other without it becoming an all-out war when they won or lost a game. There were more than a few incidents when a controller found itself flying across the room. This author with some of his children and children-in-law. Credit: Kimanzi Constable Giving a similar gift to… myselfI started living abroad in 2021, and I'm fortunate that my family supports it. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, my wife and I realized we wanted to live a more nomadic life and explore the world further. I had lost many family members to cancer, and I worried I might get cancer too, so I wanted to live life fully, both for myself and in memory of those I’ve lost. With our kids all out of the home, attending college and living adult lives, it felt like the right time. We sold everything, including our cars and home, and began traveling with no fixed home base. We became full-time digital nomads. I gave my adult children, who live together, my original Switch before I moved to Thailand, so they could play Switch Sports via Nintendo Online with me while I was in Thailand. I knew the Switch 2 was coming out before I moved, and that I would get one over here in Bangkok once I settled in. We get to relive the fun every time we log on, and it's a way to stay connected even though we're physically 8,500 miles apart. We coordinate our playtime: nighttime for them and morning for me, since Thailand is either 11 or 12 hours ahead of the Central time zone. Although the Switch 2 console is larger, I've still been able to fit it in my travel backpack and play it comfortably. I recently played Switch 2 on a three-hour car ride from Bangkok to Hua Hin, Thailand, and even played it on the beach at a resort in Hua Hin. I've used the built-in voice chat, the stable dock with a second USB-C port, and the larger, magnetically attaching Joy-Con 2s. Playing online is more fun with the upgraded Joy-Cons. The author after purchasing a Switch 2. Credit: Kimanzi Constable Tech gifts can rekindle old memories and create new onesI enjoy the Nintendo Switch 2 so much that I'm buying a console for our two grandchildren, ages six and four. I know they'll have a similar reaction to the one I had when my mom got us a PlayStation, as my granddaughter has been begging me for a Switch 2. I want my grandkids to experience the fun I experience every day. Gaming consoles give me a way to channel nostalgia and nourish my soul, and what I've learned through travel is that I need a full soul to live sustainably as a digital nomad. As we get ready for another holiday season, it's okay for you to capture the nostalgia and buy yourself fun gifts, too. You no doubt have core memories of gifts you got as a child—perhaps there's an equivalent gift you can buy yourself as an adult, or something you can get for your children to build upon your own meaningful memories. View the full article

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. Black Friday 2025 is a good time to look for gaming accessories, and I think the best overall deal you can get right now is on the Xbox wireless controller. I started using it in 2021, when I got my Xbox Series X, and I think it's probably the second-best controller for most people. I personally like the PS5's DualSense a little more, but that's not a dig on the Xbox controller at all. Especially when you look at the fact that the Xbox controller is about $15 cheaper than the PS5 alternative, it's a really smart move to get the cheaper option—you can use both with devices other than their respective consoles. Xbox Wireless Controller $40.00 at Amazon $65.00 Save $25.00 Get Deal Get Deal $40.00 at Amazon $65.00 Save $25.00 The Xbox wireless controller works with your Xbox Series X|S, PC, and mobile devices. It uses a pair of AA batteries for power. If you don't enjoy buying disposable batteries, you still have the option to buy rechargeable AA batteries or even pick long-lasting Lithium batteries. The controller also has a USB-C port and you can use it to connect the device to your console or PC to use it wired. I've had to use it as a wired controller a couple of times when the AA batteries ran out in the middle of a long online gaming session, and it worked fine. Do ensure that you use a good USB cable, though, or you risk frequent disconnections. When you're buying an Xbox wireless controller off Amazon, you have the option to choose the black color variant with a USB-C cable. The included USB-C cable is convenient, although other colors might not have one. Good cables are quite cheap and ubiquitous these days, so I'd rather get my favorite color rather than worry about which one ships with a cable. Still, it's worth looking at all your options, since they do differ in price, landing between $40 and $50. The Pulse Red color looks quite tempting to me, but you should pick the color that calls to you. 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. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $339.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $134.99 (List Price $179.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

In recent weeks, OpenAI has faced seven lawsuits alleging that ChatGPT contributed to suicides or mental health breakdowns. In a recent conversation at the Innovation@Brown Showcase, Brown University’s Ellie Pavlick, director of a new institute dedicated to exploring AI and mental health, and Soraya Darabi of VC firm TMV, an early investor in mental health AI startups, discussed the controversial relationship between AI and mental health. Pavlick and Darabi weigh the pros and cons of applying AI to emotional well-being, from chatbot therapy to AI friends and romantic partners. This is an abridged transcript of an interview from Rapid Response, hosted by the former editor-in-chief of Fast Company Bob Safian. From the team behind the Masters of Scale podcast, Rapid Response features candid conversations with today’s top business leaders navigating real-time challenges. Subscribe to Rapid Response wherever you get your podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode. A recent study showed that one of the major uses of ChatGPT for users is mental health, which makes a lot of people uneasy. Ellie, I want to start with you, the new institute that you direct known as ARIA, which stands for AI Research Institute on Interaction for AI Assistance. It’s a consortium of experts from a bunch of universities backed by $20 million in National Science Foundation funding. So what is the goal of ARIA? What are you hoping it delivers? Why is it here? Pavlick: Mental health is something that is very, I would say I don’t even know if it’s polarizing. I think many people’s first reaction is negative, the concept of AI mental health. So as you can tell from the name, we didn’t actually start as a group that was trying to work on mental health. We were a group of researchers who were interested in the biggest, hardest problems with current AI technologies. What are the hardest things that people are trying to apply AI to that we don’t think the current technology is quite up for? And mental health came up and actually was originally taken off our list of things that we wanted to work on because it is so scary to think about if you get it wrong, how big the risks are. And then we came back to it exactly because of this. We basically realized that this is happening, people are already using it. There’s companies that are like startups, some of them probably doing a great job, some of them not. The truth