Technology

Now that smartphones are firmly ingrained in our lives, we've seen "minimalist phones" rise in popularity. The problem is, these phones are often too simple, and a regular smartphone is still required. LTE smartwatches are a nearly perfect middle ground, but what if you don't like wearing a watch? I've got a solution.

Changing layer height is the easiest way to balance print quality and print time. It’s a simple, one-size-fits-all approach you can make with a few clicks in your slicer before you send a job to the printer. For a smarter approach, try varying the layer heights throughout the print so that you get the best of both worlds: detail where you need it, raw speed where you don’t.

I've always dreaded turning on my car and getting nothing but that dry click from the battery. When nobody is around to give you a jump, scrolling through quick internet hacks sounds tempting, but don't be fooled. People post clips making power tools look fast and harmless, but rigging them together can damage what's actually under the plastic casing.

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to 20+ AI models, side-by-side comparisons, AI image generation, and unlimited monthly messages (subject to fair use) for $59.97 through Oct. 15.

Opens in a new window Credit: ChatPlayground AI ChatPlayground AI: Lifetime Subscription (Unlimited Plan) $59.97
$619 Save $559.03   Get Deal

One AI model might nail your prompt, while another offers a completely different approach. Why choose just one without seeing what the others can do? ChatPlayground AI’s Unlimited Plan is just $59.97 (reg. $619) through Oct. 15 during the extended Deal Days sale, giving you lifetime access to 20+ AI models in one workspace.

ChatPlayground AI brings ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, DeepSeek, Llama, Perplexity, and more together in a single interface. Enter a prompt once, compare responses side by side, and decide which answer works best for your project.

That’s very useful when you’re drafting content, brainstorming ideas, writing code, or working through a complicated question. Rather than relying on one model’s response, you can see how several approach the same task.

And there’s more here than a collection of chatbots.

Upload PDFs and images to ask questions about your files, use built-in prompt engineering tools to refine your requests, or generate AI images without leaving the platform. Saved chat history also makes it easy to revisit previous conversations and pick up where you left off.

The Unlimited Plan includes unlimited monthly messages (subject to a fair-use policy), plus priority customer support and early access to new features and future models. Available models are regularly updated and may change.

For anyone who regularly experiments with different AI tools, having everything in one place is a practical way to simplify the process.

Get lifetime access to ChatPlayground AI’s Unlimited Plan for a one-time $59.97 payment (reg. $619) through Oct. 15 and put multiple AI perspectives to work with one purchase.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Tech creator Alberta Tech likes to be prepared for an idea to strike at any time.

The former software engineer recently left Google to pursue content creation full-time, making videos that use comedy to unpack some of the internet's most complicated tech topics, from generative AI to vibe coding.

SEE ALSO: Alberta Tech on what AI gets right and where it still falls short for creators

But despite the technical subject matter, her actual creator setup is surprisingly uncomplicated. "Phone and mics are all I need to be making stuff these days," Alberta told Mashable at VidCon.

The rest comes down to staying curious about what people are talking about — and being ready to hit record when inspiration strikes.

Her bag might be light on gear, but Alberta Tech never goes anywhere without the tools she needs to make a video. Credit: Ian Moore/Mashable/Getty Images Her phone Apple iPhone 17 Pro iPhone 17 Pro on Us With Trade-in and Qualifying Plan at T-Mobile
  See It at T-Mobile See It at Best Buy See It at AT&T Wireless

Like many creators, Alberta doesn't need an elaborate camera setup to make a video. Her phone does most of the heavy lifting.

It's particularly fitting for a creator whose career began on TikTok during the pandemic, when Alberta started posting jokes from her New York apartment before eventually finding her audience in the tech and software engineering communities.

These days, it's still one of the only devices she needs to make something.

Rode mics RØDE Wireless Micro (2 Mics + Case), USB-C for Smartphones, Orange $90 at Amazon
  See It at Amazon

The one piece of gear Alberta makes sure she has with her? "I always have my mics on me," she said. "They actually are Rode mics. Just in case inspiration strikes wherever I go."

That habit has already paid off. "I went to an event once in New York and saw a creator that I had been following for a long time online, but we had never met in person," she recalled. Rather than scheduling something for later, they made a video on the spot. "We were able to just make a video right then and there, no planning," Alberta said. "It was completely improv, which was so fun."

They had the idea. More importantly, they had the mics.

