Technology

Best Buys Labor Day 2026 sale is live: Shop deals on Sony headphones, gaming laptops, Chromebooks

Mashable - Fri, 09/04/2026 - 20:24
The best Best Buy Labor Day deals at a glance Best Apple Deal 2025 Apple MacBook Air M5 $1,699 (Save $100) Get Deal Best Amazon Device Deal Amazon Fire TV Stick HD 2nd Gen $17.99 (Save $22) Get Deal Best Laptop Deal Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 2K Touchscreen Laptop $749.99 (Save $370) Get Deal Best Headphone Deal Bose QuietComfort Headphones $229 (Save $130) Get Deal Best Chromebook Deal Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 $579 (save $170) Get Deal Best Gaming Laptop Deal Lenovo LOQ 15 2K Gaming Laptop (Core i7 13650HX, 16GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060) $1,149.99 (save $700) Get Deal

The last long weekend of summer is here, and so is the impulse to squeeze in one more cookout and one more round of shopping with some great discounts before fall truly sets in. Best Buy has already kicked off its Labor Day sale with several picks that you can shop right now through midnight on Sept. 7.

This year, a global memory shortage has pushed prices up across laptops, tablets, and streaming devices, so markdowns are going much further than they did a few months ago. If you're looking to pick up some sale-priced laptops, headphones, or even streaming devices, Best Buy has you covered with some great prices you won't want to miss out on.

To help you save, we've gathered all of the top discounts from the Best Buy Labor Day sale. Our editors' favorite products are marked with a 🔥 emoji.

Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy 2025 Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,699 at Best Buy
$1,799 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

The 13-inch MacBook Air with M5 is a great choice for most users when it comes to Apple laptops. The configuration Best Buy has discounted comes loaded with a powerful setup to handle just about any task. You get a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, 24GB of unified memory, and a 1TB SSD, which is plenty of power for editing video or just keeping a few dozen browser tabs open. Plus, you'll get up to 18 hours of battery life per charge.

More Apple dealsBest Amazon device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy Amazon Fire TV Stick HD 2nd Gen $17.99 at Best Buy
$39.99 Save $22.00   Get Deal Why we like it

This streaming stick plugs into any open HDMI port to put the current Fire TV interface on your TV so you can stream your favorite shows and movies anytime. It offers AI-powered search to help you figure out what to watch without scrolling endlessly through all your apps, and you get 8GB of storage plus free live TV channels alongside Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. Most importantly, you can take your streaming apps with you just about wherever you go with this stick.

More Amazon device dealsBest laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 2K Touchscreen Laptop $749.99 at Best Buy
$1,199.99 Save $450   Get Deal Why we like it

This 16-inch 2K touchscreen laptop has plenty of real estate and power to help you be more productive or just spend time browsing online in comfort. It boasts an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V processor, 16GB of memory, and a 512GB SSD. The hinge also folds all the way back, so you can use it as a laptop, prop it up for watching something, or flatten it down straight for use as a tablet. It's a versatile piece of tech that you can legitimately take with you wherever you go since it can convert to the format you need most.

More laptop dealsThe top Chromebook deals at Best BuyBest headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy Bose QuietComfort Headphones $229 at Best Buy
$359 Save $130   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're looking for great audio as well as overall comfort, these headphones are more than easy to recommend. Comfort is in their name, after all. They excel at noise canceling as well, with both Quiet and Aware modes for switching between full noise cancellation and keeping aware of your surroundings. They also offer 24 hours of battery life and enough earcup padding to stay comfortable through a long flight or lengthy listening sessions. When you're done with them, they fold down into the included case, so they're easy to pack as well.

More headphone dealsLooking for more Labor Day sales?
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Labor Day laptop deals to beat RAMageddon: Hand-picked deals on Apple, HP, and Dell

Mashable - Fri, 09/04/2026 - 20:23
The best Labor Day laptop deals at a glance: Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,699 (save $100) Get Deal Best Windows laptop deal HP OmniBook 3 16 (Snapdragon X, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $599.99 (save $550) Get Deal Best Chromebook deal Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 (MediaTek Kompanio Ultra, 12GB RAM, 256GB UFS) $579 (save $170) Get Deal

The ongoing memory crisis means higher prices for the tech we've come to depend on. Laptops have been hit especially hard by "RAMageddon," with PC makers like Dell, Lenovo, and Acer raising prices to reflect rising component costs. Even Apple marked up its MacBooks by at least $100 apiece this summer. (Gone are the days of the $599 MacBook Neo.)

