Mashable

Nothing Ear (3a) earbuds hit record-low price in Amazons Labor Day sale — save $20

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 11:07:53 +0000

SAVE $20: As of Sept. 3, the Nothing Ear (3a) earbuds are down to their lowest-ever price of $79 at Amazon. That's $20 off their full price of $99.

Credit: Nothing

Nothing Ear (3a)

$79 at Amazon
$99 Save $20

If a new pair of earbuds is on your shopping list, you don't have to wait until Black Friday to score a good deal. Labor Day sales are live across various retailers and offer solid savings to browse. Over at Amazon, the newly released Nothing Ear (3a) is a standout option, sitting at their best-ever price.

As of Sept. 3, these earbuds have had $20 slashed off their $99 full price, bringing them down to $79. According to price tracking website camelcamelcamel, this is the lowest price point yet for these earbuds, making now an excellent time to scoop them up. All colors are on sale as well, so you can find your favorite at a discount.

The Nothing Ear (3a) earbuds provide up to 45dB of Active Noise Cancellation, so outside noises won't interrupt what you're listening to. On the opposite end of that, they also have a Transparency Mode that can make you more aware of your surroundings if you'd rather not be closed off while out and about.

When it comes to sound quality, it comes through strong thanks to a 12mm driver that's larger than what the Ear(a) offers. These earbuds also feature Clear Voice Technology, which is helpful on calls. Plus, it has a very beefy battery life, lasting up to 42 hours with the charging case.

This deal may not stick around for long, so don't miss out on this great offer on the Nothing Ear (3a) 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.

Chicken Shop Date creator Amelia Dimoldenberg announces shows final season

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 11:03:33 +0000

Chicken Shop Date is coming to an end.

The viral YouTube series created and hosted by Amelia Dimoldenberg will have one more season before wrapping up, the creator and Mash 101 alumni announced on Thursday.

Dimoldenberg took to Instagram to share the news in a statement, saying she feels it's "now time to move on from this adventure and onto a new one."

Here's her statement, in full:

Originally starting as a column, Chicken Shop Date launched in its current YouTube form back in 2014. It's since become an online staple up there with the likes of Hot Ones, with new episodes typically getting millions of views.

It will be missed by many — but it sounds like Dimoldenberg, who last year launched an F1-themed web series, has other things up her sleeve. Earlier this year it was announced that Dimoldenberg would star in and produce a romantic comedy about a journalist who interviews celebrities for Amazon MGM Studios’ Orion Pictures.

DJI launches Osmo 360 II, but the U.S. wont get it

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 11:00:01 +0000

DJI has launched the Osmo 360 II, its new 360-degree 8K camera, in the global market. With larger sensors, higher frame rates, and replaceable lenses, it seems primed to go head-to-head with Insta360's recently released X6. However, people in the U.S. will have a harder time getting their hands on it than the rest of the world.

Announced on Thursday at IFA 2026, the DJI Osmo 360 II improves upon last year's Osmo 360 with larger dual 1-inch square sensors that offer 14.5 stops of dynamic range. It also boasts higher frame rates, capable of shooting 8K panoramic video at a maximum of 60fps, as well as 4K slow motion footage at 240fps. In comparison, the Osmo 360 tops out at 8K at 50fps, or 4K at 100fps in slow motion mode.

One of the Osmo 360 II's more interesting upgrades is the introduction of replaceable lenses. Insta360 made the lenses of their X5 camera swappable last year, allowing users to easily replace them if they are damaged, and further upgraded this feature in the X6 last month. Now DJI is bringing out its own swappable 360-degree lens system, reducing Insta360's advantage and helping to make any lens-damaging accidents a bit less disastrous (or expensive).

Pairing the Osmo 360 II with the DJI Mimo app and transferring footage has been simplified as well. Rather than having to search for the Osmo 360 II in the DJI Mimo app, you can just tap its new NFC area to your phone, which should make users' workflow slightly smoother.

DJI's Osmo 360 II also has a few changes on the software side. The camera will debut AI SuperNight 2.0, a new noise reduction algorithm designed to help capture clean footage in low light situations. The Osmo 360 II features Spotlight Follow too, bringing this tracking tool to DJI's 360-degree cameras for the first time. Previously found in the Osmo Pocket handheld gimbal camera series, Spotlight Follow uses AI to automatically reframe your footage, following your subject to keep them in the centre of the frame at all times (though it will only work with 4K 30fps footage at maximum).

Aside from these upgrades, the DJI Osmo 360 II has identical measurements to its predecessor, the same 100-minute battery runtime at 8K 30fps, and the same 105GB of built-in storage available (which can also be supplemented with microSD cards).

Credit: DJI

Unfortunately, the Osmo 360 II won't officially be available in the U.S. for the foreseeable future. The U.S. government's hostility toward DJI has significantly hindered the company's operations in the country, resulting in its products now being unavailable for purchase through its U.S. website. As such, acquiring an Osmo 360 II in the U.S. will require going through a third party.

For everyone else, the DJI Osmo 360 II will be available in most other markets across the world from Sept. 15. No U.S. pricing has been announced, however the Osmo 360 II is already available in Hong Kong, where its Standard Combo will set you back $HK3,899 (approximately $500).

Every Product Acer Announced at IFA 2026 in 14 Minutes

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 10:19:35 +0000

Acer came to IFA 2026 with a stacked product lineup, including the much talked about Project Dualplay Mini, a handheld gaming device with a rotatable screen. See what else Acer showed in our highlight reel of the keynote.

I get so upset and frustrated: What dating is like on a GLP-1

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 10:14:18 +0000

GLP-1s are inescapable online, as Mashable reported, including extensive discussions about them. The latest topic of conversation to hit your FYPs may be about being single and dating while taking the drug.

"Dating after weight loss sucks," said Katherine Lipovsky on social media, where she posts videos about life after losing 300 pounds with the help of a GLP-1. In this particular video posted in Aug., she went on to say she was insanely jealous of people who've had partners who have loved them in all sizes, because she'll never know if her future partner would've stood by her.

Lipovsky, who's 41 and has been on a GLP-1 for several years, expressed similar emotions to Mashable.

"Until last summer, it was impossible for me to find a man who didn't want to keep me a secret," she said in a phone interview. That's the biggest difference that she's seen since losing weight. It wasn't that men didn't desire her, or weren't physically or emotionally attracted to her.

"It was that they didn't want to be seen with me," she said. "It's literally that they were embarrassed to like me, and that was just really made me feel like shit."

Now, she's navigating the mindfield of post-weight-loss dating and wondering whether her dates would've accepted her before.

Societal bias against fat people is well-documented. Weight discrimination is linked to poorer physical and mental health, worse healthcare, and being turned down for jobs. The bias persists in the dating world. A 2022 article in the journal Stigma and Health on dating and hiring preferences found that there was a stronger weight bias amongst heterosexual participants and gay men, but less so in lesbians and bisexual women.

Lipovsky is one of many people who've experienced this stigma and are now learning to live life in a smaller body while taking GLP-1s. As she and others Mashable spoke to, it's changed every facet of their lives, especially dating.

Dating with 'skinny privilege'

Alejandra, a woman in her 20s who withheld her last name for privacy reasons, started posting about how GLP-1 use is impacting her dating life because she didn't find much about it online herself.

She has PCOS (now called PMOS) and has been on a GLP-1 for almost three years. Dating while on the drug is a fairly new topic, she told Mashable over the phone, and it's changed for her in so many ways. Like Lipovsky, she wonders if the men she dates like her for her.

"I may come off as more confident now that I am at [my] goal weight," she said, "but at the same time, that does bring a lot of insecurities in relationships because I get in my head about, 'Do they like me now because of the way I look or do they like me for me?'"

That's a question she'll never know the answer to, she said, because they didn't meet her before she lost weight.

Both Alejandra and Lipovsky also said they get a lot more attention from men now that they've lost weight.

"Now, I'm living and experiencing what dating is like, or should be like, and being treated with default kindness and respect by people, which is wild," Lipovsky said. "I don't know that I'll ever get used to it."

Lipovsky said she now has "skinny privilege," which has come along with better treatment from people: Men open doors for her and carry her luggage, for instance. She gets compliments, which didn't happen before.

"I feel like I was just as valuable and deserving of respect and kindness, no matter what my size was," she said. "But it's impossible to not see it happening with my own eyes."

Still, that doesn't mean finding a partner has been any easier.

"When you're fat, you think, 'If I could just be skinny, my life would be perfect. Everything will be perfect if I'm skinny,' and you blame everything on being fat," she explained. "That's how it was for me, and that's not how it is at all. Life is still very hard. Things are not perfect."

"Men don't suddenly become knights in shining armor when you're thin," she continued.

Lipovsky uses dating apps (though she finds them overwhelming), and also goes "manhunting" with her best friend, which she describes as "practice flirting."

"I'm like a baby deer interacting with men because I always was the fat, funny friend," she said.

Alejandra also uses dating apps and has started going out to bars this year. A point of vexation when dating is other people's opinions on GLP-1s.

Misconceptions of GLP-1 use

"I get so upset and frustrated in the dating world," Alejandra said in terms of the negative associations with GLP-1 use. On first dates, she doesn't purposefully disclose that she uses one because people make assumptions about those who take it.

"My thought process now is like, 'If they can just get to know me first, and then this conversation comes up after the fact, and there's opportunities to educate, then maybe it won't immediately affect their opinion on me or about me,'" she said.

Some of her TikTok videos address this frustration. "There are so [many] men who have a problem with this, that the next time I go out to bars, to clubs, whatever, I'm just gonna…wear a sign that says, 'Warning, I'm on a [GLP-1]," she said in a video posted in April. "And I think that that will keep the men away."

"Dating on 'the glip' never gets easier," she lamented in one posted in May.

She told Mashable that she sometimes wants to put something about being on a GLP-1 on her dating profile, which she hasn't done because it's "terrifying." But having a problem with GLP-1 use is a huge red flag for her.

"GLP-1s, especially with having PCOS, will forever be part of my life. That's not going away, and I could never be with a partner who doesn't agree with it or has terrible things to say about it, because that tells me everything I need to know about them and their lack of support that I'd receive continuing on this medication," she said.

She doesn't shy away from correcting men she's on dates with. She told Mashable about a time she was on a date with a man who said his roommate was on a GLP-1 and called them "lazy". "Of course, I can't stay quiet," she said. She corrected him and said she was on a GLP-1, and not because she's lazy.

Another date of Alejandra's on retatrutide (which isn't approved by the FDA) called it a "shortcut."

"I did have to stop him in his tracks," she said. "I was like, 'It's not a shortcut. At least it wasn't a shortcut for me.' And then that opened up the conversation of PCOS and why I specifically had to rely on the medication to lose weight." She said he was open to learning more and understanding her experience.

She's also now hesitant to share her social media with someone she's dating because of her content. What she shares online is very vulnerable, she said, and sometimes she even thinks about deleting her account.

"But every time I think about deleting it, getting rid of it, starting fresh, forgetting about that past version of me, I just think about that one person who needs to see what I'm posting about so that they can relate and know that they're not alone. And that's just honestly what keeps me from deleting it all," she said.

Most of the videos Mashable observed on Instagram and TikTok about dating on a GLP-1 were posted by women dating men, though some were by men dating women. Mashable reached out to several of these men, but none of them responded.

Comedian Jared Freid, however, shared about his experience on a June 2026 episode of the podcast he co-hosts, U Up? (Freid didn't respond to a request for a Mashable interview.)

When responding to a question about whether a listener should disclose whether they're on a GLP-1, he said, "I can relate to the shame," and that it's vulnerable to mention any medication you're on. But he thinks of it as a lifestyle medication, not a "vanity medication," though vanity is a part of it.

"The vanity element of [GLP-1s] has been overplayed," he said. "It's a daychanger for me, being able to live a life without food on my mind," he continued.

GLP-1 and the dreaded dinner date

GLP-1s curb appetite, and there are many memes out there about how little some people on the medication eat. Some people on GLP-1s also reduce drinking as alcohol makes them feel uncomfortable or nauseous, or they just stop wanting it. When a typical first date is dinner or cocktails, that can make meeting someone new harder.

Alejandra said that when she was in the middle of her weight loss and going up on higher doses, it would be awkward if she were out on a dinner date and could only take a few bites. "I didn't want them to think that I didn't like the food or that I wasn't hungry, and so sometimes by default, it comes up, like, 'I don't have like a huge appetite right now because I'm on this medication.'"

But at this point, she avoids the conversation on a first date.

Lipovsky said she likes to go out for coffee and a croissant on a first date, so she doesn't have to bring it up, either. But if she's out on a dinner date, she'll say she's on a GLP-1, and she's down to split something. She'll joke that she's a cheap date, because she doesn't drink alcohol, either, mostly because of the medication.

On disclosing GLP-1 use, Alejandra said she doesn't have all the right answers. But disclosing any medication use is one's choice and should only be done when someone is comfortable doing so.

Neither Lipovsky nor Alejandra plans on stopping GLP-1s. Alejandra hopes that the more people open up and share their experiences, the more it can help everyone else, including herself, as she's still in the dating scene.

"Hopefully other people can relate as well," she said.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 3, 2026

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 10:02:28 +0000

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're good with numbers.

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.

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.

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: Quickly
Green: Scarlet
Blue: Kid wheels
Purple: Found in Excel

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

Yellow: Two shakes of a lamb's tail
Green: Shades of red
Blue: Toy car brands
Purple: Spreadsheet functions

Play our Big Guessing Game: Make your predictions now for a chance to win a new Apple Watch. Time's running out!

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 #1177 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

Two shakes of a lamb's tail: BLINK, FLASH, HEARTBEAT, TRICE
Shades of red: CARMINE, CINNABAR, MAROON, VERMILLION
Toy car brands: HOT WHEELS, MATCHBOX, MICRO MACHINES, TONKA
Spreadsheet functions: AVERAGE, COUNT, MAX, SUM

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.

NYT Strands hints, answers for September 3, 2026

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 10:02:21 +0000

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're a sports fanatic.

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: Hike!

The words are related to an American sport.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe a fall sport.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Come to Light.

NYT Strands word list for September 3

Tackle
Stadium
Upright
Football
Pass
Kick
Rush
Play
Down

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.

Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 3, 2026

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 10:02:15 +0000

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

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:

A supporting beam.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter J.

Play our Big Guessing Game: Make your predictions now for a chance to win a new Apple Watch. Time's running out!

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...

JOIST

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.

Crocs and Touchland teamed up again to turn your hand sanitizer into a bag charm

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 09:34:12 +0000

TL;DR: The Crocs x Touchland Jet Black Hand Mist Case ($22) is back for round two, complete with five gold-tone Jibbitz charms and a metal keyring. It's now available in-store and online at Sephora.

Credit: Crocs / Touchland

Crocs x Touchland Jet Black Hand Mist Case

$22 at Sephora

If you were one of the many people who missed out on Touchland and Crocs' first hand sanitizer case collab (it sold out, naturally), you're getting a second shot. The two brands are back together with a new Jet Black case, and it might be even more fun than the first.

Here's the deal: Touchland makes hand sanitizer mists that come in a small, travel-friendly bottle, and Crocs makes, well, Crocs — and tiny charms you stick in the holes, called Jibbitz. Put them together, and you get a sleek black case that holds your Touchland mist, clips onto basically anything with its built-in metal keyring, and comes decked out with five gold-tone Jibbitz charms you can rearrange however you want.

Credit: Crocs / Touchland

The case is finished in Jet Black, so it goes with pretty much any outfit, and since the charms pop in and out, you can switch up the look whenever you're bored or just want to match your mood. It's compatible with any Touchland Hydrating Hand Sanitizer in the 1 FL. OZ. (30mL) size, so if you've already got a mist you love, this just gives it somewhere stylish to live.

The case is made from 100% thermoplastic (EVA), so it can handle being tossed in a bag or clipped to your belt loop without falling apart, and cleanup is as simple as wiping it down with a warm washcloth.

The Crocs x Touchland Jet Black Hand Mist Case is available now for $22, both in stores and online at Sephora.

Rare Labor Day deal: Score $100 off the Sonos Era 300 smart speaker at Amazon

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 09:24:26 +0000

SAVE $100: As of Sept. 3, the Sonos Era 300 smart speaker is on sale for $379 in Amazon's Labor Day sale. That's $100 off its full price of $479.

Credit: Sonos

Sonos Era 300

$379 at Amazon
$479 Save $100

Labor Day deals, particularly on Amazon, are going strong, with some excellent offers popping up ahead of the long weekend. Sonos speaker deals are among the many that have caught our eye, with the Sonos Era 300 getting a $100 price cut.

As of Sept. 3, shoppers can snag this sleek wireless smart speaker (in either black or white) for $379, down from its full price of $479. Its lowest-ever price is $359, but this deal price is just $20 away from that mark.

From music to movies and more, the Sonos Era 300 can give your sound system a boost to enjoy crisp, high-quality audio. It features six drivers positioned around the front, sides, and top to support Dolby Atmos Music, helping you feel immersed in sound as you listen. Plus, paired with a Sonos soundbar, you can create a surround sound setup with this speaker.

Mashable's Stan Schroeder was blown away by the Sonos Era 300, writing in his review that it "sounds absolutely amazing for the price."

The Sonos Era 300 currently has a "limited time deal" tag, so the clock is ticking to save. Act fast to grab it 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.

Sonys Labor Day sale is live: Rare deals on headphones, TVs, speakers, and more

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 09:18:44 +0000

The best Sony Labor Day deals:

Best headphones deal

Sony XM5

$198 (save $201.99)

Best TV deal

Sony 100-inch Bravia 3

$1998 (save $1101.99)

Best speaker deal

Sony ULT Field 3

$138 (save $71.99)

Sony is making a splash ahead of Labor Day, with discounts across headphones, TVs, speakers, and other tech at Amazon. If you've had your eye on a pair of noise-canceling headphones or a party speaker, now is a great time to treat yourself.

Sony SRS-XB100 — $43 ~~$64.99~~ (save $21.99)
Sony SS-CSEM2 Dolby Atmos Enabled Upfiring Height Speakers — $198 ~~$279.99~~ (save $81.99)
Sony Bravia Theater Bar 5 — $278 ~~$349.99~~ (save $71.99)
Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 — $498 ~~$699.99~~ (save $201.99)

Power stations are up to 50% off in Jackerys massive Labor Day sale

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 09:10:13 +0000

The best deals in Jackery's Labor Day sale:

Best entry-level home backup

Jackery HomePower 2000 Plus v2

$1,649 (save $190)

Best for all-around home backup

Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus + SolarSaga 500 X

$2,459 (save $270)

Best for heavy-duty appliances

Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus

$3,149 (save $350)

Power outages have a nasty habit of showing up when you least want them to — during a storm, in the middle of the night, or right when you’re working from home. If a home backup battery has been sitting on your “I should probably get one” list, Jackery’s Labor Day sale is a good excuse to finally invest.

Explorer 5000 Plus + SolarSaga 500 X x 2 — $4,639 ~~$5,159~~ (save $520)
Explorer 5000 Plus + SolarSaga 500 X x 2 + Smart Transfer Switch — $5,479 ~~$6,089~~ (save $610)
Explorer 5000 Plus (10kWh) + SolarSaga 500 X x 2 + Smart Transfer Switch — $7,909 ~~$8,789~~ (save $880)
Home Backup Kit 5000 Plus (20kWh) — $12,139 ~~$13,489~~ (save $1,350)

What one tiny signal can and cant tell us about dark matter

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Scientists running an underground detector in South Dakota say they have seen a mysterious tiny burst of energy that does not look like normal background noise.

The experiment, called LUX‑ZEPLIN, recorded a signal that stood out as a potential dark matter particle striking an atom in a tank, which is filled with ultra‑pure liquid xenon. Months of checking have not turned up another cause.

Scientists say this single event is their best hint of dark matter so far, but it's still just a maybe. Their math suggests a one‑in‑200 chance that known sources of interference could have produced it, so they can't call it a discovery.

"We are not claiming to have seen dark matter," said Rick Gaitskell, a professor at Brown University and the spokesperson for the experiment. "But we have seen something interesting that we want to share with the scientific community for their input.”

Here's what you need to know about this intriguing scientific result.

What is dark matter?

Dark matter is invisible stuff in space that has weight. It does not shine, glow, or block light, so telescopes can't see it directly. Scientists know it's there because of how it pulls on things. Stars in galaxies move as if much more mass surrounds them. Galaxy clusters bend light in ways that also show extra mass. All of this tells scientists that some other kind of material fills space. They call it dark matter, but they still don't know what kind of particle it is.

What is the LUX‑ZEPLIN detector?

The detector, LZ for short, is a large, quiet particle instrument buried a mile underground. Thick rock above the lab blocks most of the cosmic rays that hit Earth from space. Over 11 tons of liquid xenon sit in a sealed tank because it is a heavy, clear liquid when it is very cold. When a particle hits a xenon atom, it can give off a tiny flash of light and release a few electrons. Instruments around the tank record those signals and let scientists figure out where the hit happened and how strong it was.

The LUX-ZEPLIN detector sits almost a mile below ground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, South Dakota. Credit: Matthew Kapust / Sanford Underground Research Facility

What exactly did scientists observe?

When the team went through 220 days of data collected between March 2023 and April 2024, they found one event in a key energy range that did not blend in with the rest. Something in the xenon left a small, sharp signal with the size and shape they expect from a dark matter hit. When they compared it with signals from known sources, such as trace radioactivity or stray particles from outside the tank, those explanations didn't fit as well.

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What kind of dark matter are they looking for?

LZ mainly looks for a type of particle called a WIMP: a weakly interacting massive particle. A WIMP would be heavy compared to many known particles, and it would almost never touch normal matter. One could pass through a wall, a planet, or a human body without a trace. If WIMPs make up dark matter, then once in a great while one might bump into a xenon atom in the tank. That bump would create the kind of clear, tiny signal the detector is built to see.

How strong is the evidence?

The evidence isn't very strong. The team estimates there is about a 0.5 percent chance that normal noise in the detector could have created this event by accident. That chance is low, but in particle physics, it is nowhere near low enough to be considered irrefutable. For that, scientists like to see many more events that follow the same pattern and make the odds of a fluke drop to almost zilch. So this result isn't yet proof that they have found dark matter.

Why does one event matter at all?

If dark matter particles almost never hit normal matter, then even a few real hits over many years would be a big deal. Members of the research team say this is the first time they have seen a clear outlier that still looks valid after tests. That makes this single event stand out.

What would it mean if this signal were confirmed?

If dark matter caused this hit, then the particle would likely be quite heavy — over 200 times the mass of a proton — which is one of the particles in the center of atoms. That would narrow the range of possible masses for dark matter. It would also hint that dark matter interacts with normal matter in a more complex way.

Scientists estimate that visible matter makes up only 5 percent of the universe. Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center infographic

What happens next?

The team will keep collecting more data over the next few years. They may see more events that look like this one, in the same part of the detector's data. If that happens, the case for dark matter will grow stronger. Or this signal may remain anomalous. In that case, scientists may lean toward an explanation that it came from some very rare background effect.

What does this mean for the rest of us?

For everyday life, nothing changes. But for our picture of the universe, this kind of result is important. Dark matter shapes how galaxies form and move. Finding out what dark matter is made of and how it behaves would answer one of the greatest mysteries of our time.

Welcome to the age of credential catfishing

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Catfishing used to mean pretending to be someone else online, usually to pursue a romantic relationship with someone who might eventually spend several episodes of an MTV show waiting in a suspiciously empty parking lot. But the newest breed of catfish does not need to steal another person's face.

Welcome to what I call "credential catfishing," the increasingly visible practice of fabricating the education, career, wealth, and status that signal authority online. Instead of borrowing someone else's face, the credential catfish turns their own life into fiction, building the story one post at a time. And Angel Victoria Murdock may be its most viral recent example.

Angel Murdock poses beside a Duke Physician Assistant Program sign in an image posted to her (now deactivated) Instagram Story. Credit: Screenshot from Reddit: r/InfluencerLounge

The influencer and former Temptation Island participant spent nearly two years sharing what she portrayed as her journey through Duke University's Physician Assistant Program on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Followers saw her in scrubs, studying medical notes, displaying what appeared to be Duke Health identification, and filming "get ready with me" videos for supposed rotations in psychiatry, obstetrics, and gynecology. She also offered advice to aspiring physician assistants and spoke about the long hours and sacrifices of PA training.

Outside of her medical content, Murdock promoted fashion and beauty products, appeared in a Missy Empire clothing haul, and participated in TikTok Shop's affiliate program, which allows creators to earn commissions from sales.

After "graduating," she posed in a cap and gown outside Duke Chapel, reportedly captioning her Instagram: "Today, I get to look back and realize that every late night, every sacrifice, every setback and every prayer was leading me right here."

There was just one problem: She had never attended the program. At all.

Murdock’s story began to unravel on Aug. 20, when a recent Duke PA graduate wrote in the subreddit r/InfluencerLounge that a classmate had discovered Murdock's videos the previous year and congratulated her on attending the same program. Within five minutes, the post said, Murdock blocked the classmate.

Members of Duke's 2026 PA class then began comparing notes. None recalled seeing Murdock in class, on campus, or at program events. Plus, in the graduation image, her academic hood was the wrong color, she was missing from the official class photo, and her name was never called during the program’s graduation ceremony, which remains available on YouTube.

Other elements of Murdock’s public identity also came under scrutiny. She described herself online as a licensed real-estate agent in North Carolina and Georgia, posting listings, house tours, and photos of purported clients. Yet neither state's licensing database listed her, and her named employer said she had never worked there. Murdock also claimed to have earned a double major in biology and psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, but — you guessed it — the university told the New York Post that she attended but did not graduate. (Murdock's main social-media accounts have since been deleted or made private.)

Murdock’s story may be ridiculously elaborate, but it points to a much bigger problem online: You can easily build an audience, earn people’s trust, and make money long before anyone stops to ask whether your background is legitimate in the first place.

Lying on social media can pay

Social media makes it remarkably easy for anyone to lie about who they are. Post the same claim often enough, with enough photos and convincing details, and it can begin to look like a documented life. And Murdock is hardly the first person to build an audience around an identity that was not real.

In Australia, Dalya Karezi attracted more than 200,000 TikTok followers as "dr.dalya.s," wearing scrubs and a stethoscope while discussing reproductive and sexual health in videos that received as many as 15 million views. But Karezi was not a doctor. In 2023, she pleaded guilty to two charges of falsely representing herself as qualified to practice medicine.

Outside of medicine, Jebara Igbara, better known as "Jay Mazini," presented himself to roughly 1 million followers as a wealthy cryptocurrency investor, posting videos of himself handing out cash to strangers and workers. Federal prosecutors later said those displays were part of a manufactured persona used to attract investors. Igbara pleaded guilty to fraud charges and was sentenced in 2024 to seven years in prison after using his Instagram presence as "proof of success" to persuade victims to send him money. There's a Hulu documentary all about it.

Even this week, federal agents arrested the "Wide Deceiver," Daejon Labrayae Love, who prosecutors say used social media to pose as a San Francisco 49ers wide receiver and wealthy real-estate investor. Love allegedly photographed himself in 49ers gear, filmed workouts in a team helmet, and staged a contract-signing video while dripping in jewelry. He even appeared in a Google search listing him as a player, despite the NFL and the 49ers confirming they had never employed him.

Division II football player Uras Agee IV also allegedly posed as a Dallas Cowboys player for months and autographed footballs for Tampa's "Toys for Tots."

According to the Justice Department, Love used the persona to find, well, love — and persuade women to place money in nonexistent investments. Prosecutors say Love and his alleged accomplice, Taylor Jamie Chan, received approximately $1.3 million from 26 identified victims. Both men have been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

There's actually a reason seeing the same story online over and over can make it feel so real. Psychologists call it the "illusory truth effect," a phenomenon in which repeated exposure to a claim increases its perceived accuracy, even when it conflicts with what we already know. Researchers believe that familiarity makes information easier for our brains to process, which can make it feel more trustworthy.

This doesn't mean you need to run a background check on everyone you follow. But if someone is giving medical advice, pitching investments, or using a supposed profession to earn your trust — and especially your money — it's worth checking. A huge following, a blue check, and years of convincing posts can make someone look legitimate. They don’t prove that the person is.

The good news is that many of these claims are easier to check than you might think. Medical and real-estate licenses are usually listed in state databases. Sports teams publish rosters, and many employers have staff directories. The key is to go straight to the organization that supposedly issued the license, awarded the degree, or hired the person, rather than to another social media post or an AI-generated Google result that may simply repeat the same claim.

Most people do not have the time (or the desire) to investigate everyone they follow. They should not have to. But when a creator's advice could affect your health, money, or future, it’s worth taking a moment to find out who is actually behind the content — and whether they're worth trusting.

Chad Powers becomes the show it was meant to be

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Chad Powers has one of the most ridiculous concepts on TV right now: Disgraced college quarterback Russ Holliday (Glen Powell) dons prosthetics and a bad wig to become Chad Powers, unlikely walk-on star player for the South Georgia Catfish. Oh, and the whole thing is based off an Eli Manning prank video. (Eli and Peyton Manning are producers on the show.)

Naturally, the show still treats that crazy concept seriously. In Season 1, that seriousness manifested in Russ's internal struggles as he searched for redemption under an entirely different identity. That meant that when Powell was in Russ mode, the show operated more as a character drama. But when Powell donned the Chad makeup, the show functioned more as a zany comedy, complete with its fair share of cringe comedy and pratfalls.

The result was silly fun. Even when Chad Powers' tone grew uneven, sometimes suffering from as much of an identity crisis as Russ, Powell's performance served as a strong unifier.

In Season 2, though, Chad Powers is taking every moment seriously. Yes, there are still jokes aplenty, and the Chad Powers prosthetics still manage to possess Powell like the Green Goblin mask (if the mask made you talk like a Southern chipmunk). But as Russ's lie begins to collapse around him and his co-conspirators, Chad Powers ups the ante and becomes a propulsive football thriller.

Chad Powers Season 2 is a killer thriller.

Glen Powell and Perry Mattfeld in "Chad Powers." Credit: Disney

Chad Powers Season 2 establishes its more thriller-tinged vibe right from the jump, with a fast-paced episode taking place almost in real time throughout a stressful game. After taking some intense contact and losing his prosthetic nose, Russ flees his trainers and goes on a mad dash around the stadium in order to get his face back into shape. What follows is a slick manhunt full of more disguises (including an eerie plastic Chad mask) and close calls. It helps Russ and Danny (Frankie A. Rodriguez) that Coach Ricky (Perry Mattfeld) is now involved, albeit reluctantly.

However, as more people are roped into the Chad Powers scheme, the more dangerous it gets. Russ, Danny, and Ricky spend much of the season on the back foot, fending off probing questions about Chad's odd behavior and family. Suddenly, a show that, on paper, is just Mrs. Doubtfire with football becomes a seriously suspenseful affair. Even the silliest scenes, like a sequence where Russ tries to pass his real father (Toby Huss) off as Chad's, are claustrophobic. You can feel the walls closing in.

And as the walls close in, Chad Powers raises its stakes. Discovering Chad's true identity wouldn't just ruin his life all over again. It would ruin Danny's. It would destroy Ricky's promising career. The shock could even cause Coach Jake (Steve Zahn) to have another heart attack, something he's already risking by returning to coach the team. Faced with all these consequences, Russ has to examine whether this last shot at football glory is really worth it, before someone gets grievously hurt.

While Russ is scrambling to cover his tracks, he'll find an unlikely enemy in backup Catfish quarterback Gerry (Colton Ryan). A hopeful punching bag in Season 1, Gerry is a downright menace in Season 2. From stalking to blackmail, he emerges as a true threat, and Ryan delivers a chilling performance that's a far cry from Gerry's optimistic naiveté in Season 1. Several Gerry scenes yanked me to the edge of my seat this season, especially in its fantastic final two installments.

