They paved paradise, put up a parking lot: Valley racing fans mourn closing of dirt tracks

Car lovers tend to be particular about their rides, so finding gifts for them can be tough. As a car enthusiast myself, here are the gifts to give. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. Respoke Care If you're shopping for someone who loves cars, you want a gift to match their automotive passion. As a car enthusiast, I've carefully selected 29 gifts that any car lover would appreciate. From car accessories and key chains to driving shoes and video games, these are the best gifts. Car enthusiasts are naturally meticulous and picky about their preferences, so shopping for them during the holiday season can be a challenge. I know from experience because I'm one of those people.If you don't have the know-how or the funds to gift them the rare and expensive cars or parts they dream of, there are still a ton of cool and useful gifts any car lover will appreciate. To make shopping for the car enthusiasts on your list easier, I rounded up 29 clever gift ideas they'll be happy to receive. 29 gifts that car enthusiasts will love: A custom poster or canvas of their favorite ride Respoke Collection Respoke Collection Custom Car Print, starting at $49Real car lovers look back at their ride whenever they park it and start to walk away. With a Respoke Collection Custom Car Print, they can get a glimpse of their car even when they're not in the driveway, garage, or parking lot. Simply upload a picture of their personal car (or another favorite car) and have it turned into high-quality wall art. Custom floor mats Coco Mats Coco Mats Gift Box, starting at $219.60Coco Mats make some of the best-looking, best-fitting, and most durable floor mats you can buy. The brand has custom-fitted formats for a wide assortment of vehicles and probably has a template for the car you're shopping for. If not, it will send you blank templates you can cut to the exact specifications. The Gift Box comes with floor mat swatches and a gift certificate. A smartphone mount Amazon iOttie Easy One Touch 5 Phone Mount, $24.95Car lovers would much rather spend their money on cool parts and accessories than pay a hefty fine for using a phone while driving. Giving them the iOttie Easy One Touch 5 is like giving the gift of safety. It can be mounted to the dash or windshield and is compatible with all smartphones. A LEGO McLaren kit Amazon LEGO Technic McLaren Senna GTR, $40If they're more interested in new cars than old ones, this gift is sure to please. The LEGO McLaren Senna GTR is nothing like the LEGOs from back in the day. This 830-piece kit can be built into a stunning supercar that auto enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy building.  Gran Turismo 7 for PS5 Best Buy Gran Turismo 7 25th Anniversary Edition, $89.99Gran Turismo 7 will be an absolute must-have for auto enthusiasts who own a PS5. The realistic driving simulator is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2022, and pre-ordering it now will be enough to get them excited. A Hot Wheels track Amazon Hot Wheels Criss Cross Crash Track Set, $49.99Hot Wheels have been on holiday wishlists for generations and that's not changing any time soon. This set is great for kids, but chances are older car lovers will have fun with it, too. A car cleaning kit Amazon Chemical Guys 16-Piece Car Wash Bucket Kit, available at Amazon, $99.99They say a clean car always drives better, so any auto lover will appreciate The Chemical Guys 16-Piece Car Wash Kit. It includes wash soap, detail spray, glass cleaner, wheel cleaner, cream wax, tire shine, and professional grade accessories like a wheel cleaning brush, scratch-free microfiber cloths, and a wash mitt. The Brush Hero Brush Hero's Facebook Brush Hero Water-Powered Wheel Brush, available at Amazon $24.99One of the hardest areas to clean on a car is the wheels — especially if they're a tightly woven pattern. The "Shark Tank"-featured Brush Hero harnesses water pressure from a garden hose to knock away dirt and grime without ruining the finish of wheels. After testing it on my own car, I know that any car enthusiast will appreciate the amount of time this clever device can save them. Driving loafers made from recycled plastic Amir Ismael/Insider Rothy's Driving Loafer, $185Although you don't necessarily need to be a car enthusiast to enjoy a good pair of driving loafers, this pair from Rothy's is one they'll appreciate. They're super lightweight, breathable, and made from recycled plastic bottles. Whether they're going for a spirited drive or walking around, their feet will always be comfortable.Read my full review here. An Alexa-enabled navigation system and dash cam Amazon Garmin Speak with Amazon Alexa and Dash Cam, available at Amazon, $84.99Designed to provide turn-by-turn directions with a clear, unobstructed view while driving, the Garmin Speak Plus is super compact. With Alexa integration, they'll never have to pull out their phone to get directions, control music, or make a phone call. On top of that, the windshield-mounted device has a built-in camera for added safety like forward collision and lane departure warnings. An Alexa-enabled car charger Amazon Roav Viva by Anker with Amazon Alexa, available at Amazon, $68.92Most people enjoy using Alexa in their homes, but the Roav Viva by Anker now makes it possible to bring it on the road. Simply plug it into the 12-volt adapter and gain voice-controlled access to music, directions, audiobooks, and more. It also provides two USB high-speed charging ports for your devices. A Bluetooth aux adapter Amazon Anker Soundsync Bluetooth Receiver, available at Amazon, $32.99If you're shopping for someone who recently upgraded or will soon be upgrading to a smartphone without a 3.5mm auxiliary port, the Anker Soundsync Bluetooth Receiver is an extremely thoughtful gift. Rather than spending hundreds on a new Bluetooth-compatible car stereo, they'll be able to pair their phone via Bluetooth with ease via the aux port.  Two personalized leather keychains Etsy JooJoobs Custom Leather Keychain, available at Etsy, from $47.25Most car enthusiasts are all about customization and that even includes minor details like keychains. These custom leather keychains can be personalized just for them. For $47.25 you can get one side of each keychain stamped with words or letters of your choice. For $57 you can have both sides done. A Tile Mate keychain Amazon Tile Mate, available at Amazon, $20.50Going on a spirited drive will almost certainly put a smile on the face of a car enthusiast, but without car keys, it won't be possible. The Tile Mate Key Finder is an easy solution to keep track of the keys. It attaches to your key ring, syncs to your smartphone via Bluetooth, and can be tracked down using GPS on the Tile App. A map shows where that specific Tile Mate is so you can better locate it. Tile Mates also work well with wallets, so they won't have to worry about not being able to find their driver's license before heading out. A book on the history of cars Amazon "Car: The Definitive Visual History of the Automobile", available at Amazon, $23.36Covering everything from the very first automobiles to iconic cars like the Ford Model T, Porsche 911, and Ferrari F40, this book will keep any car enthusiasts entertained for hours on end. With a plethora of pictures and information from past generations of cars, it makes for a great coffee table read. A mechanic's tool kit Amazon Craftsman 450-piece Mechanic's Tool Set, available at Sears, $439.99Every car person needs their own set of tools. Instead of rummaging through the random assortment of tools they've accumulated over time, the Craftsman 450-piece tool kit is well organized and includes everything they'll need to tackle mechanical work.  Dirt 5 for PlayStation 5 Best Buy Dirt 5 for PlayStation 5, available at Best Buy, $39.99He might not be a professional driver in real life but Dirt 5 will make him feel like he's going off-roading. If he owns a PS5, this is fun to play for a life-like driving experience. Forza Horizon 4 for XBOX One Best Buy Forza Horizon 4 for XBOX, available at Best Buy, $59.99If the car enthusiast you're shopping for owns an XBOX, Forza Horizon 4 is the best racing game for their console. It features a realistic competitive racing game that can be enjoyed at any level.  A cordless tire inflator Amazon Avid Power Cordless Air Compressor, $62.99, available on AmazonThis air compressor is a gift anyone, whether an enthusiast or not, will be able to use. Its cordless design makes inflating tires easier than ever before. And with an auto-off feature, they'll never have to worry about over-inflating. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch Best Buy Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch, available at Best Buy, $50.99Although the driving experience is far from realistic, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is extremely fun. They'll race their way through crazy tracks filled with obstacles like banana peels, bombs, and more. Car fan or not, it's a must-have game for all Nintendo Switch owners. Clutch and Gas Socks Amazon Clutch and Gas Socks, available at Amazon, $6.99If you insist on buying that special someone a pair of socks for the holiday season, these clutch and gas socks are a fun option. Even when they're not behind the wheel, they'll remind them of their love for driving. Gear to match his BMW, Mercedes, or dream Ferrari Puma Motorsport Shop the Puma Motorsport Collection herePuma is one of the most deeply rooted sportswear brands in racing culture and its Motorsport collection proves that. With apparel for BMW Motorsport, Mercedes-Benz AMG, Ferrari, Porsche, and Redbull Racing, they've got pieces for lovers of Bimmers, Benzes, and more. A pair of driving loafers Wolf & Shepherd Wolf and Shepherd Gunner Driver, $195, available in four colorsFor days when full race gear isn't needed, nice driving loafers are the perfect shoes for cruising. The Wolf & Shepherd Gunner Drivers are handcrafted using waterproof suede and they're also super comfortable. Car guys will be able to easily hit the clutch when driving and still look stylish when they park the car and get out. A pair of driving gloves Amazon Riparo Genuine Leather Full-Finger Driving Gloves, available on Amazon, from $59.97Even if you're not shopping for a race car driver, a pair of driving gloves will be appreciated by any car enthusiast. During the fall and winter, they keep hands from freezing on a cold steering wheel without losing the necessary grip for maneuvering. A California Car Duster Amazon California Car Duster, available on Amazon, $31.98The California Car Duster is an awesome gift for all types of car enthusiasts. Whether they're a meticulous collector who needs to dust off their garage queen every so often or they just like to keep their ride free of pollen and dirt in between washes, it's an effective tool to have. An experiential gift Groupon Search for local Groupons in your area hereNot every gift you give has to be tangible. In fact, experiences are sometimes an even better option and Groupon has plenty to choose from. If you want to gift the person on your list an unforgettable experience, you can find everything from auto-cross lessons in an exotic car to go-kart races and rentals. Since search results vary based on your location, you should browse Groupon to see what's available in your area. An outrageous coffee table Houzz Engine Block Coffee Table, available on Houzz, $1,898If you're shopping for the auto enthusiast who already has everything you could possibly think of (and you happen to have an extra $1,900 laying around), this big-bore, V8-style engine block coffee table will blow them away. Plus, you probably won't have to buy another gift for the next few years. A handheld vacuum Amazon BLACK+DECKER Lithium Hand Vacuum, available at Amazon, $62.99Since keeping the inside of a car clean is equally as important as the outside, a hand-held vacuum is another must-have for car lovers. The BLACK+DECKER Lithium Cordless Hand Vacuum fully charges in 6 hours to provide strong and efficient suction. With a flip-up brush head for dusting and cleaning upholstery and a pull-out crevice tool for hard to reach areas, it'll clean every corner of a car's interior. A laser radar detector Amazon Cobra RAD 450 Laser Radar Detector, available at Amazon, $131.16You shouldn't encourage the car lover on your list to exceed the speed limit, but let's face it — some people just have a heavy foot while driving. The Cobra RAD 450 Radar Detector can help alert them of police scanners ahead, so they'll know when it's time to slow down. If it saves them from getting one speeding ticket, it will essentially pay for itself — and then some. Keep in mind that radar and laser detectors are legal in all states except Virginia and Washington D.C. Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

During and immediately after the pandemic, real estate mania swept the country. Housing prices went sky-high, and not just in large cities like New York. Every state seemed to see the same rise in interest. As supply fell and demand blossomed, tons of property owners felt like they were sitting on goldmines. How could they […] During and immediately after the pandemic, real estate mania swept the country. Housing prices went sky-high, and not just in large cities like New York. Every state seemed to see the same rise in interest. As supply fell and demand blossomed, tons of property owners felt like they were sitting on goldmines. How could they feel otherwise when even the smallest and oldest of homes were selling for big bucks? Of course, nothing lasts forever. And that includes a real estate market that’s a seller’s paradise. In 2023, real estate prices have normalized and buyers are once again able to be more selective. However, just because housing isn’t as red-hot as it was doesn’t mean there aren’t investment opportunities. If you’re willing to be a little creative, you’ll find many innovative ways to make your money work harder with real estate. if (typeof jQuery == 'undefined') { document.write(''); } .first{clear:both;margin-left:0}.one-third{width:31.034482758621%;float:left;margin-left:3.448275862069%}.two-thirds{width:65.51724137931%;float:left}form.ebook-styles .af-element input{border:0;border-radius:0;padding:8px}form.ebook-styles .af-element{width:220px;float:left}form.ebook-styles .af-element.buttonContainer{width:115px;float:left;margin-left: 6px;}form.ebook-styles .af-element.buttonContainer input.submit{width:115px;padding:10px 6px 8px;text-transform:uppercase;border-radius:0;border:0;font-size:15px}form.ebook-styles .af-body.af-standards input.submit{width:115px}form.ebook-styles .af-element.privacyPolicy{width:100%;font-size:12px;margin:10px auto 0}form.ebook-styles .af-element.privacyPolicy p{font-size:11px;margin-bottom:0}form.ebook-styles .af-body input.text{height:40px;padding:2px 10px !important} form.ebook-styles .error, form.ebook-styles #error { color:#d00; } form.ebook-styles .formfields h1, form.ebook-styles .formfields #mg-logo, form.ebook-styles .formfields #mg-footer { display: none; } form.ebook-styles .formfields { font-size: 12px; } form.ebook-styles .formfields p { margin: 4px 0; } Get The Full Henry Singleton Series in PDF Get the entire 4-part series on Henry Singleton in PDF. Save it to your desktop, read it on your tablet, or email to your colleagues (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); Q4 2022 hedge fund letters, conferences and more Below are suggestions that will help you enter into real estate. Don’t have access to much cash? No problem. You’ll discover that a few of these recommendations require little to no financial contribution. 1. Invest in a co-owned vacation property. Co-ownership as a means to purchase property isn’t a new concept. Nevertheless, it can be tough to find trustworthy partners. Plus, plenty of co-ownership arrangements are complicated to navigate. Unless you’re a seasoned real estate investor, you might feel a little overwhelmed. If co-ownership sounds complicated, lean into new technologies. For example, Plum CoOwnership makes it simple to either start a co-ownership arrangement with friends or other investors. Plum has a group matchmaking process and they walk you through the buying process, while providing a centralized repository for all your documents. These include all financials and house rules. Plus, you can leave your contract and just sell your share effortlessly to someone else. It’s hard to overlook the investing pros of co-owning a percentage of a vacation home. You actually have ownership of the property vs. a timeshare or rental, where you “share time” without ownership. Plus, co-ownership comes with added flexibility. You have the option to rent out any of “your” days to travelers, or you can even sell your share later. You can also minimize the impact of both predictable and unexpected maintenance bills. 2. Consider a rent-to-own arrangement. Like co-ownership, this isn’t a new concept. Nevertheless, it’s gaining favor, especially with Gen Z and Millennials aspiring toward home ownership. According to Javelin Strategy & Research, 55% of Gen Z are open to rent-to-own setups. That’s because it’s hard for a lot of younger consumers to become first-time homebuyers. Nearly one-fifth of all Millennials say they had financial problems that kept them from purchasing a home recently. For those without families able to help them cover a down payment, rent-to-own just seems like a good choice. Unfamiliar with how a rent-to-own exchange works from an investment perspective? Basically, you as the investor could rent a property from the seller. The understanding is that at the end of a prescribed rental period, you would be able to own the home. At that point, you could do anything you wanted with the home, including putting it on the market. If you already have a property to sell that’s not moving, you could offer it through a rent-to-own contract. You might have a simpler time getting buyers. Though you’d have to play landlord for a while, you’d have a better chance at selling it for a specific price. 3. Purchase a multifamily property—and live there. Forget about all that growth hacking. It’s time to do some house hacking. This real estate investing process involves finding and purchasing a multifamily property. You wouldn’t rent out all the rooms, though. On the contrary, you’d live in at least one part of the home. For example, say you found a duplex you could afford. You’d move into half the house and find a trustworthy tenant for the other half. The monthly rent would cover many of your expenses, allowing you to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Who wouldn’t like to be assured of lowered (or paid) utility bills, mortgage payments, etc.? Don’t be afraid to set an aggressive timeframe for your mortgage if you go this “passive income” route. Though the 30-year mortgage is common, you can find 10-year, 15-year, and 20-year alternatives. With someone else’s rent covering the bulk of your mortgage, you might be able to own your property faster. You won’t be locked into living in your multifamily unit forever, either. By saving and investing your money diligently, you can one day move on. At that point, you might want to just keep the rental to pass down to other family members. 4. Get into the Airbnb and couch surfing game. It seems like Airbnb has been around “forever”. There’s a reason for this phenomenon: The idea of democratizing vacation property rentals completely changed the hospitality and tourism landscape. Airbnb, VRBO, and other sites have also made it possible for you to sell your space for a premium. Even if all you have is a room with a dedicated bathroom, you have the start for some serious couch surfing. It’s a bonus to you if you’re located in a popular city. However, you may be able to find some short-term renters if you’re off the beaten path. For instance, Furnished Finder offers rooms and suites to traveling medical professionals. If you’re near a healthcare facility, you could earn extra money by renting your guest bedroom and bath to doctors and nurses. As a property owner, you’d just need to become verified. Once you are, you could experience regular room rental income. Since the average medical traveling tenant stays 92 days, you could have as few as four new guests annually. The only downside to this real estate investing hack is having a stranger in your home. Still, it may not be hard to get accustomed to becoming a landlord. 5. Become a real estate “bird dog.” In the hunting world, bird dogs are critical to the success of the hunters they serve. Bird dogs are tasked with pointing out prey, after all. As a real estate “bird dog”, you can be just as important. Real estate bird dogs act as funnels to other real estate investors, such as wholesalers. Bird dogs look for distressed or undervalued properties that investors might like to know about. They then share those properties with the investors and receive payment if the investor buys the property. The good thing about bird dogging is that you can do it on a part-time basis as a side gig. The not-so-good thing? You may find it hard to get started. Unless you already know some hungry real estate investors, you’ll have to build your own network. That’s certainly not impossible, but it will take some time. There is a workaround you should know about: The app store. Some bird dogging apps are available. Bird Dog Express is a notable one. With Bird Dog Express, you need very little in terms of resources or knowledge to get started. As long as you have a smartphone, you can fetch yourself some investment dollars via bird dogging. 6. Become a power flipper. It’s hard to turn on HGTV without seeing a reality show featuring house flippers. Although TV makes it look like flipping is a piece of cake, it does require patience and expertise. Surrounding yourself with people who know how to make fixer-uppers shine is the key to making flips profitable. A smart strategy to begin flipping is to talk to other flippers. You’ll often find them at home real estate auctions. Talk with them and see if you can get a feel for what flipping is like. The more you know prior to making your first bid attempt, the better. With that being said, flipping can pay off. You can even live in your flip while you systematically upgrade all its rooms and landscaping. As long as it’s habitable, you won’t feel uncomfortable. Hey, you’re only staying there a little while. Just make sure that you keep good records of the real and hidden costs of each flip. You need to know how much you’re actually making to decide whether flipping is the right option for you. 7. Pave your way to financial freedom with a parking lot purchase. Do you consider yourself very imaginative? You’ll like this last real estate investment tip: Buy a parking lot. People will pay premium amounts to be able to park in busy areas and cities. In fact, you’ve probably done it yourself. If you can’t find a parking lot, check out distressed properties that could be razed and then paved over. Razing a building can be pricey, but usually smaller distressed properties with decent-sized footprints sell for very little. You just need to do some math and figure out how quickly you can begin turning a profit. Of course, you’re going to need a parking lot attendant, insurance, etc., to own and operate your new facility. You’ll want to market it, too. Nevertheless, you might be shocked at how fast you get your investment dollars back. Real estate has been and always will be a lucrative investment vehicle. No matter what happens with the market, 2023 could be your year to invest. Article by Peter Daisyme, Due About the Author Peter Daisyme is the co-founder of Palo Alto, California-based Hostt, specializing in helping businesses with hosting their website for free, for life. Previously he was the co-founder of Pixloo, a company that helped people sell their homes online, that was acquired in 2012......»»

Amazon (AMZN) disappointed investors following its fourth-quarter results. Though the e-commerce giant beat earnings and revenue estimates, it posted the least profitable holiday quarter since 2014 and the biggest-ever annual loss as a public company. After the closing bell on Thursday, Amazon AMZN disappointed investors following its fourth-quarter results. Though the e-commerce giant beat earnings and revenue estimates, it posted the least profitable holiday quarter since 2014 and the biggest-ever annual loss as a public company.Shares of AMZN dropped 5.1% in aftermarket hours on elevated volume. This has put focus on ETFs with a substantial allocation to this online behemoth. These include ProShares Online Retail ETF ONLN, Fidelity MSCI Consumer Discretionary Index ETF FDIS, Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF VCR, Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund XLY and VanEck Vectors Retail ETF RTH.Amazon reported earnings per share of 21 cents, outpacing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 15 cents but declining from the year-ago earnings of $1.39. Revenues grew 9% year over year to $149.2 billion and edged past the consensus estimate of $145.5 billion. Amazon’s cloud computing business — Amazon Web Services — continued to shine, with revenues surging 20% year over year to $21.4 billion.The e-commerce giant had a record-breaking holiday season, with customers purchasing nearly half a billion items from small businesses in the United States. Small businesses in the United States generated more than $1 billion in sales over the five-day (Thanksgiving- Cyber-Monday) holiday shopping period (read: Online Holiday Sales Hit Record High: 5 ETFs to Tap).The world's largest online retailer expects revenues in the range of $121-126 billion for the first quarter of 2023, suggesting 4-8% growth from the year-ago reported number.ETFs in FocusProShares Online Retail ETF (ONLN)ProShares Online Retail ETF offers exposure to companies that principally sell online or through other non-store channels, and then zeros in on the companies that reshape the retail space. It tracks the ProShares Online Retail Index, holding 27 stocks in its basket. Amazon is the top firm, accounting for 25% of the portfolio (read: 5 Sector ETFs That Beat the Market in January).ProShares Online Retail ETF has amassed $169.5 million in its asset base and currently trades in a moderate volume of around 75,000 shares a day, on average. It charges 58 bps in annual fees from investors.Fidelity MSCI Consumer Discretionary Index ETF (FDIS)Fidelity MSCI Consumer Discretionary Index ETF tracks the MSCI USA IMI Consumer Discretionary Index, holding 313 stocks in its basket. Of these, Amazon takes the top spot with a 19.9% share.Fidelity MSCI Consumer Discretionary Index ETF has amassed $1 billion in its asset base while trading in a good volume of around 80,000 shares a day on average. It charges 8 bps in annual fees from investors and has a Zacks ETF Rank #2 (Buy) with a Medium risk outlook.Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (VCR)Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF currently follows the MSCI US Investable Market Consumer Discretionary 25/50 Index and holds 314 stocks in its basket. Of these, Amazon occupies the top position, with a 19.9% allocation. Internet & direct marketing retail takes the largest share at 22.5%, while restaurants, home improvement retail, and automobile manufacturers and round off the next three spots.VCR charges investors 10 bps in annual fees, while volume is moderate at nearly 121,000 shares a day. The product has managed about $4.1 billion in its asset base and carries a Zacks ETF Rank #2 with a Medium risk outlook.Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY)Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund offers exposure to the broad consumer discretionary space by tracking the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector Index. Holding 56 securities in its basket, Amazon takes the top spot with 24.8% of assets. Internet & direct marketing retail dominates about 26% of the portfolio, while specialty retail, hotels, restaurants and leisure, and automobiles round off the next three spots with a double-digit allocation each.Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund is the largest and most popular product in this space, with AUM of $14.5 billion and an average daily volume of around 4 million shares. It charges 0.10% in expense ratio and has a Zacks ETF Rank #2 with a Medium risk outlook (read: 4 ETFs to Tap on Solid Q4 GDP Numbers).VanEck Vectors Retail ETF (RTH)VanEck Vectors Retail ETF provides exposure to the 25 largest retail firms by tracking the MVIS US Listed Retail 25 Index, which measures the performance of the companies involved in retail distribution, wholesalers, online, direct mail and TV retailers, multi-line retailers, specialty retailers and food and other staples retailers. Amazon takes the top position in the basket with a 19.8% share.VanEck Vectors Retail ETF has amassed $156 million in its asset base and charges 35 bps in annual fees. It trades in a lower volume of 7,000 shares a day on average. VanEck Vectors Retail ETF has a Zacks ETF Rank #2 with a Medium risk outlook. Zacks Names "Single Best Pick to Double" From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all. It’s a little-known chemical company that’s up 65% over last year, yet still dirt cheap. With unrelenting demand, soaring 2022 earnings estimates, and $1.5 billion for repurchasing shares, retail investors could jump in at any time. This company could rival or surpass other recent Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Boston Beer Company which shot up +143.0% in little more than 9 months and NVIDIA which boomed +175.9% in one year.Free: See Our Top Stock and 4 Runners Up >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN): Free Stock Analysis Report VanEck Retail ETF (RTH): ETF Research Reports Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY): ETF Research Reports Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (VCR): ETF Research Reports Fidelity MSCI Consumer Discretionary Index ETF (FDIS): ETF Research Reports ProShares Online Retail ETF (ONLN): ETF Research ReportsTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»

In 2020, Crude Oil Futures briefly went negative in an unprecedented turn of events. Andrew Rocco recounts the madness and provides readers with 5 lessons that can be learned from the situation. An Unprecedented Commodity EventA little more than two years ago the commodity market shocked the world. In a bizarre turn of events, the price of Crude Oil went negative. Below is a chart of the United States Oil Fund ETF USO which tracks Crude Oil prices and illustrates the madness of the time:Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchWhat caused the event?·      Oversupply: At the time, the Trump administration was adamant on making the United States an oil exporter for the first time in decades. The unleashing of the domestic energy industry led to oversupply in the short-term.·      A Plummet in Energy Demand:While the global supply of Crude Oil was soaring, demand was cratering due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (The oil crash took place in April 2020)·      Limited Capacity: When a futures contract expires, traders can either roll their position to a different futures contract or “take delivery”. Taking delivery refers to the process of storing the physical commodity (obviously not an option for many traders). As the May 2020 futures contract expiration loomed there was a lack of demand and storage for physical oil which led to the unprecedented negative prices.Lessons to be LearnedThough Crude Oil Futures are unlikely to go negative again any time soon, investors can learn a lot about markets by looking back at history with clear eyes. Below are 5 lessons investors can learn from the oil contagion incident of 2020:1.   Anything is Possible in Markets: “Black Swan” events tend to occur more than investors think.In the past 10 years, investors have witnessed Crude Oil Futures go negative, the flash crash of 2015, and the COVID-19 pandemic roil markets.2.   Crisis = Opportunity: A classic saying is, “It’s always darkest before dawn.” Whether it was the banking sector in 2009, Crude Oil in 2020, or the stock market post-pandemic, the stock market tends to offer its juiciest opportunities in what seem to be the darkest times. For example, related stocks such as Occidental Petroleum OXY, Exxon Mobil XOM, and Halliburton HAL have more than doubled over the past 2 years since crude oil went negative.Image Source: Zacks Investment Research3.   Extremes can Lead to Extremes in the Other Direction: When an asset class gets pulled to far in one direction, it often snaps back rapidly in the opposite direction.This concept is known as reversion to the mean. After being one of the weakest groups in 2020, energy stocks like Schlumberger SLB have flipped a switch and have become one of the strongest groups in the market over the past two years.Image Source: Zacks Investment Research4.   The Difference Between Tops and Bottoms: Major tops in stocks and commodities tend to take several months. On the other hand, major bottoms tend to occur over on day or a handful of days. Tops are a process; bottoms are an event.A prime example of this phenomenon is the chart of the Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF XLE. Note how the 2009 and 2020 bottoms caused the trend to turn on a dime, while the topping process in 2014 took multiple years to gain momentum.Image Source: Zacks Investment Research5.   200-Day Moving Average is Critical: Paul Tudor Jones is a hedge fund manager worth more than $7 billion who catapulted to fame by tripling his money during the crash of 1987, also known as “Black Monday”. In a interview with self-help guru Tony Robbins, Tudor Jones made clear the importance of the 200-day moving average in his process by saying, “My metric for everything I look at is the 200-day moving average of closing prices.” Put simply, if the instrument you’re following is above the 200-day it is in a long-term uptrend and if it is below the 200-day it is in a downtrend. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Zacks Names "Single Best Pick to Double" From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all. It’s a little-known chemical company that’s up 65% over last year, yet still dirt cheap. With unrelenting demand, soaring 2022 earnings estimates, and $1.5 billion for repurchasing shares, retail investors could jump in at any time. This company could rival or surpass other recent Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Boston Beer Company which shot up +143.0% in little more than 9 months and NVIDIA which boomed +175.9% in one year.Free: See Our Top Stock and 4 Runners Up >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM): Free Stock Analysis Report Schlumberger Limited (SLB): Free Stock Analysis Report Halliburton Company (HAL): Free Stock Analysis Report Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY): Free Stock Analysis Report Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE): ETF Research Reports United States Oil ETF (USO): ETF Research ReportsTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»

Alphabet's (GOOGL) subsidiary Google is working on a multi-screen viewing capability on YouTube TV. Alphabet’s GOOGL division Google is consistently adding features to its online video-streaming service, YouTube.According to 9TO5Google, Google is working on a multi-screen viewing capability on YouTube TV. This serves as a testament to the above-mentioned fact.The capability will be available for the 2023 National Football League Sunday matches.On the back of the initiative, Google aims to provide an enhanced viewing experience to sports fans. This is expected to increase the adoption rate of YouTube in the days ahead.This, in turn, is likely to aid the performance of the Google Services segment, which contributes the most to Alphabet’s top line.Revenues from the Google Services business increased 2.5% year over year to $61.4 billion, accounting for 88.8% of the total third-quarter revenues.Alphabet Inc. Price and Consensus  Alphabet Inc. price-consensus-chart | Alphabet Inc. QuoteGrowing YouTube InitiativesApart from the recent move, Google is testing a search engine feature on YouTube, which will help users find a specific content on YouTube videos.Alphabet announced two updates on its YouTube Partner Program to let users easily join YouTube and make money from the platform, mainly from YouTube Shorts. Alphabet also introduced a Creator Music catalog for adding tracks to videos.GOOGL introduced handles for YouTube channels to support creators in establishing their distinct presence and brand on YouTube.With consistent efforts, Alphabet remains well-poised to rapidly penetrate the booming global video-streaming market.Per a Precedence Research report, the underlined market is expected to reach $1.7 trillion by 2030, seeing a CAGR of 18.5% between 2022 and 2030.Competitive ScenarioGiven the upbeat scenario, not only Alphabet but other major companies like Amazon AMZN, Apple AAPL and The Walt Disney Company DIS are making strong efforts to expand their market share in the video-streaming space.Amazon, which has lost 49.8% in the past year, is gaining traction among customers on the back of its video on-demand service, Prime Video. On AMZN’s video platform, viewers can watch movies, TV series and Amazon Originals. Amazon’s recent initiative to build a stand-alone application to stream live sports content remains noteworthy.Apple is witnessing solid momentum across its video-streaming platform, Apple TV. Apple’s growing original and regional content portfolio is helping it expand its user base. AAPL’s growing interest in sports streaming remains another major positive. Shares of Apple have been down 29.9% in the past year.Disney is riding on the growing popularity of Disney+, owing to a strong content portfolio and a cheaper bundle offering. Moreover, DIS’ growing sports streaming initiatives remain a positive. Disney recently renewed its deal with Formula 1. Per the terms, ESPN Networks in the United States will continue to show Formula 1 races through the 2025 season. Shares of DIS have lost 41.6% in the past year.Nevertheless, Alphabet’s growing sports streaming efforts, strategic partnerships and strong service offerings are helping it gain a competitive edge against the aforesaid peers.Consequently, this will help GOOGL win the confidence of the investors in the near and long terms.Shares of GOOGL have been down 35.3% in the past year compared with the Computer and Technology sector’s decline of 33.2%.Currently, Alphabet carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Zacks Names "Single Best Pick to Double" From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all. It’s a little-known chemical company that’s up 65% over last year, yet still dirt cheap. With unrelenting demand, soaring 2022 earnings estimates, and $1.5 billion for repurchasing shares, retail investors could jump in at any time. This company could rival or surpass other recent Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Boston Beer Company which shot up +143.0% in little more than 9 months and NVIDIA which boomed +175.9% in one year.Free: See Our Top Stock and 4 Runners Up >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN): Free Stock Analysis Report Apple Inc. (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report The Walt Disney Company (DIS): Free Stock Analysis Report Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»

We've rounded up the best mobile games on Apple and Android phones and tablets, from Vampire Survivors and Genshin Impact to Marvel Snap and Florence. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.Fortnite is a popular game on mobile devices.Epic Games The mobile game market has a ton to offer, from free-to-play hits to redesigned classics. You can download many titles on iOS and Android devices, letting you easily play on the go. We've chosen the best mobile games based on price, visuals, gameplay, and other key factors. The mobile gaming business continues to blossom with hundreds of new games every year; some made specifically for smartphones and tablets, and others redesigned for release on mobile devices. Mobile games have steadily improved in quality too, with the performance gap between smartphones and gaming consoles, like the Nintendo Switch, steadily shrinking.Between the thousands of games to choose from in your phone's app store, and subscription services like Apple Arcade and Google Play Pass, finding the best titles and new releases can be a struggle. With that in mind, we've curated a list of the best mobile games based on hands-on experience and critical consensus.Our list includes mobile games across a variety of genres, with picks determined by factors like price, visuals, gameplay, controls, and compatibility with different platforms. All of the games we've selected are supported on iOS and/or Android devices, and some are also available on computers and consoles.Games without ads or in-game purchases are generally rated higher, though several games on our list do contain microtransactions. We've also chosen to prioritize recent releases and games that are regularly updated.Marvel SnapMarvel SnapPlatforms: iOS, Android, PCThis addictive, easy-to-learn card game is free to play and features art directly from Marvel comic books. Players build a deck of cards inspired by Marvel characters and compete in one-on-one matches online. New hero cards with different abilities are unlocked as you play and rewards will let you upgrade the art for cards in your collection.While there are some microtransactions to customize how your cards look, there aren't any "pay-to-win" mechanics that let you spend money to get stronger cards, which keeps things fair for new players.Genshin ImpactmiHoYoPlatforms: iOS, Android, PCThis action role-playing game takes notes from Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, letting players explore large open-world environments with a variety of characters and combat styles. You can swap freely between four characters as you play, and each of them will gain access to new weapons and abilities as you progress.The flashy effects and anime-inspired visuals will appeal to fans of classic RPGs and the gameplay is fast-paced and accessible. So far, the game supports Xbox and PlayStation controllers on Apple devices, but not Android. Genshin impact is available on PC too, and it will automatically share your progress with mobile versions of the game.While Genshin Impact is free to play, it's also a gacha game, meaning you unlock new characters with a random draw mechanic. You can spend money for more chances to unlock characters or buy a battle pass for extra in-game rewards.Legends of Runeterra"Legends of Runeterra"/Riot GamesPlatforms: iOS, Android, PCThis digital card game comes from the creators of League of Legends and features characters from the same fantasy world of Runeterra. Players collect and build decks for online play with a strategy system that resembles classic collectible card games like Magic the Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh.Unlike those traditional card games, players don't need to spend money to start building their deck in Legends of Runeterra, and the game is regularly balanced to make sure every card is fair in competitive play. If you choose, you can spend money to unlock specific cards. The rate of unlocking new cards for free is also fairly quick compared to other digital card games.Other great collectible card games worth checking out on mobile include Hearthstone, Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel, and Magic: The Gathering Arena.FortniteA promotional screenshot for Fortnite Chapter 2.Epic GamesPlatforms: iOS, Android, PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo SwitchFortnite arrived as a global phenomenon in 2017, allowing up to 100 players to compete against each other in online battle royale matches across gaming consoles and mobile devices. The game has maintained its popularity with a mix of fast-paced gunplay, unique building mechanics, and metaverse crossovers.Unfortunately, ongoing legal disputes with Apple and Google led to Fortnite being removed from their respective app stores; though the game is still fully playable on mobile. Android users can install the Fortnite app directly from the official website or the Samsung app store. Apple users can stream Fortnite using Xbox Game Pass through the Xbox app without paying any subscription fees. Nvidia's GeForce Now app also offers free streaming for Apple users.Stardew ValleyChucklefishPlatforms: iOS, Android, PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo SwitchThis farming simulator offers simple, straight-forward gameplay with pixelated charm that's reminiscent of classic Super Nintendo games. Players can choose which crops and animals they want to raise as they search for resources and build a life in a country community.While Stardew Valley offers online multiplayer on computers and consoles, the mobile version is strictly a single-player experience. That said, the $5 game offers more than 50 hours of gameplay, without any extra ads or microtransactions.Monument Valley 1 and 2Monument ValleyPlatforms: iOS, Android, PC, Apple ArcadeMonument Valley and its sequel are both beautiful puzzle games filled with colorful backgrounds and well-designed 3D mazes that tilt the player's perspective. The story unfolds around a silent princess as the player guides her through each new stage.You can find Monument Valley and Monument Valley 2 as separate listings in the Google Play Store and Apple's App Store.Horizon Chase 2Horizon Chase 2Platforms: Apple ArcadeHorizon Chase 2 is a colorful arcade-style racing game inspired by titles like Daytona USA.  The game includes 15 different cars and 55 tracks, and will likely be updated to include more if the original game is any indication.Horizon Chase 2 includes online multiplayer and support for controllers, and as a part of Apple Arcade, all of the content is available without microtransactions.For now the game is exclusive to Apple Arcade, but it should arrive on PC, consoles, and Android in 2023. The original Horizon Chase is still a great game on Android too, with five tracks to try before you buy.MinecraftMicrosoft/MojangPlatforms: iOS, Android, PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo SwitchMicrosoft's flagship sandbox building game is amazingly accessible on mobile devices and allows for crossplay with other platforms like Xbox and PC. Players can take on the classic survival mode, put their imagination to the test in the free-flowing creative mode, or customize their own adventure. Minecraft has full controller support and receives regular updates alongside the console versions of the game.Call of Duty Mobile"Call of Duty Mobile"/ActivisionPlatforms: iOS, AndroidFans of first-person shooters will immediately recognize the Call of Duty brand, but the mobile version of the game is free to play, unlike its console counterparts. The game includes several well-known Call of Duty modes, ranging from team deathmatch and domination to a 100-player battle royale.Call of Duty Mobile features the same seasonal update pattern used on consoles, so new maps, weapons, and playable operatives arrive every few months. The game also offers touch-screen controls and controller support.There are a number of microtransactions, including a seasonal battle pass and credits for in-game cosmetics and other unlocks. Other quality multiplayer shooters include PUBG Mobile and Apex Legends Mobile.Among UsAmong UsPlatforms: iOS, Android, PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, VRAmong Us is an online multiplayer game based on the party game Mafia. The game separates a group of four to 15 players into two roles: crewmates and imposters. The imposters look just like the crew and are tasked with killing the other players, while the crewmates must identify the imposters as they work to keep their spaceship running.The game encourages fun social interactions between friends and strangers alike as crew members interrogate each other and imposters try to fool the crew into trusting them. Among Us includes crossplay to join players on other platforms, and the game is regularly updated with new modes, maps, and cosmetic items.FlorenceFlorencePlatforms: iOS, Android, PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch "Florence" is an award-winning, hand-drawn romance game that plays like a storybook, making it perfect for gamers who want a casual experience. As the player completes small mini-games, the relationship at the center of the game gradually flourishes and runs its course. The full story takes about an hour to complete.Other great picks for gamers who prefer a good story include the puzzle game Donut County, and the narrative-choice game Life is Strange.Dead CellsDead CellsPlatforms: iOS, Android, PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo SwitchThis challenging side-scrolling action game is inspired by classics like Castlevania but adopts a rogue-like style that slightly randomizes each new playthrough for a fresh experience. The quick moving combat and rewards for speed encourage players to master the gameplay, while the game's stylized pixel art creates intimidating monsters and haunting environments.Players can unlock dozens of weapons and power-ups to use during new runs and explore different routes to the end of the game. Dead Cells includes full controller support.Vampire SurvivorsVampire SurvivorsPlatforms: iOS, Android, PC, Mac, XboxVampire Survivors is a simple but addicting rogue-like game that challenges players to survive against a steady wave of 2D monsters that fill the screen. Each new run has a time limit of 15 to 30 minutes and players find new weapons and power up their character as they complete stages.At first, the game can be hard to understand with the constant flood of enemies and flying weapons, but the outrageous increases in power and steady action keep the game engaging during each new run.Sayonara Wild HeartsSayonara Wild HeartsPlatforms: Apple Arcade, PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo SwitchSayonara Wild Hearts is a music-based arcade game that sends players through a full album of tracks that tell an imaginative visual story. While the gameplay is relatively simple with players guiding their character along a preset track, the game's soundtrack and striking art design make it a memorable ride from start to finish.The game takes about 90 minutes to complete, but you can earn rewards for getting high scores on each of the 23 stages.What The Golf?What the Golf?Platforms: Apple Arcade, PC, Nintendo SwitchRather than being an actual golf game, What The Golf? takes a very abstract approach to the sport, giving players a series of silly physics-based puzzles to complete. The puzzles can range from trying to kick a soccer ball through a mini-golf style obstacle course, to rolling an office chair safely across a rooftop. The game is an Apple Arcade exclusive, though, so it's not available on Android devices.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

