Technology

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve opened Google Maps, typed in my destination, and blindly followed the blue arrow as if it knows my life inside out. Whether I’m rushing to pick my daughter up from her drawing class or trying to find a new restaurant, I usually let Maps take over. But recently, I realized I’ve been using Google Maps the same way I did when I first installed it. It turns out I was leaving several underused features untouched. If you want more from Google Maps, go through the settings below. They might make you realize how much more Maps can do beyond basic navigation.

For years, Netflix remained steadfast in its belief in putting its biggest original movies on the service and only allowing small theatrical windows for its awards-season contenders. That mindset is slowly starting to change, as Netflix will allow larger theatrical rollouts for its originals. The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth will receive a two-week IMAX release this Thanksgiving, and Narnia: The Magician's Nephew will get a wide theatrical release starting in February 2027.

If you want a fast, stable connection, and you want to do it properly, you go wired. We all know this, but just because wired is the right answer doesn't mean there's no wrong way to do it. If you traipse one long cable all around the house and out to the annex, you may hit a wall you didn't know existed. Ethernet has a hard distance ceiling, and once you pass it, things will start going wonky.

I'm probably guilty of making Excel spreadsheets more complicated than they need to be, but I have one rule I keep coming back to: if I'm going to build a PivotTable, I want to actually enjoy using it. The basic summary is useful, but a few small additions can make a surprisingly big difference.

Last week, the White House unveiled a new government website called Arcade.gov, which hosted five web-based games that promoted President Trump's agenda. Following accusations of racism and veiled threats of potential legal action, only four of those games are now visible on Arcade.gov.

"Build the Wall," a Tetris clone that promoted an anti-immigrant ideology and challenged players to  "protect the border from the coming horde" is no longer on the Arcade.gov website.

The White House launched the arcade website last Thursday through a series of social media videos spoofing classic game console opening screens from companies like Nintendo and Sega. The five playable games on the site were all knockoffs of titles like Flappy Bird.

SEE ALSO: 4 things we learned from the 'Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time' Nintendo Direct

However, the website's Tetris clone, "Build the Wall," received the most attention for its virulently anti-immigrant messaging.

Just one day later, the team behind Tetris issued an official statement distancing itself from the game and floating potential legal action.

"At Tetris, we believe in the power of connection and bringing people together, not dividing them," Tetris said in a statement posted to its official social media accounts. "To our fans everywhere: we love you, we see you, and we’re grateful to have you in our community."

"P.S. The Tetris Company was not involved in the creation of 'Build the Wall'," the statement continued. "P.P.S. We take copyright infringement very seriously."

It's unclear if The Tetris Company officially took action against the White House's knockoff puzzle game. However, it does seem that the threat spooked the Trump administration enough to have the game removed.

Apple's big "Surprise and Shine" event is almost upon us. One of the big announcements is almost certainly going to be a foldable iPhone, a first for Apple. But what will the phone actually be called?

No one knows yet at the time of publication, but there have been multiple names used regularly by tech media and rumor-mongers over the years. With mere hours to go until Apple shows off its latest wares, let's go over the most commonly used names for the foldable iPhone, and talk about which one is most likely to be correct.

SEE ALSO: Apple's first foldable: What 3 years with a Fold taught me Foldable iPhone: All the rumored names

On the even of the iPhone launch event, there are three names that most commonly come up in reporting around the unreleased device:

• iPhone Fold

• iPhone Ultra

• iPhone Duo

We asked Mashable readers what they expect the device to be called in our Big Guessing Game, and 27 percent guessed the iPhone Fold, with another five percent guessing The Fold. Another 38 percent predicted the name would be the iPhone Ultra, with the final 30 percent choosing "Something else" as their answer.

For a long time, iPhone Fold was the name we used in articles about the rumored device. Makes sense, right? It's an iPhone that folds, after all. However, there are good reasons to explain why Apple would probably not use that name in practice. For starters, Samsung's foldables are also known as "Fold" devices, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Samsung certainly doesn't have exclusive rights to use the word "Fold" as a proper noun, but Apple most likely doesn't want to confuse customers or draw direct comparisons to other devices. That's why I'm inclined to believe the phone is not called the iPhone Fold.