is we actually have a hard time even being able to differentiate those right now. And then there are a ton of people just going to chatbots and using them as therapists. And so we’re like, the worst thing that could happen is we don’t actually have good scientific leadership around this. How do we decide what this technology can and can’t do? How do we evaluate these kinds of things? How do we build it safely in a way that we can trust? There’s questions like this. There’s a demand for answers, and the reality is most of them we just can’t answer right now. They depend on an understanding of the AI that we don’t yet have. An understanding of humans and mental health that we don’t yet have. A level of discourse that society isn’t up for. We don’t have the vocabulary, we don’t have the terms. There’s just a lot that we can’t do yet to make this happen the right way. So that’s what ARIA is trying to provide this public sector, academic kind of voice to help lead this discussion. That’s right. You’re not waiting for this data to come out or for the final, whatever academia might say, this consortium might say. You’re already investing in companies that do this. I know you’re an early stage investor in Slingshot AI, which delivers mental health support via the app Ash. Is Ash the kind of service that Ellie and her group should be wary about? What were you thinking about when you decided to make this investment? Darabi: Well, actually I’m not hearing that Ellie’s wary. I think she’s being really pragmatic and realistic. In broad brushstrokes, zooming back and talking about the sobering facts and the scale of this problem, one billion out of eight billion people struggle with some sort of mental health issue. Fewer than 50% of people seek out treatment, and then the people who do find the cost to be prohibitive. That recent study that you cited, it’s probably the one from the Harvard Business Review, which came out in March of this year, which studied use cases of ChatGPT and their analysis showed that the number one, four, and seven out of 10 use cases for foundational models broadly are therapy or mental health related. I mean, we’re talking about something that touches half of the planet. If you’re looking at investing with an ethical lens, there’s no greater TAM [total addressable market] than people who have a mental health disorder of some sort. We’ve known the Slingshot AI team, which is the largest foundational model for psychology, for over a decade. We’ve followed their careers. We think exceptionally highly of the advisory board and panel they put together. But I think what really led us down the rabbit hole of caring deeply enough about mental health and AI to frankly start a fund dedicated to it, and we did that in December of last year. It was really kind of going back to the fact that AI therapy is so stigmatized and people hear it and they immediately jump to the wrong conclusions. They jump to the hyperbolic examples of suicide. And yes, it’s terrible. There have been incidents of deep codependence upon ChatGPT or otherwise whereby young people in particular are susceptible to very scary things and yet those salacious headlines don’t represent the vast number of folks whom we think will be well-serviced by these technologies. You said this phrase, we kind of stumbled on [these] uses for ChatGPT. It’s not what it was created for and yet people love it for that. Darabi: It makes me think about 20 years ago when everybody was freaking out about the fact that kids were on video games all day, and now because of that we have Khan Academy and Duolingo. Fearmongering is good actually because it creates a precedent for the guardrails that I think are absolutely necessary for us to safeguard our children from anything that could be disastrous. But at the same time, if we run in fear, we’re just repeating history and it’s probably time to just embrace the snowball, which will become an avalanche in mere seconds. AI is going to be omnipresent everywhere. Everything that we see and touch will be in some way supercharged by AI. So if we’re not understanding it to our deepest capabilities, then we’re actually doing ourselves a great disservice. Pavlick: To this point of yeah, people are drawn to AI for this particular use case. So on our team in ARIA, we have a lot of computer scientists who build AI systems, but actually a lot of our teams do developmental psychology, core cognitive science, neuroscience. There are questions to say, why? The whys and the hows. What are people getting out of this? What need is it filling? I think this is a really important question to be asking soon. I think you’re completely right. Fearmongering has a positive role to play. You don’t want to get too caught on it and you can point historically to examples of people freaked out and it turned out okay. There’s also cases like social media, maybe people didn’t freak out enough and I would not say it turned out okay. People can agree to disagree and there’s plus and minuses, but the point is these aren’t questions that really we are in a position that we can start asking questions. You can’t do things perfectly, but you can run studies. You can say, “What is the process that’s happening? What is it like when someone’s talking to a chatbot? Is it similar to talking to a human? What is missing there? Is this going to be okay long-term? What about young people who are doing this in core developmental stages? What about somebody who’s in a state of acute psychological distress as opposed to as a general maintenance thing? What about somebody who’s struggling with substance abuse?” These are all different questions, they’re going to have different answers. Again, I feel very strongly that the one LLM that just is one interface for everything is, I think a lot is unknown, but I would bet that that’s not going to be the final thing that we’re going to want. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find. Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. It's almost Black Friday, and the deals are rolling in at the likes of Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon, and Target. And while it's nice to save money on a big-ticket item, if you're looking to score a bargain on a budget, I've used all my resources to find the best Black Friday tech deals under $50. Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker $27.97 at Amazon $44.99 Save $17.02 Get Deal Get Deal $27.97 at Amazon $44.99 Save $17.02 Sony SRS-XB100 Wireless Bluetooth $43.00 at Amazon $64.99 Save $21.99 Get Deal Get Deal $43.00 at Amazon $64.99 Save $21.99 Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 Release) $49.99 at Amazon Get Deal Get Deal $49.99 at Amazon Soundcore P30i by Anker Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Strong and Smart Noise Cancelling, Powerful Bass, 45H Playtime, 2-in-1 Case and Phone Stand, IP54, Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 (Pink) $24.99 at Amazon $49.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal Get Deal $24.99 at Amazon $49.99 Save $25.00 soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Foldable Headphones, Wireless Over-Ear Bluetooth, 40H Long ANC Playtime, Hi-Res Audio, Big Bass, Customize via an App, Transparency Mode $37.99 at Amazon $69.99 Save $32.00 Get Deal Get Deal $37.99 at Amazon $69.99 Save $32.00 Roku Streaming Stick 4K $24.99 at Amazon $49.