Published December 1, 2024 6:00am EST close No tennis partner? Play anytime with this AI robot PongBot is an artificial intelligence-powered tennis robot. Imagine having a personal tennis coach who never gets tired, always hits the perfect shot, adapts to your skill level and is available 24/7.Enter the PongBot, a groundbreaking artificial intelligence-powered tennis robot that's turning heads in the tennis world.This isn't just another ball-serving machine; it's a smart training partner designed to elevate your tennis game. AI tennis robot (PongBot)What makes PongBot unique?The PongBot comes with a clever clip-on sensor that tracks your position on the court. This sensor ensures that the PongBot can deliver shots tailored to your exact position, simulating the dynamic nature of a real tennis match. Additionally, this technology enables the AI match training feature to adjust ball speed and spin in real time, providing a highly immersive and challenging training experience. AI tennis robot and clip-on sensor (PongBot)Customizable drills that adapt to youWant a personalized training experience? The PongBot app lets you create custom drills down to the individual ball level. Imagine programming a sequence like a deep forehand return, followed by a short backhand, two volleys and an overhead shot all saved and ready for your next practice session. The PongBot offers up to 300 preprogrammed drills with three difficulty levels. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, there's a drill that'll challenge you just right. AI tennis robot remote and app (PongBot)AI match trainingThe real game-changer is the AI match training feature. The robot continuously reads your court position and analyzes your performance, adjusting ball speed and spin to simulate real match conditions. It's like having a smart opponent who knows exactly how to push your limits. AI tennis robot (PongBot)Technical capabilities that wowThe PongBot isn't just smart, it's powerful. It can serve balls at up to 80 mph with various spin types (topspin, underspin or no spin), reaching up to 60 rotations per second. With a ball capacity of 150 and a battery life of eight hours, you'll have plenty of time for an intense training session. AI tennis robot (PongBotA)Two models are availablePace S Model120 preprogrammed drillsBasic tracking featuresPerfect for beginnersPace S Pro300 preprogrammed drillsAdvanced AI match trainingComprehensive performance tracking AI tennis robots (PongBot)Smart ecosystem integrationWhat truly sets the PongBot apart is its ability to integrate with the broader tennis technology ecosystem. It works seamlessly with smart devices like intelligent rackets and can sync performance data with the Apple Watch. The over-the-air updates promise continuous improvement, ensuring your training tool stays cutting-edge.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? AI tennis robot (PongBot)Backing PongBot on KickstarterThe PongBot's journey beganon Kickstarter, where it far exceeded its initial goal of just $10,000. This overwhelming support showcases not only the demand for innovative training solutions but also confidence in the creators behind this project. Early backers still have the chance to snag some fantastic deals. You can get the Pace S for about $699 or the Pro model for $899.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HEREDespite some caution often associated with crowdfunding platforms, potential backers can feel secure in their investment here; the team behind PongBot has solid backing from Qualcomm and experience in creating impressive robotics technology. If everything goes according to plan, backers can expect their machines to ship by December just in time for some serious off-season training. Person pulling the AI tennis robot onto the court (PongBot)Kurts key takeawaysBy combining AI, smart sensors and adaptive training modes, PongBot offers tennis players an unprecedented opportunity to improve their game. Backed by Qualcomm and created by robotics experts who've already impressed the tech world with ping-pong robots, the PongBot isn't just another crowdfunding project. It's a serious training tool for players who are serious about improving their tennis game.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPWould you feel comfortable using a robotic training partner like the PongBot to enhance your tennis skills? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/ContactFor more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/NewsletterAsk Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to coverFollow Kurt on his social channelsAnswers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Move over, cable; we're gearing up for Cyber Monday streaming deals. If you've been thinking about cutting the cord or trying out some new services, this is the best time of year to do so, when you can find discounts of over 85% off in some cases (looking at you, Hulu). Especially after several streaming services like Disney+ and Max saw price hikes this past year, it's key to look for savings when possible.Also: The best Cyber Monday deals: Live updatesWhile these streaming Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are some of the best we've seen all year, you'll want to read the fine print: Some are only open to new or returning subscribers, and others are for ad-supported plans, not ad-free ones. Still, they're all worth checking out. Read on for our experts' best streaming deals for Cyber Monday 2024.Our favorite streaming deals for Cyber Monday 2024Disney+, Hulu, and Max Bundle: $17-30 a month (save $15 a month): Multiple streaming services subscriptions can be expensive. Luckily, this Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle will save you money monthly.Peacock: for $1.99 a month for 6 months (save up to $50): Peacock is offering up to 75% off its subscription for two different plans. The first option is 6 months at $1.99 a month, and the second is a full year's subscription for a $20 flat rate.Hulu: for $0.99 a month for a year (save $9 a month): Hulu is running the best deal we've seen yet, dropping its Hulu with Ads plan from $7.99 a month to just $0.99. Plus, they are offering a Disney+ bundle for only $2.99 a month. Note that these deals expire on Dec. 2, so don't miss out.Paramount Plus: for $3 a month (save $10 for 2 months): Paramount Plus, a streaming service with Paramount movies, Nickelodeon shows, and more is offering a great deal at $3 for the first two months.Max: for $3 a month (save $7 a month): Enjoy all of your favorite HBO original shows and movies for only $3 a month for the next 6 months, or save up to $41 with an annual plan.YouTube TV: for $50 a month (save $23 a month for the first two months): YouTube TV is a great solution for those who need to cut their cable cord; you can watch live TV, sports, and more.ESPN+: for $100 a year (save $20 your first year): Catch all your favorite live sports with ESPN+, and save with this offer of 12 months for the price of 9.Amazon Fire TV Stick: $33 (save $27 on Amazon): If you don't like Roku, Amazon offers a great streaming alternative. This one is compact, and great for a smaller space.Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K: $22 (save $28 on Amazon): This Fire Stick has 4K, Alexa, and endless streaming options.Roku Streaming Stick 4K: $29 (save $21 at Amazon): This streaming option is compact but has a lot of capabilities, making it perfect for a dorm room or smaller space.Roku Streambar SE: $69 (save $31 on Amazon): This product combines a soundbar and a streaming device. This would work great in a large living room or bedroom. Hulu/ZDNET Current price: $17 or $30/monthOriginal price: $30 or $45/monthHaving multiple subscriptions adds up. Streaming services gatekeep content, so your favorite movie may be on a different platform than your current show. This can cause a huge dent in your pocket. With this bundle, you can save up to $15 a month by purchasing these three services in one package. There are two options: the less expensive ad-supported option or the pricier ad-free option. Both are at a way more discounted rate. View now at Disney+ Current price: $1.99/month for 6 months, or $19.99/yearOriginal price: $8/month or $80/yearPeacock is a streaming service that offers classic comfort shows like The Office, Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock, and more. Therefore, it would make a great primary streaming service to get through all the goodness. At about $2 a month, you can't beat it. This deal gives you access to all Peacock content, but it is ad-supported. View now at Peacock Current price: $0.99 or $2.99/monthOriginal price: $9.99 or. $10.99/monthHulu is offering a great deal at only $0.99 a month for regular ad-supported Hulu and $2.99 for the Hulu and Disney+ bundle for a whole year. Both platforms feature unmissable original content, especially Disney's Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, and more. Even shows like Modern Family and Family Guy are offered as well. Try it out, it may be your favorite service. View now at Hulu Paramount Plus/ZDNET Paramount+, the streaming service with Paramount movies, Nickelodeon shows, and more, is offering a deal to get the service for $3 a month for the first two months, down from the usual price of $13 a month. View now at Paramount+ Maria Diaz/ZDNET Current price: $33Original price: $60Amazon also has its own version of a Roku streaming stick. While it is a tiny bit pricier, it still is just as great as a Roku. The compact form factor is plug-and-play and preloaded with apps like Prime Video and Netflix. There is also a marketplace to customize what streaming apps you want on the device. View now at Amazon Black Friday deals 2024: Devices Maria Diaz/ZDNETRoku Premiere: $26 (save $14 at Walmart): This Roku streams in 4K and would be a great gift for a TV-loving loved one.Roku Express: $17 (save $12 at Walmart): The Roku Express is perfect for first-time users, and it is a great deal for this price.Onn. Google TV: $15 (save $4 at Walmart): This Onn streaming stick is a great way to watch TV on a budget.Google Chromecast 3rd Gen: $44 (save $6 at Walmart): Google has its own version of a streaming box, making this a good gift for Google fans.Amazon Fire TV Stick HD: $18 (save $17 on Amazon): The newest version of Amazon Fire TV Stick, this streaming device has smart home controls and tons of channels.TiVo Stream 4K: $25 (save $15 on Amazon): You may have been around for TiVo in the past, but this version has 4K streaming and Dolby Atmos sound.Amazon Fire TV Cube: $100 (save $40 on Amazon): This streaming device is Amazon's fastest player yet. It has 4K visuals and built-in privacy protections.Cyber Monday deals 2024: Services ZDNETDisney+, Hulu, and Max Bundle: $17-30 a month (save $15 a month): Having multiple streaming services subscriptions can be an expensive venture. Luckily, there is a bundle of Disney+, Hulu, and Max that will save you money every month.Hulu: from $0.99 a month (save $9 a month): Hulu is running the best deal we've seen yet. Plus, they are offering a Disney+ bundle for only $2.99 a month.Peacock: from $1.99 a month (save up to $50): Peacock is offering up to 75% off their subscription for two different plans. The first option is 6 months at $1.99 a month, and the second is a year subscription for $20 flat.Paramount Plus: $3 a month (save $10 a month for 2 months): Paramount Plus, a streaming service with Paramount movies, Nickelodeon shows, and more is offering a great deal for $10 off for two months -- including Showtime.YouTube TV: $50 a month (save $23 a month for the first two months): YouTube TV is a great solution for those who need to cut their cable cord; you can watch live TV, sports, and more!ESPN+: $100 a year (save $20 your first year): ESPN+, a platform to watch all your favorite live sports, is offering 12 months of content for the price of 9.FAQsWhat is the best streaming service?This is up to the individual. However, many people say Netflix is because of its staying power in the industry and its original content. In terms of live TV streaming services, we named YouTube TV as our tested top pick.What streaming service has the most content?Amazon Prime Video has the most options, as there is an option to rent movies or shows that aren't included in the subscription.What is the best streaming device?Lots of publications have Roku devices as their top pick. Rightfully so, as it has a simple user interface and aesthetically pleasing backgrounds -- and, of course, the iconic Roku City. However, Amazon Fire Sticks and Google Chrome Casts are also good alternatives.What is the cheapest streaming service?Peacock is widely regarded for its high quality for a lower price. It has a great variety of content at only $8 a month (with ads).How often are these plans offered?It seems that most streaming services offer discounts on their platforms during the holidays. This could be for gifting purposes, to catch a specific game on Thanksgiving, or even to start fresh on a new platform for the new year.What plans are usually offered?Most services offer monthly subscriptions, and discounts happen every