Latest news with #Kindles
Buzz Feed
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
37 Interesting, Unique, And Straight-Up Bizarre Gifts To Bestow Upon Your Fellow Weirdos
A tin of emergency googly eyes sure to help out your friend whenever they're in a pinch during a prank war. The pack comes with three different sizes, so get ready for everything in their home to suddenly start staring back at you. Bird Call — a goofy party game that'll have the whole house hooting, cawing, and croaking. Players call out bird sounds and trade cards when they find another player matching their call. A set of Troll Doll lighter cases so they can enjoy making their new toys go Super Saiyan whenever they want to light a candle. The cases come nude or in silly knit sweaters, so I'm sure your crafty friend would have a lot of fun with these. A can of whipped crea— I mean, sunscreen that just looks like dessert, so don't eat it, OK? This tasty-looking skincare will make them feel like a cherry pie instead of looking like one (baked to a crisp). A pair of sticky hand earrings you don't even have to play an hour's worth of arcade games to win for them. And these days, they're probably cheaper than an hour in an arcade, too! Or, a pair of mismatched fork and outlet earrings they can wear as an ode to one of their most prominent intrusive thoughts. What an ~electrifying~ design! A pack of food-themed bandages to make injuries feel a little more bearable. After all, who could stay upset while wearing a pickle or pizza slice on their arm? Not me. It's Bananas! — a giggle-inducing ring game that involves strapping on a monkey tail, hitting a spinner, and completing challenges to win banana tokens. I hope they've been doing their squats! A phone umbrella that suctions onto the back of their phone, allowing them to properly scroll without raindrops or sun glare ruining their view of Reviewbrah's latest video. As silly as it looks, reviewers swear by this for their Kindles when reading poolside. A squishy blobfish sure to cheer them up when they're glum — or at least ensure they're never the saddest looking person in the room. A snail (or alien) headband offering an extra set of eyes for their skincare routine. It'll keep their hair out of the way and put them in the right mindset for slathering various serums and snail secretions. A "Gracula" garlic crusher that ironically helps them with one of the most tedious chores in the kitchen. Just throw in the peeled cloves, twist, and feel grateful they Let the Right One their kitchen. An opossum toy who somehow managed to not only get a driver's license but also find a street-legal peanut to drive into town. Congrats, 'possum! A sticker book filled with grouchy-looking cats. I would ask why they're so upset, but we all know cats never need a reason. They can have fun placing these directly in the sightline of anyone bugging them that day. >:( A resin gummy worm masterpiece that any candy lover would be proud to hang in their home. Might be wise to also gift them a bag of real gummies to soften the blow of not being able to eat these rainbow beauties. A ransom note sticker book so they can spend less time cutting up old magazines and more time sending threatening letters. With fewer magazines in print these days, it's getting harder to kidnap people the right way. A Dingle Dangle baby distracter that's just silly enough to work. This Shark Tank star is essentially a rattle that they can wear on their head to turn themselves into a walking mobile. It'll come in handy when their fussy baby protests a diaper change. A pack of glow-in-the-dark gummy bear nails to add a little Willy Wonka charm to their set. I know they stopped biting their nails in middle school, but they may be tempted to pick the habit back up after wearing these. A handy fork that clips onto the side of their pickle jar for easy midnight snacking. A working claw machine they can fill with any tiny treats they'd like, from squishy toys to candy Now they can say, "we have a claw machine at home." A miniature wacky waving inflatable tube man in case they wanna grow up to be a used Hot Wheels salesman and need something to draw in new customers. An infectious disease coloring book oozing with hours of gross relaxation. This purchase is nothing to sneeze at. An "ugly" custom pet pillow offering a hilariously warped version of their scrunkly companion. Just send in a photo that you think could be distorted into something perfectly meme-able. A wind-up toy shaped like a cat riding