By leaning into thriller conventions, Chad Powers manages to carve its own niche in a TV landscape saturated with sports comedies. The laughs keep flowing and the ensemble gels better than ever, but it's the suspense that truly separates Chad Powers from the pack and gives it its, well, power.

Chad Powers Season 2 is now streaming on Hulu.

Labor Day 2026 deals: Score free food from Cheesecake Factory, Krispy Kreme, 7-Eleven, and more

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +0000

We're busy covering all the best deals that are dropping over Labor Day weekend. We've lined up the best Apple deals, the best mattress deals, the best Home Depot deals, and so much more. But what about the hungry? Won't someone think about food?

The good news for absolutely everyone is that many popular restaurant chains are launching limited-time deals over Labor Day weekend, meaning you can eat for free (or at a heavily discounted price). We've scoured the market for the best offers and lined up the best deals from the likes of Capital One Café, Firehouse Subs, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, and other popular spots.

These are our favorite Labor Day deals in 2026.

7-Eleven

7Rewards members can grab a hot sandwich with a 20-ounce Coca-Cola or Pepsi fountain soda for $6. You can also get any roller grill item, a bag of 7-Select chips, and a large Big Gulp for $3 through Labor Day weekend.

BJ’s Brewhouse and Restaurant

Grab the $13 Pizookie Meal Deal on Sept. 7, which includes a choice of one of eight select Brewhouse entrees alongside a signature Pizookie dessert.

Benihana

Education professionals dining through Sept. 7 can pick up one eligible five-course hibachi entree and get a second entree for free with a valid ID.

Capital One Café

Get a free handcrafted beverage on Sept. 7. Just register your mobile phone number online to load a digital pass directly into your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet (limit one pass per customer).

Cheesecake Factory

Score a $10 bonus eCard when you purchase $50 in digital gift cards online through Sept. 7. The bonus card is redeemable on future visits from Sept. 8-30.

Chipotle

Chipotle is running a "Sunday Reset" special over the holiday weekend. Families and groups can score a buy-two-get-one-free entree deal on Sept. 6, from 3 p.m. to closing, when ordering online or in the app with the code SUNDAYS.

Cracker Barrel

Dine in by Sept. 7 and order any adult entree plus a Kids Meal to score a free collectible B’loonie Petz toy.

Del Taco

Del Yeah! Rewards members ordering online or through the official app can get 20% off purchases of $10 or more all weekend long.

Eddie Merlot’s

Spend $75 or more on online orders from Sept. 4-7 and knock $25 off your bill by using promo code WEEKEND at checkout.

Firebird’s Wood Fired Grill

Inner Circle loyalty members can order a full rack of Baby Back Ribs served with fries and fresh fruit for $19.95 from Sept. 3-7.

Firehouse Subs

Buy any sub between Sept. 4-7 to unlock a second sub of your choice for just $1.

Hash Kitchen

Sweet breakfast classics are marked down to $7 each from Sept. 4-7. Guests who sign up for the Brunch Club over Labor Day weekend score a free specialty coffee or Loaded Water.

HTeaO

Score two gallons of iced tea for just $12 from Sept. 4-7.

Krispy Kreme

From Sept. 4-7, buy any dozen doughnuts or 16-count Minis at regular price and grab an additional dozen Original Glazed Doughnuts for just $2 when using code BOGO2 online or in-store.

Kona Grill

Educators can celebrate early by showing a valid school ID while dining in through Sept. 7 to unlock BOGO entrees from a select menu (limit two deals per table).

Krystal

Pick up an Original Sackful for $12 or upgrade to a Cheese Sackful for $15 on Sept. 7.

Moxies

Drop in during Happy Hour (3-6 p.m. on Sept. 7) to snag $12 featured cocktails, $12 shareable appetizers, $9 select glasses of wine, and $6 local craft beers.

Polly’s Pies

Get a whole Banberry Pie for $14.99 through Labor Day.

Port of Subs

Free delivery on all online or mobile app orders placed between Sept. 4-7.

Raise the Roost

The 24-piece Nugget Party Pack is $25 from Sept. 3-7. The bundle comes loaded with 24 chicken nuggets, two large sides, four biscuits, dipping sauces, and cinnamon-sugar hand pies.

Sonny’s BBQ

Take $25 off catering orders over $200 through Sept. 7 when you enter promo code 25OFFCATER at checkout.

STK Steakhouse

Teachers and school staff receive BOGO entrees when showing a valid school ID through Sept. 7.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse

Apply coupon code WEEKEND at online checkout from Sept. 4-7 to take $25 off orders totaling $75 or more.

Teriyaki Madness

Rewards members earn double loyalty points along with a 20% discount on all orders placed between Sept. 5-7.

Whats new to streaming this week? (Sept. 4, 2026)

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

15. Love Island USA Season 8 Reunion

Revisit the bombshells who took over your summer with the Love Island USA Season 8 reunion. Hosted by Ariana Madix and Andy Cohen, this reunion special will revisit the relationships and shocks of Season 8, all while stirring up a little extra drama that should hopefully tide viewers over until they return to the villa next summer. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: The Love Island USA Season 8 reunion is now streaming on Peacock.

14. Earle Meets World

Internet "it" girl Alix Earle has turned her digital stardom into brand deals, podcasts, and a second-place finish on Dancing With the Stars. Now, she moves deeper into the reality TV space with her own Netflix reality series, Earle Meets World, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at Earle's life and her family. The result is mind-numbing. — B.E.

How to watch: Earle Meets World premieres Sept. 4 on Netflix.

13. Untold Raygun: Breaking Badly

Two years ago, breakdancer Rachael "Raygun" Gunn took the Paris Olympics by storm — but not in a good way. Her kangaroo-inspired moves became an instant meme and scored zero points, turning her into an Olympic laughingstock. In Netflix's Untold Raygun: Breaking Badly, Gunn revisits her routine, the internet ridicule, and the controversy over how she wound up at the Olympics in the first place. — B.E.

How to watch: Untold Raygun: Breaking Badly is now streaming on Netflix.

12. Scary Movie

Credit: 2026 Paramount Pictures

Do you like Scary Movie? The hit parody franchise returned for its sixth installment this year, ready to lampoon all the biggest horror movies that came out between 2013's Scary Movie 5 and now. On top of skewering the "rebootquel" Scream films, Scary Movie also tackles everything from Sinners, M3GAN, Weapons, The Substance, and Ma. Fair warning, though: The scariest thing about Scary Movie may be its poor critical response, although it proved to be a commercial hit. — B.E.

Starring: Anna Faris, Regina Hall, Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Jon Abrahams, Lochlyn Munro, Cheri Oteri, Dave Sheridan, and Chris Elliott

How to watch: Scary Movie is now streaming on Paramount+.

11. The Varnell Hill Show

Did you miss him? Varnell Hill (Tommy Davidson), a fictional talk show host who appeared briefly in Season 2 of Martin, gets his own spin-off with The Varnell Hill Show. The series peers behind the curtain of Varnell's late-night talk show, which is currently in a ratings free fall. How can they update Varnell's tired show for today? Expect some showbiz shenanigans, as well as a stacked cast of guest stars that includes Martin Lawrence himself. — B.E.

Starring: Tommy Davidson, Kym Whitley, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Nick Cafero, Emmanuel Hudson, and Chris Williams

How to watch: The Varnell Hill Show is now streaming on Paramount+.

10. Parasomnia

If you don't want to have a good night's sleep, check out Parasomnia, from director James Ross II. The film introduces Riley (Jasmine Mathews), who is long-haunted by night terrors and a tragic past. When her best friend goes missing, she starts to think that the culprit could be the demon from her nightmares, crossing over into the real world. — B.E.

Starring: Jasmine Mathews, Stephen Barrington, and RJ Brown

How to watch: Parasomnia premieres Sept. 4 on Shudder.

9. Turning Point: Generation 9/11

The latest installment of Netflix's Turning Point documentary series explores the impacts of 2001's 9/11 attacks, 25 years later. Featuring interviews with young adults who were just kids at the time, including the daughter of the co-pilot of Flight 93, the film unpacks how 9/11 shaped the lives of an entire generation, and how the effects of the attacks and their aftermath still impact our daily lives, from personal loss to global geopolitics. — B.E.

How to watch: Turning Point: Generation 9/11 is now streaming on Netflix.

8. Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu

The Mandalorian and Grogu is the first Star Wars film since The Rise of Skywalker, but it's less a triumphant return to the film screen than a nostalgia-fueled whimper. The film sees Mandalorian Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his ward Grogu on their biggest mission yet, one that gets them embroiled with Imperial warlords and villainous Hutts alike.

Unfortunately, the ensuing adventure is a letdown that not even a stellar, Grogu-centric swamp sequence can save. As I wrote in my review, it's "a slog: an unwieldy adventure full of illegible action and the creeping sense of dread that we've seen this all before. Not even Din and Grogu's sweet bond can Force lift it to success."* — B.E.

Starring: Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, Jeremy Allen White, Martin Scorsese, and Jonny Coyne

How to watch: Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is now streaming on Disney+.

7. The Gentlemen Season 2

Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen — spun off from the 2019 film of the same name — returns for Season 2, with more action, crime, and well-tailored suits. This time around, Eddie Halstead (Theo James) is ready to embrace life in the criminal underworld, with the help of associates Susie Glass (Kaya Scodelario) and her father, Bobby (Ray Winstone). Their quest for power will take them farther afield to Italy, where they're in for lovely lakeside views and the company of formidable crime bosses. But have Eddie and Susie's ambitions grown too big for them, and could they be in over their heads? — B.E.

Starring: Theo James, Kaya Scodelario, Giancarlo Esposito, Daniel Ings, Ray Winstone, Vinnie Jones, Joely Richardson, Michael Vu, Hugh Bonneville, Michele Morrone, and Benedetta Porcaroli

How to watch: The Gentlemen Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix.

6. Mayday

Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh team up for Apple's unconventional spy thriller Mayday. Reynolds plays hotshot U.S. Navy pilot Lieutenant Troy “Assassin” Kelly, who finds himself stranded behind enemy lines in Soviet territory at the height of the Cold War. Branagh plays Nikolai Ustinov, the gruff ex-KGB agent who discovers him. The two develop an unexpected bond in this comedy from Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein. Honestly, they gave us Jarnathan, so I trust them with my life.* — B.E.

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Kenneth Branagh, Marcin Dorocinski, Maria Bakalova, and David Morse

How to watch: Mayday premieres Sept. 4 on Apple TV.

5. The Wrong Girls

Kristen Stewart and Alia Shawkat team up and get dirty in ridiculous stoner comedy The Wrong Girls, the directorial debut from Dylan Meyer. The pair play Frankie and Molly, two besties who mistakenly wind up with a suitcase full of drugs that give them full-on superpowers.

So begins an odyssey of dirtbag debauchery only rarely afforded to female characters. As Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko wrote in her review, "The Wrong Girls is a sublimely stupid buddy comedy. And thank the movie gods!" — B.E.

Starring: Kristen Stewart, Alia Shawkat, Seth Rogen, Geena Davis, Tony Hale, Kumail Nanjiani, and LaKeith Stanfield

How to watch: The Wrong Girls is now available to buy or rent on digital.

4. I Want Your Sex

Olivia Wilde and Cooper Hoffman heat up the screen in Gregg Araki's buzzy erotic comedy I Want Your Sex, now on digital. Hoffman plays Elliot, assistant to Wilde's famed artist Erika Tracy. When Erika initiates a BDSM relationship with Elliot, he'll reconsider everything he thought he knew about sex and his own relationships.

On top of bringing Erika and Elliot's kinky fantasies to life, I Want Your Sex also probes generational differences when it comes to sex, sparking conversations about whether Gen Z is actually repressed. The result is, as Mashable's Kristy Pucko wrote in her review, "an exuberantly entertaining comedy, alive with sexual vigor, earnest humanity, and biting humor." — B.E.

Starring: Olivia Wilde, Cooper Hoffman, Mason Gooding, Chase Sui Wonders, Daveed Diggs, and Charli XCX

How to watch: I Want Your Sex is now available to buy or rent on digital.

3. SCTV

This scrappy Canadian sketch comedy show, which launched in 1976, introduced the world to the likes of John Candy, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Catherine O'Hara, Harold Ramis, Dave Thomas, Rick Moranis, and Martin Short. Second City Television brought together a improvisational comedy sensibility with deeply quirky Canadian flare. The result was a show that felt edgier and weirder than Saturday Night Live. And it's easy to argue its been just as influential.

Whether SCTV is new to you or this would be a revisit, now's the time to get on board. Netflix also has the documentary SCTV: The Greatest Show You've Never Heard Of coming this fall, while the sensational doc 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) will open in New York City on Sept. 18 and nationwide on Sept. 25. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

Starring: John Candy, Joe Flaherty, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Catherine O'Hara, Harold Ramis, Dave Thomas, Robin Duke, Rick Moranis, Tony Rosato, and Martin Short

How to watch: All six seasons of SCTV are now streaming on Netflix.

2. Chad Powers Season 2

Celebrate the start of the college football season with the return of Glen Powell's sports comedy, Chad Powers.

By the end of Season 1, much-loathed college football player Russ Holliday (Powell) managed to return to his quarterback glory days. Not as himself, but as his bumbling alter ego, Chad Powers. Now, though, his secret is getting dangerously close to slipping out, and he and confidant Danny (Frankie A. Rodriguez) are going to have to rope a very reluctant Ricky (Perry Mattfeld) into their scheme if they want any shot at preventing a massive scandal. What follows is as thrilling as it is funny. If you love football, you'll have a blast with the on-the-field shenanigans, and if you don't, there's still so much to love with Russ' theater kid-level dedication to the role of Chad.* — B.E.

Starring: Glen Powell, Perry Mattfeld, Quentin Plair, Wynn Everett, Frankie A. Rodriguez, and Steve Zahn

How to watch: Chad Powers Season 2 premieres Sept. 3 on Hulu.

Best of streaming this week: Teenage Wasteland

Audiences will finally be exposed to a Sundance doc that I can't shake. Teenage Wasteland, which premiered at Sundance in 2025, ushers viewers back to the early 1990s, when a high school teacher taught his class a series of valuable lessons through one video project.

In upstate New York’s Middletown High School, Fred Isseks used newly acquired audiovisual recording equipment to challenge his students to become investigative reporters. He taught them how to shoot, produce, and edit. When they decided to turn their focus to the rumor that a local landfill was dumping toxic waste into the water supply, he encouraged them, even when things got complicated — like, mafia pressuring them off the story complicated.

Documentarians Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss interview these former students and Isseks, asking them to look back and share what they learned, not just about their town, but also about the world and the power of coming together. — K.P.

How to watch: Teenage Wasteland premieres Sept. 4 on Netflix.

(*) denotes a blurb came from a prior list.

IT-department specs without the IT budget — this HP EliteBook is just $389.99

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +0000

TL;DR: This Grade-A refurbished HP EliteBook combines an 11th-gen Core i7, 32GB RAM, a 256GB SSD, and Windows 11 Pro for $389.99 (reg. $549.99).

Credit: HP

HP Elitebook 830 G8 2020 (Refurbished)

$389.99
$549.99 Save $160

The HP EliteBook 830 G8 is the kind of laptop designed for actual workloads, not just looking productive on a coffee-shop table. This configuration pairs an 11th-gen Intel Core i7 processor with 32GB of DDR4 RAM, giving it enough muscle for demanding business applications, heavy multitasking, virtual meetings, and everyday productivity.

Its 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD supports quick startups and responsive app launches. Intel Iris Xe graphics handle business computing, video conferencing, and creative projects, and Windows 11 Pro is preinstalled.

The 13.3-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen folds through 360 degrees, making the EliteBook flexible enough for traditional work, presentations, or entertainment. Despite its convertible CNC-machined aluminum design, it weighs just 2.8 pounds. Battery life reaches up to 16.5 hours, and HP Fast Charge can restore up to 50 percent in about 30 minutes.

Connectivity is ready for a modern desk setup. Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI 2.0, and USB-A support monitors, docks, and peripherals, while WiFi 6 and Bluetooth handle wireless connections.

HP Wolf Security features include HP Sure Start, Sure Sense, Sure Click, and TPM 2.0, with fingerprint authentication listed as optional. Bang & Olufsen-tuned speakers, AI-powered noise reduction, and a multi-microphone array help make calls clearer.

This refurbished EliteBook carries a Grade-A rating and arrives in near-mint condition with minimal to no case scuffing. Don’t miss this HP EliteBook 830 G8 on sale for just $389.99 (reg. $549.99) while stock is still available.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Own Microsoft Office for Mac for just $43

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +0000

TL;DR: Pay $42.97 once for lifetime access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams Basic, and OneNote on one Mac.

Credit: Microsoft

Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021: Lifetime License

$42.97
$219 Save $176.03

Subscriptions have their place, but productivity software doesn’t really need to be one of them — especially when it’s something as familiar and widely used as Microsoft Office. Somewhere along the way, there must have been a glitch in the matrix, because buying software quietly turned into renting it forever.

Thankfully, Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021 skips that model entirely. Its lifetime license is currently on sale for $42.97 (reg. $219), whether you’re using a Mac or a Windows PC.

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 all the core apps most people actually rely on: 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. You can grab Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021 for Mac for $$42.97 (reg. $219).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

The best Labor Day TV deals: We found live discounts on TCL, LG, Samsung, and more

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 08:31:51 +0000

The best Labor Day TV deals at a glance:

Best QLED TV deal

TCL 65-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV

$1,397.99 (save $1,102)

Best RGB TV deal

Samsung 65-inch R85H Micro RGB 4K TV

$1,499.99 (save $600)

Best OLED TV deal

LG 65-inch C6 OLED 4K TV

$1,499.99 (save $1,200)

Labor Day isn't just the unofficial kick off of fall and football season, it's also a great time to score tech at cheaper prices. TV deals are particularly impressive this week, with some of our favorite models of 2026 down to record lows. If you've been putting off upgrading your TV, now's a great time to take the leap.

RGB TVs were easily the biggest TV trend at CES 2026 and Samsung's R95H is easily the best RGB TV of the year. However, it's pretty dang expensive, even on sale ($2,799 for the 65-inch option). On the other hand, its more affordable sibling, the R85H, is down to a much more palatable $1,499.99 for the 65-inch version. Like the R95H, it uses individual red, green, and blue LEDs to deliver better color accuracy than non-RGB TVs. It's almost too vivid. If you're curious about RGB TVs, it's a solid entry-level option that won't require emptying your wallet.

More Labor Day TV deals

50 to 55-inch TV deals

Insignia 50-inch F50 LED 4K TV — $159.99 ~~$299.99~~ (save $140)
Amazon 50-inch Omni QLED 4K Fire TV — $259.99 ~~$469.99~~ (save $210)
LG 55-inch LX7B Gallery Mini LED 4K TV — $699.99 ~~$1,299.99~~ (save $600)
Hisense 55-inch UR8 RGB Mini LED 4K TV — $899.99 ~~$1,499.99~~ (save $600)

65-inch TV deals

LG 65-inch LX7B Gallery Mini LED 4K TV — $899.99 ~~$1,799.99~~ (save $900)
Hisense 65-inch S7 Canvas Hi-QLED 4K TV — $997.99 ~~$1,999.99~~ (save $1,002)
Sony 65-inch Bravia 7 Mini LED QLED 4K TV — $1,298 ~~$1,598~~ (save $300)
Samsung 65-inch S85H OLED 4K TV — $1,397.99 ~~$1,999.99~~ (save $602)
LG 65-Inch B6 OLED 4K TV — $1,399.99 ~~$1,999.99~~ (save $600)
Samsung 65-inch S90H OLED 4K TV — $1,597.99 ~~$2,697.99~~ (save $1,100)
Sony 65-inch Bravia 8 II QD QLED 4K TV — $2,498 ~~$3,299.99~~ (save $801.99)
Samsung 65-inch S95H OLED 4K TV — $2,799.99 ~~$3,399.99~~ (save $600)

75-inch TV deals

Hisense 75-inch U6 Pro Mini-LED ULED 4K TV — $797.99 ~~$1,399.99~~ (save $602)
Hisense 75-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV — $1,197.99 ~~$1,999.99~~ (save $802)
Samsung 75-inch R85H Micro RGB 4K TV — $1,999.99 ~~$2,799.99~~ (save $800)
Sony 75-inch Bravia 7 II RGB 4K TV — $2,299.99 ~~$3,099.99~~ (save $800)
Samsung 75-inch The Frame Pro QLED 4K TV — $2,397.99 ~~$2,797.99~~ (save $400)
Samsung 75-inch R95H RGB 4K TV — $3,799.99 ~~$4,499.99~~ (save $700)

80 to 85-inch TV deals

Insignia 85-inch Class F50 Series 4K Fire TV — $599.99 ~~$899.99~~ (save $300)
Hisense 85-inch U6 Pro Hi-QLED Mini-LED 4K TV — $1097.99 ~~$1,999.99~~ (save $902)
Samsung 85-inch M80H Mini-LED 4K TV — $1,199.99 ~~$1,799.99~~ (save $600)
Hisense 85-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV — $1,397.99 ~~$2,499.99~~ (save $1,102)
Hisense 85-inch UR8 RGB Mini LED 4K TV — $2,199.99 ~~$3,499.99~~ (save $1,300)

Over 85-inch TV deals

Hisense 100-inch U6 Mini-LED 4K TV — $1,999.99 ~~$2,999.99~~ (save $1,000)
TCL 98-inch QM7L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $2,497.99 ~~$3,999.99~~ (save $1,502)
Hisense 100-inch UR8 RGB Mini LED 4K TV — $3,499.99 ~~$5,999.99~~ (save $2,500)

Get 1TB of lifetime cloud storage for just $200

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000

TL;DR: Koofr’s 1TB lifetime cloud storage subscription is just $199.99 (reg. $810.00), ending on Sept. 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Credit: Koofr

Koofr Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (1TB)

$199.99
$810 Save $610.01

Cloud storage is handy for keeping photos, videos, and important documents accessible without taking up space on your devices. If you want to avoid adding another recurring subscription to the list, Koofr’s 1TB lifetime plan is currently available for just $199.99 (reg. $810.00).

Koofr has been offering cloud storage since 2013 and has a 4.3-star rating on Trustpilot. The 1TB plan provides enough room for roughly 250,000 12MP photos, 500 hours of HD video, or 6.5 million document pages. More importantly, the lifetime subscription requires a single payment instead of ongoing monthly or annual costs.

Koofr also includes tools for managing files once they’re in the cloud. Its Duplicate Finder can locate duplicate files in your account, while advanced renaming options can help keep larger collections organized. You can also connect existing Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon, and OneDrive accounts, allowing you to access files from multiple services in one place.

Privacy is another important factor. Koofr doesn’t track user activity, and files are encrypted both during transfer and while stored. You can access your files from a smartphone, computer, or through WebDAV.

This is especially helpful if you need substantial storage for a growing collection of photos, videos, or documents, or if you’re already managing different files across several cloud services. Having those files accessible in one place can make it easier to keep track of what you have without moving content between accounts.

Get 1TB of Koofr Cloud Storage for $199.99, saving $610 off the regular $810.00 price through Sept. 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Hurdle hints and answers for September 3, 2026

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 04:00:00 +0000

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

Hurdle Word 1 hint

Jeans.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

DENIM

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Transparent.

Hurdle Word 2 Answer

CLEAR

Hurdle Word 3 hint

The sound an angry dog makes.

Hurdle Word 3 answer

GROWL

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Legitimate.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

LEGAL

Final Hurdle hint

Cheesy.

Hurdle Word 5 answer

CORNY

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for September 3, 2026

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 02:48:20 +0000

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you've watch football.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight, and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. The sports Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Each puzzle features 16 words, and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise 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 before the game ends.

Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

Yellow: Before kickoff
Green: California fields of play
Blue: Icons from the U
Purple: Capitals

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

Yellow: Events Before a Football Kickoff
Green: California Sporting Venues
Blue: Miami (FL) Alumni
Purple: Starts with a State Capital

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

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #710 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

Events Before a Football Kickoff: COIN TOSS, NATIONAL ANTHEM, TEAM ARRIVALS, WARMUPS
California Sporting Venues: INTUIT DOME, LEVI'S STADIUM, PEBBLE BEACH, TORREY PINES
Miami (FL) Alumni: DEVIN HESTER, ED REED, REGGIE WAYNE, VINNY TESTAVERDE
Starts with a State Capital: AUGUSTA NATIONAL, AUSTIN REAVES, MADISON KEYS, PIERRE GARCON

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

NYT Pips hints, answers for September 3, 2026

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 02:43:36 +0000

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalog.

Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.
Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.
Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.
Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.
Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

Easy difficulty hints, answers for September 3 Pips

Number (10): Everything in this red space must add up to 10. The answer is 5-0, placed vertically; 5-4, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this red space must add up to 2. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally; 3-2, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (5): Everything in this space must be greater than 5. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this red space must add up to 2. The answer is 5-0, placed vertically; 6-2, placed horizontally; 0-3, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this red space must add up to 10. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally; 3-2, placed horizontally; 0-3, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for September 3 Pips

Number (7): Everything in this red space must add up to 7. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally; 3-0, placed vertically.

Less Than (5): Everything in this space must be less than 5. The answer is 0-0, placed vertically.

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed vertically.

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically; 6-1, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically; 6-1, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically; 5-0, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 5-0, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for September 3 Pips

Greater Than (0): Everything in this space must be greater than 0. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically.

Greater Than (9): Everything in this space must be greater than 9. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically; 4-0, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this red space must add up to 2. The answer is 4-0, placed horizontally; 0-2, placed vertically.

Number (2): Everything in this red space must add up to 2. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically; 0-2, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically.

Greater Than (9): Everything in this space must be greater than 9. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically.

Greater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this green space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed vertically.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically; 5-4, placed horizontally; 5-5, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this red space must add up to 10. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this red space must add up to 5. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this red space must add up to 2. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed vertically.

Greater Than (0): Everything in this space must be greater than 0. The answer is 1-4, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this red space must add up to 4. The answer is 1-4, placed vertically.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Sept. 3, 2026

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 02:00:00 +0000

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.

Carmine meaning

A deep-red dye that comes from cochineal insects.

Cinnabar meaning

A bright red mineral made of mercury sulfide.

Maroon meaning

A deep purple-red tone.

Vermilion meaning

A bright, red-orange color.

Blink meaning

To shut and open the eyes quickly.

Flash meaning

A sudden burst of light.

Heartbeat meaning

A single muscle contraction.

Trice meaning

A quick moment.

Hot Wheels meaning

Popular toy card created by Mattel.

Matchbox meaning

A popular toy car created in the 50s.

Micro Machines meaning

A type of toy car that was popular in the 80s and 90s.

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.

Tonka meaning

A black seed of the Dipteryx odorata tree.

Average meaning

The middle number in a data set.

Count meaning

A tally.

Max meaning

The peak.

Sum meaning

Total.

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.

Walmart’s new tap-to-pay sign has the internet roasting its AI art

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:46:45 +0000

Walmart is finally getting tap-to-pay — but social media is considerably less impressed with the apparent AI-generated advertisement announcing it.

A photo posted to X shows an in-store display promoting the rollout with a cheery "Fast! Easy!" message, alongside images of a smartphone and payment terminal. Look a little closer, however, and the terminal’s keypad dissolves into the familiar visual gibberish associated with generative AI. The buttons feature mangled symbols, illegible characters, and, apparently, two 7s. Yes, two.

"AI is so scary it’s like the words you read in your dreams where it doesn’t actually say anything," one user wrote. Others were frustrated that one of the world’s largest retailers appeared to have used generative AI for such a basic piece of marketing. "I despise AI generated advertisements for businesses," one person wrote. "Billion dollar corporation," another user posted, criticizing Walmart for seemingly declining to hire a graphic designer.

Another user pointed out that "Walmart has been using AI" for some time now.

The wonky keypad is precisely the kind of tell that has become synonymous with "AI slop": a polished-looking image that falls apart as soon as you inspect the details.

It’s the same phenomenon showing up in restaurant menus filled with AI-generated nightmare food, where impossible ingredients and plastic-looking meals replace photographs of the products customers might actually receive.

As I wrote last week: Please stop putting AI-generated food on the menu. While we’re at it, perhaps stop putting AI-generated payment terminals next to the register, too.

The mangled keypad isn’t the only part of the sign making people do a double take. Walmart is promoting tap-to-pay like a futuristic convenience in 2026, even though tapping a card or phone has been routine at other retailers for years. Until now, contactless-minded Walmart shoppers generally had to open the company’s app and scan a QR code using Walmart Pay.

That part of the story baffled plenty of international onlookers more than the malformed keypad did. "Why is the USA’s payment system still stuck in the last century," one person asked. "I’m sorry wdym you don’t have tap to pay in 2026," another wrote.

So, yes: Walmart customers are finally getting the convenience they’ve been asking for. They may just want to avoid pressing the second 7.

TikTok makes a big play for NFL fans

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:08:58 +0000

Many football fans are not choosing between watching the game and scrolling TikTok, but are doing both. Now TikTok wants to make that habit official.

Days before the 2026 NFL season begins, TikTok and the NFL announced a new multiyear partnership that will bring more highlights, archival footage, player-focused videos, and other official content to the platform. The agreement will also introduce NFL hubs where fans can find scores and schedules, then follow links to tune into game broadcasts.

There is already a sizable audience waiting for all of it. According to TikTok, posts using #NFL increased by more than 32 percent between August 2025 and August 2026. The league’s main @NFL account has more than 20 million followers, while eight international accounts serve fans in markets including Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, France, Australia, and the UK and Ireland.

At first glance, this might sound like another agreement to put sports highlights on social media. But TikTok and the NFL have been building toward something much bigger for years.

Credit: TikTok

TikTok and the NFL first teamed up in 2019, when the league launched its official account with highlights, sideline footage, behind-the-scenes videos, and hashtag challenges. Its first campaign, #WeReady, invited fans and creators to celebrate their teams ahead of the NFL’s 100th season.

The partnership did not stay confined to the For You page for long. Beginning in 2021, the companies staged the annual NFL TikTok Tailgate, a livestreamed Super Bowl pregame event that combined musical performances with appearances from players and creators. By its fourth edition in 2024, headlined by Gwen Stefani, TikTok said the event attracted 2.2 million live viewers.

Later that year, TikTok and the NFL renewed the partnership and promised to add more long-form football content. At the time, TikTok said videos from the league and its 32 teams had generated more than 5 billion views during the 2023 season.

Of course, TikTok is not the only platform chasing football fans. Its longtime rival YouTube has been moving directly onto the field. YouTube replaced TikTok as the official sponsor of the Super Bowl Tailgate in 2025, after becoming the exclusive home of NFL Sunday Ticket in 2023.

That gives YouTube something TikTok largely lacks: the games themselves. So instead of trying to become another traditional broadcaster, TikTok appears to be going after everything surrounding the action.

As part of the renewed partnership, the NFL will use TikTok GamePlan, which connects videos to hubs featuring scores, schedules, standings, official accounts, and broadcast links. In other words, TikTok wants every spectacular catch or sideline moment on your For You page to bring you closer to the live game.

TikTok has good reason to believe this pipeline could work. According to the company, 85 percent of sports fans on TikTok use the platform as a second screen during live events, while 42 percent are more likely to watch a live match after encountering related sports content on the app.

TikTok is also bringing the NFL to Pro Events, the standalone app it piloted during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The app rewarded fans for exploring tournament content and completing tasks with stars redeemable for merchandise, TikTok Shop discounts, or charitable donations. A dedicated NFL hub will reportedly launch in the coming weeks.

And where there are more ways for fans to engage, there are naturally more places for brands to advertise. TikTok is expanding its Pulse Premiere program so advertisers can place ads directly after videos from participating NFL teams.