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For most of the last several months, we've been going with "iPhone Ultra" in our reporting. That didn't come out of nowhere. Well-connected Apple reporter Mark Gurman said on X earlier this year that most Apple employees call it that internally, for example. MacWorld also reported that Apple is working on a new "Ultra" product tier that this phone would theoretically belong to. It really, really seems likely that the device is called iPhone Ultra, without the 18 numbering that the other new iPhones will have. But we'll have to wait and see.

That said, there have been some vague rumblings online that it might be called the iPhone Duo. It doesn't seem like there's a lot of firm reporting suggesting this, but it's definitely in the air as we get closer to the event. I would not be surprised at all if Apple pulled a minor bait-and-switch and went with Duo after months of basically everyone agreeing that it's Ultra.

We've also seen lots of variations on these themes, with possible names such as the iPhone Ultra Fold, or the iPhone 18 Ultra.

In less than 24 hours, we'll know for sure, one way or another.

Apple usually hosts an iPhone launch event in September, but this year's event is shaping up to be a lot more interesting than normal. For starters, it's the first event of the post-Tim Cook era, with new CEO John Ternus taking center stage. Apple's tagline for the event — "Surprise and Shine" — also points to unexpected twists. We'll find out what's in store at 1 p.m. ET Sept. 9, when the event livestream kicks off.

So, while we've been working hard to bring you all of the latest iPhone 18 rumors and news, we also asked Mashable readers to predict what's going down at the Apple event. In round three of the Mashable Big Guessing Game, we asked readers about price hikes, new devices, and more.

On the eve of the event, let's break down the answers from the Mashable Big Guessing Game: Round 3.

Question 1: Where in Apple Park will John Ternus first appear during the event broadcast?

Apple has made great use of its Apple Park campus in past events like WWDC. So, will John Ternus make his first appearance on a keynote stage, harkening back to the Steve Jobs days, or in front of the Apple rainbow arch, like his predecessor Cook?

Half of our readers expect Ternus to first appear on stage, which would be a big departure from recent precedent, as Apple has long since ditched the live keynote format. If he does make his first appearance on the roof of Apple Park, then 8 percent of Mashable readers called it.

Question 2: The iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a starting price closest to ____:

Thanks to the global memory shortage, smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles are all getting more expensive, and iPhone price hikes are all but inevitable. While 16 percent of you optimistically predicted the iPhone 18 Pro Max would cost $1,199 (the same as the iPhone 17 Pro Max), 77 percent predicted a higher starting price, with readers split on whether it would be a $100 or $200 price increase.

Question 3: If Apple announces a foldable phone, what will it be called?

The foldable iPhone is the biggest open secret in Silicon Valley right now, but we still don't know its official name. (We've been calling it the iPhone Ultra.) The most recent rumors refer to the device as the iPhone Duo, but the truth is we don't know yet.

If the device is called the iPhone Duo, then the 30 percent of readers who guessed "Something else" will have gotten this question right.

Question 4: Will Tim Cook make an appearance during the main keynote?

We're very curious to see if there's an official passing of the torch moment at this year's "Surprise and Shine" keynote. Interestingly, a majority (65 percent) of Mashable readers do expect Cook to make some type of appearance.

Question 5: To the nearest minute, how long will the main keynote last?

We asked this same question ahead of WWDC 2026, and no Mashable readers got the answer exactly right. (That keynote was 76 minutes.) About 52 percent of our respondents predicted the Apple event livestream will last less than 60 minutes, which would definitely be on the shorter side. Another 23 percent of respondents guessed the livestream will last 91 minutes or more.

If you want to find out live, tune into the CNET Apple Event livestream, where Mashable and other sites in the CNET group will provide pre- and post-event analysis, with live reporting from Apple Park.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

A smartwatch can do far more than show notifications or count your steps, especially if it's connected to the rest of your smart home. Google's ecosystem has quietly turned the wrist-worn device into a surprisingly capable remote control, letting you interact with devices around your home without reaching for your phone.

For a handful of days each year, Berlin turns into the tech capital of the world. This year, IFA has close to 2,000 brands showcasing the latest technology from air fryers to robot lawn mowers to sleep earbuds and, of course, robots. Aside from CES in January, it's the best opportunity to check out what's on the horizon from top brands like Dreame, DJI, Anker, Dyson, and plenty more.

Some of the tech on display teeters on the useless side or focuses on grand ideas that are unlikely to become mainstream. Others, like a ceiling light that can mimic natural outdoor light and stick vacuums with more suction power than ever before, are well worth bringing home.