a robot vacuum. We've all seen the videos — it's time to recreate it at home. A set of cowboy straw toppers that add a little "don't mess with Texas" vibe to their water bottle by protecting the drinking straw from strangers bumping into it. Look how cute this bottle looks with a lil' hat on! It thinks it's people. :') A magnetic goose holder if they're alwaaaays forgetting their keys. They can use it to hold up anything magnetic (I'm envisioning maybe a mini metal basket filled with knickknacks) — some reviewers have been arming theirs with knives. A Grim Steeper silicone tea infuser that doubles as a useful reminder to people not to bother them until they're done with their morning cuppa. A Skin1004 Zombie Pack to bring their skin back to life in a good, non-horror movie way. The mask tightens as it dries, creating a fun undead look (just like the more expensive Hanacure). When they wash it off, they might be pleasantly surprised to see bouncier, more hydrated skin. Snif's Dead Dinosaur perfume — an ode to standing at the gas station and huffing the fumes. The garage-themed scent has notes of gasoline, pink pepper, ginger, cedar wood, and magnolia flower. One reviewer called it "funky but surprisingly wearable." A mini Bob Ross paint-by-numbers kit that comes with three different numbered canvas designs, seven paint pots, a mini brush, and an easel to display their tiny masterpieces. It's perfect for adults and teens looking for a quick project and kids working on their fine motor skills. A giant bread pillow they can cuddle up with and get nice and toasty. They may want to also get a real baguette because this thing is making me hungry! A miniature Otamatone keychain for playing little ditties on the go. I can't tell you how many times I've been on a date and wished I had my little music note instrument so I could serenade them. This version has classic (public domain) tunes that they can play along with by pressing the button in rhythm to the song. A set of mushroom bookmarks because I know I'm not the only one who wants to live in a fairytale home. Since the silicone mushies are flexible, they can even pop them in the middle of their book to save their spot mid-page. A live, self-sustaining Venus flytrap lightbulb they can watch flourish, no matter what color their thumb is. They can remove and replant when it gets too big! A shark onesie for anyone who wishes every week was shark week. The wide fin sleeves and toothy hood make this the ultimate cozy hang 'fit. Skittles flavor enhancers so their water can taste like candy. A solid choice for the friend who turns their nose up at good old-fashioned water. A pack of four Croc-inspired car air fresheners that promise to smell a lot fresher than actual clogs. The, uh, unconventional car accessories clip onto their vents and come with 12 scent pads (four lavender, four fern, and four unscented). Stay weird! Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
RTÉ News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
10 of the best independent bookshops in Ireland
With the rise of virtual stores, mobile-friendly subscriptions and Kindles, these stalwarts maintain that the proof is in the pages. Ireland, for both tourists and locals alike, is something of a Book World. And despite the difficulties one might associate with trying to get people to read––attention spans chief among them––Irish people still love books; choosing them, buying them and reading them. Mercifully, we're at no loss for finding places where all of those things can be done at once. The vast majority of the best bookshops in this country are run by people who also love books. Which is to say that despite bigger book chains' discount prices and huge inventories, Ireland still shines with independents. Lucky enough to have one within walking distance? Consider it your duty to use it, or lose it. Here is a nationwide selection of Ireland's best indies. If we've missed your favourite, do get in touch... Books at One Where? 5 Ellis Workshops, Letterfrack, Connemara, Co Galway (also Louisburgh, Co Mayo) An indie bookshop and social enterprise supporting local artists and authors, Books at One allows the customer to consume excellent coffee and cake while perusing the latest titles, gifts and cards. With cosy indoor seating and a sunny garden-patio, Books at One is perhaps what the term "hidden gem" was made for. Located in a former Quaker workshop behind a Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (now a constituent of Atlantic Technological University) campus, Books at One's Letterfrack location is at the scenic base of the trail leading to Connemara National Park and Diamond Hill. Consider a stroll, if only to work up your appetite. Tertulia Where? 