The news

Not everything in Alberta's creator toolkit can literally fit inside a bag. Her videos depend on being able to turn complicated developments in tech and AI into jokes people can actually understand, which means keeping up with a news cycle that moves incredibly quickly.

"I would say just reading the news," Alberta said of the other things that help her make content.

That information becomes the raw material for her videos — and sometimes the setup for the next joke.

Reddit

There's another place Alberta checks every morning. "Reading the top of Reddit every morning," she said.

For a creator who makes content about how people experience and talk about technology, knowing what happened isn't necessarily enough. She also wants to know what the internet thinks happened.

Which leads to her final essential.

The comments

Alberta reads the comments to "see what people really think about what is going on." That means paying attention not only to the people who love what she's making, but also the people who decidedly do not. "You have to listen to the people that are your biggest fans or your biggest haters," she said.

Phone. Mics. News. Reddit. Comments. The gear may be minimal. The curiosity is anything but.

From YouTubers and TikTok stars to streamers and podcasters, Mashable talks to creators about how they built their platforms, the gear they swear by, and the trends they see coming next. Read more of our creator coverage and meet The Mashable 101 to discover the internet’s most exciting voices.

As we sift through the latest leaked gameplay videos for Grand Theft Auto VI, it's worth wondering: Which console will provide the most high-end experience when the game launches on Nov. 19?

The answer would usually be PC, but Rockstar has not announced a PC version of GTA 6 yet, and might not for a while. GTA V didn't launch on PC until two years later, after all. With that in mind, people are wondering if it's worth it to splurge on a PlayStation 5 Pro just to experience Vice City at the highest level of fidelity possible.

Rockstar has yet to share official visual and performance specs for any version of the game just yet, but let's investigate anyway with what little information we have.

SEE ALSO: Where to find the PS5 Pro in stock ahead of 'GTA 6' launch Will GTA VI be upgraded on PS5 Pro? A month ahead of the official launch, a lot of questions remain unanswered. Credit: Rockstar

This is the big question, and it's one we don't really have an answer to right now.

Rockstar's official marketing line for the last few months has been that GTA VI "plays best on PS5," but that tagline doesn't say anything about PS5 Pro. It also doesn't say much of anything in general, as we have no idea what the differences will be between the base PS5 and the Xbox Series X versions of GTA VI. It's not an exaggeration to say that we're operating with almost no useful information about the way this game performs on consoles right now, aside from the fact that the extended Netflix trailer was apparently captured on a base PS5.

SEE ALSO: GTA 6 Cyberleek update: Everything leaked so far, what could be next

There has been one recent little crumb of hope that the PS5 Pro version of the game is an upgrade over the base version, though. A recently released screenshot of a wet city street at night showcased high-quality reflections that don't seem to be present in the base PS5 build shown on Netflix or in any other marketing. Oliver Mackenzie of Digital Foundry, an outlet dedicated to technical analysis of game visuals, said on X that this screenshot may not represent regular PS5 gameplay.

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Mackenzie estimates that these reflections use ray tracing, a relatively recent technology that generates real-time, high-quality lighting and reflections, while requiring a pretty intense amount of horsepower.

Base PS5 games technically can and do utilize ray tracing on occasion; the reflections in the Marvel's Spider-Man series on PS5 are a good go-to example. But given the extremely high level of graphical detail present in GTA 6, it stands to reason that the game might not be able to use ray tracing on a base PS5, but could possibly include that feature on PS5 Pro.

It must be emphasized that this is all speculation based on one measly screenshot, which might not even show the console version of the game at all. Rockstar very well could have captured it using an internal PC build, as Mackenzie noted on X. But there is plenty of precedent for games like Ghost of Yotei locking the best ray tracing features behind PS5 Pro-exclusive modes, so it's possible GTA VI could do the same.

Is the PS5 Pro worth it in general?

A PS5 Pro retails for $900 at the moment, and that's under the best of conditions, as a recent shortage has driven up the price on the secondary market considerably (as high as $1,300). It is perfectly reasonable to not want to spend that much money on a gaming device, no matter how powerful it is, and no matter how much better GTA 6 might look on it — emphasis on might.

But, as a PS5 Pro owner myself, I will say that games rarely (if ever) look or run worse on PS5 Pro, and big-budget AAA productions often benefit in some way from the added horsepower. A couple of my favorite games of this console generation, Dragon's Dogma 2 and Death Stranding 2, look and perform absolutely wonderfully on PS5 Pro, just to provide two examples.