The partnership could be especially useful as the NFL looks beyond its home turf. The league is staging a record nine international games across seven countries in 2026 and has made attracting millions of additional fans outside the United States a major part of its long-term strategy. TikTok’s regional NFL accounts give the league a way to keep reaching those audiences long after the teams leave town.

"The NFL isn’t just a sport, it’s a year-round way of life where fandom thrives through game-day highlights, daily trends, and player personalities," TikTok Global Head of Sport Rollo Goldstaub added in the announcement.

Forget back to school. Take your kids Back to Hogwarts with LEGO

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 21:09:45 +0000

Every fall, LEGO celebrates the day when young witches and wizards return to Hogwarts for another year of adventures. The official LEGO Back to Hogwarts 2026 shopping event starts Aug. 29 and runs through Sept. 6.

Whether you’re from Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin — fans young and old will want to get their paws on the two new Harry Potter LEGO sets, limited-time gifts, and geek-out-worthy brick merch from your favorite fantastical world.

Plus, your kiddos can hone their real-life building skills with the intuitive LEGO Builder app. Now that’s something even Muggle parents can obsess about. Here’s a sampling of what the event has up its sleeve:

Early access to the new Ministry of Magic collector’s set

Credit: LEGO

The Ministry of Magic Collector’s Edition

$449.99 at LEGO

The massive 3,491-piece set has three different levels for builders 18 years and older, including a subway station and the Hall of Prophecies. Kids will love flushing the 14 mini-figures from the public restroom down into the Ministry. Collectors will love the golden wizard statue and 25th-anniversary Lynx Patronus figure.

A new Mini Hogwarts Castle casts its spell

Credit: LEGO

Mini Hogwarts Castle

$39.99 at LEGO

This 700-piece set stands only 5.5 inches high, but it packs infinite adventures for ages 10 and up. Kids can build microscale versions of the Great Hall and Astronomy Tower, lift up the East Wing to reveal the ancient Chamber of Secrets, and gaze into the Mirror of Erised. When the Harry Potter and Hedwig owl mini-figures take flight on Harry’s broomstick, the magic is real.

Score cool gifts until Sept. 6

Your wand won’t get you first dibs on new Harry Potter sets or gifts with purchase during the 2026 LEGO Back to Hogwarts event. But a free LEGO Insider membership will.

For example, members who purchase The Ministry of Magic Collector’s Edition can score a shiny metal display of Harry Potter’s phone-booth portal to the Ministry of Magic. Members can also redeem Insider points for 25th anniversary Harry Potter baubles.

Anyone who spends $40 or more on qualifying Harry Potter merchandise will get the Dumbledore's Office with Harry Potter set. You can also nab the Ministry Munchies and The Daily Prophet Stands for free with a qualifying $130 purchase.

Back to school isn’t a bummer when it coincides with the LEGO Back to Hogwarts shopping event. From Aug. 29 to Sept. 6, snag two new Harry Potter LEGO sets and more perks than you can wave your wand at.

Alex Cooper sparked a baby registry gifting chain across social media — and the videos are heartwarming

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 21:07:27 +0000

The internet isn't exactly known for bringing out the best in people. Every so often, though, it channels all that collective energy into something genuinely helpful — like buying a car seat for someone you've never met.

That is what happened after Call Her Daddy host Alex Cooper began surprising expectant parents by purchasing items from their Babylist registries. Cooper, who announced in May that she is expecting her first child with husband film producer and Unwell co-founder Matt Kaplan, had been turning to her audience for pregnancy and parenting advice. Clearing registries became a way to return some of that support.

"Clearing out registries was a way to thank the community for all their incredible support and advice," Cooper said in a release. "Reading their stories and seeing what that meant to them made me want to find a way for Unwell to keep paying that forward." Recipients definitely felt the love, posting emotional reactions and unboxing videos as cribs, car seats, mattresses, and swaddles arrived at their homes.

The best part of the story, though? Other people began doing the same thing.

Strangers opened strangers' registries and bought whatever they could afford. For some, that meant a pack of bottles or a box of diapers. Others helped clear entire lists. What began as a celebrity giveaway grew into a much larger chain of people paying the gesture forward.

Online generosity is hardly new. Crowdfunding links have become fixtures beneath viral videos, while kindness creators have built enormous audiences around giving cash, houses, or cars to strangers and inviting viewers to contribute.

One registry became thousands

Credit: Babylist

Babylist, an online baby registry and shopping platform, soon joined Cooper and her Unwell media network to formalize the effort under the #BabylistItForward banner. The company committed to supporting more than 1,000 families, with Pampers also contributing to the campaign.

The response suggests the idea touched a nerve — according to figures shared with Mashable, more than 15,000 expectant parents replied to the launch post in less than an hour.

Many left their own registry links. Others nominated a friend, sibling, co-worker, or partner. Between the requests, parents started discussing which products they had actually used, what first-time parents could skip, and where less expensive alternatives might work just as well. Babylist's campaign page recorded 3,279 gifts from the company’s team as of Aug. 31.

Credit: Babylist

For Babylist, the response also demonstrated that parents were looking for more than products. Jennifer Hyman, the company’s incoming CEO, told Mashable the partnership was intended to reach parents when they need "answers, reassurance, and connection." Cooper, Babylist, and Unwell also plan to crowdsource parenting advice and product recommendations, spotlight families' stories, and support charitable organizations working with parents during pregnancy and early parenthood.

Brands of different sizes got involved, too. Los Angeles diaper bag company Mina Baie promised to purchase gifts from five parents’ registries and award diaper bags to 20 others, while UPPAbaby offered to clear five full registries and purchase one of its strollers from 50 additional lists. Cozy Crew Club invited parents to share their stories for a chance to receive registry gifts and store gift cards, and mom-founded baby brand Kiplie offered portable changing mats while acknowledging that it could not clear entire lists. Itzy Ritzy, meanwhile, offered to purchase up to $300 worth of its products from each selected registry.

Other creators and reality stars, including Colton Underwood, Harry Jowsey, Jenna Ushkowitz, and Anneliese van der Pol, also invited parents to leave their registries in the comments of their own posts.

Meanwhile, viewers without large platforms continued the effort by buying individual items for families whose stories appeared in their feeds.

Examples of this trend in action are heartwarming: Wyatt Morris, an active-duty service member, is expecting a daughter with his wife, Breanna. Morris posted their Babylist registry on TikTok and later returned with a follow-up video after viewers reportedly purchased every last item.

The internet's attention is notoriously unpredictable, but it's always heartening to see a viral moment turn into tangible support for people who truly need it. The trend may disappear, but the items arriving at families' doorsteps — and the difference they make — won't.

The 30+ best Labor Day tech deals so far on laptops, TVs, headphones, and AirTags

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 21:07:26 +0000

The best Labor Day tech deals at a glance:

Best Apple deal

Apple AirTag (2nd Gen, 4-pack)

$79.99 (save $19.01)

Best laptop deal

HP OmniBook 3 16 (Snapdragon X, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)

$599.99 (save $550)

Best TV deal

TCL 65-inch QM8L Mini-LED QLED 4K TV

$1,397.99 (save $1,102)

Best headphones deal

Sony WH-1000XM5

$198 (save $201.99)

Best smart home deal

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select

$19.99 (save $30)

We're still a few days out from Labor Day, but retailers' holiday sales are already live in full force. It's an especially good time to shop if you've been thinking about upgrading some older tech: For one thing, these sales offer some welcome relief from RAMageddon-related price hikes (which just keep coming, ugh). For another, they're probably your last real chance to save on big-ticket gadgets like laptops, TVs, and premium headphones until late October, when early Black Friday festivities get going.

Below, I've rounded up a big batch of the best Labor Day tech deals that I could find at Amazon, Best Buy, and beyond. That includes new record-low prices on devices from brands like Apple, Sony, and TCL, with discounts soaring as high as 60%.

Most retailers' Labor Day sales run through Labor Day proper on Monday, Sept. 7, so I'll continue to update this story into the long weekend.

Best Labor Day Apple deal

Credit: Apple

Apple AirTag (2nd Gen, 4-pack)

$79.99 at Amazon and Walmart
$99 Save $19.01

Individual AirTags are marked down to $24 this week, but if you snag a four-pack on sale for $79.99, you're only paying $19.99 per tracker. (That deal is up for grabs at both Amazon and Walmart, by the way, and it's a new all-time low.) Apple updated the AirTag with a louder speaker and a bigger finding range at the beginning of the year. Mashable's Stan Schroeder called it "a useful little thing" that "saved me a lot of worrying once when my baggage got lost," rating it a 4.2/5.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirTag (2nd Gen).

AirPods deals

Apple AirPods 4 — $99 ~~$129~~ (save $30)
Apple AirPods 4 with ANC — $148.99 ~~$179~~ (save $30.01)
Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $199 ~~$249~~ (save $50)
Apple AirPods Max 2 — $479 ~~$549~~ (save $70)

iPad deals

Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 128GB) — $399 ~~$449~~ (save $50)
Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) — $649 ~~$749~~ (save $100)
Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) — $849 ~~$949~~ (save $100)
Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, WiFi, 512GB) — $1,299 ~~$1,399~~ (save $100)
Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) — $1,399.99 ~~$1,499~~ (save $99.01)

MacBook deals

Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $689.99 ~~$699~~ (save $9.01)
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,699 ~~$1,799~~ (save $100)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,849.99 ~~$1,999~~ (save $149.01)
Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,759.99 ~~$2,999~~ (save $239.01)

More Apple accessory deals

Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) — $24 ~~$29~~ (save $5)
Apple Pencil (USB-C) — $69.98 ~~$79~~ (save $9.02)
Apple Pencil Pro — $97 ~~$129~~ (save $32)
Apple Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad — $199 ~~$249~~ (save $50)
Apple iPad Magic Keyboard Case for iPad Pro (11-inch) — $225 ~~$299~~ (save $74)

Best Labor Day TV deal

Credit: TCL

TCL 65-inch QM8L Mini-LED QLED 4K TV

$1,397.99 at Amazon
$2,499.99 Save $1,102.00

Offering a sharp, ultra-bright picture and boasting a clean, virtually bezel-free design, this TCL display is our favorite 65-inch QLED TV for most people. It's an especially good pick for folks "who know they'll be doing a good amount of their TV watching in the daytime," wrote Leah Stodart, Mashable's former TV expert. That's you, college football fans. Its Labor Day sale price of $1,397.99 on Amazon — a 44% savings — marks its lowest price ever. That beats a rivaling deal at Best Buy by $2.

50- and 55-inch TV deals

Insignia 50-inch F50 4K TV — $159.99 ~~$299.99~~ (save $140)
Amazon 50-inch Omni QLED 4K Fire TV — $259.99 ~~$469.99~~ (save $210)
LG 55-inch LX7B Gallery Mini-LED 4K TV — $699.99 ~~$1,299.99~~ (save $600)
Hisense 55-inch UR8 RGB Mini-LED 4K TV — $899.99 ~~$1,499.99~~ (save $600)
Hisense 55-inch U6 Pro Mini‑LED 4K Fire TV — $497.99 ~~$849.99~~ (save $352)

65-inch TV deals

LG 65-inch LX7B Gallery Mini-LED 4K TV — $899.99 ~~$1,799.99~~ (save $900)
Hisense 65-inch S7 Canvas Hi-QLED 4K TV — $997.99 ~~$1,999.99~~ (save $1,002)
Sony 65-inch Bravia 7 Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $1,298 ~~$1,598~~ (save $300)
Samsung 65-inch S85H OLED 4K TV — $1,397.99 ~~$1,999.99~~ (save $602)
LG 65-Inch B6 OLED 4K TV — $1,399.99 ~~$1,999.99~~ (save $600)
Samsung 65-inch S90H OLED 4K TV — $1,597.99 ~~$2,697.99~~ (save $1,100)
Hisense 65-inch UR9 RGB Mini-LED 4K TV — $1,699.99 ~~$2,199.99~~ (save $500)
Sony 65-inch Bravia 8 II QD QLED 4K TV — $2,498 ~~$3,299.99~~ (save $801.99)
Samsung 65-inch S95H OLED 4K TV — $2,799.99 ~~$3,399.99~~ (save $600)

75-inch TV deals

Hisense 75-inch U6 Pro Mini-LED ULED 4K TV — $797.99 ~~$1,399.99~~ (save $602)
Hisense 75-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV — $1,197.99 ~~$1,999.99~~ (save $802)
Samsung 75-inch R85H Micro RGB 4K TV — $1,999.99 ~~$2,799.99~~ (save $800)
Sony 75-inch Bravia 7 II RGB 4K TV — $2,299.99 ~~$3,099.99~~ (save $800)
Samsung 75-inch The Frame Pro QLED 4K TV — $2,397.99 ~~$2,797.99~~ (save $400)
Samsung 75-inch R95H RGB 4K TV — $3,799.99 ~~$4,499.99~~ (save $700)

Deals on 80-inch TVs and larger

Insignia 85-inch Class F50 Series 4K Fire TV — $599.99 ~~$899.99~~ (save $300)
Hisense 85-inch U6 Pro Hi-QLED Mini-LED 4K TV — $1,097.99 ~~$1,999.99~~ (save $902)
Samsung 85-inch M80H Mini-LED 4K TV — $1,199.99 ~~$1,799.99~~ (save $600)
Hisense 85-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV — $1,397.99 ~~$2,499.99~~ (save $1,102)
Hisense 100-inch U6 Mini-LED 4K TV — $1,999.99 ~~$2,999.99~~ (save $1,000)
Hisense 85-inch UR8 RGB Mini-LED 4K TV — $2,199.99 ~~$3,499.99~~ (save $1,300)
TCL 98-inch QM7L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $2,497.99 ~~$3,999.99~~ (save $1,502)
Hisense 100-inch UR8 RGB Mini-LED 4K TV — $3,499.99 ~~$5,999.99~~ (save $2,500)

Best Labor Day headphones deal

Credit: Sony

Sony WH-1000XM5

$198 at Amazon and Best Buy
$399.99 Save $201.99

The last-gen Sony XM5s are an honorable mention on our best headphones guide because they're sooo similar to the newer XM6s, and because they're frequently on sale. (The $460 XM6s really only add folding ear cups and slightly better sound out of the box.) This week, the XM5s are chilling at their lowest price yet: Amazon and Best Buy both have them listed for $198 during their Labor Day events, which is a whopping 51% off their $399.99 MSRP.

Read Mashable's full review of the Sony WH-1000XM5.

More headphone deals

Sony WH-CH520 — $38 ~~$69.99~~ (save $31.99)
Anker Soundcore Q20i — $39.97 ~~$69.99~~ (save $30.02)
Marshall Major V — $89.99 ~~$169.99~~ (save $80)
Sony ULT Wear — $148 ~~$249.99~~ (save $101.99)
Beats Studio Buds + — $149.95 ~~$169.95~~ (save $20)
Nothing Headphone (a) — $159 ~~$199~~ (save $40)
Bose QuietComfort — $199 ~~$359~~ (save $160)
Beats Studio Pro — $249.95 ~~$349.99~~ (save $100.04)
Sonos Ace — $299 ~~$399~~ (save $100)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra — $329 ~~$449~~ (save $120)
Sony WH-1000XM6 — $398 ~~$459.99~~ (save $61.99)

Best Labor Day laptop deal

Credit: HP

HP OmniBook 3 16 (Snapdragon X, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)

$599.99 at Staples
$1,149.99 Save $550

This 16-inch PC is the best battery life laptop we've ever tested: It lasted 40 hours and 14 minutes in a video rundown test. Its portable design and large, colorful display are also highlights — it's "great for streaming movies and juggling multiple documents" on the go, to quote my review. This model with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage would make a great daily driver for folks with basic workloads (think web browsing and sending emails). It's 47% off at Staples right now; the same configuration is $90 pricier on HP's website.

Read Mashable's full review of the HP OmniBook 3 16.

More Windows laptop deals

HP OmniBook Ultra 14 (Snapdragon X2 Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,799.99 ~~$2,249.99~~ (save $450)
Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070Ti, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,899.99 ~~$2,199.99~~ (save $300)
Asus Zenbook Duo (Intel Core Ultra 9 386H, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,199.99 ~~$2,499.99~~ (save $300)
Dell XPS 14 (Intel Core Ultra X7 358H, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,699.99 ~~$3,149.99~~ (save $450)

Chromebook deals

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 (MediaTek Kompanio Ultra, 12GB RAM, 256GB UFS) — $579 ~~$749~~ (save $170)

Best Labor Day smart home deal

Credit: Amazon

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select

$19.99 at Amazon and Best Buy
$49.99 Save $30.00

A slew of Amazon's smart home devices saw price hikes last month, but fortunately, most of the lineup is on sale for Labor Day. The biggest discount is going to the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, Amazon's cheapest 4K streaming stick: It typically retails for $49.99 these days (previously $39.99), but it's currently listed for just $19.99 at Amazon and Best Buy — an impressive 60% savings. It's only $2 away from its record-low Prime Day price.

More streaming 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)
Amazon Echo Studio — $194.99 ~~$219.99~~ (save $25)

Smart speaker and display deals

Amazon Echo Pop Kids — $29.99 ~~$49.99~~ (save $20)
Amazon Echo Dot Kids — $54.99 ~~$89.99~~ (save $35)
Amazon Echo Dot — $54.99 ~~$79.99~~ (save $25)
Amazon Echo Show 5 — $69.99 ~~$99.99~~ (save $30)
Amazon Echo Spot — $69.99 ~~$109.99~~ (save $40)
Amazon Echo Dot Max — $94.99 ~~$119.99~~ (save $25)
Amazon Echo Show 8 — $149.99 ~~$199.99~~ (save $50)
Amazon Echo Show 11 — $189.99 ~~$249.99~~ (save $60)
Amazon Echo Show 15 — $269.99 ~~$349.99~~ (save $80)
Sonos Era 300 — $379 ~~$479~~ (save $100)

Smart thermostats

Google Nest Thermostat — $79 ~~$129.99~~ (save $50.99)

Looking for more Labor Day sales?

Mamdanis AI ban may not be enough to protect NYC students

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 21:03:21 +0000

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stood at a podium today (Sep. 2) and said the words "moratorium on generative AI" to a national audience. To those fighting to ban artificial intelligence in schools across the country, this moment was huge.

Mamdani, speaking alongside NYC Chancellor Kamar Samuels, announced the new comprehensive, human-first AI policy for the nation's largest school district. "The tech industry wants us to believe that A.I.-powered early education is not only inevitable, but necessary," Mamdani said to press. "We do not see it that way."

The new guidelines — an update to a system-wide AI rulebook launched in March — include a ban on chatbots and a one-year pause on the use of AI tools for students in pre-K through the eighth grade. The guidelines also bar individualized screen time for pre-K through second grade. The city says around 38 programs were flagged by the district as violating new policies following an audit of the system's current EdTech, which will either be removed entirely or have their AI features "disabled."

New York City's new policies are some of the strictest AI guidelines in the state, potentially nationwide.

Nationwide call for AI bans

New York City schools are not the first to place limits on AI use among students, following a concerted, nationwide effort from parents, educators, and child safety advocates who have joined together to call for moratoriums on the technology and a hard line on tech usage in classrooms.

One such group is the AI Moratorium (AIM) Coalition, made up of local and national parent organizations like environmental group Climate Families NYC, Class Size Matters, and the Parent Coalition for Student Privacy. The AIM Coalition has been on the front lines of the fight in NYC. In April and July, the group held public rallies urging the mayor's office to intervene in proposed AI adoption across the NYC school system.

The group has gathered more than 6,000 signatures on a petition to the mayor's office calling for a two year AI moratorium across city schools, and penned a second letter to Mamdani on behalf of the group NYC Artists Against AI. The letter has been signed by more than 200 creatives, including actors Elliot Page and Mark Ruffalo and Broad City stars Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobsen.

"We are excited about the fact that our youngest learners won’t be exposed to artificial intelligence," said Dr. Kaliris Salas, member of the AIM Coalition and Racially Just Public Schools, during a press call following the announcement. "We are also concerned about our older learners."

SEE ALSO: The fierce battle over AI in schools

NYC's AI policy has glaring gaps, advocates say

"There are a lot of holes in the policy, if we are being honest," said Liat Olenick, AIM Coalition and Climate Families NYC organizer. "But Kindergartners will not be talking to chatbots this fall, and that is huge progress. We made that change this year."

First, advocates say, one year is not enough. "We are calling for an inclusive, democratic, deliberative process including parents, students, and educators to collectively develop an evidence-backed AI and EdTech policy for our schools," said Kyle DeAngelis of the Movement of Rank and File Educators. "One year is not long enough for that process to play out with the depth and care it requires."

While the new policy bans access to general chatbots like Gemini and ChatGPT, it also includes carveouts for AI-powered tools that already exist in classroom management and education software, referred to as "boxed" curricula.

NYC leaders have not provided information about access to Google Search, for example, which child safety advocates have recently flagged as a backdoor to genAI chatbot access. In addition, Leonie Haimson of the Parent Coalition for Student Privacy said the district is still allowing access to YouTube despite widespread backlash.

"We are the largest school district in the country and can use our purchasing power to demand tools that turn off AI," said Dr. Kelly Clancy of Parents for AI Caution in Educational Spaces (PACES). "It’s also a reason we need regulation of Big Tech as a precondition of exposing kids across the country to these products."

The policy still allows unlimited staff use of generative AI, advocates flagged, as well as unclear mechanisms for evaluating AI products, contracts, and spending.

Significantly, the guidelines do not cover high school classrooms. The city confirmed to AIM Coalition Steering Committee members on Sept. 1 that it's currently piloting AI programs in 180 high schools. Leadership did not say which schools were involved in programs. The coalition told reporters that they did not get clear answers on curriculum or formal opt-out policies for new AI technologies among high schoolers.

NYC high school students joined the AIM Coalition press call to urge the district to expand its policies. "I'm upset that the high school students were left behind," said rising junior and organizer Ariana Ahmed Misha.

"We need to consent. We need to have the choice to say no," said student and organizer Yelani Joseph. Joseph's school is one of the 180 testing AI tools in the classroom. Ahmed Misha and Joseph have both appealed directly to the chancellor to improve AI policies, including AI literacy programs, across NYC.

In responses to questions posed by coalition members during the Sept. 1 meeting, NYC schools clarified that screen time limits are recommendations, not mandates, for grades 3-8.

During a Sept. 2 press call, the city also backtracked on a promise to revoke students' access to Amira, a controversial AI-powered software that the district had said it would ban just a day prior. Now, the city plans to limit access to specific AI features in the app.

David Monahan, campaign director of child safety nonprofit Fairplay, said in a statement that the policy had too many exceptions and failed to address racial bias and the environmental impacts of AI.

"There are still a lot of open questions," said Edgar Alfonseca, member of the NYC DSA Tech Action Working Group. Alfonseca and many other child safety advocates are critical of the influence of Big Tech in classrooms, particularly the high dollar amount spent on deals between districts and AI companies. "We don't see this policy addressing the fundamental problem, which is that EdTech and Big Tech companies are able to reap tremendous profit from public school system dollars."

Advocates feel they still need to remain vigilant despite the progress.

"They are building the plane as it is flying," said Clancy.

iPhone 18 Pro Max colors: Case company shows rumored shades in product photos

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 20:41:32 +0000

Smartphone case makers appear to have dropped a sneak peek at Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and foldable iPhone Ultra devices.

Several third-party manufacturers have already published product listings for cases designed for Apple's upcoming line of smartphones. The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone Ultra are all expected to be announced at Apple's big September event next week.

Case makers ESR, Benks, and Torras have all listed cases for the next generation of iPhones before Apple's official announcement. Each company's listings feature renders of the devices outfitted in their respective case products.

The ESR listings show four potential case color options for the "iPhone 2026 Pro Max": deep burgundy, light gray, black, and misty blue. Additional product photos for a clear case on ESR's website fully showcase the latter iPhone color option.

These are the exact four long-rumored colors for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max phones.

ESR clear iPhone 18 Pro Max case Credit: ESR

The four listed color options for the 'iPhone 2026 Pro Max" are deep burgundy, light gray, black, and misty blue. Credit: ESR

While the cases are notable, it's also worth noting that the base iPhone 18 is conspicuously missing from these companies' early product listings. This seemingly backs up reports that Apple isn't planning to release the new base-model iPhone alongside the Pro, Pro Max, and Ultra models next week. Rumor has it the regular iPhone 18 may not arrive until as late as March 2027.

Torras listed their iPhone 18 Pro cases on Amazon but have since removed them. ESR and Benks both showcase product photos of their upcoming iPhone Pro and Pro Max cases on their websites, and as of publishing, the case listings are still live. ESR lists its iPhone cases under an "iPhone 2026" category on its website.

Benks, on the other hand, specifically mentions the devices by name. Their color options are listed as black mist, blue mist, and purple mist. A clear case appears to show a silver iPhone as well. In its deleted Amazon listings, Torras called the colors "island blue" and "plum purple."

Benks Blue and Purple iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max cases Credit: Benks

In addition to their iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max cases, Benks also features renders of its iPhone Ultra cases.

Benks' iPhone Ultra case product listing doesn't give away the device's potential color choices, but it does seem to showcase what the front and rear of the device look like when opened. The product renders show the overall shape of the foldable device and two camera lenses on the back of the iPhone Ultra.

Benks iPhone Ultra cases Credit: Benks

We don't believe these are official photos of the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, or iPhone Ultra, however. The ESR photos show a portion of the display featuring the same artwork Apple used in official photography for the iPhone 17 Pro. However, some phone case companies do receive information, specifications, or dummy units of unreleased phones in advance, usually under strict embargoes that forbid them from revealing this info until the devices are announced.

The artwork on the phone screen matches the artwork Apple used in images of the iPhone 17 Pro. Credit: ESR

While these renders could be accurate representations of the unreleased phones, they don't appear to be official Apple photos. But they do give Apple fans who are counting down the days until the September 9 "Surprise and Shine" event something to hold them over.

Top Apple Deals we found this week:

Apple AirTag 2 (4-Pack) — $79.99 $99 (save $20)
Apple AirPods 4 — $99 $129 (save $30)
Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4) — $649 $749 (save $100)
Apple iPhone Air (256GB, unlocked) — $849.99 $999.99 (save $150)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,849 $1,999 (save $150)
Shop all the best Apple Labor Day deals

Whistleblower: USPSs new ballot screening system isnt ready

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 18:58:47 +0000

A whistleblower working inside the United States Postal Service (USPS) has told Congress that a brand-new system for screening mail-in ballots — built in a matter of months, against the advice of the agency's own staff — is so rushed and untested that it risks mass rejection of legitimate ballots just as the 2026 midterms approach.

The allegations are laid out in an anonymous disclosure filed on Aug. 30 with the office of Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) through the nonprofit legal group Whistleblower Aid. The whistleblower, described as a federal official with direct knowledge of the project, says USPS leadership pushed for a Sept. 1 launch despite internal warnings that the software hadn't been properly built or tested, and that development continued at points even while federal courts had ordered the work to stop. Blumenthal's letter demands USPS turn over records and answer detailed questions about the system by early September.

The launch of the new portal is partly in response to a Trump executive order from March 31 directing USPS to write new rules governing how mail-in and absentee ballots move through the postal system. Trump has been adamant the 2020 election was stolen from him, even as recently as last month, as he cited a dubious Census Bureau report to back up his "election fraud" claims.

A 2025 Brookings analysis found that mail-in voter fraud was "very rare," according to their findings. An additional analysis by American Immigration Council also concluded that the Heritage Foundation's report on noncitizen voting proved there "is no crisis of noncitizen voting" and that it's "exceedingly rare."

The White House's purported aim is to verify that only eligible, registered voters receive ballots by mail, using unique barcodes tied to state-maintained voter lists. The EO also adds that states that do not comply could lose federal funding. The U.S. Constitution mandates that election laws are under state supervision, which includes the tabulation and tracking of mail-in ballots.

USPS published a proposed rule in June and a final rule on Aug. 26 that, for the first time, gives the Postal Service a gatekeeping role over ballot mail — meaning USPS can now refuse to mail ballot batches that state election officials have already prepared and approved. According to Blumenthal's letter, USPS has never previously had this kind of authority over how states run their own ballot mail.

USPS has not yet responded publicly to the specific whistleblower allegations. Here's what the new system is supposed to do, and why the disclosure says it might not work.

How the new system is supposed to work

To carry this out, USPS has been building an entirely new piece of software called the Federal Ballot Mail Portal. Per the disclosure, the process has three parts:

The Portal itself, where state election officials upload a list of every registered voter getting a mail ballot, along with each ballot's unique barcode, creating a statewide "Mail-In and Absentee Participation List."
A manifest check, where officials separately upload a batch manifest. This is basically an inventory of the specific ballots they're about to mail into an older USPS bulk-mail system. USPS then automatically checks whether the barcodes in that manifest match the ones already logged in the Portal.
A physical scan at the post office, where USPS employees scan a sample of the actual ballots in a batch to confirm the physical barcodes match what's on file, before agreeing to mail the batch at all.

What's causing the most alarm from lawmakers and critics is that if either check fails, USPS won't mail the ballots.

The whistleblower says USPS is enforcing what amounts to a zero-tolerance policy. If even a single ballot's barcode in a batch fails to match or scan properly, the entire batch gets bounced back to the state, the whistleblower alleges.

In action, as the whistleblower describes it, if a state were to bring 10,000 ballots to USPS and just one can't be verified either cause a voter recently changed their name or moved, USPS would decline to mail the other 9,999 as well. States would then have to pull the whole batch, fix the one ballot, and resubmit the entire manifest to restart the verification process from scratch.

Barcode scanning errors aren't hypothetical, either. The disclosure cites a 2017 audit by the USPS Office of Inspector General that looked at problems with package-tracking scanners; among its findings, one unspecified issue was tied to roughly one in 20 scans coming back wrong. Apply even a fraction of that error rate to ballot batches instead of packages, and a meaningful number of valid ballots could get swept up in a rejected batch.

There's also no clear appeals process. The final rule says voters or election officials will be told about "escalation procedures" if they want to challenge a rejection, but doesn't specify what those procedures actually are — and voters may not find out their ballot was part of a rejected batch until it's too late to get another one or vote in person.

How this affects the 2026 Midterms

According to the disclosure, USPS didn't start serious work on the Portal until around mid-June 2026 and was targeting a Sept. 1 launch. The whistleblower says a project of this complexity would normally take nine months to a year, and cites a member of the Postal Regulatory Commission making a similar estimate publicly.

When staff raised concerns about the compressed schedule, one senior official is said to have brushed them off, insisting the launch simply had to go perfectly with no room for error. Additionally, a federal court order blocked the ballot-mail provisions of the executive order on June 25, but the whistleblower alleges that the order was ignored, and work started up again in the days following the ruling.

By the whistleblower's account, the complete system wasn't even assembled in a testing environment until the week of Aug. 24 — leaving roughly four working days for customer-facing testing before the planned launch, on a system meant to help run a federal election. Sen. Blumenthal has given USPS until Sept. 4 to answer a list of questions, specifically whether USPS actually paused work as required, who authorized development to continue, and whether any testing has been done to catch false rejections. The senator also gave a Sept. 8 deadline to hand over internal records.

Altogether, the USPS mail portal is one of many avenues the White House is pursuing to change the rules governing mail voting before November's midterms. On Aug. 24, the Supreme Court's conservative majority let the administration move forward on the executive order. The majority didn't rule on whether the order was legal — it said the challenge was premature because the rules hadn't been finalized yet, reasoning states couldn't show they'd actually been harmed.

On Capitol Hill, Senate Republicans tried and failed in early August to push through a pared-down version of the SAVE America Act requiring photo ID at the polls, after leadership concluded they didn't have the votes for the full bill, which would also mandate proof of citizenship to register and roll back mail voting more broadly. That measure has now failed at least six times this year, but GOP leaders say they'll try again when the Senate reconvenes in this month.

Through these various legal levers, the administration has several routes still open to reshape how — and whether — millions of mail ballots get counted this fall, even without a single bill becoming law.