2 The Harbour Mill, The Quay, Westport, Co Mayo As described by the motto daubed onto the shop's walls, Tertulia is "a bookshop like no other," and is named for the act of gathering to discuss literature, arts or current affairs. Focused on community and fostering artistic spaces, Tertulia is a space to relax, listen to some vinyl and discuss films and books (most preferably in the cosy reading nook under the stairs). No Alibis Where? 83 Botanic Avenue, Belfast, Co Antrim No Alibis is a bookshop that is more than the sum of its parts. Though it specialises in crime fiction and American studies publications, its shelves are teeming with all genres, with the possibility of tea being offered at any stage of your perusal. Resplendent with coffee and a reading area, this hidden gem is just a minute's walk from Botanic station. Halfway Up The Stairs Where? La Touche Place, Greystones, Co Wicklow Named for the A.A. Milne poem "Halfway Down" featured in his classic When We Were Very Young, Halfway Up The Stairs is the kind of bookshop any book lover would dream of bringing a little one to. An award-winning children's bookshop with competitive prices, knowledgeable staff and a cosy vibe. Gutter Bookshop Where? Cow's Lane, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 (and 20 Railway Road Dalkey) Continuing with the trend of literary shop names––"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars" appears in Oscar Wilde's play, Lady Windermere's Fan ––Gutter Bookshop is proof that despite economic challenges, physical books will prevail. Opened in the downturn of 2009, Bob Johnston's entire business plan was centred around people's tendency to buy physical books if buying them was part of the pleasure of reading them. We're delighted to say he was exactly right. Charlie Byrne's Where? The Cornstore, Middle St, Galway Charlie Byrne's is one of the best-loved and most famous independent bookshops in Ireland, not to mention a Galway institution. Located in the heart of the city, it stocks over 70,000 pre-loved, new and bargain books on every imaginable subject. As per a recent TripAdvisor review: "I simply could not live in Galway without Charlie Byrne's. It's a labyrinth of bookworm delights, staffed by infinitely patient elves always happy to listen to our ramblings about books." Universal Books Where? Church Lane, Letterkenny, Co Donegal Universal Books sells a myriad; books, records, musical instruments, antiques and various other items, all at exceptionally good deals. Run by David Faughnan since 1996, the shop boasts the kind of genuine quirkiness that tourists dream of. Few stores like this exist anymore, fewer still with Faughnan's eye. The Celtic Bookshop Where? Rutland Street, Prior's Land, Limerick The Celtic Bookshop is a labour of love, curated over decades. Holding volumes on just about every topic you can imagine related to Ireland and other Celtic lands, it specialises in both new and out-of-print books, maps and prints. Located directly across from the Hunt Museum, this is a treasure trove you won't find elsewhere. Little Acorns Books Where? 3-5 Society Street, Derry The largest independent bookstore in the north west of Ireland, Little Acorns holds Irish fiction titles of all genres, as well as both new and used books. Owner Jenni Doherty founded it 15 years ago when all she had was a book stall and a dream. Today, she boasts 60,000 books in a three-storey building. A gem specialising in secondhand and some antiquarian books - and winner of Bookshop Of The Year at the 2025 An Post Irish Book Awards. "We're part of the fabric of their lives..." Congrats to @LittleAcornsBks for winning @Postvox Bookshop of the Year! Watch Jenni's acceptance as she highlights the importance of indie bookshops in our communities. #APIBA #StoriesMakeUs — An Post Irish Book Awards (@AnPostIBAS) January 7, 2025 21 Lavitts Quay, Cork Cork's oldest independent and family-run bookshop, Vibes and Scribes, has been making literary dreams come true for over 30 years now. And as Cork's last remaining independent bookstore, consider this your sign to visit. Artsy, family-run and full of both old and new, this is a space a little different to the rest. And as a regular stop-off for touring authors, you might even spot your favourite while browsing.
