IT General

Lenovo loves to get a little freaky with laptop form factors, and its latest concept has a screen that can rotate.

Unveiled at the IFA trade show in Berlin a week after it leaked on X, the ThinkBook VertiFlex Concept is a 14-inch Windows PC with a "rotation display system" that lets it swivel into portrait mode — it's the perfect laptop for people who really love TikTok.

From a design standpoint, it's similar to Samsung's Sero TVs, which also rotate from landscape to portrait. So far, the Sero has failed to move past its novelty act reputation.

SEE ALSO: The biggest announcements from IFA 2025: Smart home upgrades, a new robot vacuum, and a tennis partner

The ThinkBook VertiFlex Concept is still just a concept, as its name implies, so it's unclear whether it will ever come to market. At big trade shows like CES and IFA, companies sometimes debut vaporware — futuristic concept devices that will never actually hit the market.

Lenovo's laptop with a rolling display, the $3,499 ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable, is a rare example of one such prototype that you can actually now buy.... two years after it was first introduced.

This also means we know very little about the ThinkBook VertiFlex Concept beyond the fact that it has a cool party trick. In a press release, Lenovo notes that it has a 14-inch screen and a sleek design that measures 0.7 inches thin and 3.06 pounds, making it slightly thicker but a touch lighter than Apple's latest 15-inch MacBook Air.

When the ThinkBook VertiFlex Concept is in vertical mode, Lenovo adds, users can pair it with Android smartphones using the Lenovo Smart Connect app "for transferring files and phone mirroring."

Computer, enhance! Credit: Lenovo

Lenovo provided one picture of the ThinkBook VertiFlex Concept, which reveals an island-style keyboard, a large trackpad, a raised notch containing the webcam, and a port setup that includes HDMI, two Thunderbolt ports, and a microSD card slot on the left-hand side.

Otherwise, the ThinkBook VertiFlex Concept's specs are a complete mystery. What kind of screen does it have? What sort of processor is hiding in there? How many rotation cycles can that system withstand? And how much will this thing cost?

We don't know, and we might not ever know — but at the very least, we now have confirmation that it exists in some form.

The 2025 NFL season is officially underway, and some fans have already identified a new TV commercial they never want to see again.

Thursday night's game between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles was, in many ways, an all-time goofy kickoff game. One of the Eagles' best players was ejected before the first play because he spit on the Cowboys quarterback, and then there was a lengthy lightning-related weather delay in the third quarter, which meant the game ended well after midnight on the East Coast.

However, some fans online were much more annoyed by an official NFL commercial celebrating the new season, which aired once during the game. (You can also watch the ad on the NFL YouTube channel.)

The "Ride the Float" commercial riled up some fans online (and, I can confirm, the people I watched the game with) because major parts of it really looked like they were made with generative AI. There are lots of real celebrity cameos, including Druski and The Rizzler, but there are also huge swaths of the ad that had all the hallmarks of AI videos.

A scene with a singing baby decked out in Raiders gear seemed particularly obvious, but there's also a shot of a CGI lion that really doesn't look right. In general, these parade float scenes had the glossy, uncanny valley look I associate with AI videos.

I can confirm that the ad was made with AI because the NFL put out an official press release on Thursday celebrating that fact. The press release also confirmed that it will be the first of a series of ads that air throughout the season as part of the "You Better Believe It" ad campaign.

Credit: NFL / YouTube SEE ALSO: NFL Bluesky is fantastic. Here's why and how to join in.

“Our fans are at the heart of this campaign – their joy, optimism and belief in what’s possible – and we embraced AI to bring them even closer to the game they love,” NFL chief marketing officer Tim Ellis said in the press release. “By combining technological innovation and human creativity, we had the opportunity to pay tribute to each of our 32 fanbases in one unified fantastical celebration and build a world as limitless and imaginative as they are.”

The ad features numerous parade floats that reference various in-jokes related to each of the league's 32 franchises. It was made in conjunction with a marketing firm called 72andsunny. The firm also worked with the NFL on an ad that aired during last year's playoffs.

As you can imagine, social media did not take especially kindly to the news that the NFL, a massive, money-printing machine, decided to use generative AI in creating a primetime ad.

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Unfortunately for anyone who disliked the commercial, yelling on social media might be all they can do about it. As the press release said, more ads like "Ride the Float" will be airing throughout the NFL season.

I've spent the last 15 years covering tech, and in that time have tested thousands of products to find what genuinely makes life better. My rule of thumb is if it doesn't pass the “mom of two in a hurry” test, it doesn't get my recommendation.

When I became a mom to my son Jordan, everything changed. I wasn’t just chasing cool gadgets anymore; I needed solutions. Technology became less about specs and more about how it fit into real life everyday moments. I needed tech that could help me stay organized, save time, and give me more moments with my family.

