Technology

Since their release in 2023, Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds have been Mashable's favorite noise-cancelling earbuds. So naturally, when Bose announced its second-generation QuietComfort Ultra earbuds — which are available for preorder as of Aug. 28 — I was curious to test them out.

After spending one week with the earbuds, I can say that so far, they remain the most comfortable earbuds on the market, with some of the best noise cancellation money can buy — but they don't feel all that different from their predecessor. Given that many devices can fall victim to fixing what isn't broke in the name of producing an "upgraded" model, the lack of dramatic changes isn't necessarily a bad thing.

So are they worth the upgrade? Let's dive into my early thoughts (which I am obligated to say, are subject to change as I spend more time with the earbuds).

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) $299 at Bose
Pre-order Here Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) specs

Below, you'll find the quick rundown of what to expect with these earbuds, with new features bolded:

• Adjustable active noise cancellation

• Immersive Audio for spatial listening experience

• Custom equalizer with four audio presets

• Three sizes of stability bands and ear tips with wax guards

• Six hours of battery life (four hours with Immersive Audio), and up to 24 hours with the case

• Wireless charging for case

• 20 minutes of quick charge for

• Toggle touch controls on/off

• Bluetooth 5.3, Google Fast Pair

• Bose SpeechClarity, an AI-powered technology to promote better voice quality on calls

• Improved adaptive ANC, especially in Aware Mode

• IPX4 water- and sweat-resistance

Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) vs. Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds

A quick glance at the spec list above will tell you that not a ton has changed between the first and second generation QC Ultra earbuds. The products themselves look nearly identical, and both started at the price point of $299 (though you can likely expect to see the first gen on sale more often as it's slowly phased out of Bose's lineup).

Without the color differences, I'd have trouble telling which is which. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Despite the similar hardware, I did notice improved audio quality, noise cancellation, and general ease of use with the second generation earbuds.

Audio quality

Bose's marketing materials don't tout many major upgrades to these earbuds' listening experience, but a rep from the brand told me to look out for an improved bass response and clarity at higher frequencies. Even without the direction, I firmly believe I would've heard the improvements: Ebony Loren's vocals on her cover of "O Pato" sounded clearer and even louder, without sounding blown out. Chappell Roan crooning "She's got a way" on her latest song, "The Subway," somehow hit even harder on the second-gen earbuds, highlighting a robustness where the first-gen Ultras default to a flatter sound.

SEE ALSO: Review: 8 months later my Panasonic Technics AZ100 earbuds still beat all comers

As for the bass, I went to my go-to songs where I need the bass to sound good — Magdalena Bay's "Killshot" and Le Sserafim's "Crazy" — and these earbuds delivered. Both offered a nice reverberation and blend, especially with the synth and guitar lines in the former song. The balance let me appreciate the depth of the bass and the layers of each song's production. Plus, with the ANC on, I could barely hear myself typing. Even on less bass-heavy tracks like Laufey's "Tough Luck," the quality of the bass allowed me to appreciate the backbone of the song more, offering an overall better-rounded listening experience.

For anyone looking to fine-tune the sound on their earbuds, the equalizer settings between both generations of earbuds are exactly the same. On the other hand, call quality is noticeably improved: when I made my partner do a blind test by calling him on each earbud, he immediately identified the newer Ultras, saying my voice sounded significantly less muffled.

Noise cancellation

While Bose is known for having great audio quality, the brand's real standout feature is their noise-cancellation, and these earbuds offer no exception.

Bose's first claim is that on the newer earbuds, the adaptive ANC is better equipped at handling spikes in audio to prevent clipping, particularly in transparency mode. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to create the conditions for that particular feature in the course of the last week, but I have been able to use both earbuds in a shared workspace, right under an air conditioning unit, and with the TV playing nearby. In each of the above scenarios, the second-generation QC Ultras' performance bested the first gen, offering slightly more blockage.

More notably, these earbuds have a much less noticeable hiss than the first-gen earbuds, both on ANC and transparency modes. While not totally at the level of completely undetectable ANC, with these earbuds, Bose gets closer.