If you care about having the best graphics in every game, a PC is the way to go. But if you don't want a PC — or if the game you want to play isn't being released on PC for the foreseeable future — then the PS5 Pro is your second-best option. Just try not to spend too much more than $900 on it.

In the meantime, you can pre-order Grand Theft Auto VI for Xbox Series X/S and PS5 for $79.99.

TL;DR: Block ads, reduce tracking, and get malware protection and parental controls on up to nine devices with AdGuard’s lifetime Family Plan for just $14.97 through Oct. 15.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $14.97
$169.99 Save $155.02   Get Deal

Tired of dodging pop-ups, dealing with slow-loading websites, and feeling like your every move online might be tracked? You’re not alone. The internet should be a safe, smooth, and private space. The AdGuard Family Plan can help you smooth things out, digitally speaking.

For just $14.97 through Oct. 15 (as part of an extended Deal Days sale), you’ll get lifetime protection for up to nine devices. Whether it’s your phone, tablet, or laptop, AdGuard blocks intrusive ads, prevents trackers from snooping on your data, and shields your family from possible malicious websites.

Ads aren’t just annoying; they slow down your browsing, eat up your data, and sometimes even carry malware. And if you’ve got kids online, you want to make sure they’re safe from inappropriate content. The AdGuard Family Plan does all that and more. With built-in parental controls, you can filter out harmful sites and ensure your family’s online experience is both secure and enjoyable.

With up to 9 devices covered, the AdGuard Family Plan is ideal for households where everyone’s connected. And because it’s a one-time payment for lifetime access, you’ll never have to worry about recurring fees or annoying subscription renewals.

So, whether you’re protecting your own devices or your whole family’s, AdGuard makes it easy to have a more peaceful online experience. Say goodbye to annoying ads and hello to a safer, faster internet.

Don’t miss the opportunity to save on a lifetime of AdGuard Family Plan protection while it’s just $14.97 (reg. $169.99) through Oct. 15 at 11:59 p.m. PT, as part of the extended Deal Days sale.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Host unlimited websites with a Hostdeal Unlimited lifetime subscription, now $119.97 (reg. $1,800).

Opens in a new window Credit: Light Speed Technologies Hostdeal Unlimited Plan: Lifetime Subscription $119.97
$1,800 Save $1,680.03   Get Deal

Web hosting is usually a monthly bill, and every new site or domain renewal raises it a little more. A Hostdeal Unlimited lifetime subscription replaces that bill with one payment for unlimited websites, unlimited NVMe SSD storage, and 54 free lifetime domains. It’s also on sale for $119.97 (reg $1,800).

Every site on this plan lives on NVMe SSD storage. NVMe drives connect over PCIe instead of the older SATA interface, so pages and databases read data faster than they would from a SATA drive or a spinning hard disk. Hostdeal pairs that storage with HTTP/2, IPv6, a CDN, and edge caching. A CDN keeps copies of your site on servers around the world, so a visitor in Tokyo isn’t waiting on a single server in Ohio. You can pick a home server location in the United States, United Kingdom, or Singapore.

Bandwidth is unlimited too, so a traffic spike won’t bring extra charges. Each site gets a free SSL certificate and up to five email accounts. Daily off-site backups mean you can restore a broken site quickly, and security includes DDoS protection, malware scanning, a web application firewall, brute-force protection, and two-factor authentication.

You can manage all of this through one simple panel you don’t need to be a tech pro to use. A 1-click installer sets up WordPress or more than 400 other web apps, while developers get MySQL databases, FTP, Git integration, cron jobs, and a PHP version selector.

Stop paying a monthly fee to keep your websites online. Until Oct. 15 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get a HostDeal Lifetime Subscription for just $119.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get a refurbished M2 MacBook Air with a 512GB SSD and up to 18 hours of battery for $699.99 (reg. $1,299).

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 2022 (Refurbished) $699.99
$1,299 Save $599.01   Get Deal

Laptops, phones, and most other electronics keep getting more expensive. A good new laptop can easily cost more than $1,000, but that’s not your only option. This refurbished 2022 MacBook Air with Apple’s M2 chip is a lightweight laptop that’s fast enough for work, school, and creative projects, and it’s on sale for $699.99.

This MacBook Air has an M2 chip with an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU. That’s enough performance for web browsing, documents, video calls, and photo editing. With 8GB of unified memory, switching between apps stays quick. Storage is a 512GB SSD, enough space for a large collection of photos, files, and apps.

Because the M2 chip runs cool, this laptop doesn’t need a fan. That keeps it silent during normal use, so you don’t have to turn up the volume on videos just to cover up the sound of your computer trying to work.

The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display has a resolution of 2560 by 1664. At 500 nits with P3 wide color and True Tone, the screen is bright and shows accurate colors. You also get a backlit Magic Keyboard, a Force Touch trackpad, Touch ID for fingerprint sign-in, a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, and a four-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio.

Apple rates the battery at up to 18 hours of movie playback and up to 15 hours of wireless web browsing. At 2.7 pounds and less than half an inch thick, this MacBook Air is easy to carry or toss into most laptop bags. Ports include MagSafe 3 for charging, two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, and a headphone jack, and Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 handle wireless connections.

This model has a Grade B refurbished rating, meaning it may have light scuffing on the case or light scratches and dents on the body, but it still works great.

Pick up a refurbished MacBook Air while they’re still on sale for $699.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

SAVE $400: The 27-inch LG UltraGear OLED gaming monitor is back on sale for $499.99 at Amazon. That $400 discount (44% off) matches its lowest-ever price.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 27-inch UltraGear OLED Gaming Monitor (27GS93QE) $499.99 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $400   Get Deal

The 27-inch LG UltraGear OLED gaming monitor is currently down to $499.99 at Amazon. That drops the price by $400 — a massive 44% discount off its normal $899.99 list price — bringing this top-tier display back to its all-time low price.

Hitting a sub-$500 mark on a high-refresh OLED panel is rare, but the performance specs make it a steal for both PC and console setups. You are getting a sharp 1440p resolution, a silky 240Hz refresh rate, and a near-instant 0.03ms pixel response time. So fast-paced competitive shooters look fluid with practically zero motion blur, ghosting, or input lag ruining your tracking.

The real magic comes down to the self-lit OLED panel. Because each pixel turns off completely, dark scenes deliver true, pitch-black levels without that muddy gray glow common on standard IPS or VA screens. It handles wide color spaces effortlessly for single-player immersion, while a matte anti-glare finish keeps window light or desk lamps from turning your display into a mirror mid-game.

LG also loaded it with dual HDMI 2.1 ports and DisplayPort 1.4, letting you max out the 240Hz ceiling on PC or hook up a PS5 or Xbox Series X without losing smooth frame rates. You also get G-Sync and FreeSync support to eliminate screen tearing, a stand that swivels, tilts, and adjusts for height, and a two-year warranty covering burn-in and panel issues.

If you've been eyeing a high-refresh OLED upgrade, hit Amazon and grab this 27-inch display before the $400 discount disappears.

SAVE OVER $1,300: As of Oct. 13, the Hisense 100-inch E7 Cinema Series is on sale for $1,697.97 at Amazon. That's a 43% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 100-inch E7 Cinema Series $1,697.97 at Amazon
$2,999.99 Save $1,302.02   Get Deal

If you want to transform your living room into a home theater, take a look at this latest Amazon deal on the Hisense 100-inch E7 Cinema Series. Currently reduced to its lowest-ever price, this TV is the ideal choice for home movie nights and gaming sessions. Normally $2,999.99, it's down to $1,697.97, saving you over $1,300.

And it's more than just a big TV. This Hisense model is a 4K TV that uses AI tools to make the most out of whatever you're watching. It even has AI 4K upscaling technology that uses deep learning to improve lower-resolution content, sharpening details and improving textures to bring older films and shows closer to 4K quality.

There's plenty for gamers and sports fans, too. The native 144Hz refresh rate, Game Mode, and AI Smooth Motion with MEMC technology help keep fast-paced action looking smooth and reduce motion blur. AI Picture Processing also fine-tunes brightness, contrast, and color, and a built-in light sensor adjusts the screen's brightness to suit the room.

And as the name suggests, this TV gives you a cinema experience. When watching movies, Filmmaker Mode gives you a more authentic viewing experience by preserving the director's intended settings, including the original aspect ratio, color, and frame rate.

Get this huge TV deal from Amazon now.

