Technology

Hurdle hints and answers for September 12, 2025

Mashable - Fri, 09/12/2025 - 05:00

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

A map book.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

ATLAS

Hurdle Word 2 hint

All of them.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

EVERY

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A safe.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

VAULT

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A recording.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for August 4 Hurdle Word 4 answer

VIDEO

Final Hurdle hint

To take legal action.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

SUING

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of San Marino online for free

Mashable - Fri, 09/12/2025 - 05:00

TL;DR: Live stream the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of San Marino for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Marc Marquez has an extremely healthy lead at the top of the 2025 MotoGP standings, but fans are still hoping for some competitive racing as we approach the latter stages of the season. Marquez wasn't able to secure victory in the Catalan Grand Prix, meaning he'll need to wait until the Japanese Grand Prix for his first opportunity to seal the championship. But before that moment, it's all eyes on San Marino.

If you're interested in watching the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of San Marino for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of San Marino?

The MotoGP Grand Prix of San Marino takes place at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. The 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of San Marino race starts at 8 a.m. ET on Sept. 14.

How to watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of San Marino for free

The MotoGP Grand Prix of San Marino is available to live stream for free on ServusTV.

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

Unblock ServusTV by following this simple process:

  1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

  4. Connect to ServusTV

  5. Watch MotoGP for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access MotoGP live streams without fully committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of San Marino before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for MotoGP?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking ServusTV, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Austria

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is protected

  • Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Watch the 2025 MotoGP Grand Prix of San Marino for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Moon phase today: What the moon will look like on September 12, 2025

Mashable - Fri, 09/12/2025 - 05:00

Wondering what's happening with the moon tonight? Wonder no more, keep reading to find out where we are in the lunar cycle.

The lunar cycle a series of eight unique phases of the moon's visibility. The whole cycle takes about 29.5 days, according to NASA, and these different phases happen as the Sun lights up different parts of the moon whilst it orbits Earth. 

Let's find out what's happening with the moon tonight, Sept. 12.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Friday, Sept. 12, the moon phase is Waning Gibbous, and it is 71% lit up to us on Earth, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

We're on day 20 of the lunar cycle, so each night the moon becomes less visible. However, for the time being, there's still lots to see. Without any visual aids spot many things, including the Mare Vaporum and the Kepler Crater.

If you have binoculars, you'll also see the Apennine Mountains, Gaessendi Crater, and the Mare Humorum. Add a telescope to your line up and you'll see the Apollo 11 and 16 landings spots, and the Rima Ariadaeus.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Oct. 6. The last full moon was on Sept. 7.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, moon phases are caused by the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, which changes the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases are how the moon looks from Earth as it goes around us. We always see the same side of the moon, but how much of it is lit up by the Sun changes depending on where it is in its orbit. This is how we get full moons, half moons, and moons that appear completely invisible. There are eight main moon phases, and they follow a repeating cycle:

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.

Last Quarter (or Third 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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best automatic cat feeders for your furry friend

Mashable - Fri, 09/12/2025 - 05:00

If you have a busy lifestyle, a cat can be a great pet. Because cats are independent enough to do their own thing when you're not around. The one thing you do need to be around for though, is feeding time. So, if you plan on being away for a couple days or if you've settled your cat into a meal routine, an automatic feeder is a smart investment.

An automatic feeder will ensure your cat eats on time — and to your schedule — with the right portions to ensure kitty is fit and healthy. Which is reassuring when you're not at home. We can't guarantee that an automatic feeder will mean your cat is chill about you leaving them home alone, but they certainly won't go hungry.

If you're new to the world of automatic cat feeders, here's some information that will help you decide what kind of machine will work best for you and your faithful feline, plus a round-up of the very best automatic feeders available right now.

What is an automatic cat feeder?

Let's get the basics under our belt (or collar, perhaps). An automatic cat feeder stores cat food and releases the food at set times, usually controlled by a timer or some kind of smart function. Some feeders can be set to provide once square meal per day, others — as you'll see below — can schedule 10 or more.

Do cat feeders use wet food or dry food?

It's a question worth asking before you commit to buying anything. And which type of food does your cat usually eat? Most automatic feeders dispense dry food, which is easier to drop through the automatic mechanisms. Plus, it's easier to clean up after with dry food than wet food. Wet food dispensers do exist but they require regular cleaning and a little more attention overall than dry food feeders.

How long can you leave a cat with an automatic feeder?

