Mashable

Where do you go once you've (almost) reached the peak?

It's a problem frequently seen in the tech world, on everything from Sony headphones to Apple Watches and robot vacuums. Whether it be an expectation for year-over-year turnarounds or reaching a threshold in the available technology, it's not uncommon these days to see devices' designs remain consistent, and their upgrades minor.

Yes, that's largely the case with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) earbuds, but that's not exactly a knock against them. After all, the first-generation Ultra earbuds were excellent when we first tested them and have remained our favorite noise-cancelling earbuds since.

Considering Bose did bring some quality of life improvements, and introduced the earbuds at the same price as the previous generation, I'm still impressed with the result, and wouldn't be surprised if these remain one of the best — if not the best — noise-cancelling earbuds of the next few years. So are they worth investing in? Let's get into it.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen): Specs and price The second-gen Bose QC Ultra earbuds are available in black and white smoke upon launch. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 earbuds will run you $299, the same as the first generation (which are now discounted). They are one of the more expensive pairs of noise-cancelling earbuds on the market, but here's what you get for the price:

• 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 two hours of playback

• 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

So what's upgraded from the previous generation? Three main features: the wireless charging case, the inclusion of Bose SpeechClarity for improved call quality, and improvements to the transparency mode of their adaptive ANC. These earbuds also get a small design change in the form of a wax guard and some more customization in the ability to toggle touch controls on/off.

Still the best for noise cancellation

Bose has long been known as the noise-cancelling class leader in the consumer headphone space, and these earbuds are no exception. I found their noise cancellation to be even more seamless than that found on the first generation, where I occasionally dealt with some louder hissing, and occasionally even crackling noises (though I could've been using a faulty unit).

Though a small amount of hissing still persists on these earbuds, it's really only noticeable when you have no other audio playing. Beyond that, the eight microphones packed into the buds make putting these earbuds on feel like turning down the volume knob on the world. I'm not going to claim pure silence, because I've yet to encounter that with any noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds, but the QC Ultra buds get you as close you can get to that standard.

SEE ALSO: The best noise-cancelling headphones we use and love

Everything from my air conditioning humming to planes flying over my apartment all day to my partner working and taking calls in the other room is essentially silenced, even with minimal or no audio playing. Maybe the best test was the afternoon I spent working in a large coffee shop with plenty of patrons, concrete floors, and not a rug in sight — the perfect spot for music and conversations to amplify and echo. Still, with just ANC and no music, these earbuds brought the noise level from a nine to a five — I could still make out the conversation of a couple of friends a few tables down from me, but I had to focus to make out their words clearly. With music, their talking became a hum of background noise, and I was able to make my peace with the tastefully modern, but acoustically nightmarish, space.

Sound quality: Really good, but not the absolute best

Out of the box, you'll get a relatively balanced sound with the QC Ultras, which is great, considering the equalizer is a little lackluster. Yes, it's customizable (which is more than we can say for the AirPods Pro), but the fine-tuning is more limited compared to Sony's audio companion app, with only four presets.

The equalizer was nothing exciting. Credit: Screenshot: Bos

Still, these earbuds can handle the bounce and weight of Doechii's "DENIAL IS A RIVER" as deftly as they let singer-songwriter dodie's dulcet vocals shine on her song, "I Feel Bad For You, Dave." K-pop and pop hits like NewJeans' "Ditto" and Sabrina Carpenter's "Manchild" generally sounded well-rounded and full, with only the slightest bit of the mid-tones sounding fainter than I'd prefer, even with some equalizer adjustments.

As for the spatial audio, I wasn't blown away — but as a personal preference, I tend to not love spatial audio. Bose goes for a distinctly "live" sounding audio, with plenty of resonance, and with classical pieces like Sergei Rachmaninoff's "Piano Concerto No. 2" and Maurice Ravel's "Piano Concerto in G Major," I found that the soundscape actually completed the fullness of both pieces, letting both the orchestra and piano breathe and come alive.

Still, I wish that for $299, Bose's sound offered something a little more — whether it be more presets, a true plug-and-play experience, or the option for the app to really help you fine-tune your equalizer settings — all of which can be found on Sony's companion app.

On the topic of call quality, one of the main improvements of these earbuds is Bose's SpeechClarity tech. I used both the first-gen and second-gen buds to call my partner and friends, and everyone said the second-generation earbuds sounded noticeably clearer.

Bose kept things comfortable on the design

Let's start with the good: These are possibly the most comfortable and secure earbuds I've ever worn. Thanks to the three sizes of separate ear tips and stabilizers, it's easy to get these earbuds to fit just right, without causing any ear soreness. They're snug enough to work out in, or to wear for an entire workday.

I prefer using the small ear tips, but medium stabilizers. (All the sizes like to attract dust). Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

However, I would've said that about the first-generation Ultras, as these essentially have the exact same design. The only real difference is the addition of a wax guard on the ear tip, for easier cleaning and ideally, less damage to the audio quality with prolonged use.

Bose kept the design consistent between the first gen QC Ultra earbuds (left) and the second gen buds (right), minus the wax guard. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Like the first-gen Ultra earbuds, these have a slightly bulky case and earbud design — the touch panel functioned as intended most of the time, but occasionally I'd have to press more than once to pause or play my music. If you find touch controls particularly annoying, the second-gen earbuds do come with the option to toggle them off completely.

Battery life stays the same

There's not too much to say here, other than I'm a bit disappointed Bose stayed with the six-hour battery life per charge and 24 hours in the case found on the first-generation earbuds. It's not that I ever found myself truly annoyed at the battery running out, but it does limit these earbuds somewhat for use on long-haul flights, where their noise-cancelling and comfort would otherwise make them an excellent option.

Plus, with the new Apple AirPods Pro 3 boasting a newly improved eight hours of battery life (and 30 hours with the case) for $249, it's hard to make the case that the battery life is justified at this price point.

All of that said, the addition of wireless charging for the case is a nice one and (somewhat) helps soften the blow of the unchanged battery life.

Connectivity is better, but still not on par with the price point

As much as I love Bose headphones and earbuds, my longstanding issue with them is that their multipoint connection isn't the most consistent. Sometimes, I can connect to two devices just fine with a pair of Boses, but more often than I'd expect, I'd experience audio skipping with devices connecting simultaneously, or difficulty getting Bose headphones or earbuds to connect to my intended device. Usually, my fix was just to toggle off multipoint pairing, which isn't ideal.

The experience of pairing with multiple devices was improved, but not flawless. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

However, the second-gen QC Ultra earbuds are somewhat improved on this front. I only experienced minor skipping once during my testing period while connected to my phone and using my laptop in clamshell mode. I would say 90 percent of the time, they connected and switched flawlessly between two devices, only "streaming" from the incorrect device a couple of times.

While it's definitely an improvement over past Bose earbuds and headphones I've tried, this is certainly one of my bigger gripes with the brand — for $300, easy connection should be a given. Thankfully, there are workarounds, and it's not the biggest deal, but it's a quirk to be aware of before purchasing these earbuds.

Are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (2nd gen) worth it?

