IT General

The demise of Tootles (Kit Young) in Alien: Earth episode 6 is both avoidable and frustrating, but the silver lining is that it allows the show's greatest character to shine.

We're talking, of course, about alien sheep, the fluffy monstrosity stealthily stealing the show despite having no lines of dialogue whatsoever.

SEE ALSO: 'Alien: Earth's eyeball scares me way more than the Xenomorph What happens with the sheep in episode 6?

Alien sheep is brought to life in Alien: Earth episode 4, the product of another misguided Prodigy experiment to test the capabilities of a new — and truly hideous — specimen: T. Ocellus, that nasty little octopus-like creature that can burrow into eyeballs and essentially take over creatures' brains.

Prodigy's plan? Release T. Ocellus into the same laboratory pen as a sheep, and observe what happens after it inevitably tunnels its way into the poor beast's head.

"The wavy lines are totally different now," says soon-to-be-dead hybrid Tootles, observing the sheep's intelligence chart once the octopus creature has completed its attack.

"Those are gamma waves," responds Kirsh (Timothy Olyphant). "Problem-solving, concentration. See how they've increased? This creature is highly intelligent."

Featured Video For You 'Alien: Earth' episode 5 was its own 'Alien' movie. Here's how they made it.

He's not wrong, but it's only in episode 6 that we find out exactly how intelligent T. Ocellus is, when it uses its limited four-legged powers to despatch Tootles with nothing more than a well-timed headbutt.

The best part of this attack is the way alien sheep initially bides its time. When Tootles strolls into the lab, intent on completing his exciting solo responsibilities of feeding the assorted monsters, it simply waits and watches him bumble through his tasks. The minute Tootles discovers that the secure feeding hatch for the fly aliens' pen is broken (what the hell, Prodigy?) T. Ocellus sees its chance. As soon as Tootles has the cell door propped open with his foot and becomes off-balance, T. Ocellus slams its sheepy head into the glass and sends him stumbling. Moments later, the alien flies descend.

This manoeuvre may seem outwardly pointless for alien sheep at first, but later in the episode we see that it's just the first domino in a chain reaction. Tootles' grisly death leads directly to the attack on Prodigy employee Arthur (David Rysdahl), leaving the lab in a state of chaos that the final slow (and very metal) zoom into alien sheep's face suggests it will be taking full advantage of.

Alien sheep 1, Prodigy 0.

Why is alien sheep so great?

Brilliant acting isn't always about shouting loudly or crying on cue. Sometimes it's more subtle than than, and this is an area where alien sheep thrives. Somehow it's able to maintain a constant level of menace with a simple stare, gazing impassively out at its captors like a woolly Hannibal Lecter.

The sheep even breaks the fourth wall in the episode's final shot, staring directly down the camera lens as the opening chords of Godsmack's "Keep Away" play in the background. Absolute cinema.

At this stage we don't know what alien sheep's grand plan is, but we're certain of two things: 1) It will likely involve unspeakable levels of violence, and 2) We'll be rooting for it all the way.

Alien: Earth streams Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Hulu and FX.

Apple's big iPhone reveal is upon us.

One of the biggest days of the annual tech calendar, the Apple Event for 2025 — the tagline is "Awe Dropping" — lifted the veil on the much-anticipated iPhone 17 line, new Apple Watches, the AirPods Pro 3, and the iOS 26 release date.

The big show kicked off at 10 a.m. PT on Tuesday, Sept. 9, and you can watch a recording of the livestream at Apple's website and YouTube.

We've been updating this live blog all day, providing real-time updates on the biggest news from the event. So, grab a sleeve of cookies, a caffeinated beverage of your choice, and dive into the iPhone world with us.

Products featured in this story: Apple iPhone 17 Starts at $799 Learn More Apple iPhone 16 (128GB) Starts at $699 Shop Now Apple iPhone 16 Plus (128GB) Starts at $799 Shop Now Apple iPhone Air (256GB) Starts at $999 Learn More

As expected, Apple announced the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max models during its not-quite-so ‘Awe Dropping’ event. The new iPhone lineup comes with tons of updates, including a bump in specs, 120 Hz displays across the lineup, and one extremely eye-catching shade of orange. Even better, the new iPhones arrived without significant price increases, which isn't always the case in the tariff era.

However, while the eyes of the tech world were on the iPhone 17, some of last year's iPhone 16 models received a price drop at the Apple store.