The current state of the market makes shopping sales feel all the more important. Your last big chance to snag a deeply discounted laptop before Black Friday comes with this weekend's Labor Day sales. Below, we've rounded up the best Labor Day laptop deals we could find, including discounts on MacBooks, Windows laptops, and a very nice Chromebook we've tested.

Best MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,699 at Amazon and Best Buy
$1,799 Save $100   Get Deal

The 13-inch M5 MacBook Air is our favorite MacBook for college students, as it's super portable and a little cheaper than its 15-inch brother. It's a fabulous ultraportable with a crisp, colorful display, amazing speakers, and blazing-fast performance. This upgraded model, with 24GB of RAM and a terabyte of storage, should last you well past graduation. Amazon and Best Buy currently have it on sale for $1,699, or $100 off.

Heads up: If you have a valid student ID, you'll get $100 off and a free $100 gift card if you buy this MacBook directly through the Apple Store during its Back to School sale (live through Sept. 24). However, it won't ship until late September or early October. If you need it sooner, Amazon (with Prime) and Best Buy were both advertising next- or two-day shipping at the time of writing.

Read Mashable's full review of the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M5).

More MacBook dealsBest Windows laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP OmniBook 3 16 (Snapdragon X, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $599.99 at Staples
$1,149.99 Save $550   Get Deal

The OmniBook 3 16 is a slim, big-screened laptop with a mind-blowing battery life of over 40 hours per charge. It's the longest-lasting laptop we've ever tested in more than a decade of reviewing laptops. Just note that its Snapdragon X processor is best for everyday productivity tasks, not intensive app usage. This configuration with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage (a good daily driver combo) is 48% off at Staples for Labor Day. For reference, HP's website lists the same model at $90 more.

Read Mashable's full review of the HP OmniBook 3 16.

More Windows laptop dealsBest Chromebook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 (MediaTek Kompanio Ultra, 12GB RAM, 256GB UFS) $579 at Best Buy
$749 Save $170   Get Deal

This premium Chromebook boasts an 18-hour battery life and a silky-smooth touchscreen display that can flip around 360 degrees. It makes a great MacBook Neo alternative for ultra-casual users who want a laptop that doubles as a tablet. Ahead of Labor Day, it's significantly cheaper than the Neo: Best Buy has it marked down to $579, or 23% off. That more than erases its $50 price hike from May.

Read Mashable's full review of the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514.

More Chromebook deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

I built a personalized desktop toolbox without writing a single line of code

How-To Geek - Fri, 09/04/2026 - 20:00

I use a surprising number of little utilities every day, from cleaning up text and calculating dates to converting file sizes and working out percentages. But I got tired of opening different apps and websites for these simple tasks, so I wanted a single place to keep the tools I actually use.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 last-minute Apple iPhone 18 event rumors

Mashable - Fri, 09/04/2026 - 19:41

In less than a week, Apple is holding its big annual September event. You'd think the rumor mill would slow down at some point, but it hasn't.

Everyone expects to see four new iPhones and some other fun stuff as well. Those details are more or less set in stone. There are little things in the margins, though, such as device prices, colors, and specs, that are still leaking out ahead of time. Here are three last-minute rumors to catch up on before the show on Sept. 9.

SEE ALSO: What would really 'surprise' at Apple’s iPhone event Leaked iPhone 18 Pro and Ultra cases, with one device notably missing This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Earlier this week, a handful of third-party phone accessory makers posted renders of cases for the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and Ultra phones. While the renders are almost certainly not real photos of the phones, they do give us an idea of what to expect in terms of size and shape, especially for the foldable Ultra. As has been rumored for months, it appears to be a short, wide foldable with two cameras on the rear.

These iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max case leaks included four colors: deep burgundy, light gray, black, and misty blue, all of which have been previously reported as colors for those devices. The only slightly weird thing here is that there are no renders of the base-model iPhone 18. It's becoming more and more expected around the tech world that Apple will wait until next spring to launch the base iPhone 18, giving the Pro and Ultra models more time to shine this fall.

Some possible info on iPhone Ultra prices This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Everyone wants to know how much these phones will cost, especially the iPhone Ultra, as it's the only one without a 2025 model to compare it to directly. Thanks to RAMageddon, it's easy to assume that the Pro and Pro Max models will cost a little bit more than their iPhone 17 counterparts.