In 1999, two South African brothers cheated in the Comrades, the largest and oldest ultramarathon in the world. One stretch of the Comrades Marathon from 2015.RAJESH JANTILAL/AFP via Getty ImagesThey did an idiotic thing when they were young. 23 years later, it's still the one thing most people knew about them.Some of you will know this story already. Some of you will think you do. In South Africa, it's lodged in the collective memory, sticky and stubborn. The race. The twins. The watches. The subterfuge. In the world of global running, meanwhile, it still makes lists of the greatest marathon cheats. Even now. Even 23 years later. But before the scandal and the shame, the comeback and the infamy, was the event itself. And to understand how things ended up where they did, there's nowhere else to start but right there. It's Wednesday, the 16th of June, 1990. South Africa, five years clean of apartheid rule, is the world's darling. And today happens to be the day that Nelson Mandela will step down as the nation's first Black president. In a few hours, he'll hand over the reins to his deputy, Thabo Mbeki.At 5:59 a.m., when this story starts, it's still pitch black outside. We're in Pietermaritzburg, a tidy colonial city an hour's drive inland from Durban. In front of the red brick city hall stand 12,794 runners. It's the starting line of the Comrades, a 89.9-kilometer (56-mile) race that cuts through the rolling hills that tumble out from here to the Indian Ocean. In addition to the runners gathered on the start line, and the tens of thousands who will flank the route from here to Durban, many South Africans are watching live on television.  South Africans became obsessed with this homegrown event, the largest and oldest ultramarathon in the world, when a global boycott targeting its racist apartheid government barred the country from big international sporting events like the Olympics and the World Cup. In the lonely depths of South Africa's isolation, winners of this insanely long race were catapulted to fame and landed lucrative sponsorship deals. Even after apartheid was toppled and South Africa was invited back into the global fold, the Comrades retained its caché, and now it also had big-ticket prize money.One of the runners at the start line this morning, not yet attracting any attention, wears the race number 13018 – Sergio Motsoeneng. At 21, he's one of the youngest runners here, competing in a field crowded with world champions, in a sport where people often peak in their 30s or 40s. He's come here from Phuthaditjhaba, an impoverished area near the Lesotho border. He's never run this far in his life.  First prize in the Comrades is 100,000 South African Rand ($16,400 at the time). This year, the big corporate running clubs are offering additional money to runners who could break the course records. Sergio's club is offering a R1 million ($164,000) bonus, the equivalent of 70 years of his father's salary. Sergio has nine siblings to help support, and no job. This race is going to be his ticket out. From the loudspeakers, the theme song from the running cult film Chariots of Fire blasts into the crowd. Runners peel off the trash bags and ratty sweatshirts they've brought to keep warm while they wait. On a raised platform above the start line, Pietermaritzburg's mayor lifts a handgun. He fires. The race is on.Runners are seen taking part in the Comrades Marathon in 2018.RAJESH JANTILAL/AFP via Getty ImagesFor years, the idea of winning the Comrades has vibrated through Sergio and his younger brother, Arnold, at a constant frequency. Beginning as teenagers, they won race after race, dominating the sport in Phuthaditjhaba, a small city in the bowl of the Maluti Mountains, a poor and rural corner of the country near South Africa's border with Lesotho. They were rewarded mostly in dinky plastic trophies and bragging rights, plus the occasional cash prize. But the boys had bigger ambitions. When Sergio was about 15, and Arnold about 13, they started training informally with a white coach named Eugene Botha. Then in his late 20s, Eugene was short and jovial, with the twitchy excitability of a boxer. He'd been a pro runner in Johannesburg. Now, he ran a fire extinguisher business in the town of Bethlehem, 165 miles to the southeast. The tidy town center – once named the cleanest town in South Africa – was nearly all white. The township of matchbox houses and shacks crowded together on its perimeter was all Black. Eugene ran his business from his living room and coached high school running on the side. Sergio and Arnold noticed that his runners were good. They wanted to know how he did it. Eugene was charmed by the brothers' drive to show what they could do on a bigger stage. "A runner can always recognize another runner," Eugene tells me. "They were the best in Phuthaditjhaba. At all the races they entered, they won them by far." Sergio, he says, "had the style, the strength, the everything." Eugene's business often brought him to Phuthaditjhaba, an hour drive from Bethlehem, and he began taking Sergio and Arnold on long runs through the mountains, or to a track for speedwork drills. It wasn't yet clear to him if Sergio and Arnold were just Phuthaditjhaba good or once-in-a-generation good. But they had pluck.From the start, the boys were impatient. They wanted to run longer distances, the ones with the big prize money. Hold back, Eugene told them. It didn't make sense to punish their bodies like that, not when they had so much potential, not when they were just getting started.  Against their mentor's advice Sergio and Arnold decided the Comrades was the race to win. And not in ten years. Now. ***Five hours and 40 minutes after the crack of the start gun, Sergio Motsoeneng staggers across the finish line at Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Durban. He looks dazed as a race official drapes him in a blue and white Powerade towel. Ninth place, behind a mix of Black and white runners. It's not the record-breaking run he was hoping for, but it is, unequivocally, a phenomenal performance. He'll get R6000 ($1000) in prize money, plus a medal made of real gold. The TV commentators are stunned. A top ten finish from a no-name runner, and on his first go no less? "Motsoeneng coming through and surprising us all," marvels Bruce Fordyce, a nine-time Comrades winner turned pundit.  That night, there's a dinner for Sergio's running club, Rentmeester Reparil Gel, which takes its tongue-twisting name from the insurance company and pain relief gel that co-sponsor it. It's one of the country's elite clubs, and its runners have done well. Four, including Sergio, finished in the top ten, and three more in the top 50. Everyone is celebrating, drinking beer, slapping each other on the back. Andrew Kelehe, a runner who finished third — though he'd land in second place after another runner was disqualified for doping — and one of the coaches, John Hamlett, will tell me later that Sergio looked off. He's being really quiet, maybe he's sick. By the time Sergio arrives back in Phuthaditjhaba the next day, he's all smiles. His family meets him outside their two-bedroom brick house in a flurry of hugs and tears. They all watched the race together on their tiny black and white TV, squinting for footage of Sergio at the front of the pack, they tell him. It was only at the end that they'd spotted him, as the TV cameras panned to Sergio sprinting to the finish just ten minutes behind the winner, arms pumping and face drawn. They'd spend the whole night singing and praising god and dancing in the street. "You've opened the future for all of us," Joseph Mphuthi, another runner and an old friend of Sergio's, tells him.The prize money is a far cry from the R1.1 million Sergio had dreamed of, but it's not nothing either. He buys groceries for the family, new shoes for himself, cloth for the tailoring business that Arnold has started in Bloemfontein, three hours away. Their father had told them, more than once, to cut it out with the running. He was fed up with his sons constantly begging him for taxi fare and race entry money, and he didn't hesitate to tell them, you boys need real jobs. His rages were red-hot, often stoked by alcohol. But a top 10 finish in South Africa's most prestigious race is something no one expected. This is the moment, Sergio thinks, when everything changes. ***A few weeks later, Eugene is home in Bethlehem when his phone rings. It's someone from Rentmeester, Sergio's running club. Do you know the runner, Motsoeneng? The caller asks.Yes, I do.Do you know there are two of them, brothers? I do. Would you be able to tell them apart?Of course. Ok, says the man on the other end, we're going to fax you some photos now. Please tell us what you see. A minute later, Eugene is staring at side-by-side images of a lanky Black runner wearing the number 13018. There's a blue and green Rentmeester singlet hanging off his trim frame, a black cap is pulled low over his face, and he has on a pair of blue and yellow Nikes. Immediately, Eugene sees the problem. The runner on the right is clearly Sergio. Ropey and slight, he has soaring cheekbones and a torso so thin you can see the air ripple through his lungs when he breathes. His fists are balled and he's wearing a pink watch on his right wrist. Eugene studies the picture on the left. This runner looks stockier and there's a scar running down his right shin. His head is tilted forward, and his face is shrouded by the bill of his cap. He's also wearing a watch, but it's yellow and on his left wrist. A side-by-side comparison of Sergio Motsoeneng and his brother, Arnold Motsoeneng, racing in the Comrades in 1999.Gail Irwin/ReutersEugene's stomach drops. The runner on the left – Eugene has no doubt – is Sergio's brother Arnold.Within a few days, the two pictures will be splashed across the front pages of South Africa's biggest newspapers. ***The sun is setting quickly as I scramble up the steep hillside outside Phuthaditjhaba. Ahead of me, Arnold Motsoeneng moves nimbly, hopping over rocks and thorn bushes with the light, sure-footed steps of someone who has run this route many times before. For going on thirty years, this mountain he and Sergio nicknamed the Titanic, for its sharp pointed slope, is where they have trained, back and forth, up and down, until their legs and lungs burned. Tonight, though, we are walking, Arnold at the front, Sergio and another brother, Moratoe, at the back, and me in the middle, taking big ragged breaths in the thin air. "You doing ok?" Arnold calls back to me. His voice is warm and gentle, and he smiles at me with the same dazzling cheekbones that graced magazine covers in 1999 beside headlines about the "Crooked Comrades 'Twins.'" I smile back, flashing him a thumbs up. A few weeks earlier, I was home in Johannesburg, Sergio's number punched into my phone, screwing up the courage to start the call. By then, I'd spent hours scouring the internet for information about the Motsoenengs, reading article after article with titles like "Two Brothers, One Ultramarathon, and the Greatest Cheat in Running History" and "Top 10 Worst Sporting Cheats." They all told the same basic story, although some of the details were fuzzy: In 1999, two lookalike brothers concocted a clever plan to win the Comrades. They ran the race as a relay, swapping their clothes and shoes in portable toilets along the route. If they hadn't forgotten to swap their watches, too, they might have pulled it off. Some of the retellings had it — mistakenly — that the brothers were identical twins. One had Sergio and Arnold speeding between handoff points in a getaway car, as if part of an elegantly choreographed heist. One or two stories speculated that a third runner, a "Mr. X," had also run parts of the race. The stories hinted at a bigger anxiety. This was, remember, a fragile moment in the life of the new South Africa. There were plenty of people out there, white people especially, who were still praying to see it fail. Reporters from the time wrote that the brothers were "getting rich" off their "skullduggery" and opined that they'd "turned an illustrious event into a race of shame.""People were saying, 'look what they did to this race, that's what they'll do to the country," remembers Dana Snyman, a white tabloid journalist from the time. So when I reached Sergio and made my pitch for an interview, it surprised me that he seemed willing to hear me out. Sure, what they'd done was unethical, I said. But they'd also grown up in apartheid South Africa, one of the most immoral systems imaginable. Weren't they just giving themselves an advantage in a world that had disadvantaged them in every possible way? I tell him, their story rang like a kind of analogue prequel to twenty-first century shaming, where seemingly all of society lays into someone's bad behavior and leaves them branded forever. They'd done an idiotic thing when they were young and now, 23 years later, it was still the one thing most people knew about them. I wanted to hear their side, and to know what they'd made of their lives in the long shadow of this scandal. Sergio invited me to come meet him. He'd show me around, he said, and help me make sense of what had really happened. "Trust me," he said, "I'll explain everything." So that's how I end up here, catching my breath on a mountain top. From up here, Phuthaditjhaba stretches out below us like a scale model of a city. The Motsoeneng brothers pointed out their schools, their favorite running routes, and the old track stadium where Sergio and Arnold won races as teenagers. Arnold (left) and Sergio.Ryan Brown for insiderIn those days, they didn't run for South Africa, but for QwaQwa – one of ten "homelands" established for Black South Africans. According to the apartheid government, South Africa was actually a mosaic of different, separate nations, coexisting in beautiful harmony, and QwaQwa was a tiny nub of land backing up against Lesotho. The homeland system, much like apartheid, was an elaborate display of racist make-believe. Tiny, non-contiguous territories – supposedly, the original territory of different Black South African ethnic groups – dotted across the country. Naturally, those territories comprised only 13 percent of the land, in a country where three quarters of the population was Black, and excluded the country's best farmland, and its wealthy mineral reserves.The family arrived here in 1987. Sergio and Arnold's father Jonas was hired as a school caretaker, and squashed in the two-bedroom caretakers' cottage. Jonas and his wife, Emily, were both from a nearby farm in "white" South Africa's eastern Orange Free State, where their families had been long-term tenants of a family of white farmers. Emily left school in at the age of 10  to take care of the white family's baby. Jonas milked their cows. Sergio could remember, when he was little, watching how the white farmer ran his tractor, harvesting field after field of maize and beans. When he was done, Sergio's father and the other Black farmworkers walked those same fields, picking up for themselves whatever the white man had left behind. But if opportunities still seemed dim for Emily and Jonas' generation, their children expected more. Even as most of the country remained under strict racial segregation, South Africa's apartheid government cared enough about getting back into international sports that it agreed to integrate running. In 1975, Black runners, and women, were allowed to compete in the Comrades for the first time. Other major races also integrated, and soon, Black runners dominated the sport. Eugene, who started competing in the late 1980s, recalls competing in the 1991 City to City ultra-marathon from Johannesburg to Pretoria and finishing ninth, behind eight Black runners. As an incentive to keep up white runners' spirits now that they were regularly bested by Black athletes, Eugene's running club gave him a bonus for finishing first among white runners, he told me.Sergio and Arnold were the athletes of their family. Although they were two years apart in age, they started school together on the farm, and from the time they were young, they were inseparable. Two boys who seemed to know each other's thoughts without asking. Mafahla, the other kids called them, the twins. "We didn't have another friend," Sergio remembers. The mountains around Witsieshoek rise high in the Drakensberg region in South Africa.COLLART Hervé/Sygma via Getty ImagesPeople were constantly confusing him and Arnold, stopping him on the street to congratulate him for a race Arnold had won, and vice versa. In his teens, Sergio was named to a South African development squad for young athletes, which meant he was supposed to focus on short-distance training and stay away from long races  But he couldn't help himself, the prize money for marathons was too good. So yes, he once ran a marathon and then told officials to record the finish as Arnold's.  Who was it hurting? Everyone always said they looked like twins anyway. ***Back to 1999. Eugene can see the story has legs. Even before the photos dropped on his fax tray, there'd been questions. Not long after the race, Nick Bester, the Comrades' 15th place finisher, lodged a complaint with the Comrades Marathon Association, the CMA. A timing mat showed that the runner registered as Sergio Motsoeneng passed the race's halfway point 7 minutes behind Nick Bester. But somehow, that same runner beat him by eight minutes. At first, the Comrades dismissed the allegations. Then, Nick helped dig up these race photos. As soon as Eugene hangs up with the official from Sergio's club, he calls Clem Harrington. A prosecutor in the old South Africa, Clem was also a Comrades veteran who'd run it 21 times before he turned 40, some kind of record. Clem was the kind of guy who could fight for – or against – anyone, and win. And that, Eugene thought, was what the Motsoenengs needed.  They confront Sergio together, and Clem proposes a solution: Sell the story to a tabloid. Confess everything. Say how deeply sorry they are. The money's gone, so use the tabloid's fee to pay it back. You might save your running career. And it might still be a good one – after all, Sergio's marathon best was a 2:19, and even running half a Comrades at the pace you did is no joke. Sergio agrees, and Clem negotiates the fee with the Huisgenoot, a Afrikaans tabloid known for its scoops and celebrity gossip. A few days later, reporter Dana Synman comes to the cottage in Phuthaditjhaba and interviews the brothers for four hours, while a knot of other journalists huddle outside."The overwhelming impression I got from them was sincere," the journalist remembers. "They were desperate and they were naïve. They tried their luck, and they didn't get away with it. It's not like robbing a bank. To run a Comrades, even half a Comrades, that's very tough." The story appears on the cover of the Huisgenoot under the headline POOR BROTHERS' DREAM BECOMES A NIGHTMARE. Inside, there's a photo of Sergio with his arm draped over Arnold, the famous pink watch dangling from his wrist. "I am sorry about what happened at the Comrades," Sergio is quoted saying. "But people also need to know: I did not kill. I'm just tired of being poor."A few days after the story appears, Eugene, Clem, and Sergio drive to Pietermaritzburg to return the medal and hand over that fistful of cash. Sergio tells the CMA board how sorry he is and Clem asks for the minimum sentence. "We ask South Africa to forgive him," he pleads. An old photograph of Eugene, Clem, and Sergio, held by Eugene.Curtesy of Eugene BothaIt's been an embarrassing year all around for the CMA, actually. In addition to Sergio, two other runners in the top ten have been disqualified, both for doping. The winners' tables keep shifting, prize money keeps getting returned. In the end, Sergio and Arnold get a five-year ban from the Comrades. Clem is satisfied – it's punishment enough to scare them straight, and they'll still be young enough to compete. They'll have a chance, one day, to put this behind them, and maybe turn an embarrassing story into a triumphant one. But shame blooms out from the lie like a bloodstain, dark and heavy and hard to wash out. "My heart was broken," says Emily, their mother. "I still don't believe they ever cheated. "We just wanted to forget it ever happened," Sergio's wife, who was then his girlfriend, tells me. Not long after the scandal slid out of the public eye, Jonas Motsoeneng learned he had brain cancer. He died in the early hours of January 1, 2000, as South Africa spun into a new millennium. ***When we finally get into it, Sergio and Arnold claim can't remember exactly when they decided they would cheat, or whose idea it was to begin with. Sergio had been training, really training, he says. But when he heard about Rentmeester's R1 million reward, something inside him shifted. Together, they scrutinized the course map, which showed the portable toilets. They picked a spot, just before halfway, where they hoped it would be easy to slip in and out of the crowd. And that was it. It was Arnold who had started the race in Pietermaritzburg, they say. At the agreed-upon spot, they'd both slipped into the cramped space of a portable toilet and hurriedly peeled off their clothes. Suddenly, bang! There was a knock at the door.Sergio, are you in there? It was Dewald Steyn, one of Rentmeester's managers. I've got your energy drinks out here for you.Inside the toilet, the men froze. They couldn't open the door now. He'd see for sure that there were two of them inside.I feel sick, Sergio called back out.Hurry up, Dewald said. You're losing time.Outside, he waited. Inside, they waited.Finally, Dewald said he'd leave the drinks, and walked off. Sergio and Arnold waited a little longer, then Sergio slipped out the door, and onto the road to run the race's second half. Arnold waited a little longer, then hitched a ride back to Durban, where he caught a mini-bus taxi home. Runners use the bathrooms before the start of the start of the 94th edition of the Comrades Marathon in 2019.RAJESH JANTILAL/AFP via Getty ImagesBut many of the Motsoeneng's contemporaries in South African running say the story still feels fuzzy, incomplete. "They were in the toilets so long, they would have had to cut the course to make up the time," Nick says when I call him. And many suspect this hadn't been the first time they cheated. Arnold entered the Comrades in 1998, but dropped out around halfway – had that been a dress rehearsal? A handoff gone wrong? And then there was the City to City Marathon in 1998. "We" – the front runners "were far, far ahead of the rest of the guys," says Nixon Nkodima, another professional runner, tells me. "Then suddenly this guy" — Sergio — "comes out of nowhere and passes us, like he's running a 5k pace [45k's into an ultra]. I thought, maybe he's on drugs."But Arnold, who has largely managed to stay out of the limelight, says there's no reason for them to retreat. "The only thing is that we were looking for cash," he tells me. "But apart from that, we knew we could make it."*** There's a second chapter to this story that makes a bit of a mess of the narrative that made me want to talk to the brothers in the first place. When the ban that Clem had brokered lifted, both Sergio and Arnold started racing again, and winning. In 2009, Sergio made a triumphant return to the Comrades, and the following year, in 2010, he had a breakthrough race. In a photo taken as he sprints towards the finish line, he's grinning, an inversion of the tense, drawn face he wore when he crossed the line a decade before. He finished third.Speaking to the press afterwards, Sergio is again a model of contrition, saying he's now a family man who'd paid his dues and learned from his mistakes. "It just goes to show he did not have to do what he did in 1999," said Cheryl Winn from the Comrades Marathon Association, co-signing his narrative of redemption. "He has great ability."But six weeks later, the Comrades announced the results of its drug testing of top finishers. Sergio's has come back positive for a performance-enhancing steroid called Norandrosterone.*** "When they told me I'm positive, I told them, go to hell," Sergio tells me now. He, of all people, knew how a decision like that could snap a life in two. We're sitting on a covered porch, beside the brick house he's been building for the last decade and a half in a neighborhood of Phuthaditjhaba called Elite. He's been doing the work himself, by hand, adding a room every time he gets a bit of money. The building sits at a slightly precarious angle to the rocky ground. Its walls bow gently inward. Today, Sergio works as a teacher and drives an old green forest green Mercedes, which is parked out front. He has a daughter in university and a wife he lists in his phone as "The Love of My Life." His ten pit bulls clatter around in the house. Both he and Arnold coach running on the side. In person, Sergio fizzes with charisma and warmth. But he also holds me at arm's length. I ask to visit the school where he works, but he demurs, saying he would rather not remind his colleagues of the scandal. As it is, when he disciplines his students, he says, the pluckier ones demand to know why they should have to listen to a liar and a cheat like him. Of course he didn't cheat at the Comrades in 2010, he tells me. He can't prove it but offers some theories. Nandrolone, Sergio says, is found in uncastrated pigs, and there are known cases where athletes tested positive after consuming wild pork. He ate a lot of meat when he was training hard. And also, rumors have swirled for years about Comrades athletes and coaches spiking their rivals' sports drinks, or swapping urine samples before they were shipped off to the lab. Maybe it was that.And what about what happened to Ludwick Mamabolo, he says, the man whose Comrades win in 2012, two years after Sergio was disqualified, was revoked after he tested positive for a stimulant? His lawyers argued the Comrades' procedures for doping testing had been so haphazard, it was impossible to say with any certainty if the sample tested had even been Ludwick's at all. Ludwick was exonerated and got his title back. Ludwick Mamabolo crosses the Comrades Marathon finish line in 2012. After he disqualified for testing positive for a stimulant, he challenged the test and got his title back.RAJESH JANTILAL/AFP/GettyImagesI looked into all of it, and even spoke to Ludwick's lawyer. But their cases seemed fundamentally different – you could slip the substance Ludwick tested positive for into a sports drink. Nandrolone, by contrast, is usually injected. South Africa's anti-doping body, meanwhile, destroys case records after ten years, and I couldn't find anyone who believed enough in Sergio to plead his case.Except, of course, Arnold. "If he took it, I would know. Each and everywhere he goes, I go," Arnold tells me. Those results shattered them both. "I knew, that's it for him," Arnold says. Gone, was any hope of convincing people they'd just made a stupid mistake all those years before. It doesn't make any sense that Sergio would cheat, Arnold keeps saying. It just doesn't make any sense. ***It's hard, sometimes, not to read everything that happens in South Africa as a metaphor. This is a country where the jailers handed the keys to the inmates, and everyone was told to forgive. While the whole world watched, Nelson Mandela shook hands with apartheid's last president, FW de Klerk, and told him, What is past, is past – "Wat is verby, is verby!"The story of two young men, born into one of the most unequal societies on earth, trying – imperfectly, deceitfully – to find their way out of it also feels like something bigger than itself. It's a version of what South Africans have been doing for a generation now since the end of apartheid. As Sergio tells me, "Nobody wants to be poor forever."A Comrades Marathon runner holds a portrait of late South African icon Nelson Mandela in 2014.RAJESH JANTILAL/AFP via Getty ImagesFor Sergio and Arnold, the past was something they believed they could, quite literally, outrun. It didn't turn out like that, but it didn't turn out like that for most Black South Africans either. In the generation since the end of apartheid, inequality has remained stubbornly persistent. The wealthiest 3,500 South Africans own more than the poorest 32 million. Much of the country's elite is now Black, but so too are nearly all its poorest people.When Sergio and Arnold cheated, it felt to many like it was saying something not just about them, but about the moral character of Black South Africans generally. Look, they said, this is who you've handed our country to. As I sat speaking to Sergio, South Africa's president, Cyril Ramaphosa, was fighting for his political life after revelations that wads of cash, potentially ill-gotten, had been stolen from inside his sofa. Of course corruption isn't limited to Black leaders, in South Africa or anywhere else. The apartheid regime was shot through with graft. Its first Black government inherited a state that was nearly bankrupt. And a generation, like Sergio and Arnold, came of age promised a world that was, for most of them, never going to materialize. "You have to be Zola Budd level to get out of here," Eugene remarked to me, referring to the bare-footed white South African teenager who became a record-breaking runner for England in the 1980s. "People steal millions, and yet this [Sergio] is the guy they want to go after." Now, sitting by Sergio's house, I listen carefully as he lays out his theories about that 2010 race. I nod along, scribbling notes. It feels like we're up on that mountain in Phuthaditjhaba again. The world is laid out below us, small and vast and we can't quite make out all the details. ***Toward the end of my trip, I'm with Arnold, twisting my car up a steep road to the border with Lesotho.The Maluti Mountains, as seen from Butha Buthe, Lesotho, in 2021.Sumaya Hisham/ReutersHe wanted to show me this route where they used to train, 20 kilometers up, 20 kilometers down, waving to the border guards as they went. The air is dry and thin, and smells of wood smoke. Below us, in the valley where the Motsoeneng brothers have lived nearly all of their lives, the high-altitude sun glints off tin roofs. A shepherd coaxes a small flock of grey sheep up a hillside. The vegetation is dry and crisp. Of the two Motsoeneng brothers, Arnold has always been the more reserved. In 1999, he faded into the background of the cheating scandal. Even now, he is content to let Sergio, clever, fast-talking, and brash, be the face of their story. I realize there's something I haven't asked him yet. When he was running in the Comrades, keeping pace with South Africa's greatest runners, he knew it was a lie, but was it also a thrill? He smiles. It was one of those charmed days runners are blessed with every now and again, where you feel like you could run forever, he says. He was weightless. Nothing hurt.Even now, when he is training, he thinks, I wish it could feel like that day again, he says.Arnold with the kids her coaches.Ryan Brown for InsiderThe next day, I stood next to the dirt soccer field where Arnold coaches an elementary school cross country team, watching the kids plunk down backpacks and shed their school uniform sweaters. Here, on the edges of Phuthaditjhaba, the city slips in and out of focus. A city bus grumbles past, then a shepherd on horseback. A lot of the kids run barefoot, just as Arnold and Sergio did when they were that age. They call Arnold ntate, the Sesotho word for father. He explains the day's drills, and they all take off running, arms untucked and flailing.  Sometimes the kids get lazy and start cutting the corners, he tells me. "And I tell them, when you do that, you're not cheating me. You are only cheating yourself." Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