Buzz Feed
20-07-2025
- Buzz Feed
40 Genius Problem-Solving Products For Summer
A thermal phone case because your phone battery goes from 100% to 54% after being out in the hot sun for 30 minutes — and you haven't even used it. The chromium thermal barrier (similar to spacesuit technology!) will reflect 90% of the sun's rays, so the next time you want to take a quick selfie, you won't have to "hot potato" your phone. And a phone umbrella that may look like just a novelty product at first, but it's actually pretty cool. Imagine being able to see your phone screen in the sun — with this adorable umbrella, you can! It'll shield your screen for better visibility, and reviewers also love using it for their Kindles! This may be the most genius summer product I've seen. And!!! A laptop tent if your laptop insists on overheating while you're working outside, even if you only have ONE tab open. (Like why?!) This nifty gizmo takes WFH to a new level. The reflective fabric prevents overheating and reduces sun glare from every angle so you'll ACTUALLY be able to see your screen. A compact dehumidifier because you should be able to escape the dreadful humidity in the sanctuary that is your home, but somehow that icky, moist air finds a way in. Mold and mildew stand no chance against this bb! Cult-fave Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen that'll protect your skin with SPF 40. True to its name, it really is ~unseen~ and doesn't leave a white cast, and it's not greasy either! A pack of towel bands, because don't you just hate when your towel flies away when you're not laying on top of it?! (And then you look silly chasing after it — ugh, first-world problems.) This nifty little rubber band will ensure that your towel stays put when you leave it alone to take a dip in the pool. A mosquito repeller to prevent those oh-so-annoying creatures from crashing your party with a 15-foot invisible barrier. Reviewers love it because it's scent-free (aka no citronella smell) and works better than most devices they've tried! And a set of DEET-free mosquito-repelling bracelets that'll keep those blood-sucking creatures AWAY 🤺. It'll ward off all those skeeters without you having to douse yourself in an overwhelming amount of bug spray! A pair of beach socks to keep your precious feet protected from blazing hot sand and sharp rocks instead of feeling like you're walking on hot coals. You can also wear them into the water so every time your foot grazes against seaweed or algae, you won't scream bloody murder. A rechargeable mini air pump, perfect for inflating and deflating air mattresses, floaties, and even paddle boards! The next time you're on vacation and desperately want to float in a tube, just whip out this bad boy! A cut-to-size aloe wrap so you can target your sunburn's most painful spots and get some sweet, sweet relief. It's infused with aloe vera, green tea, and vitamin E that'll not only reduce redness and that burning sensation but also hydrate your skin to minimize peeling. A set of hotel-quality cooling gel pillows because the best sleep is in a hotel bed — that luxurious experience where you feel like your head is resting on a cotton candy cloud. You won't need to flip this fluffy pillow around either since BOTH sides stay cool! And a set of soft, breathable bamboo bed sheets that hot sleepers *swear* by. The moisture-wicking, thermoregulating fabric will keep you cool so you actually can catch some z's during those dreadful, hot nights. A set of popular, affordable wickaway sweatbands designed to keep dripping sweat and sunscreen from entering your peepers — ouchies! Other than being quite practical for a summer workout, they look so darn cute and sporty! An Owala FreeSip tumbler so you can enjoy icy agua all day long instead of having to add more ice every hour, thanks to its triple-layer insulation! This godsend offers all the benefits of a Stanley without the spills, and its spout is a game changer — you can either drink through a built-in straw or tilt it back to chug. Arm & Hammer deodorizers, aka your nose's savior this summer. Just plop 'em into your stinky shoes (or your partner's 👀), gym bag, hamper, or even closet to get rid of that unwanted odor for up to 60 days! A sand-removal bag because the last thing you want during your relaxing beach day is to lie on all the sand you dragged onto your towel. The powder inside the bag absorbs moisture so the sand comes off effortlessly when you rub it on your body! A pre-swim hair cream since your hair's greatest enemy in the summer is chlorine. This magical cream will prevent your hair from looking like tumbleweed with a green tint and instead have it looking sleek and shiny and feeling silky smooth. A pack of reusable water balloons cleverly created so the kiddos (or you) can have all the fun without worrying about cleanup afterward. Plus, they're so darn easy to fill up, and you won't have to go through the dreaded process of tying them because they close on their own! An inflatable beach pillow to make those "rotting on the beach" days a heck of a lot cozier. Instead of your head lying uncomfortably on the sand or rock-hard lounge chairs, it'll be propped up by this cloud-like pillow that even has a slot for a cooling pack! A tray table that you can