Technology

October has barely started, and Paramount+ has already stuffed more than 100 new movies into its library for U.S. viewers. With Halloween creeping up, it's good to know that plenty of those titles are thrillers, perfect for those looking to add a little edge to their movie nights.

AI is currently a legitimate tool for programming and web design, but it has a huge problem—just like literally every other AI-generated thing out there, it has a tendency to produce slop, and there's no magic fix for it. Thankfully, these 3 plugins make it easier to iterate on your designs, which is really all that matters.

Have you ever wanted to test out hardware authentication for passwordless logins? I know I have, but I'm too cheap to spend $30 on a Yubikey. Instead, I decided to take a $6 ESP32 I already had in a drawer and see if I could replicate the YubiKey experience, and I'm surprised by how easy it was.

Have you ever felt like you’re not getting the most out of your Linux terminal? Well, you’re not alone. Over the years, I've found several Linux tools that have transformed my workflow and improved my command-line productivity. Let's take a look at my list of Linux power-ups.

Book-style foldable phones give people sticker shock, and understandably so — $2,000 is a lot of money. The thing is, I have never paid that much for any of the foldable phones I’ve owned, and truth be told, they’ve saved me far more than they've cost.

Milwaukee didn't become one of the most popular tool brands by accident—its M12 and M18 lines dominate jobsites and trades everywhere, and for good reason. There's no denying the appeal, but just because they're one of the best doesn't mean they're right for you.

Nearly every Linux user has used the grep command to search for text with regular expressions, a precise text-searching language. But the grep command is over 50 years old. Here are some modern replacements you might want to consider.

Most consumer routers are designed to be user-friendly, often at the expense of more powerful and interesting controls.

TL;DR: Watch India vs. Brazil in an International Friendly for free on GE TV. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Brazil are playing some really fun friendly fixtures. They've just visited Australia for a couple of entertaining fixtures, and now they face off against India at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. This marks the first-ever official senior men's international match between India and Brazil.

It's going to be absolutely electric in the 68,000-seater stadium.

If you're interested in watching India vs. Brazil in an International Friendly from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is India vs. Brazil?

India vs. Brazil in an International Friendly kicks off at 10 a.m. ET on Oct. 3. This fixture takes place at the Salt Lake Stadium.

How to watch India vs. Brazil for free

India vs. Brazil in an International Friendly is available to live stream for free on GE TV.

GE TV is geo-restricted to Brazil, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Brazil, meaning you can live stream India vs. Brazil for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream India vs. Brazil for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

4. Visit GE TV

5. Watch India vs. Brazil 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 they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch India vs. Brazil without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for GE TV?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on GE TV, 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 India vs. Brazil for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Excel's filter button is useful, but I've realized I was relying on it for the wrong job. When all I wanted was the highest or lowest number that matched a certain condition, filtering meant hiding rows, sorting data, and then resetting everything afterward. But two functions I recently stumbled across have given me a much cleaner way to get those answers.

Water may not be as much of a mortal enemy to an Android phone or iPhone as it used to be, but that doesn't mean they're great friends. Wet electronics should be dried as soon as possible, and there's a common household item that people always seem to choose for the job: rice. That's a bad idea.

We spend a lot of time talking about Kindle alternatives like Kobo, Xteink, and Boox. But there are some forgotten Kindle rivals that rarely make it into the conversation, including Sony, which might be the most unfairly unrecognized eReader pioneer of all time.

TL;DR: Live stream Roosters vs. Knights in the 2026 NRL Grand Final for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There's so much incredible sport taking place this weekend. We've got some fascinating international friendlies like India vs. Brazil, F1 in Malaysia, and India vs. Pakistan in the final of the Asian Games cricket tournament. It's a hectic schedule, but we suggest you make some time for the 2026 NRL Grand Final.

The Roosters take on the Knights at Stadium Australia this weekend for the trophy. It's going to be a fascinating matchup between two talented squads, and you can watch all the action from anywhere in the world.

If you want to watch the 2026 NRL Grand Final for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the NRL Grand Final?

The NRL Grand Final determines the champions of the National Rugby League. Since 1999, this fixture has been held at Stadium Australia (Accor Stadium) in Sydney.

When is the 2026 NRL Grand Final?

Roosters vs. Knights in the 2026 NRL Grand Final kicks off at 4:30 a.m. ET on Oct. 4. This fixture takes place at Stadium Australia.