As expected, this year's event has a major emphasis on AI. Plenty of the AI advancements on display at IFA in 2026 are pretty great and streamline life where we need it most.

In an email, IFA CEO Leif Lindner explained, "What excites me most is seeing entire categories become more intuitive because AI is solving real problems, not simply being added for its own sake,' he said. "That’s what’s driving the innovations I’m most excited about this year, from robotics moving closer to practical everyday applications, to wearables that help you build better habits, to connected kitchen appliances that are genuinely helpful."

Below, we've rounded up the best products Mashable has spotted at IFA so far. We'll keep this list updated as the show continues on through Sept. 8. Some of the items are already available for sale in the U.S. while a few others will be worth the wait.

A fancy new version of the Anker Sleep earbuds

The Soundcore Sleep A30 Special are Mashable's favorite sleep earbuds, and now we have two new iterations: Sleep Earbuds 4 and Sleep Earbuds 4 Pro. Coming in at 20 percent slimmer than the Sleep A30 model, the new Sleep Earbuds 4 are designed to be even more comfortable for side sleepers. If you share a bed with someone who snores, the AI-generated dynamic snore masking system in the Sleep Earbuds 4 could make a major difference in your sleep quality.

The Sleep Earbuds 4 Pro come with advanced features and this snazzy case with disaply. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

The fancier Sleep Earbuds Pro 4 use the same earbud design as the standard Sleep Earbuds 4 but come with a more advanced case, among other features. Similar to the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro earbuds, the Sleep Earbuds Pro 4 have an on-case display that lets sleepers check sleep metrics upon waking.

The screen also allows users to adjust the volume, change sleep tracks, or set an alarm from the case itself, rather than reaching for a phone.

The Anker Sleep Earbuds 4 are priced at $229.99 with a launch set for the beginning of October. The Anker Sleep Earbuds Pro 4 will sell for $349.99 come November. Preorders at Anker are currently eligible for a $30-off coupon that comes from putting down a $1 deposit.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Sleep Earbuds 4 $199.99 at Anker
$229.99 Save $30   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Sleep Earbuds Pro 4 $319.99 at Anker
$349.99 Save $30   Get Deal A camping portable power station that fits into your backpack

The EcoFlow River 3 Plus is one of my favorite portable power stations for camping, so I'm thrilled we got introduced to the EcoFlow River Gen4 at IFA. Completely redesigned from the River 3, the River Gen4 features a compact design that's significantly smaller than its predecessor. The River 260 Gen4 comes with a capacity of 256Wh, 300W sustained output, and a peak of 600W. At about 6.5 pounds, it's highly portable for a weekend of camping.

EcoFlow brough two new camping-friendly models to IFA 2026. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

Going bigger, the EcoFlow River 520 Gen4 has 512Wh of capacity, 500W of AC output, and a 1,000W peak. The larger of the River 520 doubles the power capacity but doesn't double the weight, coming in at just 10 pounds. Again, that's manageable enough to pack along on a camping trip for most people. Both models have a 10 millisecond UPS, fast-charging USB-C ports, and quick recharging.

We're still waiting on the U.S. launch date information and pricing. EcoFlow also showcased a compact 60W solar panel at IFA that seems like it'll be the perfect companion for these two new models.

An upgraded DJI 360-degree camera

It's a sad time to be a DJI fan in the U.S. The brand packed the new DJI Osmo 360 II for IFA this year, but as of now, it's not coming to the U.S. thanks to current regulations. The new model replaces last year's Osmo 360 and comes with improvements such as the ability to shoot 8K panoramic footage. It also doubles the brightness range, offering 14.5 stops of dynamic range compared to the previous 13.5.

The DJI Osmo 360 II has reduced power consumption and advances image quality. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

We're keeping a close eye on availability in the United States. At the same time, we're still waiting for the U.S. to see the launch of the DJI Power 1000 Mini, too.

An 8K creator camera from Dreame

Dreame continues to make waves with its product expansion, and at IFA 2026, the brand revealed the Dreame Leaptic Cube 8K action camera. With a U.S. launch set for November and a competitive price of $449, Dreame is coming for the likes of DJI and Insta360.

The Dreame Leaptic Cube 8K action camera's hands-free gestures are impressive. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable Dreame packed all the accessories we'll have access to when the Leaptic Cube launches. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

When hands-on with the Dreame Leaptic Cube, I found it remarkably lightweight, and the gesture options for taking still photos and starting and stopping recording are both easy and incredibly responsive. The modular design offers plenty of benefits, including the ability to add extra batteries.

