IT General

When it came time to replace my soundbar, I was ready for something better. The soundbar-and-subwoofer systems I was looking at were running between $300 and $600, and I wasn't excited about spending that much on another soundbar. I've never been completely happy with the soundbar experience, especially when I knew the same money could buy a traditional stereo setup with better speakers that would fill the room.

I've never used Arch before. Not even an Arch-based distro. When I came across CachyOS, it didn't scream "Arch-based" to me, though under the hood, it was. After spending some time with CachyOS, I realized there was another way into the Arch world.

MOFT iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo accessories: Snap Fold for iPhone Duo $49.99 Pre-Order Here Snap Case MOVAS™ (iPhone 18 Pro / Max) $49.99 Shop Now Frame Case (iPhone 18 Pro / Max) $49.99 Shop Now Coffee Frame Case (iPhone 18 Pro / Max) $49.99 Shop Now Dynamic Folio for iPhone Duo $69.99 Pre-Order Here

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

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

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

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

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

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

Credit: MOFT

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

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

Credit: MOFT Credit: MOFT

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

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

Pi-hole is usually the go-to solution when someone asks about network-wide ad blocking or a basic network monitor, and for good reasons: it is simple, well-documented, and works well for most situations.

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

Opens in a new window Credit: Torras Torras Q3 Air for iPhone 18 Pro Max Case $59.39 at Amazon
$65.99 Save $6.60   Get Deal

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the Apple iPhone 18 Pro for free — how to claim

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

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

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

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

CW: Sexual assault.

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

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

SEE ALSO: 'Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story' has scenes involving a 19th-century vibrator

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

Aileen Wuornos stays at the Borden house? Credit: Netflix

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

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

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

Disneyland for Aileen Wuornos. Credit: Netflix

Later in the episode, Wuornos takes heroin in Lizzie's room as a moment of "shooting up" solidarity. "Lizzie did, and so am I," she says, in a jaw-droppingly ridiculous moment. And in episode 6, Shelby and Wuornos celebrate their anniversary with a pizza on the dining table where Abby and Andrew's bodies were placed by police, before Wuornos has a ghostly fan encounter with Borden herself.

If all this sounds messed up, it is!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is the Bundesliga?

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

The defending champions are Bayern Munich.

When is the Bundesliga?

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

How to watch the Bundesliga for free

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

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

• Japan — AbemaTV (two live matches per week)

• UK — BBC iPlayer (select Friday evening fixtures)

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

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

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

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

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

4. Visit CazéTV, AbemaTV, or BBC iPlayer

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

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

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

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

What is the best VPN for the Bundesliga?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 80% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with a money-back guarantee).

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

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

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

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

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

What is Ligue 1?

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

The defending champions are PSG.

When is Ligue 1?

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

How to watch Ligue 1 for free

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Visit CazéTV

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

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

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

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

What is the best VPN for CazeTV?

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

• Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 80% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with a money-back guarantee).

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

Excel, like many apps, is a program of habits. You find an annoying quirk, come up with a way to work around it, and it becomes etched into your muscle memory. Over the years, I've learned that some of these quirks have surprisingly simple solutions: tweak the way you work, press a different key, or change a setting and leave it alone. If any of these five Excel annoyances sound familiar, you can learn the fixes in a few minutes this weekend.

Owala’s limited-edition Pokémon collection: Owala FreeSip Water Bottle (Charizard Brings the Heat) $29.99 at Target Shop Now Owala FreeSip Water Bottle (Pikachu I Choose You) $29.99 at Target Shop Now Owala FreeSip Water Bottle (Eevee Evolutions) $29.99 at Target Shop Now Owala FreeSip Water Bottle (Gengar In the Shadows) $29.99 at Target Shop Now Owala FreeSip Water Bottle (Kanto Region First Partners) $29.99 at Target Shop Now

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

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

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

Which Pokémon bottle should you buy?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OsmAnd Maps is one of the most popular open-source alternatives to Google Maps. It has a lot going for it, but I can’t deny it’s not the prettiest app to look at. Thankfully, we can fix that — it’s very customizable.

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

Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro Robot Vacuum and Mop $549.98 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $250.01   Get Deal

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: We found 20 October Prime Day deals already live: Save on Fire tablets, Legos, Garmin, and members-only freebies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the Apple iPhone 18 Pro for free — how to claim How to watch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Best iPhone 18 Pro deals: Get a free phone from AT&T, T-Mobile, Visible, and more

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

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

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

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

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Bundle $59.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal

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

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

SEE ALSO: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration ETB is way under market price on Amazon — buy for under $90 (if you get an invite)

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

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

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

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

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Play Booster Box $189.98 at Amazon
$213.99 Save $24.01 Pre-order Here

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

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

SEE ALSO: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration ETB is way under market price on Amazon — buy for under $90 (if you get an invite)

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

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

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

My home is full of smart devices. My office desk alone is covered in different gadgets and sensors. With a little planning, you can reduce the number of devices around your home by combining several of them into a single device.

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

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Pitch Black Booster Pack Blister $23.59 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $6.40   Get Deal

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration ETB is way under market price on Amazon — buy for under $90 (if you get an invite)

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

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

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

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

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 45GX900A-B 45-Inch Ultragear Gaming Monitor $1,000.21 at Amazon
$1,699.99 Save $699.78   Get Deal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apple iPhone 18 Pro, 256GB Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile
  Shop Now at T-Mobile Shop Now at AT&T Wireless Shop Now at Walmart iPhone 18 Pro Max, 256GB Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile
  Shop Now at T-Mobile Shop Now at Apple.com Shop Now at Walmart How much do the new iPhones cost?

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

When does the iPhone 18 Pro officially launch?

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

What colors are available for the new iPhones?

The new Pro models come in four colors this year:

• Burgundy

• Glacier Blue

• Silver

• Black

When will the iPhone Duo be released?

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

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

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

Here are the biggest changes:

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

• The iPhone 18 Pro has a better battery life

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

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

What are the best iPhone 18 Pro deals?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When do iOS 27 and Siri AI come out?

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

Can you buy the new iPhone 18 Pro at Amazon?

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

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

What are reviewers saying about the iPhone 18 Pro Max?

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

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

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

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

Should I buy the iPhone 18 Pro Max?

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

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

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

Everywhere you can shop the new Apple Watches: Amazon Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $389.99 Shop Now Apple Store Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $399 Shop Now Best Buy Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $399 Shop Now Walmart Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $399 Shop Now Amazon Apple Watch Ultra 4 (GPS + cellular, 49mm) $799 Shop Now Apple Store Apple Watch Ultra 4 (GPS + cellular, 49mm) $799 Shop Now Best Buy Apple Watch Ultra 4 (GPS + cellular, 49mm) $799 Shop Now

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

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

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 pricing The Apple Watch Series 12 is available with rubber, textile, and stainless steel band styles. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

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

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

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

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

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 features Apple calls the Ultra 4 "the ultimate sports and adventure watch." Credit: Apple

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

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

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

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

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

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 colors Here's a closer look at the Apple Watch Series 12's new ceramic finish. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

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

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

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

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

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

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

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