How to watch the 2026 NRL Grand Final for free

Roosters vs. Knights in the 2026 NRL Grand Final is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your digital location and connect you to a secure server in Australia. This process makes it look like you're connecting from Australia, so you can access 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Watch the 2026 NRL Grand Final from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for 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 Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Watch the 2026 NRL Grand Final 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 they do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By making the most of these offers, you can secure access to the 2026 NRL Grand Final without committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can unblock 9Now and then recover your investment after the NRL Grand Final.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport, 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

• 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.

Watch Roosters vs. Knights in the 2026 NRL Grand Final for free with ExpressVPN.

In the age of on-demand everything, it’s no surprise that we can get "dates" (and I use that term loosely) with the tap of a button. Thanks to classic hookup apps like Tinder and newcomers like Pure, finding a sexy new friend can be as straightforward as ordering a pizza. As for the quality? That’s about the same as your pizza — hit or miss, depending on the time of day, where you're located, and how hungry you are.

SEE ALSO: 6 AdultFriendFinder features other hookup sites lack

Fortunately, you’ve got me, your resident dating app expert (though I prefer modern-day Carrie Bradshaw), to guide you to the promised land, aka the best hookup apps.

I’ve spent the past four years (yes, years) testing dozens of the top dating apps for Mashable, from discreet sexting apps to dating sites for serious relationships. My goal is simple: to find the best apps for every kind of dater, including the one-night-stand crowd. I also consulted a panel of sex and relationship experts to make sure my picks are solid.

The short answer: Tinder is still the best hookup app for most people, thanks to its massive user base and new IRL features like Group Hangouts and Events. If you want total anonymity, try Pure. Hinge is best for regular FWBs, and Feeld is the go-to for kink, ethical non-monogamy, and exploring your sexuality. Queer men should start with Grindr (or Sniffies for cruising), and queer women should download HER.

How to get the most out of hookup apps

My first rule: be brutally honest about what you want. Are you here for a good time? Own it. That means staying in your lane; don't go looking for a one-night stand on an app like eharmony. Just read through Reddit — Women are on these apps (despite what all the dudes think/say) and are looking for FWBs, but they ignore most messages because guys either send weird openers or pretend to want a relationship just to get a hookup.

"Hookup apps help prevent situations where people are on mainstream dating sites with the intention of having a casual hookup but are unclear about these intentions," Suzannah Weiss, sex/couples therapist and resident sexologist for Erojoy, tells Mashable. "They also give women a space to be openly sexual creatures without judgment."

And here's a little secret I picked up from Alexander Liebisch, the CEO and founder of TinderProfile.ai: Timing is everything. He found that people messaging on Tinder's "Free Tonight" feature after 10 p.m. on a weekend had a 45 percent higher chance of hooking up.

Once you've matched, reach out! "Plan dates within the first conversation or else you'll get tired out from having a bunch of conversations that aren't going anywhere," Weiss says.

Recent updates to this guide

• OkCupid (removed October 2026): OkCupid is still a solid pick for inclusive, values-driven dating, but it's a relationship app at heart. Feeld, HUD, and HER all do inclusivity better for no-strings fun. And after OkCupid's 2026 FTC settlement over sharing nearly 3 million users' photos with a facial recognition company, I'm not comfortable recommending it for something as private as hookups.

• Hily (added August 2026): I’ve added Hily to our top picks because its free tier is surprisingly generous (up to 100 likes a day!) and its AI safety tech (like Consent Guard) makes it a standout option for casual, blunt daters looking for a fresh alternative to the Big Three.

• Hinge (moved up October 2025): Hinge just keeps getting better, so I’ve bumped it up higher on my list. It still earns its spot for casual dating with personality; its user base is growing, and my recent tests have been surprisingly positive.

Why some popular hookup apps didn't make the cut

You might notice a few apps that pop up in ads or other lists are missing here. That’s intentional. I swipe through the good, the bad, and the downright sketchy so you don’t have to. For an app to make my list, it has to be effective, safe, and worth your time.

Here's a shortlist of apps that didn't make the cut:

• Plenty of Fish: POF's rebrand didn't do it any favors. My last round of testing showed it removed key features like free messaging with non-matches, and I kept running into the same old profiles. (Removed January 2025.)

• Match: Some people swear they've found casual hookups on Match, but that's not what it's for. It's still one of my top picks for a long-term relationship. For a hookup? You're fishing in the wrong pond. (Removed August 2025.)