Ultimately it depends on the capacity on the feeder. Some will hold weeks' worth of food. But automatic feeders should never be a replacement for human interaction. Your feline friend could develop separation anxiety so pick one that suits their needs, such as one that allows you to leave voice recordings — yes, really, they exist — which is great for cats who are not used to being alone for long stretches of time.

Are cat feeders dishwasher safe?

Some of them are. If you'll be using the feeder often and have a dishwasher, look for dishwasher-safe containers or bowls so you aren't stuck hand-washing all the bits and pieces. If you're someone who often muddles up feeding times, pick a programmable feeder that will remember for you. If your cat will continue to snack all day long, choose a feeder that dispenses a specific amount of food.

What is the best automatic cat feeder?

To help you figure out which cat feeder is right for you, we've researched the best models and made a selection based on the kinds of features that cat owners care about. Whether you’re looking for a basic gravity feeder or a full-fledged product to program perfectly-timed meals, we’ve got the best automatic cat feeder options to fit your needs — and your kitty’s, of course. Just choose the, ahem, purr-fect one. 

These are the best automatic cat feeders in 2025.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best humidifiers for a healthier home

Mashable - Fri, 09/12/2025 - 05:00

Are you an allergy sufferer? Here's something you may not know: It's no just the outside world — all the pollution and pollen — that's aggravating your allergies and asthma. Dry air inside your home can also contribute to these irritating health issues. It can even cause dry skin. So don't just sit there and suffer. A humidifier could be the solution to all the coughing, sneezing, flaking, and general unpleasantness. 

According to research, humidifiers can help increase moisture indoors, especially when it’s cold outside and there’s more dry air swirling around. Humidifiers also have other benefits, such as increasing overall comfort at home, reducing congestion, and minimising bacteria

With so many options, it can be hard to find the right humidifier for your health needs. Especially if you're a first-time humidifier user. It's hard to know what makes one humidifier better than another. To the untrained eye they all look the same. So, before you buy, there are a few things to consider. Here's a quick guide and a round-up of the best humidifiers available right now.

How does a humidifier work?

A humidifier has a water tank that it draws moisture from, turning the water into mist or vapour and emitting it into the room. Ultimately, it increases the local humidity. Different humidifiers may use different tech, but that's the general idea.

Some humidifiers allow you to set a timed cycle (for example, four or eight hours), so you won’t have to constantly monitor their activity. Custom settings are helpful if you’re prone to allergies, asthma, or dry skin, so you can control how much mist and moisture the humidifier emits to make a room more comfortable. 

How big am area do humidifiers cover?

Size is important when you’re looking for a humidifier. The amount of moisture in the living room might differ from baby's bedroom, so keep size and coverage in mind when you’re browsing different models. For big rooms, opt for humidifiers that add moisture up to 1,000 square feet. Small rooms might require humidifiers with a moisture output of up to 80 millilitres per hour. A lot of it comes down to the size of the tank.

Keep reading and you'll see the humidifiers on this list range between 500 ml and 4 litres. The bigger the tank, the more space the humidifier is likely to cover.

Are humidifiers safe in the home?

Safety is important when looking for any appliance or device. Most humidifiers have an automatic shut-off, meaning they will operate consistently for a few hours until they run out of water. Spill-proof tanks are also great for safety, because you can add moisture without causing hazardous leaks or puddles. 

How much does a humidifier cost?

Appliances, including humidifiers, don’t always come cheap. But we've included a range of prices in this roundup. But before you drop big bucks, consider the type of humidifier — not to mention the price — that suits you best. You can always start with a cheaper model and level up once you decide whether it's worth the extra cash.

What is the best humidifier?

That's ultimately up to you. It depends on your home, lifestyle, and, well, moisture levels. But if you’re ready to tackle that dry air, we’re here to help you find the best humidifier for you and your humidifying needs.

These are the best humidifiers in 2025.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Long Walks brutal ending, explained: Who wins?

Mashable - Fri, 09/12/2025 - 02:00

So, you've finished The Long Walk. Your feet hurt, you're scared of Mark Hamill, and you're still trying to process that brutal-as-can-be ending. And trust me, there's a lot to process.

SEE ALSO: 'The Long Walk' review: Brace yourself for the bleakest Stephen King adaptation

From an unexpected death to an ultra-ambiguous final shot — not to mention some major deviations from Stephen King's novel — let's dive into the final steps of The Long Walk.

