Happy Halloween! Ubisoft Netherlands invites you to celebrate the spooky festivities with AI-generated Assassin’s Creed art. Terrifying indeed!
Best gifts for her 2023: Unique picks she’ll actually love
Shop home, tech, and beauty gifts for the lucky lady in your life.
Buying gifts for the special women in your life can be tricky. What do you buy a person who has everything? What should you gift to someone who’s picky about their products?
Our advice is to curate a gift according to her interests and personality. Taking the generic route usually sends a bad message. A gift for the lady in your life should be just that: A gift for her. Specifically.
There’s a wealth of unique gift items littered across the internet, but having too many choices isn’t always helpful. Sometimes, product overload can trick you into impulse-buying something your special person may not even want. Consider how a mug looks to someone whose mug shelf is overflowing or how a heart necklace looks to someone who never wears mushy jewelry.
We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to get you started on your important mission: Finding the gift of all gifts for the lady in your life, filled with classics that will be useful for years to come and trendy items you’ve never even heard of. From tech products to beauty must-haves, there’s a gift for every lady on this list.
Apple 10/30 event: The entire ‘Scary Fast’ live stream was filmed on iPhone
Apple used the iPhone 15 Pro Max to film the ‘Scary Fast’ live stream.
My jaw dropped when I read the final words of Apple’s “Scary Fast” Mac event: “This event was shot on iPhone.”
You mean to tell me that while Apple showcased its refreshed M3-series MacBook Pros and iMac, and even dropped a stunning new Space Black colorway for the M3 Pro and the M3 Max Macs, all of that spooky pomp and circumstance was filmed on a smartphone? No way!
Tim Cook walking into the ‘Scary Fast’ Mac event
Credit: Apple
Credit: Apple
Which iPhone did Apple use for the ‘Scary Fast’ Mac event?
Apple used the iPhone 15 Pro Max to film the Apple ‘Scary Fast’ event and we are shook. I mean, we knew that the iPhone 15 Pro Max had industry-leading camera specs. Check out some of the top-notch features below:
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4K video recording up to 60 fps
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Cinematic Mode (a rack-focus feature introduced with iPhone 13 Pro models) up to 4K HDR at 30 fps
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Action Mode (a feature that introduces stabilization for high-activity recording) at 60 fps
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HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps
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ProRes video recording up to 4K at 60ps (ProRes is an Apple-developed compressed video format that produces high-quality files for video production)
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Macro video recording, including slo-mo and time-lapse
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Slo-mo video support for 1080p at up to 240 fps
Plus, as we tested in our review with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the Pro camera system blew us away with its sharp 48MP wide camera and 12MP ultra-wide shooter. It’s also packed with two telephoto cameras — one of ’em consists of Apple’s star-of-the-show “tetraprism design” that enables up to 5x optical zoom.
However, by putting these envelope-pushing specs into practice, Apple really put iPhone 15 Pro Max’s capabilities into perspective.
A professional filmmaker directed the event
Apple tapped into Brian Oakes, the man behind Jim: The James Foley Story and Living with Lincoln, to film the “Scary Fast” Mac event.
“We were able to get the same complex shots with iPhone 15 Pro Max,” Oakes said. “It’s amazing to see that the quality from a device that is so small and so portable can rival a large $20,000 camera.”
Jon Carr, Apple’s Pro Workflow Video Specialist, was also flabbergasted that the event was filmed with a “tiny little iPhone” that powered 50 monitors with USB-C out. “This whole piece was low-light, and low-light is a little bit more challenging. And we nailed that.”
Scary Fast livestream filmed with iPhone 15 Pro Max
Credit: Apple
Credit: Apple
But of course, Apple still deployed some of the traditional top-level equipment you see on any major film set, including cranes, dollies, drones, and more.
Apple transparently revealed that it used the Blackmagic Camera app, an iOS exclusive, to film “Scary Fast,” which adds Hollywood feature film-esque digital camera controls.
The new iDevices Apple revealed at the event include the 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro, the 14-inch and 16-inch M3 Pro and M3 Max MacBook Pro models, and an M3 iMac. For a more in-depth look of everything announced at the event, click here.
