Technology

AI Slop Has Shattered My Trust in Google Pixel Phones

How-To Geek - Wed, 09/10/2025 - 19:00

I have long not been a Google guy, but I still considered Pixel phones to be devices I could easily recommend to others. Google's approach to AI has changed that. I no longer feel comfortable using or recommending these phones.

Categories: IT General, Technology

A new round of Apple Watches have arrived. Heres where to preorder.

Mashable - Wed, 09/10/2025 - 18:47

Apple announced the latest Apple Watches on Tuesday. Leading up to the event, rumors were swirling that the Series 11 and Ultra 3 Apple Watches were going to make their debut alongside the iPhone 17, and we can now officially confirm that to be true. The Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3 are available for preorder now, and will ship on Sept. 19.

The Apple Watch Series 11 will now feature the Liquid Glass display. Credit: Apple

The last round of Apple Watches to drop came September 2024, at Apple's "It's Glowtime" event, where the Series 10 made its debut. This year, Apple kicked off its Apple Watch presentation, showcasing the life-saving capabilities of the Apple Watch before revealing the new models.

Where to preorder the new Apple Watches Apple Watch Series 11 $399 at Apple Pre-Order Here Apple Watch Series 11 $399 at Amazon Pre-Order Here Apple Watch Series 11 $399 at Best Buy Pre-Order Here Apple Watch SE 3 $249 at Apple Pre-Order Here Apple Watch SE 3 $249 at Amazon Pre-Order Here Apple Watch SE 3 $249 at Best Buy Pre-Order Here Apple Watch Ultra 3 $799 at Apple Pre-Order Here Apple Watch Ultra 3 $799 at Amazon Pre-Order Here Apple Watch Ultra 3 $799 at Best Buy Pre-Order Here

The Series 11 is the thinnest and most comfortable model with an ionized glass watch face, making it more scratch-resistant. Plus, it's 5G compatible for more coverage. As expected, it comes with watchOS 26, which features the Liquid Glass display.

New features coming to the Series 11 Apple Watch are focused on health, including blood pressure monitoring to alert users to hypertension. They're also improving sleep data, providing a sleep score, a similar data point found in wellness trackers like Oura and Whoop.

Most importantly, Apple is improving the battery life on the Apple Watch to support the new features, bringing it up to 24 hours from 18.

The Apple Watch SE 3, remains the most affordable smart watch from the brand. Credit: Apple

Also debuting this year is the Apple Watch SE 3, with the S10 chip. While it's a more affordable model, it now supports gestures and an always-on display. Its health features are expanding with sleep apnea detection and temperature sensing. Plus, you can now play music from the SE.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is geared toward the outdoor athlete. Credit: Apple

Apple Watch Ultra 3 is also coming with an increased screen size without upgrading the case size — now the largest watch face on an Apple Watch. It's doubling down on its satellite capabilities for athletes going off the grid, supported by its 42-hour battery life.

The Apple Watch Series 11 starts at $399, while the SE 3 starts at $249, and the Ultra 3 at $799. All models are available now for preorder and will ship on Sept. 19.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 $399 at Amazon
Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE 3 $249 at Amazon
Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Ultra 3 $799 at Apple
Pre-order Here

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

The new Apple products are available for preorder on Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 09/10/2025 - 18:20
All the new Apple products you can preorder at Amazon: Now available Apple AirPods Pro 3 $249 Pre-Order Here Now available Apple Watch Series 11 Starting at $399 Pre-Order Here Now available Apple Watch Ultra 3 Starting at $799 Pre-Order Here Now available Apple Watch SE 3 Starting at $249 Pre-Order Here

Apple's big September event went off without a hitch. The company unveiled a handful of expected but welcomed new products, including a new iPhone lineup, next-generation AirPods Pro, and a round of Apple Watch upgrades. While most products won't start shipping until Sept. 19, you can be sure to secure the goods by preordering in advance.

While the base iPhone 17, ultra-thin iPhone Air, and ugly iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max (sorry) aren't up for preorder until Friday, Sept. 12, you can lock in your order for the other new Apple products at Amazon as of Sept. 10. We've rounded up the details for you below.

AirPods Pro 3

A much-needed upgrade, the new Apple AirPods Pro 3 feature better noise cancellation (twice as effective as the second-generation earbuds), better battery life (eight hours with ANC, 10 hours in transparency mode), and new foam-infused tips that are allegedly more comfortable and fit more snugly in your ears. They also brought the heart rate monitoring tech from the Powerbeats Pro 2 (our favorite earbuds for working out) and Fitness app compatibility to the Pro 3s, and introduced a live translation feature. The most surprising aspect, however, is the price tag. In a world where everything is getting more expensive, the AirPods Pro 3 retail for the same price as the previous generation: $249.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple AirPods Pro 3 $249 at Amazon
Pre-order Here Apple Watch Series 11

The Apple Watch Series 11 is more of a minor upgrade, bringing improvements to battery life, hardware, and connectivity. It sports an S11 chip and a tougher design with durable glass that's twice as resistant to scratches. It's now 5G-capable for quicker connectivity and can last a full day per charge (which still could be better). The biggest standout is a hypertension tool designed to flag chronic high blood pressure (though it shouldn't replace a doctor). It starts at $399, just like the Series 10.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 From $399 Pre-order Here Apple Watch Ultra 3

The premium, heavy-duty Apple Watch Ultra 3 features a bigger, brighter, and easier-to-read display, 5G and satellite connectivity, and the longest battery life of any Apple Watch at 42 hours. It comes in new black and natural titanium finishes for a stealthier or sleeker look. Of course, as the top-of-the-line model, it'll cost you. The Ultra 3 starts at $799.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Ultra 3 From $799 Pre-order Here Apple Watch SE 3

Apple's most affordable smartwatch also got an upgrade. The Apple Watch SE 3 now features faster charging, gesture support, on-device Siri, temperature sensing, and expanded health tracking. It's certainly more capable than its predecessors, but still pretty basic in terms of features compared to the Series 11 and Ultra 3. Of course, that's because it's designed to be a budget-friendly introductory device that starts at just $249.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE 3 From $249 Pre-order Here
Categories: IT General, Technology

I replaced my $249 AirPods Pro with $19 wired EarPods

Mashable - Wed, 09/10/2025 - 18:19

Google came for the wired it girls at its Made by Google showcase last month. The tech giant played a sponsored episode of Kareem Rahma's SubwayTakes talk show during the event, in which Rahma and his fellow comedian Amber Singletary ripped on wired earbuds for looking "sloppy," "dumb," and "not cool."

