Tech / Technology

Best Ninja deal: Score a Ninja Professional Blender for $50

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Grab the Ninja Professional Blender for just $50 at Walmart as of Nov. 8 during Walmart’s Early Black Friday sale.
a woman stands behind a kitchen counter while looking at the ninja professional blender full of a purple colored smoothie in the blender's pitcher

SAVE OVER 50%: Grab the Ninja Professional blender with a 72-ounce capacity for just $50 at Walmart’s Black Friday Deals event. This older model typically retails between $100 and $120, making this a savings of at least $50. This discount pricing is available to paid Walmart+ members beginning at 12 p.m. ET on Nov. 8 and will be available to the general public beginning at 3 p.m. ET on Nov. 8.



Ninja Professional blender

$50 at Walmart (save up to $70)



As we enter the season of pumpkin pie for breakfast and sugar cookies for lunch, it might be time to toss in a few extra nutrients. Thanks to Walmart’s early Black Friday sales, you can whip up nutritious smoothies and comforting soups in a Ninja blender for a fraction of the normal price.

As of Nov. 8, grab a Ninja Professional blender for just $50 at Walmart. This 72-ounce blender is an older Ninja appliance that typically sells for $100 to $120 which makes the sale price of $50 a savings of at least 50%.

The Ninja Professional blender uses a 1000-watt base with four blending speeds: low, medium, high, and pulse. These power settings can crush ice cubes into your favorite smoothie or blend up veggies for a creamy soup in a snap.

In addition to the 72-ounce blender pitcher, you’ll also get an 8-cup processor bowl with two blades that Ninja says is ideal for mixing cookie dough — something that might come in handy for holiday baking. Plus, the Ninja Professional blender uses dishwasher-friendly parts so you can spend less time on kitchen cleaning duties and more time enjoying your meal.

If you’re looking for a powerful and large-capacity blender that’s also affordable, grab the Ninja Professional blender for just $50 during Walmart’s Black Friday sales event.

Tech / Technology

NYT’s The Mini crossword answers for November 6

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Answers to each clue for the Nov. 6, 2023 edition of NYT’s The Mini crossword puzzle.
Closeup view of crossword puzzle clues

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times‘ revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player’s flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

Here are the clues and answers to NYT’s The Mini for Monday, Nov. 6, 2023:

Across

Left-leaning cable channel

  • The answer is MSNBC.

Amtrak express train

  • The answer is acela.

See this clue’s number

  • The answer is seven.

Continuously

  • The answer is onend.

Passionately brainy

  • The answer is nerdy.

Down

Brick or stone worker

  • The answer is mason.

Acting class assignment

  • The answer is scene.

When pigs fly

  • The answer is never.

Coffee company’s creation

  • The answer is blend.

Halloween handout

  • The answer is candy.

Tech / Technology

Learn Excel, Python, data science, and more for $20

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Save on the Complete Excel, VBA, and Data Science Certification Training Bundle at the Mashable Shop.
woman using excel on desktop computer

TL;DR: Through Nov. 9, the 13-course Complete Excel, VBA, and Data Science Training Bundle is on sale for only $19.97. That’s over 90% in savings.


Living in today’s tech-driven era brings an exciting opportunity to blend traditional software with innovative practices. A prime example of this integration is the use of Excel alongside automation and data science to enhance efficiency and streamline your tasks in ways you never thought possible.

Just like learning anything new, you might be in need of some guidance. Try this online learning bundle that covers Excel basics and advanced use cases with 13 courses and 52 hours of instruction, now on sale for $19.97 (reg. $429) through November 9.

Excel: Broken down into simple terms and advanced uses

Ready to dive deep into the world of Excel, Python, automation, and data science? You should be. These skills are in demand in the job market and could help you streamline your workload. While lifetime access and a self-paced layout mean you can take these courses in any order, you may want to start with Excel basics.

Introduction to Excel and Excel Functions Mastery helps you grasp essential tools and formulas, while Excel Charts and Visualization and Introduction to PivotTables in Excel prepare you for more advanced uses like creating visual representations and analyzing large sets of data.

Once you’re familiar with Excel, you could dabble into:

  • Automation with Python. Integrate web data into Excel and eliminate repetitive tasks like pulling product prices or inventory.