There are multiple ways to speed up your Windows 10 or 11 computer, including disabling special effects and managing bloatware. Here's how. The single most effective way to speed up Windows 10 or 11 is to use a solid state drive. You should also uninstall useless programs, disable effects, and change startup settings. Make sure Windows is fully updated and that your computer is running at full power. People sometimes wonder how it was possible for the computer inside of Apollo 11 — a computer with less memory than the cheapest Windows PC in use today — to reach the moon. The answer: It didn't waste any processing power on a fancy interface or unnecessary apps. You can eke some extra performance out of your own Windows computer by following NASA's lead. Even the oldest PC can probably benefit from removing bloated programs, clearing out the hard drive, and removing viruses. But of course, the best way to speed up any Windows computer is by upgrading the hardware. Here are 17 ways to speed up Windows 10 and Windows 11. Install a solid state driveSSDs like this one are often much smaller than hard drives.Andrii Atanov/Getty ImagesThe single best way to speed up any older Windows computer — and any device that still uses a traditional hard disk drive — is to install a solid state drive, or SSD for short.An SSD will allow Windows to boot several times faster, and programs to start in a fraction of the time. And since it has no moving parts, it usually lasts for longer than your average hard disk drive. Adding an SSD can even make a bigger difference than upgrading to a computer with a faster processor.Depending on what kind of computer you have, and whether it's a desktop or laptop, you might be able to install the SSD yourself. Otherwise, a computer repair shop can almost certainly do it for you.Disable apps that run at startupIf your computer takes ages to turn on, chances are that you have too many apps set to open at startup. All these apps compete with each other and your PC's essential features for processing power, which can slow things to a crawl or even make the computer crash.To configure which apps get to open at startup, right-click the Windows icon in your taskbar and select Task Manager, then click Startup at the top of the window. You'll get a list of every app that has permission to start alongside your computer, and a rating of how much power they take up.When you find a program that you don't want to open at startup, just right-click it and select Disable.Quick tip: If you open Task Manager but don't see the Startup option, click the More details option in the bottom-left corner first.Uninstall bloatware and other useless programsWhen you buy a computer from the store, either online or in-person, it usually comes with a suite of third-party apps already installed. Most of these apps are what's known as "bloatware" — useless programs that run in the background, hogging your computer's power.And as you use your computer over the years, chances are that you'll install one or two programs that you don't end up needing in the long run.In both cases, you should occasionally take a few minutes to go through your PC's apps and uninstall the ones you don't want or need anymore.To do this, open the Settings app on your computer and click Apps, and then Apps & features. You'll get a list of all your apps.In Windows 10, click an app's name and then Uninstall. In Windows 11, click the three dots to the right of the app's name, and then Uninstall. If the Uninstall button is grayed out, it usually means the program is built into Windows and can't be removed.Select an app you don't want and click "Uninstall." You might need to confirm your choice.William Antonelli/InsiderQuick tip: For more details, check out our article on how to properly uninstall programs in Windows.Close apps that you're not usingMultitasking is great, and most modern computers can run multiple apps at once without any issues. But if you're running several high-impact apps at the same time — maybe Google Chrome, Zoom, and Adobe Photoshop — it can put a strain on the processor.If you're looking to make your PC as fast as it can be, close apps when you're not using them, and avoid running too many big apps at once. This might mean you can't multitask as effectively as you like, but it'll help you avoid freezes and crashes.Most apps will close when you click the X button in the top-right. But some apps, like Spotify and Discord, stay open even when all their windows are closed. In these cases, you can close them by clicking the upwards-pointing arrow at the end of your taskbar, or by opening the Task Manager.Disable special effectsWindows is a prettier operating system than its predecessors, largely due to its special effects. These include small animations when you minimize or maximize a window, keeping the taskbar transparent, and more. They're subtle, but make the OS look much smoother.Unfortunately, they can also take up more power than they're worth. Luckily, both Windows 10 and Windows 11 let you disable them.Open the Settings app and click System, then scroll down to select About. Click the Advanced system settings option. In the new window that appears, find the Performance box and click Settings…A menu will open that lets you pick which special effects and animations you want, and which ones should be turned off. You can also use the preset buttons at the top to quickly adjust for the best performance.You can pick and choose effects, or just disable them all.William Antonelli/InsiderTurn off window transparencyOn a similar note, you might have noticed that some menus in Windows are transparent. Open the Start menu, for example, and you should see a faint, blurred impression of whatever lies behind it. If you don't want to sacrifice speed for such a small effect, you can turn it off entirely and probably not notice the difference. Open Settings and click Personalization, and then Colors. You'll find a small switch titled Transparency effects that you can use to turn the feature on or off.Turn off Game ModeIf you play games on your computer, Game Mode can be both a blessing and a curse. This setting detects when you have a game open, and will reroute processing power to help the game run as smoothly as possible.When you're only focusing on the game, this isn't bad. But if you're trying to run another app alongside the game, or if you're playing a game that runs in the background (like an idle clicker), Game Mode can cost you speed for no reason.You can turn Game Mode on or off by opening the Settings app, clicking Gaming, and then Game Mode.Keep Windows updatedUpdates can be annoying, we know. If you're working on an important project, racing against a deadline, you don't want to be told to restart your computer.But keeping your PC up-to-date is incredibly important. These patches include fixes and updates for your computer's security and performance, which will help your PC stay speedy.You can check to see if there are any updates waiting for you by opening the Settings app and clicking Update & Security (Windows 10) or Windows Update (11). The menu will check for any pending updates, and download them if they're available.The page will check for updates and let you install them.William Antonelli/InsiderCheck your internet connectionAs time goes on, more apps and more parts of your PC depend on the internet to work. This means that if you have a shoddy internet connection, these apps and features will run slower. In some cases, they might not work at all.Check your internet speed and see if it matches what you're paying for. If it's not, it means that either there's an issue with your internet router or your ISP is cheating you. Reset the router and contact your ISP for help.And if it's possible, connect your computer to the internet using an ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi. Ethernet connections are far faster and more stable, meaning that you shouldn't have to worry about drops in internet speed.Delete any virusesYou don't hear about computer viruses as often as you used to these days. But malware, spyware, and other kinds of malicious software are still lurking out there, waiting for a computer to land on. And while we usually associate viruses with catastrophic computer failures, some viruses are more subtle.Instead of deleting your data, these viruses will just sit on your device and steal processing power (often to mine for bitcoin). This means that even a couple of infected files can lead to a much slower computer.Modern Windows users are lucky, because both Windows 10 and Windows 11 come pre-installed with Windows Defender. Defender is one of the best anti-virus programs on the market, and should catch the overwhelming majority of viruses before they ever have a chance to reach you. This is in addition to the anti-virus features built into apps like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.Still, it never hurts to check. You can actively scan for viruses by opening the Windows Security app on your PC, clicking Virus & threat protection, and selecting Quick scan. And while Windows Defender is very good, there's never any harm in double-checking your system using a third-party app like Malwarebytes.Turn off Windows tips and tricksWindows keeps track of what you're doing in order to give you context-appropriate tips and tricks while using your computer. This can, however, slow down your system. Here's how to turn off these suggestions.1. Click on Start and open Settings.2. Click on System and select Notifications & actions.3. Uncheck Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows.Run your computer at full powerIf you're on a laptop, your computer might not be running at full speed. Nearly every Windows laptop offers "power plans" that make your computer run slower in exchange for longer battery life. To check your power plan, right-click the battery icon in your taskbar and select Power Options (Windows 10) or Power and sleep settings (Windows 11). On the page that opens, you'll find settings to change how much power your laptop uses.You'll want to pick the option that gives you the best performance.William Antonelli/InsiderClean up your diskBoth versions of Windows come with a program called Disk Cleanup. This app isn't very pretty, but it's a fantastic — and quick way — to get rid of junk files that your computer doesn't need. This includes temporary internet files, old error reports, and more. Unless you're really hurting for space, this probably won't make too much of a difference, but it's worth trying.To find this feature, just search your computer for Disk Cleanup and open it when it appears in the results. Check off all the types of data that you want to delete, then click OK.Quick tip: You can also set Windows to run this process automatically when you're low on space. Open the Settings app and click System, then Storage, and turn on the Storage Sense feature.Defrag the hard diskSimilarly, if you use your computer a lot, you should occasionally defragment your hard drive. This process organizes your hard disk, storing files closer together so it doesn't take as long to fetch them.Just note that this will only work if you have a hard disk drive (HDD). If you're using a solid state drive, there's no point in defragmenting it, since it can't be fragmented in the first place.To defragment your hard drive, search your computer for "defrag" and open the Defragment and Optimize Drives app when it appears. Select the hard drive that you want to fix, and then click Optimize.Update device driversKeeping your drivers up to date is a good idea and can often resolve issues.Clean your computerIf your fans get too dusty, the entire computer can suffer.Krasnikova Kat/ShutterstockWe mean "clean" in the literal sense this time. Like any object that sits in one place for a long time, your computer gathers loads of dust and dirt. This is especially true if you have a desktop, and keep the computer tower against a wall or under your desk.When too much dirt builds up inside the computer, it becomes harder for Windows to run. This isn't only because the parts can get damaged, but also because it can block up the fans and cause the system to overheat.Occasionally — at least once a year — you should take time to clean your computer. This might mean opening up the case and blowing out the dust with a can of compressed air. If you don't feel confident opening the computer on your own, take it to a computer repair shop. They'll clean your PC safely, and can even repair any broken parts they find inside.Restart your computerThis might sound ridiculous after all the technical advice we gave above, but trust us: Turning your computer off and then back on again can fix a lot of issues.Modern PCs are designed to stay on 24/7, but you should still consider restarting your computer occasionally. You'd be surprised at how fast a PC can get when it's just given a moment to refresh.And if restarting doesn't do anything, and none of the other options we suggested have worked, you can go a step further by restoring or resetting Windows. Fully resetting the PC will reinstall Windows and totally clear out any damaged files.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Meta Platforms (META) has been investing heavily in AI to boost its user growth in its Family of Apps and increase top-line growth. Meta Platforms META shares have tumbled 65.7% in the year-to-date period compared with the Zacks Internet – Software industry’s decline of 61.1%.Meta’s primary source of income is its ad revenue business. However, in the third quarter of 2022, advertising revenues (99.3% of Family of Apps revenues) decreased 3.7% year over year to $27.24 billion and accounted for 98.3% of third-quarter revenues. The Family of Apps is the primary source of funding for Meta’s lofty metaverse dream, upon which the company is banking its future.However, revenues from Family of Apps (99% of total revenues), which includes Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp and other services, decreased 3.6% year over year to $27.43 billion. The company expects revenues to decrease further in the coming quarter.Meta is facing the worst downturn in its operational history. Meta’s ad revenue business is facing declining growth due to ad targeting-related headwinds created by Apple’s AAPL iOS changes.Apple’s iOS changes have made ad targeting difficult, which has increased the cost of driving outcomes. Measuring these outcomes is tough, and Meta expects these factors to hurt advertising growth in the fourth quarter of 2022.Meta Platforms, Inc. Price and Consensus Meta Platforms, Inc. price-consensus-chart | Meta Platforms, Inc. QuoteThe U.S. economy is facing macroeconomic turmoil due to the rising inflation and recession triggered by interest rate hikes by the U.S. Federal Reserve.Rising inflation has also compelled both domestic and global customers to pull back on their purchases.Consequently, the slowing economy is likely to trigger cuts in ad spending, which will impact the revenues of ad-driven internet stocks like Meta, impacting their bottom-line growth.Meta’s financial plans to generate sufficient operating income from its Family of Apps business segment to fund the growth of its Reality Labs, which is responsible for building the metaverse, have taken a major hit. The company has been recently closing various long-term projects, which are burning a lot of cash.Amidst such a situation, Meta has been investing heavily in AI to boost its user growth in its Family of Apps and increase top-line growth to meet its future goals of creating the metaverse.META Investing in AI to Drive Future GrowthMeta Platforms recently utilized AI to introduce age verification technology to Facebook Dating in the United States to prevent users under the age of 18 to access experiences meant to be enjoyed as adults. Meta’s recent initiative to use AI to launch age verification in Facebook dating is likely to boost user confidence amid stiffening competition.Meta recently launched avatars on WhatsApp. The company used AI to create a digital version of users with various features, which creates a new way of connecting with users and would be a small preview of how it would feel to communicate with others in the alternate reality of the metaverse.META also recently announced that Liverpool football club debuted its collection of virtual apparel in Meta Avatar stores on Facebook, Messenger and Instagram. It will be available in virtual reality later this year. The recent offering of the football club’s virtual merchandise as avatars is expected to attract sports fans around the globe to Meta’s family of apps and boost user growth. Meta is planning to build the metaverse as an independent e-commerce platform. To do so, it is investing heavily in building its virtual reality space to give customers an immersive experience in terms of various aspects like social networking and gaming.META, which currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), is banking its revenue growth in the coming quarters on solid return on investments from its investment in AI and ML and strategic partnerships. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.However, building the metaverse is a collective effort and as such, Meta is making strategic partnerships with PyTorch co-founder Microsoft MSFT and NVIDIA NVDA to develop and architect the required AI models for the metaverse.Microsoft is bringing new work and productivity tools to Meta Quest Pro and Meta Quest 2 next year. These include apps like Microsoft Windows 365 and Microsoft Teams, and the ability to join a Teams meeting from inside Meta Horizons Workrooms, which will help create a seamless working experience in the metaverse.Meta Platforms has collaborated with NVIDIA to build an AI research supercomputer, helping META AI researchers to build different AI models crucial for creating the metaverse. Zacks Names "Single Best Pick to Double" From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all. It’s a little-known chemical company that’s up 65% over last year, yet still dirt cheap. With unrelenting demand, soaring 2022 earnings estimates, and $1.5 billion for repurchasing shares, retail investors could jump in at any time. This company could rival or surpass other recent Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Boston Beer Company which shot up +143.0% in little more than 9 months and NVIDIA which boomed +175.9% in one year.Free: See Our Top Stock and 4 Runners Up >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Apple Inc. (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report Microsoft Corporation (MSFT): Free Stock Analysis Report NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA): Free Stock Analysis Report Meta Platforms, Inc. (META): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»

Johnstone: I Don't Want A Sci-Fi Future Authored by Caitlin Johnstone, I don’t desire a future for humanity like the ones imagined by our culturally designated future-imaginers. I don’t want humans living in Elon Musk Mars colonies or Jeff Bezos space cylinders. I don’t want us to fly out into the stars, to disappear into virtual reality universes, or to move away from our humanness by becoming cybernetic organisms. Not yet anyway. Not for a long time. Not until we’ve done what we need to do here first. Have you ever noticed that most books, shows and movies set in the future tend to depict a humanity that’s more technologically advanced than our own, but thinks and behaves in basically the same way? In the average sci-fi story people are still waging wars, still fighting, conquering, subjugating, toiling and surviving just like today, except they’re doing it out in space surrounded by a bunch of aliens (who are also oddly entangled in the same egoic patternings as humans in the 21st century). In this common vision for the future, we have mastered space travel but still haven’t mastered basic psychological health. Our technology has enabled us to kill, enslave, manipulate and exploit among the stars so that we are no longer confined to killing, enslaving, manipulating and exploiting down here. This tendency is partly due to the limits of imagination; it’s easy to imagine more advanced versions of our own technology, but trying to imagine a mindframe that’s very different from your own is like trying to imagine being twice as intelligent as you are. Trying to imagine living in a conscious civilization while your own civilization is deeply unconscious is like a dream character trying to imagine life outside the dream. It’s not hard to extrapolate upon existing patterns, but envisioning the complete dissolution of patterns can be much more difficult. This tendency is also due to the fact that science fiction writers are telling stories for an immature civilization full of restless minds who would be easily bored by tales of a peaceful future without any major problems. But that’s the kind of future that I want for humanity. A peaceful one without any major problems. One that wouldn’t make a good Hollywood blockbuster. And it’s actually kind of a problem that the future which humanity is mentally pointing itself toward is one in which all our restlessness and dysfunction persists. Our steps into the future will be guided by our collective vision for it, and when those visions are about space colonization, virtual reality and transhumanism, our collective compass is going to be skewed toward dysfunction. Right now for example most human innovation goes toward generating profits and/or military dominance, which puts us on a trajectory toward more and more technologically advanced personal doodads to buy at the store and more and more ways of killing large numbers of people at a time. It doesn’t put us on a trajectory toward finding ways to make sure everyone has enough, to helping people have more leisure time, to helping humanity move in harmony with our ecosystem. All of those innovations would do infinitely more to create a more pleasant future for humanity than spaceships and laser guns, but our systems do not give rise to them, because they are not profitable and don’t help increase a government’s military power. There are so many assumptions baked in to our collective visions for the future and the systems we’ve set up to carry us there. Assumptions like we’ll never have peace; we’ll always have violence, conflict and domination; we’ll always have poverty and the need for endless toil; we’ll never be able to stop consuming our biosphere to death so we’d better get out into space so that capitalism can keep expanding. All of those assumptions point us away from a healthy and harmonious future. And of course that’s what you’d expect from a deeply unconscious species, which is what we still are currently. We’re still largely operating on autopilot like any other animal, whipped about by the forces of conditioning patterns that have been reverberating from the most distant reaches of our evolutionary ancestry. A collective history of trauma and fear combined with our newly evolved capacity for abstract thought has left us confused and disoriented in ways we haven’t yet gained lucidity on; an adolescent species in an awkward transition phase. And I can’t help but think how productive it would be if, rather than spending our energy trying to dash off into outer space or bury our heads in virtual reality, our movement into the future was focused more on resolving all that? If rather than feeding into our unconscious restlessness by giving ourselves more and more places to try and escape to, we set about learning to simply be here now? What if instead of trying to be anywhere but here, humanity made a mad push for enlightenment? What if instead of spending the next centuries trying to get away from the present reality, our society began emphasizing things like meditation and self-enquiry to help us finally truly meet the present reality? What if our science became less focused on profit and destruction and more on trying to find ways to help people be okay with themselves? What if psychedelic institutions were set up around the world to help everyone explore their inner realms and bring the unconscious into consciousness using skillful methods and entheogenic compounds? I mean, most of us can’t even sit still in meditation for an hour without their mind racing all over the place and doing everything except what it’s asked to do. Does that sound natural to you? Does that sound like a conscious, healthy species? Or does it sound like a species that, if handed paradise on a golden platter, would immediately destroy it out of boredom? A lot of what we see the most influential minds envisioning for our future just looks like restlessness to me, a relentless compulsion to be anywhere but here, much like the mental fidgeting of an individual attempting to meditate. We don’t even have any evidence that humans can live completely independent of Earth’s biosphere, yet it’s taken as a given that we’ll be running off into the stars so we don’t have to make the drastic changes in ourselves that will be necessary to sustain human life on this planet. The idea of simply settling down and learning to be here sounds unthinkably hellish to a mind enslaved to restlessness, to such an extent that it will concoct unrealistic fictions about the future rather than facing reality. Even if we did succeed in colonizing space, it wouldn’t solve any of our problems, and it wouldn’t make our future any more pleasant. We’d just be moving our restless, violent, insatiable, discontented minds offworld, where we’ll immediately recreate all the same problems we created down here except we’ll be doing it in artificial bubbles surrounded by deadly black desert on all sides. I mean, you think Thanksgiving is hell? Imagine cooped up with your family all day every day in what’s essentially a mall that you can never leave. Is your head really ready for that? A head rattling with mental chatter would be incapable of experiencing any wonder in space exploration, and would be incapable of experiencing joy in the creation of virtual worlds. A serene mind experiences wonder and joy walking across a parking lot. What we really want is equanimity, not space colonization and VR. Deep down we don’t really want to be somewhere else, we want to be able to truly be here. I’d really like to see humanity begin recalibrating its visions for the future away from these pathways toward glorified escapism, and toward the creation of a healthy and harmonious world. It might not sell books and movie tickets (at least not right away), but it will point us toward where we all really want to be in our heart of hearts. *  *  * My work is entirely reader-supported, so if you enjoyed this piece please consider sharing it around, following me on Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud or YouTube, throwing some money into my tip jar on Ko-fi, Patreon or Paypal, or buying an issue of my monthly zine. If you want to read more you can buy my books. The best way to make sure you see the stuff I publish is to subscribe to the mailing list for at my website or on Substack, which will get you an email notification for everything I publish. Everyone, racist platforms excluded, has my permission to republish, use or translate any part of this work (or anything else I’ve written) in any way they like free of charge. For more info on who I am, where I stand, and what I’m trying to do with this platform, click here. All works co-authored with my American husband Tim Foley. Bitcoin donations:1Ac7PCQXoQoLA9Sh8fhAgiU3PHA2EX5Zm2 Liked it? Take a second to support Caitlin Johnstone on Patreon! Tyler Durden Thu, 12/08/2022 - 23:00.....»»

Electronic Arts (EA) releases Need For Speed: Unbound, in collaboration with Criterion Games, for its racing fans. Electronic Arts EA announced that it released Need For Speed: Unbound, which is the latest expansion of its racing franchise, Need For Speed (NFS), in collaboration with Criterion Games.The story of the game revolves around two friends who were unable to stop a robbery at a family auto shop and are now on a journey, uncovering the world of Lakeshore City to win the ultimate street race as they wish to reclaim their stolen car.Criterion Games’ last NFS game was Need For Speed: Most Wanted back in 2012, which received good reviews and sold 16 million copies globally, per Video Game Statistics.In 2020, Criterion took the franchise rights of NFS once again from Ghost Games after the great success of Need for Speed Heat in 2019, which sold 2.3 million units, generating gross revenues of $73.1 million per VG Insights.The comeback of Criterion with NFS: Unbound has brought to players more realistic graphics, a soundtrack that personifies street art and a lot of accessibility options that one can change, such as difficulty, heads-up display (HUD) settings and more.This is expected to bring a better and more appealing gaming experience for players, bolstering EA’s active players. The game has been made available for players from Dec 2 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.EA Strengthens its Gaming PipelineElectronic Arts has been focusing on creating indulging games and has been investing in disrupting themes to draw Gen Z and Gen Alpha towards it.It released some of its upcoming games for 2023, including the horror genre game Dead Space releasing on Jan 27 and the action, adventure and role-playing game Wild Hearts, which comes out on Feb 17.It recently partnered with Walt Disney’s DIS Marvel Entertainment to develop at least three new action-adventure games, one of which will be an Iron Man game featuring an original narrative elaborating the rich history of the character and enabling players to feel what it’s like to truly play as Iron Man.These exciting launches are anticipated to drive third-quarter fiscal 2023 net bookings to around $2.425-$2.525 billion. Shares of Electronic Arts have gained 0.3% year to date against the Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector, which lost 31.3% in the same time frame. Electronic Arts Inc. Price and Consensus Electronic Arts Inc. price-consensus-chart | Electronic Arts Inc. QuoteHowever, Electronic Arts has been facing headwinds on a macro level as well due to the COVID restrictions being lifted, as people are shifting their preferences from online gaming to outdoor activities. According to Ampere Analysis, the combined sales of games, consoles and subscriptions are due to drop by 1.2% to $188 billion in 2022.This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company also faces stiff competition from Activision Blizzard ATVI and Take-Two Interactive TTWO.You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.Shares of Activision have gained 13.9% year to date. Its upcoming slate of releases in 2023 includes Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, which already has 20 million pre-registered players on Google Play.Shares of Take-Two have declined 38.8%. However, the company’s recent launch of Marvel's Midnight Suns is expected to boost its top line. It expects its fiscal 2023 revenues to jump 73.3% year over year.  Zacks Names "Single Best Pick to Double" From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all. It’s a little-known chemical company that’s up 65% over last year, yet still dirt cheap. With unrelenting demand, soaring 2022 earnings estimates, and $1.5 billion for repurchasing shares, retail investors could jump in at any time. This company could rival or surpass other recent Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Boston Beer Company which shot up +143.0% in little more than 9 months and NVIDIA which boomed +175.9% in one year.Free: See Our Top Stock and 4 Runners Up >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Activision Blizzard, Inc (ATVI): Free Stock Analysis Report TakeTwo Interactive Software, Inc. (TTWO): Free Stock Analysis Report The Walt Disney Company (DIS): Free Stock Analysis Report Electronic Arts Inc. (EA): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»