"The only thing they [wired earbuds] do is get tangled," Rahma said, speaking into a corded mic, to which Singletary replied, also into a corded mic, "Yeah, they get tangled and now you look stupid."

Someone in SubwayTakes' Instagram comments section said it best: "Wow this is the easiest disagree ever." I firmly believe that wired earphones are actually good and worth using in 2025, at least when it comes to Apple's iconic EarPods.

I recently replaced my $249 AirPods Pro with a pair of those $19 wired guys, and they're probably the last pair of Apple earbuds I'll ever buy (or rebuy). Even the new AirPods Pro 3 don't tempt me.

Apple EarPods (USB-C) $15.99 at Amazon
$19 Save $3.01 Shop Now I wanted to love the Pros, I really did

Admittedly, I desperately wanted to like the AirPods Pro. I purchased Apple's original in-ear, noise-canceling wireless earbuds back in 2020, wanting a pair to wear during flights and workouts. I'd read the write-ups lauding their clear audio, great ANC, and comfortable in-ear fit. (They're "[probably] the most comfortable in-ear buds I've ever worn," Mashable's reviewer said at the time.) 

As an added bonus, I managed to find them on sale for nearly $100 off. The stars seemed to be aligning.

Anyone in the market for a pair of gently used first-generation AirPods Pro? Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

Eager to try Apple's best earbuds and still riding the high of scoring a good deal, I took my AirPods Pro on a long walk as their maiden voyage. I remember them not feeling the most snug, but it was winter, so I was wearing a tight beanie that kept them in my ears. Back home, I took their Ear Tip Fit Test and swapped their silicone ear tips for a different set — they came with three — convincing myself that they fit much better afterward (mistake No. 1). Their instability was surely just user error.

SEE ALSO: Apple AirPods Pro 3 are officially here, bringing improved battery life and heart rate monitoring

Several more walks transpired before I finally accepted the fact that my AirPods Pro actually didn't fit well at all, no matter which ear tip I used. We were incompatible. Naturally, this only registered after their return period ended (mistake No. 2).

I kept using my AirPods Pro while it was still cold enough to wear a beanie outside. But once summer came, they took up permanent residence in a dusty corner of a desk drawer. Apple doesn't accept AirPods for trade-ins, only recycling, leaving me out of luck unless I wanted to resell them — and I figured no one would buy buds that a stranger had dunked in their waxy meatus.

The AirPods Pro's in-ear design just doesn't work for me. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

I've been wearing over-ear headphones in the years since, but still yearned for a more portable option. 

In late August, I unearthed a pair of EarPods in an old backpack — the ones with the 3.5mm audio jack that Apple used to include with every iPhone (up until the iPhone 12). They have round, plastic earphones that sit on the edge of your ear canal, not inside it, a design that worked well for me back when I did most of my listening on an iPod nano. I figured they were worth another shot.

While EarPods aren't free anymore, Apple sells them for just $19 with three connection options: the OG 3.5mm plug, Lightning, and USB-C. I bought a pair of the USB-C version to go with my iPhone 15 Pro and MacBook Pro — on sale for $18.50, no less. They're just as comfy as I remember and sound perfectly fine for my casual music- and podcast-listening purposes, so they come with me almost everywhere.

You simply can't argue with $19

For me, the EarPods' perfect fit trumps a need for other fancy features. I can't enjoy the AirPods Pro's ANC or spatial audio when they're constantly falling out of my ears. But that's not the only reason they've become my earbuds of choice.

I <3 wires. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

While the "inconvenience" of the corded design is often treated like an indisputable truth, I'd argue that it's mostly subjective. You might hate a wire because it can get caught on your arms or knotted in a pocket. Science says the latter is basically inevitable, so I'll concede this point.

Still, the wire has its merits. It prevents my EarPods from getting separated, makes it so that I never get low-battery anxiety, and averts audio latency and Bluetooth pairing issues — all while letting people know that they shouldn't talk to me. The range! I'm cool with the EarPods' occasional Tangela cosplay, all things considered.

SEE ALSO: Don't break the bank: The best budget earbuds, tested by our audio experts

Moreover, there's something so liberating about not having to be precious with my earbuds. (For reference, replacing one lost AirPods Pro earbud costs $89, or more than four times as much.) From a cost per value standpoint, EarPods are easily the best product Apple sells for under $20 — the other contenders being the infamous Polishing Cloth, an extension cable, and a few adapters. It's not even a contest.

This is mostly why I haven't tried the $129 AirPods 4 yet, which have a similar but more oval plastic "open-ear" design that seems like it might work for me. It's also why I'm not chomping at the bit to upgrade to the new AirPods Pro 3 even though their reworked design involves two extra ear tip sizes. I've learned that I can get by with wired earbuds that cost thirteen times less — and I'm not going to have a panic attack if they break or wander off.

The EarPods are one of my on-the-go essentials. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

Ask yourself: Have you avoided using EarPods because cords are truly incompatible with your day-to-day life, or just because you feel a compulsion to buy the latest tech? Join me on the wired side. The sound quality is good enough, the cover charge is cheap, and the haters are low-key still using other corded devices.

Apple EarPods (USB-C) $15.99 at Amazon
$19 Save $3.01 Shop Now
Categories: IT General, Technology

This stunning Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 gaming monitor is over $400 off right now at Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 09/10/2025 - 18:09

SAVE $450: As of Sept. 10, get the 49-inch Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 for $849.99, down from its usual price of $1,299.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 35% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 $849.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $450 Get Deal

Whether you're a gamer or you just like the feeling of immersing yourself in your favorite media, a great gaming monitor is something you should definitely consider adding to your desk. You might even be surprised to learn that you don't have to spend an arm and a leg to get something special. In fact, you can get a behemoth of a gaming monitor right now for nearly $500 off thanks to this limited-time Amazon deal.

As of Sept. 10, get the 49-inch Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 for $849.99, down from its usual price of $1,299.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 35% on list price.

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

This 49-inch beast of a monitor boasts Samsung's QD-OLED technology with bright hues, darker shades of black, and realistic contrast to give you the best viewing experience possible. It's an ultrawide display so you get a massive amount of real estate as well as an 1800R curve to keep you right in the action as if you were really there.