  • Data science. Use Excel for predictive modeling or trend analysis for things like stocks or making data-driven business decisions.

Expert instruction for career success

This course bundle was created by Mammoth Interactive, an online learning provider that has created courses featured at Harvard. New knowledge in Excel, automation with Python, and data science could be an asset to your resume or help you make a career change.

No matter your goals, get the 13-course Excel online learning bundle while it’s price dropped to $19.97 (reg. $429) until November 9 at 11:59 p.m. PT; no coupon is needed.

Prices subject to change.

Tech / Technology

13 amazing holiday gifts for the person who already has it all

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Here are 13 perfect holiday gifts for that special someone who seems to already have everything. From smart tech gadgets to self-care products.
An illustration of wrapped presents.

This holiday season, don’t be daunted by the challenge of shopping for that friend or family member who appears to have everything. We’ve put together a list of thoughtful gifts that promise to delight even the most seasoned of shoppers. 

From a temperature-controlled mug to the latest portable Sonos speaker, our guide blends the elegance of modern technology with the charm of timeless self-care treasures, like face masks.

So if you’re having trouble picking a gift for someone, but want to take full advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, take a look through our product recommendations below.

ASUS ROG Ally 7″ Gaming Handheld Console

The ASUS ROG Ally 7" gaming console held in a person's hands.

The ASUS ROG Ally handheld gaming console comes with a 7″ LED screen.
Credit: ASUS

For PC gaming enthusiasts, the ASUS ROG Ally is the handheld console to have. With its 512GB SSD and microSD slot, they’ll be able to take all of their favorite games on the go. And thanks to its 7-inch LED touchscreen, AMD Radeon graphics card, and AMD Ryzen CPU, gameplay will be smooth with stunning graphics.

Glade PlugIns Plus Air Freshener

The Glade PlugIns Plus air freshener warmer plugged into a white outlet.

The Glade PlugIns Plus air fresener warmer has a refill indicator light that lets you know when it needs a refill.
Credit: Glade

A delightful stocking stuffer, this refillable plug-in air freshener will ensure their space always smells welcoming. It has adjustable fragrance settings — like auto rest mode for overnight — so they can conserve energy and their chosen scent. It will automatically shut off when it runs out of fragrance, and a refill indicator light will turn on. Consider pairing it with the warm notes of Glade’s Vanilla Caramel Twist, available at an additional $5.92 for a two-pack.

Sponsored | Microsoft Xbox Series X

Microsoft Xbox Series X


Credit: Microsoft

Meet the apex of gaming power — this console is renowned for being the fastest, most powerful Xbox ever. Dive into native 4K gaming at up to a blazing 120 frames per second, delivering sharper characters, vibrant realms, and an unmatched level of detail.


Microsoft Xbox Series X

Credit: Microsoft


Xbox Series X

$499.99 at Xbox.com



Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug

The Ember Mug 2 in white on a kitchen counter.

The Ember Mug 2 has a light on the base that shows you when it’s charged or needs charging.
Credit: Ember

Elevate their beverage experience with this smart mug. Though not an essential, the Ember ensures every sip of their favorite beverage is at their ideal temperature — thanks to the mug’s built-in heating technology and app connectivity. It’s a seamless blend of form and function for those chilly winter mornings.

Logitech MX Keys Mini Wireless Keyboard

The Logitech MX Keys Mini Wireless Keyboard in Graphite.


Credit: Logitech

This wireless keyboard, with its durable and compact design, is perfect for both work and play on the go. It can connect to up to three devices at once via Bluetooth, with the user able to switch between each device by pressing one of the keys. It also has an impressive battery life of up to 10 days on a full charge — or up to 5 months with the backlighting turned off.

Luminara Pillar Candles – Set of 3

The set of three Luminara Pillar Candles with the remote.

The Luminara Pillar Candles in this set come in three different sizes — 4.5″, 5.5″, and 6.5″.
Credit: Luminara

These flameless battery-operated candles are made with 100 percent pure paraffin wax and mimic a real flame’s flicker. Without the mess of a real flame and the soot that comes with it, they make the perfect gift for households with pets or small children — or to introduce an element of romantic allure for intimate evenings in or if the power goes out.