Comfort

With such a similar design, I didn't expect the newer earbuds to wear all that different, and spoiler alert — they didn't. Still, I appreciate the inclusion of a wax guard for easier cleaning, even if it's not a revolutionary feature.

The 2nd gen earbuds (right) have a guard to help catch dirt and ear wax, making the earbuds easier to clean and less susceptible to damage. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Still, there aren't many negative things I can say about the design of these earbuds. The stability bands help keep the earbuds firmly in place, without ever causing soreness or fatigue, even after a few hours of wear. The touch control is a little large, and the general design of the earbud is a tad clunky (meaning a higher likelihood to accidentally trigger those controls), but if that proves to be a real problem for you, Bose did include the option to toggle touch controls off completely with the newer generation.

Other points of difference

I was able to confirm the wireless charging on the second generation buds worked thanks to the charger built into my monitor stand from Target — in other words, you won't need anything fancy.

What stood out more than the charging to me was the ease of connection with these earbuds. I've tested my fair share of Bose headphones and earbuds, and across the board, they struggle with multipoint connection, often failing to connect or struggling to play back audio without skipping when more than one device is paired. It's never been a good look for Bose's price points, but so far, I haven't experienced these issues at all with the second-gen QC Ultra earbuds, and I've been switching between four different devices for playback (with two connected at a given time).

Who should upgrade to the second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds?

I'm going to withhold my full judgment until my (incoming) full review, but if you haven't updated your earbuds in a while, or have never invested in a pair of premium earbuds, I can't see the second-gen Bose QC Ultra earbuds disappointing you. That said, first gen owners can likely skip the upgrade this time around, and anyone looking for a cheaper option still has plenty of other choices — even within the QuietComfort line.

Where to buy Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds Second generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) $299 Pre-Order Here First generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds $229 (save $70) Get Deal

A new study has uncovered that more than 20 VPN apps on the Google Play Store share the same codebases and infrastructure, despite presenting themselves as independent services. Together, these apps account for 20 of the 100 most-downloaded VPNs on the platform, with a staggering 700 million users.

The findings raise serious questions about trust and transparency in an industry built on privacy — and highlight how poorly app stores may vet VPN providers.

The research, conducted by The Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto, traced these apps back to just three VPN families, some with ties to Russia and China. Investigators used business filings and forensic analysis of Android APKs to uncover the hidden connections.

SEE ALSO: I've tested a bunch of popular VPNs. This is the only one I recommend for streaming.

Family A was tied to Innovative Connecting, Autumn Breeze, and Lemon Clove, and included major players like Turbo VPN, VPN Proxy Master, and Snap VPN — all of which shared identical code and assets. Family B, linked to Matrix Mobile, ForeRaya Technology, and Wildlook Tech, operated XY VPN, 3X VPN, and Melon VPN, which used the same VPN addresses. Family C, made up of Fast Potato and Free Connected Limited, controlled Fast Potato VPN and X-VPN.

Beyond a lack of transparency, the study also found serious security flaws. Some apps reused login credentials for ShadowSocks, a tool for bypassing firewalls. Others relied on outdated encryption algorithms, leaving users more exposed. Most concerning of all, all three VPN families were vulnerable to blind on-path attacks — meaning hackers on the same network, such as public Wi-Fi, could intercept traffic without either party realizing it.

The researchers noted that app stores have limited ability to verify who operates a VPN or how it’s built, since their review systems are largely focused on malware detection and privacy violations. As a remedy, they suggested introducing a security audit badge for VPNs — a certification that could give users more confidence in the apps they choose.

The specifics of Google’s app review process remain unclear. According to a support page, developers must provide a privacy policy, disclose whether the app contains ads, obtain a content rating, and share the app’s privacy and security practices with Google in order to pass review.

In a statement to Mashable through email, a Google spokesperson said that the company is committed to "compliance with applicable sanctions and trade compliance laws."