That's why I've made my lane all about how tech can be a part of everyday life. I'm always on the hunt for apps that can help calm the morning chaos at my house, devices for my family to stay connected on the go, and smart home systems that actually work for busy families. When done well, technology can help us live better, more present lives. The key is to understand how to use tech to our advantage, without it feeling like our tech is using us instead.

Technology shouldn’t be intimidating; it should be empowering. Say hello on Instagram and let me know how you're using gadgets and gear to power your family life as well.

A brand new Windows 11 Insider Preview Build is 26220.5790 now in the Dev Channel. The test build is coming with better dictation and a way to improve USB webcams. This could be great for everyone, but the catch is that you need a Copilot+ PC to take advantage of the new features.

Porsche is proving that going electric doesn’t mean leaving performance behind. This all-electric sedan blends the brand’s racing pedigree with cutting-edge EV technology, delivering a driving experience that’s thrilling from start to finish.

Between being the blueprint for cordless stick vacuums and for heated hair tools, it never felt right that Dyson couldn't figure out how to be relevant in the world of robot vacuums. But less than two years after its last failed attempt, Dyson is releasing another new robot vacuum — and it actually feels promising this time. The Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai was announced on Sept. 4 and again in the Sept. 5 Dyson Unveiled event on YouTube.

Frankly, it wouldn't have taken much for Dyson to eclipse the (lack of) prestige of its 2024 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum. It wasn't a self-emptying, small obstacle-avoiding, or even mopping robot vacuum, but was confidently priced like one. The new Spot+Scrub Ai robot vacuum is all three of those things, complete with a few secret weapons that could help Dyson claim its stake in the saturated robot vacuum market.

Most exciting to me personally, the new Dyson robot vacuum has a laser. Dyson's technically calling it "green LED illumination," but the product images show it highlighting dust and debris just like the laser heads do on Dyson's stick vacuums.

My beloved Dyson laser is coming to the robot vacuum. Credit: Dyson You'll be able to see how well the new Dyson robot vacuum cleans your floors. Credit: Dyson

A few months ago, whilst ruminating on overly ambitious robot vacuum innovations like the Roborock Saros Z70's robotic arm, I was also brainstorming some dream new robot vacuum features that would actually be practical. And guess what I verbatim manifested in that story? For the next Dyson robot vacuum to have a green laser, that's what. I've been laser-or-bust since I first experienced it with my beloved Dyson V12 Detect Slim stick vacuum. The ability to so plainly see the status of dust and debris on the floor before and after the vacuum hits it is such undeniable proof of a thorough clean. Not even the best robot vacuums out there from Roborock or iRobot offer this yet.

Here's where the "AI" part comes in. The Spot+Scrub Ai assesses the cleaning path ahead of it in real time, using AI stain detection and an AI-powered camera to determine the best way to clean different types of messes. If a liquid stain on a hard floor is detected, before and after photos are taken of the area to ensure that the robot doesn't stop mopping until the stain is fully gone. The scrubbing is done with a wet roller instead of spinning or flat mopping pads. (Dreame also unveiled a flagship robot vacuum and mop combo with a wet roller mop in August, so this must be the new thing.)

Dyson noted that the roller mop rinses itself with fresh water as it rotates, but the tank refilling situation in the dock is still unclear. Dyson hasn't revealed numbers for the Spot+Scrub Ai's suction power, though it probably won't be in Pascals (Pa) to easily compare to other robot vacuums, anyway. The 360 Vis Nav was actually quite powerful during my testing, so I expect the Spot+Scub Ai to be a good robot vacuum for carpets.

So yes, it seems that Dyson has read the room and addressed the critical features missing from the 360 Vis Nav. But the ultimate test of self-awareness lies in price. We don't know how much the Spot+Scrub Ai will cost, but it would be bold of Dyson to pass the $1,500 threshold. The 360 Vis Nav debuted at $1,299 when it had no business in such a premium price range (though it conveniently dropped to $499.99 the same week as this announcement dropped). I hope that Dyson is more realistic this time around, ideally staying in line with similar flagship robot vacuums like the Roborock Saros 10R or new Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai robot vacuum and mop Sign up for preorder notifications Learn More

The Roku Sports interface now shows content you can watch on YouTube TV. The new feature, which is rolling out to all Roku devices in the U.S. starting today, will make it easier for fans to find games from YouTube TV, including all the NFL games that come with NFL Sunday Ticket.

Mozilla has announced that Firefox 144 will be the last release to support 32-bit x86 Linux. It’s another nail in the coffin for old 32-bit PCs, though Firefox’s Extended Support Release will keep them alive until September 2026.

If you’ve ever booted Windows or tested a Linux distro from USB, you know the routine: grab an ISO, run Rufus or Etcher, format, write, wait. A week later, want to try another distro? Back to square one. That cycle often made me put off exploring new distros.

