TL;DR: As of Sept. 24, the De'Longhi Magnifica Duo espresso machine is available for $799.95 at Amazon. That's a $200 saving on the regular list price of $999.95.
Good quality coffee tastes good, but it doesn't come cheap. That's true whether you're buying just one cup on the go or a coffee machine. Of course, it makes sense to fork out for a coffee machine — it will save you money in the long run — but that initial cost of a machine can be enough to make most coffee lovers stop in their tracks.
Thankfully, October Prime Day is just around the corner, with the two-day event scheduled for Oct. 6-7 — a perfect opportunity to pick up a coffee machine deal and lots more discounts. In fact, there are some deals live ahead of the big event, such as 20% off the De'Longhi Magnifica Duo espresso machine.
As of Sept. 24, the De'Longhi Magnifica Duo espresso machine has been marked down to $799.95, which gives you a tasty saving of $200 from the regular list price of $999.95.
You'll certainly get your money's worth with this deal. It offers 20 different hot and cold drinks at the press of a button, including espresso, drip coffee, iced lattes, and cold brew. It also comes with a milk frother and an integrated conical burr grinder. It's super quick, which takes all the effort out of your morning brew (or indeed, a coffee at any time of the day).
Don't miss your chance to save $200 on the De'Longhi Magnifica Duo espresso machine ahead of October Prime Day. Now available for just $799.95.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro — free at T-Mobile
Paramount+ — $0.99 for 2 months with code p2mcs26prem
Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $199 $249 (save $50)
Apple iPad Pro — $1,899 $2,099 (save $200)
TCL 85-Inch Class QM8L Series TV — $2,497.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,502)
TL;DR: Get AskAnyModel AI Pro for life for $39.99 and access 50+ AI models, compare up to six responses at once, and generate unlimited AI images across supported models.
Having a favorite AI model is fine — and is actually pretty common. Keeping GPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, and a handful of others scattered across separate tabs is where things get messy. AskAnyModel AI Pro is now on sale for just $39.99 (reg. $499) for lifetime access, bringing 50+ AI models into one cloud-based workspace.
Its standout feature is side-by-side comparison. Pick two to six models, type your prompt once, and AskAnyModel sends it to all of them simultaneously. Responses appear together with response times and token counts, making it easier to compare different approaches without repeatedly copying and pasting prompts.
The model library includes 30 standard models with unlimited chats, including options from Mistral, Llama, DeepSeek, Gemma, Qwen, and others. There’s also a Pro Gemini model with Google Search grounding, limited to 300 chats per week.
For flagship models, you get 500 monthly premium credits to use across 19 options, including GPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, DeepSeek Pro, Perplexity Search, and Mistral Large. So, importantly, lifetime access doesn’t mean unlimited use of every model.
AskAnyModel isn’t restricted to text, either. You can generate unlimited AI images across supported models without using premium credits, switch models during conversations, and use the platform for writing, coding, research, brainstorming, and content creation.
Everything runs through a modern web browser, with no downloads or updates required, and the model library is regularly refreshed.
Get AskAnyModel for just $39.99 (reg. $499) for lifetime access.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Learn on your own time with 9 CompTIA exam prep courses for just $24.99Prep for CompTIA A+, Security+, Network+, and more from home with nine certification training courses bundled for $24.99.
TL;DR: Get 9 CompTIA certification prep courses covering A+, Security+, Network+, Cloud+, Linux+, PenTest+, and more for $24.99 (reg. $269.91).
Studying for an IT certification doesn’t necessarily require going back to school or building your week around a class schedule. The 2026 CompTIA Certification Training: Complete Exam Prep Bundle is on sale for $24.99 (reg. $269.91) and includes 9 multi-lesson courses you can tackle from home on your own time.
The lineup starts with CompTIA Tech+ FC0-U71, making the bundle approachable for someone beginning with IT fundamentals. There’s also prep for both CompTIA A+ 220-1201 and 220-1202, along with Network+ N10-009 and Security+ SY0-701.
Already know which part of IT interests you? The remaining courses let you dig into more specific areas. Cloud+ CV0-004, Linux+ XK0-006, and Server+ SK0-005 cover cloud, Linux, and server skills, while the PenTest+ PT0-003 Lab focuses on ethical hacking and penetration testing. Data+ DA0-002 rounds things out with certification prep centered on data.
That range gives you options. You might be exploring IT for the first time, already working in tech and looking to prepare for a particular certification exam, or interested in studying several areas before deciding where to focus next.
More importantly, you’re in charge of the schedule. Instead of coordinating separate classes for different certification paths, you have nine prep courses together and can decide which one deserves your attention first.
The bundle is exam prep, not the certifications themselves, so you’ll still need to take the corresponding CompTIA exams separately.
Get the 2026 CompTIA Certification Training Bundle for just $24.99 (reg. $269.91).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Join BJ’s for just $15 before holiday shopping gets seriousNew members can get a 1-year BJ’s Club Membership with BJ’s Easy Renewal® for $15 (reg. $60) and start stocking up for fall and the holidays.
TL;DR: New members can get a one-year BJ’s Club Membership with BJ’s Easy Renewal for just $15 (reg. $60), just in time for fall fun and holiday stock-up season.
There may be no better season for discovering what a warehouse club can do than fall. Spooky finds are showing up, holiday prep isn’t far behind, and new members can get a one-year BJ’s Club Membership with BJ’s Easy Renewal® for a one-time $15 (reg. $60).
The membership gives you access to BJ’s savings on groceries, fresh foods, household essentials, electronics, seasonal items, and more. BJ’s says members can save up to 25% off grocery store prices, making this an especially useful time to start stocking the pantry before cozy-season cooking, parties, and holiday gatherings kick into full gear.
Fresh produce, meats, deli, and bakery items cover weekly grocery runs and larger get-togethers, while seasonal finds give you another excuse to wander the aisles. BJ’s also carries national brands at wholesale club prices.
Members can even shop online or in-club, use Curbside Pickup and Same-Day Delivery, or use ExpressPay® to scan items while shopping and pay through the BJ’s app. BJ’s also accepts manufacturers’ coupons, which can be combined with hundreds of BJ’s coupons.
Drivers get another membership perk: BJ’s says members save 20¢ per gallon on average with BJ’s Gas everyday low gas prices. There are also member-exclusive services and perks through BJ’s Optical, Tire Center, Home Improvement, and travel.
This offer is for new members only. You’re purchasing a redemption code that must be redeemed at BJs.com to activate the membership, which includes BJ’s Easy Renewal®.
For $15 for an entire year of savings, the timing is ideal. Join for the spooky finds, stay for the holiday stock-ups, and everyday grocery runs.
Get a one-year BJ’s membership for just $15 (reg. $60) while you can.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
This Toshiba art TV is a picturesque deal at this price — get it now with a huge saving of $900As of Sept. 24, the Toshiba 65-inch G700 Series ArtVision 4K TV is marked down to $1,099.99 at Amazon. That's a 45% discount off the list price of $1,999.99.
SAVE $900: As of Sept. 24, the Toshiba 65-inch G700 Series ArtVision 4K TV is on sale for $1,099.99 at Amazon. That's $900 off its full price of $1,999.99.
Bargain hunters know that there are few greater pleasures than a big deal on a big TV. There's a reason that Black Friday used to be a stampede of shoppers towards the TV aisle. Thankfully, the next major sale event is almost here: October Prime Day runs from Oct. 6-7, and there are already some early deals live on Amazon.
As far as we're concerned, the bigger the better for both the TV and the discount. In that respect, the Toshiba 65-inch G700 Series ArtVision 4K TV hits the right spot — a whopper TV with a 45% markdown.
As of Sept. 24, the Toshiba 65-inch G700 Series ArtVision 4K TV is available on Amazon for $1,099.99, representing an incredible $900 saving on the usual price of $1,999.99.
This TV is part of a very modern range that looks like a portrait, mounts on the wall, and enhances the room's overall aesthetic when it's not being watched. You can even set it to display a variety of artwork or images via Art Gallery Mode to keep the room's decor varied. It's just as impressive as an actual TV, delivering 4K courtesy of a QLED display.
It runs on the Fire TV operating system, one of the most popular platforms in mid-range TV technology right now.
Amazon's sale is still a few weeks away, but this deal is live right now — not to mention well worth the money. Grab the Toshiba 65-inch G700 Series ArtVision 4K TV today and save $900.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro — free at T-Mobile
Paramount+ — $0.99 for 2 months with code p2mcs26prem
Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $199 $249 (save $50)
Apple iPad Pro — $1,899 $2,099 (save $200)
TCL 85-Inch Class QM8L Series TV — $2,497.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,502)
TL;DR: Watch Australia vs. Brazil in an International Friendly for free on Network 10. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The footballing world is largely focused on the Nations League this week, but there are some really interesting friendly fixtures on the schedule. That includes Australia vs. Brazil, a potentially tricky matchup for the visitors.
Carlo Ancelotti's team will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing World Cup exit at the hands of Norway.
If you're interested in watching Australia vs. Brazil in an International Friendly from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
Australia vs. Brazil in an International Friendly kicks off at 6 a.m. ET on Sept. 25. This fixture takes place at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Australia vs. Brazil in an International Friendly is available to live stream for free on Network 10.
Network 10 is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can live stream Australia vs. Brazil for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Australia vs. Brazil for free by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice
Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia
Visit Network 10
Watch Australia vs. Brazil for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Australia vs. Brazil without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Network 10, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries, including Australia
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 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.
Live stream Australia vs. Brazil for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
15 early October Prime Day tech deals, hand-picked by our gadget expertsThe best early October Prime Day tech deals include discounts on the AirPods 4, Fire tablets, and a huge TCL QLED TV.
Mashable's discerning reporters and editors are constantly testing the latest gadgets, from e-readers to headphones, laptops, phones, power stations, smart rings, and portable speakers. This year, many of our favorite products have been besieged by price hikes as a result of the ongoing memory crisis. Fortunately, Amazon is about to bring tech shoppers some relief in the form of Prime Big Deal Days, better known as October Prime Day.
Set for Oct. 6 and 7, Prime Big Deal Days is a 48-hour sale for members of Amazon's Prime program. Often referred to as "October Prime Day," it serves as Amazon's unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season. We've been covering the event since its inception in 2022, back when it was still called the Prime Early Access Sale. And this year, we'll be keeping an extra close eye on the best early Prime Day tech deals.
In the lead-up to the sale, Amazon is already offering some steep discounts on select devices from brands like Apple, TCL, Garmin, Beats, and Sony. After spending hours poring over these deals, we've identified the best early Prime Day deals that are so good, we'd buy them ourselves.
How do we pick these deals, you might ask? We look for products we recommend at record-low prices (or close to them). We use price-tracking tools like camelcamelcamel to see if Amazon's discounts are actually better than usual, then cross-check them with other retailers' listings to make sure they're not cheaper elsewhere. (Walmart and Target are both gearing up to host their own October sales, FYI.) You can add our picks to your cart with confidence.
Without any further ado, these are the best early October Prime Day deals we've spotted so far.
It wouldn't be an Amazon Prime event without some $99 AirPods. Apple's fourth-generation earbuds have excellent audio quality and a comfortable fit. and a five-hour battery life. The newer AirPods 5 sound even better and add ANC, but this pair is still a great option for iOS users on a budget. (Read Mashable's review.)
Note: The AirPods 4 dipped down to $69 last Black Friday, but $99 is their lowest price so far in 2026. Plus, they probably won't be in stock much longer now that their successors have launched; they already sold out once on Amazon earlier this week.
If you're a professional creative, developer, or AI enthusiast who needs a compact new laptop for work, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better option than the 14-inch, M5 Max-powered MacBook Pro. (The M5 Max is Apple's most powerful laptop chip to date.) The "base" configuration with 36GB of RAM and 2TB of storage got a $500 price increase back in June, which bumped it from $3,599 to $4,099. But right now, Amazon has it on sale for just $3,499 — a $600 savings. It's even cheaper than before.
I should mention that Amazon's MacBook Pro discounts have capped out around $400 during its past Prime events. Suffice to say, this is a very good deal that probably won't last long.
Two of Amazon's own Fire tablets are already on sale for record-low prices ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. Take your pick from the compact Fire HD 8 with 64GB of storage — our favorite Fire tablet overall — or the big-screened Fire HD 10 with 32GB of storage, nicer cameras, and a sharper display. (Both have 13-hour battery lives.) They're now up to 53% off for Prime members.
Amazon's Fire tablets have been safe from price hikes so far, but the retailer made all of its Fire TV streaming sticks at least $5 more expensive in August. For its part, the 4K Plus model went from $49.99 to $69.99. Nevertheless, Amazon will sell it to you for just $24.99 right now if you enter the code STREAM4K at checkout. That matches its all-time low price from this summer's Prime Day sale and Black Friday 2025. It used to equate to a $25 savings, but now you're getting a whopping $45 off.
FWIW, this is Amazon's cheapest media player with support for Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, Nvidia Geforce Now, and Alexa Home Theater (a surround sound feature that works with Echo devices).
Garmin's vívoactive 6 is a lightweight fitness smartwatch with an AMOLED display and an 11-day battery life. It supports features like constant heart rate readings, stress tracking, and sleep coaching. Our friends over at Lifehacker, one of our sister sites, gave it a stellar 4.5/5 review, calling it "a great watch for somebody who wants to track their steps and activity."
The vívoactive 6 usually costs $50 more than Apple's entry-level smartwatch — the $249 Apple Watch SE 3 — but Amazon just put the pink dawn variant on sale for $229.99. At 23% off, it's never been cheaper before.
The 65-inch TCL QM8L is the best QLED TV for most people, according to Leah Stodart, our former TV expert. She praised its "superb peak brightness, detailed picture quality, and fantastic glare handling." (QLED TVs in general "are ideal for people whose TV usage happens mostly in the daytime, especially watching sports," to quote her TV specs guide.)
The 85-inch QM8L just hit a new all-time low of $2,497.99 on Amazon, which is 38% off its suggested sticker price of $3,999.99. For comparison's sake, it's currently $2 more expensive at Best Buy and on TCL's website.
The best early Prime Day tech deals always include savings on Amazon's own devices, like this affordable Ember Fire TV. This TV has a high-definition HDR10+ display and doubles as an Alexa smart speaker for your home. The 28% discount drops the price to a very affordable $179.99, its lowest-ever price.
Nintendo's upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the Switch 2 will be one of the year's biggest gaming releases (after GTA 6, obviously). Preordering the physical edition will normally cost you $69.99 — it's $10 more than the digital version — but Amazon has it on sale for $59.88 ahead of its Nov. 5 launch. The first print run has special packaging with foil cover art, so don't dawdle.
The global memory crisis has led to rising costs for smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles, but it's been a disaster for SD cards and hard drives. So, while the discounts aren't as huge as they were in past years, you can find savings on these memory products during October Prime Big Deal Days. We've found a bunch of early Prime Day deals on portable SSDs and hard drives, and we expect even more savings to come.
Case in point: The SanDisk Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Card Express is currently $40 off. Likewise, you can save $40 on the popular SanDisk Extreme portable SSD with 1TB of storage.
We've made so secret of the fact that we love Bose headphones and earbuds here at Mashable. The brand makes the most comfortable headphones we've ever tested, and the brand's popular QuietComfort line recently got refreshed.
Right now, you can get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Gen 2) for $50 off. Keep in mind that the headphones are not at a record-low price, so there's a chance they could get bigger discounts when Prime Big Deal Days starts on Oct. 6.
Nintendo just got a massive tariff refund, and to pass along the savings, the brand is hosting a mega Customer Appreciation Sale through Sept. 26. So, while these aren't technically early Prime Day deals, they are a great opportunity to enjoy rare savings on Nintendo Switch games and hardware. Unfortunately, the Switch consoles and Switch 2 games aren't on sale, but we'll let you know if that changes when October Prime Day begins.
You can shop the sale at Amazon or Nintendo, but our top picks include the classic Metroid Dread and the wireless Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Some of the best early Prime Day tech deals so far are on Apple's iPads, which are due for an upgrade any day now. If you don't mind a slightly older device and chip, you can pick up the Apple iPad Air (M4) with a cool $100 discount.
Check out all of the top October Prime Day iPad deals so far.
Back in early February, popular messaging app Discord announced that it would roll out age verification in order to keep its teenage users safe on the platform. By the end of the month, after facing significant backlash, Discord announced that it would be pausing that rollout while addressing some of the issues.
According to Discord, those age verification checks will now be rolling out.
Discord has launched a system that already estimates users' ages based on several factors, such as general activity levels, communities and servers joined, games that an account is connected to, and how old a user account is.
The company has also assured users that no messages, calls, or other content have been analyzed to make an age determination.
Discord must believe in its model, as the company says that 90 percent of its users will not have to do or change a thing. However, Discord knows that mistakes will be made. The company says that any user can check the age group they've been assigned to by going to User Settings and checking Account Status.
The main backlash against Discord's age verification system centered on the privacy and security concerns that came with the facial age estimation and ID upload methods. Discord says that if a user has to verify their age, there are now additional methods to do so that don't require facial age estimation or ID verification. These alternative methods include a credit card authorization, allowing the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to share a user's age range, a Google Wallet confirmation, or an AgeKey credential.
Adult users on Discord will notice no changes to how the platform works. Teenage users will still be able to message friends, join voice calls, and join non-age-restricted servers. However, age-restricted content and spaces will be blocked. In addition, extra safety protections have been added in cases where a non-friend attempts to message a teenage user.
Discord says it has already launched age verification checks in places like Texas, where it's required, and wants to get ahead of age verification laws as they expand globally.
Meta VR glasses vs Meta Quest 3: How they compareMeta just introduced VR glasses that look much sleeker than the Quest 3 headset, but there are compromises, too.
At Meta Connect on Wednesday night, Mark Zuckerberg unveiled what could be the next frontier of VR hardware for the company: the Meta VR glasses.
These new specs blend the form factor of regular smart glasses with the stereoscopic 3D and virtual reality capabilities of a Quest headset. But how, exactly, do these glasses compare with the Quest 3? We can't directly test the glasses just yet, but even on paper, there are some notable differences to consider.
The most obvious difference between these two devices, aside from the way they look, is the price. The VR Glasses, when they launch in 2027, will start at $1,299. The Quest 3, meanwhile, can currently be had for just $599. One of these VR devices costs literally more than twice as much as the other, so set your expectations accordingly.
Despite the price difference, there are actually a couple of areas where the Quest 3 outperforms the VR Glasses on a specs level.
Here are the basic specs of the VR Glasses:
Display: Micro-OLED display with 2412×2288 resolution per eye
Field of view: 70 degrees by 66 degrees
Processor: Snapdragon Reality Elite
RAM: 12GB
Starting storage: 128GB
Controllers: Not included, but compatible
And here are the equivalent specs for the Quest 3:
Display: LCD display with 2064×2208 resolution per eye
Field of view: 110 degrees by 96 degrees
Processor: Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
RAM: 8GB
Starting storage: 512GB
Controllers: Included
The VR Glasses have the Quest 3 beat on display resolution and RAM, as well as with a newer processor. But there are some areas in which the Quest 3 wins here, too. Its field of view is significantly larger, as you'd expect from something that completely covers your face. It also comes with significantly more starting storage and a pair of touch controllers. The VR Glasses have a microSD card slot for expandable storage, and the controllers are compatible, but not included.
Well, this one's simple. One device is a pair of glasses, and the other is a full-on headset. Whichever you prefer is ultimately a matter of taste.
There are pros and cons to each. The VR Glasses allow the user a greater degree of spatial awareness because they don't cover as much of the face, but that might also make VR experiences less immersive. Meanwhile, the Quest 3 will probably be a bit more immersive, but it's heavier and more cumbersome because its computing hardware sits in the headset.
That last part is important, as the VR Glasses don't actually have any of the real computing hardware built into the glasses themselves. Instead, there's a computing puck attached to the device by wire, similar to the Apple Vision Pro. That's what allows the glasses to be as sleek as they are compared to the Quest 3, but it might also explain why the starting storage is so low in comparison.
Ultimately, the glasses weigh about 100 grams and the headset weighs 515 grams. That's a big enough difference to justify the use of a puck, but again, it's your call.
There is some overlap in terms of available software features, but there are also some key differences between the VR Glasses and Quest 3. In general, it seems like the VR Glasses can do more.
Both devices run on the same operating system, and the glasses support all of the same content that is currently available on Quest 3. Things get more interesting when you look at what the VR Glasses can do that the Quest 3 can't. The glasses support eye tracking and face tracking in addition to hand tracking, while the headset supports hand tracking but not eye or face tracking.
As such, there are some VR Glasses-centric gaming experiences, like a new update to Beat Saber that allows the game to be played without controllers. Glasses owners will also be able to watch fully 3D movies from streaming services like Disney+, and the glasses are the first VR device to be IMAX certified, according to Meta. Meta also envisions the glasses being used as a work device, so they can connect to Macs or PCs using USB-C or wirelessly. That will give users the ability to create virtual displays for their workspace.
Last but not least is Hologram, a new method of video calling coming first to the VR Glasses. You'll be able to join WhatsApp video calls as a face-tracked avatar of yourself, appearing at true scale for the other participants. This feature won't fully render everyone in 3D at launch, but Meta says that's coming later. The metaverse is back, folks.
Given that the VR Glasses are newer and much more expensive, it's not surprising that they seem broadly more capable than the Quest 3. But, as you can tell, there might still be reasons to get a Quest 3 instead.
Gas, groceries, smartphones, and your favorite streaming platform. The cost of all those things just continues to go up.
The latest streamer to roll out a price hike? Disney+ and Hulu.
Just one year after Disney last raised the price of Disney+ and Hulu monthly subscriptions, they're doing it again. Disney+ and Hulu will now cost $21.49 each per month for the ad-free tier and $12.49 per month for the tier with ads. That's an increase of $2.50 and 50 cents per month, respectively.
The Disney+/Hulu bundle subscription continues to be a bargain when compared to the individual service subscriptions, but even those bundled plans are going up in price, too.
The ad-free Disney+/Hulu bundle will now cost $21.99 per month, and the ad-supported bundle will cost $12.99. That's a bump of $2 per month and 50 cents per month, respectively.
Virtually all streamers have raised prices in the last 12 months, but gas and groceries are necessities in a way that streaming platforms are not. (Well, maybe that's not the case for some binge watchers.) So, if one could only afford one or two streaming services per month, they may be wondering how they rank when it comes to affordability.
Netflix last raised its prices in March. Like Disney, Netflix also bumped the cost of its monthly subscription plans by $1 to $2. The price for a standard ad-free Netflix subscription is now $19.99 per month and $8.99 per month for the ad-supported plan. Netflix also offers a Premium subscription, which includes 4K and additional simultaneous viewing devices, for $26.99 per month.
Apple TV subscription prices just went up last month, but it still remains the lowest-priced ad-free offering if one opts for the annual plan. Apple bumped the price of its Apple TV streaming service from $12.99 to $14.99 per month. The annual plan went up as well, from $99 to $119 per year. Still, that annual price puts Apple TV at less than $10 per month.
HBO Max subscription last saw a price hike in October of last year, so it's very possible that we can see yet another increase next month for 2026. HBO Max's Standard ad-free plan went from $16.99 to $18.49 per month last time around. The annual plan also went up to $184.99 per year, which saved $36.89 from the monthly plan. HBO Max Basic with Ads went from $9.99 per month to $10.99 per month. The annual plan rose from $99.99 to $109.99, yet it remained the lowest cost ad-supported plan. The Premium tier of HBO Max rose from $20.99 per month to $22.99 per month, with the annual plan jumping to $229.99.
Disney will continue offering a Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max bundle option, which may be the best deal of all if you watch content on all three streaming platforms. The ad-supported Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max Bundle will cost $21.99 per month, and the ad-free bundle for all three services will cost $34.99 per month.
From Clippy to Jolly: Why tech keeps putting a cute face on its productsMeta’s new AI mascot, Jolly, has a big job. From Duolingo’s owl to Clippy, here’s what past mascots reveal about turning tech products into companions.
Before you hand over your inbox to an AI assistant, perhaps you’d like to meet a little guy.
His name is Jolly. He’s cute, cheerful-looking, and the default mascot for Meta’s Muse AI assistant. He also gives a friendly face to Meta’s much bigger ambition of making its AI part of your everyday life.
At Meta Connect on Sept. 23, Mark Zuckerberg showed off Muse and introduced Muse Charm, a Tamagotchi-like handheld device for interacting with the assistant on the go. With Jolly as its default avatar, it makes the idea of carrying around an AI assistant feel a little more like bringing along a tiny companion.
Giving a product a cute face is a familiar move. Duolingo has an owl whose antics you can follow without ever finishing a Spanish lesson. LINE’s sticker characters became a brand people buy plush toys from. And Microsoft’s Clippy is still recognizable to anyone who remembers trying to get him to leave them alone. (Interestingly, Microsoft recently killed its newest mascot, Pico.)
Before Jolly settles onto anyone’s keychain, meet the other mascots that show what a little character can do for a big company.
You don’t have to be learning Spanish to know who Duo is. The green owl is the mascot of language-learning app Duolingo, where he encourages you to keep up with your lessons. But on social media, he’s better known for memes, petty feuds, and a willingness to make absolutely everything his business.
Duolingo has given its mascot plenty to do beyond reminding people to study. The brand is known to join in on trending conversations, joke with followers in social media comments, and once turned celebrity drama into a pretend feud with Google Translate. Following Duo has become its own form of entertainment, no vocabulary quiz required.
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In 2025, the company went so far as to announce his death. His eventual comeback was part of the "Dead Duo" campaign, which generated 1.7 billion organic impressions and brought a meaningful increase in new and returning users. For an owl employed by a language-learning app, he has a busy social life. That personality keeps people interested even when studying isn’t on their agenda.
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Brown has a lot to say for a bear whose expression barely changes. This straight-faced character is part of LINE Friends, the cast that started as stickers on the messaging app LINE in 2011. Alongside characters like Cony the rabbit, Brown gave people another way to express themselves in their chats.
Brown eventually outgrew the chat window. LINE Friends expanded into merchandise, stores, and collaborations, turning characters from a messaging app into a brand people could wear, collect, and give as gifts. With Muse Charm, Meta is also giving people a way to carry a digital character around. Brown offers a glimpse of what can happen when people get attached enough to want a company’s character in their lives beyond the screen.
Grimace is the big purple, vaguely blob-shaped character from McDonald’s (canonically defined as a giant taste bud), recognizable enough that he doesn’t need to be holding a burger for you to know which company he belongs to. With his rounded shape and easy smile, he looks like something you’d win at a carnival and immediately want to hug.
He also gives McDonald’s a familiar face to bring back for new generations. In 2023, the company built an entire birthday promotion around Grimace, complete with his own meal and purple shake. That’s a pretty good gig for a character who doesn’t have much to say.
Yes, the shake inspired a bizarre TikTok horror trend, but the jokes also introduced him to people who hadn’t grown up with McDonald’s cast of characters, and gives new generations other reasons to connect with it (beyond the french fries).
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Enterprise software might not sound like the natural habitat of an adorable character. Salesforce would disagree.
Its mascot, Astro, grew out of a 2014 developer-event T-shirt design and became a guide to the company’s world. Salesforce explicitly describes its characters as a way to make technology accessible, friendly, and fun. They give newcomers a welcoming presence as they learn their way around.
It’s an understandable approach. When you’re already trying to figure out unfamiliar software, a cheerful guide can make the whole thing feel a little less intimidating. Jolly could serve a similar purpose for Meta. "Personal superintelligence" is a lot to introduce to someone. A smiling character gives them somewhere to start.
If you used Microsoft Office during Clippy’s time, you may remember having a complicated relationship with an animated paperclip.
Clippy was an assistant with a face, popping up to offer help while people worked. Unfortunately, those interventions weren’t always welcome. A paper hosted by Microsoft Research described how earlier software agents, such as Clippy, became disliked for being intrusive and annoying. But still, the paperclip made an impression. Microsoft brought Clippy back as an emoji in 2021, giving people a way to enjoy the character without having him interrupt a document.
Microsoft has since tried another friendly face with Mico, an optional character for its Copilot AI assistant. Microsoft recently killed the Copilot mascot, shortly before it came out against anthropomorphizing AI technology.
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The company told the BBC that Mico was intended to make voice conversations feel more natural, and that users could turn it off. If Meta can learn anything from their experience, putting a face on an assistant gives people something to connect with, but it also gives their frustration somewhere to land. A character’s welcome depends on how helpful it actually is.
There’s a reason companies keep hiring these little creatures. As marketing professor Anthony Patterson told the BBC, mascots give a company "a voice, a personality, a face even." Author and technology commentator Nathalie Nahai explained that big eyes and oversized heads tap into our instinctive responses to babies, while pointing out that their comeback coincides with growing mistrust of tech companies. It’s easier to warm up to a cuddly character than the enormous business behind it.
Of course, people can still recognize when they’re being sold something. A 2021 study found that cute characters could help when consumers felt a brand cared about them, but could backfire when they became more aware of its efforts to persuade them.
That matters for Meta, which wants Muse to handle shopping, email, and tasks on your computer. Those are fairly personal responsibilities to hand over to a product you’re still getting to know, so giving it a friendly face could make the prospect feel more comfortable. (Meta also outlined upcoming privacy protections, including Muse Confidential VM, which the company says will use encryption to prevent even Meta from accessing users’ data.)
Jolly could help get people interested enough to give Muse a try, but staying on their keychains will come down to whether they trust the assistant and find it useful once the novelty wears off.
Musk documentary trailer is finally hereThe official trailer for Alex Gibney's documentary on Elon Musk, Musk, has arrived. Watch it now.
The official trailer for Musk, filmmaker Alex Gibney's documentary on Elon Musk, has arrived.
The two-minute and 24-second trailer was released today and, like the teaser from earlier this month, sets the tone for what to expect when the movie hits theaters next month.
"Elon Musk is one of the most controversial figures in the world," says Gibney in a voiceover that kicks off the trailer. "So, I decided to make him a subject of my next film."
"But it soon became clear, Elon would not participate," the filmmaker continues as posts from Elon Musk appear on the screen, calling Gibney a "douche" and declaring that the film is a "hit piece."
The trailer continues by touching on critiques of SpaceX, Tesla, Musk's acquisition of Twitter, his personal life and entrance into politics, DOGE, and much more. It truly looks like it's going to be a brutal exposé on Musk.
Musk hits select theaters in New York and Los Angeles on Oct. 9 and opens nationwide on Oct. 16.
iOS 27.2 beta arrives. How to try the new iPhone Health app.Apple's newest iOS 27 beta includes an early look at the updated Health app for iPhones, and you can try it now.
Apple has a new iOS beta out for anyone who wants to test new iPhone features early.
This time, it's a public beta for iOS 27.2. You might be wondering: Where is iOS 27.1? The answer is a bit odd: Apple is launching the first big iOS 27 update with the iPhone Duo in October, so to keep iPhone Duo-specific features under wraps, the company is beta testing iOS 27.2 first. That means you're unlikely to find any nuggets of info about the iPhone Duo in the iOS 27.2 beta, but fret not, as there is still plenty to chew on.
As always, Apple's beta process is pretty simple and requires only a modicum of effort on your part. Before getting started, though, make sure you have a recent device backup saved in the cloud. You never know what could happen with beta software.
Here's a basic rundown of how it works:
Go to Apple's beta software program page, sign up with your Apple account, and register whichever device you want to install the beta on.
On the device, go to Settings, then General, then Software Update.
Choose the iOS 27.2 beta as the software version you want to upgrade to.
After that, just wait for the update to download and install.
Earlier in September, Apple announced a revamped Health app coming to iPhones later this year. It's not actually going to launch with iOS 27.2, but you can test it out in the beta now to help Apple get it into shape for an eventual launch later this year.
Apple has redesigned the app so everything is sorted into three tabs: Insights, Longevity, and Browse. Insights will give you a broad overview of all your metrics in one place, updated throughout the day. There's also a For You section that'll recommend articles you might be interested in.