Black Friday is technically over, but there are still plenty of deals. We're rounding up the best weekend discounts from Amazon, Walmart, and more. We'll be keeping this page fresh with the best Black Friday weekend deals we can find.Nintendo; Amazon; Alyssa Powell/InsiderWhen you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.Black Friday is technically over, but several fantastic deals are still available. Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart continue to offer some of the best discounts we've seen on products across every category. And more deals are on the way as we head into Cyber Monday on November 28. We're updating this page throughout the weekend with the best Black Friday discounts that are still live. Right now, you can snag big savings on streaming services, Amazon products, Apple devices, 4K TVs, and more. We recommend bookmarking this page and checking back regularly as our expert team of reporters and editors will be rounding up all of the very best deals through Cyber Monday. Top Black Friday deals still available right nowPeacock Premium plan: $99 cents/month (80% off)Hulu x Disney+ bundle: $4.98 per month (55% off)Samsung 65-inch OLED 4K TV: $1797 (40% off)Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation): $200 (20% off)Roku Streaming Stick 4K (2021): $25 (50% off)Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer: $25 (37% off)Hydro Flask 32 oz. Wide Mouth Bottle: $33 (26% off)Home Accents Festive Pine Christmas Tree: $50 (29% off)Kindle Paperwhite: $95 (32% off)Dyson v10 Absolute Cordless Vacuum: $399 ($200 off)$104 off the United By Blue Recycled Full Zip JacketUnited By BlueThis fleece is super soft and warm. The company is committed to using sustainable materials in its products, and the jacket is made from 100% recycled materials. You can find it in two colorways, lagoon and forest floor. Right now, it's more than $100 off bringing it down to $44 — its lowest price ever.50% off on the Exploding Kittens Original Card GameExploding KittensThis highly-strategic, kitty-themed game is a true phenomenon and a great way to get the family together and is fun for almost any age group. It's currently half off, just in time for a great stocking stuffer or White Elephant gift.Save $30 on the Fitbit Versa 3FitbitWith automatic activity tracking and a large screen, the Versa 3 has nearly all the perks of the Fitbit line at a not-totally-absurd price point plus a stylish design. It's now available on clearance, so you can get it with a sweet $30 discount.Save 19% on the Lego Optimus PrimeAmazonLike its Transformers namesake, the Lego Optimus Prime can actually change from his robot form into a truck without needing to rebuild. This is a sought-after Lego set and it's at its lowest price ever on Amazon and Walmart.Save $100 on the Philips Premium Airfryer XXLAmazonWe like the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL because it has a spacious interior that holds up to 3 pounds or 7 quarts of food, cooks quickly, and is dishwasher safe. During Black Friday, it's at its lowest price in months, though we've seen it as cheap as $200 in the last year.Save over $100 on the Hoover Dual Power Max Pet Upright Carpet CleanerWalmartThis powerful carpet cleaner typically costs upwards of $200 or more. But right now, Walmart has it on sale for $97. So if you have a lot of pets and pet messes, this is a great tool to help you keep a clean home.15% off the Flamingo Women's RazorFlamingoThoughtfully designed to fit ergonomically into your hand and weighted with a no-slip grip, the Flamingo Razor is a step-up from your average manual razor. It's also available in four different neutral tones with matching shower holders to choose your favorite from. Right now, shoppers can buy their favorite for just under $13 — a rare discount on an essential tool.Save 30% on the Nike Women's Infinity React 3NIKEDesigned to be lightweight and breathable, yet durable and responsive, the Infinity React 3 caters to the needs of most runners. Originally $160, they're currently on sale for $111.98. Save 39% on the Hot Wheels Super Speed Blastway Dual Track RacingAmazonThis racetrack is ready for thrilling high-speed side-by-side racing action and it can connect to other Hot Wheels tracks for even more fun. During Black Friday, it's at the lowest price we've seen since 2020.Save 20% on the Triple F.A.T. Goose Rockhopper PufferTriple F.A.T. GooseReleased as part of the brand's new Reforged Supply Collection, the Rockhopper uses recycled materials and a non-toxic durable water resistant coating. At $85 off, this is a rare deal on a recently launched product.$50 off the Roku StreambarRokuThe Roku Streambar is a compact soundbar that also acts as a streaming device, giving you an all-in-one option for crisp Dolby Audio and crystal clear 4K, HD, and HDR graphics. It's discounted by $50 to an $80 overall price, making this a great time to buy.Save 45% on the AllModern Williams Two-Drawer NightstandAllModernClass-up your bedroom with this mid-century nightstand, complete with two drawers and minimalist accents. This nightstand comes in walnut, acorn, white and gray finishes. It's on sale for $243, but you can get another 25% off with the code GET25.Save 14% on the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 12.9-inchAppleApple's Magic Keyboard is designed to seamlessly attach to the iPad Pro with a comfortable and responsive typing experience, trackpad, and a USB-C port. It's a great way to boost your productivity from your tablet, especially at this excellent price of$300.40% off the Everlane Everyone Denim JacketEverlaneFeaturing unisex styling, the Everyone Denim Jacket is easy to wear and style for everyone. Right now, it's $59 — bringing the price down nearly $30.50% off the Amazon Fire HD 10 TabletAmazonWith 32GB of internal storage, a 1080p HD display, and loads of features like Alexa integration, the Fire HD 10 is one of the most versatile, yet affordable tablets you can buy. Currently on sale for 50% off, it's an even better deal at $75.25% off Jambys LoungewearAmir Ismael/InsiderLong Jambys are sustainably made modal, which comes from tree fibers. The material is incredibly soft and comfortable. On sale for $55, this is a great deal on premium loungewear. Read our full Jambys review here.25% off Bombas SocksBombasBombas makes some of the best socks we've ever tested — even at full price. Right now, you'll save 10% on packs plus an extra 25% on your order, bringing this 8-Pack down to $75.60. Read our full review and shop the entire site.$230 off the Vitamix Professional Series 750 BlenderWilliams SonomaThe Vitamix Professional Series 750 has everything you need in a blender, and its proven longevity makes it worth the price. This Black Friday deal is the lowest price we've seen by $60.$12.90 off the Casper Glow LightSuzy Hernandez/InsiderThe Casper Glow Light is a wireless, portable night-light. You control it with intuitive gestures for a beautiful, streamlined experience. It's 10% off during the company's Black Friday event.$15 off the Birthdate Co. CandleBirthdate CoGet 25% off on this candle, which is customized with scents associated with your (or someone else's) birthdate. Beyond offering a unique smell, writing on the container reveals personality traits around that specific birthday.25% off Brooklinen Boerum JoggersBrooklinenThe Boerum Joggers are a comfortable and stylish pair of lounge pants that come in seven different colors. This ultra-soft pair of sweats is on sale for under $60 during Brooklinen's Black Friday sale.$18 off Lego Classic Bricks and AnimalsWalmartA great gift for the creative builder in your life, this set includes 1,500 pieces for endless construction. At an all-time low price for Black Friday, this is an excellent price for a full set, especially when deals on classic LEGO kits are so rare.$25 off JBL Go 3 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth SpeakerAmazonThe JBL Go 3 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker features a rechargeable batter with a long runtime, a dustproof and waterproof design, and is compact enough to fit in your pocket. During Black Friday, it's at an all-time low price.51% off Rosyclo Cloud SlippersAmazonWhile not the exact same pair, these cloud slippers are nearly identical in design to the ones our executive editor Sally Kaplan owns and loves. Your discount will depend on the size and color you select, but we're seeing an average savings of 51% on these trendy cloud slippers.40% off Fullstar Vegetable Chopper and SpiralizerAmazonOne of TikTok's favorite gadgets, this chopper can dice an entire onion with just a single push of your palm. For Black Friday, it's the lowest price we've seen in months at around 40% off. As a bonus, it comes with a spiralizing attachment for making zoodles.30% off By Jing BoxFly by JingFly By Jing is one of our favorite chili crisps, and the By Jing box offers a range of Sichuan sauces, including the tangy Zhong sauce and potent Mala spice mix. At 30% for the first time ever, it's the perfect foodie holiday gift.$110 off Fitbit SenseFitbitThe Sense smartwatch has a ton of added features, focusing on heart health and stress management, giving you a more holistic look at your well-being. It's on sale for $140 during Black Friday which is an excellent deal considering how feature-rich this smartwatch is.$80 off Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbellsNautilusThe Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells allow you to adjust the weight of each dumbbell anywhere from 5 to 52.5 pounds. They're on sale for $350 during Black Friday, which is one of the lowest prices we've ever seen them at, making them a great deal for anyone looking to add to their home gym.$300 off Toto Washlet C100 Bidet SeatWayfairToto makes premium bathroom fixtures, including its bidets. We haven't tested this model and there are more advanced options, but right now you can save $300 on the C100.$150 off Traeger Pro Series 22 Pellet GrillThe Home DepotTraeger is one of our favorite grill brands, and the Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill is an excellent option for easy precision grilling and smoking. During Home Depot's early Black Friday sales, you can save $150 off its regular price.19% off Nike Air VaporMax 2021 FKNikeFeaturing a full Air midsole and a Flyknit woven upper, the Vapormax 2021 uses several of Nike's most advanced technologies. Right now, they're 19% off.$50 off Bonobos Stretch Washed Chino 2.0NordstromTaking on the look of classic chinos, this pair features added stretch for comfort. At 50% off, this is a good time to add more colors to your wardrobe.$7 off Wyze Bulb Color 2-PackBest BuyBright, colorful, and most importantly, affordable, these smart LED bulbs make an excellent addition to any smart home setup. Down to $20, they're now more affordable at only $10 each.$100 off Apple AirPods MaxAppleThe AirPods Max are expensive despite offering great sound quality and noise cancellation. At $449 during Black Friday, this is around the cheapest we've ever seen them (and an excellent deal considering Apple doesn't discount them often).$500 off Samsung 55-Inch The Frame Smart 4K UHD TVSamsungSamsung's QN55LS03B The Frame QLED has a matte display and thin build that makes it look more like a piece of art than a TV. We've rarely seen the price dip below $1,200, and it's usually closer to $1,500 so now is a great time to buy if you've been considering this model.$20 off Elden RingElden Ring / FromSoftwareThis 2022 Game of the Year nominee from the creators of Dark Souls is a challenging adventure, even for experienced gamers. This is one of the best prices we've seen since it released in February.$50 off the Fitbit LuxeSally KaplanThe Fitbit Luxe is a great option for the fashionistas in your life who don't like the look of a traditional smartwatch. On Black Friday, it's on sale for $80 — the lowest price we've seen. Check out more of the best Fitbit deals we've rounded up from across the web, and our buying guide to the best Fitbits we've tested.Save up to 40% on Monos luggageMonosShop all Monos luggage dealsBest known for its carry-on with a front pocket fit for a laptop, Monos is home to some of the best luggage and travel accessories we've tested. The travel brand has made a name for itself with its suitcases' convenient organization, as demonstrated by its Pro Plus Carry-on with extra storage space.Travelers can save up to a rare 40% on carry-ons, full-sized luggage, and travel accessories with the code EARLYBF2022. Shoppers can also expect to see discounts of up to 50% off on November 25-27 with the code BLACKFRIDAY2022, and up to 30% off on November 28-December 4 with the code CYBERWEEK2022. $150 off Apple 24-inch iMac M1 2021Apple$150 off Apple's 24-inch iMac running on the powerful M1 processor only makes a dent, but it's still the best price we've seen for this model. If you've been looking for a powerful all-in-on computer that will last a long time, the 24-inch iMac with a deal is a great option.20% off Philips Premium Digital Air FryerWilliams SonomaThe Philips Premium Digital Air Fryer heats up within seconds, turning out evenly cooked, crispy food with greater efficiency than an oven and even many other air fryers. At 20% off, this is one of the lowest price we've seen in months.$150 off KitchenAid 5-qt. Artisan Series Fresh Prep Attachment BundleKohl'sOne of the best deals we've seen on KitchenAid stand mixers is this bundle, which combines a 5 quart Artisan mixer with food processing attachments. This matches the sale price we've seen at other retailers, but also includes the Fresh Prep attachment, which usually retails for $60. The deal is available in three colors.30% off Casper Essential PillowAmazonWe're fans of Casper's pillows; we ranked the Original as the best pillow for side sleepers in our buying guide to the best pillows you can buy. The Essential pillow is soft and breathable on the outside and supportive on the inside. At $30, it matches the lowest price we've come across this year.$25 off Sonic FrontiersSegaPlaystation 5Xbox Series X Nintendo SwitchThe latest Sonic the Hedgehog game was released earlier this month and it's already 50% off for Black Friday. The game's "open zone" format is new for the franchise but it's gotten generally favorable reviews since its launch.$20 off Everlane Alpaca CrewEverlaneWith over 2500 reviews and four and a half stars, the alpaca crew is an Everlane staple. It comes in 12 colors and is 20% off on Black Friday.$32 off Lift Top Noblewell Coffee TableAmazonThis vintage wood table opens up and converts to a laptop desk while providing extra storage. Ideal for compact spaces, this table can easily fold back down to be used as a regular coffee table. Its Black Friday deal price is $12 less than the previous all-time low price.$60 off Vitamix E310 BlenderWilliams SonomaThis pared-down Vitamix has 10 variable speeds and a 48-ounce pitcher. This is the lowest price we've seen recently for this model.$100 off Hyperice Hypervolt 2 ProHypericeThe Hypervolt 2 Pro is Hyperice's best massage gun, offering five variable speeds, three hours of battery life, and a number of swappable head attachments. It's on sale for $100 off its normal price during Black Friday which is one of the best deals we've ever seen for it.20% off Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Large DogsChewyThe Seresto Flea and Tick Collar offer eight months of protection against fleas and ticks in all life stages. It's the only flea collar on the market that we recommend for dogs. For Black Friday 2022, Chewy is offering a rare deal we only see a few times a year.$230 off Nectar Memory Foam Mattress (Queen)NectarThe gel memory foam of the Nectar makes it a versatile mattress that conforms to the contours of your body to relieve pressure. During Black Friday, it's 33% off which is one of the best prices we've seen it at.30% off PlayStation DualSense Wireless ControllerThere are a number of steps you can take at home with your PS5 console to resolve the connectivity error.YELIM LEE/AFP via Getty ImagesThe PS5 controller is one of the best in the industry thanks to its haptic feedback, built-in microphone, and adaptive triggers. The Black Friday discount extends to other colors of the controller, like black, purple, & red.$240 off Roborock S7 Robot VacuumRoborockWhile it had trouble in corners and operates loudly, we were overall impressed with the powerful suction of the S7, and it was one of the best at mopping of the robot vacuums we tested. This is one of the lowest prices we've ever seen on this model.30% off Yeti Rambler 10 oz Wine TumblerAmazonNow 30% off, the Yeti Rambler holds up to 10 ounces of your favorite wine whether you're on a camping trip or on the back patio. The stainless steel interior paired with the double-wall vacuum insulation is what keeps your drink exactly at the temperature you like.29% off Black + Decker 20V Max Flex Handheld VacuumAmazonThe powerful Black+Decker 20V Max Flex Handheld Vacuum (model BDH2020FL) has a narrow, flexible, 4-foot hose that can clean hard-to-reach areas of your car. This Black Friday deal matches the lowest price we've seen it offered.$35 off Champion Men's Pullover HoodieAmazonJust in time for cooler weather, the Champion Pullover Hoodie features its signature logo, a jersey-lined hood, and is available in 25 different colors. Plus, this fleece sweater is 64% off for Black Friday.$60 off Apple Watch UltraAppleThis isn't a huge deal for the Apple Watch Ultra but it's the best deal we've seen for this model that was only released in September. And a discount is a discount for such a popular and expensive smartwatch.25% off Away Packable CarryallAwayThis travel tote is lightweight and made from water-resistant nylon for durability. It can easily hold all your daily essentials but also packs down into a zippered pouch so you can toss it in your suitcase. Plus, you can save 25% from now through Cyber Monday.40% off Ninja Foodi Two-Basket Air FryerJen Gushue/InsiderThe Ninja Foodi Two-Basket Air Fryer lets you cook two separate dishes at once, and you can time them to finish simultaneously to take the guesswork out of your dinner routine. During Black Friday, it's at an all-time low price.$30 off The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildNintendoThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the definitive adventure game on the Nintendo Switch, sending players on a sprawling journey across a fantasy world with hundreds of secrets to discover. Right now Walmart is selling it for only $30, a rare discount that puts it at the lowest price we've ever seen.25% off Hydro Flask ToteHydro FlaskThe Hydro Flask Tote makes for the perfect travel bag, especially when storing food because its lightweight, insulated, and fully lined. For Black Friday, the tote is 25% off.$50 off Oral-B iO Series 6 Electric ToothbrushAmazonStart and end every day with the Oral-B iO Series 6 Electric Toothbrush, now 40% off for Black Friday. Complete with 5 Smart Modes and technology that stores your brushing patterns, this brush comes with one more plus a travel case.$270 off Samsung 75-inch Class TU690T Series LED 4K UHD Smart Tizen TVBest BuyIf you're in need of a large screen for your living room, this Samsung TV is one of the best budget options you can find. While it may not have Samsung's latest display technology, this smart TV is fully featured with support for Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as Apple's AirPlay.17% off Bose QuietComfort II EarbudsAmazonThe Bose QuietComfort II Earbuds are the second rendition of the wireless earbuds, and they're easily one of the best noise-canceling earbuds on the market. At $50 off, they're currently at the lowest price we've seen. 55% off Razer Kishi for iPhoneAmazonThis controller — which is also available for Android — will turn your phone into a portable gaming device. The direct USB connection offers more responsive control than Bluetooth controllers while still providing a passthrough for charging. The Kishi can also be adjusted to fit phones with different sizes. At more than 50% off, it also offers great value compared to other mobile controllers. $20 off Apple AirTag 4-PackAppleApple's wireless trackers are compatible with the FindMy app on iPhone and iOS devices, and this matches the lowest price we've seen since their release. Just remember, you'll need a keychain holster or something else to keep them attached to your belongings.50% off Headspace subscriptionHeadspaceIf you're looking to exercise some mindfulness, a subscription to Headspace is a perfect place to start, especially at 50% off. The app offers easy-to-navigate guided meditations — from one-off sessions to help with burnout, to full-blown courses on stress and anger — from a variety of teachers, each with different perspectives.30% off Pax 3 Complete KitPaxThe Pax 3 is one of the best cannabis vapes you can buy right now, thanks to its modern, inconspicuous design, exact temperature control, and easy-to-use single button operation. Add in an industry-leading 10-year warranty, and this is a no-brainer for anyone looking for a go-to portable smoking solution. The complete kit is currently $75 off.$50 off the Xbox Series STargetThe Xbox Series S is one of Microsoft's two current generation consoles, along with the Xbox Series X. Both consoles play the exact same games, but there are differences, most notably that the Series S does not include a disc drive so you can only play digitally downloaded titles. It's currently $50 off, an excellent deal for this powerful and popular console.  Up to 50% off at EverlaneEverlaneShop all Everlane Black Friday dealsEverlane makes some of the best basics around, and you can save 40% off select styles for everyone, including cashmere, denim, and other wardrobe essentials we've tested and loved. Additionally, Everlane is partnering with Tree People for its Black Friday Fund and will donate a dollar for every order placed. 20% off Apple MacBook Air M1 (2020)Amazon$200 off the M1 MacBook Air is a superb deal, especially when you consider the M2 MacBook Air starts at $1,200, and isn't usually discounted below $1,000.58% off Puleo International 6.5-Foot Pre-Lit Flocked Slim Fraser Fir Artificial Christmas TreeAmazonWe recommend the Puleo International Pre-Lit Flocked Slim Fraser Fir Artificial Christmas Tree for a charming, snow-covered look. The pre-strung 350 incandescent lights give the tree a warm brightness. For Black Friday 2022, get it for an all-time low price.Check out our guide to the best artificial Christmas trees.43% off Lego Classic Bricks and AnimalsWalmartA great gift for the creative builder in your life, this set includes 1,500 pieces for endless construction. At an all-time low price for Black Friday, this is an excellent price for a full set, especially when deals on classic LEGO kits are so rare.$96 off Wüsthof Classic Hollow Edge 2-Piece Chef's Knife SetAmazonWüsthof is one of the top names in knife making. This set features a 6-inch chef's knife and a 3.5-inch paring knife, which should cover you for most tasks. During Black Friday, it's at an all-time low price.52% off DevaCurl SuperCreamAmazonDevaCurl's Supercream provides definition and hydration without weighing down medium and coarse wavy, curly, and coiled hair. You'll typically pay full price, but for Black Friday 2022, it's down to its lowest price ever at 50% off.28% off Tile Mate Bluetooth TrackerAmazonThe Tile Mate is designed to help you find easily misplaced items and attaches to keys, pet collars, and other important items. During Black Friday, it's at the lowest price we've seen this year.Check out our hands-on comparison of Tile Trackers to Apple AirTags.Get Hulu and Disney Plus for $5 a monthHuluDuring Black Friday, you get Hulu (with ads) and Disney+ (no ads) for just $5 per month for a full year. This deal saves you $11 per month off the regular price of the two services when purchased separately. Learn more about the Disney+ x Hulu bundle Black Friday deal.$200 off iRobot Roomba i3+, our favorite robot vacuumiRobotThe iRobot Roomba i3+ does more than your average robot vacuum. It develops personalized cleaning schedules and empties itself. It also does an outstanding job of cleaning. That's why we made it the top pick in our robot vacuum guide. Usually, it costs more than your average robot vacuum, but during Black Friday, it's at the lowest price we've ever seen.$10 off Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Donut Dog BedChewyThe Best Friends by Sheri the Original Calming Donut Dog Bed has a rounded shape that cradles a dog and helps them calm down naturally. It's our top pick for the best calming dog bed and rarely goes on sale. Right now, you can get it for its lowest price ever on select colors.Read our guide to the best dog beds.25% off Bissell Little Green Proheat Portable Carpet CleanerWayfairBissell makes some of our favorite carpet cleaners, and the Little Green ProHeat is a fantastic cleaner for removing stains and messes. During Black Friday, save 25% off.Check out our guide to the best carpet cleaners.25% off Paula's Choice Brighten + Glow KitPaula's ChoiceFor a limited time only, you can save 25% off the Paula's Choice Brighten and Glow Kit which includes the Super Boost Moisturizer and Eye Cream plus a limited-edition headband.33% off Razor A Kick ScooterTargetIt doesn't have all of the whistles and bells of an electric scooter, but a Razor A Kick Scooter will still be fun to ride. It's built durably and can collapse to be carried around. During Black Friday, it's 33% off, which is the best deal we've seen since 2020.18% off Kasa Smart Plug Ultra MiniAmazonThese smart plugs are low-profile enough to fit behind most furniture and are easy to use for basic smart home functions. During Black Friday, they're at the best price we've seen in months.55% off Kids Against Maturity Card GameAmazonKids Against Maturity is a tamer variation of the popular (and much raunchier) Cards Against Humanity. This family-friendly card game includes a mix of age-appropriate humor and innuendo for the adults' amusement. Pick it up for game nights at 55% off, the best price we've seen it offered.30% off Amazon Smart ThermostatAmazonThe Amazon Smart Home Thermostat is a simple, inexpensive smart home thermostat to control your home's temperature. It doesn't have a microphone or camera, so Alexa voice commands rely on another voice-enabled Alexa device, like an Echo smart speaker. Certain energy providers will provide benefits for switching to an energy-saving thermostat like this one, so be sure to check with yours. Right now, the thermostat is down to an all-time low price.27% off Cetaphil Daily Hydrating LotionTargetDrugstore skincare brand Cetaphil has a cult following among budget-savvy shoppers. The brand's products are formulated for sensitive skin and are fragrance-free. For Black Friday, the Daily Hydrating Moisturizer is down $4 from its typical price since this summer. Save up to 38% on Cetaphil's other cleaners and moisturizers too.Read our guide to the best skincare brands.37% off Anova Culinary Nano Sous Vide Precision CookerAmazonThe Anova Precision Cooker Nano offers accuracy and ease of use at a price unmatched by other sous vide machines. This model rarely goes to a lower price, so it's a good time to buy.See our guide to the best sous vide machines. 50% off Bonobos Stretch Washed Chino 2.0NordstromWith the style and fit of classic chinos, this pair features added stretch for comfort. At 50% off, now is a good time to add more colors to your wardrobe.$231 off GE Top Control Built-In Tall Tub DishwasherBest BuyGE Top Control Built-In Tall Tub Dishwasher (GDT550PYRFS) is available in four colors to match your decor, operates quietly, and has impressive drying capabilities. During The Home Depot's early Black Friday sale, it's 25% off.$340 off the S7 MaxV Ultra Robot VacuumAmazonAlthough we haven't yet tested the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra Robot Vacuum, the brand performs consistently well in our tests. This is the most innovative vacuum Roborock has released, mopping and vacuuming simultaneously and featuring a charging base that empties the dustbin. Right now, it's on sale for the first time.40% off T-Fal Simply Cook Prep and Cook Nonstick 17-Piece SetAmazonWe haven't tested this cookware set from T-Fal, but we have tried the brand's hard anodized pan and thought it was a decent budget pick. This 17-piece set is currently $40 off for Black Friday.$70 off Ninja Foodi Power Blender & Processor SystemTargetThe Ninja SS351 Foodi Power Blender also functions as a food processor and comes with a bunch of extras, like a smoothie bowl. While we haven't tested it yet, it is extremely highly rated. The price frequently fluctuates between $180 and $200 for this model. It's not the lowest price we've seen, but you're still saving $70.35% off our favorite do-everything Instant PotJen Gushue/InsiderThe Instant Pot Duo Crisp is a pressure cooker, slow cooker, air fryer, and sous vide machine all in one, making it one of the most useful and economical small appliances we tested. While it's not the lowest we've seen it, it's the best price in months.See our guide to the best Instant Pots and electric pressure cookers.$200 off JBL Boombox 2AmazonWhen you need music for your gathering, the JBL Boombox 2 brings powerful sound and bass to keep the party going. It's one of the best Bluetooth speakers that you can get, and right now it's on sale with an excellent and rare $200 discount.40% off SodaStream Terra Sparkling Water MakerAmazonIf you're a seltzer fan, then you should consider investing in a sparkling water maker. The Terra is SodaStream's newest model that is also cordless. It comes with one CO2 cylinder and a bottle of lime Bubly Drops. For Black Friday, it's an all-time low price.39% off Coway Airmega AP-1512H True HEPA PurifierCowayCoway makes some of the best air purifiers on the market. The AP-1512HH is a reliable compact unit with a 4-stage filtration system that reduces up to 99.6% of air pollution particles. This Black Friday deal is the lowest price since early 2021.$30 off Philips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake-Up LightSuzy Hernandez/Business InsiderThe Philips SmartSleep Connected is our top pick for the best sunrise alarm clock. It will help you fall asleep gently and wake up on time by creating stunning sunset and sunrise simulations. Right now, it's 15% off, an all-time low price that we haven't seen since last year.See our guide to the best sunrise alarm clocks.33% off the New Echo Dot with ClockAmazonThe latest of the Echo Dot lineup, the 5th Gen comes with a handful of new features including better audio and built-in Eero. Right now it's down to only $40, matching the lowest price we've seen for this new speaker.60% off Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear HeadphonesBeatsWhile not the newest headphones in the Beats lineup, the Beats Solo3 are still a solid pair of over-ear cans. They don't offer noise-canceling capabilities, but they're still a versatile pair of headphones that deliver balanced sound and 40 hours of listening time. At $80, they're at an all-time low for Black Friday with the best price we've seen.13% off TeeTurtle Reversible Narwhal PlushieAmazonMore than just a cuddly stuffed animal, TeeTurtle's reversible plushies let you express your mood. Don't feel like talking to anyone, just turn the animal to the frowny face side. For Black Friday, the narwhal stuffie is a modest 13% off.54% off UBeesize Ring Light with TripodAmazonWhether you're aiming to make more professional-looking TikToks or want something portable for your next trip, you can't beat this steep discount on a ring light tripod. The ring lighting helps improve the overall picture quality, but you can remove it if you're shooting landscapes or in a lot of natural light. At 54% off, this tripod comes in at under $20.53% off Coodoo Magnetic Blocks Tough Building Tiles Starter SetAmazonSimilar to ultra popular Magna-Tiles, these magnetic building blocks snap together quickly so you can build creatively. You can grab this starter set of 30 pieces for 48%, plus an extra 5% off when you clip the coupon on the page. For under $20, this set makes a great gift for the kiddo in your life.40% off TikTok's favorite vegetable chopperAmazonOne of TikTok's favorite gadgets, this chopper can dice an entire onion with just a single push of your palm. For Black Friday, it's the lowest price we've seen in months at around 40% off. As a bonus, it comes with a spiralizing attachment for making zoodles.62% off National Tree Company Pre-Lit Artificial Full Christmas Tree, 6.5 FeetAmazonIf you're still in the market for a Christmas tree, this 6.5 foot pre-lit Dunhill Fir tree is steeply discounted at 62% off for Black Friday; the lowest price we've ever seen for this tree.40% off the Oral-B Pro 1000 Electric ToothbrushAmazonWe love this electric toothbrush as a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on performance. It's also the path of least resistance to helping your teen build their own healthy habits. At 40% off for Black Friday, this is the lowest price we've seen all year.30% off sauces from Fly By JingFly by JingFly By Jing makes one of our favorite chili crisps, and the By Jing box offers a range of Sichuan sauces, including the tangy Zhong sauce and potent Mala spice mix. At 30% for the first time ever, it's the perfect foodie holiday gift.20% off Olaplex Hair Perfector No 3 Repairing TreatmentAmazonThough pricey, Olaplex's Hair Perfector is a cult favorite in beauty circles. At 20% off, it makes a thoughtful gift for anyone heard complaining about their split ends in the winter, this immensely popular hair treatment repairs brittle, dry hair and adds much-needed moisture.20% off Sengled Smart Light BulbSengledSengled's smart color-changing light bulb is significantly more affordable than bulbs from big names like Philips. For about $12, this single bulb is more affordable than ever.50% off Casper Essential PillowAmazonWe're fans of Casper's pillows; we ranked the Original as the best pillow for side sleepers in our buying guide to the best pillows you can buy. The Essential pillow is soft and breathable on the outside and supportive on the inside. At $30, it matches the lowest price we've come across this year.35% off iRobot Roomba 694AmazonThis robot vacuum can be automated to work around your home schedule, and also works with virtual assistants like Alexa and Google Home. It's not the most powerful Roomba, but it handles hardwood floors, pet hair, and short carpets without issue. It's on sale for $95 off during Black Friday. 26% off Hydro Flask Wide Mouth BottleMarathon SportsHydro Flask makes some of our favorite water bottles — they're basically indestructible without being bulky or heavy, and keep hot and cold beverages at their original temperature for at least 12 hours. It's a solid, pragmatic gift for anyone who complains about forgetting to hydrate or is on the hunt for a reliable thermos.See our guide to the best water bottles. 37% off Revlon One-Step Hair DryerAmazonThis hair tool combines styling, drying, and volumizing your hair into one simple step. It's comparable to the expensive Dyson Airwrap, but for a fraction of the cost. Down to $25, this is one of the best deals we've seen for it all year.See our guide to the best hair dryers. 50% off Roku Streaming Stick 4K (2021)RokuCompared to the Roku Streaming Stick+, the new Streaming Stick 4K provides an improved viewing experience by adding support for Dolby Vision. This advanced high dynamic range (HDR) format can provide better picture quality on TVs that support it. Right now you can get it on sale for only $25, the best price we've seen for it yet.34% off Hisense 50-inch U6 QLED 4K Fire TVAmazonThis 50-inch 4K display has Amazon's Fire TV platform built-in for easy access to tons of popular streaming apps. It also boasts advanced picture quality features like wide color support, up to 600 nits of brightness, and local dimming. At a deal price of $350, this is an excellent option for buyers who want a smaller TV that doesn't sacrifice image performance.60% off Google Nest MiniBest BuyThe Google Nest Mini is a compact and effective smart speaker that's powered by the very useful Google Assistant. Right now, it's one of the best prices we've seen for the device.See our guide to the best smart speakers. Get $50 off and 2 free games when you buy a Meta Quest 2 VR headset (128GB)AmazonAs part of a special Black Friday promotion, you can now snag a Meta Quest 2 VR headset (128GB) with two free games, Beat Saber and Resident Evil 4, for $350. The headset typically comes with Beat Saber for $400, so this deal saves you $50 and adds an extra free game.See our guide to the best VR headsets. 50% off It Takes TwoAmazonThe 2021 game of the year is an entirely cooperative game that lets a friend join-in online, even if they don't own the game. This price matches the lowest we've seen to date.Up to 50% off shoes at Rothy'sRothy'sShop the Rothy's Black Friday saleRothy's, one of our favorite shoe brands, is holding a rare and massive sale on soon-to-be-archived styles. We're seeing discounts as deep as 50% on flats, sneakers, bags, and loafers. We've tested all sorts of Rothy styles, from the brand's flats to its sneakers. Check out some of the sale styles we're eyeing below:  40% off Samsung 65-Inch Class OLED TVAmazonSamsung's first 4K OLED is also one of the very first OLED TVs to feature quantum dots. This technology allows the display to produce a wider range of colors than typical OLEDs. $1,800 is a new low price for this brand-new high-end set.34% off the Eufy RoboVac 25C Wi-Fi Connected Robot VacuumWalmartThis Eufy robot vacuum connects to your phone for easy scheduling and will run for over an hour with a single charge. Down to $99, this is a rare drop that beats previous deals we've seen.Check out our robot vacuum buying guide for more on our favorite models. 50% off Melissa & Doug PAW Patrol PAWtroller Activity CenterTargetIf there's a little one in your life who loves Paw Patrol, this activity center will provide hours of fun. You can grab it for 50% off during Target's Black Friday sale.$500 off Hydrow rowing machinesHydrowThe Hydrow Connected Rower is the Peloton of at-home rowing machines, bringing interactive rowing workouts right to your living room. It's on sale for $500 off its normal price during Best Buy's Black Friday sale which is one of the lowest prices we've seen it at.Check out our review of the Hydrow to learn more about what makes this a stellar piece of exercise equipment. Stellar deals on tech brands from across the webApple; Amazon; Alyssa Powell/InsiderTech is synonymous with Black Friday, and we're seeing big discounts on TVs, computers, cameras, phones, accessories, gaming gear, and more . In addition to deals from major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart, most tech companies are offering savings at their online stores. Here are our favorite companies whose products we've tested and trust.Adobe: Creative Cloud All Apps is 27% off for all users for the first year, 71% off for students and teachers for the first year; 40% off Adobe Photoshop Elements and Premier Elements.Anker: 20% to 25% off power banks and charging stations.Apple: Gift cards of varying amounts on qualifying purchases.Belkin: 25% off sitewide with code BF22.Bellroy: Up to 33% off phone cases, bags, wallets, and accessories.Case-Mate: Up to 60% off sitewide with code BFCM22, include LuMee, Pelican, and Fuel.CD Keys: Up to 96% off games for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.Courant: 20% off sitewide on chargers and accessories.Dell: Up to 60% on laptops, desktops, and monitors.DJI: Up to 30% off select drones and cameras. Epson: Up to 46% off select printers, projectors, and business machines.Goal Zero: Up to 20% off select power stations, portable batteries, solar panels, lights, and more.Google: $50-$150 off Google Pixel Watch and Pixel 7 smartphones.GoPro: 15% off sitewide on cameras, accessories, and more.Griffin: 50% off sitewide on cables, chargers, batteries, and more.HP: Up to 70% on laptops, desktops, monitors, printers, and more.Incase: 50% off sitewide on bags, laptop sleeves, cases, and more.Incipio: 50% off sitewide on phone cases and accessories.Insta360: Save up to $75 on cameras.LastPass: 25% off until 11/29.Logitech: $30 off orders over $150 and $50 off orders over $250 with code BF22USD.Microsoft: Up to $600 off Surface Pro tablet laptops.Moment: Up to 60% off select phone cases, lenses, cameras, and other photography accessories.Motorola: Save up to $1,000 on select phones.Nikon: Save up to $1,000 on DSLR and mirrorless cameras, lenses, and binoculars.Nintendo: Save up to $20 or 33% on select games.Otterbox: Free shipping on orders over $50.Peak Design: Up to 30% off camera bags and accessories.Philo: New subscribers save 80% off their first month until 11/30 with code THANKS.Samsung: Up to $350 off Samsung Galaxy Z foldable smartphones.Satechi: 25% off sitewide with code BFCM25 or 30% off $150 or more with code BFCM30.Sony: Save up to $1,500 on TVs, cameras, headphones, and other consumer electronics.Speck: 40% off sitewide until 11/27; 50% off sitewide 11/27-11/28.Steam: 20%-90% off select games until 11/29.ZAGG: 40% off sitewide on ZAGG, Mophie, InvisibleShield, and Gear4 computing and mobile hardware and accessories.29% off the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Espresso MachineAmazonDe'Longhi is one of the best brands for home espresso makers. The Specialista Arte is one of our recommended mid-range makers and has the unique feature of a built-in tamper. This is the best price we've seen in six months on this machine.Read more about the best espresso machines we've tested here.12% off the MacBook Pro 13-inch M2AppleThe 13-inch MacBook Pro is more capable than ever. Supercharged by the next-generation M2 chip, it's Apple's most portable pro laptop, with up to 20 hours of battery life and 12% off retail. It's a surprisingly good deal when you consider this new MacBook was just released in 2022.25% off the GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice MakerWalmartOne of the few nugget ice makers on the market, the GE Profile does one task perfectly: making chewable nugget ice. It's a bulky and pricy appliance, but the unique production is worth it if you're a nugget ice loyalist. For Black Friday, it's $130 off the usual price, so it's a great time to buy the ice maker of your dreams. You can read more about why we love this deal here.$90 off the Ninja OL501 Foodi 6.5 Qt. 14-in-1WalmartTypically priced at $280, this popular multicooker is discounted by nearly $170 for Black Friday. That's a stellar price on an all-in-one kitchen appliance that can air fry, pressure cook, slow cook, sear, sous vide, and more.Check out our guide to the best multicookers.$200 off the Vitamix 6500WalmartWhile we haven't tested this specific Vitamix blender, the brand is known for its power and reliability; we expect this model to be no different. Usually priced close to $600, it's on sale for $399; a stellar discount if you're looking for a Vitamix blender.Check out our guide to the best blenders. Save 20% on a Dyson Airwrap, plus get free accessoriesDysonWith new barrels to curl and wave in both directions, brushes to control and shape, and the multi-functional Coanda smoothing dryer to dry, smooth, and hide flyaways. Existing Dyson customers can save 20% off using the code e-mailed to them on November 21. Both new and returning customers can claim $125 in free gifts with their purchase.For more information, check out our Dyson Airwrap Black Friday deal guide. Save 30% on the Apple Watch Series 7Antonio Villas-Boas/InsiderThe Apple Watch Series 7 is extremely similar to the new Series 8. It's only missing Crash Detection, body temperature sensing, and a new Low Power Mode that gives the Series 8 up to 36 hours of battery life. With that in mind, you can easily justify the $120 in savings with this deal on the Series 7.See our guide to the best Apple Watch. Save 33% on the Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute Cordless Stick VacuumWalmartDyson vacuums are the cream of the crop, and this Black Friday deal for the Cyclone V10 is the best we've seen in years. Equipped with a sensor to detect whether you're vacuuming a carpet or hard floor, it's the perfect vac for any room in the house. See our guide to the best vacuums. 57% off Madden 23AmazonJust released in August, Madden 23 is the newest iteration of the ever-popular EA Sports NFL video game franchise. Down to just $30, this deal is an absolute steal — and the perfect holiday gift for the football lover or sports gamer in your life. 50% off Columbia Tipton Peak Insulated JacketColumbiaColumbia jackets are ideal for layering in cold weather, as they are warm, but not too bulky. If you're looking to upgrade for this winter, 50% off this Tipton Peak Insulated Jacket is a fantastic deal for you. See our guide to the best winter coats. 50% off Kiehls Ultimate Shave CollectionNordstromWith $72 worth of product, this gift set of men's shaving products from cult favorite brand Kiehl's is a great deal at $33.60. If you use your Nordstrom card to purchase, you can also earn a $60 Note to be used on a future purchase.40% off the Carina Platform Chelsea BootMadewellA lovely take on the classic Chelsea boot, Madewell's Carina Platform Chelsea features a 2.5-inch heel and white leather uppers. It's a perfect boot that can be worn with everything from dresses to jeans, and it's currently 40% off with the code OHJOY.See our guide to the best ankle boots. 41% off the ASUS Chromebook C203XAAmazonThe Asus C203XA is designed with military-grade durability, a spill-resistant keyboard, and an anti-scratch finish, making it the perfect choice for students and classrooms. Down to only $142, this is the best price it's seen in months.See our guide to the best Chromebooks. Save $90 on the Dewalt Compact Drill/Impact Combo KitAmazonThis 20-Volt MAX Brushless Compact 2-Tool Combo Kit includes 1 cordless Drill/Driver, 1 cordless Impact Driver, two 20-Volt MAX Lithium Ion Batteries, 1 charger, and a carrying bag. During the Home Depot's early Black Friday sale, it's 35% off.See our guide to the best cordless drills. Save $500 on the Samsung FrameBest BuySamsung's QN55LS03B The Frame QLED has a matte display and thin build that makes it look more like a piece of art than a TV. We've rarely seen the price dip below $1,200, and it's usually closer to $1,500 so now is a great time to buy if you've been considering this model.See our guides to the best 4k TVs and OLED TVs. 75% off LifeStraw Personal Water FilterAmazonLifeStraws are portable filters that can make even some of the murkiest standing water drinkable. For backpackers and hikers, a LifeStraw can be an invaluable tool in dire situations. Down to only $13, now is a great time to buy one.3 months of Discovery Plus for $3Discovery PlusWhether you're a fan pimple popping, house flipping, explorative cooking, or ghost hunting, Discovery Plus has a series that will keep you hooked. The service's Ad-Lite plan is already very affordable year round, but right now you can join the service for only $1 a month for your first three months. It's an excellent deal we only see during major deal events, like Black Friday.See our review of the best streaming services. 44% off Chewmeter Himalayan Yaky Cheese ChewsChewyMade with potato starch and cheese, among other ingredients, Chewmeter's dog treats are rawhide-free. They were about a dollar less during Amazon's Prime Early Access Sale in October, but have been above $20 for most of the year. 25% off the Magic Bullet BlenderAmazonAt under $30, this 11-piece Magic Bullet set is a great, space-conscious gift for anyone in need of a small, sturdy blender. It comes with three different mugs as well as lids for optimal freshness.See our guide to the best blenders. 50% off JBL Tune 510BT Wireless On-Ear HeadphonesJBLQuality over-ear headphones can get pricey, but these wireless ones from JBL offer great sound and up to 40 hours of play when fully charged. RIght now, they're a steep 50% off, costing right under $25. 40% off the Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry OvenTargetNinja is one of our favorite small appliance brands, especially for its air fryers and toaster ovens. This one combines 8 functions into a single, compact appliance: air fry, air roast, air broil, bake, bagel, toast, dehydrate, and keep warm. Right now, it's on sale for the lowest price we've seen, and if you clip the on-page coupon, you can save an additional $20.See our guide to the best air fryers and toaster ovens. 35% off athleisure at Girlfriend CollectiveGirlfriend CollectiveShop the Girlfriend Collective saleGirlfriend Collective is one of our favorite athleisure brands for its cute, sustainably made sets, bras, and leggings. Through December 9, you can get 35% off Girlfriend Collective products sitewide, with additional markdowns on select items. 3 months of HBO Max for $6SOPA Images/ShutterstockHBO Max is packed with hours of content old and new, including hits like "House of the Dragon," "The Batman," and the entire "Harry Potter" collection. It rarely sees discounts for subscribers, but now through November 28, new and returning subscribers can get their first three months of the ad-supported plan for only $6.Lowest price of the year on an Insider subscriptionInsiderInsider is offering its annual subscription at its lowest price of the year as a Black Friday and Cyber Monday deal. You'll get access to in-depth reporting, exclusive stories, pitch decks, salary databases, and more. This deal expires on November 28.Rare $10 discount on Ring Fit AdventureAmazonRing Fit Adventure is a fitness-centric game that challenges you to get off the couch and perform crunches, sit-ups, and more to defeat enemies. It even comes with a special accessory called the Ring-Con to track your movements. This game rarely goes on sale, so this $10 discount from Amazon is a good deal.Save $50 on the internet's favorite frying panOur PlaceThis sleek, matte pan is an incredible gift for minimalists: It's designed to replace eight pieces of cookware, functioning as everything from a pot to a frying pan. Normally $145, you can get it for $95 for Black Friday.See our guide to the best nonstick frying pans. 28% off Otherland candlesOtherlandOtherland is a hot candle brand right now, known for its creative packaging and custom gift sets. For Black Friday, you can get 28% off a 3-pack and 35% off 6-packs and 9-packs.See our guide to the best places for buying candles. $100 off the new Pixel 7GoogleThis is the lowest price for Google's newest smartphone, the Pixel 7. Launched only a month ago, the Pixels are desirable Android phones, thanks to their fast performance, great image quality from the cameras, and stock Android.See our guide to the best smartphones. Shop big deals on luggage from across the internetRachel Askinasi/InsiderTravel is back and it's a great time to stock up on those travel essentials you may have neglected in the past few years of pandemic. Below you'll find deals on our favorite luggage brands. Away: Up to 40% off suitcases and travel accessories. Check out our full round up of Away luggage deals.Baboon to the Moon: Up to 75% off bags and accessories.Bric's: Up to 50% off Bellagio, MyLife, Siena, and X-Bag lines.Delsey: Save 30% to 60%, plus free shipping.July: Save $30 when you spend $300, $100 when you spend $600, and $200 when you spend $1,000. Monos: Up to 40% off sitewide with code EARLYBF2022. Check out our full round up of Monos luggage deals.Nomatic: Up to 30% off luggage and 50% off travel accessories.Paravel: Up to 30% off, including Oprah's favorite foldable backpack.ROAM: Free Market Tote or Travel Pouch Set with the purchase of any piece of luggage, backpack, or duffel.Samsonite: 30% off sitewide and free shipping.Solgaard: Take 15% to 50% off sitewide. Travelpro: More than 70% off select suitcases and bags, plus save $30 when you spend $200 and $60 when you spend $300.Tumi: 40% off select suitcases, backpacks, and bags.50% off the Litter Genie PlusAmazonThe Litter Genie keeps odors from cat litter waste concealed. Deputy Editor Lauren Savoie likes that it holds several weeks' worth of waste so she doesn't have to take the trash out every time she scoops. For Chewy's Black Friday sale, it's marked down to 30% off its usual price, and over at Petco, it's 50% off — an all-time low price.50% off Paramount PlusParamount PlusNow through November 27, new and returning subscribers can get 50% off an annual plan of Paramount Plus, bringing the Essential plan down to only $25 for a full year of content. The service is home to hundreds of hours of series and movies, including titles like "Smile," "Sonic the Hedgehog 2," and "Spongebob Squarepants." This cheaper plan is ad-supported and starts with a free, one-week trial.$60 off the Ring Floodlight Cam Wired PlusThe Home DepotRing's Floodlight Cam Wired Plus combines the standard Spotlight Cam with a set of motion-activated floodlights for better lighting. The camera itself streams and records at 1080p resolution and is also motion-activated, and it includes a siren and two-way talk. The Black Friday sale matches the lowest price we've seen it available for.Shop big sales from nearly every major mattress brandLeesa/InstagramMattresses are an expensive yet important purchase. Fortunately, during Black Friday, you can save hundreds of dollars on top brands, including Casper, Purple, Nectar, and more. Don't know which mattress to buy? Our mattress expert has tested more than 60 mattresses and lists the best in our mattress guide. Also, check out our best Black Friday mattress deals hub.Amerisleep: Get $450 off any mattress and free accessories using the promo code AS450.Avocado: Get 10% off sitewide using the promo code SAVE10.Awara: Get $300 off any mattress and a free cotton sheet set, two latex pillows, and a mattress protector.Bear: Get 35% off sitewide and free accessories.Beautyrest: Save up to $800 on select mattresses.Big Fig Mattress: Get $400 off mattresses using the promo code FRIYAY.Birch: Get $400 off mattresses and two free pillows using the promo code FALLSALE400. Brooklyn Bedding: Get 30% off sitewide using promo code BFRIDAY30.Casper: Save up to $800 on mattresses using the promo code BFCM22-B.Cocoon by Sealy: Get 35% off the Chill mattresses and get a free set of sheets and pillows. DreamCloud: Get 25% off mattresses and $599 worth of accessories, including sheets, pillows, and a mattress protector. Emma: Get up to 50% off sitewide.Ghost Bed: Up to 50% off all mattresses and adjustable base bundles and get two free pillows.Helix: Save $150 when you spend $600 using promo code BFWKND150, save $250 when you spend $1,249 using promo code BFWKND250, save $300 when you spend $1,700 using promo code BFWKND300, save $350 when you spend $2,550 using promo code BFWKND350, save $400 when you spend $2,700 using promo code BFWKND400, and save $450 when you spend $2,950 using promo code BFWKND450. Plus, all purchases include two free pillows. Leesa: Save up to $700 on mattresses with two pillows included.Mattress Firm: Get up to 50% off mattresses during the early Black Friday sale.Nectar: Get 33% off sitewide.Nest Bedding: Up to 50% off select mattresses.Nolah: Save up to $700 on mattresses and get two free pillows during the early access Black Friday sale.   Purple: Get $700 off the Purple Plus Mattress plus adjustable base.Saatva: Get up to $450 off select mattresses during the Election 1-Day Flash Sale.Serta: Save up to $800 on select mattresses and mattress sets.Siena: Save $200 off any mattress.Sleep Number: Up to 40% off select beds.Tempur-Pedic: Get 30% off the Tempur-Pedic Cloud mattress when you use the Insider exclusive promo code BI30.Tuft & Needle: Save up to $750 on mattresses.Wayfair: Save on big-name mattress brands like Beautyrest and Sealy. Check out our Wayfair deals roundup.Zinus: Save up to 40% off select mattresses. Editor's note: Zinus is facing a class-action lawsuit claiming that fiberglass in the company's mattresses has led to serious health issues. Check out our full article on the lawsuit for more details.Zoma: Save $150 on all mattresses using promo code WIN150.Save $300 on an LG 24-inch Smart DishwasherHome Depot; InsiderIn addition to various useful cleaning and maintenance features, the LG LDP6810SS Smart Dishwasher provides smartphone monitoring, downloadable wash cycles, and diagnostic alerts. During Black Friday, save more than $300 on it.Save $400 on our favorite mattress and get $600 in free accessoriesDreamcloudOne of our favorite mattresses, the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress offers an impressive array of features, including excellent support, a firmness that will appeal to most sleepers, and a long trial period and warranty. During the Black Friday sale, you can save $400 and get $599 of accessories included.Save $40 on the Theragun MiniTherabodyTherabody's fourth generation of massage guns introduced the Theragun Mini, a portable device that packs a percussive punch in a much smaller package. It's our favorite entry-level massage gun and it's on sale for $160 during Black Friday which is around the lowest price we've ever seen.Take $70 off the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster OvenCuisinartWhile we haven't tested this specific model, the Cuisinart TOA-70 AirFryer Toaster Oven is similar to our favorite toaster oven. During Black Friday, it's $70 off.Buy one, get one on Masterclass subscriptionsMasterClassMasterClass is one of our favorite online learning platforms and for $180, you can get a second membership free to gift when you buy the first one. It makes for a great last-minute present and a fun way to bond with someone as you watch classes remotely.$50 off DNA kits from AncestryAncestryDNAAncestry DNA makes our favorite DNA kit, and all its DNA kits are discounted for Black Friday. The cheapest one is the standard kit, coming in at $59 (normally $99).20% off our favorite bathrobe from BrooklinenBrooklinenMade from 100% Turkish cotton, this super-soft robe is the ultimate luxury gift. For Black Friday, you can get 20% off all Brooklinen products when you check out.Get a Hulu subscription for $2 a monthHulu; Alyssa Powell/InsiderHulu offers a wide array of series, movies, and originals for subscribers to enjoy, including "Bob's Burgers," "Prey," and "The Handmaid's Tale." The service only ever sees discounts during Black Friday, and this year is no exception: new and returning members can get their first year for only $2 a month when they sign up before November 28.32% off the Kindle PaperwhiteAmazonThe Kindle Paperwhite is our favorite Kindle model so far for its big screen and adjustable warm light. At 32% off, you can snag it for under $100 to gift to the avid reader in your life.Save $80 on adjustable dumbbellsBest BuyThe Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells allow you to adjust the weight of each dumbbell anywhere from 5 to 52.5 pounds, turning one pair of dumbbells into a full-on set. They're on sale for $350 during Black Friday, which is one of the lowest prices we've ever seen them at, making them a great deal for anyone looking to add to their home gym.Save $70 on TCL's 55-inch 5 Series 4K Roku TVBest BuyTCL's 55-inch 5 Series 4K Roku TV delivers an impressive balance between image performance, smart connectivity, screen size, and cost. Down to $430, this discount matches deals we've seen for it in the past.Take 27% off the Nespresso's Vertuo coffee makerWilliams SonomaNespresso's Vertuo machine makes rich, frothy espresso at the touch of a button. This isn't the lowest price we've seen, but it does match last Black Friday's deal and it's still a solid discount.Save 20% on the GoPro Hero 11 BlackThe GoPro Hero 11 Black with its recognizable form-factor. Like the Hero 9 Black and Hero 10 Black before it, there's a front screen for framing a shot — useful if you're vlogging or live-streaming.Les Shu/InsiderGoPro's best camera yet, the Hero 11 Black shoots incredible videos with smooth stabilization better than ever. For Black Friday, you can save $100 (20%) off the regular priceSave 15% on the Monos Metro DuffelMonosThe duffel's roomy interior is designed to keep all your essentials organized, with a sleeve that fits up to a 15" laptop and inner side pockets that allow for easy access to your water bottle or compact umbrella. The built-in trolley sleeve fits securely around the handle of any Monos suitcase for seamless pairing and converts into an extra pocket when not in use. It's discounted to under $180 ahead of Black Friday.Get a year of Peacock Premium for $1/monthPavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesNow through November 28, new subscribers can lock in a year of Peacock Premium for $1/month. That's about 80% off the regular $5 monthly price.Save 33% on the Fitbit Sense 2FitbitThe Fitbit Sense 2 is the brand's answer to the Apple Watch, featuring temperature sensing, a built-in ECG, and advanced sleep tracking. It also offers tracking for a wide variety of activities and is compatible with smartphone notifications and some apps. It's on sale for $200 during Black Friday, which is $100 off its normal price (and an excellent deal for such a full-featured smartwatch).Take 50% off the Shark Vertex DuoClean PowerFins Upright VacuumAmazonThe Shark Vertex DuoClean PowerFins Upright Vacuum (AZ2002) is easy to use and has powerful suction that gets the job done on hardwood and carpeting. This Black Friday deal matches the lowest price we've seen.Save 24% on an HP OMEN laptopHPHP's OMEN laptops are high-performance computers that are great for creative tasks and gaming. This one is loaded with an Intel Core i7 processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphics. Add in 16GB of memory and a 1TB hard drive, the $1,200 sale price makes it a terrific buy for a high-end machine.Take 60% off a Sealy MattressWayfairUsually priced around $800, you can now save a couple hundred dollars on this 12-inch mattress. We haven't tested this exact mattress, but we think Sealy's other bed in a box is a good budget pick.Save $200 on the Dyson Pure Cool Link Tower TP02 Purifier FanDysonThough we haven't tested the Dyson Pure Cool Link Tower TP02 Purifier Fan yet, we have been impressed with the cooling abilities of other Dyson fans. Right now, it's at an all-time low price for Black Friday 2022.Take 20% off Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)AppleThe AirPods Pro (2nd generation) is the latest addition to their AirPods Pro series, a line of mid-range earbuds that feature spatial audio and noise canceling. And for just $200, this is the lowest price we've ever seen.Save 33% on a Sony 65 Inch 4K Ultra HD TVAmazonSony's 2022 midrange LCD TV is a solid pick for buyers who want a good all-around 4K display. It has local dimming for improved contrast, along with wide color capabilities and support for the Google TV streaming platform. This $1,000 deal price is a new low for the 65-inch model.Save $150 on the Traeger Pro Series 22 Pellet GrillHome DepotTraeger is one of our favorite grill brands, and the Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill is an excellent option for easy precision grilling and smoking. During Home Depot's early Black Friday sales, you can save $150 off its regular price.Save 40% on the internet's favorite coatMaria Del Russo/InsiderDubbed by the internet as the "Amazon coat," this down jacket actually lives up to its hype of blending style with warmth and functionality. It comes in a range of colors from muted neutrals to bright red or yellow and is a perfect, practical gift as the winter season gets colder. The discount you'll receive depends on the color and size you choose, with an average deal of 40% off.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Black Friday is technically over, but there are still plenty of deals. We're rounding up the best weekend discounts from Amazon, Walmart, and more. We'll be keeping this page fresh with the best Black Friday weekend deals we can find.Nintendo; Amazon; Alyssa Powell/InsiderWhen you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.Black Friday is technically over, but several fantastic deals are still available. Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart continue to offer some of the best discounts we've seen on products across every category. And more deals are on the way as we head into Cyber Monday on November 28. We're updating this page throughout the weekend with the best Black Friday discounts that are still live. Right now, you can snag big savings on streaming services, Amazon products, Apple devices, 4K TVs, and more. We recommend bookmarking this page and checking back regularly as our expert team of reporters and editors will be rounding up all of the very best deals through Cyber Monday. Top Black Friday deals still available right nowPeacock Premium plan: $99 cents/month (80% off)Hulu x Disney+ bundle: $4.98 per month (55% off)Samsung 65-inch OLED 4K TV: $1797 (40% off)Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation): $200 (20% off)Roku Streaming Stick 4K (2021): $25 (50% off)Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer: $25 (37% off)Hydro Flask 32 oz. Wide Mouth Bottle: $33 (26% off)Home Accents Festive Pine Christmas Tree: $50 (29% off)Kindle Paperwhite: $95 (32% off)Dyson v10 Absolute Cordless Vacuum: $399 ($200 off)Save $100 on the Philips Premium Airfryer XXLAmazonWe like the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL because it has a spacious interior that holds up to 3 pounds or 7 quarts of food, cooks quickly, and is dishwasher safe. During Black Friday, it's at its lowest price in months, though we've seen it as cheap as $200 in the last year.Hoover Dual Power Max Pet Upright Carpet CleanerWalmartThis powerful carpet cleaner typically costs upwards of $200 or more. But right now, Walmart has it on sale for $97. So if you have a lot of pets and pet messes, this is a great tool to help you keep a clean home.15% off the Flamingo Women's RazorFlamingoThoughtfully designed to fit ergonomically into your hand and weighted with a no-slip grip, the Flamingo Razor is a step-up from your average manual razor. It's also available in four different neutral tones with matching shower holders to choose your favorite from. Right now, shoppers can buy their favorite for just under $13 — a rare discount on an essential tool.Save 30% on the Nike Women's Infinity React 3NIKEDesigned to be lightweight and breathable, yet durable and responsive, the Infinity React 3 caters to the needs of most runners. Originally $160, they're currently on sale for $111.98. Save 39% on the Hot Wheels Super Speed Blastway Dual Track RacingAmazonThis racetrack is ready for thrilling high-speed side-by-side racing action and it can connect to other Hot Wheels tracks for even more fun. During Black Friday, it's at the lowest price we've seen since 2020.Save 20% on the Triple F.A.T. Goose Rockhopper PufferTriple F.A.T. GooseReleased as part of the brand's new Reforged Supply Collection, the Rockhopper uses recycled materials and a non-toxic durable water resistant coating. At $85 off, this is a rare deal on a recently launched product.$50 off the Roku StreambarRokuThe Roku Streambar is a compact soundbar that also acts as a streaming device, giving you an all-in-one option for crisp Dolby Audio and crystal clear 4K, HD, and HDR graphics. It's discounted by $50 to an $80 overall price, making this a great time to buy.Save 45% on the AllModern Williams Two-Drawer NightstandAllModernClass-up your bedroom with this mid-century nightstand, complete with two drawers and minimalist accents. This nightstand comes in walnut, acorn, white and gray finishes. It's on sale for $243, but you can get another 25% off with the code GET25.Save 14% on the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 12.9-inchAppleApple's Magic Keyboard is designed to seamlessly attach to the iPad Pro with a comfortable and responsive typing experience, trackpad, and a USB-C port. It's a great way to boost your productivity from your tablet, especially at this excellent price of$300.40% off the Everlane Everyone Denim JacketEverlaneFeaturing unisex styling, the Everyone Denim Jacket is easy to wear and style for everyone. Right now, it's $59 — bringing the price down nearly $30.50% off the Amazon Fire HD 10 TabletAmazonWith 32GB of internal storage, a 1080p HD display, and loads of features like Alexa integration, the Fire HD 10 is one of the most versatile, yet affordable tablets you can buy. Currently on sale for 50% off, it's an even better deal at $75.25% off Jambys LoungewearAmir Ismael/InsiderLong Jambys are sustainably made modal, which comes from tree fibers. The material is incredibly soft and comfortable. On sale for $55, this is a great deal on premium loungewear. Read our full Jambys review here.25% off Bombas SocksBombasBombas makes some of the best socks we've ever tested — even at full price. Right now, you'll save 10% on packs plus an extra 25% on your order, bringing this 8-Pack down to $75.60. Read our full review and shop the entire site.$230 off the Vitamix Professional Series 750 BlenderWilliams SonomaThe Vitamix Professional Series 750 has everything you need in a blender, and its proven longevity makes it worth the price. This Black Friday deal is the lowest price we've seen by $60.$12.90 off the Casper Glow LightSuzy Hernandez/InsiderThe Casper Glow Light is a wireless, portable night-light. You control it with intuitive gestures for a beautiful, streamlined experience. It's 10% off during the company's Black Friday event.$15 off the Birthdate Co. CandleBirthdate CoGet 25% off on this candle, which is customized with scents associated with your (or someone else's) birthdate. Beyond offering a unique smell, writing on the container reveals personality traits around that specific birthday.25% off Brooklinen Boerum JoggersBrooklinenThe Boerum Joggers are a comfortable and stylish pair of lounge pants that come in seven different colors. This ultra-soft pair of sweats is on sale for under $60 during Brooklinen's Black Friday sale.$18 off Lego Classic Bricks and AnimalsWalmartA great gift for the creative builder in your life, this set includes 1,500 pieces for endless construction. At an all-time low price for Black Friday, this is an excellent price for a full set, especially when deals on classic LEGO kits are so rare.$25 off JBL Go 3 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth SpeakerAmazonThe JBL Go 3 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker features a rechargeable batter with a long runtime, a dustproof and waterproof design, and is compact enough to fit in your pocket. During Black Friday, it's at an all-time low price.51% off Rosyclo Cloud SlippersAmazonWhile not the exact same pair, these cloud slippers are nearly identical in design to the ones our executive editor Sally Kaplan owns and loves. Your discount will depend on the size and color you select, but we're seeing an average savings of 51% on these trendy cloud slippers.40% off Fullstar Vegetable Chopper and SpiralizerAmazonOne of TikTok's favorite gadgets, this chopper can dice an entire onion with just a single push of your palm. For Black Friday, it's the lowest price we've seen in months at around 40% off. As a bonus, it comes with a spiralizing attachment for making zoodles.30% off By Jing BoxFly by JingFly By Jing is one of our favorite chili crisps, and the By Jing box offers a range of Sichuan sauces, including the tangy Zhong sauce and potent Mala spice mix. At 30% for the first time ever, it's the perfect foodie holiday gift.$110 off Fitbit SenseFitbitThe Sense smartwatch has a ton of added features, focusing on heart health and stress management, giving you a more holistic look at your well-being. It's on sale for $140 during Black Friday which is an excellent deal considering how feature-rich this smartwatch is.$80 off Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbellsNautilusThe Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells allow you to adjust the weight of each dumbbell anywhere from 5 to 52.5 pounds. They're on sale for $350 during Black Friday, which is one of the lowest prices we've ever seen them at, making them a great deal for anyone looking to add to their home gym.$300 off Toto Washlet C100 Bidet SeatWayfairToto makes premium bathroom fixtures, including its bidets. We haven't tested this model and there are more advanced options, but right now you can save $300 on the C100.$150 off Traeger Pro Series 22 Pellet GrillThe Home DepotTraeger is one of our favorite grill brands, and the Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill is an excellent option for easy precision grilling and smoking. During Home Depot's early Black Friday sales, you can save $150 off its regular price.19% off Nike Air VaporMax 2021 FKNikeFeaturing a full Air midsole and a Flyknit woven upper, the Vapormax 2021 uses several of Nike's most advanced technologies. Right now, they're 19% off.$50 off Bonobos Stretch Washed Chino 2.0NordstromTaking on the look of classic chinos, this pair features added stretch for comfort. At 50% off, this is a good time to add more colors to your wardrobe.$7 off Wyze Bulb Color 2-PackBest BuyBright, colorful, and most importantly, affordable, these smart LED bulbs make an excellent addition to any smart home setup. Down to $20, they're now more affordable at only $10 each.$100 off Apple AirPods MaxAppleThe AirPods Max are expensive despite offering great sound quality and noise cancellation. At $449 during Black Friday, this is around the cheapest we've ever seen them (and an excellent deal considering Apple doesn't discount them often).$500 off Samsung 55-Inch The Frame Smart 4K UHD TVSamsungSamsung's QN55LS03B The Frame QLED has a matte display and thin build that makes it look more like a piece of art than a TV. We've rarely seen the price dip below $1,200, and it's usually closer to $1,500 so now is a great time to buy if you've been considering this model.$20 off Elden RingElden Ring / FromSoftwareThis 2022 Game of the Year nominee from the creators of Dark Souls is a challenging adventure, even for experienced gamers. This is one of the best prices we've seen since it released in February.$50 off the Fitbit LuxeSally KaplanThe Fitbit Luxe is a great option for the fashionistas in your life who don't like the look of a traditional smartwatch. On Black Friday, it's on sale for $80 — the lowest price we've seen. Check out more of the best Fitbit deals we've rounded up from across the web, and our buying guide to the best Fitbits we've tested.Save up to 40% on Monos luggageMonosShop all Monos luggage dealsBest known for its carry-on with a front pocket fit for a laptop, Monos is home to some of the best luggage and travel accessories we've tested. The travel brand has made a name for itself with its suitcases' convenient organization, as demonstrated by its Pro Plus Carry-on with extra storage space.Travelers can save up to a rare 40% on carry-ons, full-sized luggage, and travel accessories with the code EARLYBF2022. Shoppers can also expect to see discounts of up to 50% off on November 25-27 with the code BLACKFRIDAY2022, and up to 30% off on November 28-December 4 with the code CYBERWEEK2022. $150 off Apple 24-inch iMac M1 2021Apple$150 off Apple's 24-inch iMac running on the powerful M1 processor only makes a dent, but it's still the best price we've seen for this model. If you've been looking for a powerful all-in-on computer that will last a long time, the 24-inch iMac with a deal is a great option.20% off Philips Premium Digital Air FryerWilliams SonomaThe Philips Premium Digital Air Fryer heats up within seconds, turning out evenly cooked, crispy food with greater efficiency than an oven and even many other air fryers. At 20% off, this is one of the lowest price we've seen in months.$150 off KitchenAid 5-qt. Artisan Series Fresh Prep Attachment BundleKohl'sOne of the best deals we've seen on KitchenAid stand mixers is this bundle, which combines a 5 quart Artisan mixer with food processing attachments. This matches the sale price we've seen at other retailers, but also includes the Fresh Prep attachment, which usually retails for $60. The deal is available in three colors.30% off Casper Essential PillowAmazonWe're fans of Casper's pillows; we ranked the Original as the best pillow for side sleepers in our buying guide to the best pillows you can buy. The Essential pillow is soft and breathable on the outside and supportive on the inside. At $30, it matches the lowest price we've come across this year.$25 off Sonic FrontiersSegaPlaystation 5Xbox Series X Nintendo SwitchThe latest Sonic the Hedgehog game was released earlier this month and it's already 50% off for Black Friday. The game's "open zone" format is new for the franchise but it's gotten generally favorable reviews since its launch.$20 off Everlane Alpaca CrewEverlaneWith over 2500 reviews and four and a half stars, the alpaca crew is an Everlane staple. It comes in 12 colors and is 20% off on Black Friday.$32 off Lift Top Noblewell Coffee TableAmazonThis vintage wood table opens up and converts to a laptop desk while providing extra storage. Ideal for compact spaces, this table can easily fold back down to be used as a regular coffee table. Its Black Friday deal price is $12 less than the previous all-time low price.$60 off Vitamix E310 BlenderWilliams SonomaThis pared-down Vitamix has 10 variable speeds and a 48-ounce pitcher. This is the lowest price we've seen recently for this model.$100 off Hyperice Hypervolt 2 ProHypericeThe Hypervolt 2 Pro is Hyperice's best massage gun, offering five variable speeds, three hours of battery life, and a number of swappable head attachments. It's on sale for $100 off its normal price during Black Friday which is one of the best deals we've ever seen for it.20% off Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Large DogsChewyThe Seresto Flea and Tick Collar offer eight months of protection against fleas and ticks in all life stages. It's the only flea collar on the market that we recommend for dogs. For Black Friday 2022, Chewy is offering a rare deal we only see a few times a year.$230 off Nectar Memory Foam Mattress (Queen)NectarThe gel memory foam of the Nectar makes it a versatile mattress that conforms to the contours of your body to relieve pressure. During Black Friday, it's 33% off which is one of the best prices we've seen it at.30% off PlayStation DualSense Wireless ControllerThere are a number of steps you can take at home with your PS5 console to resolve the connectivity error.YELIM LEE/AFP via Getty ImagesThe PS5 controller is one of the best in the industry thanks to its haptic feedback, built-in microphone, and adaptive triggers. The Black Friday discount extends to other colors of the controller, like black, purple, & red.$240 off Roborock S7 Robot VacuumRoborockWhile it had trouble in corners and operates loudly, we were overall impressed with the powerful suction of the S7, and it was one of the best at mopping of the robot vacuums we tested. This is one of the lowest prices we've ever seen on this model.30% off Yeti Rambler 10 oz Wine TumblerAmazonNow 30% off, the Yeti Rambler holds up to 10 ounces of your favorite wine whether you're on a camping trip or on the back patio. The stainless steel interior paired with the double-wall vacuum insulation is what keeps your drink exactly at the temperature you like.29% off Black + Decker 20V Max Flex Handheld VacuumAmazonThe powerful Black+Decker 20V Max Flex Handheld Vacuum (model BDH2020FL) has a narrow, flexible, 4-foot hose that can clean hard-to-reach areas of your car. This Black Friday deal matches the lowest price we've seen it offered.$35 off Champion Men's Pullover HoodieAmazonJust in time for cooler weather, the Champion Pullover Hoodie features its signature logo, a jersey-lined hood, and is available in 25 different colors. Plus, this fleece sweater is 64% off for Black Friday.$60 off Apple Watch UltraAppleThis isn't a huge deal for the Apple Watch Ultra but it's the best deal we've seen for this model that was only released in September. And a discount is a discount for such a popular and expensive smartwatch.25% off Away Packable CarryallAwayThis travel tote is lightweight and made from water-resistant nylon for durability. It can easily hold all your daily essentials but also packs down into a zippered pouch so you can toss it in your suitcase. Plus, you can save 25% from now through Cyber Monday.40% off Ninja Foodi Two-Basket Air FryerJen Gushue/InsiderThe Ninja Foodi Two-Basket Air Fryer lets you cook two separate dishes at once, and you can time them to finish simultaneously to take the guesswork out of your dinner routine. During Black Friday, it's at an all-time low price.$30 off The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildNintendoThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the definitive adventure game on the Nintendo Switch, sending players on a sprawling journey across a fantasy world with hundreds of secrets to discover. Right now Walmart is selling it for only $30, a rare discount that puts it at the lowest price we've ever seen.25% off Hydro Flask ToteHydro FlaskThe Hydro Flask Tote makes for the perfect travel bag, especially when storing food because its lightweight, insulated, and fully lined. For Black Friday, the tote is 25% off.$50 off Oral-B iO Series 6 Electric ToothbrushAmazonStart and end every day with the Oral-B iO Series 6 Electric Toothbrush, now 40% off for Black Friday. Complete with 5 Smart Modes and technology that stores your brushing patterns, this brush comes with one more plus a travel case.$270 off Samsung 75-inch Class TU690T Series LED 4K UHD Smart Tizen TVBest BuyIf you're in need of a large screen for your living room, this Samsung TV is one of the best budget options you can find. While it may not have Samsung's latest display technology, this smart TV is fully featured with support for Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as Apple's AirPlay.17% off Bose QuietComfort II EarbudsAmazonThe Bose QuietComfort II Earbuds are the second rendition of the wireless earbuds, and they're easily one of the best noise-canceling earbuds on the market. At $50 off, they're currently at the lowest price we've seen. 55% off Razer Kishi for iPhoneAmazonThis controller — which is also available for Android — will turn your phone into a portable gaming device. The direct USB connection offers more responsive control than Bluetooth controllers while still providing a passthrough for charging. The Kishi can also be adjusted to fit phones with different sizes. At more than 50% off, it also offers great value compared to other mobile controllers. $20 off Apple AirTag 4-PackAppleApple's wireless trackers are compatible with the FindMy app on iPhone and iOS devices, and this matches the lowest price we've seen since their release. Just remember, you'll need a keychain holster or something else to keep them attached to your belongings.50% off Headspace subscriptionHeadspaceIf you're looking to exercise some mindfulness, a subscription to Headspace is a perfect place to start, especially at 50% off. The app offers easy-to-navigate guided meditations — from one-off sessions to help with burnout, to full-blown courses on stress and anger — from a variety of teachers, each with different perspectives.30% off Pax 3 Complete KitPaxThe Pax 3 is one of the best cannabis vapes you can buy right now, thanks to its modern, inconspicuous design, exact temperature control, and easy-to-use single button operation. Add in an industry-leading 10-year warranty, and this is a no-brainer for anyone looking for a go-to portable smoking solution. The complete kit is currently $75 off.$50 off the Xbox Series STargetThe Xbox Series S is one of Microsoft's two current generation consoles, along with the Xbox Series X. Both consoles play the exact same games, but there are differences, most notably that the Series S does not include a disc drive so you can only play digitally downloaded titles. It's currently $50 off, an excellent deal for this powerful and popular console.  Up to 50% off at EverlaneEverlaneShop all Everlane Black Friday dealsEverlane makes some of the best basics around, and you can save 40% off select styles for everyone, including cashmere, denim, and other wardrobe essentials we've tested and loved. Additionally, Everlane is partnering with Tree People for its Black Friday Fund and will donate a dollar for every order placed. 20% off Apple MacBook Air M1 (2020)Amazon$200 off the M1 MacBook Air is a superb deal, especially when you consider the M2 MacBook Air starts at $1,200, and isn't usually discounted below $1,000.58% off Puleo International 6.5-Foot Pre-Lit Flocked Slim Fraser Fir Artificial Christmas TreeAmazonWe recommend the Puleo International Pre-Lit Flocked Slim Fraser Fir Artificial Christmas Tree for a charming, snow-covered look. The pre-strung 350 incandescent lights give the tree a warm brightness. For Black Friday 2022, get it for an all-time low price.Check out our guide to the best artificial Christmas trees.43% off Lego Classic Bricks and AnimalsWalmartA great gift for the creative builder in your life, this set includes 1,500 pieces for endless construction. At an all-time low price for Black Friday, this is an excellent price for a full set, especially when deals on classic LEGO kits are so rare.$96 off Wüsthof Classic Hollow Edge 2-Piece Chef's Knife SetAmazonWüsthof is one of the top names in knife making. This set features a 6-inch chef's knife and a 3.5-inch paring knife, which should cover you for most tasks. During Black Friday, it's at an all-time low price.52% off DevaCurl SuperCreamAmazonDevaCurl's Supercream provides definition and hydration without weighing down medium and coarse wavy, curly, and coiled hair. You'll typically pay full price, but for Black Friday 2022, it's down to its lowest price ever at 50% off.28% off Tile Mate Bluetooth TrackerAmazonThe Tile Mate is designed to help you find easily misplaced items and attaches to keys, pet collars, and other important items. During Black Friday, it's at the lowest price we've seen this year.Check out our hands-on comparison of Tile Trackers to Apple AirTags.Get Hulu and Disney Plus for $5 a monthHuluDuring Black Friday, you get Hulu (with ads) and Disney+ (no ads) for just $5 per month for a full year. This deal saves you $11 per month off the regular price of the two services when purchased separately. Learn more about the Disney+ x Hulu bundle Black Friday deal.$200 off iRobot Roomba i3+, our favorite robot vacuumiRobotThe iRobot Roomba i3+ does more than your average robot vacuum. It develops personalized cleaning schedules and empties itself. It also does an outstanding job of cleaning. That's why we made it the top pick in our robot vacuum guide. Usually, it costs more than your average robot vacuum, but during Black Friday, it's at the lowest price we've ever seen.$10 off Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Donut Dog BedChewyThe Best Friends by Sheri the Original Calming Donut Dog Bed has a rounded shape that cradles a dog and helps them calm down naturally. It's our top pick for the best calming dog bed and rarely goes on sale. Right now, you can get it for its lowest price ever on select colors.Read our guide to the best dog beds.25% off Bissell Little Green Proheat Portable Carpet CleanerWayfairBissell makes some of our favorite carpet cleaners, and the Little Green ProHeat is a fantastic cleaner for removing stains and messes. During Black Friday, save 25% off.Check out our guide to the best carpet cleaners.25% off Paula's Choice Brighten + Glow KitPaula's ChoiceFor a limited time only, you can save 25% off the Paula's Choice Brighten and Glow Kit which includes the Super Boost Moisturizer and Eye Cream plus a limited-edition headband.33% off Razor A Kick ScooterTargetIt doesn't have all of the whistles and bells of an electric scooter, but a Razor A Kick Scooter will still be fun to ride. It's built durably and can collapse to be carried around. During Black Friday, it's 33% off, which is the best deal we've seen since 2020.18% off Kasa Smart Plug Ultra MiniAmazonThese smart plugs are low-profile enough to fit behind most furniture and are easy to use for basic smart home functions. During Black Friday, they're at the best price we've seen in months.55% off Kids Against Maturity Card GameAmazonKids Against Maturity is a tamer variation of the popular (and much raunchier) Cards Against Humanity. This family-friendly card game includes a mix of age-appropriate humor and innuendo for the adults' amusement. Pick it up for game nights at 55% off, the best price we've seen it offered.30% off Amazon Smart ThermostatAmazonThe Amazon Smart Home Thermostat is a simple, inexpensive smart home thermostat to control your home's temperature. It doesn't have a microphone or camera, so Alexa voice commands rely on another voice-enabled Alexa device, like an Echo smart speaker. Certain energy providers will provide benefits for switching to an energy-saving thermostat like this one, so be sure to check with yours. Right now, the thermostat is down to an all-time low price.27% off Cetaphil Daily Hydrating LotionTargetDrugstore skincare brand Cetaphil has a cult following among budget-savvy shoppers. The brand's products are formulated for sensitive skin and are fragrance-free. For Black Friday, the Daily Hydrating Moisturizer is down $4 from its typical price since this summer. Save up to 38% on Cetaphil's other cleaners and moisturizers too.Read our guide to the best skincare brands.37% off Anova Culinary Nano Sous Vide Precision CookerAmazonThe Anova Precision Cooker Nano offers accuracy and ease of use at a price unmatched by other sous vide machines. This model rarely goes to a lower price, so it's a good time to buy.See our guide to the best sous vide machines. 50% off Bonobos Stretch Washed Chino 2.0NordstromWith the style and fit of classic chinos, this pair features added stretch for comfort. At 50% off, now is a good time to add more colors to your wardrobe.$231 off GE Top Control Built-In Tall Tub DishwasherBest BuyGE Top Control Built-In Tall Tub Dishwasher (GDT550PYRFS) is available in four colors to match your decor, operates quietly, and has impressive drying capabilities. During The Home Depot's early Black Friday sale, it's 25% off.$340 off the S7 MaxV Ultra Robot VacuumAmazonAlthough we haven't yet tested the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra Robot Vacuum, the brand performs consistently well in our tests. This is the most innovative vacuum Roborock has released, mopping and vacuuming simultaneously and featuring a charging base that empties the dustbin. Right now, it's on sale for the first time.40% off T-Fal Simply Cook Prep and Cook Nonstick 17-Piece SetAmazonWe haven't tested this cookware set from T-Fal, but we have tried the brand's hard anodized pan and thought it was a decent budget pick. This 17-piece set is currently $40 off for Black Friday.$70 off Ninja Foodi Power Blender & Processor SystemTargetThe Ninja SS351 Foodi Power Blender also functions as a food processor and comes with a bunch of extras, like a smoothie bowl. While we haven't tested it yet, it is extremely highly rated. The price frequently fluctuates between $180 and $200 for this model. It's not the lowest price we've seen, but you're still saving $70.35% off our favorite do-everything Instant PotJen Gushue/InsiderThe Instant Pot Duo Crisp is a pressure cooker, slow cooker, air fryer, and sous vide machine all in one, making it one of the most useful and economical small appliances we tested. While it's not the lowest we've seen it, it's the best price in months.See our guide to the best Instant Pots and electric pressure cookers.$200 off JBL Boombox 2AmazonWhen you need music for your gathering, the JBL Boombox 2 brings powerful sound and bass to keep the party going. It's one of the best Bluetooth speakers that you can get, and right now it's on sale with an excellent and rare $200 discount.40% off SodaStream Terra Sparkling Water MakerAmazonIf you're a seltzer fan, then you should consider investing in a sparkling water maker. The Terra is SodaStream's newest model that is also cordless. It comes with one CO2 cylinder and a bottle of lime Bubly Drops. For Black Friday, it's an all-time low price.39% off Coway Airmega AP-1512H True HEPA PurifierCowayCoway makes some of the best air purifiers on the market. The AP-1512HH is a reliable compact unit with a 4-stage filtration system that reduces up to 99.6% of air pollution particles. This Black Friday deal is the lowest price since early 2021.$30 off Philips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake-Up LightSuzy Hernandez/Business InsiderThe Philips SmartSleep Connected is our top pick for the best sunrise alarm clock. It will help you fall asleep gently and wake up on time by creating stunning sunset and sunrise simulations. Right now, it's 15% off, an all-time low price that we haven't seen since last year.See our guide to the best sunrise alarm clocks.33% off the New Echo Dot with ClockAmazonThe latest of the Echo Dot lineup, the 5th Gen comes with a handful of new features including better audio and built-in Eero. Right now it's down to only $40, matching the lowest price we've seen for this new speaker.60% off Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear HeadphonesBeatsWhile not the newest headphones in the Beats lineup, the Beats Solo3 are still a solid pair of over-ear cans. They don't offer noise-canceling capabilities, but they're still a versatile pair of headphones that deliver balanced sound and 40 hours of listening time. At $80, they're at an all-time low for Black Friday with the best price we've seen.13% off TeeTurtle Reversible Narwhal PlushieAmazonMore than just a cuddly stuffed animal, TeeTurtle's reversible plushies let you express your mood. Don't feel like talking to anyone, just turn the animal to the frowny face side. For Black Friday, the narwhal stuffie is a modest 13% off.54% off UBeesize Ring Light with TripodAmazonWhether you're aiming to make more professional-looking TikToks or want something portable for your next trip, you can't beat this steep discount on a ring light tripod. The ring lighting helps improve the overall picture quality, but you can remove it if you're shooting landscapes or in a lot of natural light. At 54% off, this tripod comes in at under $20.53% off Coodoo Magnetic Blocks Tough Building Tiles Starter SetAmazonSimilar to ultra popular Magna-Tiles, these magnetic building blocks snap together quickly so you can build creatively. You can grab this starter set of 30 pieces for 48%, plus an extra 5% off when you clip the coupon on the page. For under $20, this set makes a great gift for the kiddo in your life.40% off TikTok's favorite vegetable chopperAmazonOne of TikTok's favorite gadgets, this chopper can dice an entire onion with just a single push of your palm. For Black Friday, it's the lowest price we've seen in months at around 40% off. As a bonus, it comes with a spiralizing attachment for making zoodles.62% off National Tree Company Pre-Lit Artificial Full Christmas Tree, 6.5 FeetAmazonIf you're still in the market for a Christmas tree, this 6.5 foot pre-lit Dunhill Fir tree is steeply discounted at 62% off for Black Friday; the lowest price we've ever seen for this tree.40% off the Oral-B Pro 1000 Electric ToothbrushAmazonWe love this electric toothbrush as a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on performance. It's also the path of least resistance to helping your teen build their own healthy habits. At 40% off for Black Friday, this is the lowest price we've seen all year.30% off sauces from Fly By JingFly by JingFly By Jing makes one of our favorite chili crisps, and the By Jing box offers a range of Sichuan sauces, including the tangy Zhong sauce and potent Mala spice mix. At 30% for the first time ever, it's the perfect foodie holiday gift.20% off Olaplex Hair Perfector No 3 Repairing TreatmentAmazonThough pricey, Olaplex's Hair Perfector is a cult favorite in beauty circles. At 20% off, it makes a thoughtful gift for anyone heard complaining about their split ends in the winter, this immensely popular hair treatment repairs brittle, dry hair and adds much-needed moisture.20% off Sengled Smart Light BulbSengledSengled's smart color-changing light bulb is significantly more affordable than bulbs from big names like Philips. For about $12, this single bulb is more affordable than ever.50% off Casper Essential PillowAmazonWe're fans of Casper's pillows; we ranked the Original as the best pillow for side sleepers in our buying guide to the best pillows you can buy. The Essential pillow is soft and breathable on the outside and supportive on the inside. At $30, it matches the lowest price we've come across this year.35% off iRobot Roomba 694AmazonThis robot vacuum can be automated to work around your home schedule, and also works with virtual assistants like Alexa and Google Home. It's not the most powerful Roomba, but it handles hardwood floors, pet hair, and short carpets without issue. It's on sale for $95 off during Black Friday. 26% off Hydro Flask Wide Mouth BottleMarathon SportsHydro Flask makes some of our favorite water bottles — they're basically indestructible without being bulky or heavy, and keep hot and cold beverages at their original temperature for at least 12 hours. It's a solid, pragmatic gift for anyone who complains about forgetting to hydrate or is on the hunt for a reliable thermos.See our guide to the best water bottles. 37% off Revlon One-Step Hair DryerAmazonThis hair tool combines styling, drying, and volumizing your hair into one simple step. It's comparable to the expensive Dyson Airwrap, but for a fraction of the cost. Down to $25, this is one of the best deals we've seen for it all year.See our guide to the best hair dryers. 50% off Roku Streaming Stick 4K (2021)RokuCompared to the Roku Streaming Stick+, the new Streaming Stick 4K provides an improved viewing experience by adding support for Dolby Vision. This advanced high dynamic range (HDR) format can provide better picture quality on TVs that support it. Right now you can get it on sale for only $25, the best price we've seen for it yet.34% off Hisense 50-inch U6 QLED 4K Fire TVAmazonThis 50-inch 4K display has Amazon's Fire TV platform built-in for easy access to tons of popular streaming apps. It also boasts advanced picture quality features like wide color support, up to 600 nits of brightness, and local dimming. At a deal price of $350, this is an excellent option for buyers who want a smaller TV that doesn't sacrifice image performance.60% off Google Nest MiniBest BuyThe Google Nest Mini is a compact and effective smart speaker that's powered by the very useful Google Assistant. Right now, it's one of the best prices we've seen for the device.See our guide to the best smart speakers. Get $50 off and 2 free games when you buy a Meta Quest 2 VR headset (128GB)AmazonAs part of a special Black Friday promotion, you can now snag a Meta Quest 2 VR headset (128GB) with two free games, Beat Saber and Resident Evil 4, for $350. The headset typically comes with Beat Saber for $400, so this deal saves you $50 and adds an extra free game.See our guide to the best VR headsets. 50% off It Takes TwoAmazonThe 2021 game of the year is an entirely cooperative game that lets a friend join-in online, even if they don't own the game. This price matches the lowest we've seen to date.Up to 50% off shoes at Rothy'sRothy'sShop the Rothy's Black Friday saleRothy's, one of our favorite shoe brands, is holding a rare and massive sale on soon-to-be-archived styles. We're seeing discounts as deep as 50% on flats, sneakers, bags, and loafers. We've tested all sorts of Rothy styles, from the brand's flats to its sneakers. Check out some of the sale styles we're eyeing below:  40% off Samsung 65-Inch Class OLED TVAmazonSamsung's first 4K OLED is also one of the very first OLED TVs to feature quantum dots. This technology allows the display to produce a wider range of colors than typical OLEDs. $1,800 is a new low price for this brand-new high-end set.34% off the Eufy RoboVac 25C Wi-Fi Connected Robot VacuumWalmartThis Eufy robot vacuum connects to your phone for easy scheduling and will run for over an hour with a single charge. Down to $99, this is a rare drop that beats previous deals we've seen.Check out our robot vacuum buying guide for more on our favorite models. 50% off Melissa & Doug PAW Patrol PAWtroller Activity CenterTargetIf there's a little one in your life who loves Paw Patrol, this activity center will provide hours of fun. You can grab it for 50% off during Target's Black Friday sale.$500 off Hydrow rowing machinesHydrowThe Hydrow Connected Rower is the Peloton of at-home rowing machines, bringing interactive rowing workouts right to your living room. It's on sale for $500 off its normal price during Best Buy's Black Friday sale which is one of the lowest prices we've seen it at.Check out our review of the Hydrow to learn more about what makes this a stellar piece of exercise equipment. Stellar deals on tech brands from across the webApple; Amazon; Alyssa Powell/InsiderTech is synonymous with Black Friday, and we're seeing big discounts on TVs, computers, cameras, phones, accessories, gaming gear, and more . In addition to deals from major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart, most tech companies are offering savings at their online stores. Here are our favorite companies whose products we've tested and trust.Adobe: Creative Cloud All Apps is 27% off for all users for the first year, 71% off for students and teachers for the first year; 40% off Adobe Photoshop Elements and Premier Elements.Anker: 20% to 25% off power banks and charging stations.Apple: Gift cards of varying amounts on qualifying purchases.Belkin: 25% off sitewide with code BF22.Bellroy: Up to 33% off phone cases, bags, wallets, and accessories.Case-Mate: Up to 60% off sitewide with code BFCM22, include LuMee, Pelican, and Fuel.CD Keys: Up to 96% off games for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.Courant: 20% off sitewide on chargers and accessories.Dell: Up to 60% on laptops, desktops, and monitors.DJI: Up to 30% off select drones and cameras. Epson: Up to 46% off select printers, projectors, and business machines.Goal Zero: Up to 20% off select power stations, portable batteries, solar panels, lights, and more.Google: $50-$150 off Google Pixel Watch and Pixel 7 smartphones.GoPro: 15% off sitewide on cameras, accessories, and more.Griffin: 50% off sitewide on cables, chargers, batteries, and more.HP: Up to 70% on laptops, desktops, monitors, printers, and more.Incase: 50% off sitewide on bags, laptop sleeves, cases, and more.Incipio: 50% off sitewide on phone cases and accessories.Insta360: Save up to $75 on cameras.LastPass: 25% off until 11/29.Logitech: $30 off orders over $150 and $50 off orders over $250 with code BF22USD.Microsoft: Up to $600 off Surface Pro tablet laptops.Moment: Up to 60% off select phone cases, lenses, cameras, and other photography accessories.Motorola: Save up to $1,000 on select phones.Nikon: Save up to $1,000 on DSLR and mirrorless cameras, lenses, and binoculars.Nintendo: Save up to $20 or 33% on select games.Otterbox: Free shipping on orders over $50.Peak Design: Up to 30% off camera bags and accessories.Philo: New subscribers save 80% off their first month until 11/30 with code THANKS.Samsung: Up to $350 off Samsung Galaxy Z foldable smartphones.Satechi: 25% off sitewide with code BFCM25 or 30% off $150 or more with code BFCM30.Sony: Save up to $1,500 on TVs, cameras, headphones, and other consumer electronics.Speck: 40% off sitewide until 11/27; 50% off sitewide 11/27-11/28.Steam: 20%-90% off select games until 11/29.ZAGG: 40% off sitewide on ZAGG, Mophie, InvisibleShield, and Gear4 computing and mobile hardware and accessories.29% off the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Espresso MachineAmazonDe'Longhi is one of the best brands for home espresso makers. The Specialista Arte is one of our recommended mid-range makers and has the unique feature of a built-in tamper. This is the best price we've seen in six months on this machine.Read more about the best espresso machines we've tested here.12% off the MacBook Pro 13-inch M2AppleThe 13-inch MacBook Pro is more capable than ever. Supercharged by the next-generation M2 chip, it's Apple's most portable pro laptop, with up to 20 hours of battery life and 12% off retail. It's a surprisingly good deal when you consider this new MacBook was just released in 2022.25% off the GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice MakerWalmartOne of the few nugget ice makers on the market, the GE Profile does one task perfectly: making chewable nugget ice. It's a bulky and pricy appliance, but the unique production is worth it if you're a nugget ice loyalist. For Black Friday, it's $130 off the usual price, so it's a great time to buy the ice maker of your dreams. You can read more about why we love this deal here.$90 off the Ninja OL501 Foodi 6.5 Qt. 14-in-1WalmartTypically priced at $280, this popular multicooker is discounted by nearly $170 for Black Friday. That's a stellar price on an all-in-one kitchen appliance that can air fry, pressure cook, slow cook, sear, sous vide, and more.Check out our guide to the best multicookers.$200 off the Vitamix 6500WalmartWhile we haven't tested this specific Vitamix blender, the brand is known for its power and reliability; we expect this model to be no different. Usually priced close to $600, it's on sale for $399; a stellar discount if you're looking for a Vitamix blender.Check out our guide to the best blenders. Save 20% on a Dyson Airwrap, plus get free accessoriesDysonWith new barrels to curl and wave in both directions, brushes to control and shape, and the multi-functional Coanda smoothing dryer to dry, smooth, and hide flyaways. Existing Dyson customers can save 20% off using the code e-mailed to them on November 21. Both new and returning customers can claim $125 in free gifts with their purchase.For more information, check out our Dyson Airwrap Black Friday deal guide. Save 30% on the Apple Watch Series 7Antonio Villas-Boas/InsiderThe Apple Watch Series 7 is extremely similar to the new Series 8. It's only missing Crash Detection, body temperature sensing, and a new Low Power Mode that gives the Series 8 up to 36 hours of battery life. With that in mind, you can easily justify the $120 in savings with this deal on the Series 7.See our guide to the best Apple Watch. Save 33% on the Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute Cordless Stick VacuumWalmartDyson vacuums are the cream of the crop, and this Black Friday deal for the Cyclone V10 is the best we've seen in years. Equipped with a sensor to detect whether you're vacuuming a carpet or hard floor, it's the perfect vac for any room in the house. See our guide to the best vacuums. 57% off Madden 23AmazonJust released in August, Madden 23 is the newest iteration of the ever-popular EA Sports NFL video game franchise. Down to just $30, this deal is an absolute steal — and the perfect holiday gift for the football lover or sports gamer in your life. 50% off Columbia Tipton Peak Insulated JacketColumbiaColumbia jackets are ideal for layering in cold weather, as they are warm, but not too bulky. If you're looking to upgrade for this winter, 50% off this Tipton Peak Insulated Jacket is a fantastic deal for you. See our guide to the best winter coats. 50% off Kiehls Ultimate Shave CollectionNordstromWith $72 worth of product, this gift set of men's shaving products from cult favorite brand Kiehl's is a great deal at $33.60. If you use your Nordstrom card to purchase, you can also earn a $60 Note to be used on a future purchase.40% off the Carina Platform Chelsea BootMadewellA lovely take on the classic Chelsea boot, Madewell's Carina Platform Chelsea features a 2.5-inch heel and white leather uppers. It's a perfect boot that can be worn with everything from dresses to jeans, and it's currently 40% off with the code OHJOY.See our guide to the best ankle boots. 41% off the ASUS Chromebook C203XAAmazonThe Asus C203XA is designed with military-grade durability, a spill-resistant keyboard, and an anti-scratch finish, making it the perfect choice for students and classrooms. Down to only $142, this is the best price it's seen in months.See our guide to the best Chromebooks. Save $90 on the Dewalt Compact Drill/Impact Combo KitAmazonThis 20-Volt MAX Brushless Compact 2-Tool Combo Kit includes 1 cordless Drill/Driver, 1 cordless Impact Driver, two 20-Volt MAX Lithium Ion Batteries, 1 charger, and a carrying bag. During the Home Depot's early Black Friday sale, it's 35% off.See our guide to the best cordless drills. Save $500 on the Samsung FrameBest BuySamsung's QN55LS03B The Frame QLED has a matte display and thin build that makes it look more like a piece of art than a TV. We've rarely seen the price dip below $1,200, and it's usually closer to $1,500 so now is a great time to buy if you've been considering this model.See our guides to the best 4k TVs and OLED TVs. 75% off LifeStraw Personal Water FilterAmazonLifeStraws are portable filters that can make even some of the murkiest standing water drinkable. For backpackers and hikers, a LifeStraw can be an invaluable tool in dire situations. Down to only $13, now is a great time to buy one.3 months of Discovery Plus for $3Discovery PlusWhether you're a fan pimple popping, house flipping, explorative cooking, or ghost hunting, Discovery Plus has a series that will keep you hooked. The service's Ad-Lite plan is already very affordable year round, but right now you can join the service for only $1 a month for your first three months. It's an excellent deal we only see during major deal events, like Black Friday.See our review of the best streaming services. 44% off Chewmeter Himalayan Yaky Cheese ChewsChewyMade with potato starch and cheese, among other ingredients, Chewmeter's dog treats are rawhide-free. They were about a dollar less during Amazon's Prime Early Access Sale in October, but have been above $20 for most of the year. 25% off the Magic Bullet BlenderAmazonAt under $30, this 11-piece Magic Bullet set is a great, space-conscious gift for anyone in need of a small, sturdy blender. It comes with three different mugs as well as lids for optimal freshness.See our guide to the best blenders. 50% off JBL Tune 510BT Wireless On-Ear HeadphonesJBLQuality over-ear headphones can get pricey, but these wireless ones from JBL offer great sound and up to 40 hours of play when fully charged. RIght now, they're a steep 50% off, costing right under $25. 40% off the Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry OvenTargetNinja is one of our favorite small appliance brands, especially for its air fryers and toaster ovens. This one combines 8 functions into a single, compact appliance: air fry, air roast, air broil, bake, bagel, toast, dehydrate, and keep warm. Right now, it's on sale for the lowest price we've seen, and if you clip the on-page coupon, you can save an additional $20.See our guide to the best air fryers and toaster ovens. 35% off athleisure at Girlfriend CollectiveGirlfriend CollectiveShop the Girlfriend Collective saleGirlfriend Collective is one of our favorite athleisure brands for its cute, sustainably made sets, bras, and leggings. Through December 9, you can get 35% off Girlfriend Collective products sitewide, with additional markdowns on select items. 3 months of HBO Max for $6SOPA Images/ShutterstockHBO Max is packed with hours of content old and new, including hits like "House of the Dragon," "The Batman," and the entire "Harry Potter" collection. It rarely sees discounts for subscribers, but now through November 28, new and returning subscribers can get their first three months of the ad-supported plan for only $6.Lowest price of the year on an Insider subscriptionInsiderInsider is offering its annual subscription at its lowest price of the year as a Black Friday and Cyber Monday deal. You'll get access to in-depth reporting, exclusive stories, pitch decks, salary databases, and more. This deal expires on November 28.Rare $10 discount on Ring Fit AdventureAmazonRing Fit Adventure is a fitness-centric game that challenges you to get off the couch and perform crunches, sit-ups, and more to defeat enemies. It even comes with a special accessory called the Ring-Con to track your movements. This game rarely goes on sale, so this $10 discount from Amazon is a good deal.Save $50 on the internet's favorite frying panOur PlaceThis sleek, matte pan is an incredible gift for minimalists: It's designed to replace eight pieces of cookware, functioning as everything from a pot to a frying pan. Normally $145, you can get it for $95 for Black Friday.See our guide to the best nonstick frying pans. 28% off Otherland candlesOtherlandOtherland is a hot candle brand right now, known for its creative packaging and custom gift sets. For Black Friday, you can get 28% off a 3-pack and 35% off 6-packs and 9-packs.See our guide to the best places for buying candles. $100 off the new Pixel 7GoogleThis is the lowest price for Google's newest smartphone, the Pixel 7. Launched only a month ago, the Pixels are desirable Android phones, thanks to their fast performance, great image quality from the cameras, and stock Android.See our guide to the best smartphones. Shop big deals on luggage from across the internetRachel Askinasi/InsiderTravel is back and it's a great time to stock up on those travel essentials you may have neglected in the past few years of pandemic. Below you'll find deals on our favorite luggage brands. Away: Up to 40% off suitcases and travel accessories. Check out our full round up of Away luggage deals.Baboon to the Moon: Up to 75% off bags and accessories.Bric's: Up to 50% off Bellagio, MyLife, Siena, and X-Bag lines.Delsey: Save 30% to 60%, plus free shipping.July: Save $30 when you spend $300, $100 when you spend $600, and $200 when you spend $1,000. Monos: Up to 40% off sitewide with code EARLYBF2022. Check out our full round up of Monos luggage deals.Nomatic: Up to 30% off luggage and 50% off travel accessories.Paravel: Up to 30% off, including Oprah's favorite foldable backpack.ROAM: Free Market Tote or Travel Pouch Set with the purchase of any piece of luggage, backpack, or duffel.Samsonite: 30% off sitewide and free shipping.Solgaard: Take 15% to 50% off sitewide. Travelpro: More than 70% off select suitcases and bags, plus save $30 when you spend $200 and $60 when you spend $300.Tumi: 40% off select suitcases, backpacks, and bags.50% off the Litter Genie PlusAmazonThe Litter Genie keeps odors from cat litter waste concealed. Deputy Editor Lauren Savoie likes that it holds several weeks' worth of waste so she doesn't have to take the trash out every time she scoops. For Chewy's Black Friday sale, it's marked down to 30% off its usual price, and over at Petco, it's 50% off — an all-time low price.50% off Paramount PlusParamount PlusNow through November 27, new and returning subscribers can get 50% off an annual plan of Paramount Plus, bringing the Essential plan down to only $25 for a full year of content. The service is home to hundreds of hours of series and movies, including titles like "Smile," "Sonic the Hedgehog 2," and "Spongebob Squarepants." This cheaper plan is ad-supported and starts with a free, one-week trial.$60 off the Ring Floodlight Cam Wired PlusThe Home DepotRing's Floodlight Cam Wired Plus combines the standard Spotlight Cam with a set of motion-activated floodlights for better lighting. The camera itself streams and records at 1080p resolution and is also motion-activated, and it includes a siren and two-way talk. The Black Friday sale matches the lowest price we've seen it available for.Shop big sales from nearly every major mattress brandLeesa/InstagramMattresses are an expensive yet important purchase. Fortunately, during Black Friday, you can save hundreds of dollars on top brands, including Casper, Purple, Nectar, and more. Don't know which mattress to buy? Our mattress expert has tested more than 60 mattresses and lists the best in our mattress guide. Also, check out our best Black Friday mattress deals hub.Amerisleep: Get $450 off any mattress and free accessories using the promo code AS450.Avocado: Get 10% off sitewide using the promo code SAVE10.Awara: Get $300 off any mattress and a free cotton sheet set, two latex pillows, and a mattress protector.Bear: Get 35% off sitewide and free accessories.Beautyrest: Save up to $800 on select mattresses.Big Fig Mattress: Get $400 off mattresses using the promo code FRIYAY.Birch: Get $400 off mattresses and two free pillows using the promo code FALLSALE400. Brooklyn Bedding: Get 30% off sitewide using promo code BFRIDAY30.Casper: Save up to $800 on mattresses using the promo code BFCM22-B.Cocoon by Sealy: Get 35% off the Chill mattresses and get a free set of sheets and pillows. DreamCloud: Get 25% off mattresses and $599 worth of accessories, including sheets, pillows, and a mattress protector. Emma: Get up to 50% off sitewide.Ghost Bed: Up to 50% off all mattresses and adjustable base bundles and get two free pillows.Helix: Save $150 when you spend $600 using promo code BFWKND150, save $250 when you spend $1,249 using promo code BFWKND250, save $300 when you spend $1,700 using promo code BFWKND300, save $350 when you spend $2,550 using promo code BFWKND350, save $400 when you spend $2,700 using promo code BFWKND400, and save $450 when you spend $2,950 using promo code BFWKND450. Plus, all purchases include two free pillows. Leesa: Save up to $700 on mattresses with two pillows included.Mattress Firm: Get up to 50% off mattresses during the early Black Friday sale.Nectar: Get 33% off sitewide.Nest Bedding: Up to 50% off select mattresses.Nolah: Save up to $700 on mattresses and get two free pillows during the early access Black Friday sale.   Purple: Get $700 off the Purple Plus Mattress plus adjustable base.Saatva: Get up to $450 off select mattresses during the Election 1-Day Flash Sale.Serta: Save up to $800 on select mattresses and mattress sets.Siena: Save $200 off any mattress.Sleep Number: Up to 40% off select beds.Tempur-Pedic: Get 30% off the Tempur-Pedic Cloud mattress when you use the Insider exclusive promo code BI30.Tuft & Needle: Save up to $750 on mattresses.Wayfair: Save on big-name mattress brands like Beautyrest and Sealy. Check out our Wayfair deals roundup.Zinus: Save up to 40% off select mattresses. Editor's note: Zinus is facing a class-action lawsuit claiming that fiberglass in the company's mattresses has led to serious health issues. Check out our full article on the lawsuit for more details.Zoma: Save $150 on all mattresses using promo code WIN150.Save $300 on an LG 24-inch Smart DishwasherHome Depot; InsiderIn addition to various useful cleaning and maintenance features, the LG LDP6810SS Smart Dishwasher provides smartphone monitoring, downloadable wash cycles, and diagnostic alerts. During Black Friday, save more than $300 on it.Save $400 on our favorite mattress and get $600 in free accessoriesDreamcloudOne of our favorite mattresses, the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress offers an impressive array of features, including excellent support, a firmness that will appeal to most sleepers, and a long trial period and warranty. During the Black Friday sale, you can save $400 and get $599 of accessories included.Save $40 on the Theragun MiniTherabodyTherabody's fourth generation of massage guns introduced the Theragun Mini, a portable device that packs a percussive punch in a much smaller package. It's our favorite entry-level massage gun and it's on sale for $160 during Black Friday which is around the lowest price we've ever seen.Take $70 off the Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster OvenCuisinartWhile we haven't tested this specific model, the Cuisinart TOA-70 AirFryer Toaster Oven is similar to our favorite toaster oven. During Black Friday, it's $70 off.Buy one, get one on Masterclass subscriptionsMasterClassMasterClass is one of our favorite online learning platforms and for $180, you can get a second membership free to gift when you buy the first one. It makes for a great last-minute present and a fun way to bond with someone as you watch classes remotely.$50 off DNA kits from AncestryAncestryDNAAncestry DNA makes our favorite DNA kit, and all its DNA kits are discounted for Black Friday. The cheapest one is the standard kit, coming in at $59 (normally $99).20% off our favorite bathrobe from BrooklinenBrooklinenMade from 100% Turkish cotton, this super-soft robe is the ultimate luxury gift. For Black Friday, you can get 20% off all Brooklinen products when you check out.Get a Hulu subscription for $2 a monthHulu; Alyssa Powell/InsiderHulu offers a wide array of series, movies, and originals for subscribers to enjoy, including "Bob's Burgers," "Prey," and "The Handmaid's Tale." The service only ever sees discounts during Black Friday, and this year is no exception: new and returning members can get their first year for only $2 a month when they sign up before November 28.32% off the Kindle PaperwhiteAmazonThe Kindle Paperwhite is our favorite Kindle model so far for its big screen and adjustable warm light. At 32% off, you can snag it for under $100 to gift to the avid reader in your life.Save $80 on adjustable dumbbellsBest BuyThe Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells allow you to adjust the weight of each dumbbell anywhere from 5 to 52.5 pounds, turning one pair of dumbbells into a full-on set. They're on sale for $350 during Black Friday, which is one of the lowest prices we've ever seen them at, making them a great deal for anyone looking to add to their home gym.Save $70 on TCL's 55-inch 5 Series 4K Roku TVBest BuyTCL's 55-inch 5 Series 4K Roku TV delivers an impressive balance between image performance, smart connectivity, screen size, and cost. Down to $430, this discount matches deals we've seen for it in the past.Take 27% off the Nespresso's Vertuo coffee makerWilliams SonomaNespresso's Vertuo machine makes rich, frothy espresso at the touch of a button. This isn't the lowest price we've seen, but it does match last Black Friday's deal and it's still a solid discount.Save 20% on the GoPro Hero 11 BlackThe GoPro Hero 11 Black with its recognizable form-factor. Like the Hero 9 Black and Hero 10 Black before it, there's a front screen for framing a shot — useful if you're vlogging or live-streaming.Les Shu/InsiderGoPro's best camera yet, the Hero 11 Black shoots incredible videos with smooth stabilization better than ever. For Black Friday, you can save $100 (20%) off the regular priceSave 15% on the Monos Metro DuffelMonosThe duffel's roomy interior is designed to keep all your essentials organized, with a sleeve that fits up to a 15" laptop and inner side pockets that allow for easy access to your water bottle or compact umbrella. The built-in trolley sleeve fits securely around the handle of any Monos suitcase for seamless pairing and converts into an extra pocket when not in use. It's discounted to under $180 ahead of Black Friday.Get a year of Peacock Premium for $1/monthPavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesNow through November 28, new subscribers can lock in a year of Peacock Premium for $1/month. That's about 80% off the regular $5 monthly price.Save 33% on the Fitbit Sense 2FitbitThe Fitbit Sense 2 is the brand's answer to the Apple Watch, featuring temperature sensing, a built-in ECG, and advanced sleep tracking. It also offers tracking for a wide variety of activities and is compatible with smartphone notifications and some apps. It's on sale for $200 during Black Friday, which is $100 off its normal price (and an excellent deal for such a full-featured smartwatch).Take 50% off the Shark Vertex DuoClean PowerFins Upright VacuumAmazonThe Shark Vertex DuoClean PowerFins Upright Vacuum (AZ2002) is easy to use and has powerful suction that gets the job done on hardwood and carpeting. This Black Friday deal matches the lowest price we've seen.Save 24% on an HP OMEN laptopHPHP's OMEN laptops are high-performance computers that are great for creative tasks and gaming. This one is loaded with an Intel Core i7 processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphics. Add in 16GB of memory and a 1TB hard drive, the $1,200 sale price makes it a terrific buy for a high-end machine.Take 60% off a Sealy MattressWayfairUsually priced around $800, you can now save a couple hundred dollars on this 12-inch mattress. We haven't tested this exact mattress, but we think Sealy's other bed in a box is a good budget pick.Save $200 on the Dyson Pure Cool Link Tower TP02 Purifier FanDysonThough we haven't tested the Dyson Pure Cool Link Tower TP02 Purifier Fan yet, we have been impressed with the cooling abilities of other Dyson fans. Right now, it's at an all-time low price for Black Friday 2022.Take 20% off Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)AppleThe AirPods Pro (2nd generation) is the latest addition to their AirPods Pro series, a line of mid-range earbuds that feature spatial audio and noise canceling. And for just $200, this is the lowest price we've ever seen.Save 33% on a Sony 65 Inch 4K Ultra HD TVAmazonSony's 2022 midrange LCD TV is a solid pick for buyers who want a good all-around 4K display. It has local dimming for improved contrast, along with wide color capabilities and support for the Google TV streaming platform. This $1,000 deal price is a new low for the 65-inch model.Save $150 on the Traeger Pro Series 22 Pellet GrillHome DepotTraeger is one of our favorite grill brands, and the Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill is an excellent option for easy precision grilling and smoking. During Home Depot's early Black Friday sales, you can save $150 off its regular price.Save 40% on the internet's favorite coatMaria Del Russo/InsiderDubbed by the internet as the "Amazon coat," this down jacket actually lives up to its hype of blending style with warmth and functionality. It comes in a range of colors from muted neutrals to bright red or yellow and is a perfect, practical gift as the winter season gets colder. The discount you'll receive depends on the color and size you choose, with an average deal of 40% off.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