Google is all-in on fitness trackers in 2026. In May, we got the Fitbit Air, followed by the Pixel Watch 5 in August. And now, in October, we're welcoming the new Fitbit Edge, a fitness tracker that feels like it lands in a nice middle ground.

Preorders are already live for the newest Fitbit model, but before you decide if you're all-in on the Edge, check out some of the specs below.

Highlights of the Google Fitbit Edge

Unlike the Fitbit Air, Google went with a design that offers plenty of on-display info on the Edge. The AMOLED color display measures 1.34 inches and only weighs 17.7 grams without the band. Google kept it slim with the Edge, which measures just 11.58 mm. Like the Air, it aims to offer a comfortable fit for wear 24/7. The watch face on the Edge marks the largest and brightest ever on a Fitbit.

Credit: Google

Google says the battery can last up to 7 days, with a recharge time of about 90 minutes. A five-minute recharge will earn you an additional day of use. A first for Fitbit, the Edge's battery is replaceable should you wish to extend your watch's lifespan.

While the Fitbit Air was a scaled-back fitness tracker focused on simplicity, the Fitbit Edge adds features I missed with the Air. For one, it has an onboard altimeter, so it'll track the floors climbed and give you elevation info on hikes.

The Fitbit Edge also has onboard GPS for tracking your runs, walks, and bike rides. By comparison, the Air lacks onboard GPS and instead relies on your smartphone's GPS.

The IP68 waterproof rating means this model is swim friendly, won't mind going on a rainy fall run, and you won't have to take it off to shower.

Like the Air and Google Pixel 5, the Fitbit Edge comes with the Google Health Coach. While I'm not one to lean into AI, I enjoy the Google Health Coach's insight. I especially like the sleep tracking metrics that come with Fitbits.

It looks like anything but a fitness tracker

Order the Fitbit Edge, and it'll come with the silicone Active Band, which Google designed to be extra breathable thanks to the large cutouts. But you can also swap out the band for other options like the Performance Loop band, my preferred option on the Fitbit Air. It's a micro-adjustable option that allows for ultimate comfort. And somehow, it's pretty resistant to dirt.

There are also the elevated Metal Links and Magnet bands that make the Edge look much more like a watch and less like a fitness tracker. Google also launched the Fitbit Edge with a special Stephen Curry edition. It comes with a custom basketball watch face and a Rye colorway band, similar to the Stephen Curry edition of the Fitbit Air.

The Stephen Curry edition of the Fitbit Edge has its own custom watch face option. Credit: Google How to preorder the Google Fitbit Edge

The Fitbit Edge is available for preorder at Amazon and Google for $179.99 with a launch date set for Oct. 27. It comes with free access to Google Health Premium for three months. The special Stephen Curry edition of the Fitbit Edge is also available for preorder for $219.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Fitbit Edge $179.99 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here

TL;DR: The Apple iPhone 17e is free when you switch to almost any T-Mobile plan with no trade-in required. The iPhone 17 and iPhone 18 Pro are heavily discounted for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple T-Mobile: Best deals on Apple iPhones   Get Deal

The 2026 Apple Event feels like it took place a long time ago, but the dust is still settling. Apple announced a wave of new hardware and software, headlined by its first foldable iPhone. We're still digging deep into all the new features and stylistic touches, but we know what you really want — deals.

We know that's the priority after new models launch. With this in mind, we've lined up the best deals this week so you can get your hands on the iPhone 18 Pro (or the iPhone 17) for the lowest possible rate.

These are the best iPhone deals from T-Mobile this week:

• iPhone 17e — free when you switch to almost any T-Mobile plan with no trade-in required.

• iPhone 17 — under $100 when you bring your number on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan (no trade-in needed)

• iPhone 17 Pro — under $100 when trading in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan.

• iPhone 18 Pro — under $200 when you switch and bring your number or trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

• iPhone 18 Pro Max — under $300 when you switch and bring your number or trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

T-Mobile will charge taxes on these deals, as well as a $35 device connection fee.

If you’re still rocking an iPhone 12 or 13, you’re missing out on some genuinely game-changing features. The iPhone 17 is the first base model built specifically to handle Apple’s most advanced AI features. Mashable's Stan Schroeder said it's an "excellent phone that matches the iPhone Pro models in many ways that matter."

