Technology

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple AirPods 4   Shop Now

AirPods are one of those items we all flock to during major sales events. Prime Day, Memorial Day, Black Friday, we want to see AirPods reduced. They're arguably one of the most popular earbuds on the market, especially for iPhone users (big up that Apple integration), so we're hoping for some impressive deals this Black Friday, especially on the AirPods 4.

Why we love the AirPods 4

I recently added the AirPods 4 to my seemingly never-ending bid to immerse in the Apple ecosystem. It wasn't the intention, but when they came as an added extra with my new MacBook, how could I resist? I'd never used AirPods until this pair, so I was relatively unprepared for what to expect. After a few days of use, I quickly understood the hype. The sound quality really is as good as they say, and you really feel the benefit of the H2 chip. Music sounds much clearer and more detailed, while the Personalized Spatial Audio makes everything feel like it’s happening all around you. Even calls sound noticeably crisper thanks to Voice Isolation, and my voice notes come through crystal clear, even on windy days.

And while we're on integration, they really do connect seamlessly with your other Apple devices. In fact, they connect as soon as you are near. The in-ear detection also knows when you’ve taken them out and pauses audio automatically, and if you have your phone and Mac out at the same time, you can easily switch between which device you want to listen on.

SEE ALSO: Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs. Sony WF-1000xM5: Which noise-canceling earbuds are better?

I've tried many earbuds with noise cancellation features, but none come close to the AirPods 4. If you choose the right setting, you can genuinely block out most of your surroundings. A big plus if you need total silence to focus.

Working out with these AirPods has been a nice surprise, too. I've always gravitated towards designs that promise to stay in your ear, but as it turns out, there was no need. They’re lightweight and fit comfortably, even during runs and high-intensity sessions. They are also IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistant, and I can attest to this fact after several rainy workouts.

Battery life is always something I'm going to be fussy about, and while these aren't as long lasting as my Beats Fit Pro, I've still been suitably impressed with the five hours of continuous listening they promise. When stored in the charging case, that extends to around 30 hours of total listening time, so there's plenty to keep you going for a few days without charging.

Black Friday deal we hope to see on the Apple AirPods 4

We're confident we'll see some sort of Black Friday deal on both the ANC and non ANC versions of the AirPods 4. Based on recent prices during the October Prime Day, we'd hope to see the regular earbuds as low as $89, and the ANC earbuds priced at $119. Both versions have been on sale in the weeks after Octber Prime Day, but we think we'll see something better during Prime Day. Keep an eye on big retailers for early discounts, including Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon.

Pennywise lives, with everyone's least favorite clown emerging from the sewers once more with the arrival of IT: Welcome to Derry.

But given we've already had two IT movies that largely covered the events of Stephen King's famous novel, what is HBO Max's new series about?

We've seen from the trailer and the very first episode that Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård) is back, and that a bunch of new kids will be banding together to face him — but how exactly does this tie in with the movies and book? We've broken down everything we know so far below, without spoilers.

SEE ALSO: 'IT: Welcome to Derry': All the Stephen King Easter eggs in episode 1 Is IT: Welcome to Derry based on Stephen King's book?

Without getting into the events of the first episode — if you've seen it, we have those deep dives for you — our biggest clues as to the basis of IT: Welcome to Derry came courtesy of the official HBO Max trailer and logline, along with some helpful interview quotes from executive producer Andy Muschietti himself.

"Set in the world of Stephen King’s IT universe, IT: WELCOME TO DERRY is based on King’s IT novel and expands the vision established by filmmaker Andy Muschietti in the feature films IT and IT Chapter Two," reads the logline.

So, the show is based on the novel — but which bit? Well, for that we can turn to a Spanish interview Muschietti gave to Radio Tu earlier in the year, which has been translated by Bloody Disgusting (Mashable hasn't translated the original interview).

SEE ALSO: Is Derry in 'IT: Welcome to Derry' a real town?

"It's a story that's based on the interludes of the book," Muschietti said. "The interludes are basically chapters that reflect Mike Hanlon's research. They're fragments of his research. For 27 years, it's the guy trying to figure out what it is, what did it, who did it, who saw it, and all that stuff."

If you've read King's novel IT, you'll already know who Mike Hanlon is (and get ready for a wave of Stephen King Easter eggs in the show). If you haven't read it, Mike Hanlon is the one member of the Losers' Club who stays behind in the town of Derry after the kids defeat the monster the first time around. The novel has five interludes that are essentially diary entries written by Mike in which he compiles a history of Derry, chronicling the town's darker chapters that coincide with the cycles in which Pennywise awakens to feed.

"So they talk about catastrophic events from the past, like the fire in the Black Spot... the massacre of the Bradley Gang, a gang of bank robbers in the '30s... and the explosion of the Kitchener Ironworks," Muschietti said.

These chapters of Derry's history form the basis for IT: Welcome to Derry.

"IT: Welcome to Derry" takes place in 1962, but the show is planning to delve deeper into the town's history. Credit: HBO How is IT: Welcome to Derry related to the IT movies?

