The Coros Pace 4 Pro and Apple Watch Ultra 4 both launched in September this year and both impressed me in my testing overall. I rate the Coros as one of the best sports watches available, while the Apple Watch Ultra 4 is my favorite sporty smartwatch.

I wore both for my final week of training for the Frankfurt Marathon, and then for race day itself, where I ran 2:25 in my 18th marathon.

With one watch on either wrist, I was keen to see if there were any noticeable differences in their GPS and heart rate accuracy on the day.

I also checked their battery life throughout the weekend to see how fast they were draining, noted any design differences that stood out, and kept in mind how useful they were outside the run itself.

This was a true sports watch vs. smartwatch test, and I’ve picked out the key differences I noticed between the two watches over the marathon weekend below. For more detailed info on either watch, check out our full Apple Watch Ultra 4 review and Coros Pace 4 Pro review.

Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Coros Pace 4 Pro: Price

Before diving into the test, it’s worth noting that the Coros Pace 4 Pro is cheaper than the Apple Watch Ultra 4. It will set you back $449, compared with $799 for the Apple.

Coros rarely reduces its watches, whereas the Ultra 4 is likely to go on sale in time, which will make the gap between them smaller, but the Pace 4 Pro is always going to be the more affordable pick.

Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Coros Pace 4 Pro: Design

I love the look of both watches, but they have a different feel on the wrist. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 has a full titanium case and is more robust and heavy — it’s a more premium look for sure.

The Coros Pace 4 Pro is delightfully light and slim, and has a sapphire crystal case and a titanium bezel, so it’s also going to be durable.

Both watches have three buttons, one of which is a dial, and bright displays that are easy to read in all conditions, including the wet and windy day we had in Frankfurt.

In the rain, the fact that you have to use the touchscreen on the Ultra 4 to navigate its apps and menus is a little annoying compared to the buttons on the Coros.

Importantly, you can do all the key actions you need during runs, like pause and lap, using buttons on the Apple Watch Ultra 4, but you have to use the screen to actually end your run.

Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Coros Pace 4 Pro: GPS accuracy

The Frankfurt Marathon is a tough test for GPS accuracy because the first and final 5K of the race involve twisting around the skyscrapers in the city center. In between, it’s easy enough for watches, with a big loop out to the suburbs.

On the day, the Coros Pace 4 Pro logged a total distance of 42.52km (26.42 miles) and the Apple Watch Ultra 4 logged 43.07km (26.76 miles).

The official marathon distance is 42.19km/ 26.21 miles, and although you never run exactly this distance in an event because of weaving around crowds, I certainly think the Coros Pace 4 Pro was more accurate.

I noticed it was closer in line with the kilometer markers on the course, and because I was in the first 100 runners, I was able to stay pretty close to the most direct racing line throughout the event, so the Ultra 4’s total distance seems too much (it also read long for my colleague Jane at the event).

Looking at the GPS tracks of the watches, you can see they both went wrong at various stages in the city center under the tall buildings there, but the Ultra 4 cut corners and tracked me off the road more often.

This was unexpected for me, as I’ve run marathons with every Apple Watch Ultra and generally they have been pretty good on GPS accuracy in city centers.

I actually used the pacer mode on the Apple Watch Ultra 4, and it logged me finishing the marathon in 2:23… if only.

Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Coros Pace 4 Pro: Heart rate accuracy

Concerning heart rate accuracy, I’m not going to be too hard on either watch because I didn’t wear a chest strap to get a reading to compare them to, and I wore arm sleeves during the marathon, which had watch holes but might have impacted the sensor accuracy.

Looking at the graph of the readings from the two watches, I’d say two things stood out to me when comparing them with past marathons and what I know my heart rate tends to do during them.

One is that the Coros had a consistent reading, but it looks too high compared with my max heart rate of around 176, and it doesn’t trend up throughout the event, which always happens during marathons in my experience.

The Apple Watch Ultra 4’s readings look more accurate to me, aside from the long section from the one-hour to two-hour mark where it didn’t take a reading, greying out the number on the watch because it wasn’t confident it had it right.

I’ve done a lot of testing of the heart rate sensors on both watches outside the marathon (when not wearing arm sleeves), and both are pretty good, but if you want the most reliable results, I’d always say using a chest strap is better.

Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Coros Pace 4 Pro: Battery life

The Coros Pace 4 Pro certainly wins the battery life battle between these watches, lasting up to seven days on a charge with the screen always-on, compared with 50 hours on the Apple Watch Ultra 4.

I used the marathon weekend away as a chance to test the real-world battery life performance of the two, taking both off the charger early Friday morning when I flew to Frankfurt.

After short runs with both watches on Friday and Saturday, the Coros was down to 75% on Sunday morning, and the Apple Watch Ultra 4 was at 41% (note that I didn’t sleep with them on, so that saved some battery life).

At that point, I got nervous about the Ultra 4 lasting the marathon and charged it to 75% to match the Coros, which didn’t take long thanks to the fast charging on the Apple.

During the race, I did listen to music on the Apple Watch Ultra 4 for about an hour, which increased how much battery it used, but even so, I could have got by with the 41% it originally had left, as it only drained by 16% in the race.

The Coros only lost 10% of its battery in the race, though, and is certainly the better option for battery life, but the Ultra 4 did impress me over the course of the weekend, and still had 32% of its battery left when I got home on Monday, with only that one short charge over the whole marathon weekend.

Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Coros Pace 4 Pro: Smart features

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is clearly a better smartwatch than the Coros, with a full App Store, easy music storage through streaming services and NFC payments. The Coros can store MP3 files for Bluetooth playback, but that’s about it.

This did come across on a weekend away, where the Ultra 4 could do things like show boarding passes for my flights, and I could wirelessly adjust my running playlist on the watch pre-race and listen to music during the event.

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 also has more customization options, especially on watch faces. If it’s smarts you want, it’s definitely the better pick.

Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Coros Pace 4 Pro: Specs

Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Coros Pace 4 Pro: Verdict

The weekend trip showcased the pros and cons of both sports watches and smartwatches, and there still isn’t one device from any brand that manages to nail both sides of the coin.

During the marathon, the Coros Pace 4 Pro was more reliable for GPS accuracy and pacing, which is absolutely crucial for me, and it offers much better battery life than the Ultra 4.

However, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 is certainly a more useful smartwatch, and it does still offer good sports tracking and a very attractive, robust design.

As someone who has made running most of my job and personality, the superior sports tracking of the Coros Pace 4 Pro is what I’d go for, and I love its lighter design too, but the Apple Watch Ultra 4 is a well-rounded pick that handles sports and smarts better than most.

More from Tom's Guide

• I just caught up on the new season of Apple TV’s best comfort watch — and no, it’s not ‘Ted Lasso’
• Apple TV’s 'Brothers' is a delightful Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson reunion — so why am I disappointed?
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"Black Doves" was one of my favorite surprises of 2024. A spy thriller with a panache for murder, double-crosses and dark comedy? Netflix, you really do know me.

Now, Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw are back for another round as secret agent Helen Webb and her hitman best friend, Sam Young. I've watched all six episodes of "Black Doves" season 2, and I'm happy to report that creator Joe Barton has done it again. This is a terrific installment, with plenty of twists, sharp dialogue and wonderfully messy characters.

So what makes this return such a success? Well, there are a few things, starting with deeper insights into the backgrounds of several major players.

Warning: Minor spoilers ahead!

Skeletons in everyone's closet

Helen is still feeding government secrets to the Black Doves, the shadowy organization that employs her, while her husband Wallace (Andrew Buchan) is about to become prime minister. You'd think that would be enough to keep her occupied, but there's another crisis brewing. Her handler, Mrs. Reed (Sarah Lancashire), is accused of plotting a coup against the organization, putting Helen and Sam in the middle of yet another sticky situation.

It leads to some fascinating revelations about Mrs. Reed's past, including a family connection that turns out to be rather more complicated (and deadly) than anyone expected. I particularly enjoyed the flashbacks to her earlier life; getting a better sense of how Reed became the woman she is today makes her even more interesting. It also gives the world of "Black Doves" a richer history and texture.

The plotting does get pretty convoluted at times. There are a lot of people with competing agendas, and keeping track of who's working for whom and whose loyalties lie where can feel like a full-time job. But honestly, that's part of the appeal. Just when you think you've figured out what's going on, someone turns out to be working for someone else, usually with a gun on hand. It's all very entertaining.

The real magic is in the killer cast

The returning cast is in fine form, particularly Knightley and Whishaw, whose chemistry remains one of the best things about the show. Helen and Sam's friendship is the heart of "Black Doves." You can see their genuine affection for each other, even when they're busy shooting at various foes. Sam has his own demons to contend with this season, and as compelling as that storyline is, the show is strongest when the two of them are in a scene together.

Season 2 also brings in some welcome new faces, most notably Ambika Mod as Laila, an acerbic Black Doves agent who helps Helen with a heist (while toting a big gun, of course). Mod is fantastic, bringing a wonderfully snarky energy to the proceedings and delivering some of the season's best lines.

Not everyone makes quite the same impression. Neve Campbell joins as American envoy Cecile Mason, but her character doesn't get much to do. It's a bit of a waste of an actor and I'm still scratching my head about why someone of Campbell's caliber was cast in such a nothingburger of a role.

Verdict: 'Black Doves' season 2 flies high

There's a lot of competition in the spy thriller department these days, but "Black Doves" continues to hold its own. It's got the action and intrigue you'd expect from the genre, but it also has a sense of humor that keeps things from getting too serious.

Season 2 isn't without its shortcomings. A few characters could use more screen time, and the plot occasionally gets tangled in its own web of secrets. But those are relatively minor complaints when you've got the kind of cracking cast that could make a dictionary recital work.

Most of all, I'm just glad we get another six episodes with Helen and Sam. Their friendship gives the show something beyond the usual spy-versus-spy shenanigans. If you enjoyed season 1, season 2 is just as good. And there's plenty of story left for "Black Doves" to continue for at least one more outing, but I hope it's more like three or four.

Pod espresso machines are often reviled by serious coffee snobs. Nespresso, Keurig, and everything in between — it’s just not “real coffee”. Their words, not mine. But the Lavazza Tablì is the closest to “real coffee” a pod machine has ever got.

I’ve not been this excited about a coffee machine in a while. The Tablì doesn’t use plastic-encased or aluminum-bound pods, but 100% coffee “Tabs”. It’s as pure as you can get. At first, I wondered if this was more a gimmick than an actual innovation, but after testing the Tablì for over a week (and using up all my Tabs), I have to say: the Lavazza Tablì is seriously special.

Is this enough to make the Lavazza Tablì one of the best espresso machines? Yes, without a doubt. I’m a tough crowd, but the Tablì has done the impossible: foolproof usability, affordability, and genuinely lip-smacking coffee. It’s a home run. Still not convinced? Find out the full story in this Lavazza Tablì review.

Lavazza Tablì review: Specs

Lavazza Tablì review: Price & availability

The Lavazza Tablì is available in a few different variants. The machine alone costs $129 from Amazon U.S. and £199 from John Lewis in the U.K, which is incredibly affordable (especially in the U.S., where list prices are typically higher than in Britain). When I saw the U.S. price, I actually gasped.

You can also buy the Tablì with a Lavazza milk frother (which is the version Lavazza sent me). This will set you back $199 from Amazon U.S. You can’t buy this bundle in the U.K., but the milk frother is an extra £79 from John Lewis, making it £278 overall. I’m unsure why it’s so much more expensive in the U.K., but it is what it is.

In the U.S., you can also get the full set: Tablì, milk frother, and 60 Tabs for $249 from Amazon U.S. A similar variant in the U.K. is: Tablì, milk frother, and 48 Tabs for £199 — but only directly from Lavazza.

I will do my very best to explain just how affordable this is. $129 for the Tablì is fantastic. I was honestly expecting $200-$250 when I unboxed it. Similar Nespresso machines would be the CitiZ or Pixie, $319 and $179, respectively. Add the Nespresso Aeroccino on top of that and you’re looking at an extra $100.

True, Nespresso Vertuo machines are cheaper: you’ve got the $129 Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ and the $229 Nespresso Vertuo Up. Still, the $100 price difference between the Tablì and Vertuo Up might not be enough to justify the latter’s ice mode if you’re on a tight budget.

Lavazza Tablì review: Design

The Lavazza Tablì is gorgeous. While it’s quite large — 15 inches deep and 13 inches tall — nothing about its design suggests “bulky”. This is a modern, stylish piece of tech that’ll elicit some interested questions from houseguests. I can’t count the times my colleagues directed “Oooh” or “Aaah” sounds towards it. Of all the coffee machines I’ve tested, this received the most interested comments — matched only by the beautiful Lelit MaraX3.

On the machine itself are four buttons: one for power, one for a double shot, one for a single shot, and one for a long shot.

Three lights on top of the machine correspond to the water tank, grounds drawer, and cleaning. These light up should you need to refill the tank, empty the drawer, or run a cleaning cycle.

There’s nothing confusing about the Tablì. It’s a straightforward, simple machine that doesn’t skimp on aesthetics or charisma.