Of course, the iPhone 18 Pro takes things to another level. The iPhone 18 Pro features a new A20 Pro chip to better support AI features and Siri AI. This latest model also has major camera upgrades, including a physical variable aperture, smart focus tracking, cinematic video effects, and improved low-light photography.

Get the best deals on Apple iPhones this week with T-Mobile.

TL;DR: Physical preorders for He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction are officially live across Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Opens in a new window Credit: Clear River Games / Mattel He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction (Standard Edition) $28 at Clear River Games
  Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Clear River Games / Mattel He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Dragon Pearl of Destruction (Collector's Edition) $99.99 at Limited Run Games
  Pre-order Here

If you grew up glued to the television on Saturday mornings, waiting to hear He-Man declare that he has the power, this is the exact news your inner child needed to hear. To celebrate He-Man's official birthday, Mattel and retro gaming development specialists Bitmap Bureau teamed up with Clear River Games and Limited Run Games to bring Eternia back to physical media.

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction is an authentic 16-bit 2D side-scrolling arcade brawler launching Feb. 4, 2027, across Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Physical preorders are officially open now, giving retro gaming enthusiasts and MotU fans two distinct ways to own a piece of gaming history.

The plot

When the nefarious Skeletor uncovers the ancient Dragon Pearl of Destruction, he pairs up with Evil-Lyn to execute a dark ritual that threatens to plunge all of Eternia into eternal darkness. It’s up to He-Man, Man-At-Arms, and Teela to smash their way through Skeletor's army of minions.

Credit: Mattel

The game blends classic 2-player local co-op arcade beat 'em up combat with high-fantasy theatrics, featuring massive, hand-crafted pixel-art sprites that look like the original 1980s animated series brought to life.

Across 13 action-packed stages, including the Royal Palace, the Vine Jungle, and the dark corridors of Snake Mountain, players will battle iconic villains like Beast Man, Trap Jaw, Evil-Lyn, and Skeletor, along with deep-lore foes like the dark sorceress Shokoti and the Shadow Beasts. The game is region-free and features English voice acting along with multi-language in-game text (English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish).

Credit: Mattel He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction (Standard Edition)

Available through Clear River Games, Limited Run Games, and standard retailers, the Standard Edition is the entry point for players who want a physical copy on their shelf ahead of its Feb. 4, 2027 release. It includes:

• Physical game media — Disc or cartridge for Nintendo Switch, PS5, or Xbox Series X|S.

• Freddie Williams II case art — Custom physical game case featuring original artwork by the comic artist.

• Foiled, embossed slipcover — Metallic, raised outer packaging to protect the case.

• Printed instruction booklet — A retro-style physical manual tucked inside.

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Dragon Pearl of Destruction (Collector's Edition)

Exclusively available through Limited Run Games during an open preorder window ending Nov. 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET, the Collector's Edition is region-free with no purchase limits. It includes everything from the Standard Edition plus a massive lineup of retro collectibles:

• Full game and Standard perks — Physical game disc/cartridge, printed booklet, and foiled, embossed slipcover.

• Holographic Collector’s Box — Premium outer packaging designed by CultureFly.

• Plastic lunchbox — 1980s-style lunchbox packaging.

• SteelCase and acrylic standee — Protective metal game display case alongside an acrylic standee featuring He-Man riding Battle Cat.

• Mini Power Sword replica — 4.9-inch Power Sword complete with a dedicated display stand.

• Epoxy pins and Dark Horse comic — Sprite pin badges featuring He-Man and Skeletor, plus an exclusive 12-page mini comic.

• Early preorder bonus — The early fans who preorder score a bonus Masters of the Universe Origins 5.5-inch He-Man action figure (while supplies last).

Grab the Standard Edition via Clear River Games ahead of its official launch, or claim Limited Run Games' exclusive physical editions before their preorder window closes on Nov. 22.

TL;DR: Mint Mobile is celebrating its 10th anniversary by discounting every six-month plan — including Unlimited — to just $10 per month for new customers. That gets you six full months of 5G coverage on T-Mobile’s network for a single upfront payment of $60.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mint Mobile deal Mint Mobile   Get Deal

Can we still call Mint Mobile the new kid on the wireless block now that it's turning 10? Ever since launching in 2016, the carrier has built its reputation on ditching retail stores, skipping activation fees, and avoiding multi-year phone contracts. Instead, it asks you to pay upfront in prepaid blocks to secure drastically lower monthly rates on T-Mobile’s national 5G network.

