At Formnext 2024, Munich-based 3D printer manufacturer EOS unveiled the P3 NEXT, its new industrial SLS 3D printer.Fitting the same 340 x 340 x 600mm build volume as its predecessor, the EOS P 396, into a smaller footprint, the new 3D printer features updated software, enhanced scanning algorithms, and accelerated recoated speeds. Consequently, the P3 NEXT reportedly offers a 50% productivity increase and over 90% machine availability, reducing manufacturing costs by 30%.During the Frankfurt-based trade show, I spoke with Fabian Krauss, Head of Growth Polymer Solutions at EOS, to learn more about the new system and its value for verticals like medical, aviation, and eyewear.He discussed how the P3 NEXT supports companies scaling to serial production, with some customers reaching hundreds of thousands and even million-part production runs. Its ability to enhance sustainability and slash the total cost of ownership (TCO) was also highlighted.Krauss shared his insights on key additive manufacturing trends and how EOS contends with the growing market share of low-cost, entry-level 3D printers. Additionally, EOS introduced two new SLS powder materials at Formnext, PA 2220 and ALM PA 950, which are both optimized for reusability.The new EOS P3 NEXT 3D printer at Formnext 2024. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.Introducing the P3 NEXT at Formnext 2024 According to Krauss, the P3 NEXT was developed using feedback from existing customers and new companies looking to adopt additive manufacturing. According to Krauss, the company had been balancing high reliability and industry-leading quality with a less favourable TCO.The new system reportedly overcomes this by increasing productivity, increasing material efficiency, and driving down TCO. Krauss pointed to a 50% increase in productivity and an 80% material reuse rate up from 50% for the previous P3 3D printers. This is driven by accelerated heating, faster re-coating, and external cooling of parts, contributing to over 90% machine availability. The result? A 30% reduction in TCO for most applications.Krauss emphasized, We offer an option where users can access new applications, realize new business cases, and fuel growth because this industry has been stagnating a little.How does the P3 NEXT differentiate within the SLS 3D printer market? Krauss argued it is not always about offering the best surface finish, but providing the right quality at the right cost and reliability. He added that EOS products are designed to last for years, with the companys machines and processes able to provide the right quality from the very beginning.With validated 3D print modes for quick deployment and open systems for parameter tuning, users can prioritize either productivity or quality based on application needs. The P3 NEXTs open system is optimized for industrial users wanting to tweak 3D printing parameters to enhance productivity and improve part quality.EOS 3D printed surgical guides at Formnext 2024. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.EOS new sustainable 3D printing materialsKrauss showcased two new materials from the EOS and ALM brands. For the former, PA 2220 HighReuse, part of the PA 12 family, enables a 70:30 reuse ratio of old to new powder without sacrificing quality. According to Krauss, the white-colored material retains the same mechanics as the companys previous PA 12 offering while increasing isotropy and reducing TCO. This has been launched at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 with fully proven parameters.On the ALM side, PA 950 a black PA 12 material offers an 80% reusability rate. Krauss emphasized that the material unlocks zero-waste production for most print jobs. This plays straight into sustainability and lower TCO, offering customers the best cost per part.By launching it under the ALM brand, EOS has been able to introduce PA 950 to the market more quickly at TRL 3, with scope for additional certification to achieve TRL 5 in the future. Krauss also explained that additives can be mixed into this material to improve its mechanical properties. These include glass spheres, glass beads, glass fibers, carbon fibers, and flame retardant fillers.Both materials are fully validated and ready to run on EOS SLS 3D printers from launch. Its going to be interesting to see how the market adopts these materials, particularly the shift between homogeneous black, traditional white, and potential color applications, Krauss added.Eyewear frames 3D printed using EOS new PA 2220 HighReuse material. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.Targeting regulated applicationsKrauss added the importance of being business case driven and application-driven. Specifically, EOS is targeting regulated markets, with aviation and medical customers set to be the biggest adopters of the new 3D printer.Compatibility with certified medical materials, including the companys PA 2201, makes the P3 NEXT especially well-suited to in-mouth applications. Krauss pointed to a customer scaling the production of 3D printed palatal expanders and sleep apnea devices. While the volume of parts can vary depending on the use case, this customer reportedly produces hundreds of thousands of in-mouth applications. Krauss highlighted another producing millions of 3D printed mascara brushes.He acknowledged that while injection molding still dominates the mass production of simple parts, EOS is complementing injection molding where it has difficulties. According to Krauss, the majority of 3D printing applications are in the thousands of parts, while prototyping remains a healthy business.However, EOS does not believe industry growth will come from prototyping, but rather production applications where additive provides value. Previously, 3D printing technology was acquired because companies didnt want to miss out on the hype. Now, Krauss noted that its the ROI and business case driving the growth, with some applications accounting for 5% of the overall business. These high growth production businesses want a system with full access to differentiate, to optimize, to scale, and to achieve maximum uptime.Other key target markets include aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) where EOS flame retardant materials offer significant value for aeroplane interiors. Krauss also called drone production a super high growth market, with both commercial and defense drones gaining a lot of traction. On the consumer side, eyewear was identified as a leading market, where EOS meets requirements for surface finish, dimensional accuracy, and sharp contours.Drone components 3D printed using EOS new ALM PA 950 Black material. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.EOS addresses market competition The 3D printing industry has seen the emergence of low-cost, entry-level FDM 3D printers that offer functions and capabilities suitable for certain purposes where advanced materials are not required. Driven by Chinese companies like Bambu Lab and Creality, these systems are cannibalizing the sales of industrial 3D printers, for particular applications. Market intelligence firm CONTEXT reported that entry-level 3D printer sales increased 65% YoY in Q2 2024. Bambu Lab experienced sales growth of 336% during the quarter. Conversely, shipments of industrial shipments fell by 25% YoY in Q2.Despite these figures, Krauss stressed that the growth of entry-level 3D printers is helping to increase the adoption of EOS industrial SLS systems. He explained that the time when we are competing against the likes of Bambu Labs is minimal, as most EOS applications cannot be served on affordable desktop 3D printers.While SLS 3D printers are beyond the reach of the market Bambu Lab has found the most success in, there have been a number of attempts to bring the powder based 3D printing process to a broader group. One notable example is the Formlabs Fuse 1 3D printer.Rather than viewing these systems as competition, EOS sees emergent low-cost 3D printers as critical to fostering innovation. Krauss explained that entry-level machines help companies adopt 3D printing by encouraging experimentation and design for additive manufacturing.We dont equip our sales teams to fight against these lower-entry systems. Instead, we try to build a bridge and reach out a hand, added Krauss. This strategy involves guiding users from hobbyist systems to industrial-grade solutions as their applications scale.When operating in the industrial space, application engineers and access to global experts are invaluable for users. Krauss has also observed a growing trend of companies beginning their additive manufacturing journey with powder bed polymer 3D printers. This facilitates a smoother transition to industrial production on EOS SLS systems. Its fantastic to see academia, labs, and smaller companies starting with powder-based systems, as the transition to scale is far simpler compared to FDM or SLA, Krauss explained.The Bambu Lab booth at Formnext 2024. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.Looking ahead, Krauss believes the 3D printing industry will continue to evolve from prototyping toward scaled manufacturing. While rapid prototyping will remain valuable, its share of the additive manufacturing market is shrinking. Weve gone from 90% prototyping to 3D printing mainly used for production applications. He predicts that in 10 years, prototyping will become a niche market, and scaled, TCO-driven manufacturing will dominate.EOS is positioning itself for this future, aligning its portfolio and organization to meet the demands of high-volume manufacturing. EOS is setting up its portfolio to help scale customers with fleets of factory modules and running tens or hundreds of tons of material, Krauss added. In 10 years, our bet is that this shift will have paid off.All the news from Formnext 2024.Who are the leaders in additive manufacturing? Vote now in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards!Want to share insights on key industry trends and the future 3D printing? Register now to be included in the 2025 3D Printing Industry Executive Survey.What does the future of 3D printing hold?What near-term 3D printing trends have been highlighted by industry experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows the new EOS P3 NEXT 3D printer at Formnext 2024. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.