The sole negative is the small space between the pouring spout and drip tray. You must use a shot glass or small mug as your receptacle; normal-sized mugs will not fit.

I’ll quickly mention the Tablì app. Yes, there’s an app. No, you don’t need to download it. I would recommend avoiding the app — not because it’s horrendous, but because it’s completely superfluous.

You can make espresso recipes, but because this is literally just a pod coffee machine, the only thing you can do is adjust temperature and volume. You can save said recipes, as you can see in my screenshots, and you can send these recipes to the machine. At first, I thought the app was glitchy, but it just takes a bit of experimenting to find out how to actually navigate it. Of course, you can buy Tabs in the app, which is probably the only genuinely useful feature.

I’d skip the app unless you’re a smart home fiend.

Lavazza Tablì review: Espresso

Now onto the good stuff: taste. As mentioned earlier, the Tablì is extremely easy to use. All you do is slide up the top, insert the Tab, and press the brew button. That’s it. The shots come out as two single shots or one double, which you can control by flipping up the pouring spout (single) or leaving it down (double).

At the time of writing, you can get five flavors of coffee: espresso intenso, qualita rossa, qualita oro, ristretto, and decaf. Of the bunch, my favorite was oro. I’d like to see Lavazza introduce some new flavors in time: ideally, some kind of juicy, fruity African bean. Those who’ve been here long enough know that I much prefer a lighter-roasted Ethiopian coffee to a dark-roasted Brazilian coffee. Obviously, this is just personal preference, and if you like those rich, full-bodied, chocolatey espressos, you’re the perfect candidate for Lavazza’s default beans anyway.

I do wonder if, assuming the Tablì (rightly) takes off, we’ll start seeing some third-party “Tabs”. Or if some coffee whiz will invent a way to make your own tabs. Or if Lavazza will introduce a Tab-making product itself, so you could theoretically grind your own beans, then compact them into a tab. However, that’s a lot of effort, and the Tablì isn’t really a lots-of-effort type of machine.

As for the coffee itself, well, it tastes so much better than any other pod machine I’ve tried. Although it’s definitely over-pressurized espresso — you can tell by how aerated and fluffy the crema is — it tastes wonderful. There’s zero bitterness whatsoever, and a well-rounded, strong coffee flavor.

I tested the Lavazza Tablì and the $1,999 Philips Cafe Aromis 8000 Series back to back, and which one tasted better? The Tablì, and boy, it wasn’t even close.

The prevailing issue holding the Tablì back — right now — is the lack of variety in the pods. Sorry, Tabs. Nespresso makes a huge variety of flavors, using every type of bean from around the world, and even has special Christmas, fall, and summer flavors. If you’re the kind of coffee drinker who jumps at the chance to try maple praline or pumpkin spice-flavored pods, then I might recommend sticking with Nespresso.

However, it’s still early days for the Tablì, and you never know what Lavazza might be cooking up behind the scenes.

Even though it doesn’t come by default, I’ll quickly discuss the milk frother. If you get the Tablì with the milk frother, you won’t be disappointed. Here’s a photo of the gorgeous milk texture.

As you can see, the bubbles are velvety and small, with no textural unevenness. While I can’t classify this as an explicit “Pro” — the Tablì doesn’t come with the milk frother — I would recommend grabbing the milk frother too if you like milk drinks. You don’t even have to use it with the Tablì; you could make hot chocolates or cold foam.

Lavazza Tablì review: Storage & maintenance

As I’ve mentioned, the Tablì isn’t exactly a compact machine. The Nespresso CitiZ is relatively smaller, at 11 x 12 inches compared to the Tablì’s 15 x 13. If you need a seriously small coffee maker, I might suggest the Nespresso instead.

However, the Tablì wins in every other contest. It’s prettier, tastes so much better, and is better for the environment. Nespresso pods can be recycled for free, which is better than Keurig charging $10 to recycle 96 pods (I still can’t believe that; it’s horrifying). However, manufacturing and recycling aluminum pods still generates waste and uses resources.

The Tablì’s Tabs are 100% coffee. No aluminum wrapping, no plastic casing. You can literally take the pucks out of the machine and throw them on the garden compost, or in your food waste. They’re just coffee. Of course, the Tabs come in a little cardboard box — that looks like a little chocolate box — but everything comes in a package. Whole coffee beans come in plastic bags.

Tabs cost around $1 a pop. This is par for the course with pod machines — Nespresso pods will set you back around $0.90 each, and Vertuo pods are around $1.40 (flavour dependent).

As the water tank is filled from above, you’ll need a decent amount of clearance space. However, like every other coffee machine I’ve ever reviewed, the grounds drawer is removed from the front.

Lavazza offers a 2-year warranty, which is the same as Nespresso, De’Longhi, Breville, and Ninja.

Lavazza Tablì review: Verdict

I’m sure you can tell from this review, but I adore the Lavazza Tablì. I’ve not been this excited by a coffee machine since I tested the Lelit MaraX3 earlier in the year. I’ve never been this excited by a pod machine.

And it’s just $129? How? How is this possible? $129 for a machine capable of producing this quality of espresso is unheard of. Sure, Nespresso Vertuo machines can be found for around $129, too, but none taste as good as the Tablì. Vertuo pods are extracted by centrifugal force, while Tablì uses traditional espresso pressure (espresso literally means pressure in Italian).

Want a pod machine that makes actually delicious espresso? The Lavazza Tablì is for you. I can’t wait to see how this innovation transforms the coffee machine world.

November 19, 2026 is a date that’s been etched into my memory, circled in red on my calendar and set up as a day where I’m considering using my PTO to enjoy it.

Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto VI has made plenty of headlines (some good, some bad). There’s plenty to be excited about from a gameplay perspective, such as its dynamic weather, deep relationship systems and vastly improved behaviors for NPCs (Non-Playable Characters). Not being able to truly celebrate a midnight launch for the game since there’s no actual physical disc for the game is a major bummer, though.

Even with all the controversy surrounding GTA 6, I’m still hyped beyond belief for what is undoubtedly the biggest game release of the year. As soon as November came calling, I tapped into ChatGPT and requested its help with preparing for its impending launch.

ChatGPT gave me a list of tasks to do, games worth checking out and gaming gear I should consider picking up to further enhance my GTA 6 experience.

What it told me to do first

When I presented this prompt (“Grand Theft Auto VI is releasing on November 19. What are the best ways to prepare for its launch?”, ChatGPT gave me a bunch of activities to tend to before the big day arrives. A lot of them stood out as objectives I’ve already considered doing, such as muting any GTA 6-related keywords on social media to avoid spoilers.

The one pre-launch ritual it told me to pay close attention to is to get my console storage ready for the game itself. Rockstar already announced that their latest open-world experience will take up 212 GB on PS5 consoles and pre-loading for that device will start on Tuesday, November 10 at midnight local time (Eastern Time Zone, for me). My PS5 Pro has 685 GB of free storage, so my console is more than ready for the pre-load process.

What it told me I should play to get in the right mindset

Since I want to save my PS5 Pro’s internal storage for GTA 6 and enjoy games similar to it on my Xbox Series X, I felt it was time to sift through a bunch of titles that deliver a mix of open-world crime gameplay, Florida-inspired adventures, immersive driving and incredible storytelling. After I asked ChatGPT a follow-up question (“And what gams should I play to get myself in the right mood for Grand Theft Auto VI?”, ChatGPT curated 10 picks I should consider trying out.

Out of that list of games ChatGPT recommended, five of them stood out as first-time experiences I’ll jump into before November 19 finally arrives (I know you’ll be shocked to know that I haven’t touched any of these games yet…):

• Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – The Definitive Edition: This is arguably the most important game to revisit. It gives you the original Vice City atmosphere: neon lights, beaches, palm trees, criminal empires and an unforgettable 1980s soundtrack. Get reacquainted with the city that inspired GTA VI.
• Red Dead Redemption 2: If there's one game that demonstrates Rockstar's ability to create an incredibly immersive world, it's this one. Experience exceptional environmental detail, memorable characters, unpredictable encounters and storytelling.
• Watch Dogs 2: Explore a vibrant city, hack vehicles, cause chaos and take on missions with a group of hackers. Its humor, social commentary and open-world freedom feel very GTA-like.
• Saints Row: The Third Remastered: A ridiculous, over-the-top criminal adventure full of outrageous missions, weapons, vehicles and hilarious situations. For the fun, unpredictable side of GTA.
• Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut: Explore a wonderfully detailed Japanese entertainment district, get involved in criminal rivalries and discover dozens of entertaining side activities. It captures the joy of exploring a living city where something interesting is always happening.

What it told me to consider buying to enrich my experience

For my final prompt aimed at getting ChatGPT to build out my GTA 6 pre-launch checklist, I themed it around getting the best gaming gear that could fully immerse me in my return to Vice City.

This is the prompt that I went with: “What gaming monitor, gaming headset, and soundbar should I consider getting to truly enjoy my Grand Theft Auto VI experience on PS5 Pro?” ChatGPT laid out three top picks for each category, but I took special note of the items that it chose as its most viable options:

• My monitor pick: The ASUS ROG Strix XG32UCDS for value, or the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 if you prefer its screen treatment and smart-monitor features.
• My headset pick: Sony INZONE H9 II for a comfortable, straightforward PS5 Pro setup. If sound quality matters more than weight or noise cancellation, I'd lean toward the Audeze Maxwell 2.
• My soundbar pick: Samsung HW-Q990F if you're using a TV and want surround sound. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is more practical for smaller rooms.
• One important compatibility warning: If you're buying a monitor and soundbar together, don't assume they'll connect directly. With a gaming monitor, you'll need to verify its audio output options. An HDMI audio extractor or eARC adapter may be necessary, and it must preserve 4K/120Hz, HDR and VRR if you want those features. For a desk setup, a good headset and compact speakers may be more practical than an expensive home-theater soundbar.

After considering all the options ChatGPT gave me, I added the ASUS ROG Strix XG32UCDS monitor and the Sony INZONE H9 II headset to my Amazon wishlist (I can live without a soundbar right now…).

The takeaway

ChatGPT’s pre-launch GTA 6 checklist gave me plenty to do for two weeks and a few more days before Rockstar’s newest release lands. Gearing up my PS5 Pro for the pre-load process, enjoying some similar open-world epics on my Xbox Series X and upgrading my gaming monitor & headset before the big day arrives have become my marching orders.

Now I have everything I need to do, play and buy to get in the right mood before I raise my star level to six during my first rampage through the neon-lit streets of Leonida.

More from Tom’s Guide

• The ultimate GTA 6 setup starts with one of these epic Mini-LED and OLED TV deals
• The best PS5 and Xbox setup for GTA 6 — here are the must-have TVs, controllers, headsets and more
• I'm replaying Red Dead Redemption 2 to prepare for GTA 6 — 5 features that need to return

Sharing a fence line with your neighbor next door can be a blessing and a curse at times. Figuring out where your property ends and what you're legally allowed to do gets confusing fast. You've probably run into this when painting your side of a shared fence or chopping back overhanging branches.

But what can you do if your neighbor’s plants are starting to take over your yard?

While hacking away at whatever crosses the fence seems like an easy fix, you'll want to double-check the rules first. Plus, who's stuck cleaning up the mess?

To prevent a neighborly dispute, I asked experts about the legal rules around encroaching greenery. How should you handle invasive plants from next door, and what is the best way to address the issue with your neighbor?

Here's everything you need to know.

Can I just trim the plants myself?

According to experts, you can trim it yourself, but only cut the foliage that extends to your property line. And if there is any uncertainty, it’s advisable to get a land surveyor in to determine your boundaries.

“I recommend looking up a plot of your property or hiring a land surveyor to ensure that you accurately identify the boundary,” suggests Yury Byalik, J.D., founder of CivilCase.

“Only cut what extends onto your property; you could potentially owe compensation to your neighbor if you go too far and cause the tree to die or fall. Be careful with weed killers, too. Intentionally spraying a neighbor’s tree may result in triple damages!”

So, what precautions should I take when cutting back my neighbor's invasive plants?

“Legally speaking, you're generally within your rights to cut back any plants growing onto your property as long as you don't severely damage your neighbor's plants,” adds Jonathan Palley, CEO of Clever Tiny Homes.

“One exception here is if you're dealing with some kind of protected species. Conversely, if the plants growing into your yard are invasive or noxious, you will often have more leeway in dealing with them.”

Also, keep an eye out for nasty invasive weeds like Japanese knotweed, which usually need pros to clear out. Want more tips? Check out how to tackle Japanese knotweed and stop it from taking over your yard.

How do I bring this up with my neighbor?

Speaking to your neighbor about such awkward issues can feel like a burden, but it doesn't have to be. Getting it out in the open early will save you a massive headache (and potential costs) later.

“First, take photos and send a polite note,” advises Yury Byalik, J.D., founder of CivilCase. “Begin by taking dated photos of the encroaching plant, including some sort of measuring device, such as a tape measure or fence post, in the frame. This will document just how far the plant has spread.