OpenAI Astra arrives soon, and the company is already promoting its critical risks

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 17:54:35 +0000

OpenAI confirmed on Tuesday that its unreleased Astra model has reached a dangerous new milestone, while simultaneously confirming that it was forging ahead with a public launch.

In a blog post, OpenAI said that Astra has reached a "critical" cyber capability threshold, meaning the model could pose existential risks to cybersecurity. OpenAI's Preparedness Framework tracks risk levels in three categories: biological/chemical, cybersecurity, and AI self-improvement.

OpenAI said that this is the first time any of its models has been evaluated at the critical level in the cyber domain.

The same blog post also stated that Astra will be "available soon," but that its most advanced cybersecurity skills will be reserved for select testing partners, in the interest of public safety. The AI company said it was still preparing to safely release Astra and would be transparent about the potential threat level.

On X, Sam Altman addressed the tension between declaring Astra uniquely dangerous while also pushing ahead with a public launch. Altman said that "Astra has been done training for a while now" but that OpenAI has been "slowing things as needed to ensure that we can do sufficient work on safety and alignment."

"There is an obvious tension here: on one hand, Astra is very good and we are excited to see what people will build with it," Altman wrote. "On the other hand, we are clearly in a phase of development where we believe caution is warranted, and we are pacing our progress to ensure that we can meet the safety standards required by new capability levels."

Of course, this isn't the first time an AI company has hyped up one of its models as dangerously powerful ahead of a big launch.

"Limiting access to the most advanced cybersecurity features to select partners is a fair mitigation, and I don't think OpenAI is being reckless here," said Tal Kollender, Founder and CEO of AI cybersecurity firm Remedio. "Their framework is built to allow release with the right safeguards, but the security story is that defense hasn't caught up to any version of this, gated or public."

What makes Astra potentially dangerous?

OpenAI previously rated GPT-5.6-Sol as a "high" risk in the cyber domain, but Astra is even more capable. OpenAI says it scored 100 percent on the ExploitBench benchmarking test.

"Under our Preparedness Framework, a model reaches the Critical cybersecurity threshold if it can identify and develop functional zero-day exploits of all severity levels in many hardened real-world critical systems without human intervention, or can devise and execute end-to-end novel strategies for cyberattacks against hardened targets given only a high level desired goal," an Aug. 7 OpenAI blog post stated.

In recent months, advanced frontier models from Anthropic and OpenAI have developed rapidly at agentic coding and cybersecurity hacking. As a result, the prospect of AI agent swarms hacking critical infrastructure no longer seems far-fetched, especially after the Hugging Face hack. In that incident, swarms of AI agents developed by OpenAI escaped a secure testing environment and hacked Hugging Face, acting autonomously in order to pass a test. Meanwhile, thanks to a deluge of AI-discovered bugs, some zero-day bug bounty programs have been forced to shut down entirely.

"While Astra was not involved in the Hugging Face incident, we have incorporated our learnings⁠ from that incident into our safety approach," OpenAI's blog post states. "Based on retrospective testing, we believe our production safeguards at the time would have prevented the Hugging Face incident. We have since implemented even stronger safeguards for Astra, including training the model to more reliably refuse harmful cyber requests and respect safety restrictions, additional protections against misuse, and monitoring that can stop potentially unauthorized activity."

In its blog post, OpenAI also detailed some of the other safety precautions developed around Astra, with two goals in mind: preventing bad actors from accessing the model and stopping Astra from taking unwanted actions on its own. The company said it's tightened its secure sandboxes and stepped up "offline detection and threat disruption" efforts.

"Nation-states and well-funded attackers aren't waiting on Sam Altman's release calendar," Kollender told Mashable. "If a frontier lab's internal model can find and chain zero-days without a human in the loop, assume adversaries are within a generation of the same capability, gatekept or not."

On the same day OpenAI made these announcements, Anthropic announced the launch of Fable 5.1, an update to its latest frontier-level model. Fable is based on Claude Mythos, the model Anthropic deemed too dangerous to release because of its cybersecurity coding abilities.

If the pace of AI development is starting to remind you of War Games, keep one other fact in mind: While advanced frontier models do pose escalating cybersecurity risks, the same models will also benefit cybersecurity defenders in the long run.

UPDATE: Sep. 2, 2026, 1:26 p.m. EDT This article has been updated with comments from Sam Altman shared to X and quotes from a cybersecurity expert.

UPDATE: Sep. 2, 2026, 9:29 a.m. EDT A previous version of this article stated that Astra was the first OpenAI model to be evaluated as a "critical" threat in any of the three categories in the company's Preparedness Framework (chemical/biological, cyber, self-improvement). The company has only said that Astra is the first model to reach the "critical" threshold in the cyber domain.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Is Meta finally backing a federal kids safety bill, or is it all PR?

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 17:50:36 +0000

In the aftermath of Meta's recent $17 billion settlement, the culmination of a litigious debate over its alleged role in social media addiction and youth mental health, all attention was on the platform's promises.

As part of the settlement, Meta said it would invest further in what many are now referring to as industry-leading app guardrails. The company would also deliver a precedent-setting $12 billion payment to state attorneys general. Another $5 billion will be added if Snap, TikTok, and YouTube agree to implement their own safeguards. Many honed in the specific platform changes included in the agreement — including greater age assurance and stronger time limits — and the potential downstream effect Meta's changes could levy on its competitors.

But others, including a group of survivor parents, perked up at a different, less flashy promise.

"I think legislation would have been the best answer to this issue," an unnamed Meta official told reporters during a press call following the settlement. The official went on, alluding to recent attempts to pass the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA): "It would be better to have this done by a legislature, which can immediately bind all of our competitors to the same rules."

The comment was a shock to folks working behind the scenes to advance tech regulation, including Maurine Molak, an advocate and co-founder of Parents for Safe Online Spaces (ParentsSOS). The organization has been fighting for years to pass child safety legislation like KOSA despite Big Tech's roadblocks. Molak was in the room during Meta's 2024 congressional hearing, at which Zuckerberg apologized to a group of families, including Molak, whose children had died by suicide.

"I was livid," Molak told Mashable. "For them to come out and act like KOSA was the answer to these issues after knowing the millions of dollars they spent lobbying against [it]? I was incensed."

The Meta official implied that the time had passed for Congress to advance the bill during this session, which infuriated Molak in particular. "Who makes Meta the overseer of Congress' calendar?" she asked. Molak helped pass Texas' anti-cyberbullying legislation, David's Law, in 2017, in honor of her son.

"This deal is designed to lead us to basically the same place," the Meta official said, likening the stipulations of the settlement to the protections outlined in bills like KOSA.

The sentiment was a nail in the coffin for ParentsSOS.

"It is morally bankrupt to suggest the settlement is the same thing as [legislation]," said ParentsSOS member Chris McComas, mother of Grace McComas, who died by suicide following intense cyberbullying in 2012. McComas said the company's press release read like PR spin, not an acknowledgment of guilt. "It shouldn't be seen as a good guys trying to do the right thing. They are in trouble. They see the writing on the wall, and they are trying to save themselves."

So the parents penned a letter.

He needs to put his money behind his words.

Calling on Zuckerberg to back the bill

"Dear Mr. Zuckerberg," the letter begins, addressed directly to the Meta CEO and dated Aug. 28, 2026. "We read, with great interest, your open letter to TikTok and YouTube calling for industry standards to protect kids online in the wake of your company’s settlement with the state Attorneys General. We wholeheartedly agree with you…"

The letter was sent just two days after the comments were made by the unnamed Meta official, but nearly a month after a neutered version of KOSA was passed by the House as the Kids Internet and Digital Safety (KIDS) Act. It still needs to be voted on by the Senate.

"Fortunately there is still time to pass this life-saving legislation this Congress," the group wrote. "Given your recently changed views on needing federal legislation to prevent online harms within the industry, will you stop lobbying against KOSA; publicly pledge your support for the bill; and share your support with President Trump and leaders in Congress?"

The letter was strategic, both McComas and Molak told Mashable. On one hand, it takes Meta's comments at face value and extends an olive branch to the company, which has so far been the main opposition to ParentsSOS's advocacy efforts, they say.

On the other hand, it calls out what Molak referred to as a "brazen" implication that Meta was cleaning up an industry rife with ne'er-do-wells. "We know what kind of person Zuckerberg is," said Molak. "We needed to shame him into helping us pass KOSA. He needs to put his money behind his words."

The response, as of this story's publishing, has been silence. Neither Molak nor McComas expressed surprise that Meta would drag its feet on pushing for legislation publicly.

Mashable also reached out to Meta regarding the letter prior to publication. The company declined to comment, directing the publication to Meta's previous newsroom post.

What is KOSA?

ParentsSOS has been pounding the pavement around Capitol Hill to pass KOSA, a piece of federal legislation that has become synonymous with cases surrounding teen mental health, social media addiction, and suicide.

In a simple reading, KOSA would mandate default safeguards for underage internet users, including parental controls, communication limits, and location privacy, as well as design features like the ability to turn off infinite scroll, autoplay, and other incentives to stay online. The bill also requires the Secretary of Commerce, Federal Communications Commission, and Federal Trade Commission evaluate the efficacy of age verification systems at the "device or operating system level."

ParentsSOS, which calls KOSA "a wildly popular bipartisan bill" in the letter, says Meta may be using KOSA as protection from further litigation. In fact, Meta has recently shifted its stance and begun working with, rather against, regulatory proponents — conversations aimed at carving out specific protections to avoid astronomical fines for violating said law, company insiders recently told Politico.

We needed to shame him into helping us pass KOSA.

"[KOSA] can't happen for immunity," said McComas. "It needs to happen for the lives of American children and families that are forever torn apart when one of them is lost."

Many other organizations have backed the bill, including the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE). "The Kids Online Safety Act with its strong Duty of Care would compel Meta and other tech platforms to design their products with children in mind and Congress should pass this quickly," said NCOSE leadership in the wake of the settlement.

Enough is Enough, an internet safety nonprofit that helped pass the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) in 2000, also called on the Senate to pass KOSA, noting its "strong Duty of Care" provisions that they argue could deliver needed protections. "Hopefully, this settlement will end the lobbying to protect Big Tech and instead focus on protecting kids," the organization wrote.

Parent rights advocacy group ParentsTogether has previously backed KOSA and called for additional Senate inquiries into Big Tech following the settlement decision. "As Congress advances federal online safety legislation like the Kids Online Safety Act, we urge lawmakers to set strong, clear standards for every platform while preserving states' and families' ability to sue," the nonprofit wrote. "Federal law can raise the floor nationwide; access to the courts is what keeps companies honest in between. Our children deserve both."

There's other legislation on the table, too, many of which are looped into the larger KIDS Act. For example, Enough is Enough also called on Meta to back the federal App Store Accountability Act, a federal version of laws recently passed by states like Texas which mandate stricter age verification and parental controls for app marketplaces. Meta has previously called on regulation of marketplaces rather than stipulations on platforms themselves.

Organizations pushing KOSA are up against a massive lobbying machine backed by Big Tech. According to an analysis of lobbying disclosures by campaign finance reform nonprofit Issue One, companies have spent a combined $226,000 per day pushing back on legislation in 2026. The numbers have escalated as AI companies have gained a hold in federal policymaking.

"When Meta says 'industry wide standards,' that means they know they will lobby to enact a very weak set of safeguards. But now, it must [be] clear to all, that Meta can never be trusted when it comes to protecting and supporting young people," Jeff Chester, executive director of the Center for Digital Democracy, told Mashable. "We need more litigation, a push for strong state laws, and a major D.C. push for national policy that finally reins in Meta, Google, and the other industry leaders."

Why is KOSA controversial?

Online safety regulation isn't just swimming against the tide of Big Tech money. KOSA has proven to be a highly divisive bill among digital privacy advocates since its initial introduction in 2022.

Critics have warned the bill — and related online safety legislation — could be opening up a Pandora's Box of First Amendment violations. Responding to early versions of KOSA, critics noted language that could serve as a backdoor for internet-wide censorship, including posts featuring LGBTQ content, and have expressed doubt over controversial age verification systems.

KOSA's Duty of Care stipulations, which critics argue could lead platforms to over-censor protected speech to shield themselves from the law, have previously been called into question by groups like the ACLU, GLAAD, and the Internet Society. A group of 90+ civil society organizations signed onto a 2022 letter opposing early versions of KOSA. Critics have continued to push back against the constitutionality of the bill and related legislative attempts like the App Store Accountability Act.

Much like child safety groups, privacy groups warned the settlement could provide momentum to pass the long-awaited regulation. But the settlement itself also poses concern.

Deep in the terms of Meta's settlement was a minor legal loophole, effectively granting the company permission to retain and use children's data for training age assurance models and designing guardrails. The agreement bars states who signed on from suing the company under the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which is the basis for many ongoing claims.

"Under this settlement, young users will now have less access to Meta products, and a lesser ability to exercise their rights to speak, access information and art and culture, associate and form communities, and play," wrote the Electronic Frontier Foundation. "The settlement also embeds age assurance into every product, mandating the collection of even more personal information from users of all ages; this enshrines Meta's harmful surveillance into law."

In an Aug. 26 statement, the Center for Democracy & Technology warned the settlement's age assurance promises could pose potential risks to privacy and free expression rights online. "Given the well-documented risks age assurance techniques pose to all users’ rights to access the web privately, securely, and anonymously, this commitment raises significant concerns and its implementation must be closely observed," the organization wrote.

Despite these criticisms — which McComas describes as red herrings seeded by Big Tech itself — KOSA is still viewed by proponents as the only solution to what has become one of the most pressing issues of our time. "I believe it will start saving lives right away," said McComas.

Heres how to milk Amazons Young Adult Prime membership for all its worth

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 17:06:55 +0000

TL;DR: Amazon's discounted Prime for Young Adults membership ($7.49/month after a 6-month trial) now includes 5% cash back on move-in essentials and groceries through September 15, plus free 30-minute delivery on Amazon Now orders over $25.

Credit: Amazon

Amazon Prime for Young Adults

$7.49 at Amazon

If you can't bear the thought of living in a dorm room for another second (I def get it; I had three roommates my senior year of undergrad), and you're moving into your first apartment on a tight budget — like Ramen-noodles-every-night kind of budget — you'll be happy to know that Amazon has a special membership tier just for you.

Right now, you can get Amazon's "Prime for Young Adults" membership for just $7.49 a month (or $69 a year), which is half the cost of a standard Prime membership. If you sign up for the trial, you'll get six months free up front. This tier, designed specifically for students pinching pennies, gives you all the benefits of Prime, including free shipping, Prime Video, and a free Grubhub+ membership.

On top of the usual stuff, Amazon added a few new perks for the back-to-school season:

5% cash back on groceries and essentials: Through Sept. 15, Amazon is giving Prime for Young Adults members 5% cash back on everyday grocery essentials, plus home, kitchen, and office gadgets. Once you hit a $5 balance, you can apply it directly to your next checkout. It caps at $100 per purchase and $500 a year.
Amazon Now 30-min delivery: Prime for Young Adult members get free 30-minute delivery on Amazon Now orders over $25. Even better: If you're a first-time user, you'll get $5 off your first $25+ order (plus the free delivery), and another $5 off your second $25 order.

Stay prepared for any power situation with 41% off the DJI Power 2000 Portable Power Station

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 16:49:59 +0000

SAVE $540: As of Sep. 1, get the DJI Power 2000 Portable Power Station for $759.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,299.99. That's a discount of 41%.

Credit: Amazon

DJI Power 2000 Portable Power Station

$759.99 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $539.01

The hotter days may be behind us, but fall can still bring several severe storms that could knock your power out. Not to mention cold weather is on the horizon, which can also put you in an electricity-related bind if you happen to be in the path of a blizzard or other snowstorm. Be ready for all of these situations and more with a portable power station. You can grab one right now on sale at Amazon for an excellent price.

As of Sep. 1, get the DJI Power 2000 Portable Power Station for $759.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,299.99. That's $540 off and a discount of 41%.

The DJI Power 2000 has a 2,048Wh capacity and manages to remain quiet while in operation. It weighs under 50 poiunds and is compatible with up to 10 DJI Expansion Battery 2000s, which can juice your portable power station up to 22,000Wh. That means your entire house could be powered in a pinch should you need it.

It also comes with plentiful ports: three standard AC options, four USB-A ports, four USB-C ports, and two SDC ports so you can recharge drones in an expedient manner. It also has a 30-amp plug. It's equipped and ready to make sure you have enough power to handle whatever emergency comes your way, so if you're looking for a way to stay afloat when nasty weather approaches or just need an easy way to stay in touch while off-grid, this is a great option.

The best Labor Day appliance deals to shop right now

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 16:26:11 +0000

Best Labor Day appliance deals at a glance:

Best fridge deal

Hisense 18.1 ft Counter-Depth Refrigerator

$499 (save $250)

Best washer deal

GE 4.5-cu ft Top Load Washer

$599 (save $250)

Best washer-dryer combo deal

LG WashTower Stacked Laundry Center

$1,899 (save $800)

Labor Day is basically the awkward cousin of shopping holidays. You're not exactly thrilled it's here (RIP, summer), and it definitely lacks the pizzazz of Black Friday. But it does come with one perk: It's undeniably the best time of year to score a deal on those more expensive home essentials, like mattresses and major household appliances (e.g., washers and dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers).

This year, big-box retailers like Home Depot, Lowe's, Best Buy, and even Amazon are rolling out their holiday savings events. Right now, most appliance markdowns are about $15 to $20 shy of their all-time-low Black Friday prices. Frankly, paying an extra twenty bucks is well worth it if your washing machine has gone kaput, but I expect even bigger discounts as we get closer to the holiday weekend.

Whether your fridge is on its last leg or you've finally decided to upgrade the laundry room (honestly, good for you), I've scoured through the deals to help you find the best bang for your buck.

Here are the best Labor Day appliance deals you can shop right now.

Best major kitchen appliance deals

Credit: Hisense

Hisense 18.1 ft Counter-Depth Refrigerator

$499 at Lowe's
$749 Save $250

Credit: LG

LG 24-cu ft Top-Mount Refrigerator

$879 at Home Depot
$1,199 Save $320

Why we like it

The Hisense 18.1 ft Counter-Depth Refrigerator ($499 at Lowe's, down from $749) is an unbeatable deal. It sits flush with your counters so it shouldn't stick out; it's garage-ready, and comes with a two-year warranty — which is double what most appliance brands give you.

If you need more storage space, you'll want the LG 24-cu ft Top-Mount Refrigerator, marked down to $879 (saving you $320) at Home Depot. At 24 cubic feet, it's about as roomy as a top-freezer fridge gets.

Shop deals on fridges, dishwashers, and more

Frigidaire 24" Front Control Built-In Dishwasher — $299.99 ~~$377.99~~ (save $78)
GE 30 in. 4.8 cu. ft. Freestanding Gas Range — $699 ~~$799~~ (save $100)
LG FlushFit 24" Top Control Smart Built-In Dishwasher — $599.99 ~~$1,049.99~~ (save $450)
LG 36 in. 28 cu. ft. 3-Door French Door Refrigerator — $1,799 ~~$3,099~~ (save $1,300)
Samsung Bespoke 36 in. 29 cu. ft. 4-Door French Door Refrigerator — $1,799 ~~$3,199~~ (save $1,400)

Best laundry appliance deals

Credit: GE

GE 4.5-cu ft Top Load Washer

$599 at Home Depot
$849 Save $250

Credit: LG

LG WashTower Stacked Laundry Center

$1,899 at Lowe's
$2,699 Save $800

Why we like it

If you're looking for a no-frills machine that won't cost you a fortune, the GE 4.5-cu ft Top Load Washer ($599, down from $849) is a great buy. It features a classic dual-action agitator, a large 4.5-cu ft. capacity, and a Boost setting that adds an extra 15 minutes of soaking to get out tough stains.

For those of you who want something a little bougier, the LG WashTower Stacked Laundry Center is down to $1,899 (saving you $800). It gives you full-sized capacity in half the floor space (perfect for smaller apartments!), features moisture sensors, and a steam cycle that's claimed to pull out over 95 percent of pet dander.

Shop deals on washers and dryers

Whirlpool 7-cu ft Vented Electric Dryer — $499 ~~$719~~ (save $220)
LG WashTower Stacked SMART Laundry Center — $1,899 ~~$2,699~~ (save $800)
LG 4.5-cu ft Stackable SMART Front Load Washer — $929 ~~$1,199~~ (save $270)
GE Profile UltraFast Ventless All-In-One Washer Dryer Combo — $2,199 ~~$2,999~~ (save $800)

Apple CEO John Ternus shares first memo to staff in new role

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 16:24:43 +0000

John Ternus spent his first day as Apple's chief executive doing what most office workers do: sending out emails.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who obtained the note, Ternus sent a staff-wide memo to preview what he called a standout showing at next week's iPhone event and to publicly thank Tim Cook, who spent 15 years at Apple's helm.

Ternus, who previously ran Apple's hardware engineering organization, told staff he's looking forward to what comes after the September 9 launch just as much as the event itself. Gurman reported that Ternus called the coming iPhone reveal "phenomenal" in the memo, a preview that lines up with Apple's plans to introduce its first foldable iPhone and push further into smart home hardware, according to Bloomberg's reporting.

The memo also included a tribute to Cook, who is staying on at Apple as executive chairman rather than leaving the company outright. Ternus credited his predecessor with sharing his knowledge throughout the transition and framed Cook's tenure as one defined by strong values, according to Bloomberg. Tuesday also marked Ternus's debut on X, where he joins Cook and marketing chief Greg Joswiak as the company's most visible executives on the platform.

Per Gurman's reporting, Joswiak indicated that Ternus will have more to share when he takes the stage at next week's "Surprise and Shine" event.

Cook, for his part, sent his own farewell note to staff a day earlier, telling employees he'll miss the daily work but is confident in the direction Ternus will take the company.

Ternus's promotion caps a long climb inside Apple. As we've detailed in an explainer of the incoming CEO, Ternus joined Apple in 2001 after a brief stint as a mechanical engineer, working his way from the product design team to VP of hardware engineering in 2013 and senior VP in 2021.

Apple has credited him with hardware wins, including the iPhone Air and the MacBook Neo, as well as a pivotal role in the company's shift to using in-house Apple silicon. Ternus, at 50, is stepping into the CEO role at the same age Cook was when he succeeded Steve Jobs in 2011, and people close to the company see him bringing a more product-first, Jobs-like sensibility to the job than his predecessor.

With AI widely seen as Apple's biggest competitive gap, Ternus's handling of the newly overhauled Siri is likely to be one of the first major tests of his leadership. For now, though, all eyes are on next week's keynote, the first major product event of the Ternus era.

Top Apple Deals we found this week:

Apple AirTag 2 (4-Pack) — $79.99 $99 (save $20)
Apple AirPods 4 — $99 $129 (save $30)
Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4) — $649 $749 (save $100)
Apple iPhone Air (256GB, unlocked) — $849.99 $999.99 (save $150)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,849 $1,999 (save $150)
Shop all the best Apple Labor Day deals

OnlyFans links may help creators get seen, report finds

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 16:08:31 +0000

As the creator economy becomes increasingly crowded, individuals may be looking for new ways to get seen. According to a new report from Giggster, having an OnlyFans link in your Linktree is apparently the way to obtain search visibility.

In an analysis of nearly 5,000 verified, person-led Linktree profiles in the U.S., those with OnlyFans links were a major driver of creator search visibility, Giggster reported. Fifty-five percent of profiles analyzed had OnlyFans links, yet they accounted for 76.4 percent of the share of Ahrefs Traffic Value. (Ahrefs Traffic Value is an estimate of the monthly cost of a page's organic traffic if it were purchased through pay-per-click advertising.)

The median traffic value of an OnlyFans-linked profile was around 8.2 times higher than that of one without an OnlyFans link.

This is antithetical to what adult creators discuss in terms of visibility on social media. Last year, for a story on age-verification laws, porn performer Siri Dahl told Mashable that Instagram has become strict with the links allowed in people's bios, and that Linktrees were starting to get "blacklisted" due to their association with OnlyFans creators. (Neither Instagram nor Linktree responded to Mashable's request for comment at the time.)

In May, creator platform ONA published an article about Instagram reach dropping after adding a Linktree or OnlyFans link, as well.

Giggster's report also found that the top creators overall hold a majority of the search value. In Washington, for instance, the top 10 percent of creators generate nearly all (96.3 percent) of the state's creator search value. California has the lowest concentration of the 10 states Giggster named, but the top 10 percent still generate 81.6 percent of its search value.

GTA 6 on PS5 vs Xbox: Key differences to consider

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:53:03 +0000

Grand Theft Auto VI launches on Nov. 19 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles. As far as anyone knows, it could be years before there's a PC version of the hotly anticipated open-world crime game (fortunately, we don't think it will take that long). But if you want to play the game right away, then it's time for you to figure out which version to buy.

After pre-orders opened, IGN reported that PS5 versions of the game were outselling Xbox at an eight-to-one ratio. Microsoft denied these numbers, of course, but if IGN's readers are representative of gamers as a whole, then players are certainly leaning in a very clear direction.

So, should you play GTA 6 on PS5 or Xbox? There are a lot of variables that make this a difficult question to answer. That said, we're going to do our best. Here is everything you need to know before buying GTA VI on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series S/X

Grand Theft Auto VI: PS5 or Series X?

The first thing to note here is that the only official gameplay footage we've seen of GTA 6 comes from a 26-minute extended look released on Netflix in late August. It lived up to the hype, but less than half an hour of carefully curated footage is not a great way to determine the technical ins and outs of a video game.

It's also worth pointing out, though, that the Netflix footage was captured on PlayStation 5. Sony has even said in its marketing that the game "plays best on PS5."

"Thanks to the close partnership between Sony Interactive Entertainment and Rockstar Games, Grand Theft Auto VI will play best on PS5 by taking advantage of PS5’s immersive features to deliver a deeply engaging single-player experience when it launches on November 19," a Sony blog post reads.

The company hasn't divulged any real details as to how or why it's best on PS5, though. Until the game is in our hands, we can't know for sure, though.

One thing we do know is that GTA VI is a graphical powerhouse. Digital Foundry, an outlet known for technical breakdowns of video game visuals, called it arguably "the most impressive example of real-time game rendering" they've seen yet. The power differential between the PS5 and Series X is not particularly significant, so based on what we saw on Netflix, there's every reason to expect that the Xbox Series X version will be comparable, at least.

Just be warned that, according to Digital Foundry (and also according to what little I know about video game rendering), the game will almost certainly not ship with a 60 frames per second mode, and it may not ever get one on these consoles. But 30 FPS is fine; you'll get used to it.

What about Xbox Series S?

One major question a lot of folks will have is whether GTA 6 will still look good and play well on an Xbox Series S. Both Xbox and PlayStation consoles are prohibitively expensive right now due to RAMageddon, so the cheaper Series S represents the best value of the bunch at $500. It's cheaper because it's a weaker device, though. It's compatible with the same games as the Series X, but many of those games are compromised in some way.

We don't know anything about the Series S version of GTA VI right now. But if I had to guess, I would assume it runs at a lower resolution and has some other settings turned down, at the very least. I would be stunned if Rockstar released it in an unplayable state, but weirder things have happened.

More information about GTA VI's tech specs on these platforms is sure to come out before Nov. 19, and we'll keep you updated as it comes in.

'Grand Theft Auto VI' for PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X

$79.99 at Amazon

'Grand Theft Auto VI' Ultimate Edition: PS5 or Xbox

$99.99 at PlayStation Store

What is Boox? Meet the trendy e-readers that BookTok loves.

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:46:14 +0000

Just as BookTok goes through phases with its favorite books, it channels the same attitude toward e-readers. While Kindles are undoubtedly the e-reader to reign supreme, plenty of competitors come in swinging to dethrone it. The latest is Boox.

In between users touting their Kobo Clara and Kindle Paperwhite on BookTok, you'll also find a passionate, dedicated group of people discussing their Boox e-reader. The Palma Pro 2, in particular, has caught the interest of plenty of folks who want an e-reader even smaller than what Kindle can offer. Having tested several Boox e-readers myself, I was admittedly surprised by the device's popularity because these aren't your regular old e-readers but are instead e-ink tablets.

Unlike Kindles or Kobos, Boox e-readers let you access any app in the Google Play Store, so your books from any app (excluding Apple Books) are all available on one device. Ever dreamed of being able to update your Storygraph or GoodReads right on your e-reader? Well, you can download those to your Boox, too.

So here's what to know about Boox, the e-readers that BookTok can't get enough of.

What is Boox?

Boox e-readers may be rising in popularity but they've been around for almost two decades. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Boox e-readers are manufactured by Onyx International, a Chinese-based technology company. Onyx created Boox e-readers as an alternative to traditional smartphones and tablets, which have bright screens that cause eye fatigue and strain. The e-ink tablets have softer interfaces so you can read for hours at a time without bright, glossy blue light.

Onyx e-readers were also among the first to use Android 10, a departure from traditional e-readers like the Amazon Kindle or Rakuten Kobo, which run on independent operating systems.

Are Boox e-readers or tablets?

But are Boox e-readers actually e-readers? Because Boox runs on an Android operating system, any Android app can be downloaded to the device.

This is very different from Kindle or Kobo, which both run Linux-based operating systems. These unique OSes usually allow you to download and read books and explore new titles. However, there's no option to download other apps and access a home page as you'd expect on a smartphone or tablet.

Read books on nearly any app on a Boox e-reader. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Boox e-readers do have a library built into their OS, but they also have a standard home screen with access to the Google Play Store. That means any app in the Google Play Store can be downloaded onto the device. Technically, this makes them e-ink tablets, meaning they're like traditional tablets but with a matte e-ink display.

The perk of traditional e-readers is their distraction-free UX, so even though they're still digital devices, they're limited in their capabilities. But a Boox exposes you to more distractions. Luckily, they aren't that powerful and don't have nearly as much computing power as even a smartphone. So even though you have access to a world of apps and the internet, it doesn't mean you have the processing power to fully enjoy them.

What models of Boox are available?

There are eight available Boox e-reader and e-ink tablets including the Palma 2 Pro and Go 6 (Gen 2). Credit: Boox / Mashable

Boox has lots of models, including past generations of current models, but not all of them are available. Here are the current tablets and e-readers available from Boox.

E-ink tablets

E-readers

We're in the midst of testing Boox's e-readers with reviews of the Go 10.3 (Gen 2) and Go 6 (Gen 2) coming soon. For notes on our favorite e-readers, check out our guide to the best e-readers.

Are there privacy and security concerns with Boox e-readers?

When covering Boox's devices, there's some concern about Boox's privacy and security. This stems from Boox e-readers being designed and manufactured in China, and some users are concerned that the devices "phone home," meaning they send data back to servers in China. To be fair, on a Kindle, Amazon also takes your data, following nearly every book you read, including your bookmarks and annotations.

There are no known security threats associated with using a Boox e-reader; however, if you'd prefer to be in control of your data, you can download an app like NetGuard to your Boox e-reader via the Google Play Store. NetGuard is a cybersecurity app that lets you block WiFi usage for certain apps, allowing only the apps you want to operate over your network. Since Kindle runs on a closed system, you can't install NetGuard on your device. If you want more control over your data, a Boox e-reader might be a better option.

Outsource cutting the grass with 30% off the Ecovacs Goat A2000 LiDAR Pro robot lawn mower

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:37:53 +0000

SAVE $600.99: As of Sep. 2, get the Ecovacs Goat A2000 LiDAR Pro robot lawn mower for $1,399 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,999.99. That's a discount of 30%.