From non-alcoholic DTCs to new mac-and-cheese brands, these 24 retail companies were picked by top venture capitalists as the most promising of 2022. Damir Becirovic of Index Ventures, Meera Clark of Redpoint Ventures, Morad Elhafed of Battery Ventures, and Amy Saper of Accel.Damir Becirovic/Index Ventures, Meera Clark/Redpoint Ventures, Morad Elhafed/Battery Venture, Amy Saper/ Accel, Tyler Le/Insider Insider talked to top VCs and asked them to pick the most promising startups so far in 2022. VCs were asked to list startups in their portfolios and companies they have no financial ties to. The result is a list of up-and-coming startups within the retail industry seen below.  Estimated total funding for each startup is based on reports from PitchBook unless otherwise specified. Some VCs identified in this list recommended multiple startups that cater to the retail industry. Hans Tung, GGV CapitalHans Tung, a managing partner at GGV Capital.GGV CapitalRecommended startup: Frubana Relationship: InvestorTotal startup funding: $353.57 million  What it does: Frubana is an online grocery-shopping platform for restaurants and small retailers in Latin America. The platform allows merchants to source ingredients directly from farmers and manufacturers with no intermediaries.The food-supply challenges during the COVID-19 have helped accelerate the growth outside its home base in Colombia. It works with 87,000 restaurants and small retailers in Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico. Why it's on the list: By cutting off intermediaries like food distributors, Frubana's B2B tech saves money for both producers and buyers. The company initially started as a fruit-and-vegetable distribution venture but has expanded to become "a one-stop-shop for Latin American restaurants," Tung told Insider. "It provides price transparency, reduces waste, facilitates logistics, and generates trust to create a highly efficient and vertically integrated food-supply chain." Mark Fiorentino, Index VenturesMark Fiorentino is a partner at Index Ventures.Index VenturesRecommended startup: CatchRelationship: InvestorTotal startup funding: $30.6 millionWhat it does: Catch allows online shoppers to complete purchases by paying directly from their bank accounts instead of with credit cards. Brands pass on the savings that would normally cover credit-card-processing fees to shoppers in the form of store credit, building loyalty and offering an incentive to shop again.Why it's on the list: As customer acquisition becomes more challenging due to privacy-policy changes and rising ad costs on social media, more brands have begun to emphasize growing the lifetime value of existing customers. Catch allows brands to increase loyalty levels among their existing customer base by incentivizing repeat purchases with store credit. Fiorentino was impressed by the way that Catch combines payments, loyalty, retention, and engagement into one product. "By cutting out the card networks altogether, they allow merchants to pass through those savings to the consumer via loyalty credits, leading to increased engagement and retention from its customer base," he said.Catch counts many direct-to-consumer favorites like Girlfriend Collective, Everlane, and Parade as clients. Other backers in addition to Index Ventures include Forerunner Ventures, Sequoia Capital, SciFi VC, Verity Venture Partners, and BoxGroup.Meera Clark, Redpoint VenturesMeera Clark is a principal at Redpoint Ventures.Redpoint VenturesRecommended startup: Whatnot Relationship: InvestorTotal startup funding: $485.41 millionWhat it does: Whatnot is a livestream-retail marketplace where users can buy and sell collectibles like Funko Pops and trading cards.Why it's promising: Whatnot has raised almost $500 million dollars in funding since its founding, including a $260 million Series D in July. Grant LaFontaine and Logan Head, the founders of Whatnot, continue to expand the categories on the platform and hire more employees at a time where many startups are conducting mass layoffs.The company's business model capitalizes on live-shopping trends already popular outside of the US, especially in Asia. "Whatnot represents a clear category leader for users seeking to buy and sell collectibles ranging from Funko Pops to manga comics and more," Clark said. "Whatnot has established an incredibly strong product market fit in its initial collectibles categories and shows no signs of slowing down as it continues to expand its scope based on the strong pull of its user base."Roger Lee, Battery VenturesRoger Lee is a general partner at Battery Ventures.Battery VenturesRecommended startup: RutterRelationship: No financial interestTotal startup funding: $29.4 millionWhat it does: Rutter provides a universal API that allows e-commerce companies to easily connect with all of the systems they would use to run their business, from the platform hosting their site to the tech they use to processes their payments. Why it's promising: Brands are now reaching customers across a number of different channels, each of which would traditionally require complicated technical work to integrate. Rutter seeks to simplify that work. Lee said that it "acts as the connective tissue" between the e-commerce tools and products that merchants use. It also helps merchants and platforms to look at the data across those tools and products with greater ease. "We believe Rutter provides critical infrastructure to the world of e-commerce — a booming category for 2022 and beyond," he said.Amy Saper, AccelAmy Saper is a partner at Accel.AccelRecommended startup: The ExpertRelationship: No financial interestTotal startup funding: $15 millionWhat it does: The Expert is a digital platform turned e-commerce home-goods site that pairs users with high-end interior designers for one-on-one video consultations about home renovations and decor.Why it's promising: Jake Arnold, an interior designer, founded the Expert was founded in 2021. His reputation attracted an audience of users looking to renovate their living spaces during the pandemic to the startup's services. The company expanded into selling home goods like couches and end tables, an offering called Showroom. "As a design enthusiast in the midst of a home-renovation project, I love the way The Expert is democratizing access to the world's best interior-design talent, '' Saper said. "The past few years have dramatically shifted our perceptions and expectations around our ideal home setup, and The Expert is well poised to capitalize on that persistent trend."Mike Duboe, Greylock PartnersMike Duboe is a general partner at Greylock.Greylock PartnersRecommended startup: ConvictionalRelationship: No financial interestTotal startup funding: $48.9 millionWhat it does: Convictional helps retailers to onboard their vendors — and start selling their products online — much more quickly than more traditional methods. Two former Shopify employees, Chris Grouchy and Roger Kirkness, founded the startup.Why it's promising: It's grown more costly for brands to acquire new customers as Apple's 2021 iOS updates and other consumer-privacy policies have changed the digital-advertising landscape. Because of that, many brands are looking to sell their products on a wider variety of channels, including on marketplaces other retailers run. Convictional automates the process of getting vendors' products on those marketplaces. And by listing products from other brands on their own sites, retailers get a chance to broaden their product assortment without having to invest in additional inventory. "Convictional has streamlined and standardized the way brands 'talk' to retailer and marketplace partners, allowing them to sell through a broader suite of channels without any inventory challenges," Duboe said. "The infrastructure underlying wholesale marketplaces and B2B trade will be an interesting area to watch in 2022 and beyond."Damir Becirovic, Index VenturesDamir Becirovic is a partner at Index Ventures.Index VenturesRecommended startup: KojoRelationship: No financial interestTotal startup funding: $44.6 million, according to Crunchbase.What it does: A platform for construction firms to source and purchase building materials.Why it's promising: Kojo, formerly known as Agora, rebranded earlier this year and aims to help make buying and managing construction materials more efficient through automation. Its mobile app is key to this. With it, construction teams can track existing orders and warehouse inventory in real time. Managers can also reorder materials from previous jobs. Kojo, founded in 2018, is now expanding its service to other sectors of the construction industry, such as mechanical and drywall construction. "Construction is an industry where the two main costs are labor and materials. Procore built a multibillion-dollar business addressing labor efficiency and Kojo is aiming to be the platform that makes material procurement efficient," Becirovic said. "Historically, construction firms used a combination of email and Excel to manage their material workflows and Agora is digitizing and automating this with software. The reception for their product has been strong and their customer count is growing quickly."Katie Stanton, Moxxie VenturesKatie Jacobs Stanton is the founder and a general partner at Moxxie Ventures.Amanda Aude, Shutter Pine PhotographyRecommended startup: Luminai (formerly Digital Brain)Relationship: InvestorTotal startup funding: $25.12 millionWhat it does: Luminai's software automates multi-step processes, such as canceling Shopify orders, for customer-support teams.Why it's promising: Luminai has a "world-class founding team, with a remarkable story of resilience, hustle, and high achievement," Stanton told Insider. The CEO of Luminai, Kesava Kirupa Dinakaran, for instance, worked with cofounder Dmitry Dolgopolov to found what would become Luminai while living off hackathon prize money and pitching to over 100 VCs.The company also has a "laser focus" on helping customer-support teams save money, Stanton said. On average, Luminai's customers see a 16% decrease in average handling time per interaction, as well as a 60% reduction in customer-experience-agent onboarding time.Alex Taussig, Lightspeed Venture PartnersAlex Taussig is a partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners.Lightspeed Venture PartnersRecommended startup: SnackpassRelationship: No financial interest Total startup funding: $93.74 million What it does: Snackpass is a Venmo-inspired app that allows college students to order food for takeout with a social-sharing twist. Like a peer-to-peer payment app, Snackpass lets users share what they are ordering publicly. They can also gift meals to others and earn and share reward points. The startup, whose early investors include Andreessen Horowitz and Y Combinator, targets college towns.Why it's on the list: "With a Venmo-like social feed, users can see and interact with their friends, colleagues, and family," Taussig said. "Beyond the social app, Snackpass has also streamlined the in-store ordering and pick up process so that the consumers no longer need to wait in line for hours to get their favorite food. Snackpass is positioned to lead a new wave of innovation in one of the largest  — $2 trillion in size in 2021 — and most dynamic industry: Food."Laela Sturdy, CapitalGLaela Sturdy is a general partner at CapitalG.CapitalGRecommended startup: CuratedRelationship: InvestorTotal startup funding: $141.5 millionWhat it does: Curated pairs consumers that are considering big-ticket purchases, like baby-strollers or athletic equipment, with knowledgeable subject-matter experts who can advise shoppers on the best products to buy.Why it's on the list: Curated's category experts can monetize their passion or hobby by doling out advice to online shoppers researching specific items. Meanwhile, consumers can outsource research and comparison shopping to someone who actually enjoys it. "Anyone who has ever ventured to choose a baby stroller or the perfect espresso machine knows how confusing and stressful these decisions can be," Sturdy said. "Curated doesn't just take the pain out of choosing these high-consideration purchase decisions — they make it actually fun and delightful."Morad Elhafed, Battery VenturesMorad Elhafed is a general partner at Battery Ventures.Battery VenturesRecommended startup:  Vita MojoRelationship: InvestorTotal startup funding: $57.96 millionWhat it does:  Vita Mojo's platform allows restaurants to manage workflows such as digital-ordering and kitchen operations in one integrated system. The London-based startup serves more than 130 operators across the UK and Europe, including Nando's and Le Pain Quotidien.Vita Mojo's digital-ordering services include in-store kiosks, direct-channel online ordering, and ordering through third-party delivery apps such as Just Eat, Deliveroo, and Uber Eats.  Why it's on the list: The company's founders built the platform by first testing the software in a brick-and-mortar restaurant, billed at the time as the UK's first cashless and digital-only restaurant. By battle-testing the software in the real world, Vita Mojo has been able to refine and perfect its tech platform. "Vita Mojo helps restaurants streamline and automate operations, which is critically important as these businesses strive to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic amidst ongoing labor shortages and supply-chain issues," Elhafed said.Genevieve Gilbreath, Springdale VenturesGenevieve Gilbreath is a cofounder and general partner at Springdale Ventures.Genevieve GilbreathRecommended startup: GoodlesRelationship: InvestorTotal startup funding: $3.79 millionWhat it does: Goodles is a macaroni-and-cheese brand. It offers four different varieties of dairy-filled mac and cheese as well as a vegan option. Goodles says that its product is healthier than many other household mac-and-cheese brands while still offering a good taste.Why it's on the list: Gilbreath said her group has "never seen market demand like this for a new product" and that celebrity customers and investors range from those in the NFL to Hollywood stars. "They are absolutely crushing velocities and get inbound calls to get on shelf from everyone," Gilbreath said. "I think that Goodles has fully nailed what it takes to build a true household brand. They have an incredible product with really good nutrition, fun, sticky brand, A+ team and they picked one of the biggest, fastest-moving food categories to tackle."Chauncey Hamilton, XYZ Venture Capital and Benjamin Ling, Bling CapitalChauncey Hamilton is a partner at XYZ Venture Capital and Benjamin Ling is the founder and a general partner at Bling Capital.XYZ Venture Capital/Bling CapitalRecommended startup: VehoRelationship: Bling Capital is an investor in Veho. XYZ Venture Capital does not have a financial interest in Veho.Total startup funding: $299.28 millionWhat it does: Veho is a last-mile logistics platform that uses gig-economy drivers to facilitate next-day delivery for brands. The company currently operates in 22 cities across the US.Why it's on the list: Veho steps in at the point in the fulfillment process where retailers have the least amount of control over their products: when products are in transit from warehouses to customers' doorsteps. Veho offers customers more insight into package deliveries by sharing real-time tracking information and allows for last-minute changes like rescheduling, address changes, and delivery instructions. Veho also offers doorstep pickup for returns that don't require labels or packaging, bringing the full delivery loop under its umbrella.Hamilton told Insider that the ability for retailers to personalize the delivery experience and make it "truly an extension of the brand" is advantageous for brands looking to build up customer trust. Ling was impressed with Veho's potential to challenge both national-delivery heavyweights like FedEx and UPS and emerging regional players like Lasership, as well as its fundraising ability. Even as markets became unsettled earlier this year, Veho raised a $170 million Series B in April, which followed a $125 million Series A in December. Michael Brown, Battery VenturesMichael Brown is a general partner at Battery Ventures.Battery VenturesRecommended startup: Blue OnionRelationship: No financial interestTotal startup funding: $8 millionWhat it does: Blue Onion simplifies financial management for e-commerce brands. Its software reconciles transaction data from across multiple systems, including e-commerce platforms like Shopify and payment processors like Klarna, so that finance-and-accounting teams can have a full and accurate picture of their data in one place. Why it's promising: Running an online business means integrating a number of different software systems. Modern brands are connecting with customers in a number of different ways, from their online stores to their social-media channels. Blue Onion helps accounting teams automatically match financial records across systems to make sure every transaction is accounted for. "With the rise of e-commerce, these merchants need a new set of tooling to help run their business across multiple channels, particularly with automating their back-office systems and workflow," Brown said.Buffy and Draper James currently use Blue Onion's services. Entrée Capital, Green Visor Capital, Halogen Ventures, Vinyl Capital, and Y Combinator are all investors.Niki Pezeshki, Felicis VenturesNiki Pezeshki is a general partner at Felicis Ventures.FelicisRecommended startup: Proton.aiRelationship: InvestorTotal startup funding: $20 millionWhat it does: Proton.ai offers artificial-intelligence software to distribution companies that sell to other businesses. The company's goal is to help distributors increase sales.Proton.ai's software has many potential uses, such as coming up with product recommendations for specific businesses and providing data to sales representatives who work for distributors.Why it's promising: "Distribution and supply-chain challenges have been one of the major themes of the last couple of years, and Proton has done an incredible job of helping distributors weather the storm through the use of industry-specific software and AI," Pezeshki told Insider.There's even more opportunity for the company to grow going forward, he added. Roughly 290,000 distribution companies operate in the US, "but the technology in the industry still lacks some of the innovation that we have seen in other verticals.""Proton is changing that," he added. Nicole Johnson, Forerunner VenturesNicole Johnson is a partner at Forerunner Ventures.Forerunner VenturesRecommended startup: CometeerRelationship: No financial interestTotal startup funding: $95.85 millionWhat it does: Cometeer's coffee capsules resemble the pods commonly used in Keurig machines, but there's a key difference: They don't contain any grounds, making them easier to recycle. The coffee is brewed and frozen using Cometeer's proprietary process, which the company says improves the flavor. Cometeer sources its coffee from a variety of roasters around the world, such as North Carolina's Counter Culture and London's Square Mile.Why it's promising: Cometeer's approach makes it popular with consumers, Johnson said. "Customers are obsessed."Cometeer also cultivates a dual relationship with its roasters, which gives it a sales edge, according to Johnson."Cometeer partners with an A-list of roasters from across the country," she said. "They give Cometeer their best beans, Cometeer makes the coffee, and both distribute to their customers."Jimmy Frischling, Branded Hospitality VenturesJimmy Frischling is the founder and a managing partner at Branded Hospitality Venture.Jimmy FrischlingRecommended startup 1: Dexai RoboticsRelationship: No financial interestTotal startup funding: $6.66 millionWhat it does: Dexai Robotics has built a robotic sous chef, "Alfred," that can connect with point-of-sales systems and cook orders automatically by following recipes. The technology also tracks food inventory and keeps staff informed of when they're running out of items. The company says the robotic chef can help protect the food industry from labor shortages by offering an extra set of robotic hands. Addressing labor concerns in restaurants through robotics has become a popular strategy for startups in recent years.Why it's on the list: Frischling said Dexai is "building a new way to prepare meals, and soon robots in the kitchen will be as common as microwaves or dishwashers." "We're looking forward to a future where delicious meals are available for everyone at any hour of the day, prepared quickly, safely, and exactly how you like, by Alfred," he said.Recommended startup 2:  TapRmRelationship: InvestorTotal startup funding: $6.18 million What it does: TapRm is a platform that allows alcohol brands to reach their consumers directly online without having to work with a traditional distributor or retailer. Consumers can get beer and hard seltzer delivered to their doors.Why it's on the list: By bypassing traditional distributors, TapRm makes it easy for any beer or hard-seltzer brand to sell their products online and ship those orders nationwide. In New York, Frischling said the startup can take brands live from contract signing to online in under seven days. The company has an "impressive network of integrated retailers, shippers, and couriers," he said. Since launch, their contracts have grown 21% month over month and have expanded shipping to 45 states. "With thousands of beers and hard-seltzer brands to work with just in the US, TapRm is proud of their platform's success so far, and are looking forward to the next stage of growth," Frischling said. Steve Ahern, KB PartnersSteve Ahern is a partner at KB Partners.KB PartnersRecommended startup 1: TixologiRelationship: Investor Total startup funding: $2.25 millionWhat it does: Tixologi makes blockchain-based ticketing software designed to eliminate the "pain points" of the ticketing experience, Asher Weiss, the CEO and cofounder of Tixologi, told Insider.Why it's on the list: The ticketing industry is due for a refresh. Tixologi and its investors, including KB Partners, think blockchain is the answer. Blockchain is essentially a permanent digital ledger. When used for ticketing, it can prevent counterfeiting by letting fans easily trace back to see if a ticket is authentic. It can also help event companies gather data on fans because in order to accept a ticket, a fan must have a Tixologi account. The account's data can be used to make marketing efforts more targeted and effective. Tixologi's platform also can convert tickets into non-fungible tokens or digital collectibles."In the future, all tickets will be blockchain-based and all will likely be NFTs," Weiss told Insider. "We feel confident we can be the industry leader." The company is nearing its official launch after raising $2.25 million in venture capital. While sports is a natural first market for Tixologi, Steve Ahern, a partner at KB Partners, said there's significant room to expand. "One of the things that's exciting about the ticketing space is there's an application beyond purely sports," he said. "There's a really solid market there. Some of the biggest success stories in sports have been ticketing companies."Recommended startup 2: RealRelationship: No financial interestTotal startup funding: Self-funded, according to the companyWhat it does: A social-sports app designed to connect fans and provide a community where they can discuss live games on a play-by-play level.Why it's on the list: Ever notice a spike in traffic on social media during big events like the Oscars or the Super Bowl? The Real app builds on that phenomenon, but is aimed strictly at sports fans who regularly watch the games of a specific team or the performances of specific players. The app also has a notification system that can alert fans to pivotal moments, such as when bases are loaded in a baseball game. NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB and NCAA men's basketball games are available on the app. Louis and John Antonelli, the cofounder brothers of Real, plan to expand to other leagues and sports, including auto racing and ultimate fighting. "Real has done a very solid job developing a platform that keeps fans engaged around the most exciting moments in sports," Ahern told Insider. "They've quickly found a way to bring Gen Z back to live sports and created an amazing community of sports fans along the way."The company launched in March 2021 and is self-funded. It has 88,000 active members and a 4.9-out-of-5-star rating on the App Store."We're trying to avoid the true venture-capital route," Antonelli said. "If we do need an influx to get us over a gap, we'll probably do a friends-and-family round." Deborah Benton, Willow Growth PartnersDeborah Benton is cofounder and managing partner at Willow Growth Partners.Deborah BentonRecommended startup 1: YouthforiaRelationship: No financial interestTotal startup funding: Self-funded, according to the companyWhat it does: Youthforia makes makeup formulated with plant-based ingredients typically used in skincare products. Founder Fiona Co Chan, a former enterprise-sales executive with no prior beauty-industry experience, wanted to develop a makeup line that didn't require removal at the end of the day, but wouldn't give wearers a breakout or allergic reaction. Why it's on the list: Makeup made with skincare ingredients is a concept that has been growing in popularity for a few years, but Deborah Benton of Willow Growth Partners said Youthforia's "so clean you can sleep in it" approach takes the trend to the next level. As Benton looks at the mid-COVID-makeup landscape, she thinks affordable, multitasking products like Youthforia's TikTok-famous blush oil, which sells for $36, will be especially compelling to consumers looking to get the most out of their purchases. "Clean color with true innovation, functional benefits, and a compelling brand will take more than their fair share of growth," Benton said. "Youthforia represents all of those."Recommended startup 2: De SoiRelationship: InvestorTotal startup funding: $6 million, according to the company. What it does: A brand of nonalcoholic aperitifs, cofounded by Katy Perry and master distiller Morgan McLachlan. Why it's on the list: De Soi's plant-based, nonalcoholic drinks are enhanced with adaptogens — natural plants and mushrooms that help relieve stress and promote a calm feeling. Sales of nonalcoholic beverages soared 33% last year to $331 million, according to Nielsen. The rise of the sober-curious movement, combined with Perry's star power are why Benton is betting the brand will be a hit, she said. "De Soi is able to cut through the noise and bring an elegant alternative to a wider audience," Benton said.Keith Rabois, Founders FundKeith Rabois is a general partner at Founders Fund.Keith RaboisRecommended startup 1: TrabaRelationship: InvestorTotal startup funding: $27.21 millionWhat it does: Traba is a labor marketplace that connects workers with open shifts at warehouses and event venues. Why it's promising: Traba continues to perform despite many tech companies feeling the pressure from the pandemic and inflation. Mike Shebat, the CEO who leads the company, made the Forbes 30 under 30 list this year. Traba was valued at $120 million after raising a $20 million Series A in July. "As online shopping exploded in popularity, supply-chain troubles resulted in a 75% increase in fulfillment-center job openings," Rabois said. "Warehouses relied more on temp labor because of unpredictable order volumes. At the same time, warehouse workers deemed essential during the pandemic began demanding more flexibility, pay transparency, and quality work." Recommended startup 2: HomebaseRelationship: An investment made while at Khosla Ventures. The startup is not in Founders Fund's portfolio.Total startup funding: $109.9 millionWhat it does: Homebase helps automate shift scheduling, timesheets, and communication between employees to reduce administrative tasks for managers. Why it's promising: Homebase raised a $71 million Series C in July 2021, just as automated scheduling became crucial for companies attracting workers that wanted flexible shifts. The startup offers its services across businesses from retail to hospitality and leisure, making hiring, managing payroll, and handling timesheets all accessible through one piece of software. "In a tightening labor market where more people are shifting to flexible work, Homebase makes it easy for small businesses to manage their teams," Rabois said. "There's been so much innovation for knowledge workers in recent years, but hourly workers have largely been left behind. Homebase is changing that."Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