"When we locate accounts that may violate these laws, our related policies or Terms of Service, we take appropriate action."

UPDATE: Sep. 2, 2025, 3:17 p.m. EDT This article has been updated to include a statement from Google.

That issue with Meta secretly scanning your camera roll continues to rear its head. Check your Facebook privacy settings to see if this feature is turned on for you — even if you didn't provide explicit consent.

Back in June, Mashable reported a notice that popped up on the Facebook app giving users the option to allow Meta to access all your photos so that Meta AI could "get creative ideas made for your from your camera roll." Allowing this setting means agreeing to Meta's AI terms, which gives Meta the right to "retain and use" any of your personal photos for AI-generated editing and curating.

In the privacy settings of the Facebook app, there are two toggles related to granting photo access: the one described above, and another setting that grants access to your camera roll for suggesting photos to post. This setting is automatically toggled on when you download the Facebook app. It doesn't have access to the content on your camera roll, only metadata like date, time, resolution, and number of photos.

When the story was first reported, Meta told TechCrunch that the feature was a test, and can be turned off at any time. It also said the Meta AI suggestions are only visible to the user. But users have continued to raise awareness about the confusing privacy settings

The pop-up in question is related to the Meta AI feature. Some users, including Mashable's CJ Silva, said they never received a pop-up alert to provide consent for AI-related photo features. Others (myself included) noticed that the setting granting camera roll access for suggested photos was automatically toggled on, but the Meta AI setting was toggled off. I didn't receive a pop-up message asking me to opt in to the new feature. But a Meta spokesperson confirmed that this feature is still a test and being previewed to a limited number of users.

"These suggestions are opt-in only and only shown to you – unless you decide to share them – and can be turned off at any time," said the spokesperson of the feature. "Camera roll media may be used to improve these suggestions, but are not used to improve AI models in this test." 

Given Meta's track record of privacy issues this angered users who felt like Meta was spying without more explicit permission. Regardless, there's no better time to see if Meta is looking at your photos. Here's how to check and how to turn it off.

1. Open the Facebook app and go to Settings & Privacy

You can find this by tapping on the Menu icon in the bottom right corner of the app.

2. Open Settings

Scroll down to find the Settings option.

3. Find the section called 'Camera roll sharing suggestions'

Open this section and you'll see the two features. One says, "get camera roll suggestions when you're browsing Facebook." The other says, "get creative ideas made for you by allowing camera roll cloud processing." The second setting is the one about using Meta AI to edit and curate their photos. But both settings, when toggled on, grant Meta access to your camera roll. The first setting is what essentially enables you to post content on Facebook.

4. Toggle the setting off

If either of these settings are toggled on, that means Meta has had access to your camera roll. You may have received a notice about this, but we wouldn't hold it against you if you didn't know what you were consenting to. Turn off these settings by tapping the toggle off.

UPDATE: Sep. 3, 2025, 1:28 p.m. EDT This story has been updated with a statement and additional clarification from Meta.

A bad movie can be a disappointment, but it can also be a hoot. Sometimes, a movie is so ridiculous and unbelievable that unintended laughs come easily. The special effects are cheesy, the acting is absurdly ineffective, or the whole vibe is so off that the snickering never stops.

Best Samsung monitor deals Best overall Samsung monitor deal Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 Series DQHD curved gaming monitor (G95C) $699.99 (save $300) Get Deal Best upgraded Samsung monitor deal Samsung 49-inch Odyssey OLED Series curved gaming monitor (G93SC) $899.99 (save $600) Get Deal Best budget Samsung gaming monitor deal Samsung 32-inch Odyssey Series QHD curved gaming monitor (G55C) $219.99 (save $110) Get Deal

The laptop you use for school or work might not be your favorite model to use for gaming. In that same vein, the TV you use for streaming shows might not work well for gaming. If you prefer to game on a monitor that's specifically designed with features to enhance your experience, Samsung makes some awesome models. Lucky for us, tons of great models on a steep discount at Amazon.