Judging by the internet's instant reaction, a lot of people are disappointed by the iPhone 17. So, if you've been eagerly awaiting the iPhone launch event so you could finally upgrade your smartphone, then the iPhone 16 just got a lot more attractive.

Apple lowers prices on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus

Here are the updated prices for the iPhone 16 line:

• iPhone 16 - $699 (was $799)

• iPhone 16 Plus - $799 (was $899)

• iPhone 16 Pro - $999

• iPhone 16 Pro Max - $1,199

• iPhone 16e - $599

Sadly, the price drops are reserved for the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. All of the prices shown are for the starter 128GB models except for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which starts with 256GB of storage.

Now, let’s take a look at the base pricing for the iPhone 17:

• iPhone 17 - $799

• iPhone 17 Pro - $1,099

• iPhone 17 Pro Max - $1,199

• iPhone 17 Air - $999

Interestingly, the iPhone 17 and iPhone 16 both launched with a $799 price, but the iPhone 17 starts with 256GB of storage, so you're actually getting double the storage for the same price.

This year, there's no iPhone 17 Plus, and the new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air is $100 more than the Plus from 2024. Lastly, while it looks like the iPhone 17 Pro Max arrived with a price increase of $100, that's not technically true. This year, Apple eliminated the 128GB version of the Pro Max, and with greater memory comes greater pricing. The 256GB version of the iPhone 16 Pro Max costs the same as the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

The most interesting price, however, is for the iPhone 17 Air. It shares the A19 Pro chip with the iPhone 17 Pro models, and despite having Pro-level specs (though not Pro-level cameras), its $999 price tag is surprisingly appealing. 

What do you lose if you stick with the iPhone 16? The new iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max on display at Apple Park. Credit: CNET

The iPhone 17 does have some worthwhile upgrades, particularly the base model. All of the new iPhones now come with 120 Hz displays, a feature that was reserved for most Android phones and the higher-tier Pro models until this year. The iPhone 17 gets the new A19 chip, and the Pro models get the A19 Pro, which Apple promises offers better performance. (Apple says it's the fastest mobile phone processor ever constructed.)

Included also with these new iPhones is a return to aluminum, a 3,000-nit screen with Apple’s Ceramic Shield 2, and significant camera upgrades. If you're serious about photography, you'll lose out on the new 18-megapixel Center Stage front camera on the iPhone 17. The flagship models also offer better cameras, with three 48-megapixel cameras on the back.

Apple's Watch Ultra range is weird, but if you have the dough and you need a watch that can withstand a lifestyle even more active than yours, it's probably well worth the investment. Apple has just launched the latest Apple Watch Ultra 3 in addition to a new Apple Watch SE, and both are pretty decent upgrades.

SAVE $200: As of Sept. 9, get the TCL QM6K Mini LED 4K TV for $1,797.99, down from its usual price of $1,997.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 10% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon TCL QM6K Mini LED 4K TV $1,797.99 at Amazon
$1,997.99 Save $200 Get Deal

If you've been looking to add a new TV to your entertainment setup, a Mini LED 4K TV is a great option, especially when you can get it for a low price. That's the case with this TCL TV, which is currently on sale at Amazon for the lowest we've seen. If you're ready to buy, this is one price cut you won't want to pass up.

As of Sept. 9, get the TCL QM6K Mini LED 4K TV for $1,797.99, down from its usual price of $1,997.99 at Amazon. That's $200 off and a discount of 10%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: Best TVs under $500: Low-budget, high-quality TVs in every size

This behemoth of a 98-inch TV boasts Mini LEDs, which means fantastic realism in terms of both brightness and color, with Quantum Dot tech for better contrast, vibrancy, and over a billion colors. Its Halo Control system means deeper shades of black, better detail, and advanced local dimming zones to get rid of haloing. It offers better, more accurate pictures thanks to a combination of all of these features, so no matter what you choose to watch, you'll get a satisfying picture.

It has a 144Hz refresh rate with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG support, and a set of gaming options that you can use with your favorite games of the season. Auto Game Mode can switch you over to the best settings for gaming, while you get up to 288 VRR with ultra-low input lag and HDMI 2.1 support. Further, GameBar offers realtime stats on-screen.

For a massive TV with a picture that won't quit, this is one deal you won't want to pass up this season.

Apple has announced its new iPhone 17 line of smartphones — which means Google and Samsung have some fresh competition.

The iPhone 17 line has some major changes from its predecessor, the iPhone 16. But arguably the most significant are the camera upgrades. How do they compare to Google's Pixel phone and Samsung's Galaxy phone?

