IT General

As we march toward fall, it's time to start thinking about tidying up the homelab and making it a bit safer and more secure. Today's projects include two programs that help keep an eye on your homelab for you, and one that makes your information way more accessible.

If humanity was to end at the hands of AI, as viral posts from former Anthropic employees allege, what would it look like?

Would the robots hack our nuclear arsenals and send them flying through the sky? Would the sophisticated algorithms design a whole new virus to unleash on the populace? Would it be as simple as slowly degrading our trust in our fellow man, until chaos reigns?

We don't really know, but a new safety report from Anthropic, which details several ways AI can already go haywire, is alarming enough.

SEE ALSO: Anthropic researcher quits, says AI 'could kill us all by the end of the decade' Individuals tried to use Anthropic AI to develop bioweapons

Anthropic's report — part of the company's ongoing transparency and monitoring efforts — is a sweeping survey of the last eight months of attempts by threat actors to use its generative AI chatbot Claude for "malicious" activities. Covering what the company calls "atypical" use cases, many of the examples implicate state-sponsored groups, spyware vendors, and government propagandists.

Anthropic categorized such activity into seven "harm areas": cyber operations, influence operations, surveillance, scams and fraud, biological misuse, conventional weapons development, and distillation. Anthropic did not include details on how long the activity had been occurring in most cases.

In the report, the company's Threat Intelligence team described five known case studies involving the potential use of Claude for biological weapons development.

The company alleges that researchers, including state-supported users, prompted Claude to write separate grant applications to experiment with the mosquito-born chikungunya virus and orthopoxvirus. The latter is a family of viruses that cause human illness, including smallpox.  

Anthropic said the users "circumvented controls" designed to prevent individuals in countries without access to Claude from using the product. The users also attempted to hide the purpose of their research, apparently in order to evade safeguards. 

Anthropic described the individuals in each case study as working scientists, but the company did not name them. 

"We do not assert that they intended harm, and identifying them or their labs could expose them to harm," the company wrote in its report. Anthropic said it banned the users' accounts upon discovering their activity and incorporated its findings into its ongoing safety work. 

Claude built software for armed drones, missiles, guns

Anthropic's bot has been harnessed to build and refine software used for weapons development, the report explained, including tech that enabled the design, construction, and testing of real-world munitions.

"Historically, this kind of work has been uncovered by governments, United Nations panels, and outside investigators, who piece it together from recovered hardware and public sources," the company explained.

One account, which Anthropic attributes to a Russia-based freelance agent working an operation titled "operation “DronDoc” or “Serafim," used Claude Code to engineer a "full-stack autonomous first-person-view (FPV) kamikaze drone swarm."

The company also claims a China-based account, potentially a military-industrial researcher, used Claude work tools to create electronic warfare modules intended to circumvent enemy radar and communications and suppress air defenses. The user's simulation included 12 targets located in Taiwan.

Claude used to monitor foreign dissidents and build mass surveillance systems

Anthropic described nine instances of Claude being used to "build, run, and otherwise facilitate" state-sponsored surveillance efforts in foreign countries (including China, Iran, and nations in west Africa) as well as for-hire surveillance networks.

In one case, Claude was used by an operation with suspected ties to the People's Republic of China to track, profile, and recruit politically-connected Uyghur populations — and journalists — with ties to the Syrian Army. Claude used bulk data from monitored WhatsApp and Telegram chats to profile individuals.

In another, at least 16 accounts associated with Iranian paramilitary and domestic security agencies were linked to surveillance and malicious browser extensions built by Claude, which were then used to harvest data from 6,388 Iranians. An "Iran-nexus threat actor" also used Claude to pinpoint U.S. naval targets.

Across the gamut of cases, generative AI was used to replace human surveillance operations, expedite the creation of target profiles using personal data, and facilitate the daily work of government monitors. The company noted that users are barred from using its AI systems for "non-consensual surveillance" and profiling under its current Usage Policy.

Claude helped automate cyber spying ops

Anthropic claims in the report that AI has allowed "threat actors" to automate their cyber operations. In the case studies shared by Anthropic, these individuals relied on multi-agent "frameworks" for reconnaissance and exploitation in an attempt to steal sensitive information. 

