Technology

While you can't replace the feel of paper — the beauty of bound hardcovers and the ritual of turning the page — an e-reader brings convenience and portability that a physical book just can't beat. Sure, you can throw a book in your tote bag, but what about an entire library?

When you think of the best e-readers, your first thought is likely an Amazon Kindle, however this isn't a list of the best Kindles, although we do have a list of those, too. While Kindles are great — there's certainly no denying that — you can find a couple of equally wonderful alternatives.

Amazon's October Prime Day is on Oct. 7 and 8, and with it comes the potential for e-reader deals. We expect to see some discounts on Kindle devices (right now, you can just find a discount on Kindle Unlimited), but we hope to see savings on Kobos and the iPad mini, too.

SEE ALSO: From the basic to the Paperwhite, these are Amazon's best Kindles

So, what is the best e-reader for 2025? I'm regularly testing new e-readers (and tablets) and cycling through different models to stay up to date on the best options available. So, if you're gearing up to read more books this summer or fall, I can recommend a model you'll love.

Featured Video For You Other e-readers we've tested From left to right: Kindle Paperwhite, Nook GlowLight 4 Plus, Kindle Scribe Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Most recently, we've tested the Remarkable PaperPro and Onyx Boox Go 7 as contenders for this list. After several weeks of testing, both devices proved to be pretty good but not quite list-worthy. While I was able to test most of Amazon's 2024 Kindle models, I've yet to test the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition.

Whenever you search for e-readers, Remarkable's tablets will always pop up in the search results, but unfortunately, it's hard to obtain ePUB files on the Remarkable. With Remarkable, you can access files within Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. If you have any locked ePUB files — like from Libby — you won't be able to access them on a Remarkable tablet. So, after testing the Remarkable tablet myself, it proved to be a better document reader or digital journal than an e-reader.

The Onyx Boox Go 7 is a better e-reader option than the Remarkable. It's the same as the Kobo Libra or Amazon Kindle, but it really lags on processing speed. To read ePUB files from Libby required downloading the Adobe Digital Editions app onto the Boox Go 7, and there was so much lag while opening and closing the app. While it was an easier process than getting library books on a Nook, it was still a major pain compared to Kindle or Kobo's integrations. The Boox Go 7 lagged and took ages to load files. I was most looking forward to testing this Boox because of its page-turning buttons, but unfortunately, I found that they didn't work on my device.

An e-reader we haven't gotten around to testing is the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, which just debuted on Sept. 30, 2025. It's not available for preorder yet, but once we get a model to test, we'll update this guide with our recommendations.

What about the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition?

If you're familiar with the Kindle lineup, it may come as a surprise that the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition isn't on this list. Don't get me wrong, it's great, but I think there are better options. The Signature Edition is an upgraded version of the Paperwhite, and we've compared the devices head-to-head. The short version? The Paperwhite is a better value, even with the SE's added features like auto-adjusting brightness and 32GB of storage.

If you are prepared to spend $200 on an e-reader, though, I say skip the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition and go for the Kobo Libra Colour.

Where's the Nook on this list?

In terms of big-name e-readers, you might notice one omission from this list: the Barnes & Noble Nook. I have tested this e-reader, and it was previously featured on this list. However, after testing more devices, it no longer makes the cut. In comparison to any of the Kindles or the Kobo Libra, the Nook has sloth-like performance, making it frustrating to use.

Plus, getting my library books onto the Nook was a nightmare, as it was a multi-step process that required downloading to a computer before uploading to a Nook. Its only redeeming quality was the buttons on either side of the device, which made page turning a breeze. However, unless you are a loyal buyer of Barnes & Noble books, I recommend steering clear of the Nook.

Where to get e-reader books for free

Once you get an e-reader, it's time to fill it up with books, and that doesn't necessarily mean spending money. In fact, you can load up your e-reader without spending a dime; you just need to be a bit resourceful.

The best way to read nearly any book — a classic or hot new release — is with Libby. I have read hundreds of free books with the Libby app — I wouldn't have been able to test for this guide without it. It connects with your library card, allowing you to borrow from your local library's digital collection. Plus, both Kobo and Kindle have exceptional Libby integrations.

Another way to build your library is through Stuff Your Kindle Day events. These are 24-hour opportunities led by authors that make books discounted or free.

If you're a fan of the classics or looking to discover a treasure lost to time, an online resource like Project Gutenberg has more than 75,000 books in the public domain that you can download and read on an e-reader.

Mid-range headphones aren’t popular right now. That’s because consumers are finding more value in budget and high-end models. In the case of the Sony WH-CH720N, you’re looking at mid-range headphones that offer the best of both worlds — premium hallmarks at an attainable price point.

The Sony WH-CH720N have been fluctuating in price recently. At retail, they go for $179.99, which is still a great price, but in the past week, we've seen them as low as $128. As of publication, the black colorway is now $149. These price drops have bargain shoppers questioning whether to pick up a pair or hold out for the brand’s pricier entries. I won’t lie, the slightly upgraded WH-1000xM4 are absurdly enticing at the current sale price of $228. The critically acclaimed WH-1000xM5 and WH-1000xM6 also deserve serious consideration, though their steep MSRPs ($399.99 and $449.99, respectively) will likely have frugal spenders doing an about-face.

Well, if your funds are tight and you need a headphone upgrade, I adamantly recommend the WH-CH720N for many reasons. Scroll down to get the full deets on these special cans. 

Sony WH-CH720N headphones specs and setup

The Sony WH-CH720N have a bigger spec sheet than most competitors. This includes:

• Speaker Driver Unit: 30mm

• Frequency Response: 7 Hz – 20,000 Hz

• Active noise cancellation with 20-level ambient listening

• Sony’s proprietary technologies (e.g., 360 Reality Audio, DSEE)

• Compatible with Sony Sound Connect app (Android/iOS)

• Google Fast Pair and Find My Device support 

• 35 hours with ANC on and 50 hours with ANC off

• 3-minute quick charging equals 3 hours of listening time

• Colors: Black, pink, white

All Sony headphones and earbuds pair seamlessly to Android and iOS/macOS devices; the former grants users convenient Google wireless features like Find My Device and one-tap Fast Pair. Downloading the Sony Sound Connect app will let you personalize the headphones in various ways. Their Bluetooth range extends up to 50 feet before dropout occurs, and multipoint technology can be enabled to pair the WH-CH720N with two media devices simultaneously. 

With the Sony Sound Connect app, you can personalize the WH-CH720N headphones. Credit: Alex Bracetti

The headphones come with motion, physical, and voice controls. Each button produces solid tactility to employ assigned functions. Wear detection works reasonably well for auto-pausing music when removing the headphones. Google Assistant and Siri can also execute hands-free voice commands with ease.

Everything the Sony WH-CH720N headphones get right

Noise cancellation on the WH-CH720N doesn’t measure up to Sony’s latest version on the WH-1000xM6. However, it suppresses a heavy amount of ambient noise. It helped silence chatty pedestrians, construction tools, household appliances, and my loud toddler. High-frequency sounds (e.g., crying babies, sirens) occasionally entered the soundscape, though none were distracting. Sony’s 20-level transparency mode was terrific for increasing situational awareness. Wearing the headphones outside kept me alert to emergency vehicles and runners, plus it allowed me to have clear-sounding conversations.

Audio was exactly how I remembered it during my first test run: crisp and vibrant. Drums and synths have an impactful presence that doesn’t muddy up the soundstage, leaving room for mids and highs to shine. Vocals and high-frequency instruments sound rich. You have the option to customize sound via the adjustable EQ with well-engineered presets. The Find Your EQ setting is also available to create a sound profile tailored to your hearing needs. Both features work well. Turning on DSEE upscales audio by raising fidelity on tracks stored in your media player or streamed on platforms like Apple Music and Spotify. The difference in clarity is huge. Sony’s spatial audio format, 360 Reality Audio, does a decent job of making music and movies more immersive.

A full battery generates up to 50 hours of listening time, with noise cancellation decreasing it to 35 hours. That is higher than some luxury ANC headphones; the AirPods Max (20 hours) and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (24 hours) come to mind. A 3-minute charge nets you 1 hour of playtime. I used the headphones moderately (3 to 5 hours daily) for a week before recharging. 

The Sony WH-CH720N headphones have up to 50 hours of listening time on a full charge. Credit: Alex Bracetti What the Sony WH-CH720N headphones get wrong

A non-foldable design means less protection and more bulk in your everyday bag. It’s worth buying a third-party case to keep these headphones from breaking (we found one for $4 at Walmart). Sony’s smart controls — Quick Attention and Speak-to-Chat — didn’t make the cut in this model, which is disappointing because they would have enhanced usability. 

Omissions like hi-res LDAC codec support, real-time ANC, and touch controls are understandable when factoring in price. 

Are the Sony WH-CH720N headphones worth it?

Much of the WH-CH720N’s functionality is anchored by the company’s advanced technologies, which blend dynamic audio output with effective noise cancellation. Playtimes surpass many of the best noise-canceling headphones out there. Then there is the extensive feature suite that’s missing a few prime perks, but hosts essentials like Aware Sound Control and DSEE. 

My only serious complaint is their design. The headphones lack flair and require a carry case for optimal protection. Thankfully, the pros outweigh the cons by a 3:1 ratio.

The Sony WH-CH720N deliver much of the same performance as the WH-1000xM6, and for $270 less, at retail. You can purchase the Sony WH-CH720N at online retailers like Amazon and Best Buy (which has a blue colorway we haven't found elsewhere) or directly from Sony.

_________________________________________________________________________

Sony WH-CH720N

$149 at Amazon (Black) ($30.99 off)

$179.99 at Amazon (Pink) (MSRP)

$179.99 at Amazon (White) (MSRP)

Earlier this week, I attended the Amazon fall hardware event, where the company introduced the newest members of its Kindle lineup — the new Kindle Scribe and Kindle Scribe Colorsoft. Alongside these e-readers, the company also introduced new Echo devices, new Fire TV products, and new Blink and Ring security cameras.

As a big reader (I literally collect books, and currently own the Kindle Paperwhite), I was excited to get a little bit of hands-on demo time with the new Kindles, which are the sequel to the original Kindle Scribe. The Scribe was the first Kindle with a stylus, enabling readers to take notes, doodle in the margins of books, and highlight passages, among other features.

The Kindle Scribe Colorsoft also adds color to the product, though it comes at a steep cost of $629.99. So far, there's no release date (the Amazon product listing just says "Coming Soon!"), but I'd be shocked if this product doesn't arrive in time to make its way onto Christmas gift guides.

So, what's the new e-reader like up close? Check it out for yourself:

New Kindle Scribe and Kindle Scribe Colorsoft: My first impressions

I'll be honest: The original Kindle Scribe was a tough sell, and it squeaked into our guide to the best Kindles. I expect that will still be the case with the new editions, which are even pricier. But this isn't a full review.

In the launch event, Amazon leaders promised the new Kindle Scribe would be 40 percent faster thanks to a new custom chip. (In our review of last year's Kindle Scribe, we criticized its slow performance, and we weren't the only ones.) They said it would instantly react to the stylus, which proved true in my limited time with the device. The stylus and touchscreen provided a smooth, lag-free drawing experience, and it was similar to writing in a notebook, which is the whole point.

I was also very impressed with the updated design. The new Kindle Scribes are very thin and lightweight, and they look pretty damn slick in the hand.

Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable SEE ALSO: I'm digging the Death Star-like design on the new Echo speakers

Amazon redesigned the Kindle Scribe with a precision-machined aluminum body, and it's just 5.4mm thick. The color e-reader looks great, and the stylus feels great in the hand.

Amazon company reps also showed off some cool new features, including a redesigned home screen for your library, notes, and files. Crucially, you can now import and export files to your Kindle from Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive. There's also a Quick Notes tool for jotting down notes on the fly, which is something I do all the time as a writer.

There's one more new cool feature I want to call out. On Prime Video, you can get AI-generated summaries of series and movies you're watching. So, if you stop a series halfway through and come back months later, the "Story so far" tool will create a custom summary of the key plot points and characters. That feature is now coming to Kindle, and I think readers will love it. It's a smart use of AI.

Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

Until our reviewers can take the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft home with us and see how it performs outside of a demo environment, I'm going to reserve judgment.

But there's no denying the updated e-reader has a much-improved design. It almost looks like the kind of e-reader Apple might design.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Scribe Colorsoft (32GB) $629.99 at Amazon
Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Scribe (16GB) $429.99 at Amazon
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Forget the Nintendo Switch 2. Someone found a more creative way to play handheld Nintendo games in 2025.

As you may or may not have heard, Lego finally released its Nintendo Game Boy model kit based on the classic early 90's handheld console this week. And it's not like we've been patiently awaiting this release since July.

For $59.99, you can relive your childhood and maybe even share it with your own kids. That's all well and good, but what if you could actually play Game Boy games on it? Well, it turns out someone has already done that, per IGN.

A modder who goes by Natalie the Nerd got the Lego Game Boy to run real Game Boy games. You can read about her efforts (including the nitty-gritty technical details) on her blog.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. SEE ALSO: The best new Lego sets that just dropped: 'Star Wars,' 'One Piece,' and Botanicals fans will be happy

To be clear, this doesn't seem like something just anyone can do at home. It involved 3D printing custom parts, and creating a special circuit board just to make the thing work. It's clearly the work of a talented (and awesome) individual. She even managed to make it work without resorting to emulation; it's the real deal, in other words.

She will apparently keep working on refining it and eventually release detailed plans for other folks, in case you feel like taking on a project.

If nothing else, that's a pretty cool way to play Tetris.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Nintendo Game Boy building kit $59.97 at Amazon
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Two of Amazon's MK30 delivery drones crashed in Arizona on Wednesday morning, and now two federal agencies are stepping in to investigate what happened.

Amazon also temporarily paused drone deliveries in the West Valley Phoenix Metro Area as a result of the crash.

According to local news reports, like this TV segment from ABC15 Arizona, two Prime Air delivery drones crashed into a crane in Tolleson, a city in Maricopa County, Arizona. The incident happened on Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. local time. 

The Prime Air delivery drones were reportedly flying back to back when they crashed into the crane, which was being used to lift equipment at a nearby facility. 

The drones each landed in nearby parking lots. One man was injured after inhaling smoke from the wreckage and was treated, according to The Verge.

Amazon has a distribution center just two miles away from where the crash happened, which is where the drones land and take off from with deliveries. As The Verge reports, Amazon just started drone deliveries at this location last November.

It's unclear what caused the crash. Amazon's delivery drones are equipped with a "sense and avoid" system which detects and maneuvers around obstacles on the air and ground. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are both now investigating the drone crashes.

Mashable has reached out to Amazon for more information and will update this post when we hear back.

Channing Tatum took on the spicy challenge of Hot Ones as part of the promotion cycle for his film Roofman. And to paraphrase Tatum's scene-stealing turn as Gambit in Deadpool & Wolverine, he does make a name for himself here.

SEE ALSO: Keke Palmer kisses host Sean Evans during new 'Hot Ones' appearance

Although Da Bomb reduces Tatum to giggle fits and a few tears, his journey through the Hot Ones gauntlet is way more under control than some of the show's usual spice-induced crash outs. However, he's still nowhere in the league of some of Hot Ones' most chill guests, like Padma Lakshmi and Lorde.

Instead, Tatum takes a good chunk of his interview time to fanboy over host Sean Evans and the entirety of Hot Ones. (Between Tatum's praise and a kiss from Keke Palmer, Evans has been on a roll lately.)

"There's obviously the stunt of all this," Tatum says in the interview, gesturing to the hot wings. "But there's also a lot of thought and beauty that goes on underneath it all, and it's gorgeous."

So what kind of questions prompted Tatum's effusive reaction to his time on the show?

In the full episode, Evans asks Tatum about his experience working on Roofman, including his conversations with real-life spree robber Jeffrey Manchester, whom Tatum plays in the film. He also runs through Tatum's filmography, detailing the biggest injuries and most intense dance sequences of his career. Come for the hot wings chaos, stay for Tatum's NSFW behind-the-scenes story about filming The Lost City — and the reveal of which of his films he finds "generic."

Meet The Mashable 101: The top creators keeping the internet interesting in 2025. From meme-makers to movement-starters, these are the people powering our timelines today.

At a glance, it makes sense why Dwayne Johnson would want to make The Smashing Machine. A biographical drama about UFC fighter Mark Kerr, the new film from writer/director Benny Safdie explores the highs and lows in the ring and beyond it. But it wasn't Safdie, the celebrated co-helmer of Uncut Gems, that came to Johnson. It was the other way around. And yet the movie almost didn't happen, except for an awkward moment Safdie shared with his Oppenheimer co-star Emily Blunt.

How did all of this lead to a hard-hitting drama that has critics praising Johnson's dramatic chops? Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko spoke with Johnson, Safdie, and Blunt during a virtual junket, and learned how one vulnerable question and a missing sweater played an unexpected role in The Smashing Machine coming to life.

Considering the intensity of MMA fighting, Johnson felt the energy from Uncut Gems would be a good fit for Kerr's story. So, they met in 2019 to talk about it, and Safdie was into it. To show his enthusiasm, Safdie found a replica of a Nautica yellow sweater that Kerr famously wore, and he sent it with a handwritten note to Johnson. And he never heard back. "COVID happened," Johnson quipped, adding, "I never got the note or the sweater. I thought he ghosted me!"

Cut to the production of Oppenheimer, when Blunt says Safdie asked, "'You're friends with Dwayne right?... Can you ask if he ever got the sweater?"

The Smashing Machine is now in theaters.

Whether the year of the Linux desktop is here or not, switching distros is still a pain. If you're planning to make a move to another Linux distribution, here's how I batch-install all my old applications I was using on the previous one.

We all know the problem with the Apple Vision Pro: It's too expensive. Now, Apple is deprioritizing a more affordable follow-up to the futuristic VR headset to focus on Meta Ray-Ban-style smart glasses, a new report says.

According to Bloomberg's Apple insider Mark Gurman, Apple has apparently moved employees off its Vision Pro redo in order to focus its teams on producing a competitor to Meta's smart glasses.

The cheaper Vision Pro was penciled in for a 2027 launch, and is not to be confused with the Apple Vision Pro 2, which is a separate, slightly upgraded version of the existing Vision Pro headset. The Vision Pro 2 is still on track for launch next year, we think.

However, Apple had also reportedly been working on the more affordable and lightweight version of the Apple Vision Pro after sales of its $3,499 AR/VR headset plummeted following its launch early last year.

While a major change to the company's Vision Pro plans shouldn't be too shocking, Apple's shift to focus on smart glasses is certainly a noteworthy development. Currently, Samsung, Google, Meta, Amazon, and a host of ambitious startups are racing to release new smart glasses, and we've known for awhile now that Apple is working on its own smart glasses, too.

SEE ALSO: Apple has an incredibly ambitious roadmap for smart glasses and headsets, report claims

Gurman reports that Apple has two separate smart glasses products in the works, one with a display integrated in the device and another without a display that pairs with a user's iPhone.

Apple is aiming to launch its display-less smart glasses model, internally known as N50, as soon as next year, Gurman predicts. This model was originally slated for a 2027 release before Apple's shift. Apple was looking at 2028 release for the smart glass model with a display but that targeted release period may move up too, Gurman's reprort says.

Apple's smart glasses would heavily feature AI and voice interaction. The company is currently rebuilding Siri to be more of an AI-powered voice assistant in-line with similar products like ChatGPT from OpenAI. Apple's smart glasses will also come with various styling options and include built-in speakers and cameras. The device will also run off of a brand new chip from Apple. The company is expected to continue to integrate its health-tracking technologies within the smart glasses too.

Meta has found some success with its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, so Apple is playing catchup with some of its rivals. However, Apple has been in this position before with countless other products. Just look at the iPhone, which debuted in 2007, long after other mobile phone companies had become giants in the space.

Have a Visa gift card that you keep forgetting to use? The October Prime Day shopping event is the perfect rainy day to break that bad boy out — you'll be able to squeeze way more out of those free funds when just about everything is discounted. It's a perfect time to get started on your holiday shopping for less. And BTW, the now-annual shopping holiday officially kicks off on Oct. 7 and runs through Oct. 8.

Adding a Visa gift card on Amazon isn't the process that you'd expect. While it is technically a gift card, it can't be registered as a gift card like an official Amazon gift card would. Instead, you'll have to register the gift card like you would register a legit Visa debit or credit card to start using it as a payment method.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime How to add a Visa gift card to make purchases on Amazon

The process might seem complicated, but follow these simple steps and should have no issues:

1. Go to Amazon on your phone, tablet, or computer and find your Account tab. On the mobile app, your Account lives in the little person icon at the bottom of the screen and in the three horizontal lines at the bottom right side of the screen. On a web browser, hover over Accounts & Lists at the top right corner of the webpage, then select Account from the dropdown menu that appears.

2. Once there, scroll to find the Your Payments tab. This option will take you to your digital wallet where you can view your added payment methods.

3. Click on Add a payment method. Because the gift card is a Visa, it functions like a regular debit or credit card, so scroll down to the credit or debit cards category to add the new card.

4. You'll then be prompted to add the necessary card information like the card number and expiration date.

5. Then, it'll ask for the Billing Address. Prepaid Visa gift cards aren't tied to a name or address, so you won't actually receive a billing statement. You can add your own address to be quick, or call the customer service number to get the card issuer's address.

SEE ALSO: Walmart vs. Amazon: Which retail giant has the best deals?

There are a few caveats to consider when using a Visa gift card on Amazon. First, not all Visa gift cards may work as debit or credit cards on Amazon. Some may require users to use a CVV to authorize a purchase. Since Amazon doesn't ask for this information while adding payment methods, these Visa gift cards might not go through.

Also, Amazon doesn't allow users to combine multiple cards for a single transaction. This means that you can't cover your total with two Visa gift cards, or use up the remaining gift card balance as a partial payment and cover the rest with another credit or debit card. Keep an eye on your cart total as you chip away at it and make sure that the total order cost (including shipping and taxes) doesn't exceed the account balance.

There is, however, a workaround for tracking that Visa gift card balance. You can use the Visa gift card to add or reload funds on an Amazon gift card, which you can then apply toward future Amazon purchases. Once you add a Visa gift card as an Amazon payment method to your account by following the steps above, you can purchase an Amazon gift card for the full amount of the Visa gift card balance (taking into account any fees the Visa card may deduct upon use), or follow these steps to access your existing Amazon gift card balance and reload funds.

Opens in a new window Credit: Visa Add a Visa gift card to your Amazon account Learn More

Somehow, my TikTok FYP has been overtaken by German young people, seemingly hundreds at a time, eating pudding with a fork in public spaces. Welcome to the new trend: pudding mit gabel, which translates into English as, you guessed it, "pudding with a fork."

Mind you, I am neither German nor am I particularly fond of pudding. My knowledge of the German language stops at "guten tag." And yet, all over my timeline, there are people speaking German and eating pudding. (To be fair, I liked a single video — mostly in a WTF way — which likely sparked the shift in my algorithm.)

SEE ALSO: Geese are taking over TikTok (the band, not the birds)

But the thing is, this is not niche content. There are scores of videos from these meetups, some of which have racked up millions of likes on TikTok. And these meetups tend to attract a lot of people. Here, take a look:

Strange, right? But kind of weirdly sweet, too? It's cool to see people doing anything together with such joy in 2025.

But there's still a lot that's left to explain about how and why this has happened.

What is the "pudding mit gabel" or "pudding with a fork" trend? And how did it start?

Again, overall, this trend doesn't involve much more than eating pudding with a fork with a bunch of other people. That's the trend. That's it. From what the videos show, there is typically a large group of people, all armed with a single-serve pudding and a fork. There is often a countdown, followed by some rhythmic, celebratory tapping of fork-to-lid — and then people eat. It's a strange, fun trend that's mostly lived on the German side of the internet.

There are certainly lots of articles about it in German-language outlets. It's spread to different German and Austrian cities like Hannover, Munich, Stuttgart, and Vienna.

So...who started the "pudding mit gabel" trend? In short: It's completely unclear. It's more of a movement than a single person's work. AI translations of German articles suggested it started in the German town of Karlsruher, spurred on by specific meme pages for each city as it spread. That's often the case with trends; they sort of just appear, and the momentum takes on a life of its own.

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It's more interesting to consider why this is a trend. Absurd times birth absurd trends, and things are pretty strange out there right now.

At the risk of sounding like an Old Man, we live in a disconnected time. German meme pages spark an absurd trend — eating decadent, spoonable food with a fork in parks with friends — because we're all craving connection.

It's hard to get folks together to just sit in a park. But make it something strange, make it a trend, and people will show up just to be there. Remember the time a Philly mab ate a rotisserie chicken and went super viral, with crowds packing in to watch the feat? Or the time people mobbed New York City streets for a Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest? Or how about all the Instagrammable foods that inspire massive IRL lines? The internet loves taking weird online stuff into the real world.

It just so happens that young German people, somehow, decided on pudding with a fork. And, yes, if you were wondering, it seems the trend could be coming stateside. A person posted about an NYC pudding-with-a-fork meetup in Central Park, and it racked up hundreds of thousands of views. There appears to be interest in organizing U.S. meetups on Reddit pages, too.

So yes, "pudding mit gabel" is a distinctly German trend, but it could be international very soon. And you know what: Sure, why not?

Best iPad deals ahead of October Prime Day Best iPad deal Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 128GB) $319 (save $30) Get Deal Best iPad Air deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) — $537 $599 (save $62) $537 (save $62) Get Deal Best iPad Pro deal Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 256GB) $899 (save $100) Get Deal

Whether you're an artist in search of a multi-tasking tablet or an avid reader who wants more functionality than your standard e-reader might offer, iPads can serve a multitude of functions.

They are, however, not the cheapest tablets on the market, which is why waiting for a sale like next week's Prime Big Deal Days (otherwise known as October Prime Day) has a certain strategic appeal. However, if you don't want to wait for the two-day sale's official Oct. 7 kick-off, checking out early deals is always an option.

As of Oct. 2, iPad deals are just OK — while just last week, plenty of the Apple tablets were down to record-low prices, most have jumped back up to more modest discounts. With that in mind, we've gathered up the best deals so far, but if you were hoping for steeper price cuts, we recommend checking back — we'll be updating this list up to and through Prime Big Deal Days.

Best iPad deal Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 128GB) $299 at Walmart
$349 Save $50 Get Deal Why we like it

When it comes to iPads, there are plenty of options to choose from, but sometimes sticking to the basics makes the most sense. The A16 iPad is nothing flashy, but it's an excellent budget option that still has enough juice to power you through taking notes, watching your favorite shows, and reading books and articles. While we don't necessarily recommend it for anyone who wants their tablet to double up as a laptop, it'll more than do the job for most tablet-oriented everyday tasks.

While this isn't the best discount we've seen on this model, it's comparatively better than the other iPad deals available, helped out by its lower full price.

iPad deals

• Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi + cellular, 128GB) — $449 $499 (save $50)

• Apple iPad, 10.9-inch (A14 Bionic, WiFi + cellular, 256GB) — $499 $649 (save $150)

iPad Air deals

• Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) — $537 $599 (save $62)

• Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi + cellular, 128GB) — $693.02 $749 (save $55.98)

• Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) — $733.65 $799 (save $65.35)

• Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M3, WiFi + cellular, 128GB) — $869 $949 (save $80)

iPad Pro deals

• Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 256GB) — $899 $999 (save $100)

• Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M4, WiFi + cellular, 256GB) — $1,083.49 $1,199 (save $115.51)

• Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 256GB) — $1,196 $1,299 (save $103)

• Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi + cellular, 256GB) — $1,382.92 $1,499 (save $116.08)

Immich, the self-hosted alternative to Google Photos, iCloud Photos, and other similar services, is now officially stable. The project just reached its v2.0 release, and is now intended for anyone to try without a significant risk of bugs and stability issues.

You can score a massive 28% discount on the powerful HP Victus 15.6" Gaming Laptop right now. The price has dropped to a surprisingly low $650 at Best Buy, a savings of $250 from its original $900 listed price.

The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are currently available for a surprisingly low price of just $128 on Amazon, which is a massive 36% discount off the original list price of $200. This is a great value for a pair of high-end wireless gaming earbuds that are packed with features like Active Noise Cancellation.

The best October Prime Day Samsung deals at a glance: Best phone deal Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 (256GB, Unlocked) $949.99 (save $150) Get Deal Best tablet deal Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE (128GB, WiFi) $429.99 (save $70) Get Deal Best monitor deal Samsung 49-inch G93SC Odyssey OLED curved gaming monitor $879.99 (save $720) Get Deal Best TV deal Samsung 65-Inch LS01D The Serif QLED 4K TV $1,333.16 (save $571.36 with on-page coupon) Get Deal

Amazon's October Prime Day — formally known as Prime Big Deal Days — kicks off next week, but Samsung deals are getting a head start. This is hardly surprising, as Samsung is one of the brands we regularly see big discounts on during major shopping events.

So far, we're mainly seeing deals on Samsung Galaxy phones, Galaxy tablets, gaming monitors, and TVs, but stay tuned as the Prime shopping extravaganza grows near. We're sure to see price cuts on even more Samsung gadgets in the coming days. We'll particularly be keeping an eye out for discounts on the Z Fold7 and Galaxy Ring.

Check out the best Samsung deals live ahead of the official October Prime Day event below — and check back for more when the event begins on Oct. 7.

Note: Deals with a 🔥 next to them have dropped to record-low prices.

Best early October Prime Day Samsung deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 (256GB, unlocked) $949.99 at Amazon
$1,099.99 Save $150 Get Deal Why we like it

Anyone looking to upgrade their phone this fall is in luck: the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7, the smaller of Samsung's latest foldables, is $150 off at Amazon. While the phone could drop even more in price, we think this early discount is already worth grabbing. It features a new cover display that goes edge-to-edge at 4.1 inches — the largest external display on a flip-style phone to date — plus a new 120Hz refresh rate, the ability to interact with AI features without opening the phone, and the ability to use the camera to show things to the onboard AI. "The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the flex you think it is," Mashable's reviewer writes.

Check out our full review of the Galaxy Z Flip7.

More Prime Big Deal Days Samsung deals Samsung Galaxy phone deals

• Samsung Galaxy S25 (128GB, unlocked) — $679.99 $799.99 (save $130) 🔥

• Samsung Galaxy S25 (256GB, unlocked) — $779.99 $859.99 (save $80)

• Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge (256GB, unlocked) — $799.99 $1,099.99 (save $300)

• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (256GB) — $1,044.99 $1,299.99 (save $255) 🔥

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 (512GB, unlocked) — $1,048.99 $1,219.99 (save $171) 🔥

Samsung Galaxy tablet deals

• Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (64GB, WiFi) — $156.78 $219.99 (save $63.21)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (64GB, WiFi) — $209.95 $329.99 (save $120.04)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE (128GB, WiFi) — $429.99 $499.99 (save $70) 🔥

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE (256GB, WiFi) — $499.99 $569.99 (save $70) 🔥

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ (128GB, WiFi) — $579.99 $649.99 (save $70)

Samsung monitor deals

• Samsung 34-inch Odyssey G5 ultra-wide gaming monitor — $259.99 $399.99 (save $140) 🔥

• Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 DQHD curved gaming monitor — $679.99 $999.99 (save $320) 🔥

• Samsung 49-inch G93SC Odyssey OLED curved gaming monitor — $879.99 $1,599.99 (save $720) 🔥

• Samsung 32-inch G81SF Odyssey QD-OLED G8 gaming monitor — $999.99 $1,299.99 (save $300) 🔥

• Samsung 57-inch G95NC Odyssey Neo G9 curved gaming monitor — $1,499.99 $2,299.99 (save $800)

Samsung TV deals

• Samsung 55-inch The Frame QLED 4K TV (2024 model) — $1,077.99 $1,497.99 (save $420)

• Samsung 65-Inch The Serif QLED 4K TV (2024 model) — $1,333.16 $1,9997.99 (save $570.36 with on-page coupon)🔥

• Samsung 65-inch S95D OLED TV (2024 model) — $1,397.99 $1,697.99 (save $300)

• Samsung 65-inch The Frame 4K QLED TV (2024 model) — $1,399 $1,997.99 (save $598.99)

• Samsung 75-inch The Frame 4K QLED TV (2024 model) — $1,624.99 $2,997.99 (save $1,373)

More Samsung deals

• Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 (4-pack) — $63.74 $99.99 (save $36.25)

• Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro — $199 $249.99 (save $50.99)

Hybrid cars have earned a reputation for delivering impressive fuel economy, but their real strength often lies in long-term dependability. While many buyers focus on new models, the used market is full of hybrids that still offer excellent efficiency, proven durability, and lower ownership costs. For budget-conscious drivers, these vehicles provide a way to enjoy modern technology and strong reliability without stretching finances.

Samsung's next big product launch could be very soon.

A new report from Korean outlet ChosunBiz (via TechAdvisor) indicates that Samsung's upcoming Project Moohan XR headset will begin pre-order registrations on Oct. 15, with its official launch occurring a week later on Oct. 22. Per TechAdvisor, the device could retail for anywhere between $1,800 and $2,900 in the U.S., so don't expect it to be an entry-level XR device for people who are merely curious about the concept. It seems like it will very much be an enthusiast device for early adopters (and an alternative to the Apple Vision Pro).

We do have some insight into the potential specs thanks to leaks from outlets like Upload VR and Android Headlines. Rumors point to a headset with 1.3-inch Micro-OLED panels boasting 3552×3840 resolution, or the equivalent of 13.64 million pixels per eye — nearly two million more than the Vision Pro and leagues ahead of the Quest 3’s 4.56 million.

SEE ALSO: Swollen Samsung Galaxy Ring battery reportedly leads to hospital visit

There is some potentially bad news for anyone who counts themselves among that crowd. Namely, there's no guarantee at this time that the device launches globally this month, and previous rumors indicated it would land in Korea first. We don't know this one way or another yet, but it's very possible that Samsung launches it in Korea and other parts of Asia first, and in the West later. We'll likely find out in the coming weeks.

Samsung first teased Project Moohan back in January, and there have been other reports of the headset potentially launching in October. Brace yourself, folks.

As a successor to Dell's XPS line, the Dell 14 Premium (DA14250) laptop is a slight disappointment. It's an excellent laptop, but falls short in a couple of areas I wish it didn't. What makes it worthwhile is its Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU, gorgeous OLED display, and long-lasting battery life.

Are you looking for something new to watch in October? Or maybe some old favorites to fall in love with all over again? Either way, Prime Video has you covered!