TL;DR: ChatPlayground AI Unlimited is just $54.97 (reg. $619) through Sept. 20, with 20+ AI models, side-by-side comparisons, file chats, AI image generation, and unlimited monthly messages.

Opens in a new window

Credit: ChatPlayground AI

ChatPlayground AI: Lifetime Subscription (Unlimited Plan)

$54.97
$619 Save $564.03

 

Get Deal

If you’ve ever copied the same prompt into three different AI tools just to see which one gives the best answer, you’re not alone. Different models excel at different things — but juggling tabs and subscriptions gets old fast. 

ChatPlayground AI puts the top AI models in one place, so you can compare responses side by side without the back-and-forth. Through Sept. 20, a lifetime subscription is on sale for $54.97 as one of the September Spotlight offers.

GPT-4o, Claude Sonnet, Gemini, DeepSeek, Llama, Perplexity, and more — all in one clean interface. It’s built for people who iterate fast, test variations, and actually care about optimizing results.

Beyond comparisons, ChatPlayground AI includes prompt engineering tools to refine outputs, image and PDF chat for context-aware responses, saved chat history for ongoing projects, and AI image generation powered by leading models. There’s even a Chrome extension to integrate it directly into your browsing workflow.

The Unlimited Plan means unlimited messages per month, making it ideal for startups, product teams, marketers, and prompt engineers who run experiments nonstop. You also get priority support and early access to new features and future models.

If you’re already paying for multiple AI tools — or constantly switching between them — this consolidates everything into one streamlined platform.

Grab lifetime access to ChatPlayground AI Unlimited for $54.97 and stop juggling models for good.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream select La Liga fixtures for free on CazéTV. Access these free live streams from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Premier League has fast-paced football that's all about physicality. The Bundesliga has the best attendances in incredible stadia. Ligue 1 is all about young talent coming up against the strength of PSG. But what about La Liga? The top of the Spanish football league system leads the way in technical ability and superstar names.

Of course, a lot of fans watch La Liga to follow Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, but there's so much more on offer from this incredible league. Want to see for yourself? It has never been easier to watch online.

If you want to watch 2026-27 La Liga for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is La Liga?

La Liga is a professional football league in Spain and the highest level of the Spanish football league system. It is controlled by the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional and is contested by 20 teams over a 38-matchday season.

The defending champions are Barcelona.

When is La Liga?

The 2026/27 La Liga season will start on Aug. 15. The campaign will likely end on May 23 or May 30.

How to watch La Liga for free

CazéTV will be showing select La Liga fixtures for free on their YouTube channel.

These free live streams are geo-restricted to Brazil, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Brazil, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the La Liga from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2026-27 La Liga by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Brazil

4. Visit CazéTV

5. Watch La Liga fixtures for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams of La Liga without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch select fixtures (plus coverage of the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1) before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free live streams all season, you will need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for CazeTV?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream for free on CazéTV, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 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 — 80% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with a money-back guarantee).

Live stream La Liga for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Brighton vs. Arsenal in the Premier League for free on CazéTV. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're just five weeks into the new Premier League season and already things are tense at the top of the table. Last year's champions Arsenal are sitting in the top spot, but are level on points with Manchester City. The rivals are separated by a single goal. All it's going to take is one loss from either team to give the other a clear advantage.

Are Brighton the team to beat Arsenal when they host the Gunners this weekend? Common sense suggests that Arsenal should edge the game in terms of quality, but Brighton have had a good start to the 2026/27 season, with just one loss in four games. This is a Premier League clash not to miss.

If you're interested in watching Brighton vs. Arsenal in the Premier League from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Brighton vs. Arsenal?

Brighton vs. Arsenal in the Premier League kicks off at 10 a.m. ET on Sept. 19. This fixture takes place at the Amex Stadium.

How to watch Brighton vs. Arsenal for free

Brighton vs. Arsenal in the Premier League is available to live stream for free on CazéTV.

CazéTV is geo-restricted to Brazil, 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 Brazil, meaning you can live stream Brighton vs. Arsenal for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Brighton vs. Arsenal for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Brazil

4. Visit CazéTV

5. Watch Brighton vs. Arsenal for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

Get Deal

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 Brighton vs. Arsenal without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus more Premier League action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the Premier League?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on CazéTV, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

• 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 Brighton vs. Arsenal for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Millwall vs. West Ham in the Championship for free on ITVX. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Just a few weeks into the 2026/27 season, the Championship is serving up one of its biggest games with Millwall vs. West Ham — a clash of London rivals. There's no love lost between these teams, though it's their first league showdown in almost 15 years.

West Ham were relegated from the Premier League last season and are currently flying high in the Championship, beating the Ryan Reynolds-owned Wrexham 5-0 last week. Millwall's results have been up and down so far, and they threw away a 2-0 lead in a midweek game with Middlesborough to draw 2-2. They'll be formidable opponents for the Hammers.

If you're interested in watching Millwall vs. West Ham in the Championship from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Millwall vs. West Ham?

Millwall vs. West Ham in the Championship kicks off at 7.30 a.m. ET on Sept. 19. This fixture takes place at The Den.

How to watch Millwall vs. West Ham for free

Millwall vs. West Ham in the Championship is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX 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 livestream Millwall vs. West Ham for free from anywhere in the world.

Livestream Millwall vs. West Ham for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit ITVX

5. Watch Millwall vs. West Ham for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

Get Deal

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 Millwall vs. West Ham 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.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is 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 Millwall vs. West Ham in the Championship for free with ExpressVPN.

The Moon is now more than half illuminated as it continues towards the Full Moon. With more of the lunar surface lit up each night, there's still plenty to spot, so keep reading to find out what you might be able to see.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Saturday, Sept. 19, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the Waxing Gibbous phase, with 54% of its surface visible.

You should be able to spot Mare Vaporum, Mare Serenitatis, and Mare Fecunditatis with the naked eye. If you have binoculars, they'll also help you see the Alphonsus Crater, Posidonius Crater, and the Mare Nectaris. Finally, if you have access to a telescope, you'll see the Apollo 16 and 17 landing spots, and the Linne Crater.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on September 26.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon doesn't look the same from night to night. As it travels around Earth, which takes about 29.5 days, we see different portions of its illuminated side. This is what creates the lunar phases, with the Moon gradually progressing from a thin crescent to a half Moon and then a Full Moon before the cycle starts over. According to NASA, the phase we see is determined by the Moon's position relative to both 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.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you have an open mind.

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.

What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Broaden your horizon

• Green: Children's art

• Blue: UK trends

• Purple: Calculator buttons

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.

Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Widen one's scope

• Green: Features of a kid's drawing

• Blue: Associated with swinging in London in the 1960s

• Purple: Starting with abbreviated math functions

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 #1195 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Widen one's scope: BRANCH OUT, DIVERSIFY, EXPAND, GROW

• Features of a kid's drawing: HOUSE, STICK FIGURE, SUN, TREE

• Associated with swinging in London in the 1960s: CARNABY STREET, MINISKIRT, MOD, TWIGGY

• Starting with abbreviated math functions: COS LETTUCE, LOG CABIN, SIN CITY, TAN LINE

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

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.

Today's NYT Strands hints will be easy if you're a Johnny Depp fan.

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.

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Shiver me timbers!

The words are related to sea dwellers.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe bucaneers.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Talk Like a Pirate.

NYT Strands word list for September 19

• Avast

• Yohoho

• Savvy

• Hearties

• Matey

• Like a Pirate

• Arrr

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.

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.

House meaning

A home or dwelling.

Stick figure meaning

A simplistic drawing of a human.

Sun meaning

The star at the center of the solar system.

Tree meaning

A large, tall plant made of bark and leaves.

Branch out meaning

To try or discover something new.

Diversify meaning

To add variety.

Expand meaning

To grow.

Grow meaning

To get bigger or taller.

Cos lettuce meaning

A leafy green vegetable.

Log cabin meaning

A small house made of stacked tree trunks.

Sin City meaning

A nickname for Las Vegas.

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.

Tan line meaning

A visible mark on the skin that shows a dark tone after time in the sun.

Carnaby Street meaning

A popular shopping street in Soho London.

Miniskirt meaning

A very short skirt that sits well above the knee.

Mod meaning

A 1960s British youth subculture.

Twiggy meaning

A British icon who became known as the world's first supermodel in the 1960s.

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.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're a light sleeper.

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.

Where did Wordle come from?

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.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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.

Is Wordle getting harder?

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.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Describing a weather condition.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

To stop sleeping.

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.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

The Wordle answer today is...

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...

WAKEN

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.

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 Wordle.

TL;DR: LELO just released its first advent calendar, and it's (unsurprisingly) luxe AF. Get 12 days' worth of goodies for just $399.

Opens in a new window

Credit: LELO

LELO Couples Calendar

$399 at LELO

 

Shop Now

I love advent calendars, especially when there are vibrators involved. (I mean, who wouldn't?) Sure, they can be hit or miss, but if you know where to shop and when, you can get a great deal on premium items that would've cost you way more any other time of year.

Case in point: LELO just launched its first Couples Calendar. Instead of padding the boxes with cheap filler or tiny sample sizes, this set includes full-size devices and fun treats like handcuffs and a massage candle.

What's inside the LELO Couples Calendar?

If you don't want to know what's in the calendar, avert your eyes. But for $399, I think it's only fair to tell you exactly what you're getting.

• TOR 3 pleasure ring — $169 value

• LELO SURFER 2 vibrating butt plug — $119 value

• MIA 3 personal massager — $109 value

• LELO Personal Moisturizer (75ml) — $34.90 value

• SONA 2 Travel sonic clitoral massager — $99 value

• Flickering Touch Massage Candle (Vanilla & Crème De Cacao) — $34.90 value

• LELO Pleasure Enhancing Serum — $29.90 value

• LELO Toy Cleaning Spray — $18.90 value

• Handcuffs

• Blindfold

As you can see from the list above, this is a damn good deal. The toys alone retail for over $500. You can either stretch this into a 12-day countdown with your partner (or yourself!) or turn it into one very memorable night. Either way, getting full-sized, $100+ sex toys for $399 is a win — especially when luxury brands like Dior are out here charging $3,500 for a box that literally gives you a candle lid (yes, just the lid) on day six.

TL;DR: Stop the constant PDF struggle with this lifetime subscription to PDNob Pro PDF Editor, on sale now for $34.97 (reg. $349.95) for two more days through Sept. 20 with code 15OFF.

Opens in a new window

Credit: PDNob

PDNob Pro PDF Editor: Lifetime Subscription

$34.97
$349.95 Save $314.98

 

Get Deal

We’ve all been there — you open a PDF to make one quick change, only to realize it’s totally locked and you need a special app to get anything done. If you’re tired of juggling different tools to edit, convert, sign, or tackle other PDF-centric tasks, it’s time to get PDNob Pro.

Right now, you have two more days to lock in a lifetime subscription to PDNob Pro PDF Editor for just $34.97 with code 15OFF.

You can’t avoid PDFs, so it’s time to make peace with them once and for all, thanks to PDNob Pro PDF Editor. This powerful tool utilizes AI to make the PDF process a whole lot easier — whether you’re editing, converting to another format, signing a document, or handling another PDF-related chore.

Let PDNob Pro PDF Editor make PDF editing as easy as drafting a document with Word. You can change the text, tweak the layout, insert headers, footers, or page numbers, and even crop, rotate, replace, or delete images.

Need to convert a PDF? Turn it into a Word, Excel, PowerPoint, TXT, BMP, TIFF, or image format in just a few clicks — or create a PDF from an Office file, image, screenshot, TXT, or scan. Your document’s original formatting will be preserved.

Aside from editing and converting, PDNob Pro PDF Editor goes even further by summarizing long documents, providing speedy translation, or rewriting content for you. You can also ask questions about reports, manuals, research papers, or contracts.

Your lifetime subscription includes 20GB of lifetime cloud storage. It can be used on up to two devices at a time, and includes free updates as they are rolled out.

Snag a lifetime subscription to PDNob Pro PDF Editor for just $34.97 with code 15OFF.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Bring your PC up to date with Windows 11 Pro for $9.97 (reg. $199) through Sept. 27, with a cleaner design, smoother multitasking, and added security.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Microsoft

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro

$9.97
$199 Save $189.03

 

Get Deal

There’s something satisfying about an upgrade that makes your everyday setup feel noticeably better without requiring a complete overhaul.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to update your PC, Windows 11 Pro is currently available for $9.97 (reg. $199) through Sept. 27. It’s a limited-time price on a full Windows 11 Pro license, making now a particularly good time to make the switch.

This isn’t about chasing trends; it’s more about giving your computer the modern foundation it deserves. Windows 11 Pro brings a sleeker UI, better multitasking, and enhanced security — all in a one-time lifetime license.

Think of it as the difference between driving a reliable car and suddenly upgrading to one with a smarter dashboard, smoother handling, and built-in security features.

For professionals, creators, and power users, this upgrade also unlocks features like Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, BitLocker encryption, and seamless Azure AD integration — tools that make a real difference when you’re working across projects or managing sensitive data.

And yes, Windows 11 comes with Copilot, Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant that can summarize pages, change settings, or even help you generate code on the fly. It’s like having a co-pilot (literally) inside your OS.

But you don’t need convincing — you already know a smart upgrade when you see one. Get Windows 11 Pro for just $9.97 (reg. $199) until Sept. 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: You can get the Kathy Ireland 4-Piece Heathered Jersey Knit Cotton Sheet Set for $39.99, marked down from $119.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Kathy Ireland Home

Kathy Ireland 4 Piece Heathered Jersey Knit Cotton Sheet Set

$39.99
$119 Save $79.01

 

Get Deal

There’s a very specific kind of relief that comes from putting on a soft, broken-in T-shirt at the end of a long day, the kind that’s been through the wash enough times that it stopped feeling like clothing and started feeling like a small mercy. The Kathy Ireland 4-Piece Heathered Jersey Knit Cotton Sheet Set is trying to bottle that exact feeling and put it on your bed instead of your back, and for $39.99, it mostly succeeds.

Jersey knit is the same stretchy, cotton-blend fabric most T-shirts are made from, so the appeal isn’t complicated. It’s soft from night one instead of after a dozen washes, and it has a little give that regular woven cotton sheets don’t, which makes it feel less like you’re sleeping on fabric and more like you’re sleeping in something. That’s a small distinction until you’re actually lying in it, and then it’s the whole point.

The full sheet list:

• Deep-pocket fitted sheet (fits mattresses up to 16 inches), flat sheet, and two pillowcases

• Heathered jersey knit, a 60% cotton, 40% polyester blend for that broken-in T-shirt feel

• Hypoallergenic and wrinkle-free, so it comes out of the dryer ready to use

• Machine washable

• Available in full, queen, and king, across six heathered colorways: oatmeal, rose, light blue, olive, dark gray, and denim (selection varies by size)

The Kathy Ireland name has been on home goods for a long time now, with a focus on good design that shouldn’t come with a luxury markup. That philosophy shows up in these sheets; this isn’t a specialty linen brand chasing thread-count bragging rights, it’s a set built to be the sheets you don’t think twice about buying, washing, or replacing when it’s time.

Wrinkle-free and machine washable also mean less maintenance than a jersey knit set would require. There’s no ironing, no special detergent, no line-drying instructions to remember. Wash it, dry it, put it back on the bed, and it looks and feels the same way it did out of the package.

It’s an easy pick for a guest room that never gets attention, a dorm bed that’s overdue for an upgrade, or just your own bed if the sheets you’re currently using are older than you’d like to admit.

Get the Kathy Ireland 4-Piece Heathered Jersey Knit Cotton Sheet Set for $39.99, marked down 66% from the usual $119.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: As of Sept. 9, a 1-year BJ’s Club Card Membership with Easy Renewal is $15 (reg. $60), a $45 discount that unlocks warehouse pricing, gas savings, and app-based checkout year-round.

Opens in a new window

Credit: BJ's Wholesale Club

1-Year BJ's Club Membership with BJ's Easy Renewal®

$15
$60 Save $45

 

Get Deal

BJ’s Club Card Membership with Easy Renewal is down to $15, and the timing lines up well with the shopping stretch most households actually dread: holiday grocery runs, gift hauls, and months of stocking up all at once.

At $15 (reg. $60), the membership quickly adds value to your shopping and driving. Fill up at a BJ’s gas station or fill a cart at warehouse pricing. It’s a cost-conscious way to get ahead of the price bumps that tend to show up everywhere once the holidays get closer.

What the membership unlocks:

• Warehouse pricing on groceries, household essentials, electronics, and seasonal items

• Discounted gas at BJ’s fuel stations

• Stackable coupons: BJ’s accepts manufacturer coupons on top of its own, unlike some warehouse clubs

• ExpressPay in the BJ’s app for scan-and-go checkout, no register line required

• Curbside pickup, same-day delivery, and buy-online-pickup-in-club options

That coupon stacking is a real point of difference. If you’re used to a warehouse club that only accepts its own store coupons, being able to layer manufacturer coupons on top changes the math on many regular purchases.

BJ’s runs 244 clubs and 175 gas stations across the eastern U.S. and counts more than 7 million members, so it’s not a niche membership you’ll have trouble using near home.

It’s an easy yes for families feeding a lot of people, anyone who fills up often, and shoppers who already clip coupons and would rather stack them than choose between them. If your holiday list is long, a membership that pays for itself in one trip is hard to argue with.

Sign up for 1-year BJ’s Club Card Membership with Easy Renewal for $15 before the holiday rush makes every other line longer, too.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Just when you thought all was quiet on the VR headset front, here comes the Steam Frame from Valve.

Steam Frame was initially announced by Valve, the parent company of the popular Steam gaming platform, in Nov. 2025. This was after years of rumors about the company developing a VR headset. Now, as of Sept. 18, the Steam Frame is finally available.

Here's what the reviews have to say about it.

First of all, I think the most notable thing to mention is what everyone seems to be talking about. The overall product is very well designed and makes playing VR games very easy to do. 

"The Steam Frame gets a whole lot right," said Jacob Ridley in PC Gamer's Steam Frame review. " It's comfortable and straightforward. Above all else, it's convenient."

"What used to slow me down with other headsets is mostly a thing of the past," Ridley explains. "I place the Steam Frame on my head and pick a game to play; VR has never been easier."

On top of that, while the Steam Frame is a VR headset, it also lets users play non-VR games on a large virtual screen. Users can play games in their Steam library using the Steam Frame. The headset acts as a big monitor.

"The Steam Frame is a fascinating VR headset," said IGN's Jacqueline Thomas. "In my time with it, I’ve spent almost an equal amount of time playing traditional non-VR games as I have VR games. In a lot of ways, it's become a replacement for my gaming monitor, one I can take around the house with me."

In Kotaku, Zack Zwiezen focused on how the Steam Frame excelled as a wireless PC gaming headset, saying it worked better than any other headset he had used for streaming games from his PC.

"I played everything using this setup and it worked without fail," Zwiezen writes. "It was so seamless and perfect that I quickly forgot I wasn’t connected to a cable. Being able to play a high-end VR game without any wires attached to me or any noticeable lag or streaming errors was revelatory, and it's easily Valve’s biggest win with the Steam Frame."

Chis Person of gaming outlet Aftermath went as far as to call the Steam Frame "one of the most exciting pieces of hardware I’ve seen in the space in years." Person went on to say that the VR headset "is doing massive amounts of hard work to unify several different use cases into a single open platform."

Seemingly every outlet that reviewed the device had glowing things to say about what they all essentially agreed was a Steam Deck with a VR / AR component. 

However, just as most outlets were united on the positives, they all seemed to have the same criticisms, too.

CNET's Scott Stein seemed to summarize the issues with the Steam Frame most succinctly, running through the device's battery life issues, buggy performance, and lack of game support at launch.

"Cook away, Valve. I’ll be curious to see what happens next," Stein said. "But right now, it’s something most people should wait on unless they want to go on an experimental journey too."

As for why they might wait, all of the reviewers seemed to agree that pricing and the gaming industry's current appetite for VR were good reasons to hold off.

The Steam Frame starts at $1,059 for the 256GB model and $1,299 for the 1TB version, making the economics of buying one a major issue, as gaming site Rock Paper Shotgun's James Archer pointed out.

On top of that, the gaming world seems to have come to an agreement that the push for VR didn't really pan out last time around and, as a result, VR game development has been lackluster.

"I have no idea who it's for in 2026," Kotaku put right in the headline of its review.

"It’s a strange time to be selling a new VR headset, and maybe an even stranger time to be buying one," Rock Paper Shotgun's Archer explained in the opening paragraph of his review, stating that the "supply of original virtual reality games has slowed to a dribble."

Devindra Hardawar of Engadget echoed the other reviewers' praise and criticism, but argued that the biggest issue for the Steam Frame is timing.

"While the Steam Frame is ultimately a solid standalone VR experience," Hardawar said. "It's hard to stomach its exorbitant price, as well as the fact that it's arriving far too late to inject much life into the declining state of VR."

Overall, it appears the Steam Frame is a great work-in-progress VR product that is being stymied by the fact that the broader virtual reality world just isn't the big thing right now.

As concerns about AI's capabilities reach a critical mass, California Gov. Gavin Newsom is accelerating the state's plan to curb the development of the technology.

In a new executive order issued today (Sept. 18), Newsom calls for the creation of an expert-led panel tasked with "reinforcing and strengthening" the state's AI safety laws, including accelerating plans to enforce third-party safety evaluations and mandatory risk reporting.

"The California governor’s executive order rightly prioritizes the development of better guidance regarding the definitions and requirements for AI safety regulations, particularly in regards to third party auditing," said Travis Hall, CDT's Director for State Engagement, in a statement to Mashable. "We call on the Governor to ensure that any working groups dedicated to these processes include a range of voices and expertise, including advocates for civil rights and liberties."

The order also directs the group to explore the possibility of an "emergency shut off" for frontier models, "otherwise known as an 'AI kill switch,'" Newsom said in a video posted to his X account, "which means a lot of things, depending on who you talk to."

What is an AI kill switch?

Newsom's correct. The idea of a universal off button to stop increasingly powerful AI agents from "going rogue" has been percolating in legislative conversations and online discourse for the last year. The term has become synonymous with a growing push for AI safety regulation, spearheaded in part by AI's own creators.

But what the kill switch would actually look like — specifically, the means through which it would halt AI en masse and who its chosen keeper would be — is still widely up for debate.

In July, two congressional representatives introduced the bipartisan AI Kill Switch Act, which would give the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) authority to slow down or halt an AI system deemed capable of causing "catastrophic harm." The bill would also require developers to institute mechanisms to "throttle, suspend, or fully shut down a covered AI system" — Newsom's order seeks to pass a similar mandate. 

While not required under U.S. law, most individual AI labs have their own means to halt rogue systems, governed by humans and the company's own safety structures and alignment teams.

Some proposals for the development of "kill switches" simply urge labs to have these processes evaluated by external safety auditors. Others seek to institute industry safety standards that would mandate emergency shut-offs, governed by the federal government. An increasingly vocal group of doomsdayers demands a sweeping fail-safe for all AI.

In an interview with Scientific American, Mark Nitzberg, executive director of the University of California, Berkeley, Center for Human-Compatible AI, called a universal AI kill switch "more of an aspiration than a reality.”

Computer scientist Geoffrey Hinton, AKA the "Godfather of AI," told CNN he didn't think a kill switch would be an effective longterm solution for those who fear AI superintelligence.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

At large, policy experts, including the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT), have questioned the effectiveness of what they call "binary" safety regulations, or checklist style proposals that focus on specific technical details. AI companies can easily game such terms, and single mechanisms like kill switches quickly become outdated as the tech outpaces its makers, they say.

"We remain concerned that proposals for 'kill switches' will prove ineffective in reducing risk while introducing new security risks and serious potential for government abuse," said Travis Hall, CDT's Director for State Engagement, in a statement to Mashable.

Rather than a single technical solution, Hall explains that effective AI safety oversight needs to be "meaningful, independent, and ongoing," and expert panels should include a range of voices and expertise outside of technicians, including civil rights advocates.

Because developers would be taking a financial and reputational hit should they choose to pull the lever on an entire system, effective policies mandating kill switches would also need to incentivize companies to act. CDT urges the state to "consider a variety of mechanisms to increase the incentives to prioritize safety when developing, deploying, and using AI systems."

Why a kill switch is more complicated than you may think

For the kinds of AI systems that now build, run, and influence online spaces, an AI kill switch may not be the cure all they're made out to be, experts and AI leaders like Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark warn.

AI systems aren't contained to a single physical environment, for one, like a computer you can just turn off. Sometimes, shutting down a system's servers are enough. Sometimes it's not. Rogue AI agents may need to be "hunted down" on the open internet to pinpoint and then contain its operators, Michael Vermeer, a senior physical scientist at the RAND Corporation, suggested to Scientific American.

And even then, it may require a coordinated global response to isolate, stop, and then degrade the AI to a manageable point.

Beyond the technical consideration, kill switches stir up questions of authority: Who gets to make the call? Is it in the hands of the original developer? Is it an industry process? Should an agency like homeland security give the order?

AI is not a human to be reasoned with. The internet doesn't have doors to lock, nor does it innately understand political borders (or, anything, to be fair). The technology, often dangerously anthropomorphized, is ultimately directed and influenced by humans — and so is its demise.

Still, politicians and industry onlookers are urging technologists to consider the option. The calls have become more pressing as individuals warn of a potential "doomsday" scenario in which AI becomes sentient and maliciously determined to thwart the human race — never mind all of the ethical questions it has already stirred.

UPDATE: Sep. 18, 2026, 2:26 p.m. This story was updated with a comment from Travis Hall of the Center for Democracy and Technology.

NASA’s newest space telescope has taken its first look at the stars. The view is blurry for now, but that is exactly what engineers expected.

The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope captured the test image while traveling to its operating position about a million miles from Earth, according to a Sept. 15 NASA blog post. NASA completed the telescope’s assembly back in Nov. 2025 and launched it on Aug. 30, 2026. Its camera’s detectors remain in their launch position, and the telescope’s optics have yet to be aligned. NASA will use the image as a starting point for bringing the stars into focus.

