SAVE $200: The 40-inch Samsung Odyssey G7 curved gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for $999.99, down from the list price of $1,199.99. That's a 17% discount and the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.
We're coming into some of the best months for gaming. Since the sun will set in late afternoon in just a few weeks, some folks are lining up which games they'll play during the winter season. If that's you and you've been itching for a new gaming monitor, you know Samsung makes some of the best models. But instead of paying full price, how about scoring a big savings?
As of Sept. 16, the 40-inch Samsung Odyssey G7 curved gaming monitor is on sale for $999.99 at Amazon, marked down from the standard price of $1,199.99. That's a 17% discount which takes a respectable $200 off the price. It's also the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.
A solid gaming monitor is critical to the mission. The gaming mission, that is. A curved gaming monitor can make the experience just that much more immersive. The Samsung Odyssey G7 monitor shows up big time for gaming, coming with 180Hx refresh rate and a 1ms GtG in a 40-inch screen class. With the included stand, the screen depth measures about 12 inches. Without the stand, you're looking about seven inches.
The Samsung Odyssey G7 is also capable of side-by-side gameplay, giving you the ability to use a split screen display for gaming with friends. There's also a picture-in-picture option so you could play on your own while tuning into your favorite Twitch stream.
Before we're deep into gaming season, upgrade your set-up with the 40-inch Samsung Odyssey G7 curved gaming monitor while it's on sale at Amazon for the lowest price ever. You games will come with an elevated display and experience.
When is the new Superman streaming?: How to watch James Gunns DCU relaunchIs the new "Superman" movie streaming? Find out how to watch the DC reboot at home, including the best HBO Max deals.
Brace yourselves for a brand new era of superhero films. With Superman, we don't just get a new version of the classic superhero's journey; we get the launch of an entirely new version of the DC Comics universe. Say farewell to the DCEU and hello to the DCU.
David Corenswet stars as the titular superhero in Superman, one of the most anticipated films of the summer. It also stars Rachel Brosnahan as reporter and love interest Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as evil villain Lex Luthor, Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, and María Gabriela de Faría as the Engineer. Plus, there's Krypto the Superdog, who might just steal your heart.
If you missed the Man of Steel in theaters, there are now a few different ways to tune in from your couch. Here's everything you need to know to watch Superman at home.
James Gunn's Superman follows Clark Kent/Superman (Corenswet) as he struggles to balance his average life as reporter Clark Kent with his fight for truth, justice, and the American way as Superman. It's not an origin story re-telling, but instead focuses on Superman in his third year of protecting Metropolis. He already has an existing relationship with Lois Lane (Brosnahan), who disagrees with his actions in stopping a war. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor (Hoult) is plotting to take him down.
Check out the trailer for a sneak peek:
There was a lot riding on Gunn's Superman, and for the most part, it delivers. Mashable's reviewer called it "big summer fun" and "a promise of something greater on the horizon." It's not perfect, but it's certainly a breath of fresh air in the superhero realm. It drew in a massive $615 million at the worldwide box office. That not only makes it the highest-grossing superhero movie this year, but the third-highest-grossing film of any genre domestically in 2025.
Superman is also receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews, scoring an impressive 83 percent critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 90 percent audience score.
Mashable's own reviewer sums it up nicely: "In Superman, Gunn has created what may be the single most Silver Age comic book saga ever put to screen."
Read our full review of Superman.
Superman hit theaters on July 11, 2025. If you missed out on the full theater experience or if you can't wait to watch it again, there are now a few different ways to watch it at home: purchasing or renting via digital video-on-demand or, of course, streaming. See all the details below.
As of Aug. 15, the latest Superman movie is available to purchase or rent on digital video-on-demand platforms like Prime Video. You can buy the movie for your digital library or rent it for 30 days. Just be aware that when you choose the rental option, you'll have 30 days to watch, but only 48 hours to finish once you begin.
You can purchase and rent the film at the following retailers:
Prime Video — buy for $19.99, rent for $14.99
Apple TV — buy for $19.99, rent for $14.99
Fandango at Home — buy for $19.99, rent for $14.99
Google Play — buy for $19.99, rent for $14.99
YouTube — buy for $19.99, rent for $14.99
As a Warner Bros. Pictures film, it was only a matter of time until Superman made its way to HBO Max — the Warner Bros.-owned streaming service. The movie will officially start streaming on HBO Max on Sept. 19, 2025.
HBO Max will also feature an in-app Superman takeover at the time of launch. You'll see a transformed Daily Planet-style homepage and interactive features like a fan-focused The Fortress of Solitude page with themed curations and hidden portals throughout the homepage that transport you to Lex Luthor’s Pocket Prison.
HBO Max subscriptions start at $9.99 per month, but there are a few different ways to shave a few bucks off your plan. Check out the best HBO Max streaming deals below.
If you choose an annual plan and pay upfront for a year of HBO Max, you can save about 16% compared to a monthly plan. The Basic plan with ads typically goes for $9.99 per month, but if you go annual, that cost drops to about $8.33 per month — a yearly total of just $99.99. We think this is the best HBO Max streaming deal for most people.
For those who prefer an ad-free experience, you can sign up for either the annual HBO Max Standard or Premium plan and save about 16%. The Standard tier costs either $16.99 per month or $169.99 per year (about $14.16 per month), while the Premium tier costs either $20.99 per month or $209.99 per year (about $17.50 per month). While both tiers offer ad-free viewing, the Premium tier goes a step further with 4K Ultra HD video quality, Dolby Atmos immersive audio, and the ability to download more offline content.
Looking for a way to get HBO Max for free? Switch your phone plan to Cricket's $60 per month Supreme Unlimited plan. HBO Max Basic (with ads) is included for no extra cost. When you open up the HBO Max app, you'll just select Cricket as your provider and use your credentials to log in.
Another way you can get HBO Max for free in 2025 is by signing up for DoorDash's annual DashPass plan for $96 per year ($8 per month). A DashPass membership gets you $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible DoorDash orders all year long, plus free streaming (with ads) through HBO Max. You'll just have to activate your HBO Max Basic subscription through your DoorDash account to get started. If you'd rather watch ad-free, you can upgrade for a discounted rate.
College students can get an entire year of HBO Max Basic (with ads) for half price. Just verify your student status with UNiDAYS and use the discount code you receive to drop the price from $9.99 to $4.99 per month. After the year is through, your subscription will go back up to full price unless you cancel.
Check out the Disney+ bundle deal if you want the most bang for your buck. It includes Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max for only $16.99 per month with ads. That lineup of streamers would usually cost you $25.97 per month, so you'll keep an extra $9 in your pocket monthly.
The ad-free bundle will run you $29.99 per month as opposed to $48.97. That's up to 38% in savings for access to all three streaming libraries — arguably the best streaming deal around.
UPDATE: Sep. 16, 2025, 7:00 p.m. EDT This article has been updated to include the latest streaming information and pricing details available for Superman.
YouTube Live gets a Twitch and TikTok inspired updateYouTube announced a slew of new live video features for streamers at its Made on YouTube 2025 event.
YouTube announced a slew of new creator-oriented updates at its Made on YouTube 2025 event on Tuesday.
However, it appears YouTube Live received the biggest overhaul of the day, with the video giant making several announcements regarding new live streaming features coming to the platform.
According to YouTube, more than 30 percent of daily logged-in YouTube viewers watched live content in Q2 2025. Livestreams are growing on YouTube, and it appears the company realizes it needs to compete with some of the more unique livestreaming features on competitor platforms like Twitch and TikTok.
YouTube's first announcement regarding its new streaming capabilities takes a previously launched feature, Playables, and brings it to YouTube Live.
According to YouTube, with the new Playables on Live, creators will have access to more than 75 "lightweight" (read: casual) games like Angry Birds Showdown and Cut The Rope to play on their stream while interacting with their audience.
Short-form video platforms like TikTok and YouTube's own YouTube Shorts have made vertical video quite popular online. However, most streamers have had to make a choice between choosing vertical or horizontal video when streaming to their live video platform of choice.
YouTube will soon allow both formats of video for their streamers, with the platform providing a livestream in both vertical and horizontal formats with one unified live chat for all live viewers to interact in. The company pointed out how this will help its streamers with discoverability on the platform, which makes sense as a significant number of viewers seek out one format over the other.
YouTube announced a new live practice mode for streamers so that they test run their streaming setup and try out new platform features without having to go live.
This is an interesting feature for YouTube to launch at this juncture. Many regular streamers likely already have their own system setup to do this. But, by building it into YouTube directly, the company is signaling that they may be looking to create more live streamers out of their current video creator user base.
Reaction videos are still all the rage on social media; it's an especially popular format on YouTube competitor TikTok.
This probably inspired the idea for YouTube's new react live feature on YouTube Live. Other streamers and creators will be able to go live on their mobile device in direct reaction to another simultaneously live streaming video, allowing users to provide real-time commentary on livestreams.
This is a big one for creators: AI-powered clips are coming directly to YouTube.
Many livestreamers have paid subscriptions to third-party services where they upload their hours-long livestreams and receive short clips of their stream's best moments determined by AI.
According to YouTube, its own AI-powered highlights will pull the best content from streamer's live videos and automatically generate YouTube Shorts videos for them to share.
YouTube announced two new monetization formats for streamers: One is ad-based and one is membership based.
Video ads are nothing new on YouTube and livestream viewers are likely used to having their favorite streamer interrupted by an ad. However, regular viewers probably noticed some big streaming channels debut a new format that YouTube will now rollout platform-wide: Side-by-side ads.
Side-by-side ads display a video ad next to a live video stream so that the viewer doesn't miss whatever is happening in the stream while the ad is playing.
The other ad format that YouTube announced is for creators with their channel membership feature activated. Streamers will be able to cut off free viewers during a stream and switch the same stream to a subscriber-only broadcast with the new members-only live stream feature.
By utilizing this monetization option, streamers could bring in new viewers with a free portion of their live show and then convert some of them into paying members by only allowing paid subscribers to view the rest of the stream.
Get ad-free browsing forever for a one-time $16 paymentGet the AdGuard Family Plan Lifetime Subscription for $15.97 (reg. $169.99) with code FAMPLAN through Oct. 5 — block ads and protect up to nine devices.
TL;DR: The AdGuard Family Plan Lifetime Subscription is just $15.97 (reg. $169.99) with code FAMPLAN through Oct. 5.
The internet is amazing, but ads can make it feel like walking through a carnival of flashing signs. If you’re ready for a cleaner, smoother online experience, the AdGuard Family Plan Lifetime Subscription is here to save your sanity — and your budget.
Through Oct. 5, you can get it for just $15.97 (reg. $169.99) when you use code FAMPLAN at checkout. That’s a one-time payment for a lifetime of ad-free browsing across nine devices.
Robust ad blocking: No more pop-ups, banners, or auto-play video ads cluttering your screen.
Privacy protection: AdGuard hides your data from trackers and activity analyzers, keeping your browsing private.
Malware and phishing shield: It blocks access to harmful websites so your devices stay secure.
Parental controls: Parents can filter out inappropriate content and keep kids safe online.
Cross-device compatibility: Works on Android, iOS, and computers — one license covers them all.
Lifetime access: Buy once, block forever. Continuous updates are included.
This isn’t a VPN, but if what you want is peaceful, safe, and private browsing, this is the tool to try.
Get lifetime AdGuard Family Plan access for just $15.97 (reg. $169.99) when you use code FAMPLAN at checkout through Oct. 5.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Apple updates parental controls for iOS 26Apple finally releases expanded parental controls as iOS 26 launches to the public.
First announced in June, Apple has finally unleashed its expanded suite of parental controls as the company's sparkly new iOS 26 goes to consumers globally. Included in the lineup: New ways for parents to block who their child can communicate with.
With the latest software update, new Communication Limits will require young users to get permission from parental accounts before they can connect with new phone numbers on Phone, FaceTime, Messages or iCloud. This change is an evolution of Apple's existing Child Account feature, built into the company's Family Sharing option, which places minor accounts under age-based parental controls and oversight from manager profiles.
Parents can also correct an account's age or retroactively convert their child's Apple account to a Child Account under iOS 26. Child Accounts ages 13-17 will now be automatically opted-in to these default settings, such as web content filters, app restrictions, and Apple's Communication Safety feature, which detects sensitive content and warns users of nudity. The feature also flags nudity in FaceTime and blurs images in shared photo albums.
Finally, the company has updated its App Store age ratings and download options for parents, part of new features meant to put more safety pressure on app developers that were announced earlier this year.
Last week, child safety advocates protested Apple's annual product event, calling on the company to protect young users and stop the spread of child sexual abuse materials. Apple was sued in December for allegedly failing to comply with mandatory reporting guidelines and falsely marketing their devices as safe for at-risk users. At large, the company and other Big Tech leaders have been accused of failing to address a growing mental health crisis among teens and children, who are increasingly reliant on technology.
The features are now available across the company's updated line, including devices running iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, visionOS 26, and tvOS 26.
Enjoy 3 free months of Amazon Music Unlimited just in time for fall music releasesNew subscribers can sign up for Amazon Music Unlimited for three months for free, saving up to $35.97 total.
SAVE UP TO $35.97: As of Sept. 16, new subscribers can get three free months of Amazon Music Unlimited by purchasing an eligible item at Amazon, signing up for Prime, or registering an eligible device in the Alexa app. Typically $10.99 per month for Prime members and $11.99 per month for non-Prime members, that's up to $35.97 in total savings.
There's a lot of new music coming this fall, from Taylor Swift's mega popular The Life of a Showgirl release to Florence and the Machine's sixth studio album to rising star Carter Faith's debut album. If you don't already have a music streaming service, now's a good time to hit that subscribe button — especially since Amazon Music Unlimited is offering 90 days completely free.
As of Sept. 16, new subscribers can secure three free months of Amazon Music Unlimited by either purchasing an eligible item at Amazon, signing up for Prime, or registering an eligible device in the Alexa app. Basically, if you see the offer on this promo page, then you're eligible. Typically $10.99 per month for Prime members and $11.99 per month for non-Prime members, that's up to $35.97 in total savings. Just remember that following the promotional trial period, your subscription will automatically continue at the full monthly price ($10.99 or $11.99) until you cancel.
Beyond a massive music catalog and "the most ad-free top podcasts" of any of the big music apps, Amazon Music Unlimited also offers subscribers one free audiobook via Audible per month. Audible's Premium Plus subscription costs $14.95 per month on its own and only gives you a credit per month to buy an audiobook from its catalog. Amazon Music Unlimited essentially gives you that same benefit for free. Each month, you'll be able to choose a new audiobook, even during your trial period. The difference is if you cancel your subscription, you'll lose access to your audiobook selection.
If you already pay for another music streaming service, we recommend pausing it for a few months to take advantage of this 90-day freebie. Whichever way you slice it, you'll keep an extra $33 to $36 in your pocket.
This lifetime Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office bundle is under $100Get Adobe Acrobat Classic (three-year license) and Microsoft Office Professional 2021 (lifetime license) together for just $99 (reg. $543.99).
TL;DR: Don’t miss Adobe Acrobat Classic (three-year license) + Microsoft Office Professional 2021 (lifetime license) for just $99 (reg. $543.99).
When it comes to productivity, some tools just make life easier. And now, two of the biggest names in the game are bundled together for way less than you’d expect. For just $99 (reg. $543.99), you’ll score a three-year license to Adobe Acrobat Classic and a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows.
No monthly subscription fees — just the essential apps you actually need to create, edit, and share documents like a pro.
Perfect for anyone who deals with PDFs daily, Acrobat Classic (also known as Acrobat Pro 2024) gives you desktop-only tools so you can work securely offline without relying on the cloud.
Top features include:
PDF editing tools: Adjust text, images, reorder pages, or delete what you don’t need.
Seamless file conversion: Turn PDFs into Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files while preserving formatting.
Form creation and signing: Build fillable forms, sign them digitally, or send them off.
Security options: Password-protect documents or redact sensitive information.
Accessibility updates: Improved tagging for better screen reader compatibility.
Page extraction: Pull only the sections you need from bulky PDFs.
Modern Interface: Faster, easier access to tools with an updated layout.
Still the gold standard for professional work, this suite gives you all the apps you already know (and probably still need). With a one-time purchase, you’ll have these tools for life on your Windows PC.
Word – The go-to for polished documents.
Excel – Crunch numbers, analyze data, and build spreadsheets.
PowerPoint – Create presentations that communicate and impress.
Outlook – Manage your email and calendar.
Teams (free version) – Connect and collaborate.
OneNote – Take and organize notes your way.
Publisher – Create brochures, flyers, and marketing materials.
Access – Manage databases and large sets of information.
Don’t miss grabbing Acrobat and Office for just $99 (reg. $543.99).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Your ultimate guide to nabbing the perfect GIGABYTE laptopUltimate guide for gamers and content creators buying a new laptop
Let’s face it — shopping for the right laptop can be exhausting, and weeding through brain-wrecking terms like CPU, GPU, and SSD is enough to make your eyes cross. Add in the fact that gamers will want to look for different specs than students, who will want different specs than content creators — and you have yourself a conundrum.
We’ve compiled this guide to make buying your first laptop, or next laptop, a breeze. We explain the confusing computer jargon, so you can pinpoint the specs that fit your needs, and then we dole out recs for two different but equally awesome GIGABYTE laptop — the GIGABYTE GAMING A16 and GIGABYTE AERO X16.
Before you start sifting through specs, it’s important to understand what some of the more common tech terms mean.
The central processing unit (CPU) is often referred to as the computer’s brain and is responsible for executing all tasks. The faster and newer the CPU, the speedier your app-toggling and even mouse clicks will be.
The graphics processing unit (GPU) is the chip that renders all the visuals on the screen. If you’re a gamer or content creator, a dedicated GPU — a standalone chip with its own memory — is what you want.
RAM means random-access memory and is where the machine stashes the data its CPU needs to run applications. The more RAM you have — 16GB is the industry standard; 32GB or more is ideal for gamers and creators — the faster you’ll go.
Storage is where a computer keeps all non-active data like documents and photos, and it boosts load times. Students can likely roll with 256GB of storage, but you'll want at least 512GB if you plan on gaming or editing videos.
SSD (solid-state drive) is the type of storage configuration used in premium laptops, like these two spec-loaded GIGABYTE machines.
Although this 16-inch black-steel laptop has the word “gaming” in its name, it appeals to a wide swath of users. It’s loaded with a surprising amount of oomph for the price, topping out with the 13th Gen Intel i7 CPU and a dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX 50 Series GPU, with the latter using AI to boost frames per second (FPS). In plain speak, a higher FPS means crispier images and reduced lag, so your gaming experience is buttery smooth.
The GAMING A16 comes with the standard 16GB RAM but you can upgrade to 64GB, plus a 1TB SSD, which is plenty enough to rip through heavy workflows one minute and jump into an intense AAA game the next without breaking a sweat.
This stealthy 16-inch looker hits the sweet spot of design, portability, and performance. It can pack up to the AMD Ryzen AI 9 CPU and comes with Nvidia GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs — that’s a newer CPU and the same shredder of a GPU that’s in the GAMING A16 — making it a brawnier option for gamers and content creators who do AI animation and 3D rendering.
At 4.2 pounds, the AERO X16 is one of the lightest laptop GIGABYTE has ever built. Like the GAMING A16, the RAM is upgradable to 64GB and it comes loaded with a fast 1TB SSD.
Both the GIGABYTE GAMING A16 and AERO X16 are portable, powerful, and can go for up to 14 hours off-plug. The Dolby Atmos® speakers are robust, the 16-inch screens are gorgeous — and each laptop also comes with GiMATE, GIGABYTE’s nifty AI suite that tweaks your settings in real time and enhances your productivity.
So, how to choose “the one” amidst all these stellar specs?
If budget is a priority, the GAMING A16 is more affordable and checks the boxes. By opting for a less powerful CPU and GPU combo, you can max out your price-performance ratio and score a daily driver that tackles your most intense term papers, 4K video editing — and, of course, games.
If power and looks are what you seek, the AERO X16 is a more potent device and it has a sandblasted metal lid that screams premium. It’s lighter and thinner than the GAMING A16, which might factor in if you work hybrid or bounce around campus. Lastly, it comes with a newer CPU, which means it’ll perform faster for creators and gamers who want to invest in an upleveled laptop.
Whether you’re upgrading for your next semester, your next project, or your next gaming sesh, GIGABYTE has got you covered. The GAMING A16 and AERO X16 are two laptops that bring it on all fronts.
YouTubes paid creators $100 billion in four yearsYouTube said it's paid $100 billion to creators in just four years. That's a lot of cash for a lot of views.
There's a reason creators often try to migrate their audience to YouTube: It pays.
The Google-owned streaming giant said it has paid out more than $100 billion in the last four years to creators, artists, and media companies. YouTube announced the figure at the Made on YouTube event on Tuesday.
“We didn't just create a platform. We built an economy,” said YouTube CEO Neal Mohan.
As Mashable reported earlier this year, creator jobs have grown 7.5 times in recent years. In surveys, young people also consistently identify being a creator as a popular career goal. And YouTube has played an outsized role in building the modern creator economy.
It pays to be a popular creator and/or influencer on any platform, but YouTube's widely regarded as the most lucrative social media site when it comes to direct view-to-payment value. And creators are making more money off of folks watching YouTube on traditional TV sets, rather than mobile devices. The company reported that the number of YouTube channels making more than $100,000 from TV screens rose 45 percent year over year.
Clearly, YouTube isn't just for streamers anymore. Heck, the platform is broadcasting NFL games — arguably the single biggest product in American culture — with great success. But if you want to make it big as a creator, YouTube remains the place where you can carve out a highly lucrative living.
After losing their son, parents urge Senate to take action on AI chatbotsA Senate subcommittee heard personal testimony from parents of teens who had died by suicide after using AI companions, as the government investigates leading chatbots.
"You cannot imagine what it was like to read a conversation with a chatbot that groomed your child to take his own life," Matthew Raine, father of Adam Raine, said to a room of assembled congressional leaders that gathered today to discuss the harms of AI chatbots on teens around the country.
Raine and his wife Maria are suing OpenAI in what is the company's first wrongful death case, following a series of alleged reports that the company's flagship product, ChatGPT, has played a role in the deaths of people in mental duress, including teens. The lawsuit claims that ChatGPT repeatedly validated their son's harmful and self-destructive thoughts, including suicidal ideation and planning, despite the company claiming its safety protocols should have prevented such interactions.
The bipartisan Senate hearing, titled “Examining the Harm of AI Chatbots,” is being held by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism. It saw both Raine's testimony and that of Megan Garcia, mother of Sewell Setzer III, a Florida teen who died by suicide after forming a relationship with an AI companion on platform Character.AI.
Raine's testimony outlined a startling co-dependency between the AI helper and his son, alleging that the chatbot was "actively encouraging him to isolate himself from friends and family" and that the chatbot "mentioned suicide 1,275 times — six times more often than Adam himself." He called this "ChatGPT's suicide crisis" and spoke directly to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman:
Adam was such a full spirit, unique in every way. But he also could be anyone’s child: a typical 16-year-old struggling with his place in the world, looking for a confidant to help him find his way. Unfortunately, that confidant was a dangerous technology unleashed by a company more focused on speed and market share than the safety of American youth.
Public reporting confirms that OpenAI compressed months of safety testing for GPT-4o (the ChatGPT model Adam was using) into just one week in order to beat Google’s competing AI product to market. On the very day Adam died, Sam Altman, OpenAI’s founder and CEO, made their philosophy crystal clear in a public talk: we should “deploy [AI systems] to the world” and get “feedback while the stakes are relatively low.”
I ask this Committee, and I ask Sam Altman: low stakes for who?
The parents' comments were bolstered by insight and recommendations from experts on child safety, like Robbie Torney, senior director of AI programs for children's media watchdog Common Sense Media, and Mitch Prinstein, chief of psychology strategy and integration for the American Psychological Association (APA).
"Today I'm here to deliver an urgent warning: AI chatbots, including Meta AI and others, pose unacceptable risks to America's children and teens. This is not a theoretical problem — kids are using these chatbots right now, at massive scale with unacceptable risk, with real harm already documented and federal agencies and state attorneys general working to hold industry accountable," Torney told the assembled lawmakers.
"These platforms have been trained on the entire internet, including vast amounts of harmful content—suicide forums, pro-eating disorder websites, extremist manifestos, discriminatory materials, detailed instructions for self-harm, illegal drug marketplaces, and sexually explicit material involving minors." Recent polling from the organization found that 72 percent of teens had used an AI companion at least once, and more than half use them regularly.
Experts have warned that chatbots designed to mimic human interactions are a potential hazard to mental health, exacerbated by model designs that promote sycophantic behavior. In response, AI companies have announced additional safeguards to try to curb harmful interactions between users and their generative AI tools. Hours before the parents spoke, OpenAI announced future plans for an age prediction tool that would theoretically identify users under the age of 18 and automatically redirect them to an "age-appropriate" ChatGPT experience.
Earlier this year, the APA appealed to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), asking the organization to investigate AI companies promoting their services as mental health helpers. The FTC ordered seven tech companies to provide information on how they are "mitigating negative impacts" of their chatbots in an inquiry unveiled this week.
"The current debate often frames AI as a matter of computer science, productivity enhancement, or national security," Prinstein told the subcommittee. "It is imperative that we also frame it as a public health and human development issue."