One actor, identified as GTG-20006 in the report, has become faster by using AI. Anthropic claims this individual attacked military intelligence targets in the Ukrainian and European governments, in addition to organizations and individuals connected to U.S. foreign policy. 

GTG-20006, whom Anthropic characterizes as a Russian espionage agent, used AI to conduct phishing, ClickFix, and domain name system (DNS) hijacking schemes. 

Anthropic also claims the user targeted military drone makers and manufacturers and infiltrated at least three hospitality vendors in order to target the devices of hotel guests who were Ukrainian government officials and drone manufacturers.

Anthropic's additional examples of AI-enabled cyber operations offered a look at campaigns conducted by both smaller criminal groups and state-sponsored organizations. 

"The diffusion of AI has leveled the playing field giving both classes of actors access to the same set of advanced capabilities," Anthropic said. 

Claude assisted disinformation campaigns ahead of national elections

Bad actors are trying to use AI agents like Claude to turbocharge mass disinformation campaigns, many timed to national elections, Anthropic's report explains. 

In the last year, the company pinpointed and disrupted at least nine disinformation efforts involving increasingly anonymized actors in Russia, China, Iran, Bangladesh, and Kenya. At least one operation, selling its disinformation services at large, spanned at least six continents. 

According to the report, actors used Claude to design influence operations as well as produce the erroneous content itself. For example, Claude was used to clone real accounts by activists, conceal state propaganda in "independent" news sources, and launch what one group called an international "cognitive warfare" program. In one case, an actor impersonated a Sudanese human rights organization and ghost-wrote testimony proposed for the UN Human Rights Council.

Anthropic tracks disinformation efforts by monitoring Claude prompts and then verifies them with open source data, the company explained. "Most of the content we discovered drew little or no authentic engagement, and in several cases we disrupted the operation before it could build an audience," the company wrote. "The widest authentic reach occurred where state media outlets were the distribution mechanism (including FM radio, satellite and shortwave radio, and global television)."

Scammers used Claude to run fake dating profiles

Anthropic's report has a warning of sorts for dating app users. The company said in April 2026 it detected a fraudulent network of 20 dating apps advertised as "fully human." 

Instead, the China-based app studio behind the network used Claude to power the majority of its personas and mixed in gig workers hired to pose as potential love interests. Those individuals also relied on another AI model to generate messages for responses. 

During a two-week period in April, Anthropic identified nearly 5,000 AI personas that chatted with at least 25,000 unique users. The company said it banned the accounts and organizations involved in the operation.

AI safety concerns prompt fervor over regulation

"We’re publishing this work because we believe we have a responsibility to disclose malicious misuse of our services. As models become increasingly capable, their risks will increase, unless AI developers and society’s defenders act to make them safer," wrote the company.

A wave of rogue AI activity across the industry has prompted an energetic charge toward regulation. Anthropic recently co-signed industry-leading AI oversight bills for the state of California.

One of the bills will establish a first-of-its-kind independent audit registry made up of vetted third-party evaluators. The second bill creates a framework for evaluating AI systems and companies in accordance with existing state law.

The bills were also backed by competitor OpenAI, with the company signaling its support for the legislation days before Governor Gavin Newsom signed them into law. Earlier this week, OpenAI announced it was exploring a new framework for alerting the public to AI agents on the loose.

UPDATE: Sep. 10, 2026, 1:16 p.m. This story was updated with additional findings from Anthropic's report, including Claude's role in dating profile scams and international disinformation campaigns.

If you care about protecting your privacy online, you've probably seen an ad for VPNs. You likely also know to seek out private messaging apps like Signal and Proton Mail. But there's another change you need to make in order to protect your phone's web traffic from prying eyes, and it's a relatively simple fix.

Google may not have any news to share about the missing Gemini 3.5 Pro (the next-gen AI model originally scheduled to be released in June), but the company does have a consolation prize for Windows users.

In a Thursday blog post, the company announced the launch of a Gemini app for Windows, a long-requested tool in the AI world. Redditors have been complaining about the lack of a Windows app and sharing workarounds for months, and now Google has answered the call.