Credit: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Tyler Desjardins (STScI)

The camera is Roman’s Wide Field Instrument, a 300-megapixel infrared imager built to photograph large areas of the sky in fine detail. Each image will cover an area larger than the full moon appears from Earth. That wide view will help scientists survey planets beyond our solar system, investigate dark energy, and map how matter is distributed across the universe.

Before it could take even this first image, the instrument had to be prepared for space. NASA gave its 18 infrared detectors 10 days to dry out, then cooled and activated them. Engineers also checked the camera’s calibration system, filters, and focus mechanism. NASA says the results show it is working as expected.

The team has begun checking Roman’s other major instrument, too. The Coronagraph is designed to block a star’s glare so scientists can detect the much fainter light reflected by planets orbiting it. Engineers have confirmed they can communicate with and control its components from Earth, though further preparation and testing remain.

Credit: NASA/Chris Gunn

Meanwhile, NASA has raised its estimate of how long Roman could operate. The telescope was designed for a five-year primary mission, with fuel budgeted for up to 10 years. Its first course correction used less than 10 percent of the fuel set aside for that maneuver. Factoring in that saving, extra fuel loaded before launch, and projected savings from maneuvers still ahead, NASA estimates Roman has enough propellant for at least 22 years of potential science operations. (That is a fuel-based projection, rather than a guaranteed mission length.)

Next, engineers will align and focus the telescope and activate a guidance system that lets it hold its view on a target. NASA expects Roman’s first science images by early 2027. For now, the out-of-focus stars provide the team with a starting point — and confirmation that its main camera can detect light in space.

If you're not sure how you feel about the AI data center debate yet, seeing news like this may just convince you that those anti-data center folks have a point.

In the first study of its kind since the AI-driven data center discourse began, researchers in Oregon have released a new report detailing the size of the data center industry in the state. In doing so, the researchers have also uncovered just how much energy data centers use up in the state.

According to the report, there are 111 operational data centers in the state of Oregon, which take up 22.1 million square feet of building space. Those data centers account for a whopping 23 percent of the state's entire retail energy sales in 2025.

The report also details that there are 32 additional data centers under construction or in the planning stages, which will take up an additional 6.9 million square feet.

The researchers behind the report believe that data center energy consumption in Oregon will rise to nearly 25 terawatt hours by 2030. That's around 31 to 32 percent of all electricity demand in the state and the same energy consumption as 2.5 million homes.

"Data center electricity demand is increasing substantially, and regional as well as state-level planning efforts…indicate that accommodating large-load growth will require new electricity resources, transmission capacity, and coordinated infrastructure planning," the report says.

The report also found that these data centers directly employ 2,630 workers.

This new report was released on Thursday by ECOnorthwest and the University of Virginia. It was funded by the entrepreneurship and environmentalist nonprofit Lemelson Foundation, which is based in Portland.

Flock cameras don’t look like much: a box on a pole, pointed at the road. But they photograph passing cars and turn where and when they were seen into searchable records. Police say that helps solve crimes. Critics worry about who can really search those records, what they can do with them, and how much of a person’s daily life they might reveal.

So what happens when people find one in their community and want it gone? Quite a bit, it turns out. Residents across the U.S. are mapping cameras, digging up contracts, and filling public meetings. Others have gone after the cameras themselves, stealing or vandalizing them. And this week, 404 Media and WIRED reported that hackers removed one and copied its stored data, giving journalists a rare look inside a device that features software capable of detecting people as well as cars.

Here’s a compilation of what people have done through maps, records requests, petitions, and city hall — and what those efforts have actually changed.

1. Putting Flock cameras on the map

One way people are pushing back is by making the cameras easier to see. Volunteers with Deflock Maps, a crowdsourced automated license plate reader (ALPR) resource, document license plate readers and add their locations to OpenStreetMap. The site opens on a map dotted with numbered clusters of reported cameras. Search for a city or ZIP code, zoom in, and those clusters give way to individual locations. It includes readers made by Flock and other companies, though its volunteer-submitted data may be incomplete or out of date.

In San Francisco, 16-year-old Zachary Schwartz noticed there wasn’t a local DeFlock chapter, so he started one. DeFlock SF pairs a city camera map with local news, a calendar of meetings about the technology, and a link for residents to contribute camera locations. Schwartz and fellow student Hugo Zorn have also made videos and spoken at Police Commission meetings. Schwartz has also called for an audit of how the city uses the cameras and what data they collect.

DeFlock isn’t the only place people are documenting the technology. The Electronic Frontier Foundation’s Atlas of Surveillance lets users search by city or police agency to see whether it has documented license plate readers. It answers a different question from DeFlock’s street-level map: which agencies have been identified as using the technology, rather than where each reported camera sits.

Curious what’s been documented near you? Enter your city or ZIP code in DeFlock Maps and zoom in on the numbered clusters to see individual camera locations. If you spot a reader that’s missing or marked incorrectly, DeFlock explains how to add or correct it through its app and OpenStreetMap. Just remember that a pin is a volunteer report, and an empty stretch of map isn’t proof there are no cameras.

2. Following the paper trail

Some people are fighting Flock by checking whether what happens behind the scenes matches what their city agreed to. In Syracuse, New York, Central Current found a gap between the two. The city’s contract said its license plate data wouldn’t be shared outside the police department. But the department had granted access to other agencies, which police said was an accident. Over roughly a year, searches by officers around the country reached Syracuse’s data nearly 4.4 million times. And that wasn’t the only surprise in the paperwork. Central Current also found that Flock could keep using Syracuse data after the contract ended.

When the city approved cameras from Axon to replace Flock’s, Flock said Syracuse couldn’t simply end its agreement early. It warned that the city might have to pay for both systems; so even as officials moved to replace the cameras, they faced questions about what Flock could do with the data and what the city might still owe.

People elsewhere have been looking at the searches themselves. The Electronic Frontier Foundation examined Flock search logs released through public records requests and found that some users entered “LMAO” or “idk” as their reason for searching. And website Have I Been Flocked? puts released logs in one searchable place, though it has only the records it’s been able to obtain.

Curious what’s on record where you live? The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) suggests looking for Flock on city council agendas; you can also check Have I Been Flocked? for your local agency or request its search logs.

3. Showing up and organizing locally

For residents trying to push back against Flock cameras, the first step is often finding out who agreed to install them. From there, neighbors can compare what they’ve learned, organize around the next public meeting, and ask officials to make a decision in front of the people affected.

That’s what happened in Saranac Lake, New York. Cameras began appearing before many residents knew the village had agreed to install them, so they attended board meetings to ask who had approved the deal and why the public hadn’t been consulted. By a March meeting, dozens had filled the room and the hallway. Trustees came prepared to pause the cameras while they wrote a policy. Residents argued for ending the program instead, and the board voted 4–1 to cancel the contract.

An August protest against Flock in Boston, MA. Credit: Barry Chin/Getty Images

Protesters rally in Houston during an August protest. Credit: Raquel Natalicchio/Getty Images

Elsewhere, people have kept the pressure on between meetings. In Milford, Connecticut, residents connected through a DeFlock Milford Facebook group, brought signs, and returned to speak as the debate continued. Activists even projected "Flock Out Of CT" onto City Hall before a vote. In Austin, more than 30 community groups joined forces and residents raised concerns at a council work session ahead of a decision on renewing the program.

If you want to find out what’s happening where you live, the ACLU’s toolkit can help you connect with a nearby group and identify which officials are the decision makers.

4. Writing lawmakers and gathering signatures

Not everyone can make it to a meeting. Some people are putting their objections in writing — and gathering thousands of signatures so officials can see how many others agree.

At the national level, the ACLU’s "Get the Flock Out" campaign offers a draft message people can edit and send to members of Congress. It asks lawmakers to ban license plate readers. If they won’t, the message calls for limits on federal funding and use, warrants to access the data, and faster deletion.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Local petitions can name the people who have the power to remove specific cameras. In Texas, a petition opposing Flock cameras in Boerne and Kendall County asks county commissioners to cancel the agreement, take down the cameras, and delete the data they’ve collected.

Of course, a growing signature count doesn’t guarantee a changed vote. In Conroe, Texas, resident James Fletes started a petition calling for the city to cancel its Flock contract. It had more than 1,200 signatures by July, but the council went on to shelve proposals to review the cameras or put their use to a public vote. (The city kept their Flock program.)

For people writing their own officials, the ACLU’s organizing toolkit has a sample email for state and local representatives, proposed rules for how camera data can be used and shared, and a resolution a city could use to cancel a Flock contract. Want to send something? You can personalize the message to Congress, or use the toolkit to make a specific request of the officials who control cameras where you live.

5. And yes, some people have gone after the cameras themselves

Some people have taken the fight to the cameras. In Houston, Flock readers have been found damaged, painted, and knocked down. In another neighborhood, four Flock cameras were cut down in late July, prompting a law enforcement investigation. And in Winona, Minnesota, all eight of the city’s police-operated Flock cameras were stolen. The people responsible haven’t necessarily explained their motives, but the incidents show how far the backlash has moved beyond public meetings.

Credit: Raquel Natalicchio/Getty Images

Credit: Raquel Natalicchio/Getty Images

There are even people who went looking inside a Flock camera. Hackers removed one, copied the data stored on it, and shared the files with 404 Media and WIRED this week. The journalists found software that could detect people as well as vehicles. Logs from the device showed it had generated about 1.6 million images of roughly 50,000 vehicles across 21 days of recoverable activity. Flock said removing and tampering with the camera was illegal.

The findings raise many questions: What can these devices detect? What data do they keep, and who can access it? If you’re wondering about cameras near you, start with the agency operating them and the officials who approved the contract.

What the hackers found gives people more to ask about at the next public meeting. And those questions won’t disappear if a city swaps Flock for another company’s cameras, as Syracuse plans to do with Axon. We'll see where the fight goes, and how much more the public, and the company, can take.

Early October Prime Day Deals at a glance:

---

Best headphone deal

Beats Studio Pro

$169.95 (Save $180.04)

Get Deal

---

Best Apple deal

Apple AirPods Pro 3

$199 (Save $50)

Get Deal

---

Best Fire tablet deal

Amazon Fire HD 10 (32GB)

$76.99 (Save $78)

Get Deal

---

Best fire stick deal

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select

$19.99 (Save $20)

Get Deal

---

Best smartwatch deal

Garmin Vivoactive 6

$229.99 (Save $70)

Get Deal

---

Best for Prime members

Audible (standard plan)

$0.99 (99 cents/month for 4 months)

Get Deal

The holiday shopping season will be here before you know it. This week, Amazon announced the return of Prime Big Deal Days for 2026, its fall savings event for Prime members (aka "October Prime Day"). The sale will run for 48 hours from Oct. 6 to 7 and compete with concurrent 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 has already started dropping some early October Prime Day deals, and we've rounded up the best ones below. (Spoiler: So far, the best deals are on Amazon's own devices and services.) 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.

Best headphone deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Beats

Beats Studio Pro ✅

$169.95 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $180.04

 

Get Deal

Why we like it

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.

More headphone deals

Opens in a new window

Credit: Beats

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 ✅

$199.95 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50.04

 

Get Deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: JBL

JBL Tune 530BT

$39.95 at Amazon
$59.95 Save $20

 

Get Deal

• EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds — $53.16 $79.90 (save $23.30)

• 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 — $169.99 $199.99 (save $30)

• Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 — $189 $229 (save $40) ✅

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) — $249 $299 (save $50) ✅

Best early Apple deals

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple AirPods Pro 3 ✅

$199 at Amazon
$249 Save $50

 

Get Deal

Why we like it

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.

More early Prime Day Apple deals

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple AirPods Max 2 ✅

$449 at Amazon
$549 Save $100

 

Get Deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple iPad (A16, 128GB, WiFi) ✅

$399.99 at Amazon
$449 Save $49.01

 

Get Deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Max, 48GB RAM, 2TB SSD)

$4,499 at Amazon
$4,999 Save $500

 

Get Deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple AirTag 2 (4-pack) ✅

$89 at Amazon
$99 Save $10

 

Get Deal

• Apple MagSafe Charger — $39.99 $49 (save $9.01) ✅

• Apple Pencil USB-C — $69.97 $79 (save $9.03) ✅

• 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) — $1,886.99 $1,999 (save $112.01) ✅

Best Fire tablet deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Amazon

Amazon Fire HD 10 (32GB)

$76.99 at Amazon
$154.99 Save $78.00

 

Get Deal

Why we like it

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 $77 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.

More Fire Tablet deals

Opens in a new window

Credit: Amazon

Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids (64GB)

$94.99 at Amazon
$169.99 Save $75.00

Amazon makes two 8-inch tablets for kids, both of which come with a durable case, built-in parental controls, two-year guarantee, and a free trial of Amazon Kids+. This model has preset filters for little tykes ages 3 to 7.

Get Deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Amazon

Amazon Fire HD 8 (64GB) ✅

$84.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $45.00

Amazon's cheapest Fire tablet is also marked down to an all-time low ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. Our reviewer liked its compact size and speedy performance.

Get Deal

Best Fire TV Stick deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Amazon

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select ✅

$19.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $20.00

 

Get Deal

Why we like it

Amazon's cheapest 4K media player faced a $10 price bump in August. Amazon's pre-Prime Big Deal Days price of $19.99 erases that and then some, saving you 60%. If you want to catch up on all of this year's Emmy award winners, then this is one of the best October Prime Day deals so far.

More Fire TV Stick deals

• Amazon Fire TV Stick HD — $17.99 $39.99 (save $22)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $39.99 $69.99 (save $30)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max — $49.99 $84.99 (save $35)

• Amazon Fire TV Cube — $109.99 $199.99 (save $90) ✅

Best fitness tracker and smartwatch deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Garmin

Garmin Vivoactive 6

$229.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $70

 

Get Deal

Why we like it

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 on how to improve your sleep. Plus, it has 80 built-in types of sport tracking.

More fitness tracker and smartwatch deals

• Garmin Lily 2 — $199.99 $249.99 (save $50)

• Garmin Vivoactive 5 Smartwatch — $181.97 $299.99 (save $118.02)

• Garmin Forerunner 70 — $219.99 $249.99 (save $30)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, 40mm — $259.99 $299.99 (save $40) ✅

Early October Prime Day toys and gaming deals

Opens in a new window

Credit: Nintendo

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

$55.97 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $24.02

 

Get Deal

Why we like it

The Nintendo Customer Appreciation Sale is a great chance to save on Switch games and accessories, and the sale runs through Sept. 26. Amazon is undercutting Nintendo, Walmart, and Best Buy by a whopping $0.02 cents with this deal, but we're not complaining.

This wireless controller provides better controls for many types of games (both on the Switch 1 and Switch 2) compared to the standard Nintendo Joy-Con controllers, and this is your chance to grab it for its lowest-ever price.

More deals on toys and games

Opens in a new window

Credit: Lego

Lego Classic Creative Suitcase 10713

$11.80 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $8.19

We're expecting a lot more Lego deals as we approach Oct. 6. For now, this is the perfect Lego starter kit for young kids — or anyone who loves brick building.

Get Deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Lego

Lego Botanicals Succulents 10309

$34.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $15

There are few things we love more than Lego Prime Day deals. We also love the Lego Botanicals line here at Mashable, and this popular cactus-themed building kit is at an all-time low price.

Get Deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Nintendo

Nintendo Joy-Con (single)

$31.49 at Amazon
$44.99 Save $13.50

If you need an extra Joy-Con for your Switch, both single and dual Joy-Con controllers are on sale for a limited time.

Get Deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Nintendo

Metroid Dread Nintendo Switch (Digital Code)

$41.97 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $18.02

In this title for the original Switch console, gamers rejoined Samus Aran for the first new 2D Metroid story in almost two decades. If you missed this one the first time around, then you'll love experiencing it for the Switch 2.

Get Deal

Best streaming and subscription deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Amazon

Audible

$0.99/month for four months

Get Deal

Why we like it

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.

More Amazon subscription deals

• Kindle Unlimited — 3 months free

• Amazon Music Unlimited — 4 months free with Prime

• Save $20 on your next Grubhub+ order with Prime

• Buy or lease a new car, get a $1,500 gift card for free with Prime

Even more early October Prime Day deals

Opens in a new window

Credit: Skyrover

Skyrover X1 Drone with Camera Combo

$449 at Amazon
$619 Save $170

Skyrover has developed a reputation as the closest DJI drone dupe on Amazon, and it does look almost like the real thing. Given the DJI drone ban, this may be your best bet for a drone. It offers 4K/60fps video and 8K photography.

Get Deal

• Kasa Multicolor Dimmable Wi-Fi Smart Bulb, A19 — $8.99 $11.99 (save $3)

• Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender, 700W — $54.98 $69.99 (save $15.01)

• Life360 Tile, 4-pack — $59.99 $79.99 (save $20)

• Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light Alarm Clock — $76.29 $108.95 (save $32.66)

• Amazon Ember 40-inch 2-Series Fire TV — $209.99 $249.99 (save $40)

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Duncan Sheik, the singer-songwriter who turned "Barely Breathing" into an enduring '90s alt-pop hit before finding a second act on Broadway as the Tony-winning composer of Spring Awakening, died Thursday in Manhattan. He was 56.

His mother, Suzanne Sheik, confirmed his death to The New York Times and said the cause was heart failure leading to cardiac arrest.

For many people, Sheik will forever be associated with "Barely Breathing," the deceptively catchy breakup song that became the breakout single from his self-titled 1996 debut. The song reached No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained on the chart for 55 weeks, earning Sheik a Grammy nomination and turning the soft-spoken musician into an unlikely star.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

For a generation of millennials, however, Sheik's most enduring work wasn't necessarily a song with his voice on it. It was Spring Awakening.

The musical arrived on Broadway in December 2006, just as a new kind of teenage fandom was taking shape online. You didn't necessarily have to live in New York or have the money for a Broadway ticket to become completely consumed by it. Teenagers passed around grainy YouTube clips and shaky, questionably obtained recordings, memorized the cast album, traded photos and interviews, and followed the young cast, which included Jonathan Groff, Lea Michele, and John Gallagher Jr., online.

Lauren "Lolo" Pritchard, Steven Sater, Lea Michele, Jonathan Groff, Duncan Sheik and John Gallagher Jr. at the 2022 the premiere of "Spring Awakening: Those You've Known" in New York City. Credit: Cindy Ord/Getty Images

Before Broadway fandom lived on TikTok, Spring Awakening fans were finding one another in the messier corners of the internet. I was one of those teenagers.

In 2007, I was deep in Spring Awakening. I listened to the cast recording obsessively and watched whatever shoddy footage I could find online. Then I moved to New York City that fall and finally got to stand at the stage door, Playbill in hand. Songs like "Mama Who Bore Me," "The Bitch of Living," "Touch Me," "Don't Do Sadness/Blue Wind," "Totally Fucked" — I knew them all. These were songs built around the particular intensity of being young, when desire can feel catastrophic, anger can feel righteous, and nobody, least of all the adults around you, seems capable of understanding what's happening inside your head.

Sheik's music and score gave those feelings somewhere to go. He made music for young people who felt everything too much.

There was something almost perfectly matched about the material and the way teenagers encountered it. Spring Awakening was a story about young people whose inner lives were misunderstood and suppressed by the adults around them. Online, its young fans found one another and became obsessive about it together.

Nearly 20 years later, many of those same fans are back online mourning the man who wrote the music that soundtracked that period of their lives.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

In the hours after news of Sheik's death, listeners inevitably returned to "Barely Breathing." More than 30 years after its release, it's the kind of song whose opening notes can instantly locate you in another time.

But the Duncan Sheik music I keep returning to isn't sung by him at all. It's a group of teenagers singing at the top of their lungs about everything they haven't yet figured out. I was one of the teenagers listening. And nearly 20 years later, those songs still know exactly where to find me.

My biggest gripe with Xteink e-readers is their limited file support, as you can only read DRM-free EPUB files on the device. But according to Good E-reader, Xteink is launching an Android e-reader.

Eagle-eyed RedNote users suddenly noticed their feeds were flooded with ads for the Xteink S4, a new tiny e-reader that runs on Android 11. Previously, Xteink's e-readers ran on a proprietary Linux system, but with an Android system, you can now download apps for Kindle and Kobo.

The S4's specs are similar to the X4's. It has a 4.3-inch E Ink touchscreen with 220 ppi resolution. It has 2GB RAM and 32GB SSD. However, it does add a front light with adjustable cool and warm light. It also includes a USB-C port rather than the pogo pin that the X4 Pro e-reader has.

The Xteink X4 e-reader currently runs on an Linux system, but the S4 will run on Android 11. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Running on an Android system might empower the Xteink to its fullest potential. Many users buy an Xteink e-reader as a companion to a traditional e-reader. However, as you're only able to read DRM-free files, it's not compatible with all the books on your Kobo or Kindle. But the addition of an Android system lets you access all your Kindle books on the e-reader, and with WiFi connectivity, it can even sync your progress between devices.

Unfortunately, e-reader users in the United States will have to wait for the Xteink S4 e-reader. It's currently available for preorder in China for around $50 USD. A representative for Xteink confirmed that the S4 is currently in the testing phase and will eventually be released into international markets including the United States.

For now, you can shop other Xteink e-reader models in the US.

Xteink X4 e-reader

$69 at Amazon

 

Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Xteink

Xteink X3 e-reader

$69 at Amazon
$79 Save $10

 

Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Xteink

Thirty years ago, catching Pokémon meant booting up a Game Boy. In 2026, apparently, it means getting to Target before sunrise and hoping the person in front of you doesn't clean out the shelves.

The Pokémon Trading Card Game's highly anticipated 30th Celebration expansion arrived worldwide on Sept. 16, and fans have been extremely normal about it.

By which we mean: not normal at all.

Videos of the launch have flooded social media, showing enormous lines of would-be buyers waiting outside retailers and, in some cases, rushing for the cards once doors opened. One video, posted by a Pokémon card collector on X, captured adult shoppers sprinting toward a display and frantically shoving merchandise into their baskets. "It's like wild chickens during feeding times 😭😭," the poster wrote.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

It's the kind of scene that feels ripped from a Black Friday sale in the early 2000s, except everyone is here for Pikachu (and not Elmo).

The viral video is hardly an isolated incident. According to local news reports, fans and resellers lined up for hours outside Targets across the U.S., with some stores selling out shortly after opening. In San Antonio, customers camped outside Best Buy ahead of the launch, while retailers introduced increasingly elaborate rules to keep the drop under control, including purchase limits, staggered entry, and restrictions on when customers could begin lining up.

Pokémon card collectors wait in line outside a Best Buy to purchase the new 30th Celebration set in Pasadena, California.. Credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images

The chaos wasn't limited to the U.S. Thousands of collectors reportedly queued overnight in the UK, where fans complained that products disappeared almost immediately after going on sale. In Sydney, video showed a massive line snaking through a shopping center ahead of the Australian launch.

So, why all the pandemonium?

Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration is designed to make longtime collectors lose their minds. The anniversary expansion features foil cards throughout, the return of classic cards, new Mew and Mewtwo Futuristic Rare cards, and, perhaps most dangerously, 30 different Pikachu illustrations to collect.

Then there's the resale market. Pokémon cards have become increasingly valuable collectibles, creating an ecosystem in which major releases attract not just fans but buyers hoping to flip scarce products for a profit. That rare Mew card? It's worth roughly $3,800 on the resale market. Scalping has become an especially sore subject in the Pokémon community, and the 30th anniversary release is pouring gasoline on the fire.

Less than a day after release, ICv2 reported that 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Boxes with an MSRP of $49.99 had sold on eBay for more than $300. That helps explain why retailers are treating a Pokémon card release like a crowd-control exercise.

Of course, there's something beautifully absurd about watching adults camp overnight, navigate virtual queues, and sprint through stores for a trading card game many of them first encountered as kids.

Thirty years later, it turns out you still gotta catch 'em all. You just might have to elbow your way to the display first.

TL;DR: Watch Monaco vs. Lens in the Ligue 1 for free on CazéTV. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Ligue 1 action continues as top-of-the-table contenders Monaco host Lens.

It's been a really strong start to the season for Monaco. They've picked up three wins and a draw from their first four games, and are only being kept off the top spot by goal difference. Lens haven't won a game since their season opener. Can they upset the in-form Monaco?

If you're interested in watching Monaco vs. Lens in the Ligue 1 from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Monaco vs. Lens?

Monaco vs. Lens in the Ligue 1 kicks off at 2.45 p.m. ET on Sept. 18. This fixture takes place at the Stade Louis II.

How to watch Monaco vs. Lens for free

Monaco vs. Lens in the Ligue 1 is available to live stream for free on CazéTV.

CazéTV is geo-restricted to Brazil, 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 Brazil, meaning you can live stream Monaco vs. Lens for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Monaco vs. Lens for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Brazil

4. Visit CazéTV

5. Watch Monaco vs. Lens for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

Get Deal

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 Monaco vs. Lens without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus Premier League action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Ligue 1?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on CazéTV, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

• 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 Monaco vs. Lens for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Bayern Munich vs. Union Berlin in the Bundesliga for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Bundesliga season continues with Bayern Munich vs. Union Berlin.

Bayern will see this game as an opportunity to make up some lost ground. They haven't made quite the unstoppable start to the 2026/27 season that most fans expected, with two wins out of a possible three. They're currently fourth in the league, and star striker Harry Kane has only netted one goal in three games.

Union Berlin are still looking for their first win of the season. Can they score an upset win over the defending Bundesliga champions?

If you're interested in watching Bayern Munich vs. Union Berlin in the Bundesliga from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Bayern Munich vs. Union Berlin?

Bayern Munich vs. Union Berlin in the Bundesliga kicks off at 2.30 p.m. ET on Sept. 18. This fixture takes place at the Allianz Arena.

How to watch Bayern Munich vs. Union Berlin for free

Bayern Munich vs. Union Berlin in the Bundesliga 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 Bayern Munich vs. Union Berlin for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Bayern Munich vs. Union Berlin for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Watch Bayern Munich vs. Union Berlin for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

Get Deal

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 Bayern Munich vs. Union Berlin without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus Premier League action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the Bundesliga?