Although Muschietti's IT movies were based on King's novel, there was one key difference that will have a knock-on effect for the series: While the childhood portion of the books was set in the late 1950s, the childhood section of the movies takes place in the '80s. This means that all the cycles in Muschietti's IT universe are essentially pushed back by one.

We know from the IT: Welcome to Derry trailer that the series takes place in in 1962, which is the cycle before the one shown in the first IT movie. And we know from Muschietti's interview that he's planning three seasons of this new show, each of which will jump back in time.

In the novels, Pennywise's killing cycles are bookended by catastrophic events. The 1930s cycle starts with the massacre of the Bradley Gang and ends with the fire at the Black Spot, while the cycle before that ends with the Ironworks exploding.

So, it seems like the show will bring these key moments in Derry's history to life. All you need to do is make it through the scares.

IT: Welcome to Derry debuts on Sunday, October 26 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO, and will be available to stream on HBO Max. New episodes air weekly.

Featured Video For You Why the scariest part of The Shining isn’t what you think.

Our phones have evolved beyond mere forms of communication; for better or worse, we use them for just about everything. Though it’s convenient to be able to do your banking, pay bills, check your security cameras, and drip-feed dopamine thanks to social media, it’s not necessarily a good thing.

SAVE $100: As of Oct. 27, the Amazon Fire TV 43-inch Omni is on sale for $339.99 at Amazon. That's a 23% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV 43-Inch Omni $339.99 at Amazon
$439.99 Save $100   Get Deal

If you've been eyeing up an Amazon TV for a while, don't go anywhere, because the Amazon Fire TV 43-inch Omni is on sale right now for its lowest-ever price. This impressive model is a perfect choice if you want the Fire OS as well as great quality. And as of Oct. 27, you can get it for $100 less at its new price of $339.99.

This TV boasts a 4K Quantum Dot (QLED) display, so movies, shows, and sports all look bright and colorful. This alongside the Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive makes everything you watch seem sharp and lifelike. It also benefits from Adaptive Brightness, a feature that makes the screen automatically adjust to the light in your room. Perfect for sun glaze or less than ideal lighting conditions.

SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (Oct. 24, 2025)

The Fire TV Ambient Experience is a nice touch too, and a bonus if the likes of a Frame TV is out of budget. This feature can turn your TV screen into a canvas for artwork, personal photos, Alexa widgets, and more.

And with any Amazon TV, you'll get access to over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes through streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. And you can control the TV hands-free, find shows, or even control other smart home devices with Alexa, so you never need to leave the couch.

Get this stellar TV deal from Amazon now.

Save $4.66: As of Oct. 27, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Elite Trainer Box is $87.98 at TCGPlayer — that's over 12% cheaper than Amazon's $99.99 listing.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Mega Evolution Elite Trainer Box $87.98 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $12.01   Get Deal

Mega Evolution and Phantasmal Flames have the Pokémon community in a frenzy right now, but it's still possible to get the top sealed product for market value. Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Sleeved Booster Packs are $8.29 at TCGPlayer, that's 43% cheaper than Amazon's $12.95 pricepoint.

Elite Trainer Boxes are really popular, and it's their exclusive promo Illustration Rare, 65-themed card sleeves, dice, and card storage box that makes it a unique offering. Of course, the eight Mega Evolution Booster Packs help sweeten the deal.

SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets

Pokémon Trainers can look forward to snagging a promo Alakazam Illustration Rare in the Mega Gardevoir box, but the other Promo in the Mega Lucario ETB, Riolu Illustration Rare, can be bought seperately so you're not missing out.

Most valuable Mega Evolution Pokémon cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

If you're buying up Elite Traiwner Boxes to try and find chase cards, it's probably going to cost more than just buying the cards themselves. It might not seem like it at first glance, but buying a Mega Evolution Booster Box, Elite Trainer Box, and a Booster bundle equals the cost of some of the top chase card of the set:

1. Mega Gardevoir ex - 187/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $490
   Market price: $541.61
   Most recent sale: $420

2. Mega Lucario ex - 188/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $499.98
   Market price: $542.29
   Most recent sale: $525.50

3. Mega Gardevoir ex - 178/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $257.99
   Market price: $265.01
   Most recent sale: $255

4. Mega Lucario ex - 179/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $273.50
   Market price: $281.51
   Most recent sale: $275

5. Mega Venusaur ex - 177/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $190.01
   Market price: $194.58
   Most recent sale: $191.30

MY BLACK FRIDAY BET: Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution sealed product has been near market value on Amazon for a while now, and I think we'll see it drop below for Black Friday.

Looking for your Mega Evolution fix? Given that Phantasmal Flames is just around the corner, it's hard to keep up with new Pokémon TCG expansions. But Black Friday is just around the corner, and we know how big box retailers such as Amazon like to turn it into a month-long event.

I'm hedging my bets on Mega Evolutions ETBs, Booster Bundles, Booster Blisters, and more to drop below market value for Black Friday this year. After over a year's worth of ridiculously high price points on Pokémon TCG at Amazon, why would I think this is going to happen?

SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets

I track Pokémon TCG pricing daily, and I've noticed that Mega Evolution products keep dropping to near market value when compared to TCGplayer. This speaks volumes to me, as it means trainers and collectors aren't biting anymore. I think these constant price fluctuations is Amazon trying to shift more units and may have more stock to shift than usual. Let's go into more detail:

Mega Evolutions Elite Trainer Box Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Mega Evolutions Elite Trainer Box (Mega Gardevoir)   Shop Now

This Mega Gardevoir ETB dropped to $92.48 on Amazon just a couple of days ago, which was nearly on the money for market value at TCGplayer. So if this is getting a reasonable price drop during normal play, I think it's pretty much a dead cert that we'll grab a bargain over Black Friday.

Mega Evolution Booster Bundle Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Mega Evolution Booster Bundle   Shop Now

Again, the Mega Evolutions Booster Bundle dropped to $52.94 at Amazon on Oct. 22. This was a similar price on TCGplayer. This is a cheaper product than the ETB and has six Mega Evolution Booster Packs inside, so this will likely be one of the most popular Mega Evolution items during Black Friday 2025.

Mega Evolutions Mega Latias ex Box Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Mega Evolutions Mega Latias ex Box   Shop Now

After going for an insane $40.59, the Mega Latias ex box is slowly coming down towards market value $29.99. I'm waiting for this to get to the $29.99 mark or below, which would be a solid possibility for Black Friday 2025 considering big box Pokémon TCG products don't sell as much as Booster Bundle, Booster Boxes, and ETBs.

Mega Evolutions Three Booster Blister Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Mega Evolutions Three Booster Blister   Shop Now

Three Booster Pack Blisters are a quick way to get your Mega Evolution fix, with a cheeky promo card for your trouble. Once again, this is coming down to near market value, which is $27 on TCGplayer. So once again, I reckon this is prime for a drop to market value or below in Amazon's Black Friday event.

Mega Evolutions Mega Heroes Mini Tin Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Mega Evolutions Mega Heroes Mini Tin   Shop Now

Another reduction worth noting is on the Mega Evolution tin, which is now creeping towards the $19.75 market value. Given that the two booster pack tins aren't the biggest products, I imagine these will be a top candidate for a cheeky Black Friday discount.

Most valuable Mega Evolution Pokémon cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Of course, it's always easier and sometimes cheaper to just buy the single chase cards you're seeking. Let's take the Mega Gardevior ex Gold Rare, which is one of the most valuable Mega Evolution cards right now at around $500. The chances of pulling this after buying a couple of booster boxes for around $260 each is slim, and we're talking ripping 72 Mega Evolution booster packs. There's a chance you could pull it and some other valuable cards, but ultimately that's the risk trainers and collectors take.

Here's the top 10 most valuable Mega Evolution cards right now, including where to buy them and current value data:

1. Mega Gardevoir ex - 187/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $503.99
   Market price: $564.49
   Most recent sale: $499

2. Mega Lucario ex - 188/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $537.99
   Market price: $553.53
   Most recent sale: $530.10

3. Mega Gardevoir ex - 178/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $279.99
   Market price: $305.92
   Most recent sale: $285.94

4. Mega Lucario ex - 179/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $294.97
   Market price: $298.44
   Most recent sale: $387.90

5. Mega Venusaur ex - 177/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $164
   Market price: $202.49
   Most recent sale: $187.70

6. Mega Latias ex - 181/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $503.99
   Market price: $155.67
   Most recent sale: $155

7. Mega Absol ex - 180/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $99
   Market price: $104.16
   Most recent sale: $106.30

8. Mega Kangaskhan ex - 182/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $101.98
   Market price: $90.86
   Most recent sale: $84.99

9. Bulbasaur - 133/132 (Mega Evolution Stamped)
   Near Mint Holofoil: $34.98
   Market price: $27.73
   Most recent sale: $27.49

10. Marshadow - 146/132
    Near Mint Holofoil: $29.99
    Market price: $30.97
    Most recent sale: $31.07

Save $4.66: As of Oct. 27, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Sleeved Booster Pack is $8.29 at TCGPlayer, saving you 43% compared to Amazon's $12.95 listing.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Mega Evolution Sleeved Booster Pack $8.29 at Amazon
$12.95 Save $4.66   Get Deal

Mega Evolution is on every trainers hitlist right now, with the Mega Charizard X ex-focused Phantasmal Flames preorders and release not far behind. If you're after the cheapest point of entry, Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Sleeved Booster Packs are $8.29 at TCGPlayer — that's 43% cheaper than Amazon's $12.95.

SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets

Sleeved booster packs are preferred by collectors as they protect the cards in the booster pack, meaning the chase cards have a higher chance of fetching higher graded values. Everyone wants near mint or mint condition cards in their collection, and this is a good way to do it. Although if you want to open a lot of packs, I'd suggest getting something like a Mega Evolutions booster box and save some Pokédollars. That works out at $7.75 per booster pack.

