Mashable

September is just around the corner, and while that means the start of a new school year, it's also the peak of hurricane season, so it's no wonder that September is also National Preparedness Month. And just in time for a month focused on disaster preparedness comes Anker's newest portable power station. The Anker Solix C1000 Gen2 Portable Power Station is one of the fastest charging stations to come to market and is available for preorder now at $799.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 gen 2 portable power station $799 at Anker
Pre-order Here

This latest Anker power station is the second generation of the Anker Solix C1000 (which received a Mashable Choice Award), and one of the fastest charging models on the market. The brand claims that the new power station comes to 100 percent charge in just 49 minutes. It can support up to five 2000W devices at a time and can also receive 600W of solar input.

Power multiple devices at once. Credit: Anker

It's designed as a crisis-response device if a blackout occurs, able to power up WiFi routers and keep devices charged. It provides an Uninterruptible Power Supply system so you can use it to power up crucial devices, and in the case of a power outage, it will kick on to keep them going.

It's safe for both indoor and outdoor daily use and can support up to 10 devices at a time. While it isn't a replacement for a generator, it can be a lifeline in a pinch.

The Anker Solix C1000 Gen2 Portable Power Station is available for preorder now at Anker, and will be available for purchase on September 8, 2025, at Anker and Amazon.

SAVE 24%: The Bluetti Apex 300 bundle with two B300K expansion batteries and two 350W solar panels is on sale at Amazon for $4,699, down from the normal price of $6,199. That's a savings of $1,500 and the best discount we've ever seen on the bundle.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Apex 300 bundle with two B300K expansion batteries and two 350W solar panels $4,699 at Amazon
$6,199 Save $1,500 Get Deal

Now that summer is ending, the kids are back to school, and we're about to welcome 12-foot skelly season, it's time to consider fall and winter storms. Fall storms can be especially brutal, knocking down fresh spring and summer growth which can often lead to power outages. If you live in an area that's prone to hurricanes or intense storms, check out this sale at Amazon that could be a lifesaver.

As of Aug. 20, the Bluetti Apex 300 power station bundle with two B300K expansion batteries and two 350W solar panels is on sale for $4,699 at Amazon, marked down from the list price of $6,199. That works out to a 24% discount and a savings of $1,500. Bluetti recently launched the Apex 300 earlier in August, which makes this the first (and lowest) discount we've ever seen on this bundle.

Portable power stations are now a must-pack camping essential, making sure your phones, camp lights, and cooking gadgets stay powered up. But if you're looking for something to keep your home's power connected even when a storm knocks down power cables, you want something bigger. Bluetti makes some of the most cutting-edge and advanced power stations, and the brand-new Apex 300 is a beast that means business.

This deal includes the Apex 300 power station itself, which has a major 2,764Wh capacity; two B300K expansion batteries, which each have another 2,764Wh; and two 350W solar panels. In total, you're looking at 8,294Wh of power for your home during an outage. Plus, the dual 350W solar panels can help make sure the power station stays juiced.

SEE ALSO: Score almost $1,000 off the Anker Solix F2000 portable power station at Amazon

The Bluetti Apex 300 bundle means when the power goes out, you can still keep the refrigerator cooling, the air fryer cooking dinner, and the TV playing your favorite movies. Come winter, you can also keep electric heating going. Since the Bluetti Apex 300 has dual voltage power of 120 and 240V, you'll be able to keep the refrigerator and EV charger going at the same time, for example.

The Bluetti Apex 300 can recharge from standard AC wall power, car power, solar panels, and even from a generator. The Apex 300 itself and the two battery expansions all use LiFePO4 battery, which Bluetti says can handle over 6,000 cycles. That means you can deplete the battery every day for 16 over years before it'll start losing efficiency.

If you've been dreading heading into another storm season without home backup for power cuts, today's deal at Amazon on the Bluetti Apex 300 bundle is your sign that it's time to upgrade. You and your family will be in great hands for staying powered up during the next outage.

After a series of leaks this spring, Microsoft's gaming division revealed an Xbox-branded version of the Asus ROG Ally handheld during a June showcase. Two of them, actually: the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X. Both devices appear to take the basic concept of the original ROG Ally and adapt it for Xbox players by adding controller-like grips and a new user interface that retains all the compatibility with Windows while presenting things in a more game console-like manner.

Months later, Asus has now confirmed that both devices will launch on Thursday, October 16, though their pricing and preorder details are still weeks away. Speaking to our sister site IGN at Gamescom Wednesday, Microsoft and Asus both said they still needed "more time to figure out the macro-economic impact to pricing" — presumably referring to fluctuating U.S. tariffs.

In the meantime, consumers can sign up to get notified when both handhelds are available at Best Buy and the Microsoft Store.

Sign up for availability alerts: Asus ROG Xbox Ally Price TBD Learn More Asus ROG Xbox Ally X Price TBD Learn More

The main reason why you might want to get one of these instead of a Steam Deck is if you're already an avid Xbox Game Pass user. Microsoft is promising the full suite of Game Pass features, such as local downloads, game streaming, and remote play. It's possible to access Game Pass on a Steam Deck if you feel like jumping through some technical hoops, but by default, that device is locked to whatever is on your Steam library.

Since the Xbox Ally consoles are Windows-based, you can access any PC gaming library you want as long as it's compatible with Windows. The central UI will consolidate all of your games across every app into one place, too, which is nice.

The user interface in question. Credit: Microsoft

As for specs, both Xbox Ally handhelds have the same 7-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate, putting it roughly in line with the Nintendo Switch 2. The Xbox Ally has an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, while the Ally X has a Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor with a built-in NPU that supports features like highlight reels and Automatic Super Resolution. (The latter is an AI upscaler previously exclusive to certain Copilot+ PCs.) It will be the more powerful and certainly more expensive option.

SEE ALSO: 'Call of Duty: Black Ops 7' gets revealed at Xbox Games Showcase 2025

Other differences between the two models that we know about right now mostly come down to memory, storage, and battery size. The base Xbox Ally has 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, and a 60Wh battery, while the Ally X has 24GB RAM, 1TB storage, and an 80Wh battery.

In many ways, the Xbox Ally is a better value proposition right now than a Steam Deck, but it's also possible that it costs significantly more. And there's only one gaming handheld that can (legally and legitimately) play Mario Kart World.

UPDATE: Aug. 20, 2025, 10:35 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with additional details about the ROG Xbox Allys' pricing and links to their preorder listings at Best Buy.

SAVE $15: As of Aug. 20, get the Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank for $34.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $49.99. That's a discount of 30%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank $34.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $15 Get Deal

If you always find yourself with a dead or dying phone or one of many other electronic devices, it might be time to invest in a portable charger. You don't have to spend a lot on one. In fact, there are some excellent options out there that'll cost you less than the price of a dinner at your favorite mid-price restaurant. And you'll be able to use your phone, tablet, or other gadget when you can't get to an outlet without having to freak out. Case in point: today's Anker Zolo deal at Amazon.

As of Aug. 20, get the Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank for $34.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $49.99. That's $15 off and a discount of 30%. This price applies to all four colorways: black, blue, pink, and white.

SEE ALSO: Anker's latest portable power station charges to 100% in less than an hour: Preorder now

This small but mighty charger packs 10,000mAh into a small package. It comes in fun pastel colors and has its own built-in USB-C cable, so you never have to scramble to find one in a pinch. It also offers USB-C and USB-A ports if you need to charge multiple devices or have something that doesn't support USB-C. With its 30W two-way fast-charging, it can resurrect your phone in almost no time flat.

The display gives you a quick readout reference to what kind of percentage is left in your charger with the press of a button. You should be able to get a few full charges out of it, depending on what you use it for. And it won't add a lot of bulk to your belongings to add one or two just for the sake of being prepared.

If you need a reliable charger that won't break the bank, consider this one for style points and affordability.

SAVE $200: As of Aug. 20, the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is on sale for $999 at Amazon and Best Buy. That's 17% off its $1,199 list price and its lowest price to date.

Shop now: Amazon Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $999 (save $200) Get Deal Best Buy Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $999 (save $200) Get Deal

Still debating which MacBook is right for you? We are big fans of the M4 MacBook Air. Not only is it our favorite MacBook for most people, but it also earned a top spot on our list of the best laptops of 2025. We think it's a great value even at full price, but during back-to-school season, you can slash $200 off.

As of Aug. 20, the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is on sale for only $999 at Amazon and Best Buy. That's 17%, or $200, off its sticker price of $1,199. This best-ever price has stuck around for a few weeks, so you still have a chance to upgrade your laptop for less. We can't guarantee how much longer it will last with the back-to-school season coming to a close, so we encourage you to pull the trigger ASAP. (Psst: If you want a bit more storage, the 512GB model is also sitting at its lowest price ever at $1,199.)

A Mashable Choice Award winner, the M4 MacBook Air is "a fantastic pick for students, professionals, and anyone else in need of a polished, relatively portable laptop, especially those ready to give up an Intel or M1-era MacBook," Mashable's laptop expert Haley Henschel writes. The M4 processor is blazing fast (24 percent faster than the M3), yet runs near-silently. The battery life is impressive and can last you all day. The webcam is better than previous models. Plus, it's cheaper than before, making it the "best-buy Apple laptop, period," according to our reviewer Stan Schroeder. At $200 off, it's a no-brainer if you're looking to upgrade.

SAVE 25%: As of Aug. 20, you can get the LifeStraw Peak Series water filter straw for just $18.74, down from $24.95, at Amazon. That's a 25% discount and $6.21 in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: LifeStraw LifeStraw Peak Series $18.74 at Amazon
$24.95 Save $6.21 Get Deal

Whether you're hitting the trails or just building an emergency kit, a personal water filter can be a true lifesaver.

As of Aug. 20, you can get the LifeStraw Peak Series water filter for just $18.74 at Amazon, down from its usual $24.95. That’s a 25% discount, and while it isn't an all-time low, it is the best price we’ve seen in the last 30 days. (It’s also a Mashable reader favorite.)

SEE ALSO: How to protect your keepsakes in case an emergency hits

The LifeStraw is built to protect you from 99.999999% of bacteria (like E. coli and Salmonella), 99.999% of parasites (including Giardia), and 99.999% of microplastics. It also filters out silt and sand, and its enhanced design helps prevent clogging for a better flow rate.

It’s super lightweight, durable, and can be attached to most water bottles. Plus, the filter has an unlimited shelf life, so you can pop it in your emergency bag and forget about it. One filter lasts for up to 1,000 gallons — that’s enough drinking water for one person for over five years.

SAVE $40: The Soundcore Boom 3i speaker (black) is on sale at Amazon for $99.99, down from the list price of $139.99. That's a 29% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore by Anker Soundcore Boom 3i speaker (black) $99.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

Summer might be winding down, but that doesn't mean the outdoor adventures need to hit pause. With warming summers all over the globe, fall outdoor events offer some of the best weather that doesn't require a personal fan. If you have plans to head to the beach this fall or are even thinking ahead to next year's adventures, check out this portable Bluetooth speaker that's on sale at Amazon.

As of Aug. 20, the Soundcore Boom 3i speaker (black) is on sale for $99.99 at Amazon, marked down from the standard price of $139.99. That's a 29% discount that takes $40 off the list price. Other colorways are also on sale for $109.99 like brown, green, and blue. If you prefer those colorways, you'll be in for a $30 savings from a 21% discount.

Plenty of portable Bluetooth speakers have bragging rights of being outdoor-worthy with features like water and dust resistance. The Soundcore Boom 3i is both of those, but it's also resistant to corrosion from saltwater, something not all speakers can claim. Plus, it's drop-proof as long as it doesn't travel more than about three feet to the ground.

SEE ALSO: Soundcore's Sleep A30 earbuds set the bar for premium sleep earbuds

The Soundcore Boom 3i speaker gets about 16 hours of battery life before it'll need a recharge, which makes it worthy of any day or even weekend trip. The included detachable strap makes this speaker just that much more adventure friendly. Another awesome feature for outdoor exploration is the speaker's ability to work as an emergency alarm, sending out a loud SOS signal which can be heard from over 300 feet away.

Come evening campfire time, the Soundcore Boom 3i has a light show mode that keeps in sync with the beat. You can choose from four ambient light options in the Soundcore app, as well as customize color preferences. Overall, the brand makes some of our favorite audio devices, including the new Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds, which would also be awesome for packing on an overnight trip.

While the black colorway is on sale at Amazon for under $100, upgrade your portable Bluetooth speaker to the Soundcore Boom 3i. With it, you'll be able to release any anxiety about your speaker taking a dip in the ocean.

Jennifer Lopez unleashes her star power in upcoming musical Kiss of the Spider Woman, written and directed by Bill Condon (Dreamgirls).

SEE ALSO: 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' review: Jennifer Lopez dazzles, but is that enough?

The film is based on the Tony-winning stage musical of the same name, which is in turn based on the 1976 novel by Manuel Puig. In 1985, prior to the release of the musical, director Héctor Babenco also adapted Puig's novel to the screen. His Kiss of the Spider Woman was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay, and star William Hurt won the Academy Award for Best Actor.

Just like in prior adaptations, Condon's Kiss of the Spider Woman sees political prisoner Valentín (Diego Luna) sharing a prison cell with queer window dresser Molina (Tonatiuh), who's been convicted of public indecency. This version of Kiss of the Spider Woman makes more clear than other versions that Molina is a trans woman.

Valentín and Molina form an unlikely bond during their time in prison, with Molina telling Valentín the plot of her favorite Hollywood musical: Kiss of the Spider Woman. The film's lead is Ingrid Luna (Lopez), Molina's favorite actress of all time.

The film's trailer above features Lopez letting loose in dazzling song and dance sequences, with Luna and Tonatiuh getting in on the action, too. However, while Kiss of the Spider Woman received mostly positive reviews out of its premiere at 2025's Sundance Film Festival, not every critic was impressed.

In his review for Mashable out of Sundance, critic Siddhant Adlakha wrote, "The story is ripe for visual re-invention — or at the very least, visual panache. And while Condon’s version aims for something grandiose (while featuring updated sexual politics), its execution fails to capture the imagination, let alone anything resembling time and place."

Kiss of the Spider Woman hits theaters Oct. 10.

Earlier this week, Tesla launched a six-seater version of its most popular SUV, dubbed the Tesla Model YL. We've got the details, but in short, it's a bit larger than the Model Y, with six seats instead of five, nearly the same range, and a slightly higher price tag.

Given that the only six-seater Tesla option globally is the far pricier Model X, a lot of potential buyers probably hoped that the Model YL would come to the U.S. as well. That might never happen, and if it does, it won't be very soon.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed this in a tweet.

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

"This variant of the Model Y doesn’t start production in the US until the end of next year. Might not ever, given the advent of self-driving in America," he wrote.

At best, U.S. buyers won't be able to get a Model YL until very late 2026 or, more likely, early 2027.

SEE ALSO: Tesla's Model YL 6-seater launches in China

As for the "advent of self-driving," Musk is referring to the company's recently launched and fast-expanding Robotaxi service. It's only available in a handful of cities and areas in the U.S. right now, but Musk said the plan was to offer Robotaxis to "half the population" of the U.S. by year's end.

That's very unlikely to happen. The Robotaxi service is currently in a sort of closed beta, and isn't exactly autonomous either, especially in the Bay Area where a driver must be present at all times. Even if Tesla could pull it off, the service would still need to be approved by regulators, and it's hard to imagine the company getting the green light in so many U.S. cities in the next four months.

It's not entirely clear why self-driving would impact a six-seat variant of the Model Y, either, and Musk offered no further explanation.

Tesla's chief also didn't mention markets other than the U.S., so potential buyers can still hope that the Model YL will arrive there a bit sooner.

SAVE $10: As of Aug. 20, the Fire TV Stick HD is on sale for $24.99 at Amazon. This is 29% off its list price of $34.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick HD (newest model) $24.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal

With the colder months around the corner, there's no better time to pick up a streaming device to keep you busy with new shows and movies on all your favorite platforms. If you've been hoping to pick up something without dropping a ton of cash on something super fancy, Amazon has a discount right now on its Fire TV Stick HD that's worth a look.

At just $24.99 on Amazon, this is a 29% discount from its usual list price of $34.99. It's worth keeping in mind that the Fire TV Stick HD offer is marked as a limited-time deal right now, so if it has been on your radar, now is the time to pick it up.

SEE ALSO: The Fire HD 10 tablet is back at its lowest price this year — act fast to save $50

If you have an HD TV, the Fire TV Stick HD supports 1080p Full HD picture quality to enjoy your favorite shows and movies. It's also an Alexa Voice Remote, so you can use your voice to search for the next best thing to watch. And with its simple setup, you'll be able to jump into a new show to binge-watch or dive into a movie right away.

Now is your chance to score the Fire TV Stick HD for just $24.99 at Amazon. And if you'd prefer a higher-quality streaming stick to go with your 4K TV, the good news is you can also save on the 4K Fire TV Stick right now at Amazon.

The Pokémon TCG market continues to shift as we settle into the post-release rhythm of Scarlet & Violet's Black Bolt and White Flare sets. These dual expansions brought a flood of gorgeous Special Illustration Rares and high-powered ex cards, but we’re now seeing where true collector and player demand is starting to settle. Not every high-rarity card is holding its launch-day hype.

On the bumps side of things, it's been a good week for Illustration Rares. Seismitoad, Emboar, and Zoroark are seeing impressive price climbs, mostly thanks to standout artwork and nostalgic character choices. We’re also watching some Special Illustration Rare ex cards like Kyurem and Zekrom tick upward, with a nice mix of playability and visual appeal fueling their growth.

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

But of course, where some cards rise, others drop. We’re starting to see the heat fade on a few previously high-flying cards from the same sets. Victini and both versions of Reshiram ex have taken a hit, and even Zekrom ex is showing signs of early price correction. It's a reminder that even beloved Legendaries can cool quickly if they don't deliver ongoing value for collectors or competitive players.

Pokémon card bumps Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Some cards are climbing the ranks fast this week, especially among the Illustration Rare and Special Illustration Rare crowd. Here's a look at what's gaining ground:

• Kyurem ex – 165/086 (SIR) — $69.69 $61.51 (+13.3%)

• Zekrom ex – 166/086 (SIR) — $199.99 $184.97 (+8.1%)

• Seismitoad – 105/086 (IR) — $180 $55.00 (+227%)

• Zoroark – 143/086 (IR) — $40.32 $32.53 (+23.9%)

• Emboar – 098/086 (IR) — $40.32 $19.99 (+101.7%)

Let’s start with Seismitoad. This card absolutely exploded in value, and it has almost nothing to do with competitive play. The Round attack is more of a meme deck archetype than a serious threat, but the Illustration Rare artwork is doing all the heavy lifting here. Collectors love it, and demand has skyrocketed as people scramble to secure a copy.

Emboar and Zoroark IRs are following a similar trajectory. Emboar's Inferno Fandango ability is a classic callback, and while it's not standard-legal, it’s hitting the nostalgia button hard for longtime fans. Zoroark, on the other hand, has always had solid fan appeal, and the Foul Play attack still gives it decent versatility in casual formats. Their IR treatments are strong enough to carry their value.

Kyurem ex and Zekrom ex, both in SIR form, are up too. They’re not meta staples by any stretch, but they’re playable enough and look incredible. These are the kinds of cards that don’t need to be tournament-dominant to justify their prices. When the art is good and the card isn’t dead weight in a binder, that’s often enough to spark upward movement.

Pokémon card cuts Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

As new cards rise, others inevitably fall. A handful of big-name Legendaries are seeing their prices cool off this week:

• Victini – 172/086 (BWR) — $449 $473.15 (-5.2%)

• Victini – 171/086 (BWR) — $439.99 $450.35 (-2.3%)

• Reshiram ex – 173/086 (BWR) — $399.99 $431.11 (-7.2%)

• Zekrom ex – 172/086 (BWR) — $375 $389.99 (-3.8%)

• Reshiram ex – 166/086 (SIR) — $197 $235.24 (-16.3%)

Victini’s modest drop is no huge surprise. It had a lot of early hype from collectors, but with V-Force requiring a full bench to function, it's not showing up in many competitive decks. As the novelty wears off, we’re seeing a slow but steady price retreat.

Reshiram ex is in a similar boat. Blaze Burst is flashy, especially in the late game, but the discard cost and reliance on your opponent's Prize count make it unreliable. The BWR version is dipping gently, but the SIR variant has taken a bigger hit. That suggests collectors might be pivoting toward cheaper IR options or just moving on entirely from Reshiram for now.

Zekrom ex's drop is smaller, but it's still part of the same trend. Voltage Burst has potential, especially when you're behind, but self-damage makes it clunky. And with the SIR version rising, the BWR version just isn’t pulling as much attention.

Black Bolt and White Flare sealed product Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

If you're eyeing sealed product instead of singles, Black Bolt and White Flare boxes are still widely available, especially in Japanese. Booster boxes are hovering around $94.50–$101.75 each depending on the vendor, and paired ETBs can be found for roughly $202.90:

• Black Bolt Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box — $157

• White Flare Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box — $139.99

• Unova Mini Tin Display (Black Bolt) — $131.99

• Black Bolt Elite Trainer Box — $88

• White Flare Elite Trainer Box — $76.01

• White Flare Booster Bundle — $62.10

• Black Bolt Booster Bundle — $61.45

• White Flare Binder Collection — $51.50

• Black Bolt Binder Collection — $51.49

• Unova Victini Illustration Collection — $37.20

• Unova Poster Collection — $31.99

• Black Bolt Tech Sticker Collection — $27.99

• White Flare Tech Sticker Collection — $26

• Black Bolt Booster Pack — $9.26

• White Flare Booster Pack — $8.78

These sets are collector-heavy releases. Pull rates for Illustration Rares are solid, with about one IR in every six packs, while BWR and SIR cards are significantly harder to hit. The big appeal here is the Unova-themed nostalgia and some truly beautiful card art. But competitively, these sets haven’t made a huge splash.

That means sealed product is mostly a play for long-term hold value or for fans who just want a beautiful rip experience. If you’re into art collecting, there’s definitely value here, but if you’re expecting meta-shaking cards, you might be better off looking at older sets or newer meta-focused expansions.

Still, if you're chasing the thrill of a rare pull or looking to stash some sealed boxes away, now is a good time while prices are stable and supply is decent. As with many mini-sets, we could see these boxes creep up in value over time, especially if specific IRs or promos from the set gain traction later on.

Despite its lineup of parasitic extraterrestrials, rival corporations, and jaw-dropping action sequences, Noah Hawley's FX series Alien: Earth is a story about humanity — with a pair of long-lost siblings at its core.

Marcy (Sydney Chandler) and Joe (Alex Lawther) are known, respectively, as Wendy (after the Peter Pan matriarch) and Hermit (for their father's army callsign). The latter is a human, the former a hybrid, a pair who find themselves reconnected through an Ice Age in-joke, then come face-to-face in the ruins of a crashed Weyland-Yutani spaceship.

Mashable sat down with Chandler and Lawther to unpack their Alien: Earth characters, the major Xenomorph fight in episode 3, and how voice notes helped build their sibling bond.

Sydney Chandler and Alex Lawther bonded through voice notes and ANOHNI Sydney Chandler in "Alien: Earth." Credit: Patrick Brown / FX

Forming this bond between brother and sister saw Lawther looking to music to establish their connection, with The End of the F***ing World actor sending ANOHNI and the Johnsons' 2005 heartbreaker, "You Are My Sister," to Chandler.

"That song by ANOHNI, I'm not sure it's about a literal biological sibling relationship; it's about her sisters, I imagine her queer sisters. But it speaks to an immense love, an immense, familial bond, and about one person looking after the other when it's nighttime and there's scary things in the shadows," Lawther tells Mashable. "It just makes me cry every time. Even just thinking of that song makes me cry."

SEE ALSO: 'Alien: Earth': What's the deal with Kirsh? We asked Timothy Olyphant.

Another platform for the actors to establish their shared history as siblings? Chandler and Lawther would send voice notes back and forth to each other, initially as themselves, then testing a few as their characters Joe and Marcy during pre-production.

"I actually listened through, it was really interesting," Chandler tells Mashable. "It kind of just started because we had a few back and forth as us, and then I remember when I was like, 'Do you remember that night when Dad...' and then you [Lawther] would add on to it. None of that stuff came up specifically for me when working, but having that texture and hearing your voice and speaking to you in that way gave me an immediate history with you. And we had a secret, because no one else had that. No one else knew those pieces."

Inside the epic Xenomorph fight in episode 3 Alex Lawther and Sydney Chandler in "Alien: Earth." Credit: Patrick Brown / FX

One of the more outstanding action sequences in Alien: Earth lies in episode 3, when Joe and Marcy go head-to-head with the dreaded Xenomorph in the crumbling tower's parking garage. Working closely with the Alien: Earth stunt team and a lot of KY Jelly, the sequence saw Chandler and Lawther in few weeks of night shoots — and giving it their all.

"I felt like I ran a marathon," says Chandler.

"We're so over enthusiastic," agrees Lawther. "Like, we would be giving 110 percent when really we could be doing 70."

"We were like, we want to be the A+ students," says Chandler. "My favorite days on set, too, we'd be doing pushups or jumping jacks or running in place really fast."

Alex Lawther in "Alien: Earth." Credit: Patrick Brown / FX

In one of the most air-punching moments of the sequence, Marcy uses a massive hook to drag the Xenomorph off her brother and into an elevator to take care of it once and for all. Chandler worked closely with her stunt double, Mickey Facchinello to bring the nail-biting sequence to life.

"When you have the hook in your hand, it's so badass," Lawther tells Chandler. "But also that sequence that you do, it's so good. I remember Mickey, who was your stunt double, and also doing some stunt training with us all, showing you and you just picking it up and doing it all."

"She was incredible. Mickey is like...I have so much love for her. Really incredible stunt. The whole stunt team nailed it," adds Chandler.

"The slow-mo did a lot of work for me, to be honest. Maybe I should just always be in slow-mo."

Lawther's character Joe also gets multiple moments of slow-motion action in the series, usually featuring the Xenomorph leaping in terrifying motion behind him or at him — in the stairwell in episode 1, in the apartment in episode 2, and in the garage in episode 3.

"Everything looks great in slow-mo, doesn't it? Like, even like just walking into a room and turning your head something looks really cool," says Lawther. "So the slow-mo did a lot of work for me, to be honest. Maybe I should just always be in slow-mo."

Alien: Earth episodes drop weekly on Hulu and FX at 8pm E.T. on Tuesdays.

Apple's FineWoven might be on its way out, but it should be replaced with FineWoven 2.0.

This is according to leaker Majin Bu, who claims that Apple plans to launch cases for its upcoming iPhone 17 lineup in a new, non-leather material.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s iPhone 17 event looms: Every new product we expect to see

Bu says that the new material will be a synthetic fabric with a "more technical, less luxury vibe." It will reportedly have a visible textile texture, enhanced resistance to scratches and wear and tear compared to FineWoven. Bu also claims it will feel more rubbery and grippy than FineWoven, making it harder to drop, will be some kind of eco-conscious material, and come in four matte colors: green, orange, blue, and purple.

We've first heard rumors about Apple working on a new synthetic case material back in April 2024. FineWoven is nice to the touch, but was quite prone to wearing down after a few months of use. Apple decided to keep some FineWoven accessories around for one more year, but it may finally be time for a change.

Bu also said that Apple "may" introduce Liquid Glass cases, which should offer a "more striking aesthetic," though details are slim on these. Finally, Bu says the silicone cases will come with a lanyard loop, similar to the one on the AirPods Pro 2 case.

All of this should launch alongside the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro in September, but nothing is official at this point.

This week, a gay influencer couple announced their breakup online, complete with a "split custody" plan for their social media. The internet, in its usual fashion, went into prying auntie mode.

For years, New Orleans-based Matt Armato and Beau Ciolino shared lifestyle blogs and videos under the brand Probably This. They met in 2013 and established the brand in 2014, according to the Probably This website. The formerly married couple posted recipes, home design, and couples' content on their Instagram and TikTok accounts.

SEE ALSO: The unseen risks creators face when they get political

Then, in mid-August, Armato and Ciolino shared a video across platforms announcing their split — complete with a fist bump.

"Well, we broke up," Armato announced in the now-deleted video, The Tab reported. (The TikTok video link is now broken, and it wasn't saved on the Wayback Machine. Clips are on X.) Later, he said, "This is like the dumbest video I think I can imagine. This belongs in my journal, not out there, but I want you to know I'm single."

Ciolino, however, appeared to be in higher spirits. He smiled in the video and said it was a privilege to be partners for 12 years and to share their lives online for a decade. "I think that there is so much love between us, and really loving someone knows when to change the format of the relationship, and we've decided to just be best friends," he continued, according to The Tab.

At some point, Ciolino fist-bumped his now-ex. On X, viewers weren't shy to theorize about what happened to cause the breakup, or to psychoanalyze their facial expressions and movements:

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

The men also announced that Armato would now control the TikTok account, and Ciolino would control the Instagram account. "They really did social media split custody," X user @computer_gay posted.

The two have since deleted the video from both platforms, presumably because of the reaction it caused. Due to Ciolino's appeared cheerfulness in the video, people guessed that he cheated, and Armato posted on Instagram stories and added a highlight to his profile to share the real story:

Matt Armato's Instagram story about the breakup Credit: Screenshot: Instagram

In the statement, Armato acknowledged that the video "sparked a lot of reactions," and said he didn't want internet commenters to pile on against his ex.

"He is not a villain, he is a human, and a really beautiful one at that," he wrote.

"One large point of criticism has been the gap between our apparent demeanors. Neither of us was confident addressing this publicly but given that we've built our career together as a couple it felt necessary," he explained. "So what you might see as someone being carelessly giddy I see as nervous posturing and, sure, a bit of relief. I can't fault him for that. I too am relieved to be moving on."

Armato assured that he and Ciolino are still very close.

The discourse surrounding the video soon morphed into one about couples who base their social media presence around their relationship, and how it makes their entire lives "content."

And this isn't the first time that TikTok-famous couples have broken up. When Mashable spoke to such ex-couples in 2024, they shared the downsides of being a public couple — including internet hate and scrutiny into their off-camera lives. The same happened last year when another Instagram-famous queer influencer couple announced their breakup with matching posts.

Armato and Ciolino haven't responded to Mashable's request for comment.

SAVE $100: As of Aug. 20, the Apple Studio Display is on sale for $1,499.99 at Amazon. That's a 6% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Studio Display $1,499.99 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $99.01 Get Deal

If your home office has been the same since its 2020 inception, a temporary "two weeks at home" setup — then it's time for an upgrade. And right now, the Apple Studio Display is on sale, so you have the perfect excuse to upgrade.

As of Aug. 20, this monitor is on sale for $1,499.99, down from its list price of $1,599. This price is for the tild-adjustable stand with standard glass, and without AppleCare+.

SEE ALSO: Apple AirPods Max have dropped in price at Amazon — save $70 for a limited time

It's compatible with most Apple devices, including any Mac running macOS Monterey 12.3 or later. It's also compatible with certain iPad models, namely the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation or later), iPad Pro 11-inch, and the iPad Air (5th generation).

So, what else does this monitor have going for it? Well, it boasts a 27-inch 5K Retina display with 600 nits of brightness, P3 wide color, and support for a billion colors, so everything you do will look incredibly high quality. It also has a 12MP Ultra Wide camera with Apple's Center Stage, meaning your video calls stay focused on you, even if you move around. The three-mic system is also top-notch, making sure your voice comes through loud and clear, and the six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio delivers an immersive listening experience. Perfect for long calls or meetings, or taking a break to watch movies and your favorite shows.

Connectivity-wise, you get one Thunderbolt 3 port and three USB-C ports, plus 96W of power delivery to keep your MacBook charged.

Ready for the upgrade? Get this deal from Amazon now.

TL;DR: The DJI Mini 4K drone is on sale for $249 at Amazon. That's $50 off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DJI Mini 4K Drone $249 at Amazon
$299 Save $50 Shop Now

Not familiar with all the fuss about DJI drones lately? President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders aimed at helping the U.S. drone industry and shoring up protections against malicious drone activity. The measures don't order a full ban on Chinese-made drones, but talk of a ban on DJI drones has been circulating for some time.

That uncertainty is driving a massive uptick in sales, with stock constantly falling to low levels. We don't know if or when that stock will actually run dry, but we can understand why some shoppers are scrambling to get their hands on popular models like the DJI Mini 4K drone.

SEE ALSO: The DJI Power 2000 portable power station means business, and it’s great for DJI drone owners

The good news for anyone looking to pick up the DJI Mini 4K drone is that it's currently on sale for $249 at Amazon. That's $50 off list price for Prime members. Not a member? Just get a 30-day free trial to secure this saving.

At the time of writing, this popular drone is being sold by thinkzone. We generally don't recommend third-party sellers, but thinkzone has a decent track record and offers a 30-day money-back warranty. Times are tough right now with these drones, so we'll take what we can get.

The DJI Mini 4K drone offers a host of helpful features for beginners and advanced users. It has a one-tap takeoff function and a lifesaving return to home feature. The three-axis gimbal, 4K quality, advanced wind resistance, and extended battery life are great touches for content creators.

Get the DJI Mini 4K drone for $249 at Amazon before the price flies back up.

SAVE $20: As of Aug. 20, the Fire TV Stick 4K is on sale for $29.99 at Amazon. This is 40% off its list price of $49.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (newest model) $29.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

With so many shows and films hitting streaming services, it's important to have a high-quality streaming device to watch it all. If you're on the hunt for something new, Amazon is offering a discount at the moment on its Fire TV Stick 4K.

Enjoy crisp 4K quality at an even lower price. The Fire TV Stick 4K is currently on sale for $29.99. This marks a 40% discount from its list price of $49.99, allowing you to save $20. It's listed as a limited-time deal right now, so you'll want to act fast to score it at this low price.

SEE ALSO: The Echo Show 5 is back at its lowest price this year — save $25 right now

With the 4K Fire TV Stick, you'll be able to enjoy all of your favorite shows and films with support for 4K Ultra HD resolution. It also supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos audio so you can feel fully immersed with excellent picture and sound. On top of that, it also has WiFi 6 support so your streaming quality will come across smooth and clear.

This deal may not last for long, so act fast to get the 4K Fire TV Stick for just $29.99. And if you're looking for a new TV to watch everything on, why not check out this deal on the 55-inch TCL QM6K QLED 4K TV at Amazon as well?

Connections: Sports Edition is a new 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: NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for August 20, 2025 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: Related to teams

• Green: Found in same geographic area.

• Blue: Legends

• Purple: Components of a team symbol

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: Ivy League team nicknames

• Green: Places at a golf course

• Blue: 49ers Hall of Famers

• Purple: Things in Mariners logos

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 #331 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Ivy League team nicknames - BIG GREEN, BIG RED, CRIMSON, LIONS

• Places at a golf course - CART PATH, CLUBHOUSE, PRO SHOP, RANGE

• 49ers Hall of Famers - LOTT, MONTANA, RICE, YOUNG

• Things in Mariners logos - BASEBALL, COMPASS ROSE, S, TRIDENT

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

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 today's Connections.

SAVE $300: As of Aug. 20, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is on sale for $1,699.99 at Amazon. That's a 15% saving on the list price

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 $1,699.99 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $300 Get Deal

Google’s Pixel 10 is taking the spotlight on Aug. 20, with an expected launch at the Made By Google 2025 event. But it’s not the only new phone making moves. Samsung has lined up a hefty $300 discount on its brand-new Galaxy Z Fold 7, giving anyone tempted by the foldable trend another reason to look around before committing.

As of Aug. 20, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, usually priced at $1,999.99 at Amazon, is now $1,699.99. This deal is for the 256GB option, and it's available in three colors: blue shadow, jet black, and silver shadow, all at the same low price.

SEE ALSO: Samsung is giving away a free 65-inch TV right now — here's how to get yours

This is a fantastic phone, even without the fancy folding feature. It features a 200MP main camera powered by Samsung’s Pro-Visual Engine and an 8-inch internal screen that supports up to three windows at once — perfect for multitasking. The battery life is great, too, designed to last all day. This remains the same even with heavy usage like running multiple apps, streaming video, or gaming.

And it uses a customized Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, designed specifically for Galaxy devices, to handle demanding tasks like streaming, editing, and multitasking smoothly. So, even if you're on it all day using multiple apps at once, it will still run fast with no lag. On the outside, it's built strong, made with an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 for added durability. So if you drop your phone a lot, you'll have extra floor protection with this smartphone.

Read to jump on the folding phone trend? Get this deal at Amazon.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, August 20, 2025:

AcrossSomething worn by an infant or marathon runner

• The answer is Bib.

Diversion on a long flight

• The answer is Movie.

Phobos and Deimos, for Mars

• The answer is Moons.

Join highway traffic

• The answer is Merge.

Coloring for a camp shirt

• The answer is Dye.

DownLoudly voiced one's disapproval

• The answer is Booed.

Material in walrus tusks

• The answer is Ivory.

"Delicious!"

• The answer is Mmm.

Opposite of WNW

• The answer is ESE.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

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