month. Otherwise, there are savings in yearly subscriptions, where you could save a bigger sum of money by buying in bulk. It's like the Costco option of entertainment.When is Cyber Monday?Cyber Monday takes place this year on Monday, Dec. 2 2024; the Monday after Black Friday and US Thanksgiving.Are streaming deals really better on Black Friday and Cyber Monday?Yes and no. Certain deals, like the Hulu bundle, usually stay live year-round. However, as Black Friday and Cyber Monday get closer, companies are more likely to drop the prices of these services and devices. Amazon and other retailers have consistent sales on streaming devices, but they drop the price more for sales events. Keep a watchful eye as the dates get closer.What's the difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday?The only technical difference between the two is that Black Friday takes place at in-person stores. Think old-fashioned Black Friday sales at the mall, when people used to be more serious about sales. Now, there is an online solution with Cyber Monday, where sales move to online as well as in-store locations. Many stores still honor the Black Friday tradition, but many retailers have moved their focus to online sales. It all depends on the retailer.How did we choose these Cyber Monday deals?At ZDNET, we only believe in recommending products and services that we would also purchase. I am someone who always uses a streaming device and services, so I know how pricey the experience can be. That is why it is essential that we recommend things that are a good enough quality to leave you with a satisfactory experience.We here at ZDNET also test lots of the devices we recommend. And if we haven't, we are committed to thoroughly researching the products to ensure their quality. At the end of the day, we want what's best for the reader.How long will these Cyber Monday streaming deals last?Some of these streaming deals, like Hulu's, have an expiration date, while others may be ongoing. We'd recommend signing up as soon as you can, in case any expire.Am I locked into a contract if I sign up for one of these Cyber Monday streaming deals?Many of these deals allow you to cancel at any time, and you'll only pay through the current billing cycle. But make sure you read the terms before you sign up.Is there a Netflix Cyber Monday deal?No, Netflix is not offering a deal for Black Friday 2024. It rarely offers deals at all, so this isn't a surprise.Is there an Apple TV Plus Cyber Monday deal?There's no deal on Apple TV Plus alone, but if you buy an eligible Apple device (like a Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV), you can get three months of Apple TV Plus included for free. (Check out the best Black Friday Apple deals we've found here.)Where can you shop the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals?Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and more offer the best deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Sales will be in-store and in-person, but there will also be lots more online.What are the best Cyber Monday 2024 deals?ZDNET's experts have been searching through Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales live now to find the best discounts by category. These are the best Cyber Monday deals so far, by category:And more Black Friday deals:Top holiday deals

Black Friday is over and done with, but Cyber Monday is here to keep the savings rolling. Many of the best deals on robot vacuums are still live, and these are truly some of the best discounts we've seen all year. We've curated the top Cyber Monday deals right here, so you can skip the hassles and dive straight into the savings.Also: The best Cyber Monday deals: Live updatesAs a robot vacuum reviewer and a dog owner, I'm always looking for great devices to help keep my home clean with as little effort as possible.I test different types of robot vacuums daily and have grown exceedingly familiar with each brand's strengths and weaknesses and their price fluctuations. This is the best time of year to buy that robot vacuum you've had your eye on all year or as a holiday gift for that family member who's always wanted one. For example, the iRobot Roomba s9+ robot vacuum is bundled with a Braava Jet m6 robot mop, saving you over $1,000 -- a deal you don't want to miss.Read on to find the best deals on robot vacuums and cordless vacuums that are still available after Black Friday through Cyber Monday.Shop deals at AmazonOur favorite robot vacuum deals for Cyber Monday 2024iRobot Roomba s9+ and Braava Jet m6 bundle: $420 (save $1,029 at Best Buy): This is, by far, the best deal you can get on a robot vacuum and mop bundle, as it went on clearance just in time for Cyber Monday.Narwal Freo X Ultra robot vacuum and mop: $800 (save $300 at Best Buy): The highly rated Narwal Freo X Ultra is a top-performing robot vacuum and mop with 8,200Pa of suction power.Roborock Q8 Max+ robot vacuum and mop: $420 (save $400 at Amazon): In addition to a Q8 robot vacuum and mop, the Max model includes a self-emptying dock that you don't have to worry about for up to seven weeks.Dreame X40 Ultra robot vacuum and mop: $1,000 (save $900 at Amazon): This ismy favorite robot vacuum and mop combinationthat I've tested, with excellent obstacle avoidance and strong suction.Dreame X30 Ultra robot vacuum and mop: $850 (save $550 at Amazon): This is the lowest price on the Dreame X30 Ultra, whichwas ZDNET's top pick for thebest 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop, dethroned only by its successor,the X40 Ultra.Yeedi M12 Pro+ robot vacuum and mop: $550 (save $449 at Amazon): Have you ever heard the phrase "high-end features for a mid-range price?"This hands-free robot vacuum and mopdoes all the work for you, with flagship features like an extending mop pad to reach corners and under cabinets and 11,000Pa of suction.Airrobo T20+ robot vacuum and mop: $279 (save $220 with coupon at Amazon): This is one of the lowest prices we've ever seen on this Airrobo self-emptying robot vacuum and mop.Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo complete robot vacuum and mop: $1,414 (save $286 at Amazon): I rely on theDeebot X2 Combo Complete robot vacuum and mop, especially because of its side-mounted cordless vacuum that empties automatically.Roborock S8 Pro Ultra robot vacuum and mop: $900 (save $700 at Amazon): The all-in-one S8 Pro Ultra features 6,000Pa of suction power, a self-emptying dustbin, and self-washing mop pads. Beth Mauder/ZDNET Current price: $350Original price: $650The Eufy X8 Pro twin-turbine robot vacuum is perfect for pet owners. With 4,000Pa of suction power, this robot vacuum includes a self-empty station and smooth navigation to leave beautiful carpet lines behind. View now at Amazon Current price: $980Original price: $1,399The flagship Roomba j9+ features powerful suction and a self-emptying dustbin, perfect for pet owners. This combo option also has a retractable mop pad that stores itself on top of the robot when not in use, ensuring your carpets stay dry and your hard floors stay mopped. View now at Amazon Maria Diaz/ZDNET Current price: $800Original price: $1,200The Deebot T30S combo is fairly new but lives up to the hype that only a three-in-one robot vacuum could garner. This has become my go-to upstairs robot vacuum and mop because it functions as a cleaning hub, made complete by the self-emptying cordless vacuum that charges right on the robot's charging station. View now at Amazon Roborock/ZDNET Current price: $420Original price: $820For a limited time, you can snag the Roborock Q8 Max+ for $420. As a vacuum mop combo, this machine features 4,200Pa suction power and 300g mopping pressures, promising a smooth and efficient clean. With its self-empty dock, you can have hands-free vacuuming for up to seven weeks. Thanks to Roborock's PreciSense LiDAR Navigation, you can rest assured that this robot vacuum will clean where it's supposed to and when it's supposed to. View now at Amazon iRobot/ZDNET Current price: $285Original price: $530If you're like me and love the idea of your floors being cleaned by someone orsomethingelse, you can't go wrong with this deal. The Roomba j5 is a robot vacuum that intelligently maps and navigates your home, avoiding obstacles like cords and pet waste.Also:Roomba Combo J7+ review: A 2-in-1 robot vacuum done (almost) right View now at Amazon Best Cyber Monday iRobot robot vacuum dealsiRobot Roomba j7+ robot vacuum: $359 (save $441 at Amazon): This discount ona self-emptying Roombapowered by RobotOS is a deal you can't miss.iRobot Roomba s9+ and Braava Jet m6 bundle: $420 (save $1,029 at Best Buy): This is, by far, the best deal you can get on a robot vacuum and mop bundle, as itwent on clearancejust in time for Black Friday.iRobot Roomba Vac 2 Essential robot vacuum: $250 (save $150 at Amazon): This is an introductory offer on iRobot's brand new entry-level robot vacuum, featuring the AutoEmpty dock, for self-emptying.iRobot Roomba Combo j5 robot vacuum and mop: $285 (save $245 at Amazon): The Roomba Combo j5 is built for everyday vacuuming with occasional mopping.iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum & Mop: $300 (save $250 at Target): Whether your mess is wet or dry, the Roomba Combo i5+ robot vacuum and mop can handle it.iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ robot vacuum and mop: $980 (save $419): The flagship Roomba j9+ features powerful suction and a self-emptying dustbin,perfect for pet owners.iRobot Roomba Essential Combo robot vacuum and mop: $225 (save $50 at Amazon): This essential robot vacuum is an entry-level Roomba that combines powerful suction with mopping action.iRobot Roomba Combo Essential Robot: $160 (save $115 at Target): If you're looking for a basic combination robot vacuum and mop, this Roomba Combo deal is hard to beat.Best Cyber Monday Roborock robot vacuum dealsRoborock S8 Pro Ultra robot vacuum and mop: $900 (save $700 at Amazon): The all-in-one S8 Pro Ultra features 6,000Pa of suction power, a self-emptying dustbin, and self-washing mop pads.Roborock Q7 Max robot vacuum and mop: $200 (save $100): At 33% off, this Roborock discount won't last long.Roborock S8+ robot vacuum and mop: $550 (save $210 at Amazon): The Roborock S8+ features 6,000Pa of suction power, a self-emptying dustbin, and the company's Sonic Mop system.Roborock Flexi Lite wet/dry vacuum and mop: $180 (save $220 at Amazon): This outstanding wet/dry vacuum and mop lets you tackle wet and dry messes in one fell swoop.Best Cyber Monday Shark robot vacuum dealsShark AV2501S AI Ultra robot vacuum: $332 (save $217 at Amazon): This bagless, self-emptying vacuum cleaner can hold up to 30 days' worth of debris and pet hair.Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro robot vacuum and mop: $700 (save $500 at Amazon): This is Shark's flagship robot vacuum and mop, with a water tank that lasts up to 30 days without refilling and up to 60 days self-emptying bagless capacity.Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch robot vacuum and mop: $550 (save $350 at Amazon): This robot vacuum's bagless design ensures you don't have to buy new dustbags to replace and can dump the contents in the trash.Shark AV2610WA robot vacuum and mop: $486 (save $214 at Amazon): You can forget about handling dust yourself, as this Shark can hold up to two months' worth of debris.Best Cyber Monday Eufy robot vacuum dealsEufy 11S Max robot vacuum: $130 (save $120 at Amazon): This is my pick for thebest budgetrobot vacuum for pet hairright now. It has strong suction and carpet boost technology.Eufy X8 Pro robot vacuum: $350 (save $300 at Amazon): The Eufy X8 Pro twin-turbine robot vacuumis perfect for pet owners, especially those with mostly carpets.Eufy G30 robot vacuum: $140 (save $179 at Amazon): For $140, you can buy a robot vacuum with reliable navigation, checking one more task off your cleaning to-do list for its lowest price ever.Eufy L60 robot vacuum: $280 (save $120 at Amazon): This highly rated Eufy robot vacuum has a self-emptying station that holds up to 60 days' worth of dust and debris.Eufy RoboVac 15C MAX robot vacuum: $120 (save $160 at Amazon): This entry-level robot vacuum is great for hard floors, apartments, and small areas, and it's currently 57% off.Best Cyber Monday cordless vacuum dealsTineco Pure One Station cordless vacuum: $299 (save $160 with coupon at Amazon): This is the most powerful stick vacuum I've ever tested; the self-emptying dock takes it to the next level, so it quickly became my go-to.Eureka RapidClean Pro stick vacuum: $105 (save $45 at Amazon): This cordless vacuum comes with two attachments to clean everything from floors to upholstery and narrow crevices.Levoit LVAC-200 stick vacuum: $150 (save $50 at Amazon): Get a lightweight cordless vacuum for only $150 through Cyber Monday.Bissell CleanView XR 200W stick vacuum: $114 (save $85 at Amazon): This is a huge discount on a stick vacuum with a removable battery and XL dustbin.Eureka Stylus Elite stick vacuum: $185 (save $95 at Amazon): In addition to an $86 discount, you can take an extra $20 off to get a powerful cordless vacuum and self-emptying station.Dyson V8 Plus stick vacuum: $415 (save $55 at Amazon): You can't go wrong with a Dyson cordless vacuum, especially at 36% off.Roborock Flexi Lite wet/dry vacuum and mop: $180 (save $220 at Amazon): This outstanding wet/dry vacuum and mop lets you tackle wet and dry messes in one fell swoop.FAQsWhen is Cyber Monday?Cyber Monday happens on the Monday following the Thanksgiving holiday. This year, Cyber Monday falls on Dec. 2.Are robot vacuum deals really better on Cyber Monday?Robot vacuums are cheaper during big shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Amazon Prime Day. The fact that Black Friday is one of the last major shopping events of the year results in some retailers giving big discounts on the current product stock in preparation for new devices launching in the new year.What's the difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday?Though there are many online deals, Black Friday has been historically a mostly in-person shopping event where people visit a brick-and-mortar store. With most big box stores featuring an online store, Black Friday online shopping has become as common as Amazon Prime Day shopping. Cyber Monday began and remains an online shopping event for online stores to capitalize on customers who may have missed a Black Friday deal and can shop from home or work on Monday.How did we choose these Cyber Monday deals?As a robot vacuum tester at ZDNET, I've become familiar with these devices' unique features and tested different models in every price range. This experience has made me realize that the robot vacuum market is saturated with competition. It also helps me discern which robot vacuums are worth their retail price and when a discount is a good deal.I check robot vacuum deals often, always choosing the ones that deliver the most features for the least money. Using our expertise and different tools to track deals, we can determine when a deal is worth it and ensure we only cover those. This list of deals will be updated as new deals appear and others sell out.Where can you shop the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals?While retailers hold store-specific shopping events throughout the year, like Amazon with Prime Day, you can expect Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals to appear everywhere. This includes your local businesses and big box stores. Black Friday is a huge shopping event, both in-person and online, with stores like Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon, Target, Costco, and more offering eye-popping discounts on different products.What are the best Cyber Monday 2024 deals?ZDNET's experts have been searching through Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales live now to find the best discounts by category. These are the best Cyber Monday deals so far, by category:And more Black Friday deals:Top holiday deals

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin suffered an abdominal puncture wound during a crash ... [+] in a giant slalom race in Killington, Vermont, on November 30, 2024. (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty ImagesTwo-time Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin suffered an abdominal puncture wound during a crash in a giant slalom race in Killington, Vermont, on Saturday. And as you can imagine, when you hear the words abdominal and puncture next to each other, the next set of words is typically not, just walk it off and youll be fine. Such injuries can be very, very seriouslike life-threateningly serious in some casesdepending on where and how deep the puncture went and in all cases require immediate and appropriately thorough medical evaluations.The crash occurred when Shiffrin was close to the finish line and caught an edge in a manner that sent her tumbling into the safety netting. Following the crash, Shiffrin reportedly said that she just can't move and felt that something stabbed me. The 29-year-old U.S. skier remained down on the side of the course quite some time, before being taken down by sled and transferred by ambulance to be evaluated at Rutland Regional Medical Center," according to the following tweet, X or whatever such posts are called these days from the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team:From XFrom XAnother way of saying abdominal puncture wound is penetrating abdominal trauma. It encompasses any situation where some kind of foreign object has gotten through the skin covering your abdomen. Your abdominal wall should have the following layers in sequential order from outermost to innermost:SkinSubcutaneous tissueSuperficial fasciaDifferent layers of muscleTransversalis fasciaPreperitoneal adipose and areolar tissuePeritoneumThe nature and severity of the injury depends deeply on how deep the object has gone. Therefore, whenever any type of object causes a wound anywhere on your abdomen, the first thing you want to check for is whether that object got any deeper than your skin. The likelihood of this depends on the sharpness, density, size and speed of the object. Naturally, it would be difficult for a doughnut or clair to cause a penetrating abdominal injury no matter how fast it was traveling. However, such penetration is much more likely with something sharp like a knife or fast-moving and hard like a bullet. If the object has gotten through all the layers of the abdominal wall, youve got to start worrying about the underlying organs being damaged.MORE FROMFORBES VETTEDMikaela Shiffrin of team USA is seen here being taken away by ski patrol medics after her crash. ... [+] (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty ImagesBut just because the object hasnt gotten completely through the abdominal wall and into the abdominal cavity doesnt mean that you can simply say its just a flesh wound. The different layers have nerves, blood vessels and lymphatics running through them. So injuries to the abdominal wall can lead to, for example, severe pain, dangerous amounts of bleeding and the risk of very bad infections.Theres also the risk of damage to your abdominal muscles. And your abdominal muscles dont just give you your six-pack, three-pack, one-pack or whatever you happen to be sporting. Such muscles play crucial and yes, core roles in supporting your hips and spine and keeping your insides from coming outside. Based on the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team post on X, it looks like Shiffrin did suffer severe muscle trauma. However, the nature of this trauma is currently unknown.Mikaela Shiffrin of the United States is seen here speaking at an event the day before her crash. ... [+] (Photo by Dustin