Longevity, meanwhile, includes a metric called Health Age that will analyze your health metrics relative to your actual age. The Longevity tab also tracks your health over long periods of time and provides insights based on that data. Lastly, Browse is most likely a way to find specific things within the app that might not be easy to find in the other tabs.
There are other odds and ends in the iOS 27.2 beta, like individual profiles in the mobile Apple TV app, but the upgraded Health app is the big headliner here.
Dunkin is giving away 1 million free coffees on Sept. 24 — how to claim yours (code live now)Dunkin' is expected to give away 1 million free drinks on Sept. 24 — here's how to grab the promo code and claim yours.
TL;DR: Dunkin' is giving away 1 million free drinks on Sept. 24. The promo code has now dropped — use code JUST4U to claim.
Dunkin' is giving away 1 million free drinks, again. That seems like an absolutely wild promotion, but Dunkin' actually does this kind of thing fairly regularly. That doesn't make it any less exciting, and the process of claiming remains the same.
The code JUST4U went live on Sept. 24, and now everyone will rush to claim one of the free drinks. These freebies go quickly, but if you're one of the first million, you will get a free medium hot or iced coffee that's good through Sept. 27.
You'll need to enter the code in the "Offers & Rewards" section of your app. Yes, that does mean you need to be a Dunkin' Rewards member, but it's free to sign up, and this type of giveaway comes around pretty often. It's worth the hassle.
I made my own stickers with Cricuts new StickerPix machines, and you can tooCricut announced two new machines: The StickerPix Print + Cut and StickerPix Print. Both machines can print stickers and photos.
Cricut has made a name for itself in the crafting and DIY space. Its makers are huge on wedding planning TikTok, staples in craft rooms, and even inspired recreations of Taylor Swift's "Stevie Knicks" T-shirt.
As of Sept. 24, Cricut is adding two new machines to its lineup: The Cricut StickerPix Print + Cut and the Cricut StickerPix Print — both available now. Other Cricut machines can be used to make stickers, but these are the first dedicated sticker makers from the brand. I got to play around with both StickerPix machines for the last week, and they've earned a permanent spot in my craft supplies.
Let's break down the pricing, specs, and differences of both machines.
The Cricut StickerPix Print + Cut is the more advanced of the two. It prints, laminates, and precision cuts all in one machine. Within Cricut's Design Space app, you can start with a template or a blank canvas for your sticker or photo prints. There are tons of preloaded designs and themes: If you want some cute, little ghost stickers, they've got them. If you want to put your friends' faces on different holiday sweaters, they've got that too.
I'm an avid junk journaler and also just had a birthday, so I wanted to make a sheet of stickers for my birthday spread in my journal.
I started with a blank canvas and dropped in a photo of my cake, plus pics of my friends and family celebrating with me. I also wanted some more generic birthday-themed stickers, so I browsed through Cricut's huge library of artist-made illustrations and found a cute happy birthday banner to add to my sheet. To finish it off, I added a striped background to the sticker sheet. This part doesn't affect the stickers, but it adds another level of fun and design to the experience. The Print + Cut machine cut around the outlines of my images, so I have a perfectly cake-shaped sticker for my spread.
All of this creation was done on my phone, but you can also use the desktop app.
The StickerPix Print + Cut retails for $299 but is available in a few bundle options. For the first seven days, the machine is available exclusively at Cricut.com and Michaels. After that, it'll be more widely available.
The Cricut StickerPix Print is a smaller, pared-down version of the sticker maker. It prints 4x6 photos and prints and laminates pre-cut sticker sheets. My boyfriend and I took a trip to the Indiana State Fair this summer and haven't finished our journal spreads yet, so I used the circle pre-cut sheet to design some blue ribbon-worthy stickers. I paired illustrations with solid-colored and patterned backgrounds to create unique stickers that fit our State Fair experience.
I also used the Print machine to print a collage of photos from my summer (I could have done this on either machine). There are templates for different types of photo and card prints. I will definitely be printing my own holiday cards this year. Cricut Senior Product Director Jana Lee said she thinks these machines will be direct competitors with printing services like Minted.
The StickerPix Print retails for $169, with bundle options available. Again, the machine is available exclusively at Cricut.com and Michaels for the first week, with wider availability later.
The UK's communications regulator, Ofcom, has launched an investigation into the most well-known tube site, Pornhub.
The investigation, which opened Sept. 22 and was publicly announced yesterday, is under the country's age-verification law, the Online Safety Act. It requires explicit websites (and some non-explicit websites that contain content that is deemed "restricted to adults," such as about addiction) to install robust age checks that require inputting personal data, like a government ID, to pass.
The Online Safety Act went into effect in July 2025, and Pornhub stated ahead of the enactment that it would comply with the law. But in Jan. 2026, Pornhub stated that it would restrict access to unverified users due to the Online Safety Act's failures, including the presence of noncompliant sites. In May, however, Pornhub restored access for any adult who confirms their age through Apple's UK age-verification process — a new capability as of iOS 26.4.
This process is device-level age-verification, which is what Pornhub and other industry leaders have been calling for for years. Rather than verifying age each time someone wants to visit a certain website (which might mean repeatedly uploading sensitive information), device-level verification is one-time only and takes place on (in this case) one's iPhone. Advocates for device-level age verification state that it's less invasive and risky from a privacy and security standpoint. And, it doesn't impede free speech rights, advocates say.
Now, Ofcom will investigate Aylo, Pornhub's parent company, to determine whether it has complied with the Online Safety Act. Specifically, Ofcom will look into whether Pornhub uses highly effective age assurance to prevent children from seeing porn, and it will also conduct a children's access assessment.
"Online age checks are a vital protection to prevent children from encountering inappropriate or harmful material, including pornography," Ofcom's director of enforcement, George Lusty, stated in Ofcom's announcement. "We expect tech firms to ensure age checks are highly effective before introducing them. Anything less could leave children at risk."
"We actually really welcome this," vice president of brand and community at Pornhub, Alex Kekesi, told Mashabe in a phone interview. "We've done our due diligence."
Kekesi stated that there's no 100 percent, bulletproof solution, but Pornhub is confident that Apple's process is the best, as of today. She told Mashable that Pornhub embraces this investigation and intends to be transparent and public about how it's going, its data and findings, and its interactions with Ofcom.
"We have over 130 million daily visitors," she said. "We're the perfect testing ground if you have anything really that stands to actually work to protect kids and to keep them off of age-inappropriate platforms."
Verified adults in the UK don't have to worry — Pornhub will function in the country as usual, Kekesi said.
In Kekesi's statement on Aylo's website, she mentioned that less than five percent of consumers go through age-verification for adult content, according to the adult industry trade organization, the Free Speech Coalition. Viewers — whether of age or not — can circumvent platform-based age checks by using VPNs or visiting noncompliant websites.
Ofcom itself acknowledged the shortcomings of the Online Safety Act, including the use of VPNs and noncompliant websites, in a report released a year after its enactment. In Nov. 2025, Pornhub urged tech giants Microsoft, Apple, and Google to enable device-level age verification and recently sent a letter to U.S. lawmakers calling for mandates that they do so.
This isn't the first inquiry of its kind. In Feb. 2026, the UK fined porn company 8579 LLC £1.35 million for lack of age verification following an investigation.
Tech editors react to Meta Connect 2026: Will smartglasses become mainstream?CNET, PCMag and Mashable editors react to Meta Connect 2026 and the latest smart glasses, AI and VR announcements.
PCMag's Iyaz Akhtar leads a panel of tech experts from CNET, PCMag and Mashable to unpack all the news from the Meta Connect 2026 launch event.
Read more about Meta’s new smart glasses: Meet the Meta Ray-Ban Gen 3, starting at $249
Meta unveils camera-free audio glasses
Timecode chapters
00:00 Introduction and muse AI assistant
00:02:49 Event reactions and privacy concerns
05:08 Smart glasses, fashion, and collaborations
09:54 VR glasses and display technology
16:16 Final thoughts on Meta devices and privacy
Video credits
Host: Iyaz Akhtar
Guest host: Timothy Beck Werth
Guest host: Will Greenwald
Guest host: Angela Moscaritolo
Guest host: Scott Stein
Producer: Stephen Beacham
Video editor: Stephen Beacham
Thumbnail designer: Tharon Green
As Mashable's Global Shopping Editor, I spend a lot of time trawling through the best deals on the web. And a good portion of that time is dedicated to sourcing the best deals on DJI. "Why?" I hear you ask. Because Mashable readers (like you) absolutely love the range of creator-friendly tools pumped out by the brand.
Apple remains the most popular brand with Mashable's tech-obsessed readership, but DJI isn't far behind. When we write about DJI's drones, vlogging cameras, mics, and power stations, you read about it and sometimes decide to buy. That data is like gold dust, baby. It tells me that you truly care about DJI. And that means I care.
So with that, I have trawled through hundreds of early October Prime Day deals to bring you the very best from DJI. Here you can find record lows, deals for under $100, and smart savings that could elevate your content.
The official Prime Big Deal Days savings event doesn't kick off until Oct. 6, but plenty of deals are already trickling in if you want to get a jump on shopping. If you don't see what you're looking for quite yet, keep checking back for more.
Right now, you can get the DJI Mini 3 for $369, down from $419. It's not the biggest discount we've ever seen. In fact, this popular drone has dropped as low as $299 on Amazon. But just in the last few days, it's already dropped $30 from its previous discount. Honestly, I would be surprised if we didn't see something even better as we move closer to October Prime Day. Will we see another all-time low price? That I'm not sure about. Will we see something better than a $50 discount? Probably.
DJI Neo — $169 $199 (save $30)
DJI Neo Fly More Combo — $295 $349 (save $54)
DJI Mini 2 Fly More Combo — $499 $599 (save $100)
DJI Mini 3 with DJI RC — $492 $549 (save $57)
DJI Avata 360 — $719 $817.95 (save $98.95)
DJI Air 3 — $999 $1,099 (save $100)
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo is down to $549 ahead of October Prime Day. The record low for this stacked bundle is $512, so you're getting a real good price here with weeks still to go until the main event. We might see another price drop as we move closer to Prime Day, but in this case, we wouldn't be surprised if this were the lowest price we get.
The Osmo Pocket 3 vlogging camera features a 1-inch CMOS sensor and records in 4K resolution at 120fps. The Osmo Pocket 3's advanced 3-axis mechanical stabilization delivers impressive stability so you can shoot on the go.
DJI Osmo Action 4 Standard Combo — $239 $299 (save $60)
DJI Osmo Nano Standard Combo — $349 $389 (save $40)
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 — $439 $499 (save $60)
DJI Osmo 360 Camera Adventure Combo — $594.99 $664.99 (save $70)
The DJI Mic 3 is on sale for $259, down from $329. We've seen better, but it's still a decent price drop. It's early days, OK?
The Mic 3 is a compact wireless microphone system designed for creators, podcasters, and interviewers who need quality audio and portability. It supports up to four transmitters, features adaptive gain control and selectable noise cancellation, and uses dual-band transmission for clear audio in busy environments. You'll also get up to 28 hours of battery life with the charging case, which is always handy.
DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) — $79 $99 (save $20)
DJI Mic 2 (1 TX + 1 RX) — $129 $179 (save $50)
DJI Mic 2 (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) — $199 $269 (save $70)
The DJI Power 2000 V2 is a popular pick here at Mashable, and it's on sale for under $800 ahead of October Prime Day.
Mashable's Lauren Allain tested this powerhouse last year and noted that it's a "beefy option that’s awesome for camping, backyard parties, or content creators out on projects." Allain added that the "power to physical size ratio is impressive," which is what really matters with these machines. It's all about finding that sweet spot between portability and enough power to keep you moving.
DJI Power 140W GaN Charger — $59.49 $69.99 (save $10.50)
DJI Power 140W GaN Charging Combo — $67.99 $79.99 (save $12)
DJI Power 1000 — $419.99 $449.99 (save $30)
Need a hero? LEGO has got you covered. From Star Wars rebels battling for the galaxy and LEGO Ninjago dragon-riding ninjas to the delivery person who races to get you your pizza on time, LEGO brick sets tell the stories of the heroes we all root for.
Whether you’re getting ahead of holiday gifting for your kids or buying bricks for yourself, we all need heroes these days, and LEGO has them in spades.
The 415-piece LEGO Star Wars Hutt Palace Sentry Droid Showdown lets you relive epic battle scenes from Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu. The hands, arms, legs, and feet of the 5.5-inch droid are movable and you can fire its stud shooter. Give minifigure Mando a jetpack and blaster, then help Grogu open the back of the droid so he can deactivate it. Fight your rival bounty hunters, Embo and Keibu, for the fate of Mandalore. For kids ages 9 and up.
The 494-piece LEGO City Pizza Delivery Experience with Vehicles celebrates the everyday heroes: the people who deliver your pizza in 30 minutes or less. Turn the dial and see the flames flicker as pizzas are fed into the wood-fired oven. Push a lever to launch the flame-emblazoned delivery car that shoots pizzas from its hood. Or jump on the scooter or delivery drone and save the minifigures from their pizza cravings. For kids ages 6 and up.
Fans of the NINJAGO Dragons Rising TV show, prepare for battle. The 821-piece LEGO NINJAGO Wyldfyre's Transforming Dragon Mech set comes fully loaded with a two-in-one action figure that transforms from a 6-inch, four-legged dragon into a formidable mech figure armed with a large sword. Will ninjas Wyldfyre, Arin, and Sora defeat the villainous Empress Beatrix, Ice Monster, and Acid Monster? Empress Beatrix has her mech and the Weapon of Desolation. But you have your imagination. For kids ages 9 and up.
If building these heroes brick-by-brick isn’t immersive enough for you, swing by the LEGO store at West Edmonton Mall, Guilford Town Centre, Fairview Mall, or Polo Park on Sept. 27 for their Hero Days event. Meet Kai from LEGO Ninjago and get free LEGO swag when you suit up as your favorite hero.
On Oct. 11, you’ll also get a free LEGO set at the Make & Take: LEGO Pizza Delivery Shark event, held at all official LEGO stores. Bring your LEGO Passport for a Pizza Delivery Shark stamp.
While we’ve highlighted three hero-centric brick sets here, shop all adventure LEGO sets and start building your own hero story today.
Everything announced at Meta Connect in 10 minutesCatch the biggest Meta Connect 2026 announcements, including Muse AI, new smart glasses and lightweight VR glasses.
Meta's September Connect event reveals a bunch of new Meta products, including a deep dive into its new Muse AI personal assistant, audio-only smart glasses in many new frame styles and new VR Glasses that weigh as much as a deck of cards. Check out all the highlights in less than 10 minutes.
Read more about Meta’s new AI and smart glasses: Meta to release Muse Charm, a Tamagotchi-like device for the Muse AI agent
Blackpink’s Lisa gives Meta’s AI smart glasses a major high-fashion makeover — where to buy
Timecode chapters
0:00 Introduction to Muse AI agent
1:00 Muse integrations and computer use
1:37 Agentic e-commerce and shopping
2:36 Muse voice customization and live demo
4:00 Privacy and security (Muse VMS)
4:34 Hearing enhancement feature
5:03 Camera-less audio glasses and new styles
5:53 Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3
7:00 Meta VR glasses debut
8:32 Hologram calling and legs in VR
9:05 Pocket Muse keychain device
Video credits
Video Editor: Owen Poole
Thumbnail designer: Zooey Liao
Muse AI on Meta glasses? Hearing enhancement? VR glasses that run Quest games? Camera-free glasses? All that and more to talk about, but very little on privacy.
Read more about Meta’s new glasses and Meta Connect 2026: Everything announced at Meta Connect 2026
Meta reveals next-gen smart glasses at Meta Connect: See all the new glasses
Timecode chapters
0:00 Overview and intro to Meta’s new lineup
0:47 Meta Ray-Ban Gen 3 and audio-only glasses
1:28 FDA-cleared hearing assistance feature
2:23 Meta Muse agentic AI demo
5:07 New frame designs and collaborations
5:46 Hands-on with $1,299 Meta VR glasses
6:08 Productivity, eye tracking and desktop modes
6:51 Media streaming and field of view comparisons
8:36 Immersive sports, IMAX and spatial media
9:44 Controllerless Beat Saber hands-on
10:12 Market price comparisons and final thoughts
Video credits
Host: Scott Stein
Scripted by: Scott Stein
Producer: Celso Bulgatti
Camera: Celso Bulgatti
Video editor: Numi Prasarn
Thumbnail designer: Zooey Liao
TL;DR: Watch Netherlands vs. Germany in the Nations League for free on NPO. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The UEFA Nations League is back with a string of interesting fixtures this week, but Netherlands vs. Germany is probably the pick of the bunch. These rivals go way back, and whether or not they truly value this competition, they're both going to do everything they can to beat each other.
Fans can also get their first taste of Jürgen Klopp's Germany. That's reason enough to tune in to this tasty matchup.
If you're interested in watching Netherlands vs. Germany in the Nations League from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
Netherlands vs. Germany in the Nations League kicks off at 2.45 p.m. ET on Sept. 24. This fixture takes place at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
Netherlands vs. Germany in the Nations League is available to live stream for free on NPO.
NPO is geo-restricted to the Netherlands, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the Netherlands, meaning you can live stream Netherlands vs. Germany for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Netherlands vs. Germany for free by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice
Open up the app and connect to a server in the Netherlands
Visit NPO
Watch Netherlands vs. Germany for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Netherlands vs. Germany without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on NPO, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries, including the Netherlands
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 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.
Live stream Netherlands vs. Germany for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
An October Prime Day Apple deals guide: What to buy on sale now, what to look for laterWe've rounded up the best early October Prime Day deals on Apple devices, including the latest Apple Watches, AirPods, MacBooks, and iPads.
Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale is just around the corner — and so are some excellent Apple deals, no doubt. This 48-hour "October Prime Day" serves as Amazon's kickoff to the Black Friday/holiday shopping season, which is the best time to find discounts on popular Apple devices, among many other tech products. This year, it will double as some year-end relief from RAMageddon price increases.
While the sale isn't scheduled to begin for a few more weeks, Amazon is already rolling out some early October Prime Day deals on select gadgets, including most AirPods, Apple Watches, iPads, and MacBooks. That raises the question: If you're thinking about upgrading from an older Apple device to a newer model, should you start adding items to your cart now or hold off for a bit?
The answer depends on the exact product you're eyeing. Having covered Amazon's sales for years now, I think most of its current Apple deals will get much better on Oct. 6 and 7, when Prime Big Deal Days is officially live. However, a couple of the deals are worth grabbing immediately. In fact, you might miss out if you wait too long.
Read on to find out which six Apple deals I'd add to my cart ASAP, and which others I'm hoping to see once Prime Big Deal Days starts. I've come up with some October Prime Day discount predictions for every current Apple product based on their pricing histories and Amazon's deal patterns. I'm also keeping an eye on rivaling retailers like Walmart and Best Buy to see if they can one-up their offers. (Check back for updates as we get closer to the sale.)
Apple's last-gen earbuds are getting harder to find in stock following this month's launch of the AirPods 5, but they were still available on Amazon at the time of writing. While they lack ANC, miss out on Live Translation, and don't sound quite as nice as their successors, they remain a great option for budget shoppers at their current price of $99 (normally $129). It's their best deal of the year so far. If they sell out by the time you go to buy them, try Walmart instead.
Read Mashable's review of the Apple AirPods 4.
Apple's latest flagship smartwatch hit shelves in mid-September alongside the AirPods 5, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and iPhone 18 Pros. It has an upgraded chipset and sensors that support better heart rate monitoring, a new Readiness feature, and new Audio Intelligence tools. Amazon is currently selling it for $389.99, which is almost $10 off its usual sticker price of $399. That discount isn't huge, but it's probably not going to get any bigger once Prime Big Deal Days starts. Its predecessor, the Series 11, was also only $10 off during its first Prime Big Deal Days.
Check out our breakdown of all the differences between the Apple Watch Series 12 and Series 11.
Similarly, the rugged Apple Watch Ultra 4 isn't heavily discounted but probably won't get any cheaper than it currently is, if history repeats itself. Last year, during Prime Big Deal Days, the last-generation Apple Watch Ultra 3 was marked down to $779.99 (normally $799). Ahead of this year's sale, the Ultra 4 is already matching that. Its upgrades include a faster processor, a longer battery life, and a new heart rate monitoring system; it has the same new health and fitness features as the Series 12.
Read Mashable's review of the Apple Watch Ultra 4.
Amazon still has a couple of older M4 iPad Pros in stock and on sale at deep discounts. One is an 11-inch model with a nano-texture (matte) display and 2TB storage; the other is a 13-inch model with Apple's standard display and 512GB of storage. They're marked down to $1,899 and $1,299, respectively, which is a $200 savings either way. (For reference, they were $250 off and $100 off during Prime Big Deal Days 2025.) They're significantly cheaper than their newer M5 counterparts right now, so I can see them selling out well before this year's October Prime Day.
Read Mashable's review of the 13-inch Apple iPad Air (M4).
This beefy MacBook Pro, powered by Apple's most powerful laptop chip, is ideal for advanced users like professional video editors and developers. MacBooks don't normally get discounts of more than $300 to $400 during Amazon's Prime events, so at $600 off, this one's a no-brainer buy. I should also mention that this exact configuration cost $3,599 before Apple raised its MacBook prices in June — this discount negates that and then some.
Apple AirPods 5: The latest flagship AirPods debuted in mid-September, and they're currently stuck at full price. (The standard models retail for $129, while the ones with a wireless charging case cost $149.) They should get cheaper next month, but not by much. The AirPods 4 only saw a small $10 discount during their first Prime Big Deal Days in 2024, so I think they'll probably go for $119 and $139, respectively.
Apple AirPods Pro 3: The AirPods Pro 3 have better ANC than the regular AirPods 5, plus a longer battery life, an added heart rate sensor, and an exclusive Hearing Aid mode. They're down to $199 right now — a 20% savings — but there's a strong chance they'll dip even lower for October's festivities. Amazon could revive its record-low price of $169, which last appeared right before June's Prime Day sale.
Apple AirPods Pro Max 2: Apple's over-ear headphones are currently on sale for $479 (or $70 off their $549 MSRP), but I'd wait. We saw them fall to $399 a couple of months ago on Prime Day — an impressive 27% savings.
Read our reviews of the AirPods 5, the AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods Max 2. Plus, find out where they ranked on our guides to the best wireless earbuds and the best noise-canceling headphones.
Apple Watch SE 3: Normally $249, Apple's budget smartwatch has been as cheap as $189.99 before — a savings of just under $60. It's definitely not worth buying now at $239, or only $10 off.
Apple MacBook Neo: The cheapest MacBook hasn't gotten any major discounts at major retailers since its March release. (Its current sale price of $689 on Amazon, or $10 off, is its all-time low there.) There's no world where Amazon matches the Apple Store's $100 student discount for Prime Big Deal Days, IMO, but maybe we'll see it hit $649 for the first time next month. It's due for better deals now that it's more than six months old.
Apple MacBook Air: Two variants of the 13-inch M5 MacBook Air were $150 off at the time of writing, but don't add them to your cart yet. Both sizes of last year's M4 MacBook Air were $200 off during Prime Big Deal Days 2025. If Amazon matched that offer in the coming weeks, it would erase the M5 Air's recent price hike. For reference, the 13-inch one usually starts at $1,299, while the 15-inch size typically starts at $1,499; snag them as soon as you catch them at $1,099 and $1,299, respectively.
Apple MacBook Pro: The 14-inch, M5-powered base model with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage is also $150 off right now, but I think Amazon might sell it for $1,799, or $200 off, come Prime Big Deal Days. That's the discount its equally configured predecessor got last fall. (It wouldn't fully cancel the MacBook Pro's recent $300 price increase, but it would be a welcome deal regardless. We haven't spotted it on sale for less than $1,849 since June.)
Read our reviews of the Apple MacBook Neo, the M5 MacBook Air, and the M5 MacBook Pro. Plus, find out which MacBook is best for you.
Apple iPad: Apple's flagship tablet is on sale for $427 in the lead-up to Prime Big Deal Days (usually $449), which is a skip. Wait to see if Amazon matches or beats its $70 discount from last year's sale, which would bring it down to just $379.
Apple iPad mini: The smallest, most portable iPad was also $70 off during Prime Big Deal Days 2025, so it's worth adding to your cart if you see it drop to $529 or lower next month. It's now on sale for $569 (only $30 off).
Apple iPad Air: Both sizes of the latest M4 iPad Air are $100 off right now. That's a decent discount, but we saw last year's M3 models go on sale for $150 off last October. If Amazon can replicate that for Prime Big Deal Days 2026, it would completely nix the 11-inch version's price hike. That size would return to $599, while the 13-inch model would only be $799 (normally $749 and $949, respectively).
Apple iPad Pro: The 11-inch base configuration of the M4 iPad Pro was $100 off during last year's Prime Big Deal Days, while the 13-inch base model was $200 off. Amazon isn't matching those offers just yet: The smaller size is now $1,139, only $60 off, while the 13-inch one is now $1,399, or $100 off (not bad, but it could be even better). Ideally, they'll soon hit $1,099 and $1,299 or less.
Read our reviews of the iPad mini, the M4 iPad Air, and the M5 iPad Pro. Not sure which iPad to buy? Allow us to offer some guidance.
Amazon's next Prime Day is officially on the horizon. Its fall savings event, Prime Big Deal Days (aka "October Prime Day") is coming Oct. 6 and 7, with competing festivities at Target and Walmart.
Prime Big Deal Days will be an opportunity to get a head start on your Black Friday wishlist — and to get some relief from the RAMageddon price hikes impacting the tech industry this year. For its part, Amazon increased the prices of nearly two dozen Kindles, Fire TV Sticks, Echo smart speakers, and eero routers this summer because of rising component costs. Its upcoming seasonal deals should cancel out some of those markups.
As we gear up for fall, Amazon is already dropping early October Prime Day deals, and we've rounded up the best ones below. Savings are fluctuating quickly; for example, Fire Sticks were heavily discounted last week and are now full price. We're still holding out for more deals, considering Amazon Echo devices and Kindle e-readers have yet to go on sale.
Finally, a word of warning: We do expect prices to drop even lower on select Apple products when the sale starts Oct. 6, so you might want to hold out until then. In the meantime, we'll be regularly updating our picks in the lead-up to Prime Big Deal Days.
Products marked with a ✅ were personally tested and recommended by a member of the Mashable team.
Ahead of October Prime Day, you can save 51% on the Beats Studio Pro over-ear headphones. Usually, $349.99, the premium headphones are now just $169.95. Beats is all about audio, and these cans provide support for lossless audio. Similar to AirPods, Beats products also offer seamless connectivity to iOS devices.
JBL Tune 730BT headphones — $59.95 $89.95 (save $30)
CMF by Nothing headphones — $69 $79 (save $10)
Nothing Ear (3) earbuds — $129 $149 (save $20)
Beats Solo 4 wireless headphones — $129.95 $199.95 (save $70)
Skullcandy Crusher 720 headphones — $139.99 $209.99 (save $70)
Beats Powerbeats Fit sports earbuds — $169.95 $199.99 (save $30.04)
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 — $189 $229 (save $40) ✅
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) — $249 $299 (save $50) ✅
The basic AirPods just got an upgrade with the new AirPods 5, and last year's Apple AirPods Pro 3 are back on sale. Ahead of October Prime Day, shop the Apple AirPods Pro 3 for $199, a $50 discount. The earbuds have ANC, a more comfortable fit, and bring live translation to the AirPods experience. They're perfect for commuters and even measure your heart rate, which is great for athletes who love a good workout playlist.
Apple MagSafe Charger — $39.99 $49 (save $9.01) ✅
Apple Pencil USB-C — $69.98 $79 (save $9.02) ✅
Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS 44mm) — $249 $279 (save $30) ✅
Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, 128GB, WiFi) — $649 $749 (save $100) ✅
Apple MacBook Pro (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,849 $1,999 (save $150) ✅
It's no surprise that the best early October Prime Day deals include plenty of Amazon's own gadgets. Case in point: you can grab this HD tablet with 32GB of storage for 50% off. In the midst of a global memory crisis, a $73 tablet sounds pretty appealing to us. This 10-inch tablet has a lightweight design, a decently long battery life, and a crisp, colorful display. According to the Amazon price-tracking site camelcamelcamel, it's never been this cheap before.
Blink cameras
Blink Video Doorbell — $21.99 $49.99 (save $28)
Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Camera — $23.99 $39.99 (save $16)
Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera — $39.99 $99.99 (save $60)
Blink Outdoor 4 and Battery Doorbell — $104.99 $369.98 (save $264.99)
Many runners believe Garmin is the gold standard of smartwatches and fitness trackers. And ahead of Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, you can grab the Garmin Vivoactive 6 for just $229.99. That saves you $70 off its retail price.
The Vivoactive 6 features an AMOLED display and up to 11 days of battery life, so you can wear it around the clock. It provides energy monitoring and a sleep score, so you get personalized tips to improve your sleep. Plus, it has 80 built-in types of sport tracking.
CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro — $69 $79 (save $10)
Garmin Vivoactive 5 Smartwatch — $181.97 $299.99 (save $118.02)
Garmin Lily 2 — $199.99 $249.99 (save $50)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, 40mm — $259.99 $299.99 (save $40) ✅
Google Pixel Watch 4, 41mm — $329.99 $449.99 (save $120)
The Nintendo Customer Appreciation Sale is a great chance to save on Switch games and accessories, and it runs through Sept. 26. Amazon is undercutting Nintendo, Walmart, and Best Buy by a whopping $0.02 with this deal, but we're not complaining.
This wireless controller offers better controls for many types of games (on both Switch 1 and Switch 2) than the standard Nintendo Joy-Con controllers, and this is your chance to grab it at its lowest-ever price.
Right now, Prime members can save 80% on four months of Amazon's audiobook service, paying just $0.99 for their first four months. Your membership lets you download one title per month. including classics, new releases, and BookTok faves like the ACOTAR series. And if 99 cents feels a little high, you can also sign up for a 30-day free trial.
Kindle Unlimited — 3 months free
Amazon Music Unlimited — 4 months free with Prime
Buy or lease a new car, get a $1,500 gift card for free with Prime
Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender, 700W — $54.98 $69.99 (save $15.01)
Anker Prime 25W Qi2 Foldable MagSafe Charger — $99.73 $149.99 (save $50.26)
Shark SpeedStyle Hair Dryer — $159 $229 (save $70)
Dreame MF10 Bladeless Tower Fan — $186.98 $299.99 (save $113.01)
Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.
We found rare TV deals on TCL, LG, Hisense, and more live ahead of October Prime DayThe best early October Prime Day TV deals include QLED and OLED models from TCL, LG, Hisense, Samsung, and more.
Another Amazon Prime Day is upon us. Well, kind of. Prime Big Deal Days, which runs from Oct. 6 through Oct. 7, isn't quite as massive as Amazon's flagship summer sale, but it serves as an unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season.
Casually called October Prime Day, the fall sale features deals on all sorts of tech — just like Prime Day proper. TVs, in particular, tend to see pretty big price drops now that new models have been on the market for about six months. In other words, if you're in need of a new TV, you can find a 2026 model for a steal during October Prime Day.
We've rounded up some of the best TV deals from brands like TCL, LG, Hisense, and Samsung that you can shop now, but be sure to check back as the official Prime Big Deal Days sale nears for more.
Mashable's TV expert is a big fan of TCL's QM8L SQD-Mini-LED TVs. She named it our favorite QLED TV for most people, highlighting its "superb peak brightness, detailed picture quality, and fantastic glare handling" in her review. It's one of the brightest TVs you can buy in 2026, period, which is thanks in part to its "super quantum dot mini LEDs" (aka the SQD part of its name). On a normal day, the 85-inch model costs $3,999.99, but ahead of Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days, it's down to $2,497.99. That's its lowest price on record.
OLED TVs are known for their elite contrast and often extreme price tags. However, the LG C6 is what Mashable's TV expert calls the "best affordable OLED TV," compared to competitors' prices. It's also her top pick for an OLED TV for most people. It features inky blacks, stark contrast (of course), improved audio, peak brightness, and a higher refresh rate than its predecessor, and overall, incredible picture quality. At just under $1,600, the 65-inch model is over $1,000 cheaper than its list price ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. We've actually seen it drop even lower before, so we'll be keeping an eye out as the official sale nears.