If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can reach the Trans Lifeline by calling 877-565-8860 or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat. Here is a list of international resources.
Meta Hypernova glasses: Everything we knowMeta reportedly has a pair of expensive smart glasses in the works. Here's what we know.
There's a big Meta product showcase this week, and it might include something very new from the company.
Specifically, Wednesday's Meta Connect showcase is rumored to feature information on the company's Hypernova smart glasses, which have been detailed in plenty of leaks and rumors, but not in any official announcements yet. There isn't a ton to know about this device until Meta (presumably) lifts the veil officially on Wednesday, but there is some information to go off of.
Specifically, rumor has it the Meta Hypernova will be the first Meta smart glasses with a built-in display. That would be a major upgrade over the Meta Oakley and Ray-Ban glasses, and put Meta in competition with futuristic upstarts like Xreal.
Here's what we know about the next generation of Meta smart glasses.
Some of the most firm reporting we have on the Hypernova smart glasses regards the price.
Namely, reporting from earlier this summer suggested that the device will retail for $800. They were apparently going to cost more than $1,000 originally, but Meta reportedly wants to boost demand for the device and is willing to eat some profits if that's what it takes. That may be a savvy move, given the total lack of staying power the $3,500 Apple Vision Pro had.
Aside from the price, there is, unfortunately, not a ton of hard information out there about what to expect from the Hypernova glasses, aside from an idea of what they look like and a basic outlook on what they'll do.
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Back in July, a leaker called Luna posted renders on X that purportedly show the device. It looks a lot like the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, but there's also a sort of wristband pictured alongside it. We'll get to that in a minute.
The main expected difference between the Hypernova glasses and the existing Ray-Ban glasses (which start at only $329) is that the Hypernova specs are supposed to have a built-in display in one eye. The glasses will likely be a little bigger than the Ray-Bans because they'll need more computing power inside of them to make the display function. As for what you'll be able to do with the display, we don't know much yet, but one can imagine a world where it's useful for taking photos and videos, following map directions, as well as interfacing with various Meta apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram.
There will almost certainly be some Meta AI functionality built into the device as well, but we'll have to wait and see exactly how that works. Going back to the wristband from the renders, that's rumored to be a control mechanism for the unit. It'll read small wrist motions for basic inputs, like navigating between apps and whatnot.
Meta finally making augmented reality glasses with a built-in display is the big news here, but the wristband might be just as important, as that could become a standard way of interfacing with these devices going forward.
Lastly, we won't know when these glasses will be on store shelves until Meta tells us. It seems reasonable to assume they'll come out before the end of 2025 if Meta is willing to show them off on Wednesday, but that's just speculation.
We'll all find out together soon enough.
The Housemaid trailer: Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried face off to a killer Sabrina Carpenter bopAmanda Seyfried, Sydney Sweeney, and Brandon Sklenar star in director Paul Feig's "The Housemaid," in theaters Dec. 19.
Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney are hiding some serious secrets in the trailer for the upcoming thriller, The Housemaid.
Based on the bestselling novel by Freida McFadden, The Housemaid is directed by Paul Feig. Feig is no stranger to pitting two big-name actresses against each other in a twisted tale, having helmed 2018's Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick–led A Simple Favor and its 2025 sequel, Another Simple Favor.
In The Housemaid, Sweeney stars as Millie, a young woman trying to escape her troubled past. She finds potential sanctuary with the wealthy Nina Winchester (Amanda Seyfried), who hires Millie to be her family's live-in maid.
At first glance, the Winchesters — which includes Nina's husband, Andrew (Drop's Brandon Sklenar), and their young daughter — are a picture-perfect family. But it's clear that something strange is lurking beneath the surface. Why does Nina have a dollhouse of her own house, complete with a model doll of Millie? Why does the trailer feature Nina holding a bloody shard of mirror while smiling her best horror movie smile? What's truly going on behind closed doors in the Winchester household?
Millie also seems to have some secrets of her own, dropping her nice girl act and rolling her eyes the second she makes it out of Nina's view.
For a full taste of the twists and turns that await in The Housemaid, check out the full trailer above, which features a sinister take on Sabrina Carpenter's hit single "Please Please Please."
The Housemaid hits theaters Dec. 19.
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How to watch Real Madrid vs. Marseille online for freeHow to watch Champions League for free. Live stream Real Madrid vs. Marseille in the Champions League for free.
TL;DR: Live stream Real Madrid vs. Marseille in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
There are a number of really interesting matchups in the first round of Champions League group stage fixtures, but Real Madrid vs. Marseille might be the best. Real Madrid have made a perfect start to their La Liga campaign, but Marseille will be a tough test for Xabi Alonso's side.
If you want to watch Real Madrid vs. Marseille in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
Real Madrid vs. Marseille in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on Sept. 16. This fixture takes place at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Real Madrid vs. Marseille is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.
Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Real Madrid vs. Marseille for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Ireland
Visit Virgin Media Player
Watch Real Madrid vs. Marseille for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Real Madrid vs. Marseille (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Virgin Media Player, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Ireland
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream Real Madrid vs. Marseille in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.
How to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs. Villarreal online for freeHow to watch the Champions League for free. Watch Tottenham Hotspur vs. Villarreal in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Live stream Tottenham Hotspur vs. Villarreal in the Champions League for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The qualification rounds are done, and now the Champions League group stage is here to throw together some fascinating matchups. There are a number of really interesting games in the first round of fixtures, including Tottenham Hotspur vs. Villarreal. Thomas Frank's team have started the new Premier League season strongly, and they'll be looking to do the same in this competition.
If you want to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs. Villarreal in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Villarreal in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on Sept. 16. This fixture takes place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Villarreal in the Champions League is available to live stream on Prime Video in the UK, but you don't need to be subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch this fixture. Instead, you can watch Tottenham Hotspur vs. Villarreal for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.
If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to watch the Champions League for free on Prime Video. This process is straightforward:
Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Live stream Tottenham Hotspur vs. Villarreal for free on Prime Video
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Tottenham Hotspur vs. Villarreal on Prime Video without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Champions League fixtures before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Prime Video, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).
Stream Tottenham Hotspur vs. Villarreal in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 UltraSamsung and Apple have both given us very expensive flagship phones this year. How do they compare?
If you have a lot of cash to spend and want the best of the best when it comes to flagship smartphones, Apple and Samsung both have intriguing options on offer this year.
I'm referring, of course, to the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. These are the highest-end and most expensive traditional (read: non-foldable) phones Apple and Samsung currently manufacture. While a lot of competing smartphones can feel a little similar at times, these two handsets actually have some interesting points of divergence from one another.
Here's how they compare.
Our first difference has to do with sticker price. The iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at $1,199, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at $1,299.
You'd think that would be the end of the conversation as far as price is concerned, but it should be noted that there is one variant of the iPhone 17 Pro Max that's far more expensive than even the priciest S25 Ultra. Specifically, if you get it with the highest storage capacity available, the Pro Max will run you $1,999. That's two grand. By comparison, the biggest storage capacity model of the S25 Ultra is "merely" $1,659. There's a reason for that, as we'll discuss momentarily.
Here are the iPhone 17 Pro Max's basic specs:
6.9-inch display with 2868x1320 resolution and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
3,000 nits peak brightness
A19 Pro chip
256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB storage
Battery rated for up to 33 hours
Rear cameras: 48MP wide/48MP ultrawide/48MP telephoto with 8x optical zoom
Front camera: 18MP
And here are the equivalent specs for Galaxy S25 Ultra:
6.9-inch AMOLED display with adaptive 120Hz refresh rate and 3120x1440 resolution
2,600 nits peak brightness
Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor
256GB/512GB/1TB storage
5,000mAh battery
Rear cameras: 200MP wide, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom
Front camera: 12MP
Alright, there's a decent amount to discuss here. Let's start with the displays. Both are pretty similar in terms of size, resolution, and refresh rate, though it must be acknowledged that the iPhone 17 Pro Max's screen is brighter at peak brightness. If you're an outdoorsy type, the iPhone might be a better option in that regard.
Beyond that, the main reason why the most expensive iPhone 17 Pro Max costs so much more than the most expensive S25 Ultra is storage capacity. Apple's handset goes all the way up to 2TB of internal storage, while Samsung's tops out at 1TB. That's a pretty big feather in Apple's cap this year and Samsung can't really compete with that yet. Hardcore mobile photographers and videographers might lean towards iPhone for that reason.
One extremely noteworthy advantage that Samsung can claim over Apple is the inclusion of the S-Pen stylus with every S25 Ultra phone. The phone has a built-in charging slot for the stylus, and it works natively and smoothly with apps and interface elements. Apple does not include a stylus with any iPhone models at this time. If you prefer to use a stylus, the choice here is easy.
There are also some pretty big differences in terms of cameras, but hold onto that thought for now.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra looks a lot like its predecessors. The rear camera array is three lenses stacked vertically on top of each other without any kind of bump housing them, just like previous S-series phones. Samsung did round the edges for S25 Ultra, which makes it a more pleasant phone to hold than the previous model was. S25 Ultra comes in seven colors: Grey, Whitesilver, Silverblue, Black, Pinkgold, Jadegreen, and Jetblack. Officially, those all also have the word "Titanium" in front of them, but you get what I mean.
Apple went back to the drawing board for the iPhone 17 Pro Max's physical appearance. It still has the same triangular camera array as before, but now the lenses live in a big, rectangular bump called the "plateau." This has been controversial since the phone was announced, as many find it unpleasant to look at. Of course, that's a matter of personal taste. The iPhone 17 Pro Max comes in just three colors: Silver, Cosmic Orange, and Deep Blue.
It's not really possible to directly compare performance on these two phones right now because we haven't properly tested the Pro Max yet. They also have totally different chipsets, with Samsung relying on the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip while Apple's phone is fueled by the in-house A19 Pro. Samsung's phone performs just fine and, if history is any indication, Apple's will, too. There may be marginal differences, but we can't say that for sure just yet.
Battery life is also an interesting topic here. Apple has not revealed exactly how big the iPhone 17 Pro Max's battery is, but it is rated for as many as 33 hours on a single charge. Samsung's phone has a 5,000mAh cell inside of it that is rated for as many as 31 hours on a charge, though it topped out at around 27 hours in my testing. Your mileage may vary.
Since we haven't properly tested the iPhone 17 Pro Max in any capacity yet, it's not possible to say for sure which handset has a better set of cameras. Numerically, though, there are some interesting differences.
Apple packed a trio or 48MP lenses onto the rear array of the Pro Max this year. Notably, the telephoto lens offers up to 8x optical zoom and what Apple calls 16x "optical-quality" zoom range. The selfie camera has also gotten a boost to 18MP with a wider field of view than previous models, enabling selfies with larger groups of people.
Samsung wins the numbers game this year, if nothing else. Its main shooter is a whopping 200MP, while the other two come in at 50MP. The selfie cam is only 12MP, though. Samsung's optical zoom only goes up to 5x, though you get up to 100x digital zoom. In my testing, I found that zoom shots looked good up to around 30x on the S25 Ultra. We'll see how the iPhone 17 Pro Max compares when it's in our hands.
Fiverr to cut 30 percent of workforce in AI pivotFiverr is planning to cut 250 jobs as the online freelance marketplace refocuses on AI solutions.
Fiverr, the online freelance gig marketplace, is planning a major downsizing of its staff as the company pivots to AI, the company's CEO announced in a jargon-filled letter to employees.
As reported by the Wall Street Journal, the layoffs will eliminate about 30 percent of the Fiverr workforce.
“The resizing and refocusing effort will allow Fiverr to go after growth opportunities as a leaner organization with an AI-native infrastructure and mindset," Fiverr wrote on its investor relations page.
Fiverr first launched in 2010 as an online gig marketplace where writers, musicians, visual artists, and other freelancers could offer their services for just $5. Soon after, Fiverr expanded its offerings, allowing freelancers to provide multiple tiers of services and charge more than $5 for their gigs.
In the Sept. 15 letter to employees, Fiverr CEO Micha Kaufman also said that the changes needed to become an “AI-first company” will be “painful”:
Today, we are launching such a transformation for Fiverr, to turn Fiverr into an AI-first company that's leaner, faster, with a modern AI-focused tech infrastructure, a smaller team, each with substantially greater productivity, and far fewer management layers.
This transformation requires a painful reset, and as we make it, we will be parting ways with approximately 250 team members across the different departments, resulting in a smaller and flatter organization. This is possibly one of the toughest decisions that I have had to make, especially as Fiverr is such a magical place with a strong sense of belonging and mission-driven culture.
Recently, Fiverr has begun promoting AI use among its freelancer community. Earlier this year, for example, Fiverr announced a new program called Fiverr Go, which allowed its gig workers to train AI on their own work in order to automate their creations with AI. The company promoted this new AI service through a series of ads featuring character actor Brett Gelman, best known for his role on Stranger Things.
In a company-wide email from May of this year, Kaufman bluntly warned his staff about the company's pivot to AI.
“AI is coming for your jobs," Kaufman wrote to his employees. "Heck, it’s coming for my job too. This is a wake-up call.”
In recent years, Fiverr's community of freelancers has criticized the growth of users on the platform who are fulfilling gigs with generative AI.
"Is AI destroying the REAL creators?" asked one freelancer on Fiverr's community forums last year after noting their business on the site had been down.
Fiverr appeared to downplay concerns about AI in an ad it released in October 2024. The ad features a cheery musical number called "Nobody Cares," referring to Fiverr's claim that nobody cares if a freelance artist or creator uses AI.
Now, in the pursuit of AI, Fiverr will lay off 250 of its employees.
Target announced dates for its fall Target Circle Week. Duh, its during Prime Day.The second Target Circle Week of 2025 is happening Oct. 5 through 11. That overlaps with October Prime Day on Oct. 7 and 8.
Target is holding a second Target Circle Week in 2025. The fall version of Target Circle Week will start on Oct. 5 and end on Oct. 11, overlapping with Prime Big Deal Days on Oct. 7 and 8.
If you think Halloween decor hitting shelves in August is bad, imagine seeing the words "holiday magic" in a shopping-related press release in mid-September. That's how Target announced that it would be holding its second Target Circle Week of 2025, just a few months after holding an event with the same name in July.
The fall Target Circle Week 2025 will run between Oct. 5 and Oct. 11 in 2025, Target confirmed on Sept. 16.
It's a hectic little practice, this one: Holding a giant shopping event in October even though the same retailers will be in full Black Friday mode before November even starts. Naturally, it was Amazon that originally decided a big pre-Black Friday sale was necessary back in 2022 — it was called the Prime Early Access Sale for the first year, but is now Prime Big Deal Days (colloquially, October Prime Day). As with Prime Day in July, other big retailers like Target now hold competing sales that often overlap with Amazon's sale window.
Yep, it's quite the solid savings opportunity. Most notably, Target Circle Week rocks because it's a much more accessible sale than any Prime event. Access to Target Circle Week deals is free because the Target Circle membership needed to unlock the deals is free — unlike participation Prime Day, which requires a paid Prime membership.
Target Circle Week will also set itself apart by running significantly longer than October Prime Day. It starts two days earlier, and lasts three days longer. It's always nice to have some extra time to strategize the best deals to take advantage of rather than panic-buying just because the deals are fleeting.
Target Circle Week deals consist of direct discounts on big name items from Shark, Ninja, Apple, and more, plus savings on general categories like "30% off countertop appliances." Target is also known for its free gift card deals — the store will often throw in $5 or $10 for free just for buying household or self-care items you would have purchased anyway.
Note that Target has formally ended its price match policy as of July 2025.
SAVE UP TO $75: As of Sept. 16, Amazon's Echo Buds and Echo Buds with ANC are both on sale. Score the basic Echo Buds for just $24.99 (reg. $49.99) and save 50% or grab the Echo Buds with ANC for $44.99 (reg. $119.99) and save 63%.
If you're in the market for a new pair of earbuds, the options are seemingly endless. But if decent sound quality and a low price are your main priorities, it's hard to beat Amazon's Echo Buds — especially when they're on sale.
Coinciding with Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days announcement, the mega retailer has dropped prices on both pairs of Echo Buds. As of Sept. 16, you can grab a pair of the basic Echo Buds from 2023 for only $24.99 (reg. $49.99) and save 50% or pick up the older Echo Buds with ANC for only $44.99 (reg. $119.99) and save 63%. That's the lowest price on record (matching the Prime Day price) for the basic Echo Buds and just $10 shy of the best-ever price for the pair with ANC.
Besides one pair being released in 2021 and one in 2023, the main difference between the two is that the older version offers active noise cancellation. They are quite a few years old, but for $44.99, we still recommend grabbing a pair. They also offer a comfortable fit, solid sound quality, and decent battery life. As Mashable's Alex Perry wrote in his review, they're "a really solid pair of noise-cancelling earbuds that will go easy on your wallet."
The 2023 Echo Buds completely overhauled the design of the previous version. They're very simple earbuds that borrow the AirPods design, but cost a whole lot less. They don't offer noise cancellation or have the most comfortable fit on the market, but they sound great, last up to 20 hours, are simple to use, and seamlessly pair with your other Alexa gadgets. As Mashable reviewer SaVanna Shoemaker noted, "For the price, I think this is a great pair of earbuds — especially if you already use other Alexa devices."
Meta Connect 2025: Everything to expectwhat to expect from Meta Connect 2025, which kicks off on Wednesday, September 17.
Tech showcase season rolls on, and next up is Meta — where CEO Mark Zuckerberg is doubling down on AI-powered smart glasses. With the company’s keynote approaching, expectations are high for updates on new glasses, upcoming headsets, and Meta’s broader vision for contextual AI.
Here’s a full breakdown of what to look for at Wednesday’s Meta Connect event.
Multiple outlets report that Meta is preparing to unveil a new set of smart glasses codenamed Hypernova. Unlike Meta's Orion or Ray-Ban smart glasses, Hypernova aims for a middle ground: a small display in the right lens, controlled by hand gestures through a wristband.
That wristband uses surface electromyography (sEMG), and Meta is especially bullish on its potential. As for the display, Hypernova won’t deliver full AR like Orion is expected to. Instead, it focuses on utility — showing the time, weather, and notifications, framing and previewing photos, providing turn-by-turn navigation, and even offering captions or translations of real-world speech. Meta AI responses can also be surfaced as text, rather than audio.
UploadVR obtained a leaked image of the glasses, which appear noticeably bulkier than the Ray-Ban line. CNBC reports that Meta is targeting a price point of around $800.
Rumors suggest that the success of the Ray-Ban Metas has pushed Meta and partner EssilorLuxottica to speed up development on a next-generation model. The Ray-Ban line has proven to be a hit, selling over 2 million units as of February 2025. According to The Information, the follow-up models — codenamed Aperol and Bellini — are slated for a 2026 release. These new editions are expected to push deeper into AI features, including facial recognition and continuous AI sessions that run in the background.
Meanwhile, Meta’s Oakley partnership has been gaining momentum. The HTSN Limited Editions were well received, offering 3K video recording and double the battery life of previous models. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Oakley is exploring a smart take on its classic Sphaera frame, complete with a center-mounted camera. Marketing for the line leans heavily toward athletes and cyclists, suggesting Oakley sees fitness and performance as the sweet spot for this tech.
And what about the Meta Quest? For now, smart glasses are clearly stealing the spotlight. Meta did roll out the Quest 3S, a lower-cost model that still delivers solid performance, but don’t expect any big news on a Quest 4. Most outlets, including UploadVR and Mark Gurman, say it’s not happening at this year’s event.
That doesn’t mean Meta’s standing still. UploadVR reports that the company is working on an ultralight headset planned for 2026, designed to offload computing power to a separate puck running Horizon OS. There’s also chatter about an ASUS ROG-branded headset built on Horizon OS, though that reveal may be held for ASUS’s own showcase rather than Meta Connect.
Be ready for home and auto repairs with this Craftsman socket and wrench set at its lowest priceAs of Sept. 16, get the Craftsman socket and wrench set at its lowest price yet.
SAVE $120: As of Sept. 16, get the Craftsman 308-piece Socket and Wrench Set for $199, down from its usual price of $319 at Amazon. That's a discount of 38% and its lowest price yet.
Thinking of handling some DIY jobs around the house? Maybe you have some work on the car you need to finish up. Whatever the case may be, you need the right tools for the job. And you can get a handy socket and wrench set from Craftsman for an excellent price right now at Amazon.
As of Sept. 16, get the Craftsman 308-piece Socket and Wrench Set for $199, down from its usual price of $319 at Amazon. That's $120 off and a discount of 38%. It's also the lowest price yet for this tool kit.
This 308-piece set comes with an assortment of different sockets, ratchets, wrenches, and other specialty bits for tackling both indoor and outdoor jobs. They're especially useful for automotive work and repairs, if you have any to work on, with full-polish chrome finish, corrosion resistance, and each tool packed into plastic trays to help keep things tidy and organized.
The low profile ratchet and 72-tooth design with a 5-degree arc swing make this tool useful for whether you're trying to reach something deep in an engine, or an alternator, or starter, or anywhere you have little room to maneuver. It can help you loosen or tighten fasteners in spaces where a regular ratchet might not work.
There are tons of applications for this set, especially if you know someone or are a certain someone who likes to stay handy. And since it's at its lowest price yet, now's the time to scoop one up for safekeeping, or holiday gift giving.
Shark made one of its multi-styler attachments into a standalone, more affordable hair toolThe Shark Glossi is available for $179.99 on Shark's website as of Sept. 16 — here's what you need to know about the tool.
Shark just released the Shark Glam multi-styler last month, but the vacuum-turned-beauty-tech brand is already back with another release.
Meet the Shark Glossi. If the name sounds familiar, it's because you can find it in its attachment form on the Shark Glam. Though it's not a multi-styler, it can be used on both wet and dry hair, and clocks in at a much lower price point — $179.99, compared to the Glam's $449.99.
As of Sept. 16, the hair tool is available on Shark's website in three colorways: juniper, lychee, and raspberry.
The Shark Glossi is a standalone, two-in-one hair styling brush that can be used with wet or dry hair. It already existed technically as an attachment for Shark's other multi-stylers, but couldn't be used without investing in the entire multi-styler.
Those familiar with Shark's beauty lineup might also recognize the similarities between the Shark Glossi and the FlexFusion's Wet-or-Dry Fusion brush attachment. Though they look nearly identical, the Glossi features the Shark's Gloss Lock tech introduced on the Glam attachment that gives hair a shiny — or glossy — finish after styling.
Essentially, the Glossi is Shark's solution for anyone interested in the particular hot comb, round brush combo attachment from the Shark Glam, but isn't interested in shelling out $450.
While other round brush stylers like the Drybar Double Shot, Revlon One-Step, Amika Blowout Babe, and WavyTalk Blowout Boost have been on the market for some time (and all cost less than the Glossi), they don't quite feature the same tech as the Glossi. Where the former two brushes use hot air to help you achieve a smooth, blown-out look, the latter two use heat and no air.
Like the Glam attachment it shares its name with, the Glossi also has a unique teardrop shape that points on the side of the hot comb portion of the tool. The tapered end is designed for more precision styling that allows users to get close to the root of the hair.
Though the Glossi offers a degree of flexibility in how it can be used, the general idea is to start with the wet mode, which only uses air styling, to thoroughly dry and add volume to damp hair. Then, users can switch to the dry mode of the tool, which heats up the hot brush while never exceeding 302 degrees Fahrenheit.
The addition of heat could be useful for anyone with textured hair who might find less success with tools that rely solely on hot air for styling. More generally, anyone looking for smoothed, straightened, and volumized hair might find their ideal tool in the Shark Glossi.
UPDATE: Sep. 16, 2025, 12:08 p.m. EDT This story formerly stated the Shark Glossi was the same design as the Shark FlexFusion's Wet-or-Dry Fusion Brush attachment. Though the two are visually similar, the Shark Glossi features a special tech only found on this standalone tool and the Shark Glam attachment. We've corrected the information above and regret the error.
How does the Apple Watch Series 11 stack up against the Series 10? Let’s compare.Apple Watch 11
There’s been a flurry of new devices launched by Apple in the last week, including the new iPhone 17 lineup and Apple Watch Series 11. As with all major device announcements, the question inevitably becomes whether or not upgrading from a prior device is worth it. For Apple Watch Series 10 owners, it’s a valid question, and one we hope to help you solve.
The Apple Watch Series 11 comes in two sizes (42mm and 46mm), two case materials (aluminum and titanium), three band options (rubber, textile, and stainless steel), and seven total colors. That’s quite a lot to choose from, but fortunately, the tech underneath is largely the same for all of them, so we’ll be able to compare the two pretty evenly.
The least expensive Apple Watch Series 11 is the 42mm aluminum variant that runs for $399. Stepping up to the 46mm option changes the price to $429. Apple then adds a $100 upcharge for cellular connectivity, putting the prices at $499 and $529, respectively.
It’s a similar story with the titanium variant, which starts at $699 for the 42mm version and goes up to $749 for the 46mm. From there, the watches get the same $100 upcharge for cellular, putting the final prices at $799 and $849, respectively. The $849 figure is the highest price you can pay for a standard Apple Watch Series 11.
At launch, the Apple Watch Series 10 had the same prices as its Series 11 successor, and for the same configurations. The lowest price was $399 for a 42mm aluminum Wi-Fi only model, and maxed out at $849 for a 46mm titanium model with cellular connectivity. Looking around at retail sites like Best Buy, the prices seem largely unchanged from launch, although that’s likely to change once the Series 11 officially launches.
The story is going to be very similar for the specs as well. Here’s how they shake out.
Chip - S10 chip with 64-bit dual-core processor
Storage - 64GB
Display - A 374 by 466 (42mm) or 416 by 496 (46mm) resolution OLED screen with LTPO3.
Battery life - 24 hours
Connectivity - Wi-Fi 4, 5G and 4G LTE, and GPS
Chip - S10 chip with 64-bit dual-core processor
Storage - 64GB
Display - A 374 by 466 (42mm) or 416 by 496 (46mm) resolution OLED screen with LTPO3.
Battery - 18 hours
Connectivity - Wi-Fi 4, 4G LTE, GPS
So, as you can see, the case for an upgrade isn’t going too well. Both watches have virtually identical specs and screens. With the Apple Watch Series 10 getting watchOS 26, you’d be hard-pressed to tell the two apart in any capacity when looking at the spreadsheet.
However, there are some subtle improvements. Apple’s optimizations have increased the battery life on the Apple Watch Series 11 to 24 hours instead of 18 from the prior generation, and it added 5G connectivity. The battery life is a pretty big deal, and some folks may want to upgrade for that alone. However, if the battery on the Series 10 is fine with you, then you won’t see any demonstrable improvements with an upgrade.
This one is going to be pretty easy. The design for both the Series 10 and Series 11 watches is virtually identical in every way, down to the measurements. As an example, the 42mm version of both the Series 10 and Series 11 measures 42mm high by 36mm wide and 9.7mm deep. Even the dial is in the same spot on the right side of the watch body.
The only difference appears to be in color. The Series 10 had three aluminum colors and three titanium colors. Apple increased this to four aluminum colors with the Series 11. All of the colors are identical except the Series 11 gets a Space Gray version. Other than that, everything else here is the same.
According to the rumor mill, Apple is waiting for the Series 12 before making any adjustments to the overall design of the watch. So, if aesthetics matter to you, we’d wait until next year to see what the new design is like.
One of the big reasons to get an Apple Watch is its myriad sensors that measure everything from body temperature to heart rate. Apple keeps it simple here, and the sensors available in both watches are the same. They include:
Electrical heart sensor
Third-generation optical heart sensor
Temperature sensor
Compass
Always-on altimeter
High-g accelerometer
High dynamic range gyroscope
Ambient light sensor
Depth gauge
Water temperature sensor
So, if you’re looking for a new sensor, the Series 11 isn’t the place to find it, and your Apple Watch Series 10 still has all the same stuff. However, Apple did some health and wellness stuff for the Series 11. As of this writing, both watches have the following features.
Apple’s health features are one of the main selling points of the Apple Watch. The company is quite proud of the fact that the Apple Watch has saved people’s lives, and uses those stories often in its marketing. In any case, both the Watch 10 and 11 have mostly the same features. They include:
Blood oxygen app
ECG app
Menstrual cycle tracking (with ovulation estimates)
Heart rate app
High and low heart rate notifications
Medications app
Mindfulness app
Sleep app (including sleep stages)
Noise app (notifies you if nearby sounds are too loud)
Sleep Apnea notifications
Like with everything else, the two are mostly the same, but with one or two small differences. The Apple Watch Series 11 has added hypertension notifications, but patient Apple Watch Series 10 users will also get the feature in a future software update. So, eventually, there will be complete parity here as well.
Lastly, we come to software. The Apple Watch Series 11 will ship with watchOS 26, and the Series 10 will receive the update on September 15, 2025. Thus, starting on September 16, these two watch generations will run the same software. There are a load of features coming with the update, like a new AI workout buddy that encourages you when you hit exercise milestones and four new watch faces for Apple Watch users to choose from.
In general, the people who should consider upgrading are those with much older Apple Watches that haven’t yet received the S10 chip and all of the cool stuff it comes with. However, if you have an Apple Watch Series 10, you’re only missing out on a small handful of improvements, like better battery life, a new watch color, and more scratch-resistant glass. The overwhelming majority of the experience is going to be largely identical. Since Apple intends to give the Apple Watch a more serious update for the Series 12, your best bet is to wait for that unless you really want that extra six hours of battery life.
The new Hyrdow Arc Rower offers a great indoor winter workoutThe new Hydrow Arc rower is available for $2,295.
As much as we try to deny it, working out is apparently really, really good for overall health. That doesn't mean everyone should immediately sign up for a marathon, but it does mean that most of us would benefit from some movement, whether that's weight training, dog walking, or stepping onto the treadmill. However, if you want the most bang for your buck (results for your effort), you might want to consider a rowing machine. And as of today, there's a new kid on the block who's worthy of some attention.
Hydrow has been a leader in the rowing machine market for years now, making some of the most sophisticated and sleek-looking machines around. The brand's latest model, the Hydrow Arc Rower, is truly something to admire. Keep in mind it comes with a $2,295 price tag, but some people will find that well worth the money. Afterall, health is a pretty important part of life.
The Hydrow Arc is now the newest model Hydrow makes, dethroning the Hydrow Wave Rower. The Arc comes with the largest screen (24 inches), powerful speakers, and AI features that don't make us wish AI would simply disappear. There's also fitness tracking that caters to monitoring rowing stats that'll be useful over time.
Hydrow uses electromagnetic resistance which is useful for offering a quiet workout experience. There's also the padded ergonomic seat and a comfortable handle for a slip-free workout. Here are some overview specs about the Hydrow Arc Rower:
Dimensions: 25 inches W x 48 inches H x 86 inches L
Weight: 147 pounds
Weight capacity: up to 375 pounds
Screen: 24-inch HD
One of the biggest differences between the Hydrow Arc and the brand's previous models is the introduction of HydroMetrics. This encompasses three important aspects of rowing: precision, power, and endurance. After each workout, the Arc will pop out a HydroMetrics Index score which gives insight into how that workout went. It also gives tips on how to improve next time and highlights what went well during the workout.
While some people find the motion of rowing intuitive, everyone could use some guidance on nailing correct form. Not only does correct form impact power, it's so important for avoiding any injuries. HydroMetrics aims to help everyone with perfect form on each workout.
In the brand's press release about the new Arc Rower, John Stellano, the president and CEO of Hydrow said, "The Hydrow Arc Rower introduces a smarter way to build strength. We call it Fluid Strength — full-body training, designed to meet members exactly where they are, with every movement challenging more than muscle. HydroMetrics allows us to analyze and distill a wealth of data to guide members to perform better, and delivers the feedback today’s consumer craves to measure progress and achieve results."
Personally, I've been rowing for almost 25 years and I always welcome a check on my form, so the HydroMetrics is an exciting feature to see. Not only will it be great for Masters, it's damn near essential for those new to rowing.
All Hydrow models, including the Arc, really shine with the brand's fitness membership. This is an add-on that comes with a $44 price tag per month and gives users access to over 5,000 live and on-demand workouts. Since all Hydrows come with a screen, these workouts take you out on the water to waterways around the globe. On now-rowing days, the membership gives access to yoga, strength training, and mobility sessions. Plus, the Hydrow membership allows users to create multiple profiles per household.
If you're not in the mood to drop $2,300 on the new Hydrow Arc Rower, the Hydrow Origin Rower is on sale at Amazon for $1,895, which is a 14% discount compared to the normal price of $2,195. You'll miss out on some of the new features found on the Arc Rower, but you'll still be in for a full-body workout at home.
At a glance, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey seems like the kind of movie it'd be easy to fall in love with. A fantastical romance about two broken-hearted lovers who seem destined to be together, the film stars Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie, two Academy Award-nominated actors, who are almost criminally hot. Plus, from the looks of the trailers and posters, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey is full of color and whimsy. What's not to love?
Well, while the film does embrace a vivid palette, big moments of break-ups, birth, death, and even the unique joy of high school theater, there's a devoted remoteness to its approach. Helmed by critically heralded director Kogonada (After Yang, Columbus), A Big Beautiful Journey offers a setup that seems the stuff of American mainstream movie romance. But shortly after its enchantingly quirky first act, the script by Seth Reiss (The Regime, The Menu) veers into a cerebral space that feels frustratingly disconnected from earnest emotion.
On the day of a friend's nuptials, David (Farrell) is planning to drive a ways out of the city to the rural venue. However, his car tires have been unexpectedly booted, so he follows the advice of a fatefully positioned flyer to a remote location, where a car rental service is promised. While the first sequence feels like it could be set in the streets of New York City, where David emerges from a picturesque brownstone with a bright blue door and rushes down a bustling sidewalk, the very next setting is an alleyway so wide and clean it only exists in the movie-version of Manhattan. Already, Kogonada is stepping away from our frustrating reality (getting your car booted without warning) and into romantic fantasy.
However, this car rental place is not quaint or charming. It's Broad City-bizarre. After a comically cryptic exchange over a doorbell intercom, David enters the building to find a massive, mostly empty warehouse. All that lies inside are two cars and two people sitting at a card table, waiting for him to approach. One is a cheerful woman, who speaks with a fitful German accent and relishes using the word "fuck." Naturally, this is Phoebe Waller-Bridge of Fleabag fame. At her side, Kevin Kline is her foil, soft-spoken and mellow, where she is radiantly energetic. Together, they convince David to rent a car and spring for the GPS, in case his phone "craps out." They are strangely insistent on this point.
Within this setup, there's the sense of a play production. The vacuous space with two quirky characters in it, speaking of simple things like cell phone signals and doors, but with an intensity that suggests this is all metaphor. They are clearly the fateful figures launching this Journey. There's a beguiling zaniness to this section, including a small prop detail: a headshot of Farrell, where he's smiling broadly, with his fist planted firmly under his jaw, like how an overeager child might pose for a headshot. Naturally David says he's never seen that photo before, another sign that something odd but wonderful is going on here. Sadly, where A Bold Beautiful Journey goes from here does not maintain or even recapture this energy, wildness, or sense of promise.
For my money, Farrell's one of the best actors of his generation, turning in darkly comic performances with In Bruges and The Banshees of Inisherin, gritty pathos in The Penguin, radiant yearning in The Lobster, and seething rage in The Beguiled. In A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, however, Farrell hits a wall when it comes to Robbie.
In the car alone, there's an ache in his voice and yearning in his eyes as he considers the roads less traveled, which the pleasant yet persistent GPS (Jodie Turner-Smith) will direct him towards. Yet as the film becomes about David and Sarah (Robbie) taking a road trip that drives them to scenic locations, where doors from their past will allow them to bring a guest to their personal highs and lows, the film becomes emotionally vague.
At the wedding, David (in a dashing blue suit) meets Sarah in a red-striped silk pantsuit that resembles fancy pajamas. (They will stick strictly to these colors, no matter their outfits). They swiftly learn that he is from uptown and she is from downtown, suggesting a difference in attitude that's reflected by their takes on formalwear. He's reserved and polite; she's a free-spirit who will admit she's cheated in every relationship in one breath then propose marriage in the next.
These are both very charismatic actors, and yet this flirtation — and all those that follow — fell flat for me. Perhaps it's the script by Reiss, who writes characters with the erudite edge of a New Yorker cartoon. David and Sarah aren't defined by what they do for a living or their friends (despite meeting at a friend's wedding). They begin simply as a man in blue and a woman in red, with the personality you might extrapolate from there.
Both will pontificate about why they are the way they are, blaming their parents or their own bad habits. Then jaunts into the beautiful spaces they love — a lighthouse, an art museum after hours — aim to evoke depth. But it feels superficial, especially as they pontificate things like "I'm meant to be alone" and that telling a kid he's "special" does more harm than good. They feel less like faded sketches of failed lovers, leaving me yearning for something more.
The concept of walking a prospective lover through your emotional baggage through a Being John Malkovich-like series of doors is a promising beginning. However, the places these doors lead are not all that surprising or compelling. Instead, they play into clichés of beauty, childhood trauma, and rom-com breakups. If the film had a rollicking pace, perhaps such tropes could be overlooked. But tangled in its pretentious pronouncements about love, regret, and forgiveness, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey feels astoundingly long, even though its runtime is under two hours.
Within the film, characters discuss the necessity to "act" — meaning pretend — to reach a place of truth. And perhaps that idea of performance is why Farrell and Robbie create characters that feel thin reflections of ideas over flesh-and-blood people. Farrell had previously starred in Kogonada's After Yang, a drama about grief that embraces poetry over big shows of emotion. This approach didn't work for me then, as I wrote in admiration for his approach, but confessed in my review, "I am not on Kogonada's wavelength."
The director's take on grief did not connect to mine then, nor does his take on romantic love connect to mine now. It's not even a matter of disagreement, but that I can't feel the emotions that might live within his poetry.
I certainly didn't expect a paint-by-numbers romance from Kogonada, yet I was surprised to find myself so numb to the central story. Farrell and Robbie are actors who boast incredible screen presence, and yet their chemistry here is tepid. They're actors who've flung themselves into hours of prosthetics, high-concept comedies, and polarizing cinematic endeavors. But here, their portraits of people, yearning for love but afraid of being hurt, feel frustratingly shallow, when they could feel radiant or profound.
Simply put, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey felt neither big, bold, or beautiful. Its journey is winding. Its message is earnest, and yet I was unmoved, even bored.
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey opens in theaters Sept. 19.
The best iPhone 17 Pro cases to protect (or hide) your new phoneWhether you're a fan of cosmic orange or want to avoid it at all costs, check out the top iPhone 17 Pro cases. Browse picks from Casetify, Otterbox, and Apple.
It’s the most wonderful time of year — if you’re an iPhone-head, that is. OK, maybe "most wonderful time of year" is an overstatement, but it is so satisfying when the stars align with your phone plan, your bank account, and new iPhone releases.
I personally love peeling off the tape from that little white box that you end up shoving in a drawer for the next six to 12 years. It seems like when I am due for a new iPhone, my current phone heaves its last dying breath and suffers a mortal tumble on the sidewalk. I’ve since learned my lesson, and with each new phone, I always hunt for the best phone case. If you also keep your phone protected — or if you're among those who don't love the iPhone 17 Pro design — we've rounded up some of the best iPhone 17 Pro cases.
I would be remiss if I didn’t give my current phone case a shoutout. When I picked up a bespoke phone case from Memor, I was mesmerized by their different “genres” of aesthetic: Venus, adastra, nautilus, starlet, musette, and intaglio. I personally chose the category Venus, which Memor says “blends the romantic allure & poetry of Botticelli’s 'The Birth of Venus' with the decadent, whimsical world of Sophia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette."
I always get so many compliments on my phone case, and if I had a dollar for every time it sparked a conversation about our phones' potential to be part of our outfits, I’d have enough dollars to buy two more cases (which I am dying to do). Pssst, Memor has preorders open for iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro phone cases.
If you’re in the market for a new case for your iPhone 17 Pro (or iPhone 17 Pro Max), here are some of the top options from both under-the-radar brands (Memor, Urban Sophistication) and old favorites (Casetify, Spiegen, and, of course, Apple itself).
Starting our list strong, we have this iPhone 17 Pro case with a built-in card holder. This minimalist case can hold just one card so it’s perfect if you have Apple Pay on your phone and want to carry your ID (or Costco gold membership card).
This case supports wireless charging and touch-to-pay functions. It also has strap holes for easy accessorizing.
If you’re looking for style and durability, this iPhone 17 Pro case is great for you. Embroidered cactus leather features decals of Paris or flowers, stitched with premium thread. The case is designed to withstand daily drops and comes with MagSafe compatibility.
This iPhone 17 Pro phone case from Spiegen is meticulously designed to fit your phone like a glove. Spiegen focuses on super precise button and camera holes for a seamless user experience. The clear plastic is also specifically designed to withstand wear, tear, and scuffing. And with a $15.99 price tag, it's significantly less expensive than Apple's own cases.
Okay, it’s super annoying when you have a giant phone case that doesn't slip into your pocket easily and is just generally sort of large and clunky. This iPhone 17 Pro phone case from Torras is perfect if you’re looking for a slim profile phone case that protects your phone and doesn’t take up too much space.
Some of the best iPhone 17 Pro Max cases come from Apple itself, which is hardly a surprise. (Though, Apple iPhone cases do tend to be a bit pricey compared to the alternatives.) And for the iPhone 17 line, Apple introduced a new line of TechWoven cases. However, I especially love Apple’s durable, clear phone case that displays the unique color of the iPhone you selected. So, if you are a fan of the new Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro Max, opt for a case that shows it off.
This MagSafe-compatible phone case from Kate Spade New York is made from up to 40 percent recycled materials and has a classic tortoiseshell design. The designer brand has about a dozen iPhone 17 Pro cases, including some fashion-forward cases with a wavy, ombre design.
These cases come in a myriad of colors and patterns with the chic and recognizable Kate Spade New York insignia. This is an excellent option if you want your case to seamlessly blend into your personal style.
Casetify has so many excellent options when it comes to picking up a new case for your phone. This brightly colored case features a fun design and 11.5-foot drop protection. Its cases are wireless charging compatible and made from recycled plastic.
This iPhone 17 Pro phone case is perfect for someone looking for a statement color and an atypical silhouette. This case comes in bright orange with a screen protector and MagSafe charging capability. It also has a translucent matte finish, if getting a specific color of iPhone is important to you -- and you want it to show through the case.
If you want a pop of pop culture iconography, you could pick up an iPhone 17 Pro case from Burga. The printed tin of sardines is vivid and meant to last.
Armor-X has this excellent iPhone 17 Pro case that delivers on all fronts for people who want a phone case that is downright tough. Its cover is shock and waterproof, and it even features a carabiner mount. It’s also fully submersible in up to six feet of water for nearly two hours. The crystal-clear built-in screen protector is compatible with surgical gloves, and the case extends slightly, protecting the cameras from getting scratched.
So maybe you want something sleek and trustworthy, but it does not need sardine tins or extreme sports durability. In that case, this silicone MagSafe black iPhone 17 Pro case from Caseco is an excellent option. It comes in at $34.99 and feels extra soft to the touch.
This silicone case from Otofly has a flat-back design for a seamless grip and fit in your phone. It has drop protection up to seven feet.
Another fashion-forward phone case for the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro Max is this puffer coat-style case from Urban Sophistication. I personally love a statement accessory, even with my phone. It comes in many bold colors while remaining light and squishy and still offering excellent protection for your device.
Mous offers phone cases and packages that deliver on all fronts. This package from Mous for iPhone 17 Pro features sleek, muted colors, 360-degree screen protection, and a removable magnetic wallet for your cards.
Another style-forward option includes this stardust glitter iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max case from Velvet Caviar. Velvet Caviar specializes in offering extensive matching sets of related products. For example, you can get a case, strap, and purse all in the same pattern if that’s your jam. On top of style options, its cases hold up to wear and tear, have scratch-resistant coating, and a 10-foot drop test certification.
At the Apple Event 2025, Apple didn't just introduce new watches, phones, and AirPods. In between the headline news, your favorite fruit company also debuted some new accessories. We've already talked about the new TechWoven iPhone 17 cases, but you can also pair your magnetic iPhone case with the new Apple Crossbody Strap.
While it's not technically an iPhone 17 case, it will pair well with any of Apple's official cases.
Google recently laid off about 200 Google contractors who helped moderate and improve AI products.
The news came from Wired, which reported more than 200 workers had "been laid off without warning in at least two rounds of layoffs last month." The tech-focused magazine spoke with a number of the workers, who alleged the layoffs followed issues over pay and job security. These contractors, Wired noted, are specialists — holding a master's or a PhD — who use their expertise to help teach and moderate AI products like chatbots, or Google's AI Overviews.
The workers, meanwhile, alleged unfavorable working conditions, with two former employees taking complaints to the National Labor Relations Board alleging they were unfairly fired.
“These individuals are employees of GlobalLogic or their subcontractors, not Alphabet," Courtenay Mencini, a Google spokesperson, told Wired in a statement. "As the employers, GlobalLogic and their subcontractors are responsible for the employment and working conditions of their employees. We take our supplier relations seriously and audit the companies we work with against our Supplier Code of Conduct."
It's proven a tumultuous time for Google's AI products. This week, Penske Media Corporation — publisher of Rolling Stone, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Billboard — sued Google, alleging it used the company's content in AI Overviews without consent.
Final call: Score 50% off Paramount+ annual plansParamount+ annual plans are still half-priced through Sept. 18. This is the final call for anyone hoping to score a subscription for 50% off.
LAST CHANCE TO SAVE UP TO $60: Through Sept. 18, Paramount+ annual plans are 50% off. New and returning subscribers can sign up for Paramount+ Essential for $29.99 per year (reg. $59.99) or Paramount+ Premium for $59.99 (reg. $119.99).
It's not every day that streaming services actually lower their prices. So when a massive discount pops up and you're eligible for it, we highly recommend hitting that subscribe button.
For two more days, you can sign up for a Paramount+ annual plan for half price. That drops the cost of the Essential plan (with ads) to just $29.99 (reg. $59.99) and the Premium plan to just $59.99 (reg. $119.99) for your first year. That breaks down to only $2.50 or $5 per month, which is significantly cheaper than any other major streaming service. After the year is up, it'll jump back up to the full cost. So just be sure to cancel before then if you want to avoid that automatic charge. The only eligibility requirement is that you are a new or returning subscriber (no current subscribers).
As we mentioned previously, we highly recommend signing up for the Premium plan over the Essential plan. It's currently the same price you'd normally pay for the Essential plan, but packs a whole lot more bang for your buck. You'll be able to access the entire Showtime library, stream CBS live, download movies and shows for offline viewing, and enjoy 4K, UHD, Dolby Vision, and HDR10 quality — all without ads (except for live TV). Catch new episodes and live feeds from Big Brother Season 27, stream your local NFL Sunday afternoon games in real time, tune into popular shows like Yellowjackets, RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, and Criminal Minds Evolution on demand, and see new Paramount Pictures movies straight from the theaters.
This Paramount+ streaming deal is live through Sept. 18, so you only have a couple days to secure your next year of streaming. Not to be dramatic, but you might want to hop to it.
Michigan bill seeks to ban porn, erotic ASMR, and moreMichigan Republican representatives introduce the Anticorruption of Public Morals Act, which would ban adult content and more.
Last week, several Republican representatives in Michigan introduced a bill that would ban porn — and a host of other content online.
The Anticorruption of Public Morals Act, House Bill 4938, is primarily sponsored by Rep. Josh Schriver and includes fellow Republican representatives Joseph Pavlov, Matthew Maddock, James DeSana, Joseph Fox, and Jennifer Wortz.
The Anticorruption of Public Morals Act would prohibit sharing, distributing, selling, or hosting "certain material" on the internet. The bill's list includes pornography in the form of videos, erotica, magazines, stories, manga, AI-generated material, live feeds, and sound clips, but doesn't stop there.
"Prohibited material" described in the bill includes visual (real, animated, or digitally created), written, and audio depictions and descriptions of many sex acts, including intercourse, oral sex, ejaculation, BDSM, group sex, penetration with sex toys, as well as erotic autonomous sensory meridian response content — better known as ASMR — and moaning and "sensual voice content."
Audio erotica, sex toy reviews, and your favorite ASMR YouTube channel could all be banned in Michigan should this bill be passed into law.
The act also bans depictions and descriptions of "a disconnection between biology and gender by an individual of 1 biological sex imitating, depicting, or representing himself or herself to be of the other biological sex."
This means that online content about and by trans people would be banned in Michigan.
"The bill would completely erase trans people online, equating them with porn," Mike Stabile, director of public policy at adult industry trade organization, the Free Speech Coalition, posted on Bluesky.
This means that online content about and by trans people would be banned in the state of Michigan.
"Prohibited material" excluded from the act includes peer-reviewed academic content and scientific or medical research.
Failure to comply could result in a fine up to $100,000 and/or up to 20 years in prison for people or entities that run online platforms. If more than 100 pieces of "prohibited material" are found, the punishment increases to a fine up to $125,000 and/or up to 25 years in prison.
The bill also compels internet service providers to block "circumvention tools" — aka VPNs — and prohibits the promotion of sales of those tools.
This isn't the first bill of its kind. Back in January, Republican Oklahoma Sen. Dusty Deevers introduced a bill to criminalize porn and imprison its creators. (There hasn't seemed to be much movement on that bill since, though.) Then, in May, Republicans introduced the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act, which experts told Mashable would basically ban porn.
Project 2025, the blueprint for President Trump's second term, calls for an outright porn ban. These bills are happening in conjunction with state age-verification laws, which require proof of age (like a facial scan or government ID) to view explicit content. Software like VPNs can evade these laws, which could likely be the reason why the Michigan bill seeks to prohibit those, as well.
As experts told Mashable last month, similar age assurance requirements are starting to be required for non-explicit content as well, and have the capacity to change the internet as we know it.
Amazon announces dates for Prime Big Deal Days, aka October Prime Day 2025Ready to get a head start on your holiday shopping? Amazon just announced the dates of October's Prime Big Deal Days shopping event.
UPDATE: Sep. 16, 2025, 10:26 a.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest competing sales. Target has announced its Circle Week sale will run October 5 to 11.