It has a 240Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms response time, and HDMI 2.1/DisplayPort connections as well to make sure you can get set up quickly and easily with everything at your desk. It also offers Picture-in-Picture support as well as quick-switching of inputs with Auto Source Switch+ so you can get back to the action, wherever it's happening, immediately.

If it's time to invest in a new gaming monitor, this is an excellent model to choose, especially as it's currently massively discounted.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Germany vs. Slovenia online for free

Mashable - Wed, 09/10/2025 - 17:46

TL;DR: Germany vs. Slovenia in EuroBasket 2025 is available to live stream for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

EuroBasket 2025 is reaching its dramatic conclusion, with only a single spot in the semi finals left to secure. Germany take on Slovenia in the final quarter final, with a number of NBA players going head-to-head. Luka Dončić will be looking to lead his side to victory over the likes of Franz Wagner and Dennis Schröder.

If you want to watch Germany vs. Slovenia in EuroBasket 2025 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Germany vs. Slovenia?

Germany vs. Slovenia in EuroBasket 2025 takes place at 2 p.m. ET on Sept. 10.

How to watch Germany vs. Slovenia for free

Germany vs. Slovenia in EuroBasket 2025 is available to live stream for free on RTVE.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL online for free

RTVE is geo-restricted to Spain, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Spain, meaning you can unblock RTVE from anywhere in the world.

Live stream EuroBasket 2025 for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit RTVE

  5. Live stream EuroBasket 2025 for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can watch Germany vs. Slovenia in EuroBasket 2025 without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you plenty of time to watch the tournament for free.

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

What is the best VPN for RTVE?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking free streaming sites, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Spain

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Germany vs. Slovenia in EuroBasket 2025 for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

What is gooning?

Mashable - Wed, 09/10/2025 - 17:30

Have you ever put on some legendary porn and masturbated for hours, never allowing yourself to orgasm, until you went into a trancelike state and lost all sense of space and time? 

No? Well, you clearly haven't tried gooning.

What does gooning mean?

Gooning is a kind of extreme form of edging — wherein you continuously stimulate yourself for hours on end, without reaching a climax, in order to experience the "goon state" — a deeply meditative experience akin to meditation. Gooning has become a bit of an internet phenomenon, with countless videos emerging on TikTok and streaming sites like Twitch. According to data from Sensuali, searches for Gooning are up 435 percent, and up 314 percent in the last year alone on Google Trends

SEE ALSO: 'Hamstering' is a spicy TikTok trend people may actually be trying

Dr. Ty David Lerman, Ph.D., a psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, and certified sex therapist, tells us that gooning gets its name from our favorite spinach-eating sailor of yesteryear. "The term is a nod to the 'Goons' of early Popeye the Sailor cartoons, which depicted henchmen who were not very smart and seemingly single-task oriented." And modern day gooners certainly are single-task oriented…with that task being beating their meat. 

In all likelihood, gooning has made it into the mainstream narrative because of the funny and silly faces that a person makes while gooning. Zachary Zane, author of Boyslut: A Memoir and Manifesto and sex expert for Archer, a new dating app for queer men, describes the "goon face" as possession-like. Your face slackens and you look zoned out in a way that certainly makes for watchable video content.

Yet, while gooning's popularity has seen quite a significant uptick in recent years, it isn't anything new. Far from it, actually. Relevant definitions of "gooning" popped up in 2005 on Urban Dictionary. Zane tells us that gooning forums on Reddit can be traced back at least three years — making it quite the digital phenomenon. Lerman adds that gooning has been around as long as porn has existed — and possibly longer, though no such documentation exists. Today, there are plenty of dedicated websites, communities, subreddits, forums, and media designed for gooning. We are all gooners here.

What is new, relatively speaking, is the gooning community: The ability to find like-minded folx who are just as interested in stroking their peens for hours as you are. It's really about the friends we make along the way, eh?

So, how does gooning work? When you're in ~the goon state~ what is going on in your brain and body? And, possibly most importantly, can gooning become problematic or should we go off and goon on in peace?

Let's investigate.

What is a gooner?

Gooning is masturbating for a prolonged period of time, usually hours, without ever climaxing. Lerman says this is usually in conjunction with porn and sometimes with poppers — a legal liquid substance that is inhaled causing a euphoric high and enhanced sexual pleasure.

The "goon state" is actually pretty similar to subspace in BDSM — in that you experience so much sensation that you wind up on a different mental level. It feels euphoric because of all the endorphins our brain releases during such intense play. These include neuro-chemicals like dopamine, adrenaline, and oxytocin. This cocktail of hormones impact the way a person experiences sensation, pleasure, and even themselves.   

Lerman says that as a hypnotherapist, he'd categorize the goon state as a trance. "I loosely define a trance state as 'the focus of attention on one thing to the exclusion of all else.' This definition is intentionally a bit vague, as we go into and out of trances all the time," he says. "Daydreaming, staring into a fire, 'zoning out,' getting lost in the TV and not hearing our spouse yelling at us are all forms of trances — and we all do it. [Gooning] is just a very specific type of trance, accompanied with physical sensation." 

Research has shown that deep meditative states such as this can be intensely therapeutic and can have a lot of benefits for psychological healing.

Of course, not all gooners are blasting a hardcore gangbang scene on a tube site with their dicks out in order to heal emotionally or whatever, but the psychological positives do paint a picture of its appeal. Namely, that it feels freakin' amazing.

The members of the Goon Collective

Who is doing all this relentless gooning? And furthermore, is gooning a purely solo activity or are groups of buddies getting together to goon out in groups?

While gooning is usually a solo activity paired with porn, gooners (or bators, as they are sometimes called), may goon alone or with others — either in-person or on video. 

From the outside, the idea that a couple of dudes would get together to masturbate might sound inherently queer, but Lerman advises us against labeling. "There are certainly cases of heterosexual 'bate buds' who will get together and do their own thing separately, but together," he says. "This def sounds a bit queer to the outsider, but in these cases, there is no sexual interest in each other. Rather, the attraction is simply being present with someone who 'gets it' and is part of the tribe." Humans just want to belong. 

Of course, gay men can goon, too. Dr. Lee Phillips, Ed.D., a psychotherapist and certified sex and couples therapist, says that gooning is very popular in the gay male community, but it may look a bit different than the gooning of their straight counterparts. "They will have circle-jerk parties but will call them 'goon parties' because they will edge for long periods of time as they hit the hypnotic-trance-like state," Phillips says. All in all, anyone can goon!