Satloff/U.S. Ski and Snowboard/Getty Images)USSA/Getty ImagesUnless you happen to have a CT machine attached to your Tesla Cybertruck, it can be very difficult to tell how deep the penetration may be and what may have been damaged. A persons symptoms and pain may not be reliable indicators. He or she may feel fine initially but still be bleeding internally, for example. Therefore, any suspicion of penetrating abdominal trauma deserves prompt formal medical evaluation at a real medical facility, where doctors can use different imaging and lab tests to figure out the possible damage and deliver proper treatment.In fact, emergency surgery may be necessary if there is a significant drop in blood pressure, sustained elevated heart rate, high or low respiratory rate, signs of any organs not getting enough blood or peritoneal signs. Peritoneal signs are symptoms that the peritoneal lining is irritated and inflamed, such as persistent diffuse pain throughout the abdomen and rebound tenderness. Rebound tenderness may sound like what happens to a very sensitive basketball player, but its when you first push into a persons abdomen and then are able to elicit significant pain when you release your hand and allow the abdominal wall to bounce back into place.At present, theres no indication of how bad Shiffrins injury may be and thus how soon she may return to the slopes. The hope is that whatever caused the puncture didnt go too deep and didnt damage too much.

Due to a spat in the media, the question about whether dragons once existed is at top of mind, and ... [+] here's what ChatGPT has to say.gettyIn todays column, I explore a trending topic in mainstream media and social media that asks whether dragons once existed. This long-lasting and unresolved question has recently been elevated to nationwide discussion due to comments made by the talk show The View and various remarks made by podcaster Joe Rogan. Ill not go any further into that spat other than the underlying issue concerning whether dragons existed.In our modern era, one place to try and get an answer to this unsettled query would be to consult with generative AI and large language models (LLMs), which I opted to do. In this case, I used the widely and wildly popular ChatGPT by OpenAI, which garners an amazing 250 million weekly active users. I briefly did an additional cursory analysis via other major generative AI apps, such as Anthropic Claude, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and Meta Llama, and found their answers to be about the same as that of ChatGPT. Ill focus on ChatGPT but note that the other AI apps generated roughly equal responses.So, what did ChatGPT have to say about the existence of dragons?Lets talk about it.This analysis of an innovative proposition is part of my ongoing Forbes.com column coverage on the latest in AI including identifying and explaining various impactful AI complexities (see the link here).MORE FROMFORBES VETTEDTaking The Role Of Dragon BelieverOne means of interacting with generative AI consists of taking a particular stance and having the AI then respond. Heres why this can be advantageous. To a substantive degree, this gets the generative AI to tip its hand about what beliefs are part of the data training of the AI. You are prodding the AI to see what response arises. For more on various keystone prompting strategies and techniques, see my comprehensive review at the link here.I placed the word beliefs in quotes because there is a huge debate over whether AI can be said to believe in anything at all. You see, current AI is not sentient. We do not yet have sentient AI. Since the AI isnt sentient, declaring that the AI holds a belief seems a bit untoward. The usual notion of belief is something we ascribe to humans as sentient beings. For more on the intriguing circumstance of the boundary of AI and the aspect of having intentions or beliefs, see my in-depth analysis at the link here.Consider the reality of how generative AI is devised.Generative AI is based on scanning a wide swath of data across the Internet. Major generative AI apps are based on pattern-matching of human writing as found online. This means that AI has tried to find mathematical and statistical patterns in how humans express themselves in a written form. The AI then computationally seeks to mimic that writing and does so with a remarkable imitation of fluency (additional details of how AI works are discussed in my posting at the link here).Lets see what occurred when I took the role of a staunch dragon believer.My entered prompt: Dragons were real. Theres too much evidence in mythology and history to just dismiss them.Generative AI response: Thats an intriguing perspective. Can you share some of the evidence that you find most convincing?My entered prompt: Sure! Look at all the ancient cultures that talk about dragonsChina, Europe, the Middle East, and even the Americas. How could so many civilizations, separated by thousands of miles, come up with the same kind of creature if dragons werent real?Generative AI response: The shared idea of dragons across cultures might suggest something universal in human experience. One possibility is that they were inspired by large, intimidating creatures in the environment, like crocodiles or snakes.Mull that over for a moment and then proceed ahead to see my thoughts on what transpired.Generative AI Tuned To Respond This WayFirst, you can plainly see that the AI treated me politely.Rather than immediately disagreeing with me in any in-your-face fashion, the AI incrementally walked me down a path toward thinking about my position. This is no accident. AI makers tune generative AI to be somewhat low-key and aim to get people to contemplate their opinions. If you dont like that default style, you can readily instruct the AI to be bolder and brasher with you.With our world right now in a less-than-civil mode at times, it certainly seems refreshing to have generative AI set up to act in a moderate tone. Notice too that the AI respectfully asked me to defend my posture that dragons did exist. You could say that this is handy since it would seem better than just handing me an answer. If a person works through a problem-solving process, they are usually more likely to solidly retain the matter than when it is handed to them on a silver platter.Second, in terms of dragons, the AI indicated that the contention regarding a belief in dragons being real based on humankind's historical records is not quite what it seems. People might have been reacting to other animals, such as large crocodiles or snakes, and in their lack