Tech / Technology

Black Friday fitness deals 2023: Fitbit, NordicTrack, Garmin, more

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Ahead of Black Friday 2023, brands like Fitbit, NordicTrack, Garmin, and beyond are all discounting some of their top fitness tech — from fitness watches to stationary bikes. Upgrade your health routine with these sweet savings today.
Fitness tech from brands like Fitbit, BowFlex, Echelon, Garmin, and NordicTrack overlaid on a pinkish-orange background

Whether you need a handy fitness watch to help you on your fitness journey or are itching to finally splurge on a smart fitness mirror, these pre-Black Friday deals are sure to impress.

Best fitness deals for Black Friday 2023:
Best Fitbit deal

Fitbit Luxe

$79.95 at Amazon
(save $50)

The Fitbit Luxe fitness watch with a light-colored band overlaid on a light background

Best fitness equipment deal

NordicTrack Smart Rower

$1,030.75 at Amazon
(save $568.25)

NordicTrack Smart Rower with a touchscreen overlaid on a white background

Best dumbbells deal

BowFlex SelectTech 1090 Dumbbells

$599 at BowFlex
(save $200)

A set of BowFlex SelectTech 1090 dumbbells overlaid on a white background

Best smart fitness mirror deal

Echelon Reflect 40-inch mirror

$799.99 at Echelon
(save $779.51)

The Echelon Reflect 40-inch fitness mirror with a woman mid-run displayed on it



Since so many Black Friday deals tend to revolve around gaming, laptops, and other tech, fitness buffs might feel a bit left out. If you’re someone who goes on 6 AM runs each morning, is obsessed with things like fitness mirrors, and puts wheatgrass in your smoothies, retailers like Amazon see you and hear you and are here to provide you with some pre- Black Friday deals on top fitness tech. It’s a lot of discounts to parse through, so let us help you out — with our picks of top Black Friday 2023 fitness deals below.

Best Fitbit deal


The Fitbit Luxe fitness watch with a light-colored band overlaid on a light background

Credit: Fitbit


Fitbit Luxe

Our pick: $79.95 at Amazon (save $50)

Why we like it

The Fitbit Luxe is the essence of cute and functional in one package. It provides fitness lovers with 24/7 heart rate tracking and trends, tells them how long they spent in “active zones,” monitors sleep, and even provides a lineup of stress management tools. With a free six-month trial of Fitbit Premium, you can explore an even broader range of this watch’s capabilities. It will soon become something a trusted fitness pal you never take off your wrist.

More early Black Friday fitness tracker and smartwatch deals

Fitbit

Garmin

Samsung

Google

Best fitness equipment deal


NordicTrack Smart Rower with a touchscreen overlaid on a white background

Credit: NordicTrack


Our pick: NordicTrack Smart Rower

$1,030.75 at Amazon (save $568.25)

Why we like it

The NordicTrack Smart Rower is your solution to crushing those fitness goals without ever leaving your home. Paired with an iFIT membership, this rowing machine gives access to 26 digital resistance levels (which are auto-adjusted depending on the workout), a 22-inch HD touchscreen that makes Studio Classes and Global Workouts come to life, and full-body training options you can do off the rower. NordicTrack’s innovative SpaceSaver design also allows this smart rower to fold in half. Plop it in your closet when you’re done and unfold with ease whenever you’re ready for another sweat sesh.

More early Black Friday fitness equipment deals

Best dumbbells deal


A set of BowFlex SelectTech 1090 dumbbells overlaid on a white background

Credit: BowFlex


Our pick: BowFlex SelectTech 1090 Dumbbells

$599 at BowFlex (save $200)

Why we like it

This dumbbell set from BowFlex is gonna inspire you to start pumping iron in no time. Each dumbbell can be adjusted to weigh between ten and 90 pounds (which replaces 17 whole sets of weights). The set as a whole is compatible with the JRNY app — which can motion-track your form and provide real-time suggestions, keep a tally of your reps, and so much more. Keeping fit doesn’t have to be complicated; this seems to be the motto BowFlex had in mind when engineering these dumbbells.