The Hisense U7 series delivers Mini-LED performance you'd expect on higher-priced models. It packs a 165Hz refresh rate, 2.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos audio, a Google TV with a Gemini interface, and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. Its backlighting features full-array local dimming as well, which means clusters of tiny LED bulbs precisely control brightness levels within specific sections of your screen for more accuracy and depth. The U7 is a step up from our favorite budget TV of 2026, but with this massive price drop, it's actually a much better deal. At $847.99, the 65-inch model is already $2 cheaper than it was on Prime Day proper back in June.
The S90H is the mid-range OLED from Samsung's 2026 lineup and just a step down from our favorite OLED of the year (the S95H). Compared to last year's model, the S90H gets a brightness bump and an upgraded anti-reflection display. It also supports 4K at 165Hz, NVIDIA G-SYNC, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.
Usually pretty pricey at $2,699.99 for the 65-inch model, you can shave over $1,000 ahead of October Prime Day and pick it up for just $1,697.99. That's only $100 shy of its all-time low. The stock at Amazon is running low, so I suggest grabbing it ASAP. Otherwise, Best Buy has the same model for just $2 more.
Roku 43-Inch Select Series 4K TV — $179.99 $249.99 (save $70)
LG 43-inch QNED73B Mini-LED QNED 4K TV — $299.99 $359.99 (save $60)
Sony 48-inch Bravia 6 OLED 4K TV — $1,098 $1,299.99 (save $201.99)
Insignia 50-inch F50 4K TV — $179.99 $299.99 (save $120)
Hisense 55-inch E6SR Hi-QLED 4K TV — $299.99 $449.99 (save $150)
Samsung 55-inch M70H Mini-LED 4K TV — $299.99 $347.99 (save $48)
Hisense 50-inch S7 Canvas Hi-QLED 4K TV — $797.99 $1,299.99 (save $502)
TCL 55-inch NXTVISION QLED 4K TV — $797.99 $999.99 (save $202)
LG 55-inch LX7B Gallery Mini LED 4K TV — $899.99 $1,299.99 (save $400)
Roku 65-inch Plus Series QLED 4K TV — $449.99 $649.99 (save $200)
Hisense 65-inch E7 Mini-LED Hi-QLED 4K TV — $649.99 $999.99 (save $350)
LG 65-inch LX7B Gallery Mini LED 4K TV — $1,099.99 $1,799.99 (save $700)
Toshiba 65-inch G700 ArtVision QLED 4K TV — $1,099.99 $1,999.99 (save $900)
Hisense 65-inch S7 Canvas Hi-QLED 4K TV — $1,197.99 $1,999.99 (save $802)
Samsung 65-inch S85H OLED 4K TV — $1,397.99 $1,999.99 (save $602)
TCL 65-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $1,497.99 $2,499.99 (save $1,002)
Sony 65-inch Bravia 8 II QD QLED 4K TV — $2,498 $3,299.99 (save $801.99)
Samsung 75-inch M70H Mini-LED 4K TV — $547.99 $729.99 (save $182)
Hisense 85-inch U6 Pro Hi-QLED Mini-LED 4K TV — $1,297.99 $1,999.99 (save $702)
Hisense 85-inch S7 Canvas Hi-QLED 4K TV — $2,197.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,802)
Hisense 100-inch E7 Mini-LED Hi-QLED 4K TV — $1,996.97 $2,999.99 (save $1,003.02)
Hisense 100-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV — $2,497.99 $2,999.99 (save $502)
TCL 98-inch QM7L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $2,497.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,502)
TCL 98-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $3,997.99 $5,999.99 (save $2,002)
SAVE $1,399.01: As of Sept. 24, the Roborock RockMow X120H AWD robot lawn mower is down to $1,799.99 from its list price of $3,199. That's a 44% discount and a brand new low price.
If you've been waiting for a reason to permanently retire your old push mower, Amazon just handed you one on a silver platter.
Ahead of Prime Day, the Roborock RockMow X120H LiDAR AWD robot lawn mower just dropped to a brand-new, Prime Day-exclusive low of $1,799.99, down $1,399.01 from its usual $3,199 tag. That's a massive 44% savings and the absolute best price we've ever seen on this top-of-the-line robotic mower.
Forget about burying perimeter wires around your property or mounting satellite dish antennas on your roof. The X120H uses a 360-degree LiDAR laser scanner with dual cameras to map out up to a half-acre yard in minutes. Just turn it on, let it scan, and it creates pinpoint digital boundaries on its own.
With a heavy-duty all-wheel drive motor, this beast climbs steep 80% inclines (roughly 39 degrees) and rolls right over 3-inch bumps that stall smaller mowers. Its active steering system lets it carve tight turns without digging up or damaging your lawn. By pairing laser depth-tracking with AI cameras, the mower spots toys, garden hoses, patio chairs, and yard tools sitting on the grass. It steers around them in real-time, so you can let it run safely without checking the yard first or worrying about pets and kids.
The Roborock app also gives you complete control to schedule multi-zone cleaning, set custom mowing patterns, and track progress remotely. It includes three years of 4G cellular connection built in with zero subscription fees, rain sensors that send the bot back to the dock when it pours, IPX6 hose-down waterproofing, and built-in GPS anti-theft tracking.
If you want to cross "mow the lawn" off your to-do list forever, head over to Amazon to grab the Roborock RockMow X120H before this record-low price disappears.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro — free at T-Mobile
Paramount+ — $0.99 for 2 months with code p2mcs26prem
Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $199 $249 (save $50)
Apple iPad Pro — $1,899 $2,099 (save $200)
TCL 85-Inch Class QM8L Series TV — $2,497.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,502)
TL;DR: Watch Portugal vs. Wales in the Nations League for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The UEFA Nations League is back. Is this good news for football fans? Nothing really comes close to domestic campaigns for dedicated followers of the game, but this competition is a marked improvement on the string of friendly fixtures we were "treated" to before this tournament came along.
Portugal take on Wales in a particularly interesting fixture this week. All eyes will be on 41-year-old Ronaldo, as always.
If you're interested in watching Portugal vs. Wales in the Nations League from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
Portugal vs. Wales in the Nations League kicks off at 2.45 p.m. ET on Sept. 24. This fixture takes place at Estádio José Alvalade.
Portugal vs. Wales in the Nations League is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can secure access 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 live stream Portugal vs. Wales for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Portugal vs. Wales for free by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Watch Portugal vs. Wales for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Portugal vs. Wales without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, 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 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.
Live stream Portugal vs. Wales for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Early Prime Day deals on speakers are live: Score huge discounts on Beats, Bose, and moreEarly Prime Day deals are already live on speakers. Save on Beats, Bose, and more ahead of the sale.
It's officially fall, which means a lot of things: Gilmore Girls rewatches begin, spiced coffees, and of course, the beginning of sales season.
From Prime Big Deal Days to Black Friday to Cyber Monday, the end of summer truly marks the season of discounts. And with Prime Day just around the corner, you can expect to see Amazon discounts on everything from portable power stations to Fire TV Sticks.
We've already spotted a bunch of discounts on speakers, including both premium and more budget-friendly options from brands such as Beats, Bose, and JBL. We've rounded up some of the best early deals below.
The Beats Pill isn't just beloved for its classic, powerful sound; it's also a powerhouse in design. It's robust, with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, so it's ideal for taking to the beach, the pool, or wherever you might not feel comfortable taking a less durable device. For sound, there's a bespoke racetrack woofer that displaces 90% more air volume. You can also easily pair two Beats Pill speakers for a richer audio experience in Amplify or Stereo mode.
When a speaker is priced as low as the Soundcore Select 4 Go, there's little it needs to do to impress beyond just playing your music. But thankfully, this speaker does a little more than that. It has a compact, waterproof design (rated IP67) and up to 20 hours of battery life. It can even be immersed in water up to 3.3 ft deep for up to 30 minutes, so it's ideal for a variety of activities. And despite its compact size, this portable speaker delivers 5W of output for clear, punchy sound.
Anker Soundcore 2 — $29.99 $22.99 (save $15)
JBL Go 5 — $39.95 $54.95 (save $15)
Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 — $69.99 $99.99 (save $30)
Bose SoundLink Flex — $79.99 $150 (save $70.01)
Soundcore Boom 2 — $99.99 $129.99 (save $30)
Ultimate Ears Boom 4 — $129.99 $149.99 (save $20)
JBL Charge 6 — $159.99 $199.95 (save $39.96)
JBL PartyBox Stage 320 — $499.95 $549.95 (save $50)
While Amazon's next Prime Day event, which the retailer calls Prime Big Deal Days, doesn't officially kick off until Oct. 6, plenty of early deals have already dropped for shoppers to check out.
Robot lawn mower deals are among the items that have popped up ahead of the sale, which is very helpful if you're looking for a little extra assistance around the yard before chilly winter weather arrives.
Dreame, Roborock, and Mammotion are included, with a few popular models getting huge discounts. Check out some of our favorite early October Prime Day robot lawn mower deals below. Even if you don't need it for the rest of autumn, this is a perfect opportunity to get ahead of the game on next year's yard work.
This Dreame robot lawn mower has received an astonishing discount ahead of October Prime Day, though you'll need to clip a coupon to snag it. Once you do that, its price plummets from $3,699.99 to $1,799.99. That's $1,900 in savings, which is a fantastic offer to jump on right now.
As for what this mower can accomplish, it can handle yards up to 0.87 acres, slopes up to 38.7 degrees, and features dual cutting discs for trimming down your yard. It also comes with EdgeMaster 2.0 technology that can reach the borders around your yard and even map them out. Thanks to 360° 3D LiDAR and AI binocular vision, this robot mower can navigate around any obstacles in its way to ensure the whole lawn gets a full trim.
Roborock's RockMow X120H is down to its lowest-ever price of $1,799.99 ahead of October Prime Day, a discount of $1,399.01 off its list price. This deal is exclusive to Prime members. If you're not signed up, check out our breakdown of how to sign up.
Unlike the Dreame model above, this robot mower can handle lawns up to 0.49 acres. It also features a 9.49-inch cutting width, and the cutting height can be adjusted from 1.57 to 3.54 inches, depending on how much you need to trim. On top of that, it comes with 3D LiDAR and AI Vision to map your yard and avoid obstacles in its path, and it can handle 38.7-degree slopes and 3.15-inch obstacles.
It's not the only Roborock deal we've stumbled on at Amazon, though. Check out more of our favorite early finds below.
Roborock RockMow X115H Robot Lawn Mower — $1,399.99 $2,299 (save $899.01)
The Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD 3000 is normally listed for $3,099, but shoppers can scoop it up for $2,109 right now on Amazon, saving you a whopping $990.
This model comes with two 165W motors and six-blade discs to power through your lawn. Paired with AI vision, it can automatically adjust speed and power based on grass density, so your yard gets an even trim all around. Plus, it can handle slopes up to 38.6 degrees. Like the mowers above, it can also map your yard using a combination of 360° LiDAR for navigation, NetRTK for corrections, and Dual-Camera AI Vision to help it avoid objects in its path.
Below, you can see more Mammotion robot lawn mower deals that have caught our eye.
Mammotion LUBA mini 2 AWD 1500H Robot Lawn Mower — $1,699 $1,999 (save $300)
Segway's Navimow i105N has returned to its lowest-ever price on Amazon, dropping to $669 from its $799 list price. Overall, that means you get to keep $130 in your pocket, which isn't too bad at all. If you're looking for a mower that can tackle slightly smaller yards than the ones above, this Segway model can certainly help you out.
Able to handle up to 0.125 acres and slopes up to 17 degrees, the Segway Navimow i105N features a cutting width of 7.1 inches and a cutting height between 2 and 3.6 inches. It also comes with mapping technology and VisionFence, which help it avoid objects left in the yard while it's cutting.
Sunseeker X5 AWD — $1,573.96 $2,198 (save $624.04)
MOVA LiDAX Ultra 2000 AWD — $1,799 $2,319 (save $520)
The Moon is looking a little different tonight as it continues towards the Full Moon. With more of its surface illuminated each evening, there are plenty of lunar features to try and spot if you've got clear skies. Here's what to look out for tonight.
As of Thursday, Sept. 24, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the Waxing Gibbous phase, with 94% of its surface visible.
Without the assistance of visual aids, you should be able to spot the Mare Crisium, Mare Fecunditatis, and the Tycho Crater. If you have binoculars, they'll also help you see the Mare Nectaris, Gassendi Crater, and the Mare Frigoris. On top of this, if you have access to a telescope, you'll see the Apollo 17 landing spot, the Rima Hyginus, and the Rupes Altai.
The next Full Moon will take place on September 26.
The Moon goes through a repeating cycle as it orbits Earth, taking roughly 29.5 days to complete. During that time, the amount of its sunlit side visible from Earth changes, giving us the different lunar phases. It starts with a slim crescent, grows to a half Moon and eventually reaches the Full Moon, before beginning the cycle again. NASA explains that which phase we see depends on where the Moon is in relation to Earth and the Sun.
The eight phases are:
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. (Northern Hemisphere)
Third Quarter (or Last 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.
Save $100 on an 11-inch iPad Air — our experts favorite early Prime Day iPad dealGet the best Apple iPad deal at Amazon. Save $100 on the Apple iPad Air (M4) 11-inch at Amazon.
TL;DR: As of Sept. 24, the Apple iPad Air (M4) 11-inch is available for $649 at Amazon. That's a $100 saving on the regular list price of $749.
If you're looking to upgrade your iPad, now's the time. With October Prime Day on the horizon (Oct. 6-7), there are some early Apple deals popping up across Amazon, including a neat saving on the Apple iPad Air (M4) 11-inch.
Don't be put off by the fact that this is powered by the previous-gen M4 chip, now outdated by Apple's next-gen M6. The M4 still puts this iPad on par with most laptops, so you're in good hands. As part of the Air range, it's also super light and portable — exactly as an everyday iPad should be.
As of Sept. 24, the Apple iPad Air (M4) 11-inch is priced at $649 on Amazon. That’s a $100 saving on the regular list price and our expert's favorite early Prime Day iPad deal.
This iPad is packed with all the brilliant tech you expect from Apple, with an emphasis on a fluid and intuitive user experience. It has Apple Intelligence, Touch ID, and Apple N1 for WiFi 7 capability — all managed and enjoyed through its beautiful liquid retina display. It also packs in 128GB of memory storage.
There are other iPad deals currently available, including the higher-spec iPad Pro 11-inch (M5) and budget-level iPad (A16). But when it comes to bang for buck, the deal on the Apple iPad Air (M4) 11-inch is hard to beat. Get it now for $649 and save $100.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro — free at T-Mobile
Paramount+ — $0.99 for 2 months with code p2mcs26prem
Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $199 $249 (save $50)
Apple iPad Pro — $1,899 $2,099 (save $200)
TCL 85-Inch Class QM8L Series TV — $2,497.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,502)
TL;DR: Meta has teamed up with Blackpink star Lisa for a special-edition Meta Glasses by Lisa collection starting at $399. The frames come in cat-eye Capri and Adventurer styles featuring etched star details, collectible pet charms, and built-in Meta AI.
Between fronting Louis Vuitton campaigns and dropping record-breaking solo hits, Lisa is no stranger to setting global fashion trends. Now, the international icon is bringing her distinct aesthetic to wearable tech. Meta has officially unveiled Meta Glasses by Lisa, a high-fashion collaboration that reimagines the brand's AI smart glasses into runway-ready accessories.
Unveiled at Meta Connect 2026 alongside the new Meta Ray-Ban Gen 3 line — which now features expanded frame options and spatial audio recording — the company is leaning heavily into style-focused collaborations. Designed over a year to capture both sides of Lisa’s persona — the rock star on stage and the off-duty trendsetter — the collection launches in two distinct frame styles:
Meta Capri Lisa Edition — An eclipse (black) cat-eye frame paired with grey lenses, offering a sharp, high-fashion statement look tailored for standard and low-bridge fits.
Meta Adventurer Lisa Edition — A versatile, modern silhouette available in a moonlit sky frame with blush lenses or an eclipse frame with grey lenses.
Both styles ditch basic plastic finishes for custom star accents etched directly onto the temple tips, engineered slip-reduction fits, and three-way adjustable nose pads. Every pair also ships with a pocket-sized, quilted star charging case — delivering up to 40 hours of additional battery life — and a collectible case charm inspired by Lisa’s beloved pets, her "L-Family".
The collaboration extends beyond physical hardware into the Meta AI ecosystem. When setting up the glasses, fans unlock exclusive onboarding experiences, starting with a collectible digital Lisa photocard that can be shared directly to Instagram Stories, with more photocards dropping over time in the Meta AI app. The app also includes a custom Lisa sticker pack for Instagram and Meta AI.
Despite the luxury framing, neither style cuts corners on tech. Both models come equipped with a 12MP camera that shoots hands-free photos and 3K video from your point of view. For sound, open-ear speakers pair up with a six-microphone array for clear music playback, crisp phone calls, and real-time voice translation when traveling abroad.
You also get full access to Meta AI voice features, allowing you to ask questions about what you are looking at hands-free, get local spot recommendations, share your live location with friends, or ask Spotify to play music that fits your view. Both frames also support prescription lenses and deliver over 8 hours of battery life on a single charge.
The Meta Glasses by Lisa are available now, starting at $399.
Jenny Hoyos wants to be your internet best friend. YouTube wants to make that easier.As creator audiences grow, YouTube is building more ways to keep those relationships feeling personal — and to help creators make money.
Jenny Hoyos wants to be your internet best friend.
That might sound ambitious for someone with more than 12 million YouTube subscribers. But for Hoyos, the feeling of accessibility is a fundamental part of being a creator.
"I don't want to feel like someone that just shows [up] once a week or once a month," Hoyos told Mashable and other journalists during a roundtable at the Made On YouTube event in New York City on Wednesday. "I want them to see, 'Wow, Jenny's accessible 24/7. She is responding all the time. She is posting every day, several times.'"
Then she laughed. "Does she sleep? Maybe not. Not enough."
Maintaining that level of intimacy with millions of people is, unsurprisingly, a lot of work. At Hoyos' scale, it's also become a team effort. "I basically have someone to do everything," she said. "I don't think that there's a single task that I have to do [alone]."
Hoyos has people helping with community posts and a community manager who assists with engagement and moderating unwanted comments. She still has final say, she said, but much of the work surrounding her online presence can be delegated. There is one obvious exception.
"Other than being on camera, that is the only thing I cannot outsource," Hoyos said. "I try to maximize the amount of time that I can on camera, just so I can show up for my viewers as much as possible."
It's a revealing look at what community building looks like at the highest levels of the creator economy. The intimacy between creator and fan might feel casual — a reply to a comment here, a livestream shoutout there — but maintaining that relationship at scale requires an increasingly sophisticated operation behind it. And YouTube wants to give creators more of the tools to run that operation without leaving YouTube.
At Made On YouTube, the video-sharing platform announced a slate of new and upcoming features designed around creator communities, including members-only Communities and more ways for fans to interact directly on the platform. Users will be able to share videos directly with friends through YouTube, with group chats coming soon. At the same time, members-only Communities will give paying channel members their own spaces to interact. YouTube is also expanding the ways viewers can participate in comments, including reaction GIFs and the ability to leave voice-to-text comments from their TVs.
Livestreaming is getting more interactive, too. Live Showdowns will turn fan participation into a kind of game, with viewers contributing to an on-screen battle as they watch. YouTube is also working to make livestreams easier to discover, including surfacing them alongside videos, Shorts, posts, and podcasts in personalized feeds. Taken together, the updates give creators more ways to turn watching YouTube into something viewers do with them and with each other.
Hoyos said that although she never deliberately set out to foster relationships among her viewers, she's watched those relationships emerge in her Community posts.
"I post almost every day," she said. "People just respond to each other, communicate with each other, and get connected."
Because Hoyos shares details about her own life and interests, fans will respond with their own, she said. Other viewers see those exchanges and discover people who like the same things.
Barbara Macdonald, Google's product manager for Live, said she sees the same phenomenon play out in livestream chats, particularly among smaller communities.
"People know each other's birthdays. They know what everybody is interested in," Macdonald said of her own YouTube community. She also maintains a Discord, where some of those relationships continue outside YouTube.
But unsurprisingly, YouTube appears to be building features that could keep more of that activity on its platform. Hoyos certainly sees the appeal.
"As a creator, I want everything in one place," she said. Creators already have enough work without maintaining separate spaces for every facet of their fandom, she argued. A creator might have a YouTube channel for videos, a Discord for their community, and a Patreon for exclusive content. Each new platform doesn't just create more work for creators; it also asks fans to follow them elsewhere.
"It's a lot," Hoyos said. "It's not even just a lot for us as the creator, but also the audience, getting them to convert."
"You have all these CTAs to download all these apps," she added. "It's so much easier for everyone [to have everything in one place]."
Of course, bringing more of a creator's fandom to YouTube also creates more monetization opportunities.
YouTube has spent more than a decade building ways for fans to financially support creators, from channel memberships and Super Chats to newer products such as Hype with Jewels and the upcoming Live Showdowns.
But Hoyos said she is cautious about directly monetizing the relationship she has built with her audience. "I don't like to monetize directly through just the fans, just because I do feel bad," she said.
Hoyos offers channel memberships, but unlike some creators, she doesn't put significant amounts of exclusive content behind them. Instead, membership largely gives fans a better chance of being noticed during her livestreams. Their badges make their messages stand out in a fast-moving chat, and Hoyos said she's more likely to acknowledge them or respond to their comments.
She doesn't see that as shutting everyone else out. "I still give energy and attention to everyone," Hoyos said. "It's just the ones that are members, I immediately see it first."
That distinction gets at a complicated part of the modern creator-fan relationship: Fans are no longer only consuming content — they're being asked to participate in the economy surrounding it.
According to Macdonald, YouTube's research has found that viewers spend money on creators for several different reasons. Some simply want to support someone whose work they enjoy. Others want exclusive content. And some are paying for a moment of recognition.
"If they happen to be doing a livestream and you send a Super Chat, and then they say your name, they shout you out, they answer the question that you've asked in Super, you just — you feel it," Macdonald said.
The culture around that exchange has changed dramatically since YouTube first began developing fan-funding products around 2015, she said. At the time, Macdonald recalled creators being uncomfortable with the idea. "'I don't know how I feel about having my fans pay to hang out with me,'" she recalled creators telling her.
Eleven years later, Macdonald said creators are actively asking YouTube for those tools, and viewers are now accustomed to using them.
Hoyos has noticed the shift, too. "It's definitely become more part of the culture to support your favorite creators," she said.
YouTube can build more tools to help creators find viewers, talk to them, moderate them, and eventually monetize them. But Hoyos doesn't think the platform can do the most important part of community building for them.
For smaller creators struggling to find an audience, Hoyos argued that the problem isn't always discovery. Sometimes, they simply aren't making compelling enough live content.
"It's on the creator to actually have good content and not just go live and, like, 'Oh, I hope people show up,'" she said. Creators should promote their livestreams, have something resembling a show planned, and, crucially, actually talk to the people who arrive.
"If you're not interacting with people, why are they going to tell their friends [to watch you]?" Hoyos said. "Why are they even going to continue watching?"
It's perhaps the simplest explanation of Hoyos' "internet best friend" strategy. YouTube can make it easier for creators to gather their communities in one place. AI can help moderate their comments. Teams can schedule posts, manage communities, and handle the day-to-day logistics of running a creator business.
But someone still has to show up. For Hoyos, that's the part she isn't willing to outsource.
New app from former Tinder exec turns anyone into a matchmakerFormer Match and Tinder exec Taru Kapoor launches Rivet, an app where everyone matchmakes.
Matchmaking is having a moment, whether it's an AI matchmaker for college students or human matchmakers with decades of experience. And while singles are increasingly vexed by dating apps, the platforms are trying to pull in loved ones to help them date, too — like with Hinge's recent feature Friend's Take.
Amid these trends, a new app for both singles and wannabe matchmakers launches today: Rivet. Founded by former Tinder and Match Group executive Taru Kapoor, Rivet is a "social matching" app that will attempt to replace algorithms with the wisdom of crowds. Users sign up as Daters or Matchers, and all are encouraged to pair up others.
"Dating has always been social," said Kapoor in a press release shared with Mashable. She spent years thinking that dating apps were removing friction from meeting each other, but instead, "we removed the people."
Dating apps created matches by connecting people who wouldn't have met otherwise, Kapoor continued, but a side effect was that they turned something fundamentally social and human — dating — into a transactional, isolated activity.
"I built Rivet to change that," she said. "Rivet is built on a simple truth: humans understand chemistry and compatibility in a way that no algorithm can. You don't have to find your person entirely on your own, let people help you find your person."
On Rivet, all Daters are also Matchers, but not all Matchers are Daters, Kapoor told Mashable. "Even if you're married, in a relationship or simply not currently looking to date, you can still join Rivet to be a Matcher and help people find meaningful connections," she said over email. You can make a Dater profile later if you'd like, but you're never required to.
Matchers provide their opinions on potential pairs and recommend introductions for users they believe would be a good couple. Pairs who receive high "Social Matching scores" are then introduced to each other on the app, and each person decides whether to match and start a conversation.
You can be on Rivet solely as a Dater, Kapoor continued, though the app encourages Daters to participate in matching others.
More than two-thirds (68 percent) of Gen Z and millennials said they'd be interested in helping someone they don't personally know find a potential romantic match (if they can do so anonymously, and the pair themselves made the final decision), according to a national survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults commissioned by Rivet.
And some prizes can sweeten the deal, too. Matchers can receive rewards for helping people find love, according to Rivet's website. "Match a pair that you think will click or call a mismatch, and you earn Karma. Karma gets you bragging rights and can be redeemed for rewards," it states.
Currently, reaching 15,000 Karma with a strong MQ (Matcher Quotient, the app's way of displaying a Matcher's thoughtfulness and accuracy) can be redeemed for $30 equivalent in cash or gift cards, Kapoor said. The team is working on making more reward and redemption options available soon.
Those with high MQ might also be bestowed as Elite Matchers.
In addition to the app, Rivet also hosts live events, such as a dating show in New York City in early Oct.
More dating apps are adding AI — meaning, more algorithms — and Rivet is bucking the trend. It's now available for free on iOS and Android.
How to watch F1 live streams online for freeHow to watch F1 for free. Live stream the 2026 F1 season for free from anywhere in the world.
This season of F1 is unlike any other. Every season of F1 has a number of fascinating storylines to follow, but due to a major set of regulation changes, there's so much uncertainty right now. And uncertainty can lead to exciting racing.
Mercedes looked totally dominant in the early stages of the season, but now McLaren has cut the gap.
If you are interested in watching F1 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
Formula One (F1) is the highest class of international open-wheel single-seater racing. A season consists of a series of races held in multiple countries and on multiple continents, either on purpose-built circuits or on closed public roads.
Lando Norris is the defending champion. McLaren won the Constructors Championship in 2025.
The 2026 F1 season is the 77th edition of the championship. This year's championship features 24 Grands Prix events held all over the world between March and December:
Australian Grand Prix — March 8
Chinese Grand Prix — March 15
Japanese Grand Prix — March 29
Miami Grand Prix — May 3
Canadian Grand Prix — May 24
Monaco Grand Prix — June 7
Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix — June 14
Austrian Grand Prix — June 28
British Grand Prix — July 5
Belgian Grand Prix — July 19
Hungarian Grand Prix — July 26
Dutch Grand Prix — Aug. 23
Italian Grand Prix — Sept. 6
Spanish Grand Prix — Sept. 13
Azerbaijan Grand Prix — Sept. 26
Singapore Grand Prix — Oct. 11
United States Grand Prix — Oct. 25
Mexico City Grand Prix — Nov. 1
São Paulo Grand Prix — Nov. 8
Las Vegas Grand Prix — Nov. 21
Qatar Grand Prix — Nov. 29
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — Dec. 6
It's important to note that these dates are only for race days. The Chinese, Miami, Canadian, British, Dutch, and Singapore GPs will host a sprint race.
For the first time, Apple TV has made an entire F1 race weekend available for free to viewers in the U.S., with live coverage of the Austrian Grand Prix from June 26–28. Fans can watch every session live on Apple TV — including practice, qualifying, and Sunday’s Grand Prix — with no subscription required.
In the U.S., F1 is now exclusive to Apple TV. If you want access to the whole season, an Apple TV subscription costs $12.99 per month or $99 per year.
It's worth noting that the best Apple TV free-trial offer comes with purchases of new Apple devices. New subscribers can get three months of Apple TV for free after purchasing any eligible Apple product, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, or Apple TVs. This special offer goes live for 90 days after the new device is activated — that's a good chunk of the season.
Im watching the Azerbaijan GP for free this weekend — how to live stream F1 for freeHow to watch F1 for free. Live stream the Azerbaijan GP in the 2026 F1 season for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Apple TV+ through Prime Video Channels to watch select F1 races for free. Watch the Azerbaijan GP for free with the Prime Video app.
Kimi Antonelli tops the F1 standings coming into an electric weekend of action in Azerbaijan. The talented Italian secured a dramatic victory in the Spanish GP, extending his lead over teammate George Russell.
McLaren continues to show pace after the last round of updates, but Norris now has a mountain to climb. The defending champion is over 100 points behind Antonelli, a margin that's probably too great. Still, Norris will be aiming to cut the deficit at the Baku City Circuit.
If you want to watch F1 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
The Azerbaijan GP is the 15th race of the 2026 F1 season. Here's the full schedule from the Baku City Circuit:
Practice 1 — 4:30-5:30 a.m. ET on Sept. 24
Practice 2 — 8-9 a.m. ET on Sept. 24
Practice 3 — 4:30-5:30 a.m. ET on Sept. 25
Qualifying — 8-9 a.m. ET on Sept. 25
Race — 7 a.m. ET on Sept. 26
Fans can follow all the action from this race weekend without spending anything.
Amazon Prime delivers fast shipping, Prime Day discounts, and access to the Prime Video library.
For F1 fans in the U.S., Prime Video is absolutely key this season. Apple TV holds exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights for F1, and you can sign up for a seven-day free trial of Apple TV directly through Prime Video Channels.
That trial gives you access to select races for free, including this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The subscription rolls over to $12.99 per month after the seven-day trial, but you can disable the automatic renewal and still stream the entire race weekend for free.
Of course, if you're already paying for Amazon Prime, calling it "completely free" is questionable. But if you don't have an active membership, Amazon offers a 30-day free trial for new users. Stacking that Prime trial with the seven-day Apple TV channel trial means you're truly spending nothing to stream this weekend's race.
If you've already made use of this method, you still have a few workarounds:
Apple TV: New standalone subscribers qualify for a direct seven-day free trial through Apple's app.
Apple One: If you want more than just streaming, the Apple One tier packages Apple TV alongside Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, Apple News+, and 50GB of iCloud storage — and it comes with a full one-month free trial ($19.95 per month after the promotional period).
Apple: The most generous Apple TV offer is tied to new hardware purchases. Buying an eligible iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV grants new subscribers three months of free service. You obviously have to spend money on hardware, but if you were already planning an upgrade, it effectively unlocks a massive chunk of the F1 season for free.
TL; DR: Samsung TV Plus is turning on House of Hallows for October, bringing a massive collection of free, subscription-free horror directly to Samsung Smart TVs. The lineup features AVOD premieres of A24 hits like Heretic and MaXXXine, iconic blockbusters like The Sixth Sense and Resident Evil, and paranormal series on the Fear Zone channel.
If you are looking to queue up a spooky movie marathon without adding another paid subscription to your monthly bill, Samsung has you covered. Throughout October, Samsung TV Plus — the global, subscription-free streaming service available on Samsung Smart TVs — is launching its House of Hallows hub.
Designed to be a one-stop destination for horror classics, paranormal series, and nightly frights, the event delivers an absolute mountain of horror content straight to your living room with no logins or credit cards required. Whether you want to stream blockbuster movies on demand, binge ghost hunts on live channels, or just leave eerie visuals running in the background during a fall party, here is everything landing on Samsung TV Plus this Halloween season.