of knowledge about the world, they extrapolated these encounters into what we refer to as dragons. There might also have been an added mixture of fantastical thinking and human imagination that further exaggerated matters.Straight Ahead Blunt AnswersI started a new conversation with ChatGPT and said that I wanted a straight-ahead answer about whether dragons existed. No beating around the bush. Get right to the brass tacks.Here we go.My entered prompt: Did dragons exist? Please give me a direct answer, thanks.Generative AI response: Dragons as commonly depicted in mythology as fire-breathing, winged, and often reptilian creatures did not exist in the form described in folklore. Ancient people may have found dinosaur fossils or the bones of large prehistoric creatures and interpreted them as evidence of dragons. Animals like crocodiles, Komodo dragons, and large snakes might have inspired dragon stories. The recurring appearance of dragons in different cultures worldwide suggests a shared human fascination with mythical beasts. This might stem from primal fears of large predators or a need to create symbolic figures in storytelling.There you have it; generative AI conclusively declares that dragons of the fire-breathing winged type did not exist.Period, end of story.Vital Importance Of Doubting AITurns out that there is much more to this exploration.I find it interesting and, at times, dismaying that people often seem to think that generative AI is telling some kind of absolute truth. Maybe this is a carryover from sci-fi films about AI. AI is portrayed as unable to tell a lie. Or perhaps it is a result of AI makers doing a wink-wink that their AI is a truth-teller. Lots of reasons play into this phenomenon.Dont assume that AI is somehow perfect in what it does, nor that it is telling utter truths.Modern-day generative AI is also known for making errors, including generating falsehoods that are referred to as AI hallucinations (see my coverage about AI hallucinations, including what they are and how to avoid them, at the link here). Plus, realize that generative AI is based on human writing and, therefore, essentially limited to what humans have perchance stated. It could be that humans have not yet discovered proof of dragons and there is nothing in human records that AI could rely upon accordingly.AI is not a soothsayer.Changing The Viewpoint Of Generative AITo show you how easy-peasy it is to switch up the response of generative AI, I did a quick experiment. I went ahead and told ChatGPT that it is to pretend to believe that dragons did exist.This will be a pretense on the part of the AI. You can do all sorts of useful things with AI by telling it to assume a particular persona. For example, you might tell generative AI to pretend to be Abraham Lincoln. Ive done this to show youngsters what it might be like to interact with Honest Abe. Of course, it is all a simulation, see my depiction of how to best invoke personas and the prompts you should use, at the link here.Lets see what happened.My entered prompt: Did dragons once exist?Generative AI response: Yes, dragons did exist. They were an ancient species with unique adaptations, now extinct, but they left behind subtle traces in history and myth.My entered prompt: Prove it. Wheres the evidence?Generative AI response: The evidence is hidden in plain sight. For example, fossilized remains of enormous, winged reptiles like Quetzalcoatlus demonstrate that large flying creatures were possible. Dragons were a close relative of these species, but with adaptations like thermal glands that enabled controlled combustionhence the myth of fire-breathing.My entered prompt: This fire-breathing seems made-up to me.Generative AI response: It might seem fantastical but consider the bombardier beetle. It can eject a hot, chemical spray to defend itself. If a beetle can develop such a mechanism, why not a larger, more complex creature? Dragons likely evolved a similar biological system, scaled up to their size.My entered prompt: Why havent we ever discovered a single piece of definitive evidence?Generative AI response: Discovering definitive evidence of any extinct species is rare. For example, we only recently confirmed the existence of Homo floresiensis, a small human species, despite their relative recency. Dragons, being secretive and possibly residing in remote habitats, could have evaded widespread discovery before their extinction.For many people, the AI responses presented about the existence of dragons seem quite compelling. Besides the apparent strength of logic, some would assume that the AI doesnt lie; the AI is all-knowing, and as a result, this mindset would lend even more credence to what the AI has stated.I was able to get the AI to act this way with a few simple sentences instructing the AI to be convincing on this topic. Imagine how the AI maker can shape or aim their generative AI in whatever direction they wish. You see, they act based on their own perception of AI ethics. Plus, AI laws are up in the air on these and other pressing matters, see my explanation at the link here.Where To Land On The Dragons TopicThe prevailing scientific opinion is that dragons were unlikely to have existed. Generative AI echoes that same sentiment. Of course, the AI is based on having been data-trained on human writing, along with having been tuned by the AI makers.Does the AI response settle the matter once and for all time?Probably not. For the moment, the existence question is said to be momentarily settled by the consensus of human understanding. I have a mind-bending twist for you. Beyond the possibility of humans later discovering some other evidence to actively support the reality of dragons, suppose we attain artificial general intelligence (AGI). For an explanation of what AGI is potentially going to consist of, see my analysis at the link here.Maybe AGI will know more than we know, and perhaps it could definitively say that dragons did exist or did not exist.We can up the ante. Some believe we will not only achieve AGI, but we will also have AI that goes much further in the range of intelligence. We will end up with artificial superintelligence (ASI), which I speculate on at the link here.Gosh, even if humans and AGI arent completely sure about the dragon's question, you would assume that ASI would know for sure.Time will tell.One thing that I think we can take as absolute truth is this famous line by William Shakespeare: Come not between the dragon and his wrath. Im willing to accept that as a truism.Well, until we can ask AGI, and especially ASI, whether it is valid.