“Once you have the photos, write a brief and friendly note describing the plant and requesting a trim. A polite initial contact is always wise; it also provides evidence that you notified your neighbor in the event the dispute ever ends up in court.”

Of course, if your neighbors are still uncooperative after discussion, you might have grounds for legal action — especially if the plants are getting out of hand.

“Your next step should be a demand letter, which can resolve the matter before litigation begins,” states Byalik.

“Clearly describe the plant, the damage, how it should be fixed, and a 30-day deadline to do so. Send the letter via certified mail, which will give you proof of delivery.

“Small claims court may also be an option, particularly if your neighbor’s tree has caused significant damage like cracking the patio or raising the fence. In some states, you can sue for the cost of repairs, and you don’t need a lawyer. But if your neighbor’s tree is just leaving its leaves in your yard, a small claims court may not be the best option.”

Ultimately, you’re better off avoiding any legal disputes, so aiming for an amicable resolution to maintain good relations is ideal.

After all, supportive neighbors can be invaluable in the long run.

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 rude habits your neighbors hate
• Is it okay to paint your side of your neighbor's fence?
• These 7 plants will create more privacy in your backyard

The Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra is coming, and it could be arriving sooner than you think. The big phone launches of 2026 are effectively over, now that the new iPhones are out of the way, and that means we can start looking at what major releases 2027 will have to offer.

Samsung is usually the first out of the gate, and rumor has it that the launch will be a little earlier than we're used to — suggesting a January release window. The Unpacked event is also said to include four new Galaxy S27-series phones, with a Pro model set to join the usual lineup. But, as ever, the Galaxy S27 Ultra is set to be the star of the show, with all the latest and best hardware Samsung has to offer.

Here's everything we know about the Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra so far.

Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra: Rumored Specifications

Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra: Design and display

We're not expecting any major changes to the size of the Galaxy S27 Ultra, and recently-leaked dummy units suggest that the dimensions of the upcoming phone will be very similar to those of the Galaxy S26 Ultra. And by very similar, I mean practically identical, with only a fraction of a millimeter's difference in width and thickness.

However, the big changes are set to happen on the back of the phone. Samsung is widely expected to ditch the vertical camera array of past Galaxy phones, in favor of a full-width camera bar — similar to that of the iPhone 18 Pro. This change is also supposed to come with the loss of the secondary telephoto lens, and turn the Ultra model into a triple-lens camera for the first time.

It's also been rumored that Samsung may finally employ an M16 OLED display on the S27 Ultra. This display is set to be brighter, and is the same material used on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo. There are also rumors that the Ultra will feature "enhanced display brightness" to counteract the dimming caused by the Privacy Display.

As useful as the feature is, we found that it caused a loss of display brightness even when the Privacy Display setting is deactivated. So it's good to see that Samsung is proactively dealing with that issue with the next generation Privacy Display. The Privacy feature is also rumored to be getting some upgrades, but it's unclear what those might actually be.

Recently-leaked dummy units also suggest that the Ultra will retain its built-in S Pen, and rumor has it that Qi2 magnets will finally be added to the phone itself. That means no more having to buy special magnetic cases to make the most out of using Qi2 chargers and accessories. However, this feature may be exclusive to the Ultra and Pro models, with the Standard and Plus options missing out.

Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra: Performance

The one thing that isn't a mystery is the S27 Ultra's performance hardware. We assumed the phone would come with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, and a recent leak seemingly confirmed that. Not that it was ever doubted that Samsung would opt for the most powerful Qualcomm chip on the market. The only real question we have is whether the phone will have a standard Extreme chip, or if a custom "for Galaxy" variant will be developed to offer stronger performance.

Our own early tests of the Extreme, using Qualcomm's reference device, reveal that the chip performed 29% better in Geekbench 7's single-core benchmark, and 16.3% better in the multi-core test. 3DMark's Solar Bay Extreme test shows a 49% increase in graphical power, or a 40% increase in Wildlife Extreme. Meanwhile AnTuTu's General AI benchmark showed an 18.4% increase, or a crazy 118% increase in AnTuTu's LLM AI test.

Obviously things are going to be a little different in a commercial phone, rather than a reference device that's built to perform well. But it shows just how much of an improvement we should see when the Galaxy S27 Ultra arrives next year. Needless to say this is going to be a powerful phone with a lot of AI capabilities.

Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra: Cameras

Very little is known about the Galaxy S27 Ultra's cameras right now, other than the fact Samsung is seemingly scrapping the secondary telephoto lens. This means the Ultra model will match other premium phones with a single zooming lens, which we assume will still be the same 50MP lens with 5x optical magnification we saw on the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

While that news may be disappointing to some, it's not a huge loss. The second telephoto lens was always fairly underpowered, with the last iteration offering 10MP of resolution and 3x optical zoom. The quality wasn't bad, but it also wasn't really a necessary feature to have. Particularly since telephoto lenses are expensive, hence why they're mostly found on premium phones, and take up a lot of space. Removing the second one adds extra space to the S27 Ultra, and hopefully helps avoid another price hike.

This would be the perfect time for Samsung to add variable optical zoom, which has been rumored for a few years and effectively squeezes two telephoto lenses into one. Sadly it's unclear whether that will actually happen, and the same is true for the possibility of getting variable aperture — a feature Samsung last offered in 2019.

Rumors instead suggest that the telephoto may drop to 4x magnification, with a larger 1/1.9-inch sensor to compensate. However, there are conflicting reports, and the S27 Ultra may instead just get the exact same zooming lens as the S26 Ultra.

Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra: Software & AI

We know software is going to be a huge part of the Samsung Galaxy S27 series, as it has been for the last few generations of Galaxy phones. Galaxy AI is one of those things that isn't going to vanish overnight, though at this early stage we have absolutely no idea what sort of features and capabilities will be coming to the S27 Ultra and its cohorts.

One possibility is the addition of MyFanCam, an AI-powered feature that debuted on the Galaxy Z Fold 8. It works with existing footage that you've filmed, and uses AI to focus on a person of your choice. There's no reason why it couldn't exist on a Galaxy S phone, and the S27 launch is the perfect place to do it — especially if it has some much-needed upgrades, like the ability to focus on animals as well. We should also expect the phones to run on OneUI 9, possibly the updated OneUI 9.5, which is based on Android 17.

But, for the time being, any additional software and AI upgrades on the S27 Ultra are a complete mystery.

Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra: Battery

The release of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 saw Samsung finally embrace silicon carbon batteries. The main benefit is that the increased energy density means you can include more battery capacity without increasing the actual physical dimensions of the battery. This allows for larger batteries that aren't physically larger, and don't increase the size and weight of phones by any significant amount.

Leaks suggest that Samsung will be adopting the same technology in the Galaxy S27 Ultra, increasing the size of the battery from 5,000 mAh to 5,700 mAh. That's quite an upgrade, considering Galaxy Ultra phones have been stuck at 5,000 mAh for the past six years, though whether it will help the S27 Ultra climb the ranks of our best phone battery life page isn't clear yet. We'll need to wait and see how it performs during battery life testing.

Furthermore, it's unclear whether charging speed will change at all, considering the S26 Ultra upped the ante from 45W wired charging to 60W. However the rumored inclusion of Qi2 magnetic charging means that wireless charging should be much easier — even if it doesn't happen any faster.

Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra: Outlook

There's still a lot we don't know about the Galaxy S27 Ultra, but so far we're hearing about some promising things. Sure, the loss of a camera lens might be disappointing to some, but we are still getting some positive changes. A larger battery is something Galaxy users have been demanding for years, and the inclusion of Qi2 magnets means that Samsung is now on par with Apple and Google in the wireless charging game.

On top of that, we have the possibility of a brighter display, which takes the Privacy Display into account, and performance that should be some of the best you can get on any smartphone. The redesign is... interesting. It's clearly iPhone-inspired, which is both good and bad, and while people may not like the change I think it's good to see Samsung mix things up a bit.

There is still plenty of time for new information to leak, and that means we'll start getting a more complete picture of what the Galaxy S27 Ultra has to offer as the weeks and months roll on. Until the inevitable January Unpacked, where Samsung reveals the whole lineup in full. But until then, be sure to check back here for all the latest news and rumors about the upcoming flagships.

More from Tom's Guide

• Apple CEO says he's 'not able to predict' when iPhone Duo shortages will end — it probably won't be this year
• Forget iPhone 18 Pro Max — I tested this wild Android/Hasselblad combo for a month and it's my favorite new camera phone
• iPhone Duo just got a usability feature it should have had at launch, thanks to iOS 27.3

Apple’s biggest ever change to the iPhone formula brought some unique features and scene-stealing upgrades when it was revealed back in September. But now that we’re actually getting our hands on the device (well, some of us are), it turns out there’s a lot more underneath that 7.6-inch nano texture display to discover.

Alongside the likes of Smart Take and Kid Cue, the iPhone Duo has a bunch of cool tricks that can help with usability or productivity that I’ve started to use during my time with the phone. If you’re planning to pick up an iPhone Duo for yourself, you may want to give some of these a try.

Portrait Picture-in-Picture

The iPhone Duo is the first iPhone to allow you to run two apps side-by-side but only if you’re holding it in landscape orientation. One of the frustrations our Global Editor-in-Chief Mark pointed out recently is that you lose the functionality as soon as you rotate it into portrait mode.

This isn’t exactly a silver bullet to that problem, but you can utilize picture-in-picture to snap a video to the top of the portrait orientation whilst keeping a separate app running below, or vice versa.

To accomplish it, start any video app and minimize it into picture-in-picture mode. When you start a second app, the minimized video will generate a new button next to the full-screen option that automatically expands it to just the top of the display. It will automatically resize the secondary app to take up the lower half of the screen.

Tap for Control Center

Over the years, iPhone users have grown accustomed to swiping down from the top-right of the display to open the Control Center. On the Duo, you’re given a one-handed shortcut through the new icon that displays your Wi-Fi and cell reception.

Usually, it just sits there being useful, but if you tap on it, it’ll launch you straight into the Control Center without having to reach up with your thumb to swipe down.

Edge Light

Apple has borrowed the Edge Light feature from macOS and added it to the iPhone Duo’s repertoire. If you’ve not used it before (I hadn’t) then it turns the border of your display into a virtual ring light. This serves to give you some nice illumination when you’re on a video call in dim light.

Edge Light is only available when the iPhone Duo is unfolded. To enable it, open Control Center while on a video call and tap the colored control bar labelled “FaceTime controls”. Then tap on the light bulb button next to "Edge Light" in the video effects menu. You can manually adjust the brightness and hue of the light or hit the Automatic toggle to have the Duo analyze the ambient light in the room and adjust accordingly.

Fixed Position Volume Controls

The decision to put the iPhone Duo’s volume controls on the top of the phone is one that takes some getting used to. If you’re using the phone unfolded, and you happen to rotate it with the volume keys on the bottom, things can get awkward. That’s because the default configuration fixes the right button as volume up and the left as volume down — even if you’re holding the phone upside down.

If you want to set the buttons to dynamically adjust depending on the Duo’s orientation, you can find that option under Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Fixed Position Volume.

Once you disengage it, the button on the right in any position will always increase the volume while the left decreases it. It would still be better to have them on the side in the first place, but that’s a job for the iPhone Duo 2.

Folding Shortcuts

Tucked inside the Shortcuts app is a new feature that’s exclusive to the iPhone Duo called “Open or Closed.” This lets you automate a shortcut based on whether the phone is open or closed. So, for example, you could create one to open the Books app automatically when you unfold the iPhone Duo.

In order to activate it, you need to open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone Duo, tap the + button in the bottom corner, then tap Edit in the top right corner. From there, tap the Automation option that appears at the top of the options list and scroll down to “Open or Closed” under the Display section.

Once you have that in place, find the Open App command and choose the app you want to launch. When you exit the Shortcuts app it will activate immediately.

Bottom Line

Apple missed iOS 27.1 for all non-folding iPhones, instead jumping straight to iOS 27.2 (and now, iOS 27.3) for the likes of the iPhone 18 Pro Max and leaving iOS 27.1 a Duo exclusive. In all likelihood, that was due to some of the custom designs and features only available on the Duo.

As the Duo gets into more hands around the world and developers start to optimize their apps for the first folding iPhone, I expect we’ll see many more cool new Duo exclusive features coming to the fore. I’m particularly interested to see if Apple can expand on Split View multitasking to make it even better as the Duo matures.

More from Tom's Guide

• iPhone Duo just got a usability feature it should have had at launch, thanks to iOS 27.3
• Apple TV’s 'Brothers' is a delightful Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson reunion — so why am I disappointed?
• I swapped my iPhone 17 Pro Max for the iPhone Duo for 2 weeks: The good, the bad and the baffling

I recently tested the fitness tracking performance of the Fitbit Edge vs. Apple Watch 12, and much to my surprise, the more affordable Fitbit came out on top against one of the best smartwatches in 2026.

But can the Fitbit Edge pull a repeat win against the Apple Watch SE 3? It is, after all, a more direct competitor to the Edge, both in terms of price and features, compared to the Series 12.

