IT General

Anthropic, one of the biggest AI companies in the world, is currently gearing up to go public. As the Claude-maker prepares for a potential blockbuster IPO later this year, Reuters has got its hands on the company's prospectus, which lays out Anthropic's financials and risks for investors.

According to the prospectus obtained by Reuters, Anthropic made $4.6 billion in revenue in 2025. That's twelve times its growth in the previous year.

But there's bad news, too: The AI company lost more than it brought in last year, Reuters reported. A lot more.

Anthropic reportedly lost a whopping $42 billion in 2025. Of that net loss, $8.06 billion was spent on operating costs in 2025, far higher than its 2024 operating costs of $2.98 billion, according to Reuters. In addition, the documents Reuters reviewed stated that compute and infrastructure costs from Anthropic's AI lab amounted to an additional $7.33 billion. 

Anthropic is hardly alone in spending more than it takes in, however. In July, after pouring money into AI development, Google reported its first quarter of negative cash flow since the company went public.

The AI industry is in the midst of a massive infrastructure build-out, with an estimated trillion dollars being spent on AI data centers, energy, and other resources in 2026 alone. Axios recently reported that the industry as a whole is expected to spend $10 trillion through 2032.

So, it's hardly surprising that Reuters reported that Anthropic's capital expenditures will only balloon in the years ahead. The IPO prospectus seen by Reuters stated that the company plans to spend $518 billion on "cloud, computing and infrastructure obligations" over the next few years. To make matters even more concerning for potential investors, about 80 percent of that $518 billion is allocated to non-cancelable deals.

Anthropic is currently eyeing a public offering that would put the company at a $2 trillion valuation.

You probably don't think much about privacy when you're sending someone an Excel file. After all, it's just a spreadsheet, and you can see what's on the sheets before you send it. The thing is, a workbook can actually contain more than the cells you can see. It might still have your name in its metadata, a hidden worksheet you forgot about, or a file path pointing to a folder on your computer.

SAVE $110: As of Sept. 29, the Samsung 27-inch Odyssey G5 is available for $169.99 at Amazon. That's a 39% saving on the regular list price of $179.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 27-Inch Odyssey G5 $169.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $110   Get Deal

There's no better time to stock up on gaming hardware than one of the major sale events — one of the few times you'll find discounts on top-quality gaming gear. And you don't have to wait long for the next moment to shop, as Amazon launches its October Prime Day on Oct. 6.

In fact, you don't have to wait at all because we're seeing gaming deals crop up already, including a generous discount on a Samsung monitor.

As of Sept. 29, the Samsung 27-inch Odyssey G5 is priced at $169.99. That's $110 off the regular list price of $279.99.

At 27 inches, this monitor is designed for modestly sized gaming setups. And it promises to bring that gaming space to life with plenty of visual-enhancing specs, including a QHD resolution, G-Sync compatibility for smooth gameplay, a Fast IPS panel, and an 180Hz refresh rate with a 1ms response time. It's also designed to improve your performance with its Virtual Aim Point feature — a crosshairs target that appears on the screen, allowing you to shoot with pinpoint accuracy.

If you're aiming for a gaming monitor upgrade, don't miss your chance to save $110 on the Samsung 27-inch Odyssey G5 — now priced at just $169.99 ahead of Prime Day.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by our shopping experts

• Apple iPhone 18 Pro — free at T-Mobile 

• Paramount+ — $0.99 for 2 months with code p2mcs26prem

• Pokémon 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box — $89.99 (save vs. market price)

• Apple iPad Pro — $1,899 $2,099 (save $200)

• TCL 85-Inch Class QM8L Series TV — $2,497.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,502)

Your Google account is one of the most important keys to your digital life. It can hold a significant amount of information about what you search for, places you visit, your personal information, contacts, and more. Yet, people often overlook these Google account settings when it comes to maintaining their account privacy. As a result, you may leave some default settings enabled, allowing Google to save your activity and use it to personalize your experience, recommendations, and ads.

Streaming is becoming an expensive ordeal. In the past year, it feels like almost every streaming service has raised its prices. In March, Netflix increased its subscription costs for the second time in less than two years. Unfortunately, I don't see those prices coming down anytime soon.

The Brick is a trendy app-blocking device that makes it easier to stay off your phone; one Mashable writer used it to cut her screen time in half. It's a rather plain little gadget that's gray and blocky — pretty brick-like, some might say — but now, you can change that.

