Mashable

Lenovo showed off its first two Windows laptops powered by Nvidia's RTX Spark platform today at IFA, Berlin's annual tech expo, but their pricing and release details are still a mystery.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang previously described the RTX Spark as a "superchip" designed to power "personal AI computers" capable of running AI agents and models on-device. The chip provides up to 1 petaflop of compute and up to 128GB of memory, and Nvidia says it was purpose-built for slim Windows laptops.

One of the laptops is the Yoga Pro 9n, a 15-inch clamshell model that Lenovo first unveiled at the Computex trade show in Taiwan back in June. The PC giant has finally shared its official images and spec sheet, which includes up to 128GB of RAM, up to 4TB of storage across two SSD slots, a 2.5K OLED display with a variable 165Hz refresh rate, and a haptic touchpad with stylus support.

Credit: Lenovo

The other laptop is a previously unannounced 16-inch convertible called the Yoga 9n 2-in-1. (Pictures of it leaked back in July, but Lenovo hasn't confirmed its existence until now.) It's the second hybrid RTX Spark laptop after the MSI Prestige N16 Flip AI+, another Computex debutant.

The Yoga 9n 2-in-1 features up to 64GB of memory, up to 2TB of SSD storage, a 2.8K OLED touchscreen with a 120Hz variable refresh rate, and a rotating soundbar. Its touchpad is also compatible with a stylus.

Both laptops are set to compete with the Apple MacBook Pro, Microsoft Surface Ultra, and other premium creator laptops. Their pricing and availability "will be announced at launch," according a press release shared with Mashable. Anyone familiar with the current state of the tech industry will expect them to be splurges, especially the upper-end configurations. (For reference, a 16-inch MacBook Pro with 128GB of RAM costs a cool $6,999.)

Lenovo Yoga Pro 9n specs Credit: Lenovo Credit: Lenovo

In its press release, Lenovo said the Yoga Pro 9n is geared toward "creators and developers whose work demands substantial local computing capability in a premium, portable design." It's positioning the device as an all-in-one mobile workstation that can run resource-intensive tasks during the workday (think 3D rendering, video editing, and AI app development), then graphically taxing games after hours.

Here's a full rundown of the Yoga Pro 9n's specs and features:

• Chipset: Nvidia RTX Spark (includes Nvidia Grace CPU with up to 20 cores and Nvidia Blackwell RTX GPU with up to 6,144 cores)

• Memory: Up to 128GB RAM

• Storage: Up to 4TB total SSD

• Display: 15.3-inch 2.5K (2,560 × 1,600 pixel) OLED display with 48 to 165Hz refresh rate and 1,100 nits of peak HDR brightness

• Keyboard: Island-style backlit keyboard with 1.5mm key travel

• Touchpad: Haptic Force Pad with pen support

• Webcam: 9.2MP camera

• Audio: Four speakers with Dolby Atmos

• Battery: 92.5Whr

• Ports: Two USB-A ports, two USB4 ports, HDMI port, UHS-II SD card slot, and a headphone jack

• Wireless tech: WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4

• Weight: Starting at 3.64 pounds

• Dimensions: 13.66 × 9.53 × 0.66 inches (at its thinnest point)

The Yoga Pro 9n has an all-aluminum chassis that comes in a Thunder Gray finish. It doesn't ship with a stylus, so if you want one for drawing on its touchpad, you'll have it buy it separately.

Lenovo Yoga 9n 2-in-1 specs Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

The convertible Yoga 9n 2-in-1 is built "for creators who need substantial local performance together with the flexibility to sketch, annotate, edit, present, and collaborate in different ways," Lenovo said. Its 360-degree hinge lets it flip between Laptop, Tablet, Tent, Stand, and Canvas modes.

The Yoga 9n 2-in-1's specs and features are as follows:

• Chipset: Nvidia RTX Spark (includes Nvidia Grace CPU with up to 20 cores and Nvidia Blackwell RTX GPU with up to 6,144 cores)

• Memory: Up to 64GB RAM

• Storage: Up to 2TB SSD

• Display: 16-inch 2.8K (2,880 x 1,800 pixel) OLED touchscreen display with 30 to 120Hz refresh rate and 1,100 nits of peak HDR brightness

• Keyboard: Island-style backlit keyboard with 1.5mm key travel and a "silk-touch" finish

• Touchpad: Haptic Force Pad with pen support

• Webcam: 9.2MP camera

• Audio: Six speakers (two tweeters, four woofers) with Dolby Atmos, plus a rotating soundbar (two tweeters)

• Battery: 99.9Whr

• Ports: Two USB-A ports, two USB4 ports, HDMI port, UHS-II SD card slot, and a headphone jack

• Wireless tech: WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4

• Weight: Starting at 4.28 pounds

• Dimensions: 14.17 × 9.57 × 0.69 inches

The fully aluminum Yoga 9n 2-in-1 comes in Lenovo's classic Cosmic Blue finish and includes a Yoga Pen. The pen's case can be attached to the back of the device's lid to enable Canvas mode.

These new RTX Spark-powered Yoga laptops are just two of many devices that Lenovo brought to IFA. Other highlights include two new concept laptops and a new budget laptop that will compete with Apple's mega-popular MacBook Neo. Check out the full roster on Lenovo's news site.

What makes the Nvidia RTX Spark unique? Credit: Lenovo

Announced at Computex this summer, RTX Spark is Nvidia's new do-it all "superchip" platform (combining a CPU and GPU) that's specially made for thin Windows laptops and compact desktop PCs. The chip giant claims that RTX Spark devices will have elite graphics capabilities and advanced AI processing power, enabling them to run autonomous AI models locally, on top of all-day battery life. In the computer world, supercharged performance has always come at the cost of stamina — until now, potentially.

Besides Lenovo, Asus, Dell, HP, Microsoft, and MSI are also working on RTX Spark laptops. Nvidia believes the superchips will usher in a new era of portable AI supercomputers.

Yet another Windows alternative to the MacBook Neo lands this fall.

Announced today at IFA, an annual tech trade show in Berlin, Lenovo's IdeaPad Vibe is a new premium-built budget laptop with a full rainbow of colorways and a plethora of configuration and customization options. The new laptop also comes in two screen sizes, multiple processor flavors, and has upgradable RAM and storage. Its reveal confirms a leak from mid-August.

The IdeaPad Vibe measures 0.59 inches thin, making it less than a tenth of an inch thicker than a MacBook Neo. Credit: Lenovo

The IdeaPad Vibe launches this October with AMD Ryzen AI 400 series processors and in November with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X chips starting at $699.99, according to a company press release. More models with Intel processors are in the works.