We have some new information about the Ultra’s price, courtesy of various retail listings and market research reports. EVDownunder on X (via PhoneArena) got pricing information from Vodafone Australia suggesting that the iPhone Ultra will retail for about $2,600 USD, accounting for currency conversion. That roughly lines up with a new report from the market research firm International Data Corporation, which pegged the phone's price at around $2,550.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg's Apple guru Mark Gurman said in an interview this week that he expects the phone to retail for at least $2,000. At any rate, it would be shocking if the phone's price didn't start with the number 2.

Last-minute iPhone Ultra specs

That Gurman interview also contained some basic specs for the device, which line up with what we've been hearing for a while now. Gurman said to expect a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner display. He also said the phone will have MagSafe support, which had been a big question mark prior to this interview. He compared the hinge to those found on recent Samsung foldables, which means it likely won't be completely invisible, but close enough to it.

Perhaps most interestingly, Gurman claims the iPhone Ultra won't suffer a major delay. He expects it to be available within weeks of the Sept. 9 event, around the same time the Pro and Pro Max devices launch. There had been some expectation of a delay around the tech world, perhaps due to manufacturing costs, but Gurman says that isn't happening.

Categories: IT General, Technology

4 things I really want from the rumored Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake (and a couple I dont)

Mashable - Fri, 09/04/2026 - 19:35

Earlier this year, Nintendo officially unveiled a big new remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of time for Switch 2. Naturally, everyone's mind is brimming with ideas about what (and what not) to expect from it.

As a lifelong Ocarina lover who generally considers it one of the three or four best video games ever made, trust that I have some thoughts about this remake. I'm not opposed to its existence at all, but there are a handful of conditions I'd like it to meet in order to make sense as a big holiday release for Switch 2.

Given that there is a Nintendo Direct next week where we will surely see gameplay for the first time, here are some things I do and don't want to see from the game.

An Ocarina of Time remake should be different enough to justify its existence Maybe don't go quite as hard as the 'Final Fantasy VII Remake' games do, but they're a decent starting point. Credit: Square Enix/Steam

To start, I should note that you can play the original Ocarina of Time on a Switch or Switch 2 right now via the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service. I am of the belief that remakes exist to supplement the original work, not replace them, so it's paramount that Nintendo keep the original playable on modern platforms, and I have no reason to believe the company would remove it from the NSO service.

With that in mind, if this remake is going to a $60+ major holiday release that exists alongside the original, it needs to set itself apart. There are plenty of ways to do that. For starters, it might not hurt to modernize the controls a bit. I love the way the original Ocarina feels, with Link's weighty, substantial movement grounding him in the game's world in a beautiful way. Ocarina's heavy use of context-sensitive actions gave Link a huge number of ways to intuitively interact with said world, which set the game apart from other 3D action-adventure titles at the time.

The iconic title screen needs to stay. Credit: Nintendo

That said, there are a lot of people who don't have three decades of nostalgia for this game baked into their memories. Some folks are younger and may have started their Zelda journeys with newer games like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. For a portion of the modern gaming audience, Ocarina's original control scheme feels clunky and unwieldy.

Even I, a person who loves the original release as much as I can possibly love anything, will admit that lining up jumps or trying to precisely throw bombs can be a chore. It also just doesn't make much sense on anything other than a Nintendo 64 controller, for which Ocarina was hyper-specifically designed.

Whoever is making this rumored remake needs to make it make sense on a Switch 2 controller. It might also help to add new content to Link's seminal 3D adventure, which might please fans of the original. New or reworked side quests, an additional optional dungeon, or even a smaller second adventure with a different playable character (looking at you, Sheik) would each individually do a lot to make players new and old flock to this remake. As long as it all fits naturally into the original game's structure, of course.

But they shouldn't just turn it into Breath of the Wild Great game, but not something the 'Ocarina' remake needs to emulate. Credit: Nintendo

One thing I've seen some fans online suggest that I vehemently disagree with is the notion of turning Ocarina of Time into a full-blown open-world adventure in the same vein as the two big Switch games, Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. This is an idea that might sound enticing until you think about it for a few seconds. Let me explain why.

More than anything, that's just not what Ocarina of Time ever was. Hyrule Field felt massive, expansive, and mysterious in 1998, but Ocarina at its core is a pretty linear game where there's typically only ever one authored solution to any problem. It's not about creativity in puzzle-solving like Breath and Tears, it's about using a boomerang to open a door in the exact way the designers want you to.