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal Get Deal $24.99 at Amazon $49.99 Save $25.00 Digital Camera FHD 1080P, Camkory Kids Camera 44MP Point and Shoot Digital Cameras with 32GB Card, 16X Zoom, Two Batteries, Lanyard, Compact Small Camera Gift for Kids Boys Girls Students, Purple $37.99 at Amazon $49.99 Save $12.00 Get Deal Get Deal $37.99 at Amazon $49.99 Save $12.00 ClokoWe Mini Projector $35.00 at Amazon $69.99 Save $34.99 Get Deal Get Deal $35.00 at Amazon $69.99 Save $34.99 RORRY Portable Charger, 5000mAh Portable Charger Power Bank with Built-in Cables, Travel Keychain Battery Pack for Apple Watch Ultra 2/9/8/Ultra/7/6/SE/5, iPhone 16/15/14/13/12, White $25.05 at Amazon $32.99 Save $7.94 Get Deal Get Deal $25.05 at Amazon $32.99 Save $7.94 Aqara Water Leak Sensor Kit - 3 Pack, Requires AQARA HUB, Wireless Water Leak Detector, Wireless Mini Flood Detector for Alarm System and Smart Home Automation, for Kitchen Bathroom, Works with IFTTT $36.99 at Amazon $64.99 Save $28.00 Get Deal Get Deal $36.99 at Amazon $64.99 Save $28.00 SEE 7 MORE Anker outdoor speakers are down to $30Anker has been killing it in the budget speaker and headphone department for some time now. The Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a great example, and it's currently $27.97 (originally $44.99). If you're looking for a more recognizable brand name, you can try the Sony SRS-XB100 Wireless Bluetooth speaker, currently just $43 (originally $59.99). This is a record low price for this speaker. An Amazon Echo Dot is as low as $32While you can't take the Amazon Echo Dot outdoors like the aforementioned speakers, you can command it to turn devices on/off, ask it questions, or use it to play music in multiple rooms if you own multiple Echoes. You can currently get this newest model discounted for $31.99 (originally $49.99). Anker earphones are down to $25Anker also makes great budget earbuds. The Soundcore P30i are just $24.99 (originally $49.99), offering ANC, 45 hours of battery, and an IP54 splash-proof rating. If you're looking for over-ear headphones, Anker's Soundcore Q20i Hybrid ANC Headphones are currently $37.99 (originally $69.99) in multiple colors. They have powerful bass, customizable EQ in the companion app, and 40 hours of battery. You can get a Roku with 4K for $25My favorite streaming stick is Roku: it's simple, responsive, reliable, and affordable. The Streaming Stick 4K has HDR and Dolby Vision compatibility and a remote with voice support. Get it for $24.99 (originally $49.99). This Camkory point-and-shoot camera is $38Point-and-shoot cameras have been making a comeback. You can get in on the retro action with the Camkory Kids Camera for $37.99 (originally $49.99). It shoots in 1080p with a 44MP camera lens. This Clokowe mini projector is $35You don't need an expensive projector to get the job done—the Clokowe Mini Projector is just $35 (originally $69.99) after the 30% on-page coupon. It projects in 1080p and is compatible with iOS and Android phones. Not bad for a budget projector. A keychain-sized portable charger for $25You never know how important a charger is until you're in need of one. If you're the kind of person who always forgets to bring a portable charger, this keychain that's also a universal device charger is a great solution. Get it for $25.05 (originally $32.99). Smart leak sensors for $37Leaks are no fun. What makes them dangerously expensive is that by the time most homeowners realize they have one, they've already suffered extensive damage that will be costly to repair. Luckily, smart tech can help: This three-pack of sensors from Aqara works with a companion app that alerts you when they detect a water leak, and they're just $36.99 (originally $64.99). 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. 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 not to buy anything. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $339.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $134.99 (List Price $179.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Just days before Thanksgiving, as Americans shop at supermarkets nationwide for their holiday meals, Ambriola Company, which makes some Boar’s Head products, has issued a recall for select pecorino romano cheese products due to possible contamination from listeria. Supreme Service Solutions LLC, also known as Supreme Deli, is assisting in the Class I recall. There have been no illnesses or consumer complaints reported to date for items purchased from Supreme. What is listeria, and what are the symptoms? Listeria monocytogenes is a type of disease-causing bacteria that is generally transmitted when food is harvested, processed, prepared, packed, transported, or stored in manufacturing or production environments contaminated with the bacteria, according to the FDA. Infection can lead to severe symptoms, such as fever, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, and poses a particular risk to vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. In pregnant women, it can cause miscarriages and stillbirths. What is the product information for the recall? Ambriola Company, has issued a recall for select SKUs of pecorino romano cheese products, including two products they produce under the Boar’s Head Brand label. Details for the affected products are as follows: BOARS’S HEAD GRATED PECORINO ROMANO CHEESE Item code: 858 Size: 6 oz. Case UPC: 042421-05858 Sell by dates: 11/21/25-3/12/26 BOARS’S HEAD PECORINO ROMANO CHEESE Item code: 15119 Size: 6 oz. Case UPC: 042421-15119 Sell by dates: 11/21/25-3/12/26 In addition, due to an abundance of caution, Boar’s Head has made the decision to withdraw all of Ambriola Company’s products for Boar’s Head. This includes the following additional products NOT affected by the recall: PRE-CUT PECORINO ROMANO Item code: 15160 Case UPC: 042421-15160 Sell by dates: 11/25/25-5/11/26 Recalled items were distributed in Kroger retail stores located in Kentucky and Indiana. Products are packaged in clear-plastic grab-n-go containers of various sizes with the appearance of deli salads and wraps. The retail packaged items are: Product Name: EverRoast Chicken Caesar Salad Barcode UPC: 850042244142 Best by date: 11/9/2025-11/22/2025 Product Name: EverRoast Chicken Caesar Wrap Barcode UPC: 85004224455 Best by date: 11/9/2025-11/22/2025 What if I have these products in my freezer? Consumers who have purchased the recalled products with the above lot codes should not to consume the products and discard them. Consumers with questions or concerns about their health should contact their physician. Consumers with questions may contact the Ambriola Company by email at info@ambriola.com. View the full article