More early Black Friday dumbbell deals

Best smart fitness mirror deal


The Echelon Reflect 40-inch fitness mirror with a woman mid-run displayed on it

Credit: Echelon


Our pick: Echelon Reflect 40-inch mirror

$502.29 at Amazon (save $496.71)

Why we like it

The Echelon Reflect is a personal trainer and stylish decor item at the same time. The mirror can be mounted flush to any wall, is Bluetooth compatible, gives you detailed stats on your heart rate during workouts, and offers a vast variety of on-demand and live classes via the Echelon Fit app. Its interactive features are sure to take your health to the next level. Note that the mirror isn’t touchscreen, but this shouldn’t stop you from taking full advantage of all it has to offer.

More early Black Friday smart fitness mirror deals

Tech / Technology

Apple Watch almost got Android support — here’s why Apple changed its mind

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Apple apparently came really close to making Apple Watches compatible with Android devices.
Apple Watches on display

Apple Watch and Android: a match (almost) made in Heaven.

In a wide-ranging Bloomberg report about Apple’s health tracking ambitions, one little juicy nugget of info stands out in particular: Apple almost made its signature house brand smartwatches compatible with Android devices.

According to Bloomberg, Apple’s engineers were “deeply engaged” in bringing both Apple Watch and Health app compatibility to Android as part of something called “Project Fennel.”

Apple Watch with Nike band

Apple Watch with Nike wristband combined with the new Nike watchface.
Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

SEE ALSO:

Apple Watch Series 9 review: Upgrade for this key feature (no, it’s not Double Tap)

Of course, the operative word here is “almost.” This obviously didn’t – and most likely won’t – happen. The reason for that is simple: Apple wants to keep selling iPhones, and Apple Watches help the company do that. One of Bloomberg’s sources straight up said giving Android users access to Apple Watch would “dilute the value of the watch to the iPhone.”

This is fascinating just on the surface, but it’s also worth looking at it in context of what Apple’s competition is in the Android smartwatch market. Competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy Watch and Google’s Pixel Watch have certainly improved over the years, but Apple’s product is still widely regarded as the one to get, especially for health tracking.

Pushing Apple Watch to Android users may have diluted iPhone sales, but it probably would’ve put a dent in Samsung and Google sales, too. Regardless, this is all speculation at this point. All we can do is think about what could have been.


Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS + Cellular 41mm]

Credit: Amazon


Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS + Cellular 41mm]

489.99

Tech / Technology

Enjoy these flash deals from Acer to score top tech on the cheap

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In the market for a laptop or shiny new monitor? Acer’s Daily Deals flash sale will save you up to 55%.
Acer Daily Deals

TL;DR: Save up to 55 percent on high-tech laptops and monitors during Acer’s November Daily Deals flash sales, running through Nov. 19.

The Halloween candy is starting to run dry, you can almost smell the turkey in the air, and someone in the family group chat is asking about travel plans and menus. Yep, it’s November, and the holidays are just around the corner. 

Getting on top of gifting can be seriously advantageous. Not only will you save yourself some stress while shopping for gifts, but you can also save several hundred dollars thanks to Acer’s exclusive promotions this month. From high-tech laptops to impressive monitors, there’s something for everyone, with daily flash sales running through Nov. 19. Here’s a glimpse of the deals we’re eyeing, and don’t miss the chance to save anywhere from 25 to 55 percent daily during the promotion. 

The green machine 


Acer Aspire Vero

Credit: Acer


Acer Aspire Vero

$449.99

For an eco-conscious gift, consider the Acer Aspire Vero laptop. It’s a green choice with a 30 percent post-consumer recycled plastic chassis, a touchpad made from ocean-bound plastic, and a paint-free body, all made with 21 percent fewer CO2 emissions. Easy upgrades and repairs — plus an Intel Core i5 processor, Intel Iris Xe graphics, 8 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB SSD — make it a versatile performer. In other words, it has the foundation you need to switch from work to study to entertainment with ease. 

On sale Nov. 5: The Acer Aspire Vero laptop at $449.99 (save $300) at Acer.com.

An ultraportable laptop


Acer Swift 3

Credit: Acer


Acer Swift 3

$599.99

Creators are often left with a bit of a dilemma: Choose a workstation with power and a large display, or one that can be easily toted around. The Acer Swift 3 OLED laptop is the perfect solution. It has a 16:10 OLED panel, a lightweight, 3.1-pound design, and a QHD 2880 x 1800 pixel resolution for a bright, sharp display that reveals every detail. Plus, with an Intel Core i5 processor and plenty of ports, including Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI 2.1, it can keep up with demanding workloads. 

On sale Nov. 2: The Acer Swift 3 OLED laptop at $599.99 (save $300) at Acer.com.