This may sound stifling to fans of the newer games, and in the arc of the Zelda franchise, that formula was indeed stifling enough to inspire the need for a series overhaul, but it's an apples-and-oranges thing.

New Zelda is a physics sandbox, while old Zelda focused more on the creativity of the designers than the player. In practice, one could very easily argue that the old style produced better pacing, and it allowed each game to have a large arsenal of fun items to use, rather than a small handful of powers like in the newer entries. If you've never used the Hookshot, you don't know what you're missing.

Crucially, you can also finish Ocarina of Time in like 20 hours. Not everything needs to be a 100-hour epic.

The remake needs to have a fresh look

Honestly, for this remake, the most important decision for its developers to make concerns how it will look. I am not an artist, so I don't have much in the way of specific ideas for how it should look. But I don't think a straightforward adaptation of the original game's graphics is the way to go.

If you just do "Ocarina of Time but modern," you run the risk of inviting ungenerous comparisons between the original and the remake. It would also be boring, just as it would be to simply convert Ocarina into the more Studio Ghibli-inspired Breath of the Wild art style. Zelda has reinvented itself visually more times than almost any series, and it's time for that to happen again.

But it also needs to respect the original's distinct vibes

In playing some of the original release recently for research purposes, one thing that stuck out to me is just how weird it often is. I think about NPCs like Grog, the gaunt misanthrope who mostly exists to tell you how much he hates his parents, or the creepy music box guy. At one point, you can play music on your ocarina for the enjoyment of a bunch of cartoon frogs. It's a goofy game with a lot of heart, and I hope that doesn't get lost in translation.

There are lots of other things that I think can be updated without being lost, such as the original game's brilliant soundtrack. That could use a full orchestral re-arrangement. I'm also open to other ideas, but for now, these are the things that have been swimming around my mind the most about this potential remake.

Categories: IT General, Technology

When is Silo Season 4 coming out?

Mashable - Fri, 09/04/2026 - 19:30

Silo Season 3 delivered answers in a major way, showing viewers the nuclear explosion that sent people underground and revealing what's inside the sinister Silo 1. Of course, in true Silo fashion, its Season 3 finale also left us with some big questions. Most importantly: How in the world is Juliette Nichols (Rebecca Ferguson) going to bring down the powerful forces within Silo 1?

SEE ALSO: 'Silo' Season 3's twisty ending, explained

Luckily, there's one question we can get answers to right away, and that's the classic post-finale question of, "when can we see more?" That's because Apple TV has already unveiled the exact release date of Silo Season 4.

What is Silo Season 4's release date?

Silo's fourth and final season will premiere on July 9, 2027. That means you have a little under a year to hammer out all your theories for Juliette's upcoming confrontation with Silo 1's Daniel Keene (Ashley Zukerman), now memory-wiped and referred to as Troy.

Does Silo Season 4 have a trailer?

Apple TV has released a teaser for Season 4, giving us ample material for speculation and analysis in the months to come. Fair warning, though. It's incredibly spoiler-y, so watch and read on with caution.

The first look teases flashbacks to Helen Drew's (Jessica Henwick) first moments in Silo 18, right after the nuclear bomb went off. It also shows that Sheriff Paul Billings (Chinaza Uche) tells the entirety of Silo 18 the truth about the other silos, including how Silo 1 controls them and has led them to believe that the air outside the silos is poisonous.

Most intriguingly, the teaser gives us a flash of trillionaire Per Stensen (Colin Hanks), who's bee missing since the end of episode 9. Of course, the biggest reveal of all is that Juliette and Daniel/Troy will finally meet face to face.

How will all this play out? We'll have to wait until summer 2027 to find out. Start the countdown, and please theorize responsibly.

Silo Season 3 is now streaming on Apple TV. Silo Season 4 premieres July 9, 2027.

Categories: IT General, Technology

4 open-source Android apps that beat the popular Play Store alternatives

How-To Geek - Fri, 09/04/2026 - 19:30

Android has no shortage of high-quality apps, but with such a vast selection on the Play Store, finding the best one for a particular task can be surprisingly difficult.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Nintendo announces Nintendo Direct events for Sept. 8 and 9: How to watch, what to expect

Mashable - Fri, 09/04/2026 - 19:13

In case the Apple event next week wasn't enough, Nintendo has decided to crash the party with not one, but two Nintendo Direct livestreams of its own.