Available across Movie Hub, the Samsung Television Network (STN), and on-demand streaming, the October film lineup ranges from nostalgic sci-fi and slasher hits to international thrillers and family-friendly spooky flicks:
The Sixth Sense
Resident Evil and Resident Evil: Apocalypse
Mars Attacks!
Suspiria
Urban Legend and Urban Legends: Final Cut
You're Next
Cobweb
Exhuma
Labyrinth
R.L. Stine’s Zombie Town
Tourist Trap
In the Cut
Salmokji: Whispering Water
For fans seeking acclaimed, modern genre hits, the dedicated A24 collection brings together psychological thrillers, supernatural scares, and unsettling cinema. This channel includes several major free ad-supported streaming (AVOD) premieres alongside beloved cult favorites:
AVOD Premieres — Heretic, The Front Room, and MaXXXine
Modern Classics and Cult Favorites — Talk to Me, Hereditary, Midsommar, X, Pearl: An X-traordinary Origin Story..., The Blackcoat's Daughter, Lamb, Under the Skin, Life After Beth, The Monster, Climax, In Fabric, and Enemy
If you prefer unscripted ghost hunting and real-world paranormal investigations, the Fear Zone channel features primetime spots spotlighting a different series each night on a weekly rotation:
Most Haunted
Paranormal Survivor
The Other Side
Death Walker
Boogeyman
For moments when you need a break from intense jump scares, Samsung TV Plus is adding a couple of lighter seasonal options:
AFV with Alfonso Ribeiro — Watch continuous runs of favorite Halloween-themed episodes from America’s Funniest Home Videos.
Halloween Vibes Channel — Turn your television into a cozy seasonal backdrop with ambient fall-aesthetic visuals, eerie nightscapes, and haunted hideaways to set the mood for spooky gatherings.
Skip the extra $15 streaming subscription this month — grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and turn on your Samsung Smart TV this fall.
Beat the Kindle price hike: The viral XTEINK X4 e-reader is over $10 off at AmazonGet the best e-reader deal at Amazon. Save over $10 on the XTEINK X4 Classic Pocket eReader.
TL;DR: As of Sept. 24, the XTEINK X4 Classic Pocket eReader is marked down to $78.99 at Amazon. That's $10.01 off the list price of $89.
You may have been one of the Kindle fans who were alarmed by news that Amazon would be hiking prices across its devices — more fallout from the ongoing AI-enforced RAMageddon crisis, which is driving up tech prices.
The bad news for Kindle readers is that upgrading your Kindle is going to come at a literal cost — and more than you normally expect to pay for a Kindle. Fortunately, the XTEINK X4 Classic Pocket eReader, which is one of the trendiest Kindle alternatives, is currently marked down as part of the early October Prime Day deals.
As of Sept. 24, the XTEINK X4 Classic Pocket eReader is down to $78.99. It's usually priced at $89, so that's a $10.01 saving.
The big selling point of this e-reader is just how practical and compact it is. It attaches magnetically to the back of your smartphone, so your e-books are right there on the phone and in your pocket. You can also turn pages with either physical buttons or by just shaking the device. The main catch with this one is that it requires DRM-free EPUB files, so you won't get the full range available to Kindle.
Pick up the XTEINK X4 Classic Pocket eReader today for just $78.99.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro — free at T-Mobile
Paramount+ — $0.99 for 2 months with code p2mcs26prem
Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $199 $249 (save $50)
Apple iPad Pro — $1,899 $2,099 (save $200)
TCL 85-Inch Class QM8L Series TV — $2,497.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,502)
SAVE OVER $100: As of Sept. 24, the Hisense 65-inch E6SR Hi-QLED 4K UHD Smart TV is on sale for $399.99 at Amazon. That's $150 off its full price of $549.99.
Amazon's stacked with great early deals ahead of its October Prime Day sale, especially on TVs.
In the sweet spot of 65-inch screen sizes, we've found some discounted models that are well worth checking out right now, including the Hisense 65-inch E6SR Hi-QLED 4K UHD Smart TV. This is our favorite budget find so far in this size range, with a $150 discount ahead of Prime Big Deal Days.
While it's normally priced at $549.99, this discount has brought the price down to $399.99. Amazon notes that this is a 30-day low for the model, but the price-tracking tool camelcamelcamel lists it as the best-ever price.
If you've been looking to upgrade to a bigger screen, Hisense's 65-inch model is a great mid-range pick that offers a larger display without taking up most of your wall space. It has high-quality specs, too. 4K resolution and Hi-QLED technology pair together to bring a crisply detailed and colorful picture to your screen, which is further boosted by Dolby Vision.
It also comes with DTS Virtual:X, which enhances the sound quality of what you're watching, so you don't miss a beat of dialogue as it unfolds. And on top of that, streaming from your favorite apps is simple and easy since it's a Smart Roku TV.
Amazon's sale is still a little way away, so why wait to jump on this deal? Be quick to save on the Hisense 65-inch E6SR Hi-QLED 4K UHD Smart TV at Amazon right now.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro — free at T-Mobile
Paramount+ — $0.99 for 2 months with code p2mcs26prem
Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $199 $249 (save $50)
Apple iPad Pro — $1,899 $2,099 (save $200)
TCL 85-Inch Class QM8L Series TV — $2,497.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,502)
Adidas has officially dropped another limited-edition Pokémon collection, marking the latest release in a wild string of collabs celebrating the franchise’s 30th anniversary. We've covered Owala bottles, Stance socks, Polaroid cameras, and much more, but this might be the coolest Pokémon drop to date.
The collection features over 10 new footwear designs across staple silhouettes like the Samba OG. Prices range from $60 to $180, with listings on every pair live online right now across major retailers. Charizard, Pikachu, Mewtwo, and other favorites are featured, so you can expect these to sell fast.
Here's everything you need to know about the lineup and where to secure your size before stock runs dry.
There really is something for everyone in this wild collection, from fuzzy sneakers with Pikachu ears to more understated Sambas featuring lavender suede:
Pikachu (Superstar II in Yellow and White): The bold yellow pair features a fuzzy upper with plush Pikachu ears attached to the tongue. The clean white option keeps things subtle, with yellow stripes and lightning-bolt embroidery on the heel.
Charmander (Superstar II): Cream white leather base accented with shock-orange stripes and a custom graphic of Charmander using Ember across the side panel.
Charmeleon (Superstar II): Shifts to deep crimson shades with textured shell toes and character-specific tongue tags.
Charizard (Superstar Vintage): Features an orange dragon-scale leather upper, removable wing overlays, and custom lace jewels.
Mewtwo (Samba OG) Soft lavender suede terrace silhouette with iridescent sheen, glossy purple heel tabs, and an acrylic lace tag referencing Mewtwo's signature Psystrike move.
Gastly (Adistar Control 3): Dark smoke-grey and deep purple breathable open-mesh runner.
Haunter (Adistar Control 5): Deep purple performance runner built with extended tongue tags and hidden pink accents.
Gengar (Adistar XLG 2.0): A chunky 2000s-inspired silhouette where raised side panels mimic Gengar's glowing eyes.
Rayquaza (Adistar Control 5): Emerald green mesh performance model featuring textured dragon-scale cage overlays and metallic gold accents.
Collabs can be lazy, but this 30th Anniversary collection stands out for its high-grade materials and character-driven designs. We expect popular sizes to sell quickly, so don't hesitate to grab your size at Adidas, Foot Locker, or Sole Play while stock remains available.
Josh Johnson calls his mom during his Last Meal on Mythical KitchenJosh Johnson enjoyed his "last meal" on Mythical Kitchen, and halfway through, he called his mom. What a gem.
Josh Johnson enjoyed his "last meal" on Mythical Kitchen, and halfway through, he called his mom. What a gem.
The comedian, writer, Daily Show host, and Mashable 101 alum joined host and chef Josh Scherer for a tasty stroll down memory lane. They dine on fruit slushes, a giant charcuterie board, lychee milk tea boba, pad thai, New York-style pepperoni pizza, pumpkin soup, chicken and shrimp gumbo, young coconuts (served as a soup), all with different spoons — “You didn’t have to do different spoons for me,” Johnson says — as the comedy star talks through memories.
It's a delightful chat, with Johnson stopping during the soup course to call his mother to check gumbo details and tell her that "someone's doing it right out here."
In another highlight of the video, Johnson invites the Mythical Kitchen crew including Ash Guenin, Colby Bleistein, and Tony Manlutac to join the table so he can congratulate them on their cooking skills. Bon appétit.
From YouTubers and TikTok stars to streamers and podcasters, Mashable talks to creators about how they built their platforms, the gear they swear by, and the trends they see coming next. Read more of our creator coverage, sign up for our Trending Now and Top Stories newsletters or get Mashable push alerts to discover the internet's most exciting voices.
Check out the Prime Day price drop on this LG OLED gaming monitor — a massive saving of $400Get the best gaming monitor deal at Amazon. Save $400 on the LG Ultragear OLED Gaming Monitor.
TL;DR: As of Sept. 24, the LG Ultragear OLED gaming monitor is now available for $499.99 at Amazon. That's a $400 saving on the list price of $899.99.
Top-level gaming gear doesn't come cheap, so whenever you find a good deal on gaming hardware, it's a serious 1-up moment.
The good news for gamers is that we expect plenty of gaming deals as part of October Prime Day, which runs Oct. 6-7. Even better news is that some super early deals are already available, including a good selection of price drops on gaming monitors. For instance, check out the mega discount you can currently get on the LG Ultragear OLED gaming monitor, a 27-inch model from one of the best names in TV and monitor tech.
As of Sept. 24, the LG Ultragear OLED gaming monitor is available for $499.99 at Amazon. That's a total saving of $400 from the regular list price of $899.99.
There are plenty of reasons to pick up this deal — other than the $400 price reduction, that is. Not least of all is the OLED display, widely considered one of the best screen technologies. It's not quite 4K, but it delivers QHD resolution, a 240Hz refresh rate, 0.3ms response time, DisplayHDR True Black, and compatibility with both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.
At just $499.99, the LG Ultragear OLED gaming monitor is more than worth grabbing to upgrade your gaming setup. Get it now and save a massive $400 off the usual price of $899.99.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro — free at T-Mobile
Paramount+ — $0.99 for 2 months with code p2mcs26prem
Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $199 $249 (save $50)
Apple iPad Pro — $1,899 $2,099 (save $200)
TCL 85-Inch Class QM8L Series TV — $2,497.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,502)
TL;DR: As of Sept. 24, the Samsung 27-inch Odyssey G8 gaming monitor is now available for $699.99 at Amazon. That's a $250 saving on the list price of $949.99.
If you're a dedicated gamer, you'll know that top-quality hardware is the difference between winning and losing — spec absolutely matters when you're competing in fine margins. The problem is price. Good gaming hardware costs top dollar, which is why any gamer who knows their stuff is firmly locked in on major sales like October Prime Day.
Sure, we're still a few weeks out, with Prime Day officially set for Oct. 6-7, but there are already some gaming deals available — including gaming monitor deals we think are worth highlighting. That includes the Samsung 27-inch Odyssey G8 gaming monitor, a high-end model that goes beyond most other monitors thanks to 5K resolution.
As of Sept. 24, the Samsung 27-inch Odyssey G8 gaming monitor is available for $699.99 at Amazon. That’s a $250 discount from the regular list price of $949.99.
Sure, it's not the biggest monitor you'll find — there are some curved display options that are absolute beasts — but it's a great fit for mid-size gaming setups. And that's not to say it doesn't go big on spec, because it's loaded with features to improve both your gaming experience and performance: a 360Hz refresh rate, a 1ms response time, a Fast IPS panel, Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, HDR10+ plus AMD FreeSync.
At just $699.99, the Samsung 27-inch Odyssey G8 gaming monitor is a great value hi-spec addition for any gaming station — $250 is a significant saving. Don't miss your chance to level up with this deal.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro — free at T-Mobile
Paramount+ — $0.99 for 2 months with code p2mcs26prem
Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $199 $249 (save $50)
Apple iPad Pro — $1,899 $2,099 (save $200)
TCL 85-Inch Class QM8L Series TV — $2,497.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,502)
TL;DR: Launching Nov. 1 exclusively at Best Buy and direct from EverBoard, the EverBoard is a 21.5-inch tabletop digital console designed for up to six players. It packs licensed Hasbro classics like Monopoly, Connect 4, Chutes and Ladders, and Scrabble into a controller-free touchscreen
If your family game night usually ends with missing dice, lost cards, or arguments over house rules, a new digital tabletop console wants to save your game night. The EverBoard is an all-in-one digital game system launching at select Best Buy stores and online, built to bring family and friends around the same screen without the physical clutter. Built around a 21.5-inch touchscreen, the board supports up to six players at once — no extra controllers, plastic pieces, or mobile app downloads needed.
At launch, EverBoard is partnering with Hasbro to offer digital versions of classic favorites like Monopoly, Connect 4, Chutes and Ladders, and Scrabble. Players access these titles through EverPass, a monthly service with over 50 games out of the box.
But the real party trick here is the EverVibe Game Creator, an AI feature that lets you build original games using simple voice or text prompts. Instead of sticking to pre-made rules, you can describe a custom game idea out loud and watch the board generate a playable version right on the screen.
The physical hardware is built to fit almost any setup, offering four distinct modes that let you play flat on a table, propped up at an angle, locked vertically, or packed into a portable hardshell case for trips. Since the multi-touch screen registers inputs from all sides, anyone around the table can take their turn naturally.
Game night is officially getting an AI upgrade — look for the EverBoard at Best Buy and online starting Nov. 1.
Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Night Pikachu Mini Tin preorders are under market price at Walmart — while stocks lastPreorder the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Night Pikachu Mini Tin for $44.99 at Walmart, nearly $5 under market price.
TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Night Pikachu Mini Tin is available to preorder for $44.99 at Walmart, nearly $5 below its current market price.
Amazon is missing one of the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration expansion’s core products, but not only is the Pikachu-themed variant available elsewhere, but you can preorder now for under market value.
As of Sept. 24, the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Night Pikachu Mini Tin is $44.99 at Walmart. The preorder is sold and shipped by marketplace seller T. Gaming, with free shipping and an estimated Oct. 15 arrival at the time of writing. That’s nearly two weeks after its Oct. 2 release date, but Walmart’s preorder price guarantee is also included, so you’ll pay the lower price if it drops again before launch.
With this new low for preorders, you’re paying $4.91 below market price — estimated by trading card selling platform TCGplayer. As for TCGplayer listings, the lowest currently available is $45.99, making it a nice backup if Walmart runs out of stock.
Inside are two Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration booster packs, a sticker sheet, a Pokémon art card matching the Pikachu-, Unknown-, and Toxitricity-decorated tin, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card.
Night Pikachu is one of 10 Mini Tin designs. Collect all of their matching art cards, and they combine into two larger scenes.
If you’re a Pokémon collector who’s keen to complete the set from the get-go, you can buy the 10-unit 30th Celebration Mini Tin Display Box for $352.24 on TCGplayer.
Target is hosting a huge Pokémon 30th Anniversary event: How to claim free promo cards this weekendTarget is hosting a Pokémon 30th Anniversary event on Sept. 27 from 12 to 4 p.m. Claim free promo cards and take part in free activities.
TL;DR: Target is hosting a nationwide Pokémon 30th Anniversary event on Sept. 27 from 12-4 p.m. local time. Attend to claim custom card crafts, free goodie bags, and limited-edition 30th Celebration TCG drops.
Nothing surprises me anymore when it comes to Pokémon. It doesn't matter how many collections and expansions hit the market. I know the world will collectively lose its mind whenever anything new drops. Nothing is changing anytime soon.
So when I heard that Target is planning a huge nationwide Pokémon 30th Anniversary event with merch, games, and giveaways, the hairs stood up on my neck. This is going to be big, so I want you to be prepared.
Here is everything you need to know if you plan to attend, what you can actually get, and how to prepare for the inevitable crowds.
Target's Pokémon 30th Anniversary event takes place on Sunday, Sept. 27 from 12-4 p.m. local time at participating brick-and-mortar locations.
Store participation and stock allocations will vary by location, so I recommend checking the full list of participating stores or calling your local store beforehand to confirm they are hosting. It's also worth asking about their line policies, so you don't go home disappointed.
Target is setting up dedicated Pokémon areas in participating stores featuring a mix of interactive activities and freebies. You can expect a "draw-your-own Pokémon card" craft station that includes a plastic slab cover resembling a PSA-graded collectible. Select Target locations will also feature playable demos for Pokémon Pokopia on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Everyone loves a freebie, and the good news is that you can expect promotional giveaways while supplies last. Target hasn't confirmed exactly what will be on offer just yet, but we're seeing rumors around goodie bags for attendees. According to reports, the first ~98 attendees in line will receive a bag of freebies, which includes a Mewtwo promo card and a special event ticket. That ticket can be redeemed to purchase two 30th Celebration Tins, if the rumors are true.
Demand during the Sept. 16 launch was massive, so what are your chances of actually getting your hands on anything during this event? You're going to be going up against scalpers, but what's new?
Daily Shows Desi Lydic roasts Melania Trumps new documentary with a brutal parody trailer"Daily Show" host Desi Lydic has mocked Melania Trump's new upcoming docuseries with a parody trailer.
It's been less than a year since the Melania doc came out, but apparently the people want more?
In the clip above, Daily Show host Desi Lydic gives a detailed breakdown of Melania Trump's recent appearance on Fox & Friends, during which the First Lady announced an upcoming docuseries.
"Another Melania documentary?" asks a confused Lydic. "Melania, I love you, but unless you're living with Nathan Fielder in this thing, no-one is asking for this."
Lydic finishes with a parody trailer for the docuseries, inter-spliced with some impressively unenthusiastic Fox & Friends interview clips.
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The Pokémon 30th Celebration box is way below market price — act fast to buy for $89.99 on AmazonGet the best Pokémon deal at Amazon. Save almost $90 on the Pokémon 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box at Amazon.
TL;DR: As of Sept. 24, the Pokémon 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is available for $89.99 at Amazon. That's well under market price.
For Pokémon fans, there are few greater pleasures than finding product at way below market price. And that's exactly what you'll get with Amazon's current price on the Pokémon 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box.
As of Sept. 24, the Pokémon 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is available on Amazon for just $89.99. According to the market price listing at TCG Player, that's a total saving of $88.64 vs. the current market price of $178.63.
The catch is that you can't just rock up on Amazon and buy one. It's so in-demand that Amazon requires potential buyers to click the "request invite" button, which puts you in a random ballot to actually purchase one.
If you're randomly selected, you’ll get an email to let you know that you’re eligible to buy Pokémon’s 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box. The email will contain a purchase link valid for 72 hours. But don't wait around — at this price, there's no guarantee that this Elite Trainer Box will still be in stock.
If your invitation request isn't selected, Amazon will keep it on file, and you may receive an invitation after restocks.
The Elite Trainer Box includes nine Pokémon 30th Celebration booster packs, a full-art foil Nidorina promo, 16 foil Basic Energy cards, 65 sleeves, dice, a coin, dividers, a player’s guide, and a Pokémon TCG Live code.
Don't miss the chance to grab the Pokémon 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box at $89.99 — almost half of the current market price.
Amazon device deals are live ahead of October Prime Day: Shop Fire tablets, Blink cameras, Fire TV Sticks, and moreThe best Amazon device deals ahead of the October Prime Day event include Fire tablets, Fire TV Sticks, Blink cameras, and more.
Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days (aka October Prime Day) is coming in hot, and with it, a boatload of discounts on Amazon's own devices. It officially runs from Oct. 6 through Oct. 7 this year and presents the perfect opportunity to kickstart your holiday shopping.
It only makes sense that Amazon would offer the biggest markdowns on its own devices. And since Amazon decided to swiftly jack up prices across its hardware range last month by as much as 60 percent(!), the October Prime Day sale couldn't come at a better time.
Things are starting a bit slow, but there are already several Fire tablets, Blink cameras, Fire TV streaming sticks and soundbars, and eero devices on sale. We're hoping to see some big price drops on Kindles and Echo devices, as these were the gadgets hit the hardest in the price hike, but so far they're MIA. Don't worry — we'll keep a watchful eye out and update this story if and when those deals appear.
Aside from devices themselves, Amazon's typical subscription deals for newcomers (and returning users) are already live. You can score three free months of Kindle Unlimited, four months of Audible Standard for 99 cents per month, or four free months of Amazon Music Unlimited.
We'll be tracking all the best Amazon device deals below, leading up to and throughout the Prime Big Deal Days sale. You do need to be a Prime member to score the biggest discounts during the event, so be sure to sign up before it kicks off.
While it's hardly a new device, the Fire HD 10 tablet is still a solid pick for anyone who just wants a tablet to stream shows, check emails, and browse social media. Mashable's reviewer SaVanna Shoemaker called it "lighter and faster than its predecessors, with a long battery life and vivid picture that makes it great for on-the-go entertainment." Compared to other well-known tablets, she also adds that it's an "excellent value." It's not going to knock your socks off, but it'll get the job done and won't break the bank — especially now that it's on sale for only $72.99, a full 53% off its list price.
Amazon Fire 7 Kids — $49.99 $99.99 (save $50)
Amazon Fire HD 8 — $79.99 $129.99 (save $50)
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids — $94.99 $169.99 (save $75)
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro — $104.99 $179.99 (save $75)
Limited Edition Harry Potter Amazon Fire HD 10 — $132.99 $189.99 (save $57)
The entire Fire TV Stick lineup was affected by the August price hike, so we're surprised that the discounts are still at pre-hike levels. Prime members can score the 4K Select for only $17.99 with the code 4KFTVSAVE, which is 64% in savings.
The 4K Select is Amazon's newest 4K Fire TV Stick with HDR10+ support and the first to feature its new Linux-based operating system. That means a few things: it's speedier and more streamlined than older Fire Sticks, but also more limited. If you like sideloading apps, this streaming stick won't let you (go with the 4K Plus instead). It also offers support for Alexa+, Amazon Kids+, Amazon Luna, Xbox Game Pass, and NordVPN.
Amazon Fire TV Stick HD — $15.99 $39.99 (save $24 with code HDFTVSAVE)
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 $69.99 (save $45 with code STREAM4K)
Amazon Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote Pro — $24.99 $34.99 (save $10)
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar — $99.99 $119.99 (save $20)
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus — $189.99 $249.99 (save $60)
Who doesn't love free stuff? In this early October Prime Day deal, you can get the Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ for no extra cost when you purchase the Blink Outdoor 2K+ for $34.99. That's 65% off the camera itself and nearly 80% off the combined cost. If you're looking to enhance your home security but don't want to spend a fortune, this bundle is an excellent start. You'll get sharp 2K video, enhanced audio, and night vision with no installation hassle. Everything is battery-powered and lasts for months at a time.
Blink Mini 2K+ — $15.99 $39.99 (save $24)
Blink Mini Pan-Tilt — $23.99 $39.99 (save $16)
Blink Video Doorbell — $26.99 $69.99 (save $43)
Blink Outdoor 4 — $27.99 $79.99 (save $52)
Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ — $30.99 $69.99 (save $39)
Blink Arc 2K+ — $31.99 $99.99 (save $68)
Blink Outdoor XR+ and Wired Doorbell 2K+ — $41.99 $169.98 (save $127.99)
If your WiFi is laggy, it may be a good time to invest in an Amazon Eero system. Ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, the Eero Pro 7 Mesh WiFi router is down to $269.99, which is $30 cheaper than usual. It supports over 200 devices, internet plans up to 5 Gbps, and covers up to 2,000 square feet, helping to optimize your connection and eliminate dead spots. Even if you're not a tech guru, it's a breeze to set up thanks to Eero's step-by-step guide in the app.
Amazon eero 7 — $154.99 $169.99 (save $15)
Amazon eero Max 7 — $529.99 $599.99 (save $70)
Cooking at home is supposed to save money, but between grocery prices and the cost of decent appliances, it doesn't always feel like it.
Amazon's October Prime Day (officially Prime Big Deal Days) doesn't start until Oct. 6, but many early kitchen deals are already live. If you need a new air fryer, want to upgrade your morning coffee station, or just need to replace a worn-out pan without spending a fortune, we found the best early discounts to grab right now.
At $149.99 (down from $229.99), the Ninja Foodi 10-Quart DualZone is just 99 cents above its all-time low.
Instead of cooking in batches or relying on your oven, it gives you two separate 5-quart baskets that run at different temperatures simultaneously. The Smart Finish setting automatically syncs the timers so both baskets finish cooking at the exact same time, while Match Cook lets you duplicate settings across both sides for full 10-quart meals. It also includes six standard functions — air fry, broil, roast, bake, dehydrate, and keep warm — and has enough total capacity to handle about eight pounds of wings.
Air fryers and countertop appliances
Instant Pot Vortex 6-in-1 — $65 $89.99 (save $24.99)
Chefman 6-quart Compact Air Fryer — $74.99 $119.99 (save $45)
Instant Pot Vortex Plus XL ClearCook Double Basket — $159.99 $189.99 (save $30)
Ninja French Door Premier Air Fry Oven with Cutting Board — $199.99 $299.99 (save $100)
Coffee and espresso makers
Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker — $71 $99.99 (save $28.99)
Keurig K-Express — $89.99 $109.99 (save $20)
Keurig K-Elite — $149.99 $209.99 (save $60)
Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee & Espresso Maker by De'Longhi — $163.32 $189 (save $25.68)
Ninja Luxe Café Premier Espresso & Rapid Cold Brew — $499.99 $599.99 (save $100)
Cookware and bakeware
Carote Pots and Pans 21-Piece Set — $59.99 $99.99 (save $40)
Cuisinart Stainless Steel Pots and Pans 7-Piece Set — $108.04 $119.95 (save $11.91)
Carote Pots and Pans 26-Piece Set — $139.99 $219.99 (save $80)
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel Pots and Pans 11-Piece Set — $171.36 $179.95 (save $8.59)
KitchenAid Hard-Anodized Induction Ceramic Pots and Pans 9-Piece Set — $246.49 $289.99 (save $43.50)
Blenders and ice cream makers
Ninja Professional Blender 2.0 (72 oz) — $79.99 $109.99 (save $30)
Oster Extreme Mix Blender — $129 $189.99 (save $60.99)
Ninja CREAMi 7-in-1 Ice Cream Maker (NC301) — $207 $229.99 (save $22.99)
Chefman Iceman Slush-Ease Slushie Machine — $179.99 $299.99 (save $120)
These items aren't on sale just yet, but if past sales have taught us anything, they usually drop as soon as Prime Big Deal Days officially begins. If you've been eyeing any of these, add them to your cart now and hold off on buying until Oct. 6.
Our Place Wonder Oven — We typically see these get $60+ price cuts during major Amazon sales events. Hold off until next week if you want one.
Ninja Crispi Glass Air Fryer — The Ninja Crispi saw a $50 discount during June's Prime Day event.
KitchenAid Artisan, 5-Qt Tilt Head Stand Mixer — We saw this go for $379.99 during June's Prime Day event.
Days after Donald Trump revoked White House access for journalists from CNN, Politico, and MS NOW, the administration launched a 24/7 "Trump TV" YouTube stream. And on Wednesday Jimmy Kimmel had one brutal sentence to sum it up.
"So far it's going about as well as everything else with Donald Trump's name on it," Kimmel says in the clip above. "It peaked with an audience of about 8,500 people on Monday night. By this morning they were down to fewer than 500 viewers. The only channel doing worse is the Strait of Hormuz."
Kimmel finishes with yet another parody ad, this time for a lineup of made-up Trump TV shows including "The All-White Lotus" and "America's Most Dangerous Windmills".
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Early Prime Day deal: Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 drops to $289.99 at AmazonGet the best Samsung Galaxy Watch deal at Amazon. Save 12% on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 at Amazon.
SAVE $40: As of Sept. 24, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is on sale for $289.99 on Amazon. That's a 12% discount on the list price.
October Prime Day (also known as Prime Big Deal Days) kicks off on Oct. 6. The two-day event will feature a range of products at reduced prices, from tech to household essentials. But as always, Amazon has started introducing some deals early, with discounts on fitness trackers already live.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is included in the mix. As of Sept. 24, you can find it reduced to $289.99, down by $40.
This watch is packed with a wide range of features, including tools to help you sleep better. Advanced Sleep Coaching and Bedtime Guidance both help you build a better sleep routine, using your personalized Energy Score, which accounts for your previous day's sleep, activity, and heart rate to give you a snapshot of your overall health.
If you're a runner, you'll get the benefit of the Running Coach feature. This analyzes your performance and gives you real-time feedback, with training programs for events ranging from 5Ks to marathons. You can also use it to monitor your heart rate, track steps, and check your blood pressure when calibrated with a compatible blood pressure cuff.
Plus, it has lots of lifestyle features too that make it a great smartwatch. Check sports scores, see the weather, and read your phone notifications at a glance. It also has a built-in AI assistant that can help with tasks and to-do lists.
Head to Amazon to get this Samsung watch deal.
This stacked Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set is heavily discounted ahead of Prime Day — save $70Get the best tool deal. Save 35% on the Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set at Amazon.
SAVE $70: As of Sept. 24, the Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set is on sale for $129 at Amazon. That's a 35% discount on the list price.
Prime Day is still a couple of weeks away, officially getting underway on Oct. 6. That hasn't stopped Amazon from dropping deals ahead of the main event.
You can already find early discounts across a range of products, including fitness trackers and portable power stations. But one of the standout early discounts we've spotted is this Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set, currently $70 off. If you've been seeking a new set of tools, this 230-piece set is now down to $129.
For under $130, you'll get 91 sockets, three ratchets, 21 wrenches, 44 hex keys, 66 specialty bits, and five accessories, all packed into a durable three-drawer tool kit.
The low-profile ratchet has a head that's up to 25% thinner for tight spaces, and the 72-tooth design offers a 5-degree arc swing for easier movement. A one-handed locking dial makes it simple to open and close the drawers, and they can also be nested on top of the toolbox for quick access and temporary storage.
The kit is VERSASTACK compatible, so you can customize a storage setup that suits your needs.
Get this toolbox deal at Amazon now.
Pretty but lethal: 8BitDo’s new Ultimate 3 Xbox controller doesnt compromise on performance8BitDo launches the Ultimate 3 Controller for Xbox in Lavender Dusk across Europe and the US. Features include TMR drift-free joysticks, adjustable tension, and a charging dock for $99.99.
TL;DR: Officially shipping across Europe and available in the U.S. for $99.99, the 8BitDo Ultimate 3 Lavender Dusk brings top-tier competitive features to Xbox, PC, and mobile. Packed with drift-free TMR joysticks and an eye-catching Rococo-inspired pastel shell, it blends high-end performance with a surprisingly gentle aesthetic.
It's not every day a high-performance gaming controller gets described as "gentle, calm, and romantic," but 8BitDo somehow pulled it off.
Distributed across European territories courtesy of Game Outlet Europe and available direct-to-consumer in the U.S., the new 8BitDo Ultimate 3 Lavender Dusk special edition trades the hyper-aggressive, stealth-bomber look of typical pro pads for a soft, Rococo-inspired pastel scheme in natural lavender tones.
While the exterior looks soft and gentle, the internals are built purely for competitive play. At the center of the hardware upgrade are new Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TMR) joysticks. Unlike standard analog sticks that wear down and drift over time, these use magnetic sensors to guarantee long-term durability and pinpoint sensitivity.
Even better, 8BitDo built physical "Force Rings" right around the base of the thumbsticks. Want tighter resistance for precise sniping in shooters? Dial the ring to increase tension. Need loose, lightning-fast flicks for racing or action games? Spin it back down.
The Hall Effect impulse triggers use contactless magnetic sensors with two-stage physical stops, allowing you to instantly convert them into hair-triggers for shooters. To expand your control options, 8BitDo paired the two remappable rear paddle buttons with extra high-speed L4 and R4 bumpers right beside the standard shoulder triggers.
PC gamers get a few exclusive perks, including 6-axis motion controls (gyro aiming) under 2.4GHz mode and an ultra-responsive 1,000Hz polling rate when plugged in via USB-C. For audio, a standard 3.5mm jack sits at the base for plugging in your wired headset.