As usual, the pro model of iPhone received the biggest camera boosts, so let's compare the pro models of each device's latest lineup. In other words: How does the new iPhone 17 Pro's cameras stack up to Google Pixel 10 Pro's and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra's offerings?

iPhone 17 Pro vs. Google Pixel 10 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S25

We'll have to wait to actually get our hands on the 17 Pro for a full test. But based on its specs, we can already see that the iPhone 17 Pro's cameras got a killer upgrade.

Rear cameras

Apple has been upgrading the megapixels on each of the iPhone's three rear camera lenses with each iteration of its smartphone. But the iPhone 17 Pro is the first that sees all three rear cameras – main, ultra wide, and telephoto – receive that 48MP upgrade.

In addition, the iPhone 17's telephoto lens now has a whopping 8x optical zoom.

Credit: CNET

Apple's Fusion camera system packs multiple cameras in each one, which means that the iPhone 17 Pro sports a total of 8 "real" camera lenses.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro has a 50MP wide lens, 48 MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP 5x telephoto lens.

But it's the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra that will keep its camera crown. It has four physical lenses: a whopping 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, a 10MP 3x telephoto lens, plus a 50MP 5x telephoto lens.

If megapixels are most important to you, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra seems to be the clear leader.

Selfie camera

The iPhone 17 Pro received a long-awaited upgrade to the front-facing camera too, with the new 18MP Center Stage camera.

Center Stage provides additional features to match the powerful rear cameras, such as video stabilization for selfies and automatically adjusting the framing for group selfies. Some of these features are made possible by the iPhone 17's new, larger, square sensor on its selfie camera.

On paper, however it looks like the Pixel 10 Pro would win here. Google's device has a 42MP front-facing camera, which would also trounce the Galaxy S25 Ultra's 12MP selfie camera too.

That new sensor from Apple will require some real-world testing before counting the iPhone 17 Pro out here.

Which is better?

If you're not already sold on one of these smartphones and you're planning to go with whichever has the best camera for your needs, there's a lot of information we still don't have until we get that hands-on experience. 

Some might prefer how one camera outputs photos over another, regardless of the camera quality. Another device may have the preferable color profile.

Apple may come away as the winner when it comes to video, if previous iterations of the iPhone are anything to go by. Samsung may be your pick when it comes to image quality. Google has a lot to offer when it comes to image processing.

Alas, if you were hoping to choose between them before the iPhone 17 Pro officially hits stores, you may have to wait a little longer — at least, until iPhone launch day, September 19, when we'll have tons of reviews to go by.

Apple's Sept. 9 "Awe Dropping" event featured the debut of the Apple AirPods Pro 3, which will start shipping on Sept. 19. That gives you a little over a week to decide if you want to upgrade.

Apple last updated the AirPods Pro wireless earbuds back in 2023, when the company finally gave the AirPods Pro 2 a USB-C charging port. The AirPods Pro 2 hit the market a year earlier in 2022. In other words, Apple fans have been waiting three years for a proper AirPods Pro update.

So what does that update bring? We dive into AirPods Pro 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2 comparisons below.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $249 at Amazon
Shop Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs. 2: Price

Let's start with good news. Even as other headphones and earbuds get more expensive, the AirPods Pro 3 have the same retail price as the previous model.

• AirPods Pro 3: $249

• AirPods Pro 2: $249

It is worth noting that the AirPods Pro 2 are frequently on sale for $169, even reaching a record low of $149 over Prime Day. We don't expect to see them in stock for that much longer now that the Pro 3s are out, so if you're looking for a solid pair of noise-cancelling earbuds that won't break the bank, pick up the Pro 2 while you can.

AirPods Pro 3 vs. 2: Sound quality

This is hard to evaluate until we can review the new earbuds properly. For now, here's what we know

• AirPods Pro 3: Personalized spatial audio with head tracking, new multiport acoustic audio design to improve spatial audio

• AirPods Pro 2: Personalized spatial audio with head tracking

The new acoustic design allows for even better sound quality on the Pro 3 earbuds. Credit: Apple / Screenshot

Though the sound quality didn't take center stage of Apple's AirPods announcement (fair, considering how good the previous gen sounds), Apple didn't ignore it completely. The fruit company noted the third gen Pros will come with a new acoustic design that helps bring out the lows, mids, and highs, particularly in the spatial audio.

Apple also noted improvements to the sound of transparency mode, which is intriguing, considering the AirPods Pro already offer one of the best transparency modes out there.