Dreame's also ready with accessory packages for cycling, underwater exploration, and even mounting to the dog. We'll continue to monitor preorder opportunities before the launch in November 2026.

A smart lamp that mimics outdoor light

Govee makes some of the best smart lights on the market, and the brand came to IFA with three new additions to the lineup. One of them is the Govee Sky Ceiling Light, an AI light that's designed to match the user's mood and needs. For example, when it's 10 p.m. and tomorrow's presentation still needs work, the Govee Sky Ceiling Light can automatically take on a wavelength that's proven to help with energy and focus.

The Govee Sky Ceiling Light is ready to match your mood. Credit: Govee

The Govee Sky Ceiling Light is also a great option for basements or any room in the house that doesn't see much natural light. In addition, the Govee app's voice commands can take over control of the light with simple prompts like "I'm ready for a lighting scene that'll help me wind down for bed."

Opens in a new window Credit: Govee Govee 21-Inch Sky Ceiling Light $399.99 at Amazon
  Get Deal Solar panels for your roof that don't look like an eyesore

Jackery makes some of our favorite portable power stations, but the brand is making great strides in the realm of solar panels. In great news for those who prefer to harness the power of the sun, the Jackery Solar Roof is now available in the U.S. Instead of attaching solar panels to your existing roof, the Solar Roof serves as roofing with integrated solar panels. Best of all, it actually looks awesome and nothing like a traditional black solar panel.

The Jackery Solar Roof is customizable to your roof's dimensions. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

The Solar Roof tiles feature a 150-degree curve while measuring just 0.13 millimeters thick. Jackery doesn't provide pricing information on the Solar Roof and instead directs homeowners to request a consultation. Keep in mind the Solar Roof requires professional installation. Regardless of whether you feel the Jackery Solar Roof is right for you, it's great to see innovations in the solar panel world.

An e-ink photo frame

Digital picture frames remain one of the most thoughtful gifts, and this year at IFA, Ugreen introduced a model that's perhaps the best-looking frame yet. The Ugreen Gallery has a 13.3-inch color e-paper display that gives it an incredible look. What's more, its internal battery can last for up to six months before it needs to recharge via USB-C. The onboard battery is great news if you'd like to mount the frame to your wall without an unsightly power cord hanging off of it. At full price, the Ugreen Gallery sells for $439, but at the time of writing, it's on sale for $299. However, there's a catch.

The Ugreen Gallery looks awesome IRL thanks to the e-paper display. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

Ugreen is currently only selling the Ugreen Gallery as an add-on accessory to the Ugreen Home Agent, a comprehensive unit that connects Ugreen security cameras, smart speakers, and other third-party devices to the local hub. The most affordable Ugreen Home Agent, the HA100, is selling for early bird pricing of $899 through Oct. 26. Shipping is set to begin at the end of January, 2027.

A stick vacuum that's actually powerful

If you're not on team robot vacuum, it's very likely you have a stick vacuum. They excel in being lightweight, easy to maneuver, and great for a quick cleanup. However, they tend to lack in suction power, espeically when compared to corded models. Tineco is out to change that narrative, and the brand introduced the Tineco Pure One Station 7 ZeroTouch at IFA.

The self-sealing dust dust bag can hold up to 45 days worth of debris. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

Coming with a runtime of up to 90 minutes, the new Tineco is said to get a massive 350 AW of suction power. The self-emptying base moves debris into the collection bag, which compresses it down to only need emptying once every 45 days or so. As someone who deals with allergies, it's a thrill to see a bag system here that will eliminate the likelihood of a dusty debris plume entering the air when emptying the container.

A Tineco spokesperson told me to expect the new Pure One 7 to launch in the U.S. in January 2027.

A swoon-worthy smart home system

Tech giant Xiaomi made its IFA debut in 2026 with the exciting news that the brand's EVs will soon launch in Europe (luckies). In addition, Xiaomi put the brand new Xiaomi 18 Fold on display, the first mid-sized foldable smartphone that weighs just 219 grams.

But the brand's massive booth at IFA dedicated a large percentage to an area where the brand is doing a fantastic job: a comprehensive smart home system that makes life easier. In the kitchen, the vent above the range automatically adapts fan power based on what's happening on the range with no need for manual adjustments. Once mealtime is over, the robot vacuum will pop out to clean up. Since those are all Xiaomi products, they're all connected and syncing together.

