Mashable

TL;DR: Grab the CASA HUB Pro on sale for $89.99 (reg. $109) and power up your workspace with 12 essential ports and dual screen support.

Is your desk drowning in cables and adapters? If you’re constantly juggling between charging devices, connecting monitors, and transferring files, you know how quickly things can get out of hand. Enter the CASA HUB Pro 12-in-1 Multi-Function Hub — an all-in-one USB-C station on sale for $89.99 that’s here to simplify your setup and bring order to your workspace.

This little gadget has 12 ports, offering everything you need to keep your devices connected. Whether you're working with multiple screens, charging your laptop, or syncing your smartphone, the CASA HUB Pro has got you covered. It includes two HDMI ports for dual-screen support, a PD100W input for ultra-fast charging, and multiple USB ports for all your peripherals. No more fumbling with adapters — just plug and play.

The detachable aluminum base allows the hub to stand upright and take up minimal space. This smart design not only helps keep things tidy, but also adds a modern touch to your workspace. Plus, with its compact size, it’s perfect for both your home office and on-the-go needs.

Why deal with the mess when you can have a cleaner, more efficient workspace?

For a limited time, save 17% on a CASA HUB Pro S USB-C 12-in-1 Multi-Function Hub and get it for $89.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Adam Elements CASA HUB Pro S USB-C 12-in-1 Multi-Function Hub $89.99
$109.00 Save $19.01 Get Deal

TL;DR: Upgrade to an M1 Macbook Air for $514.99 (reg. $1,499). 

The Apple M1 chip was a whole paradigm shift for MacBooks. Once they switched from an Intel processor, they went from a good option to a great one. Unfortunately, the prices for M1 chip machines are still high, even among refurbs. The good news is that those prices sometimes take a dip. StackSocial has a grade "A" MacBook Air refurb on sale for $514.99 (reg. $1,499). You won't find a better price through Amazon or Walmart. 

What can you do with an M1 MacBook?

This MacBook Air M1 is a strong option for anyone looking for a lightweight, portable laptop that doesn't compromise on performance.

The M1’s 8-core CPU and GPU really step up the game, making things run up to 3.5 times faster and graphics up to 5 times quicker compared to the older versions. Whether you're diving into a graphics-heavy project, playing the latest games, or just multitasking like a pro, this MacBook Air keeps up without breaking a sweat. 

The 13.3-inch Retina display has a sharp 2560x1600 resolution that delivers crisp, vibrant visuals that are a fit for work and leisure. 

One of the coolest parts? It’s fanless. That means you get to enjoy a whisper-quiet experience, so no more annoying fan noises kicking in just when you're deep in focus mode. And let’s talk storage—thanks to the speedy SSD, everything from booting up to accessing files happens in a snap, adding to the overall zippiness of the system.

On the sound front, Dolby Atmos stereo speakers add some real oomph to your movies or music, and the 720p FaceTime HD camera is perfectly fine for your Zoom calls or catching up with family.

For connections, you’ve got two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports that handle everything from charging to lightning-fast data transfers, plus Wi-Fi 6 to keep your internet connections speedy and solid. And with up to 18 hours of battery life, you don't have to dash to find an outlet. 

Quality doesn't have to cost much.

Get an Apple MacBook Air M1 for $514.99. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 13.3" (2020) M1 MGN63LL/A 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Space Gray (Refurbished) $514.99
$1,499.00 Save $984.01 Get Deal

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

Most people have at least one horror story about online dating. It's a rite of passage that single people love to hate.

But the horror stories look a little different for members of the LGBTQ community. On top of the classic awkward Hinge date anecdotes and screenshots of a corny bio seeping with secondhand embarrassment, gay singles deal with all sorts of alienating interactions. Baseless questioning of sexual history, harassment, and fetishisation — some of it coming from cis straight people who shouldn't have popped up in your feed in the first place — don't exactly result in butterflies.

Still, dating apps have become crucial means of introduction for gay folks looking to settle down. A 2019 Stanford study and 2020 Pew Research survey found that meeting online has become the most popular way for couples to connect — especially for gay couples, of which 28 percent met their current partner online (versus 11 percent of straight couples).

But the Pew survey also dredged up those ugly experiences with harassment. This could be where options that bar heterosexual users, like HER and Grindr, come in. Their perfectly-tailored environments are so well-known in the gay community that they're essentially in a league of their own.

Is Grindr the only option for gay dating apps?

Though Grindr and HER are big players, they're not alone in the queer dating app market. Apps like Zoe, Taimi, and Scruff exist. But their plateauing popularity can be attributed to similar complaints: too many scam profiles and too few legitimate users (ones within a reasonable distance to plan a date, anyway). Chappy was a promising app for gay men that shut down just as it was gaining serious traction.

SEE ALSO: The best dating sites and apps for women

And at the end of the day, "everyone" apps are simply where masses of queer users are. Keeping Tinder on the back burner isn't just a straight people thing, especially for those who live in less-populated areas where Grindr and HER offer slim pickings. Plus, some mainstream apps do deserve credit for the steps they've taken to create a more inclusive atmosphere. Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge now offer lots of sexual orientation and gender identity options. OkCupid gets kudos for making that change years ago, as well as making social justice a core part of compatibility scoring — which kind of self-curates the type of people on the app.

What is the best gay dating app?

If you're part of the LGBTQ community and hate leaving your home, you're not alone. These are the apps and sites that'll maximise your opportunities while minimising your human contact.

These are the best gay dating apps in 2024.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for September 10's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 9 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Synyomn of revolt.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter E appears twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter R.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

REBEL.

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

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

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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

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

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for September 10's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 10 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Having variety

• Green: Give to someone

• Blue: Grading scale

• Purple: Things and leagues with imperialist characters

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

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

• Yellow: Varieties

• Green: Transfer

• Blue: Ratings Systems

• Purple: Things with Kings

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #457 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Varieties: KINDS, SORTS, STRIPES, TYPES

• Transfer: DELIVER, GIVE, HAND, PASS

• Ratings Systems: A-F, PERCENTAGE, STARS, THUMBS

• Things with Kings: CHECKERS, DECK OF CARDS, MONARCHY, NHL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, September 10, 2024:

AcrossWhat a phisher might try to get you to click

• The answer is link.

"___ Copperhead," Barbara Kingsolver novel that won a 2023 Pulitzer

• The answer is demon.

Act melodramatically

• The answer is emote.

One just squeaking by?

• The answer is mouse.

Suspicious of

• The answer is onto.

DownFruit used to treat scurvy

• The answer is lemon.

"Catch ya later!"

• The answer is imout.

"Quite the contrary!"

• The answer is notso.

Bending body part

• The answer is knee.

Music submission to a recording studio

• The answer is demo.

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

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

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

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

Pre-order the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Best iPhone 16 Pre-Order Deal iPhone 16 Pre-order at Apple Pre-order here Best iPhone 16 Pro Pre-Order Deal iPhone 16 Pro Pre-order at Apple Pre-order here

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro just took center stage to fully introduce Apple Intelligence into our lives. 

During Apple’s September event, we got to see all the big upgrades these smartphone juggernauts deliver. This includes an Action button across all models, an all-new Camera Control button for easy-access camera features, an A18 chipset to power Apple’s generative AI, improved cameras and battery life, and plenty more. 

SEE ALSO: What to expect from Apple September event 2024: iPhone 16, Apple Watch 10, and more

Quite the jump from the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models, but what are the key differences that separate the “regular” iPhone 16 from its beefier Pro sibling? That’s what this comparison aims to find out. 

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Price and specs

As with last year’s iPhones, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models won’t come with a price increase. That’s welcome news for anyone looking for an upgrade — and we hope this trend continues in future releases. 

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus start at $799 and $899, respectively, with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage sizes available. The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are set at $999 and $1,199, coming in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage sizes. As is the norm now, the Pro Max model is $200 more than its smaller counterpart. All iPhone 16 models are available at the Apple Store. 

Apple iPhone 16 lineup Credit: Apple

So, what sets them apart? Here’s a brief summary of the iPhone 16’s specs:

• A18 Bionic chip

• 6.1‑inch (2,556 x 1,179 resolution) OLED display

• Up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness

• 60Hz refresh rate

• 128G, 256GB, or 512GB storage

• Up to 22 hours (video playback) battery

• IP68 rating

Apple iPhone 16 Pro lineup Credit: Apple

And what the iPhone 16 Pro brings to the table:

• A18 Pro Bionic chip

• 6.3‑inch (2,622 x 1,206 resolution) OLED display

• Up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness

• 120Hz refresh rate, Always-On display

• 128G, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage

• Up to 27 hours (video playback) battery

• IP68 rating

As you might expect, the iPhone 16 Pro is an improved version of the iPhone 16, but this time with a bigger display. The 120Hz refresh rate and Always-On display always earn bonus points, but there isn’t a grand divide between processors this time.

Featured Video For You Apple Event 2024 Recap iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Screen size and display 

There’s always been a difference in display when it comes to the baseline iPhones and their Pro peers, but display sizes have matched. This time, the iPhone 16 Pro will have an edge over the iPhone 16. 

The iPhone 16 brings the same 6.1‑inch (2,556 x 1,179 resolution) OLED display from last year, but the iPhone 16 Pro sports a 6.3‑inch (2,622 x 1,206 resolution) OLED display — 0.2 inches more than the iPhone 15 Pro.

That’s not all, as both models will come with thinner borders around the display, offering more display real estate. Both models bring a more efficient OLED display, too, with brighter micro-lens technology.

You can also expect the iPhone 16 Pro to come equipped with a 120Hz refresh rate and Always-On display, which the iPhone 16 (once again) misses out on.

While both offer 2,000 nits of peak brightness, the iPhone 16 Pro offers 1,200 nits of typical SDR brightness, while the iPhone 16 sticks with its 1,000 nits. 

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Design 

Bar the increase in size, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro look more alike than ever before, until you turn them over to see their rear camera design. The Pro models have the extra telephoto lens as usual, placed in a diagonal design, but the iPhone 16 is now going back to its iPhone 12 roots with a vertical camera layout. 

Apple iPhone 16 Credit: Apple

Otherwise, these phones offer the same design traits. The iPhone 16 now comes equipped with an Action Button rather than the typical Ring/Silent switch, just like last year’s Pro model. And the iPhone 16 lineup has an all-new Camera Control button. Placed right below the Power button, it acts as a shutter button, can zoom in and out of photos or videos with swiping gestures, and lets you focus on specific subjects. 

Camera Control button Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Of course, the iPhone 16 Pro delivers its titanium finish while the iPhone 16 offers a lighter aerospace aluminum finish with a color-infused cover glass. The former is supposed to be more robust, but a drop test shows it isn’t quite as durable. 

Apple iPhone 16 Camera Control button Credit: Apple

In the color department, the iPhone 16 will come in Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, and Black. On the other hand, the iPhone 16 Pro will be available in darker Black Titanium, a lighter White Titanium, Natural Titanium, and Desert Titanium color options. 

Desert Titanium Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The iPhone 16 shows the base iPhone models are catching up to the Pro models fast, but the iPhone 16 Pro is now slightly bigger and still retains its usual camera layout. 

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Performance

Apple decided to bring the iPhone 16 up to speed by skipping a generation so it could match the iPhone 16 Pro’s power, as both will have an A18 Bionic chip under the hood.

Apple iPhone 16 lineup showing Apple Intelligence Credit: Apple

To set itself apart, though, the iPhone 16 Pro will get the A18 Pro chip, which comes with a 16-core Neural Engine. This is 15% faster than on the A17 Pro chip. Plus, there's a 6-core GPU, for even greater-looking games and graphics.

Based on TSMC’s enhanced 3nm process, the A18 comes with more Neural Engine core to support Apple Intelligence, meaning it has more processing power to handle new AI features coming to both models. Each year, Apple ups the ante with its A-series chips, so it’s clear that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro will outshine last-gen processors. 

Moreover, the iPhone 16 Pro comes Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, offering even faster internet speeds. The iPhone 16 will stick with Wi-Fi 6E.

Either way, despite an extra helping of GPU cores, the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro should offer the lightning-fast performance we’ve come to expect with each annual release, with the former getting an even bigger upgrade compared to last year. 

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Battery life

It’s upgrades all around in the battery department, as both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro come with increased battery capacities and charging speeds. While the Pro model offers slightly more space, it isn’t by much.

The iPhone 16 is set to offer up to 22 hours of battery life, while the iPhone 16 Pro offers up to 27 hours. Generally, they can both last a full day before needing a charge, but the Pro can last a little longer. 

For even more battery, however, you’ll have to look to the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max. 

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Cameras

This is where the iPhone 16 Pro comes into its own. Allow me to list the specs:

• 48MP wide (upgraded Fusion camera)

• 48MP ultra-wide

• 12MP 5x Telephoto

• 12MP selfie camera

And here's what the iPhone 16 has to offer:

• 48MP wide (fusion with 12MP 2x Telephoto)

• 12MP ultra-wide

• No telephoto

• 12MP selfie camera

While the iPhone 16 carries over the impressive 48MP wide camera and will feature a 12MP ultra-wide with autofocus to handle low-light photography better and offers macro photography, the iPhone 16 Pro steps up by bringing an improved 48MP ultra-wide for enhanced image quality. What's more, you can also expect to use Spatial Capture in the iPhone 16, too.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Camera lens Credit: Apple

Moreover, the iPhone 16 Pro will take the tetraprism telephoto that was exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, increasing optical zoom from 3x to 5x and up to 25x digital zoom. As for video, you can expect 4K at 120 frames per second, making Cinematic Mode even better in slow motion with greater details and colors.

All in all, you can expect ultra-wide shots to take in the scenery with finer detail, an increase in light capture for more natural-looking shots, and less lens flares and ghosting issues thanks to the added anti-reflective coating on the Pro model’s cameras. 

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Software and AI

The biggest feature that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro have in common is they are both backed by Apple Intelligence. It’s the tech giant’s own stamp on AI, and it brings new features that are exclusive to the latest lineup of iPhones.

We’ve had a sneak peek at what Apple’s AI can do at WWDC 2024, including prioritized notifications, which can put the most important notifications at the top of your iPhone’s feed and even offer brief summaries of stacked notifications. There’s a lot more on offer, such as the ability to rewrite, summarize, and proof blocks of selected text, automatic audio transcriptions, and AI image generation and easy image search by typing a description.

Plus, there's Private Cloud Compute, protecting your personal information any time you access Apple Intelligence. Basically, your data is never stored.

All iPhone 16 models will harness the power of Apple Intelligence, including being able to create your own emojis with Genmoji.

iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Which is right for you? 

It’s hard to tell which iPhone 16 model offers more bang for your buck without real-world use, but it seems the base iPhone 16 has a lot going for it considering its price. It may lose out on the bigger display, A18 Pro chip, and upgraded ultra-wide lens that the iPhone 16 Pro boasts, but this year’s “regular” iPhone is more Pro than ever. 

With the same Action and Camera Control buttons, A18-type chip, upgraded battery life, and perks with Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 16 doesn’t look to miss out on much of what the iPhone 16 Pro has to offer. 

It’s still early days, so in the meantime, check out everything else announced at the Apple September event, including a new Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4, and more. 

Mashable's currently on the ground in Cupertino for the Sept. 9 "Glowtime" Apple event. Check out our live blog to keep track of all things iPhone 16 before, during, and after the event.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

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

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for September 10 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for September 10 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Give it a whirl!

These words are very moving.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The answers all relate to dancing.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is circular.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is BallroomDance.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for September 10

• Jive

• Foxtrot

• Salsa

• Rumba

• Quickstep

• BallroomDance

• Waltz

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 16 Pre-order at Apple Pre-Order Here

If you're looking for an iPhone 16 vs. Google Pixel 9 showdown, you've come to the right place. Now that Google and Apple have released their flagship phones for 2024, it's time to compare them.

The iPhone 16 and Pixel 9 are both officially here. Since they're technically competitors, let's have a little competition. Which of these phones is better? Is it the ever-reliable iOS device or the one made by the folks who developed Android?

Let's find out together.

iPhone 16 vs. Pixel 9: Price and specs

In terms of basic specs, here's what you get from the $799 Google Pixel 9:

• 6.3-inch display

• Google Tensor G4 chip

• 12GB RAM

• 128GB/256GB Storage

And here's what you get from the $799 iPhone 16:

• 6.1-inch display

• Apple A18 Bionic chip

• 128GB/256GB/512GB storage

Both phones have the same price, which makes this part easy. The main differences in this category are display size and storage. The Pixel 9 is 0.2 inches larger, but the iPhone 16 offers an additional 512GB storage option the Pixel 9 doesn't have. Frustratingly, Apple's spec sheet doesn't specify how much RAM the iPhone 16 has, so it's hard to compare the two phones in that regard.

iPhone 16 vs. Pixel 9: Design

Design-wise, Google did some work on the Pixel 9 that may or may not work for you. Simply put, Google flattened all the edges so that the phone doesn't have the same natural grip that the Pixel 8 provided with its rounded edges. The camera bar, which used to run horizontally across the entire back of the phone, is now a floating camera box, too. The color choices are solid, though: Peony (pink!), Obsidian, Wintergreen, and Porcelain.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 9 review: Officially too much AI

The iPhone 16 doesn't significantly change from previous models. The camera bar on the back is vertically oriented, and the sides appear to be flat (or flat-ish) like the Pixel 9, which is unfortunate for those of us who prefer curved edges. The most important thing is that Apple finally added a pink colorway for the iPhone 16, joining black, white, teal, and ultramarine as the available colors.

iPhone 16 vs. Pixel 9: Display

The Pixel 9 has an excellent display for a phone in its price range. The 6.3-inch screen's refresh rate is adaptive between 60 and 120Hz, giving it a premium level of smoothness. The 2,700 nits of peak brightness also make the Pixel 9 fantastic for use in broad daylight.

We've already established that the iPhone 16's display is 0.2 inches smaller than the Pixel 9's. It also has a couple of other disadvantages worth noting. For starters, Apple's 2,000 nits of peak brightness pale in comparison to Google's 2,700 nits, so the Pixel 9 should be a better phone to use in direct sunlight. Additionally, the iPhone 16 is still stuck at a 60Hz refresh rate. The Pixel 9, meanwhile, can go all the way up to 120Hz.

The main benefit to buying an iPhone display-wise is the presence of Dynamic Island, the little oval-shaped guy at the top of the screen that can expand or change shape to serve various needs. Other than that, Google's display has better specs overall.

iPhone 16 vs. Pixel 9: Features

Listing all of the little feature differences between iOS and Android would take forever; frankly, you might know the main ones anyway. Green text bubbles vs. blue ones, etc. You get it.

Rather than focusing on OS-level differences, it makes more sense to worry about AI features. Both of these phones are heavy on AI parlor tricks of varying usefulness. The Pixel 9 can summarize emails, generate text messages, create photos from thin air using the Pixel Studio app, create group photos that never happened using the Add Me feature, and carry on human-like conversations using Gemini Live.

Apple's suite of AI features is...very similar to Google's. Apple Intelligence allows you to generate images on the fly with Image Playground, summarize and transcribe audio recordings, summarize emails and notifications, and even create new emoji on the fly. Google doesn't let you create custom emoji, but most of those other things are also present on Pixel 9.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 16 is getting Apple Intelligence — and it's free

The only problem is that Apple isn't rolling them all out at the iPhone 16 launch; many Apple Intelligence features are slowly rolling out in beta form after launch instead.

iPhone 16 vs. Pixel 9: Camera

As always, the Pixel 9 has a really solid camera setup. Here are the specs:

• 50MP wide lens

• 48MP ultra-wide lens

• 10.5MP selfie lens

Those specs are bolstered by Google's photographic tricks, some of which rely on years-old software tricks, while others use newer generative AI. You can use the Magic Editor to quickly and easily alter photos, try Add Me to put yourself into a group photo you had to take yourself, and even turn roads into rivers. The Pixel Screenshots app is legitimately useful, acting as a searchable database of every screenshot on your Pixel phone.

As usual, the base-level iPhone has two rear cameras and a selfie cam. Here are the specs:

• 48MP wide lens

• 12MP ultra-wide lens

• 12MP selfie lens

Without testing the iPhone 16 cameras out first, we can't definitively say which set of lenses is better than the other yet. But it's worth noting that iPhone 16 lets you record spatial videos and pictures for Apple Vision Pro, and Pixel 9 can't do that.

iPhone 16 vs. Pixel 9: Battery

Using our standard test (looping a TikTok video on the phone's screen at 50 percent brightness until the battery runs out), the Pixel 9 got 19 hours and 20 minutes of juice. That's incredible and is better than the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

We don't know how long the iPhone 16 lasts on a single charge yet (and we don't want to give you the manufacturer's claims), so just wait for our in-house testing. We'll update this piece once we get the official battery runtime for the iPhone 16.

iPhone 16 vs. Pixel 9: Which is best?

Without direct testing, we can't render a verdict here.

However, as always, you know your own needs better than anyone. Do you have a social circle that would judge you for having green text bubbles? Get the iPhone 16. Do you prefer the openness of Android or generally have problems with the Apple ecosystem? Get the Pixel 9.

Mashable's currently on the ground in Cupertino for the Sept. 9 "Glowtime" Apple event. Check out our live blog to keep track of all things iPhone 16 before, during, and after the event.

TL;DR: As of Sept. 2, get a lifetime subscription to VPN Unlimited for only £49.92 (reg. £153.12). This newly discounted price is only available through Sept. 29.

Are you worried about your privacy online? If so, it may be time to invest in a good VPN. And the timing couldn't be better — as you can currently get your hands on a lifetime subscription to VPN Unlimited.

With VPN Unlimited, you can keep your online activities safe and secure on all your different devices. For a limited time, you can get this lifetime subscription for just £49.92. Even better, Unlimited VPN is truly unlimited — covering all of your devices.

As much as we'd love to ditch the internet sometimes, it's just not possible these days. That means securing yourself online is more important than ever, and VPN Unlimited makes it easy. Their top-notch encryption algorithms help defend you from hacking or data compromisation, while you can also rest easy knowing you are browsing with complete anonymity, thanks to VPN Unlimited's privacy safeguards. 

VPN Unlimited offers 3,000 secure servers with more than 80 global locations to hide your IP address and keep you safe from cybercriminals. That variety of locations also comes with the added perk of being able to browse the web without restrictions or borders, which means you can watch content from anywhere, no matter where you are. And this lifetime subscription means you pay once to enjoy all these benefits forever, with wide compatibility for all of your devices. 

Stay secure online with a lifetime subscription to VPN Unlimited for just £49.92 (reg. £153.12) for a limited time. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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£153.12 Save £103.20 Get Deal

TL;DR: A wide range of AI and ChatGPT courses are available to take for free on Udemy.

There are absolutely loads of AI and ChatGPT courses on Udemy. You can learn all about this exciting technology with these online resources, giving you the tools you need to truly harness AI and make it work for you. And better yet, some of the best courses are available to take for free.

We've checked out everything on offer and lined up a selection of standout courses to get you started. These are the best online AI and ChatGPT courses you can take for free this month:

• AI-900: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals

• AI Art Generation Guide: Create AI Images For Free

• AI for Everyone

• AI Foundations for Business Professionals

• AI-Powered Chatbot: Build Your Own with No Code

• AI Product Strategy

• AI to Boost Productivity

• Artificial Intelligence for Accountants

• Artificial Intelligence for Humans: AI Explained

• Artificial Intelligence: Preparing Your Career for AI

• Become an AI Accelerated Engineer Using ChatGPT

• Become an AI-Powered Engineer: ChatGPT, Github Copilot

• Business Analyst: Digital Director for AI and Data Science

• Canva AI: Master Canva AI Tools and Apps 2024

• ChatGPT 101: The Complete Beginner's Guide and Masterclass

• ChatGPT in 30 Minutes: New Prompt Engineering and AI Skills

• ChatGPT, Midjourney, Firefly, Bard, DALL-E, AI Crash Course

• ChatGPT Security: Privacy Risks and Data Protection Basics

• Create Faceless YouTube Videos Using Free AI Tools Only

• Deep Learning and AI with Python for Beginners

• Digital, Virtual and AI Photography

• Gemini AI Course for Beginners

• Google Gemini AI with Python API

• How To Make YouTube Automation Videos in 20 Minutes Using AI

• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

• Jasper AI Masterclass: Automate your Marketing with AI

• Learn Basics About AI

• Master Gemini AI

• Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals: Get Started with AI

• Midjourney and ChatGPT: Unleash AI for Unique Image Generation

• Prompt Engineering+: Master Speaking To AI

• Unleash your Creativity with Stable Diffusion AI

These free online courses do not offer certificates of completion or direct instructor messaging, but that's the only catch. You can still learn at a pace that suits you, so there really isn't anything stopping you from enrolling.

Find the best free AI and ChatGPT courses on Udemy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Udemy AI and ChatGPT Courses Free at Udemy Get Deal

TL;DR: Watch Connecticut Sun vs. Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The WNBA season continues and next up it's Connecticut Sun vs. Los Angeles Sparks. The Connecticut Sun have already claimed their postseason spot, but sadly it's all over for the Los Angeles Sparks who have been eliminated from playoff contention.

If you want to watch Connecticut Sun vs. Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out how.

When is Connecticut Sun vs. Los Angeles Sparks?

Connecticut Sun vs. Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA starts at 10 p.m. ET on Sept. 10. This fixture takes place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.

How to watch Connecticut Sun vs. Los Angeles Sparks

Basketball fans can watch Connecticut Sun vs. Los Angeles Sparks plus the remainder of the WNBA 2024 season from anywhere in the world with a WNBA League Pass.

However, it's important to note that the WNBA League Pass might not stream some of the locally televised games in the participating teams' local areas. To watch these games, you'll need the assistance of a VPN.

Handy tools that work by hiding your real IP address (digital location), a VPN will connect you to secure servers in other locations and allow you to watch every WNBA League Pass game live, excluding games hosted by Amazon Prime Video.

To access every WNBA League Pass game, follow these easy steps:

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

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA

4. Log in to WNBA League Pass

5. Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal What is the best VPN for the WNBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, 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 eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Connecticut Sun vs. Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Minnesota Lynx vs. Atlanta Dream in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The WNBA season continues and next up it's Minnesota Lynx vs. Atlanta Dream. As we approach the playoffs, there is just one position up for grabs and the Atlanta Dream will be hoping it's theirs for the taking.

If you want to watch Minnesota Lynx vs. Atlanta Dream in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out how.

When is Minnesota Lynx vs. Atlanta Dream?

Minnesota Lynx vs. Atlanta Dream in the WNBA starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sept. 10. This fixture takes place at the Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

How to watch Minnesota Lynx vs. Atlanta Dream

You can tune into Minnesota Lynx vs. Atlanta Dream and the remainder of the WNBA 2024 season from anywhere in the world with a WNBA League Pass.

It's worth noting, however, that the WNBA League Pass may not show locally televised games live in the participating teams' local areas. But don't worry, you can get around this by using a VPN.

VPNs are tools that work by hiding your real IP address (digital location). With this, you'll be able to connect to secure servers in other locations and watch every WNBA League Pass game live, excluding games hosted by Amazon Prime Video.

To access every WNBA League Pass game just follow these simple steps:

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

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA

4. Log in to WNBA League Pass

5. Stream Minnesota Lynx vs. Atlanta Dream plus more WNBA games live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal What is the best VPN for the WNBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, 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 eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Minnesota Lynx vs. Atlanta Dream in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

UPDATE: Sep. 9, 2024, 7:03 p.m. EDT This piece has been updated to reflect the official pricing of the iPhone 16 series, according to Apple.

The iPhone 16 is here, and among consumers who are getting ready to make the purchase plunge, they have one question: "What's the iPhone 16's price?"

Previously, ahead of the Sept. 9 "Glowtime event" that showcased the new iPhone 16 series, we relied on a report from TrendForce to give us insight on the possible price tags for each phone.

As it turns out, the report was slightly off. Here are the official price tags of the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 16 rumored colors — every expected shade from 'Pink' to 'Desert Titanium' iPhone 16 price: How does it cost?

Here are the prices for the iPhone 16 models:

• iPhone 16 (128GB) - $799

• iPhone 16 (256GB) - $899

• iPhone 16 (512GB) - $1,099

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 16 Pre-order at Apple (from Sept. 13) Pre-Order Here

• iPhone 16 Plus (128GB) - $899

• iPhone 16 Plus (256GB) - $999

• iPhone 16 Plus (512GB) - $1,199

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 16 Plus Pre-order at Apple (from Sept. 13) Pre-Order Here

• iPhone 16 Pro (128GB) - $999

• iPhone 16 Pro (256GB) - $1,099

• iPhone 16 Pro (512GB) - $1,299

• iPhone 16 Pro (1TB) - $1,499

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Pre-order at Apple (from Sept. 13) Pre-Order Here

• iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB) - $1,199

• iPhone 16 Pro Max (512GB) - $1,399

• iPhone 16 Pro Max (1TB) - $1,599

Pricing hasn't changed much at all compared to last year. Check out more details on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, as well as the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Finally, don't forget to check out our "Everything announced at the Apple event" piece to get a more complete look at what Apple revealed at the Sept. 9 "Glowtime" event.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Pre-order at Apple (from Sept. 13) Pre-Order Here Featured Video For You A brief history of the iPhone

Want more iPhone 16 news? Check out our oft-updated live blog; we’ll be on the ground in Cupertino covering all things Apple before, after, and during the event.

At Apple’s highly anticipated "Glowtime" event on Sept. 9, all eyes were on the new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro lineup — and the show's star wasn't just the phone itself but a game-changing new "button" revolutionizing mobile photography: the Camera Control feature.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus unveiled at Apple 'Glowtime' event iPhone 16 Camera Control button unveiled at Apple Event 2024 Credit: Apple

The iPhone 16 lineup introduces a game-changing Camera Control button, positioned just below the power button on the bottom-right side. It acts like a DSLR shutter and offers haptic feedback for a more tactile shooting experience. A light press activates autofocus, while a harder press snaps a picture.

The Camera Control button provides responsive haptic feedback, simulating the feel of a camera shutter with each interaction. This tactile response makes shooting more intuitive and precise. A light press also activates a clean, streamlined overlay, giving quick access to essential camera settings without overwhelming the screen — allowing you to focus on the moment you’re capturing.

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2024: Everything announced, including iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10

A quick double-button press activates additional controls for those looking to delve deeper into the camera’s advanced capabilities. From here, users can select from a range of options, such as switching between modes, like video or portrait, or toggling manual focus and exposure. It’s a gateway to the full potential of the iPhone’s camera system.

Integrated with apps like Snapchat, the Camera Control button allows instant capturing, zooming, and sharing without leaving the app. According to Apple, this seamless functionality brings social media experiences to life faster and more tactilely.

iPhone 16's Camera Control button Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Combined with the iPhone 16's new 48MP fusion camera, Camera Control becomes a simple but powerful addition, elevating the iPhone’s already formidable camera game.

Mashable's currently on the ground in Cupertino for the Sept. 9 "Glowtime" Apple event. Check out our live blog to keep track of all things iPhone 16 before, during, and after the event.

Apple's "Glowtime" event on Monday gave us the iPhone 16 series with built-in Apple Intelligence features. But the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max aren't the only Apple devices to get this new AI ability.

Apple Intelligence, which include AI-powered writing tools, photo-editing capabilities, summarization, and an overhauled Siri, will be compatible with other Apple devices after upcoming OS updates. Some of the Apple Intelligence features won't be available with the latest updates; many are expected to roll out in the coming months.

Here are the Apple devices that support Apple Intelligence, along with when it's available.

iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max

All versions of the iPhone 16 are "built from the ground up" with Apple Intelligence on board, CEO Tim Cook said at the event.

Apple Intelligence will be available in the iOS 18.1 beta version, slated for October.

iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max

The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max were the first iPhones to come with Apple Intelligence, as announced at WWDC last spring. Sorry to those with iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, but Apple Intelligence is only available with the Pro versions.

A beta version of Apple Intelligence will come to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max with the iOS 18.1 update this October.

iPad with M1 chip and later

The iPad Air and iPad Pro finally got some love last spring. That included meaningful upgrades to displays and AI-powered features for photo and video editing, and graphic design.

Meanwhile, iPads with an M1 chip or later will also get access to Apple Intelligence. That includes newer versions of the iPad Pro, which currently has an M4 chip, and the iPad Air, which has an M2 chip.

Apple Intelligence will be available on these models in beta with the iPadOS 18.1 update in October.

Mac with M1 chips and later

With the macOS 15 Sequoia update, Macs will also get Apple Intelligence features. That includes an iPhone mirroring, a "tiling" feature that automatically organizes all your apps, improved FaceTime and a Passwords app to compete with LastPass and Okta.

Apple Intelligence features, still in beta, will roll out on macOS Sequoia 15.1 in October.

The Apple AirPods Max are arguably powerful, stylish, and a great value — and they just got even better, thanks to a new port upgrade.

At the “Glowtime” event today, Apple revealed that the AirPods Max has swapped out longtime proprietary Lightning charging for USB-C charging. And to that, I say, "Finally!"

Purple AirPods Max Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Last year, the AirPods Max were ignored while the second-generation AirPods Pro and iPhone 15 series gained USB-C charging,

Now, if your Apple ecosystem consists of a modern iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and the upcoming AirPods Max, you’ll only have to worry about carting around a single USB-C charging cable.

With iOS 18, the upcoming AirPods Max will also support Personalized Spatial Audio to help customize your listening experience. Other than that, expect the same crisp listening experience, top-notch noise cancellation, and comfortable fit from the previous generation.

Credit: Apple

You’ll have five fun new colors to choose from, including starlight, midnight, purple, orange, and blue. Unfortunately, the company didn’t debut any additional earcup sizes this year, something we’ve been wishing for since publishing our Apple AirPods Max review.

You can pre-order the new Apple AirPods Max starting today for $549, the same price as its predecessor, and expect them to arrive as soon as Sept. 20.

Mashable’s currently on the ground in Cupertino for the Sept. 9 “Glowtime” Apple event. Check out our live blog to keep track of all things iPhone 16 (and more) before, during, and after the event.

Apple’s September event came with a handful of announcements, including the iPhone 16 series, a new Apple Watch, and much more.

Of late, the inner turmoil of little girls has birthed a string of movies about big emotions and monsters. Inside Out 2 introduced Anxiety to the feelings crew, pitching its heroine into adolescent social panic. Imaginary spun a horror story of a forgotten imaginary friend gone vengeful, while Netflix's animated adventure The Imaginary focused on the personal growth of an imaginary friend dreamed up by a grieving little girl. Then the woefully overstuffed and underwhelming If, from John Krasinski, had another grieving young heroine coping with her emotions through rescuing abandoned imaginary friends (or IFs). 

All this means Sketch comes into a crowded field. And yet this inventive indie with a similar setup spins a wondrous and wacky story all its own. 

The feature directorial debut of Seth Worley, Sketch centers on the Wyatts, who are struggling to process their pain in the wake of their mother's death. Widowed dad Taylor (The Decameron's Tony Hale) strives to be upbeat, tucking away mementos of the kids' mum as if that'll hide away the agony. Eldest child Jack (Kue Lawrence) follows his father's lead, determined that a good attitude can fix any problem. Meanwhile, 11-year-old Amber (Bianca Belle) is filled with rage, which spills out in a sketchbook where she scribbles vicious monsters in violent scenarios. But when a bit of magic brings these creations to life, the family must face their hurt head-on and team up to save the day from these creative manifestations of mourning.

SEE ALSO: Tony Hale is hot, and 4 other reasons to watch 'The Decameron'

Bringing together a strong, kid-friendly premise and a deeply crafty sensibility, Worley builds a visual world of imagination and emotion that's a twisted pleasure to visit. 

Sketch dazzles with its distinctive design. 

Forget glorious hand-drawn animation or a cavalcade of balloon-like CGI cartoons. Worley, who has a background as a visual effects artist, uses computer graphics to create a sublimely hand-drawn feel by building Amber's beasts as they are drawn. Think creatures fully fleshed-out but made of scribbles, their limbs wiry and a little bit wrong, their mouths spewing glitter, their tracks leaving splotches of color behind. With textures of waxy crayon, slippery marker streaks, and stippled chalk, these are monsters unlike any we've seen in movies before. They are monsters you'd see in a kid's doodles, complete with googly eyes, glitter flourishes, crooked fangs, and a thirst for blood. 

Unbridled joy bursts forth from even Sketch's most suspenseful action scenes, because of the delightful absurdity of these designs. They're creepy but not outright scary, making this a sensational movie for kids who are beginning to get into horror but aren't ready to go to sleep with goosebumps. Actually Sketch has a very Goosebumps vibe, from its playful score to its colorfully creepy world and child heroes, who are sharply drawn. 

Behind his can-do attitude, Jack carries a heavy self-imposed burden that makes him fiercely protective of his sister. He's not afraid to call a kid a "b-hole" if he has it coming! Amber wears a furrowed brow, but her eyes glow bright when she's talking about her drawings — even the grisliest ones. The siblings' reluctant sidekick in this spirited adventure is classmate Bowman (Kalon Cox), a big mouth who is 95 percent bad impulses and 5 percent goofball. Clamoring for creative solutions to the very creative problem of rampaging drawings, they'll grab water guns and other improvisational weapons. But their greatest tool is their chaotic chemistry. When they collide, sparks fly — as well as juvenile insults — and it's Goonies-style drama, alive with silliness. 

Tony Hale and D'Arcy Carden lend stellar support. 

Hale has been a supreme supporting player on everything from Arrested Development to VEEP, The Decameron, Inside Out 2, Toy Story 4, and Hocus Pocus 2. But here, he's far less of a buffoon. Worley, who also scripted Sketch, which Hale produced, gives the celebrated "that guy" a role that's a bit more grounded. With a warm but not comically broad smile, Hale swiftly establishes Taylor as a devoted dad. There'll be moments of frustration and even moments when he's not mad — say it with me — he's just disappointed. And these hit home because Hale's performance walks the line between family-friendly broad comedy and tender family drama. When an eager Amber shows off her drawings of vicious birds atop a pile of bodies, Hale's expression is a look of mingled pride and revulsion that deftly establishes this strong but straining father-daughter bond. He marvels at her, even as he's a bit freaked out by her potential. 

Playing Taylor's sister Liz, D'Arcy Carden, the Emmy-winning Janet of The Good Place, gives off major "cool aunt vibes" from the moment she swaggers onto scene, ready to throw her skills as a real estate agent toward helping this family move on (or at least move out of the family home). Alternatively dishing out tough love to her brother (wanted or not) and marveling over her niece's dangerous creativity ("I love her brain!"), Liz provides a path forward for a family so lost in grief they've forgotten how to talk to each other. But as emotional as this movie can be — with maybe one too many stops in the action to discuss feelings —  it is above all things funny and joyful. 

Yes, there's talk of death, and grief, and deadly monsters, and multiple scenes where children are fleeing for their lives. But laced throughout is a vibrant thread of humor that celebrates the messiness of family, being young, and being hurt, and it exists without mocking its characters. These wonderfully entertaining bits make up for a third act that gets a bit clunky. Comedy comes from the understandably exasperated look of a dad whose last nerve is fraying, from the little girl whose defiant backtalk is vexingly silly, from the squabbling of kids that is as frenzied as it can be outrageous. 

Worley doesn't just keep things light to keep Sketch as appropriate for kids as it is for parents (something Krasinski did not manage). This tone, mixing horrific elements with delightful ones, underscores the very message of the movie: that life is both, and ignoring one won't make it go away — quite the opposite, actually! 

In the end, Sketch is a fantastically fun and heartwarming movie with a slathering of weird that makes it a real treat.  

Sketch was reviewed out of its World Premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.

"AirPods Pro can help with hearing loss," reads a brand new Apple pop-up when users connect their AirPods Pro 2 devices. "Your AirPods Pro can be used as a clinical-grade hearing aid."

That's right. AirPods Pro are now considered an "over-the-counter" option for those in need of external devices for hearing loss, the company unveiled at its keynote "Glowtime" event. "This first-of-its-kind software-based Hearing Aid feature brings users the ability to fine-tune their experience at any time," Apple explained, "making access to hearing assistance easier than ever at an approachable price point."

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2024: Everything announced, including iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10

Apple kept major changes to its line of AirPods to a minimum this go-around, opting instead to invest more in a series of in-ear device features designed to build out a "hearing health" ecosystem. In addition to new, automatic Loud Sound Reduction, Apple's new Hearing Aid mode is bolstered by a "scientifically validated" Hearing Test module, which provides an at-home assessment option for users based on what is known as "pure-tone audiometry." The results of this test can then be used to further customize audio settings in normal listening mode, as well as when AirPods are placed into Hearing Aid mode. Users can also upload their own audiograms to create custom Hearing Aid profiles.

The official hearing aid release builds on a series of audio-enhancing updates made to AirPods over the last few years, including the option for "Live Listening" and "Conversation Boost."

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

"Hearing health is an essential part of our overall wellbeing, yet it can often be overlooked — in fact, according to the Apple Hearing Study, a staggering 75 percent of people diagnosed with hearing loss go untreated,” wrote Apple’s vice president of Health Sumbul Desai. Wearables for noise-cancelling or noise-enhancing have become increasingly popular among users in public spaces, including over-ear bluetooth headphones and in-ear plugs used to help those with sensory processing disorders.

For some, Apple's introduction of a "free" hearing aid add-on signals an even greater normalization — possibly universalization — of hearing devices, an often inaccessibly-priced accessibility device for those who are Deaf or have partial hearing loss.

The feature, like the company's other new health features, are still pending FDA approval, but are expected to debut to AirPods Pro 2 in an upcoming software update. Apple added a fleet of new accessibility features in May, including eye-tracking and motion haptics for users who are blind.