To find out, I walked exactly 5,005 steps (manually counted) with the Fitbit Edge logging my efforts from my left wrist and the Apple Watch SE 3 recording the workout from my right wrist. As a control for distance, climb, and pace, I also recorded the walk in the Strava app on my iPhone 16 Plus.

You can find the results of my Fitbit Edge versus Apple Watch SE 3 walk test below, along with the five biggest takeaways from the data, including an overall winner declared at the end.

Fitbit Edge vs. Apple Watch SE 3

But first, here's a quick rundown of the key differences between these two popular wearables. The Apple Watch SE 3 starts at $249, is iOS-only, and balances impressive health and fitness features with smart features galore.

The Fitbit Edge starts at $179, works with Android and iOS devices, and also boasts comprehensive holistic and workout-logging chops, but few smart features. That said, the more petite Fitbit Edge gets roughly a week of battery compared to about a day for the Apple Watch SE 3.

When it comes to logging a basic walking workout, both devices are evenly matched with onboard GPS and barometric altimeters for precise location and elevation tracking, along with continuous heart rate monitoring.

Now, for the results:

I walked 5,000 steps with the Fitbit Edge vs Apple Watch SE 3

1. Fitbit's step count is closer than Apple's

The Fitbit Edge logged 5,016 steps during my roughly 45-minute walk, just eleven steps off from my actual total. The Apple Watch SE 3 didn't do too shabby either, logging 109 step fewer than my manual count.

As always, my rule of thumb for these tests is that any step count within roughly 100 steps of my actual total is considered excellent and well within a reasonable margin for error. While the SE 3 is just a hair outside this threshold, this is still a solid result for the entry-level Apple Watch.

2. Fitbit's climb data is also a near match with the control

One of the biggest differences between the Fitbit Edge and its predecessor, the Fitbit Charge 6, is that the newer model has an altimeter for logging climb data; the older model doesn't. More importantly, the Edge logs uphill efforts with proven accuracy, from my testing, and this demo only adds to that conclusion.

The Apple Watch SE 3, meanwhile, inflated my climb by a similar margin to the Apple Watch 12 in my previous walk test versus the Edge.

3. Fitbit noted more calories burned; Apple record a higher max heart rate

The Apple Watch SE 3 (worn on my right wrist) logged higher heart rate data than the Fitbit Edge; however, the Fitbit Edge calculated more calories burned during the walk.

Could this discrepancy in heart rate be a result of the devices tracking my workout from different wrists? Probably not. After all, the best Apple Watches and best fitness trackers, including the Edge, are designed to be worn on the wrist of your choice.

That said, it's up to you to set your chosen wrist preference in the settings/companion app, as I did for this test, to ensure the best possible data.

4. Both wearables burned through similar amounts of battery

The Fitbit Edge has the Apple Watch SE 3 easily beat when it comes to overall battery performance; the former lasts up to a week per charge compared to 18-24 hours per charge for the latter.

However, when it comes to GPS battery life, the two are apparently quite evenly matched. Both devices burned through 6% battery during my ~45-minute walk, an outcome I wasn't expecting.

5. The Fitbit Edge wins

Ultimately, the Fitbit Edge outperformed the Apple Watch SE 3 in this 5,005-step comparison of fitness tracking performance.

The Edge calculated nearly the same amount of steps taken as the manual tally and nearly identical elevation gain data too. That said, the SE 3 was a tiny bit closer to the control distance-wise.

However, even with the Edge coming out on top, I'd still happily use either of these modern wearables as my go-to health and fitness tracker, which begs the question: which do you prefer, the Apple Watch SE 3 or the Fitbit Edge? Let me know in the poll below.

More from Tom's Guide

• I walked 5,500 steps with the Apple Watch 12 vs Garmin Venu 4 — here's the winner
• Apple Watch Series 12 vs Apple Watch Ultra 4: Which new Apple Watch should you buy?
• I’ve tested over 100 fitness trackers head-to-head — 3 workout stats I trust the least

I had officially closed the book on volumizing hot brushes. Like half the internet, I fell victim to the Revlon One-Step craze a few years back. While it certainly had the smoothing factor down, it felt like it was actively ripping chunks of hair from my scalp with every pass.

My Dyson Airwrap attachment was undeniably gentler, sure, but it never quite delivered the rich, bouncy volume I was actually chasing. Eventually, I resigned myself to heatless curl rods to fake the blowout aesthetic — only to spend the rest of the day mourning the catastrophic amount of curl shrinkage.

Recently, I tested Wavytalk's Steam Sesh. After watching that flat iron tame my hair in 10 minutes flat, I haven’t shut up about steam tech to anyone within earshot. Naturally, my expectations for its sister tool, the Steamlift Pro, were high.

I’m relieved to report it didn’t just meet the bar, it completely cleared it.

Thoughtful unboxing

The first sign of progress arrived before I even plugged it in. One minor gripe I had with the Steam Sesh was the trial-and-error setup, which practically forced you to scroll TikTok just to figure out how to seat the water tank properly.

Wavytalk clearly took notes. Right inside the box of the Steamlift Pro was a printed visual guide, removing any guesswork.

The mechanics will feel instantly familiar if you’ve used the straightener: pop out the removable tank, add water (distilled remains the smart play if you want to avoid mineral buildup), power it on, and turn to your target temperature. If you want that hit of hydration, hit the dedicated steam switch.

The secret sauce: a built-in 3D comb

Where hot air brushes usually fail curls is tension. Round blow-dry barrels rely on dense, stiff nylon bristles that grab too aggressively, catching on textured coils and snapping fragile strands mid-pull.

The Steamlift Pro swaps out that brutal bristle setup for an integrated 3D comb system built right into the body of the brush. Instead of violently tugging, the teeth firmly grip and separate each individual hair strand as the heated surface glides through.

For someone prone to breakage, the difference in hand-feel was immediate. There was zero scalp-tugging resistance, no terrifying crunch of snapping ends, and no tangled bird’s nest trapped around a rotating barrel. The steam continuously releases through the comb, softening coarse cuticle layers so the hair yields without brute physical force.

15 minutes to rich, bouncy length

My routine was simple. I detangled thoroughly, split my hair into two manageable tiers (top and bottom), and worked in generous sections.

Rather than jumping straight into styling curls, I started by using the Steamlift Pro as a standard smoothing tool, gliding it straight down from roots to mid-lengths to stretch out my natural curl pattern.

Once the baseline was uniform, I went back through the ends to roll and bevel them under for that bouncy, layered finish.

The entire process took 15 minutes. My hair came out silky, glossy, and entirely frizz-free. Most importantly, I retained my actual length instead of watching several inches vanish.

In my bathroom rotation

Finding tools that respect coarse, curly, and fragile hair without requiring professional-level arm acrobatics is rare. At this stage in my hair routine, the Steamlift Pro is easily the most capable blowout styler I’ve tested. If you have thick, frizz-prone curls and have spent years burned by viral hot brushes, do not sleep on this steam lineup.

Kaycee's hair holy grails

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• I used Google's Nano Banana to try a bunch of different hairstyles — and the results blew me away
• I tested the Dyson Airwrap i.d. Curly + Coily on my hair — the hype is completely justified

The Christmas countdown is officially underway, and if you’re anything like me, a few festive movies and shows are essential for getting into the holiday spirit. Thankfully, Netflix is making it easier to get started, with the streaming service adding a fresh batch of Christmas movies throughout November. Whether you’re ready for cozy festive romances, family-friendly adventures or something a little different to break up the usual holiday viewing, there’s plenty to watch.

With new originals joining some overlooked Christmas gems, this month’s lineup has a little something for different tastes. It’s also a good excuse to revisit your festive watchlist and discover a few new favorites before December rolls around. I’ve picked out five Christmas movies and shows I’d recommend checking out first, so you can get your holiday viewing off to a good start.

Top Christmas picks on Netflix in November 2026

‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ (2024)

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is a charming comedy-drama based on Barbara Robinson’s much-loved 1972 children’s novel. Directed by Dallas Jenkins, best known for creating the hit series “The Chosen,” the movie was a passion project more than 15 years in the making, with Jenkins describing the book as an important part of his childhood. Released in November 2024, it earned positive reviews from critics and audiences, with Judy Greer and Beatrice Schneider among the standout performers. It’s a lovely choice for a family movie night.

Six unruly siblings known as the Herdmans have a reputation for causing trouble wherever they go. When they turn up at the local church looking for free snacks, they end up volunteering for the annual Christmas pageant and landing all the leading roles. Grace Bradley (Judy Greer), who has taken over directing the production for the first time, is left scrambling to prepare the children for their big performance. With the Herdmans unfamiliar with the Christmas story and the rest of the town convinced the show will be a disaster, rehearsals quickly become unpredictable.

Stream on Netflix now

‘No Sleep ‘Til Christmas’ (2018)

“No Sleep ’Til Christmas” is a cozy holiday rom-com that first premiered on Freeform as part of its annual “25 Days of Christmas” lineup. The movie puts a fun spin on the festive formula with a quirky premise centred on two strangers struggling with severe insomnia who discover they can only fall asleep when they’re together. Dave Annable and Odette Annable lead the cast, and their real-life marriage brings an easy chemistry to the central relationship. It’s a lighthearted pick if you’re after a feel-good Christmas movie with a slightly unusual twist.

Lizzie (Odette Annable) is a successful event planner struggling with insomnia just weeks before her wedding to fiancé Josh (Charles Michael Davis). One night, she has an unexpected encounter with Billy (Dave Annable), a bartender who is also having trouble sleeping. After discovering they can both drift off peacefully when lying next to each other, Lizzie suggests an unusual arrangement. She offers to help Billy fund his dream of opening a bar in exchange for keeping her company at night. However, their increasingly complicated arrangement starts to interfere with Lizzie’s wedding plans.

Stream on Netflix now

‘A Dog’s Perfect Christmas’ (2026)

Netflix is kicking off its original holiday movie lineup with “A Dog’s Perfect Christmas,” a family drama based on W. Bruce Cameron’s 2019 novel. The story follows a family navigating a difficult festive season, with plenty of emotional moments alongside the usual Christmas cheer. Cameron co-wrote the screenplay with director Cathryn Michon, continuing their creative partnership after working together on “A Dog’s Purpose” and “A Dog’s Journey.” This is perfect for anyone who enjoys heartfelt animal movies and festive family stories.

Widowed grandfather Sander Goss (Dennis Quaid) is struggling to get along with his teenage granddaughter Ello (Brooke Lena Johnson) two years after losing his wife. When a sudden medical emergency leaves Ello’s mother in an induced coma just before Christmas, the family is thrown into turmoil. With the household struggling to cope, their loyal basset hound, Winstead (voiced by Thomas Haden Church), takes matters into his own paws. Alongside an energetic Corgi puppy named Ruby, Winstead sets out to bring the family together and help them prepare for Juliana’s return.

Stream on Netflix now

‘Mistletoe Murders’ (2024)

If you’d rather binge-watch a cozy mystery over the festive season, “Mistletoe Murders” is a great choice, especially with the series already climbing Netflix’s top 10. It originally began as an Audible audio drama in 2021, starring Cobie Smulders, before making the jump to television for Hallmark+ and the Hallmark Channel. The story brings a festive twist to the cozy mystery formula, pairing a charming small-town setting and plenty of Christmas decorations with a series of murder investigations. There’s nothing wrong with your holiday viewing having a little crime and suspense.

Emily Lane (Sarah Drew) runs Under the Mistletoe, a Christmas-themed gift shop in the small town of Fletcher’s Grove. Although she appears to be an ordinary shop owner, Emily has a mysterious past and a set of unusual skills that make her particularly good at investigating crimes. When a local murder puts one of her new friends under suspicion, Emily takes matters into her own hands to uncover the truth. Along the way, she crosses paths with Detective Sam Wilner (Peter Mooney), whose own investigations bring them closer together while raising questions about Emily’s real identity.

Stream on Netflix now

‘Guarding Stars’ (2026)

Another major Netflix original arriving this month is “Guarding Stars,” a festive romantic comedy based on Katherine Center’s bestselling novel “The Bodyguard.” The story follows a highly trained female protection agent who is assigned to look after a famous Hollywood actor, turning the usual action-romance formula on its head. Leighton Meester, best known for “Gossip Girl,” and Jared Padalecki of “Supernatural” and “Gilmore Girls” lead the cast, giving fans of both stars another reason to tune in. If you enjoy fun holiday romances with a little action and plenty of familiar faces, this one is worth adding to your watchlist.

Hannah Brooks (Leighton Meester) is a no-nonsense professional bodyguard assigned to protect Jack Stapleton (Jared Padalecki), a famous action movie star, during the Christmas holidays. When Jack returns to his family’s Montana ranch, Hannah accompanies him to keep him safe from an unwanted threat. To avoid raising suspicions about her real job, she agrees to pose as his girlfriend while staying with his family. However, as they spend more time together, their pretend relationship becomes increasingly complicated.

