IT General

Bluesky is rolling out age verification in the states of South Dakota and Wyoming for users to access features like messaging and adult content. This is in response to new laws passed in both states that require platforms hosting "harmful" content to verify the ages of their users.

Ford’s SUVs have built a reputation for combining everyday usability with strong performance, but reliability is often the deciding factor for many buyers. In 2025, Ford’s lineup spans everything from compact crossovers to full-size family haulers, making it one of the most diverse offerings in the segment. With so many choices, knowing which models stand out for long-term dependability is crucial.

Apple’s brand new slim iPhone is official in the form of the iPhone Air. Pretty much every detail was leaked prior to the big event, including the name. One thing that wasn’t really spoken about, however, was 5G performance.

The iPhone 17 Pro is here — and so are a bunch of fake iPhone 17 Pro videos.

Apple announced the new iPhone 17 Pro (and Pro Max) at its event on Tuesday. You can preorder the new phones starting Friday, Sept. 12, and shipping begins on Sept. 19. But, of course, some folks have already gotten their hands on the phones for demos — like MrBeast, apparently, who was at the event for some reason.

But other creators are also sharing fake videos of the iPhone 17 Pro, which show them demoing features that don't actually exist. One viral video on Instagram Reels, with 1.5 million likes and 130 million views, depicts the Cosmic Orange phone with a rotating camera array that reveals a hidden selfie screen. Search for the iPhone 17 on Instagram, and fake videos like this fill the top results for Reels posts.

Based on the comments, most users can tell the videos are fake.

"yeah it’s going to take them 10 more years for this feature," one person commented.

"It would have been more realistic if you held the other phone in your left hand. It looks like you have two right hands," another person wrote under the video.

The video with the swiveling camera array comes from VFX artist Roman Bykov (@bykovfx), who has shared other viral videos of the iPhone 17 Pro. One of the creator's videos shows an iPhone that can change colors with a tap on the case. (Sadly, the iPhone 17 Pro doesn't come in green or red.) Another shows the flagship phone with a second display on the back, which can be used for scrolling through messages.

Sadly, iPhone does not make an iPhone with a heat-sensitive, color-changing body. Credit: Screenshot courtesy of Instagram / Roman Bykov

The new iPhone 17 Pro does have an impressive selfie camera. It has up to 18MP, compared to the 12MP on previous models, and can automatically flip orientation depending on what it sees in the photo. That means you don't have to flip your whole phone to get a selfie with a wide group. The back-facing camera also has triple 48MP fusion cameras and an ultrawide lens.

The viral videos of the iPhone 17 Pro are clearly altered, but they could still fool unsuspecting viewers.

There are plenty of ways to tell if a video isn't quite right. If it's a video you suspect is using AI, check out our handy guide for identifying AI-generated videos. If you suspect a video is using a factory fake or dummy iPhone model, look at the camera bumps — that's usually a good giveaway for phony Apple products. Finally, always make sure you're viewing videos from a reputable source, not a visual effects artist.

The iPhone 17 range was announced yesterday, and it's a pretty different lineup to anything we've seen before. And Apple really wants you to buy it. So much so that it has not only discontinued the iPhone 16 Pro range, but it has also nerfed the regular iPhone 16 phones, too.

Apple held its "Awe Dropping" event on Tuesday, announcing the iPhone 17, new Apple watches, and more.

But it seems the internet is...less than awed by how things went. For starters, folks don't seem to be thrilled about the design of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. In fact, the whole event seems to have made people nostalgic for old Apple events, so much so that they're posting clips of Steve Jobs hosting past keynotes.

With his iconic blue jeans, white sneakers, and black turtleneck, Jobs introduced truly world-changing products live on stage.

Here's a clip of Jobs creatively unveiling the MacBook Air, for instance, which has racked up 13,000 likes.

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

In contrast, yesterday's Apple event was entirely pre-recorded and mostly focused on iterative improvements to existing products. Compare Jobs' style with the somewhat understated unveiling of the iPhone Air on Tuesday.

Alternate Timeline: Steve Jobs with the MacBook Air at Macworld 2008, but now it's iPhone Air.

[image or embed]

— Computer Clan (@computerclan.com) September 9, 2025 at 3:25 PM This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Or here's a clip posted a few days ago of Jobs showing off the iPod Nano.

20 years ago today, Steve Jobs unveiled the iPod nano.

[image or embed]

— Basic Apple Guy (@basicappleguy.com) September 7, 2025 at 11:28 AM

There were also lots of posts about how disappointed Jobs would be with the most recent event.

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

Of course, nostalgia makes everything seem better in retrospect. Humans have been lamenting the good ol' days since the invention of language. But it probably does speak to the state of how folks feel about Apple that they're posting nostalgic clips of Steve Jobs instead of geeking out over the iPhone 17.

I have long not been a Google guy, but I still considered Pixel phones to be devices I could easily recommend to others. Google's approach to AI has changed that. I no longer feel comfortable using or recommending these phones.

Apple announced the latest Apple Watches on Tuesday. Leading up to the event, rumors were swirling that the Series 11 and Ultra 3 Apple Watches were going to make their debut alongside the iPhone 17, and we can now officially confirm that to be true. The Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3 are available for preorder now, and will ship on Sept. 19.

The Apple Watch Series 11 will now feature the Liquid Glass display. Credit: Apple

The last round of Apple Watches to drop came September 2024, at Apple's "It's Glowtime" event, where the Series 10 made its debut. This year, Apple kicked off its Apple Watch presentation, showcasing the life-saving capabilities of the Apple Watch before revealing the new models.

Where to preorder the new Apple Watches Apple Watch Series 11 $399 at Apple Pre-Order Here Apple Watch Series 11 $399 at Amazon Pre-Order Here Apple Watch Series 11 $399 at Best Buy Pre-Order Here Apple Watch SE 3 $249 at Apple Pre-Order Here Apple Watch SE 3 $249 at Amazon Pre-Order Here Apple Watch SE 3 $249 at Best Buy Pre-Order Here Apple Watch Ultra 3 $799 at Apple Pre-Order Here Apple Watch Ultra 3 $799 at Amazon Pre-Order Here Apple Watch Ultra 3 $799 at Best Buy Pre-Order Here

The Series 11 is the thinnest and most comfortable model with an ionized glass watch face, making it more scratch-resistant. Plus, it's 5G compatible for more coverage. As expected, it comes with watchOS 26, which features the Liquid Glass display.

New features coming to the Series 11 Apple Watch are focused on health, including blood pressure monitoring to alert users to hypertension. They're also improving sleep data, providing a sleep score, a similar data point found in wellness trackers like Oura and Whoop.

Most importantly, Apple is improving the battery life on the Apple Watch to support the new features, bringing it up to 24 hours from 18.

The Apple Watch SE 3, remains the most affordable smart watch from the brand. Credit: Apple

Also debuting this year is the Apple Watch SE 3, with the S10 chip. While it's a more affordable model, it now supports gestures and an always-on display. Its health features are expanding with sleep apnea detection and temperature sensing. Plus, you can now play music from the SE.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is geared toward the outdoor athlete. Credit: Apple

Apple Watch Ultra 3 is also coming with an increased screen size without upgrading the case size — now the largest watch face on an Apple Watch. It's doubling down on its satellite capabilities for athletes going off the grid, supported by its 42-hour battery life.

The Apple Watch Series 11 starts at $399, while the SE 3 starts at $249, and the Ultra 3 at $799. All models are available now for preorder and will ship on Sept. 19.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 $399 at Amazon
Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE 3 $249 at Amazon
Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Ultra 3 $799 at Apple
Pre-order Here

For more Live Apple Event coverage, follow Mashable's live blog and get real-time updates on the iPhone 17, Apple Watch Series 11, and AirPods Pro 3 launch.

All the new Apple products you can preorder at Amazon: Now available Apple AirPods Pro 3 $249 Pre-Order Here Now available Apple Watch Series 11 Starting at $399 Pre-Order Here Now available Apple Watch Ultra 3 Starting at $799 Pre-Order Here Now available Apple Watch SE 3 Starting at $249 Pre-Order Here

Apple's big September event went off without a hitch. The company unveiled a handful of expected but welcomed new products, including a new iPhone lineup, next-generation AirPods Pro, and a round of Apple Watch upgrades. While most products won't start shipping until Sept. 19, you can be sure to secure the goods by preordering in advance.

While the base iPhone 17, ultra-thin iPhone Air, and ugly iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max (sorry) aren't up for preorder until Friday, Sept. 12, you can lock in your order for the other new Apple products at Amazon as of Sept. 10. We've rounded up the details for you below.

AirPods Pro 3

A much-needed upgrade, the new Apple AirPods Pro 3 feature better noise cancellation (twice as effective as the second-generation earbuds), better battery life (eight hours with ANC, 10 hours in transparency mode), and new foam-infused tips that are allegedly more comfortable and fit more snugly in your ears. They also brought the heart rate monitoring tech from the Powerbeats Pro 2 (our favorite earbuds for working out) and Fitness app compatibility to the Pro 3s, and introduced a live translation feature. The most surprising aspect, however, is the price tag. In a world where everything is getting more expensive, the AirPods Pro 3 retail for the same price as the previous generation: $249.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple AirPods Pro 3 $249 at Amazon
Pre-order Here Apple Watch Series 11

The Apple Watch Series 11 is more of a minor upgrade, bringing improvements to battery life, hardware, and connectivity. It sports an S11 chip and a tougher design with durable glass that's twice as resistant to scratches. It's now 5G-capable for quicker connectivity and can last a full day per charge (which still could be better). The biggest standout is a hypertension tool designed to flag chronic high blood pressure (though it shouldn't replace a doctor). It starts at $399, just like the Series 10.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 From $399 Pre-order Here Apple Watch Ultra 3

The premium, heavy-duty Apple Watch Ultra 3 features a bigger, brighter, and easier-to-read display, 5G and satellite connectivity, and the longest battery life of any Apple Watch at 42 hours. It comes in new black and natural titanium finishes for a stealthier or sleeker look. Of course, as the top-of-the-line model, it'll cost you. The Ultra 3 starts at $799.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Ultra 3 From $799 Pre-order Here Apple Watch SE 3

Apple's most affordable smartwatch also got an upgrade. The Apple Watch SE 3 now features faster charging, gesture support, on-device Siri, temperature sensing, and expanded health tracking. It's certainly more capable than its predecessors, but still pretty basic in terms of features compared to the Series 11 and Ultra 3. Of course, that's because it's designed to be a budget-friendly introductory device that starts at just $249.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE 3 From $249 Pre-order Here

Google came for the wired it girls at its Made by Google showcase last month. The tech giant played a sponsored episode of Kareem Rahma's SubwayTakes talk show during the event, in which Rahma and his fellow comedian Amber Singletary ripped on wired earbuds for looking "sloppy," "dumb," and "not cool."

"The only thing they [wired earbuds] do is get tangled," Rahma said, speaking into a corded mic, to which Singletary replied, also into a corded mic, "Yeah, they get tangled and now you look stupid."

Someone in SubwayTakes' Instagram comments section said it best: "Wow this is the easiest disagree ever." I firmly believe that wired earphones are actually good and worth using in 2025, at least when it comes to Apple's iconic EarPods.

I recently replaced my $249 AirPods Pro with a pair of those $19 wired guys, and they're probably the last pair of Apple earbuds I'll ever buy (or rebuy). Even the new AirPods Pro 3 don't tempt me.

Apple EarPods (USB-C) $15.99 at Amazon
$19 Save $3.01 Shop Now I wanted to love the Pros, I really did

Admittedly, I desperately wanted to like the AirPods Pro. I purchased Apple's original in-ear, noise-canceling wireless earbuds back in 2020, wanting a pair to wear during flights and workouts. I'd read the write-ups lauding their clear audio, great ANC, and comfortable in-ear fit. (They're "[probably] the most comfortable in-ear buds I've ever worn," Mashable's reviewer said at the time.) 

As an added bonus, I managed to find them on sale for nearly $100 off. The stars seemed to be aligning.

Anyone in the market for a pair of gently used first-generation AirPods Pro? Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

Eager to try Apple's best earbuds and still riding the high of scoring a good deal, I took my AirPods Pro on a long walk as their maiden voyage. I remember them not feeling the most snug, but it was winter, so I was wearing a tight beanie that kept them in my ears. Back home, I took their Ear Tip Fit Test and swapped their silicone ear tips for a different set — they came with three — convincing myself that they fit much better afterward (mistake No. 1). Their instability was surely just user error.

SEE ALSO: Apple AirPods Pro 3 are officially here, bringing improved battery life and heart rate monitoring

Several more walks transpired before I finally accepted the fact that my AirPods Pro actually didn't fit well at all, no matter which ear tip I used. We were incompatible. Naturally, this only registered after their return period ended (mistake No. 2).

I kept using my AirPods Pro while it was still cold enough to wear a beanie outside. But once summer came, they took up permanent residence in a dusty corner of a desk drawer. Apple doesn't accept AirPods for trade-ins, only recycling, leaving me out of luck unless I wanted to resell them — and I figured no one would buy buds that a stranger had dunked in their waxy meatus.

The AirPods Pro's in-ear design just doesn't work for me. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

I've been wearing over-ear headphones in the years since, but still yearned for a more portable option. 

In late August, I unearthed a pair of EarPods in an old backpack — the ones with the 3.5mm audio jack that Apple used to include with every iPhone (up until the iPhone 12). They have round, plastic earphones that sit on the edge of your ear canal, not inside it, a design that worked well for me back when I did most of my listening on an iPod nano. I figured they were worth another shot.

While EarPods aren't free anymore, Apple sells them for just $19 with three connection options: the OG 3.5mm plug, Lightning, and USB-C. I bought a pair of the USB-C version to go with my iPhone 15 Pro and MacBook Pro — on sale for $18.50, no less. They're just as comfy as I remember and sound perfectly fine for my casual music- and podcast-listening purposes, so they come with me almost everywhere.

You simply can't argue with $19

For me, the EarPods' perfect fit trumps a need for other fancy features. I can't enjoy the AirPods Pro's ANC or spatial audio when they're constantly falling out of my ears. But that's not the only reason they've become my earbuds of choice.

I <3 wires. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

While the "inconvenience" of the corded design is often treated like an indisputable truth, I'd argue that it's mostly subjective. You might hate a wire because it can get caught on your arms or knotted in a pocket. Science says the latter is basically inevitable, so I'll concede this point.

Still, the wire has its merits. It prevents my EarPods from getting separated, makes it so that I never get low-battery anxiety, and averts audio latency and Bluetooth pairing issues — all while letting people know that they shouldn't talk to me. The range! I'm cool with the EarPods' occasional Tangela cosplay, all things considered.

SEE ALSO: Don't break the bank: The best budget earbuds, tested by our audio experts

Moreover, there's something so liberating about not having to be precious with my earbuds. (For reference, replacing one lost AirPods Pro earbud costs $89, or more than four times as much.) From a cost per value standpoint, EarPods are easily the best product Apple sells for under $20 — the other contenders being the infamous Polishing Cloth, an extension cable, and a few adapters. It's not even a contest.

This is mostly why I haven't tried the $129 AirPods 4 yet, which have a similar but more oval plastic "open-ear" design that seems like it might work for me. It's also why I'm not chomping at the bit to upgrade to the new AirPods Pro 3 even though their reworked design involves two extra ear tip sizes. I've learned that I can get by with wired earbuds that cost thirteen times less — and I'm not going to have a panic attack if they break or wander off.

The EarPods are one of my on-the-go essentials. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

Ask yourself: Have you avoided using EarPods because cords are truly incompatible with your day-to-day life, or just because you feel a compulsion to buy the latest tech? Join me on the wired side. The sound quality is good enough, the cover charge is cheap, and the haters are low-key still using other corded devices.

Apple EarPods (USB-C) $15.99 at Amazon
$19 Save $3.01 Shop Now

SAVE $450: As of Sept. 10, get the 49-inch Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 for $849.99, down from its usual price of $1,299.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 35% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 $849.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $450 Get Deal

Whether you're a gamer or you just like the feeling of immersing yourself in your favorite media, a great gaming monitor is something you should definitely consider adding to your desk. You might even be surprised to learn that you don't have to spend an arm and a leg to get something special. In fact, you can get a behemoth of a gaming monitor right now for nearly $500 off thanks to this limited-time Amazon deal.

As of Sept. 10, get the 49-inch Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 for $849.99, down from its usual price of $1,299.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 35% on list price.

SEE ALSO: The 4 best premium gaming monitors instantly level up your desktop — for a price

This 49-inch beast of a monitor boasts Samsung's QD-OLED technology with bright hues, darker shades of black, and realistic contrast to give you the best viewing experience possible. It's an ultrawide display so you get a massive amount of real estate as well as an 1800R curve to keep you right in the action as if you were really there.

It has a 240Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms response time, and HDMI 2.1/DisplayPort connections as well to make sure you can get set up quickly and easily with everything at your desk. It also offers Picture-in-Picture support as well as quick-switching of inputs with Auto Source Switch+ so you can get back to the action, wherever it's happening, immediately.

If it's time to invest in a new gaming monitor, this is an excellent model to choose, especially as it's currently massively discounted.

TL;DR: Germany vs. Slovenia in EuroBasket 2025 is available to live stream for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

EuroBasket 2025 is reaching its dramatic conclusion, with only a single spot in the semi finals left to secure. Germany take on Slovenia in the final quarter final, with a number of NBA players going head-to-head. Luka Dončić will be looking to lead his side to victory over the likes of Franz Wagner and Dennis Schröder.

If you want to watch Germany vs. Slovenia in EuroBasket 2025 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Germany vs. Slovenia?

Germany vs. Slovenia in EuroBasket 2025 takes place at 2 p.m. ET on Sept. 10.

How to watch Germany vs. Slovenia for free

Germany vs. Slovenia in EuroBasket 2025 is available to live stream for free on RTVE.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL online for free

RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Spain, meaning you can unblock RTVE from anywhere in the world.

Live stream EuroBasket 2025 for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like 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 Spain

4. Visit RTVE

5. Live stream EuroBasket 2025 for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can watch Germany vs. Slovenia in EuroBasket 2025 without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you plenty of time to watch the tournament for free.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live streaming is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for RTVE?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking free streaming sites, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Spain

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also 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 $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Germany vs. Slovenia in EuroBasket 2025 for free with ExpressVPN.

Have you ever put on some legendary porn and masturbated for hours, never allowing yourself to orgasm, until you went into a trancelike state and lost all sense of space and time? 

No? Well, you clearly haven't tried gooning.

What does gooning mean?

Gooning is a kind of extreme form of edging — wherein you continuously stimulate yourself for hours on end, without reaching a climax, in order to experience the "goon state" — a deeply meditative experience akin to meditation. Gooning has become a bit of an internet phenomenon, with countless videos emerging on TikTok and streaming sites like Twitch. According to data from Sensuali, searches for Gooning are up 435 percent, and up 314 percent in the last year alone on Google Trends. 

SEE ALSO: 'Hamstering' is a spicy TikTok trend people may actually be trying

Dr. Ty David Lerman, Ph.D., a psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, and certified sex therapist, tells us that gooning gets its name from our favorite spinach-eating sailor of yesteryear. "The term is a nod to the 'Goons' of early Popeye the Sailor cartoons, which depicted henchmen who were not very smart and seemingly single-task oriented." And modern day gooners certainly are single-task oriented…with that task being beating their meat. 

In all likelihood, gooning has made it into the mainstream narrative because of the funny and silly faces that a person makes while gooning. Zachary Zane, author of Boyslut: A Memoir and Manifesto and sex expert for Archer, a new dating app for queer men, describes the "goon face" as possession-like. Your face slackens and you look zoned out in a way that certainly makes for watchable video content.

Yet, while gooning's popularity has seen quite a significant uptick in recent years, it isn't anything new. Far from it, actually. Relevant definitions of "gooning" popped up in 2005 on Urban Dictionary. Zane tells us that gooning forums on Reddit can be traced back at least three years — making it quite the digital phenomenon. Lerman adds that gooning has been around as long as porn has existed — and possibly longer, though no such documentation exists. Today, there are plenty of dedicated websites, communities, subreddits, forums, and media designed for gooning. We are all gooners here.

What is new, relatively speaking, is the gooning community: The ability to find like-minded folx who are just as interested in stroking their peens for hours as you are. It's really about the friends we make along the way, eh?

So, how does gooning work? When you're in ~the goon state~ what is going on in your brain and body? And, possibly most importantly, can gooning become problematic or should we go off and goon on in peace?

Let's investigate.

What is a gooner?

Gooning is masturbating for a prolonged period of time, usually hours, without ever climaxing. Lerman says this is usually in conjunction with porn and sometimes with poppers — a legal liquid substance that is inhaled causing a euphoric high and enhanced sexual pleasure.

The "goon state" is actually pretty similar to subspace in BDSM — in that you experience so much sensation that you wind up on a different mental level. It feels euphoric because of all the endorphins our brain releases during such intense play. These include neuro-chemicals like dopamine, adrenaline, and oxytocin. This cocktail of hormones impact the way a person experiences sensation, pleasure, and even themselves.   

Lerman says that as a hypnotherapist, he'd categorize the goon state as a trance. "I loosely define a trance state as 'the focus of attention on one thing to the exclusion of all else.' This definition is intentionally a bit vague, as we go into and out of trances all the time," he says. "Daydreaming, staring into a fire, 'zoning out,' getting lost in the TV and not hearing our spouse yelling at us are all forms of trances — and we all do it. [Gooning] is just a very specific type of trance, accompanied with physical sensation." 

Research has shown that deep meditative states such as this can be intensely therapeutic and can have a lot of benefits for psychological healing.

Of course, not all gooners are blasting a hardcore gangbang scene on a tube site with their dicks out in order to heal emotionally or whatever, but the psychological positives do paint a picture of its appeal. Namely, that it feels freakin' amazing.

The members of the Goon Collective

Who is doing all this relentless gooning? And furthermore, is gooning a purely solo activity or are groups of buddies getting together to goon out in groups?

While gooning is usually a solo activity paired with porn, gooners (or bators, as they are sometimes called), may goon alone or with others — either in-person or on video. 

From the outside, the idea that a couple of dudes would get together to masturbate might sound inherently queer, but Lerman advises us against labeling. "There are certainly cases of heterosexual 'bate buds' who will get together and do their own thing separately, but together," he says. "This def sounds a bit queer to the outsider, but in these cases, there is no sexual interest in each other. Rather, the attraction is simply being present with someone who 'gets it' and is part of the tribe." Humans just want to belong. 

Of course, gay men can goon, too. Dr. Lee Phillips, Ed.D., a psychotherapist and certified sex and couples therapist, says that gooning is very popular in the gay male community, but it may look a bit different than the gooning of their straight counterparts. "They will have circle-jerk parties but will call them 'goon parties' because they will edge for long periods of time as they hit the hypnotic-trance-like state," Phillips says. All in all, anyone can goon!

Zane adds that gooners may also choose to engage solo and then seek out community support. Many gooners enjoy "sharing what porn they're watching with other gooners and how intense their masturbatory experience was," he says. Sharing is caring, after all.

Some gooners even have dedicated "Goon Caves,'' which are spaces designed specifically for their gooning activities. A Goon Cave may include one or more large flat screen TVs for porn, sexual enhancements like toys, lube, and poppers, and anything else a gooner might need to ensure optimal goon time.

SEE ALSO: The best alternatives to Pornhub and XVideos When to check your gooner habits

To goon or not to goon, that is the question. If you're super into slipping into the darkness of your room, door locked, porn on, and dick out — can these habits ever become problematic? 

Here's the skinny: While some folx would be quick to hop on their soapbox and call someone who engages in masturbation for hours at a time a "porn addict" or "sex addict," this boils down to misunderstanding. (Also: Sex addiction is not recognized by science). 

Gooning is only a problem if it's negatively impacting your life, leading you to shirk responsibilities at work, neglect your social group, or prevent you from developing IRL sexual and/or romantic attachments. "If you have healthy platonic and sexual/romantic relationships, if you're never late to work due to this kink, and if all your responsibilities are being addressed, 'these aren't the droids you're looking for,'" Lerman says.

Phillips says we should accept gooning, as it's just as normal as any other kink. Don't go yucking anyone else's yum. 

As with all fun things, take stock of your habits and be sure gooning isn't taking over your life. It's really that simple, folx. Go forth, be sure you're using lots (like lots) of lube, and goon on.

SAVE $200: The Jackery Explorer 300 portable power station with a 100W solar panel is on sale at Amazon for $299, down from the standard price of $499. That's a 40% discount that comes within one cent of the lowest price we've seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 300 portable power station with a 100W solar panel $299 at Amazon
$499 Save $200 Get Deal

Portable power stations are the new "must-have" item, and that's not exclusive to people who like to go camping. Keeping a portable power station around your house means a power outage won't be a huge inconvenience, and it can also be useful for outdoor movie nights in the yard with a projector. If you don't own a portable power station yet, check out this limited-time deal at Amazon.

As of Sept 10, the Jackery Explorer 300 portable power station with a 100W solar panel is on sale for only $299 at Amazon, marked down from the list price of $499. That's a 40% discount that saves you $200. Today's sale price comes within one cent of the lowest we've seen at Amazon.

On its own, the Jackery Explorer 300 portable power station is listed with a $279 price tag at Jackery, which means today's deal at Amazon essentially includes a 100W solar panel for $20. In the year 2025, to snag something super useful for $20 is cause for a celebration.

The Jackery Explorer 300 portable power station is a travel-friendly, lightweight battery that provides 293Wh, making it a great model for recharging a few phones or keeping the string lights on at camp. Since it weighs a bit over seven pounds and has a built-in carrying handle, you'll be in great shape after carting it around the campground or keeping it on hand during a power outage at home.

SEE ALSO: The Bluetti Pioneer 150 portable power station is a massive $1,000 off at Amazon

The Jackery Explorer 300 comes with two AC power outlets as well as one USB-C and one USB-A port. When it comes time to recharge the portable power station itself, expect to go from 0 to 80% in about two hours. The 293Wh capacity works out to recharging a phone about 14 times, keeping a TV on for about 4.5 hours, or powering a CPAP for about seven hours.

It's worth mentioning that the Jackery Explorer 300 comes with a lithium-ion battery, which is an older technology compared to what you'll find in newer models like the Anker Solix C1000 and the DJI Power 2000. Both of those use the more advanced lithium iron phosphate battery, or LiFePO4. These get you a much longer lifespan compared to lithium-ion batteries. However, given the sale price on the Jackery Explorer 300 and the inclusion of a 100 W solar panel, this could be a perfect option for some people.

While it's within one cent of the lowest price ever, get prepared for storm season with the Jackery Explorer 300 and a 100W solar panel. It'll be your new best friend while camping and will come in handy to recharge your phone during power outages.

Preorder the new AirPods Pro 3 At Amazon AirPods Pro 3 $249 Pre-Order Here At Apple AirPods Pro 3 $249 Pre-Order Here At Best Buy AirPods Pro 3 $249 Pre-Order Here At Walmart AirPods Pro 3 $249 Pre-Order Here

Apple has formally announced the new AirPods Pro 3 at its "Awe Dropping" event. With its new design and sizable spec bump, they are the best AirPods that money can currently buy. If you’re into the hype and want to get in on the ground floor, here’s how to preorder the AirPods Pro 3 right now. 

Apple boasts that the AirPods Pro 3 have “over-ear performance” in an earbud form factor, with twice the active noise cancelling of the prior generation. The H3 chip promises better overall sound quality, and the addition of Live Translation finally brings Apple’s offerings up to date with competitors like the Google Pixel Buds and the Samsung Galaxy Buds. 

Some other improvements include improved battery life (by two hours) for normal users and four more hours of battery life if used as a hearing aid. It also has sweat resistance, a first for Apple AirPods. 

How to preorder

The AirPods Pro 3 will be available wherever AirPods are generally sold. Despite all of the improvements, Apple has kept the price at $249. They can be preordered starting Sept. 9, with full availability starting on Sept. 19. 

The AirPods Pro 3 are available at the Apple Store, Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple AirPods Pro 3 $249 at Amazon
Pre-order Here How good are the Apple AirPods Pro 3?

We won’t know for sure until we get our hands on them to review, but it promises to be the best AirPods that Apple has released yet. Apple released the AirPods Pro 2 in 2022, and the design was a little dated even back then. So, sporting a fresh design, which Apple says is more stable in your ear than any prior pair of AirPods, the new AirPods Pro 3 share the design language with the AirPods 4 and look demonstrably more modern. 

The big news, though, is the spec bump. Not only does it improve audio quality, but it also enables all of the features we talked about above, including the increased active noise cancellation. It no doubt contributes to the battery life bump as well. Until the chip eventually makes its way to the rest of the lineup, like the H2 chip eventually did, the AirPods Pro 3 sit alone atop the AirPods lineup. So yeah, they're probably pretty good.

For more Live Apple Event coverage, follow Mashable's live blog and get real-time updates on the iPhone 17, Apple Watch Series 11, and AirPods Pro 3 launch. 

Who cares about Apple? There's a Nintendo Direct this week!

After weeks of rumors and speculation, Nintendo confirmed that there will be a Nintendo Direct livestream on Friday, Sept. 12 at 6am PT/9am ET. As per usual, Nintendo gave next to no indication of what will actually be shown in the stream, other than "roughly 60 minutes of information on upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch games." You can watch it on Nintendo's YouTube channel.

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Eagle-eyed readers may notice that 60 minutes is a long duration for a Nintendo Direct. These things typically max out at around 45 minutes, though the big Switch 2 blowout Direct in April also came in at around 60 minutes. There's presumably not a new console to outline in this one, though, so it's anyone's guess as to how Nintendo will use all of that time. It should be noted that it won't only be Switch 2 games, with the OG Switch getting some representation here, too.

We can at least make a few educated guesses. Metroid Prime 4 is the biggest known unknown left in the 2025 release calendar at this point, as Nintendo has repeatedly insisted it is coming this year without putting an actual date on it yet. If these 60 minutes come and go without Prime 4 getting a release date, then something is officially wrong. I would put money on Nintendo giving us what we want in this regard, though.

SEE ALSO: 'Star Wars: Outlaws' developer says Nintendo Switch 2 game key card actually helped performance

Aside from that, we can make a few other guesses using the process of elimination. Kirby Air Riders was just detailed in a 45-minute Direct of its own a few weeks ago, so that's unlikely to get more than a passing mention. The same goes for Pokemon Legends: Z-A, which comes out in October and has gotten plenty of marketing already. Hollow Knight: Silksong is out, so that's a done deal. I would keep an eye on Hades 2, personally, as that's supposed to come out this year but, like Metroid, has no date attached to it yet.

Other "maybes" include future games in the Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing series, both of which have been dormant for just long enough that it might be time to see what's next. The Switch 2 version of Elden Ring is also supposed to come out this year, and also has no firm release date. Speaking of From Software, it might be nice to get some new details on their new Switch 2 exclusive The Duskbloods, but I'm not counting on that.

A couple of smaller things I would count on are some new Switch 2 upgrades for Switch 1 games, as well as a new GameCube game for the Nintendo Classics collection. The former is a near-certainty, as every previously announced Switch 2 upgrade is already out.

SAVE $100: The EcoVacs T50 Pro Omni robot vacuum and mop is on sale at Amazon for $599.99, down from the standard price of $699.99. That's a 14% discount that matches the lowest we've ever spotted at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ecovacs EcoVacs T50 Pro Omni robot vacuum and mop $599.99 at Amazon
$699.99 Save $100 Get Deal

We're just a few weeks away from a magical time of the year. Soon, the leaves will turn bright yellow, orange, and red, and we'll be graced with the stunning landscapes that come with autumn. Those beautiful leaves gently float to the ground, emitting nothing but a calming vibe. This is followed by those leaves getting stuck to your shoes and then getting tracked into your home. If you'd rather not deal with that this year, check out this sale at Amazon.

As of Sept. 10, the EcoVacs T50 Pro Omni robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $599.99 at Amazon, marked down from the usual price of $699.99. That's a 14% discount that shaves $100 off the price. It also matches the lowest we've ever spotted at Amazon.

If you're looking for a robot vacuum that can also mop floors, you have an overwhelming number of options to sort through. But we'll let you in on something important to keep in mind. Not all robot vacuums and mops can dry their mop pads once they're finished cleaning. That means you gotta get in there and take them off, or else you'll be in for a stinky mess. The Ecovacs Deebot T50 Pro, however, takes care of this for you. It both cleans and dries mop pads, reaching a high temperature of 113 degrees Fahrenheit, so you won't need to worry about stinky mop pads that stayed wet for too long.

SEE ALSO: Shark released a cordless handheld stain remover that you'll actually like getting out

Other features of the EcoVacs Deebot are its slim and thin profile, meaning it can easily get under the couch and pick up those popcorn kernels from last night's movie marathon. EcoVacs mentions this model gets 15,000Pa of suction power, and it has the brand's ZeroTangle technology, which is great for pet owners.

EcoVacs also says the Deebot T50 Pro is great at avoiding objects that should not get vacuumed or mopped, like a pair of socks or your phone charging cable. The Deebot can detect and avoid obstacles with one millimeter precision, according to EcoVacs.

While it's back at the lowest price ever, gift yourself the super functional Ecovacs Deebot T50 Pro, which can take on the task of both vacuuming and mopping your floors. Its capabilities will ensure you can view those pretty fall leaves outside and not see them on your entryway tiles this year.

SAVE $149: As of Sept. 10, you can grab a pair of factory reconditioned AirPods Pro 2 at Woot! for just $99.99 with the code EARBUDS20. That's about 60% cheaper than purchasing a pair brand new.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro $99.99 at Woot!
$249 Save $149.01 with code EARBUDS20 Get Deal

There's a new pair of AirPods Pro in town — simply dubbed the AirPods Pro 3 — and we're pretty excited about them. They come with the same $249 price tag as the second-generation buds, and we likely won't see a discount on them until Black Friday season. If you want the latest and greatest Apple earbuds, the Pro 3s are officially up for preorder. If you'd rather save some money, we found a like-new pair of the still-great AirPods Pro 2 for just under $100.

As of Sept. 10, you can grab a pair of factory reconditioned AirPods Pro 2 at Woot! for only $99.99 when you use the code EARBUDS20 at checkout. That's about 60% cheaper than purchasing a pair at full price (and 60% cheaper than getting the Pro 3s). As a factory reconditioned item, the earbuds have been returned, inspected, and restored to their full glory by Apple or a certified partner. As Woot! puts it, "It's as close to new as you can get without technically being new."

Sure, the new AirPods Pro 3 improve upon ANC and battery life and come with some fancy new tricks, but the second-generation AirPods Pro are still pretty awesome. They've been our favorite earbuds for Apple users and topped our lists of the best headphones for a few years now, thanks to their rich and well-balanced sound, excellent noise cancellation, and seamless Apple ecosystem integration. Our readers seem to love them just as much.

"If you’re just looking for a pair of earbuds with good sound and great noise cancellation, alongside some unique smart features, the AirPods Pro 2 are a great buy," Mashable's reviewer writes. And for under $100? That's a hard value to beat.

FREE ENGRAVING: As of Sept. 10, preorder the Apple AirPods Pro 3 from Apple for $249 and get free engraving with your purchase.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $249 at Apple
Get Deal

Apple finally unveiled the newest addition to its lineup of headphones and earbuds on Sept. 9: the Apple AirPods Pro 3. This marks the first update for the Pro lineup since 2023, and with preorders now live, you can be sure to snag a pair. If you plan on heading to Apple to lock yours in, there's an important little freebie you can get when buying.

As of Sept. 10, preorder your Apple AirPods Pro 3 at Apple for $249 and get free engraving with your order. All you need to do is select the "Add Engraving" option directly at the top of the page under "Free and fast personalization" and choose the emoji, names, initials, and numbers you want on the front of your AirPods Pro 3 case.

SEE ALSO: Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2: What's different this time?

You get about 21 characters' worth of space and a wide selection of emoji to choose from when engraving, which will appear in light gray on the AirPods' case. When finished, continue selecting options as usual, such as whether you're getting AppleCare or not, and then add to cart. Check out as usual from there.

These new AirPods Pro 3 come with twice the ANC power of the previous generation, with live translation, heart rate monitoring, integrated fitness features, and much more. They offer IP57 sweat- and water-resistance, acoustic design changes for better spatial audio performance, and eight hours of battery per charge with 10 hours in transparency mode when using ANC.

These are more than just an iterative model, so if you're thinking about buying some new AirPods, snag them now and get the free engraving so you always know which ones are yours.

From Good Will Hunting and School Ties to Air and The Last Duel, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck remain one of Hollywood's most enduring duos. Now, the pair team back up in Netflix's crime thriller The Rip.

Written and directed by Joe Carnahan (The A-Team, The Grey), The Rip stars Damon and Affleck as members of the Miami PD. While their unit focuses on drug busts, most of their work is actually made up of cash seizures. That's what brings them to a derelict stash house on their latest job — but what they discover in the house is more than they could have ever bargained for.

SEE ALSO: How much does Netflix cost per month?

As the teaser for The Rip reveals, Damon and Affleck's team head to the house off a tip that they'll find $300,000 there. Instead, they find $20 million. After that, things unravel, and fast. A mysterious caller threatens the police, giving them 30 minutes to get out of there without anyone getting hurt. But with this much money on the line, there's no way the team is giving up that easy.

With outside forces closing in on the cash, Damon and Affleck's team will question everything, including who they can trust. Suddenly, team members' jokes about just taking the money and running feel a lot less like jokes and a lot more like hints of betrayal.

On top of Damon and Affleck, The Rip boasts an impressive cast, including Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Scott Adkins, and Kyle Chandler.

The Rip hits Netflix Jan. 16.