College administrators think AI might be the solution to their political PR problems, as the Department of Education weaponizes long-standing civil rights law to control educational institutions under new Trump administration goals and university campuses crack down on student protest.

New York City's Columbia University, for example, is reportedly exploring a student debate platform, powered by AI, that encourages more "civil" conversations about "dangerous" topics, including abortion, immigration, trans identities, and the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, according to an exclusive from The Verge. The embattled institution has been testing the tool at Columbia’s Teachers College under new conflict resolution curriculum.

SEE ALSO: The White House and PragerU's new history exhibit features AI founding fathers

The tool in question is called Sway, a beta program designed by Carnegie Mellon University postdoctoral researcher Nicholas DiBella. DiBella has tested the tool on 3,000 students from more than 30 colleges and universities, including debates on contentious topics like whether or not the 2020 election was legitimate. As an intended moderator between students with polar viewpoints, Sway encourages individuals to find a middle ground and for students to rephrase verbiage that may be "disrespectful." DiBella says that students often come away "less confident in their own views," but closer to their colleagues.

DiBella has received partial funding from the U.S. intelligence community to construct Sway as part of his doctoral work, and has said that it will "share anonymized data with the public and the intelligence community, but not transcripts or specifics." Columbia associate professor Joseph Howley told The Verge that Columbia is failing to appropriately handle student tension, with Sway providing yet another example. "What we have are approaches from the world of corporate crisis response, policing, and law enforcement being directed at disagreement and dissent as if they are problems to be solved rather than fundamental values to be cherished," said Howley.

Sway isn't the first tool Columbia has used to assuage student tension (or, allegedly, filter out student dissent). The university reportedly uses Khan Academy's Schoolhouse Dialogues system to pair prospective students in debate-style conversations, which are then ranked by "civility" and fed back to Columbia admissions officers.

In 2024, the university came under fire for its militarized treatment of student protesters who had bunkered down on university grounds to demand the school divest from its Israeli ties. Earlier this year, Columbia complied with immigration officials to arrest international students under pressure from President Trump, allowing and later disciplining student protesters with suspensions, degree revocations, and expulsions. Columbia settled with the federal government for $200 million in July, complying with demands to hand over student data in order to monitor protests and international students and foster "constructive dialogue."

The "poke" technically never went away, but Facebook is trying to make it a thing again.

In a nod to Y2K nostalgia, Facebook announced a few updates to the poke button, according to TechCrunch, which spotted the announcement. A fixture in the early Facebook days, no one was ever quite clear on what a poke meant. It could be used for flirting, passive aggression, a friendly hello, or an awkward combination of the three.

Now, the poke button is mounting a comeback, again.

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Facebook has tried to revive the poke in various forms a few different occasions, but this time with more effort.

The poke button now features prominently on a user's profile page, so you can poke someone directly from there. It appears on the mobile app, but we didn't see the button on the desktop site. There's also a dedicated page to keep track of your pokes on facebook.com/pokes, where users can see who's poked them and find friends to poke. Facebook also has a helpful FAQ for the poke ignorant.

The poke hub also tracks pokes between friends, which is reminiscent of the "streaks" feature on TikTok and Snapchat, which gamifies interactions on the apps by encouraging users to keep their daily streaks going.

Snapchat got in trouble for streaks and other features that regulators said were designed to make the platform addictive, a concern for teens and their mental health.

Once upon a time, Facebook was a cultural juggernaut among the youths. But over time, as other social media apps like Snapchat, Meta's own Instagram, and eventually TikTok rose to prominence, Facebook fell out of favor with younger generations.

In recent years, Facebook has gained a reputation for being overrun by political rants from baby boomers, earning the decidedly uncool nickname of "Boomerbook." Nowadays, you can add the proliferation of AI slop to the pile of user deterrents.

Last year, Facebook executives began strategizing on how to appeal to younger generations. Although, at the time, exactly how Facebook planned to stay relevant "remained nebulous," according to Mashable former reporter Elizabeth de Luna, who covered the press event.

Surprisingly, young users enjoy the poke. Facebook reported a 13x spike in pokes last year, and it's certainly capitalizing on the Y2K nostalgia trend, as low-rise jeans, micro mini skirts, graphic tees, and other Y2K-era staples are back, much to this millennial reporter's horror.

SAVE $70: As of Sept. 5, get a refurbished Meta Quest 3 for $379.99 at Woot, down from its usual price of $449.99. That's a discount of 15%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Woot Meta Quest 3 (Refurbished) $379.99 at Woot
$449.99 Save $70 Get Deal

Virtual reality is still not perfect, but it's a fun prospect if you have the time and want to explore it. Meta has made it more affordable over the years to buy into, especially if you're interested in trying out a ton of fun games from shooters to rhythm titles and everything beyond. If you're ready to invest, this Woot deal is a great place to start.