Who wins The Long Walk? Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson in "The Long Walk." Credit: Murray Close / Lionsgate

Like in any piece of media involving a death game, from Battle Royale to The Hunger Games to Squid Game, the biggest question on any viewer's mind going in is, "Who is going to survive to the end?"

Usually, it's the person we enter the game with: Shuya for Battle Royale, Katniss for The Hunger Games, Gi-hun for Squid Game. However, The Long Walk switches things up a bit. We primarily follow Ray Garraty (Cooper Hoffman) throughout The Long Walk, but he isn't the last walker standing. Instead, he sacrifices himself for the ultimate winner: his closest friend on the walk, Peter McVries (David Jonsson). As he does so, he tells McVries, "I can't see it. You can."

The line references an earlier conversation where the pair talked about how McVries can find the bright side of things, while Garraty remains stuck on his idea of vengeance and killing the Major (Mark Hamill). Then, as they near the end of the walk, McVries asks Garraty not to shoot the Major, as that would result in his own death and devastate his mother, Ginny (Judy Greer). Instead, he encourages Garraty to choose love instead of vengeance. In the end, Garraty's final sacrifice feels like his own way of following through on McVries' plea to choose love. He gives up his dream of vengeance and chooses for McVries to win, even confessing his love for McVries in his final moments.

SEE ALSO: Stephen King posts a list of his 10 favorite movies

Garraty and McVries' relationship is the cornerstone of The Long Walk, melding friendship and brotherhood and romance. While you could interpret Garraty's final "I love you" to McVries to be platonic, the film highly suggests otherwise. Think back to the very long, loaded pause after McVries tells Garraty he doesn't have a girlfriend. Or the very on-the-nose imagery of the pair looking at a rainbow in the distance. Or all the ways in which they stand up for one another and keep each other alive on the walk. Yeah, that goes beyond just friendship to me.

Don’t miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google.

Any implied romantic feelings between McVries and Garraty aren't deviations from The Long Walk's source material. King's novel is full of references to Garraty questioning his sexuality and McVries being interested in Garraty as more than just friends. The Long Walk director Francis Lawrence (who helmed all the Hunger Games films but the first) and screenwriter JT Mollner (Strange Darling) just take these references one step further with Garraty's explicit declaration.

However, both Garraty's death and McVries' victory are major departures from The Long Walk's source material.

How is The Long Walk's ending different from King's novel? Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Tut Nyuot, and Ben Wang in "The Long Walk." Credit: Murray Close / Lionsgate

In King's novel, McVries is third last to die, sitting down peacefully and going out on his own terms, just as he attempts to do in the film. Meanwhile, Garraty wins after Stebbins (Garrett Wareing) collapses and dies.

However, Garraty's victory is no fairy-tale ending. (What could be, after witnessing 99 other boys die on a death march?) Instead of registering his victory, Garraty thinks he sees a dark figure before him, beckoning him on. "There was still so far to walk," he thinks.

SEE ALSO: Every single Stephen King movie adaptation, ranked

The book ends with Garraty breaking out in a run toward the figure, leaving his fate ambiguous. Interpretations of the ending vary. Is the dark figure a representation of death, meaning Garraty is about to pass away like his fellow competitors? Or could it be a hallucination Garraty's fragmented mind has conjured up after five days of walking nonstop? Is he doomed to walk forever, haunted by the trauma of the last few days?

It's a grim ending, no matter how you see it. But it's not at all what happens to McVries in the film version of The Long Walk.

What does McVries wish for after winning the Long Walk? Mark Hamill in "The Long Walk." Credit: Murray Close / Lionsgate

Upon winning the Long Walk, McVries gets to ask the Major for one wish. Toward the beginning of the film, he said his wish would be for two walkers to win the Long Walk. That way two friends — like, just for example, him and Garraty — could win together. (Very Hunger Games double victor-coded of him.)

However, he switches up his wish after witnessing Garraty's death and decides to make Garraty's wish instead. Just like Garraty planned to do if he won, McVries wishes for the carbine of a nearby soldier. The Major agrees, and the soldier hands it over. McVries immediately takes aim, and, after the Major tries to talk him out of it, he carries out Garraty's wish and kills the Major.

The moment is bittersweet, with extra emphasis on the bitter. Yes, it's great that the evil Major is dead and that McVries is accomplishing what Garraty would have wanted. But on the flip side, he's also choosing vengeance in the same way he begged Garraty not to do. Garraty sacrificed himself because McVries was capable of seeing the good in the world, but in killing the Major, is McVries snuffing out what Garraty was hoping to protect?