slide onto your umbrella pole (genius) to keep your mojito, book, and phone within arm's reach and sand-free so your relaxing beach day *stays* relaxing. A cutesy insect catcher to catch those not-so-cutesy flies, gnats, and mosquitoes. Just place them near your fruit bowls or plants (both indoor and outdoor) to trap those pesky flying critters. A pack of UV-sensing stickers — the silent version of your mom nagging you to put on sunscreen. You can stick them anywhere on your skin that's exposed (and needs sunscreen), and they'll darken when they detect UV rays, giving you a peaceful notification to reapply! A *beary* adorable handheld fan you wouldn't think has the power to keep you cool with how compact it its 41,000+ 5-star ratings prove otherwise. Imagine you're standing in a line at Disneyland with no shade and pull this baby out — oh boy, are you about to be the most popular one there. Plus, it TRIPLES as a flashlight and portable charger, so this small but mighty thing can do it all. Or a hands-free bladeless personal fan that'll keep you cool on the beach, during hikes, or even while lounging around in your backyard. It's like a constant gentle breeze that'll actually make your time out in the sun a little enjoyable. A roll-on sunscreen sponge if you can't stand that icky feeling of greasy hands after applying sunscreen. Just fill up the applicator, twist the lid on, give it a lil' shake, and it's ready to be used! The sponge makes it soooo much easier to lather sunscreen on yourself and your kiddos — not only does it prevent too much from coming out, but it also helps rub it in! A patio table mosquito net enclosure to keep not only skeeters but also flies, bees, and other flying pests away from your hangout spot. The screen is thick enough to keep out those unwanted creatures but thin enough for airflow and visibility! And a magnetic screen door that'll keep all the critters at bay whenever you want to leave your door open to let fresh air in. It's also perf for parties and BBQs when people (and pets!) keep walking in and out of your house! A pack of unscented antiperspirant wipes if "sweating buckets" doesn't even begin to describe your 'pits in the summer. Just wipe these under your arms or anywhere else that, um, "sparkles," and your sweat will be controlled for up to seven days! A portable and leakproof water dispenser because hydration is important, even for your doggo. Your pupper will be able to quench their thirst during runs, walks, and hikes with ease! A tube of Burt's Bees After Sun soother if people keep referring to you as Mr. Krabs after a long day under those strong UV rays. The aloe and coconut oil formula will calm burns and hydrate your skin so you don't wince every time your shirt touches your back. A set of sexy anti-chafe lace bands because your thighs rub together more than a cricket rubs its legs — which creates that annoying itching and burning. Just slide these onto your legs and enjoy dress season without the chafing! A waterproof pouch — let's be honest, most of us would rather bring our phone with us in the ocean rather than leaving it unattended on the scorching hot sand. No drop of water will be able to enter this impenetrable plastic pouch (that goes for less than $10, if I may add). A portable lock box to take all your valuables with you without having to worry about them being stolen or lost. If you want to take off your ring to go into the ocean, not a problem at all. Just lock it in this veryyy sturdy box and hook it onto something secure! An Ostrich lounger because there is truly nothing worse than trying to get your tan on without any way to entertain yourself or (I guess) struggling to breathe. It has a hole for your face and arms so you can scroll through TikTok, indulge in a novel, or have a lil' snack while you're basking in the sun. A high ponytail running cap destined to be your summer running buddy. Imagine a world where you can run with a high pony *and* wear a hat at the same time to block out the sun — get this and make it your reality. It has a magnetic clasp in the back that opens, and whether you wear your hair high, mid, or low, you'll be able to perfectly position it and work out in style! A pack of underarm shields because the summer heat is seriously no joke. Not only will these prevent sweat from going through your clothes, but they'll also help stop pit odors! So don't you worry — even if you're sweating buckets, your clothes can still smell like flowers and sunshine. An adjustable mister so instead of being attacked by waves of heat, you'll be hit with refreshing droplets of water. It'll cool down the area by up to 20 degrees so you can get your tan on without burning up. The pliable design means you can easily wrap it around another object or just stand it up on its own! An outdoor drink holder stakes set because you can't play cornhole without a bev, but you can't hold a cup while playing — the struggle is REAL. You'll be able to have your brewski or lemonade within arm's reach while keeping it secure! A Scumbug to soak up all the oil, sunscreen, and whatever else is lurking in your pool or hot tub. It's so hands-off and easy to use — once it becomes discolored, just wring it out, rinse it off, and toss it back in there to clean while you relax!