Brick has just launched Brick Cases, some colorful snap-on shells for its eponymous device. They're priced at $39 each and sold exclusively in the U.S. through Brick's website, the company announced on Instagram Sept. 22.

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There are four Brick Case styles available, each with names that reference activities you should be doing instead of staring at a screen:

• Catch Rays (butter yellow)

• Unwind (brick red)

• Look Up (a cloudy sky pattern)

• Get Outside (a mossy green color with a grass-textured surface)

According to an FAQ on Brick's website, the Brick Case is merely an aesthetic upgrade for the Brick and doesn't change how it functions. "Swap colors and textures to match your space or your style — because Bricking is personal and now it looks like it," it reads.

Personalize your screen time companion. Credit: Brick

Note that the Brick Case only works with the latest version of the Brick, not the original model. The device got a minor redesign with rounder edges and a new logo this summer. (Any Brick purchased from getbrick.com after July 30 of this year is considered an "upgraded Brick.")

The Brick contains an NFC chip that can block certain apps when you tap your phone to its surface. To "unbrick" your phone, you must tap it against the Brick again. Compared to traditional screen-time apps, "the physical limitation of the Brick adds an extra barrier," writes Mashable's Samantha Mangino, "making it especially effective at preventing you from overriding your screen time and staying truly distraction-free."

The Brick works with iPhones running iOS 17 or later and Android phones running Android 12 or newer. It's pricey for what it is at $59 — adding a case makes it almost $100 (!) — but sharing it between multiple users ups its value. Read Mangino's full review of the Brick for more.

Opens in a new window Credit: Brick Brick Case $39 at getbrick.com
  Shop Now

When it comes to watching sports, the playoffs are the best part of any season. That's also true for the WNBA, which kicked off with its first round on Sunday, with some star-studded Game 1 bouts. And even though the playoffs have only just begun, it's only taken 1 game for things to get weird already.

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Three of the four higher seeds won as expected. The fourth result was the biggest upset the first round can produce: the No. 8 seed beating the No. 1 seed on its home floor. Add a historic performance from 4-time league MVP A'ja Wilson, a franchise-first win in the Bay, and a fresh round of league awards, and there's a lot to catch up on before the Game 2s tip off tonight.

Here's what happened on day one, and what to watch this week.

No. 8 Liberty makes history

The New York Liberty went into Minneapolis and beat the Minnesota Lynx 91-75 in a shocking blowout of the championship favorites. Per BK Reader, New York is now the first No. 8 seed in WNBA history to win a playoff game against a No. 1 seed. Before Sunday, the eighth seeds were 0-11 against the top seeds in the postseason.

Liberty Forward Breanna Stewart finished with 34 points and 12 rebounds, marking her third career 30-point playoff double-double, per ESPN. Stewart was given plenty of room to work as Lynx players Napheesa Collier, Natasha Howard, and Nia Brodie had each picked up four fouls. Plus, New York shooting 52 percent from three didn't hurt either.

On the other side, newly minted Rookie of the Year Olivia Miles had a rough playoff debut, finishing with 11 points on 3-of-12 shooting.

To be clear, the Liberty's win is not a case of the Lynx just having a bad day. The Liberty won the 2024 title (beating, yes, the Lynx in the Finals), and the roster is stacked with All-Stars and a former MVP in Stewart. With first-time head coach Chris DeMarco at the helm, the team had a bumpy year, plagued by injuries early in the season. In mid-July, with the team sitting at 13-12, the Liberty would finish the season 13-6, for an overall 26-18 record, to grab the W's final playoff spot. It was a crowded playoff race, too, with just four games separating the Liberty from fourth-place Atlanta.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. A'ja Wilson absolutely cooked the Fever

If you needed a reminder about who the real star of the WNBA is, the defending champion Las Vegas Aces delivered just that. Vegas beat the Indiana Fever 102-85 behind a performance from A'ja Wilson that, per ESPN, had never been done before in the league.

