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'April' review: A visceral Georgian abortion drama
Déa Kulumbegashvili's April is a bone-rattling drama about what it means to be a woman in the country of Georgia. The nation's laws permit pregnancy termination only up to 12 weeks — before some people even know they're expecting — and even then, rural stigma prevents many of them from accessing care. Kulumbegashvili places her protagonist Nina (Ia Sukhitashvili) against this volatile backdrop, as an obstetrician who risks her career by driving to far-flung villages to help pregnant women in need of abortions.
While the film's focus is the aspersions cast on Nina's character, it tells its story in oblique ways, with stunning confrontations of violence and bodily function that form a visceral fabric. The film presents life as an overlapping showreel of birth, death, pregnancy, abortion, and sex, all facets of female experience that Kulumbegashvili merges into a monstrous beast — not just narratively, but literally, through nightmarish imagery.
All the while, April unfolds with the kind of unrelenting tension that takes it from understated drama to razor-wire thriller, a metamorphosis owed not to speeding up its images, but slowing down and lingering on them for jaw-dropping lengths of time. It's a film that induces revulsion, but at the same time, is too magnetic to divert your eyes away from.
What is April about?The opening sounds and images of April are squirm-inducing, but immediately hypnotic. A humanoid figure wanders in a dark and empty void, naked and hunched-over — either like a fetus, or an old woman — as breathy whispers consume the soundscape. These gradually transform to sounds of laughter and children playing, as though this mysterious being were separated from some phantom family by only a thin layer of reality. Even before the movie presents its subject, it calls to mind images of abortion and of aging, woven together in some nightmare of anxious regret.
Without warning, stray shots of rain and cautious observed natural landscapes yank us into a hospital room, as Kulumbegashvili captures a woman giving birth under harsh fluorescents — but this beautiful, bloody, painful miracle of life ends in death. The mother and her husband launch an inquiry against Nina as to why their baby died, placing the OBGYN under a spotlight of her own, and leaving looming doubts for the audience as to whether she was at fault.
SEE ALSO: 42 movies you'll want to see this fallNina, middle-aged and single, makes for an easy target by men looking to question her character — especially as she's long been the subject of rumors about illegal abortions. Her superiors at the hospital seem willing to look the other way, but only up to a point. Given the investigation, who better to throw under the bus than the aging spinster who already has a black mark against her?
However, none of this stops Nina from continuing to to travel to rural villages on her own time to perform what she sees as her duty toward uneducated women whose lives would be ruined by unmarried pregnancy — thanks to threats from local men — even if they wanted to be mothers in the first place. She represents a choice, or at least an option, when these women have none, even if it puts her own choices at risk.
April is dreamlike, but hauntingly realistic.Just as often as Kulumbegashvili's cuts to the aforementioned, formless creature, it presents lengthy scenes of Nina traveling to the countryside that offer space for viewers to ruminate — and to recover. The tension the movie otherwise holds can be debilitating.
Take, for instance, a lengthy abortion scene. When Nina helps a young mute girl, Nana (Roza Kancheishvili), terminate her pregnancy, Kulumbegashvili's camera — courtesy of cinematographer Arseni Khachaturan — focuses not on any one character, but the meeting of hands and bodies. The procedure itself is obscured, but the frame’s focus is Nana's torso as she lies on a plastic tablecloth. On one side of the frame, Nina works diligently to protect the young girl's future. On the other side, the girl’s mother, Mzia (Ana Nikolava), holds and comforts her. It's a traumatic sequence due to the emotions it expresses and conjures by juxtaposing a mother’s act of love with a daughter’s yelps of pain, through a procedure that could have its own serious consequences, should it be discovered.
The women in April are all caught between a rock and a hard place, and Nina's story embodies theirs in microcosm. She becomes, in the process, a kind of cypher of womanhood, and at times she even imagines herself as the formless creature (especially when she sleeps with one of her superiors), as though her self-perception and fears of aging were tied to pregnancy and sex. Her personal relationship to pregnancy, however, is never clarified — whether she's ever been pregnant, or had an abortion herself — because she seems to wall that part of herself off from other people. Perhaps it's necessary for the job.
In April, there's a violence and beauty inherent to both pregnancy and abortion, just as there is to nature. Kulumbegashvili seems to frequently draw this comparison through transitions that involve thundering rain and lush, flowery landscapes. However, violence of a different kind lurks in every corner, too, and appears suddenly, without warning.
April makes the violence of men feel gut-churning.In an early scene, when the father who accused Nina confronts her, the scene is eerily quiet, until he has an outburst and spits in Nina's face. The sound this makes, and the impact it has in the process, is as visceral (if not more so) than any image of birth or abortion that Kulumbegashvili presents. Although male doctors and administrators claim to be on Nina's side, the frame places them at odds with her even in its narrow, square-ish aspect ratio, seating them at an office table alongside the aforementioned father, as though she were a criminal on trial.