From non-alcoholic DTCs to new mac-and-cheese brands, these 24 retail companies were picked by top venture capitalists as the most promising of 2022. Damir Becirovic of Index Ventures, Meera Clark of Redpoint Ventures, Morad Elhafed of Battery Ventures, and Amy Saper of Accel.Damir Becirovic/Index Ventures, Meera Clark/Redpoint Ventures, Morad Elhafed/Battery Venture, Amy Saper/ Accel, Tyler Le/Insider Insider talked to top VCs and asked them to pick the most promising startups so far in 2022. VCs were asked to list startups in their portfolios and companies they have no financial ties to. The result is a list of up-and-coming startups within the retail industry seen below.  Estimated total funding for each startup is based on reports from PitchBook unless otherwise specified. Some VCs identified in this list recommended multiple startups that cater to the retail industry. Hans Tung, GGV CapitalHans Tung, a managing partner at GGV Capital.GGV CapitalRecommended startup: Frubana Relationship: InvestorTotal startup funding: $353.57 million  What it does: Frubana is an online grocery-shopping platform for restaurants and small retailers in Latin America. The platform allows merchants to source ingredients directly from farmers and manufacturers with no intermediaries.The food-supply challenges during the COVID-19 have helped accelerate the growth outside its home base in Colombia. It works with 87,000 restaurants and small retailers in Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico. Why it's on the list: By cutting off intermediaries like food distributors, Frubana's B2B tech saves money for both producers and buyers. The company initially started as a fruit-and-vegetable distribution venture but has expanded to become "a one-stop-shop for Latin American restaurants," Tung told Insider. "It provides price transparency, reduces waste, facilitates logistics, and generates trust to create a highly efficient and vertically integrated food-supply chain." Mark Fiorentino, Index VenturesMark Fiorentino is a partner at Index Ventures.Index VenturesRecommended startup: CatchRelationship: InvestorTotal startup funding: $30.6 millionWhat it does: Catch allows online shoppers to complete purchases by paying directly from their bank accounts instead of with credit cards. Brands pass on the savings that would normally cover credit-card-processing fees to shoppers in the form of store credit, building loyalty and offering an incentive to shop again.Why it's on the list: As customer acquisition becomes more challenging due to privacy-policy changes and rising ad costs on social media, more brands have begun to emphasize growing the lifetime value of existing customers. Catch allows brands to increase loyalty levels among their existing customer base by incentivizing repeat purchases with store credit. Fiorentino was impressed by the way that Catch combines payments, loyalty, retention, and engagement into one product. "By cutting out the card networks altogether, they allow merchants to pass through those savings to the consumer via loyalty credits, leading to increased engagement and retention from its customer base," he said.Catch counts many direct-to-consumer favorites like Girlfriend Collective, Everlane, and Parade as clients. Other backers in addition to Index Ventures include Forerunner Ventures, Sequoia Capital, SciFi VC, Verity Venture Partners, and BoxGroup.Meera Clark, Redpoint VenturesMeera Clark is a principal at Redpoint Ventures.Redpoint VenturesRecommended startup: Whatnot Relationship: InvestorTotal startup funding: $485.41 millionWhat it does: Whatnot is a livestream-retail marketplace where users can buy and sell collectibles like Funko Pops and trading cards.Why it's promising: Whatnot has raised almost $500 million dollars in funding since its founding, including a $260 million Series D in July. Grant LaFontaine and Logan Head, the founders of Whatnot, continue to expand the categories on the platform and hire more employees at a time where many startups are conducting mass layoffs.The company's business model capitalizes on live-shopping trends already popular outside of the US, especially in Asia. "Whatnot represents a clear category leader for users seeking to buy and sell collectibles ranging from Funko Pops to manga comics and more," Clark said. "Whatnot has established an incredibly strong product market fit in its initial collectibles categories and shows no signs of slowing down as it continues to expand its scope based on the strong pull of its user base."Roger Lee, Battery VenturesRoger Lee is a general partner at Battery Ventures.Battery VenturesRecommended startup: RutterRelationship: No financial interestTotal startup funding: $29.4 millionWhat it does: Rutter provides a universal API that allows e-commerce companies to easily connect with all of the systems they would use to run their business, from the platform hosting their site to the tech they use to processes their payments. Why it's promising: Brands are now reaching customers across a number of different channels, each of which would traditionally require complicated technical work to integrate. Rutter seeks to simplify that work. Lee said that it "acts as the connective tissue" between the e-commerce tools and products that merchants use. It also helps merchants and platforms to look at the data across those tools and products with greater ease. "We believe Rutter provides critical infrastructure to the world of e-commerce — a booming category for 2022 and beyond," he said.Amy Saper, AccelAmy Saper is a partner at Accel.AccelRecommended startup: The ExpertRelationship: No financial interestTotal startup funding: $15 millionWhat it does: The Expert is a digital platform turned e-commerce home-goods site that pairs users with high-end interior designers for one-on-one video consultations about home renovations and decor.Why it's promising: Jake Arnold, an interior designer, founded the Expert was founded in 2021. His reputation attracted an audience of users looking to renovate their living spaces during the pandemic to the startup's services. The company expanded into selling home goods like couches and end tables, an offering called Showroom. "As a design enthusiast in the midst of a home-renovation project, I love the way The Expert is democratizing access to the world's best interior-design talent, '' Saper said. "The past few years have dramatically shifted our perceptions and expectations around our ideal home setup, and The Expert is well poised to capitalize on that persistent trend."Mike Duboe, Greylock PartnersMike Duboe is a general partner at Greylock.Greylock PartnersRecommended startup: ConvictionalRelationship: No financial interestTotal startup funding: $48.9 millionWhat it does: Convictional helps retailers to onboard their vendors — and start selling their products online — much more quickly than more traditional methods. Two former Shopify employees, Chris Grouchy and Roger Kirkness, founded the startup.Why it's promising: It's grown more costly for brands to acquire new customers as Apple's 2021 iOS updates and other consumer-privacy policies have changed the digital-advertising landscape. Because of that, many brands are looking to sell their products on a wider variety of channels, including on marketplaces other retailers run. Convictional automates the process of getting vendors' products on those marketplaces. And by listing products from other brands on their own sites, retailers get a chance to broaden their product assortment without having to invest in additional inventory. "Convictional has streamlined and standardized the way brands 'talk' to retailer and marketplace partners, allowing them to sell through a broader suite of channels without any inventory challenges," Duboe said. "The infrastructure underlying wholesale marketplaces and B2B trade will be an interesting area to watch in 2022 and beyond."Damir Becirovic, Index VenturesDamir Becirovic is a partner at Index Ventures.Index VenturesRecommended startup: KojoRelationship: No financial interestTotal startup funding: $44.6 million, according to Crunchbase.What it does: A platform for construction firms to source and purchase building materials.Why it's promising: Kojo, formerly known as Agora, rebranded earlier this year and aims to help make buying and managing construction materials more efficient through automation. Its mobile app is key to this. With it, construction teams can track existing orders and warehouse inventory in real time. Managers can also reorder materials from previous jobs. Kojo, founded in 2018, is now expanding its service to other sectors of the construction industry, such as mechanical and drywall construction. "Construction is an industry where the two main costs are labor and materials. Procore built a multibillion-dollar business addressing labor efficiency and Kojo is aiming to be the platform that makes material procurement efficient," Becirovic said. "Historically, construction firms used a combination of email and Excel to manage their material workflows and Agora is digitizing and automating this with software. The reception for their product has been strong and their customer count is growing quickly."Katie Stanton, Moxxie VenturesKatie Jacobs Stanton is the founder and a general partner at Moxxie Ventures.Amanda Aude, Shutter Pine PhotographyRecommended startup: Luminai (formerly Digital Brain)Relationship: InvestorTotal startup funding: $25.12 millionWhat it does: Luminai's software automates multi-step processes, such as canceling Shopify orders, for customer-support teams.Why it's promising: Luminai has a "world-class founding team, with a remarkable story of resilience, hustle, and high achievement," Stanton told Insider. The CEO of Luminai, Kesava Kirupa Dinakaran, for instance, worked with cofounder Dmitry Dolgopolov to found what would become Luminai while living off hackathon prize money and pitching to over 100 VCs.The company also has a "laser focus" on helping customer-support teams save money, Stanton said. On average, Luminai's customers see a 16% decrease in average handling time per interaction, as well as a 60% reduction in customer-experience-agent onboarding time.Alex Taussig, Lightspeed Venture PartnersAlex Taussig is a partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners.Lightspeed Venture PartnersRecommended startup: SnackpassRelationship: No financial interest Total startup funding: $93.74 million What it does: Snackpass is a Venmo-inspired app that allows college students to order food for takeout with a social-sharing twist. Like a peer-to-peer payment app, Snackpass lets users share what they are ordering publicly. They can also gift meals to others and earn and share reward points. The startup, whose early investors include Andreessen Horowitz and Y Combinator, targets college towns.Why it's on the list: "With a Venmo-like social feed, users can see and interact with their friends, colleagues, and family," Taussig said. "Beyond the social app, Snackpass has also streamlined the in-store ordering and pick up process so that the consumers no longer need to wait in line for hours to get their favorite food. Snackpass is positioned to lead a new wave of innovation in one of the largest  — $2 trillion in size in 2021 — and most dynamic industry: Food."Laela Sturdy, CapitalGLaela Sturdy is a general partner at CapitalG.CapitalGRecommended startup: CuratedRelationship: InvestorTotal startup funding: $141.5 millionWhat it does: Curated pairs consumers that are considering big-ticket purchases, like baby-strollers or athletic equipment, with knowledgeable subject-matter experts who can advise shoppers on the best products to buy.Why it's on the list: Curated's category experts can monetize their passion or hobby by doling out advice to online shoppers researching specific items. Meanwhile, consumers can outsource research and comparison shopping to someone who actually enjoys it. "Anyone who has ever ventured to choose a baby stroller or the perfect espresso machine knows how confusing and stressful these decisions can be," Sturdy said. "Curated doesn't just take the pain out of choosing these high-consideration purchase decisions — they make it actually fun and delightful."Morad Elhafed, Battery VenturesMorad Elhafed is a general partner at Battery Ventures.Battery VenturesRecommended startup:  Vita MojoRelationship: InvestorTotal startup funding: $57.96 millionWhat it does:  Vita Mojo's platform allows restaurants to manage workflows such as digital-ordering and kitchen operations in one integrated system. The London-based startup serves more than 130 operators across the UK and Europe, including Nando's and Le Pain Quotidien.Vita Mojo's digital-ordering services include in-store kiosks, direct-channel online ordering, and ordering through third-party delivery apps such as Just Eat, Deliveroo, and Uber Eats.  Why it's on the list: The company's founders built the platform by first testing the software in a brick-and-mortar restaurant, billed at the time as the UK's first cashless and digital-only restaurant. By battle-testing the software in the real world, Vita Mojo has been able to refine and perfect its tech platform. "Vita Mojo helps restaurants streamline and automate operations, which is critically important as these businesses strive to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic amidst ongoing labor shortages and supply-chain issues," Elhafed said.Genevieve Gilbreath, Springdale VenturesGenevieve Gilbreath is a cofounder and general partner at Springdale Ventures.Genevieve GilbreathRecommended startup: GoodlesRelationship: InvestorTotal startup funding: $3.79 millionWhat it does: Goodles is a macaroni-and-cheese brand. It offers four different varieties of dairy-filled mac and cheese as well as a vegan option. Goodles says that its product is healthier than many other household mac-and-cheese brands while still offering a good taste.Why it's on the list: Gilbreath said her group has "never seen market demand like this for a new product" and that celebrity customers and investors range from those in the NFL to Hollywood stars. "They are absolutely crushing velocities and get inbound calls to get on shelf from everyone," Gilbreath said. "I think that Goodles has fully nailed what it takes to build a true household brand. They have an incredible product with really good nutrition, fun, sticky brand, A+ team and they picked one of the biggest, fastest-moving food categories to tackle."Chauncey Hamilton, XYZ Venture Capital and Benjamin Ling, Bling CapitalChauncey Hamilton is a partner at XYZ Venture Capital and Benjamin Ling is the founder and a general partner at Bling Capital.XYZ Venture Capital/Bling CapitalRecommended startup: VehoRelationship: Bling Capital is an investor in Veho. XYZ Venture Capital does not have a financial interest in Veho.Total startup funding: $299.28 millionWhat it does: Veho is a last-mile logistics platform that uses gig-economy drivers to facilitate next-day delivery for brands. The company currently operates in 22 cities across the US.Why it's on the list: Veho steps in at the point in the fulfillment process where retailers have the least amount of control over their products: when products are in transit from warehouses to customers' doorsteps. Veho offers customers more insight into package deliveries by sharing real-time tracking information and allows for last-minute changes like rescheduling, address changes, and delivery instructions. Veho also offers doorstep pickup for returns that don't require labels or packaging, bringing the full delivery loop under its umbrella.Hamilton told Insider that the ability for retailers to personalize the delivery experience and make it "truly an extension of the brand" is advantageous for brands looking to build up customer trust. Ling was impressed with Veho's potential to challenge both national-delivery heavyweights like FedEx and UPS and emerging regional players like Lasership, as well as its fundraising ability. Even as markets became unsettled earlier this year, Veho raised a $170 million Series B in April, which followed a $125 million Series A in December. Michael Brown, Battery VenturesMichael Brown is a general partner at Battery Ventures.Battery VenturesRecommended startup: Blue OnionRelationship: No financial interestTotal startup funding: $8 millionWhat it does: Blue Onion simplifies financial management for e-commerce brands. Its software reconciles transaction data from across multiple systems, including e-commerce platforms like Shopify and payment processors like Klarna, so that finance-and-accounting teams can have a full and accurate picture of their data in one place. Why it's promising: Running an online business means integrating a number of different software systems. Modern brands are connecting with customers in a number of different ways, from their online stores to their social-media channels. Blue Onion helps accounting teams automatically match financial records across systems to make sure every transaction is accounted for. "With the rise of e-commerce, these merchants need a new set of tooling to help run their business across multiple channels, particularly with automating their back-office systems and workflow," Brown said.Buffy and Draper James currently use Blue Onion's services. Entrée Capital, Green Visor Capital, Halogen Ventures, Vinyl Capital, and Y Combinator are all investors.Niki Pezeshki, Felicis VenturesNiki Pezeshki is a general partner at Felicis Ventures.FelicisRecommended startup: Proton.aiRelationship: InvestorTotal startup funding: $20 millionWhat it does: Proton.ai offers artificial-intelligence software to distribution companies that sell to other businesses. The company's goal is to help distributors increase sales.Proton.ai's software has many potential uses, such as coming up with product recommendations for specific businesses and providing data to sales representatives who work for distributors.Why it's promising: "Distribution and supply-chain challenges have been one of the major themes of the last couple of years, and Proton has done an incredible job of helping distributors weather the storm through the use of industry-specific software and AI," Pezeshki told Insider.There's even more opportunity for the company to grow going forward, he added. Roughly 290,000 distribution companies operate in the US, "but the technology in the industry still lacks some of the innovation that we have seen in other verticals.""Proton is changing that," he added. Nicole Johnson, Forerunner VenturesNicole Johnson is a partner at Forerunner Ventures.Forerunner VenturesRecommended startup: CometeerRelationship: No financial interestTotal startup funding: $95.85 millionWhat it does: Cometeer's coffee capsules resemble the pods commonly used in Keurig machines, but there's a key difference: They don't contain any grounds, making them easier to recycle. The coffee is brewed and frozen using Cometeer's proprietary process, which the company says improves the flavor. Cometeer sources its coffee from a variety of roasters around the world, such as North Carolina's Counter Culture and London's Square Mile.Why it's promising: Cometeer's approach makes it popular with consumers, Johnson said. "Customers are obsessed."Cometeer also cultivates a dual relationship with its roasters, which gives it a sales edge, according to Johnson."Cometeer partners with an A-list of roasters from across the country," she said. "They give Cometeer their best beans, Cometeer makes the coffee, and both distribute to their customers."Jimmy Frischling, Branded Hospitality VenturesJimmy Frischling is the founder and a managing partner at Branded Hospitality Venture.Jimmy FrischlingRecommended startup 1: Dexai RoboticsRelationship: No financial interestTotal startup funding: $6.66 millionWhat it does: Dexai Robotics has built a robotic sous chef, "Alfred," that can connect with point-of-sales systems and cook orders automatically by following recipes. The technology also tracks food inventory and keeps staff informed of when they're running out of items. The company says the robotic chef can help protect the food industry from labor shortages by offering an extra set of robotic hands. Addressing labor concerns in restaurants through robotics has become a popular strategy for startups in recent years.Why it's on the list: Frischling said Dexai is "building a new way to prepare meals, and soon robots in the kitchen will be as common as microwaves or dishwashers." "We're looking forward to a future where delicious meals are available for everyone at any hour of the day, prepared quickly, safely, and exactly how you like, by Alfred," he said.Recommended startup 2:  TapRmRelationship: InvestorTotal startup funding: $6.18 million What it does: TapRm is a platform that allows alcohol brands to reach their consumers directly online without having to work with a traditional distributor or retailer. Consumers can get beer and hard seltzer delivered to their doors.Why it's on the list: By bypassing traditional distributors, TapRm makes it easy for any beer or hard-seltzer brand to sell their products online and ship those orders nationwide. In New York, Frischling said the startup can take brands live from contract signing to online in under seven days. The company has an "impressive network of integrated retailers, shippers, and couriers," he said. Since launch, their contracts have grown 21% month over month and have expanded shipping to 45 states. "With thousands of beers and hard-seltzer brands to work with just in the US, TapRm is proud of their platform's success so far, and are looking forward to the next stage of growth," Frischling said. Steve Ahern, KB PartnersSteve Ahern is a partner at KB Partners.KB PartnersRecommended startup 1: TixologiRelationship: Investor Total startup funding: $2.25 millionWhat it does: Tixologi makes blockchain-based ticketing software designed to eliminate the "pain points" of the ticketing experience, Asher Weiss, the CEO and cofounder of Tixologi, told Insider.Why it's on the list: The ticketing industry is due for a refresh. Tixologi and its investors, including KB Partners, think blockchain is the answer. Blockchain is essentially a permanent digital ledger. When used for ticketing, it can prevent counterfeiting by letting fans easily trace back to see if a ticket is authentic. It can also help event companies gather data on fans because in order to accept a ticket, a fan must have a Tixologi account. The account's data can be used to make marketing efforts more targeted and effective. Tixologi's platform also can convert tickets into non-fungible tokens or digital collectibles."In the future, all tickets will be blockchain-based and all will likely be NFTs," Weiss told Insider. "We feel confident we can be the industry leader." The company is nearing its official launch after raising $2.25 million in venture capital. While sports is a natural first market for Tixologi, Steve Ahern, a partner at KB Partners, said there's significant room to expand. "One of the things that's exciting about the ticketing space is there's an application beyond purely sports," he said. "There's a really solid market there. Some of the biggest success stories in sports have been ticketing companies."Recommended startup 2: RealRelationship: No financial interestTotal startup funding: Self-funded, according to the companyWhat it does: A social-sports app designed to connect fans and provide a community where they can discuss live games on a play-by-play level.Why it's on the list: Ever notice a spike in traffic on social media during big events like the Oscars or the Super Bowl? The Real app builds on that phenomenon, but is aimed strictly at sports fans who regularly watch the games of a specific team or the performances of specific players. The app also has a notification system that can alert fans to pivotal moments, such as when bases are loaded in a baseball game. NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB and NCAA men's basketball games are available on the app. Louis and John Antonelli, the cofounder brothers of Real, plan to expand to other leagues and sports, including auto racing and ultimate fighting. "Real has done a very solid job developing a platform that keeps fans engaged around the most exciting moments in sports," Ahern told Insider. "They've quickly found a way to bring Gen Z back to live sports and created an amazing community of sports fans along the way."The company launched in March 2021 and is self-funded. It has 88,000 active members and a 4.9-out-of-5-star rating on the App Store."We're trying to avoid the true venture-capital route," Antonelli said. "If we do need an influx to get us over a gap, we'll probably do a friends-and-family round." Deborah Benton, Willow Growth PartnersDeborah Benton is cofounder and managing partner at Willow Growth Partners.Deborah BentonRecommended startup 1: YouthforiaRelationship: No financial interestTotal startup funding: Self-funded, according to the companyWhat it does: Youthforia makes makeup formulated with plant-based ingredients typically used in skincare products. Founder Fiona Co Chan, a former enterprise-sales executive with no prior beauty-industry experience, wanted to develop a makeup line that didn't require removal at the end of the day, but wouldn't give wearers a breakout or allergic reaction. Why it's on the list: Makeup made with skincare ingredients is a concept that has been growing in popularity for a few years, but Deborah Benton of Willow Growth Partners said Youthforia's "so clean you can sleep in it" approach takes the trend to the next level. As Benton looks at the mid-COVID-makeup landscape, she thinks affordable, multitasking products like Youthforia's TikTok-famous blush oil, which sells for $36, will be especially compelling to consumers looking to get the most out of their purchases. "Clean color with true innovation, functional benefits, and a compelling brand will take more than their fair share of growth," Benton said. "Youthforia represents all of those."Recommended startup 2: De SoiRelationship: InvestorTotal startup funding: $6 million, according to the company. What it does: A brand of nonalcoholic aperitifs, cofounded by Katy Perry and master distiller Morgan McLachlan. Why it's on the list: De Soi's plant-based, nonalcoholic drinks are enhanced with adaptogens — natural plants and mushrooms that help relieve stress and promote a calm feeling. Sales of nonalcoholic beverages soared 33% last year to $331 million, according to Nielsen. The rise of the sober-curious movement, combined with Perry's star power are why Benton is betting the brand will be a hit, she said. "De Soi is able to cut through the noise and bring an elegant alternative to a wider audience," Benton said.Keith Rabois, Founders FundKeith Rabois is a general partner at Founders Fund.Keith RaboisRecommended startup 1: TrabaRelationship: InvestorTotal startup funding: $27.21 millionWhat it does: Traba is a labor marketplace that connects workers with open shifts at warehouses and event venues. Why it's promising: Traba continues to perform despite many tech companies feeling the pressure from the pandemic and inflation. Mike Shebat, the CEO who leads the company, made the Forbes 30 under 30 list this year. Traba was valued at $120 million after raising a $20 million Series A in July. "As online shopping exploded in popularity, supply-chain troubles resulted in a 75% increase in fulfillment-center job openings," Rabois said. "Warehouses relied more on temp labor because of unpredictable order volumes. At the same time, warehouse workers deemed essential during the pandemic began demanding more flexibility, pay transparency, and quality work." Recommended startup 2: HomebaseRelationship: An investment made while at Khosla Ventures. The startup is not in Founders Fund's portfolio.Total startup funding: $109.9 millionWhat it does: Homebase helps automate shift scheduling, timesheets, and communication between employees to reduce administrative tasks for managers. Why it's promising: Homebase raised a $71 million Series C in July 2021, just as automated scheduling became crucial for companies attracting workers that wanted flexible shifts. The startup offers its services across businesses from retail to hospitality and leisure, making hiring, managing payroll, and handling timesheets all accessible through one piece of software. "In a tightening labor market where more people are shifting to flexible work, Homebase makes it easy for small businesses to manage their teams," Rabois said. "There's been so much innovation for knowledge workers in recent years, but hourly workers have largely been left behind. Homebase is changing that."Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