Zane adds that gooners may also choose to engage solo and then seek out community support. Many gooners enjoy "sharing what porn they're watching with other gooners and how intense their masturbatory experience was," he says. Sharing is caring, after all.

Some gooners even have dedicated "Goon Caves,'' which are spaces designed specifically for their gooning activities. A Goon Cave may include one or more large flat screen TVs for porn, sexual enhancements like toys, lube, and poppers, and anything else a gooner might need to ensure optimal goon time.

SEE ALSO: The best alternatives to Pornhub and XVideos When to check your gooner habits

To goon or not to goon, that is the question. If you're super into slipping into the darkness of your room, door locked, porn on, and dick out — can these habits ever become problematic? 

Here's the skinny: While some folx would be quick to hop on their soapbox and call someone who engages in masturbation for hours at a time a "porn addict" or "sex addict," this boils down to misunderstanding. (Also: Sex addiction is not recognized by science). 

Gooning is only a problem if it's negatively impacting your life, leading you to shirk responsibilities at work, neglect your social group, or prevent you from developing IRL sexual and/or romantic attachments. "If you have healthy platonic and sexual/romantic relationships, if you're never late to work due to this kink, and if all your responsibilities are being addressed, 'these aren't the droids you're looking for,'" Lerman says.

Phillips says we should accept gooning, as it's just as normal as any other kink. Don't go yucking anyone else's yum. 

As with all fun things, take stock of your habits and be sure gooning isn't taking over your life. It's really that simple, folx. Go forth, be sure you're using lots (like lots) of lube, and goon on.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Jackery Explorer 300 portable power station with a 100W solar panel is on sale at Amazon for under $300

Mashable - Wed, 09/10/2025 - 17:25

SAVE $200: The Jackery Explorer 300 portable power station with a 100W solar panel is on sale at Amazon for $299, down from the standard price of $499. That's a 40% discount that comes within one cent of the lowest price we've seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 300 portable power station with a 100W solar panel $299 at Amazon
$499 Save $200 Get Deal

Portable power stations are the new "must-have" item, and that's not exclusive to people who like to go camping. Keeping a portable power station around your house means a power outage won't be a huge inconvenience, and it can also be useful for outdoor movie nights in the yard with a projector. If you don't own a portable power station yet, check out this limited-time deal at Amazon.

As of Sept 10, the Jackery Explorer 300 portable power station with a 100W solar panel is on sale for only $299 at Amazon, marked down from the list price of $499. That's a 40% discount that saves you $200. Today's sale price comes within one cent of the lowest we've seen at Amazon.

On its own, the Jackery Explorer 300 portable power station is listed with a $279 price tag at Jackery, which means today's deal at Amazon essentially includes a 100W solar panel for $20. In the year 2025, to snag something super useful for $20 is cause for a celebration.

The Jackery Explorer 300 portable power station is a travel-friendly, lightweight battery that provides 293Wh, making it a great model for recharging a few phones or keeping the string lights on at camp. Since it weighs a bit over seven pounds and has a built-in carrying handle, you'll be in great shape after carting it around the campground or keeping it on hand during a power outage at home.

SEE ALSO: The Bluetti Pioneer 150 portable power station is a massive $1,000 off at Amazon

The Jackery Explorer 300 comes with two AC power outlets as well as one USB-C and one USB-A port. When it comes time to recharge the portable power station itself, expect to go from 0 to 80% in about two hours. The 293Wh capacity works out to recharging a phone about 14 times, keeping a TV on for about 4.5 hours, or powering a CPAP for about seven hours.

It's worth mentioning that the Jackery Explorer 300 comes with a lithium-ion battery, which is an older technology compared to what you'll find in newer models like the Anker Solix C1000 and the DJI Power 2000. Both of those use the more advanced lithium iron phosphate battery, or LiFePO4. These get you a much longer lifespan compared to lithium-ion batteries. However, given the sale price on the Jackery Explorer 300 and the inclusion of a 100 W solar panel, this could be a perfect option for some people.

While it's within one cent of the lowest price ever, get prepared for storm season with the Jackery Explorer 300 and a 100W solar panel. It'll be your new best friend while camping and will come in handy to recharge your phone during power outages.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Here’s how to preorder the new Apple AirPods Pro 3

Mashable - Wed, 09/10/2025 - 17:23
Preorder the new AirPods Pro 3 At Amazon AirPods Pro 3 $249 Pre-Order Here At Apple AirPods Pro 3 $249 Pre-Order Here At Best Buy AirPods Pro 3 $249 Pre-Order Here At Walmart AirPods Pro 3 $249 Pre-Order Here

Apple has formally announced the new AirPods Pro 3 at its "Awe Dropping" event. With its new design and sizable spec bump, they are the best AirPods that money can currently buy. If you’re into the hype and want to get in on the ground floor, here’s how to preorder the AirPods Pro 3 right now. 

Apple boasts that the AirPods Pro 3 have “over-ear performance” in an earbud form factor, with twice the active noise cancelling of the prior generation. The H3 chip promises better overall sound quality, and the addition of Live Translation finally brings Apple’s offerings up to date with competitors like the Google Pixel Buds and the Samsung Galaxy Buds

Some other improvements include improved battery life (by two hours) for normal users and four more hours of battery life if used as a hearing aid. It also has sweat resistance, a first for Apple AirPods. 

How to preorder

The AirPods Pro 3 will be available wherever AirPods are generally sold. Despite all of the improvements, Apple has kept the price at $249. They can be preordered starting Sept. 9, with full availability starting on Sept. 19. 

The AirPods Pro 3 are available at the Apple Store, Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple AirPods Pro 3 $249 at Amazon
Pre-order Here How good are the Apple AirPods Pro 3?

We won’t know for sure until we get our hands on them to review, but it promises to be the best AirPods that Apple has released yet. Apple released the AirPods Pro 2 in 2022, and the design was a little dated even back then. So, sporting a fresh design, which Apple says is more stable in your ear than any prior pair of AirPods, the new AirPods Pro 3 share the design language with the AirPods 4 and look demonstrably more modern. 

The big news, though, is the spec bump. Not only does it improve audio quality, but it also enables all of the features we talked about above, including the increased active noise cancellation. It no doubt contributes to the battery life bump as well. Until the chip eventually makes its way to the rest of the lineup, like the H2 chip eventually did, the AirPods Pro 3 sit alone atop the AirPods lineup. So yeah, they're probably pretty good.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

A whopper of a Nintendo Direct is coming this week: When is it and how to watch

Mashable - Wed, 09/10/2025 - 17:01

Who cares about Apple? There's a Nintendo Direct this week!