The violence of men, through their actions, and through the constraints they create, is practically the glue that binds April together — even when the movie veers toward empowering carnal pleasures. Nina, perhaps to cope with the pressures ( or maybe she just feels like it) cruises through the night and picks up men to hook up with. However, there's a thin line between pleasure and pain, and not in a sexy way. Men try to take advantage of her, and become violent with a quickness, turning quiet moments oppressively loud, like gunshots echoing through the night.
SEE ALSO: TIFF 2024 preview: 15 movies you ought to know aboutThere's a similarly razor-thin margin between sex and death, if only because of the consequences imposed on sex — or rather, on women for having sex — that manifests in several ways. Sex itself leads to violence. Or it leads to pregnancy, which forces some women to put their lives at risk, whether they have abortions or not. Much of this is implied or referenced rather than shown outright. But the specter of these possibilities is ever-present, reinforced through Kulumbegashvili's frames, which capture the powerful gazes of men through unbroken stares at the camera and the minimized position of women through their miniscule size in frame.
April is a ghostly film that beats with life at its most fragile, contrasted with shots of natural landscapes in ways that suggest (and force) a deeper reflection on the body and spirit. It's deeply discomforting in ways that cinema ought to be when making such a complex point about the ways women's experiences — or experiences defined by gendered violence, from the womb to the tomb — are so intrinsically bound by personal fears and desires, and by the fragility of personal autonomy in a world that so easily legislates it away through shame. It's a masterful work.
April was reviewed out of its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival.
How to watch Phoenix Mercury vs. Seattle Storm online
TL;DR: Watch Phoenix Mercury vs. Seattle Storm in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The WNBA 2024 playoffs kick off later this month, and both the Phoenix Mercury and the Seattle Storm have now qualified. As they go into this next fixture, each team will be looking to improve their positioning.
If you want to watch Phoenix Mercury vs. Seattle Storm in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out all the information you need.
When is Phoenix Mercury vs. Seattle Storm?Phoenix Mercury vs. Seattle Storm in the WNBA starts at 9 p.m. ET on Sept. 7. This fixture takes place at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington.
How to watch Phoenix Mercury vs. Seattle StormYou can catch the rest of the 2024 WNBA season with the WNBA League Pass.
However, the WNBA League Pass might not show locally televised games live in the participating teams' local areas. But all you need is a VPN to work your way around this. It works by hiding your real IP address and connecting you to secure servers in other locations. This means you can 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:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA
Log in to WNBA League Pass
Stream Phoenix Mercury vs. Seattle Storm plus other WNBA games live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)
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 Phoenix Mercury vs. Seattle Storm in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
How to watch Pegula vs. Sabalenka in the 2024 US Open final online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Pegula vs. Sabalenka in the 2024 US Open final for free on 9Now or TVNZ+. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Every top tennis player dreams of winning the US Open, but so few get the opportunity to compete for the prize. Pegula and Sabalenka have made it through round after round of tough competition, and now have a chance of winning the whole thing. It's going to be an absolute battle, and you can watch every shot without spending anything.
If you want to watch Pegula vs. Sabalenka in the 2024 US Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
How to watch Pegula vs. Sabalenka in the 2024 US Open for freeFans can live stream the 2024 US Open for free on these platforms:
These streaming services are geo-blocked, but anyone from around the world can access these sites with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can unblock 9Now and TVNZ+ from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of the 2024 US Open final by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia or New Zealand
Watch Pegula vs. Sabalenka in the 2024 US Open final for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of Pegula vs. Sabalenka without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the US Open finals before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the US Open?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the US Open for free, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Australia and New Zealand
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
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.
Live stream Pegula vs. Sabalenka in the 2024 US Open final for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Get a refurbished HP EliteBook
TL;DR: This like-new HP EliteBook 840 G5 is on sale for $319.97 (reg. $410).
When you’re juggling work or school, it helps to have a laptop that doesn’t slow you down. Whether you’re hopping between meetings, working remotely, or tackling assignments between classes, having a dependable device can really ease the load. This HP EliteBook blends power and portability for a reasonable price, just $319.97 while it's on sale, but it's normally $410.
Specs and expectationsThis laptop has a 14-inch HD display, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, so it's geared up for everything from productivity apps like Microsoft Office to regular browsing, streaming, and everything in between.
Under the hood, the EliteBook 840 packs a 1.7GHz Intel Core i5-835U processor, which keeps things running smoothly, whether you’re crunching numbers in Excel or even doing some light photo editing. And since it comes with Windows 10 Pro, you get a suite of enhanced security features that are great if you’re dealing with sensitive work data or just want to keep your personal info safe. One of the best parts? You won’t be glued to an outlet. With a battery life that stretches up to 14 hours, this laptop has the stamina to keep up with you through a full day of work or classes, plus some late-night study sessions or Netflix binges.
The refurbished Grade A rating means it’s in near-mint condition, with barely any signs of previous use. So it'll look and feel like you're taking home a brand-new computer minus the brand-new price tag.
Here's your chance to get an HP EliteBook 840 G5 for $319.97.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP EliteBook 840 G5 Core i5-835U 256GB - Silver (Refurbished) $319.97$410.00 Save $90.03 Get Deal
Ditch your other cloud storage: Get 1TB for life for just $160
TL;DR: A Koofr 1TB Lifetime Cloud Storage Subscription is on sale for $159.99 (reg. $810).
Opens in a new window Credit: Koofr Koofr Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (1TB) $159.99$810.00 Save $650.01 Get Deal
So many cloud storage services come with a monthly fee. It may feel cheap at first, but it really adds up over the months and years.
The cheaper overall alternative is to get cloud storage that lasts for life without needing to pay more than a one-time fee. Right now, you can get a Koofr 1TB Lifetime Cloud Storage Subscription is on sale for $159.99 (reg. $810).
Pay once for a lifetimeKoofr takes your privacy seriously with top-notch encryption for your files, both when they're being transferred and while they're stored. They also don’t track your activity, so you can rest easy knowing your data is secure and private.
What really stands out about Koofr is how flexible and user-friendly it is. Whether you're on your smartphone, desktop, or using WebDAV, you can easily access and manage your files from anywhere. The interface is straightforward, so even if you're new to cloud storage, you’ll find it easy to use.
Plus, if you’re already using other cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon, or OneDrive, Koofr integrates smoothly, letting you handle everything from one place.
And for keeping your digital space in order, Koofr has some neat features. The Duplicate Finder helps you eliminate unnecessary duplicates, while advanced renaming options let you customize file links. This way, you can keep your files organized and your digital space clutter-free.
Your digital forever homeGive your files a home for life. Get a Koofr 1TB Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription for $159.99.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Why settle for slow VPNs? Speed up your security for just $30
TL;DR: Protect up to 10 devices with FastestVPN’s lifetime subscription for just $29.99 through September 29 — and enjoy top-tier speed and security.
When it comes to choosing a VPN, you shouldn’t have to pick between speed and security. With FastestVPN, you get the best of both worlds — blazing-fast internet speeds paired with advanced security features that keep your online activity private and secure. Get lifetime access to FastestVPN for $29.99 until September 29.
FastestVPN lives up to its name, offering high-speed connections that won’t slow you down, even when streaming or gaming. But it’s not just about speed; this VPN is serious about security too. With 256-bit AES encryption, a NAT firewall, and a kill switch, FastestVPN ensures your data stays protected no matter where you are. Plus, its no-logging policy means only you have access to your browsing.
Whether you’re customizing your connection settings or taking advantage of its ad blocker and malware protection, this VPN goes beyond the basics. And with dedicated apps for all major platforms, you can protect up to 10 devices without compatibility worries. FastestVPN regularly updates its software to keep everything running smoothly, and if any issues do pop up, their support team has you covered.
Concerned about compatibility? While it’s true that some users might encounter minor issues on certain devices, FastestVPN offers dedicated apps for all popular platforms and continuously updates its software to ensure everything works seamlessly. And if you do run into a snag, their troubleshooting guides and responsive support team are always ready to help you sort things out.
Get top-tier speed, security, and privacy for a fraction of what other VPNs charge with a lifetime subscription to FastestVPN on sale for $29.99 through September 29.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: FastestVPN FastestVPN: Lifetime Subscription (10 Devices) $29.99$360.00 Save $330.01 Get Deal
Your TV deserves more than Netflix — turn it into a $33 art gallery
TL;DR: For just $32.97 until September 29, turn your TV into a 4K digital art gallery with Dreamscreens — no complicated setup required.
We all love a good Netflix binge, but when the screen goes dark, your TV becomes just another lifeless box in the room. Why let it sit there when it could be displaying breathtaking art? On sale for $32.97 through September 29, Dreamscreens lets you turn your TV into a stunning 4K digital art gallery, adding a whole new dimension to your space.
With Dreamscreens, your TV becomes the centerpiece of your living room, bedroom, or office. It’s as simple as plugging in a USB — no complex setup, no hassle. Instantly, you’ll have access to a curated selection of iconic paintings, handpicked for their artistic significance and visual appeal. This isn’t just a screensaver; it’s a way to elevate your home’s ambiance with minimal effort.
What makes Dreamscreens even better is its flexibility. Whether you prefer your art in its original aspect ratio or want to enjoy a full-screen experience, it adjusts to your viewing preference. And with 4K resolution, every brushstroke and detail is brought to life, creating an immersive visual experience that rivals traditional art displays.
Dreamscreens is a steal compared to the cost of art prints or gallery pieces. It’s the perfect solution for anyone looking to add a touch of sophistication to their home without breaking the bank. So, next time you’re done streaming, switch gears and let your TV showcase something truly inspiring.
Until September 29, score the Dreamscreens 4K Digital Art Gallery at 34% off, on sale for $32.97 (reg. $49).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Dreamscreens Dreamscreens: Turn Your TV into a 4K Digital Art Gallery $32.97$49.99 Save $17.02 Get Deal
This car display with reverse cam compatibility is marked down to $95
TL;DR: Upgrade your ride with a nine-inch wireless car display with rear cam compatibility on sale for $94.97 (reg. $179).