As a premium option, you'd be hard-pressed to find earbuds with a better combination of comfort and noise cancellation than the Bose QC Ultra earbuds (2nd gen).

However, if you already own the first-generation buds, I can't say the changes for the second generation really justify the upgrade, especially considering the cost. More of a revamp with heavily used aspects of the earbuds, like the sound quality, battery life, or noise cancellation maybe would've changed my mind here — but I get that in most categories, Bose is already excelling.

It's also hard to justify a $300 price point when there are genuinely great budget noise-cancelling options out there, and when cheaper earbuds, like the new AirPods Pro, are coming packed with excellent ANC and features like heart rate monitoring and live translation.

Still, if my top priority was noise cancellation, and I didn't already own a pair of premium earbuds, I could see myself being very pleased with the QC Ultra 2 earbuds.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (2nd gen) $299 at Amazon
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Apple finally told us all about the iPhone 17, and right now, countless Apple users are asking the same question: Do I need to upgrade to the new model?

We've already compared the iPhone 17 to the 16, but what about the iPhone 15? Apple's 2023 handset is by no means long in the tooth, but there are certain aspects of the iPhone 17 that jump out as huge improvements. Between display upgrades, battery life, and performance, there are some genuinely good reasons to upgrade, even if your phone is only a couple of years old. Of course, there are also some very compelling reasons not to upgrade.

Let's get into it.

iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 15: Price

For starters, the iPhone 17 is launching at $799. That's the same price the iPhone 15 launched at in 2023. One thing to note, though, is that you can't get an iPhone 15 straight from Apple's website anymore. That means there isn't really an easy price comparison here. Though, the iPhone 16 is now priced at $699, and needless to say, choosing not to upgrade will always be the more economical choice.

iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 15: Specs Here's the iPhone 17. Credit: CNET

Here are the basic specs for iPhone 15:

• 6.1-inch display with 2556x1179 resolution and 60Hz refresh rate

• A16 Bionic chip

• 128GB/256GB/512GB storage

• Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 12MP ultrawide

• Front camera: 12MP

And here are the iPhone 17's 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

The display is the big thing here. For the iPhone 17, Apple finally introduced a 120Hz refresh rate, after years of lagging behind the rest of the industry in that regard. That also coincides with the iPhone 17 having a slightly larger display than the 15, with a higher resolution. If you care a lot about display quality but don't want to shell out for an iPhone 17 Air or Pro, there's your main selling point for the iPhone 17.

That's not the only thing, though. The iPhone 17 comes with a newer chip that should provide stronger performance, as well as a minimum of 256GB of internal storage, twice that of the iPhone 15's cheapest variant. There are, needless to say, camera improvements too, but we'll get to those in a bit.

iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 15: Design The new color options this year. Credit: Mashable/Apple

Apple did not necessarily reinvent the wheel when it came to the physical design of the iPhone 17.

It still has the same vertically stacked dual-lens camera bump on the phone's backside, which is the main visual difference between the iPhone 17 and 15. The latter phone's camera lenses are diagonally stacked. Interestingly, the two phones are nearly identical in terms of height, weight, and depth, despite the iPhone 17 having a larger display. The newer model also weighs marginally more, coming in at 6.24oz instead of 6.02oz.

Lastly, the iPhone 17 comes in five colors: Black, White, Mist Blue, Sage, and Lavender. As for the iPhone 15, you also get five different colors: Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, and Pink.

iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 15: Performance and battery life

As I mentioned earlier, the iPhone 17 has a newer A19 chip inside of it, contrasted with the A16 chip in the iPhone 15. That will more than likely mean the iPhone 17's performance is stronger than the 15's, but it's impossible to say by how much without directly testing the new phone, something we can't do just yet.

The same goes for battery life. Apple is promising up to 30 hours of video playback on iPhone 17, but without a unit in our hands, we can't verify that for now. That should be a huge leap compared to the iPhone 15, however, as that phone was only rated for 20 hours by the same metric. It's probably safe to assume the new phone will last longer than the old one, but again, we can't prove that yet.

iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 15: Camera The iPhone 17 can take portrait and landscape selfies — without turning the phone. It's a pretty neat trick. Credit: Apple

Lastly, the iPhone 17 promises a couple of big camera improvements over the iPhone 15. So, if you take a lot of photos or videos, or you're a creative professional, then the iPhone 17 has some big advantages.

Specifically, the new 48MP ultrawide lens is a lot bigger (at least numerically) than the 12MP module on the iPhone 15. We can't demonstrate how that difference manifests in everyday use yet, but that will be something to look at over the coming weeks. Similarly, the new 18MP Center Stage selfie cam promises big upgrades over previous models thanks to its higher megapixel count and larger field of view. You should theoretically be able to fit more people into a selfie on iPhone 17, which could be a selling point for plenty of folks.

Needless to say, our upcoming review of the iPhone 17 will feature plenty of photos and analysis, so watch out for that.

Tinder is introducing Modes, different ways of seeing (and hopefully matching with) potential connections. At launch, there are three "modes": For You Mode, Double Date Mode, and College Mode.

For You Mode (wonder where Tinder got that name from) is described as the "classic Tinder experience" in a press release shared with Mashable — basically, it's everyone you can swipe on.

SEE ALSO: The 11 best hookup apps reviewed: I swiped until my thumb hurt

Double Date Mode is the evolution of the Double Date feature that the app launched this summer. It allows users to invite friends and pair up for dates. The mode will now be a dedicated space in the app to see other pairs. In a Tinder test run this month, Double Date Mode led to a 10 percent increase in the feature's adoption globally.

Meanwhile, College Mode jumps off of Tinder U, a feature for college students. It compiles other users in college into one place, and those enrolled in university can switch to College Mode and see college-specific aspects of their profile, like where they attend school and their major.

The Modes navigation bar will be at the top of Tinder's home screen. It is available globally, as is Double Date Mode. College Mode will start coming to eligible U.S. users this fall on Apple and Android.

Tinder Modes Credit: Tinder

Tinder also plans to release more Modes in the future. At first glance, the purpose of the feature seems reminiscent of the Tinder Explore page, which also sought to somewhat tailored matches.

"Gen Z has been craving easier, low-pressure ways to connect, because what you're into and how you want to connect can change from day to day," senior director of global product marketing at Tinder, Cleo Long, stated in the press release. "We've heard our users loud and clear, and they're looking for better matches, not just more of them. Modes is part of our ongoing effort to create products that lead to more meaningful connections."

Modes is the latest release from Tinder since its new CEO, Spencer Rascoff, took the reins back in July. Rascoff, also the CEO of Tinder's parent company Match Group, wants Tinder to shed its hookup reputation and draw in more Gen Z users. One of his seven new product principles for Tinder is speed and urgency, which may explain the quickness of new releases.

Given that the number of people paying for Tinder declined in the second quarter, we'll see if Modes draws them back.

UPDATE: Sep. 10, 2025, 9:33 a.m. EDT This article has been updated to correct Cleo Long's quote attribution.

SAVE UP TO $9.33: As of Sept. 10, Prismatic Evolutions Mini Tins are $23.95–$32.89 at TCGPlayer vs. $33.28 at Amazon. Two-pack blisters are $31.88 at TCGPlayer vs. $35.22 at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Prismatic Evolutions Mini Tins $23.95 at TCGPlayer
$35.22 Save $11.27 Shop Now

If you’re looking to collect Prismatic Evolutions without overspending, TCGPlayer currently has the best prices on both Mini Tins and two-pack blisters. That means more packs for less money compared to Amazon’s random tin and higher-priced blister listings. Amazon lists the Mini Tins at $33.28 each, with a random Eeveelution design sent your way. TCGPlayer, on the other hand, lets you choose from all eight tin artworks for as low as $23.95 — saving you up to $9.33 per tin.

The two-pack blister is also cheaper at TCGPlayer, coming in at $31.88 compared to Amazon’s $35.22. Even with Amazon’s slight discount from $36.94, TCGPlayer is still the more budget-friendly way to crack two packs at once.

If you’d rather skip promos and tins altogether, single Prismatic Evolutions booster packs are just $9.25 each at TCGPlayer, and Booster Bundles with six packs are $56.96 shipped. That bundle price works out slightly higher per pack than singles, so the absolute cheapest option is just grabbing loose boosters.

For collectors chasing Eeveelution tin art or players restocking for league night, TCGPlayer’s pricing gives you flexibility and value Amazon doesn’t match right now.

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

Even though chasing them in packs can be tough, Prismatic Evolutions is stacked with some truly valuable cards. Here are the top five you might consider picking up directly instead of ripping through endless boosters:

• Umbreon ex – 161/131
  Special Illustration Rare
  Darkness / 280 HP / Stage 1
  Moon Mirage (160): Opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Confused
  Onyx: Discard all Energy from this Pokémon and take a Prize card
  Weakness: Gx2 | Retreat: 2
  Current Price: $840
  Market Price: $841.43
  Launch Value: $1545.31

• Sylveon ex – 156/131
  Special Illustration Rare
  Psychic / 270 HP / Stage 1
  Magical Charm (160): During opponent’s next turn, Defending Pokémon’s attacks do 100 less damage
  Angelite: Choose 2 of opponent’s Benched Pokémon and shuffle them into their deck
  Weakness: Mx2 | Retreat: 2
  Current Price: $290.99
  Market Price: $300.46
  Launch Value: $598.66

• Leafeon ex – 144/131
  Special Illustration Rare
  Grass / 270 HP / Stage 1
  Verdant Storm (60x): Does 60 damage for each Energy attached to all opponent’s Pokémon
  Moss Agate (230): Heal 100 damage from each of your Benched Pokémon
  Weakness: Rx2 | Retreat: 2
  Current Price: $220.89
  Market Price: $220.89
  Launch Value: $441.95

• Espeon ex – 155/131
  Special Illustration Rare
  Psychic / 270 HP / Stage 1
  Psych Out (160): Discard a random card from opponent’s hand
  Amazez: Devolve each of opponent’s evolved Pokémon by shuffling the highest Stage into their deck
  Weakness: Dx2 | Resistance: F-30 | Retreat: 1
  Current Price: $199
  Market Price: $200.93
  Launch Value: $326.39

• Vaporeon ex – 149/131
  Special Illustration Rare
  Water / 280 HP / Stage 1
  Severe Squall: 60 damage to each of opponent’s Pokémon ex (ignores Weakness/Resistance)
  Aquamarine (280): During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t attack
  Weakness: Lx2 | Retreat: 2
  Current Price: $190
  Market Price: $192.33
  Launch Value: $321.53

New photos of a rare interstellar comet reveal details in its glowing head and growing tail as it gets closer to the sun. 

The images of Comet 3I/ATLAS were captured by the Gemini South telescope at Cerro Pachón in Chile on Aug. 27 as the icy traveler flew through the inner solar system. It's now about 238 million miles away from Earth in space, in the constellation Libra, according to TheSkyLive.com.

These pictures allow scientists to study the comet's light, which can give them insight into its chemical makeup. So far the data suggest 3I/ATLAS is made of dust similar to the comets native to our own solar system, perhaps indicating that the ingredients for making planets around other stars is similar. 

"As 3I/ATLAS speeds back into the depths of interstellar space, this image is both a scientific milestone and a source of wonder," said Karen Meech, a University of Hawaii astronomer, in a statement. "It reminds us that our Solar System is just one part of a vast and dynamic galaxy."

SEE ALSO: How rare runaway dead stars are tricky clues for a cosmic mystery

Unlike the swarm of comets circling the sun, Comet 3I/ATLAS formed in another star system and got ejected into interstellar space, perhaps by the gravity of a nearby planet or star. After drifting for hundreds of millions of years, the massive space snowball has arrived in our neck of the galaxy.

Comets are icy, rocky objects that glow when they're warmed by the sun, streaking the sky as they leave a trail of gas and dust in their wake. They're thought to be the leftover building blocks of the solar system when it was formed 4.6 billion years ago. Scientists have identified over 4,000 of them, though many more are thought to hide beyond Neptune in the Kuiper Belt or in the distant Oort Cloud, a shell of frozen debris about 50 times farther from the sun. 

But unlike Halley's Comet and other regular visitors, 3I/ATLAS ain't from around here. First discovered on July 1 by NASA's Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System telescope, it was found more than 400 million miles from Earth and traveling 137,000 mph. That's far too fast for the sun's gravity to capture. 

Despite its feverish speed, it poses no danger to Earth. The closest it will come to the planet is about 149 million miles away — over 1.5 times the distance between Earth and the sun. At that point in October, it will be hidden on the other side of the sun, according to the European Space Agency, but it's expected to reemerge out of the glare in November. 

Scientists say this is only the third interstellar comet ever confirmed. The first, a weird cigar-shaped object called 'Oumuamua, passed through in 2017. Two years later, 2I/Borisov, which more closely resembles native comets, showed up. 

This image combines red, green, blue, and ultraviolet exposures that cause the background stars to appear as colorful streaks while the comet stays centered in the frame. Credit: International Gemini Observatory / NOIRLab / NSF / AURA / Shadow the Scientist / J. Miller & M. Rodriguez / T.A. Rector / M. Zamani

Computer simulations suggest 3I/ATLAS could have originated in a lesser-known part of the Milky Way rife with older stars. If that's true, the comet might be over 7 billion years old — nearly twice the age of our own solar system — preserving material from an earlier period of the galaxy. 

Because it is already venting gas and dust in the warmth of the sun, astronomers know it's a comet. Still, some people are floating an idea to the media that this icy interloper could be some form of alien technology. 

"Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence," Larry Denneau, one of ATLAS' co-principal investigators, told Mashable in August, "and the object is behaving very much like a comet."

SAVE $500: As of Sept. 10, the DJI Power 1000 portable power station is on sale for $499 at Amazon. This is 50% off its list price of $999.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Power 1000 Portable Power Station $499 at Amazon
$999 Save $500 Get Deal

A portable power station is always nice to have on hand, whether it's for taking out on camping trips or as backup power around your house for emergencies. And it's especially nice when one of these portable power stations goes on sale — get 50% off the DJI Power 1000 portable power station for a limited time.

This discount has dropped the price of the DJI Power 1000 portable power station from $999 to $499, which saves you $500 on list price. It's currently listed as a limited-time deal, so be quick to pick it up while it's still at this low price.

SEE ALSO: Amazon is giving away free Bluetti portable solar generators — here's how to qualify for the deal

The DJI Power 1000 features a 2200W stable output, offering plenty of power for all your devices. If you're in need of a recharge, it can boost you back up to 100% power in just 70 minutes if you use grid power or 80 minutes if you use a solar panel. It also features a variety of outlets, including two AC output ports (2600W Max), two USB-A ports (24W Max), two USB-C ports (140W Max), one AC input port (1200W Max), one SDC Port (400W Max), and one SDC Lite Port (400W Max).

This deal only appears to be sticking around through the end of today, so be quick to save big on the DJI Power 1000 portable power station at Amazon. It's not the only power station deal worth a look right now, because you also can save on the massive Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Kit.

The Prismatic Evolutions Lucario and Tyranitar Collection is making its way back to Sam’s Club on Sept. 16, both in-store and online. At just $55.98, you’re saving more than $60 compared to TCGPlayer’s current $118.99 price tag, making this one of the most worthwhile restocks of the year.

Big-box deals like this don’t come around often. TCGPlayer’s market value sits even higher at $118.99, while Sam’s Club is charging less than half that. If you’ve been on the fence about grabbing this collection, the price difference alone should push you over.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Prismatic Evolutions Lucario and Tyranitar Collection (From Sept. 16) $55.98 at Sam's Club
$118.99 Save $63.01 Shop Now

Each box is packed with value: 14 Prismatic Evolutions booster packs, four promos (two Lucario and two Tyranitar), and a jumbo Lucario ex card that looks great on display. Chasing pulls new promos for your binder never felt so good.

Collectors will love the exclusivity of having both Lucario and Tyranitar of this collection, while players get a hefty stack of boosters to crack for SIR Umbreon gains (hopefully). Plus, the jumbo card is a neat display piece that casual fans can appreciate.

With the price gap this wide, it’s worth planning ahead. Sam’s Club Plus members get early in-store access on Sept. 16, and a membership comes with perks like free shipping on orders over $50. Memberships themselves are currently discounted to $70 from $110 for 12 months, so now’s the perfect time to join and lock in this deal.

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

Although it's a high order, there's plenty of amazing and ridiculously valuable Prismatic Evolution chase cards to pull. Here's the top five, which you could just buy now and avoid buying stacks of booster packs to pull:

• Umbreon ex – 161/131
  Special Illustration Rare
  Darkness / 280 HP / Stage 1
  Moon Mirage (160): Opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Confused
  Onyx: Discard all Energy from this Pokémon and take a Prize card
  Weakness: Gx2 | Retreat: 2
  Current Price: $840
  Market Price: $841.43
  Launch Value: $1545.31

• Sylveon ex – 156/131
  Special Illustration Rare
  Psychic / 270 HP / Stage 1
  Magical Charm (160): During opponent’s next turn, Defending Pokémon’s attacks do 100 less damage
  Angelite: Choose 2 of opponent’s Benched Pokémon and shuffle them into their deck
  Weakness: Mx2 | Retreat: 2
  Current Price: $290.99
  Market Price: $300.46
  Launch Value: $598.66

• Leafeon ex – 144/131
  Special Illustration Rare
  Grass / 270 HP / Stage 1
  Verdant Storm (60x): Does 60 damage for each Energy attached to all opponent’s Pokémon
  Moss Agate (230): Heal 100 damage from each of your Benched Pokémon
  Weakness: Rx2 | Retreat: 2
  Current Price: $220.89
  Market Price: $220.89
  Launch Value: $441.95

• Espeon ex – 155/131
  Special Illustration Rare
  Psychic / 270 HP / Stage 1
  Psych Out (160): Discard a random card from opponent’s hand
  Amazez: Devolve each of opponent’s evolved Pokémon by shuffling the highest Stage into their deck
  Weakness: Dx2 | Resistance: F-30 | Retreat: 1
  Current Price: $199
  Market Price: $200.93
  Launch Value: $326.39

• Vaporeon ex – 149/131
  Special Illustration Rare
  Water / 280 HP / Stage 1
  Severe Squall: 60 damage to each of opponent’s Pokémon ex (ignores Weakness/Resistance)
  Aquamarine (280): During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t attack
  Weakness: Lx2 | Retreat: 2
  Current Price: $190
  Market Price: $192.33
  Launch Value: $321.53

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.

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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 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: Shame on you

• Green: To speed through

• Blue: Played by an iconic comedian

• Purple: Royalty

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: "You should know better!"

• Green: Move quickly

• Blue: Eddie Murphy roles

• Purple: King ___

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 #822 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• "You should know better!": BAD, SHAME, TSK, TUT TUT

• Move quickly: BARREL, FLY, RACE, ZIP

• Eddie Murphy roles: AKEEM, DOLITTLE, DONKEY, FOLEY

• King ___: CAKE, COBRA, KONG, TUT

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: Keep it classy

The words are educational subjects.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are activities that students partake in.

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 School Schedule.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for September 10

• School Schedule

• English

• Science

• Math

• Recess

• Music

• Lunch

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.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. 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 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 2, 2025 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for September 2, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Grumpy.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter P.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

POUTY

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle 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.

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

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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 Wordle.

SAVE $10: As of Sept. 10, the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is on sale for $24.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 29% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Stick HD $24.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal

Amazon's Fire TV Stick is one of those products that simply makes life easier. No need to toss out older, non-smart TVs in favor of newer models; this handy device gives them a few more years before the inevitable upgrade.

The streaming device plugs into your TV (or laptop) and lets you access platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and more. No need to upgrade to a fancy smart TV; all you need is an HDMI port. And as of Sept. 10, the Fire TV Stick HD is back on sale, now priced at just $24.99.

SEE ALSO: Get a free year of ESPN's streaming service when you buy an on-sale Samsung QLED or OLED TV

The Fire TV Stick HD also comes with a remote with Alexa built in. Use this voice control to search for TV shows, search questions online, or even use it to talk to your other smart home devices, like robot vacuums. And with this particular Fire TV Stick, you'll be able to enjoy all your favorite shows in beautiful HD quality. And the setup really couldn't be easier. All you need to do is plug the device into your TV's HDMI port, and that's it. You have instant access to a range of streaming platforms and lots of live channels, too.

If you have an older TV in need of some love, get this Fire TV Stick on sale at Amazon now.

YouTube is the go-to platform for vloggers, content creators, musicians, and anyone who loves to share their life through the art of video.

The most-followed channels on the platform have amassed huge subscriber counts, well into the millions, showing just how many of us enjoy sitting back and relaxing with a good YouTube video. From celebs to entertainment giants, influencers to creators, these channels dominate YouTube with viral videos, dedicated fan bases, and massive viewership.

SEE ALSO: YouTube channels to help keep your mind calm

But have you ever wondered who holds the acclaim of top spot for the most subscribed channel? Wonder no more, here are the 10 YouTube channels with the most subscribers, according to Social Blade.

1. Mr Beast - 425 million subscribers

MrBeast’s YouTube channel is known for its over-the-top challenges, massive cash giveaways, philanthropy, and jaw-dropping stunts, making it one of the platform’s biggest and most influential channels.

2. T-Series - 302 million subscribers

T-Series is India's largest Music Label & Movie Studio, and the YouTube channel features a vast collection of Bollywood music videos, movie trailers, and songs.

3. Cocomelon - Nursery Rhymes - 196 million subscribers

Cocomelon Nursery Rhymes' YouTube channel is a favorite among parents, featuring colorful, educational animations and catchy songs for young children. Engaging colors and fun storytelling aim to help toddlers learn letters, numbers, and life lessons.

4. YouTube Movies - 191 million subscribers

The YouTube Movies channel is the go-to spot for renting and streaming new movie releases, shorts and trailers. You can choose between renting, buying, or watching select titles for free with ads.

5. SET India - 186 million subscribers

SET India’s YouTube channel offers full episodes, clips, and promos from Sony Entertainment Television’s popular Indian shows. Featuring drama series, reality shows, crime thrillers, and comedy programs.

6. Vlad and Niki - 144 million subscribers

Vlad and Niki’s YouTube channel is a popular kids’ channel full of imaginative playtime adventures, toy reviews, and family-friendly challenges. The channel tells the stories of two brothers through educational content and exciting adventures.

7. Kids Diana Show - 136 million subscribers

Kids Diana Show’s YouTube channel features fun, colorful videos of young Diana playing imaginative games, reviewing toys, and other family-friendly adventures. This channel focuses on storytelling, games, and learning.

8. Like Nastya - 130 million subscribers

Like Nastya's YouTube channel is another family-friendly account that follows the exciting adventures of a young girl named Nastya. Videos include fun toy reviews, imaginative games, and educational content.

9. Stokes Twins - 130 million subscribers

The Stokes Twins' YouTube channel features a mix of pranks, challenges, comedic skits, and vlogs. Run by Alex and Alan Stokes, the pair have become known for their stunts and antics.

10. Music - 124 million subscribers

The Music YouTube channel is fairly self-explanatory in its content, but has surprisingly shared only posts and no videos. Content is not frequent and often features recent releases and promos of Shorts.

With billions of users worldwide, TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms on the planet. Viral trends, trending sounds, and popular dances, there's no limit to what can kick off on TikTok.

TikTok has been with us through a lot, from the lockdown dance days to the recent threats of a ban. But throughout all the ups and downs, some creators have managed to rack up millions of loyal followers, carving out new and exciting careers by sharing their content. Check out our list of the top TikTok content creators with the most followers, according to Social Blade.

1. Khaby Lame – 161.5 million followers

TikTok's most followed account is none other than the king of the deadpan facial expression, Khaby Lame. His video content primarily involves duets and stitches to over-complicated life "hacks."

2. Charli D'Amelio – 156.4 million followers

Charli D’Amelio rose to TikTok fame during lockdown for her viral dance videos. She very quickly became one of the platform’s most-followed creators and is still holding strong today.

3. MrBeast – 119.3 million followers

Also one of the most subscribed YouTube accounts, MrBeast holds the number three position for TikTok. His content is full of crazy challenges and huge giveaways. His over-the-top generosity has amassed him millions of followers. He also recently went viral for offering to buy TikTok amid the recent ban in America.

4. Bella Poarch – 93.3 million followers

Bella Poarch skyrocketed to TikTok fame during the 2020 lockdown when her lip-sync video to M to the B became the platform’s most-liked video. Since then, she has remained popular on the app, even releasing her own single in 2021, Build A B****.

5. TikTok – 90.9 million followers

Taking the 5th spot on the most followed accounts is TikTok's own account. It posts celeb interviews, tips and tricks and updates from the CEO, Shou.

6. Addison Rae – 88.3 million followers

Addison Rae is another TikToker who blew up during the 2020 lockdown. Her viral dance videos made her one of the platform's biggest stars, a position she still holds strong today. She's now better known for her hit songs, releasing her debut single, Obsessed, in 2021.

7. Kimberly Loaiza – 83.7 million followers

Kimberly Loaiza is a popular Mexican influencer with tens of millions of followers across not just TikTok, but also YouTube and Instagram. Loaiza has also branched out into music, releasing multiple singles and touring.

8. Zach King – 82 million followers

Zach King's content is a must-watch if you love magic tricks, optical illusions and clever editing. One of his videos even became the most viewed. The video made it appear as if he was flying on a broomstick. It became the most-viewed TikTok video in 2019.

9. domelipa - 76.6 million followers

Number nine on the list of most-followed content creators is domelipa. She mostly shares content of choreographed dances, lip-sync videos, and other snippets of her lifestyle.

10. cznburak - 74.6 million followers

Chef Burak is known for his videos preparing giant pans of Turkish and Middle Eastern foods. He often uses his cooking platform for generous acts like feeding the poor and advocating for humanitarian causes.

​With billions of users worldwide, Twitch is one of the world's most popular live streaming platforms, particularly beloved by gamers and creators. Launched in 2011, Twitch has evolved into a massive community where individuals share everything from gaming to general live broadcasts.

And the site's popularity is only highlighted through the follower counts, with the platform's most-followed channels boasting tens of millions, but who holds the top spot? Here are the 10 most-followed Twitch channels, according to Social Blade.

1. ibai – 19.76 million followers

Ibai Llanos is a prominent Spanish streamer and content creator. In June 2022, he set a Twitch record with a peak of over 3.3 million concurrent viewers during his "La Velada del Año II" boxing event. ​

2. Ninja – 19.23 million followers

Tyler "Ninja" Blevins is a well-known American gamer and streamer. He initially gained recognition through his exceptional skills in games like Halo 3 and later achieved immense popularity with Fortnite: Battle Royale.

3. KaiCenat – 19.11 million followers

Kai Cenant is an American streamer known for comedic content and his month-long November 2024 "Mafiathon " subathon.

4. auronplay – 16.9 million followers

Raúl Álvarez Genes, also known online as auronplay, is another Spanish streamer and YouTuber. His content focuses mostly on gaming streams and interactive content, amassing almost 17 million followers on the platform.

5. Rubius – 15.88 million followers

Rubius is a Spanish-Norwegian creator who joined Twitch in 2019 after immense success from his YouTube channel, elrubiusOMG. He has since amassed over 15 million followers for his gaming and interactive content.

6. jadoreshayne – 12.32 million followers

The jadoreshayne account has a whopping 12.24 million followers, however, it has minimal streaming activity, with no videos on the account.

7. TheGrefg – 12.21 million followers

Another Spanish content creator, TheGrefg is a popular content creator who primarily revolves around games like Fortnite and Minecraft, as well as interactive "Just Chatting" sessions. In January 2021, he set a Twitch record by attracting over 2 million viewers during the reveal of his personalized Fortnite skin.

8. xQc – 12.16 million followers

Félix Lengyel, better known as xQc, is a Canadian content creator and former professional esports player. His content includes a variety of games and "Just Chatting" sessions.

9. juansguarnizo – 11.58 million followers

Juan Sebastián Guarnizo, known as juansguarnizo, is a prominent Colombian content creator and streamer. Juan's content includes a variety of types, including "Just Chatting" sessions and gameplay streams.

10. Tfue – 11.29 million followers

Turner Ellis Tenney, known online as Tfue, is an American streamer and former professional esports player. Tfue gained popularity in the gaming community through his skills in titles like Destiny, Call of Duty, and, notably, Fortnite.

Each evening, a little less of the Moon is visible, marking the natural progression toward the New Moon.

The New Moon is a phase in 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. 10.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Wednesday, Sept. 10, the moon phase is Waning Gibbous, and it is 90% lit up to us on Earth, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

The moon is becoming less visible each night, but for now, there's still so much to spot on the surface, With just the naked eye, enjoy a glimpse of the Oceanus Procellarum, the Kepler Crater, and the Mare Serenitatis.

If you have binoculars, you'll also see the Grimaldi Basin, Gassendi Crater, and the Alps Mountains. Add a telescope to your line up and you'll see the Schiller Crater, Apollo 11 landing spot, and Fra Mauro Highlands.

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.

The iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Air are officially in the wild, and the whole Internet is wondering about how they stack up against the competition. Apple spent a decent amount of time on the camera system of each tier of iPhone 17 during its "Awe Dropping" event, and there is a lot of information to unpack.  

Generally speaking, the camera is a pretty big deal. Apple said that iPhones took over five billion selfies over the last year, and an estimated 5-6 billion photos get taken by smartphones every day. Thus, when a tech giant like Apple or Google releases a new phone, people are naturally curious as to what kind of camera hardware they’re rocking. 

We won’t bury the lede too much with this one. Let’s take a look at how the iPhone’s camera systems stack up against arguably the best camera system for Android phones, the Google Pixel 10 series of phones. 

iPhone 17 camera specs

Here are the iPhone 17’s camera specs in full. They change depending on the model, so not every version has the same camera. 

iPhone 17 and 17 Plus

The iPhone 17 and 17 Plus have the same camera setup, which includes Apple’s new Dual Fusion camera system. The system sports a pair of 48MP sensors, including a 48MP main shooter and a 48MP ultra wide sensor. Around the front is an 18MP Center Stage selfie camera. 

For these lenses, the optical zoom options are 0.5x, 1x, and 2x. By default, the iPhone 17 and 17 Plus take cropped photos at 24MP, which Apple says has the best trade-off between size and quality, but the user can increase it to 48MP whenever they want to. 

Both rear cameras also have multiple focal lengths. The main camera has a 26mm focal length with an f/1.6 aperture. This can be changed to a 52mm focal length with the same aperture. The ultra wide lens is similar, sporting a 13mm and 26mm focal length with an f/2.2 aperture.  This effectively gives the user four options for the rear cameras. So, if you see any marketing where Apple says the iPhone 17 and 17 Plus have four "lenses," this is what they’re referring to. 

The Center Stage front camera uses AI to intelligently widen the screen to accommodate more people without the user having to touch anything, and Apple was quite proud of the square censor, which gives people a variety of aspect ratios to work with. It also has optical image stabilization.

The iPhone 17 Air only has one camera and it appears to be identical to the main shooter on the iPhone 17, with 26mm and 52mm focal length options and 2x telephoto functionality at f/1.6. 

iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max

Just like the iPhone 17 and 17 Plus, the Pro models have the same camera specs between them. This includes a 48MP main shooter, a 48MP ultra wide shooter, and a 48MP telephoto lens. Just like with the regular iPhone 17, the Pro models come with the 18MP Center Stage selfie camera. 

The three cameras around back have the same neat trick as the regular iPhone 17: They can be used with varying focal length to give the illusion of having more "lenses." Between the three lenses, Apple boasts focal lengths of 13mm, 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 48mm, 100mm, and 200mm with a macro mode. This gives the illusion of having multiple camera lenses without actually having the hardware there. 

For apertures, the main shooter is f/1.78 with 24mm and 48mm, the ultra wide is f/2.2, and the telephoto is f/2.8. 

SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: What are the differences? Google Pixel 10 camera specs

Next up are the Google Pixel 10’s camera specs for the regular, Pro, and Fold models. It’s a much shorter list of lenses and Google keeps it pretty simple here. 

Google Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold

The Google Pixel 10 comes with four total cameras, including three on the back and one on the front. They are the 48MP main shooter with an f/1.7 aperture, a 13MP ultra wide sensor with an f/2.2 aperture, and the 10.8MP telephoto with an f/3.1 aperture and a 5x optical zoom. 

Circling around to the front, the Pixel 10 has a 10.5MP selfie camera with an f/2.2 aperture. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold has an identical camera setup as the regular Pixel 10.

Google omits the extras like multiple focal lengths, so the cameras above are what you get. Google makes up for its camera simplicity by having some excellent software and post processing. 

Google Pixel 10 Pro

Google steps it up quite a bit with the Pixel 10 Pro. It comes with four cameras just like its less expensive sibling, but three of those cameras receive significant upgrades. 

The main 48MP shooter is the same as on the Pixel 10, but it’s the only one that’s the same. Google increases the ultra wide lens to a 48MP, f/1.7, and the telephoto steps up to a 48MP with an f/2.8 aperture and the same 5x optical zoom. Around the front, the selfie camera is a 42MP wide angle lens with an f/2.2. 

Combined, the camera system here has most of the same features as the regular Pixel 10, including things like Night Sight, Auto Unblur, Panorama, and Frequent Faces. The big differences is a high-res mode that shoots up to 50MP and a Pro Res Zoom feature that goes up to x100 on the Pro models and only x20 on the regular model. 

Which phone has the better hardware?

It’s difficult to gauge, since post processing plays such a big role with both tech giants. Both Apple and Google have a laundry list of photo modes like Apple’s Center Stage where the selfie camera keeps you in the middle of the frame at all times, and Google’s Camera Coach, which instructs users on how to take optimal pictures using AI. Both have night photography modes and AI tools to improve photo quality. 

On paper, it’s quite tough to call. The Pixel 10 has more camera lenses than the base iPhone 17. However, Apple’s trick with the focal lengths gives it just as many options. The Pixel has more telephoto range (up to 20x with Google’s Super Pro Res Zoom) whereas the iPhone 17 only goes up to 2x. In terms of overall versatility, the Pixel 10 simply has more physical camera options, but the iPhone 17 has the edge when counting megapixels and aperture sizes.

For the Pro models of both phones, it’s much harder. The megapixel counts are on par as are the apertures. Apple brings the "multiple lenses" idea with a bunch of focal lengths while Google’s Pro Res Zoom can go up to 100x. Google has the higher megapixel count on its front shooter while the iPhone has its neat square censor, allowing for the Center Stage feature to work. 

Overall, there aren’t any wrong choices and until the iPhone 17 comes out, we won’t be able to see how it performs in the real world, where the Pixel 10 has already been shown to be one of the best cameras on a smartphone to date. 

After months of rumors and leaks, Apple's iPhone 17 series is finally here. It brings with it a series of upgrades and improvements that, depending on the phone model you currently have, might make the new phones worth upgrading to.

All of the models in the iPhone 17 lineup get big improvements over their predecessors, and the base models even get some features that were previously only available on Pro devices. In other words, while you may not be due for an upgrade if you have an iPhone 16, if you have anything older than that, an iPhone 17 model might be tempting.

SEE ALSO: Everything announced at the Apple Event, including iPhone Air

Curious about the features on offer in the iPhone 17 series, and whether or not they’re big enough to convince you to upgrade? Here’s a look.

A thinner design Introducing the iPhone Air. Credit: Apple

It turns out the rumors were true. While the new iPhone Air technically isn't part of the "iPhone 17 series" in name, it is being released at the same time and has many of the same features. The iPhone Air has a much thinner build than previous-generation iPhone models (only 5.6mm), but it still has a 6.5-inch ProMotion display, Apple’s new A19 Pro processor, and more.

However, the thinner build has some trade-offs. The battery life is likely to be lower than that of the models in the iPhone 17 lineup, though Apple says it has redesigned the battery and introduced new efficiency features in iOS 26 to help offset this. There’s only one camera on the back — though it is a pretty capable camera that still has two-times lossless zoom. If you don't care about those trade-offs and want something thin and light, then the iPhone Air might be for you.

A better screen The full iPhone 17 lineup. Credit: Apple

The base iPhone 17 is getting features that many consider to be long overdue, including a high refresh rate screen. Previously, ProMotion displays that can reach 120Hz were reserved for Pro iPhone models only, despite the fact that plenty of cheaper Android phones have started getting these features for a number of years now.

On the iPhone 17, the ProMotion display can range from 1Hz to 120Hz. That means that when content on the screen is static, the refresh rate can be lower to save battery life, and when animations are on the screen or you’re scrolling, it can range up to 120Hz to make the software feel nice and smooth.

Faster performance The iPhone 17 Pro, featuring faster performance and a vibrant new color. Credit: Apple

Like every year, Apple has launched a new processor for the iPhone 17 series. The iPhone 17 gets the A19 chip, which Apple says offers 20 percent better graphics performance for the ProMotion screen. This will also impact things like gaming and Apple Intelligence performance. 

As always, there's an even better chip for the new Pro iPhones. The Apple A19 Pro chip is Apple's most powerful iPhone chip to date. Apple says it delivers up to 40 percent faster sustained performance. It has a six-core CPU, along with a six-core GPU, that works in tandem with a new 16-core Neural Engine for AI performance. iPhone 17 Pro devices have other performance upgrades, too. Notably, they have a new vapor chamber that's designed to better cool the A19 Pro, which should help it perform better for longer periods of time.

A better camera The iPhone 17 Pro boasts iPhone's best camera yet. Credit: Apple

All of the iPhone 17 models have better cameras, and, as usual, the Pro model gets the best updates. 

The base iPhone 17's biggest camera upgrade is perhaps on the front rather than the back. On the iPhone 17, there's now a Center Stage front-facing camera. On the iPhone 17, the camera is also a Center Stage, which has a square sensor that allows the phone to better frame a shot when the image is cropped. That square sensor also allows users to take landscape selfies without having to rotate their phone, plus there's a new Dual Capture feature that lets users take a photo on both the front-facing and rear-facing cameras at the same time. On the back, you'll get a 48 megapixel main camera along with a 48 megapixel ultrawide camera that Apple says can capture up to four times the resolution compared to the ultrawide camera on the iPhone 16.

Even better are the upgrades to the iPhone 17 Pro. Like before, there are three cameras on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro, but that includes a new telephoto camera that can capture eight-times optical quality zoom. Apple says that the telephoto camera is 56 percent larger than the previous generation telephoto camera on the iPhone 16 Pro, which means it can capture sharper photos in good lighting and more detail in low lighting. The iPhone 17 Pro also gets the new square front-facing sensor.

Better durability All of the devices in the new iPhone lineup use Apple's new Ceramic Shield 2 glass. Credit: Apple

We've all had the experience of accidentally smashing a screen or other glass on a phone, but the iPhone 17 series and new iPhone Air are more durable than before.

All of the devices in the lineup use Apple's new Ceramic Shield 2 glass, which it says can deliver three times better scratch resistance. The fronts will have the new Ceramic Shield 2 glass, while the backs will have the previous generation Ceramic Shield glass, but that still should make for solid durability overall.

iOS 26 is coming on September 15, and it brings with it a huge number of upgrades and features. The big change to the new operating system is its all-new design language, which Apple dubs Liquid Glass, unifying many design aspects of all of Apple’s major operating systems. 

A big part of the Liquid Glass redesign, however, is customization. Plenty of settings are worth experimenting with, and many of them will help you make your iPhone feel more specific to you.

Curious about what you should change when you get the iOS 26 update? Here’s a look. 

Customize your lock screen

Liquid Glass design elements can be found throughout iOS 26, but few of them look as great as they do on the lock screen. Widgets, the clock, and more can all show up with Liquid Glass transparency. Even things like notifications have transparency.

There are a few things you can do to customize your lock screen. To do so, unlock your phone and hold down on the lock screen, then tap the “Customize” button. From there, you can tap on one of the aspects of your lock screen, like the clock — and you’ll be able to change font, color, and transparency, with a new “Glass” and “Solid” toggle on the bottom of the screen. Notably, you can have Liquid Glass designs that still have color, which is a nice touch.

Try out the new Home Screen icons

It’s not just the lock screen you can customize — it’s the Home Screen icons too. Like previous versions of iOS, you can unify the color scheme of your Home Screen. Unlike previous versions, however, the color scheme can now be Liquid Glass-based.

To use new Home Screen icons, hold down on the Home Screen and tap on the Edit button on the top left of the screen. Then, tap on “Customize.” From there, you’ll be able to select what style of icon you want, including a new Clear option. The Clear option can be used in Light or Dark mode, or set to Auto, where it will switch based on the status of your system. 

Add a background to your iMessage chats

Part of the appeal of Liquid Glass isn’t just the Liquid Glass design elements themselves — it’s how you can see content behind them. A perfect example of this is in the Messages app, which now lets you set backgrounds for your chats. Keep in mind that backgrounds are set not just for you, but for anyone else in the chat, too.

To set backgrounds in chats, open the Messages app and then select the chat you want to set a background for. Then, tap on the name of the contact or group chat at the top of the screen, and select the “Backgrounds” tab. From there, you’ll be able to choose from a number of pre-set options, or choose from a photo in your library. It’s a great way to give your chats a little more character.

Turn on call screening

Ok, maybe Call Screening isn’t quite a Liquid Glass feature, but it is a new iOS 26 feature that could seriously come in handy. 

To turn on Call Screening, open the Settings app, then scroll down to Apps, then select the Phone app. Scroll down to the section labelled “Screen Unknown Callers,” which has three different options. When it’s set to “Never,” your phone will ring any time you get a call, no matter who it’s from. The second option is “Ask Reason For Calling,” and when it’s set, your phone will use AI to ask the caller why they’re calling, and let you decide based on that transcribed answer whether you want to answer or not. Last is “Silence,” which simply sends unknown numbers straight to voicemail.

For more Live Apple Event coverage, follow Mashable's live blog and get real-time updates on the iPhone 17, Apple Watch Series 11, and AirPods Pro 3 launch.

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Pok Pok’s award-winning educational games cover a wide range of topics, from STEM to numbers and language. These Montessori-inspired, child-centered lessons are self-paced and geared toward children ages 2 to 8. The app emphasizes problem-solving and exploration through open-ended play, and has been designed to grow with your children.

You can rest easy while your kids play on Pok Pok. It’s COPPA-certified, so there won’t be any ads that trick them into making purchases. You can also keep them off the internet completely thanks to an offline play option.

This lifetime subscription gives your kids access to unlimited games, and they won’t run out of content thanks to regular updates. New seasonal and cultural additions are constantly added, so things stay fresh. You’ll also receive an exclusive gift mailed to your home with your purchase.

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Bryan Fuller has carved his career out of blending whimsy with the macabre.

In 2003, he offered Dead Like Me, a sensationally funny and heart-wrenching tale of a young adult whose untimely death turns her into a hapless grim reaper. Four years later, he charmed us again with Pushing Daisies, a murder-mystery show centered around the romance between a pie maker who can resurrect the dead and the girl-next-door he's risen, but can never touch (lest she die again). From there, he went into darker adaptations, like TV's Hannibal and American Gods.

Now, he's offering a fairytale in Dust Bunny, so you better believe it's winsome and deeply fucked up.

From the logline, Dust Bunny intrigues: A young girl hires a hitman to kill the monster under her bed. But what instantly takes this from promising to must-see is the casting, with Mads Mikkelsen as the hitman.

Yes! Dust Bunny reunites Hannibal's creator and eponymous killer for a twisted tale of terror and tenderness. While fitting in solidly with what we've come to expect from Fuller's sensibilities, Dust Bunny feels like what might happen if Léon: The Professional had a baby with Amélie and Tremors. Don't think too hard on how that would work. Focus on this — this movie rocks.

Dust Bunny has a sweet yet rotten sensibility.

Written and directed by Fuller, Dust Bunny seems to pull from the French romantic sensibilities of Luc Besson and Jean-Pierre Jeunet. Like Besson's Léon, Dust Bunny's plot follows an orphaned little girl who calls upon the hitman down the hall of her cruddy apartment building to save her from a vicious monster. Like Jeunet's Amélie, Dust Bunny offers a color palette and magical realism reminiscent of a charming postcard, weathered by neglect.

Young Aurora (Sophie Sloan) lives in a world festooned with patterns so ornate and intrusive that they border on suffocating. Practically every wall and piece of furniture piece is laced with curlicues, flowers, or stripes. Aurora's bedroom is swathed in pinks and greens, but less cheerful and more the shades of putrid Pepto-Bismol and a smoky night sky.

The wider metropolis — where she stalks "the intriguing neighbor" (Mikkelsen) that she suspects can help her — is colored in deep crimson, teal, and mustard, less vibrant and more caked with shadow and dust. Every resident in this murky metropolis has an affinity for bold prints, including a gang dressed as if they are all currently modeling Thom Browne's latest line of plaid kilt suits.

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Everything around Aurora exudes beauty and decay. So when her parents are gobbled up by the monstrous dust bunny that lurks under her bedroom floors, much like the shark does the waters of Amity Island in Jaws, she looks for hope in the one man who seems invincible to the ravenous rot.

Demanding his help, she sits before him with whatever money she can gather (how she does so is an irreverent treat too good to spoil). But he insists monsters are not real, hence it was not a monster that killed her parents.

A battle of wills and perspectives ensues, as the unnamed neighbor takes this curious situation back to his femme fatale handler (Sigourney Weaver), who believes Aurora's parents have been axed by another assassin. However, if you've ever gotten sucked into one of Fuller's fantasy worlds, where outrageous twists, earnest heart, and dark jokes bloom together, you might well guess the truth is complicated.

Dust Bunny is surprising, gnarly, and genuinely scary.

Fuller has created a fairy tale that starts off feeling like it could be for kids, but steadily grows into something too mature and deliciously unhinged for them. The first act leans away from dialogue, allowing the visuals and the performances of Sloan and Mikkelsen to communicate curiosity and connection before they even meet. A battle scene, where Aurora spies the neighbor's special set of skills, offers whiz-bang action, brought to life with inventive fight choreography, shadow puppetry, and a tinny, greenscreened world that recalls once-groundbreaking actioners like Sin City and Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow.

Admittedly, such obvious CGI is frowned upon nowadays. But Dust Bunny's use of the technology fits the film's general aesthetic of a world made up of the unbelievable, the beguiling, and the marred. Basically, these less than photorealistic effects invite us to abandon reality and embrace Aurora's world, encouraging us to believe in the monster under her bed. And what a monster!

The character design of this creature is unique and disturbing. Made up of fluff, teeth, and bulk, the titular beast is a thrill to witness as it rises from under the floorboards. The sound design enhances this scare, the cracking of the boards giving a sense of might even when the dust bunny is unseen. At first, his kills are offscreen. But as Dust Bunny builds the bond between girl and hitman, the stakes rise, as does the violence onscreen. Baddies will be gobbled up with clear relish from Fuller, who makes the demise of a stylish fleet of killers into mounting punchlines.

Mads Mikkelsen is pitch-perfect as a little girl's hitman bestie.

A premise this dark might urge some filmmakers to balance with a goofy or even kind-eyed male lead. (Think Jean Reno in The Professional, who had a soft-hearted love of movies and potted plants.) Bless Fuller for rejecting both.

Mikkelsen plays the role of this hitman seriously, mostly stoically. It makes sense for a man whose profession and life demand that he stay cool under pressure. And why it works so splendidly here is that Aurora is similarly stern. Watching a grown man and a pigtailed little girl glare at each other from across a table, a chicken-shaped lamp perched between them, is the kind of classic comedy that dates back to Charlie Chaplin and The Kid.

Sloan and Mikkelsen work as a duo because they operate on the same wavelength: life or death, no kids' stuff. Fuller brings some more lively and outlandish figures to life around them, like Weaver, who has killer fashion sense and a deliciously mean directness, whether discussing could-be hits or child-rearing. David Dastmalchian is a standout as a sensitive goon who can squeal like an alarm bell. Rebecca Henderson brings cool snarls as another foe, while Sheila Atim (The Woman King) plays a social service worker so precise and quirky that it seems she strolled over in her perfectly fitted, patterned suit from Pushing Daisies.

Truly, those still aching over that show's abrupt cancellation might find solace in the tone and humor here.

Dust Bunny is exactly the kind of movie fans should expect from Fuller, but it's also wildly surprising. As soon as it ended, I wanted to watch it again — not just for the fun of it, but to assure myself it was real and not some strange dream sparked from too much sour candy.

Dust Bunny was reviewed out of its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.