Sonos Move 2 Speaker

The Sonos Move 2 speaker in white on a table.

The Move 2 uses its microphones to analyze its surroundings to continually optimize the sound.
Credit: Sonos

Whether your loved one is hosting a holiday soirée or enjoying a quiet evening, this portable speaker will ensure they have the best audio quality — including crisp vocals, deep bass, and full instrumentals. It’s rated IP56, so it’s both water and dust-resistant and connects to their device via Bluetooth or WiFi. They’ll be able to enjoy up to 24 hours of non-stop listening on a single charge thanks to the speaker’s long battery life.

Anker 3-in-1 Charger Cube with MagSafe

The Anker 3-in-1 charger cube in black, on a white background.

The Anker 3-in-1 15W MagSafe Charger comes with a 30W charger and a USB-C to USB-C cable.
Credit: Anker

If your loved one is a fan of Apple devices, this 15W MagSafe charger ensures that their phone, watch, and earbuds are always charged up and ready to go. With its sleek design, it’s a stylish addition to any nightstand or desk. Or, thanks to its compact design, it’s a great addition for any upcoming travels they have planned. And as a bonus, they can use their phone in portrait or landscape mode while it charges.

Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Face Mask & Facial Exfoliator

The Australian Pink Clay Deep Pore Cleanser and Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask on a pink background.

The Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Deep Pore Cleanser and Porefining Face Mask.
Credit: Sand & Sky

Indulge them in a spa-like experience with this face mask and exfoliator combo. Harnessing the purifying properties of Australian Pink Clay, this duo will have their skin feeling clean and soft in no time. Sand & Sky’s products are made with 100 percent natural ingredients and are cruelty-free, vegan, and paraben-free — so you can feel good about your gift.

Google Nest Learning Thermostat – 3rd Gen

A person's arm reaching out to a black Google Nest Learning Thermostat.

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat has a sleek and simple-to-use design.
Credit: Google

Combine aesthetics and efficiency with this smart thermostat. It not only adds a touch of modernity to any home but also learns their temperature preferences over time, ensuring optimal comfort while saving energy. The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with 95 percent of heating and cooling systems, so chances are they’ll be covered.

Philips Smart LED Light Bulb 2-Pack

The Philips WiZ LED Color Light Bulb 2-Pack with its packaging.

The Philips WiZ smart color light bulbs are dimmable, and offer millions of colors to choose from.
Credit: Philips

Light up their world with 16 million colors thanks to these smart LED bulbs — and also likely save them money on their energy bill. These bulbs connect to the Philips Hue app, so they can adjust the brightness and color, or turn the lights off no matter where they are. The bulbs are also compatible with Alexa and Google Home Assistant for the ultimate smart home setup.

Hatch Restore 2

The Hatch Restore 2 smart alarm clock in the putty color, on a white background.

The Hatch Restore 2 comes in three colors: putty (as shown), latte, and slate.
Credit: Hatch

Offering a unique blend of sleep and relaxation features, the Hatch Restore 2 is the perfect smart alarm clock for those who value their beauty sleep. Its range of soothing sounds and guided meditations will ensure they get a restful night’s sleep — and wake up slowly in the morning thanks to its sunrise light options.

Conair 2-in-1 Handheld Steamer and Iron

The Conair ExtremeSteam 2-in-1 in blue, on a white background.

The Conair 2-in-1 handheld steamer and iron also comes with Turbo mode for quicker results.
Credit: Conair

If your family member or friend is always traveling, this 2-in-1 device is the perfect addition to their arsenal. The steamer heats up in 40 seconds and can provide continuous steam for up to 15 minutes — so they’ll never have to worry about wrinkles on that business trip or at that wedding. And if they need something more heavy-duty, they can use the ironing mode with its non-stick soleplate to ensure their clothes are pressed exactly the way they like them.

With these holiday gift options, you’re sure to find the perfect present for that special someone who has a taste for the consumer lifestyle.