AirPods Pro 3 vs. 2: Active noise cancellation

• AirPods Pro 3: Double the ANC of the AirPods Pro 2

• AirPods Pro 2: Double the active noise cancellation of the first-generation AirPods Pro

The AirPods Pro 2 have long been one of our favorite pairs of noise-cancelling earbuds, with Mashable's Stan Schroeder deeming their ANC so good that he called them "the first pair of earbuds I'd actually consider taking on an airplane (instead of my much larger and clunkier over-ear headphones)."

While we don't have our hands on them just yet, the fact that Apple claims the Pro 3's ANC has twice the noise-blocking power is also worth noting. The addition of foam in the ear tips (more on that below) also helps with passive ANC.

AirPods Pro 3 vs. 2: Design

• AirPods Pro 3: Five sizes of foam-infused ear tips, IP57 water- and dust-resistance rating, smaller body with updated ear tip alignment, H2 chip

• AirPods Pro 2: Three sizes of silicone ear tips, IP54 water- and dust-resistance rating, H2 chip

Apple kept the general design of the earbuds the same, and the chipset exactly the same. However, they did make improvements, offering more choices of ear tips, as well as foam-lined ear tips for better passive noise cancellation.

In their efforts to make the AirPods Pro an even better earbud for working out, they made the earbud itself even smaller, and increased the IP rating, so you can worry less while you sweat more.

The improved IP-rating of the AirPods Pro 3 makes them a better option for exercise. Credit: Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs. 2: Battery life

• AirPods Pro 3: Eight hours per charge

• AirPods Pro 2: Six hours per charge, 30 hours with case

While we don't have confirmation on the case battery life just yet, the two hour per charge improvement is a solid one, especially considering the norm for most noise-cancelling earbuds these days is leaning toward the seven to eight hour range.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max announced: New design, huge battery, powerful cameras AirPods Pro 3 vs. 2: Health features

• AirPods Pro 3: Hearing Aid mode, heart rate monitoring, custom photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, Apple Fitness app compatibility, Workout Buddy

• AirPods Pro 2: Hearing Aid mode

The Hearing Aid feature is one of many health features found on the AirPods Pro 3. Credit: Apple

Apple went all-in on the fitness features with the AirPods Pro 3, adding a heart rate monitor (a la the Powerbeats Pro 2), as well as the ability to use the Apple Fitness app on your iPhone to start up to 50 different workout types, track calories burned, and close Move rings. This is made possible by the combination of the monitoring from the PPG sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, and GPS found in the buds.

Alongside the Fitness app compatibility, the AirPods Pro 3 also work with your iPhone for a new feature, Workout Buddy, which was announced during WWDC earlier this year. Workout Buddy uses Apple Intelligence to combine workout data and fitness history to generate goals.

SEE ALSO: WWDC 2025: All the Apple Intelligence AI features coming to your devices AirPods Pro 3 vs. 2: Live translation

• AirPods Pro 3: Includes live translation feature

• AirPods Pro 2: No live translation available

The AirPods Pro 3 got the rumored live translation feature, which allows for automatic translation in-person in French English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish, with availability for Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified) slated to come later this year.

While wearing the AirPods Pro 3, users can use their iPhone as a display to the non-AirPods wearer to show the transcription of the conversation, which gets translated directly in the AirPods-wearer's ear. More instantaneous translation can happen in both people in the conversation have the Pro 3 AirPods, with the earbuds' ANC automatically lowering the actual voices of each speaker so the translation is easier to hear.

Where to buy AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3 AMAZON Apple AirPods Pro 3 $249 Pre-Order Here APPLE Apple AirPods Pro 3 $249 Pre-Order Here AMAZON Apple AirPods Pro 2 $199 (Save $50) Get Deal

Some people just can’t help but suck the fun out of things.

Case in point: the word “clanker,” a quasi-new slur circulating on social media aimed at AI chatbots. A few weeks ago, I reported on the trend as it gained traction on X and TikTok, mostly in satirical posts imagining a future where robots had fully integrated into society. It was dark humor rooted in resentment toward Big Tech and the growing role of AI in daily life.

But the originally ironic nature of the term didn’t last long.

Like many memes that start out as parody, “clanker” quickly morphed into something uglier. What started as a tongue-in-cheek Star Wars nod has since curdled into a pejorative that riffs on real racial slurs.