Boeing and NASA have agreed to keep astronauts off the company’s next Starliner flight and instead perform a trial run with cargo to prove its safety. Monday’s announcement comes eight months after the first and only Starliner crew returned to Earth aboard SpaceX after a prolonged mission. Although NASA test pilots Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams managed to dock Starliner to the International Space Station in 2024, the capsule had so many problems that NASA ordered it to come back empty, leaving the astronauts stuck there for more than nine months. Engineers have since been poring over the thruster and other issues that plagued the Starliner capsule. Its next cargo run to the space station will occur no earlier than April, pending additional tests and certification. Boeing said in a statement that it remains committed to the Starliner program with safety the highest priority. NASA is also slashing the planned number of Starliner flights, from six to four. If the cargo mission goes well, then that will leave the remaining three Starliner flights for crew exchanges before the space station is decommissioned in 2030. “NASA and Boeing are continuing to rigorously test the Starliner propulsion system in preparation for two potential flights next year,” NASA’s commercial crew program manager Steve Stich said in a statement. NASA hired Boeing and SpaceX in 2014 — three years after the final space shuttle flight — to ferry astronauts to and from the orbiting outpost. The Boeing contract was worth $4.2 billion and SpaceX’s $2.6 billion. Elon Musk’s SpaceX launched its first astronaut mission for NASA in 2020. Its 12th crew liftoff for NASA was this summer. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. —Marcia Dunn, AP aerospace writer View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. 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 like to joke that my sainted father was the second-worst carpenter in New Jersey, and he raised me to be the worst. That’s a slight exaggeration, but it’s true that the old advice to measure twice and cut once doesn’t work for me. I measure twice, and somehow I am often still wrong when I go to make the cut. This has led to a certain level of paranoia when it comes to my home DIY projects, which has led to the purchase of many tape measures in my life as I try to convince myself that it’s the tool’s fault, not mine, that everything comes out wonky. As a result, I’ve used a lot of tape measures, both mechanical and digital. Both have their advantages—a mechanical tape measure can take a beating and still be used, while a digital tape measure can give you measurements a physical tape can’t easily provide. For a while, I had both, and used them as needed. And then I found this: The Fanttik A10, which is 42% off for Black Friday. Fanttik A10 Pro 2-in-1 Digital Laser Tape Measure with HD IPS Color Display, 165Ft Rechargeable Laser Measurement Tool & 9.8Ft Measuring Tape, 6 Units Selectable, for Distance/Area/Volume $69.99 at Amazon $119.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $69.99 at Amazon $119.99 Save $50.00 The A10’s physical tape isn’t very long—just under 10 feet. But that’s long enough for any close-up detail work where a digital tape might have problems due to space limitations, and it’s good enough for most DIY project work—plus it lets my muscle memory kick in, because I’m so used to snapping out a physical tape. But for longer distances that can be difficult to measure with a physical tape because of sagging and twisting (and those moments when the hook fails and the whole thing snaps back), the A10 is an accurate laser measure that can measure up to 165 feet. I don’t know about your house, but I will never need to measure anything longer than 165 feet in my life. Having both kinds of measuring tools in one is incredibly convenient. The A10 is a thoughtfully designed tool. It has multiple measuring modes, including area and volume (I’ve never needed to measure the volume of a room, but it’s nice to know it’s there if I need it). It can also be used as a level, and although I still grab my trusty spirit level for most jobs, the A10 has been reliable as a level in the few tests I’ve done. You can buy a stand for the A10 if you want, which could be useful if you don’t have a convenient spot to place the laser level—any stand that works with a 1/4” threaded mount should work. It charges via a standard USB C port, and the battery life is great. All in all, the A10 is a terrific tool. The main reason I love it, though, is definitely the combination of mechanical and digital measuring in one pocket-sized tool. For someone who has always been detail-challenged, this has been a tremendous help, especially because I can switch back and forth and double-check myself any time I need to without needing to grab another tool. Anyone who does work around the house will find this to be incredibly useful. 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. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $339.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $134.99 (List Price $179.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

A surge of sophisticated phishing attacks is letting scammers take over full Google Ads Manager accounts (MCCs), giving them instant access to hundreds of client accounts and the power to burn through tens of thousands of dollars in hours without being noticed. Driving the news. Agencies across LinkedIn, Reddit, and Google’s own forums are reporting a rise in MCC takeovers, even among teams using two-factor authentication. The attackers’ preferred weapon is a near-perfect phishing email that mimics Google’s account-access invitations. Victims say hijackers add fake admin users, link their own MCCs, and begin launching fraudulent, high-budget campaigns. In some cases, support tickets take days to escalate while money continues to drain. One agency reported “tens of thousands” in ad spend racked up within 24 hours. How it works. The scams look like standard client-access invites – same branding, format, and copy – but the link sends users to a Google Sites page posing as a Google login screen. Once credentials are entered, the attackers get full MCC access. Why it’s getting worse. Advertisers say the phishing attempts are now almost indistinguishable from real Google messages. Several agencies admitted they would have clicked if not for small discrepancies in the sender domain or login URL. The impact: Budgets drained: fraudulent ads run immediately. Malware exposure: ads often lead to harmful sites. Account damage: invalid activity flags, disapprovals, and trust issues ripple for months. Operational chaos: agencies lose access to every client account under the MCC. What Google says. The Google Ads Community team posted a What to do if your account is compromised help doc, warning advertisers about rising credential theft during the holiday season, but hasn’t acknowledged the scale of the MCC takeover surge. Why we care. These MCC hijacks aren’t just isolated security issues – they’re direct financial and operational threats that can wipe out budgets, compromise every client account, and take days for Google to contain. With attackers now bypassing 2FA through near-perfect phishing, even well-secured teams are suddenly vulnerable. If just one team member slips, an entire portfolio of accounts – spend, performance, and client trust – is instantly at risk. What experts recommend. Marc Walker, founder and managing director of Low Digital Ltd, shared these recommendations to keep your accounts from being hijacked: Always verify the URL: Google never uses Google Sites for login. Confirm invites inside the MCC, not just via email. Purge dormant users and inactive accounts to reduce attack surfaces. Educate teams on phishing red flags, especially during high-volume holiday outreach. Between the lines. If even one user in a large MCC falls for the scam, the attacker effectively acquires keys to an entire portfolio – and can drain budgets faster than Google’s support system can respond. Bottom line. Google Ads hijacks are a serious operational threat for agencies and in-house teams. Until Google ships stronger MCC-level protections, vigilance remains the only real defense. View the full article