The Major's death doesn't happen at all in King's novel, but, in the film, once he's dead, there's a return to the ambiguity of the source material. Upon killing the Major, McVries turns around and keeps walking into the distance. Even though there's no dark figure encouraging him forward, the scene calls to mind Garraty's continued walking in the book.

However, something about these last moments seems off. Why is no one chasing McVries down after he murdered the Major? Why are there no reactions from the crowd? Heck, why doesn't the film show anyone but McVries after the Major falls?

The entire sequence and its steadfast focus on McVries feel like something out of a dream. And maybe that's what these final moments are: a break from reality.

Like Garraty in the novel, perhaps McVries is so traumatized that he imagines that he keeps walking on. Or perhaps, on a much darker note, soldiers opened fire on McVries as soon as he killed the Major, and his final walk into the rain is him walking into death. The last image is ambiguous enough to keep viewers guessing, but when it comes to The Long Walk, nothing is ever too bleak.

The Long Walk is now in theaters.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Kindle accessories for reading in luxury

Mashable - Fri, 09/12/2025 - 02:00

Kindles are the darling device of BookTok, where you can scroll through thousands of videos on the best accessories and gadgets to maximize your reading experience. One thing about the BookTok girlies: They're right. While I've spent hours watching videos of people decking out their Kindles with remotes and PopSockets, I never really understood the extras until I tried them for myself.

You may roll your eyes at a gooseneck stand or page-turning remote — I once did — but you're missing out on a life of luxury.

And keep in mind that while Kindles are the buzziest e-readers, there's a whole lot of love for Kobo e-readers on BookTok and here at Mashable. The Kobo Clara Colour is our favorite e-reader, after all. All of the accessories here aren't exclusive to Kindles — you can use them with a variety of other e-readers, too.

Ready to maximize your reading time? Here are the best Kindle accessories.

Remote page turner Opens in a new window Credit: Datafy Datafy Remote Control Page Turner $15.99 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $4.00 Shop Now

The remote control page turner was one of the first Kindle-adjacent gadgets to come across my feed. It clips onto the side of a Kindle, and then you press a button on the remote to turn the page, rather than tapping or swiping the screen. Tapping the screen is easy enough, but the page turner is an added layer of convenience.

At the end of the night, when you want to be cozy in bed, tucked under the blanket to stay warm, the remote allows you to do just that. Combined with the gooseneck stand? Your fall reading is about to be the coziest it's ever been.

And while the page turner is great for getting cozy, it's also ideal for when you're using a Kindle while on the treadmill.

Gooseneck stand Opens in a new window Credit: Magipea Magipea Gooseneck Stand $19.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $10 Shop Now

While the remote page turner helps you click through your book, to go truly hands-free, you need to prop up your e-reader, too. Enter the gooseneck stand. After seeing this viral video, I, and the rest of the internet, was influenced to get a clip-in stand for an e-reader.

And let me tell you, it is a luxury to have this stand. While a Kindle is still lightweight, when you're on a reading marathon, your arm inevitably gets tired from holding up the device. But having a gooseneck stand positions the Kindle within reading distance without any arm fatigue.

To test out a gooseneck stand, I tried the Magipea Gooseneck Stand, which is compatible with either a Kindle or Kobo e-reader (I used it with both). I find the bendy arm of this stand to be a little too stiff, but overall, it still works well.

Clear case Opens in a new window Credit: CoBak CoBak Clear MagSafe Case $12.99 at Amazon
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There are plenty of Kindle cases in the sea, but the most popular option among BookTok is a simple, clear case. Sure, that seems boring, but the exciting part of the clear case is being able to decorate and dress it up to your heart's desire. Some people even buy inserts to swap out over time.

And if you're interested in using a PopSockets grip with your Kindle, I recommend getting a case that's MagSafe compliant so you can take it on and off. PopSockets recently dropped its first-ever Kindle case that also happens to be MagSafe.

MagSafe PopSocket Opens in a new window Credit: PopSockets PopSockets MagSafe PopGrip $30 at PopSockets
Shop Now

PopSockets are already the best ergonomic grip for your phone, so why wouldn't they be the best grip for another handheld device? When I'm not using my Kindle with the gooseneck stand, I like using it with a PopSockets grip for an ergonomic hold.