Users working on a Windows laptop or PC will now be able to call up Gemini with a keyboard shortcut.

"Press Alt + Space on your PC at any time to open Gemini over your active work," the blog post states. "Whether you need a quick fact-check on a document or a few catchy title ideas for a presentation, you can get the help you need and jump right back into your workflow."

Google says users will be able to use the Gemini Windows app to run Gemini Spark, connect other Google apps such as Gmail and Drive, and create AI-generated images and videos.

How to download the Gemini Windows app

This one's easy. Just head to gemini.google/desktop and click "Download for Windows." You can follow the prompts and install the program like any other.

Google says the app will be available for all Windows 10 and 11 users, and will be updated with additional capabilities in the future.

What's the easiest and cheapest way to build your own budget homelab? Arguably, a used Windows 10 PC is a safe bet (most of the time). But the reality is that mini PCs are slowly taking over this segment, and it's true that they have a lot of attributes that make them easy to recommend for that type of job.

Netflix's most-watched list has been in a bit of a grim mood lately. The Whisper Man still sits at the top with its chilling serial killer vibes going, and don't even get me started on Death of the Pastor's Wife, which is still giving documentary fans the shivers and making them wonder about their neighbors.

Few events lure people away from Pornhub. The World Cup was one, and yesterday's Apple Event was another.

Apple fans typically close their Pornhub tabs at the start of these annual September product launches. Android users, however, don't seem to care. That was the case in 2025, and this year, Pornhub told Mashable that Android traffic remained close to average throughout the event.

But for Apple users, it's a different story. In fact, Pornhub saw the biggest decline in pageviews during an Apple Event in the past five years — and you can probably guess what for.

SEE ALSO: The iPhone Duo's opening animation is a 10/10 design flex for Apple

Two minutes before the event started, Pornhub pageviews on Apple devices were down 19.1 percent compared to an average day. Anticipation was high, as rumors of the foldable iPhone had mounted for weeks.

Credit: Screenshot: Pornhub

Apple did lose some people to porn as the new iPhone 18 Pro was revealed. It can't even fold! And even fewer people focused on the AirPods 5 and new Apple Watches. Traffic on non-Apple devices even went slightly above average (+3 percent) during this time. What, they don't they care about the new ceramic watch material!?

Credit: Screenshot: Pornhub

But, as you can imagine, what really got people away from the salaciousness of Pornhub was the announcement of the foldable iPhone Duo. On Apple devices, pageviews were nearly 22 percent lower than on an average day during the reveal, which the site confirmed with Mashable was the biggest drop in traffic during a September Apple event in the last five years.

Viewers on non-Apple devices weren't as enthralled, but pageviews were around five percent lower than average.

Credit: Screenshot: Pornhub

The distraction away from Pornhub was short-lived, though. By the event's end, pageviews on Apple devices were only around seven percent lower than average. Not even the Duo can hold off Pornhub fans for too long.

Credit: Screenshot: Pornhub

See the minute-by-minute breakdown of traffic on Pornhub's insights blog. And if you missed the Apple Event, here's everything that was announced.

Want more film and TV news and reviews delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Mashable’s Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts.

Claude and ChatGPT are where most of us started with AI, and once you discover what they can do, it’s only natural to put them to work beyond the chat window. That means plugging them into other tools and harnesses through their APIs. But once you do, Claude and ChatGPT stop being a simple $20 subscription and start behaving like metered utilities that can quietly run you hundreds of dollars a month, depending on what your automations are doing.

Google has a reputation for shutting down some of its most useful and well-loved apps. Over the years, countless users have watched services that became part of their daily routines suddenly get pushed aside. It’s a running joke at this point: just when a Google app or service finally gets some momentum, Google is ready to pull the plug.

It can be painful to change password managers on your phone, not to mention insecure — you might have to download files that expose your passwords in plain text, and recreate all your passkeys. Google now claims to have fixed this with a new "transfer experience" that helps you switch password managers on Android, including passkeys.