Credit: Amazon

Ecovacs Goat A2000 LiDAR Pro Robot Lawn Mower

$1,399 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $600.99

Fall may be here, but that isn't stopping high temperatures from putting a damper on our outdoor fun. It's still sticky and sweaty outside for many, and mowing the grass doesn't sound like a great idea. You don't have to deal with it yourself. In fact, you can get a robot lawn mower to handle the job for you in this day and age, and you totally should. Today, you can snatch up a great model on Amazon for an even better price.

As of Sep. 2, get the Ecovacs Goat A2000 LiDAR Pro robot lawn mower for $1,399 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,999.99. That's $600.99 off and a discount of 30%.

This robot lawn mower can handle lawns up to 0.5 acres, and it can navigate all on its own. It uses dual LiDAR to map out your yard as well as AIVI 3D obstacle avoidance so it doesn't run into fencing or other items in your yard. That means you don't have to manually map things out and help it avoid any fenced areas, trees, or rocks that may be in the way.

In addition to navigational help, it has its own built-in edge trimmers and options to set your cutting length. Then, once your lawn mower has completed a cycle in your yard, it'll need to recharge. It can do so in under an hour at 50 minutes. That means you won't be left waiting for it to juice back up, and it can handle a backyard after the front yard.

If you're ready to ditch the to-do list task of mowing your yard, it's high time you went ahead and invested in a robot to hire for the job. Now's a good time to do so with this discount.

Locked out of your Samsung account? Some deactivated users think they know why.

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:32:53 +0000

Did you suddenly get locked out of your Samsung account without an explanation? Don't worry. You're not the only one.

According to user reports across social media and official support forums, some Samsung smartphone users have found that their Samsung accounts have been randomly deactivated, locking them out of some central features on their devices.

"Can't sign in," the prompt reads when a user attempts to sign in to their account. "Account deactivated for security reasons."

Without the ability to login to their Samsung account, users cannot access Samsung apps such as Wallet, SmartThings, and Find.

Affected Samsung users have reported the issue on Samsung's official support forums and on social media platforms such as Reddit. Some say they have successfully complained to Samsung support to get their account unlocked. Samsung customer service reportedly told users who reached out that it's a known issue and that they are working on fixing.

While it's unclear exactly what's going on, some users have speculated on Reddit that the account deactivation issue only affects Samsung accounts that use a Gmail alias, which uses the "+" sign in their email address. In a Reddit comment thread, most users confirmed that their deactivated Samsung accounts used a Gmail alias.

Mashable has reached out to Samsung for more information and will update this piece if we receive more information.

iPhone Ultra specs revealed in new leak

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 14:59:03 +0000

While the internet is salivating in wait for Apple's big iPhone 18 launch event later this month, one prominent Apple reporter just gave us some hard info about the rumored iPhone Ultra.

In a video interview published on the Tom's Guide YouTube channel, Bloomberg reporter and Apple prognosticator Mark Gurman shared some of what he's heard about the foldable iPhone Ultra. Apple has not yet officially announced the device, but it's been part of the rumor mill for years, and it's widely expected to make its debut at Apple's big "Surprise and Shine" event on Sept. 9.

First, the most important details: Gurman said he expects the phone to launch at the same time as or a little bit later than the iPhone 18 Pro. In other words, it'll come out within a few weeks of the event, possibly as soon as Sept. 19. He also said the phone will cost at least $2,000, which is not terribly surprising.

Gurman also laid out some specs and software details for the device. It will reportedly have a 5.5-inch cover display and a 7.8-inch inner display, which matches up with previous reporting . Gurman also said it will have MagSafe support, which was a major question about the device leading up to its announcement. On top of that, the phone will contain, per Gurman, the "latest Apple Pro chip and latest Apple modem."

Beyond those basic details, Gurman spoke of the crease, saying it's not entirely invisible but is comparable to the one found on recent Samsung foldables. (That makes sense, as Apple tapped Samsung to make the flexible display for the device.) He also claimed the phone is meant to be as durable as any other iPhone. So far, only Google and Honor have offered foldables with an IP68 dust and water-resistance rating, so it will be interesting to see if Apple can match or exceed that protection.

Lastly, Gurman said that iOS 27 will have support for multi-tasking and split-screen app views. You'll be able to drag and drop elements from one app to another, similar to how other foldables have worked for years.

It's only a matter of days before all of this is proven right or wrong.

Top Apple Deals we found this week:

Apple AirTag 2 (4-Pack) — $79.99 ~~$99~~ (save $20)
Apple AirPods 4 — $99 ~~$129~~ (save $30)
Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4) — $649 ~~$749~~ (save $100)
Apple iPhone Air (256GB, unlocked) — $849.99 ~~$999.99~~ (save $150)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,849 ~~$1,999~~ (save $150)
Shop all the best Apple Labor Day deals

Labor Day laptop deals to beat RAMageddon

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 14:54:03 +0000

The memory shortage wages on while as we adapt to new prices for the tech we've come to depend on. Finding a suitable laptop with ample memory for your needs can feel like a struggle these days. Apple raised prices recently and now even the most affordable MacBook, the MacBook Neo, comes with a list price of $699.

That makes shopping sales feel all the more important these days. With Labor Day quickly approaching, we're seeing some decent deals on laptops. Are these as good as those we saw about a month ago during back-to-school shopping? Not really. But plenty are still well worth considering. If you're hobbling along with a slow laptop, check out these deals.

Best MacBook deal

Credit: Apple

2025 M5 MacBook Pro (16GB RAM, 1TB SSD)

$1,849.99 at Amazon
$1,999 Save $149.01

Why we like it

If you're an artist, create content, or like to game in your free time, the M5 MacBook Pro is a great model. The excellent battery life paired with solid mix of ports makes this a great model for taking along on a day of content creation or a work trip.

This model saw a $300 price hike thanks to RAMageddon, so seeing it at $150 off helps ease the pain a bit.

Best 2-in-1 laptop deal

Credit: Lenovo

Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 2K Touchscreen Laptop (Core Ultra 7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)

$749.99 at Best Buy
$1,199.99 Save $450

Why we like it

Like the name hints at, the Lenovo Yoga is a versatile laptop that can sit in a standard position, fold flat for use like a tablet, or get propped up for watching your favorite shows. The $749.99 sale model comes with the Intel Core 7 256v processor, 16GB of memory, and 512GB SSD. The 16-inch display size is nice for not feeling like you're sacrificing on size but also not hauling around a chunk of a machine.

Best travel laptop deal

Credit: Asus

2026 Asus Zenbook Duo (Intel Core Ultra 9, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD)

$2,199.99 at Amazon
$2,499 Save $299.01

Why we like it

With two OLED displays, the Asus Zenbook Duo has some unique features going for it that could be perfect for you. There's standard laptop mode, dual screen mode, desktop mode which moves the two monitors in a side-by-side position, and sharing mode which allows both screens to be in clear view.

If you're like me and travel with a laptop in addition to a portable monitor, the Asus Zenbook Duo combines the two into one convenient machine with extras. Not to mention the OLED displays make for great viewing.

Baggu’s new MoMA collab puts Van Gogh, Monet, and Mondrian on its bags — your tote just got cultured

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 14:53:33 +0000

TL;DR: MoMA and Baggu launched a 13-piece collection featuring works by Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Ruth Asawa, Piet Mondrian, and Alma Woodsey Thomas across bags and accessories. Prices start at $18, and the collection is available through Oct. 25.

Baggu and MoMA just teamed up on a new collection that puts some very recognizable works of art on some of Baggu’s most popular bags and accessories. The collection includes 13 styles featuring work from Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Ruth Asawa, Piet Mondrian, and Alma Woodsey Thomas.

The collection launched today and brings artwork from MoMA’s collection into everyday bags, totes, charms, and accessories. Prices start at $18, so you don't need to drop a fortune to get in on the collab.

The two brands are bringing five artists from MoMA's collection to Baggu's everyday designs. The collection brings several familiar works from MoMA’s collection to Baggu’s everyday bags.

Van Gogh, Monet, and Mondrian are all here

The MoMA Baggu Standard Baggu ($18) is available with artwork by:

So yes, you can now take The Starry Night to the grocery store.

Explore artwork across different Baggu offerings. Credit: MoMA / Baggu

There’s more than just the classic Baggu tote

The collection also brings MoMA artwork to some of Baggu’s other popular silhouettes and accessories.

MoMA Baggu Tote Charm ($24) — A miniature tote bag charm inspired by Baggu’s bestselling canvas totes, featuring the MoMA logo and a tiny version of the bag to add to your actual bag.
MoMA Baggu Duck Bag ($46–$48) — The MoMA Baggu Duck Bag comes in two designs: Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night and Piet Mondrian’s Composition in Red, Blue, and Yellow.
MoMA Baggu Medium Nylon Reversible Tote ($62) — The MoMA Baggu Medium Nylon Reversible Tote costs $62 and features Ruth Asawa’s Nasturtiums. The artwork is printed on one side, while the reverse is a rich brown.
MoMA Baggu Puffy Picnic Blanket ($74) — The MoMA Baggu Puffy Picnic Blanket features Claude Monet’s Agapanthus. It’s made from recycled nylon sourced from pre-consumer waste and lets you take the artwork outside the museum, or just to your next picnic.

MoMA and Baggu have been working together since 2009, when MoMA Design Store first began exploring Baggu’s designs. The partnership later produced MoMA-exclusive pieces, including a 2011 collaboration that adapted Milton Glaser’s I LOVE NY graphic.

This latest collection takes that relationship a step further by bringing works directly from MoMA’s collection to Baggu’s everyday bags and accessories.

Where to shop the MoMA x Baggu collection

The collection is available starting today at MoMA Design Store, including the SoHo location, and online at MoMA. The collection is available through Oct. 25, while select styles will also be sold at Baggu stores and at Baggu online.

East of Eden trailer: Florence Pugh leads Netflixs sprawling John Steinbeck adaptation

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 14:42:55 +0000

Florence Pugh steps into the shoes of one of literature's great villains in East of Eden, an upcoming limited series from Netflix.

Based on John Steinbeck's magnum opus, East of Eden is written and executive produced by Zoe Kazan (Ruby Sparks, The Big Sick). Notably, her grandfather Elia Kazan directed the 1955 East of Eden movie starring James Dean. However, while that film only adapted the final section of the novel, Zoe Kazan's series looks to adapt more of Steinbeck's multigenerational epic, with an extra focus on Cathy Ames (Pugh).

Characterized as pure evil and a monster with a "malformed soul," Cathy is East of Eden's primary antagonist. She and her husband Adam Trask (Christopher Abbott) settle in the Salinas Valley, where she gives birth to twins Cal (Joseph Zada) and Aron (Joe Anders). What follows is a sprawling riff on the Cain and Abel story from Genesis.

East of Eden's first full-length trailer introduces the key players from each generation, including Adam and his half-brother Charles (Mike Faist), Trask family servant Lee (Hoon Lee), and Cal and Aron. At the center of it all is Pugh's commanding take on Cathy. Jo Van Fleet won an Academy Award for her role as Cathy in the 1955 East of Eden. Could Pugh be in for similar acclaim?

East of Eden premieres Oct. 1 on Netflix.

Upgrade your setup with these cant-miss Alienware gaming monitor deals

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 14:31:08 +0000

SAVE UP TO $150: As of Sep. 1, save up to $150 on Alienware gaming monitors at Amazon. Get the Alienware 34 Curved Gaming Monitor for $289.99, down from its usual price of $349.99, which is 17% off. Alternatively, choose the Alienware 34 240Hz QD-OLED Curved Gaming Monitor for $649.99, down from its usual price of $799.99. That's a discount of 19%.

Credit: Amazon

Alienware 34 Curved Gaming Monitor

$289.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $60

Credit: Amazon

Alienware 34 240Hz QD-OLED Curved Gaming Monitor

$649.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $150

A great display can make or break a good gaming session. If you're going to invest in one for your gaming setup, a gaming monitor is the way to go. Alienware is already a respected name in the space, and right now you can save big on a pair of monitors from the brand by way of these Amazon sales. We've selected two that you can pick up right now while saving a significant amount of cash on both.

As of Sep. 1, save up to $150 on Alienware gaming monitors at Amazon. Get the Alienware 34 Curved Gaming Monitor for $289.99, down from its usual price of $349.99, which is a discount of $60 and 17% off. Alternatively, choose the Alienware 34 240Hz QD-OLED Curved Gaming Monitor for $649.99, down from its usual price of $799.99. That's a discount of $150 and 19% off.

The Alienware 34 Curved Gaming Monitor offers a 34-inch ultrawide panel with WQHD resolution and a 1500R curve. Paired with a 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, it's a great yet affordable option that boasts DCI-P3 95% color coverage as well as AMD FreeSync Premium and VESA Adaptive Sync so you can get the best picture possible while staying in your budget range.

The Alienware 34 240Hz QD-OLED Curved Gaming Monitor is a pricier option with all the bells and whistles you need to immerse yourself in all your favorite game worlds. It offers WQHD quality with QD-OLED color range and clarity with an 1800R curve, 0.03ms response time, and support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, VESA Adaptive Sync, and DisplayHDR True Black 400 all with a 240Hz refresh rate.

If you're ready for a big monitor upgrade, now's the time to grab one of these models and get set up. There's a huge game getting ready to drop in November if you haven't heard.

Jeremiah Brown is building a post-Love Island creator career one book at a time

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 13:56:35 +0000

Jeremiah Brown didn't leave Love Island USA with a master plan to become a full-time creator. In fact, before entering the villa, his social media presence was relatively sparse: a few book reviews, some funny videos, and an Instagram account that functioned mostly as a modeling portfolio.

But when Brown returned to the real world, he quickly realized just how many people were paying attention. Rather than simply ride the post-reality-TV wave, he and his older sister sat down and created a seven-page strategy for what came next. The pillars were simple — books and mental health, fitness and travel, and the lifestyle content that already reflected his interests.

That strategy has since turned Brown into something of an unexpected BookTok favorite. He runs a book club, hosts IRL reading meetups, streams on Twitch, and recently attended Kai Cenat's Streamer University, where he spent five days broadcasting what he calls the "unfiltered, unedited version of Jeremiah Brown."

Mashable spoke with Brown about turning reality-TV attention into a sustainable creator career, why comments matter more to him than views, embracing his reputation as a "performative male" who drinks matcha and reads, and the advice he'd give anyone trying to build an audience online.

Jeremiah Brown is beating the performative male allegations one book at a time. Credit: Ian Moore/Mashable/Getty Images/Entangled Publishing/HarperCollins/Twitch//Streamer University

Mashable: You recently attended Kai Cenat's Streamer University. What was that experience like?

Jeremiah Brown: One of one. I’m not gonna lie, it’s probably a top-five experience I've ever had in my life. It's just so unique in the way that, one, it’s a thing to get a bunch of content creators and streamers together because the energy is just palpable in every room you’re in. And two, everyone was so nice and welcoming.

Usually, I feel like, especially in LA, it can be very — not cliquey, but, you know, very transactional. But at Streamer University, everyone was in everyone's TikToks, everyone's livestreams, nothing but love. And the thing that really caught me off guard was the welcoming and acceptance of everyone's communities. Every TikTok I was in, every livestream I popped up in, and vice versa, it was like, "My two worlds are colliding. I have no one to tell about this." It was just such positive feedback from every community, which was really refreshing.

Because I'm not gonna lie, with Love Island, when you cross over, it can get very territorial, like, "Why is he there? He's clout chasing." But this was content creators coming together to make amazing content, and it was one of the best experiences of my life.

What was the biggest lesson you took away from it?

Don’t be scared to ask people. Because I had the benefit and the blessing of coming in with a little bit of a platform, so it was kind of easier for me to walk up to people and be like, "Let's do this, let's do that."

But it was a blessing just to learn from the smaller and the bigger content creators. If somebody had 100 viewers, I was popping in like, “Let's go get food." And then learning from Agent and Ludwig's classes, because I actually went to class most of the time. They had amazing classes. I learned a lot about actually creating content, whether it’s hooks or longevity.

When I was tuning into some of the streams, it felt very much like a reality show. And you obviously have a reality show background. So was the transition from reality TV to streaming that big of a jump for you?

No, honestly, that’s a beautiful question. Because I was on stream the other day, telling my chat the difference between reality TV and livestreaming. How do I say this in the nicest way possible? When you do a reality television show, you kind of give them your life. In the sense that, obviously, I'm very blessed to do it and all the nice things, but at the end of the day, whatever they want the world to see, they choose.

And so why I feel like Streamer University was so important for me is, you know, on reality shows, I haven’t always gotten the best edit. So being live for five days straight, it's really the unfiltered, unedited version of Jeremiah Brown that you get to learn and see, love or hate.

So it’s kind of like, this is who I actually am, not the edit I got however long ago. This is who I actually am as a person. Take it or leave it. This is me tired, angry, happy, joyous, exhausted, full of energy — every single emotion. We streamed like 120 hours in five days. So it was beautiful to just show the world, like, "This is who I am." This is not whatever narrative they want to say. This is who I am. This is my personality.

Walk with me, or you don't. Honestly, that was the biggest blessing because I got to show people who I am without any editors or storylines or narratives.

You mentioned spending time with a bunch of creators from different spectrums of the internet, which I think is the really cool part about Streamer University. Did it change the way that you thought about your own content at all?

Yes and no, because I’m always gonna go back to things I love, like books, sports, fitness, mental health, things like that. But at the same time, it let me just enjoy whatever. Because I can’t dance, for example. I can’t dance, and this is very silly, but I was doing dancing TikToks with everyone just because if they’re posting it, it's OK, you know? And then I’ll just repost it.

So it was fun to get out of my comfort zone and be the goofier version of myself because I feel like it's not that I can't always show that in my content, but it was awesome to just pull up and livestream and be like, this is me when I don’t make sense, this is me when I do make sense, you know?

Did you get much reading done while you were there?

Yeah. I brought Binding 13 and Fourth Wing. For Fourth Wing, I ran a challenge where I had content creators read a paragraph, and if they didn’t stutter or mess up, I’d gift them subs on Twitch.

And then, Binding 13 was a book I was doing for my book club. I just finished it, actually, like, a week ago. I read that on the plane and on the bus, but not when I was streaming. It was wake up, stream, sleep. Wake up, stream. We never turned off.

Did you meet anyone there who surprised you or inspired you?

Honestly, low-key almost everyone. Because I was like, damn, there's this whole world. The world I'm in with content is usually fellow Islanders, like 80 percent of them. It’s just my fellow Islanders because they’re my friends. They’re my friends now.

And this, I got to meet the world of Benji, Crystal, Davis, Alyssa, Agent, and all the AMP guys again. So yeah, honestly, it was just crazy. I was like, everyone's so funny and so cool. And there was very, very little ego or, "I'm not gonna do this because you’re a brand-new streamer." I didn’t get a sense of that, at least. Even when they were around a small streamer and a bigger streamer, they would do segments together. So yeah, it was really just beautiful, honestly.

What about from your roommate Davis? Did you learn anything from him?

I met Davis randomly in San Antonio last year. He reached out, and I was in town for an appearance a year ago. And I got to meet Kai because of him, and Duke, and got back involved in streaming because of him.

And then a year later, I’m now his roommate. We got super close. That’s my bro now. We FaceTime, we play Black Ops together. Him, Alyssa, and I just did a 24-hour handcuff stream a couple of days ago. And so yeah, now we have a trio, and it's a thing on the internet. It's been a blessing.

It seems like a lot of what you’ve done actually fits really well with what you're doing now as a content creator. Obviously, you started as a model, and I feel like modeling is all about getting comfortable in front of a camera, having people looking at you, and personal branding is really important as a model. You were on Love Island USA, and that, too, is about getting comfortable with people’s perceptions of you and with being watched by cameras. Do you feel like the things that you’ve done have better prepared you for this career?

A thousand percent. Because, funny enough, I never wanted to be a content creator. I had like 10 videos up, I think, before I went on Love Island. Like five book reviews and three funny ones. And yeah, I posted on Instagram once a month to show people I was working as a model, more like a portfolio, because they’d always want to see your Instagram.

I've been a model since 2018. So that was seven years before Love Island. Always being in front of the camera prepared me for photo shoots and interviews.

And then just reading books too, like How to Win Friends and Influence People, books like that on how to just talk to people and genuinely form connections, so things are just easier to do. I think a thousand percent.

Because if you've never been in front of a camera and then all of a sudden you’re in front of 55, doing interviews every single day or appearances, obviously, there was still a lot I had to adapt to in terms of the face-to-face, taking pictures and stuff like that. But long story short, being a model for so long definitely helped.

It's always interesting to watch the careers of the Islanders when they leave the villa, or really any major reality show, right? Because you get all of this attention, you get a huge boost across your socials, and your numbers are way up. Can you tell me what the first few weeks out of the villa were like when you had all of this attention on you? What was your thought process? Were you immediately like, "How do I turn this into something bigger?" Or were you just trying to get your bearings?

A mix of both. Because there’s one side of it, like, I need to get grounded, I need to see my family, I need to talk to my therapist, I need to get back to my books.

And then the other side is like, OK, now that I do have this, because I didn't expect it. One, I didn't know the power of the show because I wasn’t too familiar with the world, and I wasn't on TikTok. And then two, I was only there for half the time. No final four, no couple. So I’m like, OK, I was there for a little bit, had my thing, and then I was like, people really resonate with me and my content or my previous content, my book reviews.

And so it was a mix. Like, OK, I’m gonna go get grounded. And then luckily, I have the best big sister in the world. I went to her crib and just made a brand pillar and really did all the steps, like a seven-page document on how to maximize and capitalize on this opportunity I’ve been given.

Wow, shout-out to your big sister. What were some of the things that were in this document, if you don’t mind sharing?

Basically, it was like, what am I? What do the next steps look like? What are my pillars? So books slash mental health, fitness slash travel, and then just overall lifestyle, family content, and mukbangs.

And it’s kind of like, OK, these are things that are not easy for me to do, but it’s what I genuinely love. So I won’t — obviously, you can get burnout — but if I’m doing something, if I talk about books, I’ll never shut up, you know? So it’s always something I can go back to that I’m passionate about. Or anime, for example.

It’s basically just the best way for me to produce content that doesn’t end in burnout, and it’s most genuine because I’ve read, you know, hundreds of books. So it’s just stuff like that.

It sounds like books have really inspired you over the years. Obviously, they’re a huge foundation of your content. Do you remember the book that got you into reading?

The Invention of Hugo Cabret is one of my favorites from, I think, middle school or high school. But honestly, it was my uncle’s comic book shop when I was a kid, in elementary school. We’d drive down to Portland, Oregon. I think it’s still there, but he doesn’t own it anymore. I read all the time from that.

And then, in middle or high school, there was AR reading. So you’d read and take quizzes to get pizza and candy. So that’s why I started it. And then I stopped because of college. Like, I’m not gonna read for school and for fun.

But then COVID hit, and the first book that really got me on my mental health journey was Mindset by Carol Dweck. And then I went to Ryan Holiday and Stoicism. I think Ryan Holiday and his Stoicism books, like Ego Is the Enemy, The Obstacle Is the Way, and Stillness Is the Key, really made that shift where I just dove into all things self-mastery. And I was like, how do I become the best version of myself?

Backing up a little bit, when you would read comic books in your uncle’s store, were you a DC guy or a Marvel guy? I just need to know.

Punisher was my favorite, so Marvel. But I loved them all. Punisher was my favorite graphic for sure.

Got it. OK. I’m a DC girl, so it’s OK.

DC’s fire. And like Ponyo, Totoro — he put me onto all that. Yeah, he’s the best.

I love that for you. Love the Ghibli journey. So you established reading and mental health as pillars. Where did you go from there? How did you go from making this document to actually executing on it?

It was really just what works and the feedback. People would come up to me at the airport, anywhere I’d go, and say, "I love your book reviews." And I’m like, that has to mean something. So then I started a book club, and that’s been doing really well. People are part of that.

So it’s really a mix of what’s working and a mix of what I love to do. Because at the end of the day, I have to post it for myself. Because if I only post for other people, that’s how you get burnout and start chasing trends. Although I do the trends. I can’t say I’m not a trend guy. I do all the trends too.

So it’s really just branching out to whatever is popular at the time — the Finals, the World Cup — and then always coming back to what people know me as and what I love to produce. So I’ll do a bunch of sports videos, a mukbang, and then boom, here’s a book review. Just things like that.

Really, the execution was just making sure I’m staying true to my values and who I am, and then trying to show that through my content.

As we said, when you leave a reality show, you get a lot of eyes on you, a lot of attention. But for some Islanders, some reality TV stars, it fades pretty fast, right? They have a finite window to capitalize on. But with you, it has seemed to really stick. Do you feel like that intentionality is what separates you from some of the others?

Yes and no. I remember the first six months out of the villa, every day I thought, "When is this gonna stop? When is this gonna stop?" I was scared all the time. But then Jalen Brown from the show just said, "One day at a time." So I just try to live by that.

In the sense where it’s like, I'm just gonna keep doing — obviously I'm gonna evolve and do better content. I’m doing a produced book series now, a book review series, things like that. So I’m gonna keep evolving my content.

But yeah, at the end of the day, you kind of just find ways to keep going because short-form is amazing, but you have to build a brand in the sense of, why would people still watch, whether it’s streaming or long-form or hosting or a TV show again?

But yeah, to answer your question, I have no idea. TikTok can get banned. You really just don’t know. So I kind of just enjoy it every day and make content I love to make.

Your new series, Matcha to Read...I love the title. But I do have to say, men who drink matcha and read in public are often called performative males. So how do you feel about that?

It's hilarious because I filmed my first Matcha to Read before Streamer University, and I posted it after because they were editing it. And all my new supporters — or some of them are trolling, of course — were like, "Performative king," blah, blah, blah.

And it’s like, OK, I get it. I feel like, as a male, especially a young Black man, people aren’t known for going on reality TV and then popping out with, "By the way, guys, I love books, anime, mental health." They’re kind of like, well, most people do fitness, which there’s nothing wrong with. I'm saying usually it’s like Love Island and fitness, which is awesome. I work out, of course, it’s just not my main type of content.

And so I say that to say I get the comments, but it’s like, if you look at my history, I've had matcha videos. I have three sisters, so I’ve been put onto matcha my whole life. I’ve tried all the Frappuccinos. I remember there’s a video where my sister made me say "pinkity drinkity" as a prank on her phone when we went to get coffee.

So I've tried all the matchas for years and years and have read all the books since I was a kid. And so I can only laugh. But the reason why I can laugh is that I have a digital footprint where there’s proof. If I didn’t have proof, I’d be like, “Oh my God, no guys, I promise.” But it’s like, I’ve been doing it, so it’s OK.

You're like, "I'm about that life."

Yeah. People have even seen my crib and are like, "You actually read?" I’m like, "Yeah." People ask in chat all the time, "You actually read?" Like, yes, bro. Yeah. People don't get the power of books. People don't get it.

They really don’t. There’s an entire subreddit dedicated to women, or people, who will take photos of the person they’re dating’s bookshelves and post them on the subreddit and be like, “OK, should I be concerned?” Or, “What are your thoughts about my date’s bookshelf?” So if people saw your bookshelf, what do you think they would think?

Honestly, they’d love it because I have ACOTAR, Fourth Wing, The Housemaid, I have all the popular books, and then I have all the self-mastery books. So I have every single category. I have Circe, The Song of Achilles. I have all the classics. The Great Gatsby. Like, yeah, everything.

I’m really happy that you read The Song of Achilles for your book club.

Yeah, that was the first one. It was the first one. It was beautiful.

How do you decide what you’re gonna read for content versus what you’re gonna read just for yourself?

Great question. I used to be able to do two books at once, but sometimes the schedule can get tough. At the beginning of the book club, it was a bit themed. So we did fantasy first, then a horror one for October, and then POC for February. And the last few months, like, I read Fourth Wing, and I just had them vote. So now I just — and then for classics we did a list of classics, and in my reading room they’d vote. So, the last six months, it’s really just been a voting system.

Once I read Fourth Wing, I was like, OK, you guys aren’t steering me wrong. And then I read Binding 13, and I was like, OK, I'm gonna trust you guys because there’s literally like a one-percent chance I would have ever read any of these books without my book club. It would have been straight self-mastery.

People have even seen my crib and are like, 'You actually read?' I’m like, 'Yeah.' People ask in chat all the time, 'You actually read?' Like, yes, bro. Yeah. People don't get the power of books. People don't get it.

So even though it's for content, I fall in love with the books. Binding 13, bro, it made me cry probably like six times. It’s such a powerful book. And then now we’re reading Keeping 13. And then I have a book called A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle.

I'll read that when I can, but I'm gonna focus on Keeping 13 because, one, I need to finish it for my book club, and two, it’s like a 600-page book. So yeah, I try to balance reading the main one first and, if I have extra time, going to the personal book.

Got it. That makes sense. Because how do you read Fourth Wing and then not immediately go to the next book?

I started Iron Flame. I forgot, yeah, I went from Fourth Wing to ACOTAR, which is kind of — actually, I should've done it the other way because Fourth Wing was popping off immediately. People are getting thrown off the parapet immediately.

And then ACOTAR was so slow. It was a good book, but the first one is so slow because it’s a buildup for the second one. I get that. People were telling me, “Yo, give it time.” But then I’m like 150 pages into Iron Flame, or 200, but I just kept having to stop to read ACOTAR. So it’s a balance to be had.

Yeah, that first ACOTAR book, when you read the whole series, you’re like, OK, that’s actually maybe the slowest of the books. You’ve also hosted IRL book club meet-and-greets, which I love. What has it been like to see your fans or followers in person and interact with them?

It was crazy. We did a pop-up one in Seattle, maybe in May. It had to be in May, yeah. And I had less than 24 hours to promote it, and I think we had like 70 people there.

So it was really sick just to talk about books with people who support me. We just yapped and someone brought me a matcha, ironically enough. And yeah, it’s just beautiful to see the power of books.

Because I was not on TikTok, I had no idea about BookTok or anything. I had no idea people still read or loved books. And then all of a sudden, I’m posting about it, and there are 500 comments saying, “This is my Roman Empire series,” and I’m like, I didn’t even know what that meant. I had to Google what “Roman Empire series” meant.

So it’s honestly just been a beautiful thing that they welcomed me into the BookTok space.

We are in a bit of a reading crisis, so to have somebody like you really promote books and reading is wonderful. But at what point did you decide, OK, I like reading, or you built this deck with your sister, you’re kind of doing it day by day — at what point did you decide, “OK, this is a business now,” or, “This is how I’m gonna make my money”?

Honestly, immediately, because I was a full-time model before. So my brand, aka Instagram, social media, who I am as a person, my haircuts, my skin — it's all my business. Because literally, if I didn’t show up as my best self to an audition, a self-tape, a casting, I was not gonna be able to pay rent at one point in my life, right?

So it was immediate, because I’ve always been, since 2023, well, 2018 technically, my brand. That’s why I read so many books: to get better at auditions and castings and to make sure I talk to every single person in the room, remember their names, et cetera. So yeah, honestly, immediately.

What metrics actually matter to you now? Because I’ve talked to a lot of creators where they’re like, you know, it’s not so much about the views anymore. It’s really about the comments, the engagement. So what are you looking at?

Yeah, that’s a great question because it’s easy to get caught up. Honestly, how my brain thinks, I’ll post one thing, and it doesn’t hit, and I'm like, “OK, it’s over. GGs. We fell off, it's wrapping up.” And then I’ll post something the next day, and it'll go crazy, and I’m like, “OK, I’m good.”

So I kind of took away from the likes and the views because I’m an overthinker sometimes. It’ll stop me in the way of, like, I want to post this, but it might not hit. And when I get in that mindset, I have to post it.

Because, for example, I had no idea the Spurs content would be among my best-performing content. I had no idea, because I'm like, my demographic really hasn’t shown any love for sports. And then the World Cup and Spurs content went insane. I was like, that’s so dope that I can share another part of my life with people.

But to answer your question, comments for sure. I love the comments because it shows that people care. I kind of care, and it's cool just to talk to them and like the comment. Everything else comes and goes, so yeah, I kind of just focus on the feedback I get.