Stream on Netflix starting November 18

Netflix's full Christmas lineup in November 2026

Synopses provided by Netflix

NOVEMBER 1

• "A Sudden Case of Christmas"
• "Barbie in the Nutcracker"
• "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever"
• "Ghosting: The Spirit of Christmas"
• "Mistletoe Murders" seasons 1-2
• "No Sleep 'Til Christmas"
• "Same Time, Next Christmas"

NOVEMBER 3

• "A Cinderella Christmas Ball"
• "Christmas Time Is Here"

NOVEMBER 4

"A Dog's Perfect Christmas" (Netflix film)

From the bestselling author of A Dog’s Purpose, a tale of a family in crisis where a teenager, her grandfather, and his trusty basset hound struggle to keep the household together at Christmas.

• "A Runaway Bride for Christmas"
• "Deck the Hallways"

NOVEMBER 5

• "Deck the Halls"

NOVEMBER 11

"The Gospel of Christmas" (Netflix film)

A struggling pastor moves his family to a troubled New York neighborhood, where they must save a neglected church from foreclosure before Christmas.

• "How to Fall In Love By Christmas"
• "Rodeo Christmas Romance"

NOVEMBER 12

"The Christmas Switch" (SE) (Netflix film)

Craving a change of pace, a work-hard-play-hard city girl swaps lives with her homebody sister at Christmastime — only to unwrap a whole new kind of mess.

• "A Christmas Castle Proposal: A Royal in Paradise 2"

NOVEMBER 13

• "A Merry Christmas Wish"

NOVEMBER 16

• "Christmas On The Ranch"
• "Reporting for Christmas"

NOVEMBER 18

"Guarding Stars" (Netflix film)

A no-nonsense bodyguard heads to a Montana ranch with the famous actor she's protecting. But posing as a couple for Christmas soon sparks a real romance.

NOVEMBER 19

• "A Cherry Pie Christmas"
• "Christmas at Fields Ranch"

NOVEMBER 21

• "The Family Holiday"
• "Marry Christmas"
• "Mistletoe Mixup"

NOVEMBER 23

"The Great British Baking Show: Holidays" season 9 (Netflix series)

Jolly treats, returning contestants and the "Peep Show" cast bring holiday hilarity to the tent. Which baker will be Paul and Prue's festive favorite?

NOVEMBER 24

• "All for Christmas"
• "The Trouble With Mistletoe"

NOVEMBER 28

• "Salish's 12 Games of Christmas" (Netflix series)

More from Tom's Guide

• I just watched Netflix’s first holiday movie of 2026
• 5 best new to Netflix movies and shows to stream this week
• Everything new on Netflix in November 2026

Summer's back, and so are the troublemakers! "Ozark Law" season 3 returns to A&E on Wednesday, November 4 with more unruly tourists and real-life police drama. Yep, it's like "Cops" with warmer weather...

Scroll down for how to watch "Ozark Law" season 3 online from anywhere with a VPN.

Set around Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks, the A&E reality series follows local officers struggling to keep the peace as inebriated holidaymakers descend on the popular summer party spot.

Episode 1, "Summer Is Back!", kicks off over Memorial Day weekend, with a K9 drug search, a suspected break-in, and rowdy crowds testing Police Chief James Boren's new strategy for The Strip.

If you're a fan of show like "Live PD" (R.I.P) or "On Patrol: Live" you'll want to tune in for a fresh serving of narcotics busts, boat thefts, and lakeside lawlessness.

Read on to find out how to watch "Ozark Law" season 3 online without cable.

Watch "Ozark Law" season 3 from anywhere in the world

If "Ozark Law" isn’t available where you are right now, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out. With the right VPN (virtual private network), you can stream the show from wherever you’re traveling.

We’ve tested plenty of options, and the VPN we rate best overall is NordVPN. It ticks the boxes for most viewers: it’s easy to use, works on a wide range of devices, and delivers fast, consistent speeds. You can also try it risk-free for 30 days thanks to NordVPN’s no-quibble money-back guarantee.

Using a VPN is straightforward; follow these steps.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As noted, NordVPN is our preferred option.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're in the U.K. and want to view an American service, you'd select U.S. from the list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the show. Head to Sling/Philo/etc and stream new episodes of "Ozark Law" season 3 online.

Watch "Ozark Law" season 3 in the U.S. without cable

In the U.S., "Ozark Law" season 3 airs live on A&E on November 4 at 9 p.m. ET.

Don't have cable? You can stream A&E through live TV streaming services – we recommend Philo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) and Sling.

A&E also has its own streaming service; A&E Crime Central. Episodes stream the day after transmission.

Not in the U.S. right now? A VPN can help you access your usual streaming services while you’re overseas. We recommend NordVPN (try risk-free) for its speed, reliability, and ease of use.

How to watch "Ozark Law" season 3 in Canada

In Canada, "Ozark Law" season 3 also debuts Saturday, November 4 at 10 p.m. ET on A&E through participating cable and satellite providers.

Traveling outside Canada? A VPN such as NordVPN can help you keep up with "Ozark Law" 2026 as if you were still at home.

Can I watch "Ozark Law" season 3 in the U.K.?

There's currently no U.K. release date for "Ozark Law" season 3. Boo!

You can catch up with seasons 1 & 2 on Sky and A&E on Amazon Prime (7-day trial).

Stuck in the U.K.? Americans abroad can watch season 3 with NordVPN (try 30 days) – a VPN that provides access to Philo when traveling outside the USA.

Can I watch "Ozark Law" season 3 in Australia?

Australia doesn’t currently have a confirmed broadcaster for season 3.

Season 1 is available on Disney Plus, but Aussie fans may be waiting a while for the new episodes.

Visiting Australia from the U.S.? Use a VPN like NordVPN to unblock your usual U.S. streaming platform.

"Ozark Law" season 3 episode guide

Episode 1: "Summer Is Back!" — Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Summer returns to Lake of the Ozarks, and Memorial Day weekend brings plenty of trouble for local police. Officers investigate suspected drug activity with a K9 unit, respond to a possible break-in and tackle rowdy crowds as Chief James Boren tests a new strategy for keeping order on The Strip.

Episode 2: "Protect, Serve & Deliver" — Wednesday, November 11, 2026

A friendly basketball game between police officers and firefighters kicks off a chaotic weekend. Officers investigate suspected narcotics, piece together a motorcycle crash and smash through a truck window to rescue a trapped driver.

Episode 3: "New Blood" — Wednesday, November 18, 2026

With summer crowds putting increasing pressure on the Lake Ozark Police Department, Chief Boren brings back a familiar face to strengthen his team. The returning officer is immediately thrown into action as the department tackles another busy weekend.

Episode 4: "Over the Limit" — Wednesday, November 25, 2026

A powerful summer storm batters Lake of the Ozarks, bringing torrential rain and dangerous driving conditions. With roads becoming treacherous, local police face a busy shift responding to emergencies and keeping residents and visitors safe.

Episode 5: Wednesday, December 2, 2026 (TBC)

Episode 6: Wednesday, December 9, 2026 (TBC)

Episode 7: Wednesday, December 16, 2026 (TBC)

Episode 8: Wednesday, December 23, 2026 (TBC)

Episode 9: Wednesday, December 30, 2026 (TBC)

Episode 10: Wednesday, January 6, 2027 (TBC)

More from Tom's Guide

• How to watch Southern Law season 2
• How to watch Celebrity Traitors season 2
• The best VPN service

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Geoffrey Hinton’s name has been making the rounds a lot more often nowadays due to his commentary on the very technology his research helped develop.

During an interview with the Financial Times, he predicted who will benefit financially the most from the continued evolution of AI. “It's going to create massive unemployment and a huge rise in profits,” he pointed out. “It will make a few people much richer and most people poorer. That's not AI's fault, that is the capitalist system.”

And during an appearance on The Diary Of A CEO podcast, Hinton gave his thoughts on the topic of AI being misused and the associated risks that come with it. “There's risks that come from people misusing AI, and that's most of the risks and all of the short-term risks,” he noted. “And then there's risks that come from AI getting super smart and understanding it doesn't need us.”

Now he’s back in the news for (once again) giving a stern warning about AI. Here’s what he had to say during his latest interview.

Hinton feels that AI is in dire need of a federal agency that keeps models in check

During a conversation with The Guardian, Hinton made it clear that he doesn’t see himself as an AI doomer and that he genuinely believes that AI has the potential to lead to great things happening in the future. But he balanced out that optimistic outlook with a more sobering one when he stated that “it might be that we would have been better off never developing it.”

Hinton also gave a very blunt answer when the discussion moved over to the major leaders backing the companies that keep releasing even more advanced versions of their signature models. “I think [Mark] Zuckerberg and [Elon] Musk and Sam Altman, they understand the risks, and they don’t give a s**t,” he said. “They’d rather have the money. That’s my belief.” As Hinton’s conversation with The Guardian continued, he presented the idea of a federal agency that keeps a close eye on AI and makes sure the companies that develop it release it in the safest state possible.

“We need something like the American FDA for drugs where the companies have to give very good statistical evidence to an independent authority that [the AI model] does more good than harm before it is released,” he declared. “We discovered with thalidomide [a drug developed in the 1950s that caused severe birth defects] that releasing and then suing them isn’t the right way to do it. What the big tech companies are saying is treat it like we treated thalidomide.”

One of Hinton’s other more recent comments about AI that proved to be alarming for many was said during a CNN segment. Simply put, he warned everyone that the threat of humanity’s destruction via AI is a real possibility if we don’t get it under control. “If we don’t figure out how to make it safe, there’s a real possibility it could destroy us,” he declared. “We’ve never made things that are smarter than ourselves. We don’t know what it’s like to deal with them.” He went on to say that it would simply be “foolish to keep developing these things until we understand how we can live with them.”

Bottom line

Hinton’s sentiments about AI fall in line with most of the American voters who made their voices heard against the technology. According to Data Centers on the Ballot, 37 measures aimed at restricting data center development have won over a single measure that’s attached to allowing the continued expansion of those same centers.

And while the Trump administration’s push for AI and renaming it “Super Intelligence” has made the rounds, Americans are largely pushing back against those initiatives (as evidenced by this site’s current 90.5% rate of people who oppose data centers). Even with Hinton’s negative sentiments about AI while speaking with The Guardian, he remained optimistic about humanity and the ability to intervene to keep it under control.

“My gut is that we’re still in control,” he proclaimed. “We might well be able to do something. It’ll only work if we put a big effort into it, but we might well put a big effort into it.”

More from Tom’s Guide

• I asked ChatGPT and Google AI about America's biggest data centers — their answers were shockingly different
• 'Google is making clear it will punish those who don’t fall in line': Google will turn off search for schools that ban AI
• Sam Altman just renamed himself ‘Ram Altman’ in U.S. Midterms aftermath — the panic is setting in, but is the AI bubble starting to crack?

The holiday season is fast approaching, and if you're hoping to get a head start on your shopping list, we have some good news. Amazon is already rolling out major discounts on a wide range of gift-worthy items ahead of Black Friday, and audio devices are no exception.

In fact, Bose just launched its "Holiday Deals" sale on Amazon, which is knocking up to 53% of top-rated Bose headphones, earbuds and speakers. For instance, the Bose QuietComfort Headphones are on sale for $169 — a whopping $190 off.

We don't know how long these rare Bose deals will stick around, so we recommend shopping them ASAP. Keep scrolling to check out our favorite Bose audio deals to shop before Black Friday. (For more holiday deals, check out our early Black Friday deals guide).

Quick Links

• shop Bose's holiday deals on Amazon
• Bose SoundLink Micro: was $129 now $89
• Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Earbud: was $179 now $129
• Bose SoundLink Flex (Gen 2): was $159 now $149
• Bose QuietComfort Headphones: was $349 now $169
• Bose SoundLink Plus: was $269 now $179
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: was $429 now $329
• Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar: was $999 now $649

Best Bose Deals

Elon Musk spent nearly half a billion dollars trying to help Republicans win the 2026 midterm elections. Instead, Democrats took control of both chambers of Congress, Texas elected a Democratic governor for the first time in more than three decades, and voters across the country backed new restrictions on AI data centers.

For Musk, those election results might have consequences beyond Washington since the billionaire has invested heavily in the infrastructure needed to power AI. Musk has massive data centers that support his Grok chatbot and agent Grok Bot and has built a significant part of his business empire in Texas. The incoming governor, Gina Hinojosa, has proposed a moratorium on new data center development, making her election particularly relevant to Musk's AI infrastructure expansion in Texas.

Nearly $500 million wasn't enough

According to campaign finance reporting from The New York Times, Musk contributed approximately $474 million to political groups and candidates during the 2026 election cycle.

The money included roughly $216 million for his America PAC and $168 million for the Senate Leadership Fund, which backed Republican Senate candidates.

Musk appeared to acknowledge the losses early Wednesday morning, joking on X, "Guess my election-interfering space lasers didn't work this time."

Jokes aside, Hinojosa's win is significant since Musk has relocated major business operations to Texas, and SpaceX has plans to expand its computing infrastructure at its Starbase complex in Boca Chica.

According to Reuters, chip research firm SemiAnalysis has identified more than 9 gigawatts of planned or developing computing capacity associated with Musk's AI ambitions, including projects in Texas.