There arent many extant buildings with direct ties to the Salem witch trials of the 1690s, but this First Period house on Centre Street in Danvers is one of them! This is the Thomas Haines House, built in 1681 for Thomas Haines. During the witchcraft hysteria of 1692, Thomas testified in the trials of Elizabeth Howe and John Willard, who were accused of witchcraft. Elizabeth would be executed by hanging on July 19, 1692 and John was hanged on August 19, 1692. Less than a year following the frenzy of the trials, Thomas received a license to keep a public house of entertainment & sell strong drink as an innholder. He remained here until 1703, when he sold his home and land to John Allen, a gunsmith, and removed to Salem, New Jersey. The First Period home with saltbox roof is in great condition and was restored to its historic appearance in the 20th century. The property is privately owned.

EventsThe Burds Are Back in Town, and It's BristolTozer Signs hosts the third Burds of the Brush meet with a Halloween theme in Bristol, UK.Better LettersNov 28, 2024 5 min readThe moment they knew their future was in hand-painted signs and lettering.The 'Burds of the Brush' (see BLAG 03) movement was back for its third edition last month, and host with the most Tozer Signs is here to share what went down in Bristol town.The Burds in action in Bristol. Burds of the Brush in BristolLast month I hosted the third annual Burds of the Brush; a two-day event welcoming female, trans and non-binary signwriters from the world to my little corner of Bristol. With it being mid October, and me being Queen of Halloween, I had to add a little spooky spin, so the local community hall was adorned with bats and ghosts, as well as the usual pile of dibond panels, paints kindly sponsored by A.S. Handover, and easels crafted with the help of my partner Cobra Signs when I realised I had a little too much on my plate!**For anybody considering hosting a Letterheads meet of any kind, accept help in whatever form it comes in, be that heavy lifting, reaching out to potential sponsors, decor, filling the tea dispenser 50 times a day, etc.Halloween-themed decoration and event signage.There were over 50 attendees, ranging from those with 20 or 30 years' experience, to complete beginners interested in seeing what its all about, to those like me who have about a decade behind them and are still learning everyday.Panel jamming.Rachel and Hana of Bungo Sign Co. held the first edition of Burds of the Brush two years ago in Scotland (see BLAG 03), and passed on the feedback that participants would love a workshop or two. I managed to pull in a few experts to give demonstrations, expecting only a few to leave their easels to watch these. However, almost everyone paused their panels to see Hana Sunny Whaler leading a fantastic layout workshop, Veronika Jrgensen holding an oil gilding and burnishing demo, and Ellie Heywood showing her incredible calligraphy with the help of Pilot pens. (Pilot kindly gifted each attendee a beginners pack, and A.S. Handover sent over bespoke stamped brushes specially for the event.)Surface gilding with Veronika Jrgensen.Over the entire weekend, guests collaborated on a mural for the community centre that hosted us, which was laid out by Hana Sunny Whaler. We also held an auction at the end with almost 3,000 raised for Bristol Animal Rescue Centre.Hana Sunny Whaler and Miranda Ensink (Amsterdam Sign Painters) doubling up on the Windmill Hill Community Centre mural.All in all it was an incredibly fun, wholesome weekend, allowing seasoned pros and some first timers to ease into the Letterheads spirit in a way they felt comfortable with.And Ive already received questions about when and where the 2025 edition of Burds will be held! Who wants to take it on?Report: Tozer Signs / @tozersignsPhotography: Siddiqui Media / @siddiqui_mediaPaints, Burds, and vibes.The Scottish Burds unveiled the movement's new banner; definitely not no frills."We rise by lifting others."Host with the most: Tozer Signs.More LetterheadsBLAG 03This issue, available in the BLAG shop, has Rachel E Millar's article reflecting on the first ever Burds of the Brush event in Glasgow.Future Meet Listings

Sitting on the Couch. All images courtesy of Yool Kim, shared with permissionSwans, Plants, and Fragmented Figures Warmly Embrace in Yool Kims PaintingsNovember 28, 2024ArtGrace EbertWarmth permeates Yool Kims most recent body of work, which portrays tangled masses of limbs and swans in rich palettes of reds, pinks, and oranges. Laying dense lines in acrylic paint, the Seoul-based artist examines the interactions between living things and their sometimes contradictory desires. Her new paintings entwine fragmented iterations of human figures with graceful black and white birds, monsteras, and ferns to explore peace and equality. A Peaceful AfternoonI wanted to express the beauty of being able to care (for) the weak and taking care of each other, without a sense of superiority and inferiority in living things that are set by the world, Kim tells Colossal. By hugging, touching, or leaning on each other, I highlighted the meaning of connection and warmth.As with earlier bodies of work, this series similarly explores the fractured nature of the self. Kim shares that shes feeling calmer and more tranquil these days, which is reflected in the ways figures stretch to embrace one another.I also wanted to express that I have many egos and personalities within me; I am a human being full of complexity who cannot grasp existence as a single disposition, she adds. Im always considering myself.Kim will show paintings in several exhibitions this spring, the first of which opens in March at Hall Spassov in Seattle. Find more of her work on Instagram.An Autumn NightCozy & SilentDreamLet Me Shine, Let You ShineNext article

Published November 28, 2024 7:25pm EST close How AI is being used to streamline the food supply chain Fox News chief political anchor Bret Baier reports on the use of artificial intelligence in agriculture on 'Special Report.' In the 1930s, there were around 6.8 million farms in the United States. The size averaged at around 155 acres. Over the next several decades, the number of farms rapidly declined to around 1.9 million in 2023. Those farms grew larger, averaging around 464 acres.As farming has changed over time, experts believe artificial intelligence (AI) can help farmers and producers make food faster and more efficiently.FARMERS 'BRUTALIZED' AS COSTS 'GO THROUGH THE ROOF' IN LAST DAYS OF BIDEN'S AMERICA"I think there's a lot of potential for both increasing productivity on the crop side, but also for reducing the amount of resources that we use on the productivity side. There's the data that we can actually collect to increase yields and improve the nutritional quality. But then there's also the facilitate facilitating of reductions in labor availability," said Mason Earles, an assistant professor at UC Davis in the departments of Viticulture & Enology and Biological & Agricultural Engineering and researcher at the AI Institute for Next Generation Food Systems or AIFS. In the 1930s, there were around 6.8 million farms in the United States. In 2023, the number of farms declined to around 1.9 million. (AI Institute For Next Generation Food Systems)The most recent data shows 41% of farmers reported labor shortages in 2018. Thats a 27% increase from those reporting shortages in 2014. The trend is expected to continue. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 2% decline in workers through 2033 despite the number of job openings remaining the same."We do more with less. It's not that it has no set way and has totally changed the traditional work, it is empowering, and it is increasing the productivity of existing workers," said Ilias Tagkopoulos, a computer science professor at UC Davis and the director of AIFS.AIFS is funded through a grant from the USDA Institute of Food and Agriculture. It is part of USDAs effort to conduct more research on utilizing Artificial Intelligence in agriculture.RURAL AMERICANS ARE MAD AND THEY GAVE DEMOCRATS A RECKONING"One of the big things that I specifically focus on, and we work at the Institute for Food Systems is trying to say, how can I make an impact in agriculture and food systems across the board? Whether that has to do with production of different types of vegetables, fruits, nuts, other types of meats or other types of foods," Earles said. "Theres a lot of potential, we think, all the way from going from the research and lab side through startups, through corporate innovation. And we're here to kind of find a way to facilitate and integrate that along the way."A USDA study shows just 27% of farmers are using emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence. Investment is expected to grow across the industry from more than $2 billion this year to more than $5 in 2028. A USDA study shows just 27% of farmers are using emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. (AI Institute For Next Generation Food Systems)"What our vision is, is how can we have a healthier society and a more sustainable planet? Our mission is to leverage AI to build that, to help towards that goal," Tagkopoulos said. "AI is doing two things. One is making businesses more productive. And the second is to accelerate innovation. It accelerates innovation by actually focusing on what matters versus what's out there."Researchers are looking into how AI hardware like sensors or robotics can better gather data in the field."One of the powers of AI is that it can process a massive amount of data in a very short amount of time and achieve really high performance in pattern recognition," Earles said.The technology can help farmers decide where to apply fertilizer and when the best opportunities for harvest might be.AI BEING USED TO RUN WORLDS FIRST INDOOR VERTICAL BERRY FARM"There's great examples out there of being able to process millions of images within the course of every hour to identify where there might be damage due to weeds, presence of weeds or disease or pest, and be able to use various types of either implements to precisely remove those weeds or pests so that the farmer see higher yields. And the consumer sees better fruit, veggies and other products that are coming out of those fields," Earles said.One USDA project at the University of Arkansas is looking at using virtual reality to process poultry. Researchers will study whether robots can be used in the field while workers control the devices virtually. While fewer workers are expected to be needed, the cost of the equipment is high. Researchers are looking into how AI hardware like sensors or robotics can better gather data in the field of farming. (AI Institute For Next Generation Food Systems)"The question there is how can you make this technology even more cost-effective and the even more practical, which is always a challenge," Tagkopoulos said.Controlled environments or indoor farming also see high upfront costs. But some studies have shown that higher crop yields are possible because of fewer weather-related challenges and the ability to grow year-round."We see in the future more data being generated, more tools becoming available, easier, much less expensive in terms of AI tools to be able to give recommendations on when to irrigate, when to farm, where to sell. A lot of more collaboration among farmers because now they understand more that they need to share their data. And it's not about competition. It's about everybody winning out of it," Tagkopoulos said.Controlled environments have received a lot of funding in the past few years. The USDA recently broke ground on a project at Cornell University to research grapes. The National Grape Improvement Center will help scientists study climate adaptable grape varieties and management strategies for growers."The opportunity to grow fruits and veggies and other types of crops where they may not otherwise be able to grow has huge potential for delivering all sorts of foods, fresh foods and nutritious foods to urban and or other areas," Earles said. "AI has the real potential to help us understand how to regulate those types of indoor climates so that it can optimize the output." Bret Baier currently serves as FOX News Channel's (FNC) anchor and executive editor of Special Report with Bret Baier(weeknights at 6-7PM/ET), chief political anchor of the network and co-anchor of the networks election coverage. Baier is also host of FOX News Audio's "The Bret Baier Podcast" which includes Common Ground and The All-Star Panel. He joined FNC in 1998 as the first reporter in the Atlanta bureau and is now based in Washington, D.C.

close 'The Five': Neil Young returns to Spotify after protesting platform "The Five" co-hosts react to Neil Young returning to Spotify and woke musicians bailing on Texas' SXSW festival over military ties. Many of us use Spotify every day, whether to listen to songs, podcasts or audiobooks. Some of us create playlists of our favorite songs, while others save playlists made by others.In case you didnt know, Spotify allows you to create public playlists that anyone can save and listen to. Youd think this is a harmless feature, but spammers have found a way to misuse it.Theyre using Spotify playlists and podcasts to push pirated software, game cheat codes, spam links and malware sites. Ill discuss the details of this emerging online scam and share tips on how to stay safe. Image of Spotify app on phone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)How the Spotify scam worksAs reported byBleepingComputer, this scam works by misusing Spotifys popularity and trustworthiness. Scammers exploit Spotify playlists by injecting targeted keywords, such as "free download," "crack" or "warez," into titles and descriptions.These keywords are designed to align with popular search terms. Since Spotifys web player pages are indexed by search engines like Google, these spammy results appear in user searches, driving traffic to their links. For example, a Spotify playlist titled "Sony Vegas Pro 13 Crack" was found promoting "free" software sites in its title and description, directing users to questionable external links.The scam isnt limited to playlists. It extends to podcasts as well. Scammers create podcasts with multiple short episodes, typically under 20 seconds, using synthesized speech to direct listeners to click links in the description for free content. These podcasts often target users searching for pirated ebooks, audiobooks or game cheats. While the content may appear legitimate at first glance, clicking on the links often results in being redirected to unsafe pages that further exploit users. Scammers exploit Spotify playlists by injecting targeted keywords into titles (BleepingComputer)The end goalThe main goal of this scam is to use Spotifys trusted reputation and search engine visibility to get people to click on shady links and visit sketchy websites. Scammers make money through fake ad clicks, bogus surveys and affiliate links, while also spreading malware by tricking users into downloading harmful software or extensions.They also try to steal personal info through fake sign-up forms or phishing pages, which can lead to identity theft or be sold to others. By using Spotifys indexed pages, they boost the search rankings of their spam sites, reaching more people. Some of these sites even run extra scams like fake crypto giveaways or phishing attempts to grab even more money or data from unsuspecting users.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Spotify playlist promoting Sony Vegas Pro "crack" (BleepingComputer)7 ways to stay safe from Spotify scams1. Avoid clicking on suspicious links: Be cautious when you come across playlists or podcasts with titles like "Sony Vegas Pro 13 Crack" or other promises of free software, audiobooks or game cheats. These often include links in the description that redirect to unsafe sites hosting malware, adware or phishing pages.The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.2. Stick to official sources: Always download software, eBooks or other digital content from trusted official websites or reputable platforms. If you see a Spotify playlist or podcast offering "free" versions of paid content, its likely a scam. Cross-check the legitimacy of the content through known channels instead of relying on unverified links.