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Inside Camp Looksmax, Claviculars $7,500 camp for looks and dating lessons
A week in a Los Angeles mansion, dating lessons, a wardrobe upgrade, and PowerPoint presentations about plastic surgery. Welcome to Camp Looksmax.
Hosted by streamer Braden Peters, AKA Clavicular (who was charged with rape in Massachusetts on Sept. 8; Peters’ attorneys have denied the allegations in a related civil lawsuit), and fellow creator Hexumlite, the seven-day residential program promises coaching on appearance, confidence, and dating skills.
You don’t need a spot in the mansion to follow along. The first session began Oct. 1 and is being broadcast around the clock on Clavicular’s Kick channel, where he has nearly 450,000 followers.
But joining the lessons comes at a considerable cost. According to the camp’s website, the first session sold out in 72 hours, and a second begins Oct. 8 at $7,500 per attendee. Here's what that gets you.
Credit: Screenshot/CampLooksmax.comIf "looksmaxxing" hasn’t made its way onto your feed, the term refers to attempts to improve physical attractiveness. Some advice covers familiar territory: grooming, exercise, skincare. Other parts of the subculture promote extreme interventions and rigid beliefs about how much appearance determines success.
Camp Looksmax turns that online pursuit into an in-person curriculum. Its website advertises mentorship with one of the trend’s best-known creators, Clavicular, alongside Hexumlite, plus classes, outings, and guided practice approaching unassuming women on the street.
SEE ALSO: Who is Clavicular, and why is he everywhere right now? What is happening at "camp?"A lot. For starters, there are online dating lessons and practice dates. In one clip, the date, a local college girl, advises a campgoer to say "um" less frequently while Peters and the other attendees watched closely. "You're just not flowing," Clavicular added.
Then there’s the wardrobe. A day-three itinerary outlined a Zara shopping challenge, with a cash reward for the best outfit, followed by a visit to Tall Men Shoes for footwear that adds height, otherwise known as "lifts." In clips from the stream, Peters talked to his pupils all about "height frauding," and even said that he was "really off-put how few people were wearing lifts on the first day of camp."
The styling feedback can get quite specific, and focuses mainly on looking "high class." In one exchange, Clavicular approves a participant's H&M shirt but tells him to lose the shorts because they make his shoe lifts more noticeable. He also has a distaste for sagging pants.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Physical appearance is essential, beyond what you wear. During introductions, Clavicular gets in detail about his height, deltoid width, and "bone-pressed penile length." He encourages participants to share similar measurements, including their height. Clavicular suggests to do "spinal deadhangs" before going out in order to make yourself taller. He also encouraged participants to share their most "blackpilling" moment. (In the incel vocabulary, the "blackpill" refers to the belief that appearance determines a person’s prospects in life and with women.)
The dating lessons also take participants outside the mansion to practice "cold approaching," or starting conversations with unassuming women on the street. "Sorry, you caught me off guard," one girl replies to streamer Hexumlite, who approached her in the middle of a crowded street. Others simply walk past the group of men, who often approach one or two women in a large group (with a running start).
After one woman rejected Hexumlite, he told her, "I’m starting to get pissed the f-ck off not gonna lie to you, because at the end of the day if it was a 6’8” f-cking Chad."
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.After the day of attempting to pick up women, Clavicular praised the participants. "Only about 5 percent of people have the balls to actually go up to a girl in the middle of the day without being intoxicated," he said. "I really applaud you guys for cold approaching today." (There is no evidence that statistic is accurate.)
Camp Looksmax is $7,500, paid upfront after acceptance (according to the site). Applying is free, and prospective attendees speak with a camp counselor before securing a place. The package includes mansion accommodation, chef-prepared meals, mentorship, camp-organized activities, and custom-tailored clothing. Getting to and from Los Angeles is the attendee’s responsibility and costs extra.
There’s a competitive element, too. Organizers advertise a $25,000 prize for one participant, plus the possibility that selected attendees could return to teach future cohorts as "professors." As of Oct. 5, the website lists the second session as 65 percent sold.
SEE ALSO: Clavicular and the online culture that turns humiliating women into contentWith another cohort scheduled to arrive Oct. 8, the camp offers a literal example of creators becoming teachers for a largerly Gen Z and Gen Alpha following, some of whom look up to Clavicular and his theology. For boys still developing and figuring out dating and relationships, these lessons may last far after the stream, or week, ends.
The best new Lego sets of October include the longest Lego set ever and a classic gaming console
It's the beginning of a new month, and dedicated Lego fans know what that means: new sets are here.
Though there aren't a ton of October Lego releases, this is very much a quality over quantity situation. Yes, there are standard holiday rollouts ahead of December, but a few sets we've been eyeing since their announcement are finally available to the public. Hint: They include Star Wars, retro gaming, and a classic work of claymation.
SEE ALSO: Our 17 favorite Lego sets, sourced from actual Lego fansAll told, there are seven new Lego sets that stand out this month — check them out below:
Lego Up-Scaled Mrs. Claus Minifigure A Christmas queen. Credit: LegoSanta got the new set love last month, and this month, it's Mrs. Claus's turn. This super-sized minifig can be a nice addition to your holiday decor that doesn't require hours of building, with the set topping out at 904 pieces.
Pieces: 904 pieces Recommended age: 10+
Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Up-Scaled Mrs. Claus Minifigure $59.99 at LegoShop Now Lego Ideas Wallace & Gromit Have you ever seen a windowsill look so whimsical? Credit: Lego
The Mashable team has had its eyes on this Wallace & Gromit set since its announcement last month, and can you blame us? From the sidecar to Gromit's posable ears and the impressively brickified creation of the iconic duo, you can practically create your own stop motion adventure starring the pair.