The included zero-contact wireless charging dock keeps your setup clean, automatically powering down and charging the controller when docked, then waking it back up the second you lift it. You also get tri-mode connectivity to jump seamlessly between Xbox consoles, Windows PC, and mobile via low-latency 2.4GHz wireless, USB-C wired (supporting up to a 1,000Hz polling rate on PC), or Bluetooth.
Ready to trade boring black-and-green hardware for soft pastel perfection? Grab the 8BitDo Ultimate 3 Lavender Dusk before this special edition sells out.
Your backyard is now a live TV show: The Birdfy app just landed on RokuSmart birdwatching brand Birdfy launched its official app on Roku OS TVs, letting users livestream feeders, replay clips, and share bird videos on the big screen.
TL;DR: Birdfy just launched its official app on the Roku Channel Store, becoming the first smart birding brand to stream directly to TV screens. If you own a Birdfy camera feeder and a TV running Roku OS 15.1 or higher, you can now livestream your feeder, search clips by species, and cast footage to family members anywhere in the world.
Watching wild birds fight over sunflower seeds on a tiny phone screen is great, but watching it in full HD on your 65-inch TV hits different. Birdfy, the smart tech brand behind popular AI-powered bird feeders, baths, and birdhouses, just released its official app on the Roku Channel Store.
It marks the first time a smart birding ecosystem has built a dedicated app for a major TV streaming platform. If your TV or streaming stick runs Roku OS 15.1 or higher, you can pull up your backyard feeder live, watch motion-triggered highlight clips, or explore community sightings from 2.4 million users around the globe without leaving the couch.
The TV app connects directly to Birdfy’s motion-activated cameras and AI recognition engine, which identifies over 99% of North American backyard species. Instead of checking phone notifications, the Roku app organizes your saved footage into a full-screen grid sorted by time and bird species. Want to see every Blue Jay or Red-bellied Woodpecker that stopped by your yard this week? You can filter and extract those clips instantly.
The app also adds a clever way to keep family members connected from afar. With a simple "TV Cast Code" generated in the mobile app, you can share your favorite feeder moments with friends or family who live miles away, streaming your backyard clips directly to their Roku TV.
You can download the Birdfy app for free right now on the Roku Channel Store. It works on any Roku TV, streaming stick, or box running Roku OS 15.1 or newer.
The Pokémon 30th Celebration box is back below market price — act fast to buy for $89.99 on AmazonGet the best Pokémon deal at Amazon. Save almost $90 on the Pokémon 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box at Amazon.
TL;DR: As of Sept. 22, the Pokémon 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is available for $89.99 at Amazon. That's well under market price.
For Pokémon fans, there are few greater pleasures than finding product at way below market price. And that's exactly what you'll get with Amazon's current price on the Pokémon 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box.
As of Sept. 22, the Pokémon 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is available on Amazon for just $89.99. According to the market price listing at TCG Player, that's a total saving of $88.64 vs. the current market price of $178.63.
The catch is that you can't just rock up on Amazon and buy one. It's so in-demand that Amazon requires potential buyers to click the "request invite" button, which puts you in a random ballot to actually purchase one.
If you're randomly selected, you’ll get an email to let you know that you’re eligible to buy Pokémon’s 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box. The email will contain a purchase link that will be valid for 72 hours. But don't wait around — at this price, there's no guarantee that this Elite Trainer Box will still be in stock.
If your invitation request isn't selected, Amazon will keep it on file, and you may receive an invitation after restocks.
The Elite Trainer Box includes nine Pokémon 30th Celebration booster packs, a full-art foil Nidorina promo, 16 foil Basic Energy cards, 65 sleeves, dice, a coin, dividers, a player’s guide, and a Pokémon TCG Live code.
Don't miss the chance to grab the Pokémon 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box at $89.99 — almost half of the current market price.
Save $10 on preorders of Nintendos The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remakePhysical preorders for Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake are already $10 off at Amazon.
TL;DR: Physical preorders for Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake are already $10 off at Amazon. Preorder for $59.88 and get a pre-order price guarantee.
We're edging closer and closer to the Nintendo Switch 2 remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The official release date is Nov. 5, but Zelda fans are already buzzing thanks to the first-look gameplay footage.
Preorders for both the digital and physical copies are already available at Amazon. The digital version costs $59.99, while the physical edition was initially priced at $69.99 but has been reduced to $59.88 — great news for those of us who prefer to have the actual game in our hands.
There's another good reason to order from Amazon, as the retailed is offering a pre-order price guarantee. That means if the pre-order changes between now and when you're charged, you'll pay the lowest price point between when you order and when you receive the game.
If you're a serious Zelda fan, it's worth getting that preorder in soon.
Nintendo has revealed that the first print run of the physical edition will come with "special packaging that features textured foil cover art." That's one for the collectors, who will also love the Legend of Zelda-themed hardware coming this fall to mark the franchise's 40th anniversary. That will include a special-edition Switch 2 console, a Pro Controller, and a carrying case, all out Oct. 29.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro — free at T-Mobile
Paramount+ — $0.99 for 2 months with code p2mcs26prem
Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $199 $249 (save $50)
Apple iPad Pro — $1,899 $2,099 (save $200)
TCL 85-Inch Class QM8L Series TV — $2,497.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,502)
TL;DR: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on Sept. 23-26. Gotta Get 'Em All, hosted by Indie Author Collective, is a series book blast with 100+ free titles on offer.
Where have all the Stuff Your Kindle Days gone? That's what we've been shouting into the abyss over the last few weeks.
It wasn't so long ago that we couldn't go a week without a free book giveaway, but the schedule seriously dried up over the summer. Fortunately, Stuff Your Kindle is back to boost your TBR pile ahead of fall and winter.
Gotta Get 'Em All, hosted by Indie Author Collective, is offering free books until Sept. 26. Everything you download is yours to keep forever, so you can get greedy and really stock up without a care in the world. That's what these popular events are all about.
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.
Gotta Get 'Em All takes place from Sept. 23-26. This four-day giveaway gives you plenty of time to assess your options and stock up ahead of the winter months.
Gotta Get 'Em All is a series book blast, offering (you guessed it) books in a series. There's a helpful hub page with filters for price (free or 99 cents), platform (Kindle or Kobo), representation, and genre. With the help of these filters, you can find exactly what you want to read.
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 let 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. Plus, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free with your purchase for a limited time.
The 5 headphones deals we want to see on sale during October Prime DayMashable's headphones expert breaks down the five headphones deals she hopes to see go live during Amazon Big Deal Days from Oct. 6 and 7.
October Prime Day headphones deals are starting to trickle in, but with Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale still about two weeks away, most of the headphones deals I want to see remain unrealized.
I'm not exactly shocked — all but one of the headphones and earbuds on this list were released in the past couple of months (with two still in their preorder phases). Though some have seen some small early discounts, I hope brands take advantage of October Prime Day to ring in the first significant markdowns.
As a professional headphones tester, I've watched prices rise on flagship models rise over the past couple of years. I've also had the experience of testing plenty of mid-range and budget models firsthand, so I've seen the gap between cheaper and more expensive models become more narrow. With that in mind, I chose models with a mix of price points — not just the most expensive — that I could see presenting the best value deals. Whether you're looking for open earbuds, noise-cancelling headphones, or sleep earbuds, these are the five headphones and earbuds (in no particular order) I want to see on sale for Prime Big Deal Days.
The latest generation of Bose QuietComfort headphones are some of the best headphones I've tested in recent memory, earning a Mashable Choice Award. With the addition of Immersive Audio, these headphones are even more similar in functionality to the $449 second generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones, for nearly $100 less. The comfort, noise cancellation, and sound quality are nearly on par with the more expensive headphones, while I find the profile of the ear cups and overall look to be more in line with my personal taste. If they go on sale for $329 or even $299, down from their $359 list price, they'd easily be a top pick deal of October Prime Day — especially because a price drop would mark their first sale. On sale, they'd also be a much better competitor to Sony's new mid-range headphones. Speaking of...
The Sony 1000XM4C headphones are still only available through preorder, with an official launch going live on Sept. 26. At $299.99, they're already a good deal cheaper than the $459 Sony XM6 headphones, but with many of the same benefits, including a comfortable wear time, the Sony companion app, robust sound quality, and solid active noise cancellation. While they won't quite reach the same standards as Sony's flagship headphones, they're a great option for anyone looking for a similar but significantly cheaper choice. Even a small markdown could mean an even bigger price discrepancy between the two, making them an even better value.
Another preorder phase pick: the Bose Ultra Open (2nd gen) earbuds. Bose doesn't always mark down their entire product line for shopping holidays, so with the official launch date of Oct. 1 coming just five days before October Prime Day, I'm not holding my breath. That said, I am trying to manifest, especially as the first-generation open earbuds from the brand helped kick off the open earbuds craze, thanks to their bold design and impressive sound, which offers some of the best quality you can find on open earbuds.
In the past, the $129 Apple AirPods have dropped down to $99 for shopping holidays. If the trend holds this time around, it'd be the first time noise-cancelling earbuds from Apple reach a sub-$100 price point, so obviously I'm hoping to see the entry-level AirPods 5 go on sale. While already a solid value at full price, a sale price could make the AirPods 5 a must-get for many (and significantly more accessible than the AirPods Pro 3).
The best sleep earbuds on the market are Soundcore's Sleep A30 Special. Being the only real option for noise-cancelling sleep earbuds, they already are a pretty solid value — especially as Soundcore lowered the price from $229.99 from the OG Sleep A30s to Sleep A30 Specials. However, they've dipped in price as low as $168.99, making them even more palatable, especially considering their specific use case. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for at least a return to this sale price, if not an even more impressive drop.
The 10 best free dating apps that wont charge you just to send a messageWe tested the best free dating apps, including Hinge, Tinder, and Bumble, that let you match and chat without spending a dime.
If you're on a budget, don't panic. You don't need to shell out hundreds of dollars a year on dating apps to find a genuine connection. Dating itself is already expensive enough, so why should the apps eat at your wallet, too? While some platforms roll out premium tiers that cost as much as a car payment (looking at you, Grindr), you don't have to resort to buying credits or dating an AI bot just to save cash. Some of the best dating apps are still free to download and use, and even though some have features that are only free for women, we found $0 options for everybody.
But you do have to be smart about which apps you download. Some platforms claim to be "free" but immediately lock basic communication behind a paywall. Take eharmony, for example — you can spend 20 minutes on their quiz only to realize you can't even unblur a match's photo or send a message without paying for a premium subscription. Other niche options are disappearing entirely, like Match Group's queer dating app Archer, which shut down in June.
The good news is that mainstream staples like Tinder, OkCupid, and Hinge still have functional free tiers that let you match and chat without spending a dime. Lex is also a great option for the queer community.
We tested out the best free dating apps to find the ones that really work. Use them to find your forever partner, a casual encounter, or something in between — all without handing over any cash.
Note: All the dating sites in this guide offer a functional free membership option that allows you to talk and match with people at no cost. Though most offer paid premium upgrades, these aren't apps like Match or eharmony, where you need to pay just to read a message. And if you're being pressured to send money to someone on a dating app, block them immediately — you might be dealing with a romance scammer.
Forgotten Island review: DreamWorks delivers an epic adventure for weirdosForgotten Island review: DreamWorks’ animated movie stars H.E.R., Liza Soberano, and Dave Franco in a funny, heartfelt adventure inspired by Filipino folklore.
It wasn't until Forgotten Island that I understood that Dave Franco was put on this earth to play a weredog screw-up named Raww.
Make no mistake, the voice-casting of DreamWorks' latest animated adventure is absolutely flawless. R&B singer H.E.R. lending her voice to a high-energy chaos-curator called Jo, Liza Soberano as Jo's straight-laced bestie Raissa, Manny Jacinto as a momma-obsessed demon baby, Jenny Slate as the memory-collecting Batiba, Dolly de Leon as a karaoke-loving lola (grandmother), Ronny Chieng as a furious ruler of the adorable Duwende — all perfection. But Franco's raspy enthusiasm, previously channeled into a variety of lovable dummies from Neighbors to Together to Idiots, is brilliantly distilled as Raww, a boy who can't control his shapeshifting, and who, at the sight of a stick, can't resist going "full dog."
And I'm elated to say this is just one of the wacky, wonderful treasures in Forgotten Island, a friendship comedy/road trip adventure that's sure to thrill kids and grown-ups alike.
Written and directed by Joel Crawford and Januel P. Mercado, Forgotten Island is a celebration of friendship, Filipino culture and '80s/'90s American radio. Its story begins in the Philippines, where Jo Yuson is new to school, and making a big impression with her family history project. Instead of your standard family tree illustration, she's created an elaborate projector display about Nakali, a fantasy island where demons roam, including the dreaded Manananggal — a vampire who can fly and split into two to better conquer her prey.
While most of her peers snark at Jo's island, bespectacled Raissa is enchanted. Using her advanced understanding of aerodynamics to defend Jo's description of the Manananggal, she ends up at the principal's office with her.
There, a lifelong friendship between wonderful misfits is formed, which will be marked by a charm bracelet, bedecked with mementos of slumber parties, recognizing the glory of Predator, karaoke, and other shenanigans. However, as college approaches, Raissa is readying to travel to the U.S. to continue her education, while Jo is utterly lost and barely employed. It's on their last night together that they tumble unexpectedly into Nakali. And things get really wild from there.
Awakening with new accessories, an unexplained haircut, and tattoos, the friends realize they can't remember their first night on the island. With the help of the chaotic Raww, they retrace their steps to understand what happened and find a way home (in time for Raissa's flight to California!)
Crawford and Mercado embrace Filipino culture by displaying not only the natural beauty of the Philippines and the glorious bustle of its cities in the opening scene, but also through the rich lore in Nakali. Various mythical creatures pop up, bursting with character and color, welcoming the audience into the experience alongside Jo and Raissa. However, Crawford and Mercado also seem to pull inspiration from animated films like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and KPop Demon Hunters, embracing a variety of animation styles without reservation.
The colors in Forgotten Island are vivid, often neon, reflecting the American pop inspiration point that also allows for its soundtrack to boast tracks like Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" and Montell Jordan's "This Is How We Do It." The kinetic animation style Mercado and Crawford favor likewise reflects their heroines' liveliness, with spirited physical expressions and countenances that break the Disney princess mold. These girls scream, cackle, and ugly cry. And the animation style (and character models) shift to better allow for this expression. Then, as they hear their forgotten story recounted by others they meet, the 3D animation shifts more drastically, turning 2D and reflecting styles found in anime and manga, including chibi. For instance, Raww recounts how he met them with a flashback that looks like he's gone full Goku.
This flexibility in style keeps Forgotten Island feeling unpredictable and exciting, as the girls race against the clock to reclaim their memory and their passage home. But that's not all, because this movie — chaotic, comedic, and radiantly joyful — might also move you to tears.
If you somehow missed The Sheep Detectives, one best movies of 2026 (that's now streaming on Prime Video), allow me to explain. Like Forgotten Island, The Sheep Detectives seems like kid stuff. In that case: When a mystery-novel-obsessed shepherd dies under mysterious circumstances, it's up to his flock of actual sheep to solve his murder. But despite the silliness and the adorableness of its heroes, The Sheep Detectives snuck up on audiences when it came to its depiction of grief and friendship. Forgotten Island pulls off this same trick, and fantastically so.
It begins in the second act, where Jo and Raissa's friendship is nurtured by the former's lola. This moxie-rich old broad inspires the girls to love each other loudly and unapologetically, just as the weirdos they are. And, as you might guess from such a setup, Lola will die. By the end of this montage of growing up together, you might be on the brink of tears. But then comes island fun, and silly creatures, and terrifically executed Odd Couple banter. Your heart is light, your mouth smiling. And then Forgotten Island reconnects with the drama that kicked off before the girls fell to the eponymous land mass.
How do you preserve a friendship when life is pulling you apart? Here's where the script gets a bit hurried in tying up this storyline along with all the threads of the island misfits (including a comically vain merman voiced by Kevin McCann). However, amid a flurry of truly thrilling action, the tender drama at this movie's core hits hard. Cheers to H.E.R. and Soberano, who bring Jo and Raissa to vivid life, whether they are fighting or frolicking. In their voices is etched the kind of easy intimacy that makes this lifelong friendship feel real, and yet frighteningly fragile. It's in these moments that grown-ups might well cry, and when one vocal kid at our press screening let out a high chirp of distress. But fear not. Forgotten Island will deliver an ending that is sensational and satisfying, reassuring us that being a weirdo works out once you've found your wild pack.
All in all, this terrifically enthralling animated adventure is a wild ride that is absolutely not to be missed.
Forgotten Island opens in theaters on Sept. 25.
The best early Prime Day drone deals: We found live deals on DJI, Skyrover, Ruko, and moreShop deals on drones from DJI, Skyrover, and more at ahead of Amazon's Big Deal Days 2026 sale.
Prime Big Deal Days is coming in hot, but you don't have to wait until October to start filling your cart up with deals. If you're looking to get into flying drones or just want to add another to your collection, now's the time to start shopping.
Drones tend to hold their prices most of the year, so a sale like this with multiple price cuts is one of the few times where the drone you've had your eye on might be shoppable. There's plenty to choose from already, from favorites like DJI to Skyrover and several options in between. While some brands like Antigravity have yet to showcase any discounts ahead of the sale, you can shop several of the top drone brands on Amazon right now.
Of course, prices are bound to change throughout the sale, so we'll keep this page current as discounts come and go. But if you're ready to go ahead and dive in, these are the best drone deals you can grab ahead of Prime Big Deal Days.
This small drone weighs under 249 grams, so you can fly it recreationally in the U.S. without registering it with the FAA. It also folds down small enough to toss in a bag to carry around if you want to take it on the go. It records 4K HDR video and rotates all the way to vertical when you want footage for Reels or TikTok, and its larger sensor offers plenty of detail in low light. It runs for up to 38 minutes per charge, and its camera feed reaches about 6 miles, which is more range than you'll ever legally need.
This drone comes with three batteries, so you have up to 96 minutes of flight time before you have to find an outlet. It shoots 4K/60fps HDR video and 8K stills, and its 360-degree obstacle sensing monitors for branches and power lines while you're mid-flight. Its three-axis gimbal keeps footage steady, while its AI night mode and an f/1.7 aperture can help with low-light shots.
This drone can return on its own when you press a button, when the battery gets low, or when it loses signal, making it a great option for beginners. It also has a built-in beeper to help you find it if it gets set down somewhere where it's hard to see. Its three-axis brushless gimbal can help take 4K video and 48MP photos more easily, and it has about 96 minutes of runtime per charge.
This compact drone can fold down to the size of a paperback and weighs 249 grams. Its 1/2-inch Sony sensor captures 48MP photos and 4K HDR video, and the f/1.8 aperture plus an AI night mode offer great footage in low light. Its three-axis gimbal helps to steady everything, and AI Track will lock onto a person or a car and follow, spotlight, or fly parallel to them to make capturing video even simpler.
Holy Stone Mini Drone for Kids — $63.99 $69.99 (save $7)
DJI Neo — $169 $199 (save $30)
DJI Mini 2 Fly More Combo — $499 $599 (save $100)
DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo — $622 $719 (save $97)
DJI Avata 360 — $719 $817.95 (save $98.95)
If you're tackling a DIY job at home or finally getting around to that project you've been putting off for months, a decent power tool can make things a lot easier. And if you're going to need one anyway, you might as well see if you can get it for less.
October Prime Day is still a couple of weeks away, but as ever, Amazon has already started cutting prices on power tools ahead of the main event kicking off on Oct. 6.
Some early discounts have already caught our eye, so we've rounded up the best early deals live right now.
This DeWalt set includes a compact impact driver and drill/driver, both designed for working in tighter spaces. The tools have built-in LED lights for better visibility. The impact driver has a one-handed hex chuck, and the drill features a 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck for quick bit changes.
This Craftsman set includes a drill/driver and impact driver, with two V20 batteries, a charger, and a storage bag. Both tools have LED lights and compact, contoured handles for working in tighter spaces. The drill has two speed settings, and the impact driver can give up to 1,460 in-lbs. of torque.
This kit includes a drill, impact driver, reciprocating saw, and flashlight, along with two 2Ah batteries and a 30W charger. The brushless tools have variable-speed controls, and the reciprocating saw has a tool-free blade change and pivoting shoe. The batteries can also charge devices via USB-C.
Aoben Cordless Electric Ratchet Wrench Set — $62.99 $74.99 (save $12)
DeWalt Random Orbit Sander — $79 $99 (save $20)
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Oscillating Tool Kit — $99 $131.51 (save $32.51)
WorkPro Home Tool Set with 20V Cordless Drill — $110.99 $129.99 (save $19)
Worx Cordless Pole Saw — $152.99 $189.99 (save $37)
Teeno Power Tool Combo Kit Brushless 9-in-1 Multi-Tool Set — $197.99 $219.99 (save $22)
DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit — $249 $192 (save $57)
If your current TV is looking a little small these days, a 65-inch model is the sweet spot.
Whether you're upgrading an aging set or finally moving up from a smaller screen, this is a good size for movies, TV, and sports without taking up too much space. And even though Prime Day is still to come (October 6-7), Amazon has already started discounting 65-inch TVs, with some early deals already impressing.
Below, we've listed some of the top deals you can show right now.
This 65-inch Roku Plus Series TV features a 4K QLED Mini-LED display with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos sound, and a built-in subwoofer. It also comes with Roku's smart TV platform, voice control, personalized recommendations, and a smart voice remote with a lost remote finder.
This 65-inch QLED TV has Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG for more detailed picture quality. It also has AI processing that can upscale lower-quality content to 4K resolution. DTS Virtual is also included for clearer dialogue and virtual surround sound. And right now, it's down to $399.99 ($150 off).
Samsung 65-Inch Class M70H Series — $429.99 $477.99 (save $48)
TCL 65-Inch F7D Series — $499.99 $599.99 (save $100)
Samsung 65-Inch Class M80H Series — $649.99 $697.99 (save $48)
Amazon Ember Artline — $924.98 $1,099.99 (save $175.01)
Hisense 65-Inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD — $847.99 $1,499.99 (save $652)
Sony 65-Inch BRAVIA XR8B OLED 4K HDR — $1,799.99 $1,999.99 (save $200)
TL;DR: Live stream Atlanta Falcons vs. Green Bay Packers for free on 7Plus. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Thursday Night Football features another must-watch NFL fixture for Week 3, as the Atlanta Falcons go on the road against the Green Bay Packers.
Both teams are battling for momentum. The Falcons are yet to win a game this season, while the Packers only managed a narrow overtime win against the New York Jets in Week 2. Atlanta has been missing some key players, and look vulnerable enough that the Packers will feel confident about picking them off.
If you want to watch Falcons vs. Packers in the NFL for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Green Bay Packers starts at 8.15 p.m. ET on Sept. 24. This fixture takes place at Lambeau Field.
Falcons vs. Packers in the NFL is available to live stream for free on 7Plus.
7Plus is geo-restricted to Australia only, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can live stream Falcons vs. Packers for free from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice
Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia
Visit 7Plus
Watch Falcons vs. Packers for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Falcons vs. Packers without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus NFL action) before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries, including Australia
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 free from throttling
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.
Live stream Atlanta Falcons vs. Green Bay Packers for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Whats new to streaming this week? (Sept. 25, 2026)What’s new to streaming for the week of September 25, 2026, on Netflix, Prime Video, Paramount+, and more? We've got you covered.
Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!
Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.
From ancient permaculture to celestial navigation, intricate basket weaving to energy-efficient desert dwellings, the innovations of Indigenous communities in North America lies at the heart of PBS documentary Nova: Knowledge Keepers. The release explores the science and engineering practices of four Indigenous groups, some thriving in extreme conditions of Arctic tundra or desert. — S.C.
How to watch: Nova: Knowledge Keepers is now on the PBS app.
Alia Bhatt-produced comedy Don’t Be Shy lands on Prime Video this week, a coming-of-age tale that leans into the mess and melodrama of young romance. Written and directed by Sreeti Mukerji, the Hindi film follows college student Shyamili "Shy" Das (Aarushi Bajaj), whose mapped-out life plans are thrown into chaos in an unexpected turn of events. While she's trying to keep up the ruse of perfection, she meets Tara (Bianca Arora), and becomes romantically torn between her childhood friend Dhruv (Ansh Duggal) and popular rich boy Mayank (Piyush Khati). But it takes significant energy to keep up appearances. — S.C.
Starring: Aarushi Bajaj, Ansh Duggal, Bianca Arora, Piyush Khati, Kunaal Roy Kapur, Neha Dhupia, Anurag Basu, and Anju Alva Naik
How to watch: Don't Be Shy debuts on Prime Video on Sept. 25.
Offbeat comedian Noel Fielding and affable TV presenter Alison Hammond return to crack jokes as the bakers crack eggs.
These two will chat it up with the bakers during the challenges — that is, before Paul Hollywood and new judge Nigella Lawson grill them over the judging table. How will these 12 home bakers stack up? There's only one way to find out. Tune in and bake off!* — K.P.
Starring: Paul Hollywood, Noel Fielding, Alison Hammond, and Nigella Lawson
How to watch: The Great British Baking Show: Collection 14 premieres on Netflix on Sept. 25.
Get to know former NFL star DeSean Jackson through his brother Byron's eyes with a new Prime Video documentary pieced together from thousands of hours of home video footage shot across 35 years. From writer/director Mandon Lovett, Go Deep: The DeSean Jackson Story follows the football icon's journey from early Pop Warner days to college football prowess and 15 years of NFL fame, as well as his latest chapter coaching the Delaware State Hornets. And it's all seen through behind-the-scenes raw footage from his filmmaking brother. — S.C.
Starring: DeSean Jackson
How to watch: Go Deep: The DeSean Jackson Story is now streaming on Prime Video.
"The games are intense, but the parents can also be very intense." We have a feeling this quote from the trailer for Team Moms: Baseball, Paramount+'s new reality series following parents of boys attending Legendary Prep Academy in Scottsdale, Arizona, will probably sum up the show quite well. The pitch for this series was likely Last Chance U meets Selling Sunset — but judging by the number of arguments in the trailer, it may have more in common with the latter. — Sam Haysom, General Assignment Editor, UK
How to watch: Team Moms: Baseball is now streaming on Paramount+.
Don't let the incredibly silly, have-they-finally-run-out-of-ideas title of this one put you off — the trailer for Bloody Tennis looks OTT in a fun way, with Nikias Chryssos' cult-meets-body horror following a tennis prodigy as she enlists in a European tennis academy with sinister undertones. Cue a montage of brutal initiation rituals, leeches, and instructors who may not have her best interests entirely at heart. — S.H.
Starring: Sandra Guldberg Kampp, Elina Löwensohn, and Tracy Gotoas
How to watch: Bloody Tennis premieres on Shudder on Sept. 25.
Kick your favorite grandfather out of bed and head for the chocolate factory, or Netflix's new reality competition series. Wonka's The Golden Ticket sees 12 pairs competing in themed challenges inspired by the classic 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, based on Roald Dahl's 1964 novel. But the series is already fraught with controversy, after Netflix revealed the show used AI to recreate the voice of deceased actor Gene Wilder, who famously played Willy Wonka onscreen. "Pure Imagination" indeed. — S.C.
How to watch: Wonka's The Golden Ticket premiered on Netflix on Sept. 23, with new episodes through with a two-part finale on Sept. 30.
NBC's soapy new crime procedural Line of Fire lands this week, from Gossip Girl and Quantico's Joshua Safran. The series follows a family of law enforcement agents, the Hollingsworths, who work across the FBI, Secret Service, Department of Justice, and U.S. Marshalls. When they're targeted by an assassin, they'll need to figure out where the threat is coming from, whether that be inside government or not. Notably, the show is executive produced by Today host and journalist Jenna Bush Hager, George W. Bush's daughter. — S.C.
Starring: Peter Krause, Hope Davis, Kat Cunning, Tommy O’Brien, Taylor Bloom
How to watch: Line of Fire is now streaming on Peacock.
Over its first 12 seasons, American Horror Story has conjured up a series of unforgettable nightmares, introducing viewers to haunted houses, quotable covens, and one of the most frightening clowns ever put on screen. As the hit anthology series enters its 13th season, what better way to celebrate than by mashing all these past seasons into one macabre story?
That's right: American Horror Story Season 13 is an all-star bonanza that brings back beloved actors and characters from throughout the show's history. Franchise heavy hitters like Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, and Evan Peters are all returning and pulling quadruple duty (or more) as they resurrect their prior roles. No matter what scares Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk dream up, it'll almost feel comforting to see Lange as Constance Langdon and Fiona Goode again. As long as there's no knotty pine, of course! — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter
Starring: Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, Gabourey Sidibe, Leslie Grossman, Joey Pollari and Jessica Lange. The epic cast also features Avantika, Jamie Brewer, Elle Chapman, Berto Colon, Alex Consani, Frances Conroy, Mat Fraser, Seth Gabel, Orlando Jones, Paul Anthony Kelly, John Carroll Lynch, Tig Notaro, Madelaine Petsch, Fedor Steer, Mena Suvari, Zach Villa, and John Waters.
How to watch: American Horror Story: 13 premieres Sept. 24 at 9 p.m. ET on FX and Hulu.
Hollywood actors and True Detective co-stars Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson aren't brothers. But for the sake of everyone constantly thinking they are, what if they were? Apple TV's Brothers sees the pair playing fictionalized versions of themselves who find out they might actually be siblings. Holland Taylor plays possibly both of their mothers, which sounds worth watching the series for in itself. — S.C.
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Holland Taylor, Natalie Martinez, Brittany Ishibashi, Oona Yaffe, Highdee Kuan, Nolan Almeida, Ella Grace Helton, and Noah Carganilla
How to watch: Brothers is now streaming Apple TV.
In the mood for a heist movie? You should tune into Tuner.
Co-written and directed by Daniel Roher, this thriller stars Leo Woodall as a piano tuner whose keen ear that also makes him adept at safe cracking. Looking to make some quick cash for a good cause, this antihero goes morally grey in a life-affirming movie that's way sweeter than the setup suggests. — K.P.
Starring: Leo Woodall, Havana Rose Liu, Dustin Hoffman, Lior Raz, Tovah Feldshuh, and Jean Reno
How to watch: Tuner is now streaming on Paramount+.
Romance lovers, rejoice! The film adaptation of Ali Hazelwood's The Love Hypothesis is finally here. The film stars Lili Reinhart as Stanford PhD candidate Olive Smith, who, through a series of classic rom-com gaffes, winds up in a fake relationship with intimidating biology professor Adam Carlsen (Tom Bateman). As the pair keep up their ruse, it becomes clear that their feelings might not be so fake after all.
What follows is a rom-com that captures much of the sweetness of the book, even if it doesn't quite stick the landing. As I wrote in my review, "like the elephant toothpaste you'd make in science class, it's a bubbly blast that'll have your insides fizzing. Yet despite this pure fun, not to mention two solid leading performances, The Love Hypothesis is missing one key ingredient that would truly make its experiment stick the landing: yearning." — B.E.
Starring: Lili Reinhart, Tom Bateman, Rachel Marsh, Jaboukie Young-White, Nicholas Duvernay, and Arty Froushan
How to watch: The Love Hypothesis premieres Sept. 23 on Prime Video.
If you love comedies like Role Models and Superbad, you'll want to check out the latest from writer/director Macon Blair. When Idiots debuted out of Sundance (it was then called The Shitheads), it had critics cheering for its outrageous brand of humor. But what's it all about?
Dave Franco and O'Shea Jackson co-star as co-workers with little in common except their need to keep their job, which involves escorting a reckless teenager to a rehab facility. When things go wrong, they go wild, looping in unlikely allies and unhinged foes in a road trip movie. This makes for a comedy that's as stuffed with laughs as it is stars. — K.P.
Starring: Dave Franco, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Mason Thames, Kiernan Shipka, Nicholas Braun, and Peter Dinklage
How to watch: Idiots is now available to rent or purchase on Prime Video.