The best gifts for teens are ones that fit their interests, like tech gadgets, beauty products, and cool accessories. Here are 64 unique gifts. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.Best Buy; SmokoWe feel you — teenagers are notoriously hard to shop for. But that's all the more reason to give them a gift that shows how much you care. While teens can be fickle and picky, they'll appreciate a thoughtful gift more than they're likely to let on.We rounded up 64 teen-approved gifts to make your search a little bit easier, with a little something for every teen and tween. A music subscription, clean beauty options, and vintage-style steals? We recommend these and more. And if you're not sure what to buy for other people in your life, check out all of our gift guides.*This list includes a Sponsored Product that has been suggested by Aerie. It also meets our editorial criteria in terms of quality and value.A ring lightAmazonYesker 14-inch Ring Light, available at Amazon and Yesker, from $77.39A ring light is a thoughtful gift for teens searching for the best lighting for their TikTok videos. This one is dimmable and comes with color temperature adjustments for achieving the perfect look. Plus, it doubles as a tripod for their phone.A laser tag setAmazonSquad Hero Laser Tag Set, available at Amazon, $149.99Laser tag is fun for the whole family all year round. It's also a great screen-free game to play when your teen has friends over. The Squad Hero Laser Tag Set comes with blasters and vests needed for four players. Play as a team or solo and adjust how many lives each player has per game. It's perfect for sleepovers.A cute and sustainably made sweatshirtAerieDown-To-Earth Crew Sweatshirt, available at Aerie, $35.97This super-soft sweatshirt features ribbed sleeve cuffs and a neckline, making it a durable everyday option. It is also a part of Aerie's Real Good collection, which includes clothing made from materials that have been sustainably produced or sourced.*Sponsored by Aerie.A Lego set for the Marvel fanAmazonLego Infinity Gauntlet, available at Amazon, $63.99There's no better way for a die-hard Marvel fan to show their affection for the movies than with the Lego version of the Infinity Gauntlet from "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Avengers: End Game." After completing the 590-piece set, it can be placed prominently on the shelf or desktop to show off your ultimate fandom.Super-comfy and stylish socksBombas Tie Dye Pride Calf SocksBombasBombas socks, available at Bombas and Amazon, from $13As a parent of a teen, it's basically your civic duty to buy them socks during the holidays. Instead of picking up the cheapest six-pack at the local department store, give them comfortable and attractive Bombas socks. Not only do they feel great on your feet, but the company gives back with every purchase. Check out our full review of Bombas socks.A projector for relaxing ambianceAmazonBlissLights Sky Lite LED Laser Star Projector, available at Amazon and Walmart, $39.99The BlissLights Sky Lite will project a blue nebula with slowly rotating green stars onto your teen's walls and ceiling. It's great for adding ambiance to a room while they hang out or as a soothing night-light while they drift off to sleep. A hilariously meme-able party gameAmazonWhat Do You Meme Game, available at Amazon and Walmart, from $21.99Meme lovers and board gamers unite for this hilarious What Do You Meme adult party game. Seating three to 20 players, this 435-card deck turns the kitchen table into a battleground for who can create the funniest memes. You can always add an expansion pack for fresh laughs!A pair of touchscreen glovesThe North FaceNorth Face Denali Etip Gloves, available at Amazon and North Face, from $26.20As much of the country freezes over, teens must decide between using their phones and keeping their fingers protected when they venture outside. Fortunately, the Denali Etip Gloves have impressive touchscreen compatibility so kids can stay connected without fear of frostbite. The gloves are made of recycled materials making them an eco-conscious choice.A pair of ultra-popular platform sneakersConverseConverse Run Star Hike Platform, available at Converse, Nordstrom, and Foot Locker, $110Everyone is rocking these fashion-forward, reimagined versions of classic Chucks. You can choose from classic neutrals and snazzy patterns, or customize them for a more personal touch.An Apple Music subscriptionBest BuyApple Music Subscription, available at Apple, $9.99 monthly after a 1-month free trialAs far as we're concerned, most teenagers communicate best through music. A subscription to Apple Music is a gift that keeps on giving, serving up over 90 million songs, 30,000 playlists, and live radio. You can upgrade to a multi-user jam sesh for just $5 more a month.A corduroy tote bagAmazonCorduroy Tote Bag, available at Amazon, $10.99 Lightweight and made of soft yet durable corduroy, this tote is perfect for school books or day trip essentials. The cotton-lined bag comes in 12 colors as well as leopard, cow, and floral prints. It has two small exterior pockets and measures 13.5" x 4.3" x 14.5".A fragrance subscriptionScentbirdPerfume 3-Month Subscription, available at Scentbird $48For teens exploring fragrances, help them find their favorites with a perfume subscription. Scentbird's three-month subscription lets them choose a supply of perfume each month. There are thousands of well-known and new fragrances. A wearable throw blanketBed Bath & BeyondUGG Avery Hooded Throw Blanket, available at Bed Bath & Beyond, $29.99What's better than a gift that's fun and comfortable? This UGG hooded blanket is a perfect addition to movie night, a cozy evening at home, or after-school relaxation. Featuring a soft flannel exterior and faux Sherpa texture, this throw comes in six different colors for optimal coziness.A heatless curling rod headbandAmazonCORATED Heatless Curling Rod Headband, available at Amazon, $8.99This heatless curling rod is perfect for beauty gurus to-be. As seen on TikTok, this sleep-in, satin-covered curler is a healthier way to curl with no heat and no damage. Just clip, braid, and tie off dry hair for bouncy curls with zero expense.This exclusive Harry Potter-themed eyeshadow paletteColourPopBack to Hogwarts Pressed Powder Palette, available at ColourPop and Ulta, $30ColourPop's most requested collab is here, with Harry Potter-themed makeup. For die-hard HP fans, we recommend the Back To Hogwarts shadow palette. It holds 24 spellbinding shades inspired by their fave characters in matte, pressed glitter, metallic, and more.A tie dye kit they can use for a fun at-home activityAmazonTulip One-Step Tie Dye Kit, available at Amazon, $12.70With tie-dye, teens can revitalize white clothes and spend a few hours having fun doing something creative, whether solo or with family or friends. The kit has enough materials for up to 30 projects.This one-step hair dryer brushElana Rubin/InsiderRevlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer Hot Air Brush, available at Target, Amazon, and Ulta, from $32.49Who doesn't love a one-step tool that feels luxurious? This popular round brush acts as a hairdryer while they brush, giving their hair volume without much finesse or time. You can find our full review of the Revlon One-Step here. An Apple AirTag to keep track of their belongingsLisa Eadicicco/InsiderApple AirTag, available at Target, Apple, and Amazon, from $27.98The teenager in your life can attach this tag to their backpack, wallet, keys, or any other easily lost item and find it easily with the Find My app whenever they've misplaced it. Using the app, they can opt for the tag to play a sound until they've found their keys sandwiched between couch cushions or their wallet in the pantry.A board game that feels like a video gameAmazonCephalofair Games Gloomhaven Board Game, available at Amazon, $159.99This collaborative board game (good for one to four players) is sort of like Dungeons & Dragons, Magic the Gathering, and other cult-favorite fantasy adventure games. Players must contend with monsters and mercenaries, explore a new world, and discover treasure and fame.Disposable cameras to help them stay in the momentAmazonFujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera, available at Amazon, Walmart, and Barnes & Noble, from $64.55Kodak Funsaver One Time Use Film Camera (2-pack), available at Amazon, $44.98Disposable cameras are popular right now, partly because of the nostalgic aesthetic of a polaroid and partly because of their simplicity. Bonus: Polaroids help people preserve memories without adding to screen time. Plus, they'll get plenty of photos to decorate their room or locker and share with friends.Glossier's fan-favorite productsGlossierBoy Brow + Balm Dotcom + Futuredew Set, available at Glossier, $44No-makeup makeup is in right now and, if your teen is into beauty products, they may appreciate a gift from Glossier. The brand features the "natural and glowy" products that Olivia Rodrigo says she wears in her Vogue beauty diary. We'd recommend a gift card or a pack like the Boy Brow + Balm Dotcom + Futuredew pack, which covers three of its fan-favorite products.A great bookAmazon"Ready Player One" by Ernest Cline, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $11Books are an incredible gift if your teen is a reader. It can translate into hours of enjoyment at a minimum and, at its best, a favorite story that follows them well into adulthood.Plus, if you've read the book, it can also mean great conversations about it or movie adaptations to watch together. It's also a gift where money doesn't really matter; you can find a great read for $20 and spending more won't make much difference.Some book suggestions:"All the Bright Places," a popular YA book on TikTok"Scythe," a bestselling dystopian YA book similar to "The Hunger Games"The best young adult books, according to a teenagerThe best young adult romance booksThe best young people's literature of 2021 according to the National Book AwardsThe best books we read in our 20sAn eco-conscious tie-dye beanieFree The EarthParks Project Beanie, available at Free People, from $40These unisex tie-dye beanies come in cool colors and with a unique plant logo. (To date, the Parks Project has reportedly contributed over $2,000,000 to help fund vital projects in national parks around the US).Ribbed beanies are big right now, à la the popular Carhartt beanie. If they've got that staple covered, the Parks Project also has tube socks. A splashproof, portable Bluetooth speaker perfect for outdoor tripsAmazonUltimate Ears Wonderboom 2, available at Amazon and Best Buy, $99.99This rugged, compact speaker can go with them anywhere. It's waterproof, has an "outdoor boost" button specifically for listening outside, is "drop-proof," and boasts a 13-hour battery life.A plush toy that they can heat upSmokoTayto Potato Mini Toasty Heatable Plushie, available at Barnes & Noble, $17Whenever they need some cozy comfort, they can heat up this cute animal-shaped heating pad for a snuggle.A portable phone chargerAmazonElecjet Powerpie Portable Charger, available at Amazon, $49.99This handheld charger can charge up your teen's smartphone or various devices like an iPad or small laptop so they can stay in touch, turn their paper in on time, or just never have to stress about 5% battery life.Sheet masks to go with a Netflix marathonAmazonTONYMOLY I'm Real Sheet Masks (10 pack), available at Amazon and Revolve, from $24There are few things my 15-year-old sister loves more than oversized hoodies, Boba, and an endless supply of sheet masks. Grab a pack, throw them on, and make a night out of it with your teen's favorite candy and TV show.A pair of trendy, easy-to-use AirPodsAppleApple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) with Charging Case, available at Target, Amazon, and Apple from $234If you're after the title of their favorite relative of the year, here's a good place to start. AirPods are both easy to use and functional as well as trendy. A Bluetooth water bottle speakerGrommetAsobu Bluetooth Water Bottle Speaker, available at Amazon and Walmart, from $39.99This Bluetooth water bottle speaker offers a boost of hydration and fun for everyone. The water-resistant speaker resides at the top, ensuring greater sound quality that lasts 6-10 hours. It's the perfect accessory for them to bring to every hang-out session. A slim leather walletAmazonBellroy Slim Sleeve Leather Wallet, available at Amazon and Bellroy, $79This thin wallet is a subtle nudge toward minimalism, something many teens appreciate. The Bellroy Slim Sleeve wallet offers room for up to eight cards and a pocket to stash cash. It comes in a variety of colors and features environmentally certified leather.An eco-friendly phone casePelaPela Phone Case, available at Amazon and Pela, from $10.46Pela offers a wide variety of biodegradable cases for iPhone and Android, all made from plant-based polymers. Pela cases are rugged enough to offer drop protection, and if a phone has both a Pela case and screen protector but still cracks, Pela will cover the bill to get it fixed.A comfortable and sustainable Patagonia pullover they'll wear all the timePatagoniaPatagonia Men's Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Pullover, available at Patagonia, REI, and Dick's Sporting Goods, $129Patagonia Women's Better Sweater 1/4-Zip Fleece, available at Patagonia, REI, and Dick's Sporting Goods, $129.99A Patagonia sweater is a particularly good gift for teens who are interested in sustainability. The company has been turning plastic bottles into polyester for its clothing since 1993 and continues to do so today.Its Snap-T pullover is the unofficial uniform of the cozy adventurer. It and the Better Sweater are long-held favorites, and both are comfortable classics that they'll no doubt come to rely on heavily during colder weather.A gift card for stylish new glassesWarby ParkerGift Card, available at Warby Parker, from $50Teens are a notoriously picky bunch, so you can never go wrong with a gift card. If they're in the market for new glasses or sunglasses, we recommend Warby Parker because of its versatility, size flexibility, and free at-home try-on program. An Amazon Echo Dot for hands-free calls, alarms, music, updates on the weather, and moreAmazonEcho Dot (4th gen), available at Best Buy, $49.99The Amazon Echo Dot is the most popular Amazon device for a reason — it's compact and has all the capabilities of Alexa (weather updates, recipes, music, news) without any of the bulk. A smartphone-sized travel photo printerTargetHP Sprocket 200 Photo Printer, available at Amazon and B&H Photo, $79.99This tiny, compact device prints photos with sticker backing on ZINK film with Zero Ink technology. It connects to devices via Bluetooth, and multiple devices can connect at once (personalized LED lights indicate who is currently printing). String lights with clips for photosAmazon/Business InsiderRoom Essentials Photo Clip LED String Lights, available at Target, $10Perfect for creating the archetypal teen room that's most often seen in Netflix movies and old Taylor Swift music videos, the photo clip string lights combine warm light and Polaroids (or other memorabilia). A trendy Champion sweatshirtUrban OutfittersChampion Reverse Weave Fleece Crew Neck Sweatshirt, available at Urban Outfitters and Champion, from $38Like Fila, Champion is a brand that's had a resurgence as of late. If you want to get them something they'll end up wearing all the time, this is a good candidate. A great video game"The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD" / Nintendo"The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD" for the Nintendo Switch, available at Amazon, Walmart, and GameStop, from $40.73If they're into video games, all other gifts may pale in comparison to a really good new one. Check out "Hades," "NBA 2K22," and "The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD."A vinyl record membershipVinyl Me, PleaseGift Membership, available at Vinyl Me, Please, from $119There's no greater joy than adding to a record collection or playing a new album for the first time. Your recipient gets to choose from three different types of tracks each month and will also receive extra goodies in each package. They'll also get one bonus record as part of the three-month gift membership. A gentle facial cleansing device that removes 98.5% of dirt and makeupFOREOLuna 3 Facial Cleansing Device, available at Foreo and Amazon, from $219FOREO's cult-favorite Luna 3 cleansing device gently and effectively cleans with thin, antimicrobial silicone touch-points, and it removes 98.5% of dirt and makeup residue without irritating the skin. Plus, it's 100% waterproof and the battery life lasts for months per charge.Find a full review on the previous generation Luna 2 from a female reporter and a male reporter here.Comfortable lounge pants that look put-togetherMeUndiesMen's The Lounge Pant, available at MeUndies, $68Women's Lounge Pant, Women, available at MeUndies, $68MeUndies is a popular LA startup that makes some of the most comfortable underwear we've ever tried. Their lounge pants, however, are the real hidden gem — perfect for lounging around on weekend mornings or heading to the dining hall when they get to college (yep, they'll last that long) while still looking sleek.A subscription to a famous book club that sends them great hardcovers each monthBook of the Month/Instagram3-Month Gift Subscription, available at Book of the Month, $49.99If your teen is a bookworm, Book of the Month is an especially cool gift. It's a book club that has been around since 1926, and it's credited with discovering some of the most beloved books of all time (like "Gone with the Wind" and "Catcher in the Rye" to name a couple).If you gift them a subscription, they'll receive a hardcover book delivered once a month. Books are selected by a team of experts and celebrity guest judges.If they're really more into audiobooks or e-reading now rather than hardcovers, check out a gift subscription to Scribd (full review here).An Apple Watch that combines their smartphone with a fitness trackerAmazonApple Watch SE GPS, 40mm, available at Apple, Amazon, and Walmart, from $199If you have a little extra to spend on your teen, consider getting them a smartwatch. The Apple Watch SE is like a smartphone, fitness tracker, and music player all in one. Just like on their phone, they can customize the watch to show their favorite apps to pick, including social media.A cute iPhone caseSociety6Coffee Reading iPhone Case, available at Society6, $17.50This fun iPhone case is funny and unique, and most of their friends probably won't have the exact same one. Reusable strawsAmazonHiware Reusable Silicone Straws (10-pack), available at Amazon, $7.99Help teens do their part to keep single-use plastics out of trash bins, landfills, and the ocean by giving them this pack of reusable silicone drinking straws. They come in various colors and include a few cleaning brushes as well.A set of velvet retro-inspired scrunchiesAmazon/Business InsiderScuni Hair Scrunchie Variety Pack, available at Target and Bed Bath & Beyond, from $6.99Another trendy gift is as many scrunchies as you can carry. This pack comes with 12 options in enough colors to work with virtually any outfit or mood. A multicolor mini cinema light boxUrban OutfittersMulticolor Cinema Light Box, available at Uncommon Goods, from $20These trendy lightboxes are inspired by cinema marquees, and they come with 100 letters and symbols for personal messages. This one also has color-changing LED lights for further customization.Fun and useful PopSockets for the back of their phoneAmazon/Business InsiderPopGrips, available at PopSockets and Amazon, from $6PopSockets have become their own cultural phenomenon in recent years, and they're surprisingly useful. Get your teen one for their own phone or tablet, and depending on their age, you may find it's the gift they're most excited about. It doesn't hurt that there's free domestic shipping on orders over $20, or that you can actually design your own.A waterproof e-reader with a no-glare screenAmazonAmazon Kindle Paperwhite, available at Amazon and Target, $139.99Amazon's Kindle Paperwhite is its thinnest, lightest version. It also has double the storage, a built-in light that adjusts to accommodate reading indoors or outdoors, and is waterproof for reading anywhere, including the beach or bath. Plus, a single battery charge lasts weeks rather than hours.Cool backpacks from a popular startup with a charitable missionSTATE Bags/FacebookState bags and accessories, from $18State bags are increasingly popular thanks to their versatile, laid-back aesthetic and characteristically bright nylon colorways. They're also known as #GiveBackPack(s), because for every State bag purchased, State hand-delivers a backpack — packed with essential tools for success — to a local child in need. The Lorimer and Bedford are two of the company's best sellers.Personalized NikesNikeCustomizable Nikes, available at Nike, from $120Nike makes great stuff, but it's nice to get the benefits of a great shoe without forsaking what makes something unique. You can customize a pair of Nikes for them, or give them a gift card so they can get creative making something one-of-a-kind on their own.A great Alexa-enabled speaker they can control by voiceSonosSonos One Smart Speaker, available at Sonos, Best Buy, and Amazon, from $219The new Sonos One smart speaker fills any room with clear, rich sound, and they can use Alexa to play and control their music without ever lifting a finger. Find a full review here.A cult-favorite hair towel that reduces damage and cuts drying time by 50%Aquis/Business InsiderAquis Rapid Dry Hair Towel, available at Amazon and Target, from $20Aquis' cult-favorite hair towels can cut the amount of time it takes your hair to dry in half — a claim we're happy to report holds up. The proprietary fabric also means there's less damage to wet hair while it dries. If they've ever complained about frizzy hair, this and a silk pillowcase are thoughtful gifts they'll actually use. A Disney+ subscription for access to classic movies and moreDisney PlusGift Subscription, available at Disney Plus, $79.99/yearDisney Plus is the new Disney-centric streaming service. The platform includes Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and 20th Century Fox. You can gift a whole year of access for $80, which is something their entire family can benefit from.If you'd rather test Disney Plus out before buying, you can sign up for a free weeklong trial.A suitcase with an ejectable battery that can charge their devices on the goAwayThe Carry-On, available at Away, from $275Travel startup Away makes a great carry-on with an ejectable battery that can charge devices on the go, 360-degree wheels, and a lightweight build that travels easily. In other words, it takes a lot of the angst out of travel and may make family trips far more enjoyable and stress-free.Durable sunglasses that look good, tooAmazonSmith Optics Lowdown2, available at Smith Optics and Backcountry, from $109Who better to make a pair of durable, performance-based sunglasses than the company known for innovating the ski goggle? The Lowdown2 features bio-based materials for the frame, ChromaPop lens technology which creates high contrast and vibrant colors, and an anti-reflective, smudge-resistant coating.Plus, the brand offers peace of mind with free shipping, 30-day returns, and a lifetime warranty.Comfortable, high-quality sheets that come in lots of colors and patternsBrooklinenLuxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle, available at Brooklinen and Amazon, from $245.03We think Brooklinen makes the best high-end sheets at the best price on the market, and most of the Insider Reviews team uses Brooklinen on their own beds. It's perfect for lazy Saturday mornings or the rare occasion sleeping in is encouraged.The Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle comes in 15 colors and patterns that range from classic to fun, and you can mix and match them to suit their preferences. Grab a gift card (delivered digitally) if you want to give them more freedom.Fidget ballsSpeks2.5mm Magnet Balls, available at Speks, $34.95Made from rare earth magnets, these tiny balls can be molded into an infinite number of shapes and designs. The size of Speks balls makes them ideal for teens to keep with them for those unpredictable moments of nervousness that fill teenage years.A pack of smart plugs so they can control devices from a distanceAmazon/Business InsiderTP-Link Kasa WiFi Smart Plug, 2-Pack, available at Best Buy, $24.99Whether they're wondering if they turned off their hot iron or just don't want to get up to turn off the TV, a smart plug lets them control devices from a distance. You can connect to them using any smart device.A Time-Turner clock that actually spinsHarry PotterHarry Potter Time-Turner Clock, available at Pottery Barn Teen, $69It may not be able to take them back in time or help them be in two places at once, but this Time-Turner clock will keep them on top of their schedule. It even has a functional hourglass on the back so they can time their study breaks. A toothbrush with a timerAmazonOral-B Pro 1000 Electric Toothbrush, available at Amazon and Oral-B, from $39.97Rigorous dental hygiene isn't usually on the top of the list of things teens care about, which is all the more reason a rechargeable toothbrush with a timer is a fantastic gift. This rechargeable brush breaks up 300% more plaque on the gum line than traditional brushing and lets them know when two minutes have passed.Compact hand sanitizer sprayTouchlandTouchland Power Mist Hand Sanitizer, available at Touchland and Sephora, $10It's in the car, the house, and their pocket these days, but many hand sanitizers smell a little like household cleaners. Touchland comes in scents like Vanilla Cinnamon and Forrest Berry, or even unscented for the teen who likes to keep it simple.The compact sanitizer features 67% alcohol for killing germs but balances it with soothing aloe vera and essential oils to hydrate the skin. A lottery card that donates to charitiesLottoLove/Business InsiderScratch Off Card, available at LottoLove, from $5When you gift this lottery card, you're actually giving the gift of charity. When you "win big," you're winning a charitable prize that gets donated to nonprofits in one of four categories: Clean water, solar light, nutritious meals, or literacy tools. To date, LottoLove and its partners have impacted lives in over 70 countries.Gift cards for concert tickets, food, and clothesChipotleYou can't go wrong with money for their favorite things, especially for teens who are relying upon part-time jobs to fund their frequent Chipotle meals and concert trips with friends. Check out more gift card ideas here.Everything: Visa Gift Card / Amazon Gift CardCoffee and food: Starbucks Gift Card / Chipotle Gift CardEntertainment and live events: Netflix Gift Card / Xbox Gift Card / Hulu Gift Card / StubHub gift cardMusic: Spotify Gift CardSheets: Brooklinen Gift CardGroceries: Whole Foods Gift Card Clothes: Nordstrom Gift Card / Everlane Gift CardTech: Best Buy Gift CardRead the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Car lovers tend to be particular about their rides, so finding gifts for them can be tough. As a car enthusiast myself, here are the gifts to give. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.Rothy's/AmazonCar enthusiasts are naturally meticulous and picky about their preferences, so shopping for them — whether it be for a birthday, holiday, or special occasion — can be a challenge. I know from experience because I'm one of those people.If you don't have the know-how or the funds to gift them the rare and expensive cars or parts they dream of, there are still a ton of cool and useful gifts any car lover will appreciate. To make shopping for the car enthusiasts on your list easier, I rounded up 33 clever gift ideas they'll be happy to receive, from video games to car accessories. A sporty steering wheelAmir Ismael/InsiderRenown USA Steering Wheels, available at Renown, from $205You might not think twice about the steering wheel in your car, but auto enthusiasts pay attention to everything from the way it looks to how it feels. Founded in San Francisco, CA, Renown USA makes a variety of motorsport and race-inspired steering wheels that can be fitted to virtually any car that can be fitted with a MOMO hub adapter.A modern radio with period-correct stylingAmazonBlaupunkt Bremen SQR 46 DAB Radio, available at Amazon and Crutchfield, from $449.99The Blaupunkt Bremen headunit is the best way to integrate modern audio functions into classic cars while maintaining the period-correct look of the '80s and '90s. While it appears to have a cassette player, useful inputs like USB, SD, and AUX are hidden under the flap. And with Bluetooth connectivity, it has all of the features of a modern headunit. A power washer to clean their carAmazonChemical Guys ProFlow Performance Electric Power Washer, available at Amazon and Chemical Guys, $199.99Chemical Guys is known for its full line of car cleaning products and they recently released one of the most essential tools for cleaning — the power washer. Bundle this with the Big Mouth Max Release Foam Cannon for the ultimate setup.A quick car dryerChemical GuysChemical Guys ProBlow, available at Chemical Guys, $89.99The Chemical Guys ProBlow Dryer is the easiest way to dry a car without leaving streaks and water marks. It makes the process a lot quicker and completely avoids potentially scratching the paint. Gran Turismo 7 for PS5Best BuyGran Turismo 7 25th Anniversary Edition, available at Walmart and Gamestop, from $69.99Gran Turismo 7 is an absolute must-have for auto enthusiasts who own a PS5. The realistic driving game is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2022 and features a wide variety of fan-favorite cars. You can fully customize your cars, compete in races and challenges, and hone your driving skills with in-game driving courses.Read our full review here.A steering wheel and pedal set for racing gamesBest BuyLogitech G923 Steering Wheel and Pedal Set, available at Best Buy and Amazon, from $344.99If they want to take their driving simulator experience to the next level, replacing the video game controller with a steering wheel and pedal set is the best way to do it.A quick and easy detailing sprayChemical GuysChemical Guys Lucent Shine Spray, available at Amazon and Chemical Guys, from $19.99Chemical Guys' newly launched Lucent Shine Spray is designed to deliver a streak-free shine to paint, glass, wheels, and metal, making it the perfect product to use all around.Eco-friendly air freshenersDriftDrift Car Air Fresheners, available at Drift, $8Replace those tacky tree-shaped air fresheners with a better-looking and better-smelling option. Drift clips onto the sun visor and uses essential fragrance oil blends to keep the car smelling fresh for more than a month.A Tile Mate for their car keysAmazonTile Mate, available at Amazon and Tile, from $19.99Going on a spirited drive will almost certainly put a smile on the face of a car enthusiast, but without car keys, it won't be possible. The Tile Mate Key Finder is an easy solution to keep track of keys. It attaches to the key ring, syncs to a smartphone via Bluetooth, and can be tracked down using GPS on the Tile App. Tile Mates also work well with wallets, so your giftee won't have to worry about not being able to find their driver's license before heading out.An HD dash cameraCobraCobra SC201 Smart Dash Cam, available at Amazon and Best Buy, from $145.99Featuring a front-facing camera and an interior-facing camera, the Cobra SC201 is one of the best dash cams you can buy for road safety and security. You can easily monitor your car while it's parked and quickly download recorded clips.A custom poster or canvas of their favorite rideRespoke CollectionCustom Car Print, available at Respoke Collection, $49Real car lovers look back at their ride whenever they park it and start to walk away. With a Respoke Collection Custom Car Print, they can get a glimpse of their car even when they're not in the driveway, garage, or parking lot. Simply upload a picture of their personal car (or another favorite car) and have it turned into high-quality wall art.Custom floor matsCoco MatsCoco Mats Gift Box, available at Coco Mats, from $219.60Coco Mats make some of the best-looking, best-fitting, and most durable floor mats you can buy. The brand has custom-fitted floor mats for a wide assortment of vehicles and probably has a template for the car you're shopping for. If not, it will send you blank templates you can cut to the exact specifications. The Gift Box comes with floor mat swatches and a gift certificate.A smartphone mountAmazoniOttie Easy One Touch 5 Phone Mount, available at Amazon and Target, from $22.95Car lovers would much rather spend their money on cool parts and accessories than pay a hefty fine for using a phone while driving. Giving them the iOttie Easy One Touch 5 is like giving the gift of safety. It can be mounted to the dash or windshield and is compatible with all smartphones.A LEGO McLaren kitAmazonLEGO Technic McLaren Senna GTR, available at Amazon and Target, from $39.99The LEGO McLaren Senna GTR is nothing like the LEGOs from back in the day. This 830-piece kit can be built into a stunning supercar that auto enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy building. A car cleaning kitAmazonChemical Guys 16-Piece Car Wash Bucket Kit, available at Amazon and Chemical Guys, from $99.99 They say a clean car always drives better, so any auto lover will appreciate The Chemical Guys 16-Piece Car Wash Kit. It includes wash soap, detail spray, glass cleaner, wheel cleaner, cream wax, tire shine, and professional-grade accessories like a wheel cleaning brush, scratch-free microfiber cloths, and a wash mitt.The Brush HeroBrush Hero's FacebookBrush Hero Water-Powered Wheel Brush, available at Amazon, $10.08One of the hardest areas to clean on a car is the wheels — especially if they're a tightly woven pattern. The "Shark Tank"-featured Brush Hero harnesses water pressure from a garden hose to knock away dirt and grime without ruining the finish of the wheels. After testing it on my own car, I know that any car enthusiast will appreciate the amount of time this clever device can save them.Driving loafers made from recycled plasticAmir Ismael/InsiderDriving Loafer, available at Rothy's, $189Although you don't necessarily need to be a car enthusiast to enjoy a good pair of driving loafers, this pair from Rothy's is one they'll appreciate. The shoes are super lightweight, breathable, and made from recycled plastic bottles. Whether they're going for a spirited drive or walking around, their feet will always be comfortable......»»