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It’s disappointing. In just a matter of weeks, the joke slid from harmless gags about not wanting a robot to serve us popcorn at the Tesla diner to full-on skits mimicking Jim Crow–era scenes of racial discrimination.

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When it comes to online slang, this phenomenon isn't new. On social media — and in politics — language has long been co-opted into coded shorthand, especially for targeting Black communities. Think of how terms like “Critical Race Theory” or “DEI” get wielded as stand-ins, or how online slang once leaned on “ni🅱️🅱️a” and now, “yn.” The Uganda Knuckles "do you know da wey" meme famously got really racist, really fast.

It seems like the cycle is repeating itself once again.

SAVE $1,000: The Bluetti Pioneer 150 portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $899, down from the list price at Bluetti of $1,899. That's a 57% discount that matches the lowest price Amazon has ever offered.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Pioneer 150 (AC240) $899 at Amazon
$1,899 Save $1,000 Get Deal

Portable power stations bring life to almost any situation. From those who head off for months in the RV to days spent in the backyard shed, a portable power station can juice up almost anything that's not easily connected to the standard power grid. Bluetti has one of the most versatile lineups in the portable power station business, and there's a massive deal in store at Amazon today.

As of Sept. 9, the Bluetti Pioneer 150 portable power station is just $899 at Amazon, marked down from the list price at Bluetti of $1,899. That's a 57% discount that matches the lowest price Amazon has ever offered.

On its own, the Bluetti Pioneer 150 has a solid 1,536Wh of power capacity with a 2,400W AC output. But a major selling point of the Pioneer 150 is its expansion capacity. Pair it with up to four B210 batteries to get a maximum of 10,136Wh capacity. Bluetti says this can get most people through three days without AC power.

SEE ALSO: Amazon is giving away free Bluetti portable solar generators — here's how to qualify for the deal

The Bluetti Pioneer 150 also gets major points for durability. Its both dust and water-resistant, so it won't have any issue coming to the worksite or the campground where it might be sitting in mud. There's also a DC output for RV or boat life and a NEMA TT-30.

When it comes time to recharge the Pioneer 150, you can do so with standard AC or go with solar for a maximum input of 1,200W. With that amount of solar recharge, you can get back to 100% in just two hours.

While it's back at the lowest price ever at Amazon, go with the Bluetti Pioneer 150 and rest assured you have massive expansion ability should you decide you want more than 1,536Wh. Scoring a $1,000 discount isn't too shabby either.

Being born in the late 80s, I had the privilege of growing up with some of the best films ever made. My earliest memories are of watching Spielberg's ET and other masterpieces of the era.

SAVE $180: As of Sept. 9, get the Samsung Odyssey G7 gaming monitor for $1,019.99, down from its usual price of $1,199.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 15% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Odyssey G7 $1,019.99 at Amazon
$1,199.99 Save $180 Get Deal

When it comes to setting up a gaming battle station at home, a great gaming monitor is a must. You want one that can handle the darker shades, the colorful hues, and the twitchy nature of some titles with ease. And a little curve doesn't hurt either, to improve your immersion level. If you're thinking about getting ready to play some of the season's hottest games, you should consider picking up this Samsung monitor at its lowest price yet as part of your setup.

As of Sept. 9, get the Samsung Odyssey G7 gaming monitor for $1,019.99, down from its usual price of $1,199.99 at Amazon. That's $180 off and a discount of 15%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

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

This monitor just debuted last month, and it's already discounted. It has a 40-inch ultra-wide 21:9 curved screen that boasts a 5,120 x 2,160 resolution and 180Hz refresh rate, so it can take just about any title you throw at it and give you a great experience. It also has 1ms response time and is compatible with AMD FreeSync. That kind of curve puts you right in the middle of the action with immersion you can't really beat, and everything else is just the cherry on top.

Beyond all that, it packs several features that have been present in Samsung's lineup in several of is previous models, like CoreSync and CoreLighting+ for better lighting effects, Auto Source Switch+ so you don't have to manually change inputs, and improved contrast and realism.

Now's a great time to snag this monitor, especially with the holidays coming up, so if you're looking to score one for yourself or maybe a lucky gamer on your gift list, add it to your cart while you can.

TL;DR: This compact Microsoft Surface SE gives you all-day battery, 128GB storage, and reliable performance — all for $184.97 instead of the list price of $329.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface SE 11.6-Inch Laptop 2022 (Open Box) $184.97
$329 Save $144.03 Get Deal

If you’ve been searching for a budget-friendly laptop that doesn’t feel like a compromise, the Microsoft Surface SE 11.6-inch Laptop (2022) is a great pick — especially at just $184.97 (down from $329) with free shipping.