Nintendo announced a pair of Nintendo Direct livestreams that will take place on Sept. 8 and Sept. 9, both at 10 a.m. ET. You'll be able to watch both of the events live on Nintendo's YouTube channel, or in VOD form, immediately following their conclusions.

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

Why two Directs instead of one? Well, the first Sept. 8 event is specifically themed around the 40th anniversary of the Legend of Zelda series, and it's approximately 30 minutes long. Arguably Nintendo's most prestigious franchise, Zelda has been mostly absent from the Switch 2 in the console's first year-and-change of existence. In the most recent Nintendo Direct before this, Nintendo teased a The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake for Switch 2. The legendary 1998 game is still considered one of the all-time greats.

For the first of the two Directs, I fully expect to finally see some gameplay footage from the Ocarina remake, as well as a general idea of what's new and different about it. Beyond that, it would not be shocking if Nintendo released some limited edition controllers or even a Zelda-themed Switch 2 console or bundle. I would also guess that at least one or two older Zelda titles will be ported to Switch and/or Switch 2 as part of this. Twilight Princess is conspicuously missing from the console, for example.

You can watch the Legend of Zelda Nintendo Direct at 10 a.m. ET on Sept. 8. We recommend catching the action on YouTube:

SEE ALSO: Nintendo announces two new Switch 2 bundles, set to arrive after price hike

The second Direct is a more general stream focused on non-Zelda titles coming to Nintendo platforms. We really, truly do not know anything about this one, other than that it's 45 minutes long. That's enough time for plenty of trailers and news, perhaps including a release date for FromSoftware's The Duskbloods, which just had a successful closed beta weekend on Switch 2 in August.

Aside from that, the second Direct could contain more info about Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, which is slated for release in October, and Xenoblade Genesis, set to launch next year. Those two games and Pokémon Winds & Waves are basically the only other upcoming Switch 2 titles that we know about right now. That could mean that Nintendo is gearing up to announce some brand new stuff in this Direct, but it could also mean that the bulk of the 45-minute runtime will be devoted to ports of existing third-party games. Knowing Nintendo, it could truly go either way.

You can watch the Sept. 9 Nintendo Direct at 10 a.m. ET, and it will livestream on YouTube:

Categories: IT General, Technology

I couldn't believe Linux could run inside a PDF, so I tried it

How-To Geek - Fri, 09/04/2026 - 19:00

I first came across LinuxPDF in a Reddit thread, and I had to read the post twice to make sure I understood what it was saying. Linux was apparently running inside a PDF file. This wasn't a screenshot of a terminal or a simulated command prompt. It was an actual Linux environment that you could interact with from the document.

Categories: IT General, Technology

4 more expensive Ryobi tools worth saving up for

How-To Geek - Fri, 09/04/2026 - 18:30

Ryobi is one of the most popular power tool brands on the market, and a big part of that is affordability. We all love a budget-friendly tool, but here are some expensive Ryobi tools that are worth saving up for.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Real Betis vs. Real Madrid online for free

Mashable - Fri, 09/04/2026 - 18:00

TL;DR: Watch Real Betis vs. Real Madrid in La Liga for free on CazéTV. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

La Liga has started with some big scorelines, some stunning individual performances, and a perfect start for Real Madrid. Next they face Real Betis, aiming to win their fourth game on the campaign. The trouble for Real Madrid is that despite winning their first three games, they still sit behind rivals Barcelona. That could all change this weekend.

If you're interested in watching Real Betis vs. Real Madrid in La Liga from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Real Betis vs. Real Madrid?

Real Betis vs. Real Madrid in La Liga kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Sept. 4. This fixture takes place at the Estadio de La Cartuja.

How to watch Real Betis vs. Real Madrid for free

Real Betis vs. Real Madrid in La Liga is available to live stream for free on CazéTV.

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

Live stream Real Betis vs. Real Madrid for free by following these simple steps:

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

  2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

  4. Visit CazéTV

  5. Watch Real Betis vs. Real Madrid for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Real Betis vs. Real Madrid without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus Premier League action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for La Liga?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Real Betis vs. Real Madrid for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Lexar Muse: World's Thinnest Portable SSD is for Phones

How-To Geek - Fri, 09/04/2026 - 17:50

Many tech companies like to tout "world's best" claims, but here's one that actually matters. Lexar has introduced the "world's thinnest portable SSD," the Muse, and it looks to be genuinely helpful if you love recording video (or any media, really) on your phone.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Labor Day Apple deals: We found AirPods starting at $99 and iPads for $399