As of Sept. 5, get a refurbished Meta Quest 3 for $379.99 at Woot, down from its usual price of $449.99. That's $70 off and a discount of 15%. This model is grade A refurbished by Woot, which means that it's been inspected and guaranteed by the company to come with only "minimal cosmetic imperfections" that aren't immediately noticeable. It also has passed a diagnostic test to promise "like-new functionality" and has been stripped of info from the previous owner.

SEE ALSO: Meta Quest 3S review: Best VR headset for new gamers, but seasoned players will notice flaws

This is the most powerful model of the Meta Quest yet, and requires no wires to operate. It has 4K visuals with its Infinite DIsplay, which offers a 30% increase in resolution from the Quest 2, and 3D audio with better sound, bass, and volume as well.

Its included Touch Plus controllers give you ways to interact with your favorite games for more realistic vibrations, sensations, and ways to "touch" and "feel" what you're playing, so you can use gestures and other hand controls to interact.

Plus, there are over 500 games to choose from in the Meta Quest library, so there's tons to play and keep you occupied, all without the need for a computer accompanying your headset.

Former Mashable Tech Editor Kim Gedeon called the Quest 3 better than the prior model "in many ways", praising its access to SteamVR games, wireless connectivity, and its improved controllers that she found "more ergonomic than their predecessors."

If it's time to give VR a look, this is a great deal you won't want to pass up on.

I remember being glued to the first, game-changing season of Survivor in 2000. Since then, I’ve fallen for everything from the raw talent on So You Think You Can Dance to the glitzy drama of The Real Housewives of New York City (my East Coast roots showing). But now? Watching cloaked figures lie and manipulate each other for $250,000 in a Scottish castle is the kind of reality TV chaos that really speaks to me. 

Nothing has grabbed my attention lately like the U.S. version of The Traitors, a competition show centered entirely around deception and suspicion. In my view, The Traitors is ultimately a result of reality TV evolving into a genre where villains aren’t just tolerated — they’re often rewarded and celebrated for their dishonesty.

Each episode also permeates with a distinctly queer sensibility, and it’s not because of its players or its fabulous host, Alan Cumming (we’ll get to him later). It’s the secrecy and code-switching set against a glamorous backdrop that resonates with many queer viewers — me especially. 

As a queer person growing up, I felt the need to be two steps ahead of others' suspicions, a skill I believe would serve well as a Traitor. My history of pretending to be straight and drawing inspiration from manipulative TV characters has prepared me to anticipate every scenario, from roundtable banishments to breakfast revelations, to keep me two steps ahead of the Faithfuls. 

The Traitors gives me space to embrace the villain, to imagine slipping into that black cloak and playing the game as someone no one sees coming. 

That fantasy is harder to buy into when everyone on screen already has a brand. Which is why NBC’s recent announcement that civilians will be making a comeback for the U.S. edition instantly makes the game less predictable and a lot more interesting. Especially for those of us still waiting to see ourselves at that roundtable.

If Agatha Christie wrote a drag version of Clue, it would be The Traitors 

For the uninitiated, the premise of the Peacock show is this: Put two dozen competitors in a Scottish castle, assign them one of two roles (Faithful or Traitor), and watch what happens. I see it as an epically scaled version of the game Mafia, where players attempt to root out saboteurs while competing in challenges along the way, before voting to banish who they think is a Traitor.

The murder-mystery theme of the show will pique the interest of any fan of the genre, particularly someone like me who is a fanatic of the movie Clue and was raised by a mother who worshipped at the altar of Agatha Christie. I was immediately drawn to The Traitors in early 2023 when the first season dropped with a cast featuring a mix of civilians and reality TV stars. It was fascinating to see the dynamic play out between everyday people (Andie Vanacore, we say your name) competing alongside reality TV stars, including celebrated alums from Survivor (hi, Cirie!) and Real Housewives franchises (Brandi Glanville).

As Mashable's Shannon Connellan has outlined before, Cumming as the show's chic but cryptic host is reason enough to binge-watch the available seasons as we wait for the show to return. He’s a pitch-perfect facilitator, delivering delicious one-liners with the right amount of sass, styled in scene-stealing outfits.

However, that’s not entirely why this cutthroat competition has me hooked.

Come for the camp, stay for the sabotage 

Having watched three seasons of the US version and two of the UK version, I’ve concluded that the show is designed for Traitors. With no real clues to find early in the mystery game, there’s no reason to suspect anyone. All a player has to do is voice some doubts, and from there, we get to watch how quickly people become influenced and how herd mentality sets in. 

Watching them sneak around in their hooded cloaks in the castle’s turret every night is fun, but what hooks me is how easily I find myself rooting for the manipulators and how comfortably I imagine tapping into my inner Traitor. 

There’s an inherent thrill to being a villain; just look at how many contestants arrive ready to dig into their murderous roles. There’s something intoxicating about practicing the art of deception, without a care for who you backstab in order to be a winner. It’s kind of alluring.