Engadget
11-07-2025
- Business
- Engadget
Best Prime Day deals on Amazon devices: It's the last day to get up to 68 percent off Kindle ereaders, Echo speakers and more
While you can often find discounts on Echo speakers, Fire tablets, Kindles and other Amazon devices throughout the year, Amazon Prime Day is the best time to buy them, period. Prime Day is basically Black Friday for all Amazon-made gear, provided you're a Prime member who can actually participate in the members-only shopping event. In recent years, Prime Day discounts on these gadgets have even been better than those we've seen during the holiday shopping season. For Amazon Prime Day 2025, you'll find most of Amazon's devices on sale for record-low prices (or close to them). These are the best Prime Day deals you can get on Kindles, Fire TVs, Echos and more for the last day of the sale. Echo Pop speaker for $22 (45 percent off): One of the newer Echo devices available, the Pop it sports a 1.95-inch front-facing speaker and a physical mic mute switch for extra privacy. The Pop also has built-in eero compatibility, so it can extend the area of your home Wi-Fi network if you already have an eero router system. Echo Buds for $45 (68 percent off): Amazon's main earbud offering, the Echo Buds are one of our top picks for the best budget wireless earbuds you can get right now. Their design allows some outside sound in, which some will prefer over total noise cancellation, and they have a comfortable design with a pocket-friendly case, automatic wear detection, multi-device connectivity and, of course, built-in Alexa voice controls. Echo Show 5 for $60 (33 percent off): This model is one of our favorite smart displays thanks to its compact design, ambient light sensor and sunrise alarm feature, all of which make it an excellent smart alarm clock. Amazon improved the speaker quality on this latest model, which gives sound deeper bass and clearer vocals. Echo Show 8 for $110 (27 percent off): This is our current top pick for the best smart display with Amazon's Alexa thanks in part to its 8-inch touchscreen, 13MP camera that supports auto-framing for better video chats and its built-in Zigbee smart home hub. The 2023 model supports Visual ID, which will show personalized information on the device's display depending on who's using it, and video streaming from Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video and other services. Kindle Kids for $95 ($35 off): This is the same device as the base Kindle, but it becomes more kid-friendly thanks to the included cover, two-year warranty and the included year of Amazon Kids+, which gives children ages 3-12 access to hundreds of appropriate ebooks and audiobooks. Just be sure to take note when you activate that subscription because it will renew after one year at the standard $6/month rate. Kindle Paperwhite for $125 ($35 off): The latest version of the Paperwhite has a seven-inch display, thinner bezels, an adjustable warm light, speedier page turns and a battery that can last up to 12 weeks on a single charge. This model is also IPX8 waterproof and has built-in Audible integration. Kindle Colorsoft for $180 ($100 off): Amazon's only color e-reader has a seven-inch, high-contrast display, an auto-adjusting front light, a color highlighting feature and an eight-week battery life. Kindle Scribe for $260 ($140 off): The Scribe is one of the best E-Ink tablets you can buy at the moment, and certainly the top pick if you want a writable table that also excels as an ereader. It provides a great reading and writing experience, thanks in part to its ability to access the entire Kindle ebook library, and it has handy Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive and Dropbox integration. Fire TV Stick 4K for $25 (50 percent off): This is the cheapest Fire TV Stick you can get to stream 4K content, plus it has support for Wi-Fi 6 and Dolby Vision and Atmos. With its live picture-in-picture feature, you can view security camera feeds right on your TV while you're watching your favorite show or movie. Fire TV Stick 4K Max for $35 (42 percent off): In addition to 4K HDR streaming with Dolby Vision and Atmos support, the 4K Max dongle includes Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, 16GB of built-in storage and live picture-in-picture capabilities. It also supports the Fire TV 'ambient experience,' which lets you display photos and images on your TV screen when you're not actively watching something. Fire TV Cube streaming box for $90 (36 percent off): This model will provide the best performance of any Fire TV streaming device, and it supports 4K HDR content, Dolby Vision and Atmos and an enhanced