Tech / Technology

Best robot vacuum deals Oct. 2023: New Shark and Roombas on sale

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Get the Shark Matrix with smart mapping for $199.99 or the Roomba s9+ for $599.99 ahead of Black Friday.
White Roborock vacuum and dock sitting against wall with living room furniture in background

UPDATE: Nov. 2, 2023, 5:00 a.m. EDT This story has been updated to include the best deals on robot vacuums from top brands like iRobot, Roborock, and Shark.

Best robot vacuum deals this week:

Best budget deal

Shark Matrix RV2300

$199 at Walmart
(save $100.99)

Gray Shark robot vacuum and smartphone with map of home on screen


Best self-emptying deal

Shark Matrix RV2310AE

$299.99 at Amazon
(save $200)

Black Shark robot vacuum with dock and smartphone with home map on screen


Best vacuum-mop combo deal

Roborock Q7 Max+

$499.99 at Amazon
(save $370)

Roborock Q7+ and smartphone with home map on screen

Only three things are certain in life: Death, taxes, and a few days each month when you need to vacuum but just don’t have time. Whether you detest the chore or hope to make your home upkeep a bit breezier, a robot vacuum is a lifesaver.

Robot vacuums under $200


Our pick: Shark Matrix

$199 at Walmart (save $100.99)



Why we like it

Now that Prime Day has passed, the robot vacuum deal torch has seemingly been passed from Amazon-owned iRobot to Shark. For a solid cheap Shark option, skip the outdated $129 Shark ION and opt for the Matrix instead. For less than $200, you’re securing LiDAR-powered smart home mapping and virtual boundaries, plus Matrix technology, which attacks debris from multiple angles in a crosshatch pattern to grab anything that was missed on the original pass.

Shark itself claims that the Matrix dishes out 50% more suction power than the Roomba i3 — and when the Roomba i3 costs $100 more even on sale, we’d understand if that’s an experiment you’re willing to test.

  • Spot cleans in a thorough grid pattern

  • 120-minute battery life

  • Schedule cleanings in the app

More robot vacuums on sale for under $200

Robot vacuums under $500

Why we like it

Shark released several iterations of its flagship robot vacuum in 2023. This chic black and silver RV2310AE model is on sale at Amazon for less than $300 — a 40% price cut and a record-low price (according to camelcamelcamel) by far. Home mapping and virtual boundaries guided by 360-degree LiDAR are present here, plus Shark’s newest claim to fame: its Matrix cleaning technique that vacuums in a crosshatch pattern to grab any debris missed from the first angle.

  • HEPA filter

  • 120-minute battery life

  • XL self-emptying dock holds at least 45 days’ worth of debris

More robot vacuums on sale for under $500

  • Roborock Q5$279.99 $429.99 (save $150 with on-page coupon)

  • Roborock Q5+$449.99 $699.99 (save $250 with on-page coupon)

Robot vacuums under $800


Our pick: iRobot Roomba s9+

$599.99 at iRobot (save $400)



Why we like it

The s9+ hasn’t been the latest or greatest Roomba since iRobot started rolling out its j Series robot vacs in 2021. But it should still be a serious contender if you have pets or lots of thick carpeting in your home — especially when on sale for $599.99, which is just $100 away from the $499.99 it hit during Prime Big Deal Days. For reference, the only Roombas with stronger suction power than the s9+ are the j9+ and Combo j9+, which go for $899.99 and $1,399.99, respectively.

  • 40 times the suction power of 600 Series Roombas (the j7+ offers 10 times the suction)

  • 120-minute battery life

  • Self-emptying dock holds at least two months’ worth of debris

More robot vacuums on sale for under $800

Robot vacuum and mop hybrids


Roborock Q7+ and smartphone with home map on screen

Credit: Roborock


Our pick: Roborock Q7 Max+

$499.99 at Amazon (save $370)



Why we like it

One of Roborock’s 2022 vacuum releases — and potentially the best value of that bunch — is just shy of 50% off. Of the Q Series, the mid-range Q7+ is the cheapest robovac that self-empties and mops. It vacuums with more-than-decent suction and simultaneously mops, lifting the pad when carpet is detected.

  • No-go and no-mop zones can be designated in the app

  • 180-minute battery life

  • Self-emptying dock holds at least seven weeks’ worth of debris

More hybrids and robot mops on sale