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 Bayern Munich vs. Union Berlin for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

SAVE 35%: As of Sept. 18, you can get the 65-inch Toshiba G700 Series ArtVision 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (2026) for $1,297.99 at Amazon. That's a 35% discount.

Toshiba G700 Series ArtVision 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (2026)

$1,297.99 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $702

 

Get Deal at Amazon

If you've been dying to get your hands on Samsung's coveted Frame TV, but you aren't sold on Samsung's ecosystem, Toshiba just released its own version — the ArtVision G700 Series — and it's already on sale.

Right now, you can get the 65-inch Toshiba G700 Series ArtVision 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (2026) for $1,297.99 at Amazon. That's a 35% discount or $702 in savings.

Unlike its rival, the ArtVision comes with its own magnetic white oak frame and a zero-gap wall mount. It also has impressive specs for a display built for aesthetics, including an anti-glare QLED screen, a 165Hz refresh rate, Fire TV built directly into the UI, and an Ambient Mode with over 3,000 free artworks to choose from when you're not binge-watching your faves.

From Catastrophe to Bad Sisters, Sharon Horgan has proven herself adept at creating deeply human, deeply messy characters muddling through complicated lives. Her latest series,Youth on HBO, continues that trend with a tale of menopausal love and sex that's equal parts hilarious and vulnerable.

What's Youth about?

Rupert Friend and Sharon Horgan in "Youth." Credit: Colin Hutton / HBO

Horgan plays Alex, a divorced literary agent dealing with the sheer onslaught of life at 50. She's taken on the role of caretaker twice over, looking after her ailing parents as well as her angst-ridden 18-year-old son, Ruari (Aran Murphy). As the latter heads off to university, Alex determines to put her own needs first and find the love and sex she's denied herself while he's been at home.

That quest proves difficult. After years of marriage, Alex is daunted by the prospect of starting her love life over at square one. As she weathers awkward courtships and gets accustomed to "new dick," she also confronts her body image issues tied to aging. In the very first episode, she learns she's got arthritis in her jaw. (You can imagine the off-color joke her doctor makes about her oral activities.) In a solid background running gag, she constantly buys new exercise equipment. Panic over her appearance abounds, especially when confronted with her on-again, off-again lover Patrick's (Rupert Friend) current, much younger fling, Cara (Nadia Parkes).

And all that's before Ruari moves back home, mere days into his university career. His return, coupled with Alex's romantic and professional anxieties, sparks a perfect storm of awkward situations, like an Ibiza vacation where everyone is romantically paired off except for Alex and her son. Horgan brings every social misstep to life with deft frankness. Cringe comedy melds with earnest heart-to-hearts, putting us on an emotional rollercoaster that nails life's many ups and downs.

Youth thrives, thanks to imperfect relationships.

Sharon Horgan and Aran Murphy in "Youth." Credit: Colin Hutton / HBO

Horgan is astounding in Youth: filthy, funny, flawed in all the right ways. So is the rest of the main ensemble, whose interactions with Alex result in a tangled web of relationships that each feel painfully real.

On the work front, Alex has the unique situation of her boss Sam (Sharlene Whyte) also being her best friend. Often times, they get along great, like when they're venting over a best-selling client's (Anne Reid) latest racy — and racist! — manuscript, or dishing on their relationships. When the power dynamic comes into play, though, Alex bristles and tends to buck Sam's authority. Whyte and Horgan's chemistry oscillates between playful and strained as needed, and the result is a solid addition to the canon of HBO's complex female friendships.

On the love front, Alex always seems to find her way back to Patrick. Described as "institutionally single," he's no perfect rom-com hero. Commitment eludes him, even though he wants to start a family. Yet Patrick's no dirtbag either. He's kind and invested in Alex, and Friend and Horgan's scenes together burn with such familiar intimacy you can't help but root for the pair. Look no further than a scene where they lay in bed, discussing Alex's estrogen patch. It's sweet, sexy, and honest, all rolled into a 30-second sequence.

But the relationship at Youth's core is that between Alex and Ruari. As Ruari, Murphy gives an explosive performance, careening between impulsive recklessness and pure apathy. He's just as likely to be making rash decisions in a club as he is to be watching video game playthroughs on his phone. Yet while Ruari begins the series by frequently lashing out at his mother, and Alex begins it in a near-constant state of frustration towards her son, the two inevitably grow closer. In fact, they become mirrors to one another, in all their self-sabotaging glory. Both are at a major turning point in their lives: Ruari stands on the precipice of adulthood, not quite ready to leap into what comes next. Alex is entering a new decade of her life, terrified at the baggage the number 50 brings, yet ready to embrace the freedom it might afford her.

With this dysfunctional mother-son duo, Horgan weaves two very different coming-of-age stories that prove that you never really stop growing up. And what a beautiful, frightening, and funny reality that is.

The first two episodes of Youth premiere Sept. 20 at 10 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

Lizzie Borden. The name instantly conjures images of axes (or more accurately, hatchets), that 19th-century Greek Revival-style Massachusetts home, and children singing that creepy rhyme: 

Lizzie Borden took an ax / And gave her mother 40 whacks. / When she saw what she had done / She gave her father 41.

Though Borden was acquitted of the murder of her father and stepmother in 1893, the case has attracted armchair detectives and adaptations for more than 100 years. They range from Elizabeth Montgomery's Emmy-winning performance in 1975's The Legend of Lizzie Borden to Christina Ricci's Lifetime movie rendition in Lizzie Borden Took an Ax and its spinoff series The Lizzie Borden Chronicles, and most recently, Chloë Sevigny's underrated turn in the 2018 sapphic thriller, Lizzie.

Now, Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan's Netflix series Monster, which previously explored the controversial representations of killers like Jeffrey Dahmer and Ed Gein, takes on Borden's story. Here's what you should know about Lizzie Borden, the grisly crimes she was accused of, and how the Netflix series portrays her.

Did Lizzie Borden kill her parents?

Portrait of Lizzie Borden (1860-1927). Credit: Getty Images / Bettmann

What actually happened the day of the murders of Andrew and Abby Borden? The timeline has had true crime enthusiasts obsessed for decades.

According to historians, on the morning of Aug. 4, 1892, at 92 Second Street in Fall River, Massachusetts, Andrew Borden and his second wife, Abby, were found murdered in their home. Though the murder weapon was never found, it was clear to investigators that an axe or hatchet was used.

Lizzie Borden, Andrew's 32-year-old daughter, was tried for the murders. At the time, the only other person in the house was the Borden's Irish maid Bridget Sullivan, called "Maggie" by the Bordens, who gave her the name of their previous maid.

In her testimony, Lizzie claimed she'd been in the barn, walked into the house, and found her father's body in the living room. Then, she's said to have called for Bridget, who was allegedly napping in her room on the third floor, and told her to fetch a doctor. Her stepmother was found dead in an upstairs guest bedroom (you can actually stay the night in this 134-year-old crime scene, as the Borden house is now a macabre bed and breakfast).

In 1893, Borden was acquitted of the murders, though nobody else was ever convicted. To say the trial was colossal at the time is an understatement, and Borden herself testified on the stand. As historian Joseph Conforti writes, "The inquest, preliminary hearing, and Superior Court trial generated over 3,000 pages of testimony on the Borden murders," and news coverage was through the roof. Borden was not found guilty and was released (episode 7 of Monster follows Borden's arrest, imprisonment, and trial).

How does Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story portray the parties involved?

Charlie Hunnam and Rebecca Hall as Andrew and Abby Borden in "Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story." Credit: Netflix

For Monster, Murphy rallies go-to faces: Feud: Capote vs. The Swans' Ella Beatty portrays Borden, The Ed Gein Story's Vicky Krieps plays the Borden's housemaid Bridget Sullivan, and The Beauty's Rebecca Hall and previous Monster star Charlie Hunnam play Borden's parents.

Beatty's Lizzie is a sweet, smart, socially awkward, sexually oppressed woman who endures her parents' abuse while trying to maintain decorum. She's portrayed as a true romantic, whimsically gathering flowers and twirling while feeding her birds in a style that can only be described as Disney princess-like. She's also portrayed as a kleptomaniac, stealing her parents' belongings, which has become a myth about Borden.

Hunnam’s Andrew Borden is an undertaker and woodworker (in real life Andrew Borden was also a wealthy banker and textile investor). Hall portrays Borden's stepmother, Abby, as an immovably malicious person, treating her stepdaughter as inconvenient property and doling out hot liquid punishments on her maids. In Monster, the marriage is one of coldness, with Abby actually planning to leave Andrew in episode 4, a fabrication of the show.

Vicky Krieps as Bridget "Maggie" Sullivan and Ella Beatty as Lizzie Borden in "Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story." Credit: Netflix

One of the major players in the case is the only other person at home during the time of the murders: Bridget "Maggie" Sullivan, played by Krieps. Bridget's potential role in the Borden murders remains a historical question mark, yet in Monster, Bridget is extremely involved. Despite no historical evidence of it, Lizzie and Bridget’s relationship, like most screen interpretations of the story, is portrayed in Monster as an intimate lesbian love affair.

One of the only other suspects in the case, Joey Pollari plays Lizzie's uncle, John Morse, who stayed at the Borden's the night before the murders. Monster has John show up at the Bordens as a surprise brother of Andrew's late first wife, Sarah. He's portrayed as a money-seeking dirtbag, taking Andrew through his collection of knives, each named like Andrew's axes, then asking him for money to start a business.

In Monster, Lizzie's older sister Emma (played by American Horror Story's Billie Lourd) is portrayed as everything Lizzie isn't — engaged, popular, liked by their parents. In the real case, Emma was out of town during the murders, and the same occurs in Monster.

Another who features in the Netflix series is famed actor Nance O’Neil (played by Jessica Barden), who was indeed friends with Lizzie. However, Monster has the pair meeting in Fall River before the Bordens were murdered — in history, they met in Boston after Lizzie was acquitted — and the series has her train Lizzie in acting to ready her for her murder trial (which didn't happen).

How does Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story depict the Borden murders?

Ella Beatty as Lizzie Borden in "Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story." Credit: Netflix

Monster gives Borden multiple motives for murder: a life of emotional abuse by her parents (especially her stepmother), her father's treatment of Bridget, Andrew leaving Lizzie out of his will (in real life, Andrew had no will, so Lizzie stood to inherit quite the fortune). When Abby kills her beloved birds (with an axe, of course), and her father doesn't support her grief, Lizzie makes her decision to murder them both. Given the real Borden pled not guilty, perhaps we'll never know if there was a motive or not.

The Netflix series actually shows the murders of Andrew and Abby Borden twice, as its opening scene and in episodes 4 (Abby's murder) and 5 (Andrew's murder). The opening sequence actually shows a closer version to what is theorised to have happened — Lizzie, working alone, descended from her bedroom, armed herself with an axe or hatchet, then first murdered Abby, who was straightening the guest room. Andrew arrived home downstairs, and is then murdered in the living room. We see this all play out without dialogue.

Later, in episodes 4 and 5, Monster stages the Borden murders in a more elaborate manner, all throughout the house, being liberal with the timeline and events for dramatic effect. Unlike the real murder, Abby's death in Monster doesn't solely occur in the upstairs guest room, instead playing out as a violent chase from the front door of the house. In episode 4, Abby and Lizzie have an argument as she is leaving the Bordens — for good. In a fabricated conversation, Lizzie gives her stepmother home truths before chopping off her nose with a hatchet.

Despite the question mark around Bridget's involvement in the Borden murders, Monster has her play a crucial role. While historians say Bridget was seen washing windows during Abby's murder, in Monster, Bridget appears during the attack holding an axe (in episode 5, the show depicts Lizzie instructing Bridget to be seen washing windows to provide this historical alibi). Putting the murder back into historical events, Monster has Lizzie letting Abby run upstairs into the guest bedroom, where she's killed by Lizzie in a frenzy. Afterward, Lizzie and Bridget bury her dress in the forest (they don't burn it yet, like a witness said Borden did, leaving this action to later in the series after Andrew's death).

Ella Beatty as Lizzie Borden, in the upstairs guest bedroom, in "Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story." Credit: Netflix

Andrew's death is also portrayed differently to what historians believe happened, especially with how involved Bridget is in the scenes. 

In episode 5, Monster has Andrew returning to the house (whether it's on the same day, as happened, is unclear) and finding his wife's body upstairs — the latter of which did not happen in the real case. He's attacked not by Lizzie but by Bridget with an axe in the bedroom, then Lizzie intervenes, and there's a moment in which Andrew and Lizzie acknowledge her act. The pair then manage to shut Andrew in the basement, where he's left with an axe embedded in his shoulder, all while Lizzie and Bridget clean up the crime scene. Then, Monster has Lizzie battling her father in an axe fight that never happened, Andrew is killed in the living room, which actually happened. After Lizzie's attack, Monster then puts the hatchet in Bridget's hands for the final blows.

The last three episodes of Monster follow Borden's arrest, the police investigation, and the trial, which would take another article to unpack.

In the series finale, Monster has Borden at a dinner party recount all other theories and rumors around other suspects — from her uncle John to a random thief — as we see them played out on screen. Then, Lizzie describes the murders as "a random act of violence, no motive, someone just walked into my family's house and killed my dear parents with an axe."

Did Lizzie Borden try to poison her parents like Monster depicts?

Ella Beatty as Lizzie Borden in "Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story." Credit: Netflix

The real Lizzie Borden was seen buying poison (prussic acid) the day before the murders, which led to her arrest on Aug. 11. Monster plays out the horrible fantasy of this decision in its early episodes. Bridget suggests to Lizzie they should use poison, with the series spending ample time showing how much Lizzie and Bridget know about the properties of plants.

Then, one of the series' grossest scenes, in episode 2, Monster actually hypothesizes Lizzie poisoning her parents with Bridget's help. Episode 2 sees the Bordens booting bouillabaisse all over their dining room, unknowingly purging the poison in their soup.

After their attempt fails, Monster has Bridget give Lizzie the idea of using an axe, not a knife or gun, to kill her parents — we literally see her training Lizzie to swing an enormous double-headed weapon. "An axe is the most personal way of killing someone," she says. "Put all your feelings in the swing. Make it personal and give it your signature."

Who was Bertha Manchester?

Ella Beatty as Lizzie Borden in "Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story." Credit: Netflix

Controversially, Monster includes Bertha Manchester (played by Linda Reiter), a real Fall River woman who was murdered with an axe nine months after the Borden murders — and one week before Lizzie Borden's jury was chosen. Shockingly, in episode 3, Monster changes the order of events to actually make Lizzie Bertha's murderer, retaliating against Bertha's hateful, homophobic cat-o-nine-tails attack on Bridget. "Bertha Manchester's the first one we kill," says Bridget. "We have to make sure we know what we're doing, and that we have our courage." Essentially, Monster positions Bertha Manchester as their test run, with Lizzie doing the deed and the pair washing the blood off in a waterfall as The Doors' "The End" plays.

While Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story takes more than a few liberties with timelines and details, it wouldn't be the first of Murphy's Netflix anthology depicting famous true crime cases. And no, Aileen Wuornos never visited the Borden house.

Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story is now streaming on Netflix.

The world is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Pokémon, and if you're still playing the franchise's popular mobile game Pokémon Go, one of the original 151 Pokémon is back with a fresh accessory.

As spotted on Reddit before being officially announced on X, Pokémon Go players can get a special version of Charmander wearing goggles by redeeming a Pokémon Go code on the game's website. Simply go to the website, sign in to your account, and put in the code "0004POKEMONGO" to start a series of activities that will eventually lead to an encounter with this special Charmander.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The event expires on Sept. 22, as it's a limited-time thing related to the Pokémon Horizons: The Series anime. (Those goggles belong to Professor Friede, if you must know.) According to Reddit, you'll have to do the following things to meet this Charmander:

1. Catch 10 Pokémon

2. Catch 20 Pokémon

3. Use 5 berries to help catch Pokémon

4. Make 10 Nice Throws

That all sounds straightforward enough. Go do that before next week and get yourself this cool little guy for your collection.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Father Time comes for us all, and landline phones are no exception.

Verizon announced on its website that it is seeking permission from the FCC to phase out traditional copper landline service. Under the proposal, customers with no access to an FCC-approved alternative, such as wireless or fiber optic service, would be able to keep their landline.

Verizon's post doesn't have a specific timeline, but local news outlet WWNY in Watertown, NY is reporting that the FCC will respond by the end of November, and that some customers have already received letters informing them of the proposed change. The idea is to get rid of the older technology and replace it with more modern alternatives for as many people as possible, according to Verizon.

Of course, there will always be people left behind by changes like this, especially in rural or remote areas. A local assemblyman told WWNY that some rural parts of the region lack fiber optic access, for example. And people were still reportedly using AOL dial-up internet before the company killed the service last year.

Verizon says customers will be given plenty of advance notice before the changes go into effect, and that emergency services such as 911 will still be available. "If your copper service will be impacted, we will mail you a letter well in advance. It will provide all the details you need, along with a clear timeline to help you smoothly transition to an FCC-approved service option," reads a notice on the Verizon website.

A Verizon spokesperson also told Mashable that for customers who prefer physical landline phones, the devices will continue to work. However, they will no longer be connected by the old copper network. Customers will also be able to keep their phone numbers, according to the Verizon website.

The proposal will still need FCC approval. According to WWNY, the FCC will respond to the request by Nov. 30.

UPDATE: Sep. 18, 2026, 3:59 p.m. EDT This story and the original headline have been updated to clarify the proposed change. Verizon says that customers without access to alternatives will be able to continue using their landline service.

SAVE 13%: As of Sept. 18, you can get the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo for $549, down from $629, at Amazon. That's a 13% discount, or $80 in savings.

Opens in a new window

Credit: DJI

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo

$549 at Amazon
$629 Save $80

 

Get Deal

If you're interested in becoming a content creator but aren't sure about the equipment or what to do first, you may want to check out DJI's creator line. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo has pretty much everything you need to get started: the Osmo Pocket 3 camera, the DJI Mic 2 transmitter, battery handle, and an Osmo mini Tripod.

And right now, you can get it for $549, down from $629, at Amazon and Best Buy. (It's sold out on the official DJI website.) That's a 13% discount, or $80 in savings. While this isn't the lowest price we've seen for this combo (it was $512 in July), $80 is still a good chunk of change to save on your on-the-go studio setup.

The best thing about this kit is that it's designed for beginners (it's also a Mashable Choice award winner). "You don't need to be an experienced videographer to set up and start shooting with this camera," Mashable's tech editor, Timothy Beck Werth, writes in his review. Thanks to its three-axis mechanical stabilization, you can focus on what you're doing without worrying about your footage looking shaky. There's also a rotating touchscreen that flips between horizontal and vertical video in seconds.

A new cat species has been formally identified for the first time in 100 years. Found in Bolivia, the Leopardus tilcayo has markings similar to a leopard, but is smaller than a domestic house cat. Unfortunately, while this tiger cat is undeniably cuddle-sized, it is not for cuddling.

Revealed in a paper published in Current Biology on Thursday, the diminutive Leopardus tilcayo is described as having "relatively large, irregular, dark brown to black rosettes" on its light brown fur, which darkens along its spine and lightens toward its limbs. The tiger cat is also adorably small, measuring just 425 to 505mm from its head to the end of its body, excluding its 250 to 265mm-long tail. (In comparison, the average domestic cat is around 460 to 510mm long, with a tail measuring 250 to 380mm.)

A tilcayo cat (Leopardus tilcayo) at Senda Verde in Coroico, Bolivia. Credit: Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark

Other than this, very little is known about the tilcayo. However, researchers state that this tiger cat was already known to locals in the Bolivian Yungas region, who called it "tilcayo."

"We asked the local people, 'Why do you call it tilcayo?'" the paper's co-lead author, Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz, told National Geographic. "And they said, 'I don't know! My grandpa called it tilcayo, so I call it tilcayo."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The specific cat that helped Nogales-Ascarrunz and her team identify the new species had already been living in a Bolivian wildlife sanctuary for almost a decade. A local man initially found the male kitten on a road and cared for it at his home for about a year, believing it was an ordinary house cat. However, he eventually realised that it was in fact a wild animal, prompting him to hand it to the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary in 2016.

They then contacted biologist Nogales-Ascarrunz, who mistakenly identified the cat as a Leopardus tigrinus, also known as an oncilla or northern tiger cat. However, upon subsequently reviewing her photos of the cat in 2019, she realised that it did not match images of other felines presumed to be of the same species.

DNA testing has now proved her suspicions correct, confirming that the cat is indeed an entirely new species. Nogales-Ascarrunz and her fellow researchers further noted that, compared to the oncillia, the tilcayo has "larger and more irregular flank markings, [a] longer and fuller tail, and irregular caudal blotches [near the tail]."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Affectionately named "Tigrino," Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary's resident tilcayo is the only known animal of his species to be in protective human care. As such, practically everything we know about tilcayos is in reference to Tigrino. However, now that researchers know what to look for, there is the chance that other previously misidentified tilcayo cats may be discovered.

SAVE $30: As of Sept. 18, get Otterbox's new iPhone 18 Pro Defender Pro Case for $49.99. That saves you $30 on its $79.99 list price for 38% off.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Otterbox

Otterbox Defender Pro iPhone 18 Pro Case

$49.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $30.00

 

Get Deal

Today is finally the day — the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are arriving in stores and into your hands. If you have the new iPhone or are planning to go out and grab one this weekend, don't forget to pick up a case for it. There's no bigger tech nightmare than dropping and cracking your brand-new phone. So if you're in the market, we spotted a deal just for you.

As of Sept. 18, get the Otterbox Defender Pro iPhone 18 Pro Case for just $49.99. That's $30 off the case's list price of $79.99, saving you 38%. That's some pretty substantial savings, especially when you just dropped a lot of money on a new phone.

Otterbox makes cases that are rugged and durable so that the case absorbs damage — not your phone. The brand's Defender Pro series provides maximum protection that's up to a military standard. It also has a grippy finish to hopefully prevent the number of drops you have to begin with. Plus, it's not bulky either.

Shop the Otterbox Defender Pro iPhone 18 Pro Case now for just $49.99 at Amazon and save $30.

It's iPhone launch day! Did you get a brand new iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max? Did you see John Ternus at the Apple store? If so, congratulations! Also, and this is very important, don't drop it.

Apple has shared just how much it's going to cost for the most common iPhone repairs for the new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. And, let's put it this way, damaging your new iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max is going to cost you a pretty penny on top of what you just spent for the device itself.

Just how much? Here's what Apple said about iPhone 18 Pro repair costs

The cost of fixing a damaged iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max

Damaged the back glass of your new iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max? That'll cost you $159 to repair.

Dropped the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max and wrecked the rear cameras? Apple will fix that for a whopping $249.

Something wrong with the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max battery? Battery issues are usually covered under warranty this early in your smartphone's lifecycle, but if it's an issue caused by you, then Apple's charging $129 for the fix.

Apple can also fix your screen if you break or crack it. However, unlike the previous repairs, the cost of this one will depend on which device you have. Screen damage repair on the iPhone 18 Pro will cost a whopping $329. If the back glass is damaged along with the screen, then it'll cost $419 for the fix. Those same repairs will cost $379 and $469 for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, respectively. Obviously, the fix for a much larger screen will cost you more.

Those seem to be the most common repairs, and if you must damage your new iPhone, you'd better hope it's one of those things that need fixing. If you did something unique to wreck your iPhone, those repairs, which Apple deems as "other damage," will set you back a whopping $849 for the iPhone 18 Pro and $899 for the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

And here's the TL;DR version:

• Battery service: $129

• Back glass damage: $159

• Rear camera damage: $249

• Screen damage: $329 ($379 for Pro Max)

• Screen and back glass damage: $419 ($469 for Pro Max)

• Other damage: Up to $849 ($899 for Pro Max)

iPhone 18 repair price vs. iPhone 17 repair price

If you're wondering how the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max repair prices stack up to the cost of fixing its predecessors, you may be surprised to find out that there's not much of a difference. Of course, the bodies of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max and the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are practically the same, so they likely require similar, if not identical, parts and labor costs to repair, so it makes sense. The one difference is the battery service repair, which Apple charges a mere $10 more to fix for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.

So, if you're wondering if you should splurge on the new iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max or save some money by purchasing an iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max, just know they cost basically the same exact thing to fix!

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

TL;DR: Live stream the 17th season of The Great British Baking Show for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

You know that summer is making way for fall when The Great British Baking Show returns to screens. Things are about to get a whole lot cozier. Which is what The Great British Baking Show, aka Bake Off, is all about — comforting, wholesome fun.

The Great British Baking Show pits Britain's best amateur bakers against each other in the iconic white tent. They battle it out — in the nicest possible way — by dazzling the judges with technical challenges and stow-stopper bakes.

This year, things will look a little different as longtime judge Prue Leith has departed the show. She's replaced by cookery show queen Nigella Lawson, who will judge 12 new bakers alongside Bake Off mainstay Paul Hollywood.

If you're interested in watching The Great British Baking Show in 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is The Great British Baking Show in 2026?

The 17th season of The Great British Baking Show starts on Sept. 22 in the UK. Episodes go live a few days later in the U.S.

How to watch The Great British Baking Show for free in 2026

The Great British Baking Show is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.

Channel 4 is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone worldwide can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock Channel 4 to watch The Great British Baking Show from anywhere in the world.

Live stream The Great British Baking Show for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit Channel 4

5. Stream The Great British Baking Show for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

Get Deal

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 episodes of The Great British Baking Show without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream a large chunk of the season before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Channel 4?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for accessing free live streams on Channel 4, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy

• 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 The Great British Baking Show for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max officially went on sale today ahead of their Sept. 18 launch (the foldable iPhone Duo won't be available until next month). And when you buy a new phone, that usually means buying a new phone case. The best iPhone 18 Pro cases will protect your phone when it inevitably slips out of your hands and tumbles to the ground, risking your $1,200 investment.

A lot of case companies started selling burgundy and glacier blue iPhone 18 Pro cases before the phones were even announced, and you can already find a ton of stylish and cute iPhone 18 Pro cases for sale online. Whether you're looking for a cheap $12 clear case, a classic PopSockets Grip, or a more fashion-forward Velvet Caviar case, we've found the top options for iPhone shoppers. We also checked Apple's official collection of iPhone 18 Pro Max cases for you.