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE3. Use strong, unique passwords: Create complex and unique passwords for your Spotify account and avoid using personal information like birthdays or pet names. Consider using apassword manager to generate and store complex passwords.4. Be skeptical of synthesized speech and short episodes: Many scam podcasts feature short episodes (10-20 seconds) with synthesized speech directing you to click on a link in the description. These are a common tactic used to trick users into visiting unsafe pages. If the content feels automated, vague or overly promotional, its best to avoid it.5. Verify curator credentials: Check the credentials of playlist curators. Legitimate curators usually have a verifiable online presence. If you can't find any information about them, it's best to avoid engaging with them.6. Recognize phishing attempts: Be cautious of emails claiming to be from Spotify that ask you to confirm account details or click on suspicious links. These are often phishing attempts designed to steal your credentials.7. Report and block suspicious content: If you come across playlists or podcasts that seem fraudulent or inappropriate,report them directly to Spotify. Use Spotifys reporting tools to flag content that violates its platform rules. Blocking suspicious accounts or playlists also ensures you wont accidentally interact with them in the future, and reporting helps Spotify improve its filtering and moderation systems.Kurts key takeawayScammers will use any means possible to trick you. In the past, weve seen bad actors weaponizeGoogle search results with malicious websites that install malware when links are clicked on. There have also been plenty ofSEO scams targeting users. Companies like Spotify need to implement measures to prevent their platforms from being misused by scammers. Google also has a responsibility to ensure the quality of its search results. Just because a webpage comes from a well-known organization doesnt mean it deserves to rank highly on the search results pages.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPDo you think platforms like Spotify and Google are doing enough to prevent scams, or could they improve? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Try CyberGuy's new games (crosswords, word searches, trivia and more!)Enter CyberGuy's $500 Holiday Gift Card SweepstakesBest gifts for Men | Women | Kids | Teens | Pet loversCopyright 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.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETWhat's the deal?Tablet brand Blackview has reduced its Tab 18 model's price tag down to $260. But, for a limited time for Black Friday sales, the company is offering an extra 5% off, lowering the price even further to $228, the lowest it has ever been.ZDNET's key takeawaysThe Blackview Tab 18 Android tablet is normally available for $330.This great 12-inch Android tablet has it all -- big display, powerful processor, lots of RAM, and plenty of power to handle everything the average user needs.I wish the screen could be a little brighter for use in direct sunshine.I love my iPad Pro, but Apple's 12.9-inch behemoth is not cheap. Folks looking for a cheaper but comparably sized alternative have to turn to Android.Unfortunately, I've found most largeAndroid tablets are bulky and cumbersome. So, it's refreshing to find something at last that's sleek, pleasantly designed, and a pleasure to hold -- even for extended periods. The Blackview Tab 18 ticks all these boxes and more.Blackview Tab 18 tech specsDisplay: 12-inch 2.4K, FHD+ IPS, 1200 x 2000 resolution, 86.6% screen-to-body ratioCPU: Octa-core MediaTek Helio G99RAM: 12GB LPDDR4X (12GB RAM expansion)ROM: 256GB UFS2.1Max microSD/TF Card Capacity: Up to 1TB OS: DokeOS_P 4.0 (based on Android 13)Card Slot: Dual hybrid card slots; 1 x SIM +1 TF or 2 x SIMCameras: 8-megapixel Samsung front camera, 16-megapixel SK Hynix rear cameraBattery: 8800mAh supporting 33W fast chargeSpeaker: Quad Harman Kardon surround sound speakersColor: Turquoise Green, Glacier Blue, Space GreyDimension: 277.6 x 173.2 x 7.9mmWeight: 632g (1.4 lb)The first thing I noticed about this tablet is how thin and light it feels. At 0.3-inch/7.9mm thin and weighing 1.4lb/632g, this device is a bit thicker and slightly lighter than the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, but for a budget Android tablet, it's a breath of fresh air not to be holding a tablet that feels like it's made of concrete. Also: This rugged Android phone has thermal superpowers that make my iPhone look boring Blackview Tab 18 Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETSure, I'd have this tablet in a case to protect it from accidents caused by carelessness and gravity, making it just as bulky as my iPad Pro, but it's nice to see a thin and light Android tablet.It's also a sleek and smooth tablet with glass and metal flowing into each other to create something stunning to look at and practical to use. The Space Gray finish on my Tab 18 was flawless and did a good job of resisting scratches, wear, and even fingerprints.Speaking of fingerprints, the Tab 18 features a fingerprint reader and face recognition biometrics, giving you options for easily logging into the tablet.Also: I found the AirTags that Android users have been waiting for (and they're on sale for Black Friday)The 12-inch display is also a breath of fresh air. It's big enough to get real work done, sharp enough to make extended reading or video viewing sessions comfortable, and bright enough to be viewable under various conditions. The touch is nice and responsive, leading to a very natural feel. The TV-certified low-blue-light rating is a nice touch for those concerned that these wavelengths disturb their sleep patterns. The display is big enough to get real work done. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETAnd then there are those quad Harman Kardon surround sound speakers, which create an immersive soundscape, taking you out of the world around you and dropping you into whatever game or movie -- or business meeting -- you're listening to. I'm no audiophile -- I grew up on poor quality blown-out speakers and headphones with that sweaty sponge -- but to my ears, the sound output from this tablet was fantastic no matter whether I was watching Netflix, playing a game, listening to my burgeoning backlog of audiobooks from Audible, or on a voice call.Also: The budget Android tablet I recommend has a dazzling display - and it's on sale for Black FridayThe 8,000mAh battery is good for approximately 10 hours of web browsing and general tasks like email and editing documents, with gaming and watching videos shaving an hour off of this runtime, which is not bad. This is truly great real-world runtime from a budget 12-inch tablet. Thin and light Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETCombining the big battery with the 33W fast charging capability, which can take the battery from zero to 50% in about an hour, I didn't suffer from battery anxiety at all. I've seen much worse performance from much pricier hardware than this.As for thermal management, I fully expected this tablet to get warm and toasty under a heavy load. While it did get warm when the going got tough, the thermal conductivity system that Blackview has built into this system, featuring over 18.6 square inches/12,000mm of heat dissipation area, resulted in a cool user experience during which I never saw the tablet exceed 104F/40C. The Tab 18 can't keep up with high-end hardware, but it's more than enough for most users. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETThere's nothing more disquieting than trying to use a tablet that slowly goes from warm to warmer to "yikes, is this thing going to burn me?" I pushed the Tab 18 as hard as I could for extended periods, and at no point did it get to a point where I felt that it was getting hot.If you leave your expectations of a blow-your-hair-back, top-level performing tablet at the door, you won't be disappointed with the Blackview. The octa-core processor and 12 gigabytes of built-in RAM offer a slick user experience.The cameras on this unit are acceptable at best. They're good compared to even the best cameras from a few years ago, but they fall short of all the computational wizardry that higher-end devices perform on photos. At the extreme ends of photography -- low light or full-sun daylight the cameras struggle. But for normal captures in normal conditions, they're perfect for those wanting to trawl for likes on social media, and also for capturing photos for reports and other work or school-related activities. Tab 18 camera array Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETAgain, remember the price here. $330, sometimes $260 when it's on sale. Not long ago you couldn't have dreamt of a 12-inch tablet for anything close to this price. Now you're getting such a tablet with a powerful processor, loads of RAM, bags of storage, and decent cameras for $140 more than Apple charges for a 3-meter Thunderbolt 4 cable.ZDNET's buying adviceThe Blackview Tab 18 is a great tablet, ideal for work, school, or if you want a tablet for the living room or workshop. I've put this device through its paces and have no complaints. The price makes this an unmissable deal if you're willing to forgo an Apple or Samsung logo emblazoned on the back. Ultimately, if you want more power and performance -- power and performance that most users never really utilize -- then you will have to dig deeper and pay more. If you want a tablet and not an ego booster, the Tab 18 is well worth a look.Featured reviews

Black Fridayis just a few hours away, but if you can't wait until sales officially kick off to upgrade or replace your TV(or to find one to gift), we've found some incredible early Black Friday TV deals at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. You'll find great discounts from brands like Sony, LG, TCL, and Hisense on everything from high-end OLED models to entry-level smart TVs for college dorms and first apartments.Also: The best Black Friday deals: Live updatesI've spent years testing TVs at ZDNET, and am constantly looking out for the best deals and discounts from top brands, particularly around the holidays. To help you find the very best Black Friday TV deals, I put together a list of discounts and markdowns I've found at trusted retailers and directly from the brands themselves, including deals on TVs we've tested.Black Friday TV sales are changing constantly, and tons of new ones are becoming available. We'll update this list live every hour or less to ensure you have the most current deals.Our favorite TV deals for Black Friday 2024LG C4 OLED 65-inch: $1,497 (save $1,203 at Amazon): LG's flagship OLED TV has a 144Hz native refresh rate, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, and VRR support for both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium. It's also our pick for the best OLED TV you can buy.Sony Bravia X90L 65-inch: $998 (save $302 at Amazon): This is one of ZDNET editor-in-chief Jason Hiner'smost-recommended TVs-- and it's on sale in every size from 55 inches up.TCL QM85 98-inch: $3,998 (save $2,002 at Amazon): TCL's flagship QLED TV offers Dolby Vision IQ HDR, Dolby Atmos, up to a 240Hz refresh rate for console gaming, and built-in voice controls. I tested this TV, and found it offers excellent picture quality, great sound, and a dedicated picture mode at an affordable price.LG evo G4 Series OLED 65-Inch: $2,147 (save $1,253 at Amazon): The G4 series is ZDNET editor-in-chief Jason Hiner's pick forthe best picture quality-- and it's 32% off right now.Samsung S90C OLED 65-inch: $1,348 (save $650 at Amazon): This big discount makes our pick for one of Samsung's best TVs even better, with its amazing color depth and quality.Samsung QN85D 85-inch: $1,798 (save $1,400 at Amazon): This big-screen TV has object-tracking sound and Dolby Atmos support for a more immersive experience while streaming movies, music, and TV shows.Samsung DU7200 85-inch: $900 (save $200 at Best Buy): A budget-friendly big-screen TV with 4K resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and object tracking sound. You'll also get a free 40-inch Samsung TV with purchase.LG Class 89 98-inch: $4,000 (save $2,000 at Best Buy): A cinema-sized screen with 4K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync VRR, and Dolby Vision HDR. LG/ZDNET Current price: $1,497Original price: $2,700LG's flagship OLED TV features VRR support for both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium to prevent screen tearing and stuttering while console gaming. You'll also get a 144Hz native refresh rate for smoother motion during sports broadcasts and fast-paced movie and TV show scenes. View now at Amazon Samsung/ZDNET Current price: $1,798Original price: $3,200This flagship QLED TV from Samsung not only supports Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound, it also uses Samsung's object tracking sound technology for a more immersive streaming experience for movies, shows, and music. View now at Amazon Samsung/ZDNET Current price: $900Original price: $1,100This budget-friendly big-screen TV has object tracking sound, a 60Hz refresh rate, built-in voice controls, and object tracking sound. And with your Best Buy purchase, you'll also get a free 40-inch Samsung TV (a $250 value). View now at Best Buy TCL/ZDNET Current price: $3,998Original price: $6,000Grab this truly cinema-sized TV at Amazon for an impressive $2,000 off ahead of the Holiday shopping season. With Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Vision support, you'll get clean, crisp audio and more accurate colors and contrast for a more immersive viewing experience. View now at Amazon LG/ZDNET Current price: $4,000Original price: $6,000A truly cinema-sized TV from LG that features 4K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision HDR, AMD FreeSync VRR, and cloud gaming support. View now at Best Buy Black Friday OLED TV deals 2024 Jason Hiner/ZDNETSamsung S95D 77-inch: $3,498 (save $900 at Amazon): Samsung's premium OLED offers object-tracking sound, an expert-calibrated screen for color accuracy, and a 144Hz refresh rate. ZDNET editor-in-chief Jason Hiner called this"the best TV in the world."Samsung S90D 65-inch: $1,398 (save $800 at Amazon): Samsung's latest iteration of their flagship OLED TV features object tracking sound, a 144Hz peak refresh rate, and a Pantone Validated screen for color accuracy.Samsung S85D 55-inch: $998 (save $700 at Amazon): A more affordable version of Samsung's OLED TV with object tracking sound, built-in voice controls, and Dolby Atmos support.LG B4 77-inch: $1,597 (save $200 at Amazon): A more affordable OLED from LG with a dedicated gaming dashboard, 120Hz refresh rate, and support for both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.Also: The Best Editor-Selected Black Friday Deals to Shop Right Now (PC Mag)Black Friday QLED TV deals 2024 Adam Breeden/ZDNETSamsung Q60D 55-inch: $498 (save $300 at Amazon): Samsung's mid-range QLED TV offers object-tracking sound, a dedicated gaming hub with cloud gaming support, and a Pantone-validated screen for color accuracy.TCL 55-Inch Q65 QLED 4K UHD Smart TV: $298 (save $150 at Amazon): This affordable QLED TV features high brightness and LED backlight, and Dolby Vision.Hisense U7 75-inch: $898 (save $500 at Amazon): A premium TV with Dolby Vision IQ HDR, Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound, a 144Hz refresh rate, and VRR support for console gaming.Vizio 50-inch MQX Series 4K QLED TV: $427 (save $203 at Amazon): Get great picture thanks to Active Full Array Backlight + local dimming, enhanced with Dolby Vision HDR Bright Mode & HDR10+, and fine-tuned with Active Pixel Tuning.Black Friday TV deals 2024: 40 - 43 inches Maria Diaz/ZDNETTCL S3 40-inch: $140 (save $50 at Amazon): A budget-friendly smart TV with AirPlay support, Alexa voice controls, and 1080p resolution. Amazon Fire TV 2 Series 40-inch: $150 (save $100 at Amazon): A basic smart TV with built-in voice controls, 