version of the Alexa Voice Remote. Along with live picture-in-picture view and the Fire TV ambient experience, you can also hardware other devices to the Fire TV Cube including a cable box or a game console. Fire HD 8 tablet for $55 (45 percent off): This is Amazon's most bare-bones tablet, featuring an eight-inch HD touchscreen, hexa-core processor and 13 hours of battery life. The improvements in the screen quality alone from the old-school Fire 7 tablet make it a better buy for most people, and this slab would make a good couch device for general web browsing, email checking, online shopping and more. Fire Max 11 tablet for $140 (39 percent off): Amazon's most powerful tablet, the Fire Max 11 sports an 11-inch 2,000 x 1,200 touchscreen, an octa-core processor, up to 128GB of storage and 14 hours of battery life. It also works with a number of optional accessories, including a stylus and keyboard case. Fire HD 10 Kids tablet for $105 (45 percent off): This slab is designed for kids aged three to seven, with full parental controls plus one year of Amazon Kids+ for free with the tablet purchase. This model has a 10-inch FHD touchscreen, an octa-core processor and 13 hours of battery life, plus it comes with a two-year warranty and a protective case. Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet for $105 (45 percent off): This model is designed for kids aged six to 12 and comes with a slimmer protective case, a two-year warranty and one year of access to Amazon Kids+. Otherwise, you get a very similar experience here that you would with the non-Pro version, including parental controls, a 10-inch touchscreen, solid performance and a 13-hour battery life.
Engadget
10-07-2025
- Business
- Engadget
You definitely should not buy an Echo Dot this Prime Day
Prime Day is basically Black Friday for Amazon's own devices. For almost as long as the shopping event has taken place (it started in July 2015, if you forgot), it's been one of the most reliable days of the year to snag Amazon gadgets like Kindles Echo speakers and Fire tablets at dirt-cheap prices. Amazon has regular sales all the time, but if you still shell out $139 annually for Prime, it's in your best interest to wait until mid-July to grab gear that Amazon makes itself. That's still accurate this year, too — for the most part. But not for the Echo Dot. Yes, it's on sale this year for $32. But that discounted price offends me personally — and it should offend you, too. The humble little orb of a smart speaker got the short end of the stick for Prime Day 2025. For reference, the latest edition of the Echo Dot was $23 last July Prime Day, and $23 again during the Black Friday period in 2024. While a $9 difference may not seem like much, it's a slap in the face for Prime subscribers who have come to expect the exclusive deals available to them during this arbitrary shopping event to be just as much of a perk of their membership as access to Prime Video, free two-day delivery and the like. It's worse that Amazon devices are the usual suspects when it comes to Hella Good Deals on Prime Day. If the Prime Day deal on the Echo Dot sucks, that means we can't reliably expect any of Amazon's devices to be down to record-low prices during this event. This, of course, matters not one bit to Amazon. Why the company decided to punish would-be Echo Dot purchasers this time around and not Kindle or Fire TV buyers will likely remain a mystery to us. But considering the uncertainty surrounding tariffs in the US and the steady flow of rising prices on tech as a direct result of that, one theory I have is that Amazon is testing its customers. If Engadget's historical Prime Day data is anything to go on, the Echo Dot is an extremely popular purchase — and Amazon likely knows that. If enough customers OK this objectively bad deal by purchasing the Echo Dot at $32 a pop, that signals to Amazon that it can continue to offer bad discounts on its devices without repercussions. I hesitate to say the days of a $23 Echo Dot are totally behind us, but they could be depending on how things go this summer. That said, the best alternative to the Echo Dot this Prime Day is the Echo Spot for $45. Amazon revived that smart alarm clock last year and, while I don't think it will boot the Echo Dot out of the speaker lineup any time soon, there's an argument for such a replacement considering Amazon now also has the ultra-cheap Echo Pop. Regardless, if you were hoping to buy an Echo Dot on discount during Prime Day, I recommend skipping it and opting for the Spot or the Pop instead. In addition, here are some Prime Day deals that are actually worth your time and money that all come in at $32 or less:
