Mashable

Over the past 31 years, video games have changed a lot, especially in the realm of big-budget console releases. Chasing high scores has fallen by the wayside to an extent, and there's sort of an expectation that everything adopts RPG elements, or chases the high of an open-world, or otherwise follows some other recent trendy design choice.

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is not interested in most of that, judging from a short demo I got to play prior to the game's launch on Oct. 2 for PS5, Xbox Series consoles, and PC. Over the course of two of the game's single-player missions (online multiplayer is not available for testing yet), my main takeaway was: Yep, this is still Ace Combat. Not much has changed, and that's for the best.

'Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve' for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S $69 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Best Buy SEE ALSO: The Nintendo Switch 2 is getting a 'Legend of Zelda' makeover Ace Combat 8 is a potent injection of adrenaline

Since its 1995 debut, Bandai Namco's dogfighting franchise has accumulated a dedicated fanbase of flyers, but I still find that a lot of people around me have no idea what this series is all about. Let me briefly explain.

Nearly 100 percent of gameplay is focused on flying around real, licensed fighter jets, but most of these games add an extra layer of personality by taking place in a fictional world that has been affectionately dubbed "Strangereal" over the years. Strangereal is culturally and technologically very similar to our world, but all of the landmasses and the countries contained within them are fake.

Most importantly, wars are still primarily fought in the skies, and becoming a fighter pilot in this society is considered the most noble thing a person can do. These stories are often melodramatic and overwrought in a good way, with a bona fide radio drama usually playing out in your comms during missions. Ace Combat 8 changes the formula a bit by adding some first-person cutscenes, but I didn't get to see any of those in the demo. I did get to see one quick cutscene where a gruff video game man described the ocean as "a cradle of endless solitude," though, so the energy that's always permeated the series is still there.

The first mission I played was the game's tutorial, which quickly told me most of what I needed to know. The basic controls are exactly the same as Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, the only other title in the series I've finished. Though you control real jets, which can be customized and unlocked between missions, these are not flight simulators. The action here is decidedly arcade-like, with a score counter in the upper left and a turbo-fueled sense of danger as you speed past enemies in the air.

That is not a real aircraft, as far as I know. Credit: Bandai Namco/Steam

I should note that, like previous entries, Ace Combat 8 allows for two control schemes, Standard and Expert. With the former, pressing left on the analog stick will make your plane turn left, and so on. With the latter, you need to consider pitch and yaw, like flying a real plane. I played the demo in Expert mode because that is the true way to play Ace Combat.

After finishing the tutorial, I jumped into a later level that revolved around taking down six gigantic, fictional aircraft that each had several propellers, AA guns, and escorts equipped with radar jammers to deal with before they could be dispatched with. The jamming mechanic here was neat, as I had to follow the big planes' enormous contrails to find them among Ace Combat 8's frankly astounding-looking 3D clouds. Shooting down the escorts fixed this problem, naturally.

It was during all of this that I entered a sort of zen flow state and became a much more capable virtual pilot than I was aware I could be. I was pulling off reckless (but extremely cool) maneuvers, scoring sweet kills, and taking down the big fellas with stunning efficiency. That's the magic of Ace Combat; very few other video games are as adept at making you feel like the coolest person in the world.

Needless to say, it was incredibly fun, and I can't wait to play more.

That's nothing new, though This is all 'Ace Combat' has ever been, and all it ever needs to be. Credit: Bandai Namco/Steam

The thing is, all of the above could be said about basically any other entry in the Ace Combat series. This formula has been fun for almost as long as I've been alive, and there's no need to change it. Sure, different levels will have different objectives, and there's room for innovation there. But the basic act of flying around and taking down targets is as timelessly pure now as it was during the Clinton administration.

That's not to say the developers have changed nothing, though. Obviously, it's a visual feast, using modern hardware to make probably the best-looking planes, clouds, and ground targets the series has ever seen. You can also carry two special weapons into battle instead of just one, which adds an extra layer of strategy. If you voluntarily only bring in one special weapon, you'll have more ammo to play with, so there's a cool trade-off to consider.

Ace Combat 8 also brings back squad commands, something that existed in some of the prior entries but not the last one. Using the D-Pad, you can issue basic commands like "cover me" and "use special weapons" to your crew, whose planes you get to choose before each mission. It's not the deepest thing in the world, but it gives the player more to think about on a moment-to-moment basis than Ace Combat 7 did, so it's a welcome change.

Still, even with some little alterations here and there, Ace Combat 8 is still Ace Combat as hell. That's what I want, and it's what I imagine most hardcore fans of the series want, too. Sometimes video game franchises need to evolve to survive. Zelda became open-world to stave off staleness, while Grand Theft Auto is leaning into life simulator systems with its latest entry.

But sometimes, all you need is a fighter jet, some lock-on missiles, and enemy targets to have a good time.

'Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve' for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S $69 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Best Buy

TL;DR: Learn piano in your spare time with this five-year subscription to flowkey Piano Learning App Classic Plan, now just $79.99 (reg. $899).

Opens in a new window Credit: Flowkey flowkey Piano Learning App: Classic Plan (5-Year Subscription) $79.99
$899 Save $819.01   Get Deal

Learning something new as an adult can be intimidating… and humbling. flowkey Piano Learning App solves for that — letting you master the piano from the privacy of your own home, with no teacher judging your mistakes.

This AI-powered tool helps you go from beginner to pro in private, and this five-year subscription to the flowkey Piano Learning App Classic Plan is on sale now for just $79.99.

Want to learn piano without leaving your house? flowkey Piano Learning App makes it possible, offering lessons that fit into your spare time. All you need is a keyboard or piano, and a device to run the app.

flowkey offers step-by-step courses that range from beginner to intermediate, advanced, and pro levels. The AI-powered interactive learning lets you practice notes and chords and get real-time feedback as you go, as it can listen while you play.

The app is packed with features that make learning easier. A loop function lets you repeat difficult sections until you master them, while hand selection lets you practice your left and right hands separately.

Slow-motion mode reduces playback so you can take your time learning. There’s also wait mode that only lets you progress after you play the right notes, and the option to watch expert pianists play as you follow along.

These interactive lessons help you master chords and learn music theory as you play. Your subscription also provides access to over 1,000 classical and public-domain songs, including music by Beethoven and Bach.

Get this five-year subscription to flowkey Piano Learning App Classic Plan for only $79.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: New U.S. users can get lifetime access to all 14 Babbel languages for $159 (reg. $299) with the exclusive StackSocial code LEARN.

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

Learning a new language isn’t easy, but it also might not be as hard as some apps make it seem. If memorizing vocab lists isn’t working for you, check out Babbel. They take a more practical approach to teaching, and there’s even an AI conversation partner who can help you practice your pronunciation.

Normally, a Babbel lifetime subscription would cost $299, but right now it’s on sale for $159 with the code LEARN. Check out what that gets you.

What can Babbel teach you?

Babbel gives you lifetime access to courses in 14 different languages, and the format is designed to fit into real life. Each lesson takes around 10 to 15 minutes, so you can actually stick with it whether you’re commuting, traveling, or just squeezing in some study time between meetings.

Here are a few of the included languages:

• Spanish

• French

• German

• Italian

• Portuguese

• Swedish

And that’s just the beginning.

Unlike other apps that focus heavily on word games or repetitive matching drills, Babbel centers its content around practical conversation topics. You’ll get lessons on travel, shopping, business, culture, and more, all developed by expert linguists and backed by academic research. Speech recognition helps fine-tune your pronunciation, while the new AI-powered conversation partner lets you practice speaking in real time.

Lessons sync across devices, so you can start on your computer and finish on your phone. There’s also an offline mode if you want to download lessons ahead of time. You can move at your own pace, revisit review sessions, and jump between beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels based on your comfort.

Use the StackSocial code LEARN to get a Babbel lifetime subscription for only $159.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Mariska Hargitay kicked off the 78th Emmys with style on Monday, performing an entertaining musical parody of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts' "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" — with cameos aplenty.

In the video above, the Law & Order SVU star sings "I Love TV Screens" with a little help from the likes of Hacks' Jean Smart, the New York Knicks' Jalen Brunson, and a particularly entertaining appearance from Jennifer Coolidge wielding a boba tea.

If you need to catch up on the full list of Emmys 2026 winners, we've got you covered.

Want more film and TV news and reviews delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Mashable’s Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts.

We break down all of the new features of the new Apple Watch, including its most controversial: Live Rewind.

Read more about Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 features: Apple Watch Series 12 vs. 11: Every upgrade, including one Apple didn't mention
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 first look: AI and major health upgrades!
Apple Watch Ultra 4 announced with no price increase, new features
Apple Watch Series 12 announced: What we know about release date, price, and features

Timecode chapters
0:00 Introduction & Apple event overview
0:18 S11 chip & Apple Intelligence
0:46 Sound recognition & accessibility
1:00 Live rewind privacy concerns
1:25 Siri recap & ambient listening
1:48 Apple’s privacy defense
2:08 Real-world privacy risks & unknowns
2:52 Redesigned heart rate sensor & HRV
3:26 AI workout insights & Vitals app
3:56 Series 12 colors & ceramic finish
4:19 Apple Watch Ultra 4 features & battery life
5:08 Pricing & final verdict

Video credits
Host: Owen Poole
Scripted by: Owen Poole
Producer: Owen Poole, Iyaz Akhtar
Camera: JD Christison
Video editor: Dillon Payne
Thumbnail designer: Tharon Green

So, what is the best e-reader for 2026? I'm regularly testing new e-readers (and tablets) and cycling through different models to stay up to date on the best options available. If you're gearing up to read more books this year, I can recommend a model you'll love.

Featured Video For You Latest e-reader news

• As of September 2026, we've added the Boox Go 6 to this guide, naming it the best Kindle alternative. We also named the Kindle Paperwhite the best e-reader for the beach (in addition to being the best overall) and named the Durobo Krono the best e-reader for audiobooks.

• In August 2026, Amazon increased the price of Kindles. Now the basic Kindle costs $149.99 ($40 increase) and the Kindle Paperwhite costs $199.99 ($40 increase).

• In July 2026, Boox announced it was releasing a pocket-sized e-reader, the Picco. After IFA 2026, rumors floated that the Boox Picco would be released in November 2026.

• Also in July 2026, Xteink dropped the X4 Pro, a new tiny e-reader with a touchscreen.

• As of April 2026, we have included the Durobo Krono and the Xetink X4 e-reader in this guide.

• In May 2026, Amazon ceased support for e-readers released in 2012 or earlier, which includes the first generation of Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite.

• Also in May 2026, Kobo announced its integration with Storygraph, which syncs your on-device reading progress with the Storygraph app.

Other e-readers we've tested From left to right: Kindle Paperwhite, Nook GlowLight 4 Plus, Kindle Scribe Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

• Remarkable PaperPro: Whenever you search for e-readers, Remarkable's tablets will always pop up in the search results, but unfortunately, it's hard to obtain ePUB files on the Remarkable. With Remarkable, you can access files within Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. If you have any locked ePUB files — like from Libby — you won't be able to access them on a Remarkable tablet. So, after testing the Remarkable tablet myself, it proved to be a better document reader or digital journal than an e-reader.

• Onyx Boox Go 7: While we love the Boox Go 6, we didn't love the Go 7. It's the same size as the Kobo Libra or Amazon Kindle, but it really lags on processing speed. Reading ePUB files from Libby required downloading the Adobe Digital Editions app onto the Boox Go 7, and there was significant lag when opening and closing the app. While it was an easier process than getting library books on a Nook, it was still a major pain compared to Kindle or Kobo's integrations. The Boox Go 7 lagged and took ages to load files. I was most looking forward to testing this Boox because of its page-turning buttons, but unfortunately, I found that they didn't work on my device.

• Boox Palma 2: I loved reading on the Boox Palma. It's a really solid palm-sized e-reader with an open Android system, so you can download any reading app from the Google Play store, including Libby, Kindle, and Kobo. Unfortunately, the Palma 2 is being discontinued, and its availability is dwindling, which is why it's not included in this list.

What about the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition?

If you're familiar with the Kindle lineup, it may come as a surprise that the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition isn't on this list. Don't get me wrong, it's great, but I think there are better options. The Signature Edition is an upgraded version of the Paperwhite, and we've compared the devices head-to-head. The short version? The Paperwhite is a better value, even with the SE's added features like auto-adjusting brightness and 32GB of storage. Plus, after recent price increases, the Paperwhite SE now costs $249.99. If you are prepared to spend that much on an e-reader, I say skip the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition and go for the Kobo Libra Colour.

Where's the Nook on this list?

In terms of big-name e-readers, you might notice one omission from this list: the Barnes & Noble Nook. I have tested this e-reader, and it was previously featured on this list. However, after testing more devices, it no longer makes the cut. In comparison to any of the Kindles or the Kobo Libra, the Nook has sloth-like performance, making it frustrating to use.

Plus, getting my library books onto the Nook was a nightmare, as it was a multi-step process that required downloading to a computer before uploading to a Nook. Its only redeeming quality was the buttons on either side of the device, which made page turning a breeze. However, unless you are a loyal buyer of Barnes & Noble books, I recommend steering clear of the Nook.

Where to get e-reader books for free

Once you get an e-reader, it's time to fill it up with books, and that doesn't necessarily mean spending money. In fact, you can load up your e-reader without spending a dime; you just need to be a bit resourceful.

The best way to read nearly any book — a classic or hot new release — is with Libby. I have read hundreds of free books with the Libby app — I wouldn't have been able to test for this guide without it. It connects with your library card, allowing you to borrow from your local library's digital collection. Plus, both Kobo and Kindle have exceptional Libby integrations.

Another way to build your library is through Stuff Your Kindle Day events. These are 24-hour opportunities led by authors that make books discounted or free.

If you're a fan of the classics or looking to discover a treasure lost to time, an online resource like Project Gutenberg has more than 75,000 books in the public domain that you can download and read on an e-reader.

TL;DR: Watch Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur in the 2026 EFL Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Two Premier League teams are in action today as Liverpool host Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the EFL Cup.

It's been a sluggish start to the Premier League for Liverpool, with just a single win from four games. The EFL Cup presents an opportunity to build some excitement and momentum — and the Reds will certainly go into this game expecting a win. That's because Spurs are yet to score a single goal in the league, following last season's tense relegation battle. Spurs did get through the second round of the EFL Cup with a 5-1 win, so perhaps this competition will bring them better luck.

If you're interested in watching Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur in the 2026 EFL Cup from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur?

Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur in a 2026 EFL Cup kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Sept. 15. This fixture takes place at Anfield.

How to watch Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur for free

Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur in the 2026 EFL Cup is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can livestream Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur for free from anywhere in the world.

Livestream Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

4. Visit ITVX

5. Watch Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

• 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 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Burger King has launched a limited-time menu celebrating Dragon Ball Super. From Sept. 1, order the Dragon Ball Super Power Up Pack that includes a Super Saiyan sauce, Dragon Ball lemonade, and exclusive character figurines.

We're seeing a lot of popular food chains dropping collabs with even more popular franchises. We recently got a Krispy Kreme Pokémon doughnut collection and a Crumbl Cookies Minecraft menu, to name just a couple of the wild collabs we've covered. Those were fun, but I wasn't seeing anything that really spoke to me.

That was until I saw Burger King's limited-time menu celebrating Dragon Ball Super. This one is for me.

Burger King has launched a limited-time menu celebrating Dragon Ball Super. From Sept. 1, you can order the Dragon Ball Super Power Up Pack that includes:

• 10-Piece Chicken Nuggets with Super Saiyan Sauce: It's supposedly a sweet, savory, and tangy teriyaki-style sauce inspired by the iconic Super Saiyan. I don't know about you, but I always looked at Goku's transformation and thought, "I bet he tastes like teriyaki."

• Dragon Ball Burst Lemonade: Mango Peach Lemonade with juicy mango-flavored Popping Boba.

• Medium Fry: Classic french fries

• Dragon Ball Super Figurine: 1 of 6 exclusive character figurines, including Goku, Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan Goku, Vegeta, Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan Vegeta, Piccolo, and Beerus.

Credit: Burger King

There's also something for kids. You can pick up a Dragon Ball Super-themed King Jr. Meal that includes a choice of hamburger, cheeseburger, or 4- or 6-piece chicken nuggets, plus a side, drink, themed crown, and one of six figurines, while supplies last.

The food upgrades are interesting. I'm keen to try the new sauce and the lemonade, but that's not the real draw here. It's the collectible figurines. If you're hunting for the full six-figurine set, you'll want to move fast. These limited-time fast-food drops notoriously get picked clean by collectors within days, so hit the BK app early before eBay reseller prices get outrageously high.

TL;DR: Score the 30th Anniversary Mewtwo promo card for free by spending $15+ on Pokémon TCG products at select retailers. This special offer starts from Oct. 2.

If you're a Pokémon card collector, you know the absolute nightmare that is fighting off secondary-market scalpers the second a limited-edition card drops.

There is another way.

To celebrate three decades of pocket monsters, The Pokémon Company is dropping a limited-edition Mewtwo promo card starting Oct. 2. Instead of forcing you to drop $100+ on a massive Elite Trainer Box, you only need to spend $15 or more on any Pokémon TCG products to trigger the gift-with-purchase.

The card features an exclusive "Pokémon 30" foil stamping that won't appear in standard booster packs. Plus, every promo card comes with a secondary QR code card that links directly to the Pokémon Night Out event experience. It's valid both online and in-store, but given how quickly anniversary merch disappears, you'll want to lock in your order without delay.

The participating retailers are as follows:

• Barnes & Noble

• Best Buy

• BoxLunch

• Five Below

• GameStop

• Hot Topic

• Macy’s

If you're trying to figure out what to buy to hit that $15 spend limit, the actual 30th Celebration expansion lands worldwide on Sept. 16.

The set is a massive trip down memory lane, featuring remastered artwork, classic card reprints, and an unprecedented gimmick: every single booster pack contains a guaranteed rare Pikachu card out of a set of 30 unique designs. Grab a four-pack of individual booster sleeves or a single Booster Bundle at checkout, and you'll hit that $15 threshold for the Mewtwo card. It's that easy.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert won the Emmy for Outstanding Variety Series on Monday, honouring the cancelled late night talk show for the final time. Accepting the award, host Stephen Colbert took the opportunity to try securing his staff new jobs.

"If you like the comedy tonight, my old writers wrote it tonight," said Colbert. "Ariel Dumas, my head writer, is the head writer of tonight's Emmys."

CBS cancelled The Late Show earlier this year, abruptly ending it after over three decades on air. The unexpected decision forced hundreds of people who worked on the show back onto the job market, with The Late Show's final episode airing in May. 

"The thing about these late shows is that — besides being a really good steady job — is that they require so many people that they're a fantastic incubator for young people to come in to learn to work professionally, on a deadline, in cooperation, in collaboration, and that is the future of our business that we have to look after," Colbert said in his Emmys acceptance speech.

"I got some great news: They are all tech avail. Hire them. They will make your show better and they will make your day easier."

Colbert also thanked The Late Show's audience and the many guests he's interviewed over the years, then in a sweet moment singled out his "favourite guest:" his wife Evie.

"Thank you for being my only crew and my only guest during COVID, my only audience and the only audience I really care about," said Colbert. "Yours is the laugh that I want for the rest of my life. I love you."

At the time of The Late Show's cancellation, CBS executives stated that it was "purely a financial decision" and was "not related in any way to… other matters happening at [parent company] Paramount." Days earlier, Colbert had accused Paramount of paying a "big fat bribe" to President Donald Trump, noting that it needed the administration to approve its merger with Skydance Media. Trump reacted to The Late Show's cancellation with glee, having been vocal about wanting talk show hosts who criticise him to be taken off air.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Buy a vehicle through Amazon Autos From Sept. 15 through Oct. 7, eligible Prime members who buy a new car through Amazon Autos will get a $1,500 Amazon.com gift card. Shop Now

We've officially reached the point where you can buy literally anything on Amazon, including a whole ass car.

Personally, I'd never buy a vehicle online like this. The anxiety of checking out an SUV next to paper towels is just too much for me to process. But Amazon's trying to normalize it ahead of Prime Big Deal Days (the fall version of Prime Day and the precursor to Black Friday), and they're using digital cash to do it.

SEE ALSO: Here's how to milk Amazon's 'Young Adult' Prime membership for all it's worth

From Sept. 15 through Oct. 7, eligible Prime members who buy a new car through Amazon Autos will get a $1,500 Amazon.com gift card. If you're somehow brave enough to buy a car on the internet, that's a pretty good chunk of change to blow when the October deal event kicks off.

Wait, what's Amazon Autos?

In case you haven't stumbled across it yet, Amazon Autos is the retailer's online car shopping marketplace. It lets you browse cars, trucks, SUVs, hybrids, and EVs, compare features, and set up your financing or lease terms directly on the site.

Amazon then connects you with a local participating dealership to handle the test drive, sign the final paperwork, and get the keys.

Here's how the $1,500 Amazon Autos promo works

You don't need a special code or anything like that; Amazon will auto-apply the promotion to qualifying purchases at checkout.

The offer is available nationwide, but you'll need to be a Prime member purchasing a new vehicle. Once you pick up your new ride, Amazon will email you the gift card redemption code within two weeks, which you can add to your Amazon account and use for anything else you need. (Might I recommend some Chemical Guys supplies? It's what I use to clean my truck.)

The gift card doesn't expire and has no limitations once redeemed, so you could easily save it for December holiday gifts or a spring clean haul next year.

Today, Amazon announced that its annual Prime Big Deal Days event will run from Tuesday, Oct. 6, through Wednesday, Oct. 7. The 48-hour sale for Prime members, often referred to as "October Prime Day," serves as the retail giant's unofficial kickoff for the holiday shopping season.

Amazon moved up its flagship Prime Day sale from mid-July to late June this year, reportedly because of the timing of the FIFA World Cup and the U.S. 250th anniversary. But Prime Big Deal Days is happening during its usual fall time slot.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Shop early Prime Big Deal Days deals   Shop Now What is Prime Big Deal Days? Credit: Amazon

Prime Big Deal Days is a two-day, members-only sale that Amazon puts on every year in early October, a little over a month before Black Friday.

Amazon held its first fall Prime event in 2022, positioning it as "a chance to kick off the holiday shopping season early." That year, the event was called the Prime Early Access Sale. In 2023, Amazon renamed it to Prime Big Deal Days and expanded its scope to cover "everything Prime members need for Autumn," including early holiday offers and deals on seasonal household essentials like groceries.

Other retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Target typically run their own sales alongside Prime Big Deal Days. At the time of writing, none of them had announced their counter-programming just yet.

What kinds of deals will be available during Prime Big Deal Days?

Prime Big Deal Days' deepest discounts typically go to Amazon devices like Kindle e-readers, Fire TVs, and Echo smart speakers. (It is an Amazon event, after all.) Shoppers can also usually take advantage of extended free trials for Amazon services like Amazon Music Unlimited.

SEE ALSO: I tested all of Amazon's e-readers, and this is the best Kindle to buy

Beyond the Amazon of it all, Prime Big Deal Days normally features deals on products from popular brands like Apple, Bissell, Bose, Dyson, Eufy, Keurig, KitchenAid, Lego, Ninja, Samsung, Shark, and Sony. That includes gadgets like headphones, earbuds, laptops, tablets, TVs, gaming gear, and robot vacuums.

We expect Prime Big Deal Days tech deals to be especially popular this year, given the ongoing RAM shortage that's forced extensive price hikes across the market. Just last month, Amazon itself raised the prices of over 20 of its devices due to "significant increases in memory and storage component costs," a company rep told Fortune.

Early Prime Big Deal Days offers could start to pop up as soon as this week.

Do you need to be a Prime member to shop the sale? Credit: Amazon

Like summer's main Prime Day sale, Prime Big Deal Days is only open to members of Amazon's Prime program. However, you're still eligible for the deals even if you're only on a trial Prime membership. Most people get 30 days free, but college students and those ages 18 to 24 get six whole months of Prime for free through the Prime for Young Adults program.

Visit amazon.com/amazonprime to sign up for Prime. Just remember to cancel your membership before the trial period expires to avoid having your account converted to a paid subscription. (Amazon currently charges $14.99 per month or $139 per year; Prime for Young Adult members receive a 50% discount.)

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Prime (30-day trial) $0
$14.99 Save $14.99   Learn More

The Moon is finally becoming visible again. Its crescent is growing a little more each night, so we're beginning to see more of its features once again.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Tuesday, Sept. 15 NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the Waxing Crescent phase, with 18% of its surface visible.

After nights of no visibility, tonight you can finally spot some lunar features again. Without any visual aids, you'll be able to see the Mare Crisium and the Mare Fecunditatis. Add binoculars or a telescope to also see the Endymion Crater.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on September 26.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon doesn't look the same from night to night. As it travels around Earth, which takes about 29.5 days, we see different portions of its illuminated side. This is what creates the lunar phases, with the Moon gradually progressing from a thin crescent to a half Moon and then a Full Moon before the cycle starts over. According to NASA, the phase we see is determined by the Moon's position relative to both Earth and the Sun.

The eight phases are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards was held on Monday night, honouring some of television's biggest stars and most talked-about shows from the past year.

SEE ALSO: 'South Park' creators troll Trump after Emmys win

Going into the night, The Pitt had plenty of chances to add to its trophy collection with an impressive 25 nominations across both tonight's ceremony and the Creative Arts Emmy awards presented earlier this month. Though the medical drama had enough supporting cast nominations to keep the hospital busy, it ultimately took home two Emmys on Monday. The Pitt's sole acting Emmy went to Noah Wyle for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, while it also won the award for Outstanding Drama Series, beating stiff competition from other contenders such as Pluribus, The Gilded Age, and Slow Horses.

Close behind The Pitt in the nominations was Hacks, whose 24 nods set a new single-year record for a comedy. Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder were both back in contention, with the series also competing for Outstanding Comedy Series, writing, and directing. Even so, Smart's trophy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy was Hacks' only Emmy win for the night.

Rather, it was newcomer Widow's Bay that beat out Hacks for Outstanding Comedy Series, coming out on top of a lineup that also included The Bear and Shrinking. Widow's Bay ultimately swept the ceremony, snagging the most Emmys of the night with six. These included the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Matthew Rhys, and both Outstanding Supporting Actress and Actor awards for Kate O'Flynn and Stephen Root respectively.

The limited or anthology series race was another one to watch. Though All Her Fault, The Beast in Me, Beef, and Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette were all in competition for the trophy, it was DTF St. Louis, that took home the prize.

Below are all the nominees in the categories presented tonight. Winners are bolded.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Wonder Man

Steve Carell, Rooster

Matthew Rhys, Widow's Bay [WINNER]

Jason Segel, Shrinking

Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary

Ayo Edebiri, The Bear

Elle Fanning, Margo's Got Money Troubles

Lisa Kudrow, The Comeback

Jean Smart, Hacks [WINNER]

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Taylor Dearden, The Pitt

Fiona Dourif, The Pitt

Allison Janney, The Diplomat [WINNER]

Katherine LaNasa, The Pitt

Sepideh Moafi, The Pitt

Julianne Nicholson, Paradise

Karolina Wydra, Pluribus

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Patrick Ball, The Pitt

Billy Crudup, The Morning Show

Shawn Hatosy, The Pitt

Gerran Howell, The Pitt

Jack Lowden, Slow Horses

Tom Pelphrey, Task [WINNER]

Carlos-Manuel Vesga, Pluribus

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Carrie Coon, The Gilded Age

Chase Infiniti, The Testaments

Keri Russell, The Diplomat

Rhea Seehorn, Pluribus [WINNER]

Zendaya, Euphoria

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Dale Dickey, Widow’s Bay

Hannah Einbinder, Hacks

Janelle James, Abbott Elementary

Kate O'Flynn, Widow's Bay [WINNER]

Michelle Pfeiffer, Margo’s Got Money Troubles

Megan Stalter, Hacks

Jessica Williams, Shrinking

Outstanding Reality Competition Program

Dancing With the Stars

RuPaul's Drag Race

Survivor

Top Chef

The Traitors [WINNER]

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Colman Domingo, The Four Seasons

Paul W. Downs, Hacks

Harrison Ford, Shrinking

Nick Offerman, Margo's Got Money Troubles

Stephen Root, Widow's Bay [WINNER]

Michael Urie, Shrinking

Tyler James Williams, Abbott Elementary

Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series

Randall Einhorn, Abbott Elementary

Christopher Storer, The Bear

Andrew DeYoung, The Chair Company

Lucia Aniello, Hacks

Mary Lou Belli, The Ms. Pat Show

Hiro Murai, Widow's Bay [WINNER]

Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series

Salli Richardson-Whitfield, The Gilded Age

Hanelle M. Culpepper, Paradise

Noah Wyle, The Pitt

Vince Gilligan, Pluribus

Saul Metzstein, Slow Horses [WINNER]

Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Task

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series

Peter Ackerman and Debora Cahn, The Diplomat, “Amagansett”

Kirsten Pierre-Geyfman and R. Scott Gemmill, The Pitt, “1:00 P.M.”

Valerie Chu, The Pitt, “12:00 P.M.”

Vince Gilligan, Pluribus, “We Is Us” [WINNER]

Will Smith, Slow Horses, “Scars”

Brad Ingelsby, Task, “A Still Small Voice”

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series

Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary

Tim Robinson and Zach Kanin, The Chair Company

Michael Patrick King and Lisa Kudrow, The Comeback

Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky, Hacks

Anthony King, Jury Duty Presents Company Retreat

Katie Dippold, Widow's Bay [WINNER]

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Claire Danes, The Beast in Me

Sally Field, Remarkably Bright Creatures [WINNER]

Carey Mulligan, Beef

Sarah Pidgeon, Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette

Sarah Snook, All Her Fault

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Riz Ahmed, Bait

Jason Bateman, Black Rabbit

Charlie Hunnam, Monster: The Ed Gein Story

Oscar Isaac, Beef

Matthew Rhys, The Beast in Me [WINNER]

Outstanding Variety Series

The Daily Show

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert [WINNER]

Saturday Night Live

Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series

All Her Fault

The Beast in Me

Beef

DTF St. Louis [WINNER]

Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette

Outstanding Comedy Series

Abbott Elementary

The Bear

Hacks

Margo's Got Money Troubles

Nobody Wants This

Only Murders in the Building

Shrinking

Widow's Bay [WINNER]

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Sterling K. Brown, Paradise

Gary Oldman, Slow Horses

Mark Ruffalo, Task

Rufus Sewell, The Diplomat

Noah Wyle, The Pitt [WINNER]

Outstanding Drama Series

The Diplomat

The Gilded Age

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

Paradise

The Pitt [WINNER]

Pluribus

Slow Horses

Your Friends & Neighbors

Among my most anticipated movies of the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival was Theo Rhys' feature directorial debut, Stuffed. Many might be intrigued by the cast, which pairs Killing Eve's Jodie Comer with Pillion's Harry Melling. Some might be curious about its logline: An isolated taxidermist seeks a willing volunteer to be her greatest piece yet, and finds a lonely man desperate to be remembered. 

For me, Rhys hooked me back in 2021 with his short film, also titled "Stuffed," which he expands here. Five years ago, I was a jury member for the Midnight shorts section of SXSW and was absolutely enchanted by Rhys' 19-minute film, which not only blended romance and horror but was also a musical. I am proud to be part of the committee that awarded it a special honor at the festival, and I squealed with excitement to see he'd finally built it out into a feature. But how did this expanded version go over? Divisively. 

At the press and marketing screening, folks walked out throughout Stuffed, which is not uncommon at a festival, where attendees have many different reasons to give a film a go. But the pronounced flock who fled after a close-up of a dead poodle being flayed suggested that Rhys' musical was too much for some. I experienced this spectrum firsthand: On my left, a fellow critic howled with laughter throughout the darkly funny film, while on my right, a stranger frequently covered his eyes, letting out low groans. 

As for me, I was elated to see Rhys' vision come to life, even if the results were at times more scrappy than sensational. 

SEE ALSO: How It Hits: Are horror musicals the future? Stuffed is a tale of strange love. 

Blessed is the Harry Melling, who between Pillion, Please Baby Please, and Stuffed, has become an icon of offbeat (and sexy) love stories. In each of these stories, he plays a submissive man, eager to be loved by a domineering partner, on whatever terms they demand. Pillion explored this through BDSM sex in a leather-daddy biker subculture; Please Baby Please did it through genderplay. Stuffed is less tied to kink and sex play, and more to the stuff of Sweeney Todd, minus the murder. 

With a nest of untamed dark curls and a penchant for goth fashion, Comer's Araminta recalls Helena Bonham Carter's Mrs. Lovett from Tim Burton's Sweeney Todd. Likewise, her high, birdlike singing voice echoes the choices in Angela Lansbury's filmed performance of the same role ("The worst pies in London!") However, Araminta is no killer or co-conspirator. And she’s not played as broadly comedic. 

Instead, Rhys gives Comer the space to make Araminta into a passionate, grubby misfit. The nearby townsfolk  spread malicious rumors about her, and hate the "meat" debris she pitches into the trash bins, as its stench attracts rats. But inside her home, Araminta has made a creepy-cozy sanctuary, dappled with shadows but populated by her taxidermied critters. In her sitting room stand a full-sized doe, a stuffed pig, a cat, ducklings, and on and on. Through song, she soulfully explains how reconstructing these creatures means they are not gone, but "remain…still." 

By contrast, Bernie (Melling) lives a life where no one notices him, no matter how hard he might try. Rhys smartly establishes this factory worker in a warehouse so bland and absurd that a huge, rusted metal vat reads "Mayonnaise." A conveyor belt is lined with bored workers assembling sandwiches without a word of conversation. And Bernie tries desperately to make a connection. His only friend is his mother, who is fading away in a retirement home, her memories ravaged by dementia.

An opening song features a spirited chorus of elderly residents facing their approaching deaths, singing about how they're certain to be remembered, either for their work or their families. Then a chorus sings in a hilarious round about being remembered because, "I ran a marathon." 

It's the collision of theatrical musical boldness with winking absurdity that makes Stuffed a marvel. Rhys — and co-writer Joss Holden-Rhea — expertly use the form to give a big voice to introverts and misfits who share their inner lives with no one (or no one living). So each song that Bernie and Araminta sing is an exploration of yearning, vulnerability, and ultimately intimacy. As they move from singing solos to singing together, their bond blossoms. And that's their problem. 

They get together so that Bernie can die and become Araminta's taxidermied masterpiece. But as they fall in love, he wants to live with her, not die for her. He also wants to give her what she wants: his corpse. So what can love look like for them? In this exploration, Rhys refuses to judge his oddball lovers and creates a film that is grisly, funny, and uniquely romantic. 

Stuffed struggles in spectacle. 

Melling and Comer are terrific in Stuffed, bringing sincerity and texture to these roles of ghastly yet lovable losers. Early on, their songs feel held close to their chests, like a breath that could crack open their ribs. But as love blossoms, Bernie embraces a "bold" new self  through Araminta's encouragement. Like in Pillion, he gets a makeover that rejects blending in with the so-called normal folk. And ultimately, he'll find his voice in a comedically beguiling sequence. 

For her part, Comer blossoms in love as her posture shifts from a protective hunch to an open-chested stride. Their performances beautifully encapsulate the transformative power of love without ever rejecting Rhys' determinedly bizarre world. 

Where Stuffed underwhelms is in its production value. While the singing is big, distinctive, and beautiful, the film yearns for choreography and cinematography that can match it. The production design and costumes deftly create a compelling realm for this romance, reflecting the rot and wonder of death and life. But you can feel the low budget in the dearth of dancing or wide shots that might explore the potential physicality of these numbers. The close-ups, while effective, become a bit one-note visually. Still, for as weird and macabre as this musical gets, Stuffed feels like a miracle for existing at all.

It won't be the next horror musical to break box office records. (Hello, Sinners.) But this gnarly wonder is certain to find a cult following that will love it, warts and all. And I can't think of a more fitting fate for a film that sings that true love means exactly that. 

Stuffed was reviewed out of the Toronto International Film Festival. 

Apple officially released macOS 27 Golden Gate on Sept. 14, and the operating system update finally brings the new Siri AI experience to Mac devices.

Apple announced macOS 27 Golden Gate at WWDC in June, and the developer beta has been available for months. So, while the new OS doesn't come with any huge surprises, it does bring users upgrades both large and small.

If you have a Mac device that supports the new macOS and Siri AI, then here are the top features we'd recommend trying after you update.

Siri AI Credit: Apple

We have to start with the headline news: You can finally try the new and improved Siri AI, powered by Google Gemini. Apple explained how the new Siri will work at WWDC, and the company has emphasized that its new cloud-based private cloud compute platform will provide high levels of privacy.

Siri now comes in a standalone app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users, and the smart assistant will be integrated across the user experience.

The new Siri can:

• Generate text, make writing and editing suggestions, and write and send emails

• Analyze what your camera sees to identify objects or provide context using visual intelligence

• Answer questions or take action based on the user’s screen using on-screen awareness

• Access a wide range of apps to find information, take action, and answer user questions

• Remember your conversations and prompts in the new dedicated Siri app

Users can also customize Siri's voice to be more expressive and can change the pitch, tone, and pacing of the assistant's voice.

Change the Siri voice's pitch, speed, tone, and accent. Credit: Apple Siri can now take actions across a wide range of apps Credit: Apple New photo editing tools, including Spatial Reframing

Spatial Reframing is one of the cooler new AI tools revealed at WWDC. This tool allows users to adjust the angle of photos after they've been taken. It's just one of the new AI photo editing capabilities that arrive with macOS 27.

In the Photos app, users can also clean up and extend photos in new ways.

Credit: Apple New child safety and parental controls

Do any kids or teenagers in your house use a Mac, or maybe a MacBook Neo? Apple has added new parental controls to macOS 27 Golden Gate.

Credit: Apple

For example, by going to "Family" in the "Settings" menu, parents can now set a screen-time schedule. And to help make informed decisions, parents can also access a quick view of their kids’ average device usage and the top apps they use.

Parents can also get automatic messages when their kids want to access a new website via a new tool called Ask to Browse.

Learn more at Apple's parent safety website.

Group tabs in Safari Credit: Apple

Are you the type of person who always has about 30 different tabs going at once? Now, there's a better way to organize all those tabs.

You can now organize your tabs into groups such as "Vacation planning" or "Work stuff."

Describe a Shortcut

Shortcuts is probably one of the most underappreciated Apple software tools. Using a Shortcut, you can automate certain workflows and actions. For example, you can set up a shortcut that automatically edits and resizes photos once they're added to a specific folder.

The reason Shortcuts are underutilized? They're tricky to set up if you're not a tech person. However, now you can let Siri AI and macOS set up the shortcut for you with Describe a Shortcut. Simply describe the kind of Shortcut you have in mind, and let the OS do the rest.

An improved Maps experience

According to Apple, you'll be able to see even more details and information in Maps. For example, "Flyover now uses aerial imagery combined with Visual Intelligence models to render everything from architectural fixtures to the shapes of individual trees in stunning, sharp detail."

General system improvements Visual Intelligence with Siri AI in macOS 27 Golden Gate Credit: Apple

This one's a bit tricky to appreciate right away, but all new operating systems bring little refinements and improvements to the overall user experience — at least, in theory. Apple promises that macOS 27 Golden Gate will provide users with faster AirDrop transfers, faster file browsing, and faster loading times for apps and websites.

Refinements to Liquid Glass should also fix some of the visibility problems that sometimes occurred in iOS 26 and macOS 26.

Future updates coming to macOS 27

Apple has also announced some features that will be released in later versions of the OS, such as:

• Suggestions: Messages and Mail will soon offer suggestions to take quick actions based on context clues, such as attaching a photo or pulling in flight information.

• Fix passwords with a click: "The Passwords app alerts you to weak or compromised passwords and can update them on your behalf without the hassle."

What devices support macOS 27?

Apple says macOS 27 Golden Gate is available for the following devices:

• MacBook Neo (2026)

• MacBook Air with Apple silicon (2020 and later)

• MacBook Pro with Apple silicon (2020 and later)

• iMac with Apple silicon (2021 and later)

• Mac mini with Apple silicon (2020 and later)

• Mac Studio (2022 and later)

• Mac Pro with Apple silicon (2023)

Preorder the new Apple products

Along with iOS 27, Apple also released new AirPods, Apple Watches, and iPhones. Except for the iPhone Duo, all of these devices are available for preorder now.

Apple AirPods 5 earbuds $129 at Amazon
  See It at Amazon See It at Apple.com See It at Walmart Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $399 at Amazon
  See It at Amazon See It at Best Buy See It at Walmart Apple iPhone 18 Pro, 256GB Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile
  See It at T-Mobile See It at AT&T Wireless See It at Walmart iPhone 18 Pro Max, 256GB Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile
  See It at T-Mobile See It at Walmart See It at Apple.com

Meta's $17 billion settlement is a fence around a mile-deep hole at a playground. Fewer kids fall in on the way to the swings, but the hole is still there.

Full wins are rare in the fight for online child safety. What families mostly get are half-wins like a settlement instead of a verdict, a design mandate not turned on by default, or a check that is a rounding error relative to a company's annual revenue. Half-wins are still worth having. But they carry a cost that clean victories don't: because a half-win is contestable, advocates don't get to just win it. They have to keep re-arguing that it counts, in public, indefinitely, using the same personal cost that got them into the fight in the first place.

I watched that cost get paid in real-time outside the federal courthouse in Oakland when survivor parents — Lori Schott, Shannon Heacock, Erin Popolo, Julianna Arnold, Mary Rodee, Victoria Hinks, Paul Hinks — stood in front of a wall of cameras and talked about the worst moment of their lives, again, for an audience that will mostly remember a 10-second clip and a dollar figure. Joining them were young people who didn't have to be there, standing beside them in solidarity.

SEE ALSO: Is Meta finally backing a federal kids safety bill, or is it all PR?

None of that shows up in a settlement figure. It's not a line item. It's not even really visible in most coverage of the case, because the story is "Meta settles," not "here is what it takes to make Meta settle."

I grew up in front of cameras, and I know the instinct they train into you: get small, get careful, hand over the version of yourself that's easiest to broadcast. What that experience taught me is that visibility is not a neutral cost. Every time a parent goes back on camera to describe how their kid died, or a young survivor stands in a plaza holding a photo instead of being anywhere else, they're paying something the settlement itself will never account for.

Meta's $17 billion figure has line items for age-assurance systems and independent auditors. It has no line item for what it costs a parent to relive their child's death on a stranger's studio couch, but they do it anyway because that's what it takes to get airtime.

It's why these types of wins are exhausting. A settlement requires the people who fought for it to keep proving, publicly, that it was worth fighting for. If we're serious about accountability, the fix isn't asking survivor parents to keep showing up to press conferences until Meta gets embarrassed enough to throw better-looking Band-Aids at the problem. It's changing the business model in the first place to ensure these companies are required to fix what took these kids too soon: a business structure that relies on addictive features.

SEE ALSO: Lawsuits allege ChatGPT use led to suicide, psychosis

In California, AB 1709, authored by Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal and signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on Sept. 10, does that by making these companies stop deploying addictive features to users under 16. Not a content ban, but a design restriction. A platform can keep operating exactly as it does now for everyone else, but it doesn't get to hand a 12-year-old the same engagement-optimized product it hands an adult.

AB 2, also authored by Lowenthal, makes large platforms liable for real money — up to $1 million per child, or three times actual damages — when ordinary negligence in the design of the product injures a minor. That's not a number Meta can negotiate down to a lump sum once and move on from, the way it did with this settlement. It scales with every child harmed, case by case, indefinitely — which is exactly the kind of exposure a company can't absorb as a cost of doing business, because there's no ceiling on it to absorb.

Together, these bills do what a $17 billion settlement can't: they change the incentive before the harm happens, instead of paying for it after the fact.

That's the difference between managing a story and fixing a product. A settlement is Meta agreeing, after years of litigation, to adjust some defaults under supervision it can eventually age out of — a 10-year consent decree that ends, after which Meta negotiates the next one from scratch. AB 1709 doesn't ask Meta to behave better under supervision that expires. It removes the option to keep operating the way it currently does and call it compliance, permanently, the same way any other law stays on the books after the fight to pass it is over. The parents testifying in Sacramento are doing the same kind of labor they did outside that courthouse, but they're doing it once, for a law that outlives the news cycle, instead of doing it every time a consent decree comes up for renewal.

SEE ALSO: 5 of the biggest changes coming to Instagram, Facebook

While those parents were in Sacramento testifying about their kids, Meta's lobbyists were in a different room asking for a way out. Politico reported that Meta approached Senate Judiciary Chair Tom Umberg with draft language that would let platforms apply for an exemption from AB 2 entirely. Meta spent $4.6 million lobbying Sacramento last year, more than any year since it started lobbying the state in 2010, and launched a new political committee to back candidates who favor lighter tech regulation. So the next time you see Meta's PR machine discussing how much they want to show up for parents, remember: they spent a lot trying to shut those same parents up in state legislatures.

The fence is up. The hole is still there. And the people who keep pointing at the hole, publicly, at their own expense, deserve better than another way for Meta to fool the masses while it keeps deploying the same business model that brought these parents to their child's gravesite instead of their high school graduation.

This article represents the opinions of its author.

Lennon Torres is a former Dance Moms performer now fighting for young people’s safety online. A trans activist and University of Southern California alum, she uses her pop‑culture fluency and lived experience to power her work at the Heat Initiative, taking on tech giants and demanding platforms to protect and empower the next generation.

iOS 27 is here! The newest iPhone operating system has just been rolled out by Apple today.

Here are a few of the must-try features that you should check out as soon as your iPhone is finished updating to the new OS.

Siri AI

This is the big one. Apple has completely reimagined its voice assistant Siri as a full-fledged AI assistant.

Siri AI can now perform tasks and answer questions just like other AI assistants like ChatGPT and Claude. But, of course, Siri AI is integrated directly into the iOS experience. Siri AI even has its very own app now.

The new Siri AI can take actions across a wide variety of apps, such as a user's email, phone, photos, and Shortcuts. Siri AI can even create a new Shortcut based on a simple description. Users simply vocalize the workflow they want to automate in plain English, and Siri AI will take over and set the whole thing up.

So, be sure to check out Siri AI both via the standalone app (and the custom voice controls) to see what the brand new Siri can do.

Change Siri's voice speed, pitch, tone, and accent. Credit: Apple Weather app updates

The Weather app has some big new updates in iOS 27 to take a look at.

There are new tabs for the day's weather that provide users with information about conditions, precipitation, and Wind. Each tab will provide more in-depth details about the current day's temperature, rain or snow, and the wind conditions over the next few hours.

There's also a new Highlights feature in the Weather app that provides users with a written summary of what to expect weather-wise throughout the day.

AirPods custom EQ Credit: Apple

Surprisingly, AirPods have been missing custom EQ settings, a standard feature for most headphones and earbuds. Well, no longer.

iOS 27 adds a three-band equalizer to the AirPods settings screen, allowing users to control the audio frequency spectrum of their earbuds. 

Users can adjust EQ in real-time, changing how they hear the bassy lows, vocal mids, treble detail in the highs, and more.

Other headphones have this capability and Apple previously allowed AirPods users to customize EQ within Apple Music. Now, however, AIrPods owners can have this greater audio control regardless of where they listen to their music.

Liquid Glass updates Credit: Apple

If you had some problems with the way Apple's new Liquid Glass design for iPhone looked, you may want to go directly to this new feature.

Apple has updated the Liquid Glass design with "more uniform refraction and improved contrast." The iPhone-maker has even added controls in the form of a new slider that allows users to change just how clear or tinted the Liquid Glass design appears.

Disable the dictation button in Messages

This is another fix to an issue that has long-annoyed some iPhone users.

There's a dictation button next to the text box in Messages. That dictation button becomes the "Send" button when you've already typed out some text in your message. However, the placement of both buttons makes for some accidental taps, which sometimes activate the dictation feature when it isn't wanted. 

Now, in iOS 27, users can change that in the iPhone settings. Simply open the Settings app, select Apps, then Messages, followed by the new Show Text in Field option. Users can pick if there's a Record Audio button, Start Dictation button, or no button at all in that spot. The Send button will obviously still appear as normal after a user starts typing.

Bill splitting

If you're tired of trying to figure out the math of who pays what when going out for a meal with friends, this new iOS 27 feature is a must-try.

Using Apple Wallet or the Messages app, simply point your iPhone camera at a receipt, iOS 27's new bill splitting feature will read the information and then provide an itemized list on your iPhone. From there, you can pick which items you're paying for and then use Apple Cash to just pay for what they ordered. The bill-splitting feature even adds the relevant tax and tip portion as users select what items they are paying for.

Photo app updates

By now, you've probably heard about the big iOS 27 updates to the Photos app. Clean Up, Extend, and Spatial Reframing utilize generative AI in order to completely transform your photos, remove unwanted objects, and change angles and perspectives.

But there are other lesser talked about new features to check out too.

For example, iPhone users can now share albums with their friends who own Android and Windows phones with the new iOS 27. In addition, users can now select stills from videos and save them as standalone pictures instead of having to take screenshots.

iPhone Handoff

This is probably the most undercovered feature, especially if you're someone who can't choose between your classic iPhone or the new foldable iPhone Duo.

iPhone Handoff lets you have both.

With iOS 27's new iPhone Handoff feature, Apple smartphone owners can use one number with two separate devices. Users can swap back and forth and pick which device will receive phone calls and messages, and then switch it back at any time.

For now, this feature is only available for T-Mobile users, and the carrier is charging an extra $5 per month to use it.

There's even more to check out with the new iOS 27, so be sure to explore the latest updates to your iPhone.

Preorder the new Apple products

Along with iOS 27, Apple also released new AirPods, Apple Watches, and iPhones. Except for the iPhone Duo, all of these devices are available for preorder now.

Apple AirPods 5 earbuds $129 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Apple.com Pre-order Here at Walmart Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $399 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Best Buy Pre-order Here at Walmart Apple iPhone 18 Pro, 256GB Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile
  Pre-order Here at T-Mobile Pre-order Here at AT&T Wireless Pre-order Here at Walmart iPhone 18 Pro Max, 256GB Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile
  Pre-order Here at T-Mobile Pre-order Here at Walmart Pre-order Here at Apple.com

Updated on Monday, Sept. 14 at 1:30 p.m. ET — Apple launched iOS 27 (along with macOS 27 Golden Gate, iPadOS 27, and watchOS 27) this morning. Users with a compatible iPhone can download the new OS right away.

Apple's next big iOS update is finally on the launch pad.

At its "Surprise and Shine" event on Sept. 9, Apple showed off new wares like the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, the foldable iPhone Duo, new Apple Watches, and the AirPods 5. One of the smaller (but still significant) nuggets of news to come out of the event concerned iOS 27. Specifically, when you can finally download it to your iPhone.

Users with compatible iPhones will be able to install iOS 27 on Monday, Sept. 14.

How to download iOS 27

If you have one of the compatible iPhones (keep scrolling for the full list), then starting on Monday, Sept. 14, you can look for iOS 27. Apple typically releases a new iOS at 10:00 a.m. PT (1:00 p.m. ET).

Follow these steps to get iOS 27 set up on your iPhone:

• Go to the Settings app on your phone

• Go to General

• Go to Software Update and wait as the system checks for new updates

• When iOS 27 appears, you can download and install the new OS

You can also click "Automatic Updates" and turn this feature to "On." That way, iOS 27 should automatically download once it's available (your phone must be locked and charging to download automatic updates).

What's new with iOS 27? This is a big one! Siri AI, new Apple Intelligence tools, and Liquid Glass updates are all coming soon. Credit: Apple

If you haven't been following along, iOS 27 is the one that finally brings us Siri AI. You can now talk to Siri like you would an AI chatbot, and it's powered by Google Gemini.

Some of the most exciting changes coming to iPhones involve new AI photo-editing features, such as spatial reframing. Users will more easily be able to remove unwanted details, or even describe the edits they'd like to Siri by voice or text. Android smartphones from Google and Samsung have had a full suite of AI editing tools for a couple of years now, and Apple is finally catching up. Smart photo editing will also help users make the most of the iPhone 18 Pro Max's new camera features.

Apple also included some new and subtle customization options for Liquid Glass, various small updates for apps like Health, Photos, and Notes, and more.

SEE ALSO: 5 Siri AI and iOS 27 features we’re looking forward to Every iPhone that supports iOS 27

Of course, you can only go through that whole downloading process if you have a device that supports iOS 27. Here are the devices that work with the new iOS:

• iPhone SE (second generation or later)

• iPhone 11

• iPhone 11 Pro

• iPhone 11 Pro Max

• iPhone 12

• iPhone 12 Mini

• iPhone 12 Pro

• iPhone 12 Pro Max

• iPhone 13

• iPhone 13 Mini

• iPhone 13 Pro

• iPhone 13 Pro Max

• iPhone 14

• iPhone 14 Plus

• iPhone 14 Pro

• iPhone 14 Pro Max

• iPhone 15

• iPhone 15 Plus

• iPhone 15 Pro

• iPhone 15 Pro Max

• iPhone 16

• iPhone 16e

• iPhone 16 Plus

• iPhone 16 Pro

• iPhone 16 Pro Max

• iPhone 17

• iPhone 17e

• iPhone Air

• iPhone 17 Pro

• iPhone 17 Pro Max

• iPhone 18 Pro

• iPhone 18 Pro Max

• iPhone Duo

If you don't have one of those, you're out of luck. We should also note that Siri AI will not be coming to Europe due to some regulatory issues. Sorry, European friends.

There's a unique heartbreak to realizing our parents aren't who we imagined. A Long Winter is about that agony, and how one might grow from it.

From English writer/director Andrew Haigh (Weekend, All of Us Strangers) A Long Winter centers on a quietly queer protagonist, who comes to understand himself and what he wants through the hard, cold lesson of who his parents really are. And the result is elegant in its heartbreak.

SEE ALSO: TIFF 2026 preview: 18 films (and shows) you'll want to see (and how) What is A Long Winter About?  Fred Hechinger and Ebon Moss-Bachrach in "A Long Winter." Credit: TIFF

Adapted from Colm Tóibín's short story of the same name, A Long Winter is set in the brutally cold mountains of Colorado, during the early 1950s. There, despite the hard work of maintaining the house and farm animals, Mike (Fear Street's Fred Hechinger) enjoys a rather blissful existence, relishing the time with his younger brother (Heartstopper's Kit Connor), his mother (Outlander's Caitríona Balfe), and father (The Bear's Ebon Moss-Bachrach). However, once his brother takes a job far away, Mike witnesses another side of his parents, one tarnished by regret and recrimination.

As another winter approaches, his mother Louise's smiles turn to snarls. Her empty water glass reeks of alcohol, and her fury at her hard-headed husband Lester boils over. One day, she wanders off with their dog Sandy. Hours later, a blizzard turns the familiar hills to treacherous, frigid white. Where did she go? Could she have survived?

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For months, Mike will seek her out in the not-so-near town, an abandoned mine, the home of his posh uncle (a terrifically festering Martin Freeman), and again and again in the long, blank expanse of the mountain. 

In his search, he has time and space to reflect, and so comes across a better understanding of who his mother was, who his father is, and what he wants for his own life. Mike also makes a new acquaintance in Jimmy (Reservation Dogs' D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai), an abandoned teen Lester brings on to do the "women's work" on the property that neither he nor his son has any talent for. 

Fred Hechinger delivers his best performance yet in A Long Winter.  Fred Hechinger in "A Long Winter." Credit: TIFF

Hechinger first hit my radar in 2021, playing the chaotically charismatic Simon in Fear Street: Part One - 1994. Where others in the film had to deliver the horror of the slasher's slaughters, Simon was reliably and warmly the comic relief. Hechinger brought Matthew Lillard vibes, offering an unapologetically gawky confidence and sharp comedic timing. 

From there, he'd earn praise for his role as Quinn on White Lotus Season 1. Then, in 2024, he popped up in a string of movies, taking on wildly different supporting roles. In Thelma, he was a doting grandson. In Nickel Boys, he was a friendly face amid a squadron of abusive school staffers. Gladiator II gave him a chance to play a villain, opposite his onscreen twin emperor Joseph Quinn. Then, in Kraven The Hunter, he played the title character's demure younger brother, Dmitri "Chameleon" Smerdyakov, who used his power to sing like Harry Styles, Ozzy Osbourne, and Tony Bennett. 

Simply put, Hechinger has swiftly established himself as an actor who is exciting at every appearance, because you never know where he might go. 

In A Long Winter, Hechinger packs away his goofy grin and playfulness for a more restrained yet brilliantly alive performance. In the first act, Mike recounts to his brother about how, when he went away for contracted work, he missed home, reminiscing in his childhood bed about his family and the meals his mother made. In these scenes, his voice has a folksy touch, while his word choice is simple. But after weeks without his mother and months without his brother, with Jimmy in the bed beside him, Mike's accent has softened, and he'll use words like "cope," which feel out of place in his father's idea of mountain masculinity. These simple diction shifts reflect how Mike's vision for himself has become less reliant on his father's example, even as his is the only one around. 

Frustratingly, Moss fumbles in his role as the tough guy, much like he did in Broadway's Dog Day Afternoon. His bluster feels flaccid, making the years his wife submitted to his demands a bit perplexing. In scenes where Moss and Hechinger face off, A Long Winter struggles when the former cannot match the latter in onscreen intensity, even though the younger actor is playing openness rather than rage.

Hechinger, who has been a stellar supporting player, proves his leading man chops by shouldering A Long Winter in scenes of delicate dialogue, earnest confrontation, and moments alone, where it's just Mike and the wilderness that has likely consumed his lost and loved mother. 

A Long Winter works as a sister film All of Us Strangers.  Caitríona Balfe and Ebon Moss-Bachrach in "A Long Winter." Credit: TIFF

Make no mistake, A Long Winter won't be as gut-wrenching or as hot as Haigh's last film. Yet both share a common core. Both center on a gay man learning to trust himself and his desire, while making sense of who his parents are/were. The intensity of All of Us Strangers perfectly encapsulates the first stage of such scary journeys, enhanced by the ghost story elements that make the film a soft horror movie. 

In A Long Winter, the arc is less rigorous because Mike — unlike Andrew Scott's hero — is not alone. All of Us Strangers plays, in some respects, like a haunted house movie because of its protagonist's isolation. While Haigh will bring in some surreal and spooky elements to A Long Winter, it's not horror. Instead, he lets the reality of a scene bend to reflect the yearning of his hero, who's coming to realize that death — like winter — is a part of life that is unavoidable, but not inherently bad. 

There's a profound maturity in Haigh's latest, as he trusts Hechinger to infuse mood and growth without genre flourishes or the actor's signature mirth. Keen performances by Balfe, Freeman, and Woon-A-Tai bolster their vision of this world, cold but wondrous. It is not a tearjerker, but a rapturous and meditative look at growing up and growing into ourselves. 

A Long Winter was reviewed out its Canadian Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. 

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