But companies planning new facilities may face longer approval processes, closer scrutiny of their electricity consumption and changes to the financial incentives that made Texas attractive in the first place.

Voters across America sent a message about data centers

Musk's political losses coincided with a broader change in public attitudes toward data centers. According to The Verge's November 4 election analysis, 45 local ballot measures addressed data center development nationwide. By Wednesday morning, results from 33 favored restrictions on construction.

Those restrictions varied considerably. Some communities supported temporary construction moratoriums, while others voted to prohibit facilities above certain electricity-demand thresholds.

In El Dorado, Kansas, voters approved a 10-year ban on data centers with peak electrical demand exceeding 10 megawatts. In Wells, Maine, voters favored a temporary moratorium on large facilities.

The concerns driving these votes have become familiar to residents living near proposed data centers: electricity prices, water consumption, noise, pollution and the question of who should pay for expensive infrastructure upgrades.

An NBC News Election Day poll also found that 76% of respondents opposed having a data center in their community.

Musk's existing data centers already face legal challenges

The political shift aside, Musk's AI infrastructure was already facing challenges. Near Memphis, Tennessee, his company's Colossus data centers rely on enormous amounts of computing power to train and operate AI models.

The operation has also generated complaints from surrounding communities about the natural gas turbines used to provide electricity.

On October 30, a federal judge rejected a motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the NAACP over turbines operating in Southaven, Mississippi.

The lawsuit alleges that the turbines require air permits and expose nearby residents to harmful pollution.

These disputes are separate from Tuesday's election results, but they illustrate the regulatory and community opposition that can complicate even projects already under development.

What happens to Musk's AI plans now?

Musk's companies have already committed substantial resources to computing infrastructure, and demand for AI processing capacity continues to drive expansion across the industry.

But now Texas could introduce new restrictions on development and local communities now have more political support for proposed facilities. For consumers, we might see more protections against higher electricity bills, increased water consumption and pollution near data centers. But, none of those changes will happen overnight.

America's data center boom isn't ending, but the companies building the infrastructure behind AI may have a harder time expanding.

More from Tom's Guide

• Living near an AI data center might not hurt your home's value — here's what new research found
• ChatGPT has a clever new way to fight back against election deepfakes — I tried it and it actually works
• A few tech leaders are rebranding AI as ‘superintelligence’ — calling it that doesn’t make it accurate

GTA VI is set to be the biggest game release of the decade, and you deserve to play it using the best possible setup. So we've deployed a special team from the Savings Squad to find the best deals on not just the PS5 or Xbox to play it on, but on OLED TVs, pro controllers, gaming headsets, TV backlighting and so much more.

Follow along with us as we find the best savings — handpicked and tested by our crack team — to make sure you get the best bang for your buck without breaking the bank (something you'll be too busy doing in Vice City)!

Countdown to release date

Watch the trailer

When it comes to deciding what to watch, it can get overwhelming sifting through the best streaming services. So I've compiled a TV guide on what to watch tonight.

I've gone through everything from Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV etc to see what's recently landed. I've even added some live sports you can stream on some of the best streaming services, along with the movies you can watch for free on platforms like Tubi.

Here are all the new shows and movies (and live events) you can stream tonight (November 4), and where to watch them. For more picks, check out the five best new to Netflix movies and shows to stream this week.

Top picks to stream tonight

‘A Dog’s Perfect Christmas’ (2026) (Netflix)

Genre: Family comedy-drama movie

What it's about: Two Christmases after losing his wife, widower Sander Goss (Dennis Quaid) struggles to get along with his teenage granddaughter, Ello. When a medical emergency leaves Ello’s mother in a coma, the family faces an uncertain holiday season. With help from their loyal basset hound, Winstead, and an adorable new corgi puppy, the family must find a way to come together and keep Christmas from falling apart.

Why you should watch it: If you're after something warm and easygoing for your Christmas watchlist, this family-friendly comedy-drama is worth a look. Dennis Quaid brings some familiar charm to the story, while the adorable dogs add plenty of feel-good appeal. It's a sweet choice for a cozy festive movie night.

Watch "A Dog's Perfect Christmas" on Netflix now

‘The Greatest’ (series premiere) (Prime Video)

Genre: Biographical sports series

What it's about: Young Cassius Clay (Jaalen Best) rises from Louisville boxer to global sporting icon Muhammad Ali. Fresh off winning gold at the 1960 Olympics, he sets his sights on the heavyweight championship while navigating newfound fame, family conflict and a changing America. The series also explores the personal relationships and defining moments that shaped the man behind the legendary boxing career.

Why you should watch it: Muhammad Ali's story is fascinating, making this a great watch for sports fans and anyone who enjoys a compelling real-life documentary. Beyond his achievements in the boxing ring, the series offers a closer look at the man behind the famous name and the experiences that shaped his remarkable life. It's also a great opportunity to revisit one of the most memorable periods in sporting history.

Watch "The Greatest" on Prime Video now

‘Stick’ (season 2 premiere) (Apple TV)

Genre: Sports comedy series

What it's about: Teenage golf prodigy Santi (Peter Dager) takes the next step towards professional golf, discovering that talent comes with plenty of pressure. Meanwhile, his mentor Pryce Cahill (Owen Wilson) attempts an unlikely comeback, hoping to become the oldest golfer ever to win a major championship. With help from a new coach (Rhea Seehorn) and trusted caddie Mitts (Marc Maron), Pryce must confront his past and prove he still has what it takes.

Why you should watch it: “Stick” is a great pick if you're after a feel-good comedy with a sporting twist. Owen Wilson brings plenty of charm to the series, while its golf setting gives the story a fun backdrop for some genuinely heartwarming character moments. There's plenty here to enjoy even if you're not particularly interested in golf, thanks to its focus on relationships, second chances and finding your feet.

Watch "Stick" season 2 on Apple TV now

Your streaming guide: Wednesday, November 4

Here's everything coming to streaming today, broken down by streaming service:

NETFLIX

• "A Dog's Perfect Christmas" (2026)
• "Anaesthesia" (series premiere)
• "Ninho: Fame Ain’t Worth It" (FR) (Netflix documentary)
• "Taken: Natalee Holloway" (Netflix documentary)
• "Love Is Blind" (season 11 finale)
• "A Runaway Bride for Christmas" (2025)
• "Deck the Hallways" (2025)
• "The Elf on the Shelf: Scout Elf Squad" (2025) 

PRIME VIDEO

• "The Greatest" (series premiere)
• NHL: Calgary Flames at Seattle Kraken (10 p.m. ET)

PARAMOUNT+

• "All the Queen's Men" (season 5 new episode)
• "Sacrifice" (season 2 new episode)
• UEFA Champions League: AEK Athens vs. Real Madrid (12:45 p.m. ET)
• UEFA Champions League: Fenerbahçe vs. Liverpool (12:45 p.m. ET)
• UEFA Champions League: Borussia Dortmund vs. Real Betis (3 p.m. ET)
• UEFA Champions League: Porto vs. Napoli (3 p.m. ET)
• UEFA Champions League: PSV Eindhoven vs. Club Brugge (3 p.m. ET)
• UEFA Champions League: RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City (3 p.m. ET)
• UEFA Champions League: Lens vs. Como (3 p.m. ET)
• UEFA Champions League: Slavia Prague vs. Arsenal (3 p.m. ET)
• UEFA Champions League: Viking vs. Sabah (3 p.m. ET)
• EFL Championship: Wrexham vs. Middlesbrough (2:45 p.m. ET)

HBO MAX

• "Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking" (season 3) (Food Network)
• "Smallfoot" (2018)
• NHL: Chicago Blackhawks vs. Florida Panthers (7:30 p.m. ET)
• AEW Dynamite: Blood and Guts (8 p.m. ET)
• NHL: San Jose Sharks vs. Los Angeles Kings (10 p.m. ET)

APPLE TV

• "Stick" (season 2 premiere)
• "Brothers" (season 1 finale)
• "Small Prophets" (season 1 finale)
• "Where's Wanda?" (season 2 new episode)
• MLS: LAFC vs. New York City FC (7:30 p.m. ET)

HULU

• "All’s Fair" (season 2 premiere)
• "All’s Fair Podcast"
• "Dancing with the Stars Official Podcast" (season 35 new episode)
• "The Lowdown" (season 2 new episode)
• "Merry Berry Love" (new episode)
• "The Remarried Empress" (series premiere)
• "Nature's Yearbook" (season 1)

DISNEY+

• "Dancing with the Stars Official Podcast" (season 35 new episode)
• "Disney Jr. Ariel - The Little Mermaid: Dolphin Cove Tales: Shorts" (series premiere)
• "Merry Berry Love" (new episode)
• "The Remarried Empress" (series premiere)
• "VisionQuest" (new episode)

PEACOCK

• "Reagan" (2024)
• NBA: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics – 7:30 p.m. ET
• NBA: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings – 10 p.m. ET

ESPN UNLIMITED

• NBA: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Detroit Pistons (7 p.m. ET)
• NBA: Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs (9:30 p.m. ET)
• College Football: Ball State vs. Massachusetts (7 p.m. ET)
• College Football: Central Michigan vs. Eastern Michigan (7:30 p.m. ET)
• Women's College Volleyball: Arkansas vs. LSU (7 p.m. ET)
• NHL: Ottawa Senators vs. Buffalo Sabres (7:30 p.m. ET)
• NHL: Calgary Flames vs. Seattle Kraken (10 p.m. ET)

TUBI

• "Insidious: The Red Door" (2023)

More from Tom's Guide

• 9 biggest new shows to stream this week
• Prime Video just added 103 new movies
• Every movie arriving on streaming in November 2026

The holiday season is approaching fast, and if you want to treat your loved ones to some special gifts without blowing your budget — you're in the right place. Tom's Guide reviews hundreds of products every year, from Apple tech to running shoes, and I'm here to share the best of the best options that come in under $50.

Keep scrolling to see all my top gift recommendations this year. Don't forget that you can head straight to your favorite categories to see the most relevant picks for the person you're looking for.

Tech Accessories

Apparel

Smart Home

Toys & Games

Kitchen Gadgets

Foldable phones still command a hefty investment, evident with recent releases like the iPhone Duo and Galaxy Z Fold 8 that easily cost thousands of dollars. That’s why you should take into consideration the Motorola Razr (2025).

Right now you can get the Motorola Razr (2025) for just $29 at Boost Mobile. Normally the flip-style phone costs $599, but it’s discounted down by $570 in this limited-time Black Friday deal that gives you all the benefits of a foldable phone, without cleaning out your wallet before the holidays even start.

To get this incredible deal, there is a catch you need to know about: you must port in your existing phone number and prepay for two months of Boost Mobile’s Unlimited Premium plan. That plan runs $120 for the two-month period, which brings your out-of-pocket checkout total to $149.99 plus tax. Once you meet those two requirements, you get the Motorola Razr (2025) for just $29.

As for the phone itself, it remains an excellent flip phone even with newer devices on the market. That comes down to the sheer utility it holds over traditional slabs, largely thanks to its 3.6-inch external display. Beyond running full apps, another major benefit is effortless one-handed use — you aren't stretching your fingers across a massive screen, making it ideal for subway commuters holding onto a handrail with the other hand.

It’s also a fantastic tool for content creators. Pairing the main rear cameras with the outer display lets you frame high-quality selfies and video on the fly, while the folding hinge lets you prop the phone up in various flex modes for completely hands-free recording.

The main drawback of the Motorola Razr (2025) is its MediaTek Dimensity 7300X processor. While perfectly capable of handling everyday tasks and social feeds, it lacks the graphical muscle to push smooth frame rates in demanding 3D games. Low-light photography can also be hit-or-miss compared to pricier flagships.

Even so, snagging the Razr for $29 through Boost Mobile is a steal. While you are locked into paying for two months of premium service upfront, you can always drop down to a cheaper plan after the initial 60 days. Just keep in mind that if you plan on taking the phone elsewhere, Boost Mobile requires 12 months of active service before it unlocks the device.

We're drawing ever closer to Black Friday, and online retailers are already getting in on the sales act. Best Buy has a huge range of amazing deals on right now, covering lots of different types of products.

For this article, I've focused on digital media receivers, dash cams and other gadgets for your car. All of the items here have huge savings, making now a great time to buy and give your car the upgrade it deserves.

I've broken the selections down into three sections: digital media receivers, dash cams — where you can get some great deals on Garmin products — and miscellaneous gadgets. Check them out below and see if there's something that will suit your auto.

Digital media receivers

Dash cams

Car tools

The holiday season is upon us, and if you're scratching your head, wondering what to get the photographer in your life, I've got you covered. The best gifts for photographers are sure to put a massive smile on their face. As someone who has loved photography for as long as she can remember — and tests the best cameras and the best drones here at Tom's Guide — I always appreciate my loved ones supporting my passion.

But what do you get the photographer who already has everything, from the latest camera to their ideal lens? Or where do you start, if someone has expressed an interest in photography and just picked up their first camera? Or how about the young one in your life who loves using instant cameras but has nowhere to store their beloved prints?