After weeks of rumors and speculation, Nintendo confirmed that there will be a Nintendo Direct livestream on Friday, Sept. 12 at 6am PT/9am ET. As per usual, Nintendo gave next to no indication of what will actually be shown in the stream, other than "roughly 60 minutes of information on upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch games." You can watch it on Nintendo's YouTube channel.

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Eagle-eyed readers may notice that 60 minutes is a long duration for a Nintendo Direct. These things typically max out at around 45 minutes, though the big Switch 2 blowout Direct in April also came in at around 60 minutes. There's presumably not a new console to outline in this one, though, so it's anyone's guess as to how Nintendo will use all of that time. It should be noted that it won't only be Switch 2 games, with the OG Switch getting some representation here, too.

We can at least make a few educated guesses. Metroid Prime 4 is the biggest known unknown left in the 2025 release calendar at this point, as Nintendo has repeatedly insisted it is coming this year without putting an actual date on it yet. If these 60 minutes come and go without Prime 4 getting a release date, then something is officially wrong. I would put money on Nintendo giving us what we want in this regard, though.

SEE ALSO: 'Star Wars: Outlaws' developer says Nintendo Switch 2 game key card actually helped performance

Aside from that, we can make a few other guesses using the process of elimination. Kirby Air Riders was just detailed in a 45-minute Direct of its own a few weeks ago, so that's unlikely to get more than a passing mention. The same goes for Pokemon Legends: Z-A, which comes out in October and has gotten plenty of marketing already. Hollow Knight: Silksong is out, so that's a done deal. I would keep an eye on Hades 2, personally, as that's supposed to come out this year but, like Metroid, has no date attached to it yet.

Other "maybes" include future games in the Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing series, both of which have been dormant for just long enough that it might be time to see what's next. The Switch 2 version of Elden Ring is also supposed to come out this year, and also has no firm release date. Speaking of From Software, it might be nice to get some new details on their new Switch 2 exclusive The Duskbloods, but I'm not counting on that.

A couple of smaller things I would count on are some new Switch 2 upgrades for Switch 1 games, as well as a new GameCube game for the Nintendo Classics collection. The former is a near-certainty, as every previously announced Switch 2 upgrade is already out.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The EcoVacs Deebot T50 Pro Omni robot vacuum and mop is back to a record-low price at Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 09/10/2025 - 16:38

SAVE $100: The EcoVacs T50 Pro Omni robot vacuum and mop is on sale at Amazon for $599.99, down from the standard price of $699.99. That's a 14% discount that matches the lowest we've ever spotted at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ecovacs EcoVacs T50 Pro Omni robot vacuum and mop $599.99 at Amazon
$699.99 Save $100 Get Deal

We're just a few weeks away from a magical time of the year. Soon, the leaves will turn bright yellow, orange, and red, and we'll be graced with the stunning landscapes that come with autumn. Those beautiful leaves gently float to the ground, emitting nothing but a calming vibe. This is followed by those leaves getting stuck to your shoes and then getting tracked into your home. If you'd rather not deal with that this year, check out this sale at Amazon.

As of Sept. 10, the EcoVacs T50 Pro Omni robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $599.99 at Amazon, marked down from the usual price of $699.99. That's a 14% discount that shaves $100 off the price. It also matches the lowest we've ever spotted at Amazon.

If you're looking for a robot vacuum that can also mop floors, you have an overwhelming number of options to sort through. But we'll let you in on something important to keep in mind. Not all robot vacuums and mops can dry their mop pads once they're finished cleaning. That means you gotta get in there and take them off, or else you'll be in for a stinky mess. The Ecovacs Deebot T50 Pro, however, takes care of this for you. It both cleans and dries mop pads, reaching a high temperature of 113 degrees Fahrenheit, so you won't need to worry about stinky mop pads that stayed wet for too long.

SEE ALSO: Shark released a cordless handheld stain remover that you'll actually like getting out

Other features of the EcoVacs Deebot are its slim and thin profile, meaning it can easily get under the couch and pick up those popcorn kernels from last night's movie marathon. EcoVacs mentions this model gets 15,000Pa of suction power, and it has the brand's ZeroTangle technology, which is great for pet owners.

EcoVacs also says the Deebot T50 Pro is great at avoiding objects that should not get vacuumed or mopped, like a pair of socks or your phone charging cable. The Deebot can detect and avoid obstacles with one millimeter precision, according to EcoVacs.

While it's back at the lowest price ever, gift yourself the super functional Ecovacs Deebot T50 Pro, which can take on the task of both vacuuming and mopping your floors. Its capabilities will ensure you can view those pretty fall leaves outside and not see them on your entryway tiles this year.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Snag a pair of like-new Apple AirPods Pro 2 for under $100

Mashable - Wed, 09/10/2025 - 16:25

SAVE $149: As of Sept. 10, you can grab a pair of factory reconditioned AirPods Pro 2 at Woot! for just $99.99 with the code EARBUDS20. That's about 60% cheaper than purchasing a pair brand new.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro $99.99 at Woot!
$249 Save $149.01 with code EARBUDS20 Get Deal

There's a new pair of AirPods Pro in town — simply dubbed the AirPods Pro 3 — and we're pretty excited about them. They come with the same $249 price tag as the second-generation buds, and we likely won't see a discount on them until Black Friday season. If you want the latest and greatest Apple earbuds, the Pro 3s are officially up for preorder. If you'd rather save some money, we found a like-new pair of the still-great AirPods Pro 2 for just under $100.

As of Sept. 10, you can grab a pair of factory reconditioned AirPods Pro 2 at Woot! for only $99.99 when you use the code EARBUDS20 at checkout. That's about 60% cheaper than purchasing a pair at full price (and 60% cheaper than getting the Pro 3s). As a factory reconditioned item, the earbuds have been returned, inspected, and restored to their full glory by Apple or a certified partner. As Woot! puts it, "It's as close to new as you can get without technically being new."

Sure, the new AirPods Pro 3 improve upon ANC and battery life and come with some fancy new tricks, but the second-generation AirPods Pro are still pretty awesome. They've been our favorite earbuds for Apple users and topped our lists of the best headphones for a few years now, thanks to their rich and well-balanced sound, excellent noise cancellation, and seamless Apple ecosystem integration. Our readers seem to love them just as much.

"If you’re just looking for a pair of earbuds with good sound and great noise cancellation, alongside some unique smart features, the AirPods Pro 2 are a great buy," Mashable's reviewer writes. And for under $100? That's a hard value to beat.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Preorder your AirPods Pro 3 at Apple and get personalized engraving for free

Mashable - Wed, 09/10/2025 - 16:12

FREE ENGRAVING: As of Sept. 10, preorder the Apple AirPods Pro 3 from Apple for $249 and get free engraving with your purchase.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $249 at Apple
Get Deal

Apple finally unveiled the newest addition to its lineup of headphones and earbuds on Sept. 9: the Apple AirPods Pro 3. This marks the first update for the Pro lineup since 2023, and with preorders now live, you can be sure to snag a pair. If you plan on heading to Apple to lock yours in, there's an important little freebie you can get when buying.

As of Sept. 10, preorder your Apple AirPods Pro 3 at Apple for $249 and get free engraving with your order. All you need to do is select the "Add Engraving" option directly at the top of the page under "Free and fast personalization" and choose the emoji, names, initials, and numbers you want on the front of your AirPods Pro 3 case.

SEE ALSO: Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2: What's different this time?

You get about 21 characters' worth of space and a wide selection of emoji to choose from when engraving, which will appear in light gray on the AirPods' case. When finished, continue selecting options as usual, such as whether you're getting AppleCare or not, and then add to cart. Check out as usual from there.

These new AirPods Pro 3 come with twice the ANC power of the previous generation, with live translation, heart rate monitoring, integrated fitness features, and much more. They offer IP57 sweat- and water-resistance, acoustic design changes for better spatial audio performance, and eight hours of battery per charge with 10 hours in transparency mode when using ANC.

These are more than just an iterative model, so if you're thinking about buying some new AirPods, snag them now and get the free engraving so you always know which ones are yours.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Rip trailer: Matt Damon and Ben Affleck reunite for Netflixs tense crime thriller

Mashable - Wed, 09/10/2025 - 16:07

From Good Will Hunting and School Ties to Air and The Last Duel, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck remain one of Hollywood's most enduring duos. Now, the pair team back up in Netflix's crime thriller The Rip.

Written and directed by Joe Carnahan (The A-Team, The Grey), The Rip stars Damon and Affleck as members of the Miami PD. While their unit focuses on drug busts, most of their work is actually made up of cash seizures. That's what brings them to a derelict stash house on their latest job — but what they discover in the house is more than they could have ever bargained for.

SEE ALSO: How much does Netflix cost per month?

As the teaser for The Rip reveals, Damon and Affleck's team head to the house off a tip that they'll find $300,000 there. Instead, they find $20 million. After that, things unravel, and fast. A mysterious caller threatens the police, giving them 30 minutes to get out of there without anyone getting hurt. But with this much money on the line, there's no way the team is giving up that easy.

With outside forces closing in on the cash, Damon and Affleck's team will question everything, including who they can trust. Suddenly, team members' jokes about just taking the money and running feel a lot less like jokes and a lot more like hints of betrayal.

On top of Damon and Affleck, The Rip boasts an impressive cast, including Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Scott Adkins, and Kyle Chandler.

The Rip hits Netflix Jan. 16.

Categories: IT General, Technology

A dwarf planet far beyond Pluto might have a paper-thin atmosphere

Mashable - Wed, 09/10/2025 - 15:12

Scientists have detected methane gas glowing faintly above Makemake, an icy dwarf planet smaller and farther than Pluto in space

Until now, Pluto was the only object that far out in the solar system known to have gas. The study, led by the Southwest Research Institute, made the discovery using the James Webb Space Telescope, a joint observatory of NASA and its European and Canadian counterparts. 

The new results could mean Makemake has an ultra-thin atmosphere, or that methane is bursting out of its frozen surface in plumes, similar to the geysers observed on Saturn’s moon Enceladus. Either way, they show the small distant body isn't just a frozen leftover, but a world that's still active and evolving. 

The findings will soon be published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

"Makemake is one of the largest and brightest icy worlds beyond Neptune, and its surface is dominated by frozen methane," said Silvia Protopapa, lead author, in a statement. "The Webb telescope has now revealed that methane is also present in the gas phase above the surface, a finding that makes Makemake even more fascinating."

SEE ALSO: Webb scientists wonder if this planet lost then rebuilt an atmosphere

Makemake, discovered 20 years ago, is named after the Rapanui god of fertility. It is only 890 miles wide — just two-thirds the size of Pluto. 

The dwarf planet is so far out in the solar system, about 4.25 billion miles from the sun, that it takes about 305 Earth-years for it to make a complete trip around it. In 2016, astronomers figured out that it doesn't make this journey alone: NASA's Hubble Space Telescope saw a moon orbiting it

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope spotted a moon orbiting dwarf planet Makemake a decade ago. Credit: NASA / ESA / Southwest Research Institute /A. Parker / M. Buie

The new Webb data offer the best look yet at Makemake's surface chemistry. The observations have revealed that some of the tiny world's frozen surface is turning into gas. Webb was able to detect this because when sunlight hits the gas molecules, they give off a faint glow. 

Where Makemake’s supply of methane comes from is unclear. Some scientists think it may have formed inside the dwarf planet through water–rock chemistry and later escaped. Others think it could be leftover methane from the birth of the solar system.

Over time, sunlight and radiation break down methane into more complex molecules. Scientists already found some of these on Makemake, such as ethane, ethylene, and acetylene, which match this process. 

But the results can't yet conclude whether the gas is from an atmosphere or a plume-like cloud. Neither explanation is a perfect match for the data, so follow-up Webb observations are necessary. The atmosphere, if one exists, is extremely faint — billions of times thinner than Earth’s and much weaker than Pluto’s. 

Scientists wonder if methane is bursting out of Makemake in plumes, similar to the geysers seen here on Saturn’s moon Enceladus. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / SSI

"If this scenario is confirmed," said co-author Emmanuel Lellouch in a statement, "Makemake would join the small handful of outer solar system bodies where surface–atmosphere exchanges are still active today."

If the methane isn't forming an atmosphere at all, Makemake could be releasing "a few hundred kilograms" of methane bursts every second, Protopapa said, comparable to what's been seen on Enceladus, which blasts water into space.