Getting three loads of laundry done at the same time is next-level smart home innovation. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable A single interconnected app links the smart base to the air purifier, curtains, air conditioning, bedside lamps, and more. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

The brand's adjustable bed frame is in talks with the air conditioner, bedside lamp, and air purifier to know when you're heading in for a bedtime reading session. Another one of my favorite Xiaomi products at IFA this year was the brand's tri-drum washing machine, which means, yes, you can wash three loads of laundry at the same time. The Mijia Three-Zone Washing Machine Pro is a dream for those of us who separate whites, darks, and delicates but don't have an entire day available for doing three loads of laundry individually.

Overall, the Xiaomi whole-home integration with one app and countless smart home items makes the U.S. look like we're living in dark times.

On Wednesday, Sept. 9, Apple will hold its big iPhone launch event for 2026.

Apple hosts its big annual keynote event every September to unveil the brand-new iPhone lineup, but this year's event should be a little more exciting than in previous years. The company is expected to unveil a ton of products as the new CEO, John Ternus, takes center stage for the first time.

The highlight of the show should be the announcement of Apple's first foldable iPhone. However, Apple has dubbed this year's keynote the "Surprise and Shine" event, so the company may have even more up its sleeve than we anticipate.

How to watch Apple's "Surprise and Shine" iPhone event

You can watch the Apple iPhone launch event on YouTube, the Apple website, and Apple TV. The "Surprise and Shine" livestream begins promptly at 10 a.m. PT.

Mashable reporter Stan Schroeder will be in the audience and reporting live, and you can also join Mashable for the CNET Apple Event livestream for a post-show breakdown.

Along with a ton of product announcements, the Sept. 9 event will also mark Ternus's first keynote as Apple's new CEO.

A Wi-Fi router can advertise hundreds of MBs, yet your Linux laptop may deliver a fraction of that speed. Before replacing the router, changing channels, or blaming the wireless adapter, there is one Linux setting worth checking.

Smart video doorbells can be incredibly useful, but they don't last forever. If you have an old or even broken video doorbell, you don't need to throw it away. There are plenty of ways you can put it to good use.

I always find that Android Auto is at its best when you keep it as stripped back as possible. It's great for navigation and music, but throw a podcast app into the mix, and it can quickly start to complicate things again. You don't want to be browsing through hundreds of episodes or fiddling with complicated menus while driving.

Apple's Sept. 9 keynote is almost here, and it's shaping up to be one of the more consequential events on the company's calendar in recent memory.

Beyond the hardware itself, this will be the first major product launch under new CEO John Ternus, who has taken over for Tim Cook. While Ternus trained under Cook for months, he's been CEO for only eight days. Still, he has already teased what he called a "phenomenal" show in a memo to Apple staff.

SEE ALSO: The latest AirPods rumors ahead of the Apple event: AirPods 5, cameras, and AI

Software-wise, the event could be seen as a sink-or-swim moment for Apple, as the company is continues to play catch-up with other Silicon Valley competitors. Apple has yet to deliver on Siri AI since its announcement way back in 2024, and the preview we got at WWDC 2026 was just that, a preview. All indicators, though, point to Siri AI finally launching alongside iOS 27.

Back to hardware. This year's event appears to be narrowly focused on Apple's premium smartphones. Rather than refreshing its entire product catalog at once, Apple looks set to concentrate September's announcements on the iPhone Pro, Apple Watch, and AirPods, while pushing other updates — including new Macs, a revamped Apple TV, and a smarter HomePod — to a separate event later in the year. That, of course, hasn't stopped leaks, supply-chain reports, or beta-code snooping, so we have a fairly detailed preview of what's coming, including Apple's most significant iPhone redesign in years.

Based on that reporting, here's a look at the hardware most likely to take the stage on Sept. 9, along with what's probably being saved for later.

iPhone 18 Pro

Expect Apple's standard Pro model to lead the show, likely featuring a slightly revised Dynamic Island, a more unified back-glass design, and updated internals such as the A20 Pro chip and a new cellular modem. Camera upgrades are also expected to be a focus this year.

iPhone 18 Pro Max

Apple's largest iPhone should follow the same playbook as the Pro, with reports pointing to a bigger battery and a marginally larger, heavier build to accommodate it. Some camera features, including a rumored variable-aperture system, may be reserved for this model alone.