Soapy queens and scheming dreams

My urge to star as a villain on The Traitors stems from watching one too many primetime soap reruns in my youth and being enthralled by the secretive and conniving vixens I admired on those shows. Knots Landing’s scheming Abby Cunningham (Donna Mills) could intimidate a lion with her wicked smile, while on Melrose Place, Marcia Cross’s Kimberly Shaw plotted against her enemies with relish. 

Then again, maybe I was attracted to the campiness with which these women executed their devious plans. As a gay man, I tend to respond favorably to camp, a style known for its ostentatious and theatrical qualities. Performative deception comes with the queer territory for me. Hiding my true self for years forced me to play a certain role and trick others into believing I was someone I wasn’t. And developing a sense for camp (knowing when to be “on” or “off”) may have trained me in keeping others further off my scent.

Buying the lie over and over again

The Traitors also resonates with me because it reiterates a lie reality TV has gradually fed me for years: Authenticity is everything. The American show clearly favors panache and polish over anything resembling realness. It relies less on people “being themselves” and more on established names and personalities to deliver a good episode.

Seventeen years ago, when I first entered the Real Housewives universe, I bought into those women living in luxurious leisure. But the more popular these shows became, the more famous these women became — and the more they seemed to become lucrative commodities. And because they were commodities, the more they – and perhaps the franchise – had to flaunt their wealth via shopping sprees, extravagant vacations, or catered events celebrating a pet’s birthday. That’s when I realized the authenticity felt performative. To me, it screamed, “Aspire to have this lifestyle!”

We’re living in an era in which the reality TV genre has evolved to the point where the line between performance and reality is at its blurriest. This has birthed a new type of “real people” who know how to work the camera, and the camera seems to keep focusing on them.

Now that NBC plans to bring civilian players back into the mix, I think it would make the game feel more grounded. I enjoy seeing regular people compete to win, not perform. There’s more of an authenticity factor at play with them, and I find that kind of endearing. Veteran reality TV players built their reputations on screen; viewers who know them are biased, expecting these personalities to clash with each other.

During her exit interviews, Big Brother’s Britney Haynes, who was the last Traitor standing in Season 3, reflected on how much players, especially reality TV vets, are always thinking about what makes for good TV. I have to ask then: Will future civilian players in the American production have the same know-how? What will casting directors be looking for this time? If we’ve become a nation of viewers that favors performative reality over watching actual, real people, could that dictate their selections?

Hiding in plain realness

As for the upcoming Season 4, it still leans heavily on familiar faces, but I can see how adding actor-comedians like Ron Funches and Michael Rapaport could inject some unpredictability into the mix of contestants. Even casting Monét X Change as the show’s next resident drag queen – following in the footsteps of past contestants Bob the Drag Queen and Peppermint – could ensure some complementary camp next to Cumming. 

As Ira Madison III, former co-host of the podcast Keep It, shared earlier this year, “when you cast good people who aren’t seasoned reality TV people, they will deliver a good season.” I agree. I’m sure there are plenty of everyday Americans who have perfected the art of hiding their identity and could use The Traitors as a playground to demonstrate those skills, tapping into their inner villains by strategizing and deceiving their way to $250,000.

That's who I’d root for. 

The Traitors and all of its foreign counterparts are currently streaming on Peacock.

Texting and driving is dangerous and one of the worst decisions you can make while behind the wheel—right up there with driving under the influence. Thousands of distracted drivers cause death and injury every year on US roads, and the truly sad part is that none of that had to happen!

Apple is on the verge of launching new iPhones, which means that a new version of iOS is also just around the corner.

With the big iPhone 17 event looming next week, one of the primary questions on everyone's mind pertains to when they'll be able to test out all the new iOS 26 features. There are two bits of good news here: It's relatively easy to predict the iOS 26 release date, and that time is coming very soon.

To be more specific, the best estimate anyone has for the release date of iOS 26 is Sept. 16.

Apple typically releases the newest operating system for iPhones sometime between the big annual iPhone announcement event and the launch of the phones themselves, which usually means roughly a week after the event. Last year's Apple event was, like this year's, on Sept. 9, and iOS 18 did, in fact, launch on Sept. 16 of that year.

Messages gets a new look with Liquid Glass and iOS 26. Credit: Apple Liquid Glass and iOS 26 also bring new personalization options to the iPhone. Credit: Apple SEE ALSO: The iPhone 17 is days away: What to expect from the specs, cameras, colors, and release date

Even if Apple changes it around by a day or two on either end, you can still pretty much book that week in your calendar for the release of iOS 26 and Liquid Glass. Apple wants the new version on as many phones as possible, including new iPhones at launch. According to Apple, iOS 26 is compatible with every iPhone from the iPhone 11 onward, including the second-generation iPhone SE. (Apple Intelligence features are only available with newer models, however.) Anything older than that is out of luck.