Most valuable Mega Evolution Pokémon cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

If you don't want to spend that kind of money on a gamble, how about a dead cert? Chase cards from Mega Evolutions and other Pokémon TCG sets are available now at TCGPlayer. Yes, some prices are very high, but there's no guarantee you'll pull a Mega Lucario Gold rare out of a couple of booster boxes sadly:

1. Mega Gardevoir ex - 187/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $490
   Market price: $541.61
   Most recent sale: $420

2. Mega Lucario ex - 188/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $499.98
   Market price: $542.29
   Most recent sale: $525.50

3. Mega Gardevoir ex - 178/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $257.99
   Market price: $265.01
   Most recent sale: $255

4. Mega Lucario ex - 179/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $273.50
   Market price: $281.51
   Most recent sale: $275

5. Mega Venusaur ex - 177/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $190.01
   Market price: $194.58
   Most recent sale: $191.30

SAVE $150: As of Oct. 27, the Dyson Airwrap Origin is on sale for $399.99 at Amazon. That's a 27% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Airwrap Origin $399.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $150   Get Deal

The Dyson Airwrap is one of the most coveted hair styling products of recent years, and for very good reason; a salon-worthy blow out at home? Yes, please. However, it's not exactly known for being budget-friendly, but right now you can get it on sale. As of Oct. 27, the Dyson Airwrap Origin is reduced to $399.99, a saving of $150 on list price. That's also its lowest-ever price.

This model is ideal if you don't need lots of different attachments. The Origin comes with the classic long barrel, volumizing brush, and the smoothing dryer. It still delivers the same powerful drying force, with its Digital Motor V9, which spins up to 110,000 rpm. This is enough to create the Coanda effect that styles your hair using air.

SEE ALSO: I found 5 Dyson Supersonic dupes that are almost as good as the real thing

With any styling product, heat damage is a worry, but the Dyson Origin comes with intelligent heat control. It checks the airflow temperature over 40 times a second to make sure your hair doesn’t get damaged. You’ve got three airflow speeds, three heat settings, and even a constant cold shot.

And for getting to know your product, plus style inspiration down the line, the MyDyson app has you covered. Use it to find tips and tutorials from Dyson’s style experts, plus get hair ideas.

Get this Airwrap deal from Amazon now.

SAVE $490: As of Oct. 27, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is on sale for $729.99 at Amazon. That's a 40% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge $729.99 at Amazon
$1,219.99 Save $490   Get Deal

If you're buying a new phone outright, you want to find the best deal possible. Parting with that amount of cash in one go can be painful, but much less so when you save a few hundred dollars. And that's exactly what you'll get right now with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge.

Normally priced at $1,219.99, as of Oct. 27 it is on sale for $729.99. That's almost $500 ($490, to be exact) saved. It's also one of our top five smartphones of 2025 so far, so we really approve this deal.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy XR vs Apple Vision Pro: Comparing specs and price

This is a cleverly designed phone that packs a whole lot of punch. Powered by Samsung's Snapdragon Elite 8 processor, you can expect super fast performance from this smartphone. If you juggle a lot of apps at once, this phone will more than keep up. And it's not just powerful, Samsung says this is its slimmest design yet, designed to neatly fit in your pocket. But if you're habitually clumsy, don't fret, it is built with strong materials including titanium and Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2.

It also benefits from some fancy Galaxy AI features, particularly for photo editing. When taking images, it will automatically adjust lighting and tones for more natural images. And if you’re hunting for a specific photo, just describe it and the phone will find it for you.

This is a limited time deal at Amazon, so we don't know how long it'll hang around. If you're interested, act fast so you don't miss out on the $490 savings.

Home security is not something you want to cheap out on, but that doesn't mean a high-quality security camera has to break the bank, either. The Arlo Essential Pan Tilt Indoor camera is affordable, easy to use, and chock-full of features, though some are locked behind a premium subscription.

SAVE $70: As of Oct. 27, Beats Solo 4 headphones are on sale for $129.95 at Amazon. That's a 35% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Solo 4 $129.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $70   Get Deal

The Beats Solo 4 headphones are back on sale at Amazon, so if you've been shopping around for a new pair of top-quality cans, this deal isn't something to skip. As of Oct. 27, you'll save $70 with the new price of $129.95. This price is available across all color options too, so choose between black/gold, matte black, cloud pink, metallic pink, and slate blue.

There's lots of things that make these headphones worth the spend. With this set, enjoy Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, upgraded drivers, and rebalanced acoustics. Beats products always wow when it comes to sound quality, and this pair is no different.

SEE ALSO: Possible OnePlus 15 price and specs leak ahead of impending launch

Other top features include the 50-hour battery life, complemented by the fast fuel option that lets you enjoy five hours of listening time with just a 10-minute charge. They also connect perfectly with both Apple and Android devices, and are charged via USB-C. And if you're going to listen for hours, the UltraPlush ear cushions will keep you feeling comfortable, designed to keep your ears happy.

This deal has a limited-time stamp on it, so it might not stick around for long. Get it from Amazon now, while you still can.