A reader writes: My husband and I are splitting up after eight years together. We’ve had issues that we’ve been working on for a long time, but the final split happened fairly suddenly and I’m reeling right now. On top of everything else I’m dealing with now (including finding a new place to live, getting off his health insurance, etc.), I’m wondering how to talk about this at work. My coworkers have met my husband at many events over the years, and I’ve talked about him a lot at work. I don’t know how to tell people we’re splitting up without inviting a ton of questions, none of which I’m really ready to talk about right now, and I also don’t want to trauma-dump on people I work with! We do usually make time at the beginning of our team meetings for people to share any personal updates so I thought maybe I could mention it then, but people usually share happier things like an upcoming vacation or (sob) a wedding. Do I just … announce it then and say I don’t really want to talk about it? That feels incredibly awkward. But telling people one-on-one feels awkward too, and that would be a dozen individual awkward conversations instead of just one big one. I’m also undecided on whether I’m going to change my name back to my maiden name, but if I do that, I’ll obviously need a way to explain it. I also will need some time off to deal with logistical stuff, like lawyers and my impending move. My boss is pretty flexible with time off, but I’m worried this is going to take over my life for a while. Can I just … say that? Like explain that I’m about to have a couple of months of a higher-than-normal level of outside commitments, but that it won’t go on forever? An additional complicating factor is that our professional worlds have some overlap: we’re in adjacent industries, and we know a lot of the same people professionally. I feel like I’m going to be fielding “how’s Jim?” inquiries for years and having to re-explain the divorce every time. You can read my answer to this letter at New York Magazine today. Head over there to read it. The post how do I tell my coworkers I’m getting a divorce? appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

If you’ve chosen a target asset allocation—the mix of stocks, bonds, and cash in your portfolio— you’re probably ahead of many investors. But unless you’re investing in a set-and-forget investment option like a target-date fund, your portfolio’s asset mix will shift as the market fluctuates. In a bull market you might get more equity exposure than you planned, or the reverse if the market declines. Rebalancing involves selling assets that have appreciated the most and using the proceeds to shore up assets that have lagged. This brings your portfolio’s asset mix back into balance and enforces the discipline of selling high/buying low. Rebalancing doesn’t necessarily improve your portfolio’s returns, especially if it means selling asset classes that continue to perform well. But it can be an essential way to keep your portfolio’s risk profile from climbing too high. Where and how to rebalance If it’s been a while since your last rebalance, your portfolio might be heavy on stocks and light on bonds. A portfolio that started at 60% stocks and 40% bonds 10 years ago could now hold more than 80% stocks. Another area to check is the mix of international versus U.S. stocks. International stocks have led in 2025, but that followed a long run of outperformance for U.S. stocks, so your portfolio might lack international exposure. (Keeping about a third of your equity exposure outside the U.S. is reasonable if you want to align with Morningstar’s global market portfolio.) Other imbalances might exist. Growth stocks have gained nearly twice as much as value stocks over the past three years. You might also be overweight in specialized assets such as gold and bitcoin thanks to their recent run-ups. After assessing your allocations, decide where to make adjustments. You don’t need to rebalance every account—what matters is the overall portfolio’s asset mix, which determines your risk and return profile. It’s usually most tax-efficient to adjust within a tax-deferred account such as an IRA or 401(k), where trades won’t trigger realized capital gains. For example, if you’re overweight on U.S. stocks and light on international stocks, you could sell U.S. stocks and buy an international-stock fund in your 401(k). If you need to make changes in a taxable account, you can attempt to offset any realized capital gains by selling holdings with unrealized losses. That might be difficult, as the strong market environment has lifted nearly every type of asset over the past 12 months. Only a few Morningstar Categories (including India equity, real estate, consumer defensive, and health care) posted losses over the trailing 12-month period ended Oct. 30, 2025. The average long-term government-bond fund lost about 8% per year for the trailing five-year period as of the same date, so those could offer opportunities for harvesting losses. Required minimum distributions can also be used in tandem with rebalancing. Account owners have flexibility in which assets to sell to meet RMDs. If you own several different traditional IRAs, you could take the full RMD amount from any of them. Selling off holdings that appreciated the most can bring the portfolio’s asset mix back in line with your original targets. Another option is funneling new contributions into underweight asset classes. Depending on the size of additional investments, this approach might take time, but it’s better than not rebalancing at all. This might also appeal if you’ve built up capital gains you don’t want to realize. Final thoughts Rebalancing is especially important in extremely volatile times. But even in a more gradual bull market like in recent years, it’s important for keeping a portfolio’s risk level in check, especially for investors as they approach retirement and start spending their portfolios. ___ This article was provided to The Associated Press by Morningstar. For more personal finance content, go to https://www.morningstar.com/personal-finance Amy C. Arnott, CFA is a portfolio strategist for Morningstar. View the full article

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. Of all the gaming controllers I've used, I like Sony's DualSense controller the most. I like its heft, ergonomics, and the fact that I don't have to keep replacing AA batteries to use it. And while the DualSense works best with the PS5, it's also a great controller for your PC, iPhone, iPad, or Android devices. If you've been eyeing one, then Black Friday 2025 is a great time to buy the PS5's DualSense controller. Sony PS5 DualSense Controller $54.00 at Amazon $80.00 Save $26.00 Get Deal Get Deal $54.00 at Amazon $80.00 Save $26.00 During the Black Friday 2025 sale on Amazon, the PS5's DualSense controller is going for $54 to $59 (25% to 32% off), depending on which color you choose. That's a great price for a fuss-free controller that works with multiple devices. I've used my DualSense controller with my PS5, my PC, and my iPhone, and enjoyed it on all devices. I have a tendency to get sucked into long, story-driven games, and as a result, I used the DualSense for my second 120-hour playthrough of Persona 5 Royal. The controller worked flawlessly, and I never felt tired holding it during these playthroughs. The DualSense controller has a USB-C port for charging, which is quite convenient to use, but do note that you don't get a cable with this device. Still, if you have any other device that uses USB-C for charging, then you can reuse the same cable to charge this controller. If you couldn't tell from the name, the DualSense's haptic feedback is especially well-done, as it's a lot more than some mild or intense vibrations. The feedback changes subtly based on what you're doing in-game—try playing the PS5's free Astro's Playroom game to get an idea of the DualSense's capabilities. The controller also has an integrated touch pad, accelerometer, and gyroscope, which means that it can also be used for motion controls. Don't forget that you get a built-in microphone in the DualSense controller, but if you don't want to accidentally record yourself, you can turn off the mic in your PS5's settings. 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. 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. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $339.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $134.99 (List Price $179.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Suspension raises fresh questions around Ministry of Defence’s procurement processesView the full article