Opens in a new window Credit: RochasDivineMart 9-inch Wireless Car Display with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Compatibility & Phone Mirroring $94.97$179.99 Save $85.02 Get Deal
There's more to driving than just getting from point A to point B. Most cars can do that, but not all cars can seamlessly integrate with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and rear cams.
If yours only supports wired access or doesn't have a rearview cam, get a nine-inch wireless car display with rear cam compatibility on sale for $94.97 (reg. $179). This touchscreen interface brings your smartphone’s best features right to your dashboard with a 1024x600 FHD display that’s perfect for maps, music, and more — and it's $85 off.
How to use your car displayThere are a few key functions that make this car display a serious upgrade for many vehicles. For navigation, this display connects to your phone’s GPS and mirrors apps, music, and videos so you can keep your eyes on the road while staying in the loop. Whether it’s through Bluetooth, AUX, or FM transmission, you can connect it to your car’s audio system for crystal-clear sound. The best part? It works with both Apple and Android devices, so it’s perfect no matter what kind of phone you’re using.
Setup is a breeze—choose from a suction cup, adhesive mount, or dash placement to get it just the way you like. Plug it into a standard 12-24V car outlet, and you’re good to go with nearly any vehicle. The display’s adjustable brightness ensures you’ve got a clear view, whether it’s day or night.
Plus, if you pair it with a compatible backup camera, you can even get parking assistance. Just connect your rear cam wirelessly for seamless access. Parallel parking doesn't have to be hard.
Upgrade your rideThe cheap way to make your old car feel new. Get a nine-inch wireless car display for just $94.97.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
How to watch the OG 'Beetlejuice' before the sequel hits theaters
The ghost with the most makes his return to the big screen this September and fans (including me) are beyond excited for the sequel nearly four decades in the making. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice will once again star Michael Keaton as the titular character, alongside Winona Ryder's Lydia Deetz. Also returning for the Beetlejuice sequel is Catherine O'Hara as fashion icon and artist Delia Deetz. And of course, it would all be meaningless without Tim Burton back in the director's chair.
Jenna Ortega, Willem Dafoe, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, and Arthur Conti all join in the fun this time around, so you know we're in for a spooky good time.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice opens nationwide on Sept. 6, and it's also available in IMAX. Before you make your way to the theater, however, you might want to touch up on the OG 1988 film. We've got you covered with everything you need to know to catch up with your favorite bio-exorcist, including the best streaming deals.
Where Is Beetlejuice streaming?As a Warner Bros. film, Beetlejuice is currently streaming on Max. The sequel will also find its way onto the streamer eventually — after its theatrical run, most likely months from now. Max subscriptions start at $9.99 per month, but we've rounded up a few ways you can save some money on your plan below.
Best Max streaming dealsBest Max streaming deal for most people: Save 17% on Max with ads annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max (with ads) yearly subscription $99.99 per year (save 17%) Watch NowA monthly Max subscription goes for $9.99 per month, but you can save 17% (or $1.66 per month) by paying for a whole year upfront. An annual plan with ads costs $99.99 per year, which breaks down to just $8.33 per month. Not only will it keep more money in your pocket in the long run, but it'll also give you access to Max to watch the original now and the sequel when it arrives on the service.
Best Max deal with no ads: Save 22% on a Max Ad-Free annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max (no ads) annual subscription $149.99 per year (save 22%) Watch NowWant an ad-free viewing experience? You have two options: Max Ad-Free and Max Ultimate. The Ad-Free tier costs $16.99 per month, but you can save 17% by opting for the annual plan. Likewise, the Ultimate tier costs $20.99 per month, but offers a 17% discount on the annual plan. That discount drops the plans to just $14.17 per month ($169.99 per year) or $17.49 per month ($209.99 per year), respectively.
Note: Both tiers offer an ad-free viewing experience, but the Ultimate tier takes things a step further with 4K Ultra HD video quality and Dolby Atmos immersive audio.
Best way to get Max for free: Sign up for a DashPass annual plan Opens in a new window Credit: DoorDash / Max DashPass annual plan with Max (with ads) $96/year (save $83.76) Get DealRecently announced, DoorDash has partnered with Max to offer customers with the annual DashPass plan free Max with ads subscriptions. If you're already on the annual DashPass plan, you can just head over to the "Manage Max Subscription" page in your DoorDash account to activate your free subscription. If you're not, you can sign up for a DashPass annual plan for just $96 per year ($8 per month) and unlock access to the streaming library — including Beetlejuice — for free. That's a $99.99 value for zero dollars. Plus, with your DashPass plan, you'll also have access to free food delivery all year.
Read more about terms and eligibility requirements on the DoorDash FAQ page.