In its release, Lenovo billed the IdeaPad Vibe as "an AI PC that is ready to perform and designed to stand out, no matter what a person’s vibe is."

Lenovo IdeaPad Vibe specs and features The IdeaPad Vibe has customizable keycaps (sold separately). Credit: Lenovo

The IdeaPad Vibe will come in 14- and 15-inch sizes that start at 2.87 pounds and 3.31 pounds, respectively, making it slightly bigger than the 13-inch, 2.7-pound MacBook Neo, Apple's mega-popular $699 notebook. Both sizes will be available with AMD or Qualcomm CPU offerings at the $700 price point; there's no upcharge for a bigger screen.

The IdeaPad Vibe will come in seven hues that Lenovo developed with the help of the Pantone Color Institute:

• Chill Blue

• Moody Blue

• Dreamy Violet

• Lowkey Grey

• Radiant Coral

• Spicy Gold

• Zen Green

Lenovo will sell swappable keycaps that make it even more personalizable.

Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group

Most configurations of the IdeaPad Vibe will have a fully metal chassis in the vein of the Neo, though some AMD models will have metal housing with ridged plastic bottom covers. When asked whether there were any pricing or spec differences between each build type, a Lenovo spokesperson told Mashable that "a lot of that is hard to determine right now." We should get more details at launch.

Left: The bottom cover of the IdeaPad Vibe in metal... Credit: Lenovo Right: ... versus plastic. Credit: Lenovo

The IdeaPad Vibe will come standard with a 120Hz IPS display. Both sizes of the Lowkey Grey and Moody Blue variants will have OLED upgrade options, including an OLED touchscreen option for the 15-inchers.

Like the Neo, the IdeaPad Vibe will start with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. Unlike the Neo, you can max it out with up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage — single-handedly, if you have the means. Qualcomm-powered IdeaPad Vibes will have user-upgradable SSDs, while AMD models will have expandable SSDs and RAM. If equipped with at least 16GB of memory, they can run Windows' Copilot+ PC AI features.

The IdeaPad Vibe has expandable storage and (on AMD models) upgradable RAM. Credit: Lenovo

Here's a quick rundown of the rest of the IdeaPad Vibe's specs and features. Note how it's packed with ports:

• Integrated graphics

• 5MP webcam with privacy shutter

• Two 2W speakers with Dolby Audio

• Island-style keyboard with optional backlighting

• Mylar touchpad

• Two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, one HDMI port, a microSD card reader, and a headphone jack

• WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4

The IdeaPad Vibe marks the latest in a series of premium-feeling budget laptop launches amid the global memory crisis, starting with the MacBook Neo's market-rattling debut in March. Before the colorful, all-aluminum Neo arrived, cheap laptops were known for having bland plastic builds.

Other new MacBook Neo competitors include the Dell XPS 13 and Acer Swift Air 14. They have the same starting price as the Neo (and now the IdeaPad Vibe), but double the starting storage.

The IdeaPad Vibe is just one of many new devices Lenovo showcased at IFA, among them its first two Nvidia RTX Spark-powered laptops. See the full lineup on Lenovo's news site.

Feminist activist and journalist Gloria Steinem died on Wednesday, according to a post shared on her Instagram account. She was 92.

The news, shared early Thursday, included a recent photo of Steinem and a statement about her life. "Yesterday, Gloria Steinem passed away peacefully at her home in New York City, surrounded by some of the many who loved her. Gloria's near-century on earth were years well-lived, and she continued working for equality until the very end," it began. No cause of death was given.

View this post on Instagram

Steinem was a key figure in the feminist movement in the United States, beginning in the 1960s with second-wave feminism. She spoke about gender equality and issues like abortion. She first gained national attention in 1963 when she went undercover as a Playboy bunny and wrote about the experience. Steinem went on to co-found Ms. magazine and remained a prominent voice on gender parity and reproductive rights. Former President Obama awarded Steinhem with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013.

"Gloria's greatest gift was her ability to listen to others, to make others feel seen and heard. Her words, actions, and example gave people permission to be their truest selves. Gloria lived true to her independent spirit, always with curiosity and a great sense of humor," the statement read.

Almost immediately upon the news, fellow feminists, as well as politicians and celebrities, began sharing tributes online.

Writer Roxane Gay commented on the Instagram post, "Gloria was one of a kind. Genuine, generous, curious, thoughtful. She lived a staggering life and her passing is a staggering loss tempered only by the ferocity of her legacy."

"She was our leader," actor and comedian Amy Sedaris commented. "We have to be more like her. Carry her fight."

TV producer Shonda Rhimes commented, "She was fierce and kind and full of grace. What a loss for the world."

"As we elders, our daughters, and our granddaughters continue the fight for power, equality, and respect, we hold you in our hearts with love and gratitude," musician Carole King wrote on Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

Actor and comedian Sandra Bernhard shared a photo with her and Steinem, writing, "It was an honor to have a conversation with the great [Gloria Steinem.] classy funny she didn't take any punches she had no time to suffer fools & baby she encountered a whole lot of them! Let's honor her life & work & re dedicate it to reclaiming our reproductive rights!"

View this post on Instagram

A Well-Trained Wife author, Tia Levings, wrote on Instagram, "If you, like me, grew up hearing that Gloria Steinem was evil, please use this time of her visible impact to educate yourself on her extraordinary life and fight for all women."

View this post on Instagram

"Gloria Steinem was a fearless trailblazer who transformed the fight for equality in America and inspired generations of women to know their power," Rep. Nancy Pelosi wrote on X.

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

"Meeting heroes always risks disappointment, but knowing Gloria was an honor, where her humor and kindness were matched by a relentless belief that we could be better," former Rep. Stacey Abrams posted on X.

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

CNN's chief international anchor, Christiane Amanpour, wrote on X, "Gloria Steinem will go down in history as one of the most important activists of all time, leading a movement for the equality of half the world: its women."

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

Steinhem's activism continued later in life, according to the statement. "She spent her recent years doing the two things she loved most: being in community with others and writing. She has welcomed hundreds of guests into her living room for Talking Circles, a tradition she insisted will continue long after she is no longer with us." Her Instagram account features photos of these Talking Circles, including one from less than two months ago.

President of Run For Something, Amanda Litman, wrote about the Talking Circles in her tribute to Steinem on X: "The two talking circles I went to at her home — the first in August 2024, when I was sweating my ass off 8 months pregnant with my second daughter as we talked about the possibility (again!) of electing the first woman president & the second earlier this year, where after a long convo on the future, I got to give her a copy of my book — were experiences I'll never forget."