Mashable - Fri, 09/04/2026 - 17:43
The best Apple Labor Day deals at a glance: Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 (save $50) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $649 (save $100) Get Deal Best iPhone deal Apple iPhone Air (256GB, unlocked) $849.99 (save $150) Get Deal Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $2,299.99 (save $199.01) Get Deal Best Headphones Deal Apple AirPods Max 2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones (Purple) $449.00 at Amazon Get Deal Best Apple accessory deal Apple AirTags (2nd gen, 4-pack) $79.99 (save $19.01) Get Deal

It's no secret that tech prices are getting out of control, thanks to RAMageddon. Apple has increased the costs of most of its popular gadgets (with more price hikes to come), so any excuse to save some money is welcome. Enter Labor Day Weekend sales.

Ahead of the iPhone launch event next week, Amazon, Best Buy, and other major retailers are offering Labor Day deals on Apple products. Notably, iPads and iPhones are up to $150 off, while MacBooks are up to $500 off. You can even grab AirPods starting at just $99.

While we don't anticipate Prime Day-level discounts this weekend, though that would be wonderful, we've collected all of the best Labor Day Apple deals in one place. Don't forget that Apple is widely expected to announce new AirPods Pro, iPhones, and Apple Watches on Sept. 9, and so retailers may be making room in their warehouses for a ton of new products.

Best iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $649 at Amazon or Best Buy
$749 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're looking to buy a new iPad, the M4 Air is our top pick for most people. It's not all that different from its predecessor, but that's not a bad thing (we loved the M3 iPad Air, too). The latest version packs an insanely powerful M4 chip, a thin and lightweight build, a brilliant Liquid Retina display, and Apple's N1 and C1X connectivity chips. It's honestly almost too powerful for most users, with enough oomph to handle memory-intensive programs like Final Cut Pro. Yet, its price tag isn't quite as stunning as the iPad Pro. For Labor Day, the base model with WiFi connectivity and 128GB of storage is down to just $649. It's selling out quick at Amazon, but luckily, Best Buy is matching the $100 discount.

Read our full review of the M4 iPad Air.

More iPad dealsBest iPhone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone Air (256GB, unlocked) $849.99 at Best Buy
$999.99 Save $150   Get Deal Why we like it

While we regularly see solid deals on unlocked Android phones, unlocked iPhone deals are few and far between. So finding the iPhone Air at Best Buy for $150 off (with any storage capacity) is a big deal. Mashable's reviewer dubbed the iPhone Air Apple's "sexiest iPhone" to date. It's thinner than you can fathom, yet packs a gorgeous OLED display and a surprisingly good camera. With the inevitable iPhone price hikes coming, snagging the iPhone Air for less could be an even better value than you realize.

Read our full review of the iPhone Air.

More iPhone dealsBest MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $2,299.99 at Amazon
$2,499 Save $199.01   Get Deal Why we like it

The M5 Pro MacBook Pro jumped $300 earlier this summer, so this discount at Best Buy essentially erases that price hike. Granted, the MacBook Pro with an M5 Pro chip is definitely overkill for most users — especially this model with boosted specs (24GB RAM and 1TB storage). Still, it's a great pick for graphic designers, editors, or programmers with heavy workloads. Besides the powerful M5 Pro chip, specs include Apple's N1 wireless chip, a brilliant 3K mini LED display, a 120Hz refresh rate, and three USB-C Thunderbolt 5 ports.

Read our full review of the M5 MacBook Pro.

More MacBook dealsBest AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 at Amazon
$249 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

Even though the AirPods Pro 3 were marked safe from Apple's price hike, that doesn't mean you should buy them at full cost. The premium Apple earbuds have been jumping around in price this past week, but they've finally settled on a $199 price tag heading into Labor Day Weekend. That's $50 cheaper than usual.

Mashable's reviewer called the Pro 3's "a remarkable upgrade in functionality over their predecessors, with better battery life and ANC, as well as a new heart rate sensor." They're some of our favorite noise-cancelling earbuds overall (and we've tested a ton).

Read our full review of the AirPods Pro 3.

More AirPods dealsBest accessory deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTags (2nd gen, 4-pack) $79.99 at Amazon
$99 Save $19.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Once again, Apple's newest generation of AirTags didn't bring a whole lot of changes, but why fix what isn't broken? The second-gen AirTags have improved range, slightly louder notifications, and the same affordable price tag. If you're a frequent traveler or tend to lose things often, they're a must-have. And at under $80 for a four-pack, they're a total steal right now.