In case you've been out of the loop, iOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, and iPadOS 26 bring a new "Liquid Glass" design language where every UI element looks like, well, like glass. It's a big change for Apple users, and it brings with it wholesale redesigns of the Photos and Phone apps, as well as new features like group chat backgrounds and polls in Messages.

You can download a public beta for iOS 26 right now (keep in mind that doing so on your everyday device can be risky). Apple just released the ninth beta for iOS 26 a couple of days ago, though it looks like the latest build is mostly filled with small bug fixes.

We're almost there, folks. You don't have to hold your breath for much longer.

Google's Circle to Search feature can now continuously translate text on your screen as you scroll or even switch between apps. You no longer have to restart the Circle to Search process every time you want to translate what is on the screen.

Most people consider blockbuster movies to be brainless entertainment—the kind of stuff you watch when you just want to relax and scarf down some snacks. That’s fair considering that most blockbusters are mindless movies where the plot is just an excuse to get us from one show-stopping action scene to another.

SAVE $40: As of Sept. 5, get the 27-inch Samsung S3 curved monitor for $139.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $179.99. That's a discount of 22%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Essential S3 curved monitor (27-inch) $179.99 at Amazon
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Whether you have a home office or just use the computer a lot in general, a good monitor is an essential way to level up your workspace. You could get a huge display or a modest-sized option, but no matter what you choose, you'll be doing your eyes a favor with a better, improved screen, no matter what. And thanks to this Amazon deal, now's a great time to treat yourself for less.

As of Sept. 5, get the 27-inch Samsung Essential S3 curved monitor for $139.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $179.99. That's $40 off and a discount of 22%.

SEE ALSO: The best monitors in 2025

The Samsung Essential S3 monitor is a fantastic curved monitor that won't set you back an entire paycheck. It helps you focus by wrapping around your peripheral vision and gives you a more immersive feeling if you're diving into a gaming session.

It boasts a 100Hz refresh rate as well as a bright, crisp screen with deep blacks and vivid hues. It also has Game Mode to help adjust whatever you're playing to both fill the screen and enhance what's on there. It has both an HDMI connection and a headphone jack as well, just in case you need to add anything to it on the back end.

But perhaps the most enticing thing about this monitor is its affordability, especially since it's less than $200 even without its sale price. If you're ready to add a new monitor to your tech stack or just want a significant visual upgrade, this is the way to do it without breaking into your savings.

It's all eyes on Berlin for the next few days as tech brands debut their latest, fanciest, and most AI-laden gadgets at IFA 2025. Similar to what we see at CES in Las Vegas, some products are awesome, some are totally creepy, and others leave us wondering who would ever need such a thing. Tons of big hitters are in attendance for IFA 2025 like Samsung, Anker, Acer, Hisense, LG, and hundreds more.

The show runs through Sept. 9, so check back as we continue to update this page with the best IFA 2025 products. Below are standouts from the show as we head into the weekend.

The Eufy MarsWalker is coming for your stairs

Tech shows are no strangers to robot vacuum innovations, and IFA 2025 is following suit. Your multi-story home will love the Eufy MarsWalker. To specify, the MarsWalker refers to the transport that'll take the Eufy RoboVac Omni S2 up and down the stairs.

The Eufy MarsWalker is ready to tackle your stairs. Credit: Eufy

The RoboVac drives itself into the MarsWalker, nestling in for a safe journey up the stairs to continue on its mission of cleaning up crumbs. This is in contrast to the Dreame X50 Ultra, which is basically really good at getting over major two-inch thresholds but can't actually climb stairs, while the MarsWalker glides over them. Plus, it's capable of ascending and descending straight, L-shaped, and U-shaped staircases.

Color us impressed considering it wasn't all that long ago that robot vacuums tumbled down the stairs and left themselves lifelessly upside-down. Eufy hasn't released official launch dates yet, but says we can expect the Eufy RobotVac Omni S2 in January of 2026 with a price tag of $1,599 and the MarsWalker to follow in spring of 2026 with no pricing as of yet.

Soundcore's Nebula X1 Pro is a one-stop entertainment system

Anker makes tons of projectors under the Nebula brand name, which has now joined the brand's Soundcore umbrella. In testing, I loved the super portable Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser mini projector, and it came with me to Japan, fitting neatly into my 15-pound backpack. At IFA 2025, Anker introduced the incredibly not-portable Nebula X1 Pro projector, which is so massive, it comes on wheels.

The wheel-y big Nebula X1 Pro Credit: Souncore

To call this a projector is a bit of an undersell since it comes packed with other features and Soundcore mentions it’s a “mobile theater station.” As a projector, the Nebula X1 Pro gives off a 4K display with 3,500 ANSI lumens. By comparison, the portable Nebula Capsule that I love maxes out at 300 lumens.