Looking back on Jackass and its legacy, Johnny Knoxville and the gang give fans one more round of bonkers stunts and pranks. There's also fresh thrills, like messing with a robot named Larry.
The guys claim this is the last film. We hope that's not true. But they do say goodbyes hit hard, and this movie definitely does — in the feels, and the nuts. Repeatedly.* — K.P.
Starring: Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, Chris Pontius, Wee Man, Dave England, Danger Ehren, Preston Lacy, Poopies, Zach Holmes, Jasper, Rachel Wolfson, and Dark Shark
How to watch: Jackass: Best and Last is now streaming on Paramount+.
From 1987 to 1993, there was no cooler college on TV than Hillman. The historically Black college at the center of The Cosby Show spinoff A Different World introduced audiences to the likes of Whitley Gilbert and Dwayne Wayne, offering laughs alongside teen romance and drama.
Now, Netflix has rebooted the series, following the next generation of Hillman students, which include Dwayne and Whitley's youngest daughter Deborah (Maleah Joi Moon). As you can see from the trailer, there's plenty of new co-eds in the mix, and a notable shift in tone from sitcom to a more grounded streaming aesthetic. Are you ready to see how this Different World compares to the original? Us too. — K.P.
Starring: Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Darryl M. Bell, Charnele Brown, Cree Summer, Dawnn Lewis, Glynn Turman, Ajai Sanders, Jada Pinkett, and Karen Malina White
How to watch: A Different World is now streaming on Netflix.
The concept of the Backrooms began with a 4chan post, which then-teenager Kane Parsons masterfully expanded into a series of extremely viral short horror films. Backrooms is his full-length feature adaptation, and it's about a bitter furniture shop owner (Chiwetel Ejiofor) who discovers the doorway to another world in the basement of his store. So, does Parsons manage to land the jump to feature? For the most part, yes. Backrooms uses uncanny spaces and an ominous soundscape to chilling effect, dragging us into a world that's as unsettling as it is endless. The movie's only real issue is its third act, which loses some tension after we see the face of the thing that's been chasing the characters through this hellish labyrinth.
"Despite this, Backrooms is still well worth a watch. The ending isn't enough to spoil what came before," I wrote in my Mashable review. "If anything, Parsons has managed to prove himself as an incredibly talented emerging filmmaker while also establishing the first chapter in what will surely end up becoming a brand-new horror franchise." — S.H.*
Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, and Lukita Maxwell
How to watch: Backrooms comes to HBO Max on Sept 25.
Woody and Buzz are back with Toy Story 5, but the real hero of this latest Disney/Pixar adventure is Jessie the Cowgirl (voiced by Joan Cusack). She's taken over as sheriff, leading the toys of Bonnie's room through highs and lows. But when a digital tablet named Lilypad (Greta Lee) appears, playtime could change forever.
In my review for Mashable, I wrote, "Whether she is cheering for her friends or condemning her foes, Jessie is exhilarating, funny, and riveting. Cusack's performance is bolstered by a top-tier animation team who created a beautiful and gleefully alive cowgirl, and who have continued that careful illustration to a broader cast of characters. Perhaps predictably, Toy Story 5 is an unabashed crowd-pleaser."* — K.P.
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Blake Clark, John Ratzenberger, Ernie Hudson, Tony Hale, Conan O'Brien, Greta Lee, and Melissa Villaseñor
How to watch: Toy Story 5 is now streaming on Disney+.
(*) denotes a blurb came from a prior list.
Enjoy a lifetime to learn all 14 Babbel languages — created by actual linguistsGet lifetime access to all 14 Babbel languages for $159 with StackSocial code LEARN through Oct. 8.
TL;DR: New U.S. users can get lifetime access to Babbel language learning for just $159 by using StackSocial code LEARN through Oct. 8 and learn all 14 languages at their own pace.
Learning a new language isn’t easy, but it also might not be as hard as some apps make it seem. If memorizing vocab lists isn’t working for you, check out Babbel. They take a more practical approach to teaching, and there’s even an AI conversation partner who can help you practice your pronunciation.
Normally, a Babbel lifetime subscription would cost $299, but right now it’s only $159 with the exclusive StackSocial code LEARN. Check out what that gets you.
Babbel gives you lifetime access to courses in 14 different languages, and the format is designed to fit into real life. Each lesson takes around 10 to 15 minutes, so you can actually stick with it whether you’re commuting, traveling, or just squeezing in some study time between meetings.
Here are a few of the included languages:
Spanish
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
Swedish
And that’s just the beginning.
Unlike other apps that focus heavily on word games or repetitive matching drills, Babbel centers its content around practical conversation topics. You’ll get lessons on travel, shopping, business, culture, and more, all developed by expert linguists and backed by academic research. Speech recognition helps fine-tune your pronunciation, while the new AI-powered conversation partner lets you practice speaking in real time.
Lessons sync across devices, so you can start on your computer and finish on your phone. There’s also an offline mode if you want to download lessons in advance. You can move at your own pace, revisit review sessions, and switch between beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels based on your comfort level.
Use code LEARN through Oct. 8 at 11:59 p.m. PT to get a Babbel lifetime subscription for only $159.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Create professional audio without the production headache with this $200 toolSkip the typing with an AnyToSpeech Pro Plan lifetime subscription and enjoy voice-generating software forever.
TL;DR: Skip the typing with an AnyToSpeech Pro Plan lifetime subscription and enjoy voice-generating software forever for only $199.99 (reg. $999).
Whether you’re an author trying to create a polished audiobook of your work or you have a great idea for a podcast but don’t want to be a full-time podcast producer, AnyToSpeech is ready to help. This powerful multitasking tool handles your voice generation, transcription, translation, and podcast production all in one place.
Right now, a lifetime subscription to AnyToSpeech Pro Plan is on sale for just $199.99.
No matter your industry, AnyToSpeech can replace multiple tools you’re likely paying for month after month — offering an easy way to transcribe, translate, generate, or even clone your own voice if that’s what you’re looking for.
If you’ve got a great idea for a podcast, you can let AnyToSpeech serve as your own producer — with a podcast studio that can create two-speaker conversations from a topic or file. If you’re looking to make a series, it’s easy to automate multi-episode podcast production in the background.
Take existing content — from PDFs to DOCX files to a PowerPoint presentation — and turn it into polished audio recordings. Want to extract and narrate from an image? That works too, as does converting web content into downloadable narration with the URL to Speech feature. All filler words are removed in the process, as it edits your transcripts.
Pick between over 150 voices in 27 different languages, or make an AI voice clone of your own voice with three short recordings. You can save up to 10 voice profiles for reuse across supported generation tools.
You’ll have the rights to all your content, so you can use outputs for commercial purposes. Everything can be downloaded as MP3s for easy access.
Join over 300,000 users taking advantage of AnyToSpeech’s powers with the Pro Plan lifetime subscription, now just $199.99.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
How to delete your AdultFriendFinder accountHow to permanently delete your AdultFriendFinder profile or cancel your subscription.
There are all kinds of reasons you might want to delete an online dating profile. Maybe the experience has been a success, and you've found a special someone. Or maybe you're making a statement to a new partner, cutting yourself off from the online dating world. Or it could be that you're seriously fatigued with the whole thing — the swiping, the constant "hey" messages, and the minefield of making moves. Or perhaps you've just decided to stay single.
Whatever the reason, it's your call. Thankfully, AdultFriendFinder is one of the hookup platforms to make it super easy to delete your account and permanently scrub profile data.
It's worth noting that deleting your account and canceling your Gold membership are two entirely different things. If you want to continue using AdultFriendFinder for free or stop your monthly payments, you can cancel your subscription and keep your account. Actual account deletion is a more permanent action: You’ll lose all your profile info, chat history, and settings. So, be sure before you go ahead — consider whether you 100 percent want to wipe all that information. Particularly if you're a longtime user with a lot of history on the site.
If you want to proceed, you can choose whether to delete your account via a web browser or on your phone. The steps are different, but either way will get the job done.
If you have a Gold subscription, make sure you cancel it before proceeding with the steps to delete your account. Otherwise, you'll still be charged. Here's how to cancel the Gold subscription:
Step 1: Log in to your account as usual, using your username and password credentials
Step 2: Navigate to the "My Account" section in the top right and select "Settings"
Step 3: If you are a Gold member, you will see a "Billing History & Credit Card" info section
Step 4: Turn the auto-renew switch to "Off"
Step 5: Verify that your subscription was cancelled by checking your email for confirmation
If you primarily use AdultFriendFinder on a web browser, these are the steps you’ll need to follow:
Step 1: Log in to your account as usual, using your username and password credentials
Step 2: Navigate to the "My Account" section in the top right and select "Settings"
Step 3: Under the "Manage My Account" heading, select "Close Account"
Step 4: You’ll be prompted with a confirmation message offering alternatives to account deletion, including hiding your profile or turning off email notifications
Step 5: Select "Please Delete My Account"
Step 6: You’ll be prompted to enter your password one last time, to confirm your identity and intention
AFF doesn’t have an official app on either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store due to its NSFW content. But many AFF users still rely on phone-based workarounds for AdultFriendFinder, often via a web shortcut on their home screens.
Simply deleting your AFF app icon will not delete your account or the data and history associated with it. You need to go into the account itself and actively hit delete. To do this via your phone, just follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Log in to your account as usual, using your username and password credentials
Step 2: Navigate to the "My Account" section in the top right and select "Settings"
Step 3: Under the "Manage My Account" heading, select "Close Account"
Step 4: You’ll be prompted with a confirmation message offering alternatives to account deletion, including hiding your profile or turning off email notifications
Step 5: Select "Please Delete My Account"
Step 6: You’ll be prompted to enter your password one last time, to confirm your identity and intention
Account deletion is final and irrevocable. So be sure that you're sure. You'll lose all your contacts, chat history, and profile information before you click to confirm deletion. You can always open a new account, of course, if you want to return to the platform. But you'll have to start over with a brand new profile.
If, for any reason, the above steps haven’t worked for you, you can always visit the AFF Help Center, where you'll find FAQs and visual guides for on-site activities, including account deletion.
An OpenAI agent hacked the Australian governmentAn OpenAI agent hacked the Australian government's healthcare system, gaining access to non-public information and writing files to the server.
An OpenAI agent has hacked the Australian government's healthcare system, gaining unauthorised access to non-public information as well as writing files to the server.
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese announced the breach at a press conference on Thursday. OpenAI's researchers had been using an internal AI model to research spending on public healthcare, and given it access to the internet for this purpose. However, the AI "didn't accept no for an answer" when it encountered blocks, instead devising ways to circumvent such barriers to retrieve information without authorisation.
This resulted in OpenAI's agent breaching Services Australia's Medicare statistics reporting portal on Jun. 18, accessing both public and non-public files, and even writing its own to the Australian government's server in order to do so.
"[T]his situation is obviously unacceptable," said Albanese. "I think OpenAI know that they need to have better protocols in place. And they're one of the businesses that themselves have warned of the risks which are there."
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OpenAI has acknowledged the breach, a spokesperson stating that its AI models "took actions we did not intend" when searching for answers to questions about Australia.
"The information accessed included aggregate health statistics and internal file names," the spokesperson said.
Fortunately, there is no evidence that individual people's data was impacted, or that personal private health information was accessed. The Medicare statistics reporting portal is an online platform which provides users with information about Australia's universal healthcare programs. This includes statistics on immunisations, organ donation, and the government's scheme to lower the cost of prescription medication.
Even so, an autonomous AI agent hacking a government system is a troubling development, regardless of what it did once it had gained access.
"Today I spoke with the CEO of OpenAI Sam Altman to express Australia's extreme concern about this incident," said Albanese. "The discussion I had with Mr. Altman was a very frank discussion, courteous in both directions, but very frank about what I saw as Australia's national interest and what I saw as a failure which occurred here."
Altman reportedly apologised and "clearly accepted that the company had not done good enough." Both Albanese and Altman are attending the UN General Assembly in New York, though the prime minister stated that they spoke via a phone call rather than in person.
Albanese further criticised OpenAI's delay in notifying the Australian government of the breach, as well as the method through which it did so. While the hack took place on Jun. 18, OpenAI claimed it was unaware of the breach until it reviewed the AI model's activity in August. The company subsequently waited until Sept. 10 to alert the Australian government, three months after the hack initially took place.
Even then, it did so simply by sending an email to a public Services Australia email address — an effort which Albanese also called unacceptable and disappointing. As such, Australia's acting prime minister Richard Marles stated that government ministers have only known about OpenAI's hack for less than a week.
"It was a shock that it occurred, because it was real and serious," said Albanese. "But it also, I think, was something that had been predicted, including by the AI companies themselves [who] have said that one of the risks that we need to deal with here is that artificial intelligence can go its own way. And that's the basis of the debate that we're having throughout the world."
The Medicare portal wasn't the only Australian government system that OpenAI's model accessed. Albanese stated that three others may have also been impacted in the same incident: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the New South Wales Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, and the Victorian Department of Health. OpenAI further confirmed that its AI model engaged in activities "involving several Australian government websites and services." Fortunately, it appears to have only accessed public information on these systems, with Marles stating that "those interactions were entirely normal."
The Australian government will now conduct an investigation into the hack, including determining whether this is a criminal matter. However, Albanese has stated that "there will obviously be legal consequences."
OpenAI's hack may be the first time an AI model has autonomously hacked a government system. Even so, it's far from the first time AI has breached an external organisation without permission. In one high-profile incident earlier this year, OpenAI revealed that one of its AI agents had autonomously hacked Hugging Face, an open source repository of AI tools.
Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.
Dont wait for Lego deals: We found early Prime Day deals on Lego Star Wars, Lego Pokémon, and moreTons of Lego sets are already on sale at Amazon ahead of its Prime Big Deal Days sale, including select Lego Botanicals builds, Lego Pokémon, and more.
Amazon's second Prime Day event of the year is coming up fast. Prime Big Deal Days runs from Oct. 6-7. This 48-hour sale is an excellent time to check out deals on a wide variety of items, including Lego.
The official event is bound to be stacked with Lego deals, but we've actually spotted quite a few early deals at Amazon that are worth a look. From select Botanicals sets to Pokémon and Star Wars collabs, the retailer has plenty of options on sale already, so there's no need to wait.
We've gathered up just a few of our favorite early October Prime Day Lego deals below, so you can stock up on some new sets to build this fall. As we get closer to Prime Big Deal Days, and once the event officially starts, we'll be sure to update with even more live deals.
The Lego Botanicals Flower Arrangement is an absolute delight for adult builders, with its 1,161 pieces coming together to create a display of 14 flowers (including camellias, peonies, hydrangeas, baby’s breath, ranunculus, bouvardia, and lilies) in a white vase. If it's one you've had on your radar, Amazon has a sweet little early October Prime Day treat for you: it's currently at its lowest-ever price of $62.04. It's retiring soon, making now an excellent time to grab it for less.
It's not the only Botanicals deal we've spotted, either. You can see even more of our favorite floral sets on sale below.
Lego Botanicals Flowering Cactus — $27.95 $34.99 (save $7.04)
Lego Botanicals Hibiscus Flower — $55.95 $69.99 (save $14.04)
Lego Botanicals Succulents — $34.99 $49.99 (save $15)
Pokémon fans have been treated to some very fun Lego builds this year, including this Eevee set. This adorable build launched earlier this year, and if you've been eager to pick it up, Amazon's knocked it down to its lowest-ever price ahead of October Prime Day. As of Sept. 23, you can snag this 587-piece set for adults for $47.95 instead of its usual $59.99, saving you $12.04.
We're keeping our fingers crossed that more Pokémon builds go on sale.
The 1,972-piece Lego Super Mario: Mario Kart set is another build for adults to piece together, and it's now at its lowest-ever price on Amazon. Ahead of October Prime Day, you can enjoy $20 off this awesome display piece featuring Mario in his Standard Kart.
If you're looking for even more Lego Super Mario deals right now, Amazon has a few more sets on sale to check out.
Lego Super Mario: Mario Kart — Bowser’s Castle — $89 $99.99 (save $10.99)
Lego Super Mario: Mario Kart — Interactive Mario & Standard Kart — $41.99 $54.99 (save $13)
Lego Super Mario: Mario Kart — Wario & King Boo — $35.99 $49.99 (save $14)
Lego Super Mario: Mario Kart Baby Peach & Grand Prix Set Home Circuit — $63.99 $79.99 (save $16)
It may not be at its lowest-ever price right now, but the Lego Star Wars AT-ST Walker is incredibly close to that mark. Amazon currently has its price marked down to $171.99, and camelcamelcamel lists its lowest price as $165.85. That's not bad at all if you've been hoping to grab this 1,513-piece build.
Check out even more of our favorite early October Prime Day Lego Star Wars deals below.
Lego Star Wars Darth Vader Bust — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)
Lego Star Wars SMART Play: Yoda’s Hut and Jedi Training — $55.95 $69.99 (save $14.04)
Lego Star Wars SMART Play: Mos Eisley Cantina — $63.95 $79.99 (save $16.04)
Lego Star Wars: Andor K-2SO Security Droid — $71.99 $89.99 (save $18)
Lego Star Wars SMART Play: Millennium Falcon — $79.95 $99.99 (save $20.04)
Lego Advent Calendars
Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar 2026 — $35 $44.99 (save $9.99)
Lego Marvel Advent Calendar 2026 — $35 $44.99 (save $9.99)
Lego City Advent Calendar 2026 — $25 $34.99 (save $9.99)
Lego Art
Lego Art Vincent Van Gogh – Sunflowers — $173.99 $199.99 (save $26)
Lego Creator
Lego Creator 3 in 1 Haunted Mansion Building Toy — $71.99 $89.99 (save $18)
Lego DC
Lego DC Batman: Batman Forever Batmobile — $74.99 $99.99 (save $25)
Lego Fortnite
Lego Fortnite Durrr Burger Restaurant — $39.99 $64.99 (save $25)
Lego Harry Potter
Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle and Grounds — $136.99 $169.99 (save $33)
Lego Icons
Lego Icons The Lord of The Rings: Balrog Book Nook Kit — $107.99 $129.99 (save $22)
Lego Icons Back to the Future Time Machine — $170 $199.99 (save $29.99)
Lego miscellaneous
Lego Minifigures Shrek Series 6-Pack — $24 $29.94 (save $5.94)
Lego Classic Medium Creative Brick Box — $21.42 $34.99 (save $13.57)
Lego Horizon Adventures Aloy & Varl vs. Shell-Walker & Sawtooth — $29.49 $44.99 (save $15.50)
Lego Technic
Lego Technic 1966 Ford GT40 MKII Race Car — $59.99 $74.99 (save $15)
Lego Technic 2 Fast 2 Furious Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) Car — $111.99 $139.99 (save $28)
Nikon has announced its new Nikon Z5IIC, a full-frame mirrorless camera for people who want to get into photography but don't know where to start. Designed for ease of use, the Z5IIC promises point-and-shoot performance that produces excellent images straight out of the camera, while still offering manual controls to accommodate creators' growing skills.
Revealed today, the Z5IIC offers the same level of performance as the well-received Z5II released last April, according to Nikon. Both cameras feature the same Expeed 7 image processing engine, a full-frame 35x24mm CMOS sensor, low-light autofocus down to -10 EV, and up to 7.5 stops of in-body stabilisation. However, the new Z5IIC has a few features intended to make it even easier to get fantastic photos without any post-production processing.
One of the most notable is the addition of Nikon's scene mode. Though already available on other Nikon devices, this marks the feature's debut in a Nikon full-frame mirrorless camera. Scene mode allows users to choose from 15 preset configurations, each optimised for shooting specific subjects such as portraits, landscapes, animals, sports, and even food or flowers. For example, "pet portrait" may use a faster shutter speed to capture an excitable dog, while "dusk/dawn" may boost warmth for a glowing sunset shot.
Users can thus quickly choose the appropriate scene and get shooting, rather than fiddling with manual settings or trusting general auto mode (though both remain options). In a similar vein, both the Z5II and Z5IIC can use Nikon's Imaging Recipes, allowing users to download and use settings presets created by professional photographers. However, only the Z5IIC offers subject-specific scenes already in the camera straight out of the box.
The Z5IIC also includes Nikon's film grain feature, another option which isn't available on the Z5II. Introduced with the Nikon Zf in 2023, this function applies randomly generated film-like grain patterns to images, giving them a more traditional, retro-style filmic look. Users can also adjust the intensity of the effect, as well as the size of the grains when using it in photo mode.
In addition to taking 24.5MP still images, the Nikon Z5IIC is capable of filming video at up to 4K and 60fps, reaching 120fps at lower resolutions. It can be used as an extremely souped-up webcam as well, connecting to a PC via USB like other Nikon cameras. As such, it seems well positioned to appeal to content creators who are interested in easily upgrading their visuals.
All these features offer the average content creator significant utility. However, the Z5IIC also introduces Nikon's delightfully niche fish detection mode, adding it to the camera's other subject-detection options. (It is important to note that the Z5IIC is not waterproof. As such, you should invest in a compatible underwater housing before attempting any underwater photography, or else stick to photographing aquariums.)
While certainly bulkier than a smartphone, the Nikon Z5IIC is still relatively portable, weighing approximately 620g and measuring around 134 x 80.5 x 72 mm. Its protruding right-hand grip offers both comfort and stability on the go, while its 3.2-inch screen can be adjusted to a wide range of angles or even flipped completely around for monitoring selfie shots. As such, the Z5IIC is intended to be easily carried around for everyday use, and hopefully serve as a more attractive alternative to your smartphone snaps.
The Nikon Z5IIC will be priced at $1,449 (though subject to change including tax) and is available for pre-order today, with shipping to begin on Oct. 15.
Hurdle hints and answers for September 24, 2026Hints and answers to today's Hurdle all in one place.
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.
Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.
If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.
Where babies come from.
STORK
Throw.
CHUCK
More accurate.
TRUER
Chompers.
TEETH
It's getting old.
STALE
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 hints today: Meanings for each word for Sept. 24, 2026Why is NYT Connections trending today? Explaining the meanings behind the clues for NYT Connections #1200.
Looking for spoiler-free NYT Connections hints or just wondering why Connections is trending today? We've got what you need to understand the clues for today's puzzle without spoiling any of the answers.
Of course, Mashable has also provided daily hints and answers for Connections, Wordle, and Strands for years, so we can help you if that's also what you need.
While we are focused more on meanings than hints in this story, sometimes learning that many of the words have completely unrelated meanings is a clue in and of itself. Connections frequently includes clues that involve words within words and other visual clues.
A loose sleeveless garment that fastens at the neck and drapes over the back.
Non-toxic cosmetic paint used to decorate the face.
A red liquid used to disguise as blood.
Long, sharp-pointed teeth used to bite.
A miniature bouncy figurine, typically of a sports player.
A device used to bounce off the ground while standing, powered by an internal spring.
A spring-loaded prank toy disguised as a can of nuts or potato chips.
A piece of sporting equipment made of a fabric sheet attached by springs, used for jumping.
A famous Michaelango painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
An accessory worn on the hand, typically to support a sports team.
A popular comical article of clothing, typically worn by couples.
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A popular symbol and personification of the United States government.
A drinking helmet with built-in can holders and straws.
To inhale air into the lungs and exhale it out.
A drink made by steeping dried herbs, flowers, fruits or spices in hot water,
An Emmy-winning cooking dramedy featuring Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri.
Have you learned the meanings and still want the things? Check out the hints and answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.
Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today
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 Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 24, 2026Connections is a New York Times word game that's all about finding the "common threads between words." How to solve the puzzle.
The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you love to make believe.
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: Bloodsuckers
Green: Boing!
Blue: "Hey, you!"
Purple: Same letters
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Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Parts of a vampire costume
Green: Things with spring/s
Blue: Featuring pointing
Purple: Anagrams
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 #1200 is...
Parts of a vampire costume: CAPE, FACE PAINT, FAKE BLOOD, FANGS
Things with spring/s: BOBBLEHEAD, POGO STICK, SNAKES IN A CAN, TRAMPOLINE
Featuring pointing: CREATION OF ADAM, FOAM FINGER, I'M WITH STUPID SHIRT, UNCLE SAM
Anagrams: BEER HAT, BREATHE, HERB TEA, THE BEAR
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NYT Strands hints, answers for September 24, 2026The NYT Strands hints and answers you need to make the most of your puzzling experience.
Today's NYT Strands hints will be easy if you love outdoor spaces.
Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, 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 preferred pace.
The words are related to the outdoors.
These words describe things outside of a home.
Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.
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Today's spangram is Backyard.
Swing
Treehouse
Sandbox
Backyard
Pool
Trampoline
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Meta reveals next-gen smart glasses at Meta Connect: See all the new glassesAt Meta Connect 2026, Mark Zuckerberg and Meta revealed a new generation of smart glasses, despite a privacy backlash.
At Meta Connect 2026, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the company's new generation of smart glasses, part of his vision for "Personal Superintelligence" powered by its Muse AI agent.
In total, the company announced three new glasses — Meta Ray-Ban Gen 3, Meta VR Glasses, and Meta Audio Glasses — and offered an update on the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses announced last year.
Despite a growing privacy backlash against smart glasses, Zuckerberg presented smart glasses as the future of personal computing. He said that 2 billion people already wear glasses, and that he believes they will win out over other types of AI wearables.
"We think that glasses are going to be the biggest category because, first of all, they already are, and second, they are the only form factor that lets your Muse see what you see, hear what you hear, talk to you throughout the day, and display information right in your vision, eventually," Zuckerberg said during his keynote presentation.
In addition to the new glasses, Zuckerberg introduced a variety of new styles for Meta's glasses and a collaboration with Blackpink's Lisa. The CEO said more than 100 different styles of Meta smart glasses will soon be available to customers.
The third generation of Meta's signature smart glasses offers key upgrades and design changes, including:
Six microphones to capture your voice and reduce wind noise
Adjustable temple tips
New Dolby Atmos and spatial audio features
New styles, including Ray-Ban aviators
An entry-level Adventurer style starting at $249
Fashion was a key focus of the presentation. Zuckerberg emphasized that new styles will be available, such as Ray-Ban aviators, Zena, and a limited edition with a classic look for the launch. New frame styles include a cat-eye frame and an ivory colorway in the Kylie Jenner collection. Finally, the company partnered with Lisa from Blackpink on several new styles of the glasses, plus charms that can be used to customize the frames.
The glasses are available to order now on the Meta and Ray-Ban online stores for $449; the Lisa from Blackpink frames are available for $399. We couldn't find the entry-level Adventurer frames for $249, so they will presumably be released at a later date.
The biggest announcement of the night was an entirely new VR device. The Meta VR Glasses combine features of high-end products like the Apple Vision Pro and Galaxy XR headsets with a more traditional smart glasses design.
Coming in spring 2027 for $1,299, the glasses are extremely lightweight compared to other VR headsets. Meta said the new VR glasses weigh just 100 grams, about as much as a deck of cards and roughly one-fifth the weight of the Meta Quest 3 headset.
The Meta Connect keynote focused on three main use cases for the VR device — productivity, entertainment, and VR gaming. The company described the glasses as a personal cinema, and featured videos of celebrities like James Cameron praising the display quality. The company promised entertainment features such as spatial audio, Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, and an IMAX Enhanced cinema mode. For gaming, Meta said the glasses will support the full Meta Quest VR game library and Xbox Cloud Gaming titles.
Like most augmented reality glasses, the glasses connect to external devices via USB-C. They can project a virtual display into the user's environment and place a virtual keyboard on a flat surface.
Finally, the company showed off a new feature called Hologram Calling, which projects a lifelike, full-body avatar into the display during a video call.
As expected, Zuckerberg revealed the company's first camera-free smart glasses. The Meta Audio AI Glasses feature classic Ray-Ban styles and have a more affordable $249 price point. Zuckerberg said they are also the company's thinnest-ever smart glasses. Like the Meta Ray-Ban Gen 3, they will integrate closely with the Muse AI assistant.
The glasses are available now on Meta's website, where the description reads: "Built without a camera and more powerful than headphones, ask your glasses to play music or answer questions on the go."
Zuckerberg also announced that an upgraded Hearing Enhancement feature will turn Meta smart glasses into FDA-approved devices for mild to moderate hearing loss. The value proposition for this feature is clear. Rather than spending thousands of dollars on hearing aids (not to mention doctor's appointments), users can take a guided assessment using Meta glasses, at no extra cost and without a prescription, according to Meta.
At last year's Meta Connect, the company launched Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, which feature a built-in display that can show notifications, navigation instructions, and other information. The glasses have been almost impossible to actually purchase, but Meta said that will no longer be the case.
The Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses are available for sale now on the Meta website for $799.
For this year's iteration of Meta Connect, company CEO Mark Zuckerberg opened with the tagline "the future is for everyone."
The company believes it can achieve that through Meta's "personal superintelligence" Muse — its recently launched personal AI agent. Muse sat at the center of almost all the announcements and products that Zuckerberg and company unveiled during the brief one-hour keynote (which is pretty short for a tech keynote). Zuckerberg said he expects Muse to become a superintelligence used by billions of people one day, and nearly every hardware announcement tied back to it.
What was largely missing was the Metaverse. Facebook renamed itself Meta in 2021 to signal its bet on shared virtual worlds, and it has since lost an estimated $80 billion on the effort through its Reality Labs division. Compared with 2025, this year's keynote barely mentioned the Metaverse." It really does seem that the company's namesake is gone. (For now, at least.)
Instead, Meta is focused on its new wearables, including a new, slimmer pair of VR glasses. Instead of being a doorway into virtual worlds, Zuckerberg and Co. pitched them as a way to watch movies, play games, and stream live sports. Based on the keynote, Meta seems all-in on personal AI and the devices that carry it.
Here's everything Meta announced.
Meta's biggest focus was Muse, which is built to act as a personal agent. According to Meta, Muse can set goals, share ideas, and customize your feed, and users can adjust its personality.
Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang walked through examples of what Muse can do. He spoke of Muse finding a replacement match for a broken vase, planning a vacation, and moving the dates to avoid bad weather, and even negotiating down an insurance bill. "Muse makes you money," Meta said on stage.
Muse is free for now, but Zuckerberg said that "over time we will profit by taking a small fee from transactions."
Starting today, Muse can operate a user's Mac. With permission, Meta says it can run any program in the background, even when the user isn't at the computer. Meta also said Muse will eventually be able to work in users' email.
Meta is also launching connectors, which link third-party apps to Muse. Retailers, including Walmart, Best Buy, Gap, and Sephora, are integrating with Muse so that it can shop and purchase items on their behalf, and Meta is working with Stripe and Shopify on the shopping experience. Expedia is joining for travel, Instacart is coming soon, and Box, GitHub, and Granola are also on board. Meta also said it is launching the Connector Platform, enabling developers to build their own Muse integrations.
"We're making personal superintelligence wearable," Zuckerberg said during the keynote, adding that he believes all glasses will eventually become AI glasses. He called glasses the only form factor that lets people interact with their personal agent the way Meta intends.
In a live demo, Zuckerberg held a real-time conversation through his glasses with his Muse assistant, which he'd named Agrippa. He also asked it to search his calendar for meetings for a "handheld device" he and the team were working on. Meta says it is upgrading its glasses so the AI can give more contextual responses. It also introduced Muse Voice, which lets users customize the assistant's voice.
Meta also showed off how Muse can help with fitness and health in a pre-recorded video with MMA content creator Nina Marie Daniele (known online as Nina Drama). Muse functions similarly to Siri AI on Apple Watch, including building workout routines and suggesting meals to order when viewing the restaurant menu.
Zuckerberg announced the third generation of the company's Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, which will now be available in over 51 different styles. The new generation will also include a more affordable entry point for users, as a future Adventurer model will start at just $249.
You can order the standard Meta Ray-Ban Gen 3 glasses on the Meta and Ray-Ban websites now, with prices starting at $449 (or $399 for the Lisa from Blackpink edition).
The new Meta Ray-Bans have more microphones for clearer audio and better noise reduction, and Zuckerberg said they can even be used on a jetski.
Zuckerberg introduced Meta's first glasses without a camera. Until now, every pair of Meta's smart glasses has included a built-in camera for photos, video, and AI features that rely on seeing what the wearer sees. The new audio glasses drop that feature and focus on sound instead.