It’s no secret that offline maps are one of the best features of Google Maps. That doesn’t mean it’s the best overall, though. OsmAnd Maps is an excellent open-source alternative with a lot more to offer when it comes to offline navigation.

Linux is famously smaller and lighter than Windows, but that understates just how small Linux distros can really be. There are complete, general-purpose operating systems that only take up 200MB of storage—truly tiny by the standards of 2026.

GTA 6 is just a few months away, and if you haven't already dropped $80 on a pre-order, then what are you waiting for?

If you're hoping to play GTA 6 as part of your Xbox Game Pass subscription, then I have some bad news for you: Grand Theft Auto VI will not be included in Xbox Game Pass at launch. Unfortunately, the same goes for PC gamers. So, if you're a casual player who was hoping to avoid buying a $600 gaming console just to play GTA 6, Xbox Game Pass isn't the solution.

Will GTA 6 be added to the Xbox Game Pass library at a later date? Probably! In fact, previous GTA games have been included in the subscription. However, even if GTA 6 is eventually added to the Xbox Game Pass, it could be awhile. And don't forget that Xbox Game Pass is going to impose strict monthly limits on cloud gaming in November, the same month GTA 6 is released.

Xbox Game Pass is a monthly subscription service that provides gamers with online console multiplayer access along with a library of titles. Xbox Game Pass actually includes quite a selection of games, depending on your plan. For example, the $22.99 per month Game Pass Ultimate plan includes more than 500 titles, including a selection of launch-day games, and doesn't require an Xbox console.

SEE ALSO: How 'GTA 6' looks on Xbox Series S: What we know

Not all games are added to Xbox Game Pass. Many popular titles do eventually get added, but usually not from day one.

Strauss Zelnick, the CEO of GTA developer Rockstar Games' parent company Take-Two, addressed the organization's view of game subscription services during a GamesIndustry.biz live event in 2022.

"We've supported various subscription services and we're happy to do so," Zelnick said at the time. "Our scepticism has been around making frontline console products available day and date with subscription. That doesn't make any sense to us, because economically speaking, we don't think consumers are prepared to pay for that. And we can't afford to turn our business upside down in a way that doesn't make sense economically. There always has to be an intersection between what the consumer wants and what the publisher is able to do. And you know, it doesn't make sense to do that for our properties."

Rockstar Games' GTA 6 predecessor, Grand Theft Auto V, has been included in the Xbox Game Pass numerous times over the years. GTA 5 was available on Game Pass in 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2025, and usually stayed on the service for a few months before being removed.

GTA 5's most recent stint on Xbox Game Pass ended on April 15, 2026.

With that said, GTA 5 was released all the way back in 2013, and its first inclusion in Xbox Game Pass was more than six and a half years later.

So, will gamers have to wait nearly seven years for GTA 6 to be added to Xbox Game Pass or other cloud gaming subscriptions? We just don't know. But one thing is certain: if you want to play GTA 6 when it launches later this year, you're going to have to buy it outright and play on either an Xbox or PlayStation console.

SEE ALSO: GTA 6 Netflix extended look: Everything that was revealed

Disclosure Day, which hit theaters in early June, marks a return to sci-fi for legendary director Steven Spielberg. Not just sci-fi, but specifically alien-themed sci-fi. It also reunites him with many of his longtime collaborators, including screenwriter David Koepp, who also wrote Jurassic Park and War of the Worlds. In other words, if you're a Spielberg fan, it's a must-watch.

The best ways to watch 'Disclosure Day' at a glance: Watch now Buy or rent 'Disclosure Day' on Prime Video $19.99 or $9.99 Shop Now Watch now Buy or rent 'Disclosure Day' at Apple TV $19.99 or $9.99 Shop Now Watch now Buy or rent 'Disclosure Day' on Fandango $19.99 or $9.99 Shop Now Watch as of Oct. 9 Peacock Premium yearly subscription $129.99/year (save $25.89) Get Deal Watch as of Oct. 9 Peacock Premium for Students and Young Adults $5.99/month for 12 months (save $7/month) Get Deal Watch as of Oct. 9 Peacock Premium for First Responders and Medical Professionals $6.99/month (save $6/month) Get Deal Watch as of Oct. 9 Peacock Premium for Active Military and Veterans $6.99/month (save $6/month) Get Deal Watch as of Oct. 9 Peacock Premium for Teachers $6.99/month (save $6/month) Get Deal Watch as of Oct. 9 Instacart+ (includes Peacock Premium for free) $99.99/year (save $129.99/year) Get Deal Watch as of Oct. 9 Walmart+ (includes Peacock Premium for free) $98/year (save $129.99/year) Get Deal