With a traditional PopSockets grip, you attach it to a device with adhesive but that means once it's on, it's on. But using a MagSafe PopSockets grip allows you to attach and reattach the grip, depending on if you want your Kindle to lie flat.

I personally use the PopSockets MagSafe Kick-Out Stand with my Kindle since that's what I use on my phone, and I like that I can prop it up to stand vertically. However, PopSockets just launched a line of bookish MagSafe grips to go with its line of Kindle cases.

My PopSockets Kick-Out Grip works as a stand on-the-go. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Strapsicle Straps Opens in a new window Credit: Strapsicle Strapsicle Straps $19.99 at Amazon
$21.99 Save $2 Shop Now

If PopSockets grips aren't really your thing, then Strapsicle makes a nice alternative. Strapsicle's straps attach to the corners of your e-reader, creating a cross pattern. Your hand then slips through the straps, delivering an easy hold on your e-reader. While I personally prefer the feel of a PopSockets grip, the Strapsicle lets your hand lie flat, so it doesn't cramp up from being in a hold. The Strapsicle works best when it has a snug fit, so using it with a case can be a little tight.

Just slide your hand in between the straps for an easy hold. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Page Kindle Cases Opens in a new window Credit: Page. Page. Kindle Case $40 at Page.
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Before I went deep into the world of Kindle accessories, I really just wanted a good case. After several well-placed Instagram ads, I landed on a case from Page. Not only do they have a ton of really cute designs, but they also make cases for a variety of e-readers, including the full Kindle and Kobo lineups.

The case automatically wakes and sleeps your e-reader, and it includes a hand strap for a nice grip while reading. Plus, I like this case because it guards the poorly placed power button on the e-reader. This way when I'm reading on the treadmill, the button doesn't accidentally get pressed.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Sonys still-relevant WH-1000XM4 headphones are under $200

Mashable - Fri, 09/12/2025 - 00:00

SAVE $152: As of Sept. 11, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are down to just $198 at Amazon. That's a savings of 43% and just a few bucks shy of their best price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones $198 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $151.99 Get Deal

Although Sony's new WH-1000XM6 headphones have definitely wowed us, their upgrades are pretty minimal. "I'd class the changes as more iterative than innovative," Mashable's tech editor writes in his review. And to be totally honest, the XM5s were only a slight upgrade from the XM4s. In other words, if you're not pressed on getting the latest and greatest Sony tech, you can keep a whole lot of extra money in your pocket by grabbing the still-great XM4s.

As of Sept. 11, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are on sale for just $198 at Amazon. That's a 43% or $152 price drop from their typical list price and just a few bucks shy of their best price ever. FWIW, that's also $100 cheaper than the XM5s and $230 cheaper than the XM6s.

With minor generation-over-generation upgrades, Sony has not only managed to keep the XM4 headphones from 2020 relevant, but also an impressive budget-friendly option in 2025. They offer top-notch noise cancellation, impressive sound quality, customizable EQ, a comfortable fit, and foldable cups that make them great for travel (unlike the XM5s). The XM5 and XM6 headphones obviously have even better specs, but whether or not the slight updates are worth forking over another $100-$230 is debatable. For less than $200, the XM4s are a fantastic value.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Enhance your living room with the 65-inch Samsung Crystal UHD U8000F 4K TV for its lowest price

Mashable - Thu, 09/11/2025 - 23:30

SAVE $30.01: As of Sept. 11, get the 65-inch Samsung Crystal UHD U8000F 4K TV for $427.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $458. That's a discount of 7% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Crystal UHD U8000F 4K TV $427.99 at Amazon
$458 Save $30.01 Get Deal

The fall TV season is here, and that means tons of new shows to check out. You've also got new movies to stream, games you won't want to stop playing, and more to discover now that the cooler months are here. Grab a new TV to enjoy it all to the fullest. Now's a great time to do so, especially with this deal on a decently-sized Samsung TV that you can pick up now.

As of Sept. 11, get the 65-inch Samsung Crystal UHD U8000F 4K TV for $427.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $458. That's $30.01 off and a discount of 7%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: The best TVs for gaming to get you to next-level play

This TV offers bright hues of all shades as well as satisfying contrasts with deeper blacks and dazzling 4K. It also offers 4K upscaling should you watch content that needs a bit of polishing so everything you're interested in can look a bit better. Crafted from a metal sheet, the TV itself is quite slim as well, so no matter where you put it in your home, it looks good.

In addition to a crisp picture with crystal clear viewing angles, it comes with over 2,700 Samsung TV Plus channels built in so you can check out free shows and whatever your heart desires without having to spend an arm and a leg. It also has over 400 Samsung TV Plus premium channels to choose from and all your favorite streaming apps so there's no need to add your own device: it's built into the TV.

If you're ready to take the plunge on a TV, now's the time to grab this Samsung model while it's still available.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Torn Between the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro? Here's How to Choose

How-To Geek - Thu, 09/11/2025 - 23:00

It's that time of the year again: Apple has dropped four new iPhones, and like the millions of buyers around the world, I'm wondering whether I should upgrade to the iPhone 17 or the iPhone 17 Pro. Apple has made it really difficult to choose between the two this year, as the baseline iPhone is no longer an entry-level compromise.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Enhance your home audio with this Hisense soundbar and subwoofer for the lowest price weve seen

Mashable - Thu, 09/11/2025 - 23:00

SAVE $40: As of Sept. 11, get the Hisense AX3100 Soundbar and Wireless Subwoofer for $189.99, down from its usual price of $229.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 17% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Hisense AX3100 Soundbar and Wireless Subwoofer $189.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $40 Get Deal

A good soundbar is the perfect way to enhance your TV viewing experience at home. Whether you just need one so you can actually hear the dialogue in some shows or movies, or you want to have the most cinematic living room experience possible, it's always worth adding one to your setup. And you can get one right now for under $200 complete with subwoofer, making this an excellent deal you won't want to pass up.

As of Sept. 11, get the Hisense AX3100 Soundbar and Wireless Subwoofer for $189.99, down from its usual price of $229.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 17% and the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: Our 5 favorite expert-tested soundbars to upgrade your TV setup

This 3.1-channel surround sound soundbar and subwoofer has everything you need to bring the bass. It uses Hisense's Hi-Concerto feature to deliver surround sound from both your TV and soundbar, with both devices working together to create the home theater experience. Plus, best of all, you don't need any wires to bring it all together.

It has 7 EQ modes to choose from to help optimize your soundscape, from AI EQ to Movie Mode, as well as Sports, News, Night, and Music modes (to name a few) to fit each unique situation. Plus, it uses just one TV remote to control everything with Hisense's EZPlay. You can change settings via your TV without having to individually control options per device, which should make getting set up easy.

This is a simple way to enhance your sound at home, and being able to do it under $200 is pretty sweet. The holidays are coming up, so pounce while you still can.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Fire TV Cube has dropped to under $100 at Amazon — save $40 and upgrade your streaming

Mashable - Thu, 09/11/2025 - 23:00

SAVE $40: As of Sept. 11, the Fire TV Cube is on sale for $99.99 at Amazon. This is 29% off its list price of $139.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Cube $99.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

If you've been hoping to upgrade your streaming setup now that football season is here and new things are available to watch on top services, Amazon's been offering some nice deals on its streaming devices lately. This includes a discount on the Fire TV Cube, which is currently marked down to under $100.

The Fire TV Cube usually retails for $139.99, but for a limited time, Amazon has dropped the price of this high-quality streaming device to $99.99. This saves you $40 and is only $10 away from its lowest-ever price of $89.99.

SEE ALSO: Amazon’s Fire TV 2-Series is back to its lowest price of 2025 — save $70 right now

No matter what you're watching, it'll come through with crisp clarity and rich color thanks to the Fire TV Cube's support for 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR. It even supports Dolby Atmos audio, so you can experience incredible sound alongside the picture. And thanks to WiFi 6E support, your streaming quality will be fast and reliable.

On top of that, the octa-core 2.0 GHz processor offers quick start-ups for all your apps, so you can get into watching the latest shows or sports right away. And thanks to Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced, you can search for the next best thing to watch simply by using your voice.

Now is as good a time as any to scoop up the Fire TV Cube for $99.99 at Amazon. As mentioned before, some of Amazon's other streaming devices are also discounted right now at the retailer, including the Fire TV Stick 4K Max.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why is Kristen Wiig selling glitter kitty litter?

Mashable - Thu, 09/11/2025 - 22:40

I was having a perfectly normal Thursday until I heard Kristen Wiig say the words "pretty glitter kitty litter."

The tongue-twisting phrase is part of a bizarre new ad for Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie, which is based on the hit Netflix series. The movie follows Gabby (Laila Lockhart Kraner) and her grandmother Gigi (Gloria Estefan) as they explore the wondrous city of Cat Francisco. Unfortunately, their trip takes a turn when Gabby's dollhouse ends up in the claws of eccentric cat lady Vera (Wiig).