• Wild: You’ve probably seen ads for this one. On paper, Wild sounds like the perfect casual dating app. In practice, the paywalls are aggressive, the distance filter doesn't work, and you have to pay for anything that's even remotely useful. Unless you're willing to spend serious cash upfront (and hope for the best), the experience feels more limited than with more generous free options like Tinder or Hily.

• DOWN: This app (formerly "Bang With Friends") is known for its simple "Get Down" vs. "Get Date" feature. It sounds clever, but in reality, the experience is messy at best. Many users report feeling scammed by subscriptions that don't deliver matches, or finding that the few real people on there are... let's say "odd." It’s hard to recommend an app when the main user complaint is "Is anyone real?" Hard pass.

• Facebook Dating: Yes, Facebook has a dating section, and it’s surprisingly massive (and completely free, which is huge). While it's a decent option for casual dating, the vibe tends to be a bit more "friends of friends" and "relationship-focused" than the anonymous, no-strings energy you get from apps like Pure or Feeld. (For Mashable's Chance Townsend, signing up was "the most uneventful dating experience" of his life.) It's also added an AI dating assistant and "Meet Cute," which sends you one surprise match a week. It's worth a shot if you're already on Facebook, but it didn't quite crack my top tier for no-strings-attached hookups specifically.

Early October Prime Day Amazon device deals: Best Echo Device Deal Amazon Echo Dot $39.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best tablet deal Amazon Fire HD 10 $72.99 (save $82) Get Deal Best Fire TV deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $17.99 (save $32) Get Deal Best TV Deal Amazon Ember 55-inch 4-Series Fire TV $279.99 (save $180) Get Deal best blink camera deal Blink Outdoor 2K+ with free Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ $34.99 (save $134.99) Get Deal Best eero deal Amazon eero Pro 7 $224.99 (save $75) Get Deal Best Deal Under $25 Amazon Smart Plug $12.98 (save $12.01) Get Deal

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days (aka October Prime Day) is coming in hot, and with it, a smorgasbord of discounts on Amazon devices. The annual sale runs from Oct. 6 through Oct. 7 this year and presents the perfect opportunity to kickstart your holiday shopping.

It's no surprise Amazon offers the biggest markdowns on its own devices. And since Amazon increased prices across its hardware range by as much as 60% last month, this year's October Prime Day sale couldn't come at a better time.

The sale is just days away, and Amazon is really rolling out early Prime Day deals on Amazon devices. While there are still no savings on Kindles, Echo devices are finally on sale. Not only can you save up to 50% on the Echo Dot, but the new Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio are also on sale. Plus, we've found savings on Fire tablets, Blink cameras, Fire TV streaming sticks and soundbars, Fire TVs, and eero devices.

Plus, don't forget about Amazon's subscription deals for Prime newcomers, which are already live:

• Claim your Amazon Prime 30-day free trial (for new and returning customers)

• Get 3 free months of Kindle Unlimited

• Get 4 months of Audible Standard for 99 cents per month

• Get 4 free months of Amazon Music Unlimited

We'll be tracking all the best Amazon device deals throughout the Prime Big Deal Days sale, so keep checking back for the best live offers.

Best Echo device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Dot $39.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $40.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Finally! Amazon's Echo devices are officially on sale ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. Right now, grab the Amazon Echo Dot for just $39.99. While that's not the lowest sale price we've ever spotted on the Echo Dot, it's the best price since Amazon increased prices on its devices.

The Echo Dot is a perfectly compact smart speaker. Plus, it's compatible with Alexa+, a smarter home assistant that helps you do everything from meal planning to booking dinner reservations.

More Echo device deals

• Amazon Echo Pop Kids — $21.99 $49.99 (save $28)

• Amazon Echo Dot Kids — $39.99 $89.99 (save $50)

• Amazon Echo Spot — $54.99 $109.99 (save $55)

• Amazon Echo Show 5 — $59.99 $99.99 (save $40)

• Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids — $59.99 $109.99 (save $50)

• Amazon Echo Dot Max — $79.99 $119.99 (save $40)

• Amazon Echo Dot + Echo Dot Max bundle — $99.99 $199.98 (save $99.99) — Lightning deal ⚡

• Amazon Echo Show 11 — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100)

• Amazon Echo Studio — $179.99 $219.99 (save $40)

• Amazon Echo Show 21 — $349.99 $499.99 (save $150)

Best Fire tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet $72.99 at Amazon
$154.99 Save $82.00   Get Deal Why we like it

While it's hardly a new device, the Fire HD 10 tablet is still a solid pick for anyone who just wants a tablet to stream shows, check emails, and browse social media. Mashable's reviewer SaVanna Shoemaker called it "lighter and faster than its predecessors, with a long battery life and vivid picture that makes it great for on-the-go entertainment." Compared to other well-known tablets, she also adds that it's an "excellent value." It's not going to knock your socks off, but it'll get the job done and won't break the bank — especially now that it's on sale for only $72.99, a full 53% off its list price.

More Fire tablet deals

• Amazon Fire 7 Kids — $54.99 $99.99 (save $45)

• Amazon Fire HD 8 — $79.99 $129.99 (save $50)

• Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids — $94.99 $169.99 (save $75)

• Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro — $89.99 $169.99 (save $80)

• Limited Edition Harry Potter Amazon Fire HD 10 — $132.99 $189.99 (save $57)

Best Fire TV Stick deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $17.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $32   Get Deal Why we like it

The entire Fire TV Stick lineup was affected by the August price hike, so we're surprised that the discounts are still at pre-hike levels. Prime members can score the 4K Select for only $17.99, which is 64% in savings.

The 4K Select is Amazon's newest 4K Fire TV Stick with HDR10+ support and the first to feature its new Linux-based operating system. That means a few things: it's speedier and more streamlined than older Fire Sticks, but also more limited. If you like sideloading apps, this streaming stick won't let you (go with the 4K Plus instead). It also offers support for Alexa+, Amazon Kids+, Amazon Luna, Xbox Game Pass, and NordVPN.

More Fire TV deals

• Amazon Fire TV Stick HD — $15.99 $39.99 (save $24)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $37.99 $69.99 (save $32)

• Amazon Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote Pro — $19.99 $34.99 (save $15)

• Amazon Fire TV Soundbar — $79.99 $119.99 (save $40)

• Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus — $144.99 $249.99 (save $105)

Best Amazon Fire TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Ember 55-inch 4-Series Fire TV $279.99 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $180   Get Deal Why we like it

This TV strikes just the right balance between features and values. It's big enough and boasts a good-enough display, yet thanks to a 39% discount, it still qualifies as a budget TV. Even as smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, and virtually everything else has gotten more expensive, flat-screen TVs have gotten significantly less expensive over the last five years. And as part of Prime Big Deal Days, this one's even cheaper.

If you want to upgrade to a QLED display or save even more money, you can find a ton more discounts thanks to early October Prime Day deals on Amazon devices.

More Amazon Fire TV deals

• Amazon Ember 32-inch 2-Series Fire TV — $134.99 $159.99 (save $25)

• Amazon Ember 43-inch 4-Series Fire TV — $199.99 $329.99 (save $130)

• Amazon Ember 55-inch QLED Series Fire TV — $489.99 $589.99 (save $100)

• Amazon Ember Artline 55-inch with 4K QLED Fire TV — $499.99 $899.99 (save $400)

• Amazon Ember 65-inch Mini-LED Series Fire TV — $799.99 $1,089.99 (save $290)

• Amazon Ember 75-inch QLED Series Fire TV — $989.99 $1,199.99 (save $210)

Best Blink camera deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Outdoor 2K+ with free Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ $34.99 at Amazon
$169.98 Save $134.99   Get Deal Why we like it

Who doesn't love free stuff? In this early October Prime Day deal, you can get the Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ for no extra cost when you purchase the Blink Outdoor 2K+ for $34.99. That's 65% off the camera itself and nearly 80% off the combined cost. If you're looking to enhance your home security but don't want to spend a fortune, this bundle is an excellent start. You'll get sharp 2K video, enhanced audio, and night vision with no installation hassle. Everything is battery-powered and lasts for months at a time.

More Blink camera deals

• Blink Mini 2K+ — $15.99 $39.99 (save $24)

• Blink Mini Pan-Tilt — $23.99 $39.99 (save $16)

• Blink Video Doorbell — $26.99 $69.99 (save $43)

• Blink Outdoor 4 — $27.99 $79.99 (save $52)

• Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ — $30.99 $69.99 (save $39)

• Blink Arc 2K+ — $31.99 $99.99 (save $68)

• Blink Outdoor XR+ and Wired Doorbell 2K+ — $41.99 $169.98 (save $127.99)

Best Eero deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon eero Pro 7 $224.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $75   Get Deal Why we like it

If your WiFi is laggy, it may be a good time to invest in an Amazon Eero system. Ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, the Eero Pro 7 Mesh WiFi router is down to $224.99, which is $75 cheaper than usual. It supports over 200 devices, internet plans up to 5 Gbps, and covers up to 2,000 square feet, helping to optimize your connection and eliminate dead spots. Even if you're not a tech guru, it's a breeze to set up thanks to Eero's step-by-step guide in the app.