Amazon has officially revealed the dates of its October Prime Big Deal Days event, which will begin this year on Oct. 7.
Yes, it's only September, but we know some of y'all are planners, so if you're already thinking about holiday shopping, this is good news. While Black Friday is the official kick-off for the holiday shopping season, Amazon is starting the festivities a bit early. Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days (aka October Prime Day) is returning for another year, providing hundreds of doorbuster deals to give you a head start on gift shopping.
We've finally recovered from July's Prime Day, which was the longest Prime Day ever, spanning four days. Prime Big Deal Days will be a shorter event, but it will still be full of savings. So, now that Amazon has finally dropped all the details on the shopping event, let's get into it.
Drum roll, please... Prime Big Deal Days returns Tuesday, Oct. 7 and Wednesday, Oct. 8. Unlike this year's Prime Day, which spanned four days from July 8 to 11, Prime Big Deal Days will run for just 48 hours. Expect big savings in that time frame; Amazon typically provides thousands of deals to shop across categories.
Amazon events typically start promptly at midnight on the West Coast, so we expect this year's event to begin around 3:00 a.m. ET on Oct. 7. You'll need to be a Prime member to shop the sale, so if you don't have an account, go ahead and sign up for a free trial or reactivate an old membership.
Prime Big Deal Days will end on Oct. 8. While that might seem like a quick turnaround, there's no need to stress. During these big shopping events, deals tend to linger past the official end of the sale.
Like Prime Day, you need to be a Prime member to shop the sales. If you're not a Prime member, now is a great time to sign up. Otherwise, you'll miss out on all the savings that Prime Big Deal Days has to offer.
When Amazon launches a shopping event, it's not uncommon for competing retailers to launch their own anti-Prime programming. Target has officially announced their competing Circle Week sale, which will run October 5 through 11. You do need to be a Target Circle member to shop, however, unlike Prime membership, it's free to join.
Plus, we expect Best Buy and Walmart to launch their own anti-Prime Day sales.
Get a full year of AMC+ and Shudder for $76.70 with this 20% off codeA year of AMC+ usually costs $95.88, but through Sept. 30, save $19.18 and get it for $76.70 ($6.39/month). Shudder is included.
SAVE 20%: Through Sept. 30, the AMC+ Annual Premium plan is 20% off with code PLUS20, or $76.70 for the year (compared to the usual $95.88). That's a savings of $19.18.
Between the loaded fall TV release schedule and the inescapable charm of spooky season, the September pull to switch up your tired streaming service rotation is real. If AMC+ is one you haven't tried, you can sign up for the ad-free annual plan for less than $80 with code PLUS20. That's a value of $6.39/month (or $76.70 for 12 months, compared to the usual $95.88) — far cheaper than the ad-free tiers of Netflix, Paramount+, Hulu, and the other big ones. The deal ends on Sept. 30.
AMC+ is home to a slew of major shows like Mad Men, Dark Winds, and of course, The Walking Dead universe in its entirety. The movie selection includes Dangerous Animals, The Color of Space, Anchorman, and Saving Private Ryan.
Signing up for AMC+ is technically securing a password to two streaming services in one. All AMC+ subscriptions come with full free access to Shudder: a core streaming app in my personal reserve. The horror-centric service has recent theatrical gems like Late Night with the Devil, viral Shudder originals like Host and Skinamarink, as well as classic titles like American Psycho and the original Halloween. On its own, Shudder usually costs $71.88 (or $5.99/month).
The Annual Premium plan also comes with six live channels: AMC, BBC America, IFC, The Walking Dead Channel, and Sundance TV. The option to sit down and turn on AMC FearFest whenever isn't a privilege to be taken lightly.
iOS 26 users complain about ‘tilted icons’ in dark modeDark mode is the way to go for a lot of folks, but some iOS 26 users are having trouble with the way icons look in dark mode.
Plenty of folks around the world jumped at the chance to download iOS 26 and try out all the new features, but some people are having buyer's remorse.
The latest iPhone operating system update from Apple has ruffled some feathers online due to the way Dark Mode looks on the home screen now, per Mac Observer and Reddit. Specifically, users are complaining about a new "tilted" look that apps use in Dark Mode, in which one corner of the app icon has a soft glow around it. The idea here, ostensibly, is to make the icons stand out from the background, but users on Reddit are complaining that it's distracting and even causing dizziness by looking at it.
It doesn't help matters that switching between dark and light modes is a bit weird, as it's not something you do in the iPhone's Settings app. Rather, you long press on the home screen, hit "Edit" in the upper left, and then hit "Customize" to choose which theme you want to use. I had to figure this out in the process of writing this article, so I figured it might help someone who is reading it, too.
Your mileage may vary on this particular issue. I don't find the Dark Mode apps particularly distracting to my eyes, but they're also my eyes. Other people are clearly having problems with this, so it will be interesting to see if Apple issues a fix of any kind in the near future. In the meantime, you may want to just try one of the other themes and see if that works better for you.
Stay prepared with this Anker power station for its lowest price yetAs of Sept. 16, get the 60,000 mAh Anker Power Bank Power Station for its lowest price yet.
SAVE $70: As of Sept. 16, get the Anker Power Bank Power Station for $79.99, down from its usual price of $149.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 47% and the lowest price we've seen.
Looking for a way to make sure you never have to go without power to your phone or laptop in an emergency? Or maybe you need some backup power options for when you're going off the grid while camping or just living elsewhere for a while. No matter what you're doing, a power station can help, and if you need to buy one, now's the time with this Amazon deal.
As of Sept. 16, get the Anker Power Bank Power Station for $79.99, down from its usual price of $149.99 at Amazon. That's $70 off and a discount of 47%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.
This small but mighty power station boasts a massive 60,000 mAh of power, which is more than enough to charge your phone about 10 times, a lamp for nearly 44 hours, or other small devices so you can stay prepared in just about any situation. Plus, it's easy to charge up via traditional means or via solar panels if you have them available for simpler charging while out and about.
It also has a retractable light and an SOS button, so if you find yourself in the dark without any survival tools or need help getting the attention of anyone who might be coming to help you, you've got an easy means of doing so. Paired with 60W and 27W USB-C ports, you've also got plenty of options to choose from when it comes to ways to getting your electronics and appliances topped off again as well.
This is a quick and easy buy to make sure that when the lights go out, you're more than covered. And at this sale price, you don't have to worry about saving up to grab it. Be sure and get yours for any potential fall or winter emergencies that could be on the horizon.
Maudes new vibe mini is a sleek yet adorable vibratorMaude vibe mini is a new vibrator that costs $32, and it's well worth it.
There's a reason why Maude's Vibe was Mashable's best overall budget-friendly vibrator. The sleek toy looks like an art piece, yet it can rock your world just like toys double its price. For years after launch, Maude could barely keep it in stock.
Today, Maude launches its baby cousin: the vibe mini. Priced at $32, the mini is just under three and a half inches in length and is a worthy successor to the OG.
When I heard about the launch of the mini, I was immediately intrigued. Miniature versions are just so cute — look at Mini Brands, or the Magic Wand Micro for a more suitable, NSFW comparison. I was obsessed with the Magic Wand Micro when it came out; just look at it! Would the mini cause a similar reaction?
Reader, it did. When my mini arrived, I cooed like holding a baby chick in my hands. The mini is slightly longer than my index finger and one inch at its thickest. It looks exactly like the original Maude vibe shrunk down. Even the "m" button is smaller. Adorable!
(For comparison, the original is about five inches in length and around one and a half inches at its thickest. It fits in the palm of my hand.)
The vibe mini is made of silicone (so you should only use water-based lubricant to clean it) and is water-resistant, so you can play with it in the shower but cannot submerge it.
The vibe mini comes with a USB charger, a pouch (which also looks like a miniaturized version of the OG's pouch), and a manual.
The vibe mini, like the original, is simple, but that doesn't mean it's not sophisticated. There's only one button (the "m"), which acts as the toy's on/off switch, setting changer, and travel lock.
Yes — this toy has a travel lock, a feature that's missing from some of our favorite vibrators. That was one point against the Magic Wand Micro, as it's perfect for tucking into your carry-on. But Maude knew the vibes, literally. In fact, the campaign for the vibe mini is all about travel, including a vintage-styled "Maude Airways" ad:
To turn on the travel lock, press and hold the button for three seconds. The toy will buzz quickly twice. To unlock, press and hold for another three seconds.
Simply press the button to turn it on the lowest setting. At full charge, the vibe can run for 70 minutes on the lowest setting. The vibe mini has five speeds; simply press the button to increase them. At full charge on the highest speed, the vibe can last for 45 minutes (trust me, you will not need that long).
The vibe mini needs 1.5 to two hours to fully charge. It arrived with a partial charge (and the travel lock on), but the manual recommends charging it before using it for the first time. While charging, a light will slowly blink, illuminating the button. When it's fully charged, the light will be consistent.
Maude recommends cleaning the vibe with a mild soap and storing it in its pouch away from extreme heat or cold.
Don't charge the vibe for more than three hours, according to the manual. The battery will apparently damage over time, but the vibe mini has a one-year limited warranty.
With the specs out of the way, now we're to the fun part: playing with the vibe mini.
The toy's silicone is butter-smooth, and its one button is pretty intuitive. With one press to turn on and one press to increase the speed, it couldn't be easier.
Like the original, you can use the vibrator on its side for a wider surface area or the tip for more pinpointed, strong vibrations. As the tip of the mini is smaller than the tip of the original, it's even more intense — I couldn't use it directly on me for more than a few seconds.
At full charge, the lowest setting was enough to tip me over the edge. But for those less sensitive, there are still four more settings to rev up to.
Some may not like that the vibe mini doesn't have vibrational patterns like other modern toys do (like buzz buzz stop, buzz buzz stop) and only provides a continuous buzz, just faster or slower.
Honestly, I don't care for those Morse code-like vibration settings, anyway, and I never use them. It doesn't seem like anything you can't DIY yourself, like taking the toy off you if you want to edge a little bit.
I love the mini's simplicity, as I do with the original one. Easy to charge, easy to use, and easy to clean.
One negative that I can foresee is potential hand cramping while holding the tiny vibe. This wasn't the case with me on my test uses, but squeezing a small piece of silicone over time might cause that. It probably depends on the size of your specific hand and your potassium levels.
This also isn't the toy to try to use alongside a partner. A partner can use the toy on you, but trying to ride its waves at the same time might be impossible. No need to fret — there are other toys on the market for that, like Harry Styles's double-sided vibrator.
Also, it might go without saying, but the vibe mini is meant for external use. Given its size, you'll want to skip trying it out internally. A press release shared with Mashable stated that the vibe mini is great for "layering" with other toys, so that's something you can try, too.
Yes! Not only does the vibe mini provide orgasms just as well as bigger toys (if not more so with the intense tip), but it does so at a lower cost, as well.
The Magic Wand Micro, for example, is $89.99 on Lovehoney, though as of this publication, it's on sale directly on the Magic Wand site for $64.95. Still, even the sale price is double the $32 for the Maude vibe mini.
Plus, Maude definitely had travel in mind with this toy, given the pouch and the travel lock. The original vibe is small enough to go in your to-go bag, anyway, but now with the mini you can be even more discreet. Keep it in your purse, even.
And the cuteness factor is undeniable.
The vibe mini is perhaps the most elevated bullet vibrator I've gotten my hands on. I recommend it to anyone who wants a new vibrator.
You may know Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson from his WWE career or his flexing in the Fast and the Furious franchise or Disney's Moana. But in A24's upcoming sports biopic The Smashing Machine, Johnson utterly transforms into MMA fighter and UFC champion Mark Kerr.
Directed by Benny Safdie, The Smashing Machine explores Kerr's rise to UFC stardom, along with his relationship with his partner Dawn Staples (Emily Blunt), and his struggles with substance abuse. In a new first-look featurette released by A24, Johnson, Blunt, and Safdie delve into Kerr's story. Plus, they get into Johnson's preparation to take on the role.
For Johnson to fully embody Kerr onscreen, Safdie asked the already imposing Johnson to bulk up even more."[It's] a crazy thing to ask him, but Mark was a big guy," Safdie says.
According to Blunt, Safdie's request paid off. "The physical transformation gave me goosebumps," she says in the first look. "Like, jaws dropped."
For Johnson, the role wasn't just about the physical transformation, though. At first glance, he draws parallels between Kerr's UFC days and his own career as a professional wrestler, saying these experiences allowed him to "live in Mark's skin."
The Smashing Machine had its world premiere at the 2025 Venice International Film Festival, where Safdie won the Silver Lion for Best Director. It then played at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. Between the two festivals, The Smashing Machine earned mostly positive reviews from critics, who praised both Johnson and Blunt's lead performances.
The Smashing Machine hits theaters Oct. 3.
How to watch Athletic Club vs. Arsenal online for freeHow to watch Champions League for free. Live stream Athletic Club vs. Arsenal in the Champions League for free.
TL;DR: Live stream Athletic Club vs. Arsenal in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Champions League is back with a number of fascinating group stage fixtures, including Athletic Club vs. Arsenal. It's tough to secure a spot in the top eight, so it's important to get off to a good start. It's not going to be straightforward for Arsenal. Athletic Club have started the season strongly and possess the talent to secure three points at home.
If you want to watch Athletic Club vs. Arsenal in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
Athletic Club vs. Arsenal in the Champions League kicks off at 5:45 p.m. BST on Sept. 16. This fixture takes place at the San Mamés Stadium.
Athletic Club vs. Arsenal is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.
Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Athletic Club vs. Arsenal for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Ireland
Visit Virgin Media Player
Watch Athletic Club vs. Arsenal for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Athletic Club vs. Arsenal (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Virgin Media Player, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Ireland
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream Athletic Club vs. Arsenal in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.
Wow, the 85-inch Samsung Neo QLED has hit a record-low price — save over $2,500 at AmazonThe 85-inch Samsung Class Neo QLED 4K TV is on sale at Amazon for $1,997.95, down from the list price of $4,497.99. That's a 56% discount.
SAVE OVER $2,500: The 85-inch Samsung Class Neo QLED 4K TV is on sale at Amazon for $1,997.95, down from the list price of $4,497.99. That's a 56% discount and the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon by almost $1,000.
Welcome to cozy season. Maybe the temperatures haven't cooled quiet as much as we'd like, but they'll get there. Once that happens, lots of us will be comfortable couch dwellers through the fall and winter. It's the perfect excuse to slow down, catch up on shows, and relax. If your current TV isn't living up to your expectations to display your favorite fall shows, there's a major sale at Amazon right now.
As of Sept. 16, the massive 85-inch Samsung Class Neo QLED 4K TV is on sale at Amazon for $1,997.95, marked down from the list price of $4,497.99. That's a whopping 56% discount that shaves a shocking $2,500.04 off the price. It's also the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon by nearly $1,000.
If we're being honest, a giant TV with a stunning display gets categorized into "things that actually could change your life." Imagine the vibes that'll come with streaming Only Murders In the Building on a 85-inch TV or catching Sunday's big games. This Samsung model has a QLED display which means it's great for brightness and sharp contrast when watching in bright rooms. That also applies to daytime viewing.
While the 85-inch display is impressively large, its depth is impressively thin. This model has Samsung's NeoSlim design, giving it a modern look that doesn't protrude way into the living room when mounted on the wall.
The sale price on the 85-inch Samsung TV comes from a third-party seller at Amazon. Typically, Mashable doesn't encourage buying from third-party sellers, but Video & Audio Center has a 98 percent positive rating over the past year, so we feel better about suggesting this particular deal.
Before this sale price or stock vanish, snag the massive 85-inch Samsung Class Neo QLED 4K TV while it's on sale at Amazon for 56% off. Rest assured you have top-tier viewing in store for this fall and winter. You'll only need to decide who's in charge of the popcorn.
How to watch The Great British Baking Show online for freeHow to watch Bake Off for free. Live stream The Great British Baking Show in 2025 for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Live stream the 16th season of The Great British Baking Show for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
If Love Island is the best show for the summer, The Great British Baking Show is exactly what we need as the nights get longer and colder.
The Great British Baking Show throws Britain's best amateur bakers into the iconic white tent to battle it out over delicious bakes. The annual return of Bake Off signals the time to lock your doors, light some candles, surround yourself with snacks, and sink into the comforting embrace of the most wholesome show to ever exist.
If you're interested in watching The Great British Baking Show in 2025 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
The 16th season of The Great British Baking Show started on Sept. 2 in the UK. Episodes go live a few days later in the U.S.
The Great British Baking Show is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.
Channel 4 is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone from around the world can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock Channel 4 to watch The Great British Baking Show from anywhere in the world.
Live stream The Great British Baking Show for free by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit Channel 4
Stream The Great British Baking Show for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for unblocking streaming sites are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials and money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the 16th season of The Great British Baking Show without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you time to watch a large chunk of the season before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming is on sale for a limited time.
ExpressVPN is the top choice for accessing free live streams on Channel 4, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, as well as platforms like Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and routers
Strict no-logging policy
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month subscription for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).
Live stream The Great British Baking Show for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
How to watch Bangladesh vs. Afghanistan online for freeHow to watch Asia Cup for free. Live stream Bangladesh vs. Afghanistan in the 2025 Asia Cup for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Bangladesh vs. Afghanistan in the 2025 Asia Cup is available to live stream for free on Tamasha. Access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Group B in the 2025 Asia Cup is particularly competitive, with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan battling it out for the top two positions. Bangladesh vs. Afghanistan is a hugely important fixture, with Bangladesh needing a win to progress.
If you want to watch Bangladesh vs. Afghanistan in the 2025 Asia Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
Bangladesh vs. Afghanistan in the 2025 Asia Cup starts at 10:30 a.m. ET on Sept. 16. This game takes place at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.
Bangladesh vs. Afghanistan in the 2025 Asia Cup is available to live stream for free on Tamasha.
Tamasha is geo-restricted to Pakistan, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Pakistan, meaning you can unblock Tamasha from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Bangladesh vs. Afghanistan in the 2025 Asia Cup for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Pakistan
Visit Tamasha
Live stream Bangladesh vs. Afghanistan for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can watch the 2025 Asia Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you plenty of time to watch the tournament for free.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live streaming is on sale for a limited time.
ExpressVPN is the top choice for live streaming on free sites like Tamasha, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Pakistan
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream the 2025 Asia Cup for free with ExpressVPN.
How to watch the 2025 Asia Cup online for freeHow to watch Asia Cup for free. Live stream the 2025 Asia Cup for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: The 2025 Asia Cup is available to live stream for free on Tamasha. Access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Cricket fans are a lucky bunch. There never seems to be a long wait between top events involving the best teams and players in the world. Already this year we've been treated to the ICC Champions Trophy, India's tour of England, The Hundred, and so many more epic contests, and there's more to come.
We know that everyone is licking their lips at the prospect of The Ashes, but before we get to that special series, fans can enjoy everything that the 2025 Asia Cup has to offer. The likes of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and a host of other exciting sides are competing for the T20 trophy.
If you want to watch the 2025 Asia Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
The Asia Cup is a men's One Day International (ODI) or Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket tournament. The tournament alternates every two years between ODI and T20I formats. In 2025, matches will be played using the T20I format. Eight teams will split into two groups of four, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for a single-group Super Four stage. The top two teams in this stage will meet in the final.
India are the defending champions.
The 2025 Asia Cup is the 17th edition of the competition. This year's event is scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates from Sept. 9-28. The full schedule is as follows:
Afghanistan vs. Hong Kong — Sept. 9
India vs. UAE — Sept. 10
Bangladesh vs. Hong Kong — Sept. 11
Pakistan vs. Oman — Sept. 12
Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka — Sept. 13
India vs. Pakistan — Sept. 14
UAE vs. Oman — Sept. 15
Sri Lanka vs. Hong Kong — Sept. 15
Bangladesh vs. Afghanistan — Sept. 16
Pakistan vs. UAE — Sept. 17
Sri Lanka vs. Afghanistan — Sept. 18
India vs. Oman — Sept. 19
Super Four — Sept. 20
Super Four — Sept. 21
Super Four — Sept. 23
Super Four — Sept. 24
Super Four — Sept. 25
Super Four — Sept. 26
Final — Sept. 28
The 2025 Asia Cup is available to live stream for free on Tamasha.
Tamasha is geo-restricted to Pakistan, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Pakistan, meaning you can unblock Tamasha from anywhere in the world.
Live stream the 2025 Asia Cup for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Pakistan
Visit Tamasha
Live stream the 2025 Asia Cup for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can watch the 2025 Asia Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you plenty of time to watch the tournament for free.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live streaming is on sale for a limited time.
ExpressVPN is tough to beat when it comes to unblocking streaming sites like Tamasha. ExpressVPN is the top choice for live streaming, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Pakistan
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream the 2025 Asia Cup for free with ExpressVPN.
The 13-inch Apple iPad Air is back to its lowest-ever price at Amazon — save $150 right nowAs of Sept. 16, the 13-inch Apple iPad Air (M3, WiFi, 128GB) is discounted at Amazon to $649, 19% off its list price of $799.
SAVE $150: As of Sept. 16, the 13-inch Apple iPad Air (M3, WiFi, 128GB) is on sale for $649 at Amazon. That's $150 off its list price of $799.
Following the latest Apple event, there have been some really great discounts on some of Apple's best devices. Even iPads have received some strong price drops. This includes our favorite iPad for most people, the Apple iPad Air with the M3 chip.
The 13-inch Apple iPad Air is marked down to $649 at Amazon, a $150 drop from its list price of $799. This also marks a return to its lowest-ever price, so there's no better time to grab it. If you'd prefer a slightly smaller model, you can also score the 11-inch version of this iPad Air at a discount right now.
We consider this iPad to be the best option for most people in our roundup of the best iPads. Mashable's Samantha Mangino writes that, "The iPad Air didn't really need a 2025 upgrade, but Apple delivered one anyway. Now with the M3 chip, it has the same processing power as a MacBook, scoring 11,464 on our Geekbench 6 test. AKA, it packs a lot of power into a more affordable package."
This iPad Air features great performance with the help of the M3 chip and offers a sleek 13-inch Liquid Retina display to view everything on. This particular model offers 128GB of storage as well, offering you plenty of space for your favorite apps. And it boasts an all-day battery life that can keep you busy for hours.
Act fast to grab the 13-inch Apple iPad Air (M3, WiFi, 128GB) at its lowest-ever price at Amazon. If you're hoping to check out other iPad deals, you can also save on the iPad mini right now at Amazon.
Xiaomi s iPhone 17 killer has a secondary display on the backXiaomi's upcoming 17 Pro with its rear display shows up in a new teaser video.
Xiaomi has big plans for its upcoming Xiaomi 17 Pro flagship.
The sheer fact that the company skipped the Xiaomi 16 Pro altogether and went from number 15 to 17 shows that Xiaomi's ambitions are to compete with Apple's iPhone 17. However, while the name change is all too predictable, the phone itself will be quite different from most phones out there.
Xiaomi's official Weibo account recently posted a teaser video showing the Xiaomi 17 Pro from the back, and it has a big camera bump with a dual camera system...and a secondary display.
Judging by what is shown in the video, the rear display is in full color and high definition, and could be used to display basic information such as the time, weather, but also to help you take better selfies.
According to Xiaomi, the new Xiaomi 17 Pro and the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max (yes, they're really called that) both have the "Magic Back Screen."
Xiaomi is scheduled to launch a bunch of phones this month; besides the new Xiaomi 17 Pro series of phones, the company will also globally launch the Xiaomi 15T phones.
Amazon is sold out, but TCGPlayer has the Blaziken ex and Volcanion ex Premium Collection for $103.98As of Sept. 16, the Pokémon TCG Blaziken ex and Volcanion ex Premium Collection is $103.98 at TCGPlayer. Amazon is out of stock, third-party prices start at $110.
SAVE OVER $6: As of Sept. 16, the Pokémon TCG Blaziken ex and Volcanion ex Premium Collection is $103.98 at TCGPlayer. Amazon is sold out, with third-party prices starting at $110.
The Blaziken ex and Volcanion ex Premium Collection is one of the newest and flashiest premium boxes — but if you go looking for it on Amazon, you’ll hit a wall. The Amazon-exclusive bundle is currently sold out, and third-party sellers have it listed as high as $110.
Your best bet right now is TCGPlayer, where the set is available for $103.98. That’s about $6 less than what resellers are charging on Amazon, and it’s currently the cheapest way to get your hands on the product.
Inside the Premium Collection, you’ll find two promo cards featuring Blaziken ex and Volcanion ex, plus an oversized Blaziken ex promo that looks great on display. The big draw, though, is the 10 booster packs: five from Scarlet and Violet — Journey Together and five from Scarlet and Violet — Destined Rivals.
If you do the math, that works out to about $10.40 per booster pack, not counting the promos and jumbo card. That’s a little steep compared to standard bundles, but given this is an exclusive box with two sought-after promos, the value is there for collectors.
With Amazon out of stock and only third-party sellers offering inflated prices, TCGPlayer is the smarter choice. If you’re chasing promos or want a mix of Journey Together and Destined Rivals packs, this is the way to go.