This lightweight device is powered by an Intel Celeron N4120 processor and 8GB of RAM, giving you enough performance to handle everyday essentials like web browsing, document editing, email, and streaming. With 128GB of storage, you’ll also have more room for files and apps than most Chromebooks in this price range.

SEE ALSO: Snag the MSI Vector 16 HX AI for $260 less at Amazon

And here’s the real standout: battery life of up to 16 hours. That means you can take this laptop to class, to work, or on a long flight without stressing over the nearest outlet. Add in the fact that it runs Windows 11 SE — a streamlined version of Windows built with simplicity in mind — and you’ve got a laptop that’s as straightforward as it is reliable.

Because it’s billed as a new, open-box item, you’re getting a new machine from 2022 at a serious discount. Expect it to arrive in excellent condition, though the packaging may show signs of handling or store stickers (which is what open box means).

For anyone who needs an affordable laptop for schoolwork, home office duties, or just keeping connected on the road, this Surface SE is a smart investment that won’t drain your budget.

Pick up this new, open-box Microsoft Surface SE while it’s $184.97 (down from $329) with free shipping through Oct. 5.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: If you’re sick of scrolling past drama to find a good docuseries, Curiosity Stream is for you — Lifetime access is $199.99 (reg. $399.99), no subscriptions, ads, or account-sharing restrictions.

Opens in a new window Credit: Curiosity Stream Curiosity Stream Standard Plan: Lifetime Subscription $199.99
$399.99 Save $200 Get Deal

HBO Max might be packed with slick documentary content, but it’s also buried under a mountain of boring prestige content, reality shows, and algorithm-pushed fluff. And let’s not even think about the commercials.

For a service that offers educational and ad-free content, you’ll want to check out Curiosity Stream, and right now, you can grab lifetime access for 50% off.

Why Curiosity Stream is a smarter stream

Created by the founder of the Discovery Channel, Curiosity Stream offers a curated library of thousands of award-winning documentaries and series. It’s basically a non-fiction paradise — think stunning visuals, fascinating interviews, and deep dives into space, science, history, tech, and nature.

Skip the made-for-streaming melodrama. Curiosity Stream features originals and exclusives like Engineering the Future, Planet of Treasures, and Deep Time History, with new content added weekly to keep your queue fresh.

Unlike Max or Netflix, there’s no account-sharing crackdown or subscription drama here. You pay once, then stream on all your devices, download episodes to go, and enjoy your documentaries without being interrupted by ads or price hikes.

Don’t miss this Curiosity Stream lifetime deal: $199 (reg. $399.99) with no coupon needed.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

We all need at least one router, and probably more than that with large homes and smart devices everywhere. Buying a router or mesh system isn't cheap either, so you want that gear to last as long as possible.

My iPhone 14 Pro is a solid workhorse of a smartphone, but lately it's been looking a little long in the tooth. The scratches on the screen are becoming more noticeable — when will I ever remember not to put my keys in the same pocket? — and about a week ago, when I dropped it for the umpteenth time, the aluminum casing developed a tiny nick.

Normally, this kind of wear and tear would annoy. But because it happened in September — which as any true Apple fan knows is new iPhone launch month — looking at the nick and the scratches produced a tiny leap in my heart. It's a sign! I should upgrade to the best iPhone that comes next, perhaps the long-rumored iPhone Air. It's bound to have a better camera setup than the 14 Pro ... right?

All of which is to say I was in the target audience for Apple's iPhone 17 launch event. And I was surprised to discover that the iPhone range unveiled made me less likely to upgrade. Neither of the new models I'd consider, the Pro or the Air, is calling to me. In design terms, both seem like a step down, with ugly bumps on the back that Apple is calling a "plateau."

It's an ironic choice of words from a tech giant normally so careful with them. Because it's easy to believe that with these so-called upgrades, the iPhone maker itself has plateaued.

Apple is dividing us into Airheads and Pros

So what's the problem? Assuming you don't want the iPhone 17 base model or the cheaper iPhone SE — and what power user would want to downgrade in their upgrade? — you have two choices, the Air and the Pro. And after assessing the social media reactions, it seems I'm not alone in being turned off by both.

The iPhone Air is beautifully thin, yes. But its actual utility is an inch deep (or in this case, 0.22 of an inch). I can't shake the notion that pulling this out of my pocket would trigger baffled laughter, maybe even snide comments from other iPhone users about being an "Airhead." (See what I mean about Apple making negative use of their names too easy?)