Webb and other infrared telescopes also showed that spots on the dwarf planet are unexpectedly "warm" for the outer realm — about -190 degrees Fahrenheit. But so far the researchers haven't seen any direct evidence of leaking gas from the warm spots.

If someone connected all the dots, they might assume Makemake has a methane-based weather cycle, but Ian Wong, one of the coauthors, cautions it's premature to draw that conclusion. 

"While the temptation to link Makemake’s various spectral and thermal anomalies is strong," Wong said in a statement, "establishing the mechanism driving the volatile activity remains a necessary step toward interpreting these observations."

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Daily Show takes aim at Trumps alleged birthday letter to Epstein with a parody ad

Mashable - Wed, 09/10/2025 - 14:13

All of the late night shows have taken aim at Trump and the Republicans trying to defend him after the House Oversight Committee published Jeffrey Epstein's 50th birthday book, which contained a creepy letter and drawing allegedly penned by the president.

Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel both spent their shows on Tuesday mocking the Republicans scrambling to claim Trump's signature could be a fake, and The Daily Show follows a similar line in the clip above — before taking things a step further with a parody ad.

"Trump is playing this thing all wrong," says host Michael Kosta. "If he just admits that he wrote this card everyone can move on, and then he can do one of his favorite things of all time: Find a way to make some money out of it."

Cue a fake Trump ad for various creepy greeting cards.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Weapons: You can already watch the wild horror film at home

Mashable - Wed, 09/10/2025 - 13:57
The best streaming deals to watch 'Weapons' at home: WATCH NOW Rent or Buy on Prime Video $19.99 or $24.99 Get Deal WATCH NOW Rent or Buy on Apple TV $19.99 or $24.99 Shop Now WATCH LATER HBO Max (With Ads) $99.99/year (save $19.89) Get Deal WATCH LATER Max Standard $169.99/year (save $33.89) Get Deal WATCH LATER HBO Max Student $4.99 per month for 12 months (save 50%) Get Deal WATCH LATER HBO Max Basic With Ads Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month unlimited plan (save $9.99/month) Get Deal WATCH LATER HBO Max Basic With Ads Free for DashPass annual plan subscribers (save $9.99 per month) Get Deal WATCH LATER Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max $16.99 per month (with ads), $29.99 per month (no ads) (save up to 43%) Get Deal

Weapons, Zach Cregger's follow-up to the 2022 cult horror hit Barbarian, is one of the year's biggest horror success stories. It's not surprising, given that the script alone had Hollywood so excited it sparked a multi-million-dollar bidding war.

Not only did Cregger write the script, but he also directed, produced, and co-composed the music. Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Cary Christopher, with Benedict Wong, and Amy Madigan star in the wild horror hit of the summer.

If you skipped the theaters or can't wait to watch it again, Weapons is now available to watch at home. Here's what you need to know to tune in — including where to watch it and when it will be streaming.

What is Weapons about?

Weapons tells the story of a community left in crisis when all but one child from the same class mysteriously vanish at the same time on the same night. The story splits its time between various non-linear viewpoints, including the missing kids' teacher Justine (Julia Garner) and Archer (Josh Brolin), father to one of the missing children.

Who or what is behind their disturbing disappearance into darkness? It's best that's all you know going into the film. As Mashable film critic Belen Edwards writes, "The best way to prepare for its thrills is to simply not prepare at all."

Get a glimpse at the mystery in the creepy trailer:

Is Weapons worth watching?

Strong test screenings led Warner Bros. to bump up the release date for Weapons from Jan. 2026 to Aug. 2025 and it definitely paid off. One of the biggest horror success stories of the year, the $38 million budget film has grossed $251M worldwide to date. Of course, box office totals only tell half of the story. Reviews tell the other.

With a 94 percent critic rating and 85 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it's safe to say Weapons is worth watching. Even Stephen King gave it his nod of approval, calling it "confidently told and very scary."

Mashable's own reviewer writes, "The last thing I ever want to do is overhype a movie, but just trust me when I say: You are not ready for Weapons."

Check out Mashable's full review of Weapons.

How to watch Weapons at home Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Weapons hit theaters on Aug. 8, 2025. If you missed the mystery unfold on the big screen or you can't wait to watch it again, there are a couple of different ways to watch it at home as of Sept. 9: purchasing via digital video-on-demand and renting via digital video-on-demand. Soon, you'll also be able to stream it. We've broken down the details below.

Buy or rent on digital

As of Sept. 9, Weapons is available to purchase or rent on digital video-on-demand platforms. You can buy the movie for your digital library or rent it for 30 days. If you choose to rent, just note that although you'll have 30 days to watch, you'll only have 48 hours to finish watching once you begin.

You can purchase and rent the film at the following retailers:

Opens in a new window Credit: Prime Video Rent or Buy at Prime Video $19.99 or $24.99 Get Deal Stream it on HBO Max (at a later date)

As a Warner Bros. Pictures movie, we know that Weapons will make its streaming debut on HBO Max, the Warner Bros. Discovery-owned streaming service. While no streaming date has been announced yet, you probably won't have to wait long. Based on other Warner Bros. theatrical titles like Final Destination: Bloodlines and Sinners, we can make an educated guess that Weapons will hit HBO Max in October — just in time for spooky season.

HBO Max subscriptions start at $9.99 per month, but there are some ways to save some money on your plan. Check out the best HBO Max streaming deals below.

The best HBO Max streaming dealsBest for most people: Save 16% on HBO Max Basic annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max Basic with ads annual subscription $99.99 per year (save $19.89) Get Deal

The HBO Max Basic plan with ads typically costs $9.99 per month, but if you pay for an entire year upfront, that price drops down to just $8.33. With the annual plan, you'll pay $99.99, which saves you about 16% compared to paying each month.

Best Max deal with no ads: Save up to 16% on HBO Max Standard annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max Standard annual subscription $169.99 per year (save $33.89) Get Deal

Rather go ad-free? The annual Max Standard or Premium plans will also save about 16% over the monthly plans. The Standard tier costs either $16.99 per month or $169.99 per year (about $14.16 per month), while the Premium tier costs either $20.99 per month or $209.99 per year (about $17.50 per month). Both tiers offer ad-free viewing, but the Premium tier goes a step further with 4K Ultra HD video quality, Dolby Atmos immersive audio, and the ability to download more offline content.