Best overall Samsung gaming monitor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 Series DQHD curved gaming monitor (G95C) $699.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $300 Get Deal Why we like it

With a massive 49-inch display, the Odyssey G9 Series DQHD curved gaming monitor (G95C) is on sale for under $700 at Amazon which is a record-low price. With a 240Hz refresh rate, QLED display, and 1000 nit peak brightness, you'll be in great shape for gaming through the nasty winter weather. This model also comes with an adjustable ergonomic stand and Samsung's unique Core Lighting+ system which projects on-screen colors to the back of the monitor, reflecting off walls for a more real-life experience.

Best upgraded Samsung gaming monitor Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 49-inch Odyssey OLED Series curved gaming monitor (G93SC) $899.99 at Amazon
$1,599.99 Save $700 Get Deal Why we like it

The Samsung 49-inch Odyssey OLED Series curved gaming monitor (G93SC) comes with all the fancy stats and then some. When it comes to gaming, you're in for a snappy 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms GtG. The included stand gives your height and tilt adjustments and the back of the monitor houses Samsung's Core Synch technology and Core Lighting+ for an epic real-world display of the colors you're already seeing on-screen. This model comes with two HDMI ports and plenty of USB ports to connect up your favorite gaming consoles.

Best budget Samsung gaming monitor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 32-inch Odyssey Series QHD curved gaming monitor (G55C) $219.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $110 Get Deal Why we like it

Not looking to spend a bunch to get a top-tier gaming experience? Look no further than the Samsung 32-inch Odyssey Series QHD curved gaming monitor (G55C). Sure, it's not as large as the 49-inch models listed above, but who says bigger is better? The 32-inch curved gaming monitor comes with a 165Hz refresh rate and it'll be easier to fit on your desktop and much easier to move. Samsung also considered eye health with the Odyssey G5 and uses a screen that reduces flicker. There's also the Eye Saver Mode which minimizes blue light, and that can be super useful for longer gaming sessions.

Amazon is getting rid of its Prime benefit-sharing program, which used to let you share free shipping with people outside your household. The company announced the change in an update to its support page, stating that the program is ending on October 1, 2025.

SAVE $36.99: As of Sept. 2, the Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones are on sale for only $33 at Amazon. That's 53% off their current list price of $69.99 and their best price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH520 headphones $33 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $36.99 Get Deal

If you don't need all the fancy pants bells and whistles that come with top-of-the-line headphones, you can save a bunch of money by opting for something more basic like the Sony WH-CH520s. They'll still check all the essential boxes like good sound quality, multipoint connection, hands-free calling, decent battery life, and a comfortable and lightweight design, but they won't cost you as much as a car payment.

As of Sept. 2, you can pick up a pair of Sony WH-CH520 headphones (in black) for only $33 at Amazon. That's a savings of 53% or $36.99 and their lowest price ever on record. And considering these babies just got a $10 price hike, raising their list price from $59.99 to $69.99, this discount is even more impressive.

The depth of sound isn't going to match Sony's $450 WH-1000XM6 headphones, but as our reviewer noted, "The audio quality of this Sony pair certainly packed a punch. When running in them (pretty comfortable, all things considered), the sound of traffic and the wind was just barely audible — certainly way less audible than you'd expect from such a minimalistic headphone design."

Other standouts include up to 50 hours of battery life, a three-minute fast-charge feature, multipoint connectivity, customizable EQ, and a lightweight design. You can even create sound profiles in the app to match the genre you're listening to. They have a lot going for them for the price. The only downfall is that while they come in a bunch of fun colors, only the black option is sitting at the record-low $33.

If you've been using a YouTube Premium family plan to extend its benefits to people outside of your household, keep an eye on your inbox.

That's because the Google-owned video website is apparently starting a soft crackdown on that practice, per Android Police. Some folks, including a friend of the Android Police reporter and this Reddit user, have received emails from YouTube stating that their Premium service will be paused in 14 days because they were not in the same physical location as the holder of the Premium account. For reference, YouTube Premium's family plan allows someone to add up to five members to the plan for just $23/mo.

SEE ALSO: YouTube Music courts mega fans with new features

It should be noted that YouTube instituted this policy all the way back in 2023, but had not really enforced it until now. It also seems, per Android Police, that the enforcement hasn't rolled out widely yet. You may still be able to exploit the loophole for now, though I wouldn't count on it lasting forever. The app does a check every 30 days to ensure that all users are in the same location, so we may start seeing more and more reports of this happening in the coming weeks.

Again, make sure you check your email from time to time.

It can be annoying to constantly run out of space on your Windows computer without knowing the culprit. However, sometimes the offenders can be files and folders that have grown too large for your storage to handle. Let's look at what they are and how to keep them in check before they force you to buy a new drive.

SAVE $30: Some shoppers are eligible to use code MAX4KTV at checkout to score the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max for $29.99, down from the normal price of $59.99. That’s a 50% discount and the lowest on record at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $29.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $30.00 use discount code MAX4KTV Get Deal

Maybe the weather hasn’t gotten the memo, but we’re almost to fall and that means we have tons of new shows to look forward to. If your TV's current streaming setup tends to be laggy and takes forever to load menu screens, you deserve to upgrade. Some Amazon shoppers are in for a massive discount today on a 4K streaming stick. 

As of Sept. 2, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is on sale for some shoppers for $29.99 with code MAX4KTV. That’s $30 off the list price of $59.99 which makes it a new record-low. Most of Mashable’s shopping team have access to this coupon, but not everyone, so check on your access before you start the celebration.

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the latest model from the mega retailer, and it’s loaded with top-tier features. For starters, it supports 4K streaming and the shocking quick WiFi 6E. That spells a smooth streaming experience for any 4K content. It also has a 2.0 GHz quad-core processor and it has double the storage compared to the first generation Fire Stick, clocking in at 16GB. That means there’s twice as much room for your favorite apps and streaming services.

SEE ALSO: Get ready for NFL kickoff with these deals on massive 100-inch TVs

One of the most innovative features in TV technology recently is the Samsung The Frame’s ability to double as an art piece while you’re not streaming shows or movies. Those TVs tend to cost well over $1,000, but that’s not the only way to display artwork on your TV. The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is one and only streaming stick to come with Fire TV Ambient Experience which allows you display museum-quality art and photography from a library of over 2,000 pieces.

The included remote control comes with voice-command features with the help of Alexa and you also get four pre-programmed buttons with quick navigation to Netflix and Prime Video, in addition to two others.

While it’s down to a record-low price at Amazon for many lucky shoppers, hurry to snag the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max while it’s down to just $29.99. That’s a massive 50% discount for those who have access to use code MAX4KTV to score the discount. Happy streaming!

Windows 11 has a cool, useful feature that you may not know about.

The Microsoft software has a new tool that will allow users to link their PC clipboard to their Android phone. In other words, you can have something copied on your computer and immediately access it on your phone. This could prove super useful for sending links, images, big blocks of text, or whatever else you might discover on your PC.

The feature works from the Link to Windows app, Tech Radar noted, which means you'll have to have that installed to turn on the feature in Windows 11 settings. Windows Latest spotted the feature in a preview build, writing "the sync was instantaneous" and that it worked across different keyboard apps. Users just need to be logged in to the same Microsoft account on their PC and phone, while also allowing access to the keyboard via settings in their cellphone. Then presto, the clipboard should be right there on your phone.

The feature is only in test builds right now, but it would make sense if it eventually made its way to all users.

Windows 11, meanwhile, has been in the news recently for less than ideal reasons. Microsoft had to issue a statement denying that a recent security update was causing SSD failures. The denial came after internet rumors that the update was to blame.

SAVE $1,000: Through Sept. 4, the Roborock Saros Z70 robot vacuum with an arm is $1,000 off for Roborock's anniversary sale, bringing the cost down to $1,599.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Saros Z70 $1,599 at Roborock
$2,599 Save $1,000 Get Deal

The Roborock Saros Z70 has been the last robot vacuum I've been telling people to buy since it came out in May. The allure of the arm alone (and its quirks, as I found out in testing) just couldn't justify the $2,599 price tag. But Roborock is having an anniversary sale through Sept. 4, and during it, I might judge you a little less hard for taking the plunge on the robot vacuum with an arm — because it's a whole $1,000 off.

Yes, the Saros Z70 is on sale for $1,599, which is a much more digestible amount that we're used to seeing from Roborock. $1,599 is the normal asking price for the rest of the Saros trilogy, the Saros 10 and Saros 10R, that I've been vouching for hard after testing and comparing them both. They're both $300 cheaper for the sale, now both $1,299 each. Oddly enough, the Saros Z70 is the only of the three deals that's strictly available at Roborock's website, not at Amazon.

SEE ALSO: Dreame's summer vacuum launch is the biggest vacuum drop of 2025 so far

To give credit where it's due, the Roborock Saros Z70 is actually a good robot vacuum and mop combo. (It was just overpriced, especially with erratic arm functionality.) With 22,000 Pa of suction power and hinged spinning mopping pads that scrub right up against edges and corners, it's a real cleaning powerhouse that competes with (or beats) most other premium robot vacuums on the market. Everything gets dumped into the sleek automatic self-empty dock.

The Saros Z70's mops can flex out past the circular edge of the vacuum. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The Saros Z70 washes and dries its own mopping pads automatically. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Its smart mapping room to room is highly accurate, just as I've grown to expect from Roborock. It's the accuracy of the obstacle-dodging capabilities within those rooms that isn't so spot on. Yes, the arm can successfully pick select items up from time to time, but its consistency is a little iffy, and so is the vacuum's small obstacle avoidance tech. (Don't worry, it was spot on with fake pet waste.) Still, the livestream camera is an awesome tool for pet parents to have, even if it's not super helpful when trying to pick up a sock or pet toy claw machine style. I documented my experience at home on video, so you can see for yourself before buying.

SAVE $149.02: As of Sept. 2, get the Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED gaming monitor for $549.98 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $699. That's a discount of 21% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED gaming monitor $549.98 at Amazon
$699 Save $149.02 Get Deal

If you're planning on soaking up all the goodness that are this fall's biggest games, like Borderlands 4 or Cronos: The New Dawn, you should consider getting a great monitor that'll make them all pop. One good option is an OLED display, and you can save a pretty penny on one of our favorite models thanks to this Amazon deal.

As of Sep. 2, get the Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED gaming monitor for $549.98 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $699. That's $149.02 off and a discount of 21%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: The best monitors in 2025

This curved OLED premium monitor is a 34-inch behemoth that'll make each gaming session feel more immersive. Its curve can give you the impression that you're right inside of the action, and it has beautiful hues and contrasts that add some realism to whatever it is you're playing.

With two HDR modes, HDR 400 True Black or HDR Peak 1000, it can shine at up to 1,000 nits of brightness in some areas. It also has a 0.1ms response time, which makes it perfect for twitchy games where every second matters. It also support AMD FreeSync and VESA AdaptiveSync.

There's also customizable RGB lighting and an adjustable stand to help make the screen feel more comfortable on your desk. It's all meant to help give you the most cutting-edge gaming experience possible, so if you're looking for the easiest and most affordable way for a premium curved monitor to be added to your gaming setup, right now this is it.

SAVE $25: As of Sept. 2, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is on sale for just $24.99 for Prime members with the code 4KWINFTV. That's 50% off its list price and just $3 away from its best price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $24.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $25.00 with the code 4KWINFTV Get Deal

Practically all TVs are now smart TVs, but in case yours isn't, you should grab a streaming stick. These compact gadgets can transform your basic TV experience into a smart one, putting thousands of shows and movies at your fingertips. Not to mention, they're portable enough to take with you on your travels. So, you won't have to log into a stranger's TV and you can pick up exactly where you left off on whatever you're watching. While you have plenty of options to choose from, we recommend grabbing the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K since it's on sale for half price.

As of Sept. 2, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is on sale for only $24.99 for Prime members with the code 4KWINFTV. That's 50% off its list price and only $3 away from its lowest price ever. Plus, it's only a few bucks more than the basic Fire TV Stick, yet steps up the features in a myriad of ways. Not a Prime member? It'll run you $29.99, which is still 40% off its usual cost.

The 4K version of the Fire TV Stick is equipped with cinematic 4K Ultra HD, as well as support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, and WiFi 6. Its quad-core 1.7 GHz processor delivers faster app starts and more fluid navigation. Plus, it allows you to play Xbox games without a console, unlike its basic counterpart. It gives you seamless access to your favorite streaming apps, putting Prime Video front and center. It also highlights all of your recently watched shows in a convenient tab to continue watching without cycling through all of the apps. It's not our top pick for a streaming device overall, but it's a solid budget streamer for just shy of $25 bucks.

From wedding week karaoke machines to speakers that double as chargers, JBL makes speakers for nearly every situation. Even so, with its latest portable Bluetooth speaker, the brand is expanding its range of options.

As of Sept. 2, the JBL Grip is officially up for preorder for $99.95, and will become widely available on Sept. 28. At the size of a tall can and a price sitting firmly in the low to middle portion of JBL's portable speaker lineup, the Grip offers a good degree of flexibility in portability and pricing.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Grip $99.95 at JBL
Pre-order Here

So what should you expect out of the new speaker? Here's what you need to know.

The new JBL Grip comes in an array of colors. Credit: JBL JBL Grip speaker specs

At Mashable, we've tested several speakers from the JBL lineup, from the $879.95 PartyBox 520 to the $49.95 Go 4. Across the board, JBL speakers produce well-rounded sound, are durable, have decent battery life, and offer options for amplifying your experience. With the JBL Grip, you get:

• JBL Pro Sound with AI Sound Boost that optimizes speaker drivers for clearest possible sound, even at higher volumes

• 43 x 80 mm full range transducer

• 12 hours of battery life, plus two hours with PlayTime Boost

• Six colorways: black, white, purple, red, blue, and camo

• JBL companion app compatibility

• Ambient light on the back panel you can adjust with the JBL app

• IP68 water- and dust-proof rating

• Multi-speaker connectivity with Auracast

• Rope hook for taking on the go

Its small size makes it ultra-portable. Credit: JBL

The most immediate comparisons that spring to mind for the JBL Grip are the JBL Flip 7 speaker and the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4. The Wonderboom 4 is Mashable's current favorite Bluetooth speaker under $100, sitting at the same price point as the JBL Grip. Its rating is slightly less, at IP67 (meaning it can't withstand immersion in water as well as the Grip), and it comes without a companion app. It's shorter and wider, where the Grip is tall, has 14 hours of battery life, and often goes on sale for $79 or less.

The Flip 7, on the other hand, is a step up from the Grip, and its price reflects that at $149.95. You'll get 16 total hours of playtime, a 45 by 60 mm woofer and 16mm tweeter, interchangeable carrying accessories, and lossless audio playback, as well as the same IP68 rating, JBL Pro Sound with AI Sound Boost, Auracast multi-speaker connections, and companion app as the Grip speaker.

SAVE $100: Snag the Samsung Galaxy Ring at Amazon for $299.99, down from the normal price of of $399.99. That's a 25% discount that matches the record-low.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Ring $299.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $100 Get Deal

Smart trackers are some of the best health tech we have these days. Sure, they’re not medically approved devices, but they can give us insight into everyday health and fitness unlike anything we’ve had before. Many people go with a smartwatch, but if you don’t love the feeling of something on your wrist all the time (especially while sleeping) a smart ring can be a perfect alternative. Thankfully, the Samsung model is on a big discount today at Amazon.

As of Sept. 2, the Samsung Galaxy Ring is on sale at Amazon for $299.99, marked down from the standard price of $399.99. That’s a 25% discount which saves you $100. It also matches the lowest price we’ve ever seen at Amazon.