If you're upgrading from the iPhone 17 Pro, there are two things you need to know. You can save up to $1,200 on the iPhone 18 Pro thanks to preorder deals, and your iPhone 17 Pro case should fit the 18 Pro just fine. Apple kept the measurements and button layouts exactly the same.

Our favorite iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max cases so far

Opens in a new window

Credit: OtterBox

OtterBox iPhone 18 Pro Profile Series Case

$39.99 at Amazon

Let's start simple with this classic OtterBox iPhone 18 Pro Profile Series Case. It's not fancy or eye-catching, and that's exactly the point. The minimalist case is also MagSafe compatible.

Shop Now

Opens in a new window

Credit: Casetify

Casetify iPhone 18 Pro Max MagSafe Case

$64 at Amazon

Here's another classic option, available for both the Pro and Pro Max. It's shock and drop-proof, and incldues an opening for a phone lanyard or strap.

Shop Now

Opens in a new window

Credit: Casetify

Casetify iPhone 18 Pro Max Ripple MagSafe Case

$56 at Amazon

Looking for a case to match the new burgundy color? Casetify's MagSafe Ripple case provides extra protection — and extra color-matching.

Shop Now

Opens in a new window

Credit: Velvet Caviar

Velvet Caviar Burgundy 1990 Jelly iPhone Case

$40 at Velvet Caviar

Velvet Caviar's burgundy iPhone case features a semi-transparent jelly base.

Shop Now

Opens in a new window

Credit: Torras

Torras Clear iPhone 18 Pro Case

$11.02 at Amazon
$13.99 Save $2.97

If you like the color of your new burgundy or glacier blue iPhone 18 Pro, then don't cover it up. This affordable iPhone case protects your phone without hurting your wallet, too.

Get Deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: ESR

ESR Clear MagSafe Compatible iPhone 18 Pro Case

$14.99 at Amazon

Looking for an affordable clear case that works with MagSafe? Try ESR's straightforward clear case, which will still protect your phone against sudden drops. ESR promises military-grade drop protection.

Shop Now

Opens in a new window

Credit: PopSockets

PopSockets iPhone 18 Pro Case Mirror Abalone

$40 at PopSockets

Looking for something a little funky? PopSockets has some of the best iPhone 18 Pro case designs, and they obviously fit great with PopSocket phone grips, too.

Shop Now

Opens in a new window

Credit: Pela

Pela iPhone 18 Pro Case Navy Stripes

$49.99 at Amazon

Pela has a huge selection of iPhone 18 cases on Amazon, and the company uses eco-friendly, plant-based materials in its phone cases.

Shop Now

Opens in a new window

Credit: Moft

Moft Pink iPhone 18 Pro Max Case

$42.49 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $7.50

Here at Mashable, we strongly believe that every new generation of iPhones should come with a pink color option. Until Apple hears our prayers, you can get this pink case, which will look great with the new glacier blue iPhone 18 Pro.

Get Deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Velvet Caviar

Velvet Caviar Jelly Glow Aura iPhone 18 Pro Case

$39.99 at Amazon

It's giving pastel, it's giving Lisa Frank, it's giving 90s tie-dye. (It's also giving drop protection and MagSafe.)

Shop Now

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max Clear Case with MagSafe

$49 at Apple

Apple's official phone cases aren't always the most affordable, but they are some of the best, for obvious reasons.

Shop Now

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

iPhone 18 Pro Max TechWoven Case with MagSafe

$59 at Apple

Apple's TechWoven cases offer a firm grip and solid protection, and you can match the case to the color of your new phone. If you want the very best iPhone 18 Pro cases, this is a very safe bet.

Get Deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Casely

Casely iPhone 18 Pro Case Shell Shocked

$44.95 at Amazon

If you love the look of tortoise shell accessories, which, fortunately, are not made from actual tortoises, then try this Casely case on for size. Click the link to see dozens more styles from the brand.

Shop Now

Opens in a new window

Credit: Casetify

Casetify Dark Cherry Jelly iPhone 18 Pro Case

$64 at Casetify

Here's another burgundy-themed case to match your new iPhone. The dark cherry is a near perfect match for the new iPhone color.

Shop Now

Opens in a new window

Credit: Smartish

Smartish iPhone 18 Pro Wallet Case

$29.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $5.00

Save $5 on this convenient iPhone wallet case. This product has racked up more than 60,000 reviews on Amazon.

Shop Now

Opens in a new window

Credit: FireNova

FireNova Silicon iPhone 18 Pro Case

$16.98

Looking for a simple silicon iPhone case? This affordable silicon case comes in over a dozen colors and keeps it simple — in a good way.

Shop Now

Opens in a new window

Credit: Pitaka

Pitaka Edge iPhone 18 Pro Max Case

$59.99 at Amazon

If you prefer razor-thin cases, then Pitaka makes some of the best iPhone cases around. The brand's Edge line is a good alternative to Apple's FineWoven tech cases, and it's just 0.04 inches thick and weighs 0.81 ounces.

Shop Now

The top iPhone 18 Pro accessories to buy

OK, so you've reviewed the best iPhone 18 Pro cases and picked out your favorite, but you're not done yet. Apple rolled out a bunch of new accessories and cases for the iPhone 18, and brands like PopSockets have hundreds of grips, stands, wallets, and accessories.

Here are some of the top phone grips, screen protectors, and other goodies to pair with your new iPhone.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Spigen

Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT Screen Protector for iPhone 18 Pro

$19.99 at Amazon

This screen protector comes with its own applicator so you can get the alignment and fit just right.

Shop Now

Opens in a new window

Credit: PopSockets

PopSockets Phone Grips for MagSafe

$28.99 at Amazon

PopSockets has a ton of MagSafe-compatible phone grips in a variety of styles and colors, all conveniently available via Amazon Prime.

Shop Now

Opens in a new window

Credit: Kate Spade New York

Kate Spade New York Magnetic Card Holder/Wallet

$40 at Amazon

This Kate Spade iPhone accessory has enough room for some cash and cards, and it attaches magnetically to your iPhone.

Shop Now

Opens in a new window

Credit: Torras

Torras MiniMag Power Bank 10,000mAh for iPhone 18 Pro

$49.99 at Amazon

If you watch a lot of video or use your cameras a lot, then this portable charger will be a lifesaver.

Shop Now

Opens in a new window

Credit: Octobuddy

Octobuddy Magnet Suction Grip

$29.99 at Amazon

The Octobuddy went mega-viral among creators filming their own content, and it's a very convenient way to capture the perfect hands-free shot.

Shop Now

Opens in a new window

Credit: PopSockets

PopSockets Suction Phone Grip for MagSafe

$23.99 at Amazon
$35 Save $11.01

Pssst... PopSocket's answer to the Octobuddy is on sale over at Amazon.

Get Deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple Wrist Strap for iPhone

$29 at Apple

This is one of the most affordable products you'll find on the Apple website. Match the color to your new iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max.

Shop Now

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple iPhone FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe

$59 at Amazon

Apple's FineWoven MagSafe Wallet comes in nine different colors. Apple shows the bright pink magenta color with the new burgundy iPhone, but we're not sold on that color combo.

Shop Now

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Hikawa Grip & Stand for iPhone (MagSafe Compatible)

$54.95 at Apple

We've never been quite sure what to make of this Hikawa phone grip, available only at the Apple Store. It's definitely stylish.

Shop Now

Opens in a new window

Credit: Mkeke

Mkeke Screen Protector for iPhone 18 Pro (3-Pack)

$9.99 at Amazon
$16.99 Save $7.00

This screen protector pack features laser-cut 9H tempered glass.

Get Deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: Anker

Anker Nano Magnetic Power Bank, 5,000mAh

$54.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $5

Finally, we have one more recommendation: This mini magnetic power pank from Anker, on sale now. This device wirelessly charges your phone whenever you're suffering from low-battery anxiety.

Get Deal

Apple's new AirPods 5 are an anomaly.

In a year where tech prices are rising across the board, the latest AirPods were announced at last week's Apple keynote event with a shocking feature: a lower price point than the previous generation.

So what's the catch? Well, therein lies the anomaly — there really isn't one. In fact, Apple added more features to the new earbuds, and again, they cost less than the AirPods 4. Below, you'll find the breakdown of exactly how the AirPods 5 reign superior.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple AirPods 5

$124.99 at Amazon
$129 Save $4.01

 

Pre-order Here

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple AirPods 4

$99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30

 

Get Deal

As a note, Mashable's team is still working its way through testing the new earbuds, so an updated head-to-head comparison is in the pipeline. In the meantime, this is how the new AirPods 5 stack up against the previous generation in specs, features, and design. (And if you're curious about how this comparison is between the AirPods 5 and Pro 3, you can check out our full breakdown.)

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 5: Price

The AirPods 5 are here. How do they stack up? Credit: Apple

Both the AirPods 4 and AirPods 5 have two models: a budget and a more mid-tier option. The big change in the AirPods 5, however, is that both models have active noise cancellation. In the AirPods 4, the main reason to spring for the more expensive model is the ANC. Between the two budget models, Apple kept the prices flat, but for the AirPods 5, it slashed the price of the more expensive model by $30. The full price breakdown is as follows:

• AirPods 4 — $129

• AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation — $179

• AirPods 5 — $129

• AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case — $149

It is worth noting that the AirPods 4 without ANC frequently drop down to $99 (as they are at the time of writing). The AirPods 4 with ANC can often be found on sale for $149. However, it is worth noting that holiday sale season is kicking off next month with Amazon's annual October Prime Day (and the many competing sales), so while it's not a given that the newer earbuds go on sale, it's not an impossibility. Still, even if the discrepancy in the $99 sale price of the AirPods 4 and the $129 full price of the AirPods 5 holds, it's $30 more for the benefit of having ANC.

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 5: Specs

The spec breakdown for the four different pairs of AirPods is as follows:

AirPods 4

• Active noise cancellation: Yes

• Battery: Five hours of listening time, 30 hours total with the case

• Listening modes: Adaptive audio and transparency

• Controls: Force sensor for playback and calls

• Charging: USB-C charging case

• Find My: Not available on this charging case

• IP rating: IP54

AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

• Active noise cancellation: Yes

• Battery: Four hours of listening time (five without ANC), 20 hours total with case (or 30 without ANC)

• Listening modes: Adaptive audio and transparency

• Controls: Force sensor for playback and calls

• Charging: USB-C charging case, MagSafe, Qi compatible

• Find My: Speaker included to work with Find My

• IP rating: IP54

AirPods 5

• Active noise cancellation: Yes

• Battery: Four hours of listening time (six without ANC), 20 hours total with case

• Listening modes: Adaptive audio and transparency

• Controls: Force sensor for playback and calls

• Charging: USB-C charging case

• Find My: Not available on this charging case

• IP rating: IP57

AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case

• Active noise cancellation: Yes

• Battery: Five hours of listening time (seven without ANC), 22 hours total with case

• Listening modes: Adaptive audio and transparency

• Controls: Force sensor for playback, calls, and volume swipe controls

• Charging: USB-C charging case, MagSafe, Qi compatible

• Find My: Speaker included to work with Find My

• IP rating: IP57

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 5: Design

Spot the difference! Credit: Apple

Hint: These are the AirPods 5. Credit: Apple

Side-by-side, it'll be hard to spot the differences between the two AirPods. The cases look the same, as does the (somewhat) open-ear design of the buds. The internals of the AirPods 5 have a new multiport acoustic architecture, but we'll get more into what differences that makes below.

With a slightly higher IP rating of IP57 to the 4's IP54, the AirPods 5 are also slightly more equipped for dust and water resistance.

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 5: Noise cancellation

According to Apple, both models of the AirPods 5 have one and a half times the noise cancellation power of the AirPods 4 with ANC. Naturally, both are far superior to the base AirPods 4, which offer no active noise cancellation.

The fruit company also claims that the Transparency mode sounds more natural on both newer models.

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 5: Sound quality

In Apple's announcement of the earbuds, they touted the multiport acoustic architecture, which was modeled after the internal sound system of the AirPods Pro 3.

In practice, this helps Apple provide a better adaptive equalizer experience (which comes in handy, as there's no manually customizable equalizer as there is on most other earbuds. It also helps the earbuds produce richer, more detailed sound, as well as better ANC, which helps the audio take center stage.

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 5: Features

Both models of the AirPods 5 come with Live Translation, whereas the AirPods 4 with ANC is the only previous-gen model that could perform Live Translation.

Which is better: AirPods 4 or 5?

Undeniably, the AirPods 5. Both models offer improvements in noise cancellation, sound quality, and overall user experience, all for the same or lower prices as the previous gen. It's rare that Apple comes out with a better product that's also a better value, so my advice is to take advantage of it while they have.

Where to buy the AirPods 4 and AirPods 5

---

Amazon

Apple AirPods 4

$99 (save $30)

Get Deal

---

Best Buy

Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

$149.99 (save $29.01)

Get Deal

---

Available September 18

Apple AirPods 5

$124.99 (save $4.01)

Pre-Order Here

---

Available September 18

Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case

$149

Pre-Order Here

SAVE $4.01: The new Apple AirPods 5 are down to $124.99 on Amazon. That’s a 3% discount on brand-new ANC hardware on release day.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

Apple AirPods 5

$124.99 at Amazon
$129 Save $4.01

 

Get Deal

Preordering brand-new Apple gear usually means paying full retail price and waiting by your front door for the delivery truck. But Amazon is bending the rules just enough to make hitting "buy now" feel a little sweeter.

While you won't see dramatic clearance-rack strike-throughs on unreleased tech, Apple's new AirPods 5 are already seeing a quiet price drop. They technically sit at a $129 list price, but Amazon currently has them listed for $124.99 right out of the gate.

If you’ve been waiting to upgrade your daily earbuds, the AirPods 5 hit a really nice sweet spot. In her coverage for Mashable, Bethany Allard points out that "unlike the previous gen, both [AirPods 5 models] feature active noise cancellation — but this doesn't result in a price hike." Even at the base level, you get solid upgrades. Apple packed in "50% more active noise cancellation than the AirPods 4," an "improved transparency mode for a more natural sound," and an "updated adaptive EQ, which helps power better spatial audio."

Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking creates a theater-like soundstage across movies, music, and games. On top of that, it includes Live Translation and hands-free access to the upgraded Siri AI via Apple Intelligence.

Where it holds back compared to the $149 step-up version comes down to charging and battery. This base pair comes with an ultra-compact USB-C wired charging case — so you'll need to plug it in rather than using a wireless charging pad — and offers up to four hours of listening time per charge with ANC (or 20 hours total with the case).

Claim this early $124.99 deal on the new AirPods.

TL;DR: Get the iPhone 17 for free from T-Mobile when you bring your number on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan (no trade-in needed). The iPhone 18 Pro is free when you switch and bring your number or trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

T-Mobile: Apple iPhone 17 and iPhone 18 for free

 

Get Deal

The dust is still settling from the Apple Event 2026. Apple announced a wave of new hardware and software, headlined by its first foldable iPhone. We're still digging deep into all the new features and stylistic touches that make the iPhone iconic, but we know what you really want — deals.

We know that's the priority at this time. The preorder window is short, so we've lined up the best free deals this week so you can get your hands on the iPhone 18 Pro (or the iPhone 17) without actually spending anything.

These are the best free iPhone deals from T-Mobile this week:

• iPhone 17e — free when you switch to almost any T-Mobile plan with no trade-in required.

• iPhone 17 — free when you bring your number on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan (no trade-in needed)

• iPhone 17 Pro — free when trading in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan.

• iPhone 18 Pro — free when you switch and bring your number or trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

T-Mobile will charge taxes on these free deals, as well as a $35 device connection fee. That's a small catch, but that's how it often goes with this kind of deal.

If you’re still rocking an iPhone 12 or 13, you’re missing out on some genuinely game-changing features. The iPhone 17 is the first base model built specifically to handle Apple’s most advanced AI features. Mashable's Stan Schroeder said it's an "excellent phone that matches the iPhone Pro models in many ways that matter."

Of course, the iPhone 18 Pro takes things to another level. The iPhone 18 Pro features a new A20 Pro chip to better support AI features and Siri AI. This latest model also has major camera upgrades, including physical variable aperture, smart focus tracking, cinematic video effects, and improved low-light photography.

Get the Apple iPhone 17 or iPhone 18 Pro for free this week with T-Mobile.

This isn’t like past iOS updates. Bridget Carey goes over the top seven features to try in iOS 27, which can make your iPhone feel brand new — even if you’re not getting the new iPhone 18 Pro that hits stores today.

Read more about iOS 27 features and updates: iOS 27 battery drain: What to know
Apple iOS 27 is out now: 8+ new features to try right away

Timecode chapters
0:52 New Siri AI in iOS 27
1:57 The new Siri app
2:04 Using Siri AI to find delivery information
2:21 Use Siri to find things in messages and emails
2:49 Set reminders and alarms with Siri AI
3:02 Find useful information on maps using Siri AI
3:28 Tips for using Siri AI
3:45 Siri mode in iPhone camera app
4:23 Make custom Wallet passes with iOS 27
5:18 Splitting the bill with Siri AI and Apple Cash
6:03 Set alarm and ringtone volume with iOS 27
6:24 Take a still photo from a video on iOS 27
6:50 New parental controls for iOS 27
7:37 Bridget gets ready for iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12 and AirPods 5

Video credits
Host: Bridget Carey
Scripted by: Bridget Carey
Producer: Carly Marsh
Camera: Carly Marsh, Bridget Carey, CNET Archive
Video editor: Carly Marsh
Thumbnail designer: Tharon Green

MOFT iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo accessories:

---

Snap Fold for iPhone Duo

$49.99

Pre-Order Here

---

Snap Case MOVAS™ (iPhone 18 Pro / Max)

$49.99

Shop Now

---

Frame Case (iPhone 18 Pro / Max)

$49.99

Shop Now

---

Coffee Frame Case (iPhone 18 Pro / Max)

$49.99

Shop Now

---

Dynamic Folio for iPhone Duo

$69.99

Pre-Order Here

Accessories maker MOFT has spent years turning origami folds into useful tools for your everyday carry — and now it’s bringing that same design style to Apple's newest hardware.

Apple just wrapped its massive "Surprise and Shine" launch event, officially dropping the long-rumored iPhone 18 Pro line and revealing Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo. Between the Duo's dual-screen hinge design and the iPhone 18 Pro's massive new variable aperture camera module, keeping these high-end devices protected without adding extra weight is key.

Instead of thick, heavy plastic, MOFT uses clever folding shapes to build cases and stands that stay super thin and light. Beyond its updated protection for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, the brand built a brand-new setup made specifically for Apple's foldable iPhone Duo.

Putting a card holder on a foldable phone like the iPhone Duo without blocking the camera or hanging off the edges is tricky. The Snap Fold fixes that with a footprint made strictly for the Duo's smaller back panel.

Made from smooth MOVAS™ vegan leather, it holds up to five cards without adding extra bulk. When you want to watch something hands-free on that gloriously unfolded screen, the whole thing flips out into a steady stand with several viewing positions.

MOFT updated its popular vegan leather case for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup by reducing weight and improving button feedback. The Snap Case MOVAS weighs just 0.98 ounces for the Pro and 1.20 ounces for the Pro Max, making it one of the lightest full-coverage MagSafe cases you can buy. It has softer, rounded edges that feel smoother in your hand, clickier silicone buttons, and a matching covered Camera Control button wrapped in textured MOVAS™ material.

Credit: MOFT

If you prefer a more minimalist vibe that does not hide your phone's metal frame, the Frame Case for iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max offers an open, barely-there feel. It leaves the sides exposed so you can hold the phone bare, but uses extra-strong TPU on the corners to absorb drops up to 3.9 feet (1.2 meters).

For a unique sensory twist on that same open layout, there is the Coffee Frame Case for iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max. It takes the super-thin shape of the regular Frame Case and uses an eco-friendly MOVAS™-E bio-based leather, replacing petroleum plastic parts with plant materials made from industrial corn and real recycled coffee grounds. That gives the case a rich coffee-brown look, a bumpy, textured grip, and a faint, warm, roasted smell when you hold it up close.

Credit: MOFT

Credit: MOFT

Finally, for total coverage on Apple's foldable, the Dynamic Folio for iPhone Duo wraps both displays in smooth MOVAS™ vegan leather. At just 0.07 inches thin, its centered fold balances the device for an easy one-handed grip while doubling as a four-position stand for hands-free viewing.

Whether you need origami folds for your Duo or a case that smells like your morning brew, your new iPhone is officially covered. Shop the new collection today.

SAVE OVER $6: As of Sept. 18, select colors of the Torras Q3 Air iPhone 18 Pro Max case are on sale for $59.39 at Amazon. That's $6.60 off their typical price of $65.99.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Torras

Torras Q3 Air for iPhone 18 Pro Max Case

$59.39 at Amazon
$65.99 Save $6.60

 

Get Deal

The iPhone 18 Pro Max is officially available for Apple fans to buy. If you're hoping to grab the company's sleek new launch, it's worth looking into a phone case to keep it protected. It's a pricey investment, after all.

Thankfully, Amazon has some solid options to browse, including the Torras Q3 Air iPhone 18 Pro Max cases, which are on sale right now.

As of Sept. 18, a select batch of colors of the Torras Q3 Air iPhone 18 Pro Max case (shadow black, arctic blue, glacier sprint, and cosmic purple) have been marked down to $59.39. Compared to their usual price of $65.99, you're saving just over $6 through this deal.

While color options are always a plus when buying a phone case, protection is also important. Thankfully, the Torras Q3 Air cases are durable. This case boasts drop protection that exceeds military-grade standards, thanks to its first-ever AirPro Airbag technology featuring a 100% air-dynamic cushioning structure.

It also has raised edges around the screen and camera that protect it from scratches and drops, so you can feel confident knowing your phone has some cushion to keep it safe. It also has a 360-degree rotating stand and can securely lock onto MagSafe accessories.

If you picked up the new iPhone 18 Pro Max, grab a Torras Q3 Air iPhone 18 Pro Max case to keep it protected and save a little cash in the process.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

CW: Sexual assault.

In a true Ryan Murphy curveball, Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story not only features Borden but one of history's most infamous female serial killers, Aileen Wuornos.

In the fourth episode of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan's Netflix series, we take time away from the murders of Andrew and Abby Borden in Fall River, Massachusetts, in 1892 to meet Wuornos (played by Murphy regular Sarah Paulson). Hitchhiking in Florida in 1988, she's picked up by a man, introducing herself as Lizzie Borden. "Like the axe murderer?" he asks.

In the scene, Paulson's Wuornos gleefully sings Suzi Quatro out loud then negotiates sex work with the driver. However, the encounter ends in bloodshed. Taken to an empty lot, Wuornos is sexually assaulted by the man, after which she shoots him dead with a pistol. In real life, Wuornos testified that she was raped by one of her victims. (A warning, this is not the only rape scene in Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story.) But Monster doesn't stop with the man's shooting, Paulson's Wuornos suddenly hacks at his penis with an axe in a blatant Borden association. It's gratuitous as hell.

Aileen Wuornos stays at the Borden house? Credit: Netflix

During the series, Wuornos is also shown as finding comfort and conviction in Borden's story, reading her biography aloud in a hotel room with her girlfriend, Shelby (Jessie Lee) — not Tyria Moore, Wuornos' real girlfriend. In a furious monologue in episode 4, Wuornos not only celebrates Borden as a feminist icon but as her direct inspiration for the seven killings she would go on to be arrested, jailed, and executed for.

"She gave the world a warning that women shouldn't stand for this shit anymore," Monster's Wuornos declares. "The way women are treated, still, to this day, that's why I'm gonna do something about it."

Monster goes even further into Wuornos' Borden obsession, with episode 5 seeing her staying in the Borden house, a 134-year-old crime scene which is now a macabre bed and breakfast. There's no evidence Wuornos visited the house at all. In a deeply inappropriate Ryan Murphy moment, Wuornos hallucinates Abby (Borden's stepmother) during sex with Shelby on the couch where Andrew (Borden's father) was murdered.

Disneyland for Aileen Wuornos. Credit: Netflix

Later in the episode, Wuornos takes heroin in Lizzie's room as a moment of "shooting up" solidarity. "Lizzie did, and so am I," she says, in a jaw-droppingly ridiculous moment. And in episode 6, Shelby and Wuornos celebrate their anniversary with a pizza on the dining table where Abby and Andrew's bodies were placed by police, before Wuornos has a ghostly fan encounter with Borden herself. And in the finale, in her execution room after her death, Wuornos is guided into the afterlife by both Borden and Bridget Sullivan (Vicky Krieps).

If all this sounds messed up, it is!

The connection between Wuornos and Borden is one forced by Monster, as a means to bring two notorious female figures of true crime (one acquitted, one executed) together in one show. The show champions both as murderers whose hands were forced by their treatment, particularly by men. It could also be a means for the showrunners to shoehorn Wuornos' story into the Monster series, instead of running a separate series like the controversial chapters on serial killers Jeffrey Dahmer and Ed Gein.

Considering Charlize Theron won an Oscar for portraying Wuornos in Patty Jenkins' 2003 film Monster, the titles will now sit side-by-side in streaming catalogues at least.

Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story is now streaming on Netflix.

If you have experienced sexual assault, you can call the free, confidential National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or access 24-7 help online by visiting hotline.rainn.org.

TL;DR: Live stream the Bundesliga for free on CazéTV, AbemaTV, and BBC iPlayer. Access these free live streams from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There's already a lot of football on the schedule. Fans quite simply don't have time to watch everything, but if you're making tough decisions about what to include on your watch list, the Bundesliga should be a priority. Is it the single best league in Europe in terms of overall quality? Probably not, but it's got a strong argument for being the most entertaining.

The big question every season is whether any team can compete with Bayern Munich for the title. Competing with a side stacked with elite talent like Olise, Kane, and Díaz is not easy, but the likes of Dortmund and RB Leipzig always have a chance. Could this season deliver a surprise winner?

If you want to watch the Bundesliga for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the Bundesliga?