To mark a decade in business, Mint is rolling out its biggest promotion ever: new customers can score any six-month plan for just $10 per month ($60 total upfront). The anniversary discount applies across Mint’s entire phone plan lineup, so every tier drops to the same flat $10 monthly rate for your first six months:

• 6GB Plan — $10/month $20/month (50% off)

• 17GB Plan — $10/month $25/month (60% off)

• 23GB Plan — $10/month $35/month (71% off)

• Unlimited Plan — $10/month $35/month (71% off)

While light data users get a solid price cut on smaller tiers, the Unlimited Plan is where the value skyrockets. Paying $60 total for six months of unlimited 5G data comes out to less than what major carriers typically charge for a single month of service.

What's the fine print say?

Mint’s Unlimited plan runs on T-Mobile's 5G network without artificial speed caps under normal usage. It includes up to 20GB of dedicated mobile hotspot data, free calls to Canada, Mexico, and the UK, and standard-definition video streaming.

If you happen to cross 50GB of data usage in a single 30-day billing cycle, you may notice temporarily reduced speeds in congested areas until your next cycle resets — a standard network management policy across unlimited prepaid plans.

SEE ALSO: Best family phone plans of 2026 — how to add lines without adding to the bill Set up and renewal

Getting set up is fast and straightforward. If you have an eSIM-compatible phone from Apple, Samsung, or Google, you can activate your service digitally on the same day without waiting for mail delivery. Prefer a traditional setup? Mint will ship a physical SIM kit directly to your door. You can instantly check your device's compatibility with Mint's online IMEI checker before checking out.

Once your initial six-month promotional window ends, you can easily manage or adjust your renewal in the Mint app. Mint's standard pricing model rewards longer commitments: lock in a full 12-month renewal to secure the lowest monthly rate for your tier, or opt for 3-month or 6-month blocks if you prefer more upfront flexibility. You can also switch between data tiers (6GB, 17GB, 23GB, or Unlimited) at any time when renewing.

If you've been waiting for the right moment to slash your cellular bill, head to Mint Mobile to claim six months of wireless coverage for $60 before this anniversary offer ends.

You'll be hard-pressed to find a PlayStation 5 Pro in stock right now. Major retailers, including PlayStation Direct, Best Buy, Amazon (including bundle offers), Target, and Walmart, are sold out. With the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto VI, the reseller market has gotten a little ridiculous (as has everything else).

Why is the PS5 Pro out of stock?

Beyond the obvious hype for Rockstar's next release, Sony is dealing with broader supply chain bottlenecks. The global AI boom is squeezing the semiconductor market, which means Sony can't build consoles fast enough. According to distributor reports, these supply constraints could keep stock tight well into 2027.

Should you buy a PS5 Pro from a third-party seller?

Naturally, scalpers are having a field day. We've seen third-party listings on reseller sites (and even GameStop's official pre-owned page) gouging buyers for $1,300 to $1,500+ for a console that retails for $899. Sony is taking the issue so seriously that in Japan, they're forcing buyers to enter a lottery — and prove they've clocked at least 60 hours of PS4 or PS5 playtime over the last two years — just for a chance to buy a PS5 Pro.

If you absolutely have to buy one today and have money to burn, here's what the third-party market currently looks like:

• GameStop: A pre-owned unit will currently run you $1,329.99.

• Swappa: This is a legitimate, verified marketplace for used tech. However, verified PS5 Pro listings are currently sitting at $1,338.

• StockX: The popular resale bidding site currently has the console hovering around $1,290.

• Macy's and Walmart: Don't be fooled by third-party sellers on major retail sites. A low-rated seller on Walmart is currently asking $1,644.99 (open-box units are already sold out), while a third-party seller on Macy's is asking a staggering $1,749.99.

• Mercari: We found a listing here for $800. Since this is $100 below the official MSRP for a highly coveted, sold-out item, it's almost certainly a scam. Avoid it.

How to find a PS5 Pro in stock before launch

If you're set on securing a Pro before launch day, here's how to play the restock game without burning a hole in your wallet:

• Sign up for stock alerts. Restocks happen in small, sudden waves. Set up notifications through stock-tracking accounts on X (like @PS5StockUpdater) or apps like HotStock to get pinged the second inventory hits.