What is something that, if someone was gonna start creating content tomorrow, you would advise them to do?

Choose pieces to make content about that you can do a lot with, in the sense of...don’t do what's popular right off the bat. Yeah, doing the trends is fun, and it’s awesome. People love seeing their favorite creators do trends. But you need to have specific things. Not even necessarily a niche, but just a few things that you can make content about where you don’t get tired.

If you don’t like something but you make content about it, you’re gonna get exhausted. If I hated books and I had to do a book review, I’d be sick to my core. So, as cliché as it sounds, I would genuinely make content about things that you love.

And finally, I know mental health and your journey have been a really big part of your content, like you said. That’s a level of vulnerability that some creators don’t cross. So why did you decide that you were going to be open about reading the self-improvement books, things like that, your mental health? You even mentioned going to therapy right after leaving the villa, which is so important, by the way, and not a lot of people talk about it. Why was that something that you wanted to share?

That’s a great question. I think at first it was because I got so many questions about, "How did you handle yourself in the villa so well?” Or, “How did you not crash out?” And it was really because I’ve been in therapy for three years in October, and then reading self-mastery books since 2020.

So I just shared because people expect you to be the nonchalant, good-looking guy. It's just like, bro, I am who I am. And you have to be genuine in this world, or people will — I just feel like it’s so weird to pretend to be something you’re not or be fake or put on the mask.

This is me. Yes, obviously not everything should be shared, but people are asking me, "How did you not crash out?" It’s like, no, I love therapy. My hot take on every single questionnaire I get is that everyone should be in therapy and read books.

Because I promise, if someone reads three self-mastery books, like The Four Agreements, When Things Fall Apart, and The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, they would be unrecognizable. You’d actually be unrecognizable in three months.

And so I think I’m just so passionate about it because it changed my life and it gave me a second life, so to speak. Genuinely, it gave me another life.

And now I get to do this, and I’m so blessed. So why would I ever want to gatekeep that? And I think it’s so cool to be vulnerable and show, especially young guys — obviously I love my audience, but young guys — like, yo, it’s OK to cry, it’s OK to be vulnerable, it’s OK to be called soft. Because it’s like, bro, it just is.

How to watch the 2026 US Open online for free

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 13:19:33 +0000

TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 US Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There was absolutely nothing wrong with the French Open or Wimbledon, but you could feel the absence of Carlos Alcaraz. We missed his all-action style, his passion, and his rivalry with top seeds. Fans will be desperately hoping he's back to defend his US Open title, and the good news is that he's officially on the entry list.

Barring any late injuries, we should finally get to see Alcaraz in a Grand Slam singles draw. Of course, that's not the only story. Sabalenka will be looking to defend her title against a host of talented players, including Americans like Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula. Questions will also be asked of Zverev and Djokovic as they look to bridge the gap to the game's biggest stars.

If you want to watch the 2026 US Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the US Open?

The US Open Tennis Championships (or US Open) is a hardcourt tennis tournament held annually in Queens, New York. It is the fourth and final of the four Grand Slams, held after the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon.

The defending singles champions are Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka.

When is the 2026 US Open?

The 2026 US Open is the 146th edition of the tournament. This year's event takes place from Aug. 30 to Sept. 13.

How to watch the 2026 US Open for free

The 2026 US Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2026 US Open by following these simple steps:

Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia
Visit 9Now
Watch the 2026 US Open for free from anywhere in the world

Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan)

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

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 US Open without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the entire tournament before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for the US Open?

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

Servers in 105 countries, including Australia
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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 2026 US Open for free with ExpressVPN.

Laifen just expanded beyond hair dryers — meet its new beauty-tech lineup

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 12:45:16 +0000

Laifen's new beauty tech lineup:

Laifen AutoCurl Curling Iron

$84.99 at Laifen (save $15)

Laifen Swift 4 High-Speed Hair Dryer

$199.99 at Laifen

Laifen has expanded its beauty lineup with three new products: the Swift 4 High-Speed Hair Dryer, AutoCurl Curling Iron, and Glowy Vanity Mirror. The new launches cover different parts of the beauty routine, from drying and caring for your hair to styling curls and getting the right lighting for makeup.

The Swift 4 High-Speed Hair Dryer adds a new Nourishing Mode to the usual blow-drying routine. It comes with a Nourishing Nozzle and Nourishing Pod that work with the dryer’s airflow to distribute your hair oil or serum through your hair as you dry it.

Laifen says the dryer uses 400 million negative ions and 70 million positive ions to help neutralize static, smooth frizz, and support the absorption of hair-care ingredients. The Swift 4 comes in Polished Platinum, Polished Titanium, and Polished Burgundy.

The AutoCurl Curling Iron is designed to make curling your hair a little easier. It automatically detects your hair's position and adjusts the timing, rotation, and direction of the curl.

Its dual-chamber design detects where the hair is coming from and guides it in the right direction, so you don't have to manually switch between left and right. AutoMode handles the curling for you, while Manual Mode gives you more control over the final look.

There’s also a micro-servo motor that responds to resistance in real-time. Laifen says it can adjust or pause when needed to help prevent tangling and pulling.

The Glowy Vanity Mirror is an 8.5-inch mirror with full-spectrum LED lighting designed to replicate natural daylight. That means you can get a clearer view of skin tones and fine details while doing your makeup or skincare.

It also has a 24GHz radar sensor that detects when you approach and turns the mirror on with your preferred settings. When you leave, it switches off automatically.

Ready to upgrade your beauty routine? Laifen's new lineup is live now.

Buy Magic: The Gatherings Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Bundle for its lowest-ever Amazon price — save $20

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 12:33:08 +0000

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Bundle is on sale for $49.99 at Amazon, down from its $69.99 list price.

Credit: Magic: The Gathering

Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Bundle

$49.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $20.00

Magic: The Gathering’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover has already seen several worthwhile discounts since launch, but the standard bundle has just fallen further than we’ve ever seen before at Amazon.

As of Sept. 2, the Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Bundle is down to $49.99 at Amazon as part of a limited-time deal that’s knocked 29% off its standard $69.99 price tag. With that $20 off, you can now grab this fun TMNT-themed MTG box at its lowest-ever price — confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel.

TCGplayer is still marginally cheaper at $48.34, but you’ll be a lot closer to the trading card site’s current market price of $46.44 with either deal.

At the heart of what you’re getting in this bundle is nine Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Play Boosters, with 14 cards packed into each one. Every Play Booster contains at least one Traditional Foil card and can include between one and five cards of rare rarity or higher.

Alongside those, you’ll find 30 basic lands in the box (split evenly between Traditional Foil and non-foil cards, with five full-art rooftop lands included in each group), a bundle-exclusive Traditional Foil promo card, oversized Spindown life counter, card-storage box, and two reference cards.

Rare Apple discount: Get $100 off the 13-inch M4 iPad Air in Amazons Labor Day sale

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 11:35:33 +0000

SAVE $100: As of Sept. 2, the iPad Air 13-inch (M4, 256GB, WiFi) is on sale for $949 at Amazon. That's $100 off its full price of $1,049.

Credit: Apple

Apple iPad Air 13-inch M4

$949 at Amazon
$1,049 Save $100

Before Black Friday begins, Labor Day sales are a great opportunity to shop around for discounts, including on Apple devices.

Considering the recent price hikes, deals on these popular items feel like mighty important finds. Amazon's been offering a few standout Apple deals in its Labor Day sale, with this price cut on the iPad Air 13-inch catching our eye.

As of Sept. 2, Amazon has marked select colors of this iPad Air down to $949, a $100 discount from its full price of $1,049. The available colors on sale at this price are starlight, purple, and space gray, so you can scoop up your favorite and save some cash.

This M4 iPad Air has climbed the ranks of our best iPads list to earn the top spot as the best pick for most people. Mashable's Samantha Mangino writes that it's "fast, moves smoothly between apps, and has a stunning high-definition display." Plus, with the M4 chip, "the iPad Air got a boost, now scoring 13,176 on the Geekbench 6 test, up from the previous model's score of 11,464." This model also offers ample space for your favorite apps, photos, and more, with 256GB of storage.

On top of that, its Liquid Retina display (with P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity) makes what's on the screen really shine in sharp, vivid detail, and it even comes with a nice camera. Thanks to its 12MP Center Stage front camera and 12MP Wide back camera, FaceTime calls and photos will come through clear and detailed.

This discount may not last for long, so act fast to save on the iPad Air 13-inch (M4, 256GB, WiFi) 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.

The Pokémon TCG Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Box is on sale at Amazon — save close to $10

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 10:55:38 +0000

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Box is on sale for $183.41 at Amazon, down from its $192.48 list price.

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Box

$183.41 at Amazon
$192.48 Save $9.07

Ascended Heroes ETB pricing has stayed stubbornly high throughout much of 2026, but one of Amazon’s marketplace listings has at least chipped a few dollars off. You can even get it for under market price if you know where to look.

As of Sept. 2, the Pokémon TCG’s Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Box is down to $183.41 on Amazon via third-party seller Atmus Inc, plus $5.49 delivery for a $188.90 total. Against Amazon’s typical $197.98 total price, that knocks $9.07 off the box for a 5% discount.

If you’re open to shopping outside of Amazon, we’d recommend grabbing your ETB at TCGplayer or Walmart while lower-priced stock lasts.

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Walmart has the same Ascended Heroes ETB down to $168.91, nearly matching TCGplayer’s current market price of $169.14 — though the dedicated trading card retailer also has listings that go as low as $169.97 if you need a backup.

Inside the Elite Trainer Box are nine Ascended Heroes booster packs, a full-art foil N’s Zekrom promo card, 65 card sleeves, 40 Energy cards, a player’s guide, six damage-counter dice, a competition-legal coin-flip die, a plastic coin, a collector’s box with six dividers, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live.

If you’re hoping to find any particular trading cards from its nine packs, you can find any Ascended Heroes Pokémon card on TCGplayer.

The Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar is $200 off in Amazons Labor Day sale — buy for $899

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 10:40:46 +0000

SAVE $200: As of Sept. 2, the Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar is on sale for $899 in Amazon's Labor Day sale. Compared to its full price of $1,099, you're saving $200.

Credit: Sonos

Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar

$899 at Amazon
$1,099 Save $200

Amazon's Labor Day sale is full of great finds for those looking to shop some deals ahead of Black Friday. If you've been on the hunt for a soundbar to boost your home sound system, the Sonos Arc Ultra is well worth checking out.

As of Sept. 2, the Sonos Arc Ultra has been slashed from $1,099 to $899 at Amazon, saving you $200. This deal price is also not far from the retailer's lowest price of $879, so this is an excellent opportunity to add it to your shopping cart. It may not be available for long, given its "limited time deal" tag.

The Sonos Arc Ultra is a premium upgrade, boasting full sound and a minimalist design for your home. It also offers 9.1.4 spatial audio with Dolby Atmos, so you can feel completely immersed in crystal-clear audio, whether you're watching a movie or playing a game. It even comes with an AI-powered Speech Enhancement feature that helps clarify dialogue in what you watch.

Due to porn being a touchy subject, it's hard to fight for freedom of sexual imagination or the value of sex on film, or putting the human experience of sex on film, Ashley said.

Four Chambers conducted an internal investigation, discussed how the law would apply to the Maman films, and concluded that they had to remove any mention of "mommy" during the explicit sections.

"We basically had to go back and dub it out in a very retro-censorship kind of way," she explained. Now, the film doesn't make a lot of sense, but it's back online with a "compliance" edit and a disclaimer at the beginning saying it's been significantly reedited.

While Four Chambers didn't receive a notice from the government that they had to do this, they feared what would happen if they didn't. "We were just in a position where we were like, 'We don't want to go to jail,'" Ashley said. "It seemed like too big of a risk to take, really."

Cracking down on sexual expression

These laws are deeply ambiguous and open to interpretation, which means that creators are over-censoring in order just to be sure, Ashley continued. It makes it hard to know where the line is, especially for sex that's less normative and heterosexual.

Ashley said her filmmaking will be impacted moving forward, but not just due to this law, but because of other porn regulations and issues with payment processors. In recent years, many adult creators have been debanked, and some credit card processors refuse to work with sex workers. There are several more films that Four Chambers has had to remove from the site, though Ashley declined to describe them.

"If I was writing a book or if I was making a film that didn't include explicit sex, I'd have a lot more freedom to show and explore different topics," she said. "But the reality is that as soon as explicit sex is involved, there are different rules."

Adult filmmakers aren't encouraged or allowed to explore anything outside heteronormative and homogenized sexuality, she continued. "Everything feels like it's becoming a lot less creative, a lot less descriptive of the really expansive nature of human sexuality."

But the Maman series is one of Four Chambers' most popular works, and some of the films Ashley is most proud of making, which is why they edited it so it can exist online. "We just really wanted it to exist in some form," she said.

Four Chambers removed the films from the site with no immediate notification, and didn't realize people would notice. Instead, they received multiple emails daily about what happened to it — which is rare. "It was very beloved by our audience, and so it was really missed when it disappeared from the site in a way that we weren't expecting," Ashley said.

She believes the series means a lot to people because it depicts a kind of sex not often depicted on screen. "I didn't realize how necessary it was until I started having these conversations, and realizing how important it was to other people too."

Human sexuality is diverse, interesting, and important, she said, and Ashley believes it deserves the capacity to be explored in its fullness like any other facet of the human experience in creative media.

The Pokémon TCGs Pitch Black Booster Display Box is under market price at Amazon — save over $25

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 09:46:16 +0000

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Booster Display Box is on sale for $183.29 at Amazon, down from its $209.95 list price.

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Booster Display Box

$183.29 at Amazon
$209.95 Save $26.66

The Pitch Black expansion has continued to see small price drops since launch, and the 36-pack Booster Display Box is now dipping below market value.

As of Sept. 2, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Booster Display Box is available for $183.29 at Amazon through third-party seller reVend. Compared with Amazon’s current $209.95 list price, that takes $26.66 off the cost for a 13% discount and brings each booster down to roughly $5.09 before tax.

Since you can only buy single Pitch Black Booster packs for as low as $8.95 on Amazon, this deal on the three-dozen-pack box saves you $138.96 compared to buying them separately.

That $183.29 price even slips under TCGplayer’s $189.39 market price for the unopened display box.

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For the money, each of the Pitch Black Display Box’s 36 packs contains 10 random trading cards from the Darkrai-themed Mega Evolution expansion. There are more than 115 cards to collect, including over 20 Trainer cards and more than 35 Pokémon and Trainer cards sporting special illustrations.

Those 36 packs give you plenty of chances to pull Pitch Black’s most value chase cards, including the $198 SIR Mega Darkrai ex, the $155 MHR Mega Darkrai ex, and the SIR Morpeko ex — though you can also buy Pitch Black cards individually on TCGplayer if you wish.

Labor Day deal alert: Save over $500 on the Anker Solix S2000 power station at Amazon

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 09:30:04 +0000

SAVE OVER $500: As of Sept. 2, the Anker Solix S2000 portable power station is on sale for $649.99 at Amazon. That's a $549.01 discount off its original list price of $1,199.

Credit: Anker

Anker Solix S2000 Portable Power Station

$649.99 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $549.01

Labor Day deals are dropping left and right over at Amazon, and among the many discounts is the Anker Solix S2000 power station. Normally priced at $1,199, this power station has dropped to $649.99, but not for long.

Amazon currently has this model marked with a "limited time deal" tag, so this 46% discount may only be available while Labor Day deals run through the long weekend. If you've had your eye on it, this is a great time to grab it, as we may not see a price cut again until Black Friday.

When it comes to home backup power, the Anker Solix S2000 is ready to assist. It features 1,500W of continuous output and 3,000W peak output to keep appliances running, but it's especially helpful for fridges. According to the store page, this power station can keep a fridge running for up to 35 hours, making it a reliable pick to have around in case bad weather hits this fall.

Of course, it also boasts a portable design for carrying around in an emergency. It measures 8.2×11.1×12.7 inches and weighs about 35.7 lbs. Plus, it has a 15-year lifespan that's equivalent to 10,000 charge cycles, so it'll stick with you for a very long time.

This Labor Day deal may not be around for long, so act fast to save on the Anker Solix S2000 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.

Belkins new kids headphones bring noise cancellation to little listeners — and theyre under $40

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 09:27:24 +0000

TL;DR: Belkin's new SoundForm Play ANC headphones are $39.99 at Amazon, with active noise cancellation, an optional 85dB volume limiter, and up to 62 hours of battery life.

Credit: Belkin

Belkin SoundForm Play headphones

$39.99 at Amazon

Belkin just launched a new pair of headphones made specifically for kids ages 5 and up, and they're packing a lot more than the usual volume limit.

The new SoundForm Play ANC headphones are available for $39.99 at Amazon and are built for everything from watching videos at home to zoning out on a long flight or road trip. The headphones also fold up for easier travel and have both Bluetooth and wired connectivity.

The SoundForm Play ANC uses active noise cancellation (ANC) to reduce ambient noise and includes Focus Boost, which offers built-in audio clips such as ocean sounds, pink noise, and calming concentration sounds. Since these are stored right on the headphones, kids don't need WiFi, Bluetooth, or a connected phone to use them.

The adjustable volume limiter is another useful addition. It starts at 85dB, giving parents an easy way to keep everyday listening at a lower volume. The SoundForm Play gets up to 62 hours of battery life with ANC off and up to 45 hours with ANC on. There's a USB-C port and 3.5mm audio jack for wired listening, too.

Belkin has also given these headphones extra protection for the inevitable spills and drops. The SoundForm Play ANC is tested to handle water spills of up to 4 ounces and drops of up to 2 meters.

Grab a pair of the SoundForm Play ANC for your little listener for $39.99.

Where to buy the Garmin Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro: New features, release date, and price

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 09:11:40 +0000

Credit: Garmin

Garmin Fenix 9

$999.99 at Garmin

Credit: Garmin

Garmin Fenix 9 Pro

$1,099.99 at Amazon

Garmin's lineup of fitness trackers just got bigger and more impressive. The Garmin Fenix 9 and Garmin Fenix 9 Pro are the brand's latest offerings, designed to help us "play harder." Launched via an in-depth YouTube video, the new lineup features a thinner design, better durability, a built-in flashlight, and a few new features that'll appeal to fitness fanatics.

The Garmin Fenix 9 and both the standard and solar versions of the Fenix 9 Pro are available to buy from Aug. 28. Here's a breakdown of features and details to consider before you buy.

Key features of the Garmin Fenix 9

With each new model, we're always looking for the key differences from the previous one. In this case, Garmin made the Fenix 9 slimmer and more durable, without adding much weight at all. Garmin Epic is new to the upgraded Fenix 9 family. The feature allows you to group activities into a single story rather than as individual activities. Consider a multi-day hike or a 100-mile bike ride split into two days. Garmin can now group these activities to give you a broader overview of the adventure, including sleep data, mileage, and the event's impact on endurance and stamina.

The Fenix 9 lineup features better mapping and navigational tools. Credit: Garmin

Garmin also noted that many of us have developed a special liking for rowing, especially those training for Hyrox. To meet this demand, Garmin incorporated improved performance data for rowing. For those heading out on the trail, Garmin added more intuitive routable maps.

The standard Garmin Fenix 9 can get up to 16 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and will launch with a list price of $999.99 on Aug. 28.

Key features of the Garmin Fenix 9 Pro and Fenix 9 Pro Solar

To clear things up right away, both the Fenix 9 Pro and Fenix 9 Pro Solar are identical in specs except for the solar recharging. One of the coolest things about this is that Garmin isn't charging us more for the solar-powered Pro option. Both the Fenix 9 Pro and Fenix 9 Pro Solar will cost $1,099.99 in the 47mm sizes and $1,199.99 in the larger 51mm size.

Compared to the standard Garmin Fenix 9, the Pro and Pro Solar have a brighter screen and an LED flashlight onboard that can illuminate in dimmable white, green, or red. The Fenix 9 can only display in dimmable white. The Pro and Pro Solar are also one gram lighter than the Fenix 9, and slightly thinner.

The latest models in Garmin's product offerings: The Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro Credit: Garmin

The Pro also has a larger battery, and Garmin says it can last up to 18 days in smartwatch mode. Of course, the Fenix 9 Pro Solar has a solar-charging lens that can earn you up to 34 days of battery life in smartwatch mode.

In addition to these physical features, the Pro and Pro Solar also come with the tech and fitness-tracking upgrades mentioned above for the Garmin Fenix 9, including more advanced rowing performance data, the ability to group activities with Garmin Epic, an endurance score, and improved stamina tracking.

Labor Day Apple deals are live now: We found the best discounts on iPads, iPhones, MacBooks, and more

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 09:00:55 +0000

The best Apple Labor Day deals at a glance:

Best iPad deal

Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB)

$649 (save $100)

Best iPhone deal

Apple iPhone Air (256GB, unlocked)

$849.99 (save $150)

Best AirPods deal

Apple AirPods Max 2

$449 (save $100)

Best Apple accessory deal

Apple AirTags (2nd gen, 4-pack)

$79.99 (save $19.01)

Best MacBook deal

Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 2TB SSD)

$2,699 (save $300)

It's no secret that tech prices are getting out of control, thanks to RAMageddon. Apple has jacked up the costs of most of its popular gadgets (with more to come), so any excuse to save some money is welcomed. Enter Labor Day.

Labor Day sales at Amazon, Best Buy, and other major retailers are in full swing, which means deals are popping up left and right on Apple gear. Notably, iPads and iPhones are up to $150 off, while MacBooks are as much as $500 off.

Apple AirTag (2nd gen) — $24 ~~$29~~ (save $5)
Apple Pencil Pro — $97 ~~$129~~ (save $32)
Apple Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad (A16) — $175 ~~$249~~ (save $74)

A lifetime of 100TB cloud storage now costs less than $975, down from $9,900

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +0000

TL;DR Internxt’s 100TB encrypted cloud storage plan is on sale for $974.97 (reg. $9,900), down 90%, for new users only.

Credit: Internxt

Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 100TB

$974.97
$9,900 Save $8,925.03

Most cloud storage plans charge every month for as long as you use them, and enterprise-level storage tiers can run thousands of dollars a year for large teams. A lifetime subscription to Internxt helps you cancel cloud subscriptions — 100 TB of storage is on sale for $974.97 (reg. $9,900).

Every file gets encrypted on your device before it ever reaches Internxt’s servers, so the company can’t see, read, or share what you store. Internxt also adds post-quantum encryption, protection against the kind of quantum computers researchers expect could eventually crack today’s standard AES-256 encryption. Internxt keeps its full codebase open-source on GitHub, conducts independent audits by the security firm Securitum, and is GDPR-compliant.

SEE ALSO: The 3 best VPNs we've tested in 2026

Storage syncs across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and the web, with no cap on the number of devices you connect. PCWorld named Internxt’s lifetime plans an Editors’ Choice pick for the value alone.

A one-time payment beats renting enterprise storage every month, especially for archives this large. This lifetime deal includes only 100 TB of Internxt Drive storage. Extras like Internxt’s Mail, Meet, and Backups tools are sold separately, and the offer is limited to new Internxt users.

Get 100 TB of lifetime cloud storage for $974.97 (reg. $9,900), 90% off.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

5 years of flowkey’s at-home piano lessons is now just $80

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +0000

TL;DR: Get 5 years of flowkey Classic, including interactive lessons, instant feedback, and 1,000+ piano pieces, for $79.99 through Sept. 3.

Credit: Flowkey

flowkey Piano Learning App: Classic Plan (5-Year Subscription)

$79.99
$899 Save $819.01

Learning piano gets considerably easier when the lesson waits for you — not the other way around. A five-year subscription to the flowkey Classic Plan is $79.99 through Sept. 3, down from $899.

flowkey combines step-by-step courses with interactive practice tools for everyone from complete beginners to advanced pianists. The app listens as you play and provides real-time feedback on notes and chords, helping you catch mistakes while they’re still fresh.

Wait Mode pauses the music until you play the correct notes, removing the pressure to keep up. Slow Motion makes difficult passages easier to study, while the Loop function lets you repeat one stubborn section until your hands finally get the message. You can also practice the right and left hands separately before bringing them together.

Lessons cover practical foundations, including proper hand positioning, basic rhythms, chords, music theory, and reading sheet music. Expert performance videos appear alongside synced sheet music, providing a clear visual reference as you learn.

The Classic Plan includes more than 1,000 classical and public-domain songs, with professionally created arrangements spanning Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Pro levels. Its catalog features music from Bach, Debussy, Chopin, Beethoven, Mozart, Liszt, Brahms, and more, so you can select a version that suits your current ability and progress gradually.

Your subscription works across laptops, phones, and tablets and is available in 11 languages.

This is a practical choice for anyone ready to turn occasional piano experiments into a consistent learning routine.

Get a 5-year subscription to the flowkey Classic Plan for just $79.99 (reg. $899) through Sept. 3.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Best-ever price: Save over $150 on the Garmin Venu 3 at Amazon

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 08:58:06 +0000

SAVE $158.09: As of Sept. 2, the Garmin Venu 3 is on sale for $291.90 at Amazon. That's a 35% discount on the list price.

Credit: Garmin

Garmin Venu 3

$291.90 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $158.09

If you're looking for an all-rounder fitness tracker that can do a bit of everything, meet the Garmin Venu 3.

It's a stellar option that can track a wide range of activities while still offering the health and lifestyle features you'd want from a smartwatch. And as of Sept. 2, it's on sale at Amazon for its lowest-ever price. Normally priced at $449.99, you can now get it for $291.90. That's over $150 off the list price.

This Garmin has a bright, colorful touchscreen display, so it looks good and performs well. It offers up to 14 days of battery life (in smartwatch mode) and comes packed with health and wellness stats to complement your training.

Features include Body Battery energy monitoring, which uses insights from sleep, naps, stress levels, and workouts to help you understand when you have energy to spare and when you might need to rest. It also gives you a sleep score and personalized sleep coaching, including HRV metrics to help you better understand your health.

There are also more than 30 built-in indoor and GPS-based sports apps, including walking, running, and cycling, so it's a great choice for a range of sports and activities.

Get this Garmin deal at Amazon now.

Kindle Scribes are heavily discounted on Amazon (but theres a catch)

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 08:56:33 +0000

SAVE $75: As of Sept. 2, the like-new Kindle Scribe is on sale for $284.99 at Amazon. That's a 21% discount off the list price.

Credit: Amazon

Kindle Scribe (Like-New)

$284.99 at Amazon
$359.99 Save $75

Buying a refurbished device is a great way to save some money on new tech, especially when it comes "like-new".

If you've been eyeing up a Kindle Scribe, there's a deal live at Amazon that saves you $75 on refurbished models. Now just $284.99, you'll get the popular e-reader in "like-new" condition, which according to Amazon, means it has been "refurbished, tested, and certified to look and work like new and comes with the same limited warranty as a new device."

The Scribe is an incredibly popular Kindle that combines an e-reader with a notebook. It has a recently redesigned 10.2-inch flush-front display and an upgraded Premium Pen that makes writing feel like putting pen to physical paper. Its Active Canvas feature even lets you write directly on book pages, so you can add notes to your favorite books.

It also has a built-in notebook that is ideal for anything from meeting notes to journaling, with the option to convert handwriting to text and email it to yourself or your contacts. Plus, built-in AI tools can edit your notes, adjusting their length and tone, or even refining your writing.

This like-new Kindle Scribe deal is available at Amazon right now.

Save $22.50: The Stanley Quencher is down to its best-ever price at Amazon

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 08:49:11 +0000

SAVE $22.50: As of Sept. 2, the Stanley Quencher is on sale for $22.50 at Amazon. That's a 50% discount on the list price.

Credit: Stanley

Stanley Quencher

$22.50 at Amazon
$45 Save $22.50

There's a reason the Stanley Quencher has become the water bottle of choice. The viral tumbler has become a fixture on desks, in cars, and at the gym, and its generous size means you can stay topped up without constantly reaching for a refill. And as of Sept. 2, it's on sale on Amazon at its best-ever price, with a 50% discount and $22.50 in savings. There are several colors to choose from, including pistachio, hydrangea, and azure fade.

This tumbler is popular for many reasons, but above all, it's handy. It has a built-in straw that flips up for easy sipping and snaps shut again to help prevent spills. It has double-wall vacuum insulation that keeps drinks ice cold for hours, so it's ideal for taking to the gym or using during a long day at your desk.

It's made from 18/8 recycled stainless steel and is BPA-free and dishwasher-safe, so it's both durable and easy to clean. And for taking with you on the go, it has a textured comfort-grip handle and a narrow base to fit most car cup holders.

Get this Stanley deal at Amazon now.

The Garmin vívoactive 5 is back on sale at Amazon — save over $100 for a limited time

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 08:44:47 +0000

SAVE $118.02: As of Sept. 2, the Garmin vívoactive 5 is on sale for $181.97 at Amazon. That's a 39% discount on the list price.

Credit: Garmin

Garmin vívoactive 5

$181.97 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $118.02

The Garmin vívoactive 5 is currently over $100 off at Amazon, bringing the price down to $181.97 from $299.99. That's a big saving if you've been after a Garmin smartwatch that can track your activity, workouts, and sleep without paying full price. This price is specific to the ivory colorway, but for just $8 more, you can also choose from slate, orchid, and navy.

This is a great all-rounder fitness tracker, with its ability to track multiple activities while still giving all the lifestyle stats and monitoring you could want. It has a bright AMOLED display, which makes the screen vivid and colorful. It's controlled both by a touchscreen and buttons, so it's nice and easy to use.

Plus, it tracks everything from sleep, stress, and Body Battery energy levels to heart rate and activity, with more than 30 built-in sports apps covering activities such as running, walking, cycling, and swimming. For wheelchair users, wheelchair mode tracks pushes instead of steps and includes dedicated workouts and challenges.

If sleep tracking is important to you, this Garmin not only gives you in-depth stats but also offers personalized sleep coaching, automatic nap detection, and insights into how it affects your overall energy levels.

This deal is only available at Amazon for a limited time, so don't miss out.

T-Mobile is giving away the Motorola Razr for free — how to qualify

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 07:00:00 +0000

TL;DR: The Motorola Razr and Motorola Razr+ are free right now with T-Mobile. To qualify for the Motorola Razr, simply activate a new line on an Experience More plan. Activate a new line on an Experience Beyond plan to claim the Motorola Razr+.

Credit: Motorola

T-Mobile: Motorola Razr and Motorola Razr+ for free

We know the tech world's focus is firmly on Apple's next event right now. We've read the rumors, leaks, and genuine news about the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max that are likely to launch this month. We get it, but not everyone is totally obsessed with the iPhone.

We know that's a wild thing to write, but it's true. There are people out there who don't care about the iPhone. We're talking to these people when we say that T-Mobile is giving away the new Motorola Razr and Motorola Razr+ for free, with no trade-in required.

Mobile carrier deals can often be pretty confusing, but this latest batch from T-Mobile is as straightforward as it gets. You can claim the Motorola Razr by activating a new line on an Experience More plan. To score the Motorola Razr+, simply activate a new line on an Experience Beyond plan.

The total cost is covered with up to 36 monthly bill credits. If you cancel or switch carriers before the end of the contract, you’ll owe the remaining balance on the phone’s full retail price. You will also need to pay taxes and a one-time connection charge with this deal, but that's a small price to pay for the latest Motorola handsets.

Score the new Motorola Razr and Motorola Razr+ for free from T-Mobile.

Wave of X password reset emails could be hiding a sneak phishing attack

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 06:50:38 +0000

X users are reportedly receiving multiple password reset confirmation emails en masse, allegedly triggered by hackers attempting to access their accounts. While there have been no reported breaches thus far, these emails may be hiding a secondary attack.

In a post on Monday, X product engineer Mridul Singhai acknowledged the deluge of password reset emails that many users have been receiving.