Meta says the audio glasses have the longest battery life of any of its glasses, likely helped by the absence of a camera. The company also says they'll be the thinnest Ray-Bans it has made, while still coming in classic styles like the Clubmaster.
"They have to be great glasses first," Zuckerberg said. His point was that smart glasses still have to look and feel like regular eyewear if people are going to wear them all day.
The camera-free design also addresses one of the biggest criticisms of Meta's glasses. Critics have called the camera-equipped models "pervert glasses" because some content creators have used them to secretly film strangers, often women, and post the videos online. Removing the camera eliminates that concern for anyone who wants smart glasses without it.
The launch also puts Meta in closer competition with audio-first eyewear such as Amazon's Echo Frames and Bose's audio sunglasses. Per the Ray-Ban website, the glasses are available for pre-order, with the cheapest option being $349, and will ship in mid-October.
Hearing Enhancement is also a big part of the experience, with Zuckerberg claiming it to be the feature he was most proud of. Meta claims that its glasses are now FDA-certified hearing aids, designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Meta says the feature is free to try and will cost a one-time $149 payment to enable.
Meta announced the third generation of its Ray-Ban Meta glasses, which now have six microphones and Dolby Atmos spatial audio. Meta also said its Adventure-style Meta glasses now cost $249.
Meta revealed new VR glasses, a remarkably slimmer and more mobile pair of glasses compared to the Meta Quest lineup. Zuckerberg said the glasses are five times lighter than the Meta Quest 3 and weigh about as much as a deck of cards. He also called their display the best Meta has ever made, with richer colors and darker blacks.
Users can control the glasses with small hand gestures and type on an AR keyboard. Meta says they're the first IMAX-certified VR device, and they include Muse, which can work in the background.
On the entertainment side, the glasses will launch with 75 games, but will also support the Quest library with attached controllers, as well as Xbox Cloud Gaming. A Disney+ app with 3D releases is coming later this year, and Meta said other streamers will add 3D shows and movies as well.
For sports, the glasses will support the major leagues, plus the UFC and English Premier League. Additionally, some live sporting events will let users watch from different spots in the stadium, which Meta demonstrated with a Texas Longhorns game.
Notably, users can also appear as full-body holograms on calls. Trying out the glasses was Meta executive Andrew Bosworth joked that Meta had "solved the problem of having legs in VR." Bosworth claimed that the Meta VR glasses are "the sexiest pair of [VR] glasses you've ever seen."
The Meta VR glasses will cost $1,299 and launch in spring 2027.
Meta closed the keynote with Muse Charm, a small, always-on handheld device for people who don't wear smart glasses. Zuckerberg said it's the fastest way to talk to Muse outside of Meta's glasses, and it's the same device he discussed with Agrippa during his live demos.
Muse Charm will ship by the holidays in December. Meta did not announce a price and said more details will come later. The device enters a category where earlier standalone AI gadgets, including Humane's AI Pin and the Rabbit R1, struggled to catch on.
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Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 24, 2026Here's the answer for "Wordle" #1922 on September 24 as well as a few hints, tips, and clues to help you solve it yourself.
Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you love drama.
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.
Sloppy.
Yes, the letter S appears twice.
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Today's Wordle starts with the letter M.
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...
MESSY
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.
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Mark Zuckerberg largely ignores smart glasses privacy backlash at Meta ConnectIn his Meta Connect 2026 keynote, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg didn't take on the brewing backlash against smart glasses and privacy.
At Wednesday's Meta Connect 2026, Meta's annual conference and product showcase, CEO Mark Zuckerberg mostly ignored the brewing backlash against the company's smart glasses.
In recent months, concerns over smart glasses and privacy have reached a tipping point. The backlash has become so intense that Apple reportedly delayed the release of its own smart glasses.
Yet at Meta Connect, Zuckerberg chose not to directly address the bad behavior associated with Meta Ray-Bans, which some critics are now calling "pervert glasses."
Zuckerberg did talk about privacy in general, emphasizing that the company's new glasses and Muse AI assistant will provide users with a secure environment.
For the Muse assistant, Zuckerberg emphasized that Muse already runs on a dedicated computer in the cloud, known as Muse Secure VM. He also promised a future version with added encryption, which would prevent Meta from accessing user data altogether. And for its glasses, Zuckerberg announced that private processing will be available for some of the glasses' AI features, starting with live translation.
As Mashable has reported previously (as have plenty of other journalists), Meta Ray-Bans have enabled some really bad behavior. At some point this year, the sheer number of creeps and nuisance streamers using Meta Ray-Bans to harass people in public became impossible to ignore, and Meta started facing a serious backlash.
Filming in public spaces is perfectly legal, of course. But a behavior can be legal while also being deeply antisocial.
The head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, eventually announced that the platform would crack down on smart-glasses videos that feature harassment and other types of bad behavior.
So, even though Meta has sold millions of Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses in recent years, public opinion has very much shifted against them, for a variety of reasons. General fears of surveillance tech (see also: Flock cameras). Reporting that Meta will incorporate facial recognition tech into its glasses. General distrust of Meta and Zuckerberg.
Meta was an early mover in the smart glasses market, and since debuting the Meta Ray-Bans, the company has expanded its product lines through collaborations with Kylie Jenner and Oakley, while rival companies like Google and Samsung are set to release their own smart glasses later this year.
Is Zuckerberg right about the future of smart glasses?
As he has in previous keynotes and earnings calls, Zuckerberg said again that he believes smart glasses will be the personal computing device of the future, with AI at the center of the experience.
“If you don't have glasses that have AI — or some way to interact with AI — you're probably going to be at a pretty significant cognitive disadvantage compared to other people who you're working with, or competing against," Zuckerberg said in an earnings call last year.
In his “Personal Superintelligence” blog post, Zuckerberg wrote: "Personal devices like glasses that see what we see, hear what we hear, and interact with us throughout the day will become our primary computing devices."
And at Meta Connect 2026, Zuckerberg said that he believes smart glasses will win out over other types of AI wearables and personal computing devices.
“We think that glasses are going to be the biggest category because, first of all, they already are, and second, they are the only form factor that lets your Muse see what you see, hear what you hear, talk to you throughout the day, and display information right in your vision, eventually," Zuckerberg said.
The question for users: Do they trust Meta to see what they see and hear what they hear?
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Meta to release Muse Charm, a Tamagotchi-like device for the Muse AI agentMeta's Muse Charm is a small, always-on handheld for talking to its Muse AI without glasses.
Meta has a new way to talk to its AI without putting on a pair of glasses.
At the end of Wednesday's Meta Connect keynote, CEO Mark Zuckerberg unveiled Muse Charm, a small, always-on handheld device built around Muse, Meta's AI assistant. The Tamagotchi-like gadget is designed for people who don't wear Meta's smart glasses, and Zuckerberg called it the fastest way to talk to Muse without wearing them.
The reveal was set up earlier in the keynote. During a live demo, Zuckerberg used Meta's glasses to talk with his customized Muse assistant, which he'd named Agrippa, about a handheld device he was working on. That device turned out to be Muse Charm.
Muse sat at the center of this year's keynote. Meta describes it as a personal agent that can set goals, share ideas, and run tasks in the background, and users can customize its personality and voice. Zuckerberg also suggested Meta could eventually collect a small fee on transactions the assistant helps complete.
Muse Charm will ship by the holidays in December, according to Zuckerberg. Meta did not announce a price and said more details will come later.
The device enters a category with a rocky track record. Standalone AI gadgets like Humane's Ai Pin and the Rabbit R1 drew harsh reviews after launching in 2024, and Humane discontinued the AI Pin the following year. Muse Charm's main selling point is that it runs on the same assistant as Meta's glasses. Whether that helps it avoid the same fate may not be clear until it's in people's hands.
At Meta Connect 2026, Mark Zuckerberg unveiled Meta VR Glasses, a lightweight device with an advanced display, voice and hand controls, and integration with the company’s AI agent, Muse. The glasses will cost $1,299 and launch in spring 2027.
The device appears to combine some of the ambitions of Apple’s Vision Pro with a smaller, glasses-style design. Meta says it weighs 100 grams, making it roughly five times lighter than the Meta Quest 3 headset.
Meta’s live demonstrations focused on three main uses: productivity, entertainment, and gaming.
For work, the glasses can connect to external displays and project a keyboard onto a flat surface, according to the company. DisplayPort over USB-C support adds another connectivity option.
For entertainment, Meta highlighted spatial audio, Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision support, and an IMAX Enhanced cinema mode. The company also described support for 3D movies and experiences through streaming apps such as Disney+.
Gaming is another major part of the pitch. Meta said the glasses will support Xbox Cloud Gaming and the entire Meta Quest game library, giving users access to both cloud-streamed games and VR experiences.
Meta also announced full-body hologram calling for both Meta VR Glasses and Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, boasting that it had "solved the problem of giving you legs."
The idea is to make catching up remotely feel more like being in the same room — now with your lower half included. Between hologram calls, virtual keyboards, and a personal cinema, Meta is packing a lot into its $1,299 pitch. We’ll have to wait until spring 2027 to see whether the glasses can deliver.
Meet the Meta Ray-Ban Gen 3, starting at $249Meta Ray-Ban Gen 3 smart glasses start at $249, with Dolby Atmos spatial audio, six microphones, new frame styles, and a Blackpink Lisa collaboration.
Meta’s next generation of smart glasses is here, with a lower starting price and plenty of new looks. At Meta Connect 2026, CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced Meta Ray-Ban Gen 3, with the Adventurer style starting at $249 (as of this writing, the promised $249 pair aren't available for pre-order).
The expanded collection offers 51 style combinations, adjustable temple tips, and audio upgrades designed to help the glasses capture both your voice and the sounds around you.
Meta highlighted Dolby Atmos spatial audio capture, designed to preserve the sense of where sounds originate around the wearer. The idea is that a recording captures more of the experience of being in a room, with sounds appearing to come from their original directions.
The glasses also feature six microphones, which Meta says help capture the wearer’s voice clearly in noisy environments and reduce wind noise. (Zuckerberg used the example of taking a call on a jet ski.)
Adjustable temple tips add another practical update, allowing wearers to fine-tune the fit.
The collection is expanding to include Ray-Ban Aviators and the Zena style, alongside a 90th-anniversary Aviator limited launch edition with a vintage look. Other additions include Capri, a cat-eye frame, and Nova, a rounded shape.
The Adventurer option starts at $249, giving buyers a more affordable entry into the lineup.
Meta is also collaborating with Lisa from Blackpink on several new styles. A special edition includes a custom case, star details on the temple tips, and surprise charms inspired by her pets. Meanwhile, the Kylie Jenner collection is getting a new ivory color way.
With more frame choices, a lower starting price, and improvements to fit and audio, Meta is making its glasses pitch increasingly practical. If you’ve been waiting for a pair that suits your face — and your budget — the company is hoping something in this lineup will fit the bill.
You can purchase the new Meta Ray-Ban Gen 3 at Meta and Ray-Ban's online stores for $449. The Gen 2 version are also available via Amazon Prime for $379.
Meta wants its smart glasses to help you hear, and it's dropping the camera altogether.
During his Meta Connect keynote on Wednesday, CEO Mark Zuckerberg asked whether Meta's glasses could help people hear better, then introduced a feature called Hearing Enhancement. The feature is designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss and turns the glasses into an over-the-counter hearing aid.
With that, Zuckerberg unveiled Meta's new audio glasses, the company's first pair without a camera. Meta says the glasses — which can stream music, take calls, and connect to Muse, the company's AI assistant — have the longest battery life of any of its glasses and will be the thinnest Ray-Bans it has made, while still coming in classic Ray-Ban styles like the Clubmaster.
"They have to be great glasses first," Zuckerberg said.
A camera-free option arrives as Meta's smart glasses face growing backlash over covert filming, with critics calling them "pervert glasses." Content creators have increasingly used the glasses to record strangers for prank and pickup-line videos, often without their consent.
You can pre-order the new Meta Audio AI Glasses at the Meta and Ray-Ban online stores for $349. You can also find deals on the Meta Ray-Ban Gen 2 model via Amazon Prime.
At Connect 2026, Meta outlined its ambitions for glasses, shopping, and "superintelligence." Specifically, Meta wants its Muse AI assistant to handle more of your everyday tasks, including shopping, responding to emails, and working on your computer.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Meta chief AI officer Alexandr Wang discussed the recently launched agent at Wednesday's Meta Connect 2026 event at the company's headquarters in Menlo Park, California. The event began on a philosophical note as Zuckerberg mused (pun intended!) on Meta's mission ("the reason why Meta exists is… because we actually believe in people") and the beauty of building things (Zuckerberg wore a shirt that read, "building is my love language").
Zuckerberg presented Muse as an early step toward his vision of "personal superintelligence" and said it has expanded to Canada, with more countries coming soon.
Powered by Muse Spark, Muse can research topics, fill out forms, book travel, and continue working after users close the app, according to Meta. Zuckerberg also described adding the assistant to an email thread so it can respond on a user’s behalf.
The chatbot's increased access comes with questions about privacy and control. Meta says each agent runs on Muse Secure VM, a dedicated computer in the cloud that stores its connected data; this is separate from the user’s Mac. Users choose which services to connect, and Meta says Muse requests approval before completing sensitive actions such as sending emails or making purchases.
Shopping was another focus, with Zuckerberg highlighting Stripe, Shopify’s Shop Pay, and expanded PayPal support. The goal is to help users discover products and complete purchases through the assistant, although retailer restrictions remain an obstacle. Amazon has already blocked Muse from shopping on its site.
Zuckerberg suggested Meta could eventually collect a small fee on transactions Muse helps complete. He also emphasized plans to offer substantial free usage; Muse currently has a free tier alongside paid subscriptions.
The presentation included a lighter demonstration of personalization: Wang showed a version of his dog as his assistant. Muse’s default mascot, Jolly, may give the technology a friendly face, but Meta’s larger bet is that users will trust it to take on increasingly personal work.
Meta pitches new privacy protections for Muse and its smart glassesMeta outlined upcoming privacy features for Muse AI and smart glasses, including Muse Confidential VM and private processing for translations.
As Meta asks people to trust its AI with more of their everyday lives, Mark Zuckerberg used his Connect 2026 keynote to outline new protections for the information those products collect.
For Muse, Meta’s personal AI agent, that includes an upcoming system called Muse Confidential VM. Each Muse already runs on a dedicated computer in the cloud, known as Muse Secure VM. The planned confidential version adds encryption designed to prevent even Meta from accessing the user’s data.
The distinction matters for an assistant designed to work across connected accounts and handle tasks such as sending emails, booking travel, and shopping.
Zuckerberg also addressed privacy on Meta’s smart glasses, pointing to safeguards he said were built into the devices from the beginning. Those include an indicator light that turns on when someone captures a photo or video, and a feature that disables video recording if the light is tampered with.
Meta is now developing private processing for certain AI features on the glasses. Zuckerberg described a protected server environment where personal data would be inaccessible to others, including Meta, using technology also employed for WhatsApp.
He said the feature would roll out soon, starting with private translations.
The announcements address a growing question for Meta: how to offer increasingly personal AI features without asking users to accept increasingly broad access to their information. For glasses, there’s another audience to convince, too — the people on the other side of the camera.
Three takeaways from the Senate hearing on Flocks camera networkA Senate hearing on Flock Safety examined gaps in police oversight, data security and ALPR rules. Here are three takeaways.
Flock Safety, the largest U.S. seller of automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, continues to draw national scrutiny. That debate now includes the halls of Congress, as a Senate Judiciary subcommittee examined how the company's data is secured, searched, and shared.
Flock's network of privately owned and operated cameras and its nationwide database have drawn bipartisan concern over the past several months. Beyond mass surveillance concerns, critics have pointed to incidents of false positives, cooperation with federal agents on immigration enforcement, and even tracking women seeking abortions across state lines.
The Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, chaired by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) with Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) as ranking member, heard from five witnesses: a Florida woman wrongfully jailed in a case that began with a Flock camera image, an Arizona sheriff who ended his county's Flock contract, a security researcher, and policy attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union and the Institute for Justice.
No one from Flock testified. Invitations were also extended to Axon, Motorola, and Verkada. Flock's CEO, Garrett Langley, sent the subcommittee a letter instead of appearing.
The note, read aloud by Hawley, stated: "Flock acknowledges it conducts very little oversight of client searches and instead relies on its clients to police themselves. The underlying search records are owned and controlled by each customer agency. Flock clients control the data retention. Until last year, Flock customers could enter the reason for a search into a free text field."
The absence was notable, though not necessarily unusual for this kind of proceeding. Wednesday's session was a legislative hearing, designed to gather facts on an issue rather than to investigate a specific company's conduct. Hearings like this can seem performative, with senators often asking questions they already know the answers to so that expert witnesses can state them on the record.
However, if the subcommittee moves to an investigative hearing, lawmakers would have the power to subpoena Flock's CEO rather than simply invite him, and they could question him about the claims already on the record. Despite the absences, the concerns put on the record point to some key takeaways about Flock and its partnership with law enforcement.
Much of the hearing treated Flock as the source of the harm. But in many of the cases witnesses described, even though Flock's cameras gathered the data, law enforcement officers still made the decisions.
Case in point, the committee heard the testimony of Lindsey Isaacs, a young woman in Florida whose Dodge Durango was photographed by Flock cameras and later linked by investigators to a crash that killed three people in October 2025. Six months later, she was in a jail cell charged with vehicular homicide. It took 13 days and photos of her undamaged, impounded SUV to get her out.
According to her testimony, the Flock camera placed her vehicle two to three miles from the crash scene. Investigators were searching for a black Durango. Witnesses had described a maroon one, and 911 callers had provided a partial plate. Troopers impounded her SUV and said it had collision damage she could not see. Months later, a warrant was issued anyway, and she was denied bond. The case fell apart only after her attorney showed the court photos of the vehicle sitting undamaged in the impound lot. Prosecutors declined to charge her, and another person was later charged.
Sen. Durbin raised this point directly, questioning why the investigation moved forward when the vehicle itself showed no signs of a crash.
The same pattern appeared in the discussion of how officers search the network. Per Langley's letter to Hawley, the search records belong to the customer agencies; those agencies set their own retention rules, and Flock does little oversight of individual searches and relies on clients to police themselves. And until recently, law enforcement officers could type in reasons for a search in a free-text field — though Hawley pointed out examples such as "search" and "lol" appearing in those boxes.
Alasdair Whitney, a witness from the Institute for Justice, told the committee that the organization cataloged more than 240 incidents of ALPR misuse, including officers tracking current and former partners. In Norfolk, Virginia, he wrote in his opening testimony, no one audited hundreds of thousands of searches until a lawsuit forced the city to. In a Virginia survey of agencies after the state passed limits on ALPR use, many agencies admitted they weren't following the law, and nearly a third didn't respond at all.
Whitney also cited a California department that found that most of its stolen-vehicle and felony alerts over two years were due to misread plates. Later in the hearing, Whitney described what he called "side door" access to Flock's database, in which federal agents ask local officers to run searches that state law would not allow federal agencies to run directly.
When Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) asked whether Flock shares data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ACLU senior policy counsel Chad Marlow said the company does not provide data to ICE directly. He argued that any local officer with access could run searches on the federal agents' behalf, with little to stop it.
All in all, the testimony reveals several truths about Flock's camera network and its relationship with law enforcement. First, cameras flagging the wrong car is unmistakably a failure. But second, stopping a family at gunpoint without first checking the plate is a decision someone makes. Using the database to stalk an ex is a decision someone makes. Skirting state laws to give information to federal immigration officers is a decision someone makes. Putting a young woman in jail for vehicular homicide despite evidence to the contrary is a decision someone makes.
None of the policy proposals presented at the hearing focused on officer discipline or on the systemic failure of law enforcement to properly do their jobs. Although it must be said that the Institute for Justice's model bill does include mandatory supervisor approval, 30-day audits, and suspended database access for violators.
The second takeaway is about security. Security researcher Benn Jordan, who was present as a witness, described research he conducted with fellow researcher Jon Gaines, who has published 55 vulnerabilities related to Flock's systems.
Data from American Community Media states that Flock's network of 120,000 cameras has conducted 20 billion scans monthly across the country. A database of where millions of people drive is valuable to more than the police. According to Jordan, a common camera model could be taken over in under a minute by someone with physical access. He also said he found exposed administrative interfaces on more than 60 of the company's newer pan-tilt-zoom cameras, and Flock law enforcement accounts listed for sale on a dark web marketplace.
Hawley asked Jordan about a statement attributed to Flock's CEO that the company had never been hacked. "Flock has never been hacked. Ever," read the quote that Langley sent to a Staunton, VA police chief.
Jordan said that was false. He testified that the cameras run on a modified, older version of Android and aren't held to federal cybersecurity standards. Jordan also said that he had been able to make out the contents of a person's phone screen in a camera image. Flock has said in past statements that its license plate readers capture vehicle details and do not use facial recognition. Flock's system uses purpose-built, high-resolution cameras to capture moving objects instead of recording video.
Whitney added more recent examples. Last December, internal materials showed Flock sending U.S. camera images to overseas gig workers to train its AI. Last week, hackers reported pulling a camera off a pole and recovering an encryption key stored on the device itself. He noted that in a city like Norfolk, home to major naval installations, a record of service members' daily movements is exactly what a foreign intelligence service would want.
Jordan did say Flock recently invited him and other researchers to review its systems. While there hadn't been time for a full review, he said the company seemed to be taking security more seriously than a year ago.
The third takeaway is that mass license plate collection is neither new nor unique to Flock.
Private plate-scanning networks have operated for more than a decade, largely through the repossession industry. A 2015 federal appeals court decision described cameras sold to repossession companies and mounted on tow trucks, automatically logging plates with the date, time, and GPS location, with the data then sold to auto finance and insurance companies. It's similar to a scheme Flock wanted to pursue through Uber and Lyft drivers.
A 2014 ABC7 Los Angeles investigation reported that companies outfitting repo cars with these cameras were feeding the scans into private databases and selling them without drivers' knowledge. That network, Digital Recognition Network, is now owned by Motorola. According to the ACLU, it claims to collect 500 million plate reads a month, makes the data available to law enforcement customers for an added fee, and is "subject to no apparent data retention policy."
Witnesses at the hearing warned against treating Flock as the only target. Jordan said Axon and Motorola are rolling out the same kinds of features Flock is being criticized for. Marlow pointed to Denver, which he said dropped Flock and immediately signed with Axon.
However, while all parties present were concerned about Flock cameras, there was a disagreement over how surveillance camera laws should be written. Marlow wants Congress to bar any federally funded law enforcement agency from using ALPRs at all. Meanwhile, Whitney urged a warrant requirement for location data more than two hours old, a seven-day retention cap, and conditions on federal grant money. Real-time alerts for stolen cars and missing children would stay in place.
Speaking as a security researcher, Jordan called for mandatory independent security inspections of surveillance vendors and a broad federal privacy law. Finally, Pinal County Sheriff Ross Teeple supported basic plate reading and asked for statutory limits on AI-driven tracking. Teeple, when questioned during the hearing, said that he dropped Flock partly because he believed the company misled him about its capabilities.
Meta Connect 2026: How to watch Mark Zuckerbergs keynote liveMeta's big annual announcement event is almost here and you can watch it live.
It's Meta announcement season, and you can follow along for yourself at home by watching Mark Zuckerberg's kenote live.
Meta Connect, the annual conference and product showcase, starts on Wednesday evening with a big keynote address. Zuckerberg will take the stage at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday to show off Meta's latest hardware and services, with likely appearances from other leaders at Meta. If it's anything like last year, you'll be able to follow along live on Meta's official pages on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
We don't know exactly what to expect from Meta Connect this year, but the company's recent smart glasses-heavy strategy suggests we'll see a pair of specs or two at the show. A recent report suggested the company is working on a camera-free pair of glasses, so maybe we'll see those on stage.
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There's also the possibility that we could see Project Phoenix, a rumored new product that looks like a cross between smart glasses and a VR headset. A leaker recently shared a render found in Meta code that sure looks like Project Phoenix, so maybe it'll get fully unveiled on Wednesday. We'd also expect to see some updates on Muse, the popular new AI agent Meta just launched.
Finally, Meta could take the opportunity to launch new Meta Muse AI models.
10 ways to use Metas Muse AI app, from flight credits to outfit ideasSee how people are using Meta’s Muse AI agent for flight refunds, shopping, recipes, and more, with suggested prompts to try yourself.
Everyone has those tasks they keep putting off because dealing with them sounds worse than living with the problem for another day. Maybe it’s chasing an airline credit, sitting on hold with customer service, or figuring out how you’re going to pack your entire apartment before the movers arrive.
That’s the pitch behind Meta Muse AI, the new agentic AI assistant that launched Sept. 8. It’s designed to carry out tasks on your behalf, from booking travel to sending emails, using the apps and accounts you choose to connect.
"Meet Muse, the personal agent that helps you get things done," Mark Zuckerberg wrote in an Instagram announcement.
People are already putting that promise to the test and have been "blown away." One traveler says Muse helped secure a $250 credit after a flight delay, while another had it wait on hold and call them once an actual person was ready to talk. Users online are sharing ways they've been "musemaxxing," delegating more and more to Meta's new AI. Tech creator Peter Yang even called it "the best personal agent I've tried to date." It's also been called OpenClaw for normies (OpenClaw is the AI agent that made waves in early 2026).
The excitement has spread far beyond social media. Muse has climbed to the top of Apple’s App Store, and Meta shares jumped more than 11 percent on Sept. 21 as Wells Fargo raised its price target.
People are collecting these experiments, too. For example, Use of Muse is a searchable directory of user-shared examples, from recovering money to handling everyday errands, with links back to the original posts. AI Agents Library’s guide to Muse also offers practical task ideas and sample prompts.
We've rounded up some standout stories and included suggested prompts to help you try similar tasks. The prompts are either from these directories or use the same approach as the prompt examples given.
Your to-do list had a good run!
A word of warning: All AI agents carry some security risks, including Meta Muse AI, so be thoughtful before turning over control of apps, devices, and financial information.
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After a seven-hour flight delay, investor and creator Ejaaz Ahamadeen said he asked Muse to file for compensation. Five minutes later, he reported having a $250 credit in his Delta account. He also said it found and rebooked a flight and replied to a support email. "it just figured everything out," he wrote, adding that Muse "feels like magic."
His screenshots show Muse AI checking alternative routes into Maui, prioritizing his preferred airlines, and gathering the details to submit a complaint.
If you’ve ever spent a flight delay wishing someone else would deal with the airline for you, you might finally be able to hand that headache over.
A prompt to try: "My flight [flight number] on [date] was delayed by [length of delay]. Check whether I qualify for compensation, a refund, or an airline credit, and prepare the request for my review. Also find alternative flights to [destination], prioritizing [preferred airlines]. Ask before submitting a claim or changing my booking."
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Entrepreneur Matt Van Horn described asking Muse to call Southwest, wait on hold, and call him once a representative was available.
"It worked! There was real human waiting for me," he wrote. "Grail I’ve been dying for unlocked."
Many X users replied, asking follow-up questions, like did he need a separate voice service? How did Muse know where to reach him? Van Horn said he was using Meta’s built-in calling feature and the callback setup was straightforward, "I gave it my number lol."
There is a catch: Van Horn said the built-in calling feature is still in beta, and not everyone has access. One commenter said they’d planned an entire call with Muse, only to learn when they said "go" that calling wasn’t enabled for their account. Van Horn replied, "Sorry!! Soon," though he didn’t offer a timeline.
If you do have access, getting on with your day while Muse waits for a representative sounds pretty appealing. As one commenter put it: "Normally we wait for the customer service rep. You had the rep wait for you."
A prompt to try: "If calling is enabled for my account, call [company] about [issue], wait on hold, and call me at [phone number] when a representative is ready. Let me know upfront if you can’t make the call or connect me."
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Founder Millie Yang had a specific kind of night out in mind: trendy cocktail bars in New York City with a similar feel to Osamil Upstairs. She asked Muse to search Instagram for places that fit a group of five.
The screenshots she provided show Muse narrowing in on two options: Barbam, which it described as an intimate Korean speakeasy with jazz and elaborate cocktails, and Seoul Salon, a livelier, neon-lit Korean cocktail lounge. It explained why each might work, pointing to Barbam’s atmosphere as the closer match to Osamil and Seoul Salon’s reservation options as useful for her group.
Then Yang asked, "Show me vids," to which Muse returned links to reels featuring a basement tour, a walkthrough, and cocktail close-ups, giving her something to judge beyond its own descriptions. It also said it had added both venues to the evening’s availability check, bringing the search to eight spots.
The connection to Reels is what Yang found to be most helpful. If your usual planning process involves bouncing between Instagram, a map, and reservation sites while sending options to the group chat, this use case could be for you.
"Muse is IG search on steroids and soon people are going to realize how insanely useful this is," she writes on X. "It’s already got me spending more time on the app than I expected."
A prompt to try: "Search Instagram for cocktail bars in [neighborhood or city] with a similar atmosphere to [favorite bar]. Find options for [number of people] on [date and time], show me reels of the spaces and drinks, and check current opening hours and reservation availability. Let me choose before booking."
CNN’s Lisa Eadicicco tested Muse on a task with plenty of moving parts, literally: packing for a new apartment.
"I told Muse what I still needed to pack, how much time I had before moving and that I wanted to pack in short spurts," she wrote.
Muse turned those constraints into a daily packing schedule, including estimates for how long to spend each day. It also suggested setting aside a bag of essentials for the first night.
Eadicicco’s broader test also exposed limitations. Muse recommended two date-night spots that had closed years earlier, and it told her it couldn’t directly message Marketplace sellers despite advertising that capability. Meta told CNN that Muse could negotiate with sellers within parameters set by the user.
A prompt to try: "I’m moving on [date] and still need to pack [rooms or belongings]. Make me a daily packing schedule with sessions of no more than [number] minutes. Start with things I won’t need before the move, and include a first-night essentials checklist."
Meta is pitching Muse as a shopping companion, too. An Instagram ad on my feed calls it "your style scout" and says it "watches trends, builds complete looks, and finds the pieces that fit your style and your budget."
That could sound pretty appealing if you’ve ever opened a shopping app looking for one outfit and emerged an hour later with 23 tabs and no decisions. The ad promises to help narrow things down around what you like and what you want to spend, though it doesn’t show a completed shopping experience. (Amazon has banned Meta Muse AI from making purchases.)
A prompt to try: "Help me put together an outfit for [occasion] with a total budget of [amount]. I like [styles or brands] and already own [pieces]. Find options in my size, check availability, and show me the complete looks and prices before I buy anything."
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Nicolas Bustamante from Microsoft reported that Meta's Muse AI has already saved him $200 by canceling subscriptions and services he no longer needed. Podcaster Armand Domalewski used it for the same thing, adding "muse is genuinely magic."
If you’ve ever spotted a charge and thought, “Wait, I’m still paying for that?” you already have a starting point. Those free trials and subscriptions you meant to cancel can add up, especially when you keep putting off going through them.
A prompt to try: "Review the statements I provide for recurring subscriptions. List the amounts and renewal dates, flag possible duplicates, and ask me which ones I want to cancel."
Ever searched your name and found your address on a website you’ve never heard of? Threads user @andru had Muse complete 90 data-broker opt-outs.
Doing that yourself can mean working through dozens of sites, each with its own removal process. It’s the kind of project you might start enthusiastically and abandon around website number four. (Completing an opt-out doesn’t guarantee the information is gone permanently.)
"It books, buys, tracks your spending, and files the boring stuff while you just...live!"
A prompt to try: "Find data-broker sites listing my personal information and help me request its removal. Show me the matches first, ask before sharing any additional personal information, and track which requests are submitted, confirmed, or need follow-up."
You’ve booked the flight and hotel, closed the tabs, and moved on—only to wonder later whether the price has dropped. According to the Use of Muse directory, Threads user @adambader reported saving $600 by using Muse to monitor booked flights and hotels for lower prices.
It’s a convenient idea for anyone who likes getting a deal but doesn’t want checking prices to become a daily habit. Whether changing a booking actually saves money depends on cancellation rules and fees, so those need to be part of the comparison.
A prompt to try: "Monitor the flights and hotels in my bookings for price drops. Check whether I can get the lower rate under each booking’s terms, including any change or cancellation fees. Alert me when there’s a real saving, and ask before changing anything."
You’ve booked the flight and hotel, closed the tabs, and moved on—only to wonder later whether the price has dropped. According to the Use of Muse directory, Threads user @adambader reported saving $600 by using Muse to monitor booked flights and hotels for lower prices.
It’s a convenient idea for anyone who likes getting a deal but doesn’t want checking prices to become a daily habit. Whether changing a booking actually saves money depends on cancellation rules and fees, so those need to be part of the comparison.
A prompt to try: “Monitor the flights and hotels in my bookings for price drops. Check whether I can get the lower rate under each booking’s terms, including any change or cancellation fees. Alert me when there’s a real saving, and ask before changing anything.”
Founder Joseph Devoy reported that switching auto insurance with Muse saved $3,500 a year.
If you’ve been renewing the same policy because shopping around sounds like a project, that’s a reason to take another look. The important part is comparing what each policy covers alongside the price.
A prompt to try: "Compare my current auto insurance policy with quotes for equivalent coverage. Show me the annual premiums, deductibles, coverage limits, and exclusions side by side. Ask before submitting my personal information, and wait for my approval before switching or canceling anything."
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Before you hand over your entire shopping list, there’s a catch: the websites Muse visits don’t always welcome it.
Mashable reported on Sept. 22 that Amazon was blocking Muse from shopping, with users seeing warnings that access by an unauthorized AI agent violated its terms. Amazon told the publication it had asked Meta to remove Amazon from the experience. It also alleged that Muse failed to identify itself and collect users’ credentials and account data, raising security concerns.
Other companies are moving toward partnerships. Alongside Instacart’s announcement, Expedia described forthcoming support for travel planning through Muse, while PayPal announced plans to enable shopping and checkout through the agent across its merchants.
For now, what you can hand over depends on the features available to your account and the services involved. Start with one task you’d be happy to stop doing yourself — and see how far Muse gets.
OpenAI hires Patreon’s co-founder as its creator push expandsPatreon co-founder Sam Yam is joining OpenAI with two former executives to develop creator products, with a preview expected at its Sept. 29 DevDay.
OpenAI has been busy courting creators, and its latest hire suggests it wants to give them more reasons to stick around. The company behind ChatGPT is bringing in Patreon co-founder Sam Yam to lead its Creator Product division, recruiting someone who has spent more than a decade helping creators build businesses around their audiences.
Yam is joining alongside two former Patreon executives: Drew Rowny, who led product, and Shannon Ma, who led engineering, as Yam announced on his X account.
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Together, the three execs bring experience building tools for people whose livelihoods depend on making things and persuading fans to support them. Yam co-founded Patreon with musician Jack Conte in 2013, helping popularize memberships that let creators earn money directly from their communities.
That makes the move interesting beyond the usual executive shuffle. OpenAI is hiring people who understand what creators need to run a business, from developing paid offerings to maintaining relationships with fans. Their arrival raises questions about how those ideas might show up in OpenAI’s products.
We may not have to wait long for a clearer picture of what's in store. Yam pointed to OpenAI’s upcoming DevDay for a preview of its creator products. The event takes place Sept. 29 in San Francisco.
The hire fits into a broader effort to get closer to creators and the audiences they influence. In February, OpenAI hired Charles Porch, Instagram’s longtime global partnerships executive, to lead global creative partnerships. In April, it acquired tech talk show TBPN, a deal I explored in my newsletter, Fan Mail, as an example of the value companies place on access to influential audiences. Then came this summer’s luxury influencer retreat in New York’s Hudson Valley.
As Mashable reported, that trip also showed how quickly creator outreach can become contentious. Attendees faced questions about AI’s environmental footprint, its effect on creative work, and why they had agreed to promote the company. Some defended the opportunity to speak with the people developing the technology; others seemed surprised by the backlash.
That’s part of the challenge awaiting Yam and his colleagues. Creators are potential customers for AI tools, but they’re also among the people asking what the technology means for the value of their work. A useful product could make a stronger case than a polished brand trip. We’ll get a better sense of what that looks like next week.
Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.
Bluetti’s Elite 300 portable power station gets steep discount on Amazon — save $400Save over $400 on the Bluetti Elite 300 Portable Power Station at Amazon. Features a 3,014Wh LiFePO4 battery, 2,400W AC output, and a dedicated TT-30 RV port.
SAVE $400.01: As of Sept. 23, the Bluetti Elite 300 Portable Power Station is on sale at Amazon for $1,098.99. That's down 27% from its original $1,499 list price.
If you’ve been eyeing a heavy-duty battery generator for storm season or road trips, this is easily one of the best prices we’ve seen on this unit. Amazon just knocked $400 off the Bluetti Elite 300 portable power station, bringing it down from its usual $1,499 list price to a far more palatable $1,098.99.
Most power stations packing over 3,000 watt-hours of capacity look like miniature refrigerators and weigh a ton. The Elite 300 shrinks that footprint by about 59%, fitting 3,014Wh of juice into a frame that’s closer in size to standard 2kWh units. It’s built around long-lasting LiFePO4 battery tech and delivers 2,400 watts of continuous output, with headroom for up to 4,800-watt power surges.
If you’re taking it on the road, it’s RV-ready right out of the box. Instead of making you mess with clunky adapters, it features a built-in TT-30 RV plug and a heavy-duty 12V/30A DC outlet. That lets you run your camper's 12V fridge, water pump, and diesel heater directly off the generator while you're off-grid.
You don't have to sit around all day waiting for it to charge, either. It plugs into a standard wall outlet, solar panels, or your car, and can charge up to 80% in just 78 minutes. You can also track your battery life, toggle outputs, and change settings right from your phone via the Bluetti app over WiFi or Bluetooth. And if the power grid goes down, it switches over to battery backup in 10 milliseconds. That’s fast enough that your WiFi router, laptop, or CPAP machine won't even reboot when the lights flicker.
If you want a portable generator that can run essential home appliances through a multi-day power outage without taking up your entire trunk, this is a steal. Grab the Bluetti Elite 300 for $1,098.99 on Amazon before this deal disappears.
Pay once, store for life — this 20TB encrypted cloud plan is just $349.95Get 20TB of end-to-end encrypted Scramble Cloud storage for life for $349.95 (reg. $1,440) with no recurring storage payments.
TL;DR: Get 20TB of end-to-end encrypted Scramble Cloud storage for $349.95, with lifetime access, private sharing, WebDAV, and CLI support.
The best cloud storage might be the kind you barely have to think about. Scramble Cloud gives you 20TB of storage for life for $349.95 (reg. $1,440), so you can give a seriously large collection of photos, videos, backups, and work files a long-term home.
And 20TB is a lot of breathing room. Scramble is designed for people with serious storage needs, whether you’re backing up family memories, keeping a growing video collection, or simply someone who believes deleting files is a problem for Future You. You can use it on desktop or mobile device.
Your files are protected with end-to-end encryption and encrypted before leaving your device. Its zero-knowledge architecture keeps you in control of access, while encrypted private links let you share selected files with other people.
Scramble also gives you several ways to reach all that storage. Use the web app from virtually any device, mount Scramble Drive in your operating system’s file explorer with WebDAV, or manage files using its command-line tool. You can preview files, stream encrypted videos, and view Word and Excel files from your browser.
For collaboration, you can create encrypted groups with permissions or use Team Link to share files with internal or external partners without requiring registration.
There are two limits worth considering before committing 20TB worth of your digital life: individual files can’t exceed 5GB, and uploads are capped at 70GB per day. Those restrictions make this better suited to steadily building a large archive than dumping massive files into the cloud all at once.
Get 20TB of Scramble Cloud without another recurring storage bill to remember for just $349.95 (reg. $1,440).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Replace mindless scrolling with bite-sized learning for just $10 a yearLearn new things in your spare time with this five-year subscription to Nibble All-Around Knowledge App.
TL;DR: Learn new things in your spare time with this five-year subscription to Nibble All-Around Knowledge App, on sale for just $49.99 (reg. $449.95).
Your phone doesn’t have to be a black hole of time-wasting. If you’ve got the right apps, you can turn your spare time into something way more productive. The Nibble All-Around Knowledge App serves up bite-sized lessons that help you learn something new during your morning commute, on your lunch break, or in line at the grocery store.
Right now, you can snag a five-year subscription to Nibble All-Around Knowledge App for just $49.99.
If you think you don’t have time to learn something new, think again. The Nibble All-Around Knowledge app was designed for today’s busy schedules, offering bite-sized lessons that teach you new things in just ten minutes.
Work on your self-improvement on the go with these handy audio episodes you can listen to anytime. The app is filled with lessons on over 20 topics, from art and AI to history and personal finance, so you can pick something you’ve been meaning to dive into.
Nibble’s flexible learning paths let you choose between a guided learning journey or hopping around depending on your mood. After you listen to lessons, explore the topic further with interactive AI experiences, such as chatting with historical figures. There are also learning games to see how much you’ve retained.
Nibble offers app and web access, and your account tracks your progress so you can access it easily across devices. This five-year subscription gives you unlimited library access, and you’ll never run out of lessons thanks to new content being added every month.
Snag a five-year subscription to Nibble All-Around Knowledge App for just $49.99.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Microsoft announces updated Surface Laptop 13-inch, Surface Pro 12-inch starting at $1,149.99Microsoft has announced the Surface Laptop 13-inch (2nd edition) and Surface Pro 12-inch (2nd edition) with the Snapdragon X2 Plus chip, out Oct. 13.
Microsoft is giving its compact Surface devices a subtle refresh. Today at Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit in Hawaii, the U.S. tech giant announced the Surface Laptop 13-inch (2nd edition) and Surface Pro 12-inch (2nd edition) with the Snapdragon X2 Plus chip. The latter will support a new AI-powered drawing and annotating tool called Microsoft Ink Canvas.
Externally, both new Surface devices gain 25 percent brighter touchscreen displays and new black color options. They're otherwise identical to their predecessors from spring 2025.
The updated Surface Laptop 13-inch and Surface Pro 12-inch will hit the market on Oct. 13, starting at $1,199.99 and $1,149.99, respectively. (Preorders are now live at Best Buy, B&H Photo, and the Microsoft Store.) They'll be joined by a redesigned Surface Mouse with built-in haptic feedback and a customizable action button, which will start at $79.99.
Notably, both new Surface devices start with 16GB of RAM. This summer, Microsoft downgraded the base configurations of their first-gen counterparts to 8GB of RAM to lower their prices under $1,000 amid the global memory shortage.
When asked by Mashable whether the company will continue to sell those older models as budget options, a Microsoft rep declined to comment on the record. They were no longer available for purchase through the Microsoft Store at the time of writing, but third-party retailers like Amazon and Best Buy still had them in stock.
The Surface Laptop 13-inch and Surface Pro 12-inch are smaller, lighter, and more affordable versions of Microsoft's flagship Surface devices. In June, the company introduced the Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12 with Snapdragon X2 Plus and X2 Elite chips.
The X2 Plus is a mid-range processor that will give the new compact Surface devices "18 percent more efficient battery performance, over 60 percent faster graphics, and 95 percent faster on-device AI" than their predecessors, said Brett Ostrum, corporate vice president of Surface devices, in a blog post. For reference, last year's inaugural Surface Laptop 13-inch and Surface Pro 12-inch ran on the original Snapdragon X Plus chip from 2024.
The X2 Plus will also power Ink Canvas on the Surface Pro 12-inch. Users will be able to handwrite prompts for Windows 11's Copilot assistant directly on the device's touchscreen with a Surface Slim Pen (sold separately for $129.99). Ostrum described Ink Canvas as "a pen-first experience for sketching, annotating, generating images, and summarizing text."
Ink Canvas will come pre-installed on the new Surface Pro 12-inch and be available for download on other compatible Windows devices starting Oct. 13.
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Plus
GPU: Qualcomm Adreno
Battery life: Up to 22.5 hours of video playback
Memory: 16GB or 24GB RAM
Storage: 256GB or 512GB UFS
Screen size and tech: 13-inch touchscreen display with 1,920 x 1,280 resolution, 500 nits of brightness, and 60Hz refresh rate
Webcam: 1080p
Ports: Two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and a headphone jack
Wireless connectivity: WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
Dimensions: 11.25 x 8.43 x 0.61 inches
Weight: 2.7 pounds
Chassis material: Aluminum
Colors: Violet, platinum, and black
Full-sized backlit keyboard and Precision touchpad
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Plus
GPU: Qualcomm Adreno
Battery life: Up to 15.5 hours of video playback
Memory: 16GB or 24GB RAM
Storage: 256GB or 512GB UFS
Screen size and tech: 12-inch touchscreen display with 2,196 x 1,464 resolution, 500 nits of brightness, and 90Hz refresh rate
Cameras: 1080p front camera and 10MP rear camera
Ports: Two USB-C ports and Surface Pro 12-inch Keyboard connector port
Wireless connectivity: WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
Dimensions: 10.8 x 7.47 x 0.3 inches
Weight: 1.5 pounds
Chassis material: Aluminum
Colors: Violet, platinum, and black
Stylus and keyboard sold separately; has built-in storage for Surface Slim Pen
Inputs: Left, right, and middle click support with customizable action button and mechanical scroll wheel
Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth 6.0; up to three devices
Wireless range: 32.8 feet in open area and 16.4 feet in office setting
Sensor: 1,000dpi (400dpi to 2,400dpi adjustable)
Exterior material: Silicone
Colors: Platinum and black
UPDATE: Sep. 23, 2026, 5:24 p.m. EDT This story was updated with a response from Microsoft and links to the new Surface devices' preorder listings.
How this lesbian watering hole became the most (in)famous bar in the worldThe internet is obsessed with the internal drama of a Massachusetts lesbian bar.
The nightlife minutiae of a small town in Massachusetts may not seem like traditional fodder for a 24-hour news cycle. But turn that drama into a more-than-1,500-word Boston Globe article, sprinkled with apéritifs for online discourse? Well, that's a recipe for virality.
That's what happened when the Globe reported on a recent public skirmish between community members and the owners of Last Ditch Bar and Arts Venue, a lesbian bar and event space in Greenfield, a town of just 17,000 people.
The Last Ditch is one of just 36 lesbian bars in the U.S., as chronicled by the Lesbian Bar Project. It's a nightlife outlier amid a post-COVID bar and club scene that has had to reckon with a decline in public socialization — let alone one that has addressed the alarming decline of number of lesbian bars across the country long before the global pandemic.
But the bar's reputation as a gathering place for Greenfield's sapphic community is now marred by a dramatic series of events that started with a single Instagram post.
The Aug. 31 alert to customers began as an explanation of the venue's updated mask policy. Where the space used to require KN-95 masks at all times, Last Ditch was moving towards more mask-less events — specifically opening up Saturday nights to maskless customers. The response from commenters online was a no-holds-barred flurry of irate messages, accusations of ableism and racism, and even calls for violence from former customers who said their previously safe space had been compromised.
From there, the situation spun out of control, chronicled by the Globe as a series of apologies, retractions, public meetings, and online debates that set a group of COVID-conscious collectives against a fractured bar leadership.
The quotes and comments referenced in the article were sure to get attention: Some Last Ditch patrons referred to the Saturday night change as a "mass disabling event" and a "eugenicist" attack. "People like you kill disabled people in the name of your own leisure and convenience," wrote another commenter.
Like the rabid commenters and enraged community the feature profiles, the internet couldn't be normal about the story's increasingly bizarre anecdotes and comments from the Last Ditch's opposition.
Users called it possibly the best reporting of the year, some of their lives. Screenshots of users' favorite enraged comments — like "one had enrolled in clown school" (a Last Ditch owner is currently enrolled in clown school) and "I hope your venue gets firebombed" — have proliferated online.
Within 24 hours, the story had become 2026's "Cat Person" or "Bad Art Friend."
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But percolating throughout the humor-filled posts is unabashed, homophobic commentary on queer and disabled communities. Quotes of the Globe's reporting included images of staff and customers ripped from the bar's social media pages, posted alongside unwarranted commentary on their appearances. Some took the opportunity to attack liberal and leftist ideologies at large, with one user calling the Last Ditch's initial Instagram post — not the response it engendered — an example of "intergalactic woke batcrapitude."
It's not the first time a lesbian space has been turned into fodder for a bored internet intent on turning LGBTQ people into the butt of the joke or a vessel for a larger social reckoning. In 2024, for example, the saga of a TikTok influencer and New York City's Cubbyhole ignited a widespread debate about the sanctity of queer spaces.
Regardless, the Globe has benefited from its viral tale, allegedly gaining more than 1,000 subscribers after it went live. The Last Ditch may also capture some new customers thanks to its newfound notoriety.
"We started this project as a small group of friends with a burning desire to keep unapologetically queer spaces alive in Western Mass," wrote Last Ditch leadership in an Instagram plea from April 20. "Not to make money, not to garner notoriety. Just to maintain, expand, and serve our queer community."
Gallup poll reveals widespread global AI optimism, not doom and gloomA Gallup-Microsoft survey finds positive feelings about AI outweigh negative ones in 34 of 37 countries, with the U.S. as an outlier.
People around the world are largely optimistic about artificial intelligence, according to a new Gallup poll. At the same time, a majority of respondents reported they've never actually used the new technology.
The Gallup-Microsoft AI survey, published Sept. 23 as part of the polling company's ongoing research with Microsoft, found that positive feelings about AI outweigh negative ones in 34 of the first 37 countries to complete fieldwork this year. The United States, Egypt, and Palestine were the only exceptions. Gallup says the study will eventually cover 140 countries.
Across the 37 countries, 72 percent of AI-aware adults reported at least one positive emotion toward the technology, compared with 41 percent who reported at least one negative emotion. Curiosity was the most common response, with a median of 64 percent saying AI makes them feel curious. Worry was the most common negative emotion, at a median of 32 percent.
Views on AI's broader impact were also mostly positive. In 29 countries, more people said AI would mostly help their country than harm it. The contrast between the United States and China was particularly revealing: 93 percent of Chinese respondents said AI will help their country. The United States ranked near the bottom, at 36 percent, just above Egypt and Bangladesh.
Gallup noted that optimism doesn't always track with usage. In Nigeria, for example, 68 percent of AI-aware adults expect AI to help the country, although only 20 percent have used it.
In the United States, a Pew Research Center AI survey published in September 2025 found that 62 percent of Americans interact with AI several times a week, including 31 percent who do so several times a day or "almost constantly."
Gallup's poll also found low trust in AI accuracy, and as Mashable has reported, AI hallucinations and inaccuracies remain a stubborn problem. A median of 36 percent of respondents said they trust AI completely or a lot to provide accurate information, with majorities expressing that level of trust in only four countries: Israel, Vietnam, China, and Nigeria. Trust tended to rise with use. In the U.S., 45 percent of daily users trust AI's accuracy, compared with 8 percent of people who have never used it. However, Gallup cautioned that the survey can't determine whether trust drives use or vice versa.
Wealthy Western countries stood out for their worry over AI. Gallup found that 74 percent of AI-aware Americans say AI makes them feel worried, the highest share in any country surveyed, followed by the Netherlands and Canada. But within those countries, daily users were generally less worried than people who use AI less often or not at all.
New YouTube Music features will answer all your questions about a song or artistAsk Music in the YouTube Music app is getting a big upgrade.
This year's Made on YouTube event wasn't just about video viewers and video creators.
On Wednesday, YouTube announced new features for Ask Music in the YouTube Music app. The feature is currently mainly used to create personalized stations and find music based on your mood.
Now, however, YouTube Music users will be able to discover new music based on the songs they're listening to. Users can ask Ask Music for information about songs and albums that inspired a particular track.
If they really like a song, they can even use Ask Music to find podcasts and podcast episodes featuring the artist behind it or get more details about the track. During a demo at the Made on YouTube event, YouTuber Derrick Gee showcased how users could ask Ask Music who played bass on a track and then find other songs featuring that musician. Ask Music can also help listeners find songs that sampled a particular track.
Podcasts are also a big part of YouTube Music and that's where the new Your Podcast Lineup feature comes in.
With Your Podcast Lineup, users can create an AI-generated podcast about other podcasts recommended by YouTube Music based on their interests.
While YouTube's main video-focused platform was the highlight of Made on YouTube, the company made it clear that YouTube Music isn't just a side project.
Kids arent learning to type anymoreAs the debate around AI and screens in classrooms reaches its peak, basic tech skills are being left behind.
Long live Mavis Beacon.
If you're unfamiliar with the name, she was the not-entirely-real icon behind classroom software that taught generations of students touch typing. Beacon was a celebrity of early digital literacy, with generations of learners collectively misremembering her as a real-life elite typer — not just a made-up name attached to the likeness of model Renée L'Esperance.
Still, Beacon became an avatar for the digital dreams of the pre-Y2K generation. The software, full name "Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing," was an entry point to the world of technology for thousands of children who would later grow into a computer-skilled workforce. Before entering the rat race, though, these students would be required to attend "Computer Lab," where they would visit typing.com to compete for the highest WPM ("words per minute").
Now, most kids don't go to a computer lab. They boot up their personal Chromebooks at their desks, log onto their school's assignment portal, complete their tasks with help from AI, and go back to their phones or iPads.
Concern about technology's impact on student learning has reached a critical level. A recent longitudinal study of students aged 7 to 16 found that early adoption of social media negatively impacted kids' learning outcomes. Child development researchers and safety advocates have called for an end to screen time in classrooms as literacy rates decline. Generative AI is sending everyone spinning.
But the kids are still learning. They're just not learning the same things their parents did — especially about computers.
Mavis Beacon's memory may live on, but touch typing — or being able to type using just sightless motor memory — has turned into a dying art. A 2024 EdWeek Research Center survey found that just 69 percent of districts teach "keyboarding" in a formal capacity, whether that's directly in curriculum or as a separate, elective course.
The more affluent the school system, the earlier they introduce keyboarding skills, the survey found.
What those classes are actually teaching is even more of a mystery. Other than surveys, there is little publicly available data on typing proficiency across the country. Directed touch-type curriculum seems to be rare.
The basic skill is often relegated to app-based tools built into classroom devices. Tech-focused lesson plans available online devote less time to basics and more to mastering advanced computer skills and personalized tools like AI assistants.
The shift from basics is not necessarily a new trend. Proper typing became a commonly used benchmark in schools as early as the late '90s, but by 2004, typing classes were already on their way out, according to a 2004 Department of Education study quoted by the Christian Science Monitor.
Search "touch typing op-eds," and you will find dozens of complaints that students don't know how to put hands to keys.
In a 2011 MIT Technology Review article, for example, Oberlin College professor Annie Trubek criticized a rise in "idiosyncratic, personalized hunt-and-peck" typing among younger generations. "Ironically, in our era of keyboard ubiquity, typing has fallen out of the curriculum," wrote Trubek. "Since most students come to school familiar with keyboards, including cell phone keypads, educators are letting the ad hoc habits of six-year old computer gamers stand."
A 2015 Wall Street Journal article reported a rising demand for keyboarding classes as digital testing became prevalent under new Common Core State Standards — and teachers realized many kids didn't know how to type.
On the whole, Americans' digital literacy skills are declining.
As newer, faster, more complex technologies enter the world of education, more teachers are calling on their districts to institute basic computer skill requirements like keyboarding long before they have to engage with something like machine learning.
As of 2025, Utah was one of just a few states that still listed motor typing skills — like proper hand placement — as part of their state standard curriculum. When the state's Board of Education implemented such specific K-5 keyboarding proficiency standards, they deemed them a "critical literacy skill."
But Utah could be changing things soon. In a statement to Mashable, state education officials declined to comment on the implementation of keyboarding standards, citing recent legislation. In March, the state passed an amendment to its digital skills curriculum mandating a "modernization" of the standards, including an emphasis on news and media literacy.
While California includes keyboard proficiency in its Common Core standards, a Department of Education spokesperson told Mashable that the state does not "test or measure" the skill at a state level. Schools do not receive a curriculum framework or additional instructional materials beyond what is included in the 2015 Computer Science Standards, the spokesperson explained.
And similar to Utah, California is set to revamp its tech standards soon, aligned with Governor Gavin Newsom's new executive order on AI in schools. A department spokesperson explained the state's current standards. Where there was once basic computer science, there is now "AI literacy."
The keyboard may prove to be a key (pun intended) learning gap for many students whose tech skills are borne from touchscreen devices, like smartphones and iPads.
Complaints about students not knowing basic shortcuts — including classic short keys such as "Ctrl C" for copy and "Ctrl V" for paste — abound on online forums and subreddits r/Teachers and r/AskTeachers.
"One student was completely blown away when I 'magically' got his suddenly missing work back by pushing ctrl-z a couple times, and a simple copy-paste final part to a project was so confusing to them," wrote one first-year high school teacher in a 2020 Reddit post criticizing the "digital native" myth. "All that said, I love every single one of my ridiculous computer-illiterate stinkers. I just wish their prior schools had given them the tools they needed."
But like many other assumed tech skills, it's hard to put exact numbers on the problem. Most reporting on the subject cites a 2023 survey of 500 university students in Japan that found that only a third knew the shortcut for undoing a keyboard action. The most familiar shortcut among students was for copying text, with just 62 percent reporting they knew what the combination of keys did. And 20 percent said they didn't know any short keys at all.
Parents and teachers have opined about other hardware deficiencies among their young learners. For example, anecdotes describe computer mouses, obsolete in an era of trackpads, as a specific speed bump in the road to greater device efficiency.
Now we're trying to throw AI literacy on top of those gaps and it's a recipe for disaster.
Personal devices — tablets, phones — as well as sandboxed or app-based learning devices like Chromebooks have created other deficits, too.
"To add insult to injury, they don't even know how file directories work! The idea there [sic] are different places in computer storage a file can end up is a totally foreign concept," wrote a frustrated college TA in a Reddit post from 2025.
The streamlined functioning of these tools, built with limited capabilities or reliant on Cloud-based storage, have negated the need for complex file organization and directories that used to be core to learning computer navigation.
In fact, many devices no longer even give you an obvious option to save your files elsewhere. Instead, media is saved right to your camera roll or sent off to cloud storage to live in the ether until you use your digital assistant to recall it on your behalf. Many devices hide file directions to decrease visual clutter.
If you use Google's suite of word processors and spreadsheet makers — which most students do — everything is saved and shared instantly with teachers and peers to review. No need to even attach a file and send an email these days.
Take the stories from this 2021 Verge article, which cite a cohort of professors who started documenting a decline in file directory knowledge around 2017. "In an age where every conceivable user interface includes a search function, young people have never needed folders or directories for the tasks they do," the publication wrote.
According to anecdotal stories from IT pros flocking to Reddit to air complaints, nested hierarchies — or organizing documents into a main folder with subfolders — are often too difficult for the average user to figure out, let alone a child still learning their multiplication tables.
On the whole, Americans' digital literacy skills are declining.
The 2023 International Computer and Information Literacy Study — a global assessment of students' ability "to use computers to investigate, create, and communicate in order to participate effectively at home, at school, in the workplace, and in society" — reported a sharp decline in digital literacy among American eighth graders.
“The results highlight the need for further inquiry and concentrated efforts to address the computer and informational literacy skills of our students," said Peggy G. Carr, former commissioner of National Center for Education Statistics, at the time. "These skills are as fundamental as the 3 R’s [reading, writing, and arithmetic]."
Advocates for AI and screentime bans in schools have likened the competing decline of basic tech skills versus the rise in advanced technologies to "building a plane while it is flying."
"We are no longer teaching [digital literacy] in a dedicated and explicit way," said Jodie Carreon, national director of Schools Beyond Screens, the group that spearheaded recent screen time and AI limits at the Los Angeles Unified School District. "The way it's operated in the past decade is to shoehorn it into disciplines where it doesn't belong, with the idea that students would learn through osmosis."
It's just as important that students learn how to type with automaticity as it is that they know how to write fluently, explains executive director of the Stanford Teacher Education Program Dr. Sarah Levine. Writing, including the process of typing, is a mode of thinking, she says. "You have to know your keyboard pretty well, and then you're off and running."
Carreon says there is growing concern that students are graduating high school without necessary tech skills — she's not referring to the competitive coding or AI skills emphasized by Big Tech and corporate leaders, but basic knowledge of computers, computer science, and the way technology itself works.
"We haven't done a great job of teaching basic digital skills or critical digital literacy. Now we're trying to throw AI literacy on top of those gaps and it's a recipe for disaster," Carreon says. Schools have to go back to the basics. "We need to be much more intentional about teaching some of those prerequisites, those fundamentals, before we put increasingly powerful AI systems in students' hands."
Additional reporting by Rebecca Ruiz.
YouTube unveils AI editing assistant, new insight tools for creatorsYouTube announced all new creator tools at this year's Made on YouTube event.
Along with the new features for YouTube viewers unveiled at the company's big Made on YouTube event on Wednesday, YouTube announced a whole suite of features for content creators, too.
For the most part, creators have used their YouTube channels to distribute content. Over the years, YouTube has rolled out features to help users create content, too. But with these latest announcements, YouTube is taking its biggest step yet into the content creation process.
One of the event's biggest announcements for creators is the conversational editing assistant coming to YouTube Shorts and YouTube Create in early 2027.
The conversational editing assistant will help creators edit their footage into videos and short-form clips, using only natural-language conversation, as they would with a chatbot. The editor can pick the best takes, edit clips together with transitions, add text, and more.
Of course, AI plays a role here, but YouTube was adamant that its AI tools are meant to assist YouTubers in creating content themselves, not do it for them.
In addition to the editing assistant, YouTube unveiled several new Insight tools for creators seeking guidance on what their viewers want to see.
There's a new feature coming to the Insights section of YouTube Studio's Analytics called Research, which will show creators the top videos in their niche that their own viewers have been watching.
In addition, YouTube Studio can now provide video feedback on new video content that hasn't been published yet. Previously, YouTubers could get insights into their videos to see what worked and what didn't. Now, creators can upload videos directly just to use this feature and make changes based on YouTube's recommendations before a video goes live.
Thumbnails are also getting a big upgrade on YouTube. Creators can generate customizable thumbnails on YouTube and, if they're unsure which thumbnail to use, use multiple thumbnails with the new Dynamic Thumbnails feature.
Dynamic Thumbnails will show viewers thumbnails that YouTube's algorithm believes will most resonate with that particular user.
A/B testing for thumbnails has been a feature in YouTube Studio for some time. Now, YouTube is rolling out A/B testing for an entire video. Creators can upload multiple Shorts or long-form video edits and then select the main cut based on what users like best based on viewer retention data.
Ask Studio, which YouTube announced is also coming to mobile, can now parse a creator's back catalog of videos and optimize previous content with new thumbnails and A/B test features.
Wonka’s Golden Ticket on Netflix: How it uses AI Gene WilderNetflix turned 'Willy Wonka' into a game show and resurrected Gene Wilder via AI to host it.
Netflix has used artificial intelligence to (in a sense) resurrect a beloved star of stage and screen.
As of Wednesday, several episodes of the new Netflix reality competition show Wonka's Golden Ticket are now available on the popular streaming service. This show has been a source of some controversy ever since its announcement over the summer, as its "host" is an AI-generated Gene Wilder who exists in voice form. Reviews of the series from outlets like Variety and NME have criticized the practice, with Variety calling it "ghoulish."
You can get a feel for how it works in the trailer, but the essential fact is this: Wilder's AI voice is used to host the game show. Its challenges and general aesthetic are loosely based on the 1971 Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory film, rather than the original Roald Dahl book or any of the later Hollywood adaptations. Crucially, this AI-generated Wilder is never seen, only heard, with NME calling this version of the deceased actor "blatantly cruel."
It's worth mentioning that Wilder's estate gave permission for Netflix to do this, but that hasn't stopped people online from reacting to it in a not-entirely-positive manner. We've seen similar controversies play out in other cases where deceased entertainers have been resurrected with AI (with the permission of their estate).
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Hopefully, nobody gets stuck inside a TV or turned into a giant blueberry if they lose on the game show.