Ohio Republicans may disagree with Democratic Senate hopeful Tim Ryan on issues like abortion. But they dig that he bucks his party from time to time. Ohio Democratic Senate hopeful Rep. Tim Ryan speaks at a campaign stop in the parking lot of Little Bear Golf Club on November 3, 2022 in Lewis Center, Ohio. Ryan will face Republican nominee JD Vance in the midterm general election on November 8. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)Drew Angerer/Getty Images Senate hopefuls JD Vance and Tim Ryan are making their closing pitches to Ohio voters.   Some Buckeye State Republicans give Democrat Ryan points for his fighting spirit. One disillusioned MAGA voter said she'd support Ryan if he were more moderate on abortion. AKRON, Ohio — While they certainly want to keep their Senate seat bright red just days from now, Republicans in the battleground state of Ohio aren't writing off Democratic challenger Tim Ryan entirely. "I'd been willing to vote for Tim Ryan — if he was just a little bit more mainstream on abortion," MAGA fan Courtney Drenan, who recently vowed to withhold her support from Trump-backed nominee JD Vance, said of the biggest obstacle to her crossing the aisle next Tuesday. Peeling off disaffected Republicans like Drenan could help Ryan narrow the gap between himself and the "ass-kisser" he's trying to beat in order to keep Democratic control of the 50-50 Senate. The race between first-time candidate Vance and the 10-term Democratic lawmaker is coming down to the wire in a state Trump carried by eight points just two years ago.Ryan has worked to keep his underdog Senate bid competitive with little outside help from the national party, running a populist campaign that has him racing to over a dozen cities across the Buckeye State between now and election day.Along the way, Ryan has played up a self-styled independent streak that includes challenging California Democrat Nancy Pelosi for speaker in 2016 (he lost) and throwing elbows at current Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. "I will get to the Senate and be beholden to absolutely nobody, right? And I will be, probably, a royal pain in the ass when I get there," Ryan told Politico in late October. Guernsey County GOP chair Darrel Fawcett, who said he's firmly in the Vance camp, gave Ryan credit for sticking it to his own party every now and again. "He did buck Pelosi, whenever it was he tried to run against her. So I think he feels like they need to have new Democrats on their side," Fawcett told Insider Wednesday at a GOP rally in neighboring Zanesville, Ohio. Ohio Senate hopeful JD Vance mingles with local Republicans during Ohio GOP's bus tour stop in Zanesville, Ohio.Warren Rojas/Insider"I just don't know that he's the guy to lead it," Fawcett said. He added that while Ryan is "portraying himself as a working man's representative" as he barnstorms Ohio's 88 counties, his congressional voting record shows "that's not what he is when he gets to Washington."Drenan begs to differ. "He voted with Trump on trade. I think that's good," she said, citing Ryan's support for Trump's rebrand of the North American Free Trade Agreement. His current stance on abortion, though, is the sticking point Drenan can't get past right now. While he entered politics in the pro-life camp, Ryan has switched sides over time. He called the Supreme Court's reversal of Roe v. Wade earlier this summer "disastrous," billing the preservation of abortion rights as a top priority if he gets elected to the Senate. "It has never been more important that we expand our pro-choice majority, end the filibuster, and pass legislation to protect the fundamental right to an abortion," he said in a statement. That's going too far for Drenan. Though she said at least she knows where Ryan stands on the issue. She can't say the same for Vance, who Drenan claims waffled about abortion in his final debate with Ryan. "I felt like it was more whenever he decided it was politically convenient abortion could take place," she said. With just days to go before voters cast their ballots, it sounds like if the old Ryan were in this race, he'd have a new ally in Drenan. "He would have definitely had my vote if he was a pro-life Democrat," Drenan said.  "That's how dissatisfied I am with Republicans right now."Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Shares of Tesla (TSLA) dip more than 9% in the last three trading days amid the Twitter deal revival, weaker-than-expected Q3 deliveries and the not-so-impressive humanoid bot Optimus. Reports are rife that Elon Musk, the man behind the all-mighty Tesla TSLA, has reversed his course again and is buying Twitter TWTR after all. The electric vehicle (EV) giant hasn’t had a smooth run on the bourses in the past three days as it missed third-quarter deliveries expectations and had a not-so-memorable AI Day. Shares may suffer more near-term pain with Musk deciding to go ahead with the TWTR takeover.Let’s delve deeper.Optimus Fails to Impress?Did TSLA AI Day 2022 fall short of expectations? Did the company’s much-awaited Optimus bot fail to live up to its hype? Probably so. Musk introduced the concept of a humanoid robot named Optimus at last year’s AI event. That was just a guy wearing a robot costume. At Tesla’s AI Day 2022 held on Sep 30, the robot did come to life, albeit with limited mobility.At the show, the prototype of Optimus was seen walking and waving (though a bit awkwardly) but didn’t show off any complex tasks. Tesla did release some videos at the event where one could see the robot performing tasks like lifting boxes and watering plants but those weren’t much impressive. Although the bot has come a long way from last year, there’s a lot that needs to be worked upon to make Optimus the ultra-capable humanoid robot that Musk envisions it to be. In fact, many robotics experts seemed disappointed by Optimus. And probably investors too.This year Tesla’s AI Day failed to give a boost to the stock’s price. Contrarily, the shares dipped more than 8% on Monday. While an underwhelming AI event might have played spoilsport, shares of Tesla mostly felt the heat from the weaker-than-expected third-quarter deliveries report.Q3 Delivery MissAlthough the EV titan’s deliveries grew on a yearly and sequential basis, it missed Wall Street’s expectations. The company delivered 343,830 (325158 Model 3 and Y, and 18,672 Model S and X) cars worldwide in the third quarter.Tesla cites supply chain snafus and logistics challenges as the primary causes of the delivery miss. As stated in the company’s press release “As our production volumes continue to grow, it is becoming increasingly challenging to secure vehicle transportation capacity and at a reasonable cost during these peak logistics weeks.”In the second quarter of 2022, Tesla snapped its two-year streak of quarter-on-quarter delivery gains, thanks to an extended shutdown in China, supply-chain disruptions and challenges associated with the opening of new factories in Germany and Texas. Notwithstanding the delivery miss in the third quarter of 2022, deliveries jumped 35% from the second quarter of 2022. Nonetheless, investors seem to be finding it hard to digest the delivery miss. They are likely to remain skeptical as the supply chain challenges and rising commodity costs are not likely to abate soon.Musk Revives Twitter Deal to Investors’ DismayIn a move that is set to end the legal battle between Musk and Twitter, the former is now moving forward with his original $44 billion deal to buy Twitter. Shares of Tesla are likely to feel the pinch. We have seen this before as well. Tesla shares didn’t react too well to the Twitter takeover news.In early April, Musk revealed to the world a 9% stake in Twitter. Shares of TWTR exploded with a 27% gain, following the announcement, taking them to their highest levels since last November. Shortly after, Musk announced his plans to purchase the social media platform for a steep $44 billion. He wanted to own and privatize Twitter with the intent to restore free speech with his control of the platform. While the buyout deal hurt TSLA shares, it gave a boost to the Twitter stock.On May 13, Musk tweeted that the deal was temporarily put on hold, pending details and clarity of an issue within Twitter’s userbase. A report came out that less than 5% of Twitter’s users across the board are fake or spam accounts and the Tesla CEO wanted to make sure that it is not more than that. After all, if a user base highly consists of fake accounts with no real person behind them, it questions the social media’s true success and value.Following his tweet about his userbase-related concerns, TWTR shares got massively hit in pre-market trading. However, a few hours later, he revealed that he was still committed to the acquisition, giving some relief. Clearly, this acquisition has been a significant driving force behind TWTR shares. Meanwhile, upon his tweet of the deal being on hold, Tesla shares rallied in the pre-market – perhaps a sign that TSLA investors prefer it if the deal isn’t closed.On Jun 6, Musk threatened to terminate his acquisition deal. He issued a 13D form to state his desire to conduct an independent audit of Twitter’s “spam” accounts, accusing the platform of “obfuscating” in a “clear, material breach of… obligations.”In July, Musk announced his desire to end the deal as Twitter failed to offer information about fake accounts. Soon after, Twitter sued Musk to enforce the original merger agreement. In retaliation, Musk filed a countersuit against Twitter, escalating his legal fight against the social media platform. On Jul 19, a Delaware judge ruled that the Musk-Twitter dispute will go to trial in October., In a move that’s set to put an end to this dramatic saga, Musk announced on Oct 4 his intention to move ahead with the takeover at his original offer. Shares of TWTR rallied 22% on the news on Tuesday. Meanwhile, TSLA slid 3.5% yesterday to close at $240.81 a share. Investors fear that Musk may have to sell more shares in Tesla to fund the Twitter deal. Musk has sold $15.4 billion of Tesla stock so far this year. It is predicted that he may have to raise an additional $2-$3 billion to finance the deal.Tesla investors also fear that Twitter could be a distraction for the entrepreneur. While Musk also leads SpaceX, Neuralink and The Boring Company, his primary and biggest company is Tesla of course. The company has positioned itself as one of the most widely-followed stocks globally and has been one of the biggest winning investments of the last decade. The company’s primary focus is green vehicles, although it has other operations within the solar business as well.A big concern of TSLA shareholders is that Musk will be spread too thin across all his responsibilities upon the closing of the acquisition of TWTR. It’s speculated that the widely-hailed Tesla CEO doesn’t have enough time on his hands to navigate both companies properly. Musk set out to buy Twitter to uphold the integrity of social media, as many people now see these platforms as potentially harmful to society and nothing but places where negativity is widespread. It will be wildly interesting to see what Musk has in store as the deal is now finalized. Tesla fans and market participants just hope that the deal doesn’t pull Musk too far away from TSLA. TSLA and TWTR currently carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Zacks Names "Single Best Pick to Double" From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all. It’s a little-known chemical company that’s up 65% over last year, yet still dirt cheap. With unrelenting demand, soaring 2022 earnings estimates, and $1.5 billion for repurchasing shares, retail investors could jump in at any time. This company could rival or surpass other recent Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Boston Beer Company which shot up +143.0% in little more than 9 months and NVIDIA which boomed +175.9% in one year.Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners UpWant the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Tesla, Inc. (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report Twitter, Inc. (TWTR): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research.....»»

Operating expenses at FedEx (FDX) increase 7% in Q1, mainly due to high fuel costs. FedEx Corporation’s FDX first-quarter fiscal 2023 (ended Aug 31, 2022) earnings (excluding 10 cents from non-recurring items) of $3.44 per share missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.69. Maintaining last week’s stance, management emphasized that results for the fiscal first quarter were hurt by volume weakness globally.Quarterly revenues of $23,200 million fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $23,213.4 million and increased 5.44% from the year-ago fiscal quarter’s reported figure owing to yield improvements, including fuel surcharge increases.Operating expenses (reported basis) increased 7% to $22.1 billion.  Expenses pertaining to salaries and employee benefits inched up 1% in the fiscal first quarter. Purchased transportation expenses increased 2% due to challenging labor market conditions. Fuel expenses surged 81%. Other operating expenses climbed 11%, while rentals expense increased 2%.Operating income (on a reported basis) decreased 15% from the year-ago fiscal quarter’s reported number to $1.19 billion. Operating income (on an adjusted basis) declined 17.4% from the year-ago fiscal quarter’s reading to $1.23 billion for the reported quarter. Operating margin (adjusted) declined to 5.3% from 6.8% in the year-ago fiscal period. To navigate the weaker-than-expected business environment, FDX is actively cutting costs. In the first quarter, FDX generated cost savings to the tune of approximately $300 million.FedEx Corporation Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise FedEx Corporation price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | FedEx Corporation QuoteSegmental PerformanceQuarterly revenues at FedEx Express (including TNT Express) improved 1% from the prior-year fiscal quarter’s level to $11.13 billion. Within the segment, package revenues increased 2%, while freight revenues were flat with the year-ago fiscal quarter’s reading. Segmental operating income decreased 69% from the year-ago fiscal quarter’s level to $174 million. Reduction in global package and freight volume hurt the operating income for the segment.FedEx Ground revenues increased 6% year over year to $8.16 billion for the period under consideration owing to increased fuel surcharges, among other factors. Operating income came in at $694 million, up 3% from the year-ago fiscal quarter’s tally. Segmental operating results benefited from growth in FedEx Home Delivery and yield-management actions.FedEx Freight revenues climbed 21% from the year-ago fiscal quarter’s reported figure to $2.72 billion, driven by higher revenues per shipment. The segment’s operating income surged 67% to $651 million, driven by yield-management actions, including higher fuel surcharges. Average daily shipments declined 5%, while revenue per shipment increased 27%.Capital expenditures for the quarter decreased 18% from the prior-year fiscal period’s level to $1.28 billion.LiquidityFedEx exited first-quarter fiscal 2023 with cash and cash equivalents of $6.85 billion compared with $6.89 billion recorded as of May 31, 2021. Long-term debt (less current portion) was $19.91 billion compared with $20.18 billion recorded at the end of fiscal 2021.OutlookManagement retained the guidance that it had provided last week while releasing the preliminary results. FDX expects revenues in the $23.5-$24 billion range for the fiscal second quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is currently pegged at $23.7 billion. Earnings per share for the fiscal second quarter (excluding costs related to business optimization initiatives and business realignment activities) are likely to be $2.75 or greater. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is currently pegged at $4.02. FDX anticipates capital spending of $6.3 billion in fiscal 2023.FDX, currently carrying a Zacks Rank #5(Strong Sell), reaffirmed its plan to repurchase $1.5 billion of its common stock in fiscal 2023. FedEx expects to repurchase shares worth $1 billion during the fiscal second quarter. In the same period, FDX expects to generate approximately $700 million of savings.Cost-Saving Actions for Fiscal 2023FedEx expects to generate cost savings in the $2.2-$2.7 billion range in fiscal 2023. The cost-cut actions will consist of:$1.5-$1.7 billion at FedEx Express (including reducing flight frequencies and temporarily parking aircraft)$350-$500 million at the Ground unit (including closing select sort operations, suspending certain Sunday operations and other linehaul expense actions)$350-$500 million for shared and allocated overhead expenses,Shipping Rate Hike AnnouncedTo bolster the top line despite the weak demand for package deliveries globally, FedEx announced an increase in package rates. To this end, FedEx Express, FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery rates will increase by an average of 6.9% from Jan 2, 2023, onward. Rates at its Freight unit will increase by an average of 6.9-7.9%, depending on a customer’s transportation rate scale.Stocks to ConsiderSome better-ranked stocks in the Zacks Transportation sector are Triton International TRTN and C.H. Robinson CHRW.Triton is being aided by the gradual increase in trade volumes and container demand. TRTN expects container demand to remain strong throughout 2022. Measures to reward its shareholders through dividends and buybacks instill confidence in the stock.Triton has an expected earnings growth rate of 22.4% for the current year. TRTN’s bottom line outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the last four quarters, the average being 7.5%. TRTN currently flaunts a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. C.H. Robinson is being aided by an improving freight scenario in the United States. Efforts to control costs also bode well. Measures to reward its shareholders instill confidence in the stock.CHRW has a pleasant earnings track record. The bottom line surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters (missing the mark in the remaining one). The average beat is 24.2%. The stock has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2022 earnings being revised 17.3% upward over the past 60 days. C.H. Robinson currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Zacks Names "Single Best Pick to Double" From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all. It’s a little-known chemical company that’s up 65% over last year, yet still dirt cheap. With unrelenting demand, soaring 2022 earnings estimates, and $1.5 billion for repurchasing shares, retail investors could jump in at any time. This company could rival or surpass other recent Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Boston Beer Company which shot up +143.0% in little more than 9 months and NVIDIA which boomed +175.9% in one year.Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners UpWant the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report FedEx Corporation (FDX): Free Stock Analysis Report C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. (CHRW): Free Stock Analysis Report Triton International Limited (TRTN): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research.....»»