• Bookmark and refresh product pages. Keep direct product pages saved for PlayStation Direct, Best Buy, Amazon, Target, and Walmart. PlayStation Direct in particular occasionally drops invite-only or queue-based stock.

• Check local inventory. Sometimes brick-and-mortar stores (like local GameStops or Target stores) receive small physical allocations that don't always show up online right away. It never hurts to ask an associate in person.

• Preorder the game now. Don't hold your breath for a last-minute GTA 6 PS5 Pro console bundle. Secure your physical or digital preorder now so you're ready to go, no matter which console sits under your TV on day one.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier for who watch college basketball.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight, and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. The sports Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words, and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake — players get up to four mistakes before the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Whoops

• Green: East Coast basketball

• Blue: Tennis manufacturers

• Purple: Soccers stars

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Mistake

• Green: Big East Schools

• Blue: Tennis Ball Brands

• Purple: NWSL MVPs

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #750 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Mistake: BLUNDER, ERROR, FLUB, HOWLER

• Big East Schools: CREIGHTON, DEPAUL, PROVIDENCE, VILLANOVA

• Tennis Ball Brands: BABOLAT, DUNLOP, PENN, WILSON

• NWSL MVPs: CHAWINGA, FISHLOCK, HOLIDAY, KEROLIN

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalog.

Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 13, 2026

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for October 13, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for October 13 Pips

Number (6): Everything in this purple space must add up to 6. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 6. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this orange space must add up to 6. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally; 3-1, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this red space must add up to 6. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 0-6, placed vertically.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 3-1, placed vertically; 1-6, placed horizontally.

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically; 1-6, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for October 13 Pips

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 5-3, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 5-3, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 2-4, placed horizontally; 0-1, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 2-4, placed horizontally; 0-2, placed vertically.

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally; 0-0, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (8): Everything in this space must be greater than 8. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed horizontally.

Less Than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 0-1, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for October 13 Pips

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally.

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically; 3-5, placed horizontally.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally; 0-6, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically.

Less Than (5): Everything in this space must be less than 5. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 6-2, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 3-1, placed horizontally.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

TL;DR: The Champions League is available to live stream for free on RTÉ Player, Virgin Media, tabii, and Prime Video. Access these free live streams from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The top club competition in the world of football has to be the Champions League. There is nothing else that brings the very best teams in the world together in a battle for footballing immortality. Winning your domestic league is great, but winning the Champions League is on another level.

PSG are looking to secure an incredible third consecutive title. That's going to be a mammoth task in the face of giants like Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, all desperate to lift the iconic trophy.

If you want to watch the 2026-27 Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the Champions League?

The Champions League is an annual club football competition organized by UEFA and contested by top-division European clubs. This year's tournament begins with a 36-team round robin group stage to determine which sides qualify for the double-legged knockout rounds, followed by a single-leg final.

The defending champions are PSG.

When is the 2026-27 Champions League?

The 2026-27 Champions League is the 72nd edition of the competition (and the 35th since it was renamed the Champions League). This season's tournament starts on July 7 and runs until the final on June 5.

How to watch the 2026-27 Champions League for free

It is possible to live stream the 2026-27 Champions League for free on the following streaming platforms:

• Ireland — RTÉ Player and Virgin Media

• Turkey — tabii

• UK — Prime Video (free trial)

These free streaming platforms are geo-restricted, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Champions League from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2026-27 Champions League by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend 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 a location with free coverage of the Champions League

4. Visit RTÉ Player, Virgin Media, tabii, or Prime Video (free trial)

5. Watch Champions League fixtures 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 leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams of the 2026-27 Champions League without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch select fixtures before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, the fact is 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 the Champions League?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Arsenal vs. Lille in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League group stage is all about consistency. Arsenal secured an important three points in the opening round of games, but they'll be desperate to continue winning to secure a place in the top eight. Next they face Lille at the Emirates Stadium, a game that fans will expect to win.

If you want to watch Arsenal vs. Lille in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Arsenal vs. Lille?

Arsenal vs. Lille in the Champions League kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Oct. 13. This fixture takes place at the Emirates Stadium.

How to watch Arsenal vs. Lille for free

Arsenal vs. Lille is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.

Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Arsenal vs. Lille for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend 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 Ireland

4. Visit Virgin Media Player

5. Watch Arsenal vs. Lille for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 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 access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Arsenal vs. Lille (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

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

• Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Arsenal vs. Lille in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.