MARKET VALUE: As of Oct. 27, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Three Booster Blister is $55.01 at Amazon, a rare instance of Pokémon TCG selling for market value compared to TCGplayer.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Mega Evolution Three Booster Blister $29.89 at Amazon
  Get Deal

Mega Evolution is off to an explosive start, with the Mega Charizard X ex-fronted Phantasmal Flames serving as the first expansion and setting the bar for hype. But there's still plenty of opportunities to score Mega Evolution sealed product at a great price. Amazon is now at market value for the Mega Evolution Three Booster Blister at $29.89, a little over current listings at TCGplayer for $28.88.

SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets

The Blister pack is simple enough — three booster packs and either a Psyduck or Golduck promo card. It's one of the cheapest options out there to rip packs and there's every chance you'll find a ridiculously awsome Mega ex Pokémon. I love using Mega Venusaur ex and Meganium together in decks, which allows Meganium to double Mega Venusaur ex's energy count and hit fast (one of Venusaurs major downsides).

Most valuable Mega Evolution Pokémon cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Better yet, I'm seeing big drops in Mega Evolution chase cards. So why not save your money busting packs open long-term and just buy your favorite chase card right now?

1. Mega Gardevoir ex - 187/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $490
   Market price: $541.61
   Most recent sale: $420

2. Mega Lucario ex - 188/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $499.98
   Market price: $542.29
   Most recent sale: $525.50

3. Mega Gardevoir ex - 178/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $257.99
   Market price: $265.01
   Most recent sale: $255

4. Mega Lucario ex - 179/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $273.50
   Market price: $281.51
   Most recent sale: $275

5. Mega Venusaur ex - 177/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $190.01
   Market price: $194.58
   Most recent sale: $191.30

MARKET VALUE: As of Oct. 27, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Booster Bundle is $55.01 at Amazon, a rare instance of Pokémon TCG selling for market value compared to TCGplayer.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Mega Evolution Booster Bundle $55.01 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $4.98   Get Deal

Trainers and collectors are going mad for Mega Evolution. There's even people queing up at brick and mortar retailers just to preorder Phantasmal Flames. If you're like me and still chasing that Lucario ex SIR with Mega Venusaur battling it out, you're still looking for a good deal on Mega Evolution sealed product. The good news is Amazon is now at market value for the Booster Bundle for $55.01, a little over current listings at TCGplayer for $52.97.

Working out at roughly $8.65 a pack, this is a good deal considering it's rough trying to find Mega Evolution for MSRP right now. Mega Evolutions mechanics have changed since the X and Y days, replacing normal ex variants of Pokémon to Mega ex cards. So that would mean Bulbadsaaur evolved into Ivysaur then Mega Venusaur ex.

SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets

There's some basic Mega ex cards too, such as Mega Latias ex and Mega Absol ex which flip battles on their head, but there's some great deck strategies out the gate too. Mega Venusaur ex and Meganium is my current favorite as Meganiums Wild Growth ability doubles the value of grass energy, making it a piece of cake building up energy-hungry Pokémon like Venusaur ex to land decisive blows quickly.

Most valuable Mega Evolution Pokémon cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

It looks like price drops are affecting single cards too, meaning those ridiculously priced Mega Gardevoir and Mega Lucario ex gold rares are now under $500. We're seeing drops of up to $50 compared to last week, so if you want to save on ripping hundreds of booster packs to pull your chase card, now is a good time to just buy them and save some money:

1. Mega Gardevoir ex - 187/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $490
   Market price: $541.61
   Most recent sale: $420

2. Mega Lucario ex - 188/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $499.98
   Market price: $542.29
   Most recent sale: $525.50

3. Mega Gardevoir ex - 178/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $257.99
   Market price: $265.01
   Most recent sale: $255

4. Mega Lucario ex - 179/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $273.50
   Market price: $281.51
   Most recent sale: $275

5. Mega Venusaur ex - 177/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $190.01
   Market price: $194.58
   Most recent sale: $191.30

Did the opening episode of IT: Welcome to Derry disturb you? Well, strap in.

Shortly after episode 1 aired (complete with that shocking ending), HBO Max dropped its trailer for what to expect in the "weeks ahead" — and it looks like there are going to be plenty more gory scares to come.

In the two minutes above we see glimpses of Pennywise, get a hint of what the air force is really doing in Derry, and are teased another pretty big Stephen King crossover.

If the trailer is anything to go by, the warning we posted before episode 1 is probably going to apply to the entire season.

IT: Welcome to Derry airs Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO, and is available to stream on HBO Max.

Apple is introducing ads to Apple Maps as soon as next year.

This is according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who initially predicted it a few years back and doubled down on the prediction early this year.

According to Gurman, this will be exactly what you'd expect: Restaurants and other businesses will be able to pay Apple to have their locations featured more prominently in Maps. The company will also leverage AI to make sure the results remain relevant.

The difference in the new report is that we now actually have a possible date for this change; Gurman claims it could happen as early as next year.

Ads in maps can be done tastefully, though Apple is risking quite a bit here given that its chief competitor, Google Maps, is significantly more popular already.

SEE ALSO: Review: With the new MacBook Pro (M5), Apple is just showing off

The effort is part of Apple's wider plan to better monetize iOS, meaning that ads in Maps is just one step towards this goal. The report doesn't reveal, however, which Apple app or service might be next to get ads.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, Oct. 27, 2025:

Across"Soooo cute!" reactions

• The answer is AWS.

___ mode (battery-saving state)

• The answer is Sleep.

Africa's largest capital city

• The answer is Cairo.

Bicker, bicker, bicker

• The answer is Argue.

Close-mouthed sound of agreement

• The answer is Mmhmm.

DownReason to suddenly bolt awake

• The answer is Alarm.

Put on a scale

• The answer is Weigh.

Skin-care product dispensed with a dropper

• The answer is Serum.

Total rip-off

• The answer is Scam.

"The Raven" or "The Road Not Taken"

• The answer is Poem.

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

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Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Mini Crossword.

SXSW Sydney returned for its third year this October, bringing the tech, film, music, and games festival to Australia once more. As always, this included a slew of independent video game developers showing off their latest projects.

SEE ALSO: 5 viral indie games you didn't know are from Australia

October is a big month for the Australian video game industry, with Melbourne International Games Week and PAX Aus held the week immediately prior to SXSW Sydney. Fortunately, there were still many indie developers who came to show Sydney what they have to offer.

In no particular order, here are some of the coolest indie games we checked out this year at SXSW Sydney 2025. Most are still in development, but there are a few you can already play now.

Mixtape

Mixtape from Melbourne-based studio Beethoven & Dinosaur may be the closest a video game has ever gotten to encapsulating an '80s John Hughes movie. The second title from the developers of The Artful Escape, Mixtape is a narrative adventure game following three friends as they head to one last party, reminiscing about their time together as high school comes to an end.

The cinematic gameplay shown in the demo made Mixtape feel like stepping into a nostalgic '80s teen movie, complete with skateboards, shenanigans, and a terrific soundtrack. The game features music from a slew of bands from the '80s, including DEVO, Roxy Music, Lush, The Smashing Pumpkins, Iggy Pop, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Joy Division, and The Cure.

Mixtape is scheduled for release in 2025 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

REAPRIEVE

Developed by five-person Melbourne studio 10PM Club, REAPRIEVE follows Milo, a grim reaper tasked with deleting a soul's "unnecessary" memories while saving others. This task has been digitised into a desk job, so that rather than wielding a scythe, Milo and his colleagues spend their days in front of computers, closing pop-ups and striving to win Employee of the Week.

REAPRIEVE's art direction and themes seem slightly reminiscent of the Persona series at first glance. However, 10PM Club's creative director and narrative designer Althea Francisco told Mashable that the game draws more inspiration from Severance's corporate setting and Papers, Please's challenging empathetic dilemmas. It may be your job to delete all of a soul's happy memories, but is it right?

REAPRIEVE is scheduled for release in early 2027 on PC.

Psychotic Bathtub 

Psychotic Bathtub is the kind of game that comes with a trigger warning, and with good reason. This point-and-click game deals with heavy themes such as suicide, death, guilt, self-destruction, intrusive thoughts, and escapism, prompting Switzerland-based developer natsha to warn against playing if any of these issues trigger you.

The game follows a woman having a psychotic episode while taking a bath, which involves talking to her rubber duck, drinking wine, and pondering on the nature of her towel. Players navigate her through her dark thoughts, deciding which ones she embraces and which ones she rejects on the way to one of multiple endings.

Though Psychotic Bathtub focuses on a fictional psychiatric disorder, the game is intended to raise awareness of mental health issues. natsha has pledged to donate 50 percent of the profits from Psychotic Bathtub to mental health projects. However, it's important to note that it is not a therapeutic game, with players unlikely to walk away comforted.

Psychotic Bathtub is planned for release in 2026 on PC.

Way To The Woods

Way To The Woods has a long history. The game first came to attention in 2015 when then 16-year-old Melbourne student Anthony Tan posted screenshots to Reddit, which were noticed and shared to Twitter by Sean Murray from developer Hello Games (creators of No Man's Sky). Though its story and gameplay had not yet been determined, Way To The Woods garnered widespread interest, enchanting people with images of a deer and fawn traversing a world devoid of humans.

There have been several trailers and announced release windows for Way To The Woods in the decade since, including an announcement at E3 2019 that it would come out the next year. All of these release dates have been missed. 

Fortunately, the game may finally be close to launch, especially considering that Tan was confident enough to show it at SXSW Sydney this year. Now operating under the studio name onepixel.dog, Tan told Mashable that he expects to finish Way To The Woods within six months. Even so, no new release date has officially been announced.

A Week in the Life of Asocial Giraffe

To people with social anxiety, navigating society can sometimes feel like an unsolvable puzzle. A Week in the Life of Asocial Giraffe takes this a step further, turning such dilemmas into a point-and-click puzzle game.