"With Disclosure Day, I experienced the distinctive thrill of watching a master filmmaker do what he does best," Mashable's Kristy Puchko cheered. In her review of the film, she called it "a dizzying mix of action, humor, adventure, sci-fi, and wonder."

Unfortunately, it underperformed at theaters, despite an 80 percent Rotten Tomatoes rating. Universal Pictures is hoping to find a wider audience in October, as the alien thriller is officially making its streaming debut. Here are all the streaming details you need to know to watch Disclosure Day.

What is Disclosure Day about?

Disclosure Day follows cybersecurity administrator Daniel Kellner (Josh O'Connor), who is on the run from a military-industrial corporation called Wardex after he steals sensitive files that he seeks to reveal to the world. I'm not saying it's aliens, but it's definitely aliens. He teams up with TV meteorologist Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt), and they fight "not just for the future of humanity, but also humanity's understanding of the universe," as Mashable's entertainment editor puts it in her review.

Check out the official trailer below.

How to watch Disclosure Day at home Credit: Universal Pictures

Disclosure Day will be available to watch at home three different ways as of Oct. 9: buy it or rent it via digital-on-demand retailers or stream it. We've broken down the details below.

Buy or rent it on digital

A little over a month after its theatrical release, Disclosure Day made its digital debut on July 21, 2026. Now that it's been on digital-on-demand retailers for a couple of months, the price has gone down from $24.99 to $19.99 to purchase it and $19.99 to $9.99 to rent it.

If you choose to rent, you'll get 30 days to watch the film and just 48 hours to finish it once you start. If you choose to buy it, then it's yours to keep and watch as many times as you want.

Here are some quick links to rent or purchase the film.

• Apple TV — buy for $19.99, rent for $9.99

• Fandango — buy for $19.99, rent for $9.99

• Google Play — buy for $19.99, rent for $9.99

• Prime Video — buy for $19.99, rent for $9.99

Stream it on Peacock

We originally estimated that Disclosure Day would hit streaming in September, but you'll have to wait just a little longer. The Universal Pictures sci-fi thriller is set to make its streaming debut on Peacock on October 9, 2026.

While the cheapest Peacock subscription costs just $8.99 per month, it unfortunately won't grant you access to theatrical releases. You'll need at least Peacock Premium, which costs $12.99 per month, to stream Disclosure Day. Before you sign up, be sure to check out some of the best ways to save some money on a subscription below.

The best Peacock streaming dealsBest Peacock deal: Save up to $39 on an annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription $129.99 per year or $199.99 per year (save 17%) Get Deal

The best way to save money on a streaming subscription on any given day is by opting for the annual plan instead of the monthly plan. Paying for a year of Peacock Premium or Premium Plus up front saves you up to $39.89 per year.

Peacock Premium (with ads) costs $12.99 monthly, which adds up to $155.88 for 12 months. If you pay for the annual plan, however, it'll only cost you $129.99 — a savings of $25.89. Likewise, the Premium Plus plan costs $19.99 per month, which adds up to $239.88. The annual plan, on the other hand, costs just $169.99 — a savings of $39.89. You'll essentially be getting two months of streaming for free by opting for an annual subscription.

Best Peacock deal for Xfinity customers: Free Peacock Premium for eligible accounts Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / Xfinity Peacock Premium Free for select Xfinity customers Learn More

Nothing beats free. If you're an Xfinity customer and have yet to check if you get Peacock for free, I highly recommend heading to Xfinity.com for more details. Here's a brief breakdown:

• Xfinity Internet customers who are Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can get Peacock Premium for free by redeeming a reward for it. Sign in at xfinity.com/rewards and choose Peacock as a reward. Then, wait for your email (it may take a few hours) with instructions on activating the offer.