The Bundesliga is Germany's leading professional men's soccer league. It features 18 clubs competing across 34 matchdays, including heavyweight teams like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

The defending champions are Bayern Munich.

When is the Bundesliga?

The 2026/27 Bundesliga season runs from Aug. 28 to May 22.

How to watch the Bundesliga for free

The Bundesliga is available to live stream for free on a number of streaming platforms:

• Brazil — CazéTV (up to two live matches per week)

• Japan — AbemaTV (two live matches per week)

• UK — BBC iPlayer (select Friday evening fixtures)

These free live streams are geo-restricted, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Bundesliga from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the Bundesliga by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Brazil, Japan, or the UK

4. Visit CazéTV, AbemaTV, or BBC iPlayer

5. Watch Bundesliga fixtures for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams of the Bundesliga without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch select fixtures (plus Premier League action) before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free live streams all season, you will need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for the Bundesliga?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport for free, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 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 — 80% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with a money-back guarantee).

Live stream the Bundesliga for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream select Ligue 1 fixtures for free on CazéTV. Access these free live streams from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Ligue 1 doesn't have the same reputation as the Premier League or La Liga, but PSG has just secured its second consecutive Champions League title, so perhaps it's time to reassess the quality of France's top league?

We know that there's a gulf in quality between PSG and the rest of the league, but Ligue 1 now combines genuine stars like Dembélé, Vitinha, and Kvaratskhelia with elite young talent that will dominate the game in the years to come. Will any team make the jump and actually compete with PSG for the title? That seems unlikely, but fans can bank on some thrilling football every week.

If you want to watch Ligue 1 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is Ligue 1?

Ligue 1 is a professional football league in France and the highest level of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is contested by 18 clubs, including popular teams like PSG, Olympique de Marseille, and AS Monaco. Every team plays 34 matches per season.

The defending champions are PSG.

When is Ligue 1?

The 2026/27 Ligue 1 season kicks off on Aug. 21. The 34-matchday campaign concludes on May 29.

How to watch Ligue 1 for free

CazéTV will be showing select Ligue 1 fixtures for free on their YouTube channel.

These free live streams are geo-restricted to Brazil, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Brazil, meaning you can unblock free live streams of Ligue 1 from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of Ligue 1 by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Brazil

4. Visit CazéTV

5. Watch Ligue 1 fixtures for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

$12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams of Ligue 1 without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch select fixtures (plus coverage of the Premier League and La Liga) before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free live streams all season, you will need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for CazeTV?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream for free on CazéTV, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 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 — 80% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with a money-back guarantee).

Live stream Ligue 1 for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Owala’s limited-edition Pokémon collection:

---

Owala FreeSip Water Bottle (Charizard Brings the Heat)

$29.99 at Target

Shop Now

---

Owala FreeSip Water Bottle (Pikachu I Choose You)

$29.99 at Target

Shop Now

---

Owala FreeSip Water Bottle (Eevee Evolutions)

$29.99 at Target

Shop Now

---

Owala FreeSip Water Bottle (Gengar In the Shadows)

$29.99 at Target

Shop Now

---

Owala FreeSip Water Bottle (Kanto Region First Partners)

$29.99 at Target

Shop Now

If you thought the madness around Stanley cups was intense, welcome to a world in which the Owala obsession collides with 30th Anniversary Pokémon nostalgia.

Owala drops at Target notoriously disappear in minutes, and adding Pokémon designs practically guarantees these will hit the secondary reseller market fast. Seriously, these water bottles are going to sell like crazy. You don't need data to know that. It's just staring you in the face.

Each bottle in this cool lineup features Owala's signature FreeSip lid with a push-button leak-proof cap and a carry loop that doubles as a lock. But you don't really care about that, do you? It's all about the fun Pokémon designs. We understand.

Which Pokémon bottle should you buy?

At $29.99 each, the entire lineup stays in the easy impulse-buy category for kids, gym-goers, students, or collectors trying to complete their 30th Anniversary merch shelf:

• Charizard Brings The Heat: Deep blue body framed with bold flame graphics.

• Gengar In The Shadows: A dark purple and turquoise colorway made for fans of ghost-type Pokémon.

• Pikachu I Choose You: Bright yellow lid paired with electric blue and lightning graphics.

• Eevee Evolutions: Pale cream base featuring Eevee, Vaporeon, and Sylveon with subtle pastel accents.

• Kanto First Partners: Dark green starry background featuring Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, and Poké Balls.

If your local Target is already cleaned out, keep an eye on online listings for restocks.

SAVE OVER $200: As of Sept. 18, the Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $549.98 at Amazon, its lowest-ever price. Compared to its full price of $799.99, you're saving $250.01.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Roborock

Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro Robot Vacuum and Mop

$549.98 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $250.01

 

Get Deal

Prime Big Deal Days is still weeks away, but Amazon is already dropping robot vacuum deals.

If your home needs a little extra cleaning help this fall, Roborock's Qrevo 2 Pro robot vacuum and mop (which launched in the U.S. just last month) is on sale at its lowest-ever price.

As of Sept. 18, this sleek combo cleaner has been slashed from $799.99 to $549.98. Overall, that's about $250 in savings, which is a pretty sweet offer to jump on before the October Prime Day sale begins. However, keep in mind it is marked as a "limited time deal," so you don't have long to save.

Roborock's latest launch is a powerful pick for cleaning your floors. Hair, crumbs, and dust are no match for its 20,000 Pa HyperForce suction, and the cleaner even automatically boosts suction on carpets to clear up lodged debris. There's no need to worry about hair tangles, as it features an anti-tangle side brush and DuoDivide main brush to help minimize hair wrap.

This robot vacuum features a FlexiArm Edge Mopping System that helps reach edges and get in as close as 1.85mm along walls. It even lifts the mopping module up to 15mm when it hits carpet, so there's no need to worry about your textile floors getting wet as the cleaner moves around the house. Plus, it comes with Obstacle Avoidance technology that helps it navigate around objects on the floor.

If it's caught your eye, be quick to save on the Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro robot vacuum and mop at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

TL;DR: Apple TV is broadcasting tonight's Giants vs. Dodgers game live using 14 iPhone 18 Pros hidden throughout Dodger Stadium. Stream the season finale of Friday Night Baseball tonight, Sept. 18, at 7:15 p.m. PT / 10:15 p.m. ET exclusively on Apple TV.

Last year, Apple tested out four iPhone 17 Pros at Fenway Park (one of which actually ended up in the Baseball Hall of Fame). Fast forward to tonight — Apple is taking that exact experiment and turning it up for the iPhone 18 Pro launch. Instead of just four phones, they're deploying 14 iPhone 18 Pros connected to a dedicated private 5G network inside Dodger Stadium.

If you're tuning into the season finale of Friday Night Baseball on Apple TV, expect a pretty cool tech flex. For tonight's rivalry matchup between the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers, crew members are embedding those pocket-sized devices all over the ballpark to stream live footage from tight, wild vantage points that traditional TV cameras simply can't reach.

How to watch

• When — Friday, Sept. 18 at 7:15 p.m. PT / 10:15 p.m. ET

• Where — Streaming live exclusively on Apple TV (Friday Night Baseball)

• Who can watch — Anyone with an Apple TV subscription across 60 countries and regions, completely free of regional blackout restrictions.

The real draw here isn't just that Apple is using phones to record a live sporting event — it's where those phones are going. Standard broadcast rigs weigh dozens of pounds and require dedicated mounts or massive crane arms. The iPhone 18 Pro, on the other hand, is tiny enough to hide in plain sight.

• Inside the pitch clock — Giving viewers a high-stress, front-row look at the pitcher’s countdown.

• Behind the home plate backstop — Capturing catcher reactions and terrifyingly close 100 mph fastballs.

• Mounted on the foul poles — Perfect for down-the-line fair-or-foul calls.

• Deep inside both bullpens — Tracking warm-up pitches and nervous late-game relief pitchers.

Streaming high-bitrate video while 50,000 fans clog stadium cellular towers is no easy task — so Apple partnered with T-Mobile to deploy a dedicated Private 5G Network inside Dodger Stadium.

Eight of the 14 iPhones will feed live game action straight into the broadcast control room over this isolated wireless network, guaranteeing zero video lag, no dropped frames, and seamless switching between traditional cameras and the iPhone feeds.

The remaining six iPhones will be hand-carried by operators roaming the stadium floor — acting as "cinematic" cameras to capture pre-game batting practice, player walk-outs, dugout high-fives, and the general electric atmosphere of a classic Dodgers-Giants showdown.

The timing here is hardly a coincidence. The iPhone 18 Pro official release hits shelves today, and Apple is essentially treating a prime-time MLB game as a live-action demo reel.

The broadcast will take full advantage of the new 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture, allowing the lenses to auto-adjust as the natural twilight over Los Angeles transitions into the bright, harsh artificial floodlights of Dodger Stadium.

If you want to see whether a pocket-sized smartphone can hold its own against multi-million dollar television gear, make sure to log into Apple TV before first pitch tonight.

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Hobbit Bundle is on sale for $59.99 at Amazon, down from its $69.99 list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Magic: The Gathering

Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Bundle

$59.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $10.00

Get Deal

It’s been a while since MTG’s Hobbit expansion came out, but a new price drop on the dedicated bundle box gives any trading card fan a great reason to jump in and catch up. 

As of Sept. 18, the Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Bundle is $59.99 at Amazon, down 14% from its $69.99 list price. Better still, it’s shipped and sold by Amazon itself, rather than coming through a third-party seller. The retailer estimates free delivery for Sept. 25-26 at the time of writing, but keep in mind that sales will be final and there will be no returns. 

What’s more, this new drop means you’re getting Amazon's lowest-ever price for MTG’s The Hobbit Bundle — confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel. Amazon is even undercutting dedicated trading card selling site TCGplayer, with its lowest price dropping only to $62.44 at the time of writing. Amazon’s new price is only $1.34 above the current market price of $58.65. 

There’s plenty packed into the box for the money. You’re getting nine 14-card The Hobbit Play Boosters, an alternate-art traditional foil promo, 34 land cards, an oversized Spindown life counter, two reference cards, and a storage box. 

Among those lands are four traditional foil full-art seasonal Hobbit cards and 10 full-art Middle-earth Journey lands. 

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Play Booster Box is on sale for $189.98 at Amazon, down from its $213.99 list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Magic: The Gathering

Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Play Booster Box

$189.98 at Amazon
$213.99 Save $24.01

Pre-order Here

Amazon has pushed one of The Hobbit expansion’s biggest sealed boxes back below $190, bringing its 30-pack Play Booster Box close to its best-ever price at the retailer. 

As of Sept. 18, the Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Play Booster Box is $189.98 at Amazon, trimming $24.01 from its $213.99 list price. That works out to roughly $6.33 per booster — and it’s even $9.72 cheaper than the $199.70 Amazon deal we covered back in July. That’s also only 98 cents off its lowest-ever price of $189, confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel.

That said, you can still get an even better price from our two other favorite spots for readily available trading cards outside of Amazon. Walmart has the same box for $168.99 with free shipping through third-party seller Hitmen Sports Cards — which is $6.28 above TCGplayer’s market price.

TCGplayer itself is a solid backup with listings going as low as $169.95. 

Inside MTG’s Hobbit Play Booster Box are 30 Play Boosters plus one traditional foil Middle-earth Box Topper. Each 14-card pack includes at least one traditional foil and one to three cards of rare or higher rarity, alongside the usual mix of uncommons, commons, and a land. 

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black 3 Booster Pack Blister is on sale for $23.59 at Amazon, down from its $29.99 list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Booster Pack Blister

$23.59 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $6.40

 

Get Deal

Amid all the hype of Pokémon's huge 30th Celebration expansion, there are still plenty of deals on other collections, and Pitch Black is no exception. 

As of Sept. 18, the Pokémon TCG Pitch Black 3 Booster Pack Blister is $23.59 at Amazon, saving you $6.40 on its $29.99 list price. The listing is sold by third-party seller reVend, with free delivery and Amazon's 30-day refund/replacement policy included. 

Spread across the three included boosters, you're effectively paying about $7.86 per pack before accounting for the Binacle promo card. 

This puts the blister only $2.48 above TCGplayer’s market price of $21.11. However, the trading card selling platform has listings that are even cheaper — with the lowest for $20.85 at the time of writing. 

Each blister comes with three Pitch Black booster packs and its Binacle promo. In this expansion centered around Mega Darkrai ex and Mega Zeraora ex, with Mega Chandelure ex and Mega Excadrill ex among the other Mega Evolution Pokémon appearing in the set, there are still plenty of valuable chase cards you can pull. 

The $180+ SIR Mega Darkrai ex, $145+ MHR Mega Darkrai ex, and the $75+ Morpeko ex are all available to buy at TCGplayer.

SAVE ALMOST $700: As of Sept. 18, the LG 45GX900A-B 45-Inch Ultragear gaming monitor is on sale for $1,000.21 at Amazon. That's a 41% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: LG

LG 45GX900A-B 45-Inch Ultragear Gaming Monitor

$1,000.21 at Amazon
$1,699.99 Save $699.78

 

Get Deal

Looking to freshen up your gaming setup? How about a new monitor?

Right now at Amazon, you can get a great deal on the LG 45GX900A-B 45-Inch Ultragear gaming monitor. Normally $1,699.99, it's now down to $1,000.21 for a limited time. This deal saves you just shy of $700. It's a curved gaming monitor with a huge 45-inch display, so it's a great option if you're looking for a more immersive gaming experience.

This monitor also has a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time, which helps keep gameplay fast and smooth. It also benefits from AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility, reducing screen tearing and stutter.

The display will impress too, with its 800R curve, 21:9 aspect ratio, and up to 1,300 nits peak brightness. Plus, built-in OLED technology helps to create deep blacks and vivid color, with up to 98.5% DCI-P3 coverage, a 1.5M:1 contrast ratio, and DisplayHDR True Black 400.

It also comes packed with many gaming-focused features, including Dynamic Action Sync, Black Stabilizer, an FPS Counter, and Crosshair.

This gaming monitor deal is available at Amazon now, so don't miss out.

The newly announced iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max officially went live from Sept. 18.

Retailers and mobile carriers have gone live with iPhone 18 Pro deals, with companies like T-Mobile offering the iPhone 18 Pro for free for qualifying customers.

If you have any questions before ordering the new iPhones, we're here to help. Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder was reporting live from Apple Park all week and going hands-on with the new devices, and we'll have full reviews to share in the weeks ahead.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro, 256GB

Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile

 

Shop Now at T-Mobile Shop Now at AT&T Wireless Shop Now at Walmart

iPhone 18 Pro Max, 256GB

Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile

 

Shop Now at T-Mobile Shop Now at Walmart Shop Now at Apple.com

How much do the new iPhones cost?

The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, and the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299. Both phones are $100 more expensive than last year's iPhone 17 Pro line, thanks to the global memory crisis.

When does the iPhone 18 Pro officially launch?

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max officially launched on Friday, Sept. 18. If you preordered, that's when your phone should arrive, and when you can go to your local Apple store to check them out for yourself.

What colors are available for the new iPhones?

The new Pro models come in four colors this year:

• Burgundy

• Glacier Blue

• Silver

• Black

When will the iPhone Duo be released?

If you're still deciding between the iPhone 18 Pro Max and the iPhone Duo, you have a bit more time to make a decision. The foldable iPhone Duo will be available for preorder on Oct. 16 and will hit store shelves Oct. 23. It will set you back $1,999.

How does the iPhone 18 Pro Max differ from the iPhone 17 Pro Max?

We'll be honest: The phones are very similar this year, but there are some key differences. (Read our full breakdown of the iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max.)

Here are the biggest changes:

• The new models introduce a physical aperture variable for professional-quality photographs and videos, as well as smart focus tracking, cinematic video effects, and improved low-light photography.

• The iPhone 18 Pro has a better battery life

• A new A20 Pro chip provides better support for AI tools

• The new iPhone 18 Pro models are more expensive and have new color options

What are the best iPhone 18 Pro deals?

All the big carriers are competing to attract new customers by offering big savings on the iPhone 18 Pro — if you meet certain terms and conditions, of course. Over at T-Mobile and AT&T, you can save $1,200 on the new phones, letting you get the new iPhone for free. Apple is also offering major trade-in credits.

• T-Mobile: Switch to T-Mobile and bring your existing phone number to get the iPhone 18 Pro for free. Alternatively, you can trade in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan to score this deal.

• Apple: Get between $175 and $885 in trade-in credits.

• Apple Upgrade: Apple's new leasing program lets you pay as little as $34.99 per month for the Pro.

• AT&T: Save up to $1,200 on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max by trading in your iPhone 14 or newer device and activating an AT&T Premium 2.0 plan.

• Total Wireless: Save $600 on the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max via the All Access plan.

• Verizon: Get up to $1,020 off when you upgrade and bring an eligible trade-in on an existing myPlan.

• Visible: If you buy the iPhone 18 Pro through Visible+ Pro, you'll receive $480 in monthly service credits. Both new and existing members are eligible.

• Walmart: The big-box retailer doesn't offer any true order deals, but you can finance the new iPhone for $78/month through OnePay, a Klarna-backed service.

• Xfinity: With a qualifying trade-in and device payment plan on the Mobile Plus plan, you can save $1,200 on the Pro model.

When do iOS 27 and Siri AI come out?

Very soon! iOS 27 will be available before the new phones, and anyone with a compatible iPhone can set it up starting on Monday, Sept. 14. The new Siri AI app will arrive with it.

Can you buy the new iPhone 18 Pro at Amazon?

No, Amazon does not sell the new iPhone 18 Pro line. However, Amazon is a great place to pick up iPhone 18 Pro Max cases, grips, and accessories, as well as the new AirPods 5 and Apple Watch Series 12.

Amazon typically sells renewed and refurbished iPhones. You can buy the new iPhones from Walmart, however.

What are reviewers saying about the iPhone 18 Pro Max?

Mashable has received the new Pro and Pro Max phones for testing along with other tech journalists, and we've gone live with our iPhone 18 Max review. Early first impressions have been positive, and you can learn more in these reports:

• Video: I played with Apple’s new iPhones. Here’s what surprised me most.

• Video: Our first take on the iPhone 18 Pro: Intelligent photography

• iPhone Duo hands-on: I barely noticed the crease

Should I buy the iPhone 18 Pro Max?

Read what we think about the iPhone 18 Pro Max here. In general, Apple smartphones are very reliable, and we think you can purchase the devices with confidence.

We will say this for now: If you already have an iPhone 17 Pro Max, the new models don't make a super obvious case for upgrading. And there are good reasons to consider waiting for next year's iPhone 19/20.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Everywhere you can shop the new Apple Watches:

---

Amazon

Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm)

$389.99

Shop Now

---

Apple Store

Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm)

$399

Shop Now

---

Best Buy

Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm)

$399

Shop Now

---

Walmart

Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm)

$399

Shop Now

---

Amazon

Apple Watch Ultra 4 (GPS + cellular, 49mm)

$799

Shop Now

---

Apple Store

Apple Watch Ultra 4 (GPS + cellular, 49mm)

$799

Shop Now

---

Best Buy

Apple Watch Ultra 4 (GPS + cellular, 49mm)

$799

Shop Now

New iPhones weren't the only devices Apple announced during its "Surprise and Shine." The company also revealed two upgraded smartwatches, and they're both available to shop from Sept. 18.

The lineup includes the new flagship Apple Watch Series 12 and the premium rugged Apple Watch Ultra 4. (Apple didn't revisit its budget Apple Watch SE 3 this time around.) Shoppers can order both watches through the Apple Store, Amazon, and Best Buy. The Series 12 is also available at Walmart.

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 pricing

The Apple Watch Series 12 is available with rubber, textile, and stainless steel band styles. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Notably, neither Apple Watch received a price hike from the previous generation:

• Apple Watch Series 12 — starting from $399 in two sizes (42mm or 46mm)

• Apple Watch Ultra 4 — starting from $799 in one size (49mm)

Like always, the Ultra model comes standard with cellular connectivity. It's an optional $100 upgrade on certain Series 12 variants, depending on the case style.

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 features

Apple calls the Ultra 4 "the ultimate sports and adventure watch." Credit: Apple

Both new Apple Watches run on the new S11 chip and include a new Health Sensing System with improved sensors. Apple said this system captures more accurate, continuous heart rate data and provides a "Readiness" score that indicates how intensely the user should exercise based on recent activities.

The S11 chip also enables "Audio Intelligence" features that utilize the watches' built-in microphones. Coming later this year, these include Sound Recognition alerts and Live Rewind conversation transcriptions. (To address privacy concerns, Apple said the watches don't record or store audio.)

The new Apple Watches' Readiness score tries to predict your bandwidth for future workouts. Credit: Apple

The Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 will both work with Apple's newly redesigned Health app for iPhones, which also launches later this year.

The Series 12 is rated for up to 24 hours of battery life, while the Ultra 4 can last up to 50 hours per charge. That jumps to a whopping 84 hours in low power mode.

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 colors

Here's a closer look at the Apple Watch Series 12's new ceramic finish. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

The Series 12's case will be available in three finishes and multiple colors:

• Aluminum (dark bronze, light gold, black, or space gray) starting from $399 with optional cellular connectivity

• Titanium (radiant gold or natural) starting from $699 with cellular connectivity

• Ceramic (pearl white or night blue) starting from $899 with cellular connectivity

Rubber, textile, and stainless steel bands are available for the Series 12.

The Ultra 4's case just comes in black titanium or natural titanium. It can be paired with an Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, Ocean Band, or Titanium Milanese Loop.

The Apple Store is also selling special-edition Hermès variants of both smartwatches, starting at $1,399 for the Series 12 and $1,499 for the Ultra 4. The latter is available with a new extendable Grand H titanium band for $3,149.

Apple's "Surprise and Shine" event brought the expected announcement of a new iPhone lineup, plus the first-ever foldable iPhone, but, true to the event's name, Apple had another release ready to go: the AirPods 5.

Apple AirPods 5

$129 at Amazon

 

Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Apple.com Shop Now at Walmart

Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging

$149 at Amazon

 

Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Walmart Shop Now at Target

The new earbuds are officially available on Sept. 18 at Amazon, Best Buy, Apple, and beyond. The earbuds are available in two models: the AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case. Both feature active noise cancellation (a departure from the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC) and lower price points than the AirPods 4, at $129 and $149, respectively.

What's new with the AirPods 5

The AirPods 5 come with several upgrades, including:

• 50 percent more active noise cancellation power than the AirPods 4 with ANC

• Lower price points, with the AirPods 5 starting at $129 (the same price as the non-ANC AirPods 4) and the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case starting at $149 ($30 less than the AirPods 4 with ANC)

• New multiport acoustic architecture for improved sound quality

• Battery life of up to five hours with ANC and an on-ear volume stem control on the more expensive AirPods 5

What's the difference between the two AirPods 5 models?

Pricing:

• AirPods 5 — $129

• AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case — $149

Both pairs of earbuds come with a new acoustic architecture, better noise cancellation than the AirPods 4, and an improved transparency mode. The AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case also offer one more hour of battery life with ANC over the previous generation (for a total of five hours), on-ear volume controls, and, of course, wireless charging with the case.

Though not new features compared to the previous generation, both earbuds also come with live translation and Conversation Awareness (which automatically adjusts the volume of your audio for easier awareness).

In comparison, the AirPods 4 retail for $129 and $179 for models with and without noise cancellation, meaning the AirPods 5 have notably reduced pricing — a trend that isn't common in the broader tech world, or even within Apple's event.

AirPods 5 vs. AirPods Pro 3

The AirPods Pro 3 remain Apple's most premium pair of earbuds, priced at $249. The in-ear design, compared to Apple's open-ear design, also means that the Pro 3 will have more effective ANC and more robust sound quality. That said, the new multiport acoustic architecture in the AirPods 5 was inspired by the AirPods Pro 3's design.

While both earbuds offer Live Translation, the Pro 3 also have a built-in heart rate monitor which can connect to Apple's Fitness app.

In case you missed Apple's Sept. 9 event, there are a few new iPhones in town. And the big carriers are already competing to offer the best iPhone deals and lock in new customers.

The best iPhone 18 deals at a glance:

---

Shop at T-Mobile

Get iPhone 18 Pro for free with qualifying trade-in or by switching

Get Deal

---

Shop at AT&T

Get iPhone 18 Pro for free with qualifying trade-in

Get Deal

---

Shop at Visible

Get $480 of monthly service credits with purchase

Get Deal

---

Shop at Total Wireless

Take $600 off iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max

Get Deal

---

Shop at Apple

Get up to $885 in credit with trade-in

Get Deal

By now, the annual iPhone launch is basically the first indicator of fall. The foldable iPhone Duo has captured most of the hype this year, but the tried-and-true iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max flagship models also deliver exciting new updates. While the Duo won't be available until October, the 18 Pro and Pro Max hit shelves on Friday, Sept. 18.

The new Pro models come in four new colors: deep black, silver, burgundy, and glacier blue. The 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the Pro Max starts at $1,299 for the 256GB models (storage options go up to 2TB). That's a $100 price increase over last year, and new phones keep getting more expensive. Fortunately for our wallets, carriers like T-Mobile are offering up to $1,200 off, and you can also take advantage of the Apple Upgrade program if you don't mind leasing your iPhone.

Save up to $1,200 with iPhone 18 deals

If you're ready to order your new device but your wallet isn't quite keeping up with your enthusiasm, we've found a few ways to save money. To take advantage of most carriers' offers, you'll need to switch providers, trade in an older iPhone, or choose a specific phone plan. Smaller carriers like Visible and Total Wireless are also offering up to half off the new iPhone if you sign up for certain plans.

Here are the best deals for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max:

• T-Mobile: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free when you switch to T-Mobile and bring your number or trade in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan. You can also score up to $930 in trade-in credit when you switch a line to T-Mobile's Experience More or Go5G Plus plans.

• Total Wireless: Save $600 on iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max on the All Access plan.

• Apple: Trade in an iPhone 13 or later model and get between $175 and $885 in credit towards the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max. You can also score up to $1,200 in trade-in credit through specific carriers.