A budget laptop that’s got your back


Acer Aspire 3

Credit: Acer


Acer Aspire 3

$299.99

Finding a reliable laptop under $500 is no mean feat. The Acer Aspire 3 does one better, coming in under $300. This solid machine can keep up with work apps, videoconferencing, and streaming thanks to a solid set of vitals, like an Intel Core i3 processor, Intel UHD graphics, 8 GB of standard memory, an HD webcam, and roughly eight hours of battery life. 

On sale Nov. 6: The Acer Aspire 3 at $299.99 (save $180) at Acer.com. 

An impressive monitor for serious gamers


Acer Nitro XZ5

Credit: Acer


Acer Nitro XZ5

$249.99

Nothing upgrades your gaming setup quite like a new monitor, and the Acer Nitro XZ5 is an impressive option, to say the least. Its huge curved display minimizes eyestrain and makes long gaming sessions immersive and more comfortable, and a 165 Hz refresh rate helps you get the most out of your games. Built-in speakers provide good sound quality and let you get away with not investing in a separate set. 

On sale Nov. 12: The 31.5-inch Acer Nitro XZ5 gaming monitor at $249.99 (save $180) at Acer.com.

A solid gaming monitor for a fraction of the price


Acer AOPEN HC2

Credit: Acer


Acer AOPEN HC2

$129.99

If someone in your life (yourself included) has been debating whether to invest in a monitor, this is your sign to make it happen. The Acer AOPEN HC2 series curved gaming monitor is currently slashed by a whopping 54 percent, bringing its price well below $150 — a remarkable deal for a gaming display of such quality. Boasting a 27-inch full HD curved screen, AMD FreeSync technology, and a 165 Hz refresh rate, this monitor ensures gameplay isn’t just smoother but also significantly more immersive and enjoyable.

On sale Nov. 3: The 27-inch Acer AOPEN HC2 series curved gaming monitor at $129.99 (save $150) at Acer.com.

Whoever you’re shopping for this holiday season, choosing an Acer laptop or monitor is a failsafe way to snag the title of most memorable gift-giver while saving hundreds of dollars.

Tech / Technology

Pixel 8 reported issues are piling up: 3 common issues we’re hearing

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Pixel 8 owners are reporting a number of concerning issues with Google’s latest flagship Android smartphone.
Google Pixel 8

Overheating, battery issues, connectivity problems –– no, we’re not talking about the new iPhone 15 here. 

These are the most common issues now being reported by Pixel 8 owners.

The freshly introduced Pixel 8 series was revealed on October 4 and made its way to store shelves on October 12. As a result, users have had several weeks to put the Pixel 8 through its paces with their everyday smartphone activities.

Unfortunately, Pixel 8 users are finding that, much like Apple’s latest device, some vital issues need to be addressed.

Overheating phones

Pixel 8 owners have reportedly been experiencing one of the iPhone 15’s biggest problems at launch: an overheating phone. Users, like these examples from the XDA forums, have shared that the Pixel 8 gets hot to the touch while charging the device, streaming videos, or even normal web browsing.

However, the extent of the problem’s prevalence remains unclear.

Still, it’s worth noting that some Pixel 8 users have shared that the new phone does feel cooler than previous iterations of the device, like the Pixel 7. In fact, those older models have had their fair share of overheating complaints over the years, too, which were supposedly addressed with the launch of Android 14.

Poor battery life

Battery life is always a major concern for any smartphone user. However, the complaints here seem to fall more in line with serious battery-drain issue.

For example, one user on Google’s official support forums claims that their one-week-old Pixel 8 fell to 20 percent battery life after less than three hours of screen time. An Android Police writer also shared that they experienced battery and overheating issues with their Pixel 8 device.

Again, it’s unclear exactly how many Pixel 8 owners are experiencing these issues. But, it does seem to be a problem with at least some devices.

A user on Reddit theorized that the battery-drain issues may be directly tied to another one of Pixel 8’s issues: poor cellular connectivity.

Connectivity issues

Another issue that some Pixel 8 owners are reporting has to do with cellular connectivity. Users have shared that they’ve had poor connection to their 5G service, sometimes getting dropped from the connection altogether. Typically, these reports indicate that the Pixel 8 does not encounter the same issues when it’s positioned within Wi-Fi range.

As Android Police points out, previous Pixel models were also notorious for its connectivity issues with users reporting spotty reception, laggy web browsing, and dropped calls.