As the holiday season approaches, new trends in gifting are taking shape. A recent survey conducted by the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA) and PayPal reveals that nearly one in five Americans prefer receiving cryptocurrency over traditional gift cards this season. This shift highlights an emerging opportunity for small business owners to tap into the growing appetite for crypto as a valid form of gifting and payment. The NCA PayPal Holiday Crypto Report indicates that 17% of respondents would rather receive crypto than a gift card this year. Additionally, 31% believe cryptocurrency gifts are less likely to go unused compared to their gift card counterparts. This rising interest presents a noteworthy opportunity for small businesses looking to stay competitive and cater to evolving consumer preferences. Crucial Insights for Small Businesses Among the survey findings, several key advantages of gifting cryptocurrency stand out. A substantial 58% of consumers believe that crypto gifts have the potential to increase in value over time, while 54% appreciate the flexibility and choice that come with using crypto. Another compelling aspect is the reduced risk of lost or expired value—49% of participants prefer digital assets for their ease of storage and management. Stuart Alderoty, President of the NCA, underscores this changing landscape: “Crypto is a modern take on a classic holiday gift—it’s fast, secure, and can be used or saved with the opportunity to grow in value.” With nearly a quarter of U.S. adults considering or having already gifted cryptocurrency, businesses should evaluate how they can integrate crypto gifting into their services. Practical Applications for Small Businesses For small business owners, adopting cryptocurrency can streamline transactions and enhance customer experiences. Gifting Options: The prominent preference for crypto presents a unique chance to offer it as an option. Providing customers the ability to gift cryptocurrencies could serve as a competitive edge, especially among younger audiences. Crypto Payments: The survey shows that 23% of consumers are likely to shop with crypto during this holiday season, with that number climbing to 62% among existing crypto holders. Small businesses can attract these customers by accepting cryptocurrencies as a payment method. Online Platforms: If your business operates online, integrating crypto payment options can expedite transactions and provide greater convenience. This flexibility can lower transaction fees, a factor noted by 36% of survey participants as a significant advantage. May Zabaneh, Vice President and General Manager of Crypto at PayPal, highlights the appeal: “Crypto makes sending gifts, paying merchants, or managing cross-border transactions faster and easier than ever.” By embracing this trend, small businesses can streamline their operations and improve customer satisfaction. Potential Challenges to Consider Despite the bright potential, the transition to offering crypto can be fraught with challenges. A significant portion of the survey respondents—about 38%—admitted they do not fully understand how crypto functions. Additionally, 36% were unaware of how to gift it effectively. This lack of understanding may hinder broader adoption, particularly among older consumers who tend to be more cautious about embracing new technologies. Business owners need to consider the importance of education when introducing cryptocurrency to their offerings. Offering educational resources about crypto benefits, security, and how to gift it can alleviate concerns and encourage more customers to engage with this new format. Understanding your customer base is also essential. Younger consumers (ages 18-54) are more excited about the idea of receiving crypto as a gift, with 41% expressing enthusiasm, compared to a mere 9% of older individuals. Addressing this demographic gap is crucial for businesses looking to capitalize on the trend. To make the transition smoother, businesses can join forces with organizations like the NCA, which aims to demystify cryptocurrency and offer support. By partnering with educational initiatives, small businesses can position themselves as informed leaders in this space. As the holiday season nears, small business owners have a unique opportunity to adapt to changing consumer preferences by embracing cryptocurrency as an innovative gifting and payment method. The potential is vast, but understanding the challenges and providing educational resources can ensure success in this evolving marketplace. For further details on the survey findings, visit the original press release here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "One in Five Americans Prefer Crypto Over Gift Cards This Holiday Season" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

As the holiday season approaches, new trends in gifting are taking shape. A recent survey conducted by the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA) and PayPal reveals that nearly one in five Americans prefer receiving cryptocurrency over traditional gift cards this season. This shift highlights an emerging opportunity for small business owners to tap into the growing appetite for crypto as a valid form of gifting and payment. The NCA PayPal Holiday Crypto Report indicates that 17% of respondents would rather receive crypto than a gift card this year. Additionally, 31% believe cryptocurrency gifts are less likely to go unused compared to their gift card counterparts. This rising interest presents a noteworthy opportunity for small businesses looking to stay competitive and cater to evolving consumer preferences. Crucial Insights for Small Businesses Among the survey findings, several key advantages of gifting cryptocurrency stand out. A substantial 58% of consumers believe that crypto gifts have the potential to increase in value over time, while 54% appreciate the flexibility and choice that come with using crypto. Another compelling aspect is the reduced risk of lost or expired value—49% of participants prefer digital assets for their ease of storage and management. Stuart Alderoty, President of the NCA, underscores this changing landscape: “Crypto is a modern take on a classic holiday gift—it’s fast, secure, and can be used or saved with the opportunity to grow in value.” With nearly a quarter of U.S. adults considering or having already gifted cryptocurrency, businesses should evaluate how they can integrate crypto