1080p resolution, and HDR10 support.Roku Select Series 43-inch: $198 (save $50 at Amazon): An affordable smart TV from Roku with 4K resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support.LG UT70 43-inch: $230 (save $170 at Best Buy): A great entry-grade smart TV from LG with 4K resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and HDR10 support.Black Friday TV deals 2024: 55 - 65 inches Taylor Clemons/ZDNETAmazon Fire TV Omni QLED: $420 (save $180 at Amazon): Amazon's flagship TV uses the Fire TV platform to give you access to Prime's entire library as well as to thousands of other streaming apps.Hisense S7N Canvas TV: $698 (save $300 at Amazon): A gallery-inspired TV from Hisense that turns your living room into your own personal art show when you aren't streaming.TCL QM7: $498 (save $302 at Amazon): TCL refreshed their mid-range TV line with Dolby Vision IQ HDR, Dolby Atmos, and up to a 240Hz refresh rate.Samsung Q80D: $798 (save $400 at Amazon): A mid-range QLED with Dolby Atmos and object tracking sound, built-in voice controls, and cloud gaming support.Black Friday TV deals 2024: 65 - 75 inches Jason Hiner/ZDNETSamsung QN900D: $3,500 (save $1,500 at Best Buy): Samsung's latest 8K TV gives you four times the resolution as a 4K model, letting you keep your home theater on the cutting edge.TCL NXTFRAME: $800 (save $700 at Amazon): A gallery-inspired TV with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support and built-in Alexa voice controls.Sony Bravia 7: $1,398 (save $600 at Amazon): A mid-range mini LED TV from Sony that supports their Acoustic Multi-Audio technology for better audio/video syncing.Vizio Class 4K UHD LED HDR Smart TV: $378 (save $50 at Walmart): This budget TV comes with Dolby Vision Bright+, Wi-Fi 6 support, and Dolby Vision HDR Gaming for enhanced in-game color.Black Friday TV deals 2024: Over 75 inches June Wan/ZDNETSony X77L: $998 (save $500 at Amazon): An excellent mid-range big-screen TV from Sony with Bluetooth connectivity, built-in voice controls, and exclusive features for gaming with the PlayStation 5.Sony Bravia 9: $3,998 (save $800 at Amazon): Sony's flagship mini-LED TV has an anti-glare screen coating, a studio-calibrated panel for color accuracy, and support for both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.LG G4 OLED 83-inch: $4,447 (save $902 at Amazon): LG's flagship, premium-grade OLED TV features adaptive brightness, Dolby Vision HDR, a dedicated filmmaker mode, and an updated, sleek design.LG Class 85 QNED 86-inch: $1,000 (save $500 at Best Buy): This mid-range big-screen offers a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10 support, and AMD FreeSync VRR for console gaming.Black Friday 2024 Samsung TV deals Adam Breeden/ZDNETSamsung QNX1D 85-inch: $1,750 (save $2,250, Only available at Samsung): A refresh to Samsung's flagship QLED line with object tracking sound, adaptive audio, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR.Samsung QE1D 65-inch: $680 (save $620, Only available at Samsung): A mid-range QLED with object tracking sound and a Pantone Validated panel for lifelike colors and contrast.Samsung Crystal DU9000 98-inch: $2,500 (save $1,500): One of the most affordable cinema-class TVs on the market features a 120Hz refresh rate, object tracking sound, and built-in voice controls.Black Friday 2024 TV deals: Discounts from top retailersAmazon TV dealsTCL Q68 85-inch: $1,000 (save $500): A great mid-range TV with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, a 120Hz max refresh rate, and built-in voice controls.LG QNED85T 75-inch: $997 (save $250): A great mid-range LED TV from LG with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10 support, and VRR support for both AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync.Hisense U6N 65-inch: $498 (save $200): This mid-range TV from Hisense supports both Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, has a 60Hz refresh rate, and Bluetooth connectivity.Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K: $22 (save $28): Turn any TV into a streaming hub with this HDMI device. It supports Wi-Fi 6 for stable connectivity and thousands of streaming apps.Amazon Fire TV Cube: $100 (save $40): Amazon's Fire TV cube streamlines your streaming experience. Enjoy hands-free Alexa and a multitude of shows and movies for 29% off.Roku Express: $18 (save $12): A simplified streaming box with access to thousands of popular apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+.SunBrite Veranda 3 55-inch: $1,999 (save $900): An outdoor TV rated for full shade with up to 1,000 nits of brightness, 4K resolution, and the Google TV platform.Hisense S7N 55-inch: $700 (save $300): A gallery-inspired QLED TV with a dedicated art slideshow mode, 144Hz refresh rate, and built-in 2.0.2CH surround sound.Amazon Fire TV Omni 75-inch: $698 (save $3584): Amazon's mid-range smart TV offers Dolby Vision HDR, built-in Alexa voice controls, and Dolby Digital Plus audio.Roku Ultra: $79 (save $21): A 4K streaming box that can turn any TV into a smart TV with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, Bluetooth connectivity, and Wi-Fi 6 support.Samsung QN90D 65-inch: $1,498 (save $800): Samsung's flagship QLED TV offers object tracking sound, built-in voice controls, and a 120Hz refresh rate.Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED 65-inch: $920 (save $170): Amazon's flagship TV offers an excellent picture with Dolby Vision HDR support, a 144Hz max refresh rate, and Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound.Vizio 40-inch Full HD TV: $148 (save $22): Snag this smart TV for 13% off that comes with built-in apps for streaming and HDR10 support on HDMI for gaming.Sam's Club TV dealsSamsung Class Q60D 65-inch TV: $698 (save $100): This QLED Samsung TV offers a vibrant image and up to 4K resolution.Samsung The Frame 65-inch TV: $1,298 (save $700): Samsung's popular The Frame QLED TV delivers beautiful 4K resolution images while doubling as a work of art when not in use.LG StanbyME Go portable TV: $799 (save $400): Yes,LG made a briefcase smart TVthat you can take anywhere. At 27 inches, it's a full HD TV with WebOS and the portability to watch it in your backyard or while tailgating.Vizio 2.1 soundbar: $99 (save $30): This Vizio all-in-one soundbar supports Dolby Atmos and DTS.Vizio Elevate SE soundbar: $399 (save $100): This Vizio 5.1.2 channel soundbar boasts Bluetooth support, Dolby Atmos, and 3D spatial audio.Walmart TV dealsHisense R6 75-inch: $498 (save $200): A budget-friendly big-screen TV with Dolby Vision and DTS Studio Sound, a dedicated gaming mode, and the Roku TV platform for streaming.Samsung QN90C 75-inch: $1,787 (save $1,512): The previous iteration of Samsung's flagship QLED TV still has a lot to offer with object tracking sound, a dedicated gaming hub, and 120Hz refresh rate.Samsung The Terrace 65-inch: $2,877 (save $2,122): This outdoor TV is rated for partial sun exposure, making it perfect for covered patios and decks.Sylvox 55-inch outdoor TV: $1,349 (save $800): A waterproof TV designed for partial sun exposure, making it perfect for covered patios and enclosed porches.Roku Pro Series 55-inch: $600 (save $300): A mid-range smart TV from Roku with access to thousands of streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.Samsung QN900C 65-inch: $2,788 (save $2,211): Samsung's previous iteration of their flagship 8K TV, which gives you four times the resolution as a 4K model and 16 times that of a 1080p HD TV.Hisense U7N 100-inch: $1,798 (save $1,200): A cinema-sized smart TV with a 144Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision HDR, and Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound.Sony Bravia X93L 75-inch: $1,598 (save $900): A big-screen Mini-LED TV with a 120Hz refresh rate and VRR support for console gaming, Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound support, and exclusive features for gaming on the PlayStation 5.Best Buy TV dealsSony Bravia A80L OLED 83-inch: $4,000 (save $800): With a 120Hz refresh rate and support for both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, you'll