Projectors are notorious for coming with terrible onboard speakers, but the Nebula X1 Pro aims to break that stereotype by incorporating Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision. To give off the surround-sound vibe, Soundcore uses a 7.1.4 speaker layout which equates to seven surround channels, one subwoofer, and four overhead height channels.

There’s no onboard battery on the X1 Pro, and instead, you’ll need to plug it in via the 6.6-foot retractable power cable. Given that the top of the projector’s housing opens with storage space for two microphones, the Nebula X1 Pro could be the ultimate party system, serving as a projector, speaker, and karaoke machine. 

Soundcore will launch the Nebula X1 Pro on Kickstarter on Sept. 23, and says it’ll cost somewhere between $4,000 and $5,000. However, you can snag a massive discount before Sept. 9 by placing a preorder deposit. Head to the Nebua X1 Pro’s product page, navigate to the upper right, and hit “claim your offer now.” A $100 deposit earns you a spot in the first-tier early bird section, getting the projector for a total of $2,499 once it goes live on Kickstarter. Soundcore says the first deliveries of the Nebula X1 Pro are slated for November with priority shipping. With any luck, the projector will arrive before holiday parties in December.

The Samsung Sound Tower wants a party invitation

Party speakers are having a spotlight moment, and we're all invited. The JBL Party Box 520 was a star at a Mashable wedding over the summer and brands are taking note of their popularity. At IFA 2025, Samsung literally packed the party by introducing the Sound Tower ST50F and Sound Tower ST40F.

Roll up to the party with portable tunes. Credit: Samsung

Indoor or outdoor parties are in for a treat with either of the new Samsung Sound Towers. The ST50F comes with 25mm dual dome tweeters, dual 6.5-inch woofers, and a battery that can last for up to 18 hours. It's a big one, so it's equipped with a telescopic handle, wheels, and an IPX4 water resistance rating. The smaller Sound Tower ST40F gets up to 12 hours of battery life with 5.25-inch dual woofers and 20mm dual dome tweeters.

With the Samsung Sound Tower App, partiers can set the LED lights to sync with the music's rhythm. The app also has customizable mood lighting that sets off various effects, movements, and color schemes, according to Samsung.

Both models are on the books to come out later in September, and the Sound Tower ST50F will come with a price of $699.99, while the smaller Sound Tower ST40F comes in at $499.99.

Make an at-home art studio with the EufyMake E1 UV Printer

Who needs a 3D printer when you can get a UV printer? The EufyMake E1 UV Printer allows you to print on nearly anything, and you can do so with 3D texture. Stick your face on every mug in your home, make your own art pieces, gift everyone personalized stickers for Christmas 2025, and never wear a bland, blank T-shirt ever again. You could even launch your own Etsy shop. These are just a few ideas you can create with the EufyMake E1 UV Printer, which is set to debut for customers in December 2025, but Eufy mentions preorders could begin shipping as early as October.

Lets your artistic side shine with the EufyMake E1 UV Printer. Credit: Eufy

You can already preorder the EufyMake E1 UV Printer, and all bundles are at least $200 off. The basic bundle is listed at $2,499, but you can preorder it for $2,299 with promo code WS24e1basicbundle.

Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy EufyMake UV Printer E1 (basic bundle) $2,299 at Eufy
$2,499 Save $200 Get Deal Bluetti's sodium-powered Pioneer Na portable power station

Portable power stations are truly some of the best innovations we've seen in years, revolutionizing the camping experience as well as offering a way to stay on-grid during a power outage. Bluetti has been a leader in the industry, and the brand will debut the Pioneer Na at IFA 2025 on Sept. 6. Instead of the industry-standard lithium-ion phosphate battery (which we often see as LiFePO4), the Pioneer Na will use a sodium-ion battery, and that means it'll be ready to go in low temperatures.

Chainsawin' in negative temperatures is on the agenda for winter 2026. Credit: Bluetti

That could be awesome if you live in a cold climate that gets coated in snow, ice, and negative temperatures in a winter that lasts for seemingly half of the year. The Pioneer Na portable power station comes with 900Wh of battery capacity with 1,500W of continuous power. We're waiting on word from Bluetti about pricing, but the brand has said it'll be available for purchase in mid-October.

Become the star of the neighborhood with the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism

Govee seriously showed up prepared to wow at IFA 2025. The brand debuted several new smart lighting options, and a highlight is the new Prism model of the permanent outdoor lights. They'll come with a triple-color lighting effect for a more dynamic display. Govee mentions the adjustable brightness ranges from 6500K to 2700K, so there are options for super bright displays to chill, warm lighting. The Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism come with the brand's LuminBlend color management system, giving users the option to choose from an astonishing 16 million color options.

Celebrate every holiday with permanent outdoor lights. Credit: Govee

The lights are designed to never come down, working in a temperature range between -30 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Govee says they'll get 50,000 hours of life, which equates to 4,166 days, should you have the lights on for 12 hours each day.