Another way to get Max for free: Free Max with ads for customers on the $60/month Cricket unlimited plan Opens in a new window Credit: Cricket / Max Max (with ads) Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month plan Watch NowHere's another way you can get Max for free: the Cricket Wireless $60 per month unlimited plan includes Max with ads. So long as your account remains in good standing, you'll have unlimited access to the Max library at no extra cost. Just head over to Max and select Cricket as your provider to log in. Check out the terms and conditions on Cricket's website to learn more.
Best Max deal for students: Save 50% on Max with ads monthly for one year Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max Student $4.99 per month for 12 months Get DealCollege students can get Max (with ads) for an entire year at half price with Max's new student discount. That means you'll pay $4.99 per month instead of the usual $9.99. Just verify your student status with UNiDAYS, then head back over to Max and redeem your unique discount code to stream for 50% off.
Best bundle deal: Get Max, Disney+, and Hulu for up to 38% off Opens in a new window Credit: Disney+ / Hulu / Max Disney+, Hulu, and Max $16.99 per month (with ads), $29.99 per month (no ads) Get DealA new bundle deal emerged last month, and it's a doozy. You can now get Max, Disney+, and Hulu with ads all for just $16.99 per month (reg. $25.97) or without ads for $29.99 per month (reg. $48.97). That's up to 38% in savings. It's one of the best ways to get more bang for your buck in the streaming world.
Other ways to watch Beetlejuice onlineIf you don't want to sign up for yet another streaming service, we don't blame you. You can still watch the original Beetlejuice movie online thanks to digital on-demand services like Prime Video and YouTube. The film is available to rent or purchase at the following retailers:
Prime Video — rent for $3.79 with Prime, buy for $7.99 with Prime
YouTube — rent for $3.99, buy for $7.99
Apple TV — rent for $3.99, buy for $7.99
Google Play — rent for $3.99, buy for $7.99
Fandango at Home (Vudu) — rent for $3.99, buy for $7.99
Note: Renting a film gives you 30 days to watch and just 48 hours to finish once you begin.
I tested the best gaming keyboards, and there was a clear winner
So, you've built yourself a fancy gaming PC. You sifted through all the specs, stressed over snagging your dream graphics card, and painstakingly obsessed over what kind of cooling system you'll use. Congrats! You did it.
OK, now that we've celebrated your triumphs, it's time to get real. In truth, you're really only getting started, because now you have to worry about all of your peripherals: Monitors, mice, gaming headsets, and more. Even if you already have all those things, until you've got yourself an elite gaming keyboard, your setup just ain't all that. Sorry, I don't make the rules!
SEE ALSO: Gaming starter kit: All the gear you need to play like a real gamerLuckily, you've got yourself a lifelong gaming hobbyist here to help you pick one out. Trust me, it can get super complicated without some guidance (compared to building a gaming rig, this will be a cinch, champ). Over the past month, I went hands-on with the best gaming keyboards so that you could spend less time researching and more time gaming.
We'll get into my top picks below, but let's go over a few things first.
What are the most important specs?At a glance, the specs you'll want to pay most attention to while shopping for a gaming keyboard are:
Size/layout
Switches
Backlight/RGB lighting
Connectivity
Customization
Scroll to our "How we tested" section for more detail on our testing process in each of these categories.
SEE ALSO: Asus ROG Ally X review: 3 ways it beats the Steam Deck What size gaming keyboard is best?The size (or layout) of the gaming keyboard you choose comes down to your preference. For me, Tenkeyless (or TKL) is best, because without arrow keys, I just don't know what to do with myself. Every time I need to move my cursor while typing, I just kind of freeze. Super normal stuff. That might not be you, though. Maybe you're able to adapt all the way down to 60% — arrow keys and number pads be damned!
Here are the main types of gaming keyboards you can expect to see while shopping:
Full-size: As big as it gets. A full-size keyboard will have somewhere between 104 and 108 keys, including arrow keys, a number pad, and maybe even some dedicated macro keys. I personally don't think this size keyboard is necessary unless you often find yourself crunching numbers in Excel sheets.
96%: Ditches some of the extra macro and navigation keys but maintains the number pad.
Tenkeyless, or TKL: Gets rid of the 10-key number pad (thus, ten-key-less) but keeps the arrow, function, and navigation keys. This is my personal favorite.
75%: Similar to a TKL but sacrifices a few of the navigation keys.
70%: This is the same layout as the 75%, but it doesn't have any function keys.
65%: You'll find various configurations for these compact keyboards — some have arrow keys, function keys, or a mixture of both.
60%: As compact as it gets. Also referred to as "mini" keyboards, a 60% layout chops off any extra keys. They can be super portable and great for remote gaming.
Time for the picks! Let's take a look and get you the gaming keyboard of your dreams.
This restaurant used ChatGPT to create a pizza for its menu — and it became a hit
In case you missed it, in Dubai, the restaurant and delivery chain Dodo Pizza added a new ChatGPT-created pizza to its menu — and it’s flying off the shelves like hot cakes, according to the BBC.