• NOW TV customers can also receive Peacock Premium as part of their service.

• New customers with Xfinity Internet and an X1 TV Box, Flex streaming TV Box, or a Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity can get Peacock Premium for free for six months.

Best Peacock deal for students and young adults: Save $7/month for one year Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Students $5.99/month for 12 months (save $7/month) Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for young adults $5.99/month for 12 months (save $7/month) Get Deal

Both students and young adults (ages 18 to 24) can take $7 per month off a Peacock Premium subscription all year long. Verify your student status or age through SheerID and generate a unique promo code to knock the price down to just $5.99 instead of $12.99. Just a heads up that once the promo year is up, you'll be charged full price unless you cancel.

Best for first responders, medical professionals, military, and teachers: Save $6/month Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for First Responders and Medical Professionals $6.99 per month (save $6 per month) Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Military $6.99 per month (save $6 per month) Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Teachers $6.99/month (save $6 per month) Get Deal

First responders, medical professionals, teachers, and military personnel can all unlock Peacock Premium subscriptions (with ads) for a discounted rate of $6.99 per month by verifying professional status through SheerID. If you continue to meet verification qualifications, then you can renew your subscription at a discounted rate each year. Prices are subject to change year to year.

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An Instacart+ membership ($99.99 per year) unlocks a free Peacock Premium subscription ($129.99 per year value) on top of free grocery delivery, lower fees, and credit back on eligible pickup orders. You'll even get a free two-week trial to kick things off. Pro tip: Sign up for your trial of Instacart+ when Disclosure Day debuts on Peacock so you can watch it for free. Just be sure to cancel before you're charged the full amount. We recommend setting a calendar alert to remind you.

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One of the best ways to score streaming services for free is by signing up for a Walmart+ membership. A $98 Walmart+ subscription unlocks either Peacock Premium or Paramount+ Essential as a free perk — and you can switch every few months. Since Peacock Premium is a $129.99 value, the $98 Walmart+ membership is already a better deal than paying for Peacock on its own. With Walmart+, you'll also get free shipping with no order minimums, fuel discounts, a Scan & Go checkout tool, and early access to deals during Walmart's major shopping events.

UPDATE: Sep. 10, 2026, 12:00 p.m. EDT This story has been updated to include the official streaming date for "Disclosure Day," as well as the latest pricing information at digital on-demand retailers and Peacock.

Are you putting up with pesky household problems? The ones you’ve almost forgotten about, but that make a massive difference to your quality of life when they’re finally fixed?

Apple's foldable iPhone Duo doesn't even come out until Oct. 23, but it already has a lookalike. That's because the iPhone Duo wasn't the only short and wide foldable device announced this week.

Just a couple of days before the big Apple event, in which the Duo was announced alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and other devices, Xiaomi launched a competitor of its own, per PhoneArena. It's called the Xiaomi 18 Fold and, as you can see from the photos, it looks a lot like the iPhone Duo. It trades the boxy corners of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, which came out over the summer, for the rounded edges and D-shape of the Duo.

SEE ALSO: The iPhone Duo's opening animation is a 10/10 design flex for Apple This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Reports prior to the Galaxy Z Fold 8's launch suggested that Samsung picked that form factor because of what Apple was doing, and it's very possible Xiaomi did the same. The phone is unlikely to be released outside of China, but here are some of the specs, in case you're curious:

• Display: 7.58-inch main display and 5.38-inch cover display

• Processor: XRING O3

• RAM: 12/16GB

• Storage: 256/512GB/1TB

• Battery: 6,000mAh

• Cameras: 200MP main, 50MP ultra-wide, 50MP telephoto

The Xiaomi 18 Fold also has one big potential advantage over the iPhone Duo. It has three cameras (including a true telephoto lens and a 200MP main shooter), and they're Leica cameras.

Credit: Xiaomi

Those are pretty decent specs for a phone whose Chinese price converts to roughly $1,600 USD, but again, there's no way you'll ever get one in the States without importing it. That's sure to drive the cost up into iPhone Duo territory, so at that point, you might as well just get one of Apple or Samsung's foldables.