"Attackers appear to believe that, now that @XMoney is widely available, they can gain unauthorized access to accounts," Singhai posted, responding to a user who raised the issue. "We are actively investigating the issue and, so far, have found no evidence of any breaches. We apologize for the multiple emails and appreciate your patience as we work to resolve this."

X launched X Money in July, offering financial services to users with paid X Premium or Premium+ accounts. Users can hold money, make payments, and receive funds within the X platform, as well as conduct peer-to-peer transfers. As such, if a hacker is able to gain unauthorised access to people's X accounts, it could have serious financial consequences.

Sharing Singhai's post, X's general counsel James Burnham stated that "[t]he legal and security teams [at] @X will stop at nothing to identify, locate, and hold criminally accountable any person anywhere on or off earth who attempts to victimize our platform's users."

Receiving an email verifying a password change request doesn't automatically mean that your account has been compromised. Such emails are a commonly used multi-factor authentication mechanism, helping to ensure that strangers can't simply change your password without permission and lock you out of your account.

As such, while receiving these emails unsolicited does suggest that someone has attempted to access your account, it doesn't necessarily mean that they were successful. Still, such notifications aren't exactly reassuring.

Even more concerningly, while X's password reset emails pose no immediate danger in and of themselves, hackers may be using these messages to obfuscate their actual attack.

Some users claim that follow-up phishing emails are also being sent out amidst X's password reset confirmations, disguised as legitimate emails from the platform. These phishing attempts reportedly tell users to change their passwords, which is typically a sensible measure when there's a security breach. However, the emails provide a fake X link to do so, attempting to trick users into providing their login credentials to hackers.

While X hasn't officially confirmed that this is happening, Singhai has stated it is "plausible." As such, he advised users to check that emails purporting to be from X come from "x.com," and that they have a blue BIMI check mark authenticating them.

As always, the best cybersecurity practice is to hover over links in emails to check where they're actually sending you, or better yet avoid clicking such links altogether. It's much safer to change your password by directly accessing X via its mobile app or by typing its URL into your web browser. You should also be suspicious of messages that claim you must act urgently, as hackers may try rushing you into giving them information in a panic before you've thought it through.

The Bluetti Elite 100 mini might be my new go-to portable power station for camping

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 04:01:00 +0000

As tech does, almost every new model builds improvements to the previous iteration. While that's not an absolute truth, Bluetti is out to make portable power stations have more capacity, weigh less, and come with greater usability than ever before. All of this while keeping prices affordable.

As of today, the Bluetti lineup has grown to include a model that has the potential to become my new favorite. Welcome to the campsite, Bluetti Elite 100 mini. Here's everything to know about the new portable power station and why it might be the right model for you.

Credit: Bluetti

Bluetti Elite 100 mini

$407.55 at Amazon
$429 Save $21.45

use code BLUETTI5OFF at checkout

Highlights of the Bluetti Elite 100 mini

A 1,000Wh portable power station is a great all-around capacity for taking camping, using during a power outage, or taking into the backyard for a movie night. The Bluetti Elite 100 mini comes with 1,004.8Wh with a continuous output of 700W. But here's where things get a bit wild — the Bluetti Elite 100 mini only weighs 23.6 pounds. That's lighter than the 24.9 pounds for the Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2, which has come on countless camping trips with me.

Easy to carry at under 24 pounds. Credit: Bluetti

I haven't tested the Bluetti Elite 100 mini yet, but Bluetti says it's capable of recharging a laptop up to 13 times or a phone more than 34 times. In Power-Lifting mode, the Bluetti can support up to 1,400W. The nine ports offer great versatility and include three standard AC ports and a high-speed 140W USB-C option.

How to buy the Bluetti Elite 100 mini

The Bluetti Elite 100 mini is already up for grabs online at Amazon and Bluetti. The standard list price is set at $429 but orders during the initial launch can take 5% off with code BLUETTI5OFF. That'll bring the price down to just $407.55 which is a great deal for a 1kW portable power station.

The Bluetti Elite 100 Mini can handle up to 350W of solar input. Credit: Bluetti

You can also shop bundles with the same discount code. The Bluetti Elite 100 mini with a 100W solar panel is selling for a sale price of $531.05 and the power station with a 200W solar panel is on sale for $616.55, down from the list price of $649.

Bluetti doesn't have an end date stated for the end of this discount code, but it's always better to be on the safe side and snag it before the code expires.

Hurdle hints and answers for September 2, 2026

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 04:00:00 +0000

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

Hurdle Word 1 hint

Upper room.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

ATTIC

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A kitchen utensil.

Hurdle Word 2 Answer

WHISK

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Popular in Cuba.

Hurdle Word 3 answer

CIGAR

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To extend.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

REACH

Final Hurdle hint

Where a book might be.

Hurdle Word 5 answer

SHELF

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

This is your final chance to win an Apple Watch in our Big Guessing Game (updated)

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 03:59:00 +0000

Updated on Sept. 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET — The Mashable Big Guessing Game contest is now finished. We will be selecting winners after the Apple event next week. Good luck with the drawing! Please keep an eye on your email for a message about winning the contest. To follow along with our latest Apple coverage, check out everything we expect from the upcoming September iPhone launch event.

The Mashable Big Guessing Game is back again for our third (and final) round, and this is your last call to enter for a chance to win a new Apple Watch. In the first round, we tried to guess the new name of macOS 27 (only one person correctly predicted "Golden Gate"), and in the second round, we tried to predict whether a foldable iPhone or touchscreen Mac is coming this year (we still don't know).

So, if you think you know what Apple has in store for the Sept. 9 "Surprise and Shine" keynote event, this is your last chance to enter. Every correct answer earns you another chance to win the new Apple Watch. To enter, just click "Get Started."

What is the Mashable Big Guessing Game: Apple Edition?

In advance of WWDC and the fall iPhone event, we've asked Mashable readers to guess what Apple has in store. Every correct guess earns you another chance to win an Apple Watch, and it only takes a minute to play. The final round of the Big Guessing Game ends soon, so don't miss out!

In our last round of the contest, we're focusing on the expected Apple event in September, where we expect to see a full new lineup of iPhone models, including the highly anticipated foldable iPhone, plus new AirPods and Apple Watches. Will new CEO John Ternus appear on the roof of Apple Park? How much will the latest and greatest version of the iPhone Pro Max cost? If there is a foldable iPhone, what will Apple name it?

Make your predictions for the September "Surprise and Shine" event on Sept. 9 by guessing the answers to five questions, then sit back and watch the event to see how many you get right. Each correct guess earns you an additional chance of winning the grand prize, the latest edition of the new Apple Watch.

This final round of contest questions will run until 11:59 p.m. PT on Sept. 1.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY to enter or win the "CNET Group Big Guessing Game" Giveaway. Open to legal U.S. residents in the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18+ yrs of age. Other restrictions apply. Begins May 19, 2026 at 12:01 pm ET and ends Sept. 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET. Void where prohibited. Subject to Official Rules: https://www.mashable.com/article/mashable-big-guessing-game-apple-edition-official-contest-rules/. Sponsor: Ziff Davis, LLC.

Apple is not a sponsor of, affiliated with, or endorser of this sweepstakes. Apple Watch is a trademark of Apple Inc.

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for September 2, 2026

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 02:00:00 +0000

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you've watched the Falcons during the 2010s.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

What is Connections: Sports Edition?

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 before the game ends.

Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

Yellow: Sports
Green: Lone Star colleges
Blue: Shares the same Portuguese first name
Purple: Types of plays in sports

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

Yellow: ___Ball Sports
Green: Texas Schools
Blue: Fernandos
Purple: ___Play

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

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #709 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

___Ball Sports: BASE, BASKET, RACQUET, VOLLEY
Texas Schools: BAYLOR, HOUSTON, RICE, SMU
Fernandos: ALONSO, MENDOZA, TATIS, VALENZUELA
___Play: 3-POINT, DOUBLE, SQUEEZE, TRICK

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

NYT Pips hints, answers for September 2, 2026

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 02:00:00 +0000

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalog.

Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

How to play Pips

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.
Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.
Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.
Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.
Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

Easy difficulty hints, answers for September 2 Pips

Number (4): Everything in this red space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-1, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this purple space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally; 0-4, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this orange space must add up to 4. The answer is 0-4, placed vertically; 0-3, placed horizontally.

Less Than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for September 2 Pips

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically; 3-4, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically; 4-5, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 6-5, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically; 6-5, placed horizontally; 5-3, placed vertically.

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally; 5-3, placed vertically; 1-3, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for September 2 Pips

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically; 6-4, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 2-4, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically; 5-4, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically; 2-6, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically; 6-5, placed vertically; 5-0, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 5-0, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 2-4, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed horizontally; 4-4, placed vertically; 1-4, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed vertically.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically; 6-1, placed horizontally.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally; 5-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this green space must be equal to 3. The answer is 5-3, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed vertically.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Sept. 2, 2026

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 02:00:00 +0000

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.

Dazzle meaning

To blind someone with a bright light.

Floor meaning

To overwhelm.

Stun meaning

To shock.

Wow meaning

To impress.

Bow meaning

A long curved, wooded weapon.

Mute meaning

Silent.

Rosin meaning

An amber-colored resin that comes from pine trees.

Shoulder rest meaning

An accessory used by violinist.

Hunting meaning

The process of chasing and killing animals.

Rescue meaning

To save.

Sausage meaning

A food made from ground meat.

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Sheep meaning

A woolly farm animal.

Corn meaning

A yellow, husked vegetable.

Prairie meaning

Flat, grassy land.

Salty meaning

Has a briny taste.

Top meaning

At the peak.

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.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 2, 2026

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 02:00:00 +0000

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're a musician.

What is Connections?

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.

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: To shock
Green: What an instrumentalist might carry
Blue: Canines
Purple: Not canines

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

Yellow: Flabbergast
Green: Things in a violin case
Blue: ___ dogs (that are dogs)
Purple: ___ dogs (that aren't dogs)

Play our Big Guessing Game: Make your predictions now for a chance to win a new Apple Watch. Time's running out!

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 #1177 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

Flabbergast: DAZZLE, FLOOR, STUN, WOW
Things in a violin case: BOW, MUTE, ROSIN, SHOULDER REST
___ dogs (that are dogs): HUNTING, RESCUE, SAUSAGE, SHEEP
___ dogs (that aren't dogs): CORN, PRAIRIE, SALTY, TOP

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.

NYT Strands hints, answers for September 2, 2026

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 02:00:00 +0000

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're spiritual.

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: All will be revealed

The words are things that become evident.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe things coming to fruition.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Come to Light.

NYT Strands word list for September 2

Emerge
Arise
Surface
Come to Light
Materlize
Manifest

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!

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

Wordle today: Answer, hints for Setember 2, 2026

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 02:00:00 +0000

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're power-hungry.

Where did Wordle come from?

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?

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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:

An emperor.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter R.

Play our Big Guessing Game: Make your predictions now for a chance to win a new Apple Watch. Time's running out!

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...

RULER

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.

Florida takes sweeping action against license plate readers as cities drop Flock

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:15:36 +0000

The cameras are coming down in Florida. Partially.

On Monday, the Florida Department of Transportation officially revoked permission for law enforcement agencies to operate automated license plate readers on state highway rights-of-way. Police agencies have 30 days to remove them.

The order represents one of the broadest government actions yet against the increasingly controversial technology. And although Flock Safety has become almost synonymous with automated license plate readers, Florida’s directive applies to the entire category, including cameras supplied by competitors such as Axon and Motorola.

Florida officials cited the "recent exponential increase" in camera deployments, along with "concerning reports of misuse, data privacy concerns, and surveillance schemes."

Florida appears to be the first state to order the wholesale removal of automated license plate readers from its state highway system, rather than pausing new installations, limiting their use, or cutting funding.

The order applies statewide but only to cameras installed within state highway rights-of-way. It does not prohibit license plate readers on local roads or private property, where Florida officials say most of the cameras are located.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said it would discontinue its use of license plate readers throughout Duval County effective immediately, even as it called them valuable investigative tools. Pasco and Manatee counties have also moved to ban or remove the devices, while Oviedo’s mayor said the city’s cameras would be gone by the end of September "one way or another."

Gov. Ron DeSantis had telegraphed the move days earlier, describing the proliferation of license plate readers as "out of control" and warning against the creation of a surveillance state.

"These cameras that are out there now — who’s to say they’re only doing the license plate?" DeSantis said during an appearance on Eric Bolling’s Main Street America program. "I think it’s capturing people in their cars. I think it’s capturing way more information than they’re letting on. And you’ve seen the abuse."

Flock says a ban is the wrong response. The company argues that its cameras help police solve serious crimes, recover stolen vehicles, and locate missing people. "Rather than banning a critical public safety tool, we support thoughtful legislation and strong privacy, transparency, and accountability guardrails," Flock said in a statement.

Florida may be the biggest development of the week, but it is not an isolated one. Across the country, state and local officials (and local vigilantes) have spent the past several days covering cameras, canceling contracts, and asking questions that many departments did not address before the technology was installed.

Weeks of cancellations, pauses, and proposed bans

Florida is not the only state reconsidering its relationship with Flock. Just days before the highway order, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott directed state agencies to stop funding the company’s cameras. His office pointed to mounting concerns about misuse, including the indictment of a Lufkin police officer who faces 100 felony counts for allegedly conducting unauthorized searches in Flock’s database.

In Wisconsin, Menasha Mayor Austin Hammond ordered every Flock camera in the city covered by the end of Sept. 1. He added that he would ask the Common Council to terminate its contract later in September. Menasha police had already introduced additional safeguards, including a public transparency log and regular audits of system users. Even with those measures, Hammond said community concerns about privacy and data access warranted ending the program.

"There is a great and genuine concern that exists regarding privacy and how the data is accessed and shared," Hammond told local news.

The pullback continued Sep. 1 in Tennessee, where Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett paused all 70 automated license plate readers overseen by his office. Meanwhile, several Massachusetts communities took action over the preceding days: Abington and Ayer ended their relationships with Flock, while Southbridge suspended its program pending greater public discussion of the technology and possible statewide safeguards. Groton also announced that it would terminate its contract, following an internal review. They add to five other local Massachusetts towns discontinuing their cameras.

"Being a successful police department is not simply about having the most tools or the newest technology," Abington Police Chief John Bonney. "It’s about maintaining the trust and confidence of the people we serve."

As of Aug. 31, the Institute for Justice, a libertarian public-interest law firm challenging automated license plate readers in court, counted 144 local governments that had canceled or declined to renew ALPR contracts since the beginning of 2025.

The speed of the pullback reveals how quickly Flock’s standing has deteriorated. A company that once built an enormous national network by selling its cameras as relatively inexpensive, low-maintenance tools for solving crimes now faces scrutiny from both political parties, organized community opposition, and the public at large.

MapQuest just found a route to No. 1 on the App Store

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 22:18:38 +0000

For anyone who remembers printing MapQuest directions before a road trip, the navigation service may feel like something that belongs in the glove compartment of internet history. Apparently, all it took for a comeback was President Donald Trump starting yet another dispute over what to call a body of water.

Lake Ontario, which sits between New York and the Canadian province of Ontario, became the latest front in Trump’s trade war with Canada. On Aug. 27, Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to rename Lake Ontario "Lake America" within 30 days. Why? Trump said Canada had been "ripping us off for a long time on trade."

MapQuest refused to go along, and users apparently liked that answer: The 30-year-old service shot to No. 1 among free apps in Apple’s U.S. and Canadian App Stores.

"We’re not changing it," the company wrote on X, along with other defiant posts.

According to Appfigures data, MapQuest recorded roughly 80,000 iOS downloads in the U.S. and Canada on Sunday, up from a daily average of around 500 earlier in August. Google Play downloads climbed from approximately 1,000 per day to 20,000 on Saturday.

MapQuest reportedly surpassed 100,000 total downloads on Aug. 30, giving the service its best day in a decade. And those downloads apparently did not just sit unopened; the company said usage had increased roughly 50-fold, suggesting people were genuinely giving the old navigation app another chance.

"People spoke with their downloads," MapQuest general manager Doug Berger told Business Insider. "They want a mapping app with names they’re familiar with."

Funny enough, MapQuest was once nearly synonymous with getting lost. Launched in 1996, the service helped introduce millions of people to online navigation by generating turn-by-turn directions they could print and bring along for the ride. If a driver missed a turn, however, there was no automatic rerouting. Someone in the passenger seat simply had to figure it out. (Cue Gen Z gasps.)

Then built-in car navigation systems and smartphones came along, and there was no longer much reason to print out a route before leaving home. By 2008, Google Maps had overtaken MapQuest, turning the once-dominant service into a reminder of an earlier era of the internet.

But MapQuest has since managed to turn its age into part of the joke. After Trump ordered federal agencies to adopt "Gulf of America" in 2025, MapQuest joked on X that it was keeping the old name because it had not updated its maps in 15 years and no longer remembered how. The company later created an official "Name your own gulf" generator that allowed people to label it whatever they wanted.

This time, MapQuest brought the tool back and invited users to rename Lake Ontario themselves.

"We took the same approach we did with the Gulf of Mexico: be part of the conversation, and give people an app that keeps the names they’re familiar with," Berger said in an Aug. 31 statement.

Google Maps, meanwhile, took the opposite turn. On Saturday, Aug. 29, the company began rolling out the "Lake America" label to users in the United States after the name was formally added to the U.S. Geographic Names Information System. Canadians will continue to see "Lake Ontario," while users elsewhere will see both names. Google said the change followed its long-standing policy of reflecting names used by official government sources. It also quickly renamed the Gulf of Mexico back in 2025.

'How the GNIS Lake Ontario/Lake America name change in the U.S. will appear in Maps' Credit: Screenshot: Google

Apple Maps, on the other hand, continued to display "Lake Ontario." On Aug. 31, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said Trump had contacted Apple directly and asked it to update the name. By Sep. 1, Apple had begun displaying the new name to U.S. users. Apple followed the same pattern last year when it came to the Gulf of Mexico/America.

Canadian leaders have firmly rejected the new name. Prime Minister Mark Carney pointed out that Lake Ontario comes from the Wendat word Ontari’io, meaning "the lake is beautiful, the lake is big." The name is more than 400 years old. "Canadians also know that naming reality means calling it Lake Ontario — then, now and always," he added.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford compared Trump's order to "something out of Saturday Night Live" and insisted, "No one's going to call it Lake America."

Whether MapQuest can convert one viral weekend into a lasting revival remains to be seen. But after years of being overshadowed by Google and Apple, it finally found its way back to the top, all without changing direction.

Sonos just debuted the Beam Ultra soundbar and Ace Ultra headphones — available for preorder now

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 21:19:59 +0000

Sonos is back. After taking some time to recover from a rough app rollout in 2024, the audio brand made a comeback in April 2026 with the Sonos Play portable speaker. Now, on Sept. 1, Sonos unveiled two new products in the home theater and personal listening categories. Now available for preorder are the Sonos Beam Ultra, a mid-sized soundbar, and Sonos Ace Ultra, the next iteration of the brand's Ace headphones.

The Sonos Beam Ultra is a premium upgrade to the exisiting Beam soundbar. Credit: Sonos

The Sonos Beam Ultra is an upgraded model of the existing Beam soundbar. The Beam Ultra is built with nine custom drivers, including two up-firing drivers that bring 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos. It comes with four levels of AI Speech Enhancement and Night Sound for late nights. While it is the focus of a home theater system, it can be paired with other Sonos speakers (including portable models) for a full surround-sound experience.

With the Sonos Ace Ultra, transfer what you're listening to straight from your headphones to your at-home Sonos system. Credit: Sonos

The Sonos Ace Ultra headphones are the new premium model of the existing Sonos Ace headphones. They're the first headphones from Sonos to be built on Headphone Engine 2, which links directly to your Sonos system. That means with the press of a button, whatever is playing on your headphones transfers to your Sonos speaker system and vice versa. The Ace Ultras house 40mm drivers and adaptive ANC powered by 10 microphones. Plus, Sonos touts that these headphones come with up to 35 hours of battery life — a claim we're eager to test.

The Beam Ultra soundbar costs $699, and the Ace Ultra headphones cost $449. Both are available for preorder as of Sept. 1 and will be available widely on Sept. 29.

Credit: Sonos

Sonos Beam Ultra

$699 at Amazon

Credit: Sonos

Sonos Ace Ultra

$449 at Amazon

OpenAI Astra: All about the quantum math-solving model with critical hacking skills

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 21:08:06 +0000

Do you understand quantum parallel repetition? What about quantum complexity, lattice cryptography, or extremal combinatorics?

The new OpenAI model Astra knows all about them.

On Aug. 1, OpenAI confirmed the existence of Astra, calling it "our next major model." And on Sept. 1, OpenAI confirmed in a blog post that Astra has reached a "critical" cyber threat level, but that it will also be "available soon." For safety reasons, the company plans to restrict its most advanced cybersecurity capabilities to a closed group of select testing partners.

Everything we know about the OpenAI Astra model

We first learned about Astra when OpenAI announced that a mysterious new model had made some notable breakthroughs in research-level mathematics.

On Aug. 1, the ChatGPT-maker revealed that an internal model named Astra had solved 10 major open math problems, some of which had been unresolved for decades. Then, on Aug. 7, OpenAI announced that Astra had developed such advanced cyber capabilities that new security controls were necessary and that some internal development work would be paused.

At the time, OpenAI said it couldn't "rule out critical cyber capabilities under our Preparedness Framework," meaning the model could have existential-threat-level cybersecurity capabilities. (OpenAI's Preparedness Framework tracks risk levels in three categories: biological and chemical, cybersecurity, and AI self-improvement.)

Finally, on Sept. 1, OpenAI confirmed that not only is Astra coming soon, but that it does, in fact, meet the "critical" threshold for cyber capabilities. Previously, OpenAI deemed GPT-5.6-Sol a "high" cybersecurity risk, making Astra the first OpenAI model to be classified as a genuine "critical" risk.

How is OpenAI tightening security around Astra?

Until recently, the prospect of swarms of AI agents conducting relatively autonomous cyber attacks on critical infrastructure was mostly hypothetical. After the Hugging Face hack, that risk seems much more real. Because of the rapid progress in this domain, some zero-day bug bounty programs have even been forced to shut down due to the deluge of AI-discovered bugs, as Mashable has reported.

Back in August, OpenAI tightened sandboxes that keep the Astra model contained and monitored its Chain of Thought to "interrupt high risk activity." In addition, while OpenAI maintains that Astra was not involved in the Hugging Face hack, the company said that "we have incorporated our learnings from that incident into our safety approach." OpenAI previously said that it was committed to working with "relevant government agencies and select AI safety organizations to test the capabilities for this model."

Now that the company is readying Astra for release, it's taking additional precautions. When Astra launches, only select testers will have access to its most advanced cybersecurity skills. Eventually, access will be expanded so that it can be used for defensive purposes.

In its latest blog post, OpenAI says its safeguards are built around two objectives:

Preventing malicious actors from utilizing the model
Stopping Astra from taking "unauthorized, misaligned actions"

OpenAI said more safeguarding information will be available when the model launches.

OpenAI Astra: When is the release date?

We don't know, but OpenAI appears to be actively preparing for its launch, which suggests it's coming very soon. On the same day Anthropic launched Fable 5.1, OpenAI said only that Astra would be "available soon."

At this point, it's unclear if Astra will eventually be released as GPT-5.7, the beginning of GPT-6, or something else entirely.

Major AI companies like OpenAI and Anthropic have been releasing major updates to their models every few months, with entirely new model families coming out every one to two years. GPT-5 was introduced in August 2025, which means we're due for GPT-6 any time now.

What else do we know about OpenAI Astra?

The company has also so far declined to answer our questions about Astra, but we'll update this story if we receive more information.

Bleeping Computer initially described Astra as "a powerful model that allows AI agents to collaborate on different parts of a larger problem." That suggests it's designed for agentic work and can "tackle complex, long-running tasks," also per Bleeping Computer.

We also know that the White House is reportedly close to finalizing a voluntary AI framework for testing new frontier models like Astra before they're publicly released. And in August, The Information reported that OpenAI was actively previewing Astra in Washington, D.C.

OpenAI's original blog post about Astra, "Ten advances in mathematics and theoretical computer science," also made it clear that the new OpenAI model has made significant advances in science and mathematics.

So, we talked to a mathematician about what Astra means for the future of AI and science — and what it doesn't mean.

New Anthropic and OpenAI models are really good at coding and math

Credit: Photographed by Joseph Maldonado / Mashable Composite by Rene Ramos

When Anthropic announced that its unreleased Mythos model was so good at hacking that it was too dangerous to release to the public, we questioned this narrative, as the warning effectively doubled as PR. However, we can't deny that the latest frontier models from Anthropic and OpenAI have gotten remarkably good at cybersecurity, agentic coding, and discovering zero-day bugs.

But OpenAI and Anthropic have also shown impressive progress on research-level mathematics.

First, OpenAI released a disproof of the Erdős unit distance conjecture in May. Then, an Anthropic-linked mathematician casually announced that he used Fable 5 to disprove the Jacobian Conjecture, one of the infamous Smale's problems in mathematics. Now, OpenAI has announced that Astra solved 10 more open problems in mathematics.

It's a potentially paradigm-shifting moment, though this is hardly proof that artificial general intelligence or the singularity is nigh.

First, most of these math accomplishments take the form of disproofs and counterexamples, which aren't as impressive as positive proofs that greatly expand our understanding of the universe, like, say, Andrew Wiles' proof of Fermat's Theorem.

When Fable 5 disproved the Jacobian Conjecture, I spoke to Columbia professor Andrew Blumberg, who is also on the board of directors of the First Proof project, which tested the capabilities of frontier large language models in solving research-level mathematics.

At the time, he told me that Fable 5's feat "did not cause me to update my priors about what AI can and can't do." Blumberg added, "This is exactly the kind of thing I would expect AI to be able to do. If there was a counterexample that was concise and easy to state that people haven't found because it's a pain to search through all this stuff, AI will find it."

Ultimately, Blumberg said that Fable 5's counterexample to the Jacobian Conjecture didn't necessarily teach us anything new or exciting about the world, even though it was very impressive.

I went back to Blumberg to ask about OpenAI and Astra's latest work, and he said his priors still haven't changed — AI is a very useful tool for advanced science, but Astra's math results don't suggest AI is ready to replace human scientists and mathematicians.

"If you look at what these are, they're pretty short. They are either counterexamples or they are small, extremely clever constructions that build on known things, and it's super cool, right? I want to be clear: If a person had done many of these things, that person would be justly lauded for their achievement, and so [this work is] great, but they don't change my priors."

And, as many people have pointed out (including, most recently, data scientist Nate Silver), we have to put these results in perspective. While OpenAI was keen to point out that these problems were solved with just $2,000 worth of tokens, that doesn't account for the trillions spent on AI technology in recent years.

"When you hear about the amount of money that's being poured into these machines, and you think about what it would be like if we spent a trillion dollars on hiring and training mathematicians and paying the best mathematicians football players' salaries to do nothing but solve these problems, I think we'd see a shitload of progress," Blumberg told Mashable.

At the same time, the prospect of Astra-level models being in the hands of every scientist, physicist, and mathematician on Earth is truly exciting. Likewise, the prospect of Astra-like tools being available to hackers and other bad actors is truly concerning.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Dysons $499 squirting AI camera toothbrush proves smart tech has officially gone too far

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 20:52:51 +0000

Dyson just unveiled its latest product: the Dyson CameraJet™, an AI-powered electric toothbrush and water flosser with onboard cameras, priced at $499.99. The smart, app-connected toothbrush-slash-endoscope launches on Sept. 8, but you can pre-order the beauty tech device right now.

The product, with its lightsaber-like hilt and clunky design, sounds to me like an April Fool's Day joke, and I don't know who this is for. The people aren't exactly crying out for $500 toothbushes right now.

Dyson CameraJet electric toothbrush

$499.99 at Dyson

I have to ask: WTF is going on over at Dyson?

The English brand is known for its innovative designs. Dyson's Supersonic hair dryer was truly revolutionary, and I use one almost every day. Dyson is the company that somehow turned boring old vacuum cleaners into status symbols and created a futuristic, revolving, hydroponic strawberry farm. But in recent years, the company has had some misfires, and anecdotally, they seem to be getting more common. You might remember the Covid-era Dyson Zone, the dystopian headphones with a built-in air purifier. You might also remember when it was discontinued. We also found that the brand's latest robot vacuums were duds.

The Dyson CameraJet™ uses a macro camera and doubles as a dental endoscope. Credit: Dyson

Perhaps there is a market for Dyson oral care products, but the idea of a toothbrush that uses AI to look into all the nooks and crannies of my mouth and squirt "mouthrinse" into them gives me the heebie-jeebies. Another Mashable editor used the word "nightmare" to describe it.

I'm never going to download an app in order to use my toothbrush, and you can't make me.

Introducing the Dyson CameraJet™: What is it?

Dyson says it's been developing the CameraJet electric toothbrush for six years.

The short version: The toothbrush head includes a camera that identifies the gaps between your teeth in real-time and ejects a jet of cleansing water between your teeth to remove plaque.

For the long version, I'll quote the press release:

Credit: Dyson

How does the Dyson CameraJet™ electric toothbrush work?

You might think that your mouth is the absolute last place you'd want to place a 100,000-pixel macro lens camera. That is a reasonable thought! The toothbrush uses this camera to analyze 28 images per second. When the toothbrush's software detects a gap between your teeth, the device shoots a jet of water into it within 100 milliseconds. This allows for precision flossing as you brush your teeth.

The body of the smart, app-connected toothbrush contains a zero-gravity mouthrinse chamber. Credit: Dyson

The toothbrush dispenses a jet of water within 100 milliseconds of detecting a gap between your teeth. Credit: Dyson

At the same time, Dyson says the toothbrush uses "variable sonic oscillation" so the bristles can penetrate and clean deeper than conventional sonic toothbrushes.

The toothbrush has a zero-gravity mouthrinse container, and it comes with a charging dock and travel case. Because it doubles as an electric flosser, the Dyson CameraJet™ has a larger body than most electric toothbrushes and, based on the photos, appears approximately lightsaber-sized.

How does AI factor into all of this?

The toothbrush comes with a charging dock and travel case. Credit: Dyson

Beauty tech and grooming brands have been using AI in their hardware for a few years now. I first noticed this trend in my pre-Mashable days, when I was reviewing grooming products for GQ. All of a sudden, beard trimmers and electric shavers didn't just cut your hair — they used artificial intelligence to automatically sense hair thickness and alter the motor power to optimize your trim. Dyson introduced similar technology in its hair dryers, such as the Supersonic Nural.

If this smart technology has improved the quality of my shave and beard trimming, I haven't noticed. These "smart" beauty devices have always felt to me more like a gimmick and an excuse to raise prices by $100.

You can easily picture the scene: A conference room full of branding experts making mid-six figures, telling each other they absolutely must introduce AI into their products to stay relevant and appeal to young people.

Dyson also isn't the first to bring AI to the bathroom sink: Oral-B's iO Series 10 rechargeable toothbrush already uses the technology to track where you're brushing and offer real-time feedback on your technique — and it will set you back $399.99.

Per Dyson, the CameraJet™ has 16 million lines of code and a visual intelligence system trained on 470,000 dental images.

And while Dyson's whole brand is basically over-engineering ordinary devices (often for the better!), introducing AI into ordinary products isn't innovation so much as trend-chasing. I'll be happy to see the backside of this smart beauty trend.

I'm never going to download an app in order to use my toothbrush, and you can't make me.

Because, of course, the Dyson Camera Jet™ has an app.

"The Dyson CameraJet™ is Wi-Fi connected at 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connected," the press release states. "Its integrated camera is a high-quality endoscope, allowing users to see what their dentist sees through the live-viewing feature in the MyDysonT™ app."

But do you really want to see what your dentist sees? Does your dentist even want to see what your dentist sees?

Is the Dyson Camera Jet™ worth it?

Credit: Dyson

I have not reviewed this device, though I'd be open to trying it and being proven wrong. We've certainly seen some bizarre toothbrush designs in recent years, and I'll admit, I'm a poor flosser.

If, like me, you know your flossing game is weak and you don't mind spending $500 on a new squirting toothbrush, then you may come to a different conclusion than I have.

But I remain extremely skeptical of this particular Dyson invention.

You can pre-order the Dyson Camera Jet™ for $499.99 at the Dyson online store, Amazon, and other retailers; it's available in two colors, ceramic pink and ceramic ultra blue. The smart toothbrush will be officially released on Sept. 8.

Dyson CameraJet electric toothbrush

$499.99 at Dyson

Anthropic launches Fable 5.1 as AI security worries mount

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 20:28:54 +0000

Anthropic released Claude Fable 5.1 and a more restricted sibling, Claude Mythos 5.1, this week, positioning the pair as its most capable models yet for coding and knowledge work. Notably, the announcement arrives just weeks after fresh reports of AI agents behaving badly in security tests.

The two models are technically identical, Anthropic says in its blog post, but come with different guardrails. Fable 5.1 is broadly available, while Mythos 5.1 is reserved for vetted partners working in cybersecurity and the life sciences through the company's trusted-access programs.

Anthropic also says it's cutting prices. According to the company, typical workloads will cost around 25 percent less than they did with Fable 5, with savings of roughly 45 percent for heavily agentic tasks, largely due to cheaper cache-read pricing. At the time of writing, Claude customers are accusing the AI firm of deceptive pricing and marketing for its Claude Max subscription.

On the safety side, Anthropic touts more precise filters. The company says its updated biology safeguards now fire far less often on benign medical questions, and that cybersecurity safeguards produce about 60 percent fewer false interventions in Claude Code sessions than before, in part because Fable 5.1 is now allowed to help identify software vulnerabilities — though not build exploits for them.

That framing lands amid a rockier moment for AI agents and the cybersecurity industry at large. In early August, multiple outlets reported that AI agents from both Anthropic and OpenAI had been caught taking unsanctioned actions during red-team testing. The UK's AI Security Institute, which ran the tests, said agents from the two companies took unauthorized actions a combined 19 times across 122 test runs, with the bulk of the incidents attributed to an earlier Anthropic model, Mythos 5. Anthropic responded at the time by noting that the tests were run under what it called deliberately permissive conditions that don't reflect how its production models actually operate.

The company says Mythos 5.1's cyber capabilities are the strongest it has released yet, but the model still falls in the lower-risk tier under its internal framework — and Anthropic found no evidence of a critical-severity jailbreak in testing.

What is NVIDIAs DLSS 5 and why is it so controversial?

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 19:19:26 +0000

If you've spent any time on gaming social media this week, you'll see a lot of comparison screenshots of video games. The most common ones you'll see are split-screen comparisons between an OG shot of the game and one that's slightly more detailed, with a promise that this will be the "future" of gaming.

That's DLSS 5, NVIDIA's latest and most ambitious version of its AI upscaling technology, officially launching Sept. 3. It's exclusive to the company's RTX 50-series graphics cards and arrives with just one game: NBA 2K27.

It's also become one of the more divisive pieces of gaming tech in recent memory, centered around whether AI should be allowed to redraw what a game looks like at all.

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What is DLSS?

DLSS has existed for years as a way to boost frame rates by having an AI model fill in detail rather than rendering every pixel natively. The new version goes further.

As we reported when it was first announced, DLSS 5 aims to use AI to add more realistic lighting and materials to a scene in real-time. That means it can actively repaint lighting, textures, and even character faces on the fly. When NVIDIA first unveiled the tech back in March, the company called it a landmark moment, framed as its biggest graphics breakthrough since real-time ray tracing debuted in 2018.

NVIDIA also claims that the system hands creative control back to developers, who get sliders to dial in exactly how aggressive the AI's changes are, down to leaving character faces untouched or enhancing only background details.

The DLSS 5 controversy on social media

Backlash towards DLSS 5 has been around since it was first revealed in a tech demo for Resident Evil: Requiem. The AI-enhanced version of the protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, looked so different from the original that it sparked its own meme cycle online, with critics describing the change as a "yassification" of the character.

DLSS 5 believers see a legitimate leap in both performance and visual fidelity, especially for sports and photorealistic titles, where the tech seems to deliver on its promises. Proponents say that DLSS 5 looks as good as you make it, and that the "bad" images of the tech are aggressively pushing the sliders and not using it properly.

Critics argue that letting an AI model reinterpret a character's face or a room's lighting overrides decisions the actual artists made — without much visible input from the games' creators. For a lot of gamers, nobody asked the AI to redesign the art direction. However, does it actually look bad? In some instances, yes. Very much so.

Performance-wise, it's not free, either.

NVIDIA itself estimates DLSS 5 costs 50 to 60 percent of your performance, offset by aggressive frame generation. NVIDIA further claims that even a mid-range RTX 5060 can run NBA 2K27 at 1080p with ray tracing and DLSS 5 maxed out, but only with a top-tier CPU and 6x frame generation enabled, meaning the GPU is inventing five out of every six frames you see rather than rendering them directly.

That's fine, if you ignore the ongoing memory crisis that's been squeezing the consumer PC market for the last few years. The RTX 5090 that NVIDIA's original DLSS 5 demos leaned on can be bought brand-new for $2,000, but it's also reselling for two to three times that on the secondary market, per market trackers following the shortage. That's most people's monthly rent for just one graphics card, and NVIDIA's demo used two.

Even the lower-end RTX 5060 is a victim of price creep, with some of the cheaper ones out there still priced over $400. So while NVIDIA's pitch is that DLSS 5 makes ray-traced, high-frame-rate gaming reachable on mid-range cards, the mid-range itself has gotten much less affordable — meaning the fully loaded version of this "future of graphics" pitch is, for now, mostly a luxury good.

Whether DLSS 5 becomes standard across PC gaming or ends up a niche feature for realism-focused titles will depend on whether NVIDIA can get more developers on board, and whether those developers use the granular controls to keep the AI from overriding their own art direction.

For now, the only way to actually judge it yourself is to boot up NBA 2K27 on Sept. 3 and toggle the setting. Or you can experience the elderitch horros being created on social media right now.

Track NASAs Roman Space Telescope on its long cruise to deep space

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 16:38:50 +0000

As the new Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope heads for deep space, the public can follow its three‑month trip in near-real time with NASA's online tracker.

The spacecraft launched on Sunday, Aug. 30, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. It's now cruising on its own toward its final orbit about 1 million miles away from Earth.

Roman is flying to a point called the second sun–Earth Lagrange Point, or L2, a gravitational parking spot beyond the moon's orbit that gives the telescope a wide, steady view of the sky without Earth's atmosphere getting in the way.

During this long flight, the team runs a checkout phase, called commissioning. (For more detail on the process, read Mashable's telescope commissioning explainer.) Engineers and scientists turn on systems step by step, tune settings, and calibrate instruments before Roman starts full science operations. Though NASA has a schedule for this process, the timeline is dependent on how the spacecraft behaves.

Mission controllers already carried out the first "mid‑course correction burn," a three‑minute engine firing that nudged Roman onto a sharper trajectory, on Monday. Flight planners built in two of these opportunities early in the journey. The less the team has to use those burns, the better. More fuel reserves directly translate into more years of science. After Roman settles into its looping orbit around L2, controllers fire thrusters about every 28 days to keep the spacecraft on station.

You can watch Roman's progress using NASA's online tracking tool. The tracker view below shows Roman's changing position in the inner solar system through a graphic visualization as it cruises outward toward L2.

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From L2, Roman will use a wide‑field camera to capture an area of sky about 100 times larger than a typical Hubble image while maintaining Hubble‑like sharpness. That reach lets Roman map billions of galaxies, tens of thousands of planets, and thousands of supernova explosions.

Mission leaders say Roman will return about 1.4 terabytes of data every day. Over its planned five‑year prime mission, the observatory sends down a constant stream of images and measurements. NASA plans to release those data sets without delay.

NASA expects to share the first detailed space images around December and begin its surveys in January 2027.

Best Buys Labor Day 2026 Sale is live: Shop deals on Apple, headphones, laptops, and more

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 16:27:19 +0000

The best Best Buy Labor Day deals at a glance

Best Apple Deal

2025 Apple MacBook Air M5

$1,699 (Save $100)

Best Amazon Device Deal

Amazon Fire TV Stick HD 2nd Gen

$17.99 (Save $22)

Best Laptop Deal

Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 2K Touchscreen Laptop

$749.99 (Save $370)

Best Headphone Deal

Bose QuietComfort Headphones

$229 (Save $130)

The last long weekend of summer is here, and so is the impulse to squeeze in one more cookout and one more round of shopping with some great discounts before fall truly sets in. Best Buy has already kicked off its Labor Day sale with several picks that you can shop right now through midnight on September 7.

This year, a global memory shortage has pushed prices up across laptops, tablets, and streaming devices, so markdowns are going much further than they did a few months ago. If you're looking to pick up some sale-priced laptops, headphones, or even streaming devices, Best Buy has you covered with some great prices you won't want to miss out on.

Don't want to wait until Labor Day weekend proper? We've gathered some of our favorite discounts you can shop right now below. We're expecting to see additional deals pop up as we reach Labor Day weekend, but here are some of the best deals we've already seen go live at Best Buy so far.

Best Apple deal

Credit: Best Buy

2025 Apple MacBook Air M5

$1,699 at Best Buy
$1,799 Save $100

Why we like it

The 13-inch MacBook Air with M5 is a great choice for most users when it comes to Apple laptops. The configuration Best Buy has discounted comes loaded with a powerful setup to handle just about any task. You get a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, 24GB of unified memory, and a 1TB SSD, which is plenty of power for editing video or just keeping a few dozen browser tabs open. Plus, you'll get up to 18 hours of battery life per charge.

More Apple deals

Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $89 ~~$99~~ (save $10)
Apple Pencil Pro — $99 ~~$129~~ (save $29.01)
Apple iPad 11-inch (A16 chip) — $399 ~~$449~~ (save $50)

Best Amazon device deal

Credit: Best Buy

Amazon Fire TV Stick HD 2nd Gen

$17.99 at Best Buy
$39.99 Save $22.00

Why we like it

This streaming stick plugs into any open HDMI port to put the current Fire TV interface on your TV so you can stream your favorite shows and movies anytime. It offers AI-powered search to help you figure out what to watch without scrolling endlessly through all your apps, and you get 8GB of storage plus free live TV channels alongside Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. Most importantly, you can take your streaming apps with you just about wherever you go with this stick.

Best laptop deal

Credit: Best Buy

Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 2K Touchscreen Laptop

$749.99 at Best Buy
$1,199.99 Save $450

Why we like it

This 16-inch 2K touchscreen laptop has plenty of real estate and power to help you be more productive or just spend time browsing online in comfort. It boasts an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V processor, 16GB of memory, and a 512GB SSD. The hinge also folds all the way back, so you can use it as a laptop, prop it up for watching something, or flatten it down straight for use as a tablet. It's a versatile piece of tech that you can legitimately take with you wherever you go since it can convert to the format you need most.

More laptop deals

HP 14 Chromebook — $179 ~~$399~~ (save $220)
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook — $399 ~~$529~~ (save $130)

Best headphone deal

Credit: Best Buy

Bose QuietComfort Headphones

$229 at Best Buy
$359 Save $130

Why we like it

If you're looking for great audio as well as overall comfort, these headphones are more than easy to recommend. Comfort is in their name, after all. They excel at noise canceling as well, with both Quiet and Aware modes for switching between full noise cancellation and keeping aware of your surroundings. They also offer 24 hours of battery life and enough earcup padding to stay comfortable through a long flight or lengthy listening sessions. When you're done with them, they fold down into the included case, so they're easy to pack as well.

More headphone deals

Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones — $198 ~~$398~~ (save $200)
Beats Studio Pro — $249.99 ~~$349.99~~ (save $100)
Apple AirPods Max 2 — $479 ~~$549~~ (save $70)

How a creepy Cat in the Hat meme escalated into school threats

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 16:16:48 +0000

Of all the characters you might expect to trigger school closures and police investigations, the Cat in the Hat probably would not be high on the list. Yet a creepy internet reinvention of the Dr. Seuss character is now causing very real disruptions across the United States.

Over the past several weeks, AI-generated and manipulated images have purported to show a life-sized version of the Cat lurking outside homes, staring through windows, and roaming dark streets. The videos often borrow the unsettling appearance of Mike Myers' character in the much-memed 2003 movie adaptation, then present the footage as a local "sighting."

At first, the posts mostly played like internet horror fiction. But as the trend spread, some copycat accounts began naming specific students, schools, and communities alongside phrases such as "you’re next," "don’t leave your window open," and "coming for you." Those messages have now prompted police investigations, increased security, canceled activities, and at least one juvenile arrest.

What is the 'Cat in the Hat' trend?

Like many unsettling internet trends, this one started with a joke that kept getting darker. The trend can be traced back to a meme posted in late June that paired a clip of Myers' Cat dancing with an eerie soundtrack and a grim caption. The now-deleted TikTok reportedly received more than 4 million views in a week, inspiring users to rework footage from the movie into increasingly disturbing memes.

The timing also gave creators some unusually creepy source material. The original costume from the 2003 film recently went up for auction, supplying the internet with images of a hollow-eyed Cat suit that looked considerably more sinister outside the movie.

From there, users built a loose horror story around a supposed "Cat in the Hat serial killer" stalking communities in the UK and Ireland.

Soon, AI-generated "sightings" began placing the character in driveways, outside windows, and in footage designed to resemble doorbell camera recordings. Other posts falsely claimed the Cat had chased or attacked people. The more local and familiar the setting looked, the easier it became for the fiction to feel real.

Eventually, police had to step in and explain that the supposed sightings were not real. Authorities in the UK and Ireland repeatedly reassured residents that the images and videos were fake, with Wexford Garda describing them as AI-generated content that placed the character in recognizable locations.

In that sense, the trend resembles the killer clown panic of 2016. This time, however, users do not need to put on a costume to create a local scare; they can generate one from behind a screen.

Unfortunately, the trend being fake doesn't mean the meme hasn't produced consequences offline. Once the trend reached the United States, some accounts began tailoring the scare to local audiences. Instead of vaguely claiming the Cat had appeared in a town, posts began naming specific schools, communities, and students.

In Kentucky, posts circulating on TikTok and Snapchat included lists of people’s first names and specific locations.

That was enough to disrupt the school day. Assumption High School in Louisville moved classes online and canceled after-school activities on Monday. Officials told parents that although many posts appeared to be part of the wider trend, some accounts had used threatening language and identified real students and schools, meaning every report still had to be taken seriously.

Other Kentucky districts soon found themselves dealing with similar concerns. Oldham County Schools issued a warning to parents after students received unsettling Snapchat messages. In Bullitt County, a student who encountered one of the posts reported it to their principal, allowing officials to investigate it quickly.

So far, Louisville Metro Police said it had not found information indicating a credible threat. Still, the department's Homeland Security Unit was reviewing the posts and working with school administrators to determine their origin. In Allen County, a juvenile was arrested and is facing charges related to messages tied to the trend.

And the disruption is not limited to Kentucky. School districts in Texas increased police patrols after videos named students and warned that the character was "coming" to particular communities. A Michigan high school entered a precautionary perimeter lockdown after an account directed a specific threat at students. Officials in Oklahoma ordered a sweep of one high school and increased police presence following a concerning Snapchat post.

The Tennessee Office of Homeland Security's Threat Assessment Center is also tracking posts targeting schools and students in the state and has asked people to report concerning content to authorities.

That is why police are warning users not to treat the trend as an invitation to make their own version. Even if someone thinks they are participating in a joke, posting a threat can lead to school discipline, a police investigation, or criminal charges.

So the Cat in the Hat may not really be hiding outside anyone's window. But once a student's name or school is attached to a threatening message, there is not much room left for fun.

Hurdle hints and answers for September 1, 2026

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 16:08:52 +0000

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

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If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

Hurdle Word 1 hint

Leg bone.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

TIBIA

Hurdle Word 2 hint

To inform.

Hurdle Word 2 Answer

TEACH

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To cling to.

Hurdle Word 3 answer

LATCH

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Influence.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

CLOUT

Final Hurdle hint

To say hello.

Hurdle Word 5 answer

GREET

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Redditors say Anthropics expensive Claude plans offer far less usage than advertised

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 16:03:15 +0000

A popular Reddit post in r/Anthropic titled "More Drama" has drawn significant attention this week, amplifying claims that Anthropic has been misleading customers about how much usage they actually get with its higher-priced Claude subscription plans.

The post shares a viral X thread, which argues that Anthropic advertises its $200-per-month plan as offering "20x" the usage of its base Pro tier, and its $100-per-month plan as offering "5x." In practice, according to the thread, actual usage only scales up by around 1.7 times — meaning subscribers pay twice as much for a fraction of the usage boost the marketing implies.

The thread points to usage figures Anthropic reportedly published in July 2025, which listed 140–280 Sonnet hours for the 5x plan and 240–480 hours for the 20x plan. The core issue, according to the post, is that the multiplier only applies to Anthropic's daily five-hour session window rather than total weekly usage. Disgruntled users on X and Reddit say that after factoring in weekly caps, users on the 20x plan can end up paying more per hour of actual usage than those on the cheaper 5x plan.

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Reddit users piled into the discussion with similar complaints.

One commenter wrote that upon signing up, they believed the multiplier reflected weekly usage rather than a limiter tied to session windows, only learning otherwise from a Reddit post. The author continued, saying that Anthropic's "Save 50%" marketing on the 20x plan doesn't add up, since paying double the price for what functions as, at best, double the usage means no actual savings — technically making two separate 5x subscriptions more cost-effective than one 20x plan.

Some commenters referenced an active lawsuit, Kahn v. Anthropic PBC, as evidence that the complaints extend beyond social media grumbling. Others in the thread said the pricing structure had already pushed them to cancel their subscriptions in favor of alternatives, including OpenAI's Codex plans and open-source models such as Qwen and DeepSeek, with several users citing the value and performance of those options as a more cost-effective alternative given the confusion around Anthropic's usage limits.

Mashable reached out to Anthropic for comment but received no response at the time of publication.

Sony expands its ULT line with 3 new tower speakers built for massive bass

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Sony first introduced its ULT line in 2024 as an answer for major bass lovers. We've included both ULT Field and ULT Tower speakers in our guides to the best Bluetooth speakers and the best party speakers. And now, Sony is expanding the party with three new additions: ULT Tower Max, ULT Tower 7, and ULT Tower 5.

Take your party from loud to loudest. Credit: Sony

All three are party speakers with loud, room-filling sound. They were designed with DJs in mind, with XLR, RCA, USB-A, and USB-C connections, plus a built-in woofer, so DJs don't need to lug around separate equipment. Each speaker also features color-changing lights to help set the vibe. The Party Chain button featured on the ULT Tower speakers lets you easily pair multiple speakers together for expanded sound.

If you've used a Sony ULT speaker before, you're familiar with the ULT button, which switches between bass levels. The button has been upgraded and can now be customized with new configurations. You can switch between ULT1, ULT2, Live, and Flat. Flat is the standard true-to-source setting, ULT1 punches the bass up a notch, ULT2 punches it up even more, and Live recreates the spacious sound of a live performance. You can set the ULT button to cycle through whichever of these you choose. So, if you don't think you'll ever use Live mode, you can leave it out of the rotation.

ULT Tower Max features, price, specs

The ULT Tower Max is an all-in-one traveling DJ machine. Credit: Sony

The ULT Tower Max replaces 2024's ULT Tower 10. It retails for $1,499.99, which is a price increase over the Tower 10's $1,199.99 MSRP. It features three 280-millimeter woofers (front and rear), two midrange drivers, and four tweeters (front and rear).

Specs and features:

Dimensions: 528 x 1056 x 470 millimeters
Weight: 121 pounds
Four handles and wheels
Splash-proof top panel
360 Party Sound
10-band equalizer
RCA, XLR, Party Chain

ULT Tower 7 features, price, specs

Tower 7 is the mid-sized speaker that packs a huge punch. Credit: Sony

Replacing the SRS-XV800, the ULT Tower 7 retails for $649, the same price as its predecessor. It features a 280-millimeter woofer, two midrange drivers, and four tweeters (front and rear).

Specs and features:

Dimensions: 280 x 704 x 345 millimeters
Weight: 50 pounds
Four handles and wheels
IPX4 water resistance
360 Party Sound
10-band equalizer
RCA, XLR, Party Chain

ULT Tower 5 features price specs

The Tower 5 is more targeted toward smaller parties where you still want loud, genuine room-filling sound. Credit: Sony

The ULT Tower 5 supersedes the SRS-XV500 and retails for $449, a $50 increase over the XV500's $399 price tag. It houses a 230-millimeter woofer, two midrange drivers, and two tweeters.

Specs and features:

Dimensions: 352 x 528 x 275 millimeters
Weight: 29 pounds
Four handles
IPX4 water resistance
360 Party Sound
10-band equalizer
RCA, XLR, Party Chain

Where to buy

All three ULT Tower speakers are available now at Sony, Amazon, Best Buy, and other authorized retailers.

Sony ULT Tower 5

$449.99 at Amazon

Sony ULT Tower 7

$649.99 at Amazon

Sony ULT Tower Max

$1,499.99 at Amazon

Apple reveals ‘shocking evidence’ in OpenAI trade secrets lawsuit

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:53:04 +0000

Apple's lawsuit against OpenAI and two of its former employees over alleged stolen trade secrets is heating up.

In a new filing, Apple says it has found "shocking evidence" and is asking the court for expedited discovery. Apple claims the limited information it found after a former employee's work laptop was returned to the company shows that "its trade secrets are being used and evidence is being destroyed.”

Apple filed a lawsuit in July against OpenAI, its hardware company, io Products, and two Apple employees who now work at OpenAI. Apple claims that former iPhone engineer Chang Liu and OpenAI Chief Hardware Officer Tang Yew Tan utilized Apple's trade secrets to develop hardware products for the AI company. The latter previously worked at Apple for 24 years.

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While the evidence is redacted from the public in the filing, Apple says that “initial forensic analysis” of Chang Liu's MacBook revealed that the former engineer used a downloaded confidential Apple circuit schematic in his work at OpenAI. Liu also used a tool with the same name as an internal Apple engineering application in his work for OpenAI.

Apple further claims it has evidence that other employees at OpenAI were aware of Liu's unauthorized access to Apple's third-party cloud storage. In addition, Apple says Liu sent instructions to destroy evidence to another OpenAI employee after discovering that Apple was conducting an internal investigation of him, and that the other OpenAI employee confirmed that she would comply.

According to Apple, Liu used an AI agent on the Apple circuit schematic, which "may create irreversible and continually propagating uses of the trade secret" as the AI model could utilize Apple's data for model training.

Liu's MacBook from his time at Apple also synced with a Mac mini, which was used to run the schematic, so Apple is now requesting that the desktop computer be provided as evidence as well.

Earlier this month, OpenAI went public with a response denying any wrongdoing. OpenAI also provided text messages, which it says refute some of Apple's claims.

Apple previously sent legal preservation letters to roughly 40 other OpenAI employees who used to work at Apple. In its lawsuit, Apple said that it believes the initial evidence was "just the tip of the iceberg" when it comes to OpenAI's use of its trade secrets. More than 400 former Apple employees now work at OpenAI, according to Apple.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Roku just announced two new OLED TVs that ditch the premium price tag of OLED

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:29:16 +0000

Some of us are trying to spend less time staring at screens. We're Bricking our phones to work on jigsaw puzzles, spend time outside, or read. But there's nothing wrong with sitting down in front of the TV for a movie night with family. Or consider the educational gains that come from watching a Sir David Attenborough documentary. A TV can still fit into a digital detox lifestyle, and for those who want an OLED model with excellent contrast, there's good news.

Roku just announced two new budget TVs and both come with an OELD display, and prices start at $999.99. Here's everything to know about the new Roku TV models.

Credit: Roku

55-inch Roku Pro Series OLED TV

$999.99 at Amazon

Credit: Roku

65-inch Roku Pro Series OLED TV

$1,199.99 at Amazon

Roku Pro Series OLED

Already available at Amazon, the Roku Pro Series OLED comes in at $999.99 for a 55-inch display and $1,199.99 for a 65-inch display. Chris Larson, Vice President for Retail Strategy at Roku, is quoted in a press release as saying, "OLED technology has been locked behind premium price tags, forcing many customers to choose between the display they want or a price that works for them." Roku's new OLED models aim to remove the cost-prohibitive element of owning an OLED.

The Pro Series brings an ultra-wide viewing experience and a modern design with an ultra-thin metal bezel. Roku had the customer in mind when they designed the included stand since it requires zero tools for assembly.

Slim and sleek for a modern design. Credit: Roku

Bluetooth pairing to headphones is perfect for nights when the household is asleep but you simply must watch one more episode before bed. The remote control with backlit buttons is also a major plus when watching TV into the dark hours.

The Roku Pro Series OLED TV has a native refresh rate of 120Hz and 4K resolution.

Roku Pro Series LX OLED TV

Launching in the beginning of October 2026, the Roku Pro Series LX OLED will be the brand's most advanced model. Roku says it will have a brighter display with an even wider range of colors compared to the Roku Pro Series OLED, and a more advanced polarizer to help reduce reflections. In addition, it has a 144Hz refresh rate, making this an ideal model for gaming.

Roku hasn't announced sizes of this model, but we know it will come with a list price of $1,299 once it launches.

How to buy the Roku Pro Series OLED TV

You can already purchase the base Roku Pro Series OLED at Amazon. The 55-inch model has a price of $999.99 and the larger 65-inch comes in at $1,199.99. We'll keep this page updated once we have sizing information and a launch date for the Roku Pro Series LX OLED TV.

Get a free pair of glasses when you shop WNBA star Olivia Miles collection at GlassesUSA.com

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:06:48 +0000

TL:DR: Shop WNBA All-Star Olivia Miles exclusive capsule collection with GlassesUSA.com and get a free pair of glasses with code BOGOFREE.

The only thing more iconic than Minnesota Lynx star Olivia Miles's rookie season is her look. Both on and off the court, Miles wears bold glasses that have become her signature look. Fans of the 2026 second overall draft pick have even taken to showing up to games sporting her sports-goggles. So it's no surprise that the WNBA All-Star has collaborated with GlassesUSA.com on a capsule collection of her favorite eyewear. And right now, you can shop the collection and get a pair of glasses totally free.

Even fans of Olivia Miles come out to games, matching her iconic look. Credit: David Sherman / NBAE via Getty Images

The Olivia Miles x GlassesUSA.com collection, which is curated by Miles herself, features frames made for the game and everyday. It features frames like the bold Muse x Transitions Toppin with lenses that transition from light to dark. For athletes, the Progear EG-M1021 goggles have the highest-level of protection and are anti-fog eligible to ensure that nothing gets in the way of your game. If like Miles, you need a pair of glasses for the court and pair for off, GlassesUSA.com is running a BOGO deal that gives you a pair of glasses totally free.

Right now, get a complimentary second pair of glasses with your purchase. To redeem, add two pairs of frames to your cart on GlassesUSA.com and enter code BOGOFREE at checkout. The discount applies to the lower-priced pair of glasses in your cart and the deal can include up to one frame marked 'Premium' or 'Sale'. The deal does not apply to UNICA eyewear, AI glasses and 'Luxury' tagged items. Plus, you have plenty of time to shop the sale as it runs through Aug. 1, 2027.

So as Miles gears up for her playoff run, gear up with her and shop her exclusive collection with GlassesUSA.com and get your second pair for free.

Credit: GlassesUSA.com

Shop the Olivia Miles x GlassesUSA.com collection

Use code 'BOGOFREE' at checkout to score your complimentary second pair.

Tim Cook’s farewell memo to Apple employees reportedly leaks online

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:01:43 +0000

As of Tuesday morning, Apple has a new CEO — John Ternus, former Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, is the new big boss. And it only took a matter of hours for the old CEO's internal farewell message to leak onto the wider internet.

Ternus officially took over as CEO on Sept. 1, with Tim Cook vacating the position he took over from Steve Jobs. Cook, as outgoing executives are wont to do, sent a long-ish farewell memo to Apple employees, and 9to5Mac obtained it for our prying eyes.

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The five-paragraph memo is fairly standard stuff, filled with positive messages about Cook's time working as Apple CEO. At one point, Cook discusses the importance of Apple's company culture.

Per 9to5Mac, the outgoing CEO wrote:

Cook's memo also included a quote from Jobs. Cook reportedly said, "We have made it possible to leave our 'dent in the universe,' as Steve once described it, because of who we are and what we believe, because of what we value and how we see the world. How fortunate we are. How fortunate I am."

Cook isn't leaving Apple entirely, and he's now the Executive Chairman of Apple's Board of Directors. In the memo obtained by 9to5Mac, Cook also took some time to lay out why Ternus will be a good replacement:

In many ways, the memo reads like a longer, more expansive version of the emotional message Cook shared on social media yesterday.

We'll get our first real look at the Ternus era at Apple next week when the company announces the iPhone 18 lineup.

You can read the entire memo at 9to5Mac.

Level up your listening with $160 off the Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:59:20 +0000

SAVE $160: As of Sep. 1, get the Bose QuietComfort Headphones for $199 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $359. That's a discount of 45%.

Credit: Amazon

Bose QuietComfort Headphones

$199 at Amazon
$359 Save $160

Looking for a new pair of headphones? As far as comfort and quality goes, the Bose QuietComfort Headphones are a fantastic option. Not only do they feel great for long-term wear, but they offer excellent audio as well. And right now, you can get a pair for an excellent price at Amazon.

As of Sep. 1, get the Bose QuietComfort Headphones for $199 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $359. That's $160 off and a discount of 45%.

These noise-cancelling headphones offer great sound with a variety of passive features that can help you block out distractions from the outside world while zeroing in on the music or podcasts (or calls) that matter most. They offer both Quiet and Aware modes that you can toggle between for full-on noise cancellation or full awareness of your surroundings so you can hear exactly what's happening around you.

Beyond that, they offer plush, over-ear cushions that feel pillowy soft on your ears with a padded band that make them great for listening for lengthy sessions. They have an all-day battery life with 24 hours of juice from a single charge. You can keep them on the charger for 15 minutes as well for a 2.5-hour boost of playtime.

If you're ready to move on from earbuds and want something over-the-ear for improved comfort and quality, this is one model you won't want to skip out on. Be sure to grab yours while they're on sale, since they won't be at this price for long.

Waymo is launching its robotaxi in Denver, San Diego, and Tampa

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:01:00 +0000

Waymo is expanding again, and this time it's adding a new U.S. state – Colorado – to the list of places where it offers its driverless taxis.

On Tuesday, Waymo announced it is launching in three new U.S. cities: Denver, Colorado, San Diego, California, and Tampa, Florida.

The service will roll out to users over time. Credit: Waymo

The expansion, which will roll out to users gradually, brings the number of cities where Waymo operates to 14. It will start with "dozens" of vehicles, gradually scaling up to "hundreds" over time.

The service will start with dozens of vehicles, but the number should grow to hundreds over time. Credit: Waymo

According to the company, this will be the first time the 6th gen Waymo Driver (that's how Waymo calls its self-driving system) is deployed at scale. In total, the expansion will add roughly 150 square miles of service territory to Waymo's coverage map.

The Ojai has been built to be a robotaxi from the ground up. Credit: Waymo

Prospective riders should know that in Denver and San Diego, the rides will only be offered via the Waymo Ojai, a new, van-like electric robotaxi built for Waymo by the Chinese company Zeekr. The Ojai is designed to be a robotaxi from the ground up, and it has a spacious cabin with sliding doors and two large LED displays for riders in the back.