Spartak Arutyunyan, the head of menu development for the pizza franchise, leaned on ChatGPT because he wanted a recipe that would satisfy the palette of the many diverse cultures that populate Dubai.
What is in the ChatGPT-created pizza?The BBC report didn't give away the full recipe, but the ChatGPT-created pizza, in part, consists of the following:
shawarma chicken
Indian grilled paneer cheese
Middle Eastern Za'atar herbs
tahini cheese
Arutyunyan said that Dubai is made of up "Indians, Pakistanis, Filipinos, Arab people, and European guys," so he was hoping that the Open AI-produced chatbot would suggest a pizza that represented a "cultural mix."
As it turned out, as mentioned at the outset, Dodo Pizza customers are loving the new ChatGPT-created pizza.
Arutyunyan admitted that, as a chef, he'd never consider mixing ChatGPT's suggested ingredients together, but they work.
Arutyunyan added that ChatGPT conceptualized other pizza recipes that included strawberries and pasta, and another that consisted of blueberries and breakfast cereal, but they didn't make the cut for Dodo Pizza's menu.
iPhone 16 rumors: Everything we know, including release date, price, and more
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.
Countless Apple iPhone 16 rumors have been flooding in – and they're helping us decode the mystery of how it'll be different from iPhone 15.
We’re hearing tons whispers about a possible camera redesign for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models.
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are also getting some camera upgrades – as well as a possible new bronze color. (It's reportedly called Desert Titanium.)
Here’s a compilation of all the credible rumors about next year's iPhone 16 line.
SEE ALSO: New iPhone 16 leak reveals 5 vibrant colors and camera redesign iPhone 16 rumors: Quick summaryThe IPhone 16 will reportedly have a new capture button to give users easy access to photo and video functions.
The bezels on the next-generation iPhone 16 will reportedly be thinner than ever.
The iPhone 16 Pro models will drop the Blue Titanium colorway in favor of a new bronze color called "Desert Titanium."
Night Mode and ultrawide lenses on the iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to get a boost.
The iPhone 16 camera layout is getting a redesign from its current diagonal position to a stacked one
You may be wondering, "When will the iPhone 16 be announced?" The iPhone 16 release date is expected to be some time in September. To further nail down a specific date, Apple usually hosts the iPhone event on the second week on September, typically on a Tuesday.
As such, our prediction is that the iPhone 16 event will likely fall on Sept. 10 alongisde the new Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3. This prediction has been corroborated by a late August report from Bloomberg, which discovered that Apple is planning on having its big product launch event on Sept. 10.
In fact, as of Aug. 26, Apple has reportedly wrapped up filming for the iPhone 16 launch event.
After Apple has its whole shebang of an event showcasing the next-generation handsets, the iPhones typically ship about a week or two later. In other words, they will likely hit store shelves on Sept. 20.
iPhone 15 Credit: AppleIn the past, Apple has deviated from this cadence due to reported production hindrances (e.g., supply chain issues). For example, the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 14 Plus shipped in October, but typically, we get new iPhones unveiled some time during the first half of September every year.
iPhone 16 priceFortunately, we're expecting the iPhone 16 to continue to have the same starting price that the lineup has had for four years now: $799.
According to TrendForce (h/t BGR), the prices for the other models will likely be the following:
iPhone 16 Plus - $899
iPhone 16 Pro - $1,099
iPhone 16 Pro Max - $1,199
We're hearing that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models will get the A18 chip, but the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will snag the A18 Pro processors.
iPhone 16 designLet’s dive into arguably the most important aspect of the iPhone’s design: the screen.
There haven’t been any significant changes to the display sizes since the iPhone 12, but according to reliable leaker Unknownz21, the upper-tier iPhone 16 models are going to be a little bit more unwieldy in your hands. For an overview of how the iPhone 16 may look, here are some renders:
Tweet may have been deletedAs you can see, you'll find the Action Button, which was left out of the lower-tier models on the current generation iPhone, now present on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. More on that later.
DisplayThe iPhone 16 Pro will reportedly have a 6.3-inch display while the iPhone 16 Pro Max will pack a 6.9-inch panel. You may be wondering, “What about the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus? Will they get a screen size bump, too?” The answer is likely no. The lower-tier models will reportedly have the same display sizes as their predecessors.
Tweet may have been deletediPhone 15 screen sizes
iPhone 15 - 6.1 inches
iPhone 15 Plus - 6.7 inches
iPhone 15 Pro - 6.1 inches
iPhone 15 Pro Max - 6.7 inches
iPhone 16 screen sizes (rumored)
iPhone 16 - 6.1 inches
iPhone 16 Plus - 6.7 inches
iPhone 16 Pro - 6.3 inches
iPhone 16 Pro Max - 6.9 inches
Ross Young, a well-known display analyst and Apple leaker, was the first to claim that the iPhone 16 Pro models will have larger screens.