There's a tone of epic secret art rares to pull from Journey Together and Destined Rivals, so if you don't want to leave it to chance, here's the top five most valuable Journey Together and Destined Rivals:
Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex - 231/182
Near Mint Holofoil: $400.95
Market price: $381.81
Most recent sale: $370.17
Cynthia's Garchomp ex - 232/182
Near Mint Holofoil: $293.69
Market price: $252.79
Most recent sale: $250
Ethan's Ho-Oh ex - 230/182
Near Mint Holofoil: $275
Market price: $200.60
Most recent sale: $250
Lillie's Clefairy ex - 184/159
Near Mint Holofoil: $145
Market price: $148.14
Most recent sale: 146.95
Team Rocket's Moltres ex - 229/182
Near Mint Holofoil: $145
Market price: $143.78
Most recent sale: $145.25
SAVE OVER $2: As of Sept. 16, the Pokémon TCG White Flare Booster Bundle is $45.90 at Amazon, compared to $48.50 at TCGPlayer.
If you’re looking to pick up the Scarlet and Violet — White Flare expansion, Amazon currently has the best deal. The White Flare Booster Bundle is just $45.90, compared to $48.50 at TCGPlayer, and it even dips below the market value of $48.34.
That means you’ll pay less on Amazon than you would on secondary marketplaces, which doesn’t happen often for Pokémon sealed product. Even a small $2.60 savings adds up if you’re stocking up on bundles.
Inside, you’ll find six booster packs from the White Flare set plus a code card for Pokémon TCG Live. With each pack, you’ve got a shot at pulling Legendary stars like Reshiram ex or Keldeo ex, along with alternate artwork cards that collectors chase.
Competitive players will want to keep an eye on Samurott and Emboar evolutions, while collectors will love the Poké Ball-patterned parallels and illustration rares. Cracking packs and adding to your sealed shelf is a blast with White Flare, and this is one of the most affordable ways to do it.
Amazon’s price makes it a rare under-market value buy. If you’re eyeing White Flare, today is the right time to grab it while it’s cheaper than TCGPlayer.
Want to potentially save money over ripping open endless boosters to get your pulls? You can just buy the top chase cards for the best market price on TCGPlayer right now:
Victini – 171/086 – SV: Black Bolt
Near Mint Holofoil: $431.98
Market price: $446.04
Most recent sale: $549.99
Victini – 172/086 – SV: White Flare
Near Mint Holofoil: $390
Market price: $432.16
Most recent sale: $400
Zekrom ex – 172/086 – SV: Black Bolt
Near Mint Holofoil: $378.27
Market price: $398.49
Most recent sale: $377
Reshiram ex – 173/086 – SV: White Flare
Near Mint Holofoil: $367.95
Market price: $369.17
Most recent sale: $353.21
Zekrom ex – 166/086 – SV: Black Bolt
Near Mint Holofoil: $210.99
Market price: $208.89
Most recent sale: $200
Reshiram ex – 166/086 – SV: White Flare
Near Mint Holofoil: $180
Market price: $178.19
Most recent sale: $175
Spotify free users can now search and play specific songs with an actually decent update announced Monday.
Detailed in a company blog post, the audio streamer now lets non-paying users play any track or podcast by searching directly for it, a feature previously only available with the paid tier, Spotify Premium.
Ad-supported accounts had to previously shuffle through albums or playlists to reach a particular song, with six skips allowed per hour. Mashable sister site CNET tested the updated free tier and found this skip rule no longer applies.
Spotify free users can also play songs and podcasts shared by friends, removing the hurdle when sharing a Spotify track link to a friend without a Premium account (this also applies to artists sharing tracks). Free users have always had the ability to create playlists, but now the tier has access to the custom cover art tool launched in 2024. Plus, last year, Spotify made its algorithm-generated daylists available to free users.
So, what's the point of paying £11.99/$11.99 per month for Spotify Premium, then?
The free update comes after Spotify announced lossless audio for Premium users, a long-promised feature, and the testing of custom transitions in playlists for this tier. Free accounts also still don't have access to 15 hours of monthly audiobook streaming, offline downloads, track queuing, ad-free listening, or the AI DJ feature, but the newly launched chat feature is available to both free and Premium users over 16.
Though free users can't queue songs, you can join collaborative Jams that a Premium user has started, and per Monday's blog post, Spotify has officially unlocked its lyrics feature for free users (these were previously paywalled).
The Apple MacBook Pro M4 has dropped to its best-ever price at Amazon — save $300 right nowAs of Sept. 16, the 2024 MacBook Pro (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is discounted to $1,299 at Amazon, 19% off its list price of $1,599.
SAVE $300: As of Sept. 16, the MacBook Pro M4 (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is on sale for $1,299 at Amazon. This is $300 off its list price of $1,599.
Whether it's for work or play, a MacBook is a great investment for Apple users. Some models even get great discounts on a regular basis, which are well worth jumping on if you're looking to upgrade for less. As of Sept. 16, the 2024 MacBook Pro M4 is on sale at Amazon for its best-ever price.
The 2024 MacBook Pro is marked down to $1,299 right now at Amazon. This is a $300 discount, but what makes it even better is it's a return to its lowest-ever price. If you've had it on your radar, now is the time to grab it.
The 2024 MacBook Pro is fitted with the M4 chip, offering incredible performance for any task. Its 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display provides plenty of color and crisp picture quality and it has up to 24 hours of battery life to keep you going all day. This particular model comes with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD.
We even consider it the best splurge pick in our roundup of the best MacBooks, with Mashable's Dylan Haas saying, "The M4 version of the MacBook Pro is by far the fastest and most powerful laptop that Apple has released to date, so of course it's on our list."
Don't miss out on this excellent deal on the 2024 MacBook Pro (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) at Amazon. It's not the only MacBook model on sale right now, either. The 15-inch M4 MacBook Air is also discounted for under $1,000 at Best Buy.
Keke Palmer kisses host Sean Evans during new Hot Ones appearanceKeke Palmer appeared on "Hot Ones" for the third time and ended the interview by kissing host Sean Evans.
Keke Palmer's third appearance on First We Feast's Hot Ones was certainly one to remember.
After calmly dispatching all 10 increasingly spicy wings, in the closing moments of the episode, the One of Them Days actor takes a second to address host Sean Evans' previous comment that he had a crush on her during his appearance on Chicken Shop Date.
"There's one more thing I'd like to say, Sean, 'cuz I saw an interview where you said like I was your favorite guest, you know and all this really sweet stuff," Palmer says. "I know we've just had some wings, but I thought that maybe we could just have a quick smooch to see if there's a spark?"
The resulting "smooch" is every bit as adorable as you'd expect.
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 16, 2025Connections is a New York Times word game that's all about finding the "common threads between words." How to solve the puzzle.
Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: To hunt
Green: They share a number
Blue: They have pigmented dye
Purple: Famous bunnies
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Keep tabs on
Green: One in a dozen
Blue: Things with ink
Purple: ___ Rabbit
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections #828 is...
Keep tabs on: FOLLOW, MONITOR, TRACK, WATCH
One in a dozen: DONUT, JUROR, MONTH, ROSE
Things with ink: PEN, PRINTER, SQUID, TATTOO MACHINE
___ Rabbit: ROGER, TRIX, VELVETEEN, WHITE
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands?
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
NYT Strands hints, answers for September 16, 2025The NYT Strands hints and answers you need to make the most of your puzzling experience.
If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.
Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.
By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.
If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferrined pace.
The words are things needed for an adventure.
These words are associated with suspended cables.
Today's NYT Strands spangram is veritcal.
Today's spangram is Ziplining.
Carbinger
Helmet
Cable
Ziplining
Pulley
Harness
Gloves
Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!
Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.
Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 16, 2025Here's the answer for "Wordle" #1550 on September 16 as well as a few hints, tips, and clues to help you solve it yourself.
Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
Not right-handed.
There are no recurring letters.
Today's Wordle starts with the letter L.
Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to today's Wordle is...
LEFTY
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.
NYT Pips hints, answers for September 16, 2025The New York Times' latest game, Pips, brings domino fun to your desktop. How to play Pips as well as hints in case you get stuck.
Pips is the newest game in the New York Times catalogue. Released in August 2025, the new game puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.
Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.
If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. Like dominoes, the tiles are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.
The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.
Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:
Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.
Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.
Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.
Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.
Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.
If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.
Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally; 1-1, placed horizontally; 1-5, placed vertically
Number (11): Everything in this space must add to 11. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically, 2-6, placed horizontally.
Number (4): Everything in this space must add to 4. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally; 2-6, placed horizontally
Number (4): Everything in this space must add to 4. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically; 0-5, placed vertically
Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 6-3, placed vertically
Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-3, placed vertically; 0-5, placed vertically; 5-2, placed vertically
Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically; 6-3, placed vertically; 5-3, placed vertically.
Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally; 6-2, placed horizontally; 6-3, placed vertically.
Number (4): Everything in this space must add to 4. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally; 6-2, placed horizontally; 1-2, placed horizontally; 0-2, placed horizontally.
Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 3-2, placed vertically; 1-2, placed horizontally; 0-2, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed horizontally; 2-4, placed horizontally.
Number (10): Everything in this red space must add to 10. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically; 2-5, placed horizontally.
Greater than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for September 16, 2025Connections: Sports Edition is a New York Times word game about finding common sports threads between words. How to solve the puzzle.
Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.
Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Performance labels
Green: Basketball-related
Blue: Critical athletic observation included
Purple: Same second word
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Golf scoring terms
Green: WNBA
Blue: Sports that have judges
Purple: ____ Cup
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #358 is...
Gold scoring terms - BIRDIE, BOGEY, EAGLE, PAR
WNBA - ASSOCIATION, BASKETBALL, NATIONAL, WOMEN'S
Sports that have judges - DIVING, FIGURE SKATING, GYMNASTICS, SKATEBOARDING
____ Cup - AMERICA'S, RYDER, STANLEY, WORLD
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for September 16, 2025Answers to each clue for the September 16, 2025 edition of NYT's The Mini crossword puzzle.
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025:
The answer is Hitch.
The answer is Idaho.
The answer is Texas.
The answer is Maine.
The answer is ELS.
The answer is Hit Me.
The answer is Ideal.
The answer is Taxis.
The answer is Chan.
The answer is Hose.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.
John Oliver gleefully fantasises about Jimmy Kimmel beating Stephen Colbert at the EmmysJimmy Kimmel and John Oliver had a post-Emmy debriefing on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" winning Outstanding Talk Series.
Jimmy Kimmel and John Oliver have had a post-Emmys debriefing, discussing The Late Show with Stephen Colbert's widely celebrated win for Outstanding Talk Series. Though Kimmel's own show was also nominated in the same category, he seemed largely relieved that Colbert won instead. However, Oliver had a slightly different take on the situation.
"The right thing to happen was for [Colbert] to win. The funniest thing to happen would have been if you had won," Oliver told Kimmel. "Most of me wanted him to win. A part of me, the part of me that I like more, just wanted to see your face go, 'Oh, no. Not like this.'"
Colbert received multiple standing ovations during the 2025 Emmy Awards, the audience showing him significant support in response to CBS' cancellation of the Late Show in July. The Late Show's final episode will air next May, meaning that Sunday's award ceremony may have been its last opportunity to take home an Emmy.
"I was like, 'Oh shit,'" said Kimmel. "'If we win, this is a disaster.'"
"You would have been fucked," agreed Oliver. "He had his whole staff there with him. You'd have been booed onto the stage…. You can see why a part of me, that as I'm saying it is now getting bigger, did kind of want that to happen."
CBS has been widely criticised for axing the Late Show after more than 30 years on air, with some (including Colbert) suspecting the move was an effort to gain President Donald Trump's favour — and thus his approval for the Skydance/Paramount merger. Colbert has been a vocal critic of Trump, the president stating that he "absolutely love[ed] that Colbert got fired."
Score the game-changing ASUS TUF gaming monitor at its best-ever price at AmazonAs of Sept. 16, the 27-inch ASUS TUF gaming monitor is on sale for $229 at Amazon, 30% off its list price of $329.
SAVE $100: As of Sept. 16, the 27-inch ASUS TUF gaming monitor is on sale for $229 at Amazon. This is 30% off its list price of $329.
There are still plenty of exciting games set to be released this year, and if you prefer to play on PC, you're going to want a high-quality gaming monitor to experience everything at its best. If you've been thinking about an upgrade, Amazon has a few models on sale right now, including the 27-inch ASUS TUF gaming monitor.
Currently down to its best-ever price according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, the 27-inch ASUS TUF gaming monitor is marked down at Amazon to $229. This is a 30% discount from its list price of $329, making for $100 in savings.
This 27-inch ASUS monitor boasts a QHD (2560 x 1440) display, so your favorite games will pop with plenty of color and details for you to enjoy while you play. It also features an overclocked 260Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync technology which helps your games look smooth and clear.
Now's your chance to take advantage of this limited-time deal on the 27-inch ASUS TUF gaming monitor at Amazon. And if you're looking to drop some cash on an even bigger model, Amazon's offering a nice discount on the LG 45-inch Ultragear 5K2K OLED Gaming Monitor right now as well.
Save on the Pokémon TCG Black Bolt Booster Bundle when you skip AmazonAs of Sept. 16, the Pokémon TCG Black Bolt Booster Bundle is $48.50 at TCGPlayer, $1.51 less than Amazon’s price.
SAVE OVER $1: As of Sept. 16, the Pokémon TCG Black Bolt Booster Bundle is $48.50 at TCGPlayer, compared to $50.01 at Amazon.
The Black Bolt expansion brings back the fan-favorite Unova region, and if you’ve been waiting for the right moment to pick up extra packs, this is it. TCGPlayer currently has the Black Bolt Booster Bundle for $48.50, undercutting Amazon’s $50.01 listing. It’s not a massive discount, but any saving on sealed product adds up fast if you’re building a collection.
On Amazon, you’re looking at just over $50 for the same bundle. That makes TCGPlayer the better pick today, keeping a little more in your pocket for your next league night or binder splurge.
Inside the box, you’ll find six booster packs from the Scarlet and Violet — Black Bolt set, plus a code card for Pokémon TCG Live. That’s six shots at pulling the powerful Zekrom ex or some of the gorgeous special illustration rares.
The appeal here is broad: players will love the chance to chase competitive-ready cards like Serperior ex, while collectors will want the Poké Ball-patterned parallels and Mythical Pokémon artwork. It’s a small bundle that scratches both itches.
At just under $50, this deal is an easy pickup if you’re looking to dive into Black Bolt without springing for a larger box. With a lower price than Amazon, it’s a solid value play for both collectors and competitive players.
Don't fancy leaving it to chance? You can just buy the top chase cards for the best market price on TCGPlayer right now:
Victini – 171/086 – SV: Black Bolt
Near Mint Holofoil: $431.98
Market price: $446.04
Most recent sale: $549.99
Victini – 172/086 – SV: White Flare
Near Mint Holofoil: $390
Market price: $432.16
Most recent sale: $400
Zekrom ex – 172/086 – SV: Black Bolt
Near Mint Holofoil: $378.27
Market price: $398.49
Most recent sale: $377
Reshiram ex – 173/086 – SV: White Flare
Near Mint Holofoil: $367.95
Market price: $369.17
Most recent sale: $353.21
Zekrom ex – 166/086 – SV: Black Bolt
Near Mint Holofoil: $210.99
Market price: $208.89
Most recent sale: $200
Reshiram ex – 166/086 – SV: White Flare
Near Mint Holofoil: $180
Market price: $178.19
Most recent sale: $175
SAVE $55: As of Sept. 16, the Amazon Fire Max 11 is on sale for $174.99 at Amazon. That's a 24% saving on the list price.
Need a new tablet? How does a deal on the Amazon Fire 11 Max sound? And it's not just a great deal, it's the lowest price it has been in 2025.
As of Sept. 16, this tablet is priced at $174.99, down from the list price of $229.99. This deal is specific to the 64GB device with lockscreen ads, but you can pay a bit more to have those removed.
The Fire Max 11 is Amazon's newest and most advanced tablet, and is a huge upgrade from earlier editions. The display is top-notch and is ideal for both entertainment and work. It has a 2000x1200 resolution and a vivid display with over 2.4 million pixels. Movies, games, charts, and spreadsheets all pop with color. And on the other hand, it's also certified for low blue light, so it's easy on the eyes, especially if you're looking at the screen for long periods of time, or scrolling before bed.
You can also upgrade the tablet with various accessories, like the keyboard case and stylus pen, which can be purchased separately. It's also compatible with Microsoft 365 for all your work or study needs. And as you'd expect from an Amazon device, it has Alexa built in, so you can use it to search the web, launch an app, or control any connected devices.
With up to 14 hours of battery life, you’ve got plenty of time for streaming, browsing, or diving into an e-book. And with storage that can expand up to 1TB, there’s room for all your apps, photos, and media.
Get this great tablet deal from Amazon now.
The like-new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is at its lowest-ever price — save over $50 on AmazonGet the best Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition deal. Save 29% on like-new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition.
SAVE $53: As of Sept. 16, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (refurbished) is on sale for $126.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 29% on the list price.
Is your TBR list getting longer and longer? There have been some incredible book releases this year, and it's hard to keep up. If there is absolutely no more room on your bookshelves for physical copies, why not try out an e-reader? And as of Sept. 16, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is on sale for its lowest-ever price.
This is a great deal on a refurbished device, categorized as "like new" in quality. If you're wary of buying refurbished, we promise there's no need to be. According to Amazon, this device is "refurbished, tested, and certified to look and work like new and comes with the same limited warranty as a new device." This deal is for the black and jade color options.
So why the Signature Edition? Well, this model boasts 32GB of storage, so you can fill it up with everything you want to read. The Signature Edition also makes reading in harsh lights much easier with the auto-adjusting front light. And it's waterproof, so it's the perfect companion for a day at the beach, a poolside vacation, or a relaxing in the bathtub.
For charging, you'll find it lasts around 12 weeks on just one charge, and when it does need some juice, this model is compatible with wireless charging.
Feeling motivated to tackle that reading list? Get this Kindle deal from Amazon now.
Score a like-new Kindle Paperwhite for its lowest-ever price on AmazonFind the best Kindle deal. Save 26% on the like-new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite.
SAVE $37: As of Sept. 16, the Kindle Paperwhite (refurbished) is on sale for $106.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 26% on the list price.
There's still just under four months of the year left, so you still have time to hit your yearly reading goal. But if you need to add a little fuel to your fire, why not treat yourself to an e-reader? And there couldn't be a better time, because as of Sept. 16, the Kindle Paperwhite is on sale for $106.99.
This deal is for a refurbished device, categorized as "like new" in quality. But don't be put off by this, according to Amazon, this Kindle is "refurbished, tested, and certified to look and work like new and comes with the same limited warranty as a new device." This deal is also available on the 16GB model, and in all colorways: black, jade, and raspberry.
This is Amazon's fastest Kindle yet, so you can seamlessly flick through books without any lag or slow response time. It has an ultra-thin, glare-free design to make it perfect for reading anywhere, whether you're traveling, lounging around at home, or sitting out in the sun. It's also waterproof, so take it on vacation while you relax by the pool.
Speaking of vacation, with one USB-C charge lasting up to 12 hours, you can leave your charger at home. And as with all Kindle devices, you enjoy access to over 15 million titles in the Kindle Store instantly, and if you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited, you'll be entertained with endless romcoms, period pieces, and thrillers.
Your reading challenge won't know what hit it. Get this Kindle deal from Amazon now.
Stuff Your Kindle Day is live until Sept. 20 — download free dark fiction booksHow to get free books on Stuff Your Kindle Day. Download free dark fiction books on the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day.
FREE BOOKS: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on Sept. 16-20. Into The Darkness, hosted by Indie Author Central, is offering free (or heavily discounted) dark fiction for e-readers.
Spooky season is almost here, and Stuff Your Kindle Day has arrived just in time to make sure you've got plenty of reading material to get through the dark nights ahead. And if you really want to dive head first into the darkmess, this Stuff Your Kindle is absolutely perfect.
Into The Darkness, hosted by Indie Author Central, is giving away free (or $0.99) dark fiction books until Sept. 20. And the books that you download are yours to keep forever. Does your library need a little darkness? It really doesn't matter. A huge number of these books are free to download, so you may as well stock up. What do you have to lose?
Looking to make the most of the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day? We've lined up everything you need to know about this popular event.
Into The Darkness takes place from Sept. 16-20. Unlike a lot of Stuff Your Kindle Days that take place over 24 hours, this event runs for five days. That's good news for all the indecisive bookworms out there. You've got time to consider your options and find exactly what you want to read. That being said, you don't need to stress too much as a lot of these books are free.
There are many great aspects to Stuff Your Kindle Day, but the really beautiful thing is that anyone can participate. Kindle, Kobo, and Nook readers can download these books for free. You can even download these books on your preferred app and read them straight from your phone. Everyone is involved.
Finding all of these free (or heavily discounted) dark fiction books is straightforward thanks to the helpful hub page on Indie Author Central. Everything is presented clearly with filters for things like genre, content level, spice level, and major tropes, so you can head directly to the books you actually want to download. You can also filter for only the free books, so there's no disappointment.
Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep forever, and there's no limit on the number of books you can download. Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads don't count towards the 20 books that Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow at the same time.
These popular e-readers help you take your entire library on the go. With weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, you can read anywhere and anytime with the Kindle. This deal is for a refurbished device, categorized as "like new" in quality. According to Amazon, this Kindle is "refurbished, tested, and certified to look and work like new and comes with the same limited warranty as a new device." This deal is also available on the 16GB model, and in all colorways: black, jade, and raspberry.
Strange red dots in the early universe may be new kind of space objectScientists using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope now think the "little red dots" in the early universe could be a new space object.
Astronomers have a new explanation for mysterious "little red dots" observed in the early universe: Maybe they're not crowded star clusters that upend everything scientists know about galaxies. Maybe they're actually something new.
Researchers are calling the space objects "black hole stars" — giant spheres of gas wrapped around voracious black holes.
Normally, black holes are invisible, but gas and dust swirling toward them can get heated to millions of degrees, giving off very bright light — sometimes able to outshine a galaxy. These are usually called quasars, a portmanteau for "quasi-stellar objects." The idea here is that the same process is happening but inside a massive gas shell, according to a new study by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope.
Perhaps the band Soundgarden, which irked a few astronomers in the '90s with the dubiously named track "Black Hole Sun," got it right after all.
"Little red dots instead appear to have much colder, and much denser, gas, so much so that they look just like the atmospheres on the surfaces of stars," Joel Leja, a Penn State astrophysics professor and one of the researchers, told Mashable. "This is super surprising and why the first study on the little red dots thought they were galaxies full of old, cool stars — they effectively look like one very luminous, cold star."
When the "little red dots" were first discovered in 2022, scientists thought the objects might be galaxies as mature as the Milky Way, which is about 13.6 billion years old. That's because galaxies tend to get redder as the stars within them age.
But that interpretation was mind-boggling, given astronomers are seeing the dots as they were when the universe was just a few hundred-million years old. How, then, could they have grown up so fast?
The universe is believed to have begun 13.8 billion years ago, shortly thereafter forming the first stars and galaxies. Their ancient light still travels through space, albeit at infrared wavelengths — invisible to human eyes, but Webb can detect them with its sensitive instruments. By capturing light that has traveled for billions of years, Webb is essentially a time machine, giving scientists a glimpse at the past.
The new study, published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, involved taking data from 4,500 distant galaxies. During that yearlong survey, the team nicknamed the most extreme object they found "The Cliff."
The Cliff's signal looked like that of a star, the researchers said, but Webb revealed it as twice as strong as anything seen before. The Cliff seemed too small for a galaxy — only about 40 light-years wide — and it wasn't giving off X-rays, making the star cluster explanation even less likely.
The study instead showed the red glow could be a supermassive black hole in disguise, pulling in material so quickly that it surrounded itself in a hot ball of hydrogen gas. That ball changes the appearance of the black hole’s surrounding light so that it looks more like a star. That's how the team came up with the name "black hole star."
But mysteries remain. The scientists also see signs of very hot, fast-moving material in the same small region.
"How can very hot gas and very cool gas all happily coexist in the same tiny volume of space?" Leja asked. "It’s a big puzzle, and the pieces don’t yet all fit together."
Future observations, especially looking for atoms and molecules that can only form at these cooler temperatures, will help test the idea. If confirmed, black hole stars may hold the secrets to how the very first black holes were able to grow so fast in the early universe. No one yet knows the origins of gigantic black holes at the centers of galaxies. This may represent the first phase of their formation.
"This is why we do large projects like James Webb — we always hope to observe something shocking. It means we really are going to learn something new, in this case maybe a lot of new things," Leja said. "It is just the most exciting thing for people like me."
Can ChatGPT really help you win an argument with your partner?Couples are using ChatGPT as a couples therapist during arguments in their relationships. Should we be using AI companions as relationship therapists or mediators?
Let's face it: many people are using AI assistants like ChatGPT now. It's become the go-to tool for making work easier, streamlining life admin and so much more, with 14 percent of Brits using AI at least six times per week, according to a recent YouGov survey. But it's still surprising how quickly people have taken to using AI in their personal lives and particularly their romantic lives.
In fact, according to the 2025 Singles in America study, 40 percent of people are using AI to help craft their dating profiles and one in four are using AI to filter matches, write messages, or reflect on dating habits.