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

"Gloria loved the tradition of lighting signal fires on hills to light the way to the other side of the mountain. Lighting your own candle for Gloria makes you part of this global and celestial community circle," the statement read. It also noted that, in lieu of flowers, Steinem asked that anyone wishing to honor her make a donation to Gloria's Foundation, which, among providing fellowships and residencies to people working on social justice projects, also facilitates the Talking Circles.

The death of the prominent feminist comes shortly after the deaths of other beloved figures like Dolly Parton. The last post on the Gloria's Foundation Instagram account prior to today's announcement was an archival photo of her and Parton.

View this post on Instagram

TikTok's comment section is about to get a lot more chaotic.

The platform is rolling out a slate of new ways to interact beneath videos, including voice comments, polls, photo carousels, and Live Photos. The four new features expand what users can post beyond text and single image replies, giving TikTok's famously active comment sections even more ways to become part of the content itself.

Those comment sections are already busy. According to the company, more than 1.7 billion comments are posted on the platform every day.

TikTok is bringing voice notes to the comments TikTok's comment section is becoming a group chat. Credit: TikTok

Perhaps the biggest change is Voice Comments, which allow users to record and post audio messages up to 60 seconds long directly beneath a video.

That means instead of typing "I'm screaming," you could, theoretically, let everyone hear you scream.

TikTok imagines people using the feature to leave spoken reactions, laugh along with a meme, or even sing back to a music creator. But anyone who's ever opened the comments on a viral TikTok can probably imagine plenty of other possibilities.

Of course, giving TikTok users 60 seconds to say whatever they want could open up new opportunities for harassment and other harmful behavior. TikTok says Voice Comments will be subject to the same Community Guidelines as other content on the platform. The company will use a combination of human and automated moderation tools, including speech-to-text transcription, to detect and remove violations.

Voice Comments will roll out globally over the next month to users 18 and older.

Creators can now poll their comment sections Take it to a vote. Credit: TikTok

TikTok is also introducing Comment Polls, which allow creators to launch a poll directly in the comment sections of their videos.

Creators could use them to ask followers what they should post next, settle a debate sparked by a video, or let viewers vote on anything from an outfit to a favorite character.

Unlike Voice Comments, there's no waiting for this one: Comment Polls are available globally starting Sept. 3.

Photo comments are becoming photo dumps Why post one reaction photo when you can post nine? Credit: TikTok

TikTok's photo comments are getting an upgrade, too.

With Photo Carousel Comments, users can attach up to nine photos in a single comment. Instead of choosing a single reaction image, commenters can drop an entire photo dump under someone else's video. Photo Carousel Comments will roll out globally over the next month.

There's also Live Photo Comments, which allow users to upload Live Photos directly from their camera rolls. The feature gives viewers a brief glimpse of the movement captured in the image rather than limiting photo replies to static shots. Live Photo Comments are available globally starting Sept. 3.

TikTok wants the comments to be content, too

If you've spent any time on TikTok, none of this feels entirely surprising. "Opening the comments" has practically become part of the viewing experience.

A video's joke gets extended through hundreds of replies. Viewers add context, tell stories, post reaction images, answer questions, and occasionally write something that becomes more memorable than the original TikTok. Creators, meanwhile, routinely turn comments into prompts for their next videos.

These updates give that behavior even more room to grow. TikTok's comment section can now contain text, photos, photo dumps, Live Photos, polls, and, soon, minute-long voice notes.

It's another sign that TikTok doesn't necessarily see comments as something that happens after the content. Increasingly, the comments are part of the content.

And they're about to get a whole lot louder.

The best Costco Labor Day deals: Best Costco Apple Deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 chip, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,849.99 (Save $149.01) Get Deal Best Costco Samsung deal Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ $239.99 (Save $60) Get Deal Best Costco audio deal Bose Ultra Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds $199.99 (Save $100) Get Deal Best Labor Day laptop deal HP OmniBook 3, 16-inch (Intel Core Ultra 7 Series 2, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $799.99 (Save $400) Get Deal

Costco is getting a head start on Labor Day savings, with members already able to find discounts across everything from laptops and Apple products to groceries and everyday essentials. This year, Labor Day falls on Sept. 7, but there’s no need to wait for the official holiday weekend to start shopping for discounts.

If you're planning a Costco run anyway, you might as well save some money while you're there. We've rounded up the best Labor Day deals worth checking out right now. But make sure to act fast, as these deals are only live through Sept. 7.

Best Labor Day Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 chip, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,849.99 at Costco
$1,999 Save $149.01   Get Deal Why we like it

With RAMageddon still plaguing the tech industry, we're tuned into all the price drops on laptops. Right now, get the Apple MacBook Pro (M5 chip, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) for just $1,849.99 at Costco. That's the same low price being offered at Amazon.

The MacBook Pro is one of the most powerful laptops you can buy right now with its M5 chip. It has 16GB of RAM and 1TB SSD, so it can execute high-demand tasks like photo and video editing.

More Labor Day Apple deals

• Apple Pencil Pro — $99.99 $129 (save $29.01)

• Apple AirPods 4 with ANC — $148.99 $179 (save $30.01)

• Apple AirPods Pro 3 (Two years of AppleCare+ included) — $229.99 $249 (save $19.01)

• Apple iPad (A16 chip, 128GB, WiFi) — $399.99 $449 (save $49.01)

• Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4 chip, 128GB, WiFi) — $649.99 $749 (save $99.01)

• Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M5 chip, 256GB, WiFi) — $1,399.99 $1,499 (save $99.01)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Pro chip, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,759.99 $2,999 (save $239.01)

Best Labor Day Samsung deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ $239.99 at Costco
$299.99 Save $60   Get Deal Why we like it

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ has an 11-inch WUXGA display, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of internal storage, with support for up to 2TB of expandable storage. Its 7,040mAh battery is rated for up to 15 hours of use, while USB-C fast charging, Bluetooth 5.3, and WiFi cover the basics.

More Labor Day Samsung deals

• Samsung HW-Q60CF 3.1.2 Ch Soundbar — $349.99 $499.99 (save $150)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE — $449.99 $549.99 (save $100)

• Galaxy Book4 Edge — $899.99 $1,299.99 (save $400)

Best Labor Day audio deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose Ultra Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds $199.99 at Costco
$299.99 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

The Bose open-ear headphones are designed to let you stay aware of your surroundings while listening, without covering your ears. They have water resistance, up to seven hours of battery life, and a wireless range of 30 feet. The deal also includes a $50 gift card with purchase, with options including Apple and Google Play.

More Labor Day audio deals

• Bose SoundLink Home Bluetooth Speaker — $129.99 $179.99 (save $50)

• Bose QuietComfort SC Noise Canceling Headphones — $199.99 $329.99 (save $130)

• Sonos Arc Ultra 9.1.4 Ch Soundbar Bundle — $899.99 $1,099.99 (save $200)

Best Labor Day laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP OmniBook 3, 16-inch (Intel Core Ultra 7 Series 2, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $799.99 at Costco
$1,199.99 Save $400   Get Deal Why we like it

There is no question that the best laptop battery life we've ever tested was the astounding 40 hours on the HP OmniBook 3. It's an exceptional value for budget-conscious frequent travelers and commuters.

Normally $1,199.99, the HP OmniBook 3 is down to $799.99 at Costco, saving you $400. That's a whole lot of savings on a laptop with 16GB of RAM and 1TB SSD.

More Labor Day laptop deals

• Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i, 16-inch (Intel Core Ultra 5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $699.99 $899.99 (save $200)

• Dell Touchscreen, 15.6-inch (Intel Core Ultra 7 255U, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $799.99 $1,099.99 (save $300)

• Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge, 14-inch (Snapdragon X Elite 12 Core, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $899.99 $1,299.99 (save $400)

• Asus Vivobook Flip, 16-inch (Intel Core Ultra 7 Series 2, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,099.99 $1,499.99 (save $400)

SAVE $102: As of Sept. 3, Samsung's 43-inch QN70H Mini-LED Neo QLED 4K TV is on sale at Amazon for $497.99. That's 17% or over $100 off its list price of $599.99 and its lowest price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 43-inch QN70H Mini-LED Neo QLED 4K TV $497.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $102   Get Deal

Labor Day 2026 is proving to be one of the best times of the year to buy a new TV. If you've been waiting for prices to drop before the new NFL season kicks off and don't want to wait until Black Friday, now's the time to pull the trigger. For those looking to upgrade their bedroom TV or seeking a smaller screen for another room in your home, the 43-inch Samsung QN70H should do the trick.

As of Sept. 3, the Samsung 43-inch QN70H Mini-LED Neo QLED 4K TV is only $497.99 during Amazon's Labor Day Sale. That's not only over $100 off its list price of $599.99, but it's also its lowest price on record.

The QN70H is Samsung's mid-range Neo QLED model, falling in between the QN80H and M80H. It features mini LEDs with quantum dots for a vast range of colors and, paired with its matte display, is a vibrant choice with deep contrast for a bright room. It has Motion Xcelerator 144Hz technology, which makes it a buttery-smooth pick for gamers. Plus, thanks to Samsung Vision AI Companion with Bixby, you'll be able to tailor your picture and elevate the sound to your liking. Want the background noises at a minimum and the dialogue boosted? Done.

While the QN70H is not quite the fanciest TV in Samsung's lineup, it certainly won't disappoint. It's still a Samsung, after all, which is one of our favorite TV brands. And for less than $500, it's an incredible value.

The best Labor Day laptop deals at a glance: Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,699 (save $100) Get Deal Best Windows laptop deal HP OmniBook 3 16 (Snapdragon X, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $599.99 (save $550) Get Deal Best Chromebook deal Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 (MediaTek Kompanio Ultra, 12GB RAM, 256GB UFS) $579 (save $170) Get Deal

The ongoing memory crisis means higher prices for the tech we've come to depend on. Laptops have been hit especially hard by "RAMageddon," with PC makers like Dell, Lenovo, and Acer raising prices to reflect rising component costs. Even Apple marked up its MacBooks by at least $100 apiece this summer. (Gone are the days of the $599 MacBook Neo.)

The current state of the market makes shopping sales feel all the more important. Your last big chance to snag a deeply discounted laptop before Black Friday comes with this weekend's Labor Day sales. Below, we've rounded up the best Labor Day laptop deals we could find, including discounts on MacBooks, Windows laptops, and a very nice Chromebook we've tested.

Best MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,699 at Amazon and Best Buy
$1,799 Save $100   Get Deal

The 13-inch M5 MacBook Air is our favorite MacBook for college students, as it's super portable and a little cheaper than its 15-inch brother. It's a fabulous ultraportable with a crisp, colorful display, amazing speakers, and blazing-fast performance. This upgraded model, with 24GB of RAM and a terabyte of storage, should last you well past graduation. Amazon and Best Buy currently have it on sale for $1,699, or $100 off.

Heads up: If you have a valid student ID, you'll get $100 off and a free $100 gift card if you buy this MacBook directly through the Apple Store during its Back to School sale (live through Sept. 24). However, it won't ship until late September or early October. If you need it sooner, Amazon (with Prime) and Best Buy were both advertising next- or two-day shipping at the time of writing.

Read Mashable's full review of the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M5).

More MacBook deals

• Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $689.99 $699 (save $9.01)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,849.99 $1,999 (save $149.01)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,759.99 $2,999 (save $239.01)

Best Windows laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP OmniBook 3 16 (Snapdragon X, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $599.99 at Staples
$1,149.99 Save $550   Get Deal

The OmniBook 3 16 is a slim, big-screened laptop with a mind-blowing battery life of over 40 hours per charge. It's the longest-lasting laptop we've ever tested in more than a decade of reviewing laptops. Just note that its Snapdragon X processor is best for everyday productivity tasks, not intensive app usage. This configuration with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage (a good daily driver combo) is 48% off at Staples for Labor Day. For reference, HP's website lists the same model at $90 more.

Read Mashable's full review of the HP OmniBook 3 16.

More Windows laptop deals

• HP OmniBook Ultra 14 (Snapdragon X2 Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,799.99 $2,249.99 (save $450)

• Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070Ti, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,899.99 $2,199.99 (save $300)

• Dell XPS 14 (Intel Core Ultra X7 358H, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,699.99 $3,149.99 (save $450)

Best Chromebook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 (MediaTek Kompanio Ultra, 12GB RAM, 256GB UFS) $579 at Best Buy
$749 Save $170   Get Deal

This premium Chromebook boasts an 18-hour battery life and a silky-smooth touchscreen display that can flip around 360 degrees. It makes a great MacBook Neo alternative for ultra-casual users who want a laptop that doubles as a tablet. Ahead of Labor Day, it's significantly cheaper than the Neo: Best Buy has it marked down to $579, or 23% off. That more than erases its $50 price hike from May.

Read Mashable's full review of the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514.

You don't have to look very far on the internet to find someone, somewhere, who is really upset about Final Fantasy games not having turn-based combat anymore.

Final Fantasy games haven’t had it for 25 years, to be clear, but that doesn't stop people from yearning for a time before you had to get good at combos to finish a Final Fantasy. I totally get it, too, as turn-based combat kicks ass. On top of that, the recent success of games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is, if nothing else, a sign that people still vibe with it on some level.

Final Fantasy Resonance, which launches on every major platform on Oct. 22, feels like it exists for two reasons: to please longtime FF fans and to make sure the mobile game Brave Exvius — which Resonance is based on — lives on in some form.

I have not played Brave Exvius, but after playing roughly an hour of Resonance at a preview event a couple of weeks ago, I can confirm that the foundations on which Final Fantasy was originally built are still structurally sound. As to whether or not it can transcend its mobile game origins, well, we'll have to wait and see.

SEE ALSO: 'Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave' feels like the true follow-up to 'Three Houses' Final Fantasy Resonance has all your favorite guys in it You've got four people in your party, but really, you've got eight. Credit: Square Enix

First, some context is in order. Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius came out on mobile devices about a decade ago, and it's one of those phone games where you use currency to do fake slot machine pulls to unlock characters, many — but not all — of whom are plucked from the rest of the FF series. My understanding is that Resonance is largely an new game built like a traditional console RPG, but it's definitely been built using some assets and systems from Brave Exvius.

The demo I played didn't give me a great idea of what to expect from the story, but from what I can tell, the main character is a blonde dude with a big sword named Rain. That's the most Final Fantasy thing possible. They should start naming characters in the mainline games after weather again.

Anyway, you have a conventional party of original characters, but characters from older games in the series are present in spirit form. You can unlock them by finding shrines in the overworld and completing little trivia challenges based on the game each character comes from. In the demo, I unlocked Noctis from Final Fantasy XV, but looking through the menus, I could see that they have characters from good games in there, too.

Yep, that's an overworld. Credit: Square Enix

When you're not fighting — we'll get to that shortly — Resonance plays like an RPG from yesteryear. You run around an overworld full of towns, dungeons, and random battles. There are side quests to complete and a big icon that always points toward the next story objective. I played through one major story dungeon that was fairly linear and simplistic, but the demo also seemed to take place early in the game, so I imagine the dungeons aren’t all like that.

Resonance is also rendered in Square Enix's now-signature "HD2D" look, which was most recently used in Octopath Traveler 0 and The Adventures of Elliot. Based on what I played, this is one of the better-looking HD2D games, but there's one caveat: There are pre-rendered CG cutscenes in combat that very clearly come from the mobile game.

On the one hand, I think it's kind of cool for the game to briefly play a video in a completely different art style during fights, but on the other, the cutscenes really look like they came from a phone game. They don't even have English voice acting, despite the rest of the game having it. The transition from mobile free-to-play RPG to console game isn’t totally seamless here. That's forgivable, but it is noticeable.

The combat mixes old-school sensibilities with modern design conventions

Let's talk about fights, which seem like they will make up the bulk of Resonance's gameplay. That's a good thing because I really dug what I played at the preview.

If you've ever played Final Fantasy VI or one of the other games from that era, you'll be right at home here. Fights are turn-based with zero real-time elements, so you have all the time in the world to strategize and make decisions. Each fight is an exercise in figuring out which elemental spells your enemies are weak against. This requires either a slow trial-and-error process, or using a turn to cast Assess and just have the game tell you.

One of my favorite details is that Resonance lets you use every single offensive or restorative spell either on individual characters or groups. That's a holdover from the old games that fell out of favor decades ago, but I always thought it was cool that you could use a healing spell on every ally instead of just one, at the expense of some potency.

As for why all of those old FF characters are in this game, their main function is to provide statistical buffs and additional combat skills to your core party members. You can, for example, assign Cloud from Final Fantasy VII to any character, such as Rain. Cloud has his own set of skills and stat bonuses that will be available to Rain for as long as Cloud is attached to him. Each classic FF character can be freely swapped among the new party members, so figuring out the best fit for each encounter seems like it's going to be a major part of the combat experience.

This guy was a real jerk. Credit: Square Enix

Lastly, because it's a modern Square Enix RPG, enemies all have stagger meters that fill up when you attack their weaknesses. Stagger an enemy and they'll be stunned for a turn while taking more damage than usual. Stagger every enemy in an enounter simultaneously, and you can unleash a big, screen-filling super attack from one of the classic FF characters, which triggers the CG cutscenes I mentioned earlier. I like this feature in pretty much every Square Enix game that has it, but it definitely stands out as a modern idea inserted into an otherwise old-school game.

The best thing I can say about Resonance's combat is that it seems genuinely challenging. I fought a story boss that took around 15 minutes to kill, and there were some close calls throughout the fight. I like a turn-based battle that makes me sweat a little bit.

My time with Final Fantasy Resonance was largely positive, but there are still some unanswered questions. Is the story any good? Will I find myself caring at all about Rain and his friends? Will it overstay its welcome with a bloated runtime like some modern RPGs, or will it be more akin to its 8 and 16-bit inspirations in that regard? We'll find out together in October.

SAVE $30: As of Sept. 3, the Fire TV Stick 4K Select is on sale for $19.99 at Amazon. That's a $30 discount from its full price of $49.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $19.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $30.00   Get Deal

Labor Day sales are a real treat for shoppers who don't want to wait until Black Friday and the holidays to score some good deals. Amazon's been particularly great with discounts so far, including devices like the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, which recently saw a price hike. As of Sept. 3, this streaming stick has been slashed to just $19.99.

Compared to its newly increased full price of $49.99, that means you save $30 overall. Price tracker camelcamelcamel even shows that this deal price is just a couple of dollars away from the retailer's lowest-ever price of $17.99, so this is an excellent time to grab it if your streaming setup is in need of an upgrade.

SEE ALSO: Best Buy's Labor Day 2026 Sale is live: Shop deals on Apple, headphones, laptops, and more

Amazon's streaming sticks offer several 4K options, but the 4K Select is the line's entry-level pick. If you're making the jump from HD streaming, this device can deliver a higher-quality picture with support for 4K Ultra HD resolution and High Dynamic Range 10+. It also supports WiFi 5 for smooth streaming and comes with 8GB of storage to store your favorite apps.

You can even play Xbox games via cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass, though you will need a subscription and a compatible controller to fully jump in on the action. On top of that, the Alexa Voice Remote makes searching for your next favorite show or movie simple and easy, just by using your voice.

As we head into the Labor Day weekend, deals like this may not be around for long. If this Fire TV Stick 4K Select has caught your eye, be quick to save on it at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Featuring an improved design, including replaceable batteries, along with better noise-canceling and voice-calling performance, the excellent sounding $300 Momentum TWS 5 are top earbuds contender and earn a CNET Editors' Choice award.

Read more about wireless and noise-canceling earbuds: We found the 7 best noise-cancelling earbuds after extensive testing
The 11 best wireless earbuds we've ever tested

Timecode chapters
0:00 Intro
0:21 Design changes
0:41 Replaceable batteries
0:56 New features
1:04 Compared to the Momentum True Wireless 4
1:25 Ear tips
1:53 Tight seal is crucial
2:01 Sound quality
2:31 Sony vs Sennheiser
2:48 Noise cancellation
3:23 Sound test
3:47 Firmware update needed
4:03 Audio dropouts?
4:14 Robust connection
4:32 Codecs
4:57 Battery life
5:17 What do you think?

Video credits
Host: David Carnoy
Scripted by: David Carnoy
Producer: Numi Prasarn
Camera: Numi Prasarn
Video editor: Numi Prasarn
Thumbnail designer: Zooey Liao

One of the world's largest consumer technology shows kicks off on Friday, and Dreame understood the assignment. IFA is all-in on the robot lawn mowers this year and Dreame has a new model that's set to enter the market in 2027. The brand has been one of Mashable's favorite options for robot vacuums in the last few years and their lineup of robot lawn mowers is getting damn impressive. Welcome to the yard, Dreame A4 AWD Pro Series.

A robot lawn mower with a swing arm

Like robot vacuums, the majority of robot lawn mowers set out to do the same task: rid us of the inconvenience of manually mowing the lawn. But now that the market has a handful of top models and brands, things are starting to get fancier.

The new Dreame A4 AWD Pro Series is the brand's introductory model made with the EdgeMaster 4.0 Precision Edge-Trimming System. This enables a swing arm to extend the standard cutting disc outward as the mower senses nearby boundaries. After playing with a few robot lawn mowers, I can say this will be a major benefit since not all robots are comfortable getting close to the edge. At times, I've gone out with the string trimmer to get a cleaner line around the edge.

SEE ALSO: The Roborock RockNeo Q110H robot lawn mower just landed at Amazon, and it's on sale for just 1 week

Of course, the Dreame does this while still saying a safe distance away from walls, fences, or flower beds, but the zero centimeter edge cutting is a unique feature that makes using a robot lawn mower and truly hands-off experience.

In addition to the arm, the Dreame AWD can handle climbing slopes that measure up to 90% or 42 degrees. It can also glide over holes or divots of about four inches deep and six inches wide.

Advanced navigation and intelligence

Since the little robot is sent out to mow on its own, it relies on a solid navigation system. The new Dreame AWD uses a slew of tech to make this happen like 360-degree 3D LiDAR, satellite and network Omni RTK, and AI-powered binocular vision. The infrared sensor can help keep the mower away from people and pets.

How to buy the Dreame A4 AWD Pro Series

At the time of launch, Dreame's press release mentions the new robot mower will hit global markets in the first half of 2027. Starting price (listed in Euros) translates to about $3,500, but pricing can vary by market so we could see a different price in the U.S. We do have details that two models of the A4 AWD Pro will launch with one being suitable for almost an acre and the other model capable of mowing about 1.2 acres.

If you're looking for a Dreame robot lawn mower that's already on the market, the Dreame LiDAR 3500 Robot Lawn Mower A3 AWD is on sale at Amazon for $2,399.99, down from the list price of $2,999.99.

The Full Moon wasn't that long ago, but already it's looking a lot different. Its fully illuminated face is shrinking night by night as it moves into the next phase of its lunar cycle.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Thursday, Sept. 3, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in Waning Gibbous phase, with 62% of its surface visible.

Without visual aids, tonight you can see the Copernicus and Tycho craters and the Oceanus Procellarum. If you have binoculars, you'll be able to spot the Grimaldi Basin, Alphonsus Crater and Clavius Crater. Finally, with a telescope you'll also see the Apollo 14 landing spot and the Schiller Crater.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on September 26.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon's appearance gradually changes as it travels around Earth, completing a full lunar cycle in approximately 29.5 days, NASA tells us. What we see from Earth depends on the Moon's position in relation to the Sun, which affects how much of its illuminated side is visible. As the cycle progresses, the Moon passes through a series of phases, from a thin crescent to a half Moon and then a Full Moon, before starting over.

The eight phases are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SAVE $20: As of Sept. 3, the Nothing Ear (3a) earbuds are down to their lowest-ever price of $79 at Amazon. That's $20 off their full price of $99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing Nothing Ear (3a) $79 at Amazon
$99 Save $20   Get Deal

If a new pair of earbuds is on your shopping list, you don't have to wait until Black Friday to score a good deal. Labor Day sales are live across various retailers and offer solid savings to browse. Over at Amazon, the newly released Nothing Ear (3a) is a standout option, sitting at their best-ever price.

As of Sept. 3, these earbuds have had $20 slashed off their $99 full price, bringing them down to $79. According to price tracking website camelcamelcamel, this is the lowest price point yet for these earbuds, making now an excellent time to scoop them up. All colors are on sale as well, so you can find your favorite at a discount.

SEE ALSO: Best Buy's Labor Day 2026 Sale is live: Shop deals on Apple, headphones, laptops, and more

The Nothing Ear (3a) earbuds provide up to 45dB of Active Noise Cancellation, so outside noises won't interrupt what you're listening to. On the opposite end of that, they also have a Transparency Mode that can make you more aware of your surroundings if you'd rather not be closed off while out and about.

When it comes to sound quality, it comes through strong thanks to a 12mm driver that's larger than what the Ear(a) offers. These earbuds also feature Clear Voice Technology, which is helpful on calls. Plus, it has a very beefy battery life, lasting up to 42 hours with the charging case.

This deal may not stick around for long, so don't miss out on this great offer on the Nothing Ear (3a) at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Chicken Shop Date is coming to an end.

The viral YouTube series created and hosted by Amelia Dimoldenberg will have one more season before wrapping up, the creator and Mash 101 alumni announced on Thursday.

SEE ALSO: The 9 best Chicken Shop Date episodes to binge

Dimoldenberg took to Instagram to share the news in a statement, saying she feels it's "now time to move on from this adventure and onto a new one."

View this post on Instagram

Here's her statement, in full:

"When I was 17 I had a fantastic idea that I might meet the love of my life on a date in a chicken shop.

I’ve spent my entire twenties sitting across from the most incredible people, people I’d always dreamt of meeting. All of them charmed me (some more than others) and I definitely charmed them.

To me the show is my very own romcom and I have loved creating so many stories for you to watch. I am so grateful to everyone who has followed me on this journey and found some joy in these episodes.

I never thought I’d stop Chicken Shop Date, I thought maybe it would be a part of me forever, and in some way it always will, but I feel like it’s now time to move on from this adventure and onto a new one.

But before I say goodbye forever, I want to celebrate everything Chicken Shop Date has been for me with a few final dates…coming very soon.

Love Amelia x"

Originally starting as a column, Chicken Shop Date launched in its current YouTube form back in 2014. It's since become an online staple up there with the likes of Hot Ones, with new episodes typically getting millions of views.

It will be missed by many — but it sounds like Dimoldenberg, who last year launched an F1-themed web series, has other things up her sleeve. Earlier this year it was announced that Dimoldenberg would star in and produce a romantic comedy about a journalist who interviews celebrities for Amazon MGM Studios’ Orion Pictures.

DJI has launched the Osmo 360 II, its new 360-degree 8K camera, in the global market. With larger sensors, higher frame rates, and replaceable lenses, it seems primed to go head-to-head with Insta360's recently released X6. However, people in the U.S. will have a harder time getting their hands on it than the rest of the world.

SEE ALSO: DJI and Insta360 go to war in the U.S. over its action gimbal cameras

Announced on Thursday at IFA 2026, the DJI Osmo 360 II's 1/1.1-inch square sensors are the same size as last year's Osmo 360, but offer 14.5 stops of dynamic range rather than 13.5. The camera also boasts higher frame rates, capable of shooting 8K panoramic video at a maximum of 60fps, as well as 4K slow motion footage at 240fps. In comparison, the Osmo 360 tops out at 8K at 50fps, or 4K at 100fps in slow motion mode.

One of the Osmo 360 II's more interesting upgrades is the introduction of replaceable lenses. Insta360 made the lenses of their X5 camera swappable last year, allowing users to easily replace them if they are damaged, and further upgraded this feature in the X6 last month. Now DJI is bringing out its own swappable 360-degree lens system, reducing Insta360's advantage and helping to make any lens-damaging accidents a bit less disastrous (or expensive).

Pairing the Osmo 360 II with the DJI Mimo app and transferring footage has been simplified as well. Rather than having to search for the Osmo 360 II in the DJI Mimo app, you can just tap its new NFC area to your phone, which should make users' workflow slightly smoother.

DJI's Osmo 360 II also has a few changes on the software side. The camera will debut AI SuperNight 2.0, a new noise reduction algorithm designed to help capture clean footage in low light situations. The Osmo 360 II features Spotlight Follow too, bringing this tracking tool to DJI's 360-degree cameras for the first time. Previously found in the Osmo Pocket handheld gimbal camera series, Spotlight Follow uses AI to automatically reframe your footage, following your subject to keep them in the centre of the frame at all times (though it will only work with 4K 30fps footage at maximum).

Aside from these upgrades, the DJI Osmo 360 II has identical measurements to its predecessor, the same 100-minute battery runtime at 8K 30fps, and the same 105GB of built-in storage available (which can also be supplemented with microSD cards).

Credit: DJI

Unfortunately, the Osmo 360 II won't officially be available in the U.S. for the foreseeable future. The U.S. government's hostility toward DJI has significantly hindered the company's operations in the country, resulting in its products now being unavailable for purchase through its U.S. website. As such, acquiring an Osmo 360 II in the U.S. will require going through a third party.

For everyone else, the DJI Osmo 360 II will be available in most other markets across the world from Sept. 15. No U.S. pricing has been announced, however the Osmo 360 II is already available in Hong Kong, where its Standard Combo will set you back $HK3,899 (approximately $500).

UPDATE: Sep. 4, 2026, 7:27 a.m. AEST This article has been updated to correct the Osmo 360 II's sensor size.

Acer came to IFA 2026 with a stacked product lineup, including the much talked about Project Dualplay Mini, a handheld gaming device with a rotatable screen. See what else Acer showed in our highlight reel of the keynote.

GLP-1s are inescapable online, as Mashable reported, including extensive discussions about them. The latest topic of conversation to hit your FYPs may be about being single and dating while taking the drug.

"Dating after weight loss sucks," said Katherine Lipovsky on social media, where she posts videos about life after losing 300 pounds with the help of a GLP-1. In this particular video posted in Aug., she went on to say she was insanely jealous of people who've had partners who have loved them in all sizes, because she'll never know if her future partner would've stood by her.

SEE ALSO: A 'gray market' of GLP-1 drugs is growing on TikTok, new analysis alleges

Lipovsky, who's 41 and has been on a GLP-1 for several years, expressed similar emotions to Mashable.

"Until last summer, it was impossible for me to find a man who didn't want to keep me a secret," she said in a phone interview. That's the biggest difference that she's seen since losing weight. It wasn't that men didn't desire her, or weren't physically or emotionally attracted to her. 

"It was that they didn't want to be seen with me," she said. "It's literally that they were embarrassed to like me, and that was just really made me feel like shit."

Now, she's navigating the mindfield of post-weight-loss dating and wondering whether her dates would've accepted her before.

Societal bias against fat people is well-documented. Weight discrimination is linked to poorer physical and mental health, worse healthcare, and being turned down for jobs. The bias persists in the dating world. A 2022 article in the journal Stigma and Health on dating and hiring preferences found that there was a stronger weight bias amongst heterosexual participants and gay men, but less so in lesbians and bisexual women.

Lipovsky is one of many people who've experienced this stigma and are now learning to live life in a smaller body while taking GLP-1s. As she and others Mashable spoke to, it's changed every facet of their lives, especially dating.

Dating with 'skinny privilege' 

Alejandra, a woman in her 20s who withheld her last name for privacy reasons, started posting about how GLP-1 use is impacting her dating life because she didn't find much about it online herself. 

She has PCOS (now called PMOS) and has been on a GLP-1 for almost three years. Dating while on the drug is a fairly new topic, she told Mashable over the phone, and it's changed for her in so many ways. Like Lipovsky, she wonders if the men she dates like her for her.

"I may come off as more confident now that I am at [my] goal weight," she said, "but at the same time, that does bring a lot of insecurities in relationships because I get in my head about, 'Do they like me now because of the way I look or do they like me for me?'"

That's a question she'll never know the answer to, she said, because they didn't meet her before she lost weight. 

Both Alejandra and Lipovsky also said they get a lot more attention from men now that they've lost weight. 

"Now, I'm living and experiencing what dating is like, or should be like, and being treated with default kindness and respect by people, which is wild," Lipovsky said. "I don't know that I'll ever get used to it."