Like I said, you've come to the right place. Hi, I'm Nikita, and I've found the best photography gifts for the budding/experienced/professional photographer in your life — from memory cards and lighting gear, to power banks and mics... and everything in between! They start from just $6, too.

If you order now or over the next coming weeks, these should arrive just in time for Christmas. So, without further ado, here are my top 30 gifts for the photographer in your life this holiday season.

Camera Gifts

Drone Gifts

Instant Camera Gifts

Action Camera Gifts

More from Tom's Guide

• I’ve spent over 900 hours testing all the best drones: here are my top picks
• The best cameras in 2026
• The best instant cameras in 2026

The holiday season is just around the corner, and if you're looking to save money without sacrificing a delicious Thanksgiving feast, Walmart has some exciting news. The retailer has announced the return of its annual Thanksgiving meal deal, and this year's offer is bigger, better and more affordable than ever before.

For just $35, you'll be able to serve a full holiday feast for up to 10 people. That's only $3.50 per person — the lowest price since Walmart started the program back in 2022. The retailer is also offering free express delivery on the meal basket, as well as convenient pick-up options.

This year's meal basket offers 26 items, 18% more items than last year. It will include a 13.5-pound Butterball turkey, several of your favorite Thanksgiving sides and staples like stuffing and sweet potato casserole, and all the fixings for a delicious pumpkin pie. The deal is available to order at Walmart from now through December 24. All it takes is one click to secure your basket!

• shop all early Black Friday deals at Walmart

Here's what you'll get

• Butterball Frozen Whole Turkey, All Natural, 10-16 lbs., Serves 7-11
• "JIFFY" Corn Muffin Mix (2 x 8.5 oz boxes)
• Great Value Golden Sweet Whole Kernel Corn (3 cans x 15 oz)
• Great Value Cut Green Beans, (3 cans x 14.5 oz)
• Campbell's Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup, 10.5 oz Can
• Great Value French Fried Onions Salad Topping, 6 oz (Resealable Bag)
• Fresh Whole Russet Potatoes 5 lb Bag
• Great Value Brown Gravy Mix (2 packets x 0.87 oz)
• Great Value Frozen Traditional Pie Crusts, Two 9-inch Pie Crust & Pans, 15 oz
• Great Value Whipped Topping, Dessert and Fruit Topping, 8 oz (Frozen)
• Great Value 100% Pure Pumpkin, 15 oz
• Great Value Evaporated Milk, 12 fl oz
• Great Value Brown and Serve Rolls 12oz, 12 Count
• Stove Top Stuffing Mix, 1 Box, for Dinner Sides and Thanksgiving Dinner, Turkey, (2 boxes x 6 oz)
• Fresh Cranberries, 12 oz, Bag
• Jet-Puffed Mini Marshmallows, 10 oz Bag
• Fresh Whole Sweet Potatoes, Delicious and Versatile Root Vegetable (3 potatoes)

How to order your $35 meal

The Holiday Meal Basket is available in-store, online, for pickup, and with fast delivery options. Customers can order the complete basket in seconds at Walmart.com/HolidaySavingsBasket. The shopping list also enables customers to remove or add more items to customize their carts. Additionally, the retailer is offering free express delivery on the meal basket.

Netflix’s holiday movie slate for 2026 begins its rollout this week, starting with “A Dog’s Perfect Christmas,” a streaming original that so rigidly sticks to the genre conventions that it is as predictable as unwrapping a Christmas present from that one relative who always gets you an Axe body spray gift set. Within seconds, you know exactly what you’re getting.

All the trappings of a family-focused festive-themed comedy-drama are here. By the end, everything is wrapped up in a neat bow, all to send viewers into the credits with a warm fuzzy feeling. It’s a safe holiday movie created in a tinsel-laden laboratory, where artistic merit is not the end goal. Instead, the objective is to create a product palatable for all ages.

But if “A Dog’s Perfect Christmas” proves anything, it’s that throwing a couple of cute canine companions into the mix can make even a Christmas movie this flavorless at least tolerable. Which isn’t to say it has any original musings on the special connection between household pets and their owners. It doesn’t even break from the weary formula established in other dog movies like “A Dog’s Purpose” and “A Dog’s Journey.”

However, the dogs were lovable enough to thaw out even my cynical soul. It might not be a future Christmas classic — the likes of “It’s A Wonderful Life” and “Elf” will not fear their place in any family’s annual seasonal watchlist being pinched by this new Netflix movie — but dog lovers everywhere will probably find this film cozy enough to watch, if only once.

What is ‘A Dog’s Perfect Christmas’ about?

Based on the novel by W. Bruce Cameron, author of “A Dog’s Purpose,” this movie focuses on the Goss family. Their holiday festivities are already off to a rocky start, with grandpa Sander (Dennis Quaid) grieving the loss of his wife two years prior, husband Hunter (Milo Ventimiglia) putting work first, and mother Juliana (Kathleen Rose Perkins) struggling to find common ground with her moody teenage daughter, Ello (Brooke Lena Johnson).

Things take a further turn when a medical emergency throws the family into turmoil and threatens to bring a swift end to any lingering holiday cheer. It’s up to the Goss' wise old dog, a basset hound named Winstead (voiced by Thomas Haden Church), and an energetic new arrival, a Corgi puppy named Ruby (Sadie Hatch), to bring the humans back together.

Netflix’s new holiday flick is no classic, but it’s cozy (and cheesy)

I really cannot overstate just how generic “A Dog’s Perfect Christmas” is. All its narrative beats have been seen in countless other holiday movies, and it has no desire to rework the genre trappings. But whether you demand, or particularly look for, originality in your holiday watchlist is a matter of personal preference. If you want a cozy family comedy, it’s a suitable way to spend 100 minutes, and it'll probably make for great background noise while putting up your own seasonal decorations, if that's your thing.

Perhaps it was a case of lowered expectations — I can’t say I expect cinematic brilliance from Netflix’s holiday original — but I found the whole thing pleasant. Well, for the most part. In fact, one key dramatic moment verged on touching, even if I was never truly invested in any of the cookie-cutter characters. Where it comes up short is the romance quality; there are two simple love stories within, one for Quaid’s Sander, the other for Lena Johnson’s Ello. Both romances have all the spark of a set of Christmas lights in need of new batteries.

Another notable area where “A Dog’s Perfect Christmas” comes up short is in its insistence on over-explaining. It’s been suggested that Netflix has a mandate that its movies need to reiterate key plot points for viewers only half-watching, and while the streamer denies this, “A Dog’s Perfect Christmas” is evidence to the contrary. Characters often speak unnaturally, regurgitating facts as if they know a third party is watching their holiday season unfold and might need a reminder (or three) to follow along.

But even if “A Dog’s Perfect Christmas” will no doubt be forgotten long before you take down your tree and household decorations for another year, in the moment, it’s by no means offensively bad. It’s just bland. But above all, the two dogs at the heart of the holiday crowd-pleaser are very cute and given enough screen time to make their presence felt.

“A Dog’s Perfect Christmas” celebrates family, especially these four-legged members of our homes who are just as important to the unit as any human. That’s a message that dog owners everywhere will relate to, and it gives this Netflix movie a crowd-pleasing quality. I guess it really does prove that the inclusion of a dog (or two) can make anything watchable.

Watch "A Dog's Perfect Christmas" on Netflix now

More from Tom's Guide

• Netflix confirms its new holiday movies for 2026
• Stop overpaying for holiday travel: 3 Google Flights hacks to try now
• New on Netflix in November 2026

Each school can do what it wants when it comes to restricting or banning AI. However, a new report from The New York Times report found that schools that completely ban AI will also lose access to Google Search, one of the most ubiquitous tools on the internet for finding, well, anything.

"Search and A.I. are deeply integrated," said Chris Phillips, vice president for education at Google. He also explained that students "will not have access to search, and they’ll see a message from their school that indicates it’s not available."

Getting through college without access to Google sounds difficult, since almost everyone goes there when they need to learn something. Sure, Google alternatives exist, but for most people, an online search is still called "Googling."

As you might expect, Google's stance has drawn pushback. Lina Khan, former chair of the FTC, said to the NYT that Google is using its “search monopoly to coerce schools” into adopting its AI.

Obviously, Google is justifying this move by saying that AI is an integrated part of search as it stands now. And that might be true, but we had many, many years of Google Search without AI, so it's certainly possible to find content on the web without it.

"This latest move shows it remains unchastened. As the public increasingly pushes back against the use of AI in schools," Khan added. "Google is making clear it will punish those who don’t fall in line."

Two options for search inside school-issued accounts will launch in early 2027.

The first option will be search with AI overviews and AI chats, similar to the experience we use every day. The other will be search with Guided Learning, the student feature within Google’s Gemini chatbot. This feature is meant to guide students step-by-step without just giving them the answers. It is supposed to offer an experience similar to one-on-one tutoring.

Either way, we know it's possible to use search without AI, and if Google really wanted to, it could almost certainly allow schools to keep using its search engine without AI. We did it for years.

Will Google stick to its guns here, or will the company back down if there's enough backlash? After all, Google makes a lot of its money from search ads, and if It suddenly lost millions of students, that could hurt the bottom line over time.

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 signs you’re still using ChatGPT like a beginner — and how to fix them
• I used NotebookLM to make a 'Family Wiki'— and now everything I need to run the household is a click away
• Google’s new $100 AI Ultra plan just changed the AI race — here's what you get

"Alaska State Troopers" returns after a 10-year hiatus. Watch as police officers in Alaska undertake what some consider the toughest job in law enforcement: keeping the remote wilds of The Last Frontier safe. Episode 1 of season 10 airs at 8 p.m. ET on November 4.

Here's how to watch "Alaska State Troopers" season 10 online from anywhere with a VPN.

Police Officers in the 49th state show us what day-to-day duties are really like when your job is to protect and serve.

'"Alaska State Troopers" season 10 follows real-life law enforcement officers as they jo about their job including traffic stops, high speed pursuits and drug busts.

Experience the frontline with "Alaska State Troopers" season 10 and see what it really means to be a cop.

Read on to find out how to watch "Alaska State Troopers" season 10 online and from anywhere.

Watch 'Alaska State Troopers' season 10 from anywhere in the world

If "Alaska State Troopers" season 10 isn’t available where you are right now, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out while you’re away from home. With the right VPN (virtual private network), you can stream the show from wherever you’re traveling.

We’ve tested plenty of options, and the VPN we rate best overall is NordVPN. It ticks the boxes for most viewers: it’s easy to use, works on a wide range of devices, and delivers fast, consistent speeds. You can also try it risk-free for 30 days thanks to NordVPN’s no-quibble money-back guarantee.

Using a VPN is straightforward; follow these steps.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As noted, NordVPN is our preferred option.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're in the U.K. and want to view an American service, you'd select U.S. from the list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the show. Head to Sling/Philo/etc and stream new episodes of 'Alaska State Troopers' season 2 online.

How to watch "Alaska State Troopers" season 10 in the U.S. without cable

In the U.S., "Alaska State Troopers" season 10 airs live on A&E on November 4 at 8 p.m. ET.

No need to buy a cable package – you can stream cable channels such as A&E via cable-cutting services like DirecTV (free trial)

You should also consider DirecTV's free trial, which allows you to watch episode one of 'Alaska State Troopers' season 2 for free (cancel before the trial ends).

Other services such as Philo and Sling also include A&E.

A&E also have their own streaming serve; A&E Crime Central. "Alaska State Troopers" seasons 1-9 are available to stream on there right now. A&E Crime Central are currently offering a 7-day free trial.

Not in the U.S. right now? A VPN can help you access your usual streaming services while you’re overseas. We recommend NordVPN (try risk-free) for its speed, reliability, and ease of use.

How to watch 'Alaska State Troopers' season 10 online in Canada

In Canada, 'Alaska State Troopers' season 10 also debuts Saturday, November 4 at 8 p.m. ET on A&E through participating cable and satellite providers.

Traveling outside Canada? A VPN such as NordVPN can help you keep up with 'Alaska State Troopers' season 2 as if you were still at home.

Can I watch 'Alaska State Troopers' season 2 online in the U.K.?

No, "Alaska State Troopers" season 10 is not available anywhere in the U.K., be it online or via linear TV. Your best option is to keep an eye out for a later U.K. release or a buy-to-own listing on digital stores like Prime Video or Apple TV, where the franchise has previously been available to purchase.

If you’re a U.S. resident temporarily in the U.K., you may be able to use a VPN such as NordVPN to securely access your existing streaming subscriptions while abroad.

Can I watch "Alaska State Troopers" season 10 online in Australia?

Australia doesn’t currently have a confirmed broadcaster for season 10. If you’re happy to wait, keep an eye on buy-to-own stores such as Apple TV and Amazon Video in the weeks and months after the U.S. debut.

If you’re a U.S. subscriber traveling in Australia, a VPN like NordVPN can help you access your usual services from back home.