Tweet may have been deletedHowever, he offered slightly different numbers: 6.2 inches and 6.8 inches. What could be the reason behind the discrepancy? According to MacRumors, it’s "likely due to the difference between actual display area and viewable display area."
Another rumor we're hearing is that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will continue to have 60Hz refresh-rate displays. This is a little disappointing considering other phones in the market at least have 90Hz screens, making navigating through the UI smoother, zippier and seamless.
Finally, according to MacRumors, citing popular Weibo leaker "Instant Digital," the iPhone 16 Pro will reportedly have a 20% brighter display for SDR content. In other words, the iPhone 16 Pro will reportedly emanate up to 1,200 nits of brightness.
Thinner bezelsThe iPhone 16 will also reportedly have slimmer bezels, according to a report from The Elec (h/t MacRumors). Apple is tipped to be using something called Border Reduction Structure (BRS) technology, which reduces the internal footprint of the circuitry inside, allowing for thinner bezels (without sacrificing anything important aspects like display performance, for example).
Thinner bezels means that the iPhone 16 series should yield more screen real estate for users.
In fact, according to popular leaker IceUniverse, the iPhone 16 Pro models will have the world's narrowest bezels.
Tweet may have been deletedA tipster from Weibo concurred with IceUniverse's claim, adding that the iPhone 16 Pro series will have the following bezel measurements:
iPhone 16 Pro - 1.2mm
iPhone 16 Pro Max - 1.15mm
For reference, the iPhone 15 Pro models' bezels have a thickness of about 1.71mm, give or take.
DimensionsThanks to yet another leak from IceUniverse, it appears that we now have information of the most premium next-generation iPhone:
iPhone 16 Pro Max reportedly measures 163.024mm × 77.575mm × 8.26mm
According to the aforementioned measurements, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is bigger than its predecessor: 1mm thicker, 3.1mm taller, and 0.88mm wider.
Thanks to X leaker @ZONEofTECH, we also apparently have photos (via a dummy model) that show that iPhone 16 Pro Max is, indeed, slightly larger than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Tweet may have been deleted Action ButtonA report from MacRumors claims that every single model in the iPhone 16 line will feature an Action Button — not just the iPhone 15 Pro variants. The current-gen iPhone 15 Pro models' Action Button can be programmed to launch a range of apps and functions, including Flashlight, Camera, Silent Mode, Voice Memo, Focus, Magnifier, Translate (coming to iOS 17.2), and a range of accessibility features.
When iPhone 16 drops, however, the rumor mill states that Apple will add more functionality to the Action Button.
Capture ButtonThe Action Button was all the rage for the iPhone 15 series, however, according to MacRumors and The Information, a new Capture Button will be one of the biggest selling points for the iPhone 16. Reportedly placed slightly under the power button, the Capture Button is a camera-focused feature that can do the following:
Zoom in and out of photos/videos with swiping gestures
Allows users to focus on subjects
Activates the shutter button
While MacRumors and The Information both concur that Apple is testing a "capture button" on the iPhone 16, both aren't on the same page on whether it's a mechanical button or a capacitive one. MacRumors says it's the latter, but The Information claims it's both.
The new capture button will reportedly be featured across all iPhone 16 models.
Solid-state buttonsApple reportedly planned on introducing solid-state buttons with the iPhone 15 Pro models, but instead, we got a customizable Action Button. For the uninitiated, solid-state buttons aren’t buttons per se – they’re panels that feature haptic feedback sensations that simulate real button presses (Think of the iPhone SE series' Home button). On the plus side, the solid-state buttons aren’t totally out of the picture. According to respected Apple leaker and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is working on debuting solid-state buttons on the iPhone 16 Pro models instead.
Kuo added that these solid-state buttons will add two additional Taptic Engines, which will help fire off tangible feedback to users. (If this is true, the number of Taptic Engines in the iPhone 16 will increase to three — up from one.)
According to a tip from Weibo (via MacRumors), the Action Button on the iPhone 16 Pro will be a solid-state button and sit flush against the chassis. To make room for this change, Apple will reportedly move the mmWave antenna to the left of the iPhone 16 Pro as opposed to the right. This Weibo tip comes from a leaker with the moniker "Instant Digital," a bean spiller that reportedly has an accurate track record, according to MacRumors.
iPhone 16 colorsAccording to a leak dropped on X, the iPhone 16 comes in five colors: white, black, blue, green, and pink.
Tweet may have been deletedThe iPhone 16 Plus is expected to come in the same colorways.
The iPhone 16 Pro, on the other hand, is expected to offer a bronze colorway, according to a Weibo-based leaker. The bean spiller claims that this will replace the Blue Titanium color offered for the iPhone 15 Pro, which contradicts reports that this color will be replaced by a rose-like color.
As MacRumors pointed out, it's possible that both leakers may have seen the same color, but interpreted them differently.
A late July leak from Sonny Dickson didn't show the new color that will supposedly replace Blue Titanium, however, it does reveal the other three colors that will possibly be unveiled in September for the iPhone 16 Pro models: white, black, and a natural gray color.