gifting into their services. Practical Applications for Small Businesses For small business owners, adopting cryptocurrency can streamline transactions and enhance customer experiences. Gifting Options: The prominent preference for crypto presents a unique chance to offer it as an option. Providing customers the ability to gift cryptocurrencies could serve as a competitive edge, especially among younger audiences. Crypto Payments: The survey shows that 23% of consumers are likely to shop with crypto during this holiday season, with that number climbing to 62% among existing crypto holders. Small businesses can attract these customers by accepting cryptocurrencies as a payment method. Online Platforms: If your business operates online, integrating crypto payment options can expedite transactions and provide greater convenience. This flexibility can lower transaction fees, a factor noted by 36% of survey participants as a significant advantage. May Zabaneh, Vice President and General Manager of Crypto at PayPal, highlights the appeal: “Crypto makes sending gifts, paying merchants, or managing cross-border transactions faster and easier than ever.” By embracing this trend, small businesses can streamline their operations and improve customer satisfaction. Potential Challenges to Consider Despite the bright potential, the transition to offering crypto can be fraught with challenges. A significant portion of the survey respondents—about 38%—admitted they do not fully understand how crypto functions. Additionally, 36% were unaware of how to gift it effectively. This lack of understanding may hinder broader adoption, particularly among older consumers who tend to be more cautious about embracing new technologies. Business owners need to consider the importance of education when introducing cryptocurrency to their offerings. Offering educational resources about crypto benefits, security, and how to gift it can alleviate concerns and encourage more customers to engage with this new format. Understanding your customer base is also essential. Younger consumers (ages 18-54) are more excited about the idea of receiving crypto as a gift, with 41% expressing enthusiasm, compared to a mere 9% of older individuals. Addressing this demographic gap is crucial for businesses looking to capitalize on the trend. To make the transition smoother, businesses can join forces with organizations like the NCA, which aims to demystify cryptocurrency and offer support. By partnering with educational initiatives, small businesses can position themselves as informed leaders in this space. As the holiday season nears, small business owners have a unique opportunity to adapt to changing consumer preferences by embracing cryptocurrency as an innovative gifting and payment method. The potential is vast, but understanding the challenges and providing educational resources can ensure success in this evolving marketplace. For further details on the survey findings, visit the original press release here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "One in Five Americans Prefer Crypto Over Gift Cards This Holiday Season" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The The President administration left nursing off a list of “professional” degrees in a move that could directly limit how future nurses will finance their education. Removing the profession from the list will have a major impact, after the passing of President The President’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which introduced a cap on borrowing. As of July 1, 2026, students who are not enrolled in professional degree programs will be subject to a borrowing cap of $20,500 per year and a lifetime cap of $100,000. However, professional degrees offer higher loan options, with the ability to borrow $50,000 per year and a $200,000 lifetime cap. ‘A backhanded slap’ Nursing is the largest healthcare profession in the United States, with about 4.5 million registered nurses. And given that most nurses (76%) rely on financial aid to pay for their education, the move has drawn immense backlash, as it’s being widely viewed as a slight against the profession. That’s especially true because nurses, who have a lengthy list of responsibilities, including providing frontline patient care, running lab work, assisting in procedures, and more, are often seen as one of the most essential pieces of the healthcare system. Bassey Etim-Edet, a high-risk labor and delivery nurse in Baltimore who was on the front lines of care during the COVID pandemic, told Fast Company that the The President administration’s move sets the wrong precedent and that the impact can’t be overstated. “To go from ‘healthcare hero’ to not being recognized as a professional is such a backhanded slap,” Etim-Edet says,” especially at a time when legal precedent has made it clear that nurses are as responsible for provider mistakes as the providers themselves.” “We are disrespected, underpaid, and under-resourced,” she added. “Still, we serve.” Etim-Edet, who graduated with $150,000 in student loans, says her career wouldn’t have been possible without the HRSA Nurse Loan Repayment Program. “In exchange for working 2–3 years at a critical access hospital, the government paid back a massive percentage of my loans,” Etim-Edet explained. “At the end of my service commitment, my loan balance was down to about $60,000. I was able to buy a home, start a family, and live” because of the program. Fever pitch In response to the move, the American Nurses Association (ANA) launched a petition aimed at fighting the lower classification. It warned, “This move stems from an effort to rein in student loan debt and tuition costs as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act; however, it means that postbaccalaureate nursing students would only be eligible for half the amount of federal loans as graduate medical students.” The petition continued, “We call on the Department of Education to revise the proposed definition of ‘professional degrees’ to explicitly include nursing.” Amid the backlash, the Department of Education called concerns around the move “fear-mongering” by “certain progressive voices” in a lengthy statement released on Monday, November 24. “The definition of a ‘professional degree’ is an internal definition used by the Department to distinguish among programs that qualify for higher loan limits, not a value judgement about the importance of programs,” the statement reads. “It has no bearing on whether a program is professional in nature or not.” It also noted that “95% of nursing students borrow below the annual loan limit and therefore are not affected by the new caps.” A spokesperson for the Department of Education referred Fast Company to the statement when reached for additional comment. Still, nurses seem to disagree. “At a time when healthcare in our country faces a historic nurse shortage and rising demands, limiting nurses’ access to funding for graduate education threatens the very foundation of patient care,” Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, president of the American Nurses Association, said in a statement. “In many communities across the country, particularly in rural and underserved areas, advanced practice registered nurses ensure access to essential, high-quality care that would otherwise be unavailable.” The The President administration’s move comes as the nationwide nursing shortage is expected to continue to worsen. Etim-Edet adds that, as the system is already collapsing, younger people who greatly value work-life balance won’t want to work in a career that isn’t financially accessible or good for their emotional health. View the full article