Here's the thing: I have never watched an episode of Gabby's Dollhouse. I have, however, watched Wiig in everything from Saturday Night Live to The Skeleton Twins to Bridesmaids. And seeing her hawking glittery cat litter as "grown-up adult woman" and "busy business lady" Vera suddenly has me intrigued in a movie I hadn't even considered watching.

The entire ad is a surreal infomercial full of sparkling star wipes, meowing cats, and so much glitter. It's like something you'd see on SNL, complete with Wiig's kooky character acting. Vera's what you'd get if you combined the sales acumen of Wiig's Target Lady with the cat lady sensibilities of Wonder Woman 1984's Cheetah (also Wiig!). Sprinkle in a dash of Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar's strangeness, and you've got Vera.

Do I know much else about Gabby's Dollhouse? No. Am I in the film's intended age demographic? No. But will I have Wiig's "pretty glitter kitty litter" stuck in my head for at least a day after being exposed to it? Probably!

Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie hits theaters Sept. 26.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Top 10 War Movies: From Dunkirk to Apocalypse Now, These Films Will Blow Your Mind

How-To Geek - Thu, 09/11/2025 - 22:00

War is hell. It's one of the worst aspects of human history, but we sure love stories about the great conflicts in human history. The movie has been perhaps the best way to show the realities of war, and there's plenty of competition at the top.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hobbyists and Geeks Make the Internet Strong

How-To Geek - Thu, 09/11/2025 - 21:15

The internet is almost certainly the most complex machine humanity has ever created. You might not notice it simply because, most of the time, the internet and services like the Web work without a hitch, but under the hood there's an enormous number of things that have to all work together seamlessly.

Categories: IT General, Technology

AirPods Pro 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Is It Time for an Upgrade?

How-To Geek - Thu, 09/11/2025 - 21:01

September 2025 saw some big announcements from Apple, including a brand new iPhone, three Apple Watch refreshes, and the arrival of the long-awaited AirPods Pro 3.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google Explains How It Pulled Off Meet's Live Translation

How-To Geek - Thu, 09/11/2025 - 20:55

Google has pulled back the curtain on how it developed the live translation feature for Google Meet. The company’s audio engineering and product management teams, along with Google DeepMind, were able to achieve what was apparently a five-year goal in just two years.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 Family Car Options to Lease For Under $300 Per Month in 2025

How-To Geek - Thu, 09/11/2025 - 20:31

We're living in uncertain times. Tariffs are playing havoc with the automotive industry.EV tax credits that have been utilized to stimulate the adoption across all EV manufacturers are coming to a halt. Fast. At first glance, you might think this is a bad thing, but let me assure you that it isn't. One thing we've learned is that from chaos comes opportunity.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple Watch Series 11 vs. Ultra 3: Which Apple Wearable Should You Pick?

How-To Geek - Thu, 09/11/2025 - 20:00

Apple has refreshed the Watch lineup with the Ultra 3, which arrived alongside the base model Series 11. Whether you’re new to the world of wearables or thinking about an upgrade, these models occupy a similar place in the market but ultimately serve a different purpose.

Categories: IT General, Technology

iPhone 17 vs. Pixel 10: Which phone has the better display, price, and specs?

Mashable - Thu, 09/11/2025 - 19:12

If you need a new phone and don't care that much about whether it runs iOS or Android, there are a couple of solid options for you right now.

Specifically, those would be the iPhone 17 and Google Pixel 10. The former was just revealed at a big announcement event, while the latter is already on store shelves. There's plenty to like about both of these phones, so instead of wasting any more time, let's jump right in.

SEE ALSO: The new Apple products are available for preorder on Amazon iPhone 17 vs. Pixel 10: Price

Both the iPhone 17 and Pixel 10 start at $799. While it might not seem like it, that actually gives Apple the edge on price.

That's because the base version of the iPhone 17 comes with 256GB of storage (which is still on the light side), while the base Pixel 10 comes with a measly 128GB. If you opt for the Pixel 10 with 256GB of storage, you'll have to pay $899.