Coming in silver, gold, or black, the Samsung Galaxy Ring is a powerhouse of a fitness tracker. Mashable’s review scale runs from 1 to 5, and anything over a 4.5 earns a prestigious Mashable Choice Award. The Samsung Galaxy Ring earned a stunning 4.9 out of 5 in East Coast Tech Editor Kimberly Gedeon’s review. “The Samsung Galaxy Ring is so good, it has made me consider the unthinkable: dropping my beloved Apple Watch Series 9 for the Korea-based tech giant's new wearable,” she wrote in the review.

One of the huge benefits of the Samsung Galaxy Ring, especially compared to smartwatches, is its massive battery life. Samsung says that can last for up to seven days. In Gedeon’s testing, that landed at closer to six days, which is still massively impressive. Most people need to recharge an Apple Watch every day which can be a pain to find the best time to charge if you’re trying to track fitness, steps, and sleep. The Samsung Galaxy Watch frees up some of that inconvenience by lasting much longer. Of course, you forgo the Apple Watch’s display by opting for the Galaxy Ring, but some people prefer to not get text messages on their wrist.

SEE ALSO: The CMF Watch 3 Pro is down to its best-ever price for Labor Day, but you'll need to act fast

The Galaxy Ring does everything you’d expect from a smart tracker like monitoring heart rate, tracking steps, exercise, and sleep. The stress monitoring is also highly accurate and useful. “The stress detector on the Galaxy Ring is the best feature on this wearable. Looking back at the Samsung Health chart that indicated when my stress was highest, it was always during work hours or moments when I couldn't quite figure something out,” noted Gedeon. 

If you’re worried about ring sizing, go ahead and order the Samsung Galaxy Ring Sizing Kit for $10. This order gives you a $10 Amazon credit to use toward the purchase of the Galaxy Ring, essentially making the sizing kit free. Samsung also designed the Galaxy Ring with durability in mind, making it resistant to everyday wear and water. You’re safe to wear it while swimming, showering, or washing dishes.

While it’s on sale for $100 off, snag the Samsung Galaxy Ring for under $300 at Amazon. It’s great for those who aren’t so thrilled about wearing a watch but want the benefits of better health tracking.

Station wagons may be fading from the U.S. market, but a few standout models are keeping the body style alive. These cars blend SUV practicality with sedan-like handling, making them a smart choice for drivers who want space without sacrificing comfort.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for September 2, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Revenue

• Green: Hockey names

• Blue: English football

• Purple: Same first two words

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Money made

• Green: NHL teams, familiarly

• Blue: EFL Championship clubs

• Purple: Home Run ____

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #344 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Money made - EARNINGS, INCOME, PAY, SALARY

• NHL teams, familiarly - AVS, CAPS, HABS, SENS

• EFL Championship clubs - LEICESTER, SOUTHAMPTON, WEST BROM, WREXHAM

• Home Run ____ - BAKER, DERBY, HITTER, TROT

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

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

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

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for September 2, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Coarse words

• Green: Shared theme

• Blue: He's just...

• Purple: Within the words

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Curses

• Green: In "A visit from St. Nicholas"

• Blue: Worn by Earring Magic Ken

• Purple: Starting with possessive determiners

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #814 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Curses: EXPLETIVES, FOUR-LETTER WORDS, PROFANITY, SWEARING

• In "A visit from St. Nicholas": CHRISTMAS, HOUSE, MOUSE, STIRRING

• Worn by Earring Magic Ken: EARRING, MESH SHIRT, NECKLACE, PLEATHER VEST

• Starting with possessive determiners: HERRING, HISTAMINE, MYSTERY, OUROBOROS

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for September 2, 2025

Are you also playing NYT Strands?

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

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

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferrined pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 2, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 2, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Things are starting to take shape

The words are shapes and space.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are geometric.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is GeometryClass.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for September 2

• Angle

• Circle

• Point

• Line

• GeometryClass

• Volume

• Area

• Plane

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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