"The four-time MVP is the first player in WNBA postseason history to have 20-plus points, three-plus blocks and two-plus steals in a half, and the first player in WNBA history — regular season or postseason — with 35 points, 15 rebounds and a 75% FG." - ESPN's Kareem Copeland

Wilson finished with 38 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks, including 22 points in the first half, where she won one-on-one matchups against Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston. Wilson's co-stars Jackie Young (21 points, 10 assists) and Chelsea Gray (14 points, eight assists) made sure Indiana couldn't just let Wilson get hers and lock down everyone else. The Aces dropped 62 points in the first half alone.

Indiana, despite its name, just couldn't find a rhythm. The Fever's backcourt — Clark with 15 and Mitchell with 12 — shot for a combined 10-for-33 from the field. Boston, listed as questionable with a lower leg injury, still put up 18 points and eight rebounds.

Fever fans, understandably, are not having a good week.

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But a vocal chunk of the wider WNBA fandom is openly rooting for an Indiana exit, less out of dislike for the team than out of exhaustion with the Caitlin Clark discourse that has dominated the league's online conversation for three seasons running.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. The rest of Day 1:

(4) Atlanta Dream 92, (5) Washington Mystics 77: Atlanta won thanks to a lopsided third quarter, DeWanna Bonner's veteran scoring, and 26 points from Rhyne Howard. The Dream trailed 41-36 at the half, then outscored Washington 29-12 in the third, with Bonner scoring 11 of those. Washington also turned it over 22 times to Atlanta's seven, which undercut a 25-point night from Sonia Citron.

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(2) Golden State Valkyries 104, (7) Dallas Wings 80: Golden State won thanks to hot three-point shooting, a balanced attack, and defense that kept everyone not named Paige Bueckers quiet. The Valkyries hit 16 threes at a 48.5 percent clip, led by four from Cecilia Zandalasini. Bueckers scored 21 in her playoff debut, but no other Wings player topped 11. It's the first playoff win in Valkyries history.

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. How to watch the WNBA playoffs Game 2 matchups

Tuesday, Sept. 29

• Las Vegas Aces at Indiana Fever (Aces lead 1-0), 6:30 p.m. ET, Prime Video

• Minnesota Lynx at New York Liberty (Liberty lead 1-0), 8:30 p.m. ET, USA Network and CNBC

Wednesday, Sept. 30

• Atlanta Dream at Washington Mystics (Dream lead 1-0), 7 p.m. ET, ESPN

• Golden State Valkyries at Dallas Wings (Valkyries lead 1-0), 9 p.m., ET ESPN

Any necessary Game 3 matchups shift back to the higher seed's home court: Liberty-Lynx and Fever-Aces on Thursday, Oct. 1, and Mystics-Dream and Wings-Valkyries on Friday, Oct. 2, with times still to be announced. ESPN-network games stream on the ESPN app, and live TV services like YouTube TV, Fubo, and DirecTV carry ESPN, USA, and CNBC.

The semifinals start Sunday, Oct. 4, and the Finals tip off Saturday, Oct. 17, on NBC and Peacock.

How the WNBA playoffs work

New to the W, or just here because of the Liberty upset? Here's the quick version.

The top eight teams in the league make the playoffs, regardless of conference, and are seeded one through eight by record. The first round is a best-of-three series in a 1-1-1 format: the higher seed hosts Games 1 and 3, and the lower seed hosts Game 2. That's why the Liberty, despite being the 8-seed, gets to play at home on Tuesday.

The semifinals are best-of-five, and the Finals are best-of-seven. This will be the second year of the newly expanded WNBA Finals as a best-of-seven series, with 2025's Finals ending in a 4-0 sweep by the Las Vegas Aces over the Phoenix Mercury.

It's a different setup from the NBA, which sends eight teams from each conference (sorted in part by its play-in tournament) and plays every round as a best-of-seven series. The NBA did once have a shorter first round, though. From 1984 to 2002, the first round was best-of-five, then went to seven games in 2003. The change was seen as beneficial for higher-seeded teams as it decreased the likelihood of an upset.

A short series means there's very little room for a bad night, which is exactly why a single Game 1 like Sunday's can flip an entire bracket.

You do some tasks in the Linux terminal so often that you never even bother to look for easier ways to do them. While looking for Linux tricks for time-saving and productivity, I found some hidden gems that I'm sure you'll find useful every day in your terminal sessions.

September is a big month for Big Tech events, where companies showcase their latest products. And now, OpenAI has just joined the party with DevDay 2026 in San Francisco.

The AI giant held its annual DevDay event on Tuesday and had a slew of announcements to make. OpenAI recently released GPT-6 Astra, an advanced new model, but it's also facing demands for much stricter regulation after its AI agents hacked third-party systems.

The biggest news of the day was the launch of Dots, a new AI agent to rival Meta's Muse AI.

Here are all the biggest announcements from OpenAI DevDay 2026.

Dots Credit: OpenAI

Apparently, every AI company needs cartoon mascots nowadays.

OpenAI is taking a page out of Meta's book, and it's not just the animated characters. Dots are OpenAI's always-on AI personal assistant product, a la Meta's Muse.

According to OpenAI, Dots work and complete tasks across existing context and connected applications. As users work with their Dots assistant, it will learn from user feedback and improve on said tasks over time. Being an always-on AI agent, Dots work in the background via a secure cloud computer as users go about their day, OpenAI said.

For now, Dots are available to users on the Pro and Business Premium enterprise plans. The new AI agents began rolling out to eligible users today.

GPT-6.1 Sol

OpenAI also announced an upgraded version of GPT-6 Sol, the model that can be viewed as a more cost-efficient version of GPT-6 Astra, OpenAI's most powerful model.

OpenAI says GPT-6.1 Sol has "exceptionally strong performance on agentic coding, computer use and professional work." It's nearly as intelligence as Astra but costs less than a quarter the price.

Here's how the pricing breaks down:

• GPT 6.1 Sol costs $2 per million input tokens

• $0.10 per million cached input tokens

• $10 per million output tokens

Pro 500 plan and Ultrafast

If you thought OpenAI's $200 per month plan was expensive, wait until you hear about Ultrafast.

OpenAI announced a new $500 per month plan called Pro 500. The new plan includes access to Ultrafast, a feature that allows OpenAI's Codex and Work apps to work on tasks faster. Ultrafast allows Codex and Work to generate up to 300 tokens per second, or 8 times faster.

"Ultrafast is our premium speed tier for workloads where speed matters most," OpenAI said.

The feature is also coming to the API, which will provide 6 times the standard speed.

ChatGPT Space

AI collaboration will now happen in a new dedicated space, aptly called ChatGPT Space. Colleagues can work together on ChatGPT Space, sharing context, and their Dot AI assistants can access this shared knowledge.

More of OpenAI's DevDay announcements can be found at the DevDay 2026 website.

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: The best iPhones to buy in 2026: Our top pick might surprise you

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

The best iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max cases so far Opens in a new window Credit: Pitaka Pitaka Edge iPhone 18 Pro Max Case $59.99 at Amazon
If you prefer razor-thin cases, then Pitaka makes some of the best iPhone cases around. The brand's Edge line is a good alternative to Apple's FineWoven tech cases, and it's just 0.04 inches thick and weighs 0.81 ounces. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: OtterBox OtterBox iPhone 18 Pro Profile Series Case $39.99 at Amazon
Let's start simple with this classic OtterBox iPhone 18 Pro Profile Series Case. It's not fancy or eye-catching, and that's exactly the point. The minimalist case is also MagSafe compatible. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Casetify Casetify iPhone 18 Pro Max MagSafe Case $64 at Amazon
Here's another classic option, available for both the Pro and Pro Max. It's shock and drop-proof, and incldues an opening for a phone lanyard or strap. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Casetify Casetify iPhone 18 Pro Max Ripple MagSafe Case $56 at Amazon
Looking for a case to match the new burgundy color? Casetify's MagSafe Ripple case provides extra protection — and extra color-matching. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Casetify Casetify Cloud case for iPhone 18 Pro $52 at Amazon
This Casetify iPhone 18 Pro Max case not only looks funky (that's a good thing), but it also has extra padding and bumpers to protect the phone's cameras and display. It comes in white, pink, and blue. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Torras Torras Clear iPhone 18 Pro Case $11.02 at Amazon
$13.99 Save $2.97 If you like the color of your new burgundy or glacier blue iPhone 18 Pro, then don't cover it up. This affordable iPhone case protects your phone without hurting your wallet, too. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: ESR ESR Clear MagSafe Compatible iPhone 18 Pro Case $14.99 at Amazon
Looking for an affordable clear case that works with MagSafe? Try ESR's straightforward clear case, which will still protect your phone against sudden drops. ESR promises military-grade drop protection. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: PopSockets PopSockets iPhone 18 Pro Case Mirror Abalone $40 at PopSockets
Looking for something a little funky? PopSockets has some of the best iPhone 18 Pro case designs, and they obviously fit great with PopSocket phone grips, too. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Pela Pela iPhone 18 Pro Case Navy Stripes $49.99 at Amazon
Pela has a huge selection of iPhone 18 cases on Amazon, and the company uses eco-friendly, plant-based materials in its phone cases. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Moft Moft Pink iPhone 18 Pro Max Case $42.49 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $7.50 Here at Mashable, we strongly believe that every new generation of iPhones should come with a pink color option. Until Apple hears our prayers, you can get this pink case, which will look great with the new glacier blue iPhone 18 Pro. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Velvet Caviar Velvet Caviar Jelly Glow Aura iPhone 18 Pro Case $39.99 at Amazon
It's giving pastel, it's giving Lisa Frank, it's giving 90s tie-dye. (It's also giving drop protection and MagSafe.) Shop Now SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the Apple iPhone 18 Pro for free — how to claim Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max Clear Case with MagSafe $49 at Amazon
Apple's official phone cases aren't always the most affordable, but they are some of the best, for obvious reasons. Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Apple.com iPhone 18 Pro Max TechWoven Case with MagSafe $59 at Amazon
Apple's TechWoven cases offer a firm grip and solid protection, and you can match the case to the color of your new phone. If you want the very best iPhone 18 Pro cases, this is a very safe bet. Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Apple.com Opens in a new window Credit: Mous Mous for iPhone 18 Pro Case, Limitless Purple $74.99 at Amazon
Mous's purple iPhone 18 Pro case is definitely a splurge (it's even pricier than Apple's own cases), but just imagine how good that deep purple will look with your new burgundy phone. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Popsockets PopSockets Low-Pro 3-in-1 Grip Case $60 at Amazon
PopSockets has integrated its popular Low-Pro grips into a new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max case. It provides extra-strength magnets, a telescoping grip, and a phone kickstand in one. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Casely Casely iPhone 18 Pro Case Shell Shocked $44.95 at Amazon
If you love the look of tortoise shell accessories, which, fortunately, are not made from actual tortoises, then try this Casely case on for size. Click the link to see dozens more styles from the brand. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Casetify Casetify Dark Cherry Jelly iPhone 18 Pro Case $64 at Casetify
Here's another burgundy-themed case to match your new iPhone. The dark cherry is a near perfect match for the new iPhone color. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Smartish Smartish iPhone 18 Pro Wallet Case $29.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $5.00 Save $5 on this convenient iPhone wallet case. This product has racked up more than 60,000 reviews on Amazon. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Bellroy Bellroy Shadow iPhone 18 Pro Max Case $49 at Amazon
Bellroy is an Australian EDC and bag brand known for its tasteful accessories. This iPhone 18 Pro Max case comes in a deep black and includes a polymer camera lens cover and an adjustable wrist strap for under $50. Shop Now The top iPhone 18 Pro accessories to buy

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

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

Opens in a new window Credit: Spigen Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT Screen Protector for iPhone 18 Pro $19.99 at Amazon
This screen protector comes with its own applicator so you can get the alignment and fit just right. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: PopSockets PopSockets Phone Grips for MagSafe $28.99 at Amazon
PopSockets has a ton of MagSafe-compatible phone grips in a variety of styles and colors, all conveniently available via Amazon Prime. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Kate Spade New York Kate Spade New York Magnetic Card Holder/Wallet $40 at Amazon
This Kate Spade iPhone accessory has enough room for some cash and cards, and it attaches magnetically to your iPhone. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Torras Torras MiniMag Power Bank 10,000mAh for iPhone 18 Pro $49.99 at Amazon
If you watch a lot of video or use your cameras a lot, then this portable charger will be a lifesaver. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Octobuddy Octobuddy Magnet Suction Grip $29.99 at Amazon
The Octobuddy went mega-viral among creators filming their own content, and it's a very convenient way to capture the perfect hands-free shot. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: PopSockets PopSockets Suction Phone Grip for MagSafe $23.99 at Amazon
$35 Save $11.01 Pssst... PopSocket's answer to the Octobuddy is on sale over at Amazon. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Wrist Strap for iPhone $29 at Apple
This is one of the most affordable products you'll find on the Apple website. Match the color to your new iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe $59 at Amazon
Apple's FineWoven MagSafe Wallet comes in nine different colors. Apple shows the bright pink magenta color with the new burgundy iPhone, but we're not sold on that color combo. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Hikawa Grip & Stand for iPhone (MagSafe Compatible) $54.95 at Apple
We've never been quite sure what to make of this Hikawa phone grip, available only at the Apple Store. It's definitely stylish. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Mkeke Mkeke Screen Protector for iPhone 18 Pro (3-Pack) $9.99 at Amazon
$16.99 Save $7.00 This screen protector pack features laser-cut 9H tempered glass. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Nano Magnetic Power Bank, 5,000mAh $54.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $5 Finally, we have one more recommendation: This mini magnetic power pank from Anker, on sale now. This device wirelessly charges your phone whenever you're suffering from low-battery anxiety. Get Deal

If you’re like me, you have an old laptop lying around somewhere collecting dust. It’s not that it doesn’t work anymore; it’s just that you got a different laptop that better fits your current needs, or you just wanted an update.

At Dev Day 2026, OpenAI's annual tech conference, the company made more than 20 announcements, but none bigger than the launch of Dots, always-on AI agents "built to handle everything."

The launch of Dots comes shortly after the launch of Apple's new Siri AI app and, more recently, Meta's Muse AI. Muse has jumped to the top of the app store charts. Like Muse, OpenAI said that each user's Dot runs on its own private and secure cloud computer, and also like Muse, Dots comes with cute little guys as its mascot.

"Dots are frontier intelligence that have your back," reads an announcement blog post from OpenAI. "Powered by GPT‑6 Astra, they have their own cloud computer, learn from feedback over time, and can work towards your goals 24/7. Through our ecosystem of plugins, they can readily connect to over 4,000 apps, giving them the tools to help wherever you need them."

Credit: OpenAI

In recent weeks, AI industry leaders have laid out a vision in which everyone will have their own personal AI agent handling all manner of tasks. Agentic AI has progressed rapidly in 2026 with the introduction of OpenClaw (originally known as Clawdbot, then Moltbot). As Mashable has reported, AI agents with control over a user's apps, devices, and data can accomplish a wide variety of tasks, but the greater their access, the greater the potential cybersecurity risk.

Just last week, a group of large banks warned that as customers hand over their devices and financial information to AI agents such as Dots, OpenClaw, and Muse, there is a growing risk of AI-enabled scams and fraud.

How do Dots work?

OpenAI announced that Dots will operate on its own private cloud, meaning users won't have to set up their AI agent on a local device.

"Dots can do nearly anything using their own cloud computer, their own browser, and the apps you’ve connected. You can open your dot’s computer at any time to inspect its work. Dots can connect to other devices in addition to their own, and you can also give your dot permission to connect and use your laptop, where it can then be useful directly alongside you."

OpenAI said that guardrails are built into the AI agents to protect users from "harmful behavior." In addition, OpenAI said that a monitoring system will be on guard of safety concerns, allowing the company to pause a Dot's work.

Before a Dot takes a sensitive action, such as changing a password, the company's auto-review⁠ system will check in with the user. Companies will also be able to create custom dots to serve their organization's needs.

Who can try Dots? Credit: OpenAI

OpenAI said that Dots would begin rolling out immediately, but the new AI agents will only be available on the company's $100/month Pro plan and for Business Premium users. Dots will not be available in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the UK, OpenAI said. (Siri AI faces similar geographic restrictions due to Europe's stricter AI regulations.)

Customers on Pro and Business Premium plans will have access to their first Dot at no extra cost. In addition, OpenAI said that conversations with Dots will not count toward users' ChatGPT usage limits. However, on an FAQ page, the company clarified this is only in effect "for the next month".

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

Most Android Auto users never look past the main settings screen because it feels like the app was built ready to go. Google and car manufacturers keep the interface locked down on purpose, and it's honestly great for daily driving. However, if you get into the developer menu by pressing the "Version and permission info" text about 10 times in the app's settings menu, you'll get way more tools to use. It looks a little rough, but the developer settings hold plenty of cool features that can make things smoother.

Singapore's government is trying its hand at matchmaking again.

The country's Government Technology Agency (GovTech) has launched FirstDate, a pilot dating service for singles aged 21 to 35. For now, it's open only to public officers, according to the service's website. Applications close Oct. 5.

FirstDate is designed as an alternative to endless swiping. Instead of browsing a stream of profiles, users fill out a questionnaire about their interests, habits, values, and preferences. The service then sends them one match per cycle (the time it takes to mutually accept and presumably meet up). Each match includes a compatibility score, a brief description of the person, and a personal note.

SEE ALSO: The best hookup apps for 2026: I swiped until my thumb hurt

The matching relies on the Gale-Shapley algorithm, a well-known mathematical method for pairing people based on their ranked preferences. It's the same approach used in some school admissions and medical residency matching systems. Most notably, the Match Group-owned Hinge also uses a version of it for its app — and Hinge is the top dating app in Singapore, according to SimilarWeb, followed by Tinder and Bumble.

Once matched, both people receive a text message and have 72 hours to accept the match. Contact details are exchanged only if both say yes. Couples who meet up can try "Date Quests," suggested activities meant to break the ice. Afterward, users get a short survey asking how things went, including whether they actually met in person. GovTech's site acknowledges that compatibility on paper doesn't guarantee chemistry.

Every account is verified through Singpass, the national digital ID system, which is meant to weed out fake profiles. A user's profile is only visible to their match. GovTech says user data complies with government security standards and won't be sold or shared with third parties except where required or permitted by law. Users can deactivate their accounts and request that their data be deleted.

The pilot arrives as Singapore's birth rate hits a new low, according to the Singaporean newspaper The Straits Times. The country's total fertility rate fell to 0.87 children per woman in 2025, down from 1.24 a decade earlier. In April, the government announced a new workgroup tasked with addressing falling birth rates, which is expected to report its findings by early 2027, The Straits Times reported.

It's also not the first time the government has played matchmaker. In 1984, Singapore set up the Social Development Unit to help university graduates meet and marry. Its successor, the Social Development Network, shut down its website in 2023. More recently, the Ministry of Social and Family Development helped organize For Real Fest, a Gen Z friendship festival that started in 2024 and was pitched as a response to youth loneliness, according to The Straits Times.

Whether FirstDate expands beyond the civil service will likely depend on how the pilot goes. For now, GovTech is asking its early users to tell it whether anything sparked.

Android apps will soon get to charge you based on how often you need them. Google is rolling out usage-based billing in the Play Store, letting developers meter your access to services.

Tailscale is pretty much the default option when you want to access anything remotely. It's definitely the option most people will give you when you ask them for recommendations. There's a good reason for that: Tailscale handles NAT traversal automatically, usually establishes direct encrypted connections, and can always fall back to a Tailscale Peer Relay or DERP when there's no direct path.

The retro aesthetic audio brand Nothing released its first pair of over-ear headphones just over a year ago, and already, they're back with improvements.

The brand announced its latest flagship product, the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro, on Sept. 28. This will be the second over-ear headphones release from Nothing this year, following March's budget-friendly Nothing Headphone (a), which I found to be a more well-rounded and better value pair of headphones than the initial launch.

The Headphone (1) Pro, though, show some serious potential. Though I've only spent a few days with the headphones so far, I have some initial thoughts, alongside everything else to know about Nothing's newest release.

Nothing Headphone (1) Pro $399 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Nothing Nothing Headphone (1) Pro: Price and specs

The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro cost $399, putting them $100 over the asking price of the Headphone (1) upon launch. The specs are as follows:

• Drivers: Bass dynamic driver, precision dynamic driver, and xMEMS driver

• Active noise cancellation: Adaptive, powered by 10 microphones

• Battery life: 30 hours with ANC on, 68 hours with ANC off

• Quick charge: Two hours of listening from a five-minute charge

• Spatial audio: Yes, five modes of dynamic spatial audio (standard, Studio B by Metropolis Studios, live house, club, concert hall)

• IP rating: IP52

• Multipoint: Yes

• Connection: Bluetooth 6.1, Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair

• Colors: Black and white

Nothing Headphone (1) Pro vs. Nothing Headphone (1)

While the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro retain the same distinctive retro-rectangular look of the Headphone (1), the brand brought some updates that separate the newer model as the premium one. For instance, the transparent part of the ear cup is made of shatter- and scratch-resistant glass, while a combination of titanium and aluminum provides for a lighter overall product.

Last year's Nothing Headphone (1) are similar in appearances, but the brand made key changes for the update model. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Nothing also claims to have upped the noise cancellation power by 40 percent, thanks to the 10-microphone system with more optimally placed mics. Unlike the older headphones, all the microphones are placed inward on the ear cup, meaning less interference from wind and airflow.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best noise-cancelling headphones we use, love, and recommend

The headline with these headphones, however, likely lies with the broad listening experience. The triple driver architecture isn't one too common on headphones, but it's designed to provide the most robust listening experience. In the companion app, you have the option in the equalizer to tune the main drivers or the precision driver specifically.

In addition to the drivers, Nothing included five different modes of dynamic spatial audio, optimized for different genres of music.

If you're into audio editing, music mixing, or any aspect of audio production, Nothing also included a Flat EQ mode, which is designed to provide the most faithful reproduction of the original audio as possible. The headphones also feature an on-ear switch for this mode on the interior of the left ear cup.

Speaking of on-ear switches, it's worth noting that something that hasn't really changed between the two headphones is the excellent on-ear controls.

Nothing Headphone (1) Pro: First impressions The improved comfort on this design is a huge plus. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Though I haven't had much time with these headphones so far, immediately I could tell they were more comfortable than the Headphone (1), which I could not wear comfortably for more than an hour. Nothing claims the Pro headphones have 50 percent softer ear cushions and an overall lighter frame, both of which feel accurate and make the experience of using these headphones significantly more pleasant.

I've yet to put them through the wringer on the ANC front, but claims of improvements there also feel accurate so far — even the standard sounds of my apartment, like my own typing and the AC running, are basically impossible to hear when I'm streaming audio with the ANC on.

What I'm really looking forward to testing extensively is the robust sound profile. These headphones offer an impressive amount of customization, from the custom equalizer, presets, spatial audio options, and flat EQ mode. As a freelance podcast producer and editor, I'm particularly interested in trying out that last mode against my usual editing headphones.

Ultimately, I'm struggling to come up with critiques in my first days of testing, which I didn't experience with the Headphone (1) — we'll see how that develops over the rest of my testing period.

Nothing Headphone (1) Pro: Where to buy

The Nothing Headphone (1) are available to purchase for $399 at Nothing's website, Amazon, and Best Buy.

Where to buy the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro Amazon Nothing Headphone (1) Pro $399 Shop Now Best Buy Nothing Headphone (1) Pro $399 Shop Now Nothing.tech Nothing Headphone (1) Pro $399 Shop Now

YouTube and I have a long and storied relationship. It’s one of the video platforms I turn to the most when I want to hear music or find out news about my favorite bands. Like many YouTube users, I also use it to learn new skills, figure out new songs, fix my cars, or get more out of the guitar and music production gear I spent good money on. YouTube does a lot of heavy lifting in this space for me.

TL;DR: Watch Mexico vs. Peru in an International Friendly for free on TV Azteca. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Mexico suffered a heartbreaking exit at this summer's World Cup at the hands of England, but now the focus switches to the next generation of stars. Gilberto Mora is probably the biggest talent in Mexico right now, and he helped his side secure a 1-1 draw with Colombia last week. Next, Mexico face Peru at the Sports Illustrated Stadium.

If you're interested in watching Mexico vs. Peru in an International Friendly from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Mexico vs. Peru?

Mexico vs. Peru in an International Friendly kicks off at 9 p.m. ET on Sept. 29. This fixture takes place at the Sports Illustrated Stadium.

How to watch Mexico vs. Peru for free

Mexico vs. Peru in an International Friendly is available to live stream for free on TV Azteca.

TV Azteca is geo-restricted to Mexico, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Mexico, meaning you can live stream Mexico vs. Peru for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Mexico vs. Peru for free by following these simple steps:

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

2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

4. Visit TV Azteca

5. Watch Mexico vs. Peru for free from anywhere in the world

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The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Mexico vs. Peru without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for TV Azteca?

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

• Servers in 105 countries, including Mexico

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Mexico vs. Peru for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

LibreOffice Calc is often dismissed as a spreadsheet that's fine for basic number crunching, but something you'd quickly outgrow as soon as your work gets serious. As someone who's used Excel for decades, I understand that view. Excel is incredibly powerful, and after all this time, I still find myself reaching for it when I need to get something done.