Developed by Los Angeles-based Quail Button, A Week in the Life of Asocial Giraffe follows the titular animal as he attempts to run everyday errands without talking to anyone. Unfortunately, the citizens of Friendly City are some of the chattiest people around, and will immediately engage Asocial Giraffe in conversation the moment they spot him. This causes his anxiety to peak and his head to explode.

As such, our shy-hoofed hero must carefully avoid people while still attempting to achieve his goals, resorting to tactics such as hiding behind obstacles and moving items to lure people elsewhere. 

A Week in the Life of Asocial Giraffe is scheduled for release in early 2026 on PC.

Kabuto Park

Released in May, Kabuto Park is a short, charming game about catching and battling bugs while on a summer vacation. Build your team of three insects, level them up, and go through a gauntlet of sumo-style bug fights to win the title of Summer Beetle Battles champion. It's basically like a more chill, wholesome version of Pokémon, only simpler and with real bug species.

Created by French developer Doot Tiny Games, Kabuto Park offers a cozy, beautifully illustrated bug-collecting experience with over 40 cute insects to catch. (In case you're concerned, arachnophobes have no need to fear — Kabuto Park is free of spiders.) Different species have different stats and abilities, and players can also buy candy to level them up, earning money by winning battles or selling surplus bugs. It's an addictive gameplay loop that's easy to settle into, providing a pleasant few hours of relaxing gaming for just $US5.

Kabuto Park is available now on PC.

Is This Seat Taken?

Is This Seat Taken? is a puzzle game which tasks players with assigning seating to shape-based characters in various chair-based locations, such as buses, cinemas, and restaurants. However, each character has different requirements. One may want to be near a specific individual, another might want to avoid people who stink (fair), while a third could just want a seat next to a window. Players must therefore move the characters around to find a seating arrangement which satisfies everyone.

The game does have a little bit of a plot, with an aspiring rhombus actor trying to find confidence in a world dominated by squares and circles (and ending up in various locales featuring seating along the way). Even so, it's really the gameplay that is the draw here. Developed by Poti Poti Studio, which has members in both Belgium and Spain, Is This Seat Taken? was released in August this year. 

Is This Seat Taken? is available now Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

As any dedicated Stephen King fan will know, the horror master's body of work is peppered with sneaky connections and recurring characters.

Unsurprisingly, HBO Max's new IT prequel, IT: Welcome to Derry, is no exception. We already know from the trailer that Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård) is making a reappearance, and we know that the show is largely based on certain historical interlude chapters from the book — but now, one episode in, we have a sense of just how much it'll also be dialled in to King's multiverse.

We've broken down the Easter eggs we found in the first episode below.

SEE ALSO: 'IT: Welcome to Derry' review: 'IT' prequel series will scare the living daylights out of you Major Hanlon

As well as introducing the town of Derry and some local Derry High schoolers, a key character in episode 1 is new resident Major Hanlon (Jovan Adepo). The name is clearly no accident. In King's novel, and in the movies, Mike Hanlon is a member of the Losers' Club. He's the only character who remains in Derry after the kids defeat IT the first time around, opting to stay back in the town and write a kind of diary/history of the local area.

Given that executive producer Andy Muscietti has confirmed that IT: Welcome to Derry is based on Hanlon's interludes in the novel, it seems only right that one of his relations should be a core character in the show.

The question is, how is Major Hanlon related to Mike Hanlon? The show hasn't made this explicit yet, but it's worth noting that — based on the fact the show takes place in 1962, and the first movie takes place in the late 1980s — Major Hanlon is the right age to be Mike's grandfather.

Teddy

It appears that Major Hanlon may not be the only familiar name in episode 1. In the end credits (after that shocking episode ending) we see Rabbi Uris, Don Uris, and Mrs. Uris all listed, and Teddy (Mikkal Karim Fidler) – although we don't explicitly hear his surname – has the words "Teddy Urine" scrawled on his locker at school. Is this family related to Stanley Uris (Wyatt Oleff/Andy Bean), a member of the Losers' Club in the book/movies? It seems likely.

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Despite protests from residents, Derry is in the process of trying to erect a statue of Paul Bunyan in episode 1. There are billboards for it around town, and an article about it in a local paper.

This is the same statue that has been constructed by the time the cycle depicted in the book/movies has rolled round, and which famously comes to life to chase Richie Tozier (Finn Wolfhard/Bill Hader).

The graffiti in the school toilet

When Margie (Matilda Lawler) drags Lilly (Clara Stack) into the school toilets for a private chat, there's some graffiti on the door that will ring a bell with King fans: The name "Alvin Marsh", scrawled inside a love heart.

Alvin Marsh (Stephen Bogaert) will grow up to become the horrible and abusive father of Beverly Marsh (Sophia Lillis/Jessica Chastain), a core member of the Losers' club in the books and movies.

The turtle

Without going too much into spoiler territory, turtles play a big part not only in IT, but also in King's larger multiverse (hello, Dark Tower fans). So it's only fitting that turtles feature heavily in episode 1 of IT: Welcome to Derry too, from a sign outside Derry High School that reads "BERT THE TURTLE SAYS: DUCK AND COVER" to the school's turtle mascot handing out flyers warning students about the Cold War nuclear threat.