Read our full review of the AirTags 2nd gen.

More Apple accessory dealsLooking for more Labor Day sales?
Categories: IT General, Technology

7 ways to repurpose your old speakers

How-To Geek - Fri, 09/04/2026 - 17:31

If your old speakers are gathering dust and you're not sure what to do with them, you've come to the right place. Don't worry; I've got plenty of ideas that won't involve complicated DIY Raspberry Pi projects. Let's dive into a few creative ways to put your old speakers back in the game.

Categories: IT General, Technology

You don't need a USB flash drive—your old phone is a better portable file server

How-To Geek - Fri, 09/04/2026 - 17:31

Buying a new phone leaves you with an older one that is pretty much useless unless you trade it in. No one really needs a second phone unless it is for work. Once you've moved your contacts and photos over, it's easy to forget the old phone is still useful when repurposed. It won't lose any of the features that make it such a good mini computer, and you should take advantage of that.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Xbox Game Pass imposes strict monthly hour limits on cloud gaming

Mashable - Fri, 09/04/2026 - 17:17

Xbox is making a change to Game Pass that probably won't have very many defenders online.

Microsoft's gaming division announced in a blog post this week that the cloud gaming service that has been included with Game Pass subscriptions for years is getting fairly harsh hourly limits per month, starting in November. You'll be restrained to different amounts of time depending on which tier of Game Pass you subscribe to:

  • Game Pass Essential: 5 hours per month

  • Game Pass Premium: 10 hours per month

  • Game Pass Ultimate: 15 hours per month

SEE ALSO: How 'GTA 6' looks on Xbox Series S: What we know

People who don't subscribe to Game Pass will also be able to buy hours from the Xbox store, but the larger point here is that nobody will be able to stream Xbox games without limits anymore. Xbox's blog post says this change will "only" affect four percent of Game Pass subscribers, but that could still hinder a lot of people from playing whatever they feel like playing in November and beyond.

Speaking of which, Grand Theft Auto VI comes out in November. While it wouldn't be eligible for Game Pass streaming at launch, there's always a possibility it could be added to the service months (or years) down the line. If/when that happens, you won't be able to stream it for more than 15 hours per month. That's not great.

This is only the latest in a string of not-entirely-positive headlines about Xbox in the past year or two. Between a big leadership change that saw AI executive Asha Sharma take over the brand, console price hikes, and Xbox's inclusion on the BDS boycott list by association with Microsoft's partnership with the Israeli military, the mood around Xbox in online gaming circles has been pretty rotten lately.

For some reason, I don't think imposing hourly limits on game streaming right as the biggest game of the decade launches is going to help matters.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 fresh Netflix documentaries to watch this weekend (September 4 - 6)

How-To Geek - Fri, 09/04/2026 - 17:00

After a pretty solid run of documentaries for August, it's finally September, and for non-fiction fans, that means Netflix has re-upped its library of gripping real-life stories to sink your teeth into. Let's jump right in.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch PSG vs. Monaco online for free

Mashable - Fri, 09/04/2026 - 17:00

TL;DR: Watch PSG vs. Monaco in Ligue 1 for free on CazéTV. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Ligue 1 has started with some unexpected results. We're all so used to seeing Champions League champions PSG at the top of the standings, but right now they're sitting in 11th. We expect to see the defending champs move up the table, but are we seeing the start of a decline for Luis Enrique's side?

Next they face Monaco, probably not the side they wanted to come up against as they seek their first win of the season. Monaco top the standings after two rounds, without conceding a single goal.

If you're interested in watching PSG vs. Monaco in Ligue 1 from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is PSG vs. Monaco?

PSG vs. Monaco in Ligue 1 kicks off at 3:05 p.m. ET on Sept. 4. This fixture takes place at the Parc des Princes.

How to watch PSG vs. Monaco for free

PSG vs. Monaco in Ligue 1 is available to live stream for free on CazéTV.

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

Live stream PSG vs. Monaco for free by following these simple steps:

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

  2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

  4. Visit CazéTV

  5. Watch PSG vs. Monaco for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch PSG vs. Monaco without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus Premier League action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Ligue 1?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream PSG vs. Monaco for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Trump games: White House unveils anti-immigrant, Pro-Trump retro arcade

Mashable - Fri, 09/04/2026 - 16:56

UPDATE: Sep. 4, 2026, 4:57 p.m. EDT The Tetris Company has issued a statement regarding the White House's knockoff of its game.