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Credit: Apple
Best Apple Watch deals: Save on the SE and more
Prime Day may be over, but great Apple Watch deals still remain — here are the best ones as of Oct. 31.
UPDATE: Oct. 31, 2023, 12:15 p.m. EDT We’ve updated this post to reflect the most recent pricing and availability on Apple Watches heading into Black Friday season.
Top Apple Watch deals this week:
Our top pick
Apple Watch Series 8 (41mm, GPS)
$305.91 at Amazon
(Save $93.09)
(Save $93.09)
Best budget pick
Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS + cellular)
$269 at Best Buy
(Save $30 )
(Save $30 )
Best Ultra deal
Apple Watch Ultra (First generation, 49mm, GPS + cellular)
$629 at Best Buy
(Save $170)
(Save $170)
It’s been over seven years since the first generation Apple Watch began to grace people’s wrists. In that time, the Apple wearable has evolved in size, power, and — because it’s Apple — price. If you’re into the idea of having a fitness tracker, an extension of your phone, and all the world’s conveniences (or, at least a few more than you’re used to) wrapped around your wrist, but aren’t into shelling out the max amount of cash, you’ve come to the right place. Every week, we’ll keep watch and update this post with the best Apple Watch deals from across the internet.
Apple Watch Series 9 deals
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Credit: Apple
Why we like it
Read our full review of the Apple Watch Series 9.
Double tap. Need we say more? If we had to, it would be that it may not be a surefire upgrade for anyone who already has an 8, but for folks with older Apple Watch models this is a pretty decent upgrade, and after being officially on store shelves for less than a week, it already has a small discount. It didn’t get any additional discounts during Prime Day, but we’re still keeping our fingers crossed for Black Friday.
More Apple Watch Series 9 deals
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Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm, GPS) — $389.99
$399at Walmart (save $9.01) -
Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm, GPS) — $419.99
$429at Amazon (save $9.01) -
Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm, GPS) — $419.99
$429at Walmart (save $9.01)
Apple Watch Series 8 deals
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Credit: Apple
Why we like it
It may not come in pink like the Series 9, but feature-wise you’re not getting a vastly different experience with the Series 8 (though we do wish it had double tap). The Series 8 has hit some impressive lows this holiday shopping season — bottoming out at $225 — but at the time of writing, $319 is the absolute best price you can get on this smartwatch. It’s not amazing, but it’s not bad either. You’ll just have to go for the silver or midnight watch if you want the savings (as long as you don’t mind pre-owned).
More Apple Watch Series 8 deals
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Apple Watch Series 8 (41mm, GPS + cellular) — $324.99
$499at Target (save $174.01) -
Apple Watch Series 8 (45mm, GPS) — $349.97
$429at Amazon (save $79.03) -
Apple Watch Series 8 (45mm, GPS + cellular) — $354.99
$529at Target (save $174.01)
Apple Watch Series 7 deals
None this week, check back next week.
Apple Watch SE deals
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Credit: Apple
Why we like it
The Apple Watch SE is a great option for those who don’t necessarily need all of the pricey bells and whistles that come with other Apple Watch models. You’ll get all the must-have features you need like health tracking, crash detection, Smart Stack, and emergency SOS options. Also, it’s $30 off at Best Buy — we’ll never turn down a discount on the already-most-affordable Apple Watch.
More Apple Watch SE deals
Second generation
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Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS) — $249.99
$279at Amazon (save $29.01)
Apple Watch Ultra deals
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Credit: Apple
Why we like it
Best Buy is continuing to get into the holiday spirit early with this $170 markdown on the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra. This is the lowest price we’ve ever seen this watch hit — and it’s currently $100 cheaper than Amazon’s sale price. While it doesn’t have the same extra bright screen, S9 chip, or Double Tap capabilities as the second-gen Ultra, all in all, it’s a very similar watch that’s still rugged, well-built, and great for the adventurous among us. Plus, at $630, it’s way more affordable than this year’s release. You can grab it on sale in the yellow and beige loop only.