More Eero deals

• Amazon eero 7 — $144.49 $169.99 (save $25.50)

• Amazon eero Max 7  — $419.99 $599.99 (save $180)

One more thing: Amazon smart plug Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Smart Plug $12.98 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $12.01   Get Deal Why we like it

If you have some money left over on an Amazon gift card, we know just what to do with it — add this Amazon Smart Plug to your cart while it's almost 50% off for Prime Big Deal Days. Turn any lamp or electronic into a smart device. All you have to do is plug it in.

When it comes to accessing books (including audiobooks), nothing beats your local library. It's free and it’s what Dolly would’ve wanted. But that’s not why you’re here, so I digress. Let’s talk about Audible.

I’ve been an Audible subscriber on and off for a few years now, and there’s a reason I keep coming back. It easily has the most robust audiobook catalog around, offers unmatched convenience if you're also a Kindle user, and is packed with exclusive titles you can't find elsewhere. I'd rather have my money go to independent booksellers, but there's no denying Amazon's value here.

Audible is not Netflix for audiobooks

It's important to understand that Audible is not a "Netflix for audiobooks" app. It's more of a book-a-month membership that gives you one premium title each month for your entry fee, with no wait times. There are two different membership options, Standard and Premium, and the tier you choose definitely matters.

I'm usually the first person to recommend the cheaper option in subscription situations (I will gladly sit through ads while streaming to save money). In this case, however, I would spend the extra money on Premium. I've been a subscriber of both tiers, and I do not think the Standard membership is a good deal. Period.

SEE ALSO: Are Kindles without lockscreen ads worth it? We're divided. What’s the difference between Audible Standard and Audible Premium?

Here's a breakdown of the different tiers:

Audible Standard

• Cost: $8.99 per month after 30-day free trial

• Includes: One audiobook selection per month and access to podcasts

• No annual subscription options

Audible Premium

• Cost: $14.95 per month after 30-day free trial

• Includes: One credit to "purchase" an audiobook each month, access to the Plus catalog with more than 150k audiobooks and podcasts, and exclusive sales and discounts

• Annual subscription options: 12 credits per year for $149.50/year or 24 credits per year for $229.50/year

Opens in a new window Credit: Audible Audible starting at $8.99 per month Learn More

It may not sound all that different on paper, but the devil is in the details. While I was a Standard subscriber, I accidentally forgot to claim my audiobook pick one month. And guess what: I didn't get another chance. I basically had to forfeit that month entirely, throwing $8.99 in the garbage. Not to mention, if you don't finish your audiobook selection within the allotted month, it's gone forever. Or if you cancel your Standard membership, it's also gone forever.

Premium is a different story. For that extra $6 each month, you get a credit that allows you to purchase a premium title. That means you own it and it's yours to keep, even if you cancel your membership. And if you forget to use your credit one month, it rolls over to the next. Throw free access to over 150,000 audiobooks and podcasts from the Plus catalog into the mix and your subscription easily pays for itself each month.

One credit per month is not enough Credit: Christina Buff / Mashable

As a speedy reader who can burn through a book in a few days, the one monthly credit you get with a Premium membership definitely feels restrictive. Any additional titles that aren't in the Plus catalog will cost extra. I try to use my credit for the most expensive audiobook on my wish list and utilize the plethora of exclusive member offers to score additional books for less.

Audible's sales do go pretty hard. There are daily deals, two-for-one credit deals, member rewards, referral offers, and so much more. You can also get a pretty sweet deal on an Audible book if you already have the Kindle book (i.e., $3.49 instead of $14.95). It's also worth noting that if you cancel often, you'll get a hefty discount offer when you come back. This is the real secret to making Audible worth it.