Get HBO Max for free: Switch to Cricket's Supreme Unlimited plan Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max / Cricket HBO Max (with ads) Free for Cricket customers on the Supreme Unlimited plan Get Deal

Looking for a way to get HBO Max for free in 2025? Switch your phone plan to Cricket's $60 per month Supreme Unlimited plan. It includes HBO Max Basic with ads for free. When you open up the HBO Max app or website, you'll just select Cricket as your provider and use your credentials to log in.

Get HBO Max for free: Sign up for DashPass annual plan Opens in a new window Credit: Dashpass / HBO Max HBO Max (with ads) Free with DashPass annual plan ($8/month) Get Deal

Another way to get HBO Max for free in 2025 is to sign up for the DoorDash DashPass annual plan for $96 per year ($8 per month). DashPass memberships include $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible DoorDash orders all year long, plus a complimentary HBO Max subscription (with ads). Activate the subscription through your DoorDash account to get started. Rather watch ad-free? You can upgrade for a discounted rate.

Best HBO Max deal for students: Save 50% on HBO Max Basic with ads Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max Student $4.99 per month for 12 months Get Deal

College students can watch Weapons when it hits streaming by signing up for an entire year of HBO Max with ads for half price. Just verify your student status with UNiDAYS and retrieve the unique discount code to drop the price from $9.99 to $4.99 per month.

Best bundle deal: Get HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu for up to 43% off Opens in a new window Credit: Disney / Hulu / HBO Max Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max $16.99 per month (with ads), $29.99 per month (no ads) Get Deal

For the most bang for your buck, check out the Disney+ bundle deal that includes Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max for just $16.99 per month with ads. That lineup of streamers would usually cost you $29.97 per month, so you'll keep an extra $13 in your pocket monthly. If you prefer an ad-less experience, the bundle will run you $29.99 per month as opposed to $50.97. That's up to 43% in savings for access to all three streaming libraries.

Categories: IT General, Technology

OMG, Spotify actually launched lossless audio, and it comes with Premium tier

Mashable - Wed, 09/10/2025 - 13:49

This is a moment to savour. A moment to enjoy. And a moment to remember.

Spotify has finally launched lossless audio, four-and-a-half years after initially announcing it in February 2021. In this period, the company teased and promised that the feature – which every other major music streaming service already offers – is actually coming one day.

SEE ALSO: Spotify is now a chat app, too

The day is finally here, and we've got some additional good news to share. On its official blog, Spotify said that lossless audio is going to be a part of Spotify's Premium subscription. The company originally hinted that the feature might be a part of a new, pricier plan, but there's no such plan at the moment.

Instead, lossless audio is now rolling out to Premium subscribers, who will be able to listen to their favorite tunes in up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz quality by way of the FLAC audio format.

In the simplest of terms, this means better-sounding audio. But you do need good audio equipment to take advantage of it - which is also why the feature only works with wired headphones, not Bluetooth. For a detailed overview of what lossless audio is and how it works, go here.

“The wait is finally over; we’re so excited lossless sound is rolling out to Premium subscribers,” said Gustav Gyllenhammar, VP Subscriptions at Spotify, in a statement.

You got that right, Gustav.

“We’ve taken time to build this feature in a way that prioritizes quality, ease of use, and clarity at every step, so you always know what’s happening under the hood. With Lossless, our premium users will now have an even better listening experience," he said.

Now that it's here, it's not very hard to enable it. Credit: Spotify

To enable lossless audio, open your Spotify app, tap your profile icon in the top left, go to Settings & Privacy → Media Quality, and choose where you want to enable lossless audio, with the choices being Wi-Fi, cellular, and downloads only. While ticking all the boxes might seem like a no-brainer, have in mind that lossless audio takes up considerably more streaming data, which might reflect on your monthly cellular plan.

If you don't see the feature just yet, don't worry. According to Spotify, subscribers in Australia, Austria, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, the US, and the UK have already started to get access. But lossless audio will gradually roll out to "more than 50 markets through October," said Spotify.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez Fallon interview turns into a brutal 10-minute roast

Mashable - Wed, 09/10/2025 - 13:23

You know exactly what you're going to get when Only Murders in the Building co-stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez appear together on a late night show, and that is 10 minutes of them gleefully roasting both the host and each other.

In the Tonight Show clip above Short wastes absolutely no time in setting the brutal tone with his opening dig at Fallon. "Jimmy Fallon," Short says. "Or as the Epstein files know you: 'Redacted'!"

"I have to say, and I know we're being funny here, but honestly of all the late night hosts I'll miss you the most," Martin chips in.

The following 10 minutes sees the trio all taking shots at each other, while Martin even makes time for a quick roast on himself: "I'm actually in a fantastic mood tonight because I was recently added back on to the Cracker Barrel logo," he says.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Score the Fire TV Stick 4K Max for under $40 at Amazon (or less if youre lucky)

Mashable - Wed, 09/10/2025 - 13:15

SAVE $20: As of Sept. 10, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is on sale for $39.99 at Amazon. That's $20 off its list price of $59.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $39.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20 Get Deal

Nothing beats having a solid streaming setup, especially with everything from football to new shows and movies available to watch on top services right now. If you've been hoping to upgrade to something new that supports 4K streaming, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max can get the job done. It's even discounted right now at Amazon, which is a huge bonus.

While it's normally listed for $59.99, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is currently marked down to $39.99 for a limited time. Some of the Mashable team also have access to a special discount code that can be redeemed on the store page and drops the price even further to $29.99 (saving you $30). We can't promise you'll have access to the 4KTVMAX code, but if you're lucky and win this seemingly random code lottery, it's a deal that beats even this year's Prime Day price. Plug the code into the box at the checkout. What do you have to lose?

SEE ALSO: The Amazon Fire TV 4-Series is over $100 off for a limited time

Alongside support for 4K Ultra HD, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max also features support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ so you can take in every color and detail that comes across your screen. It even supports Dolby Atmos audio, so you can feel truly immersed in what you're watching, and has WiFi 6E support, so you can enjoy fast and stable streaming quality, too. And with 16GB of storage, you have plenty of space for your favorite apps.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max even features the Fire TV Ambient Experience. In the spirit of TVs like The Frame from Samsung, this allows you to display art and photography on your screen when you're not watching something on it.

There's no better time than now to score the Fire TV Stick 4K Max while it's down to $39.99. And if you're not looking to go all the way to 4K, you can also save on the Fire TV Stick HD right now at Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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