The main reason? The camera. Yes, camera, singular, as in single lens. You don't have to be a tech guru to equate more lenses with better camera quality. That's why the Pro version has three lenses! Even the basic iPhone 17 has two. The Air has the same number of lenses as an SE, even though Apple suggested the "machine learning" would do a lot of heavy lifting in the Air version (read: your photos will now look like AI slop).

That's not the only feature that would make this an airheaded upgrade choice. There's the worse battery life in the Air, which requires the bulk of an extra $99 MagSafe battery to get the same longevity as a Pro. Plus three weirdly pastel metal color options that make the Air look cheaper than it actually is — rare for an Apple product.

Who is the Air for, exactly? Fashionistas who don't want the outline of a bulkier phone to mar their suits or purses so much that they'll plug it in more often? Would-be Insta models who equate "skinny" with "beautiful," despite all real-world evidence to the contrary? Or is it, perhaps, a billionaire's burner?

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So that leaves the 17 Pro, another iPhone I really wanted to like. It has three 48-megapixel lenses! Only one of my three lenses in the iPhone 14 Pro can match that. It has a Vapor Chamber! That sounds like a dubious dispensary in a strip-mall, but it helps keep its components cool — unlike my 14 Pro, which occasionally overheats when it gets excited and downloads a bunch of app updates at once.

The 17 Pro is undoubtedly faster with its A19 chip (90 percent faster than the 14 Pro, Apple claimed at the event, in a nod to us upgraders). It has more battery life; apparently I could watch 33 hours of video playback on a 17 Pro without ever plugging it in. (I could do 23 hours on the 14 Pro, but the fact that I've never done this speaks to the fact that it's a pretty useless metric.)

All it would have taken to make me upgrade was a decent design. Heck, I would have taken the same design as the iPhone 14 Pro, which packs its three lenses into a neat little off-center square on the back. That square and the Apple logo are the only things on its beautiful deep purple derriere, a masterclass in using negative space.

But there's no way around it. The iPhone 17 Pro design is, in a word many people have already used on social media, just plain ugly. It's a shotgun wedding between the new bulky camera plateau (double the size of the old square, with no discernible benefit) and ... whatever is going on with that credit card shape in the MagSafe area just below it.

Is this supposed to be subliminal advertising for the Apple credit card? Or is the company trying to make us buy its MagSafe wallet cases that defeat the whole purpose of Apple Wallet?

The less said about the 17 Pro color options the better. If you're a huge fan of Halloween and pumpkin spice lattes, the orange might work for you. I might just about be able to enjoy the deep blue. But why would I spend $1,200 plus tax (which is what it would cost to get the equivalent of my current 512GB 14 Pro, minus a trade-in that Apple estimates at a whopping $100) to upgrade an object so I can enjoy looking at it less?

I'd consider upgrading to an iPhone 16 Pro instead — it's still got the square camera box, and the Desert Titanium color intrigues me. But bafflingly, Apple no longer sells the iPhone 16 Pro as of today. (You can still get the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 SE, but the 17 Pro is your only pro option in the Apple Store.)

So for now, I'm saving my pennies. I'll drop $100 on a new key-free screen for the 14 Pro; I'll sand down the scratchy nick and treat it like a character-building scar. And I'll settle down for the long wait until the iPhone Pro 18 drops in September 2026 — assuming Apple's iPhone design team has risen above its plateau by then.

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

After months of rumors and speculation, Apple has finally revealed the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. ProMotion and always-on display are finally coming to the base iPhone, and all models are getting an improved front-facing camera and other improvements.

SAVE $900: As of Sept. 9, the Jackery HomePower 3000 portable power station is on sale for $1,599 at Amazon. This is 36% off and marks its lowest-ever price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery HomePower 3000 Portable Power Station $1,599 at Amazon
$2,499 Save $900 Get Deal

The weather may be getting a little bit colder, but that doesn't mean outdoor adventures are done just yet. If you still have camping plans for this fall, a portable power station can help keep your devices charged up while you're out. If you've been hoping to pick one up, you can still score some good deals on various models, including the Jackery HomePower 3000 portable power station at Amazon.

The Jackery HomePower 3000 portable power station is marked down to $1,599 right now at Amazon. This is a $900 discount from its list price of $2,499 and, according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, it is its lowest price yet. What better time to grab it, right?