The Audible experience

If Amazon's ownership of Audible is a dealbreaker for you, there are plenty of other ways to listen to audiobooks, including paid subscriptions like Libro.fm, Everand, or Spotify. But the truth of the matter is, Audible basically has a monopoly over the audiobook industry. A lot of titles are exclusive to Audible, including the popular Dungeon Crawler Carl series, Verity by Colleen Hoover, and the phenomenal Project Hail Mary.

Audible exclusives are fully immersive audio productions, not just someone reading you a book. You'll be transported into the story, often with the help of a full cast of voice actors. Project Hail Mary is the best audiobook I've ever listened to, hands down. It beats the production of any book I've listened to through Libby (the library app) or Spotify.

If you also read on Kindle, the Read & Listen feature lets you switch between listening on Audible and reading on your Kindle without losing your spot. This is limited to books listed as "Read & Listen" in the details (you'll see a badge next to the cover in the Audible app), but it's honestly pretty clutch. It doesn't always sync immediately on the spot, but for the most part, it works exactly how it's supposed to.

Credit: Christina Buff / Mashable The app itself is overwhelming

You know how the Amazon app is both simple and overwhelming? That's also how the Audible app feels. There's just too much going on. When you're looking for your next read, you can filter by category, Audible charts, duration, new releases, author, bestsellers by year, series, niche topics, your Goodreads TBR (also owned by Amazon, btw), BookTok favorites, and so much more. Yes, the content selection is overflowing with options, but it's also easy to get lost in the massive library, continuously clicking filters and subcategories and forgetting how you got there. I often find myself scrolling and clicking around for way longer than I should.

Other app features worth mentioning are speed adjustments from 1x to 2x (.5 increments), the ability to download and listen offline and set timers, and a car mode that keeps your screen from sleeping and enlarges the buttons. None of these are groundbreaking, but they do boost the app experience.

It is hella convenient having access to my Goodreads TBR via Audible. Credit: Screenshot: Audible If you're starting from scratch looking for your next read, prepare to be overwhelmed. Credit: Screenshot: Audible Is Audible worth it?

There's a reason Audible is the leading audiobooks app. The exclusive audiobooks are exceptional. The sheer size of the content library is unbeatable. The seamless connectivity and extra discounts for Kindle users are unexpected life upgrades. And the regular sales and offers, including the free trials and discounted returning subscriber rates, make it an undeniably great value — but only if you opt for the pricier Premium subscription.

The app is overwhelming, it's expensive at $14.95 per month, and I've canceled my Audible subscription at least five times in the past three years. And yet, here I am, a paying Premium subscriber once again. Yes, I utilize my local library as much as possible, but variety is the spice of life, my friends.

Amazon has quite the timing. Right before its October Prime Day event, the retailer dropped a completely redesigned Kindle lineup. But what does this mean for Kindle deals during Prime Big Deal Days?

Historically, Amazon is conservative with its e-reader savings, waiting until the sale starts to drop prices. The best prices on Kindles either fall on Prime Day or Black Friday, so we're hopeful for the savings that Prime Big Deal Days brings. We don't doubt that Kindles will be on sale; it's a question of which ones.

I highly doubt that the new, 2026 Kindles will get a markdown during Prime Big Deal Days, as some of the devices are still only available for preorder. However, 2024 Kindle models will definitely go on sale, and I hope we see them return to their previous all-time lows.

In August 2026, all Kindles received a price increase thanks to the ongoing memory crisis, which makes an imminent sale all the more important. On our Kindle deals wish list, we hope to see the 2024 basic Kindle return to its all-time low of $79.99 and the 2024 Paperwhite fall to $124.99. However, we haven't had a sale since the Kindle price hikes, so we don't know if that will affect sale prices (though we imagine it will).

For now, Amazon has marked down prices on 2024 models in bundles. If you're eager to buy, you can save up to $130 already. But our advice? Hold out until Amazon's October Prime Day starts on Oct. 6 to shop for Kindles.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Essentials Bundle $125.97 at Amazon
$201.97 Save $76   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle $171.97 at Amazon
$256.97 Save $85.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition Essentials Bundle $201.97 at Amazon
$331.97 Save $130.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition Essentials Bundle $343.97 at Amazon
$407.97 Save $64   Get Deal

The best early AirPods deals ahead of Prime Big Deal Days: Best overall deal Apple AirPods 4 $99 (save $30) Get Deal Best AirPods Pro deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $234 (save $15) Get Deal Best airpods max deal Apple AirPods Max 2 $479 (save $70) Get Deal

Don't be alarmed, but we're about a week away from October Prime Day.