In the previously mentioned Reddit post, some users have tied the battery-drain problem to the connectivity issue as the Pixel 8 battery does not appear to abnormally lose its charge while utilizing a Wi-Fi service like it does over 5G.

Based on what we know (and based on the most recent examples with the iPhone 15), buggy software may be the culprit – not hardware. As Mashable reported recently, the latest Android 14 update appeared to cause a number of problems on older Pixel devices. It’s possible that Google will roll out a firmware update that will address the majority of these issues for most users, whether they own a Pixel 8 or one of the previous generations.

The general consensus from experts is that the Pixel 8 is an improvement from the Pixel 6 and 7 on all these issues. These foibles seem to have been prevalent among older Pixel devices, and while some Pixel users are reporting gen-over-gen improvements, Google still hasn’t fully rectified the issue yet.

Tech / Technology

Google Chrome on iPhone now lets you move the address bar

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Google Chrome users can now move the address bar to the bottom, but only iPhone users can take advantage of this new feature.
Google Chrome moves address bar

Google added a new feature to Chrome that is reminiscent of Safari’s current design. You can now move the address bar to the bottom of the screen.

This means you no longer have to stretch your thumbs to reach the top of your phone in a way that interrupts your typing flow. Sorry, Android users — this feature is only available to iPhone users at this time.

Google Chrome address bar move feature

You can move the Google Chrome address bar to the bottom or keep it at the top.
Credit: Google

Why move the address bar to the bottom?

Phones are gigantic these days. Hell, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and the iPhone 15 Pro Max have nearly seven-inch displays — they’re practically tablets.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max in white titanium

The iPhone 15 Pro Max in all of its giant glory.
Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

As such, the top of the screen is becoming harder for our thumbs to reach. So Google is allowing users to move the address bar to a more convenient position.

“We know people prefer different address bar positions depending on the size of their hands and devices, and we took those preferences into account when building this highly requested feature,” said Nick Kim Sexton, Google product manager for Chrome.

If you prefer the address bar on top, don’t worry: You can simply leave it in its default position.

How to move the address bar to the bottom

To move the address bar to the bottom, you must press and hold it. Next, select the “Move address bar to bottom” option. That’s it!

You can also go to Settings, tap on “Address bar,” and choose your preferred position.


Google Pixel 8 Pro - Unlocked

Credit: Amazon


Google Pixel 8 Pro – Unlocked

$999

Tech / Technology

Google Pixel tablet deal: Get $100 off a Google Pixel tablet at Amazon

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As of Nov. 1, you can score a Google Pixel Tablet with a charging speaker dock for just $399 at Amazon. That’s $100 off the listing price and its lowest price ever.
person watching a TV show on a google pixel tablet

SAVE $100: As of Nov. 1, you can score a Google Pixel tablet with a charging speaker dock for just $399 at Amazon. That’s a 20% discount and $100 off the listing price — and its lowest price ever.


Google Pixel Tablet

Credit: Google


Google Pixel tablet with charging speaker dock

$399 at Amazon (save $100)



You don’t have to wait until Black Friday to save on electronics. Amazon is already offering some pretty sweet deals on laptops, tablets, and more, including a generous discount on Google’s latest Pixel tablet.

As of Nov. 1, you can snag a Google Pixel tablet at Amazon for just $399. That’s $100 off the original listing price or a 20% discount. It’s also the lowest price ever for this particular tablet model (yes, it’s lower now than it was on Prime Day 2). Best Buy and Target are also offering the same $100 discount on the Google Pixel tablet, so you have multiple options to grab this great deal.

SEE ALSO:

Google Pixel Tablet is finally here. See the specs, price, and more.

Whether you’re a student, a professional, or you need a new tablet for scrolling and streaming, the Google Pixel tablet is definitely worth considering. It has a high-resolution, 11-inch screen with vibrant colors and sharp details and an extra-long battery life that can last up to 11 hours. Plus, the (included) speaker dock that doubles as a speaker and a charging station is a great bonus.

“I hardly ever ripped the tablet off the dock,” writes Mashable tech and games reporter Alex Perry, who gave this tablet a 4/5 rating. “The speaker part of the speaker dock delivers big enough audio with adequate bass and whatnot that I wound up using the device to listen to music and podcasts as much as I used it to watch YouTube videos and Mets games on YouTube TV.”

Grab this tablet at a great discount while it lasts.