SEE ALSO: Amazon is giving away free Bluetti portable solar generators — here's how to qualify for the deal

Not only is the Jackery HomePower 3000 portable power station good for outdoor excursions, but it's great backup power to have around the house. Featuring a 3600W output and a 3072Wh capacity, it can power items in your household for up to 15 hours if an outage hits you. It has four AC outputs (12OV, 20A), two USB-C ports (100W Max), two USB-A ports (18W Max), TT-30 RV port (12OV, 30A), and a cigarette lighter port (12V, 10A).

Grab the Jackery HomePower 3000 portable power station at its best price now while it's still available. Or, if you're looking for an even larger power station setup, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Kit is at its lowest-ever price at Amazon as well.

TL;DR: Pay once, get 2TB of secure cloud storage for life with FolderFort for just $119.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: FolderFort FolderFort 2TB Cloud Storage Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription $119.99
$749 Save $629.01 Get Deal

If you’ve ever legitimately groaned at yet another monthly bill from a cloud provider, this offer might feel like sweet relief. For a one-time price of $119.99, FolderFort’s 2TB Cloud Storage Pro Plan gives you lifetime access to secure, fast, and easy-to-use storage — without ongoing fees.

FolderFort is built with 99.99 percent uptime and BackBlaze encryption, so your data is always accessible and secure. You can log in from any modern browser on Mac, PC, or mobile, no software needed. It’s designed to have lightning-fast uploads and sync large files in seconds with a stable connection.

SEE ALSO: Just one day to lock in 100TB of encrypted cloud storage for less

For business leaders, FolderFort is especially handy. You can create unlimited workspaces and invite unlimited users, all at no extra cost. That means your team can collaborate on files, store shared projects, or manage documents without juggling multiple accounts or paying extra licenses. Families and freelancers will love it too: store thousands of photos, videos, and documents in one place, and share with a single link when needed.

And unlike traditional cloud services, scaling up is painless. If you somehow fill 2TB (that’s a massive amount of data), you can expand your plan instantly — no downtime, no migration headaches.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur who needs a secure vault for contracts, a creative pro backing up projects, or a parent saving family archives, FolderFort gives you peace of mind with one payment and zero strings attached.

Get access to 2TB of FolderFort cloud storage for life while it’s on sale for just $119.99 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream Bolivia vs. Brazil in World Cup qualifiers for free on SBS On Demand. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Bolivia still have a slim chance of making the 2026 World Cup, but they'll need a result in their final qualification game against Brazil. They are one point behind Venezuela before the final round of games, and need to leapfrog La Vinotinto to secure a place in the inter-confederation playoffs.

If you want to watch Bolivia vs. Brazil in World Cup qualifiers for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Bolivia vs. Brazil?

Bolivia vs. Brazil in World Cup qualifiers kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sept. 9. This fixture takes place at the Estadio Municipal de El Alto.

How to watch Bolivia vs. Brazil for free

Bolivia vs. Brazil in World Cup qualifiers is available to live stream for free on SBS On Demand.

SBS On Demand is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can access free live streams on SBS On Demand from anywhere in the world.

Lve stream Bolivia vs. Brazil for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

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

4. Visit SBS On Demand

5. Stream Bolivia vs. Brazil for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Bolivia vs. Brazil in World Cup qualifiers without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select World Cup qualifiers before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for SBS On Demand?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Live stream Bolivia vs. Brazil in World Cup qualifiers for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Peru vs. Paraguay in World Cup qualifiers for free on SBS On Demand. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Paraguay have secured their spot in next year's World Cup, but Peru have fallen short this time around. Still, both sides will want to end this 2026 World Cup qualification campaign on a positive note. We're expecting a passionate fixture between two talented sides with a lot of young stars.

If you want to watch Peru vs. Paraguay in World Cup qualifiers for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Peru vs. Paraguay?

Peru vs. Paraguay in World Cup qualifiers kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sept. 9. This fixture takes place at the National Stadium of Peru.

How to watch Peru vs. Paraguay for free

Peru vs. Paraguay in World Cup qualifiers is available to live stream for free on SBS On Demand.

SBS On Demand is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can access free live streams on SBS On Demand from anywhere in the world.

Lve stream Peru vs. Paraguay for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

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

4. Visit SBS On Demand

5. Stream Peru vs. Paraguay for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Peru vs. Paraguay in World Cup qualifiers without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select World Cup qualifiers before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for SBS On Demand?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Live stream Peru vs. Paraguay in World Cup qualifiers for free with ExpressVPN.