• AT&T: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free or up to $1,200 off iPhone 18 Pro Max with qualifying trade-ins of iPhone 14 or later and activation on AT&T Premium 2.0 plan or higher. You can also get up to $800 in credit to pay off your current device just by switching to AT&T.

• Verizon: Get up to $1,200 off when you add a new line (with a qualified trade-in) on an eligible myPlan or up to $1,020 off when you upgrade with an eligible trade-in on an existing myPlan.

• Visible: Buy the iPhone 18 Pro with Visible+ Pro and receive $480 through monthly service credits. New and existing members are eligible.

• Walmart: The big box retailer doesn't have any deals just yet, but you can finance the new iPhone and pay as little as $78/month if you qualify through OnePay, a Klarna-backed service.

• Xfinity: Get the iPhone 18 Pro Max for free with a qualifying trade-in and device payment plan on the Mobile Plus plan.

What about Amazon iPhone deals?

As of this writing, Amazon's iPhone 18 Pro listings aren't live, and Amazon typically isn't the best place to shop for new Apple smartphones. However, we'll update this page if any iPhone 18 Pro Amazon deals appear in the days ahead. In the meantime, you can order the new AirPods 5 and Apple Watches at Amazon.

Apple AirPods 5

$129 at Amazon

 

Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Apple.com Shop Now at Walmart

Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm)

$399 at Amazon

 

Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Walmart

Apple iPhone 18 Pro, 256GB

Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile

 

Shop Now at T-Mobile Shop Now at AT&T Wireless Shop Now at Walmart

iPhone 18 Pro Max, 256GB

Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile

 

Shop Now at T-Mobile Shop Now at Walmart Shop Now at Apple.com

SAVE $60: As of Sept. 18, the Asus ZenScreen 15.6-Inch portable monitor is on sale for $149 at Amazon. That's a $60 discount from its full price of $209.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Asus

Asus ZenScreen 15.6-Inch Portable Monitor

$149 at Amazon
$209 Save $60

 

Get Deal

Having a little extra display space can go a long way if you frequently use a laptop or tablet with a compact screen. This is where a portable monitor can come in handy.

If you've been searching for a model to add to your setup, Amazon's dropped the Asus ZenScreen 15.6-Inch portable monitor down to $149 for a limited time. Compared to its list price of $209, this deal saves you $60 overall, though it won't be on sale for long. Right now, it's listed as a "limited time deal," so you'll want to act fast to add it to your cart and score this discount.

This Asus ZenScreen portable monitor boasts a 15.6-inch screen with Full HD 1080p resolution, delivering high-definition picture quality. It also features TÜV Rheinland-certified Flicker-free and Low Blue Light technologies, so your eyes won't feel too strained during marathon sessions.

Its slim design makes it easy to pack in a bag to take on the go, whether to the office or on a trip, and it even features a kickstand for propping it up in portrait or landscape mode. It's compatible with any laptop with a USB Type-C or Type A port.

This deal may not be available for long, so don't miss out on $60 off the Asus ZenScreen 15.6-Inch portable monitor at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

SAVE $20: As of Sept. 18, the DJI Mic Mini is on sale for $79 at Amazon. That's a 20% discount on list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: DJI

DJI Mic Mini

$79 at Amazon
$99 Save $20

 

Get Deal

If you make videos regularly, you'll already know just how important good audio is. While your phone microphone can do the job to an extent, it can only get you so far. If you really want to take your content to the next level, it's a good idea to invest in proper audio equipment, like the DJI Mic Mini.

This wireless microphone system is small enough to take with you anywhere, making it a great option for recording on the go. And as of Sept. 18, it's on sale at Amazon. Normally $99, right now you can save $20 with the deal price of $79.

And we weren't kidding when we said it was small; it weighs just 10 grams, making it easy to wear discreetly while filming. It records clear, detailed audio with 48kHz sampling, 120dB SPL, and a transmission range of up to 400 meters, so you don't have to film from right up close.

This DJI deal also includes a charging case that provides up to 48 hours of battery life, making it a good option for long recording sessions. Plus, you'll get two levels of noise cancellation to help keep vocals clear in both quiet and noisy environments. It can also connect directly to compatible DJI devices without a receiver, including the Osmo Nano, Osmo 360, Osmo Mobile 7P, Osmo Action 5 Pro, Osmo Action 4, and Osmo Pocket 3.

Get this DJI deal from Amazon now.

SAVE $50: As of Sept. 18, the UGREEN MagFlow Pro is on sale for $99.99 at Amazon. That's a 33% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: UGREEN

UGREEN MagFlow Pro

$99.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.00

 

Get Deal

If you're on your phone a lot, a power bank becomes your best friend. It's all too easy to drain your battery before the day is over, especially when you're out and about with no outlet in sight.

A power bank means you can keep your phone topped up wherever you are. And if you've been looking to buy a top model, the UGREEN MagFlow Pro is heavily discounted at Amazon right now. In fact, it's dropped right down to its lowest-ever price. As of Sept. 18, you'll save $50 with the new price of $99.

And for your money, you're getting a smart power bank that combines Qi 2.2 wireless charging with liquid cooling to keep the charging surface temperature below 96.8°F, even when wirelessly charging at up to 25W. If you have an iPhone 17 Pro Max, it can reach 50% battery in just 38 minutes, and the 45W USB-C output can take it from 0 to 65% in 30 minutes.

It has dual USB-C ports and wireless charging, which lets you power up to three devices at once, and the built-in display shows you the battery percentage, charging power, and cycle count, so you know exactly the status of your devices.

This deal is available at Amazon right now, so don't miss out.

Chances are, if you've been to a concert in the past year, you've seen someone rocking a pair of Loop earplugs.

Considering the brand's origins, that's not surprising. The colorful earplugs first hit the scene in 2016, thanks to co-founders Dimitri O and Maarten Bowdes wanting to provide a solution for people who enjoy live music and loud spaces, without the side helping of tinnitus.

Ten years later, the brand has expanded its earplug options far beyond ear protection at concerts: their lineup includes earplugs to help people stay focused, sleep better, and generally exist more peacefully in overstimulating environments. They're reusable and cleanable, so they're less wasteful than swapping out a new pair of foam earplugs.

Which Loop earplugs are right for you? Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Sure, noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds can help in some of those situations, but then you become beholden to battery life — and you stay plugged in to digital distractions. A quality pair of earplugs can be a worthwhile alternative, and with Loop collaborating officially with Harry Styles, Paris Hilton, and McLaren Racing, it's clear these earbuds have staying power.

So then, which are the best Loop earplugs to buy? With eight different earplugs ranging from $24.95 to $59.95, it's a valid question. To find the answer, I tested out a selection of some of the most popular earplugs from the brand: I landed on the Quiet 2, Experience 2, Dream, Engage 2, and Switch 2. For now, I omitted the Plus versions (due to wanting to compare the base models head-to-head first), as well as the kids' versions (due to not being a child). I also kept the list strictly limited to earplugs, so I didn't try out the Loop Eclipse mask. I tested all of these earplugs personally, except for the Loop Experience 2, which were tested by my colleague Haley Henschel.

Which Loop earplugs are best for me?

The right Loop earplug match will depend on your reasons for seeking out earplugs in the first place, whether that be better sleep, finding focus, or saving your ears at live shows. Below, I break down the differences between five different Loop earplugs, and where each shines, to help you find the ones that suit you best.

Best for concerts: Loop Experience 2

The Loops Experience 2 earplugs dampened the sound of a roaring crowd at Beyoncé's latest tour. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

My colleague Haley Henschel put these earplugs to the test in possibly the way a person could: by taking them to the Cowboy Carter tour. Her report: "I could hear Beyoncé and her band perfectly, but the din of the stadium was almost completely suppressed. Curious to hear what I was missing, I removed my right earplug at one point during the set and was shocked to hear that the crowd was close to singing over Bey. The Loops were tuning out everyone else without making her sound muffled." That level of balance is what landed the Experience 2 our pick as the best Loop earplugs for concerts, even if they are the most obvious choice.

Henschel did note that they worked so well that she missed a couple of mid-song comments from her friend, but that's to be expected with earplugs. She also remarked that she was especially impressed with the fit — while she usually needs to wear a tight beanie to keep her Apple AirPods Pro from slipping out, the smallest size of the Experience 2 stayed in without a hitch. (Though I didn't test the Experience 2 personally, I also have a hard time finding earbuds that fit, and often have to go for the XS eartips. In Loops, I typically favor the S ear tip.)

As for their pricing, the Experience 2 clock in at $34.95 for their standard colorways, but during sales, we've seen them drop down to $27.95.

Decibels filtered: 17dB | Ear tips: Silicone, four sizes (XS-L) | Available colors: Silver, black, gold, rose gold, Loop x Tomorrowland Cosciencia Blue (costs extra), Loop x Tomrrowland Holographic Black (costs extra), Loop x Coachella (costs extra), Loop x Pleasing Love Enough (costs extra), Loop x Pleasing Loud Enough (costs extra)

Loop Experience 2

$27.95 at Amazon
$34.95 Save $7.00

 

Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Amazon

Best for focus: Loop Quiet 2

The Quiet 2 earplugs are the perfect work companion. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

The Quiet earplugs were my introduction to Loop a couple of years ago as I was looking for a solution to deal with a noisy neighbor. Though I used the original Quiet model then, the Quiet 2 hold up. For less than $30, the Quiet 2 earplugs are amazing for blocking out sound to focus, but also for getting the best bang for your buck. If you're not necessarily looking for something to wear to live events, these may be the best Loop earplugs for you. The silicone loop is soft enough to lie on with relative comfort, so they're as great for sleep as they are for working or reading. (Not to mention, they're $25 cheaper than the Loop Dream at full price). During this past October Prime Day, we saw the Quiet 2 earplugs drop down to $14.49 — their lowest price ever, and the lowest price among the recs on this list.

What does 24dB of blockage mean in practice? For me, it meant that I could work right next to my partner watching TV at a normal to low volume, and barely hear what he was watching. While I work in the office with my door closed, I can hear the sound of my own typing, but can only hear the murmur of someone in the other room talking behind a closed door (where, without earbuds, I can make out every word perfectly). Wearing these earbuds feels like turning the volume of the world around you not entirely off, but to low, making them a great option for when you need to focus or sleep, or even travel.

Decibels filtered: 24dB | Ear tips: Silicone, four sizes (XS-L) | Available colors: White, violet, black, mint

Loop Quiet 2

$19.95 at Amazon
$24.95 Save $5

 

Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Amazon

Best for staying aware: Loop Engage 2

The Engage 2 are great for a coffee date, or a trip to the grocery store. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

The Loop Engage 2 earplugs are very similar to the Experience 2: both are designed to let in more sound, both cost $34.95, and both come with four sizes of silicone ear tips. Though I didn't get to personally test them head-to-head, here's where I can tease out the differences.

According to Loop, the Engage 2 block 16 decibels to the Experience 2's 17 decibels. Henschel mentioned that when wearing the Experience 2 to a concert, she missed a few comments from her friend standing right next to her. That makes sense: the Experience 2 are designed to lower the volume overall (without distorting the sound quality of the music you're listening to), while the Engage 2 are designed to lower the volume on background noise (which tends to be at a higher pitch than human voices), but keep you in tune with voices around you, so you can hold up a conversation with more ease. Wearing the Engage 2 around my apartment, while ordering coffee in a loud coffee shop, and at the grocery stores proved that they worked without issue. I did hear my voice a little louder, but not distractingly so — it was certainly less distracting than the bangers my local H-Mart likes to bump on a Tuesday night. If you find yourself often overstimulated by sound when trying to socialize or simply live your life, the Engage 2 are a great way to turn down the volume, but still stay present.

At $34.95, they're the same price as the Experience 2 at full price, but their sale price has dropped ever so slightly lower. This past Prime Big Deal Days in October, they hit the record-low price of $24.95.

Decibels filtered: 16dB | Ear tips: Silicone, four sizes (XS-L) | Available colors: Clear, dusk, rose, Loop x Paris Hilton Collection Paris Pink (costs extra)

Loop Engage 2

$28.76 at Amazon
$35.95 Save $7.19

 

Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Amazon

Best for sleep: Loop Dream

Prioritizing a good night's sleep? Check out the Loop Dream. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

As a disclaimer, a family member gifted these earplugs to me after I told them how much I enjoyed using the original Quiet earbuds to sleep. And though the price is surprisingly steep compared to the rest of the line, I would happily buy these with my own money, as I primarily use earplugs to help me sleep.

Why? They're restless, side sleeper-approved. Though they block just a few more decibels than the Quiet 2, I find the Loop Dream to be even more comfortable to wear at night. The ear tip is a foam interior surrounded by a silicone exterior, which provides a slightly better (and more secure) fit than I experienced with the Quiet 2. (That's not to say the Quiet 2 aren't secure, but I move a lot when I sleep, so any extra features that help these earbuds stay in place are welcome by me. If, for whatever reason, you don't vibe with the foam tips, these earbuds also come with four sizes of Dream Double tips, which are a doubled-up silicone.

The Dreams also deviate from the rest of the Loop lineup with the closed-loop silicone shape, which is genuinely softer than the Quiets (and significantly more so than the Switches), making six to 10-hour wear incredibly reasonable. I experienced a slightly higher learning curve in putting them in my ears initially, but once I found the right fit, these fell out less than the Quiet earplugs. Finally, the case of the Dreams is ever so slightly larger, with a no-slip bottom that means they're far less likely to be knocked off your nightstand. The price may be steep, but if you anticipate mostly using your earplugs for sleep, the Dreams are worth it. Historically, they've gone on sale less frequently than other earplugs in Loop's lineup, so if you catch them marked down during a shopping holiday, they're worth grabbing. During October Prime Day, select colorways were on sale for $37.46.

Decibels filtered: 27db | Ear tips: Foam-silicone, eight different types in four sizes each (XS-L) | Available colors: Lilac, black, peach, blue

Loop Dream

$39.96 at Amazon
$49.95 Save $9.99

 

Shop Now at Amazon

Best for versatility: Loop Switch 2

The Loop Switch 2 live up to their name. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

If, after reading all of the above, you find yourself wanting the benefits for multiple pairs of Loops, the Switch 2 are your best bet. Impressively, a small switch allows you to toggle between noise blocking on 20dB, 23dB, and 26db, meaning they let enough sound through to hold up a conversation, but also can block out nearly as much as the Dreams for maximum peace. The only use case I don't see these working out great is for sleep, due to the hard plastic switch on the outer loop not being as comfortable as the Quiet 2 or Dream earplugs.

Throughout my testing period, I found myself reaching for these earplugs the most due to their flexibility. I could go from being locked in while working to having a conversation without taking them out. While by far the most expensive of all the available Loop earplugs, they're still cheaper than buying a pair of Experience and Quiet earplugs separately. They also got a decent discount during October's Amazon Prime Day sale, dropping all the way down to $44.95 from their $59.95 full price.

Decibels filtered: 20db, 23db, 26db | Ear tips: Silicone, four sizes (XS-L) | Available colors: Emerald, black, gold, silver, Loop x McLaren Racing McLaren Papaya (costs extra), Loop x Tomorrowland Holographic Black (costs extra)

Loop Switch 2

$47.96 at Amazon
$59.95 Save $11.99

 

Shop Now at Amazon

Fans of Dropout are no strangers to Vic Michaelis (Very Important People) and Jacquis Neal (Crowd Control). Both hosts of their own shows on the platform are also regulars on other Dropout series like Game Changer, Make Some Noise, Dirty Laundry, and Smarty Pants.

Michaelis and Neal came by Mashable's SXSW Say More studio for some conversation about some of Dropout's most mind-blowing moments, the development of Crowd Control, and Sam Reich's knack for knowing what and who will hit on Dropout.

In the video above, we also get some exclusive moments from the Dropout stars, such as: Michaelis' hot take on chiropractors, the musical instrument Neal most wants to learn, and do they each have a spiritual belief system?

For more Vic and Jacquis, check them out on Dropout.

This week, Snap held a launch event for Specs, the $2,195 augmented reality glasses coming later this fall, and revealed a lot more about the glasses' features.

But when Snap first announced Specs over the summer, the reaction probably didn't go as planned.

The glasses' design was mocked pretty hard on social media, and the price tag gave a lot of people sticker shock. But unlike Meta Ray-Bans, which start at $379 and are geared toward creators, Snap is targeting an entirely different type of customer.

Snap CEO Evan Spiegel told Mashable in June that the glasses were made for early adopters and developers, not the general public. "We're really gonna start with the developer community...And then we'll extend beyond that, with the early adopters and folks who see a lot of value in specific use cases — whether they're trying to improve their golf swing or whether they just want to work on the road and still bring the benefits of that large display or monitor."

Unfortunately for Snap, the Specs launch arrives at a very awkward time.

Meta's smart glasses have been heavily criticized over privacy concerns, and as Mashable has covered, the Meta Ray-Bans have been embraced by unscrupulous creators and creeps who harass and record strangers. That's sparked a backlash against the technology, and the criticism has been loud enough that Apple is reportedly delaying its own smart glasses launch.

But while I definitely can't afford Specs, I think the critics are missing the point. Snap said the company filed more than 7,000 patents in developing Specs, and I suspect that's where the real value is.

What are Snap Specs?

Snap Specs are AR display glasses. The dual-display glasses feature proprietary liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) technology and custom optical waveguides. When watching a movie on the glasses, it will look like you're watching a 115-inch screen about 10 feet away.

Credit: Snap

If you aren't familiar with AR glasses, they're fundamentally different from Meta Ray-Ban glasses, with their built-in cameras for content creation. AR glasses are more akin to virtual reality, and these devices are essentially wearable computers that can project a virtual screen into the world around you (for starters). However, unlike all other AR smart glasses, Specs aren't tethered to a phone or laptop by a USB-C cable. They're fully wireless.

I've tested about a dozen smart glasses (I'm still waiting to try Specs), but more than anything else on the market, the Specs remind me of the Apple Vision Pro, another pricey product that's received a lot of ridicule. Apple has reportedly backed away from its plans for a Vision Pro 2, and the device never really caught on (probably because of the $3,499 price tag). However, having tested the Vision Pro, I can tell you it's legitimately one of the coolest, most unique products I've ever used.

Snap repeatedly refers to the Specs as a computer, and that's really what they are. Like the Vision Pro, you can look through the lenses to see and interact with the world around you, but you can also project a giant virtual display into your field of vision. The AR technology can also project graphics into your environment, such as real-time navigation instructions. As another example, the Specs can perform live translation in up to 60 languages, so you can maintain eye contact with someone while translated closed captions appear in your field of vision.

Credit: Snap

Augmented reality done well always feels a little bit like stepping into a science-fiction movie, and the Specs are in a category of one right now.

Snap faces an uphill battle in selling Specs, but does it matter?

No, I'm not talking about the price tag. Or the privacy implications. I'm talking about the vibes.

For a computer, they're impressively light, compact, and wireless. But for glasses, they're undeniably chunky.

Snap must have heard the complaints about the product's design. In a video promoting its "Visionaries" collaboration with artists who designed custom apps and experiences for the glasses, two out of four of them praised the glasses' style.

"When I looked in the mirror, I wasn’t mad at how I looked. I thought they looked good on me,” said musician Jack Harlow in the promotional video.

"The first kind of impression of these glasses is, like, so fashion,” said Jung Ho-yeon (aka Hoyeon), a South Korean model and actress.

But selling the public on the design may be a tougher sell. There's a reason Samsung and Google are working with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker on their own smart display glasses, coming later this year.

However, in an interview with CNET's Scott Stein, Snap CEO Evan Spiegel emphasized these glasses probably won't be worn all day like regular glasses.

"I’d still think of them today as a computer, and it’s going to be more session-based," Spiegel told CNET. "Almost like a pair of reading glasses you put on to get something done. But I don’t think we’re far away from lighter, less expensive and far more capable versions."

And, as I mentioned above, Snap doesn't seem to be targeting the average customer. They're making a big bet that AR smart glasses will become the product of the future, and planting a flag (and more than 7,000 patents) in this space. At its September launch event, the company also announced the launch of Specs Intelligence, an agentic, personal AI tool for accomplishing everyday tasks and working across devices.

Of course, at least some people will need to buy the Specs.

To promote the new glasses, Snap hosted a big keynote-style event on Sept. 16, and the company will be opening a Specs showroom in Los Angeles where people can demo the product starting Oct. 1.

Snap said the glasses will ship later this fall in the United States, the UK, and France; you can preorder the glasses now for $2,195 with a $200 refundable deposit.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

A chunk of asteroid or comet whizzing through space slammed into the moon and left a 728-foot-wide pit, the largest known fresh crater in the solar system.

Nobody saw it happen. No alarm sounded. No telescope caught the flash. The rock hit the moon's eastern edge at roughly 33,000 mph, punching a hole 2 1/2 football fields wide into the lunar surface. Then, the moon went on about its business for more than a year.

The discovery came from housekeeping. NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has photographed the entire moon month after month since 2010, and researchers periodically line up two images of the same terrain, shot under matching light, to see whether anything has changed. Robert Wagner, an image-processing specialist, ran that comparison and found something wholly unexpected in the spring 2024 images.

"I just stopped, dropped everything, and started looking into what that spot was," Wagner said in a statement.

But the crater is the least of it. The impact reached out roughly 30 times its own radius,  fluffing dust over an area you could see from orbit by looking at how the material cools at night. Beyond that, it scuffed the surface faintly for 75 miles. A strike that would barely register as a dot on a globe had the power to rearrange a region the size of a city.

Astronomers have named this new crater McGetchin, in honor of lunar scientist Tom McGetchin, whose mathematical model in 1973 predicted how debris scatters after a major space collision. 

That ties into what scientists have learned from this crash. A thermal analysis shows the original impact left a sort of bruise that spans four miles across — a patch of ground that cools some 15 degrees Fahrenheit below its surroundings every lunar night. The cold spot occurs because the strike aerated the top powdery soil until it could no longer retain heat, according to research. Findings from the crater appear in two Science Advances papers.

The spray of rubble from a collision on the moon is visible as a bright dot, left. An archival Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter image, right, shows the impact is new. Credit: NASA Goddard / Intuitive Machines / Robert Wagner

When researchers checked the catalog of other recent craters, nearly every impact bigger than about 100 feet appeared to have done the same thing. If those events happen often, then the reach of these impacts loosens the moon's topsoil about as much as the impacts themselves. That means the things scientists have been counting — the holes in the ground — only cover a fraction of the damage that impacts actually inflict.

Within a few hundred feet around McGetchin, a blanket of pulverized rocks buried nearly every smaller existing crater, wiping out traces of older impacts in one fell swoop. Boulders the size of delivery trucks now ring the rim. At the first moment of contact, before the crater had even finished forming, material sprayed out sideways fast enough to clear a mountain ridge and mark the plain on the other side. 

Want more science and tech news delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Mashable's Light Speed newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

In retrospect, Apollo 16 provided evidence for what happened beyond the debris field. When the crew landed near South Ray crater in 1972, the astronauts' bootprints pressed deeper into the moondust than at other landing sites. The ground was softer there, for reasons unclear. Decades later, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter began mapping nighttime temperatures and found that the site sits inside a faded patch that cools faster than the land around it. 

Cold spots fade somewhere between 100,000 and 2 million years, so nearly every one available for study is already half-erased, buried under whatever has happened since. But McGetchin hands scientists a control case, with before and after pictures.

The boots of NASA astronaut Charles M. Duke Jr. sank deeper on the moon at the Apollo 16 landing site compared to the footprints made at previous mission locations. Credit: NASA

The research may have implications for other worlds in the solar system. Mars has patches like these around its young craters. Mercury is expected to have them, too, and a heat-sensing instrument aboard BepiColombo, the European and Japanese spacecraft now closing in on the planet, may be the first to spot one there. 

Meanwhile, McGetchin Crater, which sinks about 141 feet deep, is already beginning to age. Sunlight and the steady rain of micrometeorites will dull its brightness, and the cold spot will warm toward the temperature of the ground around it. 

As NASA maps out its future Artemis missions to the moon, some scientists might advocate for a future visit to McGetchin. The team would like to send a lunar rover to the site while there is still something left. A rover could evaluate how loose the soil is and how deep that fluffy layer goes. An orbiting spacecraft can only make inferences. 

The previous record-holder for largest fresh crater in the solar system measured about 230 feet, according to NASA, carrying roughly one-tenth the energy of the collision creating McGetchin. A lunar impact of McGetchin's scale is expected only about once every 132 years.

Since bursting onto the international stage in 1996 with Trainspotting, English filmmaker Danny Boyle has delivered exciting cinema that's thrilled audiences and critics alike, shifted the zombie horror subgenre (28 Days Later), and earned Academy Awards (Slumdog Millionaire). Last year, he had this critic positively gaga over his re-imagining of his fast-zombie franchise, 28 Years Later, which challenged expectations and delivered a compelling coming-of-age story studded with nightmare fuel.

This year, he's shifted away from genre and back into biopics. Following 2010's 127 Hours and 2015's Steve Jobs, here comes Ink, a drama about how Australian media mogul Rupert Murdoch and Yorkshire-born Larry Lamb transformed a failing UK rag into the powerful — and arguably dangerous — tabloid The Sun.

With a cast that boasts celebrated stars like Jack O'Connell, Guy Pearce, and Claire Foy, Ink had early buzz to be an Oscar contender. However, shortly after its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival, Boyle unintentionally derailed award season discourse by revealing he employed generative AI for "about 30 seconds."

Those who oppose generative AI have been quick to denounce Ink sight unseen. Having now seen the film out of its Toronto International Film Festival premiere, I can confirm the AI scene that animates an old photograph is an eyesore and hurts the film as a whole.

Let's get into it.

Ink reveals the dirt behind The Sun.

Kicking off in 1969 London, Ink introduces Lamb (O'Connell) as a viciously ambitious newsman yearning to make his mark as an editor, and Murdoch (Pearce), who's years away from making Fox News a defining force in American democracy.

The two are posed like boxers ready for a fight, shoulders hunched in a dark, wood-paneled restaurant, which Lamb notes is the oldest in London. In Boyle's signature style, the film cuts swiftly to a dissonant image to underscore the scene. In this instance, it's a black-and-white photo of a line of men outside the restaurant, presumably celebrating its opening long, long ago. The implication is this old-hat establishment is storied but unpopular. Thus, it's the perfect place for these two to have a curious conversation away from the ears of Fleet Street's journalistic elite. Here, Murdoch reveals he wants to buy the failing paper The Sun and have Lamb turn it into a rival of the wildly popular Daily Mirror.