Lipovsky said she now has "skinny privilege," which has come along with better treatment from people: Men open doors for her and carry her luggage, for instance. She gets compliments, which didn't happen before.

"I feel like I was just as valuable and deserving of respect and kindness, no matter what my size was," she said. "But it's impossible to not see it happening with my own eyes."

Still, that doesn't mean finding a partner has been any easier. 

SEE ALSO: What to do when body image is affecting your sex life

"When you're fat, you think, 'If I could just be skinny, my life would be perfect. Everything will be perfect if I'm skinny,' and you blame everything on being fat," she explained. "That's how it was for me, and that's not how it is at all. Life is still very hard. Things are not perfect."

"Men don't suddenly become knights in shining armor when you're thin," she continued. 

Lipovsky uses dating apps (though she finds them overwhelming), and also goes "manhunting" with her best friend, which she describes as "practice flirting."

"I'm like a baby deer interacting with men because I always was the fat, funny friend," she said.

Alejandra also uses dating apps and has started going out to bars this year. A point of vexation when dating is other people's opinions on GLP-1s.

Misconceptions of GLP-1 use

"I get so upset and frustrated in the dating world," Alejandra said in terms of the negative associations with GLP-1 use. On first dates, she doesn't purposefully disclose that she uses one because people make assumptions about those who take it.

"My thought process now is like, 'If they can just get to know me first, and then this conversation comes up after the fact, and there's opportunities to educate, then maybe it won't immediately affect their opinion on me or about me,'" she said. 

Some of her TikTok videos address this frustration. "There are so [many] men who have a problem with this, that the next time I go out to bars, to clubs, whatever, I'm just gonna…wear a sign that says, 'Warning, I'm on a [GLP-1]," she said in a video posted in April. "And I think that that will keep the men away." 

"Dating on 'the glip' never gets easier," she lamented in one posted in May.

She told Mashable that she sometimes wants to put something about being on a GLP-1 on her dating profile, which she hasn't done because it's "terrifying." But having a problem with GLP-1 use is a huge red flag for her.

"GLP-1s, especially with having PCOS, will forever be part of my life. That's not going away, and I could never be with a partner who doesn't agree with it or has terrible things to say about it, because that tells me everything I need to know about them and their lack of support that I'd receive continuing on this medication," she said.

She doesn't shy away from correcting men she's on dates with. She told Mashable about a time she was on a date with a man who said his roommate was on a GLP-1 and called them "lazy". "Of course, I can't stay quiet," she said. She corrected him and said she was on a GLP-1, and not because she's lazy. 

Another date of Alejandra's on retatrutide (which isn't approved by the FDA) called it a "shortcut."

"I did have to stop him in his tracks," she said. "I was like, 'It's not a shortcut. At least it wasn't a shortcut for me.' And then that opened up the conversation of PCOS and why I specifically had to rely on the medication to lose weight." She said he was open to learning more and understanding her experience.

She's also now hesitant to share her social media with someone she's dating because of her content. What she shares online is very vulnerable, she said, and sometimes she even thinks about deleting her account. 

"But every time I think about deleting it, getting rid of it, starting fresh, forgetting about that past version of me, I just think about that one person who needs to see what I'm posting about so that they can relate and know that they're not alone. And that's just honestly what keeps me from deleting it all," she said.

Most of the videos Mashable observed on Instagram and TikTok about dating on a GLP-1 were posted by women dating men, though some were by men dating women. Mashable reached out to several of these men, but none of them responded. 

Comedian Jared Freid, however, shared about his experience on a June 2026 episode of the podcast he co-hosts, U Up? (Freid didn't respond to a request for a Mashable interview.)

When responding to a question about whether a listener should disclose whether they're on a GLP-1, he said, "I can relate to the shame," and that it's vulnerable to mention any medication you're on. But he thinks of it as a lifestyle medication, not a "vanity medication," though vanity is a part of it.

"The vanity element of [GLP-1s] has been overplayed," he said. "It's a daychanger for me, being able to live a life without food on my mind," he continued. 

GLP-1 and the dreaded dinner date

GLP-1s curb appetite, and there are many memes out there about how little some people on the medication eat. Some people on GLP-1s also reduce drinking as alcohol makes them feel uncomfortable or nauseous, or they just stop wanting it. When a typical first date is dinner or cocktails, that can make meeting someone new harder.

Alejandra said that when she was in the middle of her weight loss and going up on higher doses, it would be awkward if she were out on a dinner date and could only take a few bites. "I didn't want them to think that I didn't like the food or that I wasn't hungry, and so sometimes by default, it comes up, like, 'I don't have like a huge appetite right now because I'm on this medication.'" 

But at this point, she avoids the conversation on a first date.

Lipovsky said she likes to go out for coffee and a croissant on a first date, so she doesn't have to bring it up, either. But if she's out on a dinner date, she'll say she's on a GLP-1, and she's down to split something. She'll joke that she's a cheap date, because she doesn't drink alcohol, either, mostly because of the medication.

On disclosing GLP-1 use, Alejandra said she doesn't have all the right answers. But disclosing any medication use is one's choice and should only be done when someone is comfortable doing so.

Neither Lipovsky nor Alejandra plans on stopping GLP-1s. Alejandra hopes that the more people open up and share their experiences, the more it can help everyone else, including herself, as she's still in the dating scene. 

"Hopefully other people can relate as well," she said.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're good with numbers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for September 3, 2026 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: Quickly

• Green: Scarlet

• Blue: Kid wheels

• Purple: Found in Excel

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Two shakes of a lamb's tail

• Green: Shades of red

• Blue: Toy car brands

• Purple: Spreadsheet functions

Play our Big Guessing Game: Make your predictions now for a chance to win a new Apple Watch. Time's running out!

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 #1177 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Two shakes of a lamb's tail: BLINK, FLASH, HEARTBEAT, TRICE

• Shades of red: CARMINE, CINNABAR, MAROON, VERMILLION

• Toy car brands: HOT WHEELS, MATCHBOX, MICRO MACHINES, TONKA

• Spreadsheet functions: AVERAGE, COUNT, MAX, SUM

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

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're a sports fanatic.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, 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 preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 3, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Hike!

The words are related to an American sport.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe a fall sport.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Come to Light.

NYT Strands word list for September 3

• Tackle

• Stadium

• Upright

• Football

• Pass

• Kick

• Rush

• Play

• Down

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're a contractor.

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 3, 2026 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 3, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A supporting beam.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter J.

Play our Big Guessing Game: Make your predictions now for a chance to win a new Apple Watch. Time's running out!

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...

JOIST

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.

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

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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.