More Apple Watch Ultra deals
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Apple Watch Ultra (First generation, 49mm, GPS + cellular) — $629
$799at Best Buy (save $170) -
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS + cellular) — $774
$799at Amazon (save $25)
Even more Apple Watch deals
TikTok’s latest viral manicure? ‘Boston University Red’ nails.
TikTok’s trend-cycle marches forward, with DND’s “Boston University Red” shade going viral in time for Halloween.
TikTok loves a good manicure. The new seasonal favorite? Boston University red.
The nail color, created by brand DND, is described by the company as “a perfect scarlet red, not too dark, not too bright.” DND proposed the shade as the ideal tool to create a Halloween-inspired look, taking to its own TikTok account to show viewers just how to use it.
Credit: TikTok / @dndgel
The specific colour is inspired by BU Red — #CC0000 or Pantone’s 186 — which is one of Boston University’s official hues alongside black.
Hold up that nail, is it surefire Boston University red?
Credit: Pantone
Credit: Pantone
As with most TikTok beauty trends, news spreads fast and creators are quick adopters. Across the app, the shade is going viral. The hashtag #bostonuniversityred currently has over 226,000 views on the app. TikTokkers like @kybeal_ shared videos of the manicure, writing “Boston Univeristy Red is my new fav”; nail creator @heluviee shared the color as the Halloween-adjacent tool it was likely made for: “vampy reds of my dreamsss,” she wrote.
TikTok’s beauty-centric trend cycle moves at lightning speed, and its nail obsessions are plenty. Over the summer, the “blueberry milk” manicure was declared by TikTok as the season’s best. But this trend turned out to be controversial for both its name and what it represented. With the onset of “blueberry milk”, many took objection to the micro-trend for rebranding what is essentially a light baby-blue hue, one that has been popular for years before TikTok came around. Others objected to the never-ending trend trap, a loss of individuality, and the fact that being on TikTok means your wallet must always be prepared to buy the next big thing — too often.
Red nails, too, have been revered for centuries (yes, really) and popular nail brands like OPI and Essie have catalogues packed with various colors along the spectrum. Demi, lead technician at London-based salon Browfique, tells Mashable that red nails have in-fact, seen “a resurgence recently”, thanks to TikTok discussions like “red nail theory”.
The latter is a debate that has made rounds on the app for months now, with red nails being touted as a confidence-booster and a way to attract potential suiters. Essentially, TikTokkers suggested that heterosexual men are more attracted to women with red nails. Take @melissevmartineau who told her followers that that she “had never been asked on so many dates” as when she donned the trend. Creator @ashleymescia tried the theory, captioning her post, “Suing if i don’t have 10 dates lined up next week.”
Credit: TikTok / @ashleymescia.
“Boston University Red” may be an extension of this obsession. But, as many TikTokkers pointed out, red manicures have long been an aesthetic choice, way before any debates about the trend and cuffing season sprouted up. On the flip side of all these micro-trends and their associated discourse, lies the simple philosophy that people should pick and wear what they like. Easy, right?
Best smart thermostat deal: Get the Google Nest Learning thermostat for 28% off
Get the Google Nest Learning thermostat for just $179, down from $249.99, at Amazon as of Oct. 31. That’s a 28% discount.
SAVE $70: Integrate the Google Nest Learning thermostat into your home for just $179, down from $249, at Amazon. That’s a discount of 28%.
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Credit: Google
Tis the season to crank up the heat — and then forget to turn it down for the nine hours you’ll be away from home. Avoid the heart-dropping sensation of realizing the plants will be the only ones enjoying a cozy 70 degrees Fahrenheit while you’re at work with a smart thermostat that senses when you’re away.
As of Oct. 31, you can score the Google Nest Learning thermostat for just $179 at Amazon, marked down from $249. That’s a savings of $70 that can go toward paying the heating bill.
This smart thermostat is designed to learn as you use it. After one week, the Google Nest thermostat programs itself based on its history and your temperature settings. Use the Nest app to adjust the temperature while you’re away from home — from your phone, you can turn down the heat if you forgot to adjust it before you left for vacation, or turn it back on an hour before you’re set to get home. The app also tracks your energy history if you’re looking for insights on how to use less energy.