Read the response from Tetris here. The original report continues below.

With gas prices soaring, dozens of food recalls, a war in Iran, and a litany of other pressing issues, one might be thinking to themself, "I wish the U.S. government would release a series of low-quality, potentially vibe-coded video games."

Well, you are in luck!

On Thursday, Trump's White House announced a new website, Arcade.gov, which hosts five brand new 8-bit style video games, which harken back to the days of Newgrounds and the now-discontinued Adobe Flash. 

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

The official White House account on Elon Musk's X announced the launch of the new government website via a series of videos, which spoof the opening screens of Sega, Nintendo, and Xbox game consoles.

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 Sega spoof turns the company's iconic logo into a MAGA promotion.

The most innocuous game is the site's Flappy Bird clone, called Flappy Bill, where a user guides an eagle down the National Mall.

Supply Line, which spoofs the game Tapper, challenges users to sort cafeteria food to promote the administration's Make America Healthy Again campaign.

In Trump Savings Tycoon, players have to collect money for their kids' Trump Accounts, which promotes the administration's agenda to provide $1,000 to children born during the president's term in office.

A screenshot of 'Rio Run.' Credit: Arcade.gov A screenshot of 'Build the Wall.' Credit: Arcade.gov

The two most controversial games promote Trump's border policies. Rio Run is a Snake clone that challenges the user to patrol the border along the Rio Grande, catching immigrants crossing the border. Once a user "catches" an immigrant, they re-appear in an orange jumpsuit. Finally, Build the Wall, a Tetris game with a zombie theme, encourages users to “protect the border from the coming horde."

In the replies to the White House's announcement, many users criticized the games. Some encourage Nintendo and Xbox to sue the administration for copyright infringement. Others made references to the lack of games covering other issues, such as the Epstein Files.

The Arcade.gov website claims more games are on the way.

"Coming soon," reads a blank box next to the other games in the library, with a tagline that reads, "A new adventure awaits."

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Labor Day deals on outdoor gear: We found rare deals on Coleman, Yeti, and Ninja

Mashable - Fri, 09/04/2026 - 16:40
Best Labor Day outdoor deals at a glance: Best power station deal Anker Solix C300 $199.99 (save $50) Shop Now Best cooler deal Ninja FrostVault $169.99 (save $30) Shop Now Best backyard deal Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights 2 $129.99 (save $60) Shop Now

Summer is winding down, but that doesn't mean the fun is ending. Now that the weather is cooling down, being outside is so much more enjoyable. There's still time for backyard barbecues, a hike, or a camping trip.

Even though we know there's still plenty of time to get outside, retail trends still think we're winding down with the outdoor activities. That means this is the perfect time to upgrade your gear with sale prices and still get plenty of use before packing it all away for winter.

If you've been thinking about getting a portable power station for camping, a camping chair for watching fall sports, or a new water bottle, consider this is a great time to be shopping. Here are some of our favorite Labor Day outdoor deals at Amazon:

Best portable power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Solix Anker Solix C300 $199.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

Camping trips don't have to mean disconnecting, unless you want to. But if you'd rather keep in touch, a portable power station is perfect for keeping phones and other devices charged. The Anker Solix C300 comes with 288Wh and four USB-C ports. Anker mentions the capacity of the Solix C300 can recharge a phone about 19 times. Plus, the built-in light is perfect for the campground.

Best cooler deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja FrostVault $169.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

Ninja makes some of Mashable's favorite kitchen appliances, and the FrostVault cooler has been a favorite since it launched last year. Unlike most coolers, Ninja added a dry storage drawer to the cooler, ensuring there's a dedicated space that'll keep food cool and dry. It's perfect for easy access to road trip sandwiches and snacks.

The 30-quart Ninja FrostVault is on sale on Amazon ahead of Labor Day for $169.99. With 15 pounds of ice, this size can fit 26 cans.

Best backyard deal Opens in a new window Credit: Govee Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights 2 $129.99 at Amazon
$189.99 Save $60   Get Deal Why we like it

Light up the backyard, patio, or balcony with the Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights 2. The 144-foot pack is on sale on Amazon for only $129.99 and comes with 45 bulbs. The Govee lights carry an IP65 waterproof rating, so you won't need to worry about them getting wet in fall rainstorms. Govee makes some of the best outdoor lights that are sure to impress your neighbors.

More outdoor deals
Categories: IT General, Technology
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