And the use of AI doesn't stop once you're in a relationship, at least not according to an influx of TikTok users who have admitted to using ChatGPT to help them settle arguments with their partner. Influencer @isabella.lux captioned a video stating that she recorded an argument with her partner into ChatGPT, "and it said I was right." There are plenty of other TikToks with similar captions, and it's a conversation that's happening online in other ways, too. Model Jordan Rand made a video claiming that she had to use ChatGPT to win an argument between her and her boyfriend because "he would literally rather believe a robot than believe [me]."
AI assistants are already embedded into people's romantic relationships, but are they genuinely a helpful way to resolve conflict? Mashable spoke with experts and people using ChatGPT to mediate conflict in their relationships to find out.
24-year-old Samantha* has been using ChatGPT as part of her five-year relationship for the past four months. After using ChatGPT for things like recipe ideas and work tasks in her professional life, she realised it might be a helpful way to navigate a language barrier between her and her partner.
"I started using it when I was having conflicts with my partner, who isn't a native English speaker, so sometimes our conflicts don't come to [a] common ground," she tells Mashable. Quickly, Samantha's use of ChatGPT wasn't just about communication, but emotional support too. "I was using ChatGPT to vent all my anger and frustration, just like a journal, and then I'd ask for advice on how to express myself calmly and clearly," she says.
Jaya, who is 26 and lives in Bristol, UK, has been dating her partner for less than a year and also often uses ChatGPT to navigate conflict. "AI is like an additional friend, like an extra person in the group chat," she says. "With AI, it's black and white, whereas with your friends they may not be able to unpick everything."
It's easy to assume that platforms like ChatGPT are an objective source of information, especially compared to friends and family, who might already have biases based on their own personal experiences and their view of your partner. But Dr. Luke Brunning, who is the co-director of the Centre For Love, Sex and Relationships at the University of Leeds, says this isn't necessarily the case: "ChatGPT might be able to draw on the wider pool of ideas about relationships and intimacy but those ideas are often bad, or rest on assumptions about gender and monogamy, which we might want to reject."
"ChatGPT might be able to draw on the wider pool of ideas about relationships and intimacy but those ideas are often bad, or rest on assumptions about gender and monogamy, which we might want to reject."
If the concern is that your friends or family might be biased towards you, rather than your partner, when giving relationship advice, this is definitely something to take into account with ChatGPT, which Forbes described as "AI's biggest yes man", because of its tendency towards agreeability.
This is something Jaya noticed when she was initially asking AI assistants for advice: "I had to set commands to tell it to counteract the argument – you have to ask to see it from the other person's point of view. If not, it does tell you what you want to hear," she says.
Samantha agrees that this posed an issue to her relationship, particularly because both she and her partner were asking ChatGPT for advice separately about arguments they had, but were being provided with very different feedback. To combat this, they started using it like a "couple's therapist", as Samantha describes it. "When we were together, I'd type the problem from my perspective to ChatGPT and tell it I was 'partner A', then I'd pass the phone to my partner and he'd share his perspective, telling ChatGPT it was now partner B speaking," she explains.
"We take the advice with a pinch of salt, but it helps to calm the situation and prevents arguments from escalating," Samantha continues, adding: "Our arguments have been constructive rather than explosive because of using ChatGPT."
Alex Iga Golabek is a psychotherapist, and she's noticed that some of her clients who are couples have started to use ChatGPT as part of their romantic relationships. "Plenty of people [...] in my practice share that it is very difficult and scary to even approach the notion of conflict," Iga Golabek tells Mashable. "Accessing a tool that's so instant and easy to use in order to learn how to drive or create that argument in the first place, that doesn't have to be a terrible thing in the short term."
Jaya believes it can also be a useful tool for identifying toxic behaviour, to a degree. "ChatGPT sometimes says things like, 'he was gaslighting you' or 'this is manipulation'," Jaya says. "I think a lot of the reasons why people use AI assistants at the start [of relationships] is because there's uncertainty." For people who are worried about this type of behaviour in their relationships, speaking to friends and family is of course, key, particularly if it escalates. But could AI assistants provide a sounding board of sorts for people who aren't ready to do this initially, and perhaps can't afford therapy?
That being said, Iga Golabek says that neither AI assistants nor therapists can act as "adjudicators" in your relationship. "I say to my clients: I'm not a judge. This isn't a court of law. This is more about trying to connect rather than overpower," she says. The danger of using ChatGPT in order to prove you're right, as some TikTok users claim to, is that solving conflicts in relationships shouldn't necessarily be about who is in the wrong. "I keep asking my clients, do you want to be right or do you want to be happy?" Iga Golabek says.
"I keep asking my clients, do you want to be right or do you want to be happy?"
In this respect, dealing with conflict can also be a crucial part of developing a healthy relationship, which the interference of ChatGPT could potentially get in the way of. "There is value in being present and showing up in relationships to try and resolve disputes on one’s own terms," Bruning says. "Often it matters more that an idea or resolution is yours, mine, or ours than the best or most sophisticated."
Samantha admits that ChatGPT isn't as big a part of her relationship as it used to be, partly because she was concerned that she might become dependent on it to communicate with her partner. "Over time, we've come to a point where we don't need ChatGPT anymore. It's helped us process our emotions and communicate better, but it hasn't replaced talking to each other," she says.
It's possible that an AI assistant's utility in solving relationship conflicts relies more on the person who is using it and their intentions than the platforms themselves. Jaya admits she hasn't told the man she is dating that she is using ChatGPT to help her navigate the relationship, precisely because she's concerned he might start to use it for the same purpose. "I'd worry he wouldn't go back and forth with ChatGPT, so he might not use it correctly and then ChatGPT would just agree with everything he said and he'd take that as face value," she says.
"Why risk a relationship on a source of advice with nothing at stake themselves?"
It's important to remember that, unlike asking a friend or family for advice, an AI assistant can tell you anything, with no accountability. Unlike a person you know, you can't decide whether you respect and trust its character. "Why risk a relationship on a source of advice with nothing at stake themselves?" Brunning asks. Whatever context you use an AI assistant in, you're usually posing questions based on a lack of confidence in your own judgement and ability, whether that's in how an email reads, how a recipe might taste, or your ability to communicate with your partner.
Experts have cautioned against using AI chat tools as therapists, warning that it creates a "feedback loop" that can reinforce users' harmful beliefs and lacks the professional skills that can help people with complicated mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
According to Iga Golabek, this isn't necessarily a new concept: "When we feel unequipped or unable to believe in the value or worth of our own argument, then we turn to someone or something that we view as higher or greater than us, and humans have done that for a long time."
What is novel is the immediate availability of what can feel like an "all-knowing" friend in your pocket. Ultimately, in a healthy relationship, you should feel able to make decisions about how you feel and how best to communicate without checking yourself, even if you get it wrong. Forgiveness and understanding are just as crucial to a long-term partnership as emotional stability and your ability to communicate.
After all, AI assistants like ChatGPT will never truly know what it means to experience hurt or betrayal, or compassion, or make-up sex, all of which are arguably more important when approaching a difficult situation in your relationship than the ability to compile the most common dating advice littered across the internet within the space of three seconds.
No printer needed — turn your iPhone into a pro-level scanner with this appSay goodbye to bulky scanners. Get lifetime access to iScanner for $39.99 and turn your iPhone or iPad into a pro document tool.
TL;DR: Tired of wrestling with old-school scanners or settling for blurry phone pics? iScanner is a powerful app for iPhone and iPad that turns your device into a pocket-sized scanner for less than $40.
Scanning a document shouldn’t be such a hassle. Most of the time, you’re either stuck searching for a printer-scanner combo that actually works or settling for a blurry phone photo that barely does the job.
That’s what makes iScanner such a lifesaver. It’s a smart little app for iPhone and iPad that turns your device into a surprisingly powerful scanner, and right now, a lifetime subscription is only $39.99 (reg. $199.90).
With a desktop scanner, you have to flatten out your page, connect your computer, and hope the scan comes out well. And, you can’t exactly carry a physical scanner around with you.
That’s why this app is so revolutionary. Here’s how iScanner works: just open the app, point your camera at the document, and let it handle the rest. It automatically finds the edges, straightens the image, and cleans it up so it looks like you used a real scanner. Then you can fill out your form, drop in a signature, or export it in whatever format you need, whether that’s a PDF, Word doc, or even Excel.
But the real magic is in the extras. You can solve math problems just by taking a photo of an equation, measure the size of a room by scanning your surroundings, or even count objects in an image for projects or inventory. There’s a built-in PDF editor tool as well,, so you can organize pages, protect files with a PIN, merge documents, or add watermarks without switching apps.
It’s time to say goodbye to clunky desktop scanners.
Don’t wait too long to act on this limited time offer. Grab your own iScanner lifetime subscription for just $39.99 (reg. $199.90) while supplies last.
StackSocial prices subject to change
Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Watch Ultra 2: What are the differences?Now that Apple has updated its Apple Watch Ultra, we take a closer look at how it compares to the previous model.
When Apple launched the Apple Watch Ultra back in September 2022, it was a wake-up call for smartwatch makers. The Ultra looked cool with a large, bright display, it was rugged enough to withstand serious punishment as a fitness tracker, versatile enough to take it both to a mountain and underwater, and it had significantly longer battery life than the regular Apple Watch.
In the next two years, however, Apple only updated the Watch Ultra once, and the Ultra 2 was a very minor upgrade, with a brighter display, more storage, and a new chip inside.
Now, Apple has followed up with the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Once again, it's not a radical rethinking of the Ultra, but it is a more significant upgrade over its predecessor. Let's take a look at what's different.
Starting with the price, it's exactly the same: $799. Of course, we're talking about the Ultra 2's price at launch; that particular version is no longer available in the Apple Store as it's been replaced by the Ultra 3, but you may find it discounted at other retailers.
Looking at the two devices, you might think that the specs are also mostly the same, but actually there have been quite a few changes on the Ultra 3. Here are the highlights for both models:
Apple Watch Ultra 3:
Case: Titanium
Colors: Natural or Black
Display size: 1,245 square mm display area
Display resolution: 422x514 pixels
Display brightness: Up to 3,000 nits peak brightness, 1 nit minimum brightness
Display type: Wide-angle OLED and LTPO3
Chip: S10 with a 4-core Neural Engine
Storage: 64GB
Connectivity: GPS, Cellular (5G and LTE), WI-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, satellite connectivity, second-gen Ultra Wideband chip
Battery life: up to 42 hours of normal use, up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode
Charging: Up to 80% charge in about 45 minutes
Durability: Water resistance 100m, recreational scuba diving to 40m, dust resistance IP6X, tested to MIL-STD 810H standard
Apple Watch Ultra 2:
Case: Titanium
Colors: Natural or Black
Display size: 1,185 square mm display area
Display resolution: 410x502 pixels
Display brightness: Up to 3,000 nits peak brightness, 1 nit minimum brightness
Display type: LTPO2 OLED
Chip: S9 with a 4-core Neural Engine
Storage: 64GB
Connectivity: GPS, Cellular (5G and LTE), WI-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, second-gen Ultra Wideband chip
Battery life: up to 36 hours of normal use, up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode
Charging: Up to 80% charge in about 1 hour
Durability: Water resistance 100m, recreational scuba diving to 40m, dust resistance IP6X, tested to MIL-STD 810H standard
Although the two devices look very similar, as you can see in the specifications above, the display is slightly larger on the Ultra 3. Apple managed to cram in a larger display by reducing its bezels. It won't be a dramatic change, but on a device this small, every square millimeter counts.
Apple also says the new display uses a newer version of Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide tech, which means lower energy consumption and longer battery life. It also has wider viewing angles than the one on the Ultra 2.
All that aside, you won't be buying the new model for the looks. The colors are the same - Black and Natural, the material used for the case is still Titanium, and the design hasn't changed at all. You can get a new loop (but you can do so for the old model, too), including a new trail loop design with reflective yarn along the edges, and new colors for the Ocean Band and Alpine Loop, among other options.
This is a big one. Apple Watch Ultra wins over sports watches from companies like Garmin and Suunto with its beautiful display and access to Apple's app ecosystem. But it lags — often severely — on battery life.
The new Watch Ultra 3 charges faster and has 6 more hours of advertised battery life. That's a meaningful improvement and can make a difference for someone who runs ultramarathons or endurance races.
Notably, Low Power mode is the same on both devices: 72 hours.
Ultimately, it'll come down to what type of user you are. If you absolutely must have a watch that has a week or more of battery life (top Garmin models, for example, offer several weeks), then the 6 extra hours won't make you buy the new Ultra 3. But if you want an Apple Watch Ultra with as much battery life as possible, the Ultra 3 is a clear winner over the old model.
With the new Watch lineup, Apple also highlighted several new important features. But since this is a direct comparison of two Watch Ultra models, it's important to discern those that are limited to the newest hardware and those that will be available on the older model as well.
Sleep Score, which measures your health metrics during sleep, hypertension notifications, and the AI-powered motivator Workout Buddy, are all available with watchOS 26, and therefore will work on both the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra 3.
There is, however, one key feature that is only available on the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Emergency SOS via satellite, seen first on the iPhone, allows users to send an emergency distress message in areas where there are no cellular or Wi-Fi signals. This one makes perfect sense on the Apple Watch Ultra, as it's a device aimed at outdoor enthusiasts.
We'll reserve our final thoughts until we get the chance to review the new Ultra 3. But on paper, it looks pretty great.
If you're looking to buy an Apple Watch Ultra for the first time, then the Ultra 3 is a no-brainer. It's a durable sports watch that works within Apple's vast app and device ecosystem, and it's not even that pricy within this category of watches. Battery life is an issue, as other sports watches offer far more, but that's been significantly improved on the Ultra 3 as well.
If you already have the Ultra 2 and are looking to upgrade, that's a tougher call. As we've laid out above, there are a number of meaningful new features, but your old Ultra 2 isn't exactly outdated yet. An upgrade over the original Ultra makes more sense, especially if you bought it in 2022, as you'll probably feel the battery life improvements.
What is Stuff Your Kindle Day? The best way to fill your e-reader with free books.Stuff Your Kindle Day is 24 hours of free e-books by indie authors. And despite the name, you don't need a Kindle to participate. Here's everything you need to know about Stuff Your Kindle Day.
For my fellow avid readers — how are you finding your next read? Especially for us e-reader users, we have the freedom of getting basically any book on our device without having to lug around a physical copy. That also means e-reader and Kindle users can add to their collection without worrying about finding bookshelf space. So if you like to read — especially for free — you need to know about Stuff Your Kindle Day.
What was a once-a-year event has spun off into dozens of iterations, and puts free books in your lap while still supporting indie authors. So if you've maxed out your Libby holds and need another way to read for free, here is everything to know about Stuff Your Kindle Day.
If you're worried that these free e-book events don't support authors, don't fear. Stuff Your Kindle Days started as an author-driven event launched by author Zoe York in 2014. Through the platform Romance Bookworms, authors discounted their books to be on sale for just a few dollars, but most are totally free.
While Stuff Your Kindle Day was first hosted by Zoe York, other groups have spawned off to celebrate other genres beyond romance. You can now find events that specialize in cozy mysteries, thrillers, LGBTQ, and YA books. Even Amazon has its own storefront for Stuff Your Kindle books.
Stuff Your Kindle Day is not necessarily going to be the best time to find the time to find new releases or bestsellers. If that's what you've got your eye on, we recommend borrowing through Libby or hunting for Kindle deals.
What Stuff Your Kindle Day events are particularly good for are genre readers. The event started as an event to celebrate indie romance authors, and you'll find that most of the events still center around different variations or tropes of the genre, like romantasy or "cinnamon roll boyfriends." Other genre writers have joined in, though, so if romance isn't up your alley, then there will be another Stuff Your Kindle event to join in on.
But regardless of genre, the main focus across all of the Stuff Your Kindle events is on indie books and indie authors, letting you discover and support lesser-known names.
While Kindle is in the name of the event, it's far more expansive than that. Most books are available across platforms, including Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, Google Play, and Barnes & Noble Nook, so no matter which e-reader you have, there's a way to stuff your device full of cheap or free books. Technically, you don't need to have an e-reader at all, and with the Kindle app, Apple Books, and Google Play platforms, you can read books on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
However, if you are looking to join the e-reader club, it's totally worth it. We've rounded up our favorite e-readers and Kindles so you can find the right device. And if you're ready to join the Kindle ecosystem, we've tested nearly every model, including the basic Kindle, Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, and Scribe. If you're not down to go with Amazon's e-readers, we like the Kobo e-readers, including the Libra Colour or Clara Colour — in fact, we like the Clara more than the Kindle Paperwhite.
With so many events to keep track of, you could miss when the next Stuff Your Kindle day will take place. The best way to monitor the event is to browse through all of the events on the Stuff Your Kindle website. Each event typically has an email list that will send out a blast leading up to the next event. We're also on top of all the latest events as deal hunters here at Mashable, so check back for our coverage during the next Stuff Your Kindle event.
But in between events, Amazon's Stuff Your Kindle storefront is the hub for free and discounted books you can get anytime.
Jimmy Kimmel reacts to TikTok framework agreement between U.S. and ChinaJimmy Kimmel has reacted to reports that the U.S. and China have agreed to the "framework" of a deal to sell TikTok.
Jimmy Kimmel has reacted to news of progress on the proposed TikTok sale, with the U.S. and China having reportedly agreed to the "framework" of a deal. While details remain scant, it's widely expected that U.S. software company Oracle will play a leading role in the planned acquisition. Oracle is headed by President Donald Trump's ally Larry Ellison, who is the company's co-founder, executive chairman, and chief technology officer.
"Now instead of the Chinese government harvesting our thoughts, interests, and personal information, Trump's buddy will have them instead," quipped Kimmel. "At least it's somebody we can trust though, right?"
Kimmel also touched on the Emmy Awards held on Sunday night, showing Guillermo interview winners such as Severance's Britt Lower and Tramell Tillman, Adolescence's Owen Cooper and Stephen Graham, and Hacks' Hannah Einbinder and Jean Smart.
"We won Best Talk Show at the Emmys," Kimmel said to cheers from the audience. "I should say, we didn't win, we lost. But thank you for paying attention."
The Late Show ultimately took home the trophy for Outstanding Talk Series, with the Emmys audience giving host Stephen Colbert two standing ovations in a massive show of support.
How to sign up for Amazon Prime ahead of Prime Big Deal DaysGetting ready to shop Amazon's October Prime Day event? If you want to shop Prime Big Deal Days, you need to be a member.
Prime Big Deal Days is coming, and if you want to shop all the best deals, you'll need an Amazon Prime account.
Amazon's annual sale, called Prime Big Deal Days, is essentially Amazon's October Prime Day. It will kick off on Oct. 7 and run through Oct. 8. Unlike Amazon's flagship Prime Day, it won't be quite as extensive. This July, Prime Day ran from July 8 to 11, a vast — and frankly exhausting — four-day extravaganza. Prime Big Deal Days will be scaled back to just 48 hours of deals, but the retailer is still likely to drop millions of deals during the sale. And like Prime Day, you'll need a Prime membership to shop.
Not yet a Prime member? Want to revive your old Prime account? You can sign up for a free 30-day trial and unlock access to the sale. And nothing is stopping you from canceling before 30 days to avoid paying full price — just saying. Students (and anyone between the ages of 18 and 24) can also sign up for a 6-month trial for $0.
Regardless of whether or not you stick around, here's how you can sign up for Amazon Prime:
Step 1: Go to the Amazon Prime sign-up page and click on Start your free 30-day trial.
Head to Amazon Prime's sign-up page.
Step 2: Input your email if you have an existing Amazon account or click on Create Your Amazon account.
A new sign-in page will open up on the website. Input your email or mobile number and password if you have an existing Amazon account or click on Create Your Amazon account. If you make a new account, you'll need to provide some basic information such as name, email, and password.
Step 3: If you're creating a new account, follow the steps to verify your email with a One-Time Password.
If you choose to create a new account, Amazon will send an OTP to your respective email address or mobile number for account verification. If you are using an existing account, skip to Step 5.
Step 4: Input the OTP and click on Verify.
Once the OTP verification page appears on the screen, input the code and click on Verify.
Step 5: Sign up for your 1-month trial or purchase a full subscription.
New users have two options: sign up for a one-month trial for $0 or purchase a full subscription. Remember: you may not qualify for a free trial if you have already used this offer in the past with the same email or phone number.
If you are purchasing a Prime membership subscription, you have four plan options:
Monthly Prime Membership — costs $14.99 per month
Annual Membership — costs $139 per year or under $12 monthly
Student Monthly Membership — costs $7.49 per month (students are also eligible for exclusive offers, including a 6-month no-cost Prime trial)
Prime for government assistance recipients — costs $6.99 per month (must verify eligibility)
If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.
There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.
An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.
If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.
A woolly, South American animal.
LLAMA
Uniting.
TYING
A smug smile.
SMIRK
Five tens.
FIFTY
A chute.
SLIDE
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
How to watch the Champions League online for freeHow to watch the Champions League for free. Live stream the 2025-26 Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Live stream the 2025-26 Champions League for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The top club competition in the world of football has to be the Champions League. There is nothing else that brings the very best teams in the world together in a battle for footballing immortality. Sure, winning your domestic league is great. But winning the Champions League is on another level.
If you want to watch the 2025-26 Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
The Champions League is an annual club football competition organised by UEFA and contested by top-division European clubs. This year's tournament begins with a 36-team round robin group stage to determine which sides qualify for the double-legged knockout rounds, followed by a single leg final.
The defending champions are PSG.
The 2025-26 Champions League is the 71st edition of the competition (and the 34th since it was renamed the Champions League). This season's tournament runs from July 8 to 30 May.
It is possible to live stream the 2025-26 Champions League for free on the following streaming platforms:
Ireland — RTÉ Player and Virgin Media (select fixtures including the final)
Turkey — Tabii (select fixtures including the final)
UK — Prime Video (select fixtures including semi finals with 30-day free trial)
These free streaming platforms are geo-restricted, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure servers in other countries, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Champions League from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of the 2025-26 Champions League by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with free coverage of the Champions League
Visit RTÉ Player, Virgin Media, Tabii, or Prime Video (free trial)
Watch Champions League fixtures for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams of the 2025-26 Champions League without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch select fixtures before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, the fact is you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.
ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Moon phase today: What the moon will look like on September 16See the moon phase expected for September 16, 2025 as well as when the next full moon is expected.
The moon is appearing smaller and smaller every night, a nod to the name of the current phase in the lunar cycle, Waning Crescent.
The lunar cycle is a series of eight unique phases of the moon's visibility, and we're currently on day 24 of the 29.5-day cycle. According to NASA, these different phases happen as the Sun lights up different parts of the moon whilst it orbits Earth, so let's see what's happening with the moon tonight, Sept. 16.
As of Tuesday, Sept. 16, the moon phase is Waning Crescent, and it is 28% lit up to us on Earth, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.
Right now, visibility is decreasing every night. This will continue until we reach the next lunar phase, the New Moon. For now though, you can still see various features on the moon's surface, so grab whatever gear you have and look up.
Firstly, for those with no gear, the Aristarchus Plateau and Kepler Crater will be in sight with just your naked eye. If you have binoculars, look up to see the Grimaldi Basin, Gassendi Crater, and the Mare Humorum. With a telescope, point it upwards to see the Reiner Gamma, Schiller Crater, and the Apollo 12 landing spot.
The next full moon will be on Oct. 6. The last full moon was on Sept. 7.
According to NASA, moon phases are caused by the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, which changes the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases are how the moon looks from Earth as it goes around us. We always see the same side of the moon, but how much of it is lit up by the Sun changes depending on where it is in its orbit. This is how we get full moons, half moons, and moons that appear completely invisible. There are eight main moon phases, and they follow a repeating cycle:
New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).
Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.
Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.
Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side.
Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.
Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.
PSA: Your Samsung Galaxy phone has a security update you should install right nowSamsung issued an urgent security update, which fixes a bug that would allow attackers to take over your phone.
In our modern digital landscape, software issues sometimes pop up that require urgent fixes. One such fix is currently rolling out for Samsung Galaxy phones as we speak, and if you haven’t checked your phone for updates today, you may want to. The bug it fixes is a doozy.
The issue has a very technical name called CVE-2025-21043. Per Samsung’s update page, the bug allowed attackers to conduct an “out-of-bounds write in libimagecodec.quram.so” that “allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.”
According to Google Project Zero, libimagecodec.quram.so is a closed-source tool that third-party messaging apps use to parse images that attackers could use to hijack a person’s smartphone. The patch going out to Samsung devices now fixes an “incorrect implementation” of the tool, preventing that from happening.
The exploit, which was discovered in August by WhatsApp’s security team, was reported to Samsung and Apple behind closed doors so as not to spread the news. There aren’t any public examples of hackers using this vulnerability, but Samsung’s report notes that the Korean tech giant was “made aware of an exploit in the wild.” Thus, while any individual WhatsApp user was unlikely to be targeted, the tools to do so existed.
WhatsApp has over three billion users worldwide, so such an exploit could have done some damage, especially if it were made to target multiple users at once. As PCMag notes, Samsung didn’t mention any other third-party messaging services in its report, so it's unclear if only WhatsApp was affected or if other services could’ve been exploited with the vulnerability.
Apple was first to the punch to fix the exploit, which it did back in late August. It wasn’t the exact same issue as Samsung was facing, but it had a similar end effect in that it could cause phones to be hijacked.
Samsung’s update comes approximately two weeks after Google released a duo of similar security flaws that also had exploits observed in the wild as part of Android’s monthly security update for September 2025.
The 15-inch M4 MacBook Air is on sale for less than $1,000As of Sept. 15, you can save $200 on the usually $1,199 15-inch MacBook Air if you grab it on sale at Amazon.
Save $200: As of Sept. 15, the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M4, 16GB, 256GB SSD) is on sale for $999 at Amazon. Typically $1,199, this deal saves you 17%.
One of the best tech decisions I've ever made was finally upgrading to a 15-inch MacBook.
I made that decision a couple of years ago, so I use the 15-inch M2 MacBook Air as my personal laptop, but if it broke down tomorrow, I would almost certainly pick up an M4 Air. For anyone who is currently in the market for a new laptop, the reason to get one sooner rather than later can be found in this deal at Amazon, which brings the 15-inch M4 MacBook Air down to $999 from its full price of $1,199, saving you $200.
In my own experience, I've found a larger display to make my typical multi-tab workflow feel much more manageable. I also occasionally work on podcasts do some audio editing, and switching from a 13-inch to 15-inch display felt like an absolute game changer, without much of a sacrifice to portability.
But you don't just have to take my word for it. When Mashable's Stan Schroeder reviewed the M4 Air, he compared it to his 16-inch MacBook Pro, writing, "the 15-inch MacBook Air is reasonably light and thin, making it a lot more portable than my 16-inch Pro." With the M4 chipset, you still get plenty of processing power. In his testing, Schroeder found that the housed in the Air, this chip was "considerably faster than any earlier Mac when it comes to single-core operation, and roughly on par with an M2 Max when it comes to multi-core operation."
Despite its power, its passive cooling keeps things quiet (though it can get somewhat hot after intensive tasks). It also comes with 10 hours of battery life, three Thunderbolt ports, the option to connect up to two external displays, and a 12MP camera. It'd be great if Apple finally bumped the 60Hz refresh rate up to 120Hz, but for now, the Air is a great all-around machine, our favorite MacBook for most people, and the perfect for option for anyone who doesn't need the heft of the Pro.
A mega deal on the iPad mini: Take $100 off at AmazonThe Apple iPad mini (WiFi, 128GB) is on sale at Amazon for $399, down from the standard price of $499. That's a 20% discount.
SAVE $100: The Apple iPad mini (WiFi, 128GB) is on sale at Amazon for $399, down from the standard price of $499. That's a 20% discount.
Great things can come in small packages, and that's especially true when it comes to the best gadgets. A compact tablet can be the perfect device for reading, streaming your favorite shows in bed, taking to campus, or packing along on your next trip. If you're in the market for a small but mighty tablet, listen up to this Amazon deal.
As of Sept. 15, the Apple iPad mini (WiFi, 128GB) is on sale for $399 at Amazon, marked down from the usual price of $499. That's a savings of $100 thanks to the 20% discount.
When it comes to the best iPad, Mashable feels the iPad mini is great for reading, mostly thanks to its small size that measures 8.3 inches. "Tablets are an incredibly versatile device, but we all have our go-to use," wrote Mashable Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino. "If you, like me, use your iPad to read, you gotta go for the iPad Mini. The other models like the iPad Air start at around 11 inches, which is a lot of screen when you just want to flip through your book."
Of course, since the iPad mini is a fully-fledged tablet, it's also capable of much more than just reading. You'll be able to stream your favorite shows, reply to e-mails, video chat with friends, and plenty more. Those aren't functions a Kindle can brag about.
Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder explained the iPad mini uses the A17 Pro chip, which is the same as the chip found in the iPhone 15 Pro. Overall, Schroeder wrote, "If you're new to the iPad, and you want the most compact one around (or any compact tablet), the new iPad mini 7 is the best choice."
Apple mentions the iPad mini gets "all-day battery life," which translates to about 10 hours of web surfing or streaming video before it'll need to recharge.
While it's on sale for $399 in all colorways at Amazon, snag the iPad mini and upgrade your reading and streaming experience. Its compact size and weight will also be great for upcoming holiday travel.
Apples M4 Mac mini is a compact powerhouse, and its $100 off at AmazonAs of Sept. 15, the Apple 2024 Mac mini with M4 chip is on sale for $499 at Amazon, down from its list price of $599.
SAVE 17%: As of Sept. 15, the Apple 2024 Mac mini with M4 chip is on sale for $499 at Amazon, down from its list price of $599. That's a 17% discount and $100 savings.
Since Prime Day, Amazon’s been randomly gifting us with some pretty good deals on Apple products. The 2024 Mac mini, for example, was just redesigned (announced Oct. 2024) from the ground up around the powerful new M4 chip, and it's already discounted by $100.
As of Sept. 15, you can get the Apple 2024 Mac mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) on sale for $499 at Amazon. That's a $100 discount off its $599 list price.
The most noticeable change is the new design. Apple shrunk the computer down to a "five by five inch" square, which it claims has a footprint less than half the size of the previous design. They also added convenient front-facing ports, including two USB-C ports and a headphone jack, so you don't have to fumble around the back to plug things in.
As far as power goes, the M4 chip delivers a huge performance boost. It's also specifically built to handle Apple Intelligence, the new AI system integrated into macOS. For under $500, you're getting a powerful, future-proof machine that's perfect for a clean and minimalist desk setup.
Refresh your PC with Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Pro for under $60This Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows and Windows 11 Pro Bundle gives your PC a major upgrade, and right now it’s only $54.97 (reg. $418.99).
TL;DR: Upgrade your older PC without buying new hardware — This bundle includes Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows and Windows 11 Pro for $54.97 (reg. $418.99).
If your computer feels sluggish, you don’t necessarily need to buy a replacement. Updating the operating system and office suite can make everyday tasks smoother and extend your PC’s usefulness. With Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 in October 2025, upgrading to Windows 11 Pro is a practical move, especially when you can get the Office suite at the same time with this $54.97 Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 and Windows 11 Pro Bundle.
Windows 11 Pro brings a modern interface, improved security, and productivity features for today’s workflows.
Microsoft Office Professional 2021 includes eight essential apps: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Teams, Publisher, and Access.
Ribbon-based interface offers quick access to tools and customizations for efficient document creation.
Enhanced Windows security features, including built-in antivirus and regularly updated protections, help safeguard your PC.
Rather than spending hundreds on a new machine, installing Windows 11 Pro alongside Microsoft Office Professional 2021 can breathe new life into older hardware. With Windows 10 support ending soon, grabbing this bundle is a straightforward way to keep your PC secure and up to date without a big investment.
Get the Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows and Windows 11 Pro Bundle for $54.97 (reg. $418.99).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Get guilt-free Montessori-inspired learning forever for just $50Get a Pok Pok Lifetime Subscription for $49.99 (reg. $250) with code TAKE10 through Oct. 5 — Montessori-inspired, ad-free learning play for kids ages 2–8.
TL;DR: The Montessori-inspired Pok Pok Lifetime Subscription is $49.99 (reg. $250) with code TAKE10 through Oct. 5.
Screens happen. And that’s okay. The key is making screen time something you feel good about — and where Pok Pok delivers.
Pok Pok is a Montessori-inspired app designed for kids ages 2–8. Instead of loud noises and endless ads, it’s a digital toybox filled with calming, hand-drawn games that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and exploration. Think STEM skills, cause and effect, numbers, and language — all woven into play that actually grows with your child.
And right now, you can lock in a lifetime subscription for just $49.99 (reg. $250) with code TAKE10 at checkout — but through Oct. 5.
Guilt-free screen time: Montessori-inspired, low-stimulation design that keeps kids calm, not wired.
No ads, no tricks: 100 percent COPPA- and GDPR-compliant. No in-app purchases, no junk.
Educational fun: Sparks creativity, problem-solving, STEM, and language development.
Grows with your child: Open-ended play works for toddlers and grade-schoolers alike.
Peaceful and calming: Gentle sounds and visuals make it a stress-free experience for everyone.
Ideal for travel: Works offline.
Regular updates: Fresh content keeps kids discovering new things.
Created by parents and childhood experts, Pok Pok is built with the kind of care you’d want for your own kids. It’s intuitive enough for a two-year-old to use independently, yet engaging enough to keep an eight-year-old curious.
Get a lifetime of Pok Pok for a one-time payment of $49.99 (reg. $250) through Oct. 5 with code TAKE10.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TikTok gets another reprieve. Trump admin says framework of deal has been reached to avoid ban.The Trump administration and representatives from China say they have a "framework" for a TikTok deal to avoid a ban in the U.S.
Remember the TikTok ban? The popular short-form video platform went down in the U.S. earlier this year due to a U.S. law that sought to break TikTok away from its China-based owners.
However, during President Donald Trump's Inauguration weekend, TikTok went back online for U.S. users after Trump agreed to give TikTok and its parent company Bytedance more time to work out a deal to sell the company.
TikTok wasn't in the clear, however, and the app still faced a potential ban in the U.S.
On Monday, however, it appears the U.S. and China have finally come to a tentative agreement on how to deal with TikTok. President Trump's Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed that a "framework" for a TikTok deal was agreed to by both the U.S. and China during broader trade talks in Spain. The Associated Press reports that Bessent shared the news during a press conference in Madrid.
Details of this framework deal are still unclear. However, China's representatives also confirmed that the two countries agreed on a “basic framework consensus” on TikTok-related issues, according to the Associated Press.
Before Bessent shared the news, Trump hinted at the TikTok deal in a post on his social media platform TruthSocial.
"The big Trade Meeting in Europe between The United States of America, and China, has gone VERY WELL!" Trump posted. "A deal was also reached on a 'certain' company that young people in our Country very much wanted to save. They will be very happy! I will be speaking to President Xi on Friday. The relationship remains a very strong one!!!"
The law to ban TikTok due to national security concerns was originally conceived during Trump's first administration, and the effort to ban the app continued under the Biden administration. Trump has previously stated that his campaign's use of TikTok helped him win a second term, according to USA Today.
However, just this past July, Trump administration officials shifted towards a harsher tone in discussions surrounding a TikTok deal. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated over the summer that the U.S. had to have control of the platform and its algorithm, or TikTok would go dark in the U.S, per CNBC.
A looming TikTok ban has been a major concern for creators who have built a following on the app and depend on it for revenue.
TikTok made me buy itBest TikTok gifts of 2025 include viral sheet masks, tech gadgets that are sure to wow, and some amazing stocking stuffers.
When shopping for holiday gifts this season, look no further than the hive mind of all things cool and relevant: TikTok. This list of TikTok gifts combines all the biggest and best things we've come across while scrolling, from the viral products everyone needs to the items that have you immediately adding to your basket. Beloved by influencers and gift guide editors alike, these are the best TikTok gifts for 2025.
Applicants say AI is making the job market hell. OpenAI wants to help.Job seekers report a brutal job market, in part due to new challenges created by AI. Meanwhile, OpenAI is readying its own AI jobs platform.
Last week, The Atlantic published a story with a very frank headline: "The Job Market Is Hell." The piece describes a frustrating situation for job seekers and hiring managers alike: "Young people are using ChatGPT to write their applications; HR is using AI to read them; no one is getting hired." Surveys also show growing anxiety about generative AI and its effect on jobs. A recent Reuters Ipsos poll found that 71 percent of respondents said "they were concerned that AI will be 'putting too many people out of work permanently.'"
Perception doesn't always match reality, but in this case, the job market really is facing headwinds. The Washington Post reported today that long-term unemployment is at a post-pandemic high; in a report on the weak labor market, NBC News cited Citi analysts who reported "near-zero job growth" in recent months; and a study by three Stanford economists recently found that AI is already decreasing job openings for software developers.
Reports like these paint a bleak picture for job applicants. But this month, OpenAI announced that it wants to help job seekers and employers by launching an AI-powered hiring platform. According to TechCrunch, the job platform would compete with LinkedIn and is set to launch in 2026.
The new product, which OpenAI outlines in a blog post, would work similarly to other AI-powered job platforms.
In short, the OpenAI Jobs Platform would help employers find AI-savvy employees to hire for whatever needs the company has. OpenAI says it's been working with tons of businesses like Walmart, various consulting firms, and even state government agencies to find out what modern businesses are looking for in terms of AI.
On its face, the concept sounds like an AI-focused version of LinkedIn, where people would create resumes on the platform and be matched up with jobs that fit that description using, of course, AI. In addition to LinkedIn, hiring platforms like Hiring.cafe and Sonara are already trying to fill this niche in the job market
OpenAI also announced that it will start its own AI certification program. This actually started earlier this year with the launch of OpenAI Academy, an online class program to instruct people on how to use AI better at work. The OpenAI academy will start issuing certifications to people who complete the courses, and those certifications will be shown to potential employers. (LinkedIn has its own certificate program.)
As generative AI causes new challenges and anxieties for job seekers, OpenAI clearly believes it can also solve some of these problems. In a blog post about the OpenAI Jobs Platform, Fidji Simo, OpenAI’s new CEO of Applications, wrote that she believes “AI will unlock more opportunities for more people than any technology in history.”
For job seekers, it may be hard to square this utopian vision with recent comments from Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, who famously predicted that AI could destroy half of all entry-level white-collar jobs by 2030. In addition, LinkedIn already offers many of the tools OpenAI hopes to deliver with its own job platform, and in a tough job market, LinkedIn has hardly been a silver bullet.
Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.
Should you hold out for iPhone 18? What we know about the next-gen Apple phones.Not sold on the iPhone 17? If you can hold out, we expect to see the iPhone 18 — and a rumored Apple foldable — in 2026.
The iPhone 17 lineup offers a huge range of updates and improvements, plus it heralds the introduction of an all-new iPhone line, the iPhone Air. The new 17 series brings better cameras, a new design, and better processing, but not everyone is sold on the 2025 iPhone lineup. What’s next? The iPhone 18 series, of course.
There are already tons of rumors around the 2026 iPhones, likely to be headlined by the iPhone 18 series. Some of these rumors are years in the making, while others are relatively new. They all, however, point to a pretty huge year for the iPhone.
So, should you wait for the iPhone 18 series instead of buying an iPhone 17 or iPhone Air? Here’s what we know about the iPhone 18 so far.
The biggest change for the iPhone 17 lineup comes in the form of a new device that doesn’t have the 17 branding at all. The iPhone Air is a totally new model in the lineup, built for those who prefer something as thin as possible to something with a long battery life and multiple cameras. That’s alongside Apple doing away with the “Plus” model.
But rumors indicate Apple could make even bigger changes in 2026. Not only is the company likely to release an updated version of the iPhone Air — potentially called the iPhone Air 2 — but it’s also reportedly set to finally debut its first foldable iPhone. That means that the 2026 iPhone lineup could look something like this:
iPhone 18
iPhone 18 Pro
iPhone 18 Pro Max
iPhone Air 2
iPhone Fold / iPhone 18 Fold
The foldable iPhone will reportedly be very thin, with early rumors pointing to 4.5 to 4.8 mm when unfolded. Reports suggest it will have a 5.5-inch display on the front and a 7-inch display on the inside. It will also come at a high price. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reported that the device will cost over $2,000, making it even more expensive than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.
It’s worth noting that it’s entirely possible that not all of these devices will launch at the same time. It wouldn’t be unheard of for Apple to announce the iPhone Fold in September and release it to the public later in October. Not only that, but some recent reports indicate that Apple might end up delaying the base iPhone 18, releasing it in 2027 instead of alongside the other models in 2026. I would be very surprised to see this happen, however.
Apple may finally do away with the Dynamic Island entirely, or at least make it a whole lot smaller, with new Face ID tech. Reports from The Information suggest that Apple is working on under-display Face ID tech that works more or less the same as Face ID does today, but can work under the screen instead of requiring a cutout.
It’s unclear if Apple will put the entire Dynamic Island under the screen (including the camera), or just the sensors required for Face ID, keeping a small circular cutout for the front-facing camera. Under-display cameras have notoriously made for low-quality photos, but it makes sense that companies like Apple would be working on improving the tech.
As usual, Apple will almost certainly release a new series of chips for its latest iPhone models. The A20 series will follow on from the A19, and will likely be made up of a base A20 chip and an A20 Pro chip.
Reports from Apple analyst Jeff Pu indicate that the new chips will be built on the same TSMC 3nm process that the A19 chips are built on, and while the performance improvements might be relatively minor, rumors suggest that the chip will offer a Chip on Wafer on Substrate (CoWoS) packaging, which makes for better integration with memory, the neural engine, and other platform components. This will likely be part of a push for better on-device AI performance.
Cameras are always a focus (ha) of new iPhone releases, and while sometimes the improvements are a little minor, the iPhone 18 series may end up getting more impressive camera improvements. According to a leak from Apple leaker @Jukanlosreve on Twitter, the iPhone 18 series will get a new three-layer camera sensor from Samsung, which should make the camera more responsive, while at the same time improving dynamic range and reducing noise.
This would actually be a pretty big change for Apple, considering the fact that Sony has long supplied all of the camera sensors in the iPhone series. According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the new sensor will be used for the 2026 iPhone’s ultrawide camera.
Obviously, the iPhone 18 series should be better than the iPhone 17 series — phone models improve every single year. But the question remains: should you upgrade now, or wait for next year?
It’s complicated. Basically, if you need a new phone, then upgrade now. If you're happy with your iPhone 15 or 16 Pro or Pro Max, wait a year and see what happens. What you probably shouldn’t do is assume that rumors are fact. Yes, a foldable iPhone has been rumored for a long time, but it’s entirely possible that Apple ends up delaying the release of it for 2027 or beyond.
If you’re on the fence but need a new phone now, you could always upgrade now and sell or trade-in your new device next year once the iPhone 18 series is finally revealed. Year-old iPhones usually retain their value decently well, and you may only be out a few hundred dollars if you keep your device in good condition.
How to fit this into my header, explained: Why poorly cropped images are all over your feedWhy are poorly cropped images all over your social media feed? Explaining the 'how to fit this into my banner' trend.
Bait-and-switch humor has been around forever: set up an expectation, then flip it on its head. It’s one of comedy's oldest tricks, and right now it’s reviving an old trend on X.
Users are cleverly playing with profile banners. The setup usually starts with a post about struggling to crop or format an image. But when you click into their profile to check, the banner reveals something completely different — often a joke that either undercuts the original image or turns it into a punchline.
This isn't a brand-new joke, either. According to Know Your Meme, it dates back to at least 2019, when it began with a woman posting side-by-side photos of herself and her boyfriend and asking how to fit both into her header. The gag fizzled for a while but resurfaced in 2023 when users began posting images of trash cans, only for the cropped banner to reveal the person they were calling “trash.”
For example, one Lions fan posted about trying to crop a picture of rookie wide receiver Issac TeSlaa. Click through, and the banner isn’t TeSlaa at all — it’s a goat, signaling he's the "GOAT" (greatest of all time). That’s the formula: a visual bait-and-switch that lets people label a person, team, or movie — whether as iconic or terrible — without saying it outright.
The trend has especially taken off on Sports Twitter, where fans are using it to hype up players or roast rival teams.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
But it’s not limited to sports — Stan Twitter has picked it up too, though often in a looser way. In those circles, the "bad crop" is less about a clever reveal and more about intentionally sloppy formatting, played up just for fun. Like most viral Twitter jokes, it cycles in and out of popularity — and right now, it’s having another big moment.
Nintendo is bringing back the reviled Virtual Boy as a Switch accessoryNintendo is bringing back the reviled 'Virtual Boy' as a Switch accessory
Nintendo has a long history of redefining gaming with consoles that capture the imagination of kids and adults alike. They also made the Virtual Boy — and let’s be honest, that one was a dud.
Now, nearly 30 years later, the infamous headache machine known for its drab red-and-black video games is making a comeback as an accessory for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. For $99, you can once again fry your retinas with stereoscopic 3D — this time to play the original Virtual Boy lineup, freshly added to the Nintendo Classics library.
When Nintendo launched the Virtual Boy console in 1995, it was an instant critical and commercial flop, and then discontinued by August of 1996. The $179.95 price tag (about $382 in 2025), the clunky headset, the shallow game library, and a “VR” experience that was really just a red-on-black 3D gimmick all doomed it from the start. Its reputation as a discomfort machine was so bad that X-Play once parodied Saw by using the Virtual Boy as an actual torture device.
The new Virtual Boy accessory is a replica and essentially serves as a Switch 2 stand while also working as 3D glasses to deliver the same stereoscopic effect. Why Nintendo never tried something similar with the 3DS remains a mystery.
Nintendo says it will re-release all 14 North American Virtual Boy titles — including Teleroboxer, Mario Tennis, and Virtual Boy Wario Land — through the Nintendo Classics library. The replica headset launches on February 17, 2026, for $99.99, with a budget cardboard edition available for $24.99.
iOS 26 is here. The 3 coolest features to try first.iOS 26 was released to the public on Sept. 15. There are plenty of cool features, but here are three must-try new tools.
Apple released the long-awaited iOS 26 on Monday, and it's available now as a free software update. The new iPhone operating system promises major changes to how users operate their device and how it looks day-to-day.
Downloading the new operating system is simple enough; getting used to all the changes might not be so easy. Change is hard, but we think this particular change will be rewarding for most users. Mashable reporters have been testing the iOS 26 beta for months, and the new OS promises lots of cool new features. There's a lot going on with the update — but we've collected three of our favorites you should try immediately.
So, go download iOS 26 and get ready to try these new features.
OK, this one is obvious, but you should really play around with Liquid Glass after you update to iOS 26. In case you didn't know, Liquid Glass is the name for the new design language rolled out by Apple with the new operating system. Liquid Glass is more expressive and uses translucent objects — get it...like glass...that's liquid — to make multi-tasking and operating apps simpler.
Liquid Glass will also completely change how your iPhone looks. From the Control Center to the new customizable lock screen to subtle animations across the iPhone experience, there's a lot to discover after you update. You can also mess around with an all-clear look or a reduced transparency look, depending on your preference.
For more information about Liquid Glass, check out our deep dive on iPad OS 26, which also gets a Liquid Glass makeover.
There are a number of changes coming to Messages with iOS 26. The new custom backgrounds on messages have already gotten a lot of attention, but it's not our favorite change. The addition of polls has the chance to be super fun for group chats.
Wrote Mashable's Alex Perry on the new feature: "One of my favorites is the ability to make polls in group chats, which is nominally a feature for deciding where to get dinner, but will really be a feature that's used to settle incredibly arcane, nonsensical inside-joke arguments among friend groups."
As someone who took many years of Spanish classes while retaining precious little, Live Translation could prove to be the coolest and most useful feature in iOS 26. The tool, powered by Apple Intelligence, will be built in to Messages, Phone, and FaceTime calls. That means, in theory at least, you could have relatively fluid conversations with folks who speak an entirely different language. It could be fun to give it a whirl once you update, just to see how well it actually works. (We're still in the process of testing it ourselves.)
We've become accustomed to all the cool stuff our tech can do, but, should this tool work well, translating your conversations in real-time does feel a bit like magic.
Want to learn more about iOS 26 and Liquid Glass? Catch up on Mashable's recent coverage:
Liquid Glass is finally here — 4 settings to change on day one
Ultra clear look for the iPhone is wild. Here's how to get it.
I've been on Liquid Glass for months. Here are 3 features I love and 1 that isn't done cooking.
Forget iOS. Here's how to download watchOS, macOS Tahoe, iPadOS, tvOS, and visionOS 26.
iOS 26 dropped on Monday for iPhone users looking to completely revamp the look of their phone. That means the long-awaited arrival of Liquid Glass is finally here.
If you want to update, it's pretty simple. iOS 26 is available now for all compatible iPhones as a free software update. Apple has a detailed page on its website if you need more information, but the steps are remarkably straightforward.
First, back up your phone.
Plug in your phone and make sure you're connected to WiFi. (The download will require power and a good connection.)
Go into your Settings > General, then click on Software Update.
From there, choose iOS 26 and download/install the update.
So, why might you want to download iOS 26? It promises significant upgrades and changes to how your iPhone works. Perhaps most notably is the shift to Liquid Glass, a new design style that'll change how your apps and features look on your iPhone. So, if you want a total revamp of how your phone looks, the change shouldn't take more than four steps.
AI cant write your college admissions essay. Heres why.It might be tempting to have AI write your personal statement, but experts say it could backfire badly.
Every fall, high school students applying to college face an intimidating task: They must write a stylish, memorable essay that will boost their admissions chances.
So who can blame them when they look at AI chatbots like ChatGPT that can brainstorm, compose, and edit text, and see what looks like a tempting advantage?
But college admissions experts warn against falling for the imagined payoff of a crisp, well-researched, confident-sounding essay. Instead, using AI to write an admissions essay could land a student at the bottom of the pile.
"A college application is a blank canvas," says Dr. Jennifer Kirk, a high school counseling curriculum leader and member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling. "Everything that you throw at it should be a bright splash of color…If you throw a completely AI-written essay at that blank canvas, it's just going to wash it out."
Aside from a student sacrificing their authentic voice to AI, there are other important risks, like submitting an essay that contains embarrassing mistakes or inaccuracies, or that reads strangely similar to other applicants.
When students set out to write their Common Application admissions essay this year, they can choose from one of seven questions. Their response is limited to 650 words.
The different essay questions invite applicants to share a meaningful talent, reflect on gratitude, or discuss an engaging concept or idea, for example. Applicants also write an essay of their choice.
The writing doesn't stop there, either. They may additionally submit a separate essay on "challenges and circumstances," which provides an opportunity to address factors that may have affected their record of achievement, like housing instability, homelessness, family caretaking, community disruption, and war or political conflict.
Each college or university may also require multiple supplemental essays or written responses. The University of California, Berkeley, for instance, has applicants respond to four of eight "personal insight" questions. Harvard's application includes five questions that must each be answered in 150 words or less.
For a student overwhelmed by the work of writing a memorable essay, plus crafting original responses for every application they submit, an AI chatbot promises a simple shortcut.
Yet Connie Livingston, assistant director of admissions at Brown University, says that what sets special essays apart from those that don't impress is an "authentic" voice of someone who sees themselves as a learner and scholar.
"There's no way AI can do that for you," says Livingston, now a college counselor with Empowerly. "It has to be an intrinsic quality that a student possesses that they then translate onto the page for admissions officers to, hopefully, see and appreciate."
While students might think they can prompt an AI chatbot or tool to approximate their own ideas and voice by feeding it personal information, Kirk cautions them against doing so, for privacy reasons. Some models may leak or publish sensitive or personally identifiable information to the internet, she says.
There's also no surefire way to conceal the use of AI in an essay.
Kirk says that admissions officers can detect telltale signs, such as constructions, phrases, punctuation, and grammar, that suggest an applicant used AI.
If the essay itself contains original ideas and an authentic voice, those red flags might be dismissed. But if it reads as bland and uninspired, then the reader may suspect AI.
Additionally, phrases and wording may seem unique to an individual student, but instead reflect how ChatGPT commonly responds to the same Common Application essay question, with minimal prompting.
Imagine, for example, thousands of students applying to the same university and using the same AI chatbot to write their supplemental essays; the chatbot may use similar language for each individual response.
"That absolutely can happen," Kirk says. "They're going to sound pretty similar, and look pretty similar."
Though Kirk says students should never use AI to write their essays, she does think the technology can be otherwise useful in the process.
First, she advises students to research whether each college or university they're applying to actually permits the use of AI, in general and specifically in admissions applications, and then follow those rules.
Once students have that information, Kirk says they may consider consulting AI for researching, brainstorming, outlining, refining drafts, editing, and proofreading.
Livingston recommends AI only for researching and brainstorming, and notes that students should also follow their high school's policy on AI use before adopting it during their essay-writing process.
Livingston says that AI can helpfully summarize information about a university's culture or academics, providing details that might have taken longer to track down. A student interested in a particular academic department, for example, could ask an AI tool to list the most accomplished faculty members or notable areas of research. The student can then potentially incorporate that information into an essay or written response.
When it comes to research and facts, however, applicants should be careful to double-check what an AI search engine or chatbot says is true.
"AI makes mistakes," Livingston says.
"Don't rely on AI to choose your topic or develop core ideas without personal reflection."
To use AI effectively for brainstorming, Kirk recommends narrowing down to a few key topics for further exploration, before asking AI for ideas about the subject of an essay.
"Don't rely on AI to choose your topic or develop core ideas without personal reflection," Kirk says.
Students may find AI helpful during the revision process, Kirk adds. She recently worked with an applicant who gave an AI tool two versions of the same essay, with a request to synthesize the content in order to write a new draft.
Still, Kirk says students shouldn't let AI overly polish their writing, beyond helping with structure and correcting grammatical errors and punctuation. This can dilute a student's original voice. Letting AI use big or fancy words that a student might not otherwise use has the same effect. Kirk says admissions officers can pick up on those discrepancies by looking at a student's entire application.
If students don't want to find themselves in a high-pressure situation where deadlines are looming and they still have an essay and multiple responses to write, Livingston recommends starting as early as possible, if the process hasn't already begun. (She recommends the summer before senior year.)
Students can reach out to high school writing centers, college counselors, and English teachers for valuable help and feedback throughout the process, Livingston says.
Regardless, rushed or desperate students should know that AI won't provide the winning shortcut to the college of their dreams.
"Yes, AI can write a good essay, but a good essay is not going to get a student accepted into college," Livingston says. "It has to be a great essay."
Rolling Stone, Variety owner sues Google over AI overviewsGoogle faces its first lawsuit from a major publisher over its AI Overviews feature on Google Search.
Penske Media Corporation (PMC) – owners of publications such as Rolling Stone, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Billboard – has just filed a lawsuit against Google over one of its most prominent AI features.
According to the complaint filed in federal district court in Washington DC on Sept. 12. PMC is suing Google for using its content without its consent in the search giant's AI Overviews feature.
AI Overviews are the AI-generated summaries that appear at the very top of Google's search engine results pages. These AI summaries pull from websites and other third-party sources and display the summaries right on Google's own search pages. News organizations have reported that these AI Overviews have resulted in a loss of traffic, which in turn has hurt advertising and subscription revenue.
PMC's complaint states that the company has experienced traffic and revenue declines attributed to the roughly 20 percent of Google search results that include an AI Overview and a link to one of the company's publications.
"As a leading global publisher, we have a duty to protect PMC's best-in-class journalists and award-winning journalism as a source of truth," PMC's founder, chairman, and CEO Jay Penske said in a statement provided to multiple outlets. "Furthermore, we have a responsibility to proactively fight for the future of digital media and preserve its integrity – all of which is threatened by Google's current actions."
The lawsuit also accused Google of forcing publishers into AI Overviews without their consent, as these companies depend on Google's web crawlers to index their websites on its search engine in exchange for traffic.
Google has already pushed back on the lawsuit, arguing that AI Overviews actually helps publishers.
“With AI Overviews, people find Search more helpful and use it more, creating new opportunities for content to be discovered," Google Spokesperson Jose Castaneda said in a statement. "We will defend against these meritless claims.”
A recent Pew Research Center study aligns with some of PMC's claims regarding Google's AI Overviews' impact to publishers. The study found that Google Search users were half as likely to click on a link if the search results page included an AI Overviews summary. In addition, the study found that only 1 percent of users that were served with AI Overviews clicked on a link to the source material that the summary was derived from. In response to this study, Google told the Register in July that they believe Pew used a "flawed methodology" and disagreed with its findings.
Google as well as other AI companies are facing multiple lawsuits over content issues.
Edutech company Chegg filed a lawsuit against Google earlier this year over its AI summaries. Last October, News Corp's Dow Jones and New York Post sued Perplexity over its AI "copying" their work. A group of news organizations, including The New York Times, have also taken OpenAI to court over copyright issues.
Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.
Jackerys popular Explorer 1000 v2 power station is 44% off in this Amazon lightning dealAs of Sept. 15, the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station is on sale for $448.98, down from $799, at Amazon.
SAVE 44%: As of Sept. 15, the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station is on sale for $448.98 at Amazon, down from its list price of $799. That's a discount of 44%, or a savings of over $350.
When you're looking for a portable power station, you're usually forced to choose between a high-capacity model that's a pain to carry and a lightweight one that can't power much. Jackery has built its reputation on finding the sweet spot between those two extremes, and its popular Explorer 1000 v2 is a perfect example.
As of Sept. 15, the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is just $448.98 at Amazon in a "lightning deal." (So, that means it won't last long!) That's a 44% discount and a $350 savings off its $799 list price.
The Explorer 1000 v2 is powerful enough for most adventures, with a 1070Wh capacity and a 1500W AC output (with a 3000W surge peak) that can run everything from refrigerators to electric pots. But unlike most generators with similar power, it's lightweight (23.8 pounds) and has a convenient foldable handle, making it a great grab-and-go option for camping or emergencies.
It's also packed with modern tech. You can use the Jackery app to enable an emergency charging mode that takes the battery from zero to 100 percent in just one hour. The app also lets you switch to a quiet charging mode for overnight use.
LGs worlds first 5K2K OLED gaming monitor is $300 off for a limited timeAs of Sept. 15, the LG 45GX950A-B 45-inch Ultragear 5K2K OLED Gaming Monitor is on sale for $1,699.99, down from $1,999.99, at Amazon.
SAVE 15%: As of Sept. 15, the LG 45GX950A-B 45-inch Ultragear 5K2K OLED Gaming Monitor is on sale for $1,699.99 at Amazon, down from its list price of $1,999.99. That's a 15% discount and $300 in savings.
Every so often, a piece of gaming hardware comes along that feels truly next-generation. LG's 45-inch Ultragear OLED monitor is one of those pieces. It's the self-proclaimed "world's first 5K2K OLED gaming monitor," and it's packed with an absurd amount of high-end tech. If you've been waiting for a deal to justify a serious battlestation upgrade, this is one to watch.
As of Sept. 15, you can get the LG 45GX950A-B 45-inch Ultragear 5K2K OLED Gaming Monitor on sale for $1,699.99 at Amazon, down from its list price of $1,999.99. That's a 15% discount and $300 in savings.
The massive 45-inch curved OLED screen features an ultra-wide panel with an 800R curve that's designed to fill your field of view. Thanks to the OLED technology, you'll be able to see deep blacks and vibrant colors, with a peak brightness of up to 1300 nits and DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification.
What really sets this monitor apart, though, is its unique "Dual Mode." Just press a hotkey, and you can switch between two different settings. For graphically rich, story-driven games, you can run it in its full 5K2K resolution at 165Hz. For competitive, fast-paced games like FPS or racing titles where every frame counts, you can switch to Wide Full HD resolution at an "electrifying" 330Hz. It's like having two specialized monitors in one.
Bug causes some Echo Show devices to use gigabytes of dataA bug caused some Echo Show devices to use gigabytes of data. Amazon has since patched the issue.
Amazon’s Echo Show smart display recently encountered a nasty bug that consumed massive amounts of bandwidth. The bug has since been patched.
The issue was first flagged by former Microsoft engineer Dave W. Plummer, who noted on X that his two Echo Show units had burned through a staggering 4GB of data in under 24 hours. Reactions online quickly veered into conspiracy theory territory, but Plummer offered more grounded explanations: a software bug, a hefty update, or cached video.
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At the time, plenty of explanations were on the table. Some users speculated the always-listening feature was to blame, with the device constantly uploading audio snippets for processing. Others pointed to Amazon Sidewalk, the company’s mesh network that lets smart devices connect across a neighborhood. But that theory didn’t hold much weight either — Sidewalk is designed as a low-bandwidth service with a strict 500MB monthly cap.
Amazon has since confirmed to Tom’s Hardware that it was indeed a caching bug. What was happening, it appears, was that the devices were downloading unnecessarily huge photos. Normally, Echo Show pulls down images for backgrounds and screensavers that are between 1MB and 4MB in size, which is sufficiently large enough for the device's display. In this case, it was fetching ultra–high–resolution shots far larger than the display’s 1080p panel could handle.
Thankfully, the mystery (and the bug) is solved now.
The iPad Air is back down to its lowest price ever, againThe 11-inch Apple iPad Air is on sale for $449 at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy, saving you $150.
Save 25%: The 11-inch Apple iPad Air (M3, WiFi, 128GB) is on sale for $449, saving you $150 off the $599 list price. You can grab this deal at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy.
If you missed grabbing the iPad Air deal that had it at its lowest price ever a few weeks ago, I have great news: the deal is back.
As of Sept. 15, you can grab the 11-inch Apple iPad Air with an M3 chip and 128GB of storage for just $449 at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. At full price, the tablet goes for $599, making this a whopping $150 discount.
This kind of price cut feels like it should come on an older model, but the M3 iPad Air was released just this past March, and has stood out as Mashable's favorite iPad for most people. The M3 chip gives it the power to be used as laptop, which thanks to the latest iOS 26 update, is more feasible than ever for Apple's tablets.
In addition to its power, it has 14 hours of battery life, a landscape camera, compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro, and a lightweight design that makes it great to take on the go. Altogether, these features give the tablet a strong degree of versatility, making it as excellent for streaming your favorite shows as it is for reading a book or getting some creative work done (especially if you'd rather not pay iPad Pro prices).
Celebrate Emmy-winning shows like The Pitt with Google Easter eggGoogle's post-Emmys Easter egg allows you to virtually give shows like "The Pitt" and "The Studio" their flowers.
The 2025 Emmys may be over, but you can continue to celebrate your favorite TV shows' wins thanks to Google's post-Emmys Easter egg.
If you type in the name of one of last night's winning shows into Google search, like Outstanding Comedy Series winner The Studio or Outstanding Drama Series winner The Pitt, you'll see a trophy icon float up on screen. Clicking on the widget will let you know how many awards the show won at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards.
Replacing the trophy, the icon will then resemble a flower. Clicking it throws a virtual bouquet across the screen to celebrate that show's awards, giving the series and everyone who worked on it their flowers. Google has previously featured this celebratory mechanic for other high-profile events like the Olympics, where users could throw bouquets at countries and athletes.
The flower icon also reveals how many total bouquets have been thrown for each show. At the time of writing, The Pitt has received approximately 336,700 bouquets, and The Studio has received approximately 405,600. The big bouquet winner so far, though, is Adolescence, which took home six Primetime Emmys, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series and acting awards for Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper, and Erin Doherty. At the time of writing, Adolescence has received approximately 741,600 virtual bouquets.
The bouquets aren't just for entire shows, though. You can also send virtual kudos to individual actors, writers, and directors who won Emmy awards, from Severance's Tramell Tillman to Hacks' Hannah Einbinder.
If you hate cleaning corners, this robot vacuum with an extendable mop is $100 offAs of Sept. 15, you can get the Mova P10 Pro Ultra robot vacuum and mop for $499, down from $599, at Amazon. That's a 17% discount and a $100 savings.
SAVE 17%: As of Sept. 15, the Mova P10 Pro Ultra robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $499 at Amazon, down from its typical price of $599. That's a 17% discount, and it's the best price we've tracked for this model.
Robot vacuums are super helpful for automating day-to-day vacuuming, but most still struggle with two key areas: cleaning their own mop pads and getting into corners. The Mova P10 Pro Ultra tackles both of those problems with some clever tech, and right now, it’s back down to its lowest price.
As of Sept. 15, the Mova P10 Pro Ultra robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $499 at Amazon, down from its typical price of $599. That's a 17% discount, and it's the best price we've tracked for this model.
The most impressive cleaning feature is its all-in-one docking station. It doesn't just empty the dustbin (which it does, holding up to 75 days' worth of debris); it also washes the dual spinning mop pads with uber hot water (149℉) to break down grease and grime, then dries them with hot air to prevent odors. Talk about self-sufficiency! (The most impressive feature, in my opinion, is the pet-friendly interactive video and voice call functionality.)
The robot itself is a powerful cleaner, with a 13,000Pa of suction to handle dust, crumbs, and pet hair. But what sets it apart from other premium models is its extendable side brush and mop, which reach out to clean deep into corners and along baseboards (areas most robovacs miss). It's also smart about carpets and lifts its mops by 10.5 mm to vacuum without getting them wet.
The versatile DJI Osmo Mobile 7P is within $1 of its lowest price ever at AmazonThe DJI Osmo Mobile 7P gimbal is on sale at Amazon for $126, down from the list price of $149.
SAVE $23: The DJI Osmo Mobile 7P gimbal is on sale at Amazon for $126, down from the usual price of $149. That's a 15% discount that comes within $1 of the lowest price Amazon has ever offered.
We're pretty lucky to be living in a time when content creation can happen in a flash. YouTube channels and TikTok creators putting out new content can sometimes be more exciting than a new show on a major streaming platform. If you've always wanted to give content creation a go, Amazon is offering an irresistible deal that'll help get you started.
As of Sept. 15, the DJI Osmo Mobile 7P gimbal is on sale for $126 at Amazon, marked down from the standard price of $149. That's a 15% discount that shaves $23 off the price. It also comes within $1 of the lowest price Amazon has ever offered.
DJI makes some of the most creator-friendly gadgets, and the Osmo Mobile 7P earns a top spot on that list. In a snap, it turns your iPhone or Android phone into a camera with the benefits of gimbal stabilization, native tracking, and built-in charging. Pair the Osmo Mobile 7P with a DJI Mic and you'd have a pro setup in no time at all.
DJI really shows its creator expertise with the design of the Osmo Mobile 7P. It unfolds quickly, uses three-axis stabilization, and even comes with a fill light. Mashable sister site PC Mag, also owned by publisher Ziff Davis, awarded the DJI Osmo Mobile 7P an Editors' Choice award in the recent review. Overall, the review said, "The DJI Osmo Mobile 7P quickly and consistently tracks subjects while providing stabilized footage from your phone. Its embedded extension rod, tripod, and multifunction module make it a versatile gimbal for creators on the go."
Regardless of if you're a well-established content creator or just starting out, the DJI Osmo Mobile 7P is a super versatile device that'll make filming just that much easier. Since it's on sale at Amazon for $126, which is just $1 more than the lowest we've ever seen, snag it now and you'll be filming glorious fall leaves by next week.
The EcoFlow River 2 Pro portable power station is $240 off at Amazon for just a few hoursThe EcoFlow River 2 Pro portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $359, down from the list price of $599. That's a 40% discount.
SAVE $240: For today only, the EcoFlow River 2 Pro portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $359, down from the list price of $599 at EcoFlow. That's a 40% discount.
The temperatures are slowly dropping and soon we'll be basking in fall colors and crisp autumn weather. While some people love pumpkin spice season, others dread the upcoming storms that have a tendency to knock out power. If you'd rather not head into the fall season nervous about dealing with no power, Amazon has a great deal on offer today.
As of Sept 15, Amazon has the EcoFlow River 2 Pro portable power station is on sale for $359, down from the list price of $599 at EcoFlow. That's a 40% discount that shaves $240 off the normal price. Amazon lists this as a lightning deal which means it could sell out quickly. Be sure to act fast if you want to snag this model on sale.
EcoFlow makes some of the best portable power stations and power banks, and the River 2 Pro could be perfect for keeping around the house in case of a power outage. It comes with a solid 768Wh of battery capacity from long-lasting LiFePO4 technology. In real-life terms, EcoFlow says the River 2 Pro can recharge a phone about 57 times, a laptop 10 times, or keep an electric blanket on for 12 hours. The ports on the EcoFlow River 2 Pro include four standard AC plugs, three USB-A, and one USB-C.
The River series from EcoFlow focuses on portability and the River 2 Pro weighs just 18.2 pounds. Plus, the built-in handle makes this model great for carrying from room to room during a power outage or around the campground come spring.
When it comes time to recharge the EcoFlow River 2 Pro itself, you have four options: standard AC wall power, solar, car charging, or USB-C charging. When using standard AC charging, expect to go from 0 to 100 percent in just 70 minutes. This model also connects to the EcoFlow app, so you'll be able to monitoring recharging status from your phone.
Before the fall storms hit, get equipped with the EcoFlow River 2 Pro portable power station. It'll give reassurance phones can stay charged up, the router will still work, and you can turn a power outage into a cozy movie night instead of sitting in the dark. It's on sale at Amazon for just $359 but keep in mind lightning deals can sell out quickly, so hop to it.
People are eager to buy the new iPhone 17, says analystApple's new iPhones are in high demand ahead of launch, claims analyst.
Apple's new iPhones are selling well in pre-orders, though data is less clear for one particular model.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo shared his thoughts on the demand for Apple's new iPhone lineup on X on Monday. According to Kuo, the pre-order demand for the iPhone 17 series during the first weekend of pre-orders was "better than that of the iPhone 16 last year."
The most expensive model — the powerful iPhone 17 Pro Max — is reportedly in the highest demand, but the other iPhone 17 variants appear to be doing well, too.
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As for Apple's new iPhone Air, it doesn't seem to be doing too well, per Kuo, though even the analyst himself acknowledges that it's too early to tell. He says that the demand for the iPhone Air "appears to be lower than that of the iPhone 16 Plus in the same period last year," judging by Apple shipping times. But the production volume of the iPhone Air was reportedly about three times that of the iPhone 16 Plus in comparable periods of the year, which means that the iPhone Air might actually be selling really well, it's just that Apple is making more of them.
"Therefore, it is more objective to observe demand after a period of sales," concludes Kuo.
Apple's new iPhones were launched last Tuesday at the company's annual September launch event, and became available for pre-order on Friday. They will be available in stores on Friday, Sept. 19.
Britt Lowers Emmys acceptance speech contained a hilarious Severance Easter egg"Severance" star Britt Lower snuck an Easter egg to the show into her best lead actress acceptance speech at the 2025 Emmys.
Severance star Britt Lower took home the award for best lead actress in a drama series at the 2025 Emmys on Sunday, and she didn't miss the perfect opportunity to give fans a little Easter egg.
Lower's speech in the video above is normal enough, thanking various people before finally thanking her Severance character, Helly R, "for choosing me." But eagle-eyed viewers will notice that the words "LET ME OUT" are written in all caps on the back of the notepaper she's reading from, in a brilliant nod to her "innie" character's attempts to alert the wider world to Lumon Industries' dodgy dealings in the show.
Innie Helly R. would surely be proud.
Here's the full list of Emmys 2025 winners, including Severance star Tramell Tillman.
Nate Bargatz Emmys opening monologue had a genius plan to keep speeches shortEmmys 2025 host Nate Bargatz' opening monologue contained a game designed to stop people's acceptance speeches from overrunning.
Comedian Nate Bargatz' opening monologue as host of the 2025 Emmys featured a genius scheme at its heart: a way to minimise the nemesis of any awards show, which is of course speeches running too long.
"To start the show, I am going to donate $100,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America," says Bargatz in the clip above, after making it clear to all Emmy winners that they have 45 seconds for each of their acceptance speeches. "If you stay at 45 seconds, it stays at $100,000. Every second you go over 45 seconds, we will deduct $1000 away from the Boys and Girls Club. I know, I know, it's tough [...] It's brutal. What are you going to do, though? I can't change it, this is a game I made up."
Bargatz goes on to explain that for every second speeches go over 45 seconds, they'll deduct $1000 from the total, but for every second under they'll add $1000 back on.
"Don't go crazy though, 'cuz like, I am paying for this," says Bargatz. "Some of you go over a little, some go under. Do the right thing."
Here's the full list of Emmys 2025 winners.
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 15, 2025Connections is a New York Times word game that's all about finding the "common threads between words." How to solve the puzzle.
Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Ground materials
Green: Found by the ocean
Blue: Intimacy
Purple: Famous musicians
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Flooring options
Green: Beachy area
Blue: Romantic vibe
Purple: Member of a classic backing band
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections #827 is...
Flooring options: CARPET, LAMINATE, TILE, WOOD
Beachy area: BANK, COAST, SHORE, STRAND
Romantic vibe: CHEMISTRY, CONNECTION, FIREWORKS, SPARK
Member of a classic backing band: BANSHEE, HEARTBREAKER, PIP, WAILER
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands?
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.
NYT Strands hints, answers for September 15, 2025The NYT Strands hints and answers you need to make the most of your puzzling experience.
If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.
Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.
By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.
If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferrined pace.
The words are things that can be found in someone's future.
These words are associated with psychics.
Today's NYT Strands spangram is veritcal.
Today's spangram is Tarot Cards.
Fool
Devil
Star
Lovers
Tarot Cards
Moon
Empress
Magician
Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!
Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Strands.
Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 15, 2025Here's the answer for "Wordle" #1549 on September 15 as well as a few hints, tips, and clues to help you solve it yourself.
Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
On the side of.
There are no recurring letters.
Today's Wordle starts with the letter A.
Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to today's Wordle is...
ALONG
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.
How to watch the 2025 World Athletics Championships online for freeHow to watch World Athletics Championships for free. Live stream the 2025 World Athletics Championships for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: The 2025 World Athletics Championships are available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer or SBS on Demand. Access these free streaming services from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The best athletes from every corner of the globe are descending upon Tokyo to compete in the World Athletics Championships. It's not the Olympics, but it's the next best thing.
Over 2,000 athletes from around 200 countries are expected to compete in these championships, with all eyes on huge stars like Faith Kipyegon, Noah Lyles, Femke Bol, and Mondo Duplantis. It's going to be a fascinating week of top-level competition, and you can follow everything without spending anything.
If you want to watch the 2025 World Athletics Championships for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
The World Athletics Championships (or the IAAF World Championships) are a biennial athletics competition organized by World Athletics. The event ranks alongside the Olympic Games as the top level of outdoor competition for track, field, marathon, and race walk athletes.
The 2025 World Athletics Championships is the 20th edition of the event. This year's championships are scheduled to take place from Sept. 13-21 in Tokyo, Japan.
The 2025 World Athletics Championships are available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer or SBS on Demand.
BBC iPlayer and SBS on Demand are geo-restricted to the UK and Australia respectively, but anyone can access these free streaming platforms with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK or Australia, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer or SBS on Demand from anywhere in the world.
Live stream the 2025 World Athletics Championships for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK or Australia
Visit BBC iPlayer or SBS on Demand
Live stream the 2025 World Athletics Championships for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can watch the 2025 World Athletics Championships without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you plenty of time to watch every event for free.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live streaming is on sale for a limited time.
ExpressVPN is the top choice for live streaming sport for free, for a number of reasons:
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Live stream the 2025 World Athletics Championships for free with ExpressVPN.