The sale, officially dubbed Prime Big Deal Days, marks the start of the holiday shopping season, which is often a great time to grab tech like AirPods on sale.

The sale officially kicks off Oct. 6, but in the lead-up to the main event, our team will be tracking all the best AirPods deals. So far, we haven't seen any price drops on the newly announced AirPods 5 (more on that below), but we have seen some other promising price drops. As someone who tests and writes about headphones and earbuds year-round, I get why Apple users are willing to invest in AirPods. As a deals expert, I also much prefer to see folks grab AirPods on sale.

SEE ALSO: Early October Prime Day deals already live: Save on Apple, Beats, Fire TV, and Garmin

The key to shopping these sales smartly is grabbing deals at just the right time. That's why I've rounded up the three best AirPods deals live so far, plus the three that you can wait on for the time being. Check them out below, and be sure to follow more of Mashable's October Prime Day coverage.

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $99 at Walmart
$129 Save $30   Get Deal Why we picked this

The humble AirPods 4. What they lack in active noise cancellation, they make up for in a more appealing price point of $99. With the release of the AirPods 5, these are the last AirPods available without ANC. Maybe that's ideal for you, or maybe you simply appreciate the lower price point. In either case, this is likely the last holiday shopping season you can grab these buds on sale. Just note, they are still far from their record low price of $69, but their availability may be limited as we get further into the shopping season — they've already sold out at Amazon.

More AirPods deals

• Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $234 $249 (save $15)

• Apple AirPods Max 2 — $479 $549 (save $70)

AirPods deals to wait for

• The AirPods 5 have only received one small deal — a $4 price drop — so far since their release on Sept. 18. Granted, they're still very new to the market, so even that price dip is notable. We're hoping that as we get further into holiday deal season, a slightly more substantial deal comes along.

• The AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case haven't dropped in price just yet, so we're not holding our breath that they will, especially since they're still brand new. That said, October Prime Day would be a very appropriate time for a surprise deal, so the chance that we see even a small dip isn't zero. At the very least, grabbing them at full price is still likely a better deal than grabbing the AirPods 4 with ANC on sale (more on that below).

• The AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation look like a good deal at $149 (down from $179), but there's a catch. Their newer analog, the AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case, has a list price of $149 and comes with an improved feature set, including better active noise cancellation and sound quality, with the same battery life. In other words, the AirPods 4 with ANC would have to be cheaper than $149 for this to be a deal worth picking up.

What about the iPhone Duo?

Apple recently announced the iPhone Duo, its first-ever foldable phone. It's not out until Oct. 23, but Mashable's Stan Schroeder got to spend a little time with it at Apple Park earlier this month. (Read his hands-on first impressions.) Look for preorders starting on Oct. 16.

Check back by the end of the month to see if the foldable iPhone Duo earns a spot in our guide to the top smartphones of the year.

Why are the best phones so expensive right now? The new Google Pixel 11 Pro has a $100 higher starting price than last year's Pixel 10 Pro. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

If you're in the market for a new phone right now, you should know that it'll cost you more than usual. The best phones were never cheap, but smartphone prices surged in 2026 amid a global RAM shortage driven by the AI boom (commonly known as "RAMageddon"). New AI data centers are hogging supplies of memory and SSD storage chips, driving up their prices. Consequently, consumer tech devices with memory components are also getting more expensive. RAMageddon price hikes have also taken their toll on laptops and gaming consoles.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone Duo vs. iPhone 18 Pro Max: How to decide between them

So far, we've seen Apple, Google, and Samsung all raise the prices of their new smartphones at launch. Apple also increased the prices of some older iPhones by $100 following its iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, and Duo announcements. Meanwhile, as of Oct. 1, Samsung has raised prices on its S26 line by $100 to $200.

With this in mind, it's especially wise to shop around for deals and carrier promotions before buying your new phone. Trading in an older device is the easiest way to save several hundred dollars on an upgrade. Some carriers will give you a new phone for free (in the form of monthly bill credits) if you also sign up for a new line or certain data plans. For example, the new iPhone 18 Pro is free with eligible trade-ins and plans through AT&T and T-Mobile.

What's new Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

In early October 2026, I added two new picks to this guide after our latest round of testing:

• The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is now our favorite iPhone for photography.

• The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is our new battery life pick. It's rated for up to 45 hours of video playback per charge, which makes it the longest-lasting phone we've ever tried.

