Mashable

SAVE $3,500: NFL season officially starts on Sept. 4. Before the first game, upgrade to a 100-inch TV now. Save on models from Hisense and LG and get up to 50% off. Get the Hisense 100-inch Class U8 ULED 4K TV for $3,499.99, saving $3,500 on list price.

The best 100-inch TV deals ahead of NFL kickoff Best 100-inch TV Deal Hisense 100-inch Class U8 ULED 4K TV $3,499.99 (Save $3,500) Get Deal Best LG TV Deal LG 100-inch Class 85A MiniLED 4K TV $3,999.99 (Save $1,000) Get Deal Best budget deal Hisense 100-inch Class QD6 QLED 4K TV $1,697.99 (Save $802) Get Deal

While preseason has been in full swing for a few weeks now, NFL season officially kicks off on Sept. 4. If you have all of your subscriptions set-up and have even made the investment in NFL Sunday Ticket, it's probably time to think about where you're watching. Watching online doesn't really do the games justice — you need the big screen.

Ahead of the new NFL season, there is an abundance of 100-inch TV deals, especially from Hisense. You can find TVs up to 50% off for thousands of dollars in savings. We've rounded up the best TV deals so you can watch every game in vivid 4K.

The best 100-inch TV deal for NFL kickoff Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 100-inch Class U8 ULED 4K TV $3,499.99 at Amazon
$6,999.99 Save $3,500 Get Deal Why we like it

The absolute best deal we've spotted ahead of the new NFL season is on the Hisense Class U8 MiniLED ULED 4K TV. Normally $6,999.99, this 100-inch Hisense model is down to $3,499.99. That saves $3,500 for half off a nearly $7,000 TV.

This TV is made for sports viewing. With 4K resolution powered by miniLEDs, it captures every shadow on the field. It's also a great gaming TV with a variable refresh rate of 48Hz to 165Hz. It's suitable for day and night viewing as it comes with Anti-Reflection Pro, a liquid crystal layer that minimizes glare and relflection.

Get the Hisense Class U8 MiniLED ULED 4K TV for $3,499.99, and save $3,500 on list price.

More 100-inch TV deals

• Hisense 100-inch Class U8 ULED 4K TV — $1,697.99 $2,499.99 (save $802)

• Hisense 100-inch Class QD7 QLED 4K TV — $1,699.99 $1,999.99 (save $300)

• Hisense 100-inch Class QD7 QLED 4K TV — $1,799.99 $2,999.99 (save $1,200)

• Hisense 100-inch Class U76 QLED 4K TV — $1,799.99 $1,999.99 (save $200)

• Hisense 100-inch Class U6 MiniLED 4K TV — $1,997.99 $2,599.99 (save $602)

• Hisense 100-inch Class U7 QLED 4K TV — $2,499.99 $4,999.99 (save $2,500)

• Hisense 100-inch Class U7 ULED 4K TV — $3,297.99 $2,497.99 (save $800)

• LG 100-inch Class 85A MiniLED 4K TV — $3,999.99 $4,999.99 (save $1,000)

TL;DR: Pok Pok is an educational app for kids, and right now, it’s on sale for $47.99 (reg. $250).

Opens in a new window Credit: Pok Pok Pok Pok: Lifetime Subscription $47.99
$250 Save $202.01 Get Deal

Kids see phones and tablets all around them. It’s natural to want to play with what essentially looks like a big glowing toy. The trick is to turn screen time into something that’s calming, educational, and still fun for kids. Pok Pok does that.

Pok Pok is a Montessori-inspired app designed for kids ages 2 to 8. It helps them learn, have fun, and it means you don’t have to worry about your kids finding something unsavory online. Right now, a lifetime subscription to Pok Pok is also on sale for just $47.99 (reg. $250).

Use this Pok Pok discount code

Pok Pok was designed by parents with input from child development experts. It’s intentionally simple, peaceful, and focused on helping kids learn through curiosity rather than competition.

Instead of flashy games or noisy cartoons, Pok Pok gives kids a digital toy box filled with simple, handcrafted activities. Kids can build scenes, explore numbers, match shapes, and more. The design encourages open-ended play, so there are no scores, no ads, and no pressure to win anything. Just quiet, imaginative play that supports learning in a low-stress way.

SEE ALSO: This Microsoft power couple is on sale for just $45

The app is easy for toddlers to explore on their own but stays interesting for early elementary ages, too. New toys and seasonal updates are added regularly to keep things fresh, and everything works offline. Whether you’re in a waiting room, at a restaurant, or traveling, Pok Pok offers a screen-time solution that feels more like a toy than a game.

Each account works across up to 10 devices, which makes it easy for families to share. And since there are no pop-ups or in-app purchases, kids won’t be clicking on anything they shouldn’t.

Use code DROP20 to get a Pok Pok Lifetime Subscription on sale for $47.99. Sale ends Sept. 7 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: This new, open-box ASUS Chromebook CM30 (2024) is a detachable 2-in-1 with touchscreen, stylus, and all-day battery — yours for just $169.99 with free shipping.

Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS Chromebook CM30 (2024) $169.99
$329.99 Save $160 Get Deal

Sometimes, your laptop is all business. Other times, you just want a tablet you can curl up with on the couch. The ASUS Chromebook CM30 lets you do both without juggling multiple devices — or blowing your budget. At just $169.99 (reg. $329.99) with free shipping, this 2-in-1 detachable Chromebook is designed to adapt to whatever your day throws at you.

Pop on the full-size magnetic keyboard when it’s time to tackle emails, spreadsheets, or writing projects. Detach it, and suddenly you’re swiping through a bright 10.5″ WUXGA touchscreen in tablet mode. The included garaged push-pop stylus (that charges quickly and stores neatly inside the device) makes notes, sketches, and signatures feel effortless.

SEE ALSO: Labor Day 2025 deals are already live: Save on Apple devices, mattresses, headphones, and plenty more

It’s powered by a MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor, with 8GB RAM and 128GB eMMC storage — plenty for multitasking, video calls, or streaming. Add in Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, and you’re looking at seamless connections at home, school, or on the go.

And because a device this portable needs to keep up with you, the CM30 delivers up to 12 hours of battery life. Whether you’re working from a coffee shop or catching up on a flight, you’ll get through the day without scrambling for an outlet.

Durability matters, too. This Chromebook sports a military-grade aluminum chassis with 30 percent recycled materials — lightweight but tough enough to survive life in a backpack. Dual 5MP front and rear cameras make video calls and quick snaps easy, and the included stand cover keeps everything secure whether you’re typing or swiping.

A new, open-box item is a product that has never been used but may have been removed from its original packaging for display, inspection, or return, so you get essentially new condition at a lower price. Oh, and since it’s ChromeOS, you’ll enjoy fast boot-ups, automatic updates, and easy access to your favorite apps.

Get this 2-in-1 ASUS Chromebook CM30 while it’s $169.99 (reg. $329.99) with free shipping.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

A mystery AI image editor named "nano banana" recently rose to the top of LMArena, the most popular AI leaderboard. The model easily bested its opponents in the arena, which lets users test AI models head-to-head. Now, Google DeepMind has revealed that nano banana is actually the alias for Gemini 2.5 Flash Image.

Before the big reveal, Googlers did drop some hints:

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

Now that the model has been officially rolled out, Google DeepMind said that Gemini will be better at editing your images. Products like this move us a step closer to a post-Photoshop world. Instead of learning the technical ins and outs of photo editing software, which can take years to master, AI image editors will make it possible for anyone to edit an image with just a few simple voice or text prompts — in theory.

The Google DeepMind team says this model has been trained to make subjects more consistent across various edits of AI-generated images. This has been an issue for AI image models, given their unpredictable nature. I tried out the new "nano banana" model for myself, and it worked... fine.

SEE ALSO: Apple eyes Google Gemini for Siri upgrade

The ability to upload and natively edit photos in Gemini has been around since April of this year. With Gemini's updated model, Google says you can do things like change a subject's outfit and location, while keeping their likeness the same.

You can also upload multiple photos and have the subjects appear together in the same photo, or add and alter specific details in an uploaded image to, say, see what a room looks like with a different color of paint or different furniture.

Here's Gemini's attempt at editing my dog into the downward dog pose and relocating her to a yoga studio. Her likeness is the same, and it successfully edited the image to make her eyes open, but her body isn't arched in the way it should be. (I would know, I've seen this playful pose from her many times.)

Here's my dog Lola, not doing yoga Credit: Mashable Here's the Gemini-edited version when I prompted it to open her eyes, put her in the downward dog pose, and change the background to a yoga studio. It's close, but not quite right. Credit: Mashable

As Google DeepMind said in its announcement, the model might not always get it right. There might still be inaccuracies with fine details, text in the image, and inconsistencies. With my experiment, my dog's fur looks overly smooth, but her overall coloring, size, and shape stay the same. All images have a visible watermark and an invisible watermark called SynthID to mitigate any confusion over whether they're real or AI-generated. This update is now live, so you can try it out for yourself in the Gemini app.

Want to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: BEST FOR ESPN ESPN Unlimited $29.99 per month for 1 year (save $15) Shop Now Best for Fox and Big Ten Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99 per year (save $39.89) Shop Now BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month (save $30) Get Deal Best for channels Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $76.99/month Shop Now Best for affordability Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months (save $50.95) Shop Now BEST for INTRODUCTORY OFFER YouTube TV 5-day free trial, then $49.99/month for 3 months (save $99) Shop Now

College football is back with a massive bang. We've already been treated to a number of fascinating matchups, including Kansas State vs. Iowa State, Kansas vs. Fresno State, and Hawai'i vs. Stanford. That was a strong start, but Week 1 promises so much more. It's going to be difficult to find the time to watch everything, but we're sure you can find a moment to catch the opening game of the round: Boise State vs. South Florida

Boise State Broncos are favorites heading into this game, but the South Florida Bulls will believe that they can cause an upset.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL online for free

If you want to watch Boise State vs. South Florida for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Boise State vs. South Florida?

Boise State vs. South Florida takes place at 5:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 28. This game takes place at the Raymond James Stadium.

How to watch Boise State vs. South Florida for free

Boise State vs. South Florida is broadcast on ESPN. Fans can live stream this game on a wide range of recommended services, some of which include free trials so you can follow the action without actually spending anything.

ESPN Unlimited (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN Unlimited $29.99 per month for 1 year Shop Now

Channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX

ESPN Unlimited provides access to everything that ESPN has to offer. For college football, you get live access to games on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN+, SEC Network, SECN+, ACC Network, and ABC. The Unlimited plan will set you back $29.99 per month, but for the first year, new subscribers can secure a bundle with Disney+ and Hulu for the same price.

Fox One (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99 per year Shop Now

Channels: Fox, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network

Fox One provides access to live broadcasts on Fox, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, and Big Ten Network. It costs $19.99 per month, but you can save $40 by opting for the annual plan at $199.99. You can also start with a seven-day free trial, so you've got the chance to watch select games without spending anything.

FuboTV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and The CW

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and provides the opportunity to watch on 10 screens at once, if that's your thing. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

Fubo takes sports seriously, and that's something we appreciate. With the Pro subscription, you get access to most college football broadcasts. But hardcore fans may want to consider upgrading to the Elite plan, which unlocks access to ESPNU, SEC Network, Pac-12 Network, and ACC Network. Either way, we suggest you test the waters for seven days before you make any sort of commitment.

Hulu + Live TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $76.99/month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, and The CW

Hulu + Live TV is not exactly cheap, but it does offer good bang for your buck. You need to cough up $76.99 per month (after a three-day trial), but you get access to over 95 live TV channels, plus Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ (all with ads). The included access to ESPN+ provides bonus access to even more college football games on top of live TV networks like ABC, FOX, ESPN, The CW, ACC Network, and more. Now that's value.

Sling (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network

Sling is a comprehensive sporting service that offers a whole host of benefits, but you do need to be careful when selecting a plan. The Orange and Blue packages give you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and more in local markets, but for access to ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more, you'll need the Sports Extra package. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually need.

YouTube TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV 7-day free trial, then $49.99/month for your first 3 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NBCSN, SEC Network, and The CW

YouTube TV provides access to over 100 live channels. Newsflash: that's a lot. This huge list includes most of the channels you actually need to watch live college football, including NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and ESPN, plus networks like FS1 and SEC Network. YouTube TV also offers that all-important free trial so you can watch select games without spending anything.

How to watch Boise State vs. South Florida from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of college football from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Boise State vs. South Florida from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch Boise State vs. South Florida from anywhere in the world

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

That angry green bird just might get angrier.

Google is using Gemini AI to increase the power of Google Translate. Now, Translate allows users to practice new languages by creating personalized listening and speaking practice sessions in their preferred language. Sounds a little bit like Duolingo without its iconic mascot.

"Whether you're an early learner looking to begin practicing conversation or an advanced speaker looking to brush up on vocabulary for an upcoming trip, Translate can now create tailored listening and speaking practice sessions just for you," Matt Sheets, a product manager at Google, wrote in a blog post on Tuesday. "These interactive practices are generated on-the-fly and intelligently adapt to your skill level."

SEE ALSO: Google and Duolingo think AI can change the way we learn languages. Are they right?

It's pretty simple to get started. Open the Google Translate app, select "practice," set your skill level and goals, and voila! Translate will create a scenario specifically for you.

"In each scenario, you can either listen to conversations and tap the words you hear to build comprehension, or you can practice speaking with helpful hints available when you need them," Sheets wrote. Google Translate will track your progress with each lesson.

"Following positive feedback from early testers, we're excited to start rolling out this beta experience more broadly in the Translate app for Android and iOS this week," the blog reads. "It's available first for English speakers practicing Spanish and French, as well as for Spanish, French and Portuguese speakers practicing English."

Google also announced other updates to its language learning tools, like real-time translations in the Translate app. All of these updates come from Google's AI and machine learning, which it says have helped the company to make "huge strides in translation quality, multimodal translation, and text-to-speech (TTS) capabilities."

"Every month, people translate around 1 trillion words across Google Translate, Search and in visual translations in Lens and Circle to Search," Sheets wrote. "Now, thanks to AI, we're making it even more effortless to overcome language barriers."

Forty percent. That's how much Tesla's European sales declined in July compared to the year before.

The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), the lobbying group for the automobile industry in the EU, released new data on Thursday showing that Tesla, led by Elon Musk, is continuing to face a steep decline in sales.

In total, just 8,837 Tesla vehicles were registered across Europe in July 2025. That figure includes the European Union, as well as the United Kingdom, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

Furthermore, Tesla's drop in sales is not the result of a broader decline across the larger EV market either. In fact, sales of electric vehicles as a whole actually went up in the EU. For example, Tesla's biggest Chinese rival BYD saw 13,503 new vehicle registrations in July. That's a monthly surge of 225 percent compared to the year before, as CNBC reported.

This also marks Tesla's seventh month in a row of declining sales.

Tesla has also seen declining sales in the United States so far in 2025, though the impending end of the EV tax credit has given EV makers a temporary boost over the summer.

No end in sight for Tesla's woes

Tesla's sales issues began shortly Musk's involvement in the President Donald Trump administration and its Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk has also been involved in other costly controversies, including his support for a far-right party in Germany.

In fact, in the month after Musk supported the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, Tesla recorded fewer than 900 sales in Germany — a nearly 50 percent drop.

In July, amid declining sales, Tesla also stopped allowing EU customers to configure and order some of its car models, such as the Model S and X. And, in the U.S., Tesla owners have flooded the market with used Tesla vehicles.

Under increasing pressure, Musk announced in May that he was stepping away from his role with the Trump administration, but Tesla's sales problems have continued.

On top of that, the president's Big Beautiful Bill will see the end of a vital source of Tesla's revenue: Carbon credits.

Over the past decade, these regulatory credits have accounted for a whopping $11.8 billion in revenue for Tesla.

Finally, the federal EV tax credit will expire on Sept. 30, which will immediately make electric vehicles more expensive for U.S. shoppers.

KPop Demon Hunters fans, rejoice. The surprise musical hit with the addictive soundtrack might be getting a sequel.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sony Pictures and Netflix are discussing a follow-up to the animated film that features a K-pop trio called HUNTR/X battling demons, including the alluring boy band, the Saja Boys.

The KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack, which features K-pop bops like "Golden," "Your Idol," and "Soda Pop," has also become massively popular, beating out Wicked to become the highest-charting soundtrack of 2025. "Golden" currently has over 430 million plays on Spotify. As of this week, KPop Demon Hunters became the most-watched Netflix original movie ever, with a total of 236 million views since its June 20 release.

Fueled by the fandom, the streaming service offered the theatrical release of  KPop Demon Hunters: A Sing-Along Event in 1,000 theaters across North America, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. The two-day event quickly sold out, making it the unofficial box office winner that weekend.

SEE ALSO: 5 takeaways from 'KPop Demon Hunters' sing-along experience

Studios increasingly rely on movies based on preexisting intellectual property (IP), churning out sequels, prequels, and spinoffs of familiar franchises as safe bets for return on their investments through ticket sales and merchandise. The success of KPop Demon Hunters came as a surprise to many, since it's an original story, without any major stars or previous IP with a built-in fanbase to rely on.

But true K-pop fans like Mashable culture editor Crystal Bell anticipated this fandom has the power to create a phenomenon when done right. Bell interviewed the Demon Hunters team to deconstruct how they crafted hit K-pop songs while telling a cohesive narrative. It's worth a read to see how they pulled it off.

Meanwhile, it's up to Netflix and Sony to negotiate some kind of agreement for a sequel. Sony struck a deal with Netflix in 2021, early on in the pandemic when box office sales were down, to distribute Demon Hunters and other films on the streaming platform. Sony gets a cut of the soundtrack sales, but Netflix owns the merchandise, THR explained. Here's hoping they can work something out.

KPop Demon Hunters is now streaming on Netflix.

SAVE $3,500: As of Aug. 28, get the 100-inch Hisense Class U8 Mini-LED TV at Amazon for $3,499.99, down from its usual price of $6,999.99. That's a discount of 50% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 100-inch Hisense Class U8 Mini-LED TV $3,499.99 at Amazon
$6,999.99 Save $3,500 Get Deal

Getting ready for the big games this football season? Or maybe you just want to install a bigger TV so you and your family can enjoy your favorite TV shows and movies at home. You can score some big savings on a massive Hisense TV right now, thanks to a deal at Amazon that brings it down to the lowest price we've seen.

As of Aug. 28, get the 100-inch Hisense Class U8 Mini-LED TV at Amazon for $3,499.99, down from its usual price of $6,999.99. That's a 50% discount.

SEE ALSO: Samsung's 55-Inch QLED Q8F 4K TV is down to its best-ever price at Amazon

This is a mammoth TV that you'll definitely have to make some room for. It's one of the most affordable that you'll find in this size range, too. It has a QLED display with up to 5,000 nits of brightness as well as an anti-reflection coating to cut down on glare. It also has a 165Hz refresh rate, which makes it a great candidate for gaming, and built-in Google TV to make sure you can access all your favorite apps and content.

It's a giant TV, so you'll want to make sure you have somewhere sturdy to mount it or somewhere that can withstand its 140-pound weight; it's not exactly light. But its relatively slim profile makes it easier to deal with than other TVs in higher price brackets.

If you're ready to upgrade to what may be your biggest (and best) TV yet, don't miss this massive price cut.

SAVE $331.96: As of Aug. 28, get the ASUS ROG Swift gaming monitor for $967.04 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,299. That's the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon ASUS ROG Swift gaming monitor $967.04 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $331.96 Get Deal

If you're looking to get your game on with all the new releases this fall, you'll want a setup that can handle it. That includes a great gaming monitor that can make your games look absolutely eye-popping with bright colors, satisfying visuals, and swift response time. Now's the time to grab a high-quality ASUS ROG gaming monitor from Amazon at its lowest price ever.

As of Aug. 28, get the ASUS ROG Swift gaming monitor at Amazon for $967.04, down from its usual price of $1,299. That's $331.96 off for a discount of 26%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: The best monitors in 2025

This 32-inch gaming monitor is a 4K OLED beast with a 3840 x 2160 resolution, 240Hz, 0.03ms response time, and G-SYNC compatibility. It's extremely bright with an optional uniform brightness setting with consistent brightness levels, as well as options that you can adjust with the click of a button. It'll make your games, TV shows, and movies look fantastic and add some realism that you'll appreciate.

It has a custom heatsink and advanced airflow design, as well as graphene film to better manage your heat to help keep you from dealing with issues like burn-in. So if you have long gaming sessions, you don't have to worry about long-term problems with your display.

If you're ready to give your setup a significant upgrade, this is the monitor that you should keep an eye on, especially at its lowest price. With the holiday coming up, it's an especially great pick.

Sling TV's new short-term bundles allow people to watch TV for cheap. And now Disney, a company that owns a bunch of TV channels, is suing them, arguing that the plans violate their licensing agreement.

According to Deadline, Disney filed a lawsuit against Sling TV over its new "Day Pass" system which lets users pay as little as $4.99 for 24 hours of access to a selection of live TV channels, or a little more money for a weekend or even a full week of access. One of those channels is ESPN, a valuable Disney property.

According to Disney, these new tiny bundles violate the existing carriage agreement the company had with Sling.

“Sling TV’s new offerings, which they made available without our knowledge or consent, violate the terms of our existing license agreement,” Disney told Deadline. “We have asked the court to require [Sling parent company] Dish to comply with our deal when it distributes our programming.”

SEE ALSO: ‘A bottomless pit of plagiarism’: Disney takes on Midjourney in scathing new suit

Disney claimed in the suit that Sling never consulted Disney before offering these passes. The concept is, admittedly, very different from how cable or cable-alternative options usually work; simply paying $5 so you can watch one football game, for example, is kind of a game-changer. It's also worth noting that college football, which largely airs on Disney networks, starts in earnest this weekend.

Sling also told Deadline that it stands behind the decision to launch the passes and plans on defending itself. My advice for anyone interested in these day passes would be to use 'em while you still can.

As if there weren't enough privacy concerns in the world, AI ransomware is now reportedly a thing.

Cybersecurity firm ESET said that it discovered the first-ever AI-powered ransomware, which it has dubbed PromptLock. "The PromptLock malware uses the gpt-oss:20b model from OpenAI locally via the Ollama API to generate malicious Lua scripts on the fly, which it then executes," the company wrote.

The ransomware, according to ESET, runs locally on devices via an API, meaning OpenAI cannot detect and alert that ransomware is operating. The AI-powered ransomware can generate scripts that perform functions on the devices while evading defensive tools because the AI-generated results are different each time.

SEE ALSO: Hackers have figured out a new way to steal Microsoft logins

"Based on the detected user files, the malware may exfiltrate data, encrypt it, or potentially destroy it," ESET wrote.

So in the vast world of privacy concerns and cybersecurity issues, now you need to be worried about AI-powered ransomware stealing your information. As if the hacks of major insurance providers and court data, or the potential exposure of your social security info wasn't enough, now we have that. As always, be careful out there.

Chappell Roan's music is everywhere, from presidential campaigns, to Marshalls ads, to trailers for movies like M3GAN 2.0 and now Bugonia.

Sure, some of these marketing folks are chasing a hot beat and a catchy chorus. But when it comes to the latest from Yorgos Lanthimos, the visionary behind such twisted films as The Lobster, The Favourite, Poor Things, and Kinds of Kindness, the subversion of Roan's lyrics take on a deeper meaning.

Scripted by Will Tracy (The Menu), Bugonia reteams Lanthimos and Stone, with the latter playing a no-nonsense, high-powered CEO who is enjoying some sing-along time to "Good Luck, Babe" in her luxury vehicle — before being confronted by some clumsy but determined kidnappers.

Jesse Plemons co-stars as the lead kidnapper, a conspiracy theorist who believes Stone's businesswoman is secretly an alien from another planet, hellbent on invasion. She might be a captive, but she's not scared, declaring calmly, "There is no possible scenario where you benefit from this incident."

Let the battle of wills begin.

Bugonia opens in theaters Oct. 24.

SAVE $100: As of Aug. 28, shop the Apple iPad Mini for just $399. That's $100 off of its standard $499 price tag for 20% savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Min (A17 Pro, 128GB, WiFi) $399 at Amazon
$499 Save $100 Get Deal

Most tablets these days come with 11-inch screens. And that's not to say we're complaining — it's the happy medium that's not as big as a laptop but still provides a plentiful viewing area for streaming. But if you want to use your tablet to read, that 11-inch size is going to cause a lot of wrist strain; it can just feel too big. Enter the iPad Mini.

As of Aug. 28, get the Apple iPad Mini with A17 chip and 128GB of storage for just $399. That saves $100 off of its $499 price tag for 20% in savings. Get it now at Amazon.

SEE ALSO: The 11-inch iPad Air is back down to its lowest price ever

If you're interested in an e-reader but want a device that can do a bit more, Apple's iPad Mini strikes the right balance of size and ability. With a Liquid Retina display it streams in gorgeous vivid colors, but at 8.3 inches, it's not too big if you're holding it up for hours at a time.

It's our favorite tablet alternative to an e-reader, as you're able to access the Kindle Store and Libby apps. We have heard some complaints that the iPad Mini's screen has a bit of glare; if that's the case, we recommend grabbing a screen cover that provides a matte look.

SAVE $32: An annual subscription to New York Times Games is on sale for $18, down from the standard price of $50 per year. That's a 64% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: New York Times Games Annual subscription to New York Times Games $18 at The New York Times
$50 Save $32 Get Deal

As if we need more bad news in 2025, The New York Times has taken away one of life's simple joys — the daily Mini crossword puzzle is no longer free to play. Wonderful. Terrific. This is totally fine and we're all thriving (deep breath). The internet rightfully thinks this is a terrible change to our morning routine. The Mini crossword now joins everything else that requires a subscription. While the loss of a free daily game is sad, there's a semi-bright light if you want to pay to play.

As of Aug. 28, an annual subscription to New York Times Games is on sale for $18, marked down from the usual price of $50. That's a 64% discount that takes $32 off the annual price.

Not to belittle the annoyance of the Mini now coming with a price, but once we consider the enjoyment to cost ratio, this annual subscription isn't the worst deal on the Internet. At $18 for one year of games, that works out to $1.50 per month, or just five cents per day on a month with 30 days. If you truly get joy from the daily Mini, maybe it's worth gifting yourself this deal?

SEE ALSO: Apple TV+ just got more expensive. Again.

The New York Times Games subscription gives you access to every daily game, including the Mini, the full-size New York Times Daily crossword, Wordle, Connections, Tiles, Strands, Sudoku, and more. Some of these are currently free to play, but there's no telling when they'll meet the fate of the beloved Mini and turn into a paid-access game.

The New York Times Games subscription also lets you head into the games archives and play over 10,000 old games. The archive includes Daily puzzles that date as far back as 1993 and Minis that go back to 2014. You can also keep tabs on your performance, comparing your Mini times to how you did yesterday or last month. With the subscription, you can play New York Times Games via the Games app on your phone or via an Internet browser.

No one asked for this in 2025, but hey, five cents per day isn't too much to pay for joy considering the price of...everything these days.

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

Samsung users can now talk to Copilot on their TVs.

Microsoft teamed up with Samsung to bring Copilot to select TVs and monitors for discovering what to watch and more. Copilot is now available as a voice assistant app on Samsung's 2025 lineup of TVs and monitors. For TVs that includes Micro RGB, Neo QLED, OLED, The Frame Pro and for monitors, the M7, M8, and M9 models.

SEE ALSO: What is a Copilot+ PC? Everything to know about these AI laptops.

When you click on the Copilot app, you'll see an animated blob that you can talk to when you activate the microphone on your Samsung remote. Microsoft lists a few different examples of how you can use Copilot for finding shows and movies to watch, with visuals of title cards and details.

You can get hyper-specific, like asking Copilot to find cooking shows under two hours, spoiler-free recaps of what you've watched up to the latest episode, or challenge Copilot to find something that all the viewers can agree on. For instance, maybe your group wants to watch something like a rom-com with sci-fi and thriller elements. You could ask Copilot to recommend some options that check all those boxes. (perhaps Her or Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind?) Microsoft says you can also ask Copilot for IMDB-esque deep-dives on actors or directors or just ask Copilot general questions like the weather forecast or... to cheer you up after a breakup. Although, if you're asking your TV for emotional support, it might be time to touch grass or check in with a human friend.

Emotional attachment aside, injecting AI in TVs is a natural fit in many ways. Generative AI has proven to be a useful tool for sourcing information. Google has also been working on integrating AI into various hardware beyond phones and computers. Earlier this year, they announced Gemini for Google TV and Android Auto for cars.

It's the end of days for one of the main features that differentiated Android from iOS for so many years.

Namely, the ability to sideload apps from unverified developers working outside the official Play Store is going away. Google explained the decision in a blog post, which mostly boiled down to wanting to ensure that every Android app developer is verified as not being a malicious actor, regardless of where their apps come from. Many Android users have held the ability to install unverified apps in great regard for a long time because it's something that's a whole lot harder to do on iOS, and gives users a lot more freedom in what they do with their devices.

SEE ALSO: 7 rumored iPhone 17 features Android already has

But, it seems like Android is done being the mobile operating system for those kinds of people. According to Google, developer verification is no different than getting your ID checked at the airport. That may very well be the case, and it's possible that plenty of these apps will find ways to get verified under the new rules. But it's also true that this was a massive difference between Android and iOS, arguably one of the most noteworthy ones for several years.

It feels a bit like when the National League adopted the designated hitter rule in baseball a few years ago. Logically, it makes at least a little bit of sense, but sentimentally, it's a bummer for two competing operating systems to become more and more homogeneous in how they work.

SAVE $115.55: As of Aug. 28, get the Bose TV Speaker Soundbar for $163.45 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $279. That's a discount of 41% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bose TV Speaker Soundbar $163.45 at Amazon
$279 Save $115.55 Get Deal

Football season is upon us. Do you have a home theater system that's ready to bring the house down? A slew of new movies and TV shows are also right around the corner in the coming months. If your setup isn't exactly ready in the audio department, a great soundbar is an excellent solution. Thanks to this Amazon deal, you can secure a good one at the best price we've seen so far.

As of Aug. 28, get the Bose TV Speaker Soundbar for $163.45 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $279. That's $155.55 off and a discount of 41%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: The best soundbars for upgrading your home entertainment

This entry-level soundbar is already extremely affordable when not on sale, and it's a great option for anyone new to the soundbar game. It offers deep, satisfying bass with its two angled full-range drivers, as well as balanced highs and mids and spatial audio that helps keep you in the middle of the action. It can also help to enhance dialogue so you're not constantly adjusting the volume to try to hear what everyone is saying.

You can connect up to three devices to the unit or even pair your phone with it to use it as a Bluetooth speaker. It's compact enough to fit with your TV setup at just over two inches tall, so it can go wherever you need it to. Plus, it has a simple remote control that's intuitive and easy to figure out so you aren't stuck fiddling with setup for too long and can just jump right into the audio action.

It's a good time to upgrade your audio/visual setup this season, so take advantage of this excellent Bose soundbar deal while it lasts.

SAVE $150: The Google Pixel Tablet (128GB, porcelain) is on sale at Amazon for $249, down from the normal price of $399. That's a 38% discount and the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Tablet (128GB, porcelain) $249 at Amazon
$399 Save $150 Get Deal

We have tons of new TV shows dropping in the next few weeks and months. There's The Great British Bake Off starting next week, a new season of Only Murders in the Building on the way, and Season 2 of Fallout coming in mid-December. Will you be streaming these from your tiny phone screen while squinting? They deserve a better and bigger stage, and for that, you might want a tablet. If you're in need, check out this rare deal at Amazon.

As of Aug. 28, the Google Pixel Tablet (128GB, porcelain) is on sale for $249 at Amazon, marked down from the standard list price of $399. That works out to a savings of $150 from a 38% discount. And that turns out to be the lowest price we've ever spotted at Amazon, so long as you're cool with the porcelain colorway.

With an 11-inch screen and 128GB of storage, the Google Pixel Tablet is an awesome companion for streaming shows from the couch. It can also be an ideal option for students since the 27Wh battery can get about 12 hours of video streaming before it needs a recharge. That means it should last all day for taking lecture notes and joining group meetings with video chat.

SEE ALSO: Google says the Pixel 10 Pro has world's best phone camera. I tested it against the S25 Ultra and found a clear winner.

Another useful feature of the Google Pixel Tablet is the split-screen function. With this, you can view two screens in a side-by-side configuration. The four speakers are also great for video chats, rewatching lectures, or streaming Sunday afternoon football.

If you have other Google Home devices, you can use the Pixel Tablet to control settings like turning off lights, checking on the video doorbell live view, or adjusting your home's temperature.

While it's down to a record-low price, upgrade to the Google Pixel Tablet. It's just under $250 at Amazon, and it'll make upcoming fall shows and games that much better.

WhatsApp has released a new feature that lets you use AI to rephrase your messages or give them a different tone.

The feature, called Writing Help, can rephrase your message, or give it a different tone; for example, it can make it sound more professional, funny, or supportive.

To try it out, start typing in a message on WhatsApp, tap the icon to the right of the text, and then tap the pencil icon in the menu that opens up below your message. From there, you'll be able to choose what you want the AI to do with your message, and select from a couple of options on offer.

Meta says it's using its Private Processing tech, meaning the AI can do all this without Meta or WhatsApp ever reading your message (or the AI's suggestions).

The feature is only available in English, and in the United States as well as "several other countries," WhatsApp said in a blog post. The company says it hopes to bring it to other languages and countries "later this year."

SEE ALSO: Here's why you're about to see more ads on WhatsApp

As for why you'd want this, that's a little tougher to answer. My guess is that the people who will get the most out of it are those who don't have perfect command of the English language. As for the AI actually improving your sense of humor...well, based on the examples WhatsApp has provided, good luck with that.