SEE ALSO: Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Max will be a chunky boy, report claims iPhone Ultra (or iPhone Duo?)

Apple's first foldable phone remains the event's biggest question mark — right down to its name. While "iPhone Ultra" has been the working title in most reporting, recent leaks from case manufacturers have floated "iPhone Duo" as a possible alternative.

That naming rumor hasn't gained much traction elsewhere, though. Whatever it's called, expect a book-style foldable with dual displays, Touch ID, and a premium price tag well above the rest of Apple's iPhone lineup. Reports suggest the iPhone Ultra will cost around $2,000 to $2,500, which is a steep price for what is essentially a more portable tablet.

Apple Watch Series 12 & Ultra 4

Apple's mainline smartwatch is expected to stick close to its current design this year, with bigger changes reportedly saved for a future redesign. Look for new colors and band options, along with incremental health and fitness upgrades. Apple's rugged, adventure-focused Watch Ultra should get its usual refresh alongside the Series 12, likely with similar under-the-hood improvements rather than a dramatic overhaul.

If that sounds like a disappointing update, don't fret. The Apple Watch is set for a major redesign — just not this year.

AirPods 5 (maybe camera AirPods too)

Rounding out the lineup, a new generation of AirPods is also expected to debut. The rumored camera-equipped AirPods might not make an appearance, however, and Mark Gurman reports that AirPods 5 will be another iterative update. The lineup is expected to include a base model and a version with active noise cancellation.

However, the camera-equipped AirPod are reportedly in development, with Apple said to be fast-tracking their release. Whatever the case, if they don't appear at the Sept. 9 event, they could be released in October alongside Apple's lineup of non-iPhone products.

When Nvidia first announced DLSS 5 neural rendering, many were quick to label it "AI slop." And I get it. We're definitely getting some uncanny valley vibes.

Causing mayhem is a Grand Theft Auto tradition. But in GTA 6, the game may track exactly how far you take things — until you cross a line where it stops judging your actions altogether.

Rockstar will reportedly introduce a "Criminal Profile" that tracks what kind of outlaw you become. It sounds a little like the Honor system in Red Dead Redemption 2, with one important difference: GTA 6 isn’t deciding whether Jason and Lucia are good people, but rather how they go about being criminals.

The details come from YouTuber TGG, who recently attended a closed-door presentation at Rockstar North. And based on what he saw, the system is less about punishing crime than separating good from evil.

SEE ALSO: GTA 6 Netflix extended look: Everything that was revealed How GTA 6’s Criminal Profile works

Per TGG, the Criminal Profile has four main levels:

• Professional

• Aggressive

• Violent

• Psycho

"How do you all feel about GTA VI having an honor system like RDR" Credit: Screenshot: u/Freddycipher, r/GTA

Where you land depends on how you handle criminal situations. Complete a robbery efficiently and avoid unnecessary casualties, and you could maintain a Professional profile. Use excessive force, kill innocent people, or attack characters who are no longer a threat, and you may slide toward Violent or Psycho.

That doesn’t mean every shootout will damage your profile. Context appears to matter. Killing an armed person who attacks you reportedly won’t be treated the same way as walking into a store and shooting an unarmed clerk.

The system also tracks GTA 6’s protagonists separately. Jason and Lucia will each have their own Criminal Profile.

SEE ALSO: Is playing 'GTA 6' cheating? We asked a relationship therapist.

Beyond the four main levels, the Criminal Profile reportedly has an additional, unnamed state reserved for the most destructive players.

Cause enough extreme and unnecessary violence, the profile icon can begin to crack before eventually shattering. Once it breaks, it can’t be restored during that playthrough. The game will simply stop grading your behavior.

It sounds harsh, but the shattered meter doesn’t appear to be a punishment. Instead, it’s reportedly Rockstar’s way of recognizing that you have no interest in engaging with the system. If you just want to turn Leonida into a disaster zone, the game eventually stops sending judgmental notifications and lets you get on with it.

Players who would rather avoid those notifications from the beginning can reportedly switch them off without breaking the meter.

Rockstar hasn’t fully explained what each Criminal Profile will do. Co-studio head Rob Nelson told IGN:

"There isn’t a right or wrong way to play this game, but consistent actions may have an impact in terms of how the world reacts to you and how the narrative plays out."