However, the device could offer Apple some competition when the iPhone Duo launches in China.

Clearly, this specific form factor is officially a thing now.

Top smartphone deals of the week

If the $1,999 iPhone Duo isn’t in your budget, this is a great time to take advantage of discounts on previous-generation iPhones and Android devices.

• Get the iPhone 17 for $0 down at T-Mobile

• Samsung Galaxy S26 FE + $200 Amazon Gift Card — $799.99 $999.99 (save $200)

• Google Pixel 11 Pro — $1,019.70 $1,099 (save $79.30)

• Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — $1,049.99 $1,299.99 (save $250)

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 — $1,649.99 $1,899.99 (save $250)

As someone who worked at Hallmark for years of my early adult life, I can say with certainty that it's basically already Christmas in the retail world. So that means it's time to start thinking about gifts. Amazon's on top of it, as the mega retailer just released its list of the Top 100+ Toys of 2026.

For those who want to get their shopping started extra early, several of these top toys are already on sale. Others, while not discounted, are likely to be in high demand this holiday season. So we'd recommend snagging those sooner rather than later if you want to ensure you get your hands on them. It may seem dramatic to start holiday shopping in early September, but with the state of the economy in 2026, spreading out your spending can help you stay within your budget. You know, rather than splurging all at once come Dec. 1.

We've looked through Amazon's list of the best toys of 2026 and selected a few we think are worth grabbing early, whether they're on sale or likely to sell out. Be sure to check out the full shoppable list if you need some more gift ideas for kids in your life.

Amazon Top 100 Toys of 2026 in high-demandTrading cards and collectibles Opens in a new window Credit: Pokémon Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box $89.99 at Amazon
  Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ravensburger Ravensburger Disney Lorcana TCG: Illumineer's Quest $59.99 at Amazon
  Get Deal

Trading cards and collectibles are popular gifts for 2026. In honor of three decades of Pokémon, the 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is particularly in high demand. It requires an invitation to purchase, so secure your chance now to grab it.

DIY building kits that double as decor Opens in a new window Credit: Play-Doh Play-Doh Blooms Blush Flower Bouquet Making Kit $39.99 at Amazon
  Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Woodland Mushrooms Building Set $79.95 at Amazon
  Get Deal

Lego Botanicals building sets make excellent gifts for just about anyone, young or old, but Play-Doh's new building kit is giving them a run for their money. Both serve as hands-on ways to flex those creative muscles.

Amazon Top Toys of 2026 already on sale

• Skillmatics Peelies reusable stickers — $9.47 $14.97 (save $5.50)

• Educational Insights Kanoodle Fan Edition — $12.96 $16.99 (save $4.03)

• Crazy Aaron's Better Butter Thinking Putty — $14.99 $21.97 (save $6.98)

• Giant Tower Stack — $34.86 $69.99 (save $35.13)

• Peppa Pig Ready, Pedal, Go Peppa Interactive Figure — $39.99 $44.99 (save $5)

• Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Mutant Monster Takedown Playset — $49.99 $53.99 (save $4)

• PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie Megasaurus Dino Vehicle with Inflatable Toy — $49.99 $64.99 (save $15)

TL;DR: Physical preorders for Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake are already $10.11 off at Amazon and Walmart. Both retailers have them listed for just $59.88 (normally $69.99) as of Sept. 10.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" for Nintendo Switch 2 $59.88 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $10.11   Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" for Nintendo Switch 2 $59.88 at Walmart
$69.99 Save $10.11 Sign in to see the price in your cart. Pre-order Here

One of this week's Nintendo Direct livestreams brought us some long-awaited details about the upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake for the Nintendo Switch 2. That includes an official release date of Nov. 5 and a first look at gameplay footage, complete with modernized visuals, free camera controls, and a dedicated jump button. Hyah!

Digital and physical copies of the Ocarina of Time remake are now available for preorder. The digital version costs $59.99, while the physical version goes for for $69.99 — unless you buy it from Amazon or Walmart. As of Sept. 10, both retailers are selling physical copies for just $59.88, or a little over $10 off. (That offer wasn't being matched by Best Buy, Target, GameStop, or the Nintendo Store at the time of writing.)

Try to get your preorder in soon. In a press release, Nintendo said the first print run of the game's physical version will have "special packaging that features textured foil cover art."

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Nintendo is also releasing some Legend of Zelda-themed hardware this fall, in honor of the franchise's 40th anniversary. That includes a special-edition Switch 2 console, Pro Controller, and carrying case, all out Oct. 29. Mashable contributor Lauren Allain has all the details.

Long ago, the Four Nations lived together in harmony. Then, everything changed when... the Avatar attacked?

That's the gist of the trailer for Avatar: Seven Havens, which takes place around 225 years after the end of Avatar: The Legend of Korra. In that time, a mysterious cataclysm has reshaped the world. The boundaries between the physical world and spirit world are as good as gone, humanity has retreated to secure Havens, and everyone apparently hates the Avatar. Why? Because according to the trailer, Korra is responsible for the world's destruction.

SEE ALSO: 2026 fall TV preview: Every show you should know about

Now, her young successor Pavi (voiced by Saheli Khan) must navigate a world that despises her, one that looks like the Avatar universe mixed with Mad Max. From threatening desert storms to post-apocalyptic vehicles meant to withstand post-apocalyptic disaster, it's a vastly different Avatar world than we're used to.

The changes carry over to the Havens, which have replaced the Four Nations. Unlike in prior Avatar shows, the Havens are not based around one bending culture. Instead, they're a big melting pot of surviving benders. The trailer introduces the vast Haven of Ellora, whose architecture and inhabitants reflect the blend of nations.

Thankfully, Pavi won't have to carry the burden of being the Avatar alone. She'll have help from her airbending friend and mentor Jae (Major Curda), as well as her long-lost twin sister Nisha (Aishu Devan). And who can forget her loyal companion, cat-monkey Geet (Dee Bradley Baker)?

With Jae and Nisha's help, Pavi will attempt to unravel her and her sister's mysterious pasts and restore balance to the world. While she's at it, hopefully she can clear Korra's name, right? Right?

Avatar: Seven Havens premieres Oct. 9 on Paramount+.

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SAVE $15: Our top-rated budget air purifier, the Levoit Core 300-P, is down to $84.99 on Amazon. That's a 15% discount off its regular $99.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Levoit Levoit Core 300-P air purifier $84.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $15   Get Deal

If you're dealing with seasonal allergies, constantly wiping dust off your furniture, or trying to keep up with pet hair, a solid air purifier makes a huge difference. Our go-to budget pick — the Levoit Core 300-P — is currently marked down to $84.99 on Amazon, saving you $15 off its usual $99.99 list price.

Inside, it packs a 3-stage defense: a washable pre-filter for floating fur and lint, an H13 true HEPA filter that traps 99.97% of micro-particles (pollen, dust mites, smoke), and an activated carbon layer to neutralize cooking smells and litter box odors.

SEE ALSO: The ultimate air purifier buying guide: Match your space, budget, and needs

Named the best budget air purifier in Mashable's testing by Leah Stodart and Lauren Allain, the Levoit Core 300P earns its spot by delivering total bang for your buck as a simple, unbox-and-go option for under $100.

Its biggest win is how little space it takes up. Standing just 14.2 inches tall and under nine inches wide, it works easily on a tabletop, nightstand, or floor, making it super portable to carry from room to room. Mashable’s Digital Culture Editor Crystal Bell relies on it for her home to manage cat hair and dander, noting how much smaller and compact it is compared to bulkier units like her Coway Airmega.

It circulates clean air in spaces up to 1,073 square feet in just an hour. In dedicated Sleep Mode, the fan drops to a whisper-quiet 24dB and turns off all top panel lights so you aren't stuck sleeping next to a glowing nightlight. Touch controls let you toggle three fan speeds, set 2-to-8-hour off timers, and check filter life indicators. It’s cheap to run, easy to maintain, and does the heavy lifting so your lungs don't have to.

Grab our favorite budget HEPA air purifier on Amazon while it's still 15% off.