Govee has the Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism listed with a release date of Sept. 22 for an undisclosed price. They'll also land at Amazon on launch day.

The Garmin Fenix 8 Pro that rivals the Apple Watch Ultra 3

Garmin is coming in hot with a new flagship smartwatch — the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro. It's a total coincidence that it goes on sale on Sept. 8, just one day before we anticipate the announcement of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 at the brand's annual launch event.

Use satellite and LTE networks to stay in touch. Credit: Garmin

Garmin has designed the Fenix 8 Pro for serious athletes. Not only does it come with the standard 24/7 fitness tracking, it has an LED flashlight, a mix of satellite and cellular connectivity, and the ability to send a signal to Garmin’s Response Center should you require help. It can also get up to 15 days of battery life and you can leave family with the ability to follow your location thanks to Garmin's Livetrack location sharing technology.

The Garmin Fenix 8 Pro comes in two versions — an AMOLED display and an upgraded micoLED. The AMOLED is available in a 47mm and 51mm size with prices starting at $1,199.99. The microLED is available in just the 51mm size with a price of $1,999.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Fenix 8 Pro (47mm, AMOLED) $1,199.99 at Garmin
Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Fenix Pro 8 (51mm, microLED) $1,999.99 at Garmin
Learn More The Acemate Robot is an always-available tennis mate

Sometimes AI is atrocious, but other times, it's pretty rad. Tennis players who struggle to find friends with a similar schedule can now play with the rally-master Acemate Robot. The Acemate rolls around the court, catching balls in its hopper and then serving balls back at up to 80 miles per hour and eight meters high. Combined, this allows for a single-player tennis practice that mimics what it'd be like with a fellow player.

The Acemate won't judge your weird backhand technique. Credit: Acemate

Since the Acemate is using cameras to catch and serve balls back, it's also capturing swing techniques, accuracy, and more. After your tennis lesson is over, you can review footage and stats like ball speed, spin, and landing points. The Acemate is already in production after a successful Kickstarter campaign, and units should begin shipping in November. Preorders get a major $900 discount. There's also a pickleball version if tennis isn't your thing.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acemate Acemate tennis robot $1,599 at Acemate
$2,499 Save $900 Get Deal Acer's first Chromebook with an NPU — the Acer Plus Spin 514

Acer's first go at a Chromebook with NPU means it packs in the AI features. Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Haley Henschel spent some time with the new Acer Plus Spin 514 and wrote, "Based on my few hours with the Spin 514 so far, I think it's a great pick for early AI adopters, but also just anyone who wants a solid budget 2-in-1 laptop with a premium design and good amount of power for the price."

A nice budget option, with the addition of fancy AI features. Credit: Haley Henschel

Sure, it has tons of AI features, but Henschel noted it's simply a nice budget 2-in-1 laptop that could work great for a wide range of laptop users. The price points land on the higher end for a Chromebook, but it comes with a premium feel, according to Henschel. It can also move into a tent mode or lie flat in tablet mode. While we haven't tested the battery life yet, Acer's press release says it can get up to 17 hours of web browsing on a single charge, which would put it well above the minimum Mashable likes to see in Chromebooks.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 (CP514-1HN-K6DY) $699.99 at Best Buy
Get Deal

SAVE 35%: As of Sept. 5, you can get the Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee Maker and Espresso Machine by DeLonghi for $129.99, down from $199.99, at Target. That's a 35% discount and a $70 savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee Maker and Espresso Machine by DeLonghi $129.99 at Target
$199.99 Save $70 Get Deal

I love Target just as much as the next iced coffee toting shopper, but I have to admit that finding a genuinely good deal there can be a challenge. They do offer small gift card incentives when you spend a certain amount on specific items, but true price drops that rival Amazon or Walmart are few and far between.

SEE ALSO: Target is ending its price match policy as of July 28

That’s why I was so shocked to find this deal. As of Sept. 5, you can get the Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee Maker and Espresso Machine by DeLonghi for $129.99, down from $199.99, at Target. That's a 35% discount and a $70 savings. You can’t find it for this price anywhere else, including Amazon. Plus, you’ll get a free starter set of Nespresso capsules with your purchase.

This particular machine can brew both coffee and espresso, a feature not all Nespresso machines offer. You can brew coffee in five- and eight-ounce sizes, as well as single and double espresso shots. It's also fast (heats up in 15 seconds) and has a huge 60-ounce water tank so you're not constantly refilling it.

The most impressive feature of this Nespresso VertuoPlus machine is its barcode scanning technology, which automatically adjusts brewing parameters for each capsule, ensuring you get the perfect cup every time. (Pop in the pod, press the button, and the machine does the rest.) The pods are also fully recyclable; you can order a (free) recycling bag directly from Nespresso and mail them back at no charge.