Blogroll
Bluetooth Auracast is the best Android audio feature nobody is using
Four years have passed since Bluetooth SIG announced Auracast, and we now have it readily available on the latest Android smartphones. Yet somehow, the average smartphone owner barely uses it. Most folks I know or socialize with haven't even heard of the feature.
You don’t need to buy a NAS. These 4 computers do the job for less
A 4-bay NAS isn't cheap—they'll often cost you around $500 before you start including hard drives, which are now quite pricy. Even budget 2-bay NASes come in at around $200.
Get 45% off Acer's 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station for Apple and top up all your devices simultaneously
Using a single charging cable for all my devices was a pain, so I switched to a 3-in-1 charger and never looked back. Acer's 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station for Apple is 45% off and lets you wirelessly charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods wirelessly at the same time.
Kodi isn't a Plex replacement: they work better when you use them together
You might often hear Plex and Kodi being mentioned in the same breath, which makes it sound like the two media applications are ones that force you to choose a side.
The owner of Bugatti had his Bugatti stolen
Would you feel comfortable leaving the keys to your car inside your vehicle unattended? Actually, let's rephrase that. Would you feel comfortable leaving the keys to your rare $3.3 million Bugatti inside your vehicle unattended?
Well, that's exactly what Mate Rimac, founder and CEO of Bugatti's parent company Rimac Group, did.
And his multimillion-dollar Bugatti Chiron was stolen as a result.
Mate Rimac shared a video on Facebook telling the story of what happened and how he eventually got his car back thanks to the vehicle's tracking system.
Rimac says the car was parked at the company factory in Croatia, where Rimac is based. According to Rimac, the country is so safe that he usually leaves the keys in the car.
However, on Wednesday, Oct. 29, the car went missing. Once Rimac and his employees realized the car had been stolen and wasn't being driven by someone at the company, they checked the car's telemetry data, which includes location, speed, fuel level, and more.
Rimac and the local police quickly found that this would become an international incident as the thief evaded them at a gas station and then drove from Croatia into Slovenia. With help from the police from both countries, the thief was eventually apprehended.
According to Rimac, the thief was a man in his mid-30s who said he discovered the keys inside the Bugatti on his way to visit Rimac Group's factory in hopeso f getting a job. The thief allegedly intended to drive to Germany for unknown reasons.
Rimac now has his Bugatti back, and he says he has learned a valuable lesson: He will no longer leave his keys in his car.
5 ways you've consented to AI data scraping without realizing it
AI models need huge amounts of data to train on, and researchers are warning that AI companies could run out of high-quality public data to use. Your own data isn't safe; even if you're unaware of it, AI companies may be training their models on your social media posts and more.
I turned my physical keyboard phone into a Game Boy, and now I actually like it
I've never been a big fan of physical keyboards on phones, but I decided to give one a try earlier this year. The experiment didn't last long. The phone has been collecting dust on my desk for months — until I turned it into a Game Boy.
Kubuntu is the Linux distro for people who never want to open a terminal
Linux has a reputation for being difficult or tedious to work with because it involves using a command-line interface all the time. Today, that reputation doesn't hold up. While some modern Linux distros are still very terminal heavy, many are every bit as approachable as Windows or macOS—you only really use the terminal when you want to use it.
Windows 11 is finally letting you fix one of its most annoying menus
Windows 11’s right-click menu has been cluttered for a long time now. There are delays when opening a file menu and an overload of options added by Windows and installed applications. Now, Microsoft is finally fixing this by rolling out a redesigned context menu and giving users greater control over which commands appear. The update also brings layout choices that make the menu adaptable to individual preferences.
Halloween 2026 deals: Score free food from Chipotle, Dunkin, Krispy Kreme, Burger King, and more
Spooky season means wild decorations, even wilder costumes, and surprisingly, free food promos from a wide range of popular chains.
SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is still giving away the Apple iPhone 17 for free — how to qualifyHalloween falls on October 31, but plenty of promotions are already live. You can find BOGO offers, limited-edition drops, steep discounts, and genuinely free giveaways at this time of year. And we're not talking about impossible-to-claim offers buried in the small print. We're talking about huge brands like Chipotle, Dunkin', Krispy Kreme, and Wendy’s shouting about their special Halloween deals.
Check out some of our favorites below:
Halloween 2026 food deals7 BrewOn Oct. 31, pick up the Fill-A-Tray bundle to snag four medium drinks for $17. If you're dropping by earlier in the week, the seasonal lineup features the Frankenchai Matcha Latte ($5.20), Original Pumpkin Blondie Breve ($4.95+), Rocky Road Mocha ($4.55+), Nightshade 7 Energy ($5.25+), Boo Raspberry Blue Pom Smoothie ($5.65+), and Drizzled Apple 7 Fizz ($3.30+).
7-ElevenOn Oct. 31, save $10 on a 7NOW delivery order of $20 or more with promo code TREAT at in-app checkout.
Andy’s Frozen CustardKids aged 12 and under who visit in costume on Halloween can score a free small sundae with one topping in-store.
Applebee’sKids aged 12 and under who wear a costume can get a free meal with the purchase of an adult entree at select locations on Halloween.
Baked by MelissaThrough Oct. 31, take 20% off any 100-pack of bite-sized cupcakes with promo code TRICK20 at online checkout. Additionally, purchasing a Hocus Pocus 50-pack automatically adds a free Boo Crew 6-pack directly into your digital cart.
Baskin RobinsRewards members can mix and match three treats for $15 through Oct. 31.
Beef ‘O’ Brady’sKids aged 12 and under wearing a costume get a free kids' meal with the purchase of an adult entree on Halloween.
Biggby CoffeeKids in costume can claim a free kids' drink through Oct. 31.
Blue BunnyScore a BOGO free deal on frozen dairy desserts when ordering via DashMart on DoorDash from Oct. 29 through Nov. 4.
BojanglesSave 20% on the Halloween Bite Box by applying promo code 20BITEBOX in the mobile app. You can customize it with six, nine, or 12 Bo Bites, plus a biscuit, a side, a drink, and a dipping sauce (select stores also include three doughnut Bites with salted caramel dip).
Buffalo’s CafeKids aged 12 and under wearing a costume get one free kids' meal item with the purchase of an adult entree on Oct. 31 (dine-in only).
Burger KingRoyal Perks members can unlock a digital BOGO Whopper Jr. coupon on Oct. 31 via the BK app or website. You can also grab the limited-time $3.59 Vampire’s Bite Strawberry & Sprite, which comes with an edible Sour Punch candy straw (or add it to any Game Day meal for an extra $0.50).
California Pizza KitchenGrab $5 CPKids Jack-O-Lantern Pizzas through Oct. 31 for dine-in, takeout, or delivery, available either fully baked and ready-to-eat or as build-your-own kits.
Carrabba’s Italian GrillThe Cellar’s Glow Halloween Wine Dinner runs Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m. local time, offering a structured four-course meal with wine pairings for $65 per person (online RSVP required).
CarvelSnag seasonal ice cream cakes like the Crunchie Munchie Monster Cake or Carvelanche and get free delivery on orders placed through Oct. 31.
ChipotleOn Oct. 31, wear a costume and get a $6 entree in-restaurant from 3 p.m. until closing, local time. Scan your in-app rewards card at checkout. Limit one per member.
Chuck E. CheeseThrough Oct. 31, buy one large Build Your Own one-topping pizza and get the second at 50% off with promo code BOGOLarge at checkout.
Church’s Texas ChickenReal Rewards members can open the app through Oct. 31 and tap the mysterious door to reveal weekly surprise perks through the "Chick or Treat" promotion.
Cold Stone CreamerySeasonal scoops available through Oct. 31 include the Treat or Treat creation ($7.99+), Witches’ Boo Shake ($6.99), and Boo Batter Ice Cream Taco ($7.99+).
Corner BakeryKids visiting in costume on Oct. 31 get a free bakery cookie.
Dairy QueenThe Spellbound Series runs through Nov. 1, spotlighting the Bubble Brew Sparkler, Enchanted Oreo Blizzard, and Ghost Pepper Sauce alongside a 4-piece Chicken Strip Basket. You can also add a $4 mystery Blizzard Buddy plush keychain to any order through Oct. 31, with a shot at pulling a rare Goldie plush for free Blizzards for a year.
Dave & Buster’sAdvance-ticketed Halloween parties run on Oct. 31. The family-focused Boo Bash (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) starts at $21 and includes a breakfast banquet, $10 Power Card, three hours of unlimited gameplay, and a costume contest. The 18+ Moonlight Mixer (7 p.m. to 10 p.m.) starts at $24.99 and packs a dinner banquet, unlimited soda, three hours of gaming, and a costume contest.
Dave’s Hot ChickenGrab limited-edition Dave’s Slashers for $5.99, drizzled with blood-red wildberry puree and poured into a themed cup with a "bloodied" straw.
Del TacoDel Yeah! Rewards members score an in-app BOGO Free deal at The Del Taco, running Oct. 28-31.
Denny’sKids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree on Oct. 31 when dining in (limit one kids' meal per adult entree, maximum two per ticket).
Dickey’s Barbecue PitGet a free Big Yellow Cup with any purchase when you wear a costume. Plus, get a free kids’ meal with an adult purchase of $15 or more.
Dog HausRewards members bag 31 bonus points with any purchase on Halloween (register by 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 30 to qualify).
Dunkin’Rewards members can earn 3x points on half-dozen or dozen donuts and 25- or 50-count Munchkins treats from Oct. 30-31.
Eastern Standard ProvisionsSave 25% on select soft pretzel gift boxes with promo code GETBOOD at checkout, featuring boxes priced under $50 and free shipping.
Eddie Merlot’sSave $20 on online orders of $60 or more from Oct.30 through Nov. 1 with promo code SPOOKY at checkout.
Einstein Bros. BagelsRewards members can pick up six fresh bagels for $7 by activating the Spooky Deal reward in the app through Nov. 3.
Farmer BoysKids visiting in costume can grab a free Spooky Face Hot Cake and a free giant carving zucchini from 7:00 a.m. to noon on Oct. 31 (in-store only, no purchase necessary).
Fazoli’sWear a costume to the counter or drive-thru on Oct. 30 for National Breadstick Day to claim six free breadsticks (no purchase necessary).
First WatchSeasonal breakfast features include the $5.95 Blazing Dragon juice and the $14.95 Godfather Breakfast Bowl.
Fresh BrothersPreorder a pumpkin-shaped pizza for Oct. 31 and take 15% off with promo code FBSPK15 at checkout, online or in-app.
Friendly’sKids get a free kids' meal on Halloween with the purchase of a full-price adult entree.
Fuzzy’s Taco ShopThe limited-run Halloween menu runs through Nov. 8, serving the Draco Taco II ($4.69), Draco’rrito ($10.25), Drac a ‘Rita ($9.25), Midnight Matador ($11.69), and $5 Modelo draft beers.
Harry Potter Shops (New York and Chicago)Visit the Butterbeer Bar in costume from Oct. 29-31 to receive a free pumpkin-shaped sugar cookie.
Hot Head BurritosKids aged 12 and under in costume receive a free kids' meal and a Leroy paper mask with an entree purchase on Oct. 31 (in-store only).
Huddle HouseScore a free kids' meal with an adult entree purchase of $8 or more from Oct. 30 through Nov. 1 (dine-in only; beverage not included).
Hurricane Grill & WingsKids under 12 in costume get one free kids' meal item on Oct. 31 (dine-in only, no adult purchase required).
Jack in the BoxGrab two oversized Monster Tacos for $3 for a limited time. You can also pick up the $14 Simpsons "Treehouse of Horror" Munchie Meal, which bundles a Double Krusty Burger of Terror or Double Chicken Sandwich of Terror with two tacos, curly fries, a drink, Spooky Simpsons Sauce, and one of six glow-in-the-dark cups.
JambaTake 31% off orders placed on Oct. 31 using promo code SPOOKY (excludes catering). October's mystery sip is the Berry Boo-st smoothie topped with coconut whip.
KFCOn Oct. 31, get 50 KFC Nuggets for just $20.
Krispy KremeWear a costume from Oct. 3031 to get a free Original Glaze or Classic Ring doughnut. No purchase necessary.
Marie Callender’sTake home whole bakery pies and cheesecakes with tiered savings throughout October: $5 off one, $10 off two, $20 off three, $25 off four, $30 off five, or $40 off six when ordering online for pickup.
McAlister’s DeliRewards members can score a $5 regular sandwich from Oct. 30 through Nov. 3. For office or party spreads, take $45 off catering orders of $300 or more with code OCT2026, or order the Halloween Catering Bundle featuring a gallon of Witch’s Brew and 52 assorted mini cookies and treats.
McDonald’sCollectible Disney Villains Boo Buckets (featuring Maleficent, Ursula, Cruella de Vil, Jafar, and Scar) are available alongside Happy Meals through Oct. 31, while supplies last.
Mellow MushroomOrder the limited-time Wicked Wizard cocktail at participating bar locations through Oct. 31.
MOD PizzaKids aged 12 and under in costume get a free kids' meal with the purchase of any regular-size pizza or salad on Oct. 31 (in-restaurant only).
Moe’s Southwest GrillFrom Oct. 31 through Nov. 1, rewards members can get a BOGO entree on Halloween, including burritos, bowls, quesadillas, three tacos, salads, nachos, and stacks.
Noodles & CompanyRewards members who buy any regular entree can take 50% off regular-size Ramen dishes on Oct. 31.
Nothing Bundt CakesBundtastic Rewards members earn 100 bonus points on delivery purchases from Oct. 30-31.
Original ChopShopStop by on Oct. 31 for an in-store pumpkin hunt to find hidden vouchers good for $15, $25, $50, or $100 toward your order.
Papa JohnsGrab a festive Jack-O’-Lantern pizza for $11.99+ (regularly $16.99) through Oct. 31 online, in the mobile app, or for carryout.
Papa Murphy’sLarge take-and-bake Jack-O Pizzas are $10 through Oct. 31 (family size or dairy-free cheese adds $3). If you want dessert included, pick up the $15 Scream of a Deal bundle paired with chocolate chip cookie dough.
Paris BaguettePB Rewards members get a free pastry with any beverage purchase on Oct. 31.
Parlor DoughnutsGrab individual Candy Classics doughnuts for $3.65 each through Oct. 31, or pick up the Classroom Cravings dozen for $31.80 (saving $1 per doughnut).
Peter Piper PizzaOrder a large, one-topping pumpkin-shaped pie online for $16.47+ through Oct. 31.
Pizza HutGrab the $6.99 My Haunt Box through October, which packs a Personal Fang Pizza alongside your choice of seasoned fries or four boneless wings.
PluckersDine in on Oct. 31 to get $1 bone-in wings all day long (costumes encouraged).
PokeworksGet a free dessert or Spam Musubi with any entree purchase when you enter promo code TREAT at checkout from Oct. 26 through Nov. 1 (valid online, in the app, and in-store).
QdobaRewards members get a Buy One Entree and Drink, Get One Entree Free coupon on October 31 and November 1 (Gold Status members unlock early access on Oct. 30). Valid online, in the app, or in-restaurant.
QuickChekQC Rewards members unlock $3 smoothies, shakes, and lattes after 3:00 p.m., or can grab any size iced coffee (including Witch’s Brew) for $1.99.
Rainforest CafeKids ages 10 and under wearing a costume get a 99¢ kids' meal with each adult entree purchase through Oct. 30 (mention the offer to your server; excludes Las Vegas and Disney theme park locations).
Raising Cane’sScore a limited-edition Halloween cup for $1.49 with the purchase of any combo or 32-ounce drink, while supplies last.
Red LobsterKids eat free from Oct. 30 through Nov. 1. Score up to two free kids' meals per table with one full-price adult dinner entree when kids dine in costume. For takeout, use promo code SPOOKY26 at online checkout for one free kids' meal per adult entree.
Red RobinKids under 11 wearing costumes can get a free kids sundae with a kids meal purchase from Oct. 30th through Nov. 1. Dine-in only and limit one per child.
Rita’s Italian IceZombie’s Blood Italian Ice (a rich sweet cherry flavor) is back through Halloween. If you're new to the app, signing up and making a first purchase earns a free small ice, custard, or Gelati.
Round Table PizzaLoyalty members can order a $29.99 Halloween Bundle (large Double Play Pepperoni Pizza, one shareable appetizer, and a 2-liter soda) on Oct. 30-31.
Shake ShackUse promo code SCARYGOOD online or via the Shack App to receive a free ShackBurger with any order of $10 or more through Oct. 31 (redeemable once per day).
Shipley Do-NutsTake $5 off orders of $25 or more through Nov. 1 using promo code JustTreat5 online.
SonicPick up $0.50 Corn Dogs all day on Oct. 31 at participating drive-ins (no app or coupon code needed).
Stan’s DonutsStan’s Perks members score a BOGO free donut after 3 p.m. every Wednesday in October.
StarbucksThe limited-run, grande-only Black Cat Frappuccino starts at $6.45+ (featuring chocolate cake flavor and dark cat ears), accompanied by the $5.45 Venti Black Night Cookie loaded with dark chocolate and caramelized white chocolate swirls.
Stoner’s Pizza JointGrab a pumpkin-shaped pizza through Oct. 31 at participating locations.
SubwaySub Club members unlock BOGO Footlongs when ordering online or through the Subway app through Nov. 8.
Sullivan’s SteakhouseTake $20 off online orders of $60 or more from Oct. 30 through Nov. 1 by entering promo code SPOOKY at checkout.
TabaneroSave 20% on hot and BBQ sauces with promo code SPOOKY20 at checkout through Nov. 1.
Teriyaki MadnessEnjoy free delivery on all app and online orders on Oct. 31 with no minimum spend required.
TGI FridaysSip on a $10 Dracula’s Kiss Dragon Fruit Margarita served in a festive "blood bag," or grab the $10 Creepy-Crawly Brownie Obsession sundae for dine-in through Oct. 31.
The Brass TapShow up in costume on Oct. 31 to receive 50% off your first drink (limit one per customer).
Tim HortonsPick up a 31-piece Timbits Trick-or-Treat Bucket for $11.99 (bucket refills run $6 while supplies last).
Tropical Smoothie CafeTry the seasonal Fanta Phantom Smoothie (starting at $9.09), blended with vanilla-flavored popping boba.
Wendy’sPick up a $1 Boo! Book through Nov. 1, packed with five coupons for free Jr. Frosty treats and one coupon for a $1.99 Kids’ Meal with purchase (Frosty vouchers remain valid through Dec. 31).
WhataburgerRewards members unlock an exclusive in-app BOGO 9-piece Whatawings deal on Oct. 31.
White CastleCraver Nation Rewards members can snag five Original Sliders for $3 or a BOGO free Crispy Chicken Slider in restaurants through Oct. 31. You can also grab 12-piece Chicken Rings for $4.99 through Nov. 1 and check the app for a Halloween Mystery Offer running Oct. 29 through Nov. 1. New app sign-ups receive $5 off their first in-app order of $8 or more for their first 30 days.
Tubi is turning TikTok creators into TV stars with 10 original series
Some familiar faces from your For You page are getting their own TV shows.
Tubi and TikTok announced Oct. 27 that 12 creators will develop 10 original series through their Creatorverse Incubator, a partnership designed to help TikTok talent move into longer-form television. The lineup includes creators Sabrina Brier, Yasmine Sahid, and Marc Sebastian, with shows ranging from dating competitions and workplace comedies to animation and horror.
SEE ALSO: Sabrina Brier's comedy inspiration comes from her familyThe Fox-owned free streamer calls the slate its biggest investment yet in original programming with digital creators. First announced in March, the partnership now has its first cohort — and some distinctly internet-friendly premises.
Which TikTok creators are getting Tubi shows?Here’s a quick rundown: Comedian Kai Cameron, known for his videos learning to do things "like a straight man," puts three men through a different kind of test in Kai Picks the Guy. They arrive expecting to date a woman, only to find Cameron vetting them on dates himself. The romantic chaos continues in Never Have I Spent the Winter with the Romano Brothers, where Sahid brings her knack for parodying teen dramas to a love triangle of her own. Brier takes on the equally tricky business of friendship in Asking for a Friend, working through dilemmas with celebrity guests.
Elsewhere, Sebastian — the model and creator who documented a stint aboard TikTok's viral nine-month cruise — takes his travel adventures Down Under for A Great Australian Gay Sidequest. Back on the job, Madison Humphrey, known for her character sketches and parodies of viral videos, has more than vacant apartments to worry about in The Leasing Manager: Her character is juggling demanding tenants, a relentless rival, and a police investigation.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.As for horror fans, scary-story creator Christopher Kiely examines whether ordinary people could survive scary-movie scenarios in Would You Survive?. Allie Tran, who posts horror reviews and breakdowns as @chronicallyscary, visits filming locations in Scare Tours.
There's also a robust animated lineup, including Feeling Super, about a man whose superpowers change daily, from animator Lynnell Jones Jr., known online as @felleanimated. Sketch comedian Kendria Bland brings a dysfunctional cockroach family to life in The Roach Chronicles, while horror and true-crime storyteller Sebastian Krahl follows a teenager obsessed with serial killers in Jamie Crow.
The Tubi exclusives are expected to start arriving in December, with roughly four to six episodes each. Episode counts and lengths will vary.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Tubi is betting fans will follow creators to TV"The creators we’re working with have built a following, a point of view, and a body of work that people come back for," Kudzi Chikumbu, Tubi’s vice president of creator partnerships, said in a statement.
The lineup reflects how creators have become a source of stories as well as an audience draw. Recurring characters, comedy sketches, and dating formats can take shape on TikTok, where creators get an immediate sense of what viewers connect with. A streaming deal gives them room to develop those ideas into longer episodes, bigger fictional worlds, or a full season.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Tubi outlined what it sees in that opportunity at VidCon earlier this year. As Mashable reported at VidCon, Jess Borison, the company’s senior manager of creator partnerships, said the streamer looks beyond follower counts.
"We’re not necessarily looking for a specific subscriber count. We’re more looking at portability. Will your audience travel to watch anything you do?" she said at the time.
SEE ALSO: Streaming services like Tubi are recruiting creators like Hollywood once recruited actorsThat's much of the bet behind this slate: viewers have already connected with these creators' humor, characters, and perspectives.
There's also an opportunity to find new fans. At VidCon, Borison added that 30 percent of Tubi's audience isn’t on YouTube, giving creators access to viewers who might never encounter their work there.
Tubi has been laying the groundwork for that crossover. Since launching Tubi for Creators in June 2025, the company says it has added more than 35,000 episodes from over 700 creators. The incubator extends that effort into developing new original series.
The shift is already underway This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Other streamers have made similar bets on internet talent. Prime Video's Beast Games, created and hosted by YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, drew 50 million viewers in its first 25 days, according to Amazon. The company renewed the competition series for two more seasons in May 2025 after it became the service’s most-watched unscripted show.
Samsung TV Plus is also expanding into scripted programming with creator Dhar Mann, who built his following through online dramas with moral lessons. Following this summer's Unlikely Romances, the streamer commissioned Unlikely Families, a four-part anthology from Dhar Mann Studios about unexpected caregiving relationships, set to premiere in 2027.
For Tubi, recruiting TikTok creators fits into its focus on longer-form viewing. Speaking at a Paley Center event in March, CEO Anjali Sud said, "We are committed to long-form." At the time, she identified YouTube as Tubi's closest competitor and described helping creators make their own TV shows as one way to stand out. The new slate will test whether those familiar faces can keep fans coming back for another episode.
Adobe Firefly is the unsung hero of AI-powered video editing software
Of all the AI-powered video editing tools out there, Adobe Firefly might be the mightiest and the most convenient of the bunch. It's packed with features that smoothly integrate into your workflow when you need them. If you're starting from the beginning and want to generate material from a prompt, you can use Firefly. Not just for video, either. It lets you add stock images and even audio. Or if you have your media already and need to tweak it closer to perfection, there's an extensive set of editing tools that offer studio-level quality and control over everything from lighting to sound effects.
People are turning water bottles into free 3D printer filament, and it's not as crazy as it sounds
3D printing may not be the most expensive hobby, but it's certainly not cheap. The more you print, the more filament you need to buy — and there are different colors, finishes, and materials to consider. That's why some people are using plastic water bottles.
Switching to Cloudflare doesn’t hide your DNS lookups from your ISP. One router setting does
Switching your DNS server to 1.1.1.1 is common advice, and for good reason: it is reliable, fast, and theoretically, better for your privacy.
McDonald’s x Pokémon TCG: How to collect 15 new toys and 15 trading cards
TL;DR: Starting Nov. 10, the Pokémon Happy Meal returns to participating McDonald’s restaurants nationwide with 15 collectible toys and 15 collectible trading cards.
We cover a lot of collabs, because there's something special in seeing two of your favorite brands come together to create something fun. And you clearly feel the same, because fans go wild for the limited-edition merch that drops.
Of course, there are levels to this game. The Burger King x Hello Kitty collab was popular. The Starbucks x Winnie the Pooh collab went down well. But when we talk about McDonald's x Pokemon, you know it's going to be absolute chaos.
McDonald’s and Pokémon are reuniting this November. Starting Nov. 10, the Pokémon Happy Meal is returning to participating McDonald’s restaurants nationwide with 15 toys and 15 trading cards to collect. Fans and trainers can also scan the QR code on their Happy Meal box to access a digital game where they can look for the 15 Pokémon Happy Meal toys hidden around a virtual classroom and playground.
This 2026 rollout will mark the first time since 2018 that customers get a genuine 3D collectible toy with playable cards. The mini-boxes are designed to resemble iconic McDonald's cartons shaped around fan-favorite Pokémon. Here's the roster of 15 collectible character boxes:
Bulbasaur
Charmander
Chikorita
Eevee
Espeon
Espurr
Minccino
Munchlax
Pikachu
Piplup
Rowlett
Sobble
Squirtle
Sprigatito
Weedle
Inside each meal, you will also find two randomized cards drawn from a specialized 15-card McDonald's reprint set, including seven foil cards.
These new Pokémon Happy Meals are available for a limited time, while supplies last, at participating McDonald’s. Check out the full release schedule below:
November 2026: Australia, Canada, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Spain, and USA
December 2026: Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Brunei, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Moldova, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE, and Vietnam
January 2027: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Thailand, Uruguay, and Venezuela
February 2027: Ireland and UK
3 nail-biting Netflix thrillers you've probably never heard of
I love a good thriller, but finding one I haven’t already watched (or had the ending spoiled for me) is another matter. Netflix has plenty of thrillers to choose from, although it’s easy to keep coming across the same familiar titles when you’re deciding what to watch.
The Magic: The Gathering Marvels Spider-Man Play Booster Box is close to market price — save $15 at Amazon
TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Marvel's Spider-Man Play Booster Box is on sale for $124.99 at Amazon, down from its $139.99 typical price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Marvel's Spider-Man - Play Booster Box (30 Packs) $124.99 at Amazon$139.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal at Amazon
Another Marvel MTG expansion may be getting all the attention with Darkhold Destiny preorders going live, but there’s still plenty of mileage left in Magic: The Gathering’s Spider-Man crossover if you’re looking for an alternative superhero fix in the trading card game — now with a new $15 price drop hitting Amazon.
As of Oct. 29, the Magic: The Gathering Marvel's Spider-Man Play Booster Box is available for just $124.99 on Amazon, down from its usual $139.99. That comes to an 11% discount, or approximately $4.17 per pack.
For comparison, that’s $1.05 lower than what you can buy individual MTG Spider-Man Play Boosters for on TCGplayer (currently $5.22 at the lowest). With Amazon also handling the sale and shipping directly for this one, without a third-party seller, you can get quick delivery for as soon as Oct. 30 at the time of writing — if you’re a Prime member.
SEE ALSO: Magic: The Gathering's The Hobbit Play Booster Box is down to a new all-time low price — save nearly $70Walmart is selling the same box for $111.99 via third-party seller Flipside Gaming. TCGplayer has listings as low as $116 after shipping, though that’s still $1.33 below the box’s estimated market price of $117.33.
As for what's packed inside the Spider-Man Play Booster Box, you're getting 420 Magic cards altogether, split between 30 boosters containing 14 cards each. Every pack includes at least one Rare or higher-rarity card alongside a guaranteed Traditional Foil, while approximately one in five packs also features a foil Land.
Marvel fans can also look out for special Web-slinger frames and Borderless Panel cards that showcase Spider-Man's comic-book roots through alternative artwork. There's enough here to host a drafting session with friends, rather than simply opening everything for your collection.
The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is way under market price at Amazon — buy for $59.99
TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is available for $59.99 at Amazon. That's way under market price.
Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box $59.99 at AmazonShop Now at Amazon
For a brief period, Amazon's wild $59.99 deal on the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box ceased to exist. At the start of the week, we were seeing prices hovering around $175. The "request invite" had gone, but we were looking at paying well over market price. This was a tough time for everyone involved, but we're glad to see Amazon's generous offer has made a triumphant return.
For a limited time, the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is on sale for just $59.99 on Amazon. Shipping and sales are handled directly by Amazon, but Amazon is still routing orders through its "request invite" system. These are selling fast, so collectors are clearly getting through.
Amazon’s price is way under TCGplayer’s $1117 market price. That's rare to see nowadays, so you know shoppers will jump on this.
The 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box contains nine 30th Celebration booster packs, an exclusive full-art foil Nidorina promo card, 16 foil Basic Energy cards, 65 custom card sleeves, damage-counter dice, a condition marker, card dividers, a collector’s player guide, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live.
Shop the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration ETB for under $60 at Amazon.
Amazon has slashed Magic: The Gatherings Star Trek Play Booster Box to a record-low preorder price — save $70
TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Star Trek Play Booster Box is on sale for $134.89 at Amazon, down from its $209.70 list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Star Trek Play Booster Box $134.89 at Amazon$209.70 Save $74.81 Preorder at Amazon
Amazon isn't letting up on its discounts for Magic: The Gathering's upcoming Star Trek expansion. After bringing the 30-pack Play Booster Box below $140 earlier this month, the retailer has unexpectedly knocked its preorder price down once again.
As of Oct. 29, the Magic: The Gathering Star Trek Play Booster Box is available to preorder for only $134.89 at Amazon. With 36% off, that means you’re pocketing $74.81 in savings compared to its usual $209.70 price. For its 30 packs, the new record-low price (confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel) means you’re only paying around $4.50 per booster from the upcoming sci-fi crossover.
With Amazon handling both the sale and shipping directly, the preorder price guarantee applies, meaning you'll automatically get its lowest eligible price between the time you order and the Nov. 13 release day. However, keep in mind that actual delivery is estimated for Nov. 16, and sales are final with no returns accepted.
SEE ALSO: Magic: The Gathering's Marvel Darkhold Destiny Arcanum Bundle is way below market price on AmazonIf this deal goes out of stock, Walmart has also lowered its price to $134.89, courtesy of third-party seller Cataclysm Games, with free shipping estimated for Nov. 21.
As is usually the case, dedicated trading card marketplace TCGplayer has prices as low as $128.73. That’s $6.19 cheaper than Amazon’s deal and only 38 cents above the Star Trek Play Booster Box’s estimated $128.35 market price.
The Star Trek Play Booster Box contains 30 packs of 14 Magic cards, featuring familiar captains, spacecraft, and other characters from across the franchise's 60-year history. Each booster guarantees a Traditional Foil and between one and four rare or higher-rarity cards, with alternate-art and special-border versions also up for grabs.
MacBook Neo education discount reduced (again!)
If you're a student looking to purchase the most affordable laptop from Apple, the MacBook Neo, unfortunately things just got a little…less affordable.
The price of the base MacBook Neo model in the Apple Education Store just went up by $50, as first noticed by Macworld. The price of a base model MacBook Neo with education pricing is now $649.
While a $50 increase may or may not sound that significant depending on your financial situation, it's actually the second time Apple slashed the discounted price of the MacBook Neo for students.
The MacBook Neo launched in March with a $599 price tag, making it the most affordable MacBook on the market. However, it was the education pricing that really made the MacBook Neo appealing. As Mashable reported at the time, Apple's student discount slashed the price by $100, bringing the brand-new MacBook Neo down to $499.
The MacBook Neo was a hit for Apple, and the incredible $499 education pricing, which technically anyone could take advantage of, may have played a role.
In May, just months after the MacBook Neo's release, however, Apple closed the loophole that provided the education discount to non-students. Then in June, Apple raised the prices for a slew of its products, bringing the retail price of the MacBook Neo to $699. While the education discount remained $100, the student price was now the same as the old retail price of $599.
With this latest $50 increase, the same base MacBook Neo model is now going for $150 more with education pricing than it did when it first came out almost eight months ago.
With that said, Mashable still thinks the MacBook Neo is worth it, even with the price increases.