While the business of building a newspaper might seem dry, James Graham's screenplay treats Ink like a heist movie. A sequence of building the team is Boyle's spin on Ocean's Eleven, with punk rock playing over a montage of Lamb chasing down provocative reporters in a porn theater, a morgue, or a hotel bed, post-coital, in the case of saucy Jules (Foy).

The message is clear: Lamb sees himself as a punk shaking up the establishment, bringing sex, violence, and sport onto the front page.

Undeniably, Boyle's chosen a terrific leading man in O'Connell. The Irish actor who awed in Sinners, 28 Year Later, and Bone Temple, has a chaotic charisma that edges into wickedness. Here, that beguiling devil's charm is used to explore how Lamb chased scandal, flaunted female nudity, and exploited the fears of mankind to push his paper. When Murdoch pushes back, Lamb will argue he's only giving the people what they want — the truth, as ugly as it is.

However, in the film's final moments, this argument devolves into a montage that flashes images of Mark Zuckerberg, Elizabeth Holmes, and Elon Musk, with the graphics reading: "Move Fast and Break Things." This notorious Silicon Valley motto, coined by Zuckerberg, has arguably led to Facebook, Theranos, DOGE, and Grok, and, by extension, all the controversies that have arisen from them. But it feels too big an argument to make in the last 30 seconds of a 116-minute movie. So even if your politics might be aligned with Boyle's message, this conclusion feels like an afterthought — especially considering his use of AI.

What is AI in Ink?

Credit: Photo by Anthony Dickenson / STUDlOCANAL

Out of Ink's debut at the Telluride Film Festival (after Venice, but before TIFF), Boyle said the mice that are shown running around The Sun's crusty newsroom in the first act are AI. He also admitted, "We animate[d] a couple of old photographs."

At a Q&A post-premiere at TIFF, he added, "We try to be very responsible and make sure no actors were out of work because of it, so we would always employ actors if we were going to use a bit of it. There was about 30 seconds of it."

Among those 30 seconds is a callback to the photograph from the opening scene. The black-and-white snapshot of men in suits posing proudly before the newly opened restaurant is later animated. In a montage sequence showing The Sun's growing success through outrageous headlines, and a dreamy shot in which Lamb imagines Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher yelling at him, the photo appears again, this time with the men in motion, dancing and celebrating.

The image is immediately jarring, not so much because of Boyle's frenetic montage style but because, to be frank, it looks off. It looks like generative AI. And to Boyle's defense that no actors were harmed in the inclusion, well, presumably, actors could have been hired to shoot this scene to better effect. But really, this shot isn't needed at all.

The callback to the first scene is clear. Perhaps this letting loose of these stodgy black-and-white gentlemen is meant to reflect The Sun's rebranding as an outlet that's abandoned the rules of formality for a more free-for-all, fun approach, consequences be damned. But considering the series of headlines that come before, boasting murders, royal scandals, and flashy sweepstakes prizes, this AI shot is at best a hat on a hat. At worst, it undercuts Ink's message.

Why the AI in Ink actually hurts the movie.

Credit: Photo by Anthony Dickenson / STUDlOCANAL

In the climax, Boyle proposes that the Silicon Valley motto of "Move Fast and Break Things" might as well have been born from Lamb and Murdoch's rebrand of The Sun. Just because something is popular, Ink seems to argue, doesn't mean it's good, in quality or for mankind. Couldn't that also apply to generative AI?

Data centers used to fuel AI bots are harming the environment and the communities around them. Experts are saying AI Overviews on Google are failing kids in crisis. Hallucinations and inaccuracies are an intractable problem. And several Anthropic employees have come forward to warn that AI could lead to the end of humanity within 10 years. But none of this will be mentioned in Ink. Instead, Boyle uses the controversial tech for flourishes without commentary.

Ink is meant to play as a parable about blind ambition. Lamb is introduced as a small-town boy who desperately wants to prove himself to the posh London establishment that has long kept him on the fringe of real influence. Murdoch exploits this desire by handing him a tabloid and offering no rules. Within the film itself, Murdoch is paper-thin, his goals beyond wealth being vague at best. The man who would go on to inspire Succession is more an enabler here than a villain. So, Lamb's story is more about giving in to the temptation to exploit fears and our most primal desires for money.

Ink would have you believe such a path is deadly and possibly impossible to turn back from. The final barrage of controversial (and even criminal) tech giants was meant to urge the audience to think of this not as a story of the past, but as a reflection on our present. But how can that critique land when Boyle himself is falling to the temptation of generative AI? Spoilers: It won't.

Ink was reviewed out of the Toronto International Film Festival. Ink will play in select theaters Dec. 7 before hitting Netflix Dec. 11.

With Widow's Bay, British actress Kate O'Flynn has become an overnight star in the United States (after years of television and movies out of the UK). As the fiercely frustrated Patricia Moyer, O'Flynn made TV audiences howl with laughter and fright, whether she was fleeing a resurrected serial killer or enjoying the rhythm of the night at her sunset cocktail party.

It's little wonder then that genre fans began cosplaying Patricia, leading to an excellent meet-up of Widow's Bay fans at DragonCon. But O'Flynn's performance has made an impression on the industry as well, as she took home the Primetime Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy, one of the 14 trophies Katie Dippold's brilliant horror-comedy series won earlier this week.

Now, fans will have to wait for the much-anticipated second season of Widow's Bay. But in the meantime, they can enjoy O'Flynn's performance in Tender Loving Care, which has an echo of Patricia's moxie.

Tender Loving Care is a warm and bittersweet drama about family.

Written and directed by British filmmaker Mike Leigh (Secrets & Lies, Hard Truths), Tender Loving Care centers on two social workers who have been best friends since childhood. Those unfamiliar with Leigh's profoundly humane filmmaking might assume this setup could veer into grim tragedy porn, exploiting the real-life neglect and abuse witness by social workers to jolt an audience into reaction. Instead, Leigh's story is about the resilience of two women who give their all to help others, even when it comes at great cost to themselves. Theirs is not a story of tragedy, but of love.

Amy (O'Flynn) has just been dumped by her crappy boyfriend, who's gone back to his wife. Thankfully, Amy's childhood bestie Rosie (Alice Bailey Johnson) is more than happy to take her in, restoring the roommate rhythm they created at university. At first, their shared activities seem cliched, as they pour out their gripes alongside glass after glass of wine. But Leigh's nuanced script, paired with O'Flynn and Johnson's eloquent chemistry, makes for scenes so intimate that it almost feels rude to eavesdrop on them.

In the day, these women stride into grubby environments, like a hoarder's home stacked high with debris, or the cluttered apartment of a single mom desperate to get her boy back. In these spaces, Amy and Rosie aim to be helpful and firm, without giving feigned smiles or false hope. At night, they pop a cork and set down the weight of their responsibilities to feel like girls again, together. They'll toss about a teddy bear, hype each other up, and vent about men and work with a joie de vivre that feels fragile in their shimmering eyes. Leaning on each other, they'll muster through each disappointment or heartache, be it a flaky firefighter or a dementia diagnosis.

Tender Loving Care offers a bracing and beautiful portrait of a family coping with dementia.

While the first act of Tender Loving Care sets up these friends' romantic troubles, the second introduces another throbbing concern of aging. Amy's father Geoff (a plucky Paul Jesson) is becoming confused. In early scenes with his wife Birdie (Marion Bailey), the two share a playful patter that reflects decades of depending on each other. But before long, this witty, loving man can't keep up. He mutters about swans and wanders away from the conversation when Amy and Rosie come to visit.

Leigh offers as soft a touch in depicting dementia as he does in presenting poverty. So, rather than tear-jerking, Tender Loving Care is quietly affecting. As someone who's seen loved ones transformed by dementia, Jesson's performance felt like a mirror, the alertness of his gaze dulling to a questioning stare. The once-jaunty step diminishing into a stilted shuffle.

Bailey is his staunch scene partner. The dynamic shift demanded when a partner becomes a caretaker is shown with, well, tender loving care. At the first signs of peculiar behavior, she's sharp with him, scolding Geoff for sitting out in the cold. But as she realizes what might be going on, her tone shifts to sweetness, the kind that might cajole a child.

A doctor is called, and some jolliness is made of the old-fashioned charm of a home visit. But the reality hits home as Amy touches her father's hand, a silent call for him to return to himself, an aching awareness that will happen less and less.

Kate O'Flynn is terrific in Tender Loving Care.

This film marks O'Flynn's fourth collaboration with Leigh, following Happy-Go-Lucky, Mr. Turner, and Peterloo. This starring role is her best collaboration with Leigh yet, as Amy gives her space to express unfettered joy, seething frustration, and earnest tenderness.

In Rosie's apartment, the friends, who might be the real love of each others' lives, express themselves with ribald jokes, a bouncy tone, and a fearless embrace of goofiness. In one scene, O'Flynn dances about to pop music with a comical jig. And while it's easy to recall her now Emmy–winning dance in Widow's Bay, these dances also offer a distinction. At sunset cocktails, Patricia is dancing like a goofball, but fully confident she is crushing it as a hostess that everyone adores. Amy's jig is meant to make her friend laugh, to allow both of them to let go of the unending ache of being human.

In scenes with her clients or co-workers, she's more stern but still loving. A hard tone is tough love, meant to stabilize a faltering person. Then, in moments with Amy's ailing father, that sternness brightens, creating the support her elderly parents need as they enter a new and terrifying chapter for all three of them.

In a scene Leigh could have plucked from my own life, Amy gently coaches her father to sing a song he once loved. His gaze remains indistinct, but his voice, sturdy and singing, knows the way. Together, they share a song, creating a simple scene that says so much about what it means to love someone through the thick of it, until the end.

Which is all to say, if Widow's Bay has you wanting to see more of the onscreen marvel that is Kate O'Flynn, see Tender Loving Care. It's certainly less silly, and the horrors more of the aching everyday. But within it, she gives another sensational performance, bringing dignity to a lonely woman who bravely finds joy even in the darkest moments.

Tender Loving Care was reviewed at the Toronto International Film Festival. The movie will open in theaters on Dec. 4.

TL;DR: To celebrate Batman Day 2026, Lego is hosting make-and-take events for limited-edition Batman Busts. This free event is for Lego Insiders only, but it's free to sign up.

Genuinely free Lego sets are almost non-existent. Usually, scoring an exclusive model or mini-build requires dropping some serious cash. That's usually the case, but not this weekend.

To celebrate Batman Day 2026, Lego is letting fans build and take home a limited-edition Batman Bust completely free of charge. The event is strictly limited to a two-hour window (Sept. 19 from 12-2 p.m.) and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Because this build cannot be bought off the shelf or ordered online, collectors and scalpers will likely line up before doors open.

Only a limited quantity of Batman Busts will be available, the event is intended for participants aged 6+ years, and you're limited to one build per customer.

How to claim the limited-edition Batman Bust

1. Sign up for Lego Insiders: This event is strictly exclusive to Lego Insiders, but it's free to sign up

2. Check store participation: Double-check your local store page here to verify their exact event window before making the drive

3. Arrive early: Quantities are strictly capped, and events like this often run dry before the end of the two-hour window

You have all the information you need. Now it's up to you to make sure you come home with this iconic Batman Bust.

TL;DR: Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus is down to $54.99 (reg. $249.99) for a lifetime license on one Windows PC. That’s Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, and Publisher, yours to keep, for less than seven months of a Microsoft 365 subscription.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Microsoft

Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for Windows: Lifetime License

$54.99
$249.99 Save $195

 

Get Deal

Subscriptions have become the way we pay for our digital lives, but they don’t have to be. Services like Microsoft 365 Personal run $99.99 a year, every year, for as long as you keep paying. But the days of owning your computer software aren’t gone — Office 2024 Professional Plus is just $54.99, and it will live on your computer.

Office for Windows 10 or 11 includes:

• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, the core four for writing, spreadsheets, presentations, and email

• OneNote for notes that sync across your desktop

• Fluent Design visuals that match Windows 11, plus faster startup and a lighter memory footprint than older Office versions

None of the apps are cloud-dependent, so you have access both online and off, unlike the apps in Office 365. Activate it once, and it works for as long as your computer battery does.

Do the math, and it’s not close: a year of Microsoft 365 Personal costs $99.99. This entire suite costs $54.99 one time. Buy it in September, and you’re already ahead of where a 365 subscriber will be by spring.

Students, teachers, and freelancers get real Office tools on a budget without having to subscribe to use them.

Get Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for $54.99 (reg. $249.99), a one-time payment for a Windows license you’ll be using long after this year’s Microsoft 365 bill would’ve come due.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Make bookkeeping easier with a lifetime subscription to Argo Books Accounting Software Premium Plan, on sale now for just $59.99 (reg. $399).

Opens in a new window

Credit: Argo Books

Argo Books Accounting Software Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription

$59.99
$399 Save $339.01

 

Get Deal

If you’ve been paying monthly for your accounting software, it’s time to meet Argo Books. It’s powerful software that makes handling your own accounting a whole lot easier — with convenient features like photographing receipts and having your books update instantly.

An Argo Books Accounting Software Premium Plan lifetime subscription lets you pay once and enjoy this helpful tool for life, and it’s on sale now for just $59.99.

Handling the books for a small business doesn’t have to be complicated. Argo Books Accounting Software Premium Plan embraces the power of AI to make updating your books as easy as snapping a photo with your smartphone. Receipt scanning really sets this tool apart, letting you photograph receipts as Argo Books automatically pulls the vendor, date, total, and line items.

Argo Books Accounting Software was designed to make accounting for small businesses much easier, helping you track income and expenses, send invoices, scan receipts, manage your inventory, and generate reports in one place.

This desktop app lets you import your CSV, Excel, or PDF files, so you can organize them as you transition to this simpler way to manage your finances. Your expense and revenue tracking also stays in one spot, with Argo Books Account Software offering predictive analytics that can forecast your upcoming cash flow to help you make better decisions.

You can rest easy knowing your company files are encrypted on your computer using AES-256. There’s also no logging into your bank account required — all you need is the downloaded statement file, which will be encrypted.

Lock in your own lifetime subscription to Argo Books Accounting Software Premium Plan for just $59.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Add Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more to your Mac with this lifetime license on sale for $90.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Microsoft

Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021: Lifetime License

$89.97
$219 Save $129.03

 

Get Deal

Paying monthly for software you’re going to be using forever doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.

For a while, that was the only way to get apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint on your Mac, but that’s finally changing. Instead of paying $99.99 every year for Microsoft 365, you can switch to a Microsoft Office lifetime license for $89.97 (reg. $219).

There’s no need to explain why an Office license still matters. Most people have been using Microsoft Office long before cloud apps and browser-based alternatives became the norm. With this deal, you can install the full Office suite on a single device for lifetime use at home or at work without worrying about monthly renewals, annual price hikes, or surprise charges down the line.

This license includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneNote. That means drafting documents, crunching numbers, building presentations, managing email, and organizing notes using the full desktop versions of each app. Unlike free alternatives or web-based tools, you get access to the complete feature sets, which makes a difference when you’re working on longer documents, detailed spreadsheets, or presentation-heavy projects.

Once you purchase, your license key and download links are delivered instantly, so there’s no waiting around to get started. Microsoft also includes lifetime customer support, which can be helpful if you ever need assistance with installation or troubleshooting.

Instead of committing to yet another recurring subscription, this one-time purchase lets you snag software you’ll likely keep using for years.

Stop paying a monthly fee for apps you’re going to be using for years. Get a Microsoft Office lifetime license for Mac for $89.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Even the most devoted comedy nerd may not realize how many truly iconic comedies of past and present might never have existed if it weren't for a single theatrical production. Everything from Only Murders in the Building and Schitt's Creek to SCTV and Saturday Night Live can be linked back to a 1972 Toronto production of Godspell, which boasted such not-yet-famous performers as Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Gilda Radner, Victor Garber, Andrea Martin, Dave Thomas, Jayne Eastwood, and Paul Shaffer. 

Incredibly, over its much raved about (and protested) 14-month run, not a soul thought to video record this production for posterity. So, 53 years later, documentarian Nick Davis aims to bring us back to this pivotal time and place with the preposterously and perfectly titled You Had to Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution, Spread Love & Overalls, and Created a Community That Changed the World (in a Canadian Kind of Way). 

For the sake of brevity (and sanity), we'll refer to the film simply as You Had to Be There going forward. As in, You Had to Be There is so stuffed with interviews with comedy icons, remarkable anecdotes, and cheeky revelations that it's manna from heaven for comedy nerds. 

You Had to Be There has an incredible obstacle and even more incredible interviews. 

With a dismaying dearth of footage of the show itself, Davis instead relies on a two-pronged approach to usher audiences down memory lane for a bevy of comedy legends. First off, he offers interviews with much of the cast from the show's run, including Short, Levy, Thomas, Garber, Martin, Eastwood, Shaffer, Avril Chown, Don Scardino, Valda Aviks, and Rudy Webb. 

Many of them are now in their 70s, and they have the refreshing give-no-fucks air that is perfect for documentaries, looking back with fondness and candor to a time when everything felt possible — and vaguely terrifying because of that. Davis' thoughtful collection of interviews takes us back to 1972 Toronto, where the stuffy culture of the Canadian city was set alight with the arguably sacrilegious clown show that was Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak's Godspell, a musical that depicted the story of Jesus Christ through parables and willfully silly theatrics.  

Short, who laid out a lot of this history in his addictive memoir, I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend, proves an especially great interview, in part because of his lifelong dedication to keeping records of his work. However, You Had to Be There is most fun when the cut leaps from one individual interview to another, creating the sense that we're at a dinner party with some of the coolest people on the planet — recounting a party we weren't invited to. It's enchanting and bittersweet, especially as they talk about those who can't join the fun anymore, like Gilda Radner. 

You Had to Be There is a movie for comedy lovers by comedy lovers, which means Davis won't spend extra screen time reminding audiences who his subjects are, or what they suffered. The expectation is that you know the broad strokes.

Radner's friends remember her, warts and all, but warmly, putting forth chiefly that even when she struggled with disordered eating and terminal cancer, she was a light for all around her. (For more — and and more complicated — stories of Radner, do read Martin's book, as they dated for years and remained close for decades after.) 

For a greater sense of history beyond the personal, Davis invites some famous faces inspired by these groundbreakers for interviews. These talking heads include Lin-Manuel Miranda, Janeane Garofalo, Heidi Garner, and Mike Myers. This works to swiftly pave a path of legacy and brings some added star power without derailing the narrative.

You Had to Be There employs animation to fill the gaps. 

With little footage from the troupe's time in Toronto to pull from, Davis opts for animation in reenactments. This way, the audience won't be distracted by how well other actors are playing or impersonating modern comedy icons. By favoring a style of animation that's reminiscent of '70s cartoons like Schoolhouse Rock! and Scooby-Doo, Davis gifts us visuals that emotionally and artistically tie back to this era and its sense of free-love, optimism, and creative moxie.

Animators thoughtfully recreate the costumes from '72's Godspell, documented in promotional photos, and create caricatures of the twentysomething theater kids. This animation enhances the mischievous tone of many of the interviews. For instance, there's one story about how Levy's chest hair became a problem for producers, who feared a hirsute Jesus would be inappropriate for kids in the audience. (Remember how we noted 1972 Toronto was stuffy?) Well, as Short and Levy set up the story — one giddy, the other wry — the reveal of the compromise is illustrated through the cartoon as a sensationally silly punchline. 

You Had to Be There gets serious, too.

Of course, looking back not only on this production but on 50-some years in show business, not all the stories are funny. Props to Davis, who gives voice to one player in particular, actress/singer Avril Chown. She uses this platform to finally share her story, which includes a harrowing tale of abuse that came after Godspell's cast had taken their final bow. Before she recounts her heartbreaking experience, she asks simply, "How much blood do you want to give for something you love?"

Rather than feeling exploitative or like a tangent, this sequence provides a counterbalance to the more convivial stories of showbiz. Because of course, clowns make us laugh, but sometimes they cry. To show only one side of this would be to sanitize comedians, actors, and performers who built their careers and legacies on taking risks. 

Simply put, You Had to Be There gifts audiences plenty of laughs, and so much more. This is not some fluffy celebration of comedians or even Godspell. Davis and company have come together to craft a documentary that is both informative, historical, entertaining, and deeply humane.

These stars let us into this time of their lives in such a sublimely personal way that by the film's final revelation — a long lost clip of one song's performance —  the audience gasps with excitement — just as its subjects do. The most incredible thing about You Had to Be There is that this film makes you feel like you were there, and these friends are your friends too. 

How to watch: You Had to Be There opens in NY theaters on Sept. 18 and nationwide on Sept. 25.

UPDATE: Sep. 17, 2026, 9:52 a.m. You Had to Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution, Spread Love & Overalls, and Created a Community That Changed the World (in a Canadian Kind of Way) was reviewed out its world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. This review has been republished to toast its theatrical debut.

SAVE $100: As of Sept. 18, the 13-inch MacBook Air M5 is on sale for $1,449 at Amazon. That's a 9% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

MacBook Air M5

$1,449 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $150

 

Get Deal

Apple's newest MacBook Air is on sale at Amazon for a limited time, with $100 off the list price. That's welcome news in the wake of Apple price bumps.

As of Sept. 18, the 13-inch model is down to $1,449 across all four colorways. This is for the 16GB option without AppleCare+, but you can pay extra to include three years of coverage.

This model is one of Apple's best. In fact, the 15-inch model made our list of the best laptops for 2026.

There are many reasons we love this MacBook. The M5-powered Air is designed to handle everything from everyday browsing and office work to more demanding creative tasks. The M5 chip is what makes it so impressive, giving you a faster CPU, unified memory, a Neural Engine, and a GPU with Neural Accelerators for AI workloads. Apple Intelligence is also supported.

The battery life is rated for up to 18 hours, so you're set for working all day away from a power outlet. More than one day, even. And if you take lots of video calls, you'll appreciate the 12MP Center Stage camera, three-microphone setup, and four speakers with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos.

If you've been waiting for a discount on the MacBook Air M5, don't miss out on this deal.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is on sale for $83.44 at Amazon — provided your invite request is accepted.

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box

$83.44 at Amazon

 

Shop Now

The Pokémon TCG’s 30th anniversary expansion finally arrived on Sept. 16, and you can now score the Elite Trainer Box for below market price. Amazon has knocked a few more dollars off its already competitive preorder price, although actually buying something still depends on getting through the retailer’s invite system. 

As of Sept. 18, the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is $83.44 at Amazon. It’s shipped and sold directly by Amazon.

This is essentially a second price drop, since its current list price matches its previous sale price after being reduced from $200+ last week, and it is far lower than its current TCGplayer market price of $168.03.

There is still no guarantee you’ll actually get one, however. Because this is a high-demand item, Amazon requires potential buyers to submit an invitation request via its "request invite" button rather than checking out normally. If you are randomly selected, you’ll then get an email letting you know that you’re now able to buy Pokémon’s 30th Celebration ETB for a limited time (usually 24 hours). Amazon won’t be able to grant every request, but yours will be kept on file for the foreseeable future, so you could receive an invitation after a potential restock. 

Inside the Elite Trainer Box are nine titular Pokémon 30th Celebration boosters, 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. 

If your priority is just getting one of these boxes right now rather than the cheapest deal possible, Pokémon’s 30th Celebration ETBs are readily available to buy right now for $167.94 at TCGplayer — much more expensive than Amazon, but still under market price. If there are any chase cards you’re after from this special anniversary expansion, including the $1,800 Mew ex, single Pokémon 30th Celebration cards are also available to shop at TCGplayer. 

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration expansion has finally launched. A lot of product is already available to buy on Amazon and other top retailers, including the under-market-price deal for the Elite Trainer Box — still sold on Amazon for $83.44 per invite request.

The Pokémon 30th Celebration collection is causing a stir in the trading card game market. We've all been waiting impatiently for this one, and there's now more to buy compared to when Pitch Black and Chaos Rising launched. That's great news for collectors.

This expansion is incredibly special, with not only historic reprints (like the classic Charizard), but also special SIRs, and a rare Pikachu card in every booster pack. It's worth noting that only some products in the range are available to buy right away. Others are being made available later this year. 

With that, we've tracked down every available box, pack, blister, and collection you can immediately buy from the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration. Plus, we've listed what you can already preorder for later in 2026.

Best Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration deal

Opens in a new window

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box

$83.44 at Amazon

 

Shop Now

Why we like it

The 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box officially launched on Sept. 16, but Amazon's $83.44 invite-only offer is still the price to beat. It takes a decent chunk off the market price, provided Amazon approves your request to buy.

Oddly, this is the only product from the 30th Celebration range to be added to Amazon’s high-demand, invite-only system. That may be because the U.S. retailer is testing the waters to gauge the impression it leaves with American customers. This system has been widely used on Amazon UK for the Pokémon TCG.

Amazon’s deal makes this the best place to buy readily available 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Boxes. TCGplayer's lowest current ETB listing is $150 plus $2.25 shipping, while Walmart has the box at $159.95.

Inside are nine 30th Celebration booster packs, a full-art foil Nidorina promo, 16 foil Basic Energy cards, 65 card sleeves, a player's guide, six damage-counter dice, a competition-legal coin-flip die, a plastic coin, a collector's box with dividers, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card.

Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration products you can buy right now 

The ETB isn't the only product launching on Sept. 16. Amazon has several other main collections available, while TCGplayer currently offers several products that aren't as easy to find elsewhere. Prices below are as of Sept. 16:

• Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Pokémon ex Box — four booster packs, one foil Sylveon ex or Greninja ex promo card, and an oversize foil version of the same Pokémon

  TCGplayer — Greninja ex from $67.32; Sylveon ex from $76.82

• Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Poster Collection — three booster packs, foil Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres promos, plus a double-sided poster

  TCGplayer — $43.69

• Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Tech Sticker Collection Lucario — three booster packs, Lucario foil promo card, and tech sticker sheet

  Amazon — $49.99

  TCGplayer — $42.99

• Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Tech Sticker Collection Alolan Exeggutor — three booster packs, Alolan Exeggutor foil promo card, and tech sticker sheet

  Amazon — $49.99

  TCGplayer — $42.99

• Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration 2-Pack Blister — two booster packs, an Eevee foil promo, and a plastic coin 

  TCGplayer — $47.69 

• Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Knock Out Collection — two booster packs, an Eevee foil promo card, and a plastic coin 

  Amazon — $37.99

  TCGplayer — $29.97 

• Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration single booster pack — six foil cards in total, with the set guaranteeing a Pikachu rare in every pack

  TCGplayer — $18.97

Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration products you can preorder

Launch day is only the first part of Pokémon’s 30th Celebration rollout, with more products on the way. Several already have preorder listings live. Amazon doesn't have a matching listing for everything, so TCGplayer and Walmart fill some of the gaps below.

• Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Booster Bundle (early October) — six 30th Celebration booster packs

  Amazon — $136.75

  TCGplayer — $114.94

• Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Mini Tin (Oct. 2) — two booster packs, a sticker sheet, a collectible art card, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card

  Amazon — $71.68

  Walmart — $69.95

  TCGplayer — from $46.25; $354.06 for a 10-tin display, containing one of each design

• Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Binder Collection (early October) — five booster packs and a themed nine-pocket binder

  TCGplayer — $85.75

  Walmart — $136.99

• Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Battle Deck (Oct. 30) — an all-foil 60-card Espeon ex or Umbreon ex deck, damage counters, plastic coin, deck box, double-sided playmat and strategy sheet, and an online code card

  TCGplayer — Umbreon ex for $51.18

  Walmart — Espeon ex for $48.99

• Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Ditto Premium Collection (Nov. 6) — eight booster packs, a Ditto promo card, and an acrylic display for showing off that card or another pull from the set

  Walmart — $248.99

• Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Figure Collection (Nov. 6) — five booster packs, a foil promo and oversize foil card featuring either Mew or Mewtwo, plus a sculpted figure of the same Pokémon

  TCGplayer — Mewtwo for $96.60; Mew for $124.91

  Walmart — Mewtwo for $99.98; Mew for $194.49

• Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Ultra-Premium Collection (Nov. 6) — Pikachu and Espeon ex foil promos, 29 standard 30th Celebration boosters, one Classic Collection booster, a playmat, 65 sleeves, deck box, metal Espeon coin, dice, acrylic card display, and TCG Live code

  TCGplayer — $604.32

  Walmart — $548.99

SAVE $10: Through Sept. 27, you can get your first month of the Fox One streaming service for just $9.99 instead of $19.99 by signing up through Prime Video. That's 50% off the typical monthly rate.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Fox One

Fox One (Prime Video add-on)

$9.99 for 1 months (save 50%)

Get Deal

Navigating the complex world of live sports streaming is both an art and a science. Not only does it require an extensive lineup of streaming services, but it also requires a whole lot of money. For those who don't have an unlimited budget, saving a few bucks where you can is essential. Enter the latest Fox One streaming deal.

Live now through Sept. 27, Prime Video subscribers (Prime members) can add Fox One to their streaming lineup for the month for only $9.99 instead of the typical $19.99. That's 50% or $10 in savings. A Prime Video add-on works the same way as a classic streaming subscription, except that you'll be billed through your Prime account, and you can access Fox One directly through the Prime Video app.

While it's only been around a year, Fox One has quickly become a main pillar in the sports streaming world — particularly for football. It gives cord-cutters live access to Sunday afternoon NFL games on the network, as well as Big Ten college football matchups and plenty of national Fox broadcasts.

After your discounted month of streaming, the price will jump back up, and you'll have to figure out another way to save (I believe in you), but one month will get you access to a surprising number of games. This weekend alone would grant you access to the Texas Tech vs. Houston matchup on Friday night, then Big Noon Kickoff Saturday, followed by Ohio State vs. Kent State, Utah vs. Utah State, and Northwestern vs. Colorado. Sunday, you'll be able to watch the in-network NFL games on Fox (depending on your region).

When you're not watching live sports, Fox One also gives you access to your local Fox station and Fox Entertainment on demand, including movies, TV shows (like MasterChef and The Simpsons), and more. For less than $10, your next month of streaming just got a whole lot more exciting.

There are food celebrations taking place every week. Not so long ago, we had National French Fry Day and National Hot Dog Day. Earlier this week, we had National Guacamole Day. They're not all bangers, but National Cheeseburger Day? This is big.

All the big players are jumping on National Cheeseburger Day. We're seeing limited-time offers and freebies from the likes of Five Guys, McDonald’s, Burger King, and Smashburger. We don't know if you had big plans for this weekend, but you do now. It's time to indulge your passion.

National Cheeseburger Day takes place on Sept. 18. We've lined up our favorite offers to help you make the most of this special occasion.

Applebee’s

Grab a Classic Burger or Classic Cheeseburger with fries for $8.99 (dine-in or to-go).

Bad Daddy's Burger Bar

Get a Jalapeño Business burger with a classic side for $10 (dine-in only).

Big Buns

Get 50% off the Classic Burger with Cheese. This offer is exclusive to members of its Thompson Table Rewards loyalty program.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

On National Cheeseburger Day, get an All American Smash Burger with a choice of personal-size signature Pizookie for only $13.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buy one burger, get a second burger of equal or lesser value free on National Cheeseburger Day.

Burger King

Royal Perks members can claim a free Bacon Cheeseburger with a $3 minimum purchase in the BK app on Sept. 18.

Dairy Queen

Get a free single Original Cheeseburger Stackburger with any $1+ app order running through Sept. 18.

Dog Haus

Get a Cheeseburger with your Dog Haus Rewards account to score a free cheeseburger for a future visit.

Five Guys

Buy any burger and get a second burger for free with the promo code BOGOBURGER in the Five Guys app or on the website.

Early October Prime Day deals

Prime Big Deal Days returns on Oct. 6, but early deals are already live for Prime members:

• Try Audible — 30-day free trial

• Save up to 60% on children's books

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select — $19.99 $39.99 (save $20)

• Anker Soundcore P30i Noise-Cancelling Earbuds — $26.99 $49.99 (save $23)

• Amazon Ember 40-inch 2-Series Fire TV — $209.99 $249.99 (save $40)

Grubhub

Grubhub has canceled delivery and service fees on restaurant orders of $50+ on Sept. 18. You can also score these deals from favorite brands:

• Burger King: Buy one Whopper Jr., get one free on Sept. 18

• Outback: Get 20% off your order of $55+ through Sept. 20

• Wendy’s: Get a free Baconator on orders of $20+ on Sept. 18.

Hardee's

On Sept. 18, members of the My Rewards loyalty program can buy one Famous Star cheeseburger and get one for free.

McDonald’s

Score a free Double Cheeseburger with any $1 minimum in-app purchase for MyMcDonald’s Rewards members on Sept. 18.

Shake Shack

Score a $5 single ShackBurger or single Cheeseburger with any purchase. To qualify, use the code BURGERDAY in the Shack App, on the website, and at in-store kiosks.

Smashburger

Get any single Smash burger for $1 (Classic, Bacon Stack, Truffle Mushroom) when ordering in-app or online as a SmashRewards member.

Sonic

Get a Jr Double Cheeseburger for $1.99 when you order in-store or via the Sonic app on National Cheeseburger Day.

Wendy's

On Sept. 18, Wendy’s Rewards members can add a Dave’s Single Cheeseburger for $1.99 to any order.

Curious about AdultFriendFinder but nervous about what kind of personal information you'll have to provide to a well-known hookup site with a history of data breaches? You're right to be cautious about your data, but we're here to reassure you that you can sign up to AFF with a minimal contribution of personal information. 

Here's the info you'll need to provide to AdultFriendFinder to sign up for both a free and a paid account.

Opens in a new window

Credit: AdultFriendFinder

AdultFriendFinder

 

Learn More

Free accounts

Because free accounts are extremely limited in what they can do on the site, there are very few actual requirements for signing up. At a minimum, you will need to provide AFF with your email address, date of birth, and location, as well as your marital status and sexual orientation. Unlike many other dating sites, which also require a public-facing profile photo, AFF allows you to browse the site anonymously, without having a single photo uploaded to your profile. 

If even this paltry amount of information puts you off, consider that you can use a burner email address and not give away sensitive info, though if you want to earn verified status on AFF in the future, you will need to correct the record to match your government-issued identification. 

Paid accounts

If you decide you enjoy the AdultFriendFinder experience and want to give yourself more freedom on the site to explore and message people, you'll need a premium membership, which means providing even more (and more accurate!) personal information about yourself.

Aside from the credit card number, you'll also need to provide an accurate address, including your country, city, state, and ZIP code. 

If even that data commitment makes you nervous, but you still want to explore the site as a premium member, you can actually bypass having to provide a credit card (and the physical address needed to verify it) if you use one of their alternative payment methods, like a mail-in check, digital gift card, or prepaid debit card. 

Not all of these payment options are available in every country, but if you really prize anonymity and data security, the prepaid account option is the most secure.

If you've spent some time on AdultFriendFinder, you might be interested to know that there's a larger network of sites that share its architecture and design philosophy. These sites are part of the FriendFinder Network, which encompasses a wide variety of sites, from mainstream dating sites to religiously focused dating services and even live cam sites. 

Here are three of the most popular AFF alternatives run by the FriendFinder Network:

ALT

ALT is one of the largest kinksters-only dating sites on the web, with a much greater BDSM influence than even AdultFriendFinder. The user interface and site aesthetics are clearly inspired by AFF, but there's a much greater emphasis on connecting individuals to couples or couples to individuals, and the user base is largely well-schooled in the basics of BDSM. 

If you're looking for a dedicated dom or want to explore the intricacies of Shibari with someone in your area, ALT offers a large number of like-minded daters. Sign up with an open mind, and you're guaranteed to have a good time. 

BigChurch

If you've spent any time on AFF, it may surprise you to learn that one of the other sites under the FriendFinder network umbrella is a Christian dating site, but apart from the aesthetics and user interface, BigChurch has almost nothing in common with its naughty sibling.

As with many other FriendFinder sites, signing up is totally free, and BigChurch has a strong community aspect, with a biblical bent nearly everywhere you look. The homepage serves up not only a Bible verse (Genesis 2:24: "A man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh" — what else!) but also a search bar, so instead of finding partners by shared kinks, you can find someone who shares your passion for Ephesians. 

Cams.com

If you're more of a visual learner and want your dating experience to match, Cams.com is a great alternative to the more common, text-based approach to online dating. As with AFF, free members are somewhat restricted in what they can do on the site, though you can browse webcam feeds. If you upgrade to a paid account, the fun really begins, with HD webcam feeds and the option to tip, private message, or live video chat with other users. 

There's also a very robust search filter, so you can find models of all ages, genders (trans-inclusive!), and ethnicities. One big caveat, though: as with AFF, there are scammers on Cams.com, often using pre-recorded video feeds, so take a second to verify the person you're watching is real before you spend a token on them or send them a message. 

SAVE $26: As of Sept. 18, the Paramount+ discount code p2mcs26prem is still live. Enter it at checkout to get two months of Paramount+ Premium for just $0.99 per month. That's $13 per month in savings.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Paramount+

Paramount+ Premium

$0.99
$13.99 Save $13

*for 2 months* with code p2mcs26prem

Get Deal

Not to brag, but I've now scored six months of ad-free Paramount+ Premium for around $6 total. Yes, that's less than a single month of other streaming services and yes, I'm going to let you in on my secret.

As of Sept. 18, the secret Paramount+ discount code I wrote about last month is still active. There's no telling how long, so I suggest using it to sign up ASAP. New and returning subscribers can secure two months of streaming on Paramount+ Premium for just $0.99 per month by entering the code p2mcs26prem at checkout. That's less than $2 for two full months. Typically $13.99 per month, you'll save $26 total.

Be sure to choose the monthly Premium ad-free plan. Then click on "Have a promo code?" on the checkout page and enter p2mcs26prem. The discount will then automatically apply, knocking the monthly cost down to $0.99.

Paramount+ has become an essential streaming service for sports fans — particularly UFC fans. It's the exclusive home of UFC's marquee events, as well as 30 Fight Nights, including the historic championship rematch between Van and Pantoja this weekend (Sept. 19 at 9 p.m. ET). It's also where NFL fans without cable can watch live local AFC games on Sundays.

It has a lot more than just sports, though. It's also the home of your local CBS Network live, the entirety of Showtime's catalog (Yellowjackets, Dexter, etc.), Paramount Pictures theatrical releases (Scream 7, Passenger, etc.), nostalgic Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and MTV shows, and of course, Paramount+ Originals like Criminal Minds: Evolution, Dutton Ranch, and Golden Axe.

Remember to cancel before the two-month promo period is up, or the price will jump back up to $13.99 per month. Pro tip: If the code is still live after your two months end, you can sign up for another two months at 99 cents a pop.

TL;DR: The new Apple iPhone 18 Pro is available for free with T-Mobile. To claim, switch and bring your number or trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Apple

T-Mobile: Free Apple iPhone 18 Pro

 

Get Deal

We've been blessed by a number of major smartphone drops in recent months. We got a new Motorola Razr lineup, new Google Pixels, and foldable phones from Samsung. But all of that feels sort of insignificant now, because Apple has taken over the news cycle.

After months of speculation, rumors, and leaks, Apple finally announced new iPhones, Apple Watches, AirPods, and more. If you're interested in investing in the latest iPhones, T-Mobile is the place to be.

The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is available for free right now with T-Mobile. There are two ways to take advantage of this limited-time deal:

• Switch and bring your existing phone number on an Experience Beyond plan

• Trade in a qualifying phone (in any condition) on an Experience Beyond plan

The full savings are distributed as monthly credits over a 36-month payment plan. As long as you intend to stay locked into T-Mobile’s top data tier for three years, it's easily one of the best ways to score Apple's premier hardware without a major hit to your budget.

T-Mobile does require you to pay local sales tax on the phone's full retail value upfront, plus a standard $35 device connection fee per line at checkout. That's a minor inconvenience to score the latest iPhone without a huge upfront cost.

Score the iPhone 18 Pro for free from T-Mobile.

While there's still been plenty of world-hopping, Dark Matter Season 2 has added an element of psychological family drama to its sci-fi mix.

In short, the Dessens are struggling. And while the family of three have tried their best to settle into something resembling a normal life, episode 4 suggests that dream is still a long way off.

So, what happens, and why does Daniela (Jennifer Connelly) leave at the very end? We've unpacked it below.

What happens at the end of Dark Matter Season 2, episode 4?

After sending Charlie (Oakes Fegley) off to college in a version of Chicago where technology is a long way behind that of "our" world, Jason (Joel Edgerton) and Daniela sit in their suddenly too-quiet apartment drinking tea. But it's not long before Daniela starts to share something that's troubling her.

"We're not the people we used to be," she says. "I guess it was crazy to think that we could be. I think you feel it too. It's... something's wrong with me."

Jason asks her what's going on, and Daniela alludes to the hallucinations she's been having ever since they came to this version of Chicago.

"It's like I'm being followed," she says. "And I keep thinking I see these versions of you. But... it's something else. I'm scared of things that I see in you. But I don't know what to do with what I've done."

When Jason asks what he can do, Daniela says there's nothing.

"I think I need to go away," she finishes.

The episode ends with her leaving — going where, exactly, we don't know — while reassuring Jason that they'll always be each other's person.

Why does Daniela leave?

It seems pretty clear at this point that most of the characters who've used the Box to travel to other versions of reality are suffering varying degrees of psychological damage as a result. Amanda (Alice Braga) has already confessed to Ryan (Jimmi Simpson) that she's experiencing a form of PTSD from her time travelling between realities with Jason in Season 1. And given that she herself is a psychiatrist, it seems likely that her diagnosis is correct.

Daniela, meanwhile, has not just travelled between realities; back in Season 2, episode 1, she even had to kill another version of her husband, who'd tracked the family to the world they were living in and who may have posed a threat. If travelling between worlds can give you PTSD, what does killing someone who looks exactly like your husband — who essentially is your husband — do to your mental health?

Probably not great things, as is evidenced by Daniela's increasing paranoia in Season 2. It's also complicated by the fact that she lives with a constant reminder of the person she shot dead. All of which is to say, Daniela's decision to leave the Dessen household in order to try to get better actually makes quite a lot of sense.

Will she be gone for ever? Almost certainly not. What she says to Jason before she leaves makes that clear enough. But perhaps she'll go on her own journey for a few episodes in an attempt to seek help, and to heal from the many traumas she's suffered.

Dark Matter Season 2 is streaming on Apple TV, with new episodes dropping every Friday.

We're now at the First Quarter Moon, when roughly half of the lunar surface visible from Earth is illuminated. The Moon will continue to get more illuminated each night until we reach the Full Moon.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Friday, Sept. 18, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the First Quarter phase, with 45% of its surface visible.

You should be able to spot Mare Crisium, Mare Serenitatis, and Mare Fecunditatis with the naked eye. If you have binoculars, they'll also help you see the Endymion Crater, Posidonius Crater, and the Mare Nectaris. Finally, if you have access to a telescope, you'll see the Apollo 11 and 17 landing spots, and the Rupes Altai.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on September 26.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon doesn't look the same from night to night. As it travels around Earth, which takes about 29.5 days, we see different portions of its illuminated side. This is what creates the lunar phases, with the Moon gradually progressing from a thin crescent to a half Moon and then a Full Moon before the cycle starts over. According to NASA, the phase we see is determined by the Moon's position relative to both 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.

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.

Pillow meaning

A cushion designed for aesthetics or resting.

Cruise meaning

A leisurely trip taken via watercraft.

Upper meaning

The higher part of something.

Step meaning

A part of a journey.

Flight meaning

When a plane or jet travels from one place to another.

Stair meaning

Steps used to ascend or descend.

Platter meaning

A tray used for serving food.

Landing meaning

An area at the top or bottom of a flight of steps.

Round meaning

A circular shape.

Stage meaning

A place where performances are held.

Takeoff meaning

When an aircraft leaves the ground.

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.

Medley meaning

A combination of things, often related to music.

Brief meaning

A short amount of time.

Boarding meaning

To enter a plane, train, or boat.

Sampler meaning

Small amounts of items for testing or variety.

Phase meaning

A part of a process.

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 today's Connections.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you like to travel.

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.

What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Parts

• Green: Refreshments

• Blue: Travel-related

• Purple: Same second word

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.

Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Segment of a process

• Green: Assortments of food/drink

• Blue: Parts of a flight

• Purple: Same second word

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 #1195 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Segment of a process: PHASE, ROUND, STAGE, STEP

• Assortments of food/drink: FLIGHT, MEDLEY, PLATTER, SAMPLER

• Parts of a flight: BOARDING, CRUISE, LANDING, TAKEOFF

• __ case: BRIEF, PILLOW, STAIR, UPPER

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

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 today's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints will be easy if you're good at finding common ground.

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.

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Shake on it

The words are related to decisions.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe arrangements.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

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.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Let's Make a Deal.

NYT Strands word list for September 18

• Pact

• Contract

• Agreement

• Let's Make a Deal

• Covenant

• Treaty

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're ready for cooler weather.

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.

Where did Wordle come from?

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.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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.

Is Wordle getting harder?

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.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Describing a weather condition.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

No letters appear twice.

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.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

The Wordle answer today is...

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...

SNOWY

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.

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 today's Wordle.

TL;DR: Create children’s books in minutes with this IllustratorMagic Pro Plan lifetime subscription, on sale now for just $39.99 (reg. $499).

Opens in a new window

Credit: IllustratorMagic

lllustratorMagic Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription

$39.99
$499 Save $459.01

 

Get Deal

AI has opened up a whole new world of side hustles. Want to become a children’s book author? Thanks to AI, that’s now easier than ever — just supply the ideas and let IllustratorMagic handle the rest. This powerful tool turns your concepts into fully illustrated children’s books.

Right now, you can secure a lifetime subscription to the IllustratorMagic Pro Plan for only $39.99.

Have a great idea for a kids’ book but no idea where to start? IllustratorMagic makes the process a breeze, letting you create storybooks, comic books, or even coloring books in no time.

With IllustratorMagic, the power of AI turns your concept into a publish-ready output. It helps generate your story, the illustrations for every page, and even the layout. Once you’re done, you can export it in the size that works best for your project — for ebooks, self-publishing platforms, and more.

You don’t have to worry about your projects sounding like they were written by a robot filled with stock characters. You can create the characters from scratch, or base them on real-life children that you know to create a great personalized gift or custom publishing project. They will be consistent throughout the book, unlike many generic AI image tools that don’t recreate characters the same way.

You can use IllustratorMagic in any browser, so it works anywhere with an internet connection. When you receive your finished project, you also have full commercial rights, so you can use it wherever and however you would like.

Your lifetime subscription to the Pro Plan gives you access to create up to 20 books per month and up to 1,000 books total. It also includes all future updates as they roll out.

Snag this IllustratorMagic Pro Plan lifetime subscription, on sale now for just $39.99 (reg. $499).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more with no monthly fee, only $29.97.

Opens in a new window

Credit: Microsoft

Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License

$29.97
$219.99 Save $190.02

 

Get Deal

Paying a monthly subscription for apps only really makes sense if you’re doing it for a short time. For apps like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint that you end up using indefinitely, buying them outright is a much smarter, way cheaper option over time. That’s why more people are canceling Microsoft 365 and moving back to Microsoft Office.

A lifetime license for Microsoft Office Pro is only $29.97 (reg. $219.99).

This version of Microsoft Office comes with

• Word

• Excel

• PowerPoint

• Outlook

• Teams (free version)

• OneNote

• Publisher

• Access

We know what you’re thinking, but rest assured, this isn’t some stripped-down lite version either. It’s the real deal. Whether you’re writing reports, crunching numbers, building presentations, managing emails, or wrangling databases, the lifetime version of Microsoft Office has you covered.

It’s a one-time download for one Windows PC, so once it’s yours, it’s yours. The full pro-level toolkit, minus the stress of a subscription. Plus, with instant license delivery and free customer support, getting started is as painless as your new spreadsheet workflow.

No more “trial expired” pop-ups. No more surprise charges. Just the latest versions of Microsoft’s best apps, ready to support all of your work and personal needs.

You don’t need to pay a monthly fee to get basic apps anymore. It’s only $29.97 to get a Microsoft Office Lifetime License.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

In the weeks before the 2026 midterm elections, adult performers are reminding you that it's "Hot2Vote."

Hot2Vote is a $100,000 ad campaign, made by over 100 adult creators, urging Georgia voters to "check their status" (voter registration) following a purge of over 470,000 names from the state's voter rolls last year.

The campaign includes SFW videos by entertainers like Cherie DeVille and King Noire. Also included in the campaign are pinup-style PSA posters that will be displayed in Atlanta's nightclub districts, digital ads geofenced to Atlanta nightclubs, and digital and pre-roll ads on adult sites that are matched to Atlanta voters.

Performers will also distribute posters and QR codes linking to Hot2Vote's website on the ground in Atlanta so people can check their registration in real-time.

"Over the next few weeks, my team and I will be out hitting the clubs around Atlanta and connecting with our community to make sure everyone checks their voter registration status," said Hazel Grace, an Atlanta-based performer and owner of production company InMelanin, in a press release shared with Mashable.

These ads are designed to reach people who aren't engaged in traditional political ads, and are estimated to reach between 400,000 and 450,000 people (mostly men) in the metropolitan Atlanta area, according to the press release.

Hot2Vote is reminiscent of the 2024 Hands Off My Porn campaign, which sought to raise awareness about Project 2025 (the conservative blueprint for Donald Trump's second presidential campaign).

It comes at a time of other sex worker advocacy, as well. In the UK, the web series Headline Newds spreads the word about climate change with popular porn performers.

The Hot2Vote ad campaign runs through Oct. 4, a day before Georgia's voter registration deadline ahead of the November elections.

If VidCon has always meant a summer trip to Anaheim, it’s time to rethink your plans. The creator convention is leaving Southern California for the foreseeable future. Instead of its usual format, organizer LIONS (which runs the Cannes Lions advertising festival) is bringing it to Nashville next fall under a new name: VidCon x LIONS Creators.

It’ll be part of a larger marketing festival called Insight to Impact, launching in Denver in October 2026 before moving to Nashville in 2027. VidCon won’t be at the Denver debut, but it will appear at the annual Cannes Lions advertising festival in France in June 2027. LIONS also says in a release that the more recognizable fan-focused part of VidCon is planned for its Nashville apperance — not Cannes.

That leaves the biggest question for longtime attendees unanswered: what will the Nashville experience actually be like? LIONS says it will share details about the format and programming later this year.

It’s a significant move for an event with deep roots in Anaheim. Founded by YouTubers Hank and John Green in 2010, VidCon first came to the city in 2012. What began as a gathering of YouTube creators and their viewers grew into an event with separate passes and programming for fans, emerging creators, and industry professionals.

The creator world grew with it. Today, creators build audiences across TikTok, Twitch, Instagram, and podcasts, often turning their work into careers and businesses. At VidCon 2026, Mashable spoke with Jessica McCabe about turning her experience with ADHD into a trusted resource, engineer-turned-comedy creator Alberta Tech about explaining technology online, and the creators behind Tubby Nugget about turning a doodle into a brand. Fans, meanwhile, came to see the people they knew from their screens. VidCon brought those groups together in one place.

That mix helps explain the partnership with LIONS Creators. Launched in 2023, the program takes place during the Cannes Lions advertising festival each June. This year’s program ran from June 22 to 26, with talks, workshops, and opportunities for creators to meet brand representatives, agencies, and platform leaders. Its focus on the business of being a creator is already a familiar part of VidCon.

VidCon and LIONS share a parent company, Informa, which acquired VidCon from Paramount in 2024. LIONS Creators will return to Cannes Lions in June 2027, and VidCon will have a presence there. The combined VidCon x LIONS Creators event will debut in Nashville later that fall.

After so many summers in Anaheim, VidCon regulars know when and where they’re headed next. What they’ll find when they get there is still taking shape.