So, point Apple.

iPhone 17 vs. Pixel 10: Specs The Pixel 10 and its signature camera bump. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

Here are the iPhone 17's basic specs:

  • 6.3-inch display with 2622x1206 resolution and adaptive 120Hz refresh rate

  • A19 chip

  • 256GB/512GB storage

  • Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 48MP ultrawide

  • Front camera: 18MP

And here are the Pixel 10's specs:

  • 6.3-inch display with 2424x1080 resolution and adaptive 120Hz refresh rate

  • Google Tensor G5 chip

  • 128GB/256GB storage

  • Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 13MP ultrawide, 10.8MP telephoto

  • Front camera: 10.5MP

Okay, so what do all those numbers and abbreviations mean? There are actually major differences worth noting. Not only does Apple's handset have higher base storage of 256GB, but it also goes up to 512GB. The Pixel 10 starts at 128GB and maxes out at 256GB. For two phones that cost the same amount of money, that's a pretty big disparity.

Aside from that, Apple caught up with the Joneses this year by embracing a 120Hz refresh rate in the base iPhone 17's display. In previous years, you needed to shell out for an iPhone Pro model to get that, while Google included it in the base Pixel phone. That's not a disparity anymore, which is good for Apple.

The two phones also have different in-house chipsets and fairly different camera arrays, which we'll get to in a little bit.

iPhone 17 vs. Pixel 10: Design Left: Credit: CNET Right: Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

There really isn't a lot to say in this category. Both the iPhone 17 and Pixel 10 look a lot like their 2024 predecessors. While the internet is extremely divided on the iPhone 17 Pro and its "cosmic orange" color, the iPhone 17 just looks like a regular ol' iPhone. It carries forward the vertically stacked dual-camera bump on the phone's backside, while the Pixel 10 maintains the Cyclops-looking horizontal camera bar that the Pixel 9 had.

You do get different color options with both phones, at least. The iPhone 17 comes in five hues: Lavender, Mist Blue, Black, White, and Sage. As for Pixel 10, here are your choices: Indigo, Frost, Lemongrass, and Obsidian. I'm a big proponent of the Pixel 10's indigo color, but this ultimately is a matter of personal taste for everyone.

iPhone 17 vs. Pixel 10: Performance and battery The new iPhone 17. Credit: CNET

Both the Pixel 10 and iPhone 17 use custom, in-house chipsets rather than third-party chips. For Apple, it's the new A19 chip, while Google's handset uses the Tensor G5 chip.

Since the iPhone 17 isn't actually out yet, we can't directly compare the Tensor 5 to the A19, though Apple usually has the edge when it comes to processors. I can say that the Pixel 10's performance is totally fine, and if recent history is any indication, the same will be true of the iPhone 17. Processor performance is rarely an issue with Apple devices, and there's no reason to believe it will start being one this year.

As for battery life, both phones are rated for about 30 hours on a single charge. The Pixel 10 almost got there in my testing, but we haven't tested the iPhone 17 yet. It remains to be seen if there is a significant difference between these two phones when it comes to battery endurance.

iPhone 17 vs. Pixel 10: Cameras 1x zoom on Pixel 10. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable 5x zoom on Pixel 10. Credit: Alex Perry/Mashable

Lastly, Google has one big advantage over Apple when it comes to cameras: A third telephoto lens.

Apple has never included this on any of its base iPhone models, instead making it a Pro feature. Google never had, either, until this year. The Pixel 10's telephoto lens has up to 5x optical zoom, which produced pretty sharp results in my testing. You only get up to 2x optical zoom on iPhone 17, so that puts Apple at a sizable disadvantage.

That's not to say Apple doesn't have some numerical wins over Google this year, though. The main shooter on each phone is 48MP, but the iPhone 17's ultrawide lens is 48MP, while the Pixel 10's is just 13MP. Apple also has a cool new 18MP Center Stage selfie camera (versus 10.5MP on Pixel 10), and it sports a wider field of view so you can fit more people into selfies. We'll have to wait until we can properly test this out to see if it really beats Google at the selfie game, but for now, it seems like it will.

So, if you take more selfies, iPhone has the advantage for now. If you like to zoom in, the Pixel has the edge.

Should you buy the iPhone 17 or Pixel 10?

Apple fans disappointed by this year's iPhone launch event may be tempted to explore Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones for the first time. But the vast majority of people have a clear preference when it comes to the iOS or Android question. We'll reserve judgment on this question until we've tested the iPhone 17. If you need more help in the meantime, check out our full Pixel 10 review.

Products featured in this guide: Apple iPhone 17 $829.99 at Best Buy Learn More Google Pixel 10 $799 Shop Now
Categories: IT General, Technology
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