That's not all, either. When Matty (Miles Ekhardt) takes Lilly to the abandoned tower where some of the boys have a base, they trade Cracker Jack cereal toys, with Matty giving Lilly his turtle in exchange for a rocket ship.

Her response? "Turtles are lucky."

IT: Welcome to Derry debuts on Sunday, October 26 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO, and will be available to stream on HBO Max. New episodes air weekly.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

There's something that's true of pretty much everyone who travels: They like to take photographs. Even if you barely use your phone's camera in everyday, ordinary life, it's different when you're travelling. There's always an urge to document your adventures and all those incredible sights: new places, wonderful landscapes, buildings, water features, art, nature, people, animals, and, of course, those ever-brilliant sunsets.

If you're going to spend most of your trip with a camera in your hand, then you should probably think about making it, at the very least, a halfway decent device. There are lots of great travel cameras on the market from a bunch of leading brands, so you have plenty of choice. But which camera is best for you and your travels?

With so many options to consider, it can get confusing. To help, we've looked into the best options for mirrorless, DSLR, compact, instant, and GoPro cameras. Keep reading for some useful information and round-up of the best cameras for travelling.

What are the different types of camera?

DSLR — These are digital cameras that have larger sensors to capture higher-quality images. They also have interchangeable lenses (so you can adapt the camera to fit the specific environment and subject), and a long battery life. These cameras are the largest (and heaviest) of the bunch because the camera's body houses a mirror inside, which reflects the light that comes in from the camera's lens into the viewfinder (where one looks when taking a photograph). They do tend to be expensive though.

Mirrorless — Mirrorless cameras also produce high-quality images. They're smaller and lighter than DSLR cameras, but they usually have a much shorter battery life. You might have to carry around an extra battery depending on how long your trip is. Mirrorless cameras are usually more affordable than DSLR cameras, so they've become increasingly popular.

Point-and-shoot/compact — These offer good image quality in general, though not always on the level of DSLR and mirrorless. If you're looking for a camera that will take a clear, simple photo, these are a solid option. Some compact cameras are built to withstand underwater submersion or a couple of falls — perfect if you're going on a particularly rugged trip. And "compact" is an apt description — they are lighter and smaller than mirrorless and DSLR models. They also tend to be cheaper.

Instant — The image quality on instant film cameras is low compared to the other choices on this list, however many enjoy the novelty of the simple, nostalgia-inducing photos taken by film cameras. The camera itself is a manageable size, but keep in mind that when carrying instant film cameras around, you'll also want to bring film and have space to safely store the photos you take. Instant film cameras are the cheapest of the bunch, however film is sold separately at about £10 a pack.

GoPro — GoPro cameras are primarily used for capturing first-person action footage and withstanding harsh conditions. GoPros aren't as fit for traditional photography as the other types of cameras on this list, but if you want to capture an outdoorsy holiday on video, a GoPro is easily the best choice. GoPros are the smallest of all the cameras listed and are so light that users can easily wear the cameras on their heads using a head strap (sold separately). Keep all this in mind when shopping for a camera.

Do cameras capture live video?

In 2025, it's hard to imagine any camera not doubling up and taking live video as well as still images. All the cameras on this list capture video too. The real question is, what quality is the video? Most of these cameras capture 4K resolution. Some cameras capture lower resolution, such as 1080p HD, or even 5K and higher. Manufacturers tend to advertise video quality based on a camera's fps (frames per second) capabilities. The higher the fps, the smoother the video.

Can you upload photos to social media?

Once again, this is now standard with cameras of a certain quality (and price point). We live in a social media-powered world, after all. And if you're documenting your travels, especially as a blogger or vlogger, social media will be crucial. Some cameras connect to an app via WiFi or Bluetooth and allow you to upload directly.

What is the best camera for travelling?

We can't say for definite because everyone's travels — not to mention everyone's photography requirements — are different. What we can do is round up a selection of the best and leave it up to you to decide.

These are the best cameras for travelling in 2025.

There's lots to see on the moon's surface tonight, and it's a real treat after days of no visibility. We're on day six of the new lunar cycle, so keep reading to find out what you can see tonight.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Monday, Oct. 27, the moon phase is Waxing Crescent. There will be 30% of the moon lit up tonight, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

Without any visual aids, tonight you should be able to see the Mare Crisium, the Mare Fecunditatis, and the Mare Tranquillitatis. With a pair of binoculars you'll see even more, including the Endymion Crater, Mare Nectaris and the Posidonius Crater. By adding a telescope to your set up, you should also be able to spot the Apollo 11 and 17 landing spots, as well as the Rupes Altai.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Nov. 5.

The next full moon will be on Nov. 5. What are moon phases?

NASA explains that the moon goes through phases as it completes its 29.5-day orbit around Earth. The changing angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth cause the different phases we observe. From Earth, the moon can look full, partially lit, or even disappear entirely, but we always see the same side. What changes is the amount of sunlight reflected from its surface, depending on its position in orbit.

The eight main moon phases are:

New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.