How different those experiences will be remains unclear. Rockstar hasn’t confirmed whether the system can change missions, lock players out of content, or produce different endings. The Criminal Profile also appears to be separate from GTA’s traditional Wanted Level.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Players are divided over the idea

Unsurprisingly, players already have plenty of opinions about being watched. Some fans worry the system could discourage the over-the-top rampages that have always been part of the GTA experience. As one X user put it, "Why have a morality system in a game called Grand THEFT auto?"

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The reaction in IGN’s article comments has similar complaints, though some readers welcome the feature's resemblance to Red Dead Redemption 2, where the honor system tracks Arthur Morgan’s choices and uses his rating to influence elements such as NPC reactions, dialogue, and the story’s ending. "The closer to RDR2, the better," one reader wrote.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Then there are the players treating the system as an invitation. "One playthrough as a psycho and the other as a professional," one TikTok commenter wrote. "Gonna hit [Psycho] in like three hours,” said another.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Fans have even suggested a more fitting name for the mechanic: the "Trevor Philips Similarity Index," or TPSI. The joke, discussed in the subreddit r/GTA, references GTA 5 protagonist Trevor Philips, whose unpredictable temper and appetite for violence make him the obvious benchmark for GTA 6’s Psycho profile.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The Criminal Profile is only one piece of a much bigger GTA 6 news cycle. Rockstar’s recent extended look on Netflix revealed a more reactive Vice City, revamped police chases, a deeper relationship system for Jason and Lucia, and NPCs who may notice and report when players openly carry weapons. Meanwhile, alleged gameplay footage connected to the CyberLeek group continues to circulate online.

GTA 6 is set to launch on Nov. 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. When it does, feel free to break the law — the game already expects you to. Just make sure you do it like a pro.

Just got home and can't stop replaying that one crappy email or Slack you got and how it managed to ruin a nine-hour workday? It happens. All you want to do is sink into the couch and leave the day behind, but the last thing you need is six seasons of something that needs a wiki to get through. Calm blue ocean, calm blue ocean

I have a soft spot for old software Easter eggs, especially the ones that make you wonder what developers were doing when nobody was looking. Excel 97 has one of my favorites: a secret 3D flight simulator hidden inside a spreadsheet. And, yes, I went looking for a way to play it.

Apple's MacBook Neo is no longer the only budget laptop to face a price increase amid the global memory crisis.

Dell has quietly raised the price of its entry-level XPS 13 laptop by $100. The company has also introduced a new base model with half the storage as before.

SEE ALSO: Thank the AI industry for tech price increases: See the full list

At its launch in mid-June, the XPS 13 cost $699.99 with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. As of early September, it costs the same with only 256GB of storage:

• Intel Core 5 320, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD — $699.99 (new)

• Intel Core 5 320, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD — was $699.99, now $799.99

• Intel Core 5 320, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD — was $899.99, now $999.99

This price bump erases one advantage the base XPS 13 had over the base MacBook Neo, which was its higher storage capacity. Now, both budget laptops cost $700 with 256GB of storage and $800 with 512GB of storage. (It's worth noting that Apple and Dell both offer $100 student discounts.)

Doubling the XPS 13's base memory from 8GB to 16GB of RAM still costs $200 extra, but now pushes its sticker price to the $1,000 mark — well out of "budget" territory.

A Dell spokesperson confirmed the price changes to Mashable.

A rise in AI data center construction has caused a global shortage of laptop components like RAM and SSD storage chips, forcing most PC makers to raise their prices. Dell's mid-range 14S and 16S laptops, as well as its premium XPS 14 and 16 models, have also seen price hikes because of this crisis, which is often referred to as "RAMageddon."

For its own part, Apple raised the price of the MacBook Neo by $100 in June because of increasing component costs.

Competition within the budget laptop market has intensified this summer. Acer and Lenovo have also announced their plans to release $699 PCs in the coming months, while Dell is working on some extra lower-end, more colorful variants of the 14S. It hasn't announced pricing for them yet, but previously said it will be "complementary to XPS 13."

We live in a world where almost everything is connected. Your phone is constantly communicating with nearby networks and devices, while your car keys, bank cards, and even some access cards can transmit information wirelessly without you giving it much thought. That convenience is hard to beat, but it also means there are more wireless signals around us than ever before, and not all of them are necessarily working in our favor.