The line between human and machine authorship is blurring, particularly as it’s become increasingly difficult to tell whether something was written by a person or AI. Now, in what may seem like a tipping point, the digital marketing firm Graphite recently published a study showing that more than 50% of articles on the web are being generated by artificial intelligence. As a scholar who explores how AI is built, how people are using it in their everyday lives, and how it’s affecting culture, I’ve thought a lot about what this technology can do and where it falls short. If you’re more likely to read something written by AI than by a human on the internet, is it only a matter of time before human writing becomes obsolete? Or is this simply another technological development that humans will adapt to? It isn’t all or nothing Thinking about these questions reminded me of Umberto Eco’s essay “Apocalyptic and Integrated,” which was originally written in the early 1960s. Parts of it were later included in an anthology titled “Apocalypse Postponed,” which I first read as a college student in Italy. In it, Eco draws a contrast between two attitudes toward mass media. There are the “apocalyptics” who fear cultural degradation and moral collapse. Then there are the “integrated” who champion new media technologies as a democratizing force for culture. Back then, Eco was writing about the proliferation of TV and radio. Today, you’ll often see similar reactions to AI. Yet Eco argued that both positions were too extreme. It isn’t helpful, he wrote, to see new media as either a dire threat or a miracle. Instead, he urged readers to look at how people and communities use these new tools, what risks and opportunities they create, and how they shape—and sometimes reinforce—power structures. While I was teaching a course on deepfakes during the 2024 election, Eco’s lesson also came back to me. Those were days when some scholars and media outlets were regularly warning of an imminent “deepfake apocalypse.” Would deepfakes be used to mimic major political figures and push targeted disinformation? What if, on the eve of an election, generative AI was used to mimic the voice of a candidate on a robocall telling voters to stay home? Those fears weren’t groundless: Research shows that people aren’t especially good at identifying deepfakes. At the same time, they consistently overestimate their ability to do so. In the end, though, the apocalypse was postponed. Post-election analyses found that deepfakes did seem to intensify some ongoing political trends, such as the erosion of trust and polarization, but there’s no evidence that they affected the final outcome of the election. Listicles, news updates, and how-to guides Of course, the fears that AI raises for supporters of democracy are not the same as those it creates for writers and artists. For them, the core concerns are about authorship: How can one person compete with a system trained on millions of voices that can produce text at hyper-speed? And if this becomes the norm, what will it do to creative work, both as an occupation and as a source of meaning? It’s important to clarify what’s meant by “online content,” the phrase used in the Graphite study, which analyzed over 65,000 randomly selected articles of at least 100 words on the web. These can include anything from peer-reviewed research to promotional copy for miracle supplements. A closer reading of the Graphite study shows that the AI-generated articles consist largely of general-interest writing: news updates, how-to guides, lifestyle posts, reviews, and product explainers. The primary economic purpose of this content is to persuade or inform, not to express originality or creativity. Put differently, AI appears to be most useful when the writing in question is low-stakes and formulaic: the weekend-in-Rome listicle, the standard cover letter, the text produced to market a business. A whole industry of writers—mostly freelance, including many translators—has relied on precisely this kind of work, producing blog posts, how-to material, search engine optimization text, and social media copy. The rapid adoption of large language models has already displaced many of the gigs that once sustained them. Collaborating with AI The dramatic loss of this work points toward another issue raised by the Graphite study: the question of authenticity, not only in identifying who or what produced a text, but also in understanding the value that humans attach to creative activity. How can you distinguish a human-written article from a machine-generated one? And does that ability even matter? Over time, that distinction is likely to grow less significant, particularly as more writing emerges from interactions between humans and AI. A writer might draft a few lines, let an AI expand them, and then reshape that output into the final text. This article is no exception. As a non-native English speaker, I often rely on AI to refine my language before sending drafts to an editor. At times, the system attempts to reshape what I mean. But once its stylistic tendencies become familiar, it becomes possible to avoid them and maintain a personal tone. Also, artificial intelligence is not entirely artificial, since it is trained on human-made material. It’s worth noting that even before AI, human writing has never been entirely human, either. Every technology, from parchment and stylus paper to the typewriter and now AI, has shaped how people write and how readers make sense of it. Another important point: AI models are increasingly trained on datasets that include not only human writing but also AI-generated and human–AI coproduced text. This has raised concerns about their ability to continue improving over time. Some commentators have already described a sense of disillusionment following the release of newer large models, with companies struggling to deliver on their promises. Human voices may matter even more But what happens when people become overly reliant on AI in their writing? Some studies show that writers may feel more creative when they use artificial intelligence for brainstorming, yet the range of ideas often becomes narrower. This uniformity affects style as well: These systems tend to pull users toward similar patterns of wording, which reduces the differences that usually mark an individual voice. Researchers also note a shift toward Western—and especially English-speaking—norms in the writing of people from other cultures, raising concerns about a new form of AI colonialism. In this context, texts that display originality, voice, and stylistic intention are likely to become even more meaningful within the media landscape, and they may play a crucial role in training the next generations of models. If you set aside the more apocalyptic scenarios and assume that AI will continue to advance—perhaps at a slower pace than in the recent past—it’s quite possible that thoughtful, original, human-generated writing will become even more valuable. Put another way: The work of writers, journalists, and intellectuals will not become superfluous simply because much of the web is no longer written by humans. Francesco Agnellini is a lecturer in digital and data studies at Binghamton University, State University of New York. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article