What about the iPhone Air? Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Released in fall 2025, the iPhone Air is Apple's thinnest phone ever. Its ultra-sleek design is appealing, but it has worse battery life and inferior cameras compared to the standard iPhone 17 (which runs on the same processor... and costs $200 less). We think it's a very pretty and well-made phone, but not one of the best overall. For more info, check out our iPhone Air review and our dedicated guide to the best iPhones.

NASA will move ahead with a new space telescope to see the cold, dusty universe far more sharply than any before it, chasing clues about where planets get their water.

Engineers will now refine the design of the Probe Far-infrared Mission for Astrophysics operation and test its technology. Called Prima for short, the mission could launch in the early 2030s if it passes a final agency review. 

Prima fills a blind spot in humanity's view of space. Today, the James Webb Space Telescope captures stunning infrared images, and giant radio dishes on the ground pick up much longer, lower-energy signals. But no space telescope now watches the band of light between the two. With Prima, astronomers will have complete infrared coverage for the first time, said Alexandra Pope, who will lead the mission's science team.

"With the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope almost five years ago, we've pushed our understanding of the universe," said Pope, an astronomy professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in a statement. "But we've also uncovered all sorts of mysteries and questions that Webb can't solve because it can't see the far-infrared part of the spectrum. That’s where Prima comes in."

SEE ALSO: How violent was that planet crash? Astronomers check the dust.

Warm objects give off infrared light. Though human eyes can't see it, people feel it as heat. Webb mostly sees the shorter infrared waves, but Prima will target the longer "far-infrared" waves, ranging from about one-third the thickness of a human hair to about the thickness of two stacked sheets of paper.

Cold gas and dust glow in that longer light, and that makes it valuable. Cosmic dust blocks ordinary light the way smoke can conceal the flames of a fire. But far-infrared light slips right through that dust, so astronomers can spot newborn stars, growing black holes, and planet-building material that would otherwise stay hidden.

Astronomers have tried to see this light before, but nature fights them. Water vapor in Earth's air soaks up most far-infrared light, so telescopes on the ground catch only slivers of it. Anything warm also glows in infrared, including the telescope itself, and that glow drowns out faint signals from space. Europe's Herschel space telescope and NASA's SOFIA, a telescope that flew aboard a modified jumbo jet, both studied far-infrared light but are no longer in service. Since then, only instruments on high-flying balloons and mountaintops have glimpsed parts of this band.

Prima is expected to outperform its predecessors with an idea that started over coffee. In 1999, Caltech physicist Jonas Zmuidzinas and NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory engineer Rick LeDuc sat in a Peet's coffee shop near the Southern California campus and worked out how super-cold materials could detect far-infrared light. Over the next few years, they and their colleagues honed the design. 

Prima's 5.9-foot mirror and sensors will chill down to hundreds of degrees below freezing. That should make the telescope vastly more advanced.

"In this less-explored wavelength band, the far infrared, we have a chance to leap forward in sensitivity by about a factor of a 1,000," Zmuidzinas said. "That's very rare."

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Prima is a new kind of mission for NASA dubbed "Probe Explorers." These missions fill the middle ground between NASA's small, frequent science missions and its giant flagship observatories, such as Webb and the recently launched Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. A panel of top U.S. scientists recommended the category in 2020 so that NASA could have more big-impact science missions and at a lower price. 

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NASA capped Prima's budget at $1.2 billion, not including the actual rocket launch. That price tag runs a fraction of the roughly $10 billion the agency spent on Webb. 

Prima's science team will chase three big questions:

• How do planets get their water and air? The observatory will study about 200 disks of gas and dust around young stars, where planets form. It will track where water sits and how it might reach planets that could support life.

• How did galaxies and their giant black holes grow up together? Nearly every large galaxy holds a supermassive black hole at its center. Prima will look back to the universe's busiest era, roughly 9 billion to 3 billion years ago, to learn how these pairs grow in step.

• Where did the universe's ingredients come from? The Big Bang produced mostly hydrogen and helium. Stars later forged carbon, oxygen, and other elements that life needs, and much of that material ended up as dust. Prima will study that dust to try to trace the story.

For now, Pope is preparing for the long haul. Her students will help to build the tools for analyzing the telescope data.

"We will have to staff up for this for the next decade," she said. "We'll add a few postdoctoral researchers and grad students, and I'll be able to hire a small army of undergrads who can work on bite-sized pieces of the Prima science analysis."