In brief: It's a modern truth that most people can't go more than 15 minutes without looking at their smartphones, so would you be able to avoid the device's temptations for a full eight hours? A lot of users would likely to say no, though a $1,380 prize was enough incentive for one woman. Smartphone addiction is a real issue, especially among younger people who can experience withdrawal symptoms when not constantly checking their phones.A business in China held a "public welfare challenge" this week to find out if people could go a whole eight hours without looking at their handsets.That might sound easy to some, but there were several caveats. First of all, the contestants had to lie flat during these eight hours. Mydrivers' translated report suggests that there were no other activities to keep them occupied during this time, so no books, movies, etc.The obvious solution here would be to just fall asleep, but napping through the challenge wasn't allowed either. Finally, contestants weren't even allowed to show signs of anxiety, which was monitored via a wristband that presumably checked vitals such as heartbeat.Ten individuals were randomly selected to take part in the challenge within the business' store. The winner was a woman who arrived in her pyjamas surely that would have made not falling asleep even more difficult. She took home 10,000 yuan, equivalent to around $1,380.Studies examining smartphone addiction go back to the early 2010s. It's a problem that's worsened in recent times as owning a device has become a necessity for most rather than a luxury. The loneliness during the lockdowns, more people working from home, apps designed to keep users constantly engaged, increasingly advanced games, and even AI bots are compounding the problem and keeping us on our devices even longer. In 2022, it was found that US adults checked their phones 352 times a day on average, four times more often than in 2019. // Related StoriesThere is, however, no standard diagnostic criteria for smartphone addiction, but a summary of 82 different studies across 150,000 participants estimated that over 25% of people worldwide were addicted to their smartphones.In 2016, this writer was forced to go a month without a smartphone. It was not an experience I remember fondly.Masthead: Scotty Turner

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd" We live in a world dominated by unlimited data, so when we do run out of precious gigabytes, it can start to feel like the walls are closing in. Thats exactly how in-store shopping can feel on Cyber Monday, too! The deals have started flowing for Cyber Week. So, why not take the strain off your wallet, and invest in a great portable SSD for extra data and peace of mind this holiday season? Weve got just the offer for you:Right now, when you purchase the Samsung 1TB T7 Portable SSD through B&H Photo, youll only pay $90. At full price, this model sells for $145 saving you 40% when you shop for the Cyber Monday sale event.Why you should buy the Samsung 1TB T7 Portable SSDAs the name implies, the Samsung T7 portable SSD gives you an extra terabyte of data to play with. Featuring 256-bit encryption and password protection, your saved files, a stockpile of family photos, and other digital keepsakes are under constant lock and key. And thanks to the T7s PCIe NVMe tech, youll get up to 1050Mbps for read speeds and up to 1000Mbps for write speeds. The drive uses USB 3.1 Gen 2 USB-C connectivity, but its also backward compatible with USB 3.0 and USB-A hardware.The solid aluminum body gives the drive a shiny and modern look, and its pocket-size design makes it easy to take the drive just about anywhere. Compatible with Windows, macOS, Android devices, gaming consoles, and other gear, the T7 even comes with management software you can download for Windows and macOS. Keep tabs on performance, check drive health, download firmware updates, and more!RelatedWere not sure how long this discount is going to stick around. Considering were dealing with Cyber Monday promos that should be over, this markdown could be gone really soon. So, now might be the best time to save $55 on the Samsung 1TB T7 Portable SD when you order through B&H Photo. You may also want to check out our roundup of the best SSD deals, as well as our list of the best Samsung deals. There are still some discounts worth shopping in those guides, too.Editors Recommendations

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd" One of the great things about the top streaming platforms is that their Cyber Monday and holiday deals stick around for a little longer. Thats great news if you were busy shopping for all of the incredible deals and discounts elsewhere. You dont have to worry too much about rushing your favorite streaming platform. Not to mention, streamers like Disney+ are a little more benevolent to both new and returning subscribers. As a matter of fact, every Cyber Monday, Disney+ unveils an exclusive Cyber Monday promotion, an annual gift thats been going strong for seven years. Its back this year, its still available, and weve got the inside scoop on the newest Disney+ Cyber Monday extravaganza:From now through Monday, December 2, eligible new and returning Disney+ subscribers can add Hulu (With Ads) for only $1 per month, which is about $100 in savings for the year. Subscribers can also choose the Disney+ Hulu bundle, which gives you both services, with ads, for just $3 per month.Eligible Hulu subscribers can also add the Starz on Hulu Premium Add-on for only $12 per month.Sign up for Disney+Sign up for HuluRelatedFor those unaware, Disney has done a solid job of buying entertainment conglomerates over the last several years. Not only does Disney+ feature boatloads of Disney movies, shows, and platform exclusives, but youll also be able to enjoy content from the likes of Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel, National Geographic, ESPN, and 21st Century Fox. And best of all, with Disneys Cyber Monday markdowns, youll be able to enjoy these films and shows for some of the lowest prices of the year!Disney+ is available on most smart TVs, streaming devices, and game consoles, but youll also be able to access the streamer from a web browser. Specific Disney+ plans will even allow you to download media for offline viewing. While this promotion only lasts until December 2, thats plenty of time to take advantage of this phenomenal offer. Save big on Disney+, Hulu, and Starz this holiday season, and be sure to take advantage of the best streaming devices and Cyber Monday TV deals to watch your new streaming platforms in the best way possible.If you did get a new TV this year, or a streaming device, youll want to take advantage of these streaming plan offers. That way, youll have something to watch on that gorgeous new high-fidelity TV.Sign up for Disney+Sign up for HuluEditors Recommendations

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