get a cinema-quality experience in the comfort of your own living room.Samsung DU6950 75-inch: $550 (save $200): A budget-friendly big-screen TV with 4K resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and built-in voice controls.LG NanoCell 75 65-inch: $480 (save $420): A great mid-range LED model from LG with 4K resolution, dynamic tone mapping, and a 60Hz refresh rate.LG Class 99 8K 75-inch: $2,300 (save $1,200): This TV gives you 8K resolution, which is four times the detailing of 4K, and 16 times that of 1080p.Hisense U7 75-inch: $900 (save $600): A great mid-range TV with the Google TV platform for access to thousands of streaming apps and a 144Hz refresh rate.Hisense QD5 65-inch: $330 (save $170): A budget-friendly QLED from Hisense with Dolby Vision HDR, an automatic low-latency mode for console gaming, and voice-enabled remote.Hisense QD6 75-inch: $450 (save $250): A budget-friendly big-screen with an updated QLED panel for better color and contrast as well as Dolby Vision HDR support.Hisense U6 75-inch: $650 (save $550): The Hisense U6 supports both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, AMD FreeSync VRR, Wi-Fi 6, and both Chromecast and Apple AirPlay.Roku Pro 75-inch: $1,000 (save $700): Roku's own flagship TV has a 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, and a QLED panel for more lifelike colors and contrast.Hisense L9H laser projector with 100-inch screen: $3,000 (save $2,500): An ultra-short throw laser projector with an included screen, Dolby Vision and Atmos support, 4K resolution, and a 3000 lumen lamp.Roku Plus 75-inch: $750 (save $150): An affordable big-screen TV that uses the Roku platform to give you access to thousands of streaming apps, integrated voice controls, and live TV.Furrion Aurora 55-inch: $1,200 (save $800): This ruggedized outdoor TV is rated for full shade, making it perfect for covered patios and enclosed porches or 3-season rooms.LG UT90 98-inch: $2,500 (save $1,500): A simplified smart TV with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10 support, and 4K resolution.Hisense A6 85-inch: $700 (save $300): A budget-friendly big-screen TV that uses the Google platform to give you access to popular streaming apps, integrated voice controls, and Dolby Vision HDR support.Insignia F30 58-inch: $250 (save $130): A simple smart TV with 4K resolution, HDR10 support, and a 60Hz refresh rate.Samsung S84D 77-inch OLED: $1,600 (save $1,700): This Best Buy-exclusive OLED is one of Samsung's more budget-friendly versions, offering signature OLED picture quality, excellent sound, and tons of smart features for a more affordable price.Black Friday 2024 home audio deals Artie Beaty/ZDNETSamsung HW-Q850D: $600 (save $500 at Best Buy): A high-end home theater system with Dolby Atmos support, 7.1.2CH audio, and an HDR10+ passthrough.LG S95TR: $1,000 (save $500 at Best Buy): LG's premium home audio system features Dolby Atmos support, a wireless subwoofer, and Bluetooth connectivity.Roku Streambar SE: $70 (save $30 at Best Buy): A 2-in-1 streaming box and soundbar that gives you access to thousands of popular apps and boosts dialogue.JBL Bar 9.1: $570 (save $630 at Amazon): A high-quality home audio system with a wireless subwoofer, dedicated satellite speakers, and a 4K Dolby Vision passthrough.Echo Dot (5th Gen): $23 (save $27 at Amazon): While technically not a soundbar, if you're looking for an ultra-budget saving way to amp up your sound, you can use two Alexa-enabled Echo Dots to get there -- especially on cheaper TV models, this can help tremendously.Vizio 5.1.2-channel home theater bundle: $475 (save $325 at Amazon): This set comes with two rear speakers, a soundbar, and a subwoofer. The soundbar is compatible with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for an immersive listening experience.Polk Audio soundbar + subwoofer bundle: $169 (save $80 at Amazon): This ultra-slim soundbar includes five full-range speakers for enhanced sound and is compatible with Dolby Digital for added clarity. This bundle includes a subwoofer for added bass.FAQsWhen is Black Friday 2024?Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving in the US. This year, it falls on Nov. 29, 2024.Are TVs really cheaper on Black Friday and during Cyber Week?They absolutely can be! Televisions are one of the few electronics categories that offers regular, predictable sale seasons throughout the calendar year. With Black Friday being one of the most prominent. Big brands like Sony, LG, and Samsung usually have their biggest discounts during the holiday shopping season, but it's not uncommon to also find summer sales on high-end TVs as well as budget-friendly models from TCL and Hisense.In terms of which day will have the best TV deals, in the past, we've seen TVs typically have the better deals on Black Friday. Since prices fluctuate throughout the long weekend, if you see a big drop, we'd recommend picking it up quickly before it goes out of stock. You can check sites like CamelCamelCamel to see price histories.How did we choose these Black Friday 2024 deals?Black Friday is prime time for scammers and resellers. Each deal on this list has been vetted as being sold and shipped by reliable retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. I've also avoided ultra-budget brands like Onn and Vizio, as the discounts are negligible at the time of writing, and these brands don't offer the same quality TVs as even TCL or Hisense.What is the best TV?ZDNET's resident TV experts have tested and researched dozens of models from just as many brands, and we all agree that the Samsung S95D OLED is the best TV you can buy right now. With an updated OLED panel for a more lifelike picture, a 120Hz refresh rate, object tracking sound, and a dedicated gaming dashboard with cloud gaming support.OLED vs QLED: Which should you pick this holiday season?Based on theOLED TVs we've tested, we've found that they offer better picture quality, including higher contrast, truer color accuracy, and deeper blacks than QLEDs. However, what works best for you might depend on your viewing environment and individual needs. For more details and advice on how to choose which is right for you, check out our full OLED vs. QLED explainer.What should I look for in a TV?Once you've hammered out a budget for your next TV, there are a few other important factors to consider:Brand integrity: It's tempting to pick up that ultra-cheap TV during a sale event from a no-name brand. But you may end up paying more to replace it in a few years (or months) if it was built with cheap components or stops receiving over-the-air firmware updates. No matter which brand of TV you choose, make sure that the company offers industry-standard return and exchange policies as well as clear options for customer service.Smart features: Not all smart TVs are created equal, with premium options from brands like LG and Sony offering OLED panels for incredible picture quality as well as quality-of-life features like built-in voice controls and pre-loaded suites of streaming apps. Make sure the TV you have your eye on has all of the smart features you need to keep up with your favorite shows and movies.Reasons to upgrade: It seems like every year, TV brands refresh their model line-ups. Sometimes, those refreshes introduce cool new options like Samsung's object tracking sound and cloud gaming support. Others are more subtle upgrades like improved QLED panels and speakers or new app support. Before you drop a whole paycheck on a new TV, make sure it offers enough reasons to upgrade to make it worth the price.What are the best Black Friday 2024 deals?ZDNET's experts have been searching through Black Friday sales live now to find the best discounts by category. These are the best Black Friday deals so far, by category:And more Black Friday deals:Top holiday deals