Tweet may have been deletedBut then, Aug. 16, Sonny Dickson revealed all the colorways of the iPhone 16 Pro, including the reported bronze color. It's definitely not a "rose-like color."
Tweet may have been deletedThe color is reportedly called "Desert Titanium."
According to X leaker Majin Bu, "Desert Titanium" appears to be some sort of "dark gold color."
Tweet may have been deletedAccording to 9to5Mac's source, which the outlet claims got a previous colorway rumor correct, the color is lighter than expected. It's almost beige.
Tweet may have been deletedThe rumor mill seems to agree that the iPhone 16 is some sort of shade in the brownish-gold territory, but it can't seem to nail down the exact hue.
iPhone 16 Apple IntelligenceSimilar to the iPhone 15 series, Apple Intelligence, the Cupertino-based tech giant's new suite of AI features announced at WWDC 2024, the only phones that likely support Apple Intelligence are the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / MashableWith iOS 18, the iPhone 16 Pro models are expected to get new AI perks that boost the likes of Siri, Safari, Mail, Messages, and more. (I got a chance to test Apple Intelligence on my iPhone 15 Pro Max).
Siri is about to get a whole lot smarter. Credit: AppleHere's a guide on the Apple Intelligence features that will likely be present in time for the iPhone 16 launch.
Other Apple Intelligence features, like Genmoji and Image Playground, will likely be delayed.
iPhone 16 camerasApple debuted a new zoom lens with a "tetra-prism" design on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which means that engineers found a way to "fold" the shooter so that it still has telephoto capabilities without taking up too much space. This new camera increases the Pro Max’s optical zoom from 3x to 5x.
iPhone 15 Pro Credit: AppleHowever, according to Digital Chat Station (DCS), a bean-spiller on the Chinese social media site Weibo, both the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max will get the new tetra-prism telephoto camera.
DCS also added that the iPhone 16 Pro Max specifically is getting the Sony IMX903 sensor, an upgrade from the Sony IMX803 sensor. This means that the iPhone 16 Pro Max wide lens will have a larger sensor size, allowing for more light gathering for better photos and videos in low-light conditions.
Credit: John Keeble/Getty ImagesAccording to Jeff Pu, a tech analyst from Haitong International Securities (a Hong Kong investment firm), the ultrawide cameras are getting a boost, too.
Pu stated the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models will also feature a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera with better light gathering. As such, camera performance in dimmer environments should improve. As it stands now, the iPhone 15 Pro models have a 12MP ultrawide camera. A new late August report from Apple Insider confirms this rumor.
The ultrawide camera is perfect for taking landscape photos, allowing you to capture more scenery. However, compared to the main camera, the ultrawide lens tends to deliver a slight drop in crispness and sharpness. If this rumor is true, the new 48-megapixel ultrawide camera may ameliorate this minor foible.
Ming-Chi Kuo claims that Apple will upgrade the rear cameras on the iPhone 16 Pro models, introducing a stacked design. What will a stacked design do? According to Apple Insider, it increases light capture and provides wider dynamic range, so Night Mode should get a sweet boost.
Finally, it's worth pointing out that the iPhone 16 Pro, as we reported in April, will allegedly tackle lens flare and ghosting issues by using anti-reflective coating on the cameras.
As far as the iPhone 16 is concerned, according to a photo leak on X, Apple has rearranged the rear cameras for its entry-level devices from a diagonal configuration to a stacked design. Plus, Apple Insider claims that the iPhone 16's ultrawide camera will get improved aperture (upgraded from f/2.4 to f/2.2), allowing for better low-light capture.
Featured Video For You History of iPhone (updated) iPhone 16 battery lifeAs we reported in early April, a Weibo leaker by the name of "OvO Baby Sauce OvO" seemingly unveiled the new new battery sizes across the iPhone 16 lineup:
iPhone 16: 3,561mAh
iPhone 16 Plus: 4,006mAh
iPhone 16 Pro: 3,355mAh
iPhone 16 Pro Max: 4,676mAh
All the iPhone 16 models have some sort of increase from two to six percent except for the iPhone 16 Plus, which reportedly has a reduction of nearly nine percent compared to the iPhone 15 Plus.
Keep in mind that an increase in battery size doesn't necessarily mean that the device will deliver longer battery life. And in the same vein, a battery size reduction doesn't necessarily lead to shorter runtimes. There are other aspects at play (the display's efficiency, for example). So we won't know for sure how battery life is affected until we get the phones in our hands.
It's also worth noting that Kuo claimed that Apple is increasing the the iPhone 16 Pro Max's "battery energy density,"
iPhone 16 specsThe iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are equipped with 8GB of RAM while the lower-tier models, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max, are stuck with their predecessors’ 6GB of RAM. If that bums you out, don’t worry. According to Pu, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are expected to join the 8GB of RAM bandwagon, too.
iPhone 15 lineup Credit: AppleStorage
According to news aggregator account "yeux1122" from Naver, a Korean blog, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will feