Mashable

First came poaching, then restructuring and downsizing, now Meta has implemented a hiring freeze for its AI research team.

A new report from the Wall Street Journal, following an earlier report this week from The New York Times, added new speculation about Meta's whiplash changes to its AI research efforts.

According to the Times report on Tuesday, Meta is overhauling its newly formed Superintelligence Lab, by breaking it up into four smaller teams. The teams will reportedly focus on AI research, developing superintelligence (a form of AI more advanced than human intelligence), AI products, and AI infrastructure such as data centers, the Times said.

The Times report said that in addition to restructuring its AI lab, Meta is downsizing the overall team, which is reportedly in the thousands. This lines up with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's newfound belief that superintelligence research should be done in small teams. "You really want the smallest group that can hold the whole thing in their head," said Zuckerberg on Meta's latest earnings call. This was in response to how his perspective on developing AI has changed in the past 12 months.

On Thursday, Meta confirmed to the Journal that it has paused hiring for its AI team.

Just in the past two months, things have changed drastically at Meta. Zuckerberg, disappointed by the Llama 4 launch, kickstarted an aggressive recruiting effort, where he reportedly personally reached out to top AI researchers and executives for his superintelligence team. Meta poached more than 50 AI professionals from its competitors like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google, enticing them with signing bonuses and salaries worth millions of dollars. That included recruiting former Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang to lead its superintelligence research team, internally dubbed "TBD lab."

The fast-paced changes could signify the kind of swift action that comes from clarity of direction or concerns of a looming bubble. Meta told the Journal that the hiring freeze was a result of "bringing people on board and undertaking yearly budgeting and planning exercises." The sudden hiring of dozens of AI researchers and equally sudden freeze could mean Meta has the right team assembled after spending its seemingly massive hiring budget.

However, some investors and analysts warn of a looming AI bubble after this week's market volatility, where major U.S. tech stocks dropped several points. The selloff came after an MIT study found 95 percent of companies implementing AI found no returns on investment.

Season 27 of South Park continues its run of satirizing President Donald Trump, with its third episode packing in more jokes about his relationship with Satan and his penis size.

SEE ALSO: 'South Park' roasts ICE officers and Kristi Noem in savage new episode

However, Trump wasn't South Park's only target this week. The episode's main focus was on tech bros and AI, with Randy Marsh becoming hooked on both ChatGPT and ketamine in order to found his own AI-powered weed company.

South Park tackles ChatGPT and Trump's alliances with tech CEOs.

South Park's latest episode, titled "Sickofancy," brings AI into the fold in a big way, with everyone from Randy to Satan asking ChatGPT for advice on their problems. These range from Satan's desire to escape the White House to Randy raiding an ICE detention center for "one Mexican" employee.

In all cases, South Park portrays ChatGPT as the ultimate yes-man, validating all its users' concerns and suggesting all their plans are good ones. And while Randy claims he can feel ChatGPT making him and his business partner Towelie smarter, the reality is that they're regurgitating buzzwords and affirmations that ChatGPT has churned out for them.

SEE ALSO: 'South Park's anti-Trump episode was its biggest season premiere in years

As Randy and Towelie grow their weed business, they decide the only way they can make billions from it is if Trump reclassifies weed. So Towelie heads to Washington, D.C., to petition Trump.

To get an audience with Trump, Towelie has to wait in line with other politicians and tech figures. Each brings Trump a present, along with the affirmation, "You do not have a small penis."

One of the people in line is Apple CEO Tim Cook, who gifts Trump a plaque on a gold stand — something which did actually happen in real life. (Trump goes on to call him "some dipshit tech CEO.") Later in the episode, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg also makes an appearance to give Trump a gold, jewel-encrusted VR headset.

South Park spoofs Trump's federal takeover of D.C. police.

The biggest laugh of the "Mr. Towelie Goes to Washington" section of "Sickofancy" comes when Towelie first arrives in the city. He takes in the sights of the nation's capital, from the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial to the Supreme Court and U.S. Capitol.

However, instead of being crowded with tourists and D.C. citizens, all these locations are overrun by military troops and tanks. The visual gag references Trump's federal takeover of the D.C. police and activation of the National Guard in the city. Trump claimed this was part of an effort to curb crime in D.C. Notably, after a spike in 2023, violent crime has dropped in D.C. over the course of 2024 and 2025.

By its end, "Sickofancy" takes an exceptionally dark turn, trapping Towelie in the White House alongside Satan. He begs for help in getting out, but as a resigned Satan says, "There is no escape from this place."

Even if there were, it's clear South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone have no intentions of leaving the White House any time soon. Who's up next on their satirical chopping block?

South Park is now streaming on Paramount+. New episodes air every other Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET on Comedy Central, and stream next day on Paramount+.

SAVE $239: Pre-order the new Google Pixel 10 Pro, Google Pixel 10 XL, or Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold from Google and get a free year of access to Google AI Pro which ordinarily comes with a $239 price tag.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Free year of Google AI Pro with purchase of Google Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 XL, or Pixel 10 Pro Fold $0 at Google
$239 Save $239 Get Deal

Google just announced the new Pixel 10 lineup, and if you're looking for a new Android phone, this could be just the news you've been waiting for. You have plenty of options for pre-ordering the new models, but there's a special deal at Google if you're interested in the brand's AI assistance.

As of Aug. 21, pre-order the new Google Pixel 10 Pro, Google Pixel 10 XL, or Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold from Google and get a free year of access to Google AI Pro which typically costs $239 per year. This plan will auto-renew after the first year at $19.99 per month, but you're free to cancel at anytime. You'll be able to add the free year of Google AI Pro during checkout.

SEE ALSO: College students can get Google AI Pro for free, as company launches new guided learning mode

Google AI Pro comes with perks like the Gemini app, better access to AI tools, and an extra 2TB of storage. You'll get Gemini in Gmail, Docs, Vids, and more and you'll have access to NotebookLM, Google's research and writing assistant.

The recently announced Pixel 10 lineup comes packed with upgrades like a 100x zoom on the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 XL. Google also upgraded battery life which is always a much-welcomed addition. There's also live translation which is awesome should you be traveling to a non-English speaking country soon.

If you've always wanted to try out Google AI Pro and you're in need of a new Android phone, snag the Google Pixel 10 Pro, Google Pixel 10 XL, or Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold from Google and save yourself the $240 yearly subscription fee. A new phone with enhanced features is just what 2025 ordered.

SAVE UP TO $55: As of Aug. 21, shop deals on Amazon Fire tablets and save up to $55. Get the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet for $89.99, saving $50, or get the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet for $84.99 and save $55.

Best Amazon Fire tablet deal Best Amazon Fire tablet deal Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet $89.99 (Save $50) Get Deal Best Amazon Fire Kids tablet deal Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet $84.99 (Save $55) Get Deal Best Amazon Fire deal for ages three to seven Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet $69.99 (Save $40) Get Deal

If the rumors are true, Amazon Fire tablets are about to get a massive update. Amazon's tablets currently use the brand's in-house operating system, but insiders speaking to Reuters have said an overhaul is coming that will replace Amazon's operating system with an Android system. While nothing is confirmed yet, a slew of Fire tablets are now on sale at Amazon, making us wonder if upgraded versions are coming soon. We can't know for sure, but we can delight in the current discounts.

As of Aug. 21, a bunch of Amazon Fire tablets are now marked down over $50. The deals are for both adults and kids, as kid-friendly tablets have some of the biggest savings right now. Here are all of the best savings we've spotted so far.

Best Amazon Fire tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet $89.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

While Amazon's tablets usually can't compete with the quick processing speeds of Apple's iPads, they're getting closer with the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet. With an octa-core processor and 10.1-inch screen, it's great for streaming and gaming. Don't expect it to do as much as an iPad or Android tablet, as Amazon's app store is quite limited. However, if you're looking for a budget tablet, this will get the job done.

Already a great value at $139.99, the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet is currently marked down to $89.99, saving $50 for 36% off.

Best Amazon Fire Kids tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet $84.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $55.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you want a kid-friendly tablet, Amazon has a whole line of Fire tablets that are age-appropriate, providing a safer digital experience. The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet is geared toward kids ages six to 12, with built-in parental controls so parents can monitor download requests as well and review activity. In addition to streaming video and reading from the Kindle library, kids can browse the internet with built-in filters to keep content appropriate.

Normally $139.99, you can get this kid-friendly tablet for just $84.99, saving $55 for 39% — the best savings on any Fire tablet right now.

More Amazon Fire tablet deals

• Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet — $69.99 $109.99 (save $40)

• Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids tablet — $134.99 $189.99 (save $55)

Microsoft users beware: Hackers are using a new method to steal login information.

Bleeping Computer detailed the new technique. Effectively, it uses what appears to be a trusted, legitimate outlook.office.com link to redirect to a phishing page.

Bleeping Computer noted that researchers at Push Security believe the phishing method begins with a malicious sponsored link in Google search results. In at least one instance, a person reportedly landed on the malicious link via a search for "Office 265" which seems to be a typo for "Office 365." From there, it would redirect to an Office domain then further redirect to the phishing site.

So, in short, be careful what sponsored links you click. While these links may seem safe, that is not always the case.

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As fast as folks move to protect their information, hackers are often a step ahead. As we wrote earlier this month, for instance, hackers recently found a ransomware workaround to shut down Microsoft Defender, which is the company's antivirus software.

And even if you do everything right, your info still might get leaked via hacked companies. Just this week, it was revealed that more than 1 million people reportedly had their info stolen in a massive hack of insurance giant Allianz Life.

All that in mind, if you want tips on how to keep your info private, we've got you covered.

SAVE $999: Verizon is offering a free Google Pixel 10 Pro to all new and existing customers with an Unlimited Ultimate plan when trading in a Google, Apple, Motorola, or Samsung phone in any condition.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Free Google Pixel 10 Pro with trade-in on Unlimited Ultimate plan $0 at Verizon
$999 Save $999 Get Deal

The new Google Pixel 10 Pro is a great option if you're in need of a phone upgrade. For years now, Google's Pixel lineup has given us awesome Android options like the Google Pixel 9a, which landed itself on the Mashable list of the best phones of 2025. But if you're interested in the latest and greatest model, listen up, because you could be in line for a free phone.

New and existing Verizon customers can snag a free Google Pixel 10 Pro with the carrier's Unlimited Ultimate plan when you trade in a Google, Apple, Motorola, or Samsung phone in any condition. Overall, that puts you in line to save $999 on the free Google Pixel 10 Pro.

The Verizon Unlimited Ultimate plan comes with perks like access to 5G, unlimited mobile hotspot data, and unlimited international data should your travel plans take you abroad.

The lineup of Google Pixel 10 devices is packed with AI upgrades like voice translation, AI camera features, and the Take a Message option, to name a few. The Google Pixel 10 Pro has some pretty nice specs like a 6.3-inch display with 1280x2856 resolution and 3,300 nits at peak brightness. Google mentions the 4,870mAh battery will be capable of at least 30 hours of life before it'll need to recharge.

SEE ALSO: Score a $200 gift card when you pre-order the Google Pixel 10 Pro at Amazon

In terms of the Pixel 10 Pro's camera, Mashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry is optimistic. "The cameras this year haven't undergone huge (or any) changes in terms of megapixel counts, but one big thing Google did is increase Super Res Zoom capabilities from 30x all the way to 100x," wrote Perry in the Pixel 10 announcement recap. "We'll see how that works in practice, but given the excellent telephoto zoom quality on previous Pixel phones, this is potentially very exciting."

If you're looking to snag a free Google Pixel 10 Pro, sign on with Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan, trade in your old phone, and you'll be on your way to Android bliss.

In the third episode of Alien: Earth, newly awakened after decades of cryosleep, cyborg Morrow (Babou Ceesay) announces, "I don’t have a home. I'm gone a lifetime. Everyone I know is dead." He tells this to Yutani (Sandra Yi Sencindiver), his dead boss' granddaughter and the current head of the Alien franchise's evil mega-corporation, Weyland-Yutani.

Morrow is the lone survivor of the USCSS Maginot, Weyland-Yutani’s deep-space research vessel that departed Earth in 2055, only to crash-land there 65 years later, in 2120, when Alien: Earth is set. That timeline is not a problem in the Alien franchise's lore of decades-long space travel, e.g., between the events of Alien and Aliens, Sigourney Weaver's Ellen Ripley snoozed in an escape pod for 57 years.

SEE ALSO: 'Alien: Earth': What are the 5 corporations that control Earth?

But for viewers who believe or hope Alien: Earth is canon to all of the Alien films (except the Alien v. Predator spinoffs, which are generally not considered canon), we’ve encountered some turbulence.

What’s the issue? That's a Weyland Corporation ship in "Prometheus" — not a Weyland-Yutani ship. Credit: Scott Free Prod/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

Prometheus, the first Alien film in the series' timeline, mainly takes place in 2093. The Prometheus is also a deep-space research vessel, but one funded by the Weyland Corporation — not Weyland-Yutani — and containing a crew that includes the company's founder, Peter Weyland (Guy Pearce), and his daughter, Meredith Vickers (Charlize Theron). At that point in time, Weyland Corp. had not yet merged with the mysterious Yutani Corp.

The Prometheus sequel, Alien: Covenant, is set in 2104, by which time Weyland and Yutani have joined forces as a new company, and they're funding the Covenant colonization mission. If that still holds true, why was the Maginot — which, again, launched in 2055 — branded as a Weyland-Yutani ship since it took off half a century before Weyland and Yutani merged?

Featured Video For You How 'Alien: Earth' pulls you into the world of 'Alien' in its opening scene Why does it matter? Morrow (Babou Ceesay) works for Weyland-Yutani. But they're not called that yet? Credit: Patrick Brown / FX

If Alien: Earth suggests Weyland-Yutani was in existence in 2055, it would be hard to square that with the events of the 2090s-set Prometheus — where Yutani is not mentioned and Weyland Corp. exists as a solo enterprise — and Alien: Covenant, which is a direct sequel to Prometheus. It would also conflict with certain plot points in Alien: Romulus, a 2130s-set midquel that references the Prometheus mission by name.

In other words, having Weyland-Yutani exist in a different timeline than the films may be series creator Noah Hawley’s way of saying his show operates in a slightly different universe than the films. That’s something Hawley has hinted at, but never stated definitively.

And if it does exist separately, does that mean Alien: Earth will not acknowledge subjects explored in the more modern Alien movies, like the Engineers and their mutagenic black goo? It's hard to say, especially since a dissected facehugger in Alien: Earth contains black organs and both black and green blood.

Some possible (if far-fetched) scenarios to square the W-Y discrepancy

So, how could the Weyland-Yutani of it all be explained? Let's play out a few scenarios:

1. The Maginot departed Earth as a Yutani operation and spaceship, but at some point post-merger was rebranded as a W-Y vessel to reflect the new company, possibly at a refueling stop or W-Y space station.

2. The Maginot was a joint operation between Weyland and Yutani corporations, but the companies wouldn’t officially merge until much later.

3. Weyland-Yutani had already merged by 2055, but severed ties before the events of Prometheus (maybe Yutani didn’t support a crazy expensive mission to find ancient aliens?), only to again join forces later.

Aside from continuity complications, the fact that the original Yutani was chasing — or stumbled upon — alien creatures decades before the events of Alien is a fascinating concept. The films, at least the ones made this century, center Weyland as the driving force of Weyland-Yutani’s dangerous alien ambitions, while the TV series suggests it’s actually the Yutani side steering the (space)ship. Alternatively, perhaps Hawley will thread the needle and present a scenario where everything lines up and the original Weyland and Yutani characters were informing each other’s disastrous decisions. We shall see — unlike Xenomorphs, franchises are often imperfect organisms. 

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

Jackery portable power stations on sale now Best portable power station deal Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 $448.99 (Save $350.01) Get Deal Best budget portable power station deal Jackery Explorer 300 $169 (Save $90) Get Deal Best solar-powered portable power station deal Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 $1,399 (Save $1,100) Get Deal

Emergencies can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. One of the smartest things you can do is stay prepared for any eventuality, especially if your access to electricity is affected. One good way to make sure you're good to go is by picking up a portable power station. Whether you want one as a backup for important devices and appliances in your home, or you need a way to stay powered up while you're going off-grid, it's a good piece of tech to invest in.

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

One of the better-known names in the portable power station game right now is Jackery. Their stations are compact, easy to carry, and typically built for both everyday and emergency use. Right now, you can find several of them on sale, so whether you need something smaller that's easy to pack or a higher-capacity station with the potential for solar power charging, you can find a unit to save some money on. We've gathered a few of our favorite picks below.

Best portable power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 $448.99 at Amazon
$799 Save $350.01 Get Deal Why we like it

This Jackery model is a great pick for just about any use case, with a 1,5000W AC output and 3,000W surge, so you can use it for situations where you need to power multiple appliances. That includes fridges, AC units, kettles, toasters, or just about anything else in your tech stack. At just 23.8lbs, it's lightweight enough to carry wherever you go, and it has a foldable handle that you can pick it up and tote it around if you need electricity on the go — perhaps on a camping trip, vacation off the grid, or other adventures. And with about only 1.7 hours needed to juice up from 0 to 100%, it's quick and reliable, so you can charge from USB-C to USB-C and AC outlet-centric devices in a flash.

Best budget portable power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Jackery Explorer 300 $169 at Amazon
$259 Save $90 Get Deal Why we like it

This lightweight power station is a performer that's built to move, and it's the most affordable option that's on sale right now. It's just 7.1 pounds, which not only makes it the best one to choose if you want to take it with you anywhere (or perhaps keep in your car). It takes about two hours to charge up to 80% when depleted, and you can even charge it from a car outlet or AC adapter while on the road. If you have a compatible Jackery SolarSaga 100 solar panel, you can even juice it up with the sun if need be. With multiple charging ports including USB-C, USB-A, DC, and fast charging, you can make sure all your important devices are ready to go.

Best solar-powered portable power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 $1,399 at Amazon
$2,499 Save $1,100 Get Deal Why we like it

If you want to stay on the move while keeping your electric devices and appliances charges, a good way to stay prepared is with solar panels. This power station has a powerful 2,200W output and 2042Wh capacity. The device itself is just 39.5 lbs, which is much lighter and smaller than most of the solar-based competitors' devices, and it's easily charged up to 80% in just 66 minutes with AC charging if you aren't relying on sunlight. The app-based Emergency Super Charging mode will net you a full charge in 102 minutes, however. It can stay in silent charging mode that will also get it back up to speed in six hours for 400W panels, so you can go about your business in the meantime. It also has an uninterrupted power supply that can keep your things running.

SAVE $126: As of Aug. 21, the Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones are down to just $273.99 at Amazon. That's 32% off the usual sticker price.

The Sony WH-1000XM6s have officially surpassed the previous-generation XM5s in the race for best-sounding headphones. But honestly, they aren't all that different. And if you opt for the older generation, you can save over $150.

As of Aug. 21, the Sony WH-100XM5 noise-cancelling headphones in black are on sale for $273.99 at Amazon. That's 32% or $126 off the typical retail price of $399.99 and just a little over $20 shy of their lowest price on record. Unfortunately, if you prefer one of the other three color options, the price jumps to $328.

Deputy Reviews Editor Miller Kern gave the XM5s a nearly perfect rating, crediting their impeccable sound quality, great noise cancellation, and customizable sound. On top of that, they also pack a 30-hour battery life, crisp call clarity, voice assistant support comfy ear cushions, and an ambient mode that helps you stay in touch with your surroundings.

For what it's worth, the newer XM6 headphones are currently $428, which is quite the price jump for only a minor upgrade. Mashable contributor Alex Bracetti writes, "Very few things separate these two models, besides the big price difference. What we know for sure is that the WH-1000XM5s retain many series hallmarks, including ANC, battery life, sound, and special features."

The biggest downfall of the XM5s is that they don't fold up like the newer generation. If that's not a deal-breaker for you, though, we highly recommend snagging the XM5s while they're on sale for just $273.99.

Pokémon Elite Trainer Boxes are always a hot buy. With booster packs, promo cards, dice, sleeves, and a sturdy box to store your collection, they are one of the best ways to experience a new set. The catch is that Amazon often inflates prices well above MSRP.

That is why TCGPlayer is the smarter stop right now.

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

Across four different Scarlet & Violet ETBs, TCGPlayer prices stick much closer to the $49.99 to $59.99 range these were designed to retail at, while Amazon’s listings sit 12 to 14% higher. Let’s break down each deal and the big chase cards you might pull from each set. Just remember that these chase cards are extremely tough to pull, and in many cases it may work out cheaper to buy the single card you want rather than relying on luck with booster packs.

Pokémon TCG Black Bolt ETB Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Black Bolt ETB $80.95 at TCGPlayer
$98.39 Save $17.44 Get Deal

The Black Bolt ETB includes nine Scarlet & Violet booster packs, a full-art Thundurus promo (209) exclusive to the box, 65 themed card sleeves, dice, condition markers, and a collector’s box with dividers.

• Victini - 171/086 (Black White Rare) — $439.99

• Zekrom ex - 172/086 (Black White Rare) — $380

• Zekrom ex - 166/086 (Special Illustration Rare) — $200

• Seismitoad - 105/086 (Illustration Rare) — $175

• Kyurem ex - 165/086 (Special Illustration Rare) — $65

Black Bolt is anchored by massive chase cards like Victini and Zekrom, which dominate the market with values soaring past $300. For collectors, landing one of these iconic Legendaries could easily pay for several ETBs in one lucky pull.

The reality is that most players will not hit those grails, which is why many collectors opt to simply buy singles like Seismitoad or Kyurem ex rather than rip packs. Still, if you are in it for the thrill of opening and the chance of a jackpot, Black Bolt has some of the highest upside.

Pokémon TCG White Flare ETB Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG White Flare ETB $81.99 at TCGPlayer
$97.38 Save $15.39 Get Deal

White Flare ETB includes nine booster packs, a full-art Tornadus promo (210), 65 card sleeves, a set of dice, condition markers, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live.

• Victini - 172/086 (Black White Rare) — $448.95

• Reshiram ex - 173/086 (Black White Rare) — $399.99

• Reshiram ex - 166/086 (Special Illustration Rare) — $190

• Hydreigon ex - 169/086 (Special Illustration Rare) — $81.66

• Hilda - 171/086 (Special Illustration Rare) — $82.67

White Flare’s two biggest pulls, Victini and Reshiram, are marquee Legendaries that sit comfortably at the top of the market. Either card could easily turn a single ETB into a high-value opening.

That said, the odds of hitting one are slim, which is why many collectors prefer to pick up singles like Hydreigon ex or Hilda directly. White Flare is a set that rewards the lucky, but if you know the card you want, singles are often the smarter path.

Pokémon TCG Destined Rivals ETB Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Destined Rivals ETB $93.99 at TCGPlayer
$107.49 Save $13.50 Get Deal

Destined Rivals ETB is themed around iconic rivalries and trainer Pokémon partnerships. Inside are nine booster packs, a full-art Team Rocket’s Wobbuffet promo (203), 65 sleeves, dice, markers, and some of the coolest box artwork i've seen for a while.

• Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex - 231/182 (Special Illustration Rare) — $321

• Cynthia's Garchomp ex - 232/182 (Special Illustration Rare) — $200.28

• Team Rocket's Moltres ex - 229/182 (Special Illustration Rare) — $160

• Ethan's Ho-Oh ex - 230/182 (Special Illustration Rare) — $150

• Team Rocket's Nidoking ex - 233/182 (Special Illustration Rare) — $99.49

Mewtwo ex from Team Rocket is the undisputed chase card here, commanding values over $300. Cynthia’s Garchomp and Ethan’s Ho-Oh add depth, appealing to both collectors of character-driven artwork and competitive deck builders.

As with all sets, these cards are incredibly hard to pull. While the thrill of possibly landing Mewtwo ex is real, most collectors will find it more cost effective to buy singles like Moltres or Nidoking outright rather than gamble on booster packs.

Pokémon TCG Twilight Masquerade ETB Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Twilight Masquerade ETB $80.95 at TCGPlayer
$98.39 Save $17.44 Get Deal

Twilight Masquerade ETB is one of the most stylish boxes in the Scarlet & Violet era, featuring a full-art Teal Mask Ogerpon promo (123). Alongside nine booster packs, you will get 65 themed sleeves, dice, counters, and a collector’s box that mirrors the mask motif.

• Greninja ex - 214/167 (Special Illustration Rare) — $275

• Perrin - 220/167 (Special Illustration Rare) — $91.81

• Carmine - 217/167 (Special Illustration Rare) — $69

• Eevee - 188/167 (Illustration Rare) — $52

• Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex - 216/167 (Special Illustration Rare) — $37.99

Greninja ex is the major chase here, fetching upwards of $275 thanks to stunning artwork and its popularity as a fan-favorite Pokémon. Perrin and Carmine provide strong trainer representation, both with high market demand.

But again, these cards are exceptionally rare pulls. For most collectors, buying Greninja ex directly is far more realistic than hoping to find it in one of nine booster packs. The ETB is still worthwhile for the promo and accessories, but singles remain the more reliable investment.

SAVE $21.99: As of August 21, get the recently released Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones for $428, saving $21.99 for 5% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones $428 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $21.99 Get Deal

We're not one to be excited by deals that are just $20 off for 5% savings, but that changes in context of new releases. The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones just dropped in May of 2025, to much acclaim. Having dropped so recently, we don't expect to see massive savings. During Prime Day, the Sony WH-1000XM6 got their first discount down to $428, and as of August 21, the deal is back.

Right now, you can grab the Sony WH-1000XM6 for $428. That saves $21.99 for 5% savings. While it isn't the biggest savings or the best deal on Sony headphones right now, it is still the best price on the new on the WH-1000XM6.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 brought some much needed upgrades to their predecessors the XM5s. On the XM6s, we finally got foldable ear cups for a better travel experience. Plus the sound is nearly the best we've experience with a pair of over-the-ear headphones. If you already have the XM5s, it might not be worth the upgrade, but if you're looking for the best sound available, this is what Sony has to offer.

Grab the Sony WH-1000XM6 for $428 at Amazon now.

Following The Marvels, director Nia DaCosta reunites with her Little Woods leading lady Tessa Thompson for Hedda. And it looks like this reunion is going to be totally swoon-worthy.

DaCosta serves as writer and helmed on Hedda, a daring re-invention of Henrik Ibsen's 1890 play Hedda Gabler. Thompson stars as the eponymous heroine, a married socialite who seems to have it all. But when a former flame reappears, she's forced to confront both her past and present in a deliciously dramatic fashion.

As the logline of the film reads, "Over the course of one charged night, long-repressed desires and hidden tensions erupt—pulling her and everyone around her into a spiral of manipulation, passion, and betrayal."

One noticeable difference between Hedda and Hedda Gabler is that DaCosta has flipped the gender of Hedda's ex. In Ibsen's play, Eilert Lövborg is a man. In Hedda, Eileen Lövborg is all woman, played by Nina Hoss (Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World).

From the teaser, it's clear she and Thompson have chemistry. The first audiences to get to see this romance in full will be at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) next month. Stay tuned to Mashable, where we'll be running reviews, reactions, and more out of the fest.

Following Hedda's TIFF premiere, the movie will open in select theaters on Oct. 22, then debut globally on Prime Video on Oct. 29.

This fall, Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell invite viewers on a A Big Bold Beautiful Journey through time and space. Who are we to say no?

Directed by Kogonada, who's previously collaborated with Farrell on After Yang, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey promises to be a romance of epic proportions. Robbie and Farrell play Sarah and David, two strangers who meet at a mutual friend's wedding. Both are single, but for different reasons. David thinks he just hasn't met The One yet, but Sarah believes she's "meant to be alone." (Who else bets they'll change their minds by the end of the film?)

On a scenic drive, the pair stumbles upon an unusual sight: a red door in the middle of the woods.

Upon opening it, they find themselves reliving key moments from their respective pasts, including high school performances and deep conversations with their parents. Through these peeks into their own pasts, Sarah and David gain a better understanding of their present — and of each other. And maybe, just maybe, they'll be able to take what they learn from this journey and use it to change their futures.

A Big Bold Beautiful Journey was written by Seth Reiss, who co-wrote The Menu with Will Tracy. While that film served up culinary scares, Reiss goes in a wildly different direction here, opting for magical realism and sweeping romance. Get a glimpse of Sarah and David's journey (and Robbie and Farrell's sweet chemistry) in the full trailer above.

Kevin Kline and and Phoebe Waller-Bridge co-star.

A Big Beautiful Journey opens exclusiverly in theaters Sept. 19.

SAVE 20%: A $50 Adidas e-gift card is on sale at Adidas for only $40. That's a 20% discount that saves $10 per $50 gift card.

Opens in a new window Credit: Adidas $50 Adidas e-gift card $40 at Adidas
$50 Save $10 Get Deal

Fall and back to school season is the perfect time for a closet refresh. Those running shoes have probably seen enough miles, and who couldn't use a new cozy sweatshirt for cooler weather? For decades, Adidas has been a one-stop retailer for a closet refresh and if you're a fan of the brand, there's a great deal in store today.

Until Aug. 27 at 11:59p.m. PT, a $50 Adidas e-gift card is on sale at Adidas for just $40. That boils down a free $10, taking 20% off the standard gift card price. Adidas has set a limit of five gift cards per transaction, which means you can get $250 worth of Adidas e-gift cards for $200.

SEE ALSO: We tested the top fitness trackers of 2025: See our favorite wearables and smart rings

This deal also applies to e-gift cards sent to another recipient other than yourself as well as physical gift cards. Adidas offers e-gifts sent to recipient other than yourself to be scheduled for later delivery which means you could snag $50 Adidas gift cards for your entire holiday shopping list and scheudle them for December delivery.

The e-gift cards will land in your email inbox two hours after your purchase. After that, you can apply the gift card to a purchase from adidas.com to snag new shoes, socks, workout clothes, and even get ready for chilly winter weather with a new puffer coat.

If you're a fan of Adidas gear, this is a great deal to jump since it's essentially free money. You'll spend just $40 for each $50 gift card you buy. In this economy, free is hard to come by so jump on this offer before it expires on Aug. 27.

2025 has been the year of The Pitt.

HBO Max's Noah Wyle-led medical drama captivated audiences from week to week with its gripping real-time structure. It went on to pick up 13 Emmy nominations, and on Aug. 20, it swept the Television Critics Association Awards, winning Program of the Year, Outstanding Achievement in Drama, Outstanding New Program, and Individual Achievement in Drama, for Wyle. (This author is a member of the TCA.)

SEE ALSO: 'The Pitt' review: Noah Wyle medical drama is part 'ER,' part '24,' and all compelling

Now, HBO Max has released a teaser trailer for The Pitt's upcoming second season, which premieres this Jan. And by the looks of it, Season 2 is going to be just as nail-bitingly stressful as Season 1.

The Pitt faces some major changes going into Season 2. The series doesn't pick up in the wake of Season 1's shift, but instead jumps 10 months ahead to a new shift on July 4. How many fireworks and barbecue-related injuries do you think we're going to see?

The Pitt's personnel has also had a bit of a shakeup. Tracy Ifeachor, who played Dr. Collins, is not returning to the series. Meanwhile, a new doctor is entering the emergency department: Dr. Al-Hashimi (Sepideh Moafi), an attending originally from the VA hospital. You can also expect new residents and interns to be joining the cast, thanks to the time jump.

Aside from Ifeachor's departure, the rest of The Pitt's main cast is set to return. That includes Patrick Ball as Dr. Langdon, whom Dr. Robby (Wyle) kicked out of the ED once he discovered he'd been stealing medication.

To see the rest of The Pitt's team back in action, check out the full teaser above.

The Pitt Season 2 premieres this Jan. on HBO Max. Season 1 is now streaming on HBO Max.

Last year, Josh O’Connor awed critics and audiences with his smoking hot role in the love triangle/tennis drama Challengers. This fall, he's got three movies coming our way: the romance The History of Sound, the whodunnit Wake Up Dead Man, and last but not least, the crime comedy The Mastermind, which is helmed by heralded writer/director Kelly Reichardt (First Cow, Showing Up).

Set in 1970 Massachusetts, The Mastermind stars O'Connor as J.B. Mooney, a husband, father, and unemployed carpenter who suspects he might be a brilliant art thief in the making. Ignoring the pleas of his rational wife (Licorice Pizza's Alana Haim), J.B. plots a heist with the help of some friends. And it's easy to expect this scheme will throw his quiet life into spin.

Joining O'Connor and Haim in Reichardt's latest are celebrated actors Gaby Hoffmann, John Magaro, Hope Davis, and Bill Camp. The trailer from MUBI gives a taste of what this ensemble will bring to The Mastermind while highlighting the praise Reichardt's comedy received in its Cannes Film Festival debut.

Ahead of its theatrical release, The Mastermind will premiere at New York Film Festival. Be sure to look for Mashable's coverage out of the fest for the very best and to know what movies should be on your radar come awards season.

The Mastermind will open in theaters Oct. 17.

Insta360 has unveiled the GO Ultra, the latest in its series of bite-sized action cameras. While this year's camera is larger and heavier than its predecessor, it also offers a notable boost in performance.

Following 2024's Insta360 GO 3S, the new GO Ultra eschews the previous model's elongated, thumb-sized form factor in favour of a larger, square design. It's also noticeably heavier than the GO 3S, weighing 53 grams as compared to 39 grams. Even so, the GO Ultra still remains small and lightweight enough that this likely won't be a serious deterrent to many action camera users — especially once you factor in the upgrades.

SEE ALSO: Insta360 launches GO 3S, a tiny 4K action camera with Apple's Find My

While the GO 3S's highest video resolution is 4K at 30fps, the GO Ultra doubles its frames per second to record 4K footage at 60fps. As always, whether this is of immediate benefit to you will depend upon what you're shooting and whether you have a 4K screen to watch it on, though higher resolutions are always useful for futureproofing. 

The Insta360 GO Ultra. Credit: Mashable edit: Insta360

The GO Ultra also boasts a larger 1/1.28-inch sensor as compared to the GO 3S' 1/2.3-inch. It seems as though Insta360 took on feedback about the GO 3S' lacklustre low light performance, stating that the GO Ultra's sensor captures 200 percent more light for improved night shots.

Another significant update is the Insta360 GO UItra's much longer battery life. While the GO 3S has a run time of 38 minutes on a single charge, or 140 when placed inside its Action Pod, Insta360 states that the GO Ultra has a more practical 70-minute run time, or 200 minutes with the Action Pod. This extended battery life should significantly reduce users' battery anxiety, allowing them to film for longer. Charging up the GO Ultra is faster as well, the Action Pod taking it to 80 percent in 12 minutes, as opposed to the GO 3S' 23 minutes.

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It's worth noting that, unlike the GO 3S, the Insta360 GO Ultra utilises SD cards rather than inbuilt storage. This may be annoying if you were hoping to use your camera straight out of the box, but will be a boon to avid videographers who prefer to swap out SD cards on the fly for lengthy bouts of filming. Users will also have to factor in the cost of buying compatible SD cards if they don't already have some.

Insta360 GO Ultras in their Action Pods. Credit: Mashable edit: Insta360

Like other cameras in Insta360's GO series, the GO Ultra has a magnetic back that enables it to be directly mounted onto metal surfaces. This can simplify your filming setup by cutting out the mount middle man in some circumstances, meaning fewer accessories to cart around. The GO Ultra also comes packaged with a magnetic clip mount and a magnet pendant to hang it around your neck, for when there aren't any suitable metal surfaces available.

Of course, the Insta360 GO Ultra's magnetic mounting method is best suited to safe, sedentary surfaces such as a fridge door. If you're after cool external shots of your car, for example, you'll need to spring for a mount such as the GO Ultra's Pivot Stand. This stand uses magnets as well as small latches to secure the camera, and has a reusable sticky base that can adhere to smooth surfaces.

The Insta360 GO Ultra launches worldwide on August 21, and will set you back $449.99 for the standard bundle. That's just $20 more than the 128GB GO 3S, albeit without factoring in the cost of an SD card. Considering the performance upgrade it offers, there's little reason not to pay the extra few bucks for the Insta360 GO Ultra, provided SD card considerations aren't an issue for you.

SHOP NOW: As of Aug. 18, the Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds are officially available to the general public. You can pick the noise-cancelling sleep earbuds for $229.99 at Amazon or Soundcore's website.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds $229.99 at Amazon
Shop Now

After a summer-long Kickstarter campaign, launch day has finally arrived for the Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 as of Aug. 18. The sleep earbuds distinguish themselves as one of the only options for sleep-specific earbuds with active noise cancellation (more on that below), all for the price of $229.99.

It's an investment — but it's also a good deal cheaper than the $349 Ozlo Sleepbuds (that have no ANC). Relatively speaking, the price point falls in line with Soundcore's generally budget-friendly ethos.

So how do they perform? I've spent time using them over the past two months, and for their performance and price range, they're the new standard for premium sleep earbuds. For more, you can read my full review, or check out the overview below on the Sleep A30's upgrades, how they're similar to the Sleep A20 earbuds, and where you can purchase both.

What's new with the Soundcore Sleep A30

The headline news here is the active noise cancellation, but Soundcore provided overall quality of life upgrades that boost the performance of these earbuds over the Sleep A20 (and other sleep earbuds on the market), including:

• Active noise cancellation

• Slimmer profile earbuds over the Sleep A20

• Microphones in case to monitor snoring for real-time adaptive snore masking

• Memory-foam ear tips, in addition to silicone ear tips

• New sleep, meditation, and focus audio within the app

• More detailed sleep tracking

• Built-in light in case for easy visualizing in the dark

• No-slip silicone bottom on charging case

• New mint colorway

Admittedly, I don't have to deal with too much noise at night — the biggest culprits are the AC unit and the occasional car at night — but even I noticed the difference with the ANC. The hum of the AC nearly all but disappeared (and I learned I much prefer it that way!), and I was never woken up by the sound of a car. My partner and I are both somewhat restless sleepers, and it could just be chance, but I did notice that the nights I wore the earbuds, I was much less likely to wake up due to rustling next to me.

The ear wings and tips provide plenty of options for getting the best fit possible. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

As for the wear and app experience, both were noticeably improved over the A20. I primarily sleep on my slide, so the lower profile was much appreciated. I liked having the choice between the silicone and memory foam ear tips, and though I stuck to the silicone, I found it to be more comfortable (and slightly less tacky) than the A20 silicone tips. The app also felt more streamlined, looking much more reminiscent of the Ozlo Sleepbud app (which I loved).

SEE ALSO: Ozlo Sleepbuds review: Can earbuds really improve your sleep?

My biggest gripe with these earbuds (and an unfortunate difference between them and the Sleep A20) is that when streaming Bluetooth audio, there was no option to toggle the sleep detection mode off. That means if you're listening to a podcast or video, and the earbuds decide you're asleep, it'll automatically cut your audio or switch to the local snore-masking audio. Most times, the audio cut off before I was actually asleep, and the only fix I could find to restart my audio was by completely reconnecting the earbuds by placing them back in the case, then back in my ears. However, the Soundcore app did flash an update that the option to toggle off sleep mode would be coming on Aug. 20.

What stayed the same with the Sleep A30

Soundcore's Sleep A30 definitely feel like an upgrade over the A20, but didn't completely reinvent the wheel. At the end of the day, both earbuds are low-profile, comfortable-to-wear earbuds that stayed in my ears all night while dampening some degree of noise from my surroundings.

Both are far better suited to sleep than standard earbuds. They have companion apps with noise-blocking soundscapes and excellent battery life (the Sleep A20s get 14 hours per charge, to the Sleep A30s' nine hours with ANC and 6.5 hours with Bluetooth streaming), and both offer sleep data.

Considering they start at $179.99 (and can often be found on sale for cheaper), the Soundcore Sleep A20 still offer plenty of the same features, and might be more appealing if you're on a budget.

Where to buy the Soundcore Sleep A30

Overall, if you already own the Sleep A20, I wouldn't necessarily say these are a must-upgrade, but if you are looking for even better noise-blocking, they're at least worth considering. If you've never owned sleep earbuds and want ANC, these are an excellent pair, and essentially your only option. (Though these are Soundcore's first ANC sleep earbuds, the brand QuietOn also used to offer some, but it appears as though they are not selling them anymore.)

At the time of writing, the Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds are available to purchase at Amazon and Soundcore's website.

Where to buy the Soundcore Sleep A30 Amazon Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 $229.99 Shop Now Soundcore Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 $229.99 Shop Now Previous generation Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 $179.99 Shop Now

SAVE OVER $100: As of Aug. 21, the Sony 65-Inch 4K BRAVIA 3 LED Smart TV is on sale for $698 at Amazon. That's 13% off its list price of $799.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony 65-Inch Class 4K Ultra HD BRAVIA 3 LED Smart TV $698 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $101.99 Get Deal

As cooler weather starts to roll in, it's always nice to have a TV that's primed and ready to stream new shows and movies. If an upgrade has been on your to-do list, there's no better time than now to look around with some great deals available on top retailers. One of our favorites that has crossed our radar recently is this discount on the Sony 65-Inch 4K BRAVIA 3 LED Smart TV at Amazon.

The Sony 65-Inch 4K BRAVIA 3 LED Smart TV is usually listed for $799.99, but right now you can score it for $698. This deal saves you $101.99 on list price. It's currently marked as a limited-time deal,, so you'll want to act fast to pick it up at this low price. You've been warned.

SEE ALSO: Record-low price alert: The 55-inch TCL QM6K QLED 4K TV is $350 off at Amazon

This Sony BRAVIA 3 TV features an LED display with 4K resolution so movies, shows, and games will look crisp and clear. It also supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos sound that elevates images and sounds on screen so you can feel even more immersed in what you're watching. And if you're a gamer, specifically on PS5, this Sony TV offers Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode that optimizes picture quality. On top of that, it's a smart TV that can bring all of your favorite streaming apps together.

This limited-time deal won't last long. Don't miss out on the Sony 65-Inch 4K BRAVIA 3 LED Smart TV down to $698. And if you want to go big with an even larger TV, you can also score an excellent discount right now on the 98-inch Hisense QD5 QLED TV at Amazon.

Meta is bringing its AI voice translation tool to Instagram Reels, meaning you could soon see people in your feed appearing to speak a different language to what they recorded the video with.

Announced by Instagram head Adam Mosseri on Wednesday, the Llama 4-powered Meta AI feature that provides live, lip-synched translations, will be added to all public Instagram accounts, as well as Facebook. It's not clear exactly when this will go live, but when it does, the only language available will be Spanish to English and vice versa, with more languages to come.

"We believe there are lots of amazing creatives out there who have potential audiences who don't necessarily speak the same language," Mosseri said in a Threads video. "If we can help you reach those audiences who speak other languages, reach across cultural and linguistic barriers, we can help you grow your following and get more value out of Instagram in the platform."

SEE ALSO: Google brings live translation for phone calls and tons more AI to Pixel 10 series

In the video, Mosseri includes the AI-translated version of his video announcement, and the results are undeniably wild. The Instagram head's voice and mouth appear in synch with the Spanish translation, and honestly, if this video landed in my feed, I'd probably assume Mosseri had recorded it in Spanish.

Meta announced its AI live translation tool in September 2024, powered by the company's Large Language Model (LLM) Llama. In a blog post last year, Meta said it had been testing "translating some creators' videos from Latin America and the U.S. in English and Spanish."

Live AI language translation isn't unique to Meta, with competitors Google Gemini, OpenAI's ChatGPT, and myriad multilingual translation companies providing such tools. Google Pixel 10's new Voice Translate feature, announced yesterday, live-translates phone calls with matched voices. Apple's iOS 26 real-time translation tools will be ones to contend with.

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TikTok's translation tools, for a social media comparison, are largely text based for captions, with some users using third-party apps to translate TikTok Lives.

However, seeing live AI translation in an Instagram Reel feels a little jarring to many users. In the comments of Mosseri's video, people have raised concerns over Meta's AI tool, including the pitfalls of potential mistranslation and suggesting that AI subtitles could be a better move.

"As a person who Spanish is her mother tongue, I must say this sounds and looks creepy. AI subtitles are more than enough," wrote @singlutenismo.

"AI subtitles would be great, but automatically altering and reprocessing human voices is as questionable as altering and reprocessing their skin color," wrote @cuernomalo.

"It’s kind of disconcerting because how do I know the translation is accurate or the way I phrase things is appropriate for that culture and language," wrote @drinksbywild. "I do a lot of recipe content so I don’t want somebody to make my recipe incorrectly because of a bad translation."

Mashable has reached out to Meta for further information, and we'll update this story if we hear back.