Mashable

It's been two years since the Sony WH-CH520 debuted, and they remain one of the best bang-for-your-buck audio deals available in 2025. The amount of functionality stuffed into these cans is astounding. You’re getting signature Sony sound, as well as other brand hallmarks, for a fraction of the cost.

I’ve been re-testing these Sony headphones on and off for the past several weeks. My critiques have not changed one bit. They are arguably the best headphones under $100, easily the best headphones under $50, and a must-own for budget-conscious shoppers who want affordable Sony cans at a ridiculously low price ($38.95 at the time of writing).

Before you jump on Amazon to purchase a pair, check out my in-depth Sony WH-CH520 headphones review.

Sony WH-CH520 headphones specs and setup Unboxing the Sony WH-CH520 on-ear headphones. Credit: Alex Bracetti Setting up the WH-CH520 headphones is a breeze. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

The Sony WH-CH520 pack a solid spec sheet for the price. Take a look.

• Speaker Driver Unit: 30mm

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz

• Battery: Up to 50 hours of additional playtime with wireless charging case

• Quick charge: 3 minutes gives you 1.5 hours of listening time

• Colors: Black, blue, cappuccino, pink, white, yellow

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

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

• Google Fast Pair and Find My Device support 

All Sony headphones and earbuds pair easily with Android and iOS/macOS devices, including the WH-CH520. Android users receive exclusive perks like one-tap Google Fast Pair and Find My Device. Downloading the Sony Sound Connect app provides access to a variety of features that extend functionality. Physical buttons and voice commands make up the WH-CH520’s control scheme. The protruding buttons on the right earcup are responsive to input and accurately execute intended functions. Sony’s microphones demonstrate great speech recognition when dishing out Google Assistant and Siri commands. 

Wireless range extends up to 45 feet before stuttering occurs. These on-ear headphones also come with multipoint technology to pair to two Bluetooth audio sources simultaneously.

Everything the Sony WH-CH520 headphones get right Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Despite having smaller drivers and no hi-res audio codecs, the WH-CH520 hold their own on the sonic front. Their sound profile is nicely balanced. Deep lows blend well with transparent mids and crisp highs. Contemporary tracks sound energetic, while live performances have a dynamic presence, thanks to airy vocal reproduction. Fidelity is taken up a notch when enabling my favorite feature for enhancing sound on Sony headphones: DSEE. This technology upscales the clarity and depth on all tracks — no matter the format — achieving near-hi-res quality when playing stored files or streaming music online. Sony’s spatial audio technology, 360 Reality Audio, is also onboard and does a decent job of creating 3D sound for music and movies.

Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

A full charge generates up to 50 hours of playtime, depending on how the headphones are used. Special features (e.g., 360 Reality Audio, multipoint) can decrease this by 5 to 8 hours, which is still sufficient. You can get a full week of moderate use (5 hours daily) before recharging. Quick charging is just as noteworthy: a 3-minute charge equals 1.5 hours of playtime. Not even pricier selections like the AirPods Max and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones match this.

The WH-CH520 make for an adequate calling headset. Are they on the same level as the new WH-1000xM6? No. The best flagship headphones are always going to outperform budget cans like this. But they come in handy when you need to make a call in a pinch. The mics effectively capture vocals and emphasize them over most ambient noise. Just make sure you’re not making calls in extremely loud environments. 

What the Sony WH-CH520 headphones get wrong Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Let’s state the obvious – these are not attractive headphones. The numerous colorways provide some flash, but that’s only if you’re purchasing one of the brighter shades. Besides that, the build quality is mediocre (mostly composed of plastic), and there’s very little detailing to differentiate these cans from any third-party pair sold on Amazon.

Not every major Sony feature is available. You miss out on smart controls like Quick Attention and Speak-to-Chat to automatically lower volume and auto-pause music whenever you speak, respectively. There is no active noise cancellation, which would have been useful since the on-ear design lets in a lot of ambient noise. Lastly, the WH-CH520 are missing a 3.5mm jack for wired listening. There is a USB-C port, but the headphones do not support USB-C listening. 

Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable Are the Sony WH-CH520 headphones worth it?

It’s almost criminal for Sony to sell headphones with its proprietary sound technologies at such a low price. 

The WH-CH520 sound terrific, and the inclusion of high-end features like 360 Reality Audio and DSEE make select content immersive and more comprehensive. Battery life is rated higher than most of the best noise-canceling headphones. Powerful mics and versatile wireless features add to their unbeatable value.

Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Yes, the design is chintzy and flawed (ambient sound passthrough affects sound quality), but all other areas are on-point.

The Sony WH-CH520 can be purchased directly on Sony’s website or at online retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH520 on-ear headphones $38.95 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $31.04 Get Deal

Save $200: As of Sept. 27, this Sky Blue 13-inch M4 MacBook is 20% off on Amazon, coming in at $799, down from the $999 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Sky Blue 13-inch M4 MacBook $799 at Amazon
$999 Save $200 Get Deal

This weekend, this Sky Blue 13-inch MacBook Air with an M4 chip is on sale, and it’s a powerhouse. The laptop features a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD storage, 12MP Center Stage camera, and Touch ID. The M4 chip offers up to 1.5 times faster CPU performance than the previous M2 chip from Apple. This particular model is well-suited for utilizing Apple Intelligence, Apple’s specially designed AI that helps you work and express yourself faster and more effectively. Apple Intelligence also offers industry-leading privacy protections, providing you with peace of mind that your data is secure.

This Sky Blue 13-inch MacBook Air offers up to 18 hours of battery life and a luxe webcam so you can look and sound your best. A webcam that offers a polished look and high-quality sound is perfect for someone who has frequent remote work meetings or appointments or a penchant for photo booth selfies. This MacBook Air features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a MagSafe charging port, a headphone jack, WiFi 6E, and Bluetooth connectivity, supporting up to two external displays.

The MacBook Air seamlessly integrates with your Apple ecosystem, enhancing the usefulness of your other Apple products. You can seamlessly mirror your iPhone on your MacBook Air screen as you work, play games, write your novel, or watch your favorite show.

DJI, the Chinese tech company and drone maker, has lost a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and will remain on the Pentagon’s list of firms with ties to the Chinese military.

The ruling, handed down Friday, found that the DoD had "substantial evidence" to suggest DJI, one of the world’s largest consumer drone manufacturers, contributes to the "Chinese defense industrial base." However, the court rejected the DoD’s claim that DJI is "indirectly owned by the Chinese Communist Party."

In response to questions from Mashable, a DJI spokesperson emphasized that the company is not owned or controlled by the Chinese military, and noted that the DoD itself acknowledges the company produces consumer and commercial drones, not military hardware.

SEE ALSO: DJI has a new mini drone coming soon — and you can't have it

While no new smoking gun evidence was identified in the ruling, the federal judge wrote that the DoD (recently rebranded by the Trump administration as the "Department of War") is "owed heightened deference…in matters of national security."

Remaining on the list prevents the company from bidding on U.S. contracts, grants, and other programs, according to Reuters. It could also make American businesses wary of working with DJI, since partnering with a firm flagged by the Pentagon for ties to the Chinese military invites heightened scrutiny.

The ruling likely won't help DJI's efforts to stave off a potential ban of its popular drones later this year. As previously reported by Mashable, all drones manufactured in China must undergo a national security risk assessment by December 23, 2025, and the U.S. has yet to assess DJI. The company previously claimed that Customs and Border Protection has been blocking its drones from entering the country, and many DJI products are increasingly difficult to purchase in the United States.

In a statement to Mashable, DJI stressed that the lawsuit against the DoD is unrelated to the risk assessment audit.

"While DJI is pleased that the Court agreed with DJI and rejected most of DoD's purported justifications for listing DJI, we are disappointed that the Court nonetheless upheld the listing," a DJI spokesperson told Mashable in an email statement. "This decision was based on a single rationale that applies to many companies that have never been listed. DJI is currently evaluating its legal options in light of this decision."

Despite the ruling — and the looming potential ban of DJI drones — the spokesperson said that DJI "[remains] committed to serving our U.S. customers and partners, and we call for fair competition in the United States."

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 first hit store shelves six months ago. As expected, the wireless earbuds became a top seller that garnered high praise for their sporty performance across numerous verticals (e.g., durability, fit, sound). The buds were also criticized for a few glaring flaws. 

I shared many of the same positives and negatives as my industry peers upon the Powerbeats Pro 2’s debut. Half a year later and I’m still testing them to determine any significant changes, good or bad.

Read my updated take on the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 to see why they’re still on balance the best earbuds for working out in 2025.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 wireless earbuds specs and setup Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

The Powerbeats Pro 2 come with a robust spec sheet. 

One of their biggest selling points is compatibility. The H2 processor makes pairing instantaneous with all Apple devices: iPhone, iPad, Macs/MacBook, and Apple TV. It also grants access to iOS perks like automatic switching, audio sharing, announced messages with Siri, Ear Tip Fit Test, “Hey Siri” voice activation, and much more. This time around, Beats added Android optimization for seamless connectivity with Google-operated devices. Android users have platform-restricted features (e.g., Fast Pair and Find My Device) at their disposal. Another addition is multipoint technology to pair the buds with two devices simultaneously. 

Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Like the AirPods Pro 2, the Powerbeats Pro 2 have a dedicated section in the iOS Settings menu to enable features, while Android users can download the Beats app to personalize the buds. (And like the new AirPods Pro 3, the Powerbeats offer heart-rate monitoring and fitness-forward features.)

Beats retained its physical control scheme. Each bud has a multifunctional button and volume rockers. All buttons produce solid tactility that ensures users their intended commands will be met. “Hey Siri” lets you fire up voice commands without manually enabling the feature on Apple devices. The buds also support Google Assistant. So, whether you're on team iOS or Android, voice assistance works flawlessly. 

What the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds do right Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

The Powerbeats Pro 2 perfect wireless audio athleticism. It starts with the signature ear hooks. These are ideal for all workouts, especially running. I always use them when jogging fast-paced on the streets and treadmill. They wrap gently around the ear and lock on for a secure and stable fit that never slips out. The variety of ear tips accommodates listeners of all ear sizes. IPX4 certification protects the buds from excessive sweat and water splashing, and the plastic frame is built to survive hard falls on the concrete. 

Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

New health features increase the Powerbeats Pro 2’s value. There is built-in heart rate monitoring (HRM) that records heart rate data and shares it across different fitness programs (e.g., Apple Health, Nike Run Club, Peloton). Are the results as accurate as the Apple Watch? No. Is the feature a viable way to gauge fitness goals when your smartwatch isn’t available? Yes. 

Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Sound is the driving force behind every pair of workout earbuds, and the Powerbeats Pro 2 nails it. Beats tweaked its soundstage to deliver a more well-rounded listening experience. Bass remains at the sonic forefront. It is impactful and vibrant with minimal distortion at high volume. Despite the midrange being overemphasized, it is clear enough to enjoy vocals. Highs are crisp and detailed as well. Most workout tracks produce energetic mixes that can fuel any marathon run. Personalized Spatial Audio increases the acoustics and clarity on Dolby Atmos content. Precise headtracking makes Apple Music songs convincingly immersive. 

Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Battery life has been increased by an hour, now totaling 10 hours per charge. ANC use brings it down to 8 hours. That’s more playtime than any true wireless AirPods model. The same goes for other luxury alternatives. Beats’ charging case now supports Qi-enabled wireless charging and holds up to 45 hours. Fast-Fuel charging is also stronger: a 5-minute charge equals 1.5 hours of listening time.

What the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds do wrong Left: The original Beats Powerbeats Pro sports earbuds. Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable Right: The new Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 sports earbuds. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Let’s discuss the redesign. It is more ergonomic and gentler on the ear (the previous model was a painful wear after several hours). However, the Powerbeats Pro 2 look less appealing than the OG, which had a sporty and sophisticated appearance. The charging case shrunk by about 33 percent, but it is still larger than most charging cases.

I don’t know what happened with the noise cancellation on these buds. The advertisements make it seem as if the technology is twice as powerful as before. It isn’t. Models like the AirPods Pro 2 and the sibling Fit Pro have superior ANC that neutralizes loud conversations and mid-frequencies at a high level. The absence of Apple’s newest listening modes – Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Hearing Health – doesn’t help either.

Are the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds worth it? Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Yes, with some of the usual caveats. 

They are an improvement over their predecessor, and Mashable named them the best earbuds for working out for their secure fit, easy connectivity, and fitness-forward features. Audio quality, connectivity, and special features all receive necessary boosts. The uptick in battery life is appreciated. Nifty extras like HRM also demonstrate Beats’ commitment to making the Powerbeats Pro 2 a premium release that avid exercisers will appreciate.

At the same time, they lack the AirPods Pro 2’s prime listening modes and resilient ANC, and if you already have a pair of Beats sports earbuds, I don't know if they justify an instant upgrade. The updated design doesn’t look as good as the original Powerbeats Pro. Then there’s the MSRP ($249), which is the same as the first-gen model and is still pretty steep for today’s consumer market — a market that has plenty of cheap wireless earbuds. 

The decision comes down to affordability. If splurging isn’t an issue, then the Powerbeats Pro 2 are 100 percent worth the investment. Otherwise, you can spend nearly $100 less on the equally great Fit Pro and enjoy many of the same perks.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 can be purchased for $249.99 directly from the Apple website, as well as popular online retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 sports earbuds $199.95 at Amazon
$249.95 Save $50 Shop Now Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds review: By the numbers

Finally, let's break down the specs:

• Type: Hook-style sports earbuds

• Processor: Apple H2 chip

• Battery life: 10 hours (45 hours with case)

• Fast charging: 5 minutes provides 1.5 hours

• Ear-tip sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL

• Colors: Jet Black, Quicksand, Electric Orange, Hyper Purple

• Noise cancellation: ANC

• Spatial Audio: Yes

• Water resistance: IPX4-rated

• Weight: 8.7 grams (earbuds), 77.7 grams (earbuds + case)

SAVE $140: As of Sept. 27, the 65” Hisense 4K Smart TV is 25% off, coming in at $409.99 down from its list price of $549.99 on Amazon. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense 65” 4K QLED Hisense Smart TV $409.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $140 Get Deal

This 65” Hisense Smart TV comes with so many features. Starting from the top, it has QLED color, which consists of quantum dots that display over a billion shades of color each. This technology renders your favorite shows and games in a vivid, crisp picture. The size of the screen is also perfect for turning your living room into a home theatre of your very own.

Additionally, the Hisense Smart TV also includes Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos Sound, Fire TV, and a voice-controlled remote via Alexa. You can also shift into filmmaker mode and watch shows and movies in the exact dimensions and resolution that the filmmaker intended.

With an AI Light Sensor, your 65” Hisense Smart TV will detect the brightness of your room and adjust the picture accordingly to ensure the best picture possible and save on electricity use. The TV comes with a stand, remote, and setup guide, and it features Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The TV also has AI 4K upscaler technology to enhance any streamed content to near 4K image quality.

Amazon reviewers are pleased with the picture quality right out of the box, and many remark on its incredibly simple setup.

Electronic Arts (EA), the video game giant behind franchises like Madden and FIFA, is approaching a deal to go private, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday.

The deal, valued at around $50 billion, would be the largest leveraged buyout in history.

SEE ALSO: Review: 'Ghost of Yotei' proves that the PS5 is still a winner

According to the Wall Street Journal, the investors involved in the buyout include the private equity firm Silver Lake, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Affinity Partners, an investment firm formed by President Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Saudi Arabia's PIF currently provides Affinity Partners with most of its funds. As of 2023, Saudi Arabia's PIF also owns nearly 10 percent of EA.

The EA buyout would be the latest in a series of gaming investments by Saudi Arabia, part of the country's tactics to lessen economic dependence on oil. In 2021, the PIF launched Savvy Games Group, dedicated to investing in video games and esports. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman serves as Savvy Games Group's chairman.

In addition to EA, the PIF currently holds stakes in Activision Blizzard, the company behind Call of Duty and World of Warcraft, and Take-Two Interactive, the company behind Borderlands and Grand Theft Auto. The PIF also has a stake in Nintendo, although in 2024, it cut down on its shares.

Following the Wall Street Journal's report, shares of EA closed up 15 percent on Friday. EA has been publicly traded since 1990. EA could announce the buyout as soon as next week.

Love a TikTok so much that you want to keep it on your phone and treasure it forever? You can do that with the save video function built right into the app.

"Save video" allows you to save your favorite TikToks to your phone's photo library. Downloading TikTok videos allows you to have access to a TikTok even if the user deletes it, or if TikTok takes it down or removes the sound. Though this seems less likely now with an inked deal, it also preserves your favorite TikTok videos in case the platform is ever banned, which has been a real possibility for years. Downloading a TikTok video can also streamline sharing it with your more offline friends who may not have The Clock App.

SEE ALSO: TikTok will finally let you reset your For You page

Unfortunately, you can't save all TikToks — the user who posts a TikTok has to allow downloads for their video. If the "Save video" option doesn't come up, that means the TikTok user doesn't have downloads turned on for their account.

In that case, you could always screen record the TikTok instead. (We've got you covered on how to do that, too.)

To save a TikTok, follow the steps below.

How to download a TikTok video Total Time

• 2 min

What You Need

• Smartphone
• TikTok app

Step 1: Open the TikTok app

Go to the app and open it as usual.

Step 2: Navigate to the video you want to save.

Hopefully you have it saved.

Step 3: Tap the white "Share" arrow on the right side of the screen.

It will bring up a number of options.

Tap the arrow to view sharing options for the TikTok. Credit: screenshot: TikTok

Step 4: Tap the arrow button above "Save Video" or "Download"

"Save Video" uses an easily recognizable download symbol. The option may also be listed as "Download," making your job even easier.

Downloads are on, so you can save the video by tapping "Save video." Credit: screenshot: TikTok

This article was originally published in 2021 and was most recently updated in September 2025.

Wondering how to clear the cache on an iPhone? As we run several apps and navigate browsers like Safari and Chrome, we collect a lot of useless clutter along the way that fills up our phone's cache.

What, exactly, is a cache? For the uninitiated, it's a reserve for your iPhone that saves temporary data. On the plus side, it helps websites load more rapidly. However, it does have its downsides. For example, it can take up a lot of storage that can be used for more pertinent files.

SEE ALSO: The 25 best early October Prime Day Apple deals on AirPods, MacBooks, and more

Itching to free up more space, or simply trying to clear away cookies and other browsing data? Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clear the cache on your iPhone. Please note that we've included screenshots from a phone running iOS 26 and Liquid Glass, but the steps should be similar even if you're on an older OS.

How to clear cache on iPhone: Clear Safari cache

If you're experiencing any issues with performance or unexpected behavior on a website, clearing your Safari cache may solve the problem. Below, we've got instructions on how to do just that.

1. Open Safari and tap the three dots in the corner The start of your journey. Credit: Screenshot: Apple/Alex Perry 2. Tap Bookmarks Find your bookmarks. Credit: Screenshot: Apple/Alex Perry 3. Tap the clock icon, then the three dots, then tap Clear Find that clear button. Credit: Screenshot: Apple/Alex Perry 4. Set how far back you want to clear your data and then hit the big red button Shiny red button. Credit: Screenshot: Apple/Alex Perry How to clear cache on iPhone: Clear app cache

If you want to look into clearing your app cache instead, here's how to do it.

1. Open 'Settings' Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable 2. Tap on 'General' Easy enough so far. Credit: Screenshot: Apple/Alex Perry 3. Tap on 'iPhone Storage' So far, so good. Credit: Screenshot: Apple/Alex Perry

Look through any apps that you feel can use a cache cleaning.

4. Tap on desired app and hit 'Offload App' There you have it. Credit: Screenshot: Apple/Alex Perry

With these cache-cleaning tips, you should free up some space on your iPhone and benefit from better performance, whether you're surfing the web or navigating iOS.

SEE ALSO: Missed the Apple Watch Series 11 deal earlier this week? It's back.

UPDATE: Sep. 27, 2025, 11:08 a.m. EDT This article has been updated with new screenshots and advice.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition requires some knowledge on golf and one of the great American cities.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

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

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

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

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

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: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Fan or player of NHL team

• Green: Annoying noise devices

• Blue: Guess this baseball movie

• Purple: Are you a 10?

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

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

• Yellow: An NHL Player

• Green: Noise Makers in the Crowd

• Blue: First Words of Baseball Movies

• Purple: ____10

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #369 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• An NHL Player - BLUE, ISLANDER, JET, PENGUIN

• Noise Makers in the Crowd - COWBELL, KEYS, VOICE, VUVUZELA

• First Words of Baseball Movies - FEVER, FIELD, MAJOR, TROUBLE

• ____10 - ATLANTIC, BIG, HANG, PERFECT

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

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

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

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

In one sense, Meta AI's Vibes — an endless scroll of AI-generated videos, submitted by creators and launched on the Meta AI app and website Friday — is the purest expression of what Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg wanted to build when he was designing Facebook in the first place.

Still tinkering in his Harvard dorm room, Zuckerberg explained to a potential partner why he wanted to design his social network not for job hunting, but for endless, mindless scrolling. "I kind of want to be the new MTV," he said (according to a 2010 report on Facebook's murky origin story).

One of my first thoughts, when I decided to spend the better part of a day locked in Vibes' endless scroll, was this: so many Vibes look like a 10-second clip from a music video. (As with Instagram Reels, you can choose from a selection of music to accompany your Vibe.) Some are the cheesy '80s kind of music video, others wacky '90s-style Spike Jonze or Michel Gondry joints. The AI-generated pet videos — of which there are many, often with cats snuggled up in cozy settings or dogs running through fields — look like clips from some dystopian alternate universe where MTV and the Hallmark Channel merged.

This isn't an insult, by the way; I've loved watching music videos since childhood, and they're still my favorite way to get hyped up while working out on my rowing machine. But the best ones, often made by hungry directors heading for Hollywood, do what the best movies do: They tell a compelling story. You can have all the cool disassociated images in the world, and your brain will get bored quickly if there's no story connecting them.

And that's the trouble with Vibes: all of these shorts are great eye candy, none of them tell a story. Scrolling for a day, it was easy to see why social media users were settling on the same description of Meta's new service: an "infinite slop machine."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Is Vibes the future of AI video?

To be fair, there's plenty of interesting AI art out there, stuff that does tell a story and does stick with you. Recently we've highlighted cool stuff like this clever food-based body horror that went viral on Reddit. The question of how much AI infringes on the copyright of other artists is still a hot button topic; one major case is working its way through the system after a judge refused to throw it out.

But as things stand, AI-generated video is the horse that has bolted from the barn. YouTube now lets you add AI video to your shorts; many other services like Imagine and Midjourney are competing to provide you with clips. We're in the AI-generated-video-for-everyone era, like it or not (which is why it's always a good idea to brush up on telltale signs of fakery).

But if Vibes itself is the future of AI video art, I think artists can rest easy. Most artists understand the importance of display and context; a work of art often needs plenty of negative space around it. Vibes jams canvases together like it's a 19th-century gallery with a premium on wall space. (That kind of gallery went out of style for a reason).

The endless series of shorts washed over me after a while, rarely clinging to the inside of my head. There were a few exceptions to this rule, most notably a video of what appeared to be Tom Hanks and Donald Trump running through a cornfield (the same kind that I'd already seen a dozen dogs romp happily through). Hanks looked terrified. Trump, behind him, had long hair flowing in the breeze; it wasn't clear if Trump thought he was chasing or racing. Either way, thanks for the nightmare fuel, Vibes!

A still from a Vibes short, and also how my brain felt after watching them for hours. Credit: @WeirdMusicVideos on Meta AI

Again, to be fair, Vibes also shows how far AI video has come in a few short years. There were few instances, at least in this curated creator feed, of hands with too many fingers, torsos with too many limbs, and other features we associate with AI slop. There was often something in a video that looked a little wrong if you looked too closely — for example, why are those people vacationing at the beach looking out to sea, rather than at the dinosaurs charging past them a few feet away on the boardwalk?

But in general, the problem here is not the Uncanny Valley. The problem here is empty calories.

Younger kids may enjoy the weird eye candy aspect for hours on end (Vibes could well be the new Baby Einstein). But the more mature a brain gets, the less it thrives on mere novelty. Brains are storytelling machines, which is why Facebook's infinite scroll was once so compelling. We shared stories, and created our own community stories by arguing with each other about them. Vibes is the video version of the AI slop that has already arguably made Zuckerberg's social network less compelling than ever.

So yes, in one sense, Zuckerberg couldn't be closer to his MTV dream. And in another, the storytelling sense that keeps us coming back to find out what happened next, Meta's infinite slop machine couldn't be any further away.

This column reflects the opinions of the writer.

Apple's big AI revamp for Siri is getting closer and closer.

The iPhone maker has been overhauling its Siri voice assistant in hopes of making it comparable to AI tools from companies like OpenAI and Google. In fact, speaking of the ChatGPT creator, Apple has created its own version of OpenAI's AI chatbot to test out the new and improved Siri.

SEE ALSO: Apple claims MagSafe stands are responsible for iPhone 17 'Scratchgate'

According to a new report from Bloomberg's Apple insider Mark Gurman, Apple has created a ChatGPT-like app dubbed "Veritas" to prepare Siri for its revamp next year.

Veritas is only for internal use among Apple employees in its AI division, and the company has no current plans to release it to the public.

However, news of Vertias' existence gives us an important look into Apple's plans. Apple is perhaps the biggest tech company that has yet to fully immerse its products in AI like its competitors. Apple launched its own AI features, Apple Intelligence, just last year. However, unlike its competitors, Apple Intelligence is powered by a combination of Apple's own technology and AI technology from partnered companies.

Veritas is being used to test Apple's new system, named Linwood, that powers the revamped Siri, according to Gurman. Linwood uses large language models, including Apple's own, combined with a third-party model. Apple is also utilizing Veritas in order to test out features that will be integrated into its new Siri voice assistant, which is still in production. In addition, the company will also evaluate whether these features serve users in an AI chatbot format as well. 

According to the report, some features being tested include AI search through a user's personal data, which includes everything from the music library to emails. Testing is also being conducted on in-app features like editing photos with AI.

Apple just recently released its latest smartphone, the iPhone 17. Looking over Apple's other soon-to-be-announced products, the new Siri appears to be the next big mobile release. Over the past few weeks, reports have pointed to Apple still working out which AI companies to partner with for the new and improved voice assistant.

However, the Siri revamp has been delayed many times before. Gurman reports that Apple is currently slated for a March 2026 debut for the new Siri.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

3D audio, ANC, and practicality favor the AirPods Pro 2 Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

The AirPods Pro 2 have a pleasant soundstage that delivers crisp highs, striking mids, and thumpy lows. But that’s not their biggest selling point. Personalized Spatial Audio is. The 3D audio format makes Dolby Atmos content feel all-encompassing, and movies on compatible streaming services sound more immersive. 

Apple’s noise-cancelling technology eliminates a high amount of external sound to enjoy music peacefully in most environments. Transparency mode is even better and boosts awareness by making ambient noise sound more natural. The surplus of listening modes raises the AirPods Pro 2’s stock. Adaptive Audio terrifically blends both ANC modes to achieve the best sound performance possible. Conversation Awareness automatically lowers volume and increases voice capture for clearer communication. Then there are the multiple Hearing Health modes that transform the buds into hearing aids, which is crucial for those with mild or moderate hearing loss.

All these facets don’t work without a solid ecosystem at the helm, of course. How the AirPods Pro 2 seamlessly interconnect with all brand devices is nothing short of exceptional. Pairing is quick, range is strong within a 40-foot radius, and signature features like “Hey Siri” voice command are complementary. 

Some users complain about the fit of the AirPods Pro 2. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Spatial audio on the Powerbeats Pro 2 works fine, though the feature sounds clearer on the AirPods Pro 2. You should still be able to pick up on the increased acoustics and clarity when vibing out to Apple Music tracks. The Powerbeats Pro 2’s noise cancellation doesn’t measure up to competitors, or to other in-house releases like the Fit Pro. It struggles to drown out most mid- and high-frequency sounds. Wearing the buds around a crying baby or in a rowdy setting won’t grant much silence. 

Transparency mode is clutch for outdoor adventures. Whether it’s hiking in the woods or running through high-traffic areas, you’ll be able to keep tabs on your surroundings and talk to people without taking off the earbuds. The Powerbeats Pro 2 run on the same H2 processor as the AirPods Pro 2. Therefore, they’re programmed to instantly connect with all iOS/macOS devices and share many of their counterparts’ features, though not all. That’s a shame considering their steep MSRP.

Winner: Apple AirPods Pro 2 | Read our full review of the AirPods Pro 2.

Battery life, standard sound, and versatility go to the Powerbeats Pro 2 Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

Where the Powerbeats Pro 2 gain serious traction is in their conformity. Beats products have always been known for their long battery life and engaging audio output. We can now add multiplatform support to that list. These buds nail all three targets. 

Up to 10 hours per charge (8 hours with ANC) is the most listening time you’ll get from any Apple or Beats buds on the market. The AirPods Pro 2 max out at a measly 6 hours per charge. There is a significant difference in additional playtime between the two wireless charging cases. Beats’ case holds up to 45 hours and Apple’s case reaches a max of 30 hours. Fast-Fuel charging is stronger on the Powerbeats Pro 2: a 5-minute charge generates 30 minutes more playtime (total of 1.5 hours) than the AirPods Pro 2. 

Beats improved its soundstage to give listeners the bass-fueled sonic presentation they desire. There is a notable dip in midrange, but overall, the Powerbeats Pro 2 produce emphatic and resonant sound. Sound quality on Android devices is just as impressive.

Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

The Powerbeats Pro 2’s integrated earhooks form a comfy and incredibly secure fit. Full-on compatibility with iOS and Android makes these buds ideal for multiplatform enthusiasts. In addition, features like multipoint technology let you pair to two devices at the same time, no matter the operating system. Something else that makes the Powerbeats Pro 2 more distinctive is the built-in heart rate monitoring, which is only available with the new AirPods Pro 3. The feature isn’t the most accurate, but it’s a way to gauge activity when your Apple Watch isn’t available. 

Now you see what we mean by versatility.

Winner: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 | Read our full review of the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2.

Apple’s absolute best wireless earbuds are… Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

The AirPods Pro 2. Considering they're almost always on sale, they offer the most bang for your buck. Access to newer listening modes, stronger ANC, and the guarantee of more updates via iOS are well worth the current asking price ($199 on Amazon). Not to mention their flawless functionality with brand devices and unrivaled spatial audio, at least when it comes to Apple earbuds.

Just because the Powerbeats Pro 2 lost this battle doesn’t mean you should overlook them. Sporty attributes like the earhook design and heart-rate monitoring make them the better workout buds. (However, the new AirPods Pro 3 do offer heart-rate monitoring now.) They also provide the longest playtime of any Apple or Beats true wireless model. Beats’ refined soundstage also stabilizes frequencies, while maintaining loud and energetic bass response. If only their ANC, feature set, and pricing matched the AirPods Pro 2.

Winner: Apple AirPods Pro 2

Products in this guide The newcomer Apple AirPods Pro 3 $249.00 at Walmart Get Deal Best to save a few bucks Apple AirPods Pro 2 $199.00 at Amazon Get Deal Best for hardcore athletes Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 $199.95 at Amazon Get Deal

If you have strong preferences for your workout gear — and strong feelings on Hoka versus Brooks (we're not getting in the middle of that debate) — then finding the right pair of workout headphones can be extra challenging.

The best headphones for working out need to withstand movement, sweat, and the elements. Plus, you don't want something you're constantly fussing with; your headphones should help you stay focused during your exercises.

Mashable reviewers have tested many pairs of headphones and wireless earbuds, and we can tell you which products stay put during a workout, and which buds will go tumbling onto the sidewalk as soon as you break into a run. To make sure we're recommending the right products, we tested over a dozen of the best sports earbuds, headphones, and bone conduction headphones from brands like Bose, Beats, Apple, and Shokz.

How to pick headphones for working out

The right headphones for you depend significantly on the kinds of workouts you like to do and where you like to do them. If you like to run outdoors, you need headphones that keep you safe in busy areas with reliable noise transparency, such as bone conduction headphones or open earbuds. If you're pumping iron at the gym, you might prefer sports earbuds that block out the world with active noise cancellation so you can lock in for your reps. And some people just prefer the look and feel of traditional over-ear headphones. We found reliable options in each category, but in general, most athletes prefer the best wireless earbuds for working out.

For this guide, we looked for two universal specs in all of the headphones we tested. First, workout headphones need to be wireless, giving you a full range of movement. You don't want to get tied up on the stair climber.

Second, workout headphones need to be sweat- or water-resistant. This one is obvious. When you're working out, you're getting sweaty, and you want headphones that won't freak out at the first sign of moisture. Your gym earbuds don't have to be fully waterproof, but this will be helpful for outdoor athletes.

So, whether you're hitting the gym or the pavement, here are the best earbuds and headphones for working out.

Recent changes to this guide

For our most recent update in September 2025, we replaced the Apple AirPods Pro 2 with the newly released AirPods Pro 3. Likewise, we swapped out the previous-gen Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds for the QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2) buds.

In a previous update, we removed the discontinued Jabra Elite 8 Active (Gen 2). These buds previously occupied the top spot and provided remarkable battery life, fit, and sound quality in a highly durable package. We still recommend it if you’re lucky enough to find a pair online at a reasonable price (they sell for $300 on eBay).

We also tested additional products that ultimately didn't make the cut, including the JBL Reflect Aero noise-cancelling earbuds. Despite appearing to have a similar design to the Beats Fit Pro — the earbuds themselves, not the ear tips — were so big they couldn't comfortably fit in the ear, a troubling design that caused them to fall out constantly.

Would it surprise you to learn that Pornhub pulls in enough eyeballs to rank among the most-visited websites on the entire planet?

According to SimilarWeb (an analytics platform for websites and apps), adult websites like Xvideos and Pornhub get a staggering number of monthly visitors, with Pornhub alone pulling in 1.7 billion visits in August 2025. To put that number in perspective, these porn giants often outrank sites like Netflix and Amazon (though not ChatGPT).

But if you're itching to take things a step further than just watching and want to live out some of those fantasies IRL, then exploring Pornhub alternatives like AdultFriendFinder and other NSFW dating sites could connect you with someone who's on the same page.

SEE ALSO: How to unblock and watch Pornhub for free

Before you dive in, let's be clear about what you're getting into. On these sites, "dating" usually means a one-night stand, a threesome, or a sex buddy — not a long-term partner. Likewise, platforms like Cams.com and SextPanther are paid platforms that connect you to online performers, which means no IRL connections. (Bringing up IRL meetings could get you permanently banned from these sites.) When navigating the best hookup apps, always be specific and honest about what you want on your profile to find someone who's on the same page. And remember the golden rule: consent, boundary-setting, and respect are non-negotiable.

Finally, one more warning: There are a lot of romance scammers and other cyber criminals looking to take advantage of people online. Please be cautious and use common sense.

While most of these sites are free to access, many offer paid memberships to unlock bonus features. So, if you're tired of your goon cave, here are our favorite X-rated dating sites as an alternative to Pornhub. (Be warned: NSFW content awaits.)

The Android versus iPhone debate has been largely settled, with both sides agreeing to just let people enjoy the things they want. That’s a great mindset to have, but there are still folks with iPhones out there who may be curious about what Android phones have to offer. After all, burnout is real and it’s natural to wonder what the other side's got.

As it turns out, it’s quite a lot. The iPhone 17 did a pretty good job of closing the gap in some places — like including vapor chamber cooling and high refresh rates on the whole lineup — something Android phones have had for years. But there are still some advantages to choosing an Android phone over an iPhone. Plus, with iOS 26 bringing a huge redesign and the the iPhone 17 Pro’s scratchgate controversy, there have certainly been some complaints among Apple users.

So, if you’re curious, here are some good reasons to switch to Android. 

Options, options, options

The biggest advantage when shopping for an Android phone is that there is more than one brand at your disposal. You have the Samsung Galaxy S25, the Google Pixel 10, and the upcoming OnePlus 15. Those are some of the well-known options, but there are plenty of others like the gamer-focused RedMagic 10S Pro and Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro, and the cool-looking Nothing Phone 3. 

The neat thing about having all of these options is that phone makers have shoved all kinds of cool stuff in them to differentiate from one another. For example, the RedMagic 10S Pro has a cooling fan to help keep the phone temperatures in check during long gaming sessions, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra houses a stylus in the body that you can use to write stuff. You also have more options in terms of price, as reasonably good budget Android phones can go for as low as a few hundred dollars.  

Foldables

Until the mystical foldable iPhone becomes real, your only chance to play with bendy glass comes with buying an Android phone. Not only have these phones evolved from being little more than a novelty act, but there are genuine fans of them out in the wild. Most of the major Android phone OEMs have one now, including Samsung, Google, OnePlus, and even Motorola, which brought back the iconic Razr phone branding for its foldable phone. 

In most cases, the foldables represent the highest Android phone tier. They are rather expensive, but usually come loaded with top-of-the-line specs. They also have vertical and horizontal folding phones, so you can emulate the old flip phones of the 1990s, or you can have a phone and a tablet in your pocket at the same time. The choice is yours. Regardless, Android is the only place where you can experience foldables for the time being. Although that will likely chance once Apple releases its rumored foldable. 

Foldables! Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable More customization

For the tinkerers out there, Android offers the ability to customize your phone in a manner just not available on an iPhone. And you don’t need to do anything super complicated to accomplish it. The biggest and most oft-mentioned method to customize your phone is with a launcher, which iPhones don’t have at all. There are many flavors, from near-stock experiences like Action Launcher or Lawnchair Launcher, to more minimal experiences like Niagara Launcher and Olauncher. 

The launcher can radically change what your home screen and app drawer look like, but there are some other things you can do, such as install custom icon packs to make those look different as well. Apps like KWGT let you make custom widgets, giving you even more options. One app I’ve always liked is TruePick’s, an app that shows you really cool home screen concepts and then shows you which apps you need to install to recreate the look. Some devices even let you change the font and yes, there are apps for that, too. 

SEE ALSO: Review: The incredibly thin Galaxy Z Fold 7 is my favorite Samsung foldable yet More freedom in organization

Apple likes to keep things in-house, so it’s no surprise that navigating through folders and files on your iPhone can be a little frustrating. Android has no such problem. Not only is it compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux without any special software, but there are myriad file browsers that you can download, giving you the opportunity to fully manage your storage space. 

This is a little more niche than other features, but specific types of users may enjoy this quite a lot. For example, video game emulators require ROMs, and having a special folder on an Android phone just for ROMs makes it much easier to stay organized. It’s a small thing, but when it comes to usability, Android can prove better than iOS for these types of menial tasks, especially if you do something out of the norm like the aforementioned emulator use. 

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable Better access to apps

Speaking of emulators, Android users generally enjoy a looser, more diverse ecosystem of apps than the Apple App Store. Granted, Apple does allow emulators in the App Store now, but for over a decade, that privilege was reserved for Android fans. Apple's App Store has approached reaching parity with Android in this area after EU regulations forced Apple to allow for third-party app stores. But even though the App Store allows torrenting apps now, Android has allowed them for many years. 

This extends to loads of stuff. Many modern Android phones let you run multiple copies of the same app for people who want to run the same app under different profiles. There are also hyper niche apps you can get on Android that don’t exist on iOS. I would mention sideloading here — accessing apps from unverified developers — but Google is likely killing that off. Until they do, though, sideloading is still relevant, giving you even more access to more apps. 

Faster charging

Apple has been stepping up its charging game in recent years, but it’s still far behind the leaders in the Android segment. The iPhone 17 Pro Max can charge at 40W wired or 25W wired. That’s not too bad in the grand scheme of things, but Android phones simply do it better. Plus, you have a choice based on which phone you go with. The Galaxy S25 Ultra charges at a slightly better 45W, while the OnePlus 13 can charge at a whopping 100W, giving you a full charge in less than an hour. 

The only Android phone that has slower charging than the latest iPhone is the Google Pixel 10, which can charge up to 30W, so if faster charging speeds appeal to you, you may want to avoid that one. In any case, if you consistently find yourself reaching for a charger at some point during the day, an Android phone will get you more juice in the same amount of time.

Pixel phones, IRL. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable OS features

Earlier, I talked about things that the iPhone 17 brought that Android fans have had for years, like high refresh rate displays on lower-end devices and vapor chamber cooling. Android devices have always been on the bleeding edge, dating back back well over a decade with things like NFC, and continuing with modern features like AI integration, which Android phones had for a year or two before Apple Intelligence came out. 

SEE ALSO: How to use Apple Intelligence

Several of these features have already been mentioned, like changing the launcher, superior file management, and running multiple copies of the same app at once. Some other features that Android has that iOS doesn’t is a built-in guest mode, support for multiple user accounts, split-screen mode, Bubbles (floating apps), an OS-level back button (or gesture), and, if you own a Samsung phone, the DeX mode is pretty cool for turning your phone into a PC.

In short, if you want more features faster and sooner, Android is typically the way to go. 

You can just do more

Most of the rest of the things that Android can do that iOS can’t are pretty niche. For example, since Android phones act like USB storage, it is entirely possible to install Windows to your PC from the internal storage of your Android phone. Is this a good enough reason to pick Android over iOS? No, but having that kind of freedom is nice.

Apple has its pros and cons as well, and if people didn’t like iPhones, then Apple wouldn’t sell them like hotcakes every year. However, while Google tightened-up Android over the years, there are still plenty of things that make it feel like the Wild West, and honestly, that may be the best part of owning an Android phone.

As its title suggests, Alien: Earth was always going to bring Alien's Xenomorphs to our home planet. So how would the series adapt the legendary movie monster to its new environment?

That was the challenge the staff at Wētā Workshop faced going into their work on Alien: Earth. Vaughan Flanagan, a supervising art director at Wētā, and Joe Dunckley, a senior art director at Wētā, walked Mashable through their process over a Zoom interview.

SEE ALSO: 'Alien: Earth's game-changing ending, explained

"We were very keen to explore Xenomorph design, but we were also very nervous about that, because within the creature design space, the Xenomorph is highly venerated amongst a lot of our artists," Flanagan said. "There's always that trepidation when it comes to messing with the perfect organism."

Wētā has worked in the Alien universe before, creating the Facehuggers for Alien: Romulus. "Romulus was an amazing experience in that [director] Fede [Álvarez] brought together people from shops all over the world," Dunckley explained. "But the Xenomorph for Alien: Earth, that was our opportunity."

Creatures from Earth inspired Alien: Earth's Xenomorph. Cameron Brown as the Xenomorph in "Alien: Earth." Credit: Screenshot: FX

When it came to bringing the Xenomorph to life, Wētā and Alien: Earth showrunner Noah Hawley didn't want to mess with artist H.R. Giger's original design too much.

"We really wanted to preserve that silhouette — the elongated head, the tail, the piping, all of those things," said Flanagan. "A lot of the areas in which we sought to innovate was within the details. This was a show set on Earth, and so Noah wanted to draw a lot of inspiration from terrestrial creatures: crustaceans, insects, beetles, and whatnot. A lot of that was integrated into the suit design."

At first, Alien: Earth's Xenomorphs weren't going to be suits. But when the show moved in that direction, Dunckley and his team took over the manufacture of the suits.

SEE ALSO: How practical prosthetics brought 'Alien: Earth's glorious gore to life

"We started with the performance requirements of the Xenomorph. The Xenomorph in Alien: Earth has to do a lot, so we needed someone who could bring the creature performance, but could also withstand the rigors of the action in the show, because Noah wanted to do as much as possible practical," Dunckley said.

For that, Wētā turned to stunt performer and actor Cameron Brown, who plays the Xenomorph from the Maginot over the first episodes of the season.

"Something that I really wanted to bring was the animalistic quality of the creature," Brown told Mashable in a Zoom interview. "A lot of inspiration for that came from watching the original films."

To figure out how the Xenomorph moved, Brown drew on his stunt performer background. "A lot of my pre-visualization was, 'How is this creature going to interact in different situations?'" Brown explained. "Like in the Maginot, for example, what's it like when there's no threat around and it's just exploring the space? Or what's it like when there is an immediate threat? How does it tackle that?"

How do you put a Xenomorph in the jungle? Jayde Rutene as Wendy's Xenomorph in "Alien: Earth." Credit: Screenshot: FX

In the latter half of Alien: Earth Season 1, stunt performer Jayde Rutene stepped into the role of the adolescent Xenomorph that Wendy (Sydney Chandler) learns to communicate with. (On set, the character is known as "Wendy's Xenomorph.") At this point, Brown stepped into an advisory role for Rutene.

"All of the exploration process at the start is, for me, the most joy in filmmaking," Brown said. "So then when it came to passing all of that on [to Rutene], I got to experience that a second time in the production, which was really exciting to me, sharing some of the discoveries I've made, and then watching my friend Jayde make her own discoveries."

SEE ALSO: Five burning questions we have for 'Alien: Earth' Season 2

Because Wendy's Xenomorph spends so much time stalking through the jungles of Neverland, Rutene and the Alien: Earth crew had to consider new ways to shoot the Xenomorph outdoors.

"A lot of difficulties with performing in a creature suit is trying to stay away from a human silhouette. You can put on this very elaborate and incredibly well-designed Xenomorph suit, but if you just stand there, it's still just a guy in a suit," Brown said. "Finding ways to break that inside a space like the Maginot, where it's all dark and you have the help of lighting and claustrophobic spaces and camera tricks to do that, lent itself to being a lot easier to than when we moved to the jungle. Knowing that Jayde was going to be in a lot more open spaces, we had to try and make sure that all of our movement was foolproof for that."

Wendy's Xenomorph looks different because of how it was raised. Jayde Rutene as Wendy's Xenomorph and Sydney Chandler as Wendy in "Alien: Earth." Credit: Screenshot: FX

Seeing the Xenomorph outdoors in an Earth jungle is a disarming image for the Alien franchise, and Alien: Earth worked to be make it even more disarming by visually separating Wendy's Xenomorph from other Xenomorphs. Wendy's Xenomorph is lighter than others fans have seen, and it comes with its own strange markings.

For Hawley and the artists at Wētā, these design changes reflect Wendy's Xenomorph's unconventional life cycle, as it grew within Hermit's (Alex Lawther) lung, instead of a full human body.

"The idea that Noah brought to us is that maybe because [Wendy's Xenomorph] has grown in this unnatural way, its development would have been altered," Flanagan explained. "We looked at piebalding and mottling for the skin texture. We also thought that maybe this Xenomorph is a little bit more stunted. Maybe it's not as tall as the 7-foot-tall Xenomorphs that we're used to seeing."

The result is a Xenomorph that's uniquely of Earth, one that's still in action by the end of Season 1. How could this Earthen Xenomorph evolve in the future of Alien: Earth?

Alien: Earth is now streaming on Hulu.

Being an NFL fan ain't cheap.

The average ticket to a game will run you $279 — the most expensive being the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles at $475, on average. (Go Birds.) (Editor's note: Go Bills!) But even if you prefer to watch the games at home, it's not exactly a more affordable option.

So, how much would it cost you to watch every single NFL game on TV in the 2025-2026 season? Last year, I estimated that it would cost $891.36 to watch every game, and the situation hasn't improved much in 2025. Let's break it down.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL online for free Why NFL games are broadcast everywhere

Over the past few years, the NFL has sold its television and streaming rights in a piecemeal fashion — a game here, a package there, a day of the week here — in a way that's made it impossible to watch every game on TV via one, clean purchase. If you're a diehard football fan, you better be prepared to do some homework, and your wallet better be open.

That's a shame, because professional football is just about the only thing this country still agrees on. We will and have paid for it. I'd argue that NFL football is the most popular part of our shared U.S. culture, full stop. And it's not particularly close. Even Taylor Swift has her haters, famously so, in fact. Of the top 10 most-watched televised events last year, all ten were NFL games. Of the top 50, 32 were NFL games. It's guaranteed ratings, which means streamers and networks have fallen over themselves to get a piece.

To wit, here is every entity that owns exclusive rights to broadcast at least one NFL game this season:

• CBS

• FOX

• NBC

• ABC

• ESPN

• ESPN+

• Amazon

• Netflix

• Peacock

• NFL Network

• YouTube

Frankly, it'd be easier to break down which broadcasters don't have a piece of the NFL at this point.

SEE ALSO: How to watch NFL games without cable: Football streaming deals for 2025–2026 Which games does each channel and streaming service broadcast? Credit: Ishika Samant/Getty Images CBS

CBS has been the home of the AFC forever, as any NFL fan knows offhand. That means you get a local AFC team, a national game, or some combination of both, during the 1 p.m. ET and 4 p.m. ET windows.

FOX

In short: FOX is to the NFC what CBS is to the AFC. You get local and national games during the same windows.

NBC

Sunday Night Football, perhaps the marquee game each week, is owned by NBC. The network also televised the season opener (a Birds victory; go Birds) and will have a game on Thanksgiving.

ABC/ESPN

Disney is the parent company of both ABC and ESPN, which broadcast Monday Night Football, another marquee standalone product. Some games also air on ABC and, certain weeks, there are double headers with one game airing on each channel.

ESPN+

That's right, just ESPN wasn't enough; you might also need the company's premium streaming service to watch every NFL game. I write might because there is some confusion; Sports Media Watch reported in August that a planned Week 7 ESPN+ exclusive matchup had been moved to ESPN proper. The NFL's website lists ESPN as the broadcaster, too, but an ABC blog post updated this week lists the Week 7 matchup as an ESPN+ exclusive. Mashable has reached out to ESPN to clarify where the game will air but, for now, let's assume you'll still have to pay for ESPN+ to watch the Houston Texans play the Seattle Seahawks in Week 7.

Amazon Prime

Prime owns the rights to Thursday Night Football as well as a Wild Card round playoff game.

Netflix

Netflix will, once again, air two NFL games on Christmas.

Peacock

Yes, that's right, there is a Peacock exclusive matchup on top of NBC already airing games. The streamer will air a to-be-determined matchup in Week 17, on the Saturday after Christmas.

NFL Network

The NFL Network got six international games this season. Later in the season, some yet-to-be-determined games get moved to NFL Network, as well.

YouTube

YouTube, for the first time, had exclusive rights to the Week 1 Friday night game. It did not require a subscription, however, meaning it was free.

Breaking down the cost of watching every NFL game

TL;DR: It costs $810.86. There are 285 total NFL games in a season, meaning you'd pay about $2.85 per game in 2025.

But, of course, it is much more complicated than a nice, simple number. There are lots of assumptions I used to get to that figure. First, I assumed the consumer was starting from scratch. Consider this customer as someone who just moved — leaving behind an old school cable package — and made getting every single NFL game their top priority.

Second, I assumed this hypothetical customer would purchase each service as it was needed to watch a game then, importantly, cancel it once it was no longer needed. I felt it was a fair compromise to assume folks would 1) remember to cancel but 2) not perfectly time their free trials.

Third, I assumed this fan was not mooching off of others' subscriptions. Frankly, the crackdowns on shared passwords have grown so severe that I'd be surprised if you circumvented them, anyway.

So, in this hypothetical instance, you'd almost certainly buy YouTube TV + NFL Sunday Ticket. A diehard NFL fan would need Sunday Ticket to access out-of-market Sunday games. These are the games on CBS and FOX across the country that aren't the four games airing in your local market — Sunday Ticket is the only way to get those games. From there, YouTube TV covers most of the other networks you'll need: CBS, FOX, ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network. For new customers, YouTube has a package where Sunday Ticket costs $276, while YouTubeTV costs $49.99 for two months, then $82.99 after that.

That leaves you needing Amazon Prime, Netflix, Peacock, and (maybe) ESPN+. Prime is the biggest expense because you'll need it from the start of the season through the first week of the playoffs. That's five months at $14.99 a pop, or $74.95 total. Netflix came in at just $7.99 — assuming you purchased the cheapest tier — for the Christmas games. Ditto for Peacock. The final expense is ESPN+ at $11.99 for its October game, though, again, it's unclear where that game will air. The total, then, came in at $810.86. Here's how that looks in a simple spreadsheet.

Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Google Sheets

We did this exercise last year and, in total, it seems the cost actually got a smidge cheaper in 2025 (about 9 percent cheaper YoY). But, it's worth noting, most people would pay more than $810 to watch every NFL game. Most folks already have a number of subscriptions — streamer, cable, or otherwise — which means we aren't starting from that ideal blank slate. It's likely lots of folks have an expensive cable package, for instance, but still have to spring for NFL Sunday Ticket at $276 to get out-of-market games. Or take returning YouTube TV customers, who have to pay $480 for Sunday Ticket. It doesn't pay to be loyal because all these broadcasters — YouTube included — know that Americans love their football and will pay handsomely to get access.

SEE ALSO: The popular sports piracy network Streameast shut down, and sports fans are not OK

Of course, not every NFL fan will want to watch every single game. Most Americans already have some combination of network broadcasters, cable channels, and streaming services. You've likely already got some of the games covered and can stand missing out on the rest.

Heck, you can see lots of games with just FOX, CBS, and NBC, the old-school networks. Throw in Amazon Prime and ESPN, and you've got access to tons of games. Oh, and Netflix, too, because are you really going to miss the Christmas games? And, well, at that point, you might as well get Peacock, too, right? What's $7.99? And, shoot, are you really going to miss that Colts vs. Rams game just because it's out of market? So maybe Sunday Ticket is a good deal...

Man, it really ain't cheap to be an NFL fan.

FREE BOOKS: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on Sept. 27. Enchant Your Kindle Day, hosted by Enchanted Realm Co., is offering free dark and cozy fantasy reads for e-readers.

Opens in a new window Credit: Enchanted Realm Co. Enchant Your Kindle Day (Sept. 27) Learn More

The nights are getting longer, the temperatures are dropping, and you're probably feeling an overwhelming urge to lock yourself away and tackle that reading list that has been staring at you for months. There's no need to feel guilty about that growing list. The sun has been shining, and naturally, you've had big plans. But that's in the past now. It's time to celebrate the season and get cozy.

And there really couldn't be a better time to make the shift, because the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day goes live on Sept. 27. Enchant Your Kindle Day, hosted by Enchanted Realm Co., is offering free (or heavily discounted) dark and cozy fantasy reads for one day only. And better yet, the books that you download are yours to keep forever.

SEE ALSO: The best Kindle accessories for reading in luxury

Looking to make the most of the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day? We've lined up everything you need to know about this popular event.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Enchant Your Kindle Day takes place on Sept. 27. A lot of recent Stuff Your Kindle Days have stretched out over a few days, giving bookworms the chance to properly peruse their options. This latest event starts 6 a.m. ET and only lasts through the day, so you'll need to act fast to stock up on everything you want to read.

Who can take part in Stuff Your Kindle Day?

The beautiful thing about Stuff Your Kindle Days is that anyone can participate. Kindle, Kobo, and Nook readers can download these books for free. You can even download these books on your preferred app and read them straight from your phone. Everyone is welcome, even you.

Which e-books are free?

Finding all of these free (or heavily discounted) dark and cozy fantasy books is straightforward thanks to Enchanted Realm Co.'s helpful hub page that clearly lists everything included in this generous event.

Is Stuff Your Kindle Day the same as Amazon Kindle Unlimited?

Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep forever, and there's no limit on the number of books you can download. Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads don't count towards the 20 books that Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow at the same time. So don't hold back.

The best Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite + Kindle Unlimited (3-Month Plan) Get Deal Why we like it

These popular e-readers help you take your entire library on the go. With weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, you can read anywhere and anytime with the Kindle Paperwhite. Prices start at $159.99, but if you want to secure a better deal, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free during Stuff Your Kindle Day.

TL;DR: Learn 14 different languages at your own pace with this lifetime subscription to Babbel Language Learning for $159 (reg. $249) with code LEARN until Oct. 2.

Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $159
$299 Save $140 Get Deal

Have you been a little jealous of all the back-to-school mayhem? You don’t have to stop learning after graduation. In fact, you can keep the learning going forever with Babbel Language Learning.

This app’s technology-driven approach to language learning can fit into any schedule, and right now you can secure lifetime access to all 14 language options for only $159 (reg. $249) with code LEARN until Oct. 2.

SEE ALSO: Master the conversations that matter in 14 languages with Babbel

Ready to open the door to new cultures and experiences? Learning new languages gives you access to whole new worlds, and Babbel makes the process a lot more accessible in today’s world. Babbel’s 10-to-15-minute lessons can fit seamlessly into even the busiest schedules, and you never have to step foot into a classroom.

Babbel puts language learning at your fingertips, allowing you to open the app on your smartphone at any time. This deal gives you access to more than 10,000 hours of online language learning lessons. Choose from 14 different language options, and hop into any of them at beginner, intermediate, or advanced levels.

You’ll learn to converse about real-life topics you’ll actually use, like dining, shopping, making friends, and business. And the app’s advanced speech recognition technology allows you to improve your pronunciation as you go. There’s even an AI conversation partner that allows you to practice conversing in real time.

You can use Babbel on all your devices, with your progress syncing across devices. It’s also easy to download lessons and study offline if you have a trip planned or plan to go off the grid.

Take advantage of this exclusive StackSocial deal on a lifetime subscription to Babbel Language Learning for $159 (reg. $249) with code LEARN until Oct. 2.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Give yourself a much needed productivity boost this fall with a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home and Business for Mac 2021, now just $69.97 (reg. $219).

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021: Lifetime License $69.97
$219 Save $149.03 Get Deal

Even if you’re a devoted Apple user, you don’t have to miss out on Microsoft’s best tools. In fact, you can now outfit your Mac with the helpful suite of Microsoft Office apps. And if you act fast, you can do it for a fraction of the usual price — a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 is now just $69.97 (reg. $219).

Want to give your Mac a Microsoft upgrade? A lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 gives you permanent access to six helpful apps ready to assist you with work, school, and more. And you’re probably familiar with more than half of them, as they’re the old standbys we all knew and loved from the ’90s.

SEE ALSO: Score Microsoft Office for Windows as a lifetime license for under $50

This Microsoft Office suite comes packed with old classics like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. It also includes new staples like Teams and OneNote, so you can get a taste of Microsoft’s latest offerings.

When you purchase, you’ll get an instant delivery and download so you can start using them right away. You’ll never have to pay the monthly fees again, and you don’t have to worry about cloud connectivity. You can work offline as needed, as the apps are downloaded to your device.

This license requires macOS 13 or later, at least 4GB of RAM, and 10GB of available storage. Upgrade your Apple device with a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home and Business for Mac 2021, now just $69.97 (reg. $219).

StackSocial prices subject to change.