FBI issues new Black Friday warning for millions of shoppersAnadolu Agency via Getty ImagesWith Black Friday now here, it is clear that the dangers facing online shoppers are greater than ever. The latest reports suggest scam websites have surged 89% over last year, and almost 80% of shopping offers hitting inboxes are fraudulent. We have even seen Google search results poisoned to send traffic to dangerous websites.Little surprise then that the FBI has released a new warning for online shoppers, setting out the sellers that must be avoided on Black Friday, Cyber Monday and throughout the holiday season. For all users of Chrome, Safari and Edge, which control 95% of the US browser market, this is a must-have checklist to stay safe.The FBIs advice on which sellers to avoid comes down to seven key points, think of this as your online safety check during the holiday seasondont take any risks:Dont buy from websites until youve carefully checked the URL to ensure its legitimate and secure. Websites should have the telltale secure connection padlock in the address bar and https at the beginning of the full address. If the website is not secure to the URL is not obviously right, move on.Do not buy from a website for the first time until youve done some research and checked any available online reviews. Remember, reviews can be faked as well, so dont gloss over the first you find.If youre using an auction site or similar marketplace, be wary of sellers with mostly unfavorable feedback ratings or no ratings at all. You want sellers with a large numbers of completed transactions and favorable reviews.Dont buy from sellers who act as authorized dealers or factory reps of popular items in countries where there would be no such deals. This is a well-known scam whereby these shopfronts take orders and rarely ship goods, and those they do ship are usually counterfeit.Also beware of any sellers who post an auction or advertisement as if they reside in the U.S. but then respond to questions by stating they are out of the country on business, family emergency, or similar reasons. Again, this is a typical scam whereby the seller will offer a plausible excuse for having an overseas address or phone number. Move on.Dont buy from websites that specify unusual shipping arrangements or who offer to bypass customs checks or fees, similarly dont buy from sellers you dont know who request direct money transfers. Always use a credit card which brings additional checks and protection.Dont pay for items you buy with pre-paid gift cards. As the FBI explains, in these scams, a seller will ask you to send them a gift card number and PIN. Instead of using that gift card for your payment, the scammer will steal the funds, and youll never receive your item.According to the cyber research team at Check Point, cyber criminals are putting in overtimewith Black Friday and Cyber Monday approaching, threat actors are poised to take advantage of consumers hoping to shop the yearly discounts. The team warns that this years surge in websites related to Black Friday is 89% higher than the surge in the same period last year Nearly all of these sites impersonate well-known brands, and almost none are classified safe.MORE FROMFORBES VETTEDCheck Point offers a similar five-point checklist to the FBIs:Check URLs closely for misspellings or unusual host domains.Make sure the url starts with https:// and shows a padlock icon.When emails come in, reference the sender against emails you know to be real. Dont click anything youre not sure about.Dont blindly click through on QR codes.Never input unnecessary details like your social security number, and avoid inputting extra info like your birthday where its not required.Check Point also gives some examples of the kinds of URLs designed to trick users into visiting fraudulent websites:Stssy (Steatwear): stussycanadablackfriday[.]comLongchamp (Bags): longchampblackfriday[.]comWayfair (Online Home Store): wayfareblackfriday[.]comSOREL (Footwear): soreloutletblackfriday[.]comCrew (Retail): jcrewblackfriday[.]comIUN (Footwear): blackfriday-shoe[.]topThe added focus on phishing is critical. This holiday season, Bitdefender warns that cybercriminals have wasted no time trying to capitalize on the frenzy, with an incredible 3 out of every 4 Black Friday themed marketing spam emails now actually a scam, intended to defraud you of your money or even install malware on your device to steal your credentials or your data.This year, we have seen a deluge of AI-crafted phishing lures, which make mimicking a popular, trusted brand all too easy. And these enticing, time-sensitive offers can be pumped out to email addresses on an industrial scale.Remember, the FBI warns, if it seems too good to be true, that's because it is.

Indigenous Nations have long understood the importance of nurturing a child's physical, mental, cultural and spiritual health from the very beginning of life. Take my own people, the Dakota Nation, for example. Centuries before the founding of the United States, Dakota babies had access to these vital elements of well-being.Daisy Norris, Blackfeet mother in Glacier National ParkPicrylDakota babies were born to mothers who consumed food directly from the earth or through hunting animals. Their diet was unprocessed, relying on the mastery of skills and knowledge to cultivate. In Dakota culture, specific parenting practices were embedded to teach children the essential skills they would need, at precise stages in their lives, to feed their families.At around ages 5 to 6, Dakota boys were given a bow and instructed to use grasshoppers as target practice until they were ready to hunt. Dakota girls learned at a young age how to gather and prepare food and medicines for their people.Dakota babies also grew up immersed in the sounds of their culture. Even in the womb, they could hear drums and songs. Modern research now supports what Indigenous people have always knownthat babies in utero are profoundly affected by sound and can recognize familiar voices from birth. Our children are listening from the very beginning.When Dakota children entered the world, the first language they heard was their mother tongue. Through this language, they were introduced to birth songs and ceremonies that had been shared by countless ancestors before them. They drank milk from their mothers' breastsor sometimes from other women who recently had children in their kinship network. This beautiful cultural practice not only supported mothers facing early breastfeeding challenges but also passed on vital antibodies through breastmilk, giving babies immunity before their own systems could fully develop.MORE FROMFORBES VETTEDWithin days of birth, Dakota children were adorned with meticulously crafted clothing made by their relatives as a physical expression of their love. As they grew, elders would share stories with them passed down through generations. These stories taught important lessons about respect, wellness, courage and how to navigate the world.Indigenous families have the power to reclaim these practices for our children today, allowing them to experience their first days on earth the way our ancestors intended. When we bring these traditions to our childrens early lives, we remind them who they are, long before the outside world shapes them.When we embrace these practices, we honor generations past and lay a foundation of resilience for generations to come. Our children deserve to feel the strength of their ancestors from birth; this is the first gift we give them.These traditions, which colonization tried to eradicate, have beenand still can bea profound gift to our children. They ground them in identity and give them the tools to become compassionate and healthy adults.From the very beginning, we can surround our children with the sights, sounds and love of our heritage. Try introducing songs, stories and language from your familys culture while your child is still in the womb. Speak to them and sing to them. Let them begin their lives connected to their roots. As they grow, small gestures, like gifting them cultural items, taking them with you to hunt and gather and telling them stories your grandparents told you, will help them build a foundation of confidence in their identity.All the things they tried to take from us are what make our children strong. When our children have those things, they are more likely to thrive.