The Google Nest Learning thermostat is also designed to use sensors to determine when you’re not around and turn itself to an energy-saving temperature. Google says most people take 30 minutes to install the thermostat and that it works with 95% of existing thermostat systems. The thermostat face comes in seven colorways including black, white, brass, and stainless steel, so you can match your home’s existing decor.
Introduce a new smart home feature this winter with the Google Nest Learning thermostat, marked down to just $179 at Amazon.
Electric Mercedes-AMG GT63 replacement due 2025 with 1000bhp
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Toyota to invest another $8B into North Carolina EV battery factory
Toyota said Tuesday it will invest another $8 billion into its first EV battery factory in North America, as the Japanese automaker tries to ramp up its electrification […]
See out how Apple made its ‘Scary Fast’ event
Apple shot its ‘Scary Fast’ event on iPhone 15 and produced a little making of video about it.
On Monday, Apple announced a bunch of new Mac computers. On Tuesday, Apple revealed how they made the announcement video.
In a video uploaded to Apple’s YouTube channel, the Cupertino-based tech giant went behind the scenes of its “Scary Fast” MacBook announcement stream. It’s a quick two-minute slice of production info, but it’s kind of cool to see, regardless. The most interesting tidbit is that the whole thing was shot on an iPhone 15 Pro. Phone cameras are real good now, huh?
How to preorder the new MacBook Pro with M3 Pro and M3 Max
Apple announced new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros on Oct. 30: The new MacBook Pro with M3 Pro chip and MacBook Pro with M3 Max chip are available to preorder starting at $1,999 and $3,199, respectively.
As of Oct. 31, the new MacBook Pro M3 Pro and MacBook Pro M3 Max are available to preorder at the Apple Store, Amazon, and Best Buy. The 14-inch models start at $1,999 for the M3 Pro and $3,199 for the M3 Max, while the 16-inch models start at $2,499 for the M3 Pro and $3,499 for the M3 Max. Shipping begins on November 7.
Preorder the new MacBook Pros with M3 Pro and M3 Max chips:
Apple Store
Apple MacBook Pro with M3 Pro and M3 Max chips
starting at $1,999
Best Buy
Apple MacBook Pro with M3 Pro and M3 Max chip
starting at $1,999
Amazon
14-inch Apple MacBook Pro with M3 Pro (11-core CPU, 14-core GPU)
starting at $1,999
Amazon
14-inch Apple MacBook Pro with M3 Pro (12-core CPU, 18-core GPU)
starting at $2,399
Amazon
16-inch Apple MacBook Pro with M3 Pro (12-core CPU, 18-core GPU)
starting at $2,499
Amazon
14-inch Apple MacBook Pro with M3 Max (14-core CPU, 30-core GPU)
starting at $3,199
Amazon
16-inch Apple MacBook Pro with M3 Max (14-core CPU, 30-core GPU)
starting at $3,499
Apple’s second Apple Event of the past *checks notes* two months welcomed new MacBook Pros with several iterations of the new M3 chip — scary fast processing appropriately unleashed at the official “Scary Fast” Halloween Eve event.
The two real stars of the show were the Pros featuring the advanced M3 Pro and the super advanced M3 Max chips. Both can live in a 14-inch or 16-inch Pro, and both come in the one shade that could be sleeker than Space Grey: Space Black, baby.
One word to sum the M3 generation up? Power. Apple wasn’t shy about the fact that these are the most powerful MacBooks ever built by a long shot, operating up to 2.5 times faster than the already-fast M1 Max chip and up to 11 times faster than the older Intel-based MacBook Pros. The liquid retina XDR display is also more vivid, offering 1600 nits of peak brightness in HDR and 600 nits in SDR.
As for the differences between the two, the M3 Max is available with a 14- or 16-core CPU (compared to the M3 Pro’s 12-core CPU), 30- or 40-core GPU (compared to the M3 Pro’s 18-core GPU), up to 48GB of Unified Memory (compared to the M3 Pro’s 18GB or 36GB), and 1TB of SSD storage (compared to the M3 Pro’s 512GB SSD). The Max is the beast to trust for the most intense workflows — we’re talking to you, machine learning programmers, 3D artists, video editors, and MATLAB masters.