Tech / Technology

8 FaceTime gestures that trigger cool reactions on iOS 17

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You can trigger cool effects on FaceTime with eight gestures on iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma.
Man uses heart sign on FaceTime

Did you know you can trigger cool effects like balloons, fireworks, hearts, and even a rainstorm on FaceTime? As long as you’re running iOS 17 on a compatible iPhone you can set off fun reactions with a handful of gestures.

Try out the following eight gestures to surprise your friends and family during video calls.

1. Use the ‘peace sign’ for balloons

via GIPHY

2. Use two peace signs for confetti

via GIPHY

3. Make the ‘heart’ sign to get a flurry of red hearts

via GIPHY

4. Thumbs down for the ‘dislike’ icon

via GIPHY

5. Double thumbs down for a rainy storm

via GIPHY

6. Single thumb up for the ‘like’ icon

via GIPHY

7. Double thumbs up for fireworks

via GIPHY

8. The ‘rock on’ sign for flashing lights

via GIPHY

Keep in mind that gestures should also work on other apps including Zoom and Google Meet. In addition to iOS 17, these reactions also support iPadOS 17 and macOS sonoma.


Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS 41mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case

Credit: Amazon


Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS 41mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case

$389

Tech / Technology

Best Apple deal: MacBook Pro refurb for just $400

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This refurbished 13.3″ Apple MacBook Pro with SSD has some light signs of wear, making it only $400 instead of $550.
MacBook Pro

TL;DR: As of October 27, get this refurbished MacBook Pro 13.3″ for only $399.99 — that’s 27% off.

Even if you have a smartphone or tablet, a laptop is a different type of convenience. While it may be a little bigger than a tablet, you get much more power to get work done or watch videos. This 13.3″ MacBook Pro weighs less than two pounds, so taking it on the go is pretty convenient. And Apple is one of those brands that is just known for its quality products. 

This MacBook Pro combines a sleek design with powerful performance and versatility to create a perfect device for work, play, home, and travel. And for a limited time, you can get a storage-rich refurbished model for just $399.99.

This MacBook Pro comes from the model year 2016, which isn’t very far behind the tech times. So even though it’s refurbished, it comes with some great features and specs. It has a grade “B” refurbished rating, meaning it’s in great working condition but might have some cosmetic blemishes.

With its 2.0GHz Intel Core i5 Dual-Core processor, you can multitask with ease and even add some extra juice when you need it via the Turbo Boost (up to 2.7GHz). It features 8GB RAM and a generous 256GB SSD to store videos, documents, apps, and files locally for easy retrieval.

The battery gives you up to 10 hours of life to help you get through a busy workday or travel day without needing to charge it constantly. This laptop has WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2, and an HD FaceTime camera, so you can take video calls clearly and professionally.

Grab a refurbished MacBook for a fraction of the cost of a new one to surprise your favorite student, professional, or busy parent for the holidays.

Pick up this refurbished Apple MacBook Pro for just $399.99 (reg. $550) while it’s still on sale.

Prices subject to change.


A gray MacBook Pro

Credit: Apple


Apple Macbook Pro 13.3″ Core i5, 2.0GHz 8GB RAM 256GB SSD (Refurbished)

$399.99 at the Mashable Shop

Tech / Technology

Save $100 on this iPad refurb

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Get a refurbished 2018 iPad 6 in good condition for just $149, 40% off for minor wear and tear.
mom and child using iPad

TL;DR: As of October 27, get this refurbished iPad 6 for only $149 — that’s 40% off.

Looking for a reliable, budget-friendly tablet you can use for general browsing, streaming, and maybe a little work here and there? This refurbished 6th-gen iPad might be a great fit for a low price. While it’s in stock, this iPad is on sale for $149. 

Refurbished and ready to go

iPads improve every generation, but that doesn’t mean a model with a few years on it isn’t worth your attention. This 2018 tablet has a 9.7-inch Retina display with a 2048×1536 resolution, so you can get a super clear picture whether while you’re browsing or marathoning your favorite series. 

This tablet is equipped with the Apple A10 Fusion chip. It’s not the newest processor, but that plus the 32GB internal storage means you could store a good variety of apps and multitask between them. It also has an 8MP iSight camera for capturing stills, Live Photos, and 1080p 30fps videos. And you can hop onto a video call with the 1.2MP FaceTime HD camera.

If you want to unwind at the end of a long day, you can go online with WiFi or connect to a Bluetooth speaker and play some tunes. This refurbished tablet has a maximum battery life of 10 hours, so you could still have a few hours after the work day before you need to track down a charger. 

A low price doesn’t mean low quality. This tablet only has faint signs of use, with a certified refurbished grade “B”. You might notice some minor scratches or scuffs, but that’s why it’s $100 off. 

Save on a refurbished iPad 6

Why pay for brand-new when ‘new-to-you’ gets the job done?

For a limited time, get a 2018 refurbished iPad 6 on sale for $149 (reg. $250). 

Prices subject to change. 


iPad 6 front and back

Credit: Total TR/Cal State Electronics


Apple iPad 6 (2018) 9.7-inch 32GB – Space Gray (Refurbished: WiFi Only)

$149 at the Mashable Shop