Pieces: 1,038 Recommended age: 18+
Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Wallace & Gromit $99.99 at LegoShop Now Lego Icons Holiday House A guaranteed white Christmas. Credit: Lego
Ceramic winter village sets are classic, but this Lego Icons set allows for a fun (less fragile) twist. This holiday house set in particular draws some inspiration from a favorite carol of many (hint: note the horse and the sleigh), plus a light-up brick you can turn on to give the house an extra cozy atmosphere. All told, the set comes with four minifigures, interior and exterior decorations, and plenty of potential for getting into the holiday spirit.
Pieces: 1,354 pieces Recommended age: 18+
Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Holiday House $119.99 at LegoShop Now Lego Icons Bookstore: Book Nook Bookception. Credit: Lego
Book nooks are kind of a must for any reader, and though this isn't Lego's first (we still clock every time the Balrog one is on sale), this one feels like an extra special homage to book lovers. Closed up, this nook provides a peek through the window storefront of the world's coziest-looking bookstore. Opened up, the bookstore expands, featuring a spiral staircase, a reading area, and a cat — in other words, bookworm essentials.
Pieces: 1,690 pieces Recommended age: 18+
Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Bookstore: Book Nook $149.99 at LegoShop Now Lego PlayStation The nostalgia of the PlayStation: captured. Credit: Lego
I'm half convinced that if you didn't look at this set too hard, you could easily mistake it for a real PlayStation. From the console to the controller, Lego could've easily stopped at the faithful recreation and called it a day, but being the brand they are, they decided to add two mini dioramas of the games Gran Turismo and Ape Escape in the interior of the console. Though it was announced a month ago, this set hasn't been available to preorder, so we're thrilled to see it finally for sale in the Lego store.
Pieces: 1,911 pieces Recommended age: 18+
Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego PlayStation $179.99 at LegoShop Now Lego Ideas Downton Abbey Some staging ideas for your new build. Credit: Lego
Maybe you'll never get to live in Downton Abbey, but hey, a nearly 5,000-piece Lego recreation of the series' setting isn't a bad consolation. Alongside the impressive exterior, the back view shows all the rooms, including the kitchen, servants' hall, Mr. Carson's office, as well as the dining room, main hall, and library on the upper level. The set also features 13 minifigures from Season 6 of the show.
Pieces: 4,711 pieces Recommended age: 18+
Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Downtown Abbey $349.99 at LegoShop Now Lego Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer I mean yeah, it definitely gives longest Lego ever. Credit: Lego
This set is no joke. As Mashable reported in the announcement of this Star Destroyer, it's the longest Lego set ever made, at 53.5 inches. It required the brand's engineers to create a new Lego system core to properly anchor the exterior panels. In addition to the impressive model of Darth Vader's ship from The Empire Strikes Back, this set comes with the minifigures for Luke's father himself, Boba Fett, and the five other bounty hunters from the film. Though it's certainly priced accordingly, this set will be a hard one to miss for any Star Wars and Lego super fans.
Pieces: 6,130 pieces Recommended age: 18+
Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer $799.99 at LegoShop Now
Why you shouldn't use a Chinese phone in the US
It's tempting to import a Chinese phone for U.S. use, and for good reason. They frequently have more powerful cameras, gigantic silicon-carbon batteries, and clever features at prices that undercut their American and Korean counterparts. I've used some myself, and it's wonderful to have even mid-range Android devices that take quality photos and last two days on a charge.
$455 worth of subscriptions you can replace with Home Assistant
Home Assistant isn't just a great way to control your smart home locally and privately, but it can also save you money. You can use Home Assistant to replace multiple subscription services, which could save you more than $455 per year.
The best Prime Day deals under $50: Our favorite budget deals on earbuds, beauty tech, and more
Prime Big Deal Days is here once more, and Amazon's fall sale is open to Prime members on Oct. 6 and 7. Discounts cover everything from kitchen gadgets to smart home devices, which makes this the perfect time to cross a few names off your holiday list early.
Some prices already started to fall in the weeks leading up to the event, especially on Amazon's own devices. Fresh deals are popping up each day, and plenty of them come in under $50. That's good news if you're shopping for stocking stuffers, a small gift for a coworker, or something for yourself that won't eat into your holiday budget.
We'll keep this list updated throughout the sale. In the meantime, here are some of the best Prime Big Deal Days deals you can grab for less than $50.
Best Amazon device deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $44.99 at Amazon$84.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it
The Fire TV Stick 4K Max recently saw its list price increase at Amazon to $84.99, but there's good news for shoppers of Prime Big Deal Days: it's currently on sale for $44.99. That's nearly half off, which is a discount we'll certainly welcome. It's a worthy investment if you're looking for a streaming upgrade, boasting 4K Ultra HD picture quality alongside support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and even Dolby Atmos audio to really immerse you in what you watch.
More Amazon device deals under $50Fire TV Stick HD — $15.99 $39.99 (save $24)
Fire TV Stick 4K Select — $17.99 $49.99 (save $32)
Echo Pop Kids — $21.99 $49.99 (save $28)
Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $37.99 $69.99 (save $32)
Echo Dot Kids — $39.99 $89.99 (save $50)
Echo Dot — $39.99 $79.99 (save $40)
Amazon Echo Glow (2-Pack) — $42.99 $59.98 (save $16.99)
$64.95 Save $25.95 Get Deal Why we like it
These earbuds have active noise cancellation to cut down on the chatter around you, plus a Smart Ambient mode that lets outside sound back in when you need to hear what's going on in the real world. They boast 10 hours of playtime with an additional 30 hours from the charging case, and they're IP54-rated, so rain and sweat won't hurt them. For under $50, they're a great option to toss in your bag and go.
More headphone and earbud deals under $50Sony WH-CH520 — $33 $69.99 (save $36.99)
CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 — $35 $49 (save $14)
Anker Soundcore Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Canceling Headphones — $39.99 $69.99 (save $30)
$59.99 Save $20 Get Deal Why we like it
This versatile "everything" oven heats from the top and bottom plates simultaneously to give pizza a crispy crust, and it's ready to cook in as little as three minutes. The 12-inch nonstick plates also work for plenty of other goodies: quesadillas, omelets, pancakes, grilled sandwiches, you name it. When it's time to clean up, just wipe it with a damp cloth. Then close it and stand it upright so it doesn't take up much counter space when dinner is over.
More kitchen deals under $50Cuisinart Mini Food Processor — $24.49 $39.95 (save $15.46)
Cuisinart Wonder Ice Cream Maker (1 pint) — $32.95 $49.95 (save $17)
Crock-Pot Manual Slow Cooker (7 quart) — $35.99 $59.99 (save $24)
Chefman Air Fryer 4 QT — $49.99 $99.99 (save $50)
KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender — $49.99 $69.99 (save $20)
$119.98 Save $79 Get Deal Why we like it
Keep an eye on who darkens your doorstep with this video doorbell. It records 2K footage with a head-to-toe view, so you can see a visitor's face and packages, pets, or other guests in the same frame. It's battery-powered, so you can mount it right outside your door without touching any wiring, though you can also connect it to your existing doorbell wiring if you'd like it to ring inside your home. When someone stops by, you can talk to them from your phone through two-way audio with noise cancellation.
Best beauty deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Wavytalk Wavytalk Thermal Brush Blowout Boost $49.99 at Amazon$69.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it
Thermal brushes can be a great, low-fuss way to get an effortless, blown-out look. They're not the same as a blow dryer brush, so this tool does need to be used on dry hair. That said, the Wavytalk thermal brush has become a cult favorite on TikTok, thanks to its even heat, sleek results, and great value.
More beauty deals under $50Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects — $34.99 $45.99 (save $11)
Waterpik Cordless Pulse 3100 — $34.99 $49.99 (save $15)
$31.49 Save $4.72 Get Deal
If you enjoy camping in this cooler fall weather, a camping chair is an important addition to your outdoor gear. If you're looking for a new option to chill out in, the Amazon Basics Camping Chair is on sale, exclusively for Prime members. It's a comfortable pick with a breathable mesh back, a built-in cup holder for your favorite drink, a side pocket, and a beverage cooler pouch that holds up to four 12-ounce cans.
Best home deals under $50Amazon Smart Plug — $12.98 $24.99 (save $12.01)
Dreo 3L Humidifiers for Bedroom — $29.90 $39.99 (save $10.09)
Dreo Space Heater — $35.14 $39.99 (save $30.02)
Bedsure Heated Blanket Throw — $41.99 $68.99 (save $27)
Apple AirTag — $24 $29 (save $5)
Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Speaker — $33.99 $45.99 (save $12)
Apple MagSafe Charger — $39.99 $49 (save $9.01)
Liberal San Francisco is keeping its Flock cameras
Citing privacy and accuracy concerns, cities like Lynchburg, Virginia, and states like Florida have turned against Flock, the nation's main purveyor of automated license plate readers (ALPRs); conservative GOP politicians like Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri have too.
Meanwhile, San Francisco — which has one of the most liberal voting records in the U.S. — is sticking with its more than 400 Flock cameras.
The city just adopted a new policy late last month that keeps the cameras rolling, but places new limits on them, including requiring police officers to obtain approval from their bosses, and a connection to an active criminal investigation, to search camera data more than 30 days old and demonstrate a connection to an active criminal investigation, San Francisco's NBC news affiliate reported.
Crime is dropping, but why?San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins recently defended the AI-powered cameras to NPR.
"What the license plate reader cameras have absolutely done — and we do have proof of this — is give the police the ability to catch people who have engaged in crime," she said.
SEE ALSO: An officer's use of Flock cameras was 'unconstitutional,' judge rulesThere is no question that crime is down in San Francisco, which dropped almost 59 percent and more than 82 percent, respectively, in January through August 2026 compared with the same period in 2022, according to NPR's analysis of SFPD data. Whether that has anything to do with Flock is less clear, especially because other factors, like the AI boom gentrification wave and the dramatic nationwide post-COVID crime drop, could also be at play.
Then-Mayor London Breed threw a press conference in 2024 to proudly tout the deployment of Flock cameras in the city. "These license plate readers can play a critical role in disrupting retail theft, car break-ins, sideshows, and other criminal activity,” Breed said at the time.
That press conference came shortly after San Francisco voters approved Proposition E, a police-related initiative that granted the SFPD authority for the "use of drones along with or instead of vehicular pursuits" and "installation of surveillance and facial recognition cameras without approval from the police commission or board of supervisors."
A poll from July showed that San Franciscans remained supportive of surveillance as a tool against crime.
"The San Francisco Police Department sometimes uses drones and cameras after a 911 call to assist in an active investigation,” read one question from the GrowSF poll. "Do you support or oppose allowing the use of drones and cameras after a 911 call to assist in an active investigation?”
A majority of respondents, 72 percent, strongly supported or somewhat supported that use of drones and cameras, while only 12 percent strongly opposed it. (The question did not ask specifically about Flock.)
City by the Bay ServerThe poll of 662 voters was commissioned by GrowSF, a group founded in 2020 by tech workers that's "focused on winning local elections, holding leaders accountable, and giving voters clear, honest information." Many of GrowSF's board members work or have worked in the tech industry, and one of its billionaire funders, Chris Larsen, assisted the SFPD in the Flock purchase, according to SFGate.
And when she announced the Flock deal, Breed emphasized the use of technology to catch crooks.
SEE ALSO: Bernie Sanders proposes The Ban Flock Act"While we are relentless in staffing up our police force, we are also incorporating technology that supports the hard work our officers do every day to take care of our City and arrest those who think they can break the law in San Francisco,” she said.
Maybe it’s not a surprise that a city so connected to Silicon Valley (and employed by it) has a soft spot for AI-powered technology.
The collective shrug about Flock and its privacy concerns extends beyond San Francisco to California's state government, which has a Democratic governor and a Democratic supermajority in the legislature. Last month, state lawmakers rejected regulations on Flock for the fifth time.
And even as Flock has become a major midterm issue throughout the country, the issue of ALPRs were not raised at the recent California gubernatorial debate between Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton. Flock also hasn't emerged as a major issue between Scott Wiener and Connie Chan in their effort to replace Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi as San Francisco’s representative in the U.S. House.
"The SF that would reject surveillance is gone and dead," James Lance Taylor, chair of the politics department at the University of San Francisco, told the San Francisco Standard.
This Owala water bottle matches the burgundy iPhone and is under $20 for Prime Day
Prime Members Save 33%: As of Oct. 5, the 24-ounce Owala FreeSip Twist is on sale at Amazon for $19.97 in select colorways. At full price, this water bottle will run you $29.99, meaning this deal saves you $10.02.
Opens in a new window Credit: Owala Owala FreeSip Twist (24 ounce) $19.97 at Amazon$29.99 Save $10.02 Get Deal
It's the eve of Prime Big Deal Days, and I've officially added the first real temptation of the sale to my cart: an Owala water bottle.
Like a few other of my Mashable colleagues, I've owned an Owala FreeSip for years, and though I love her down, I can't deny that the 40 ounce behemoth, though wonderful on my desk, can be a little less convenient while traveling or when I'm out and about all day long. Enter: the Owala FreeSip Twist.
SEE ALSO: October Prime Day 2026: Live updates on Apple, Kindle, Lego, and Samsung dealsMy colleague Sam Mangingo wrote about how the Twist is the perfect travel companion, easily fitting into backpack side pockets and cup holders. Don't get me wrong, I can make it work with the FreeSip Sway thanks to the tapered bottom, but traveling isn't my only use case. I'm someone who very much subscribes to the big purse lifestyle, so I'm often carrying at least one book, one notebook, several pouches full of various "just in case" items, and my water bottle (yes, I'm a Virgo). In other words, I wouldn't hate having a slightly smaller bottle for taking on the go.
I especially wouldn't mind it because this one is on sale for less than $20, instead of its usual $29.99. Plus, there are plenty of color options, including the gorgeous black cherry (and yes, it bears a striking resemblance to the burgundy iPhone colorway, for anyone looking to settle some FOMO). This deal could easily last through Wednesday (aka day two of October Prime Day), but it could just as easily go back up in price — early deals can be somewhat unpredictable. My advice? If you're in my boat, the price likely isn't dropping too much lower during the sale, so it's probably worth grabbing sooner rather than later.
3 fresh new Paramount+ movies to watch this week (October 5-11)
You know it's heading into spooky season when freaky things start happening. For starters, Ryan Phillippe has not one but two movies in the top spots on the Paramount+ U.S. movie charts. Shudder. I'm kidding, of course, but what's no joke are the 71 movies that the streaming service dropped into its catalog on October 1st, three of which are below and are well worth watching this week.
Overhaul your gaming rig for under $500: LGs 27-inch UltraGear OLED monitor is $400 off for Prime Day
SAVE $400: As of Oct. 5, the 27-inch LG UltraGear OLED Gaming Monitor (27GS93QE) is down to $499.99 at Amazon. That’s a 44% savings and matches one of the best prices we've ever seen on this 240Hz display.
Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG UltraGear OLED Gaming Monitor (27GS93QE) $499.99 at Amazon$899.99 Save $400 Get Deal
Prime Big Deal Days is bringing early price cuts on high-end gaming gear, but OLED displays rarely drop this low. Amazon just slashed $400 off the 27-inch LG UltraGear OLED, bringing this 1440p, 240Hz display down to $499.99 — a 44% savings and one of its best prices to date.
The LG UltraGear packs a sharp 1440p OLED screen with a matte finish that cuts down room glare. You get a super-fast 240Hz refresh rate and a near-instant 0.03ms response time, meaning fast-moving games look buttery smooth with zero motion blur or ghosting.
SEE ALSO: 10 early Prime Day gaming monitor deals are live — beat the GPU bottleneck on a budgetBecause it's an OLED, pixels turn completely off for true pitch-black contrast and rich colors that make games pop. It supports both NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync to eliminate screen tearing, and packs two HDMI 2.1 ports with a DisplayPort connection — so you can hook up your gaming PC, PS5, or Xbox Series X to hit high frame rates without swapping cables.
The included stand lets you adjust height, tilt, and swivel, or even flip the monitor sideways into a vertical setup. It packs built-in quick-preset game modes — like dedicated FPS and RTS profiles — that automatically tweak contrast, brightness, and colors so you can spot enemies hiding in dark corners.
Snag the LG 27-inch UltraGear OLED Gaming Monitor (27GS93QE) with this $400 discount before the sale ends.
Replace long Slack messages with quick screen recordings while Glooin Pro is just $49.99
TL;DR: Glooin Pro is on sale for just $49.99 for life, combining browser-based screen recording with instant shareable links, automatic transcripts, and clickable CTAs.
Opens in a new window Credit: Glooin Glooin Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription $49.99$249 Save $199.01 Get Deal
Some explanations need a screen recording. Nobody wants a six-paragraph Slack message explaining which button to click, and another meeting isn’t exactly an exciting or possible alternative. Glooin Pro is on sale for $49.99 (reg. $249) for a lifetime subscription, giving you a simpler way to show instead of tell.
Glooin records your screen, webcam, and audio from a Chrome extension on Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS. You can pause, resume, or restart without creating a pile of separate files.
SEE ALSO: 21 early October Prime Day tech deals, hand-picked by our gadget-obsessed expertsThe extra useful part comes when you’re finished: Glooin generates a shareable link as soon as you stop recording. There’s no separate exporting or uploading step, and whoever receives it can watch from a desktop or mobile browser without creating an account, installing an extension, or downloading anything.
Pro includes 100GB of lifetime storage and recordings up to 25 minutes long. Every recording also gets an automatic transcript, making your video library searchable instead of forcing you to remember which five-minute walkthrough contained that one important detail.
Glooin goes beyond basic screen recording with clickable CTA buttons. Add a booking link, checkout page, or help document directly to a recording and use the included click analytics to see whether viewers actually used it.
There are editing tools, too. Trim videos or annotate screenshots with arrows, boxes, highlights, text, and blur for sensitive information.
For people already communicating with screen recordings, the smart move may be to make the workflow simpler rather than adding another tool you have to babysit.
Get a Glooin Pro Lifetime Subscription with 100GB of storage for $49.99 (reg. $249).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Meta’s Muse reportedly keeps files on everyone you love
With more than 5 million downloads in just 3 weeks, the Meta AI assistant known as Muse is officially a hit.
However, knowing Meta's track record with privacy and safety, there is naturally concern over Muse and how it handles user data and privacy.
A new report from Wired and independent AI safety and security researcher Karan Joshi finds that there are some good reasons to be cautious about Muse, too. Namely, the report claimed that Muse has been instructed to create "a page for every person in the user’s life."
Muse is reportedly compiling data on users' family, friends, partners, colleagues, "collaborators," and other people they follow online. Furthermore, a "Relationships" loop runs every hour in the background on a user's computer, which updates each person's page, according to researchers with FutureSociety.
Joshi told Wired that he was able to get Muse to reveal its system prompts, which are essentially rules for how an AI chatbot behaves. Mashable cannot independently verify these system instructions, but Joshi isn't the only researcher to share the alleged prompts online in recent days.
According to the alleged system prompts shared online, Muse compiles data from messages, photos, and memories of previous interactions to create the pages. Each page includes instructions on how to communicate with each individual in a user's life and even keeps tabs on what the user owes or has promised them previously.
Muse also keeps track of what type of relationship a user has with each individual, where that person lives, what that person likes, dates of importance such as birthdays, and other facts about the person. The page even keeps track of the backstory behind the user and the individual's relationship.
Using this information, Muse can even plot out how it could strengthen a relationship between the user and an individual.
In a statement provided to Wired, a Meta spokesperson said Muse compiles context about your relationships "based on public information and from what you've chosen to share" based on the permissions specifically granted to Muse by the user. (Interestingly, Apple recently put out a statement that it was going to change how it handles "Full Disk Access" as a result of AI agents and assistants like Muse, as Mac users may not realize exactly what permissions they're providing to these third-party tools — and the cybersecurity risks associated with that access.)
“For any agent to be useful and actually help you achieve your goals, it needs to have context about you and those you interact with,” Meta spokesperson Daniel Roberts told Wired. “Muse gathers that based on public information and from what you’ve chosen to share, which is how it remembers the person who sent you an invoice is in fact the plumber who you previously hired to complete work in your bathroom or which flowers your spouse said they liked best.”
You can read more from Wired's report and Joshi's findings.
The 8 best 65-inch TVs to buy in 2026, from budget sets to stunning OLEDs
Unlike virtually every other piece of consumer technology, the best flatscreen TVs have actually gotten less expensive in recent years. It's actually pretty incredible how affordable these devices have gotten. That being said, a new flagship TV can still cost upward of $3,000. Fortunately, you don't have to pay full price.
During October and November, retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target all offer aggressive discounts on TVs. Starting on Oct. 6 with Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale, and continuing through Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you'll soon be able to save up to $1,200 on new TVs.
In addition, you can find big discounts by shopping directly with the manufacturers themselves. Samsung, in particular, hosts good sales during the fall and winter seasons.
SEE ALSO: The best October Prime Day TV deals, according to our experts: Shop best-ever prices ahead of the sale Recent TV news: TCL and Sony are going halvesies nowSony has long been revered as one of the best TV brands, and its Bravia TVs have been no strangers to lists of the best TVs across the internet. But Sony as a TV brand is about to look a lot different.
As of January 2026, TCL is in charge of Sony's home entertainment business, which spans TVs and home audio. The "Bravia" family of TVs isn't going anywhere, at least as far as branding and picture processing — but TCL will be behind much of the manufacturing and pricing. Sony TVs often toe the line of being so premium that they're too expensive for the average person to consider. But paired with TCL's budget-friendly expertise, they could make a wicked pairing come 2027.
SEE ALSO: Comparing the best art TVs: How to decide between The Frame and its growing list of competitorsThese 4 USB cables are quietly becoming your biggest security risk—here's why
Most people know to avoid sketchy downloads or suspicious links, but they don't think twice about USB cables. People buy whatever they find at a gas station because it looks harmless. The problem is that the cable connecting your phone or laptop to power can do more than you think. Never plug in a cord you just found or know nothing about. You're still plugging in a gadget, even if it doesn't seem like one.
The best Prime Day outdoor deals: Anker power stations, Igloo coolers, and LifeStraws are our top picks
If you're like me and prefer to camp in the moderate fall temps instead of sweating it out in the summer, you're in need of some fresh outdoor gear. Luckily, Amazon's October Prime Day runs Oct. 6 and 7, kicking off end-of-year savings, and it's a great time to stock up on gear.
I've compiled the best Prime Day outdoor deals if you're searching for upgrades or replacements to your current gear. These deals will get you outside to enjoy fall colors and cooler temps. Be sure to keep an eye on all of Mashable's October Prime Day coverage throughout the event.
Best portable power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Solix Anker Solix C1000 $449.98 at Amazon$599.99 Save $150.01 Get Deal Why we like it
I've tested dozens of portable power stations while camping over the last few years, and the original Anker Solix C1000 remains a top-tier choice. Now that it's on sale for under $450, it's a great time to make the move to camping with power. Keep phones charged, pack the air fryer, or take your laptop workstation into the great outdoors.
The Anker Solix C1000 packs in 1,056Wh of battery capacity and a peak output of 2,400W. Anker included a massive six AC ports, dual USB-A ports, and dual USB-C ports. I also love the onboard lightbar, and it recharges back to 100 percent in under an hour.
More portable power station dealsJackery Explorer 240D — $189 $219 (save $40)
Jackery Explorer 300 — $259 $289 (save $30)
Bluetti Elite 30 V2 — $249.99 $449 (save $199.01)
Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 — $499 $559 (save $60)
Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 — $499.99 $599 (save $99.01)
EcoFlow Delta 3 — $599 $699 (save $100)
$119.99 Save $20 Get Deal Why we like it
With a giant 50-quart capacity, the Igloo Trailmate cooler is on sale for under $100 for October Prime Day. Without ice, that size can fit up to 81 cans. The foam-insulated walls and lid measure 1.5 inches thick for better ice retention, and the rubberized latches provide added reassurance that the cooler is properly sealed to keep things cold. Igloo also added a built-in bottle opener for those of us who always forget to pack one.
More cooler dealsColeman Marine Cooler (100 quart) — $99.99 $134.99 (save $35)
Igloo Maxcold Glide (110 quart) — $152.99 $179.99 (save $54)
Coleman Snap 'N Go Collapsible Cooler (45 quart) — $164.99 $219.99 (save $55)
Ninja FrostVault (Spanish moss, 65 quart) — $279.99 $349.99 (save $70)
$99.99 Save $28.76 Get Deal Why we like it
On Mashable's ranking of the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 earns the top spot as the model that's ready for both outdoor adventures and the shower. Contributor Alex Bracetti's review says, "The rugged mesh exterior prevents moisture and other hazards from damaging both the inside and outside of the speaker. A 14-hour charge is enough for a month of daily shower use."
It's an excellent speaker to bring on the go, and right now, you can grab it for $28.76.
More outdoor speaker dealsAnker Soundcore Boom 3i — $94.99 $129.99 (save $35)
Bose SoundLink — $99.99 $129 (save $29.01)
JBL Charge 6 — $149.95 $199.99 (save $50.04)
$218.49 Save $68.50 Get Deal Why we like it
Every great camping trip comes with a home base. The Coleman Instant Cabin is a one-minute setup tent that's also easy to store. For October Prime Day, the four-person tent is on sale for $149.99. To make things even easier at the campsite, the Coleman tent has pre-attached poles that only need to be extended. Plus, the included rainfly is integrated into the design, making assembly simple.
More camping dealsBand-Aid Brand Travel Ready Portable First Aid Kit — $10.50 $14.69 (save $4.19)
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter — $14.99 $17.95 (save $2.96)
Coleman Sundome 4-Person Camping Tent — $81.68 $117.99 (save $36.13)
Coleman Triton 2-Burner Propane Stove — $89.99 $129.99 (save $40)
Kelty Trash Pak — $90.93 $129.95 (save $39.02)
Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight One Pot Cook Set — $99.95 $114.95 (save $15)
Jackery SolarSaga 40W Air — $109 $129 (save $20)
Renogy 100W Portable Solar Panel — $109.99 $124.99 (save $15)
Klymit Insulated Double V Inflatable Sleeping Pad — $136.11 $179.99 (save $43.88)
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT Ultralight Camping Pad — $199.95 $239.95 (save $40)
Big Agnes Copper Spur HighVolume Ultralight Tent (2 person) — $467.96 $599.95 (save $131.99)
These are the 5 most underrated programming languages of all time
Every few years, the programming world converges on a handful of languages and treats them as the only serious options. JavaScript, Python, Java, C, and now Rust and Go dominate job listings, tutorials, and conference talks. That consensus is useful, but it also buries languages that solved hard problems elegantly, influenced everything that came after them, and still do useful work today. Underrated does not mean unknown. It means the gap between a language’s actual quality and the attention it receives is embarrassingly large. These five languages live in that gap.
The 15-inch MacBook Air M5 is $200 off for Prime Day — act fast to shop this rare Apple deal
SAVE $200: As of Oct. 5, the 15-inch MacBook Air M5 is available for $1,299 on Amazon. That's a $200 savings off the regular list price of $1,499.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple MacBook Air 15-Inch M5 $1,299 at Amazon$1,499 Save $200 Get Deal
Apple deals are always a highlight of major sale events, such as October Prime Day, which officially launches tomorrow. After all, those big Apple discounts don't come around too often. Fortunately, the early deals continue to rack up ahead of the main event on Amazon, including a sweet saving on the 15-inch MacBook Air.
As of Oct. 5, the MacBook Air 15-inch is priced at a $1,299, down from the regular list price of $1,499 — a total saving of $200. There are some neat bonuses when you buy this MacBook, too — the deal includes up to three months free access to Apple Arcade, Fitness+, and News+.
This is the 2026 version of the MacBook Air, which means it's packed with all the latest features and specs. It's powered by Apple's lightning-fast M5 chip, with features that include Apple Intelligence, Touch ID, a stunning Liquid Retina display, WiFi 7 compatibility, and a hefty 1TB of storage.
The Air is built for working on the go — lighter and slimmer than regular MacBooks — but offers the same super-smooth user experience you expect from Apple.
We expect this deal to get snapped up as October Prime Day gets going, so don't miss the MacBook Air 15-inch with a full $200 off. Now available for $1,299.
The best deals this week, hand-picked by our shopping expertsFire Stick 4K Select — $17.99 $49.99 (save $32)
AirPods Pro 3 — $179 $249 (save $70)
Bose QuietComfort Gen 2 — $319 $359 (save $40)
iPad mini — $499 $599 (save $100)
MacBook Air M5 — $1,099 $1,299 (save $200)
The 5 best handheld gaming consoles, tested and compared: Switch 2, Steam Deck, MSI Claw 8
Thanks to the AI industry hogging all the memory components, gaming consoles are getting more expensive. In the past 12 months, Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony all raised prices on their gaming consoles, and Windows laptops are seeing the same increases. It's not a good time to be a gamer. Even before the wave of price increases, handheld gaming PCs were already expensive. The Lenovo Legion Go 2 launched last year for $1,099, but costs $1,999 today. The Legion Go S with SteamOS was originally available for $749.99, but you'll have to pay $999 today at Best Buy — and that's with a $580 discount.
The Steam Deck has also been beset by price increases and has periodically gone out of stock. The Switch 2 has also gotten more expensive, though it's by far the most affordable option in the category.
So far, only one handheld gaming console has held steady at its original price — the ROG Xbox Ally X. We don't know how long it will continue to be available for $999, but we're not complaining.
Nintendo, Windows, or SteamOS?When purchasing a handheld gaming PC, you generally have three options: Nintendo, Windows, or SteamOS. The right answer comes down entirely to personal preference. If you're a PC gamer who primarily buys games through Steam, then go with a Steam Deck or Lenovo Legion running SteamOS. If you're an Xbox or cloud gamer, then the Windows 11-based MSI Claw 8 or ROG Xbox Ally X will be more your speed.
What about the Lenovo Legion Go 2 and Lenovo Legion Go S?
Credit: Haley Hencschel / MashableWe were impressed with the Lenovo Legion Go 2 when it launched last year, but it's since gotten a price hike that makes it a lot harder to justify the investment. Instead, we would recommend going with the more affordable Lenovo Legion Go S, which we previewed at CES 2025. Specifically, we recommend the Legion Go S that's powered by SteamOS.
If you're looking for the best alternative to the Steam Deck but don't want to go with a Windows-based gaming handheld, then the latest Legion Go S is a solid choice. However, after receiving a price increase, it's harder to recommend this device, especially now that the Steam Deck OLED is back in stock.
Save over $600 on this 17-inch HP touchscreen laptop and improve your productivity
Touchscreen laptops, like the HP Omnibook 3, are a practical way to boost your productivity and are now cheaper than ever. You can simply swipe across the display to navigate, and you don't need to worry about clunky trackpads or buying a mouse. It also has decent power under the hood to handle work or play.
I stopped using Waze in Android Auto after it killed my battery—here's what fixed it
Google Maps or Waze is usually the go-to choice for directions, and Waze has always been mine. I like how quickly it picks up traffic, warns me about slowdowns, and gives me a heads-up about things happening on the road. I’ve gotten into the habit of turning it on before I pull out, even when I mostly know the route.
A ton of Amazon device deals are live for October Prime Day: Shop Fire TVs, Echo speakers
Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days (aka October Prime Day) is coming in hot, and with it, a smorgasbord of discounts on Amazon devices. The annual sale runs from Oct. 6 through Oct. 7 this year and presents the perfect opportunity to kickstart your holiday shopping.
It's no surprise Amazon offers the biggest markdowns on its own devices. And since Amazon increased prices across its hardware range by as much as 60% last month, this year's October Prime Day sale couldn't come at a better time.
Amazon has marked down nearly all of its products. Just a week after Amazon released 2026 models of Kindles, the retailer dropped prices on 2024 Kindle models. Plus, you can save up to 50% on the Echo Dot, but the new Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio are also on sale. We've found savings on Fire tablets, Blink cameras, Fire TV streaming sticks and soundbars, Fire TVs, and eero devices, too.
Plus, don't forget about Amazon's subscription deals for Prime newcomers, which are already live:
Claim your Amazon Prime 30-day free trial (for new and returning customers)
We're tracking all the best Amazon device deals throughout the Prime Big Deal Days sale, so keep checking back for the best live offers.
Best Echo device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Dot $39.99 at Amazon$79.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it
Finally! Amazon's Echo devices are officially on sale for Prime Big Deal Days. Right now, grab the Amazon Echo Dot for just $39.99. While that's not the lowest sale price we've ever spotted on the Echo Dot, it's the best we've seen since Amazon increased prices on its devices.
The Echo Dot is a perfectly compact smart speaker. Plus, it's compatible with Alexa+, a smarter home assistant that helps you do everything from meal planning to booking dinner reservations.
More Echo device dealsAmazon Echo Pop Kids — $21.99 $49.99 (save $28)
Amazon Echo Dot Kids — $39.99 $89.99 (save $50)
Amazon Echo Spot — $54.99 $109.99 (save $55)
Amazon Echo Show 5 — $59.99 $99.99 (save $40)
Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids — $59.99 $109.99 (save $50)
Amazon Echo Dot Max — $79.99 $119.99 (save $40)
Amazon Echo Dot + Echo Dot Max bundle — $119.98 $199.98 (save $80)
Amazon Echo Show 11 — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100)
Amazon Echo Studio — $179.99 $219.99 (save $40)
Amazon Echo Show 21 — $349.99 $499.99 (save $150)
$249.99 Save $80 Get Deal Why we like it
If you've been patiently waiting for Kindle deals to drop, the wait is over. The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is one of our favorite e-readers. With 32GB of storage, it has space for thousands of books. It also has an auto-adjusting front light and wireless charging capabilities. It's exceptionally fast, too, as it never stutters when opening books or turning pages.
Plus, we're thrilled about the Signature Edition's sale price. It's dropped to $169.99, taking 32% off its list price of $249.99. That saves you $80, the device's first discount since Amazon raised its price in August 2026.
Plus, when you buy a new Kindle, make sure to include three months of Kindle Unlimited in your purchase because it's totally free (a $35.97 value).
More Kindle dealsAmazon Kindle (16GB) — $103.99 $149.99 (save $46)
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids — $169.99 $229.99 (save $60)
Amazon Kindle Colorsoft (16GB) — $189.99 $289.99 (save $100)
Amazon Kindle Scribe (32GB) — $379.99 $499.99 (save $120)
Amazon Kindle Scribe Colorsoft (32GB) — $479.99 $629.99 (save $150)
$154.99 Save $82.00 Get Deal Why we like it
While it's hardly a new device, the Fire HD 10 tablet is still a solid pick for anyone who just wants a tablet to stream shows, check emails, and browse social media. Mashable's reviewer SaVanna Shoemaker called it "lighter and faster than its predecessors, with a long battery life and vivid picture that makes it great for on-the-go entertainment." Compared to other well-known tablets, she also adds that it's an "excellent value." It's not going to knock your socks off, but it'll get the job done and won't break the bank — especially now that it's on sale for only $72.99, a full 53% off its list price.
More Fire tablet dealsAmazon Fire 7 Kids — $54.99 $99.99 (save $45)
Amazon Fire HD 8 — $79.99 $129.99 (save $50)
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids — $94.99 $169.99 (save $75)
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro — $89.99 $169.99 (save $80)
Limited Edition Harry Potter Amazon Fire HD 10 — $132.99 $189.99 (save $57)
$49.99 Save $32 Get Deal Why we like it
The entire Fire TV Stick lineup was affected by the August price hike, so we're surprised that the discounts are still at pre-hike levels. Prime members can score the 4K Select for only $17.99, which is 64% in savings.
The 4K Select is Amazon's newest 4K Fire TV Stick with HDR10+ support and the first to feature its new Linux-based operating system. That means a few things: it's speedier and more streamlined than older Fire Sticks, but also more limited. If you like sideloading apps, this streaming stick won't let you (go with the 4K Plus instead). It also offers support for Alexa+, Amazon Kids+, Amazon Luna, Xbox Game Pass, and NordVPN.
More Fire TV dealsAmazon Fire TV Stick HD — $15.99 $39.99 (save $24)
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $37.99 $69.99 (save $32)
Amazon Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote Pro — $19.99 $34.99 (save $15)
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar — $79.99 $119.99 (save $40)
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus — $139.99 $249.99 (save $110)
$459.99 Save $180 Get Deal Why we like it
This TV strikes just the right balance between features and value. It's big enough and boasts a good-enough display, yet thanks to a 39% discount, it still qualifies as a budget TV. Even as smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, and virtually everything else have gotten more expensive, flat-screen TVs have gotten significantly less expensive over the last five years. And as part of Prime Big Deal Days, this one's even cheaper.
If you want to upgrade to a QLED display or save even more money, you can find a ton more discounts thanks to October Prime Day deals on Amazon devices.
More Amazon Fire TV dealsAmazon Ember 32-inch 2-Series Fire TV — $134.99 $159.99 (save $25)
Amazon Ember 43-inch 4-Series Fire TV — $199.99 $329.99 (save $130)
Amazon Ember 55-inch QLED Series Fire TV — $489.99 $589.99 (save $100)
Amazon Ember Artline 55-inch with 4K QLED Fire TV — $499.99 $899.99 (save $400)
Amazon Ember 65-inch Mini-LED Series Fire TV — $799.99 $1,089.99 (save $290)
Amazon Ember 75-inch QLED Series Fire TV — $989.99 $1,199.99 (save $210)
$169.98 Save $134.99 Get Deal Why we like it
Who doesn't love free stuff? In this early October Prime Day deal, you can get the Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ for no extra cost when you purchase the Blink Outdoor 2K+ for $34.99. That's 65% off the camera itself and nearly 80% off the combined cost. If you're looking to enhance your home security but don't want to spend a fortune, this bundle is an excellent start. You'll get sharp 2K video, enhanced audio, and night vision with no installation hassle. Everything is battery-powered and lasts for months at a time.
More Blink camera dealsBlink Mini 2K+ — $15.99 $39.99 (save $24)
Blink Outdoor 4 — $27.99 $79.99 (save $52)
Blink Arc 2K+ — $31.99 $99.99 (save $68)
Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ — $35.99 $69.99 (save $34)
Blink Outdoor XR+ and Wired Doorbell 2K+ — $41.99 $169.98 (save $127.99)
$299.99 Save $75 Get Deal Why we like it
If your WiFi is laggy, it may be a good time to invest in an Amazon Eero system. For Prime Big Deal Days, the Eero Pro 7 Mesh WiFi router is down to $224.99, which is $75 cheaper than usual. It supports over 200 devices, internet plans up to 5 Gbps, and covers up to 2,000 square feet, helping to optimize your connection and eliminate dead spots. Even if you're not a tech guru, it's a breeze to set up thanks to Eero's step-by-step guide in the app.
More Eero dealsAmazon eero 6+ — $99.99 $139.99 (save $40)
Amazon eero 7 — $144.49 $169.99 (save $25.50)
Amazon eero Pro 6E — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)
Amazon eero Max 7 — $419.99 $599.99 (save $180)
$24.99 Save $12.01 Get Deal Why we like it
If you have some money left over on an Amazon gift card, we know just what to do with it — add this Amazon Smart Plug to your cart while it's almost 50% off for Prime Big Deal Days. Turn any lamp or electronic into a smart device. All you have to do is plug it in.