Alaska State Troopers Season 10 trailer

"Alaska State Troopers" season 10 - Episode guide

Here's what we know about season 10 so far:

Episode 1 - Nov 4

Episode 2 - Nov 11

Episode 3 - Nov 18

Episode 4 - Nov 25

More from Tom's Guide

• How to watch I Kissed a Girl online
• The best VPN service
• How to watch F1 online

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

I recently called out Apple’s new “why not” era under CEO John Ternus — a chaotic, experimental chapter bringing us the $2,000 iPhone Duo and $3,000 touchscreen MacBook Pros. Well, the iPad mini 8 just arrived, and it perfectly encapsulates the dark side of this new philosophy.

I just finished reading Tony Polanco’s review of the new mini, and I completely agree with his assessment: it is a stunning piece of hardware. That new OLED panel is a visual marvel, the IP67 water resistance is a massive structural win, and it is undeniably one of the most capable tablets Apple has ever made.

And then, I looked at the pricing ladder, and realized it revealed something grave. The iPad mini 8 is proof that Apple’s “budget” tier is officially dead, replaced by sneaky paywalls, binned silicon and a display refresh rate that would have been considered “old” back in 2018.

By stuffing flagship features into a smaller chassis, compromising weirdly in some areas and passing the skyrocketing component costs directly to you, the message is clear: buying into the Apple ecosystem today comes with a pro tax.

The hidden cost of the A20 Pro

If the $699 starting price wasn’t concerningly high enough, Apple has incorporated tantalizing silicon upgrades into its price ladder.

In all the marketing, the Cupertino crew boasts that the new mini is powered by the 2nm A20 Pro chip from the iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max and Duo. But what you don’t see until you actually head to the shop is that if you buy the base model, you aren’t actually getting the full chip. You are getting a slightly nerfed version.

In fact, if you take a closer look at the specs (5-core CPU, 7-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine vs the 6-core CPU and dual 16-core Neural Engine), something struck me. This sounds like the difference between the A18 and A18 Pro of last year — knocking a core off.

The entry-level and mid-tier models are locked to this binned option. If you want the actual A20 Pro, you’re forced to drop $1,000 on the 512GB version.

Now, is this something most people are going to feel? No. But it’s something worth noting. Apple is holding the true A20 Pro performance behind a massive storage paywall. You’re paying MacBook Air to get the real thing.

Does RAMageddon fly anymore?

Many folks at this point will immediately point to the supply chain, and that’s fair enough. We are in the middle of a brutal global memory shortage driven by the AI data center bubble — Ternus himself said it’s “unprecedented” in Apple’s most recent earnings call, and the A20 Pro requires RAM overhead to run Apple Intelligence.

But the solution to this component inflation is rather telling. It’s something I’ve talked about with the MacBook PROLED and Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20. I’m gonna call it the OLED facade.

Rather than eating a margin hit to protect entry-level consumers, or finding a way to build a highly capable device with slightly older silicon, Apple’s gone the luxury route — packing an OLED screen into a re-engineered body and jacking up the price.

As David Naranjo, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, told me when we predicted the price of the new MacBook Pros, OLED is “becoming a way for PC makers to justify higher prices as memory and component costs go up.” Companies are “using these premium displays to protect their profits and balance the rising costs."

They aren’t just adjusting for inflation; the idea of an accessible budget-friendly tablet is slowly but surely being abandoned.

The pro-tier squeeze

But what I find most frustrating reading Tony’s review is what Apple’s left out here.

If you’re going to lure people in with the $699 tablet, and FOMO upsell them to the fully unbinned processor and enough storage, the device needs to be a flawless flagship experience. Yet, despite the price hike, Apple still locked the display to a 60Hz refresh rate.

And despite moving the front-facing camera to the landscape edge (giving more room around the side of the camera for extra tech), there’s no Face ID.

Why? Well, I can only theorize, and that’s where I take you back to the product ladder of the iPads. If we got an iPad mini 8 with 120Hz ProMotion and Face ID, that would nerf the larger, more expensive iPad Pro. It feels hamstrung to protect that pathway to one of its $1,300+ flagships.

Is the Apple tax mandatory?

The iPad mini 8 is a brilliant, powerful and gorgeous device, which is why I felt so conflicted writing this. For most folks buying this, you’re going to have a great time. But it does represent an Apple that is moving away from affordability (along with the wider tech industry).

Consumers didn’t necessarily need a mini tablet capable of running a dual neural engine with an OLED panel. But in the same vein, they feel necessary in Apple’s “why not” era of building premium, experimental hardware.

John Ternus’s vision for the future is coming into focus fast, and you better start saving up because the entry-level Apple experience is quickly vanishing in the rearview mirror.

More from Tom's Guide

• Cancel your iPhone Duo pre-order: Here's why I think the iPad mini 8 and iPhone 18 Pro combo is cheaper and better
• Sam Altman says your laptop RAM is a 'terrible’ allocation of scarce resources: Why I think the AI bubble is about to prove him wrong
• I tested AMD FSR 4 on the ROG Xbox Ally X20 and Strix Halo — and the performance 'boost' is a total optical illusion

Black Friday deals have officially started at Home Depot! That's right, even though we're still a few weeks out from the day itself, you can already get 50% off or more on decor, furniture, appliances and everything in between.

The holidays will soon be upon us, so now's the time to refresh your home with anything you need. I've picked out the best Home Depot deals you can shop right now and listed them below. Plus, see our Home Depot promo codes page for more ways to save.

Quick Links (Home Depot)

• shop all Home Depot deals
• Energizer MAX AA Batteries (36 pack): was $21 now $15
• Ring Battery Doorbell 2K + Indoor Cam Plus 2K bundle: was $139 now $59
• Shark Navigator ADV Bagless Vacuum Cleaner: was $269 now $199
• Smart home: up to 40% off
• Outdoor grills: deals from $99

Quick Links (Other Retailers)

• T-Mobile: $1,200 off iPhone Duo
• YETI: deals from $17 @ Amazon
• Adidas: deals from $6 @ Amazon
• Skechers: deals from $16 @ Amazon
• REI: 50% off Arc'teryx, Patagonia, more @ REI
• Ninja: appliances from $69 @ Amazon
• Nectar mattresses: up to 50% off @ Nectar

Editor's Choice

Appliances

Indoor decor

Outdoor decor

We’ve gotten to the point where people are relying on AI assistants to help them navigate all the madness associated with holiday shopping.

According to Bain & Company, nearly a quarter of US online shoppers plan to kick off their holiday shopping on an AI platform like ChatGPT or Gemini (which is a stat that’s up from 17% last year).

With that increase in AI tools being used to aid online shoppers comes the threat of scammers, who look to exploit those shoppers with fake online stores (which are now popping up at a current rate of one every three minutes). And what’s worse is that those same stores have now started showing up in AI assistants’ product recommendations.

In a bid to learn more about how to shop more safely when using AI for online shopping, how a holiday gift list given to AI could build out an identity map of your family and more, I spoke to cybersecurity expert Serena Sullivan.

Here’s hoping her advice makes your AI-assisted holiday shopping experience less susceptible to any sorts of scams.

More from Tom’s Guide

• Real people at AI companies may be reading your private chats — here's how to protect yourself
• Living near an AI data center might not hurt your home's value — here's what new research found
• A few tech leaders are rebranding AI as ‘superintelligence’ — calling it that doesn’t make it accurate

Whenever I’m seeking home inspiration or planning to transform my living space with style, Joanna Gaines has always been one of my go-to interior design gurus. And when I'm not exploring her gorgeous Magnolia Home line, I'm slightly obsessed with her cozy, vintage-inspired rug collection.

Which is why I was thrilled to discover that my favorite rug is currently on sale at Wayfair. Right now, the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines x Loloi Junie Denim / Natural Area Rug is $49, down from $79.

That’s a decent 37% discount, and it will bring cozy warmth and vibes for the colder months ahead.

Plus, it looks stunning and will instantly upgrade your home — just in time for the holiday season. Here’s why I’ll be rushing to put it in my shopping cart.

Why I'll be picking up this rug

Part of the Junie Collection from Magnolia Home, this area rug was created in collaboration with Loloi. It's a great choice for introducing character and adding warmth to any space.

This is especially the case if you want to keep your house warm without turning up the thermostat this season.

Its oriental design and earthy tones are eye-catching, and it’s designed to be shed-free, durable, and super easy to maintain. It’s also stain-resistant, which comes in handy when you have messy children or pets running around.

What I love most about this rug is its incredible versatility — it has a lighter or darker side depending on the angle you view it from. Plus, it comes with a cotton backing material to ensure that your hard floors don’t get ruined.

So if you want to style your room like Joanna Gaines, this rug will bring a touch of vintage designer glam to your home. And at such a great price, this deal won’t be on the shelves for too long.

For more inspo, shop the rest of the Magnolia Home collection.

More from Tom's Guide

• 9 best fall decor ideas for a cozy home
• Plus, here's how to make a no-carve pumpkin
• This Joanna Gaines decluttering trick is what we all should be doing

The Saucony Endorphin Speed has been one of the best running shoes on the market ever since the original launched in 2020.

It’s always been one of the most versatile shoes available thanks to its fast, comfortable ride, and I loved the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 when I racked up over 60 miles in it for my four-star review.

The new Endorphin Speed 6 just launched, and that’s resulted in some great deals cropping up on the Endorphin Speed 5, which is $129 in the Amazon sale right now.

For me that discount makes it the better buy ahead of the new shoe, because although Saucony has made some changes to the Endorphin Speed 6, the overall ride feel is still similar based on my early testing.

What are the key changes to the Saucony Endorphin Speed 6?

The main change made to the Endorphin Speed 6 is that it uses a new midsole foam called PWRRUN PBX, which is meant to be a little lighter and softer than the PWRRUN PB foam on the Endorphin Speed 5.

Saucony also slightly increased the midsole stack height in the new shoe by 2mm, so it is a little more cushioned all round than the Endorphin Speed 5, while also making minor updates to the upper and outsole, and adjusting the shape of the nylon plate in the midsole.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 vs Endorphin Speed 6

On paper the updates sound significant with the new shoe, but when I did my first run in the Endorphin Speed 6 it certainly felt very familiar.

The midsole foam is a little softer, but still quite firm, and the Speedroll rocker on the shoe pushes you smoothly onto your forefoot at both easy and faster paces.

I very much enjoyed the run in the Speed 6, but I was surprised how similar to the Speed 5 it felt, so I actually ran in both shoes at the same time to compare them directly.

There are slight differences – the new shoe is marginally softer at the heel in particular — but overall I do think they have a similar ride feel.

While the Speed 6 might be a slight upgrade overall, I’d certainly be happy grabbing the older shoe in the sale for $50 less, since the Endorphin Speed 6 will set you back $180 right now.

"Southern Law" is back for a new season of true-to-life traffic stops and police chases across the southern states.. Episode 1 of season 2 airs at 10 p.m. ET on November 4.

Here's how to watch "Southern Law" season 2 online from anywhere with a VPN.

The "Cops" style TV show is back for a second season of being tough on crime across the southern parts of the continental United States.

"Southern Law" season 2 follows real-life law enforcement officers as they carry out their day to day duties including traffic stops, high speed pursuits and drug busts.

Experience the frontline with "Southern Law" season 2 and see what it really means to protect and serve.

Read on to find out how to watch "Southern Law" season 2 online and from anywhere.

Watch "Southern Law" season 2 from anywhere in the world

If "Southern LAw" isn’t available where you are right now, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out while you’re away from home. With the right VPN (virtual private network), you can stream the show from wherever you’re traveling.

We’ve tested plenty of options, and the VPN we rate best overall is NordVPN. It ticks the boxes for most viewers: it’s easy to use, works on a wide range of devices, and delivers fast, consistent speeds. You can also try it risk-free for 30 days thanks to NordVPN’s no-quibble money-back guarantee.

Using a VPN is straightforward; follow these steps.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As noted, NordVPN is our preferred option.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're in the U.K. and want to view an American service, you'd select U.S. from the list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the show. Head to Sling/Philo/etc and stream new episodes of "Southern Law" season 2 online.

How to watch "Southern Law" season 2 in the U.S. without cable

In the U.S., "Southern Law" season 2 airs live on A&E on November 4 at 10 p.m. ET.

No need to buy a cable package – you can stream cable channels such as A&E via cable-cutting services like DirecTV (free trial)

You should also consider DirecTV's free trial, which allows you to watch episode one of "Southern Law" for free (cancel before the trial ends).

Other services such as Philo and Sling also include A&E.

A&E also have their own streaming serve; A&E Crime Central. "Southern Law" season 1 is available to stream on there right now, with season 2 following shortly. A&E Crime Central are currently offering a 7-day free trial.

Not in the U.S. right now? A VPN can help you access your usual streaming services while you’re overseas. We recommend NordVPN (try risk-free) for its speed, reliability, and ease of use.

How to watch "Southern Law" season 2 online in Canada

In Canada, "Southern Law" season 2 also debuts Saturday, November 4 at 10 p.m. ET on A&E through participating cable and satellite providers.

Traveling outside Canada? A VPN such as NordVPN can help you keep up with "Southern Law" season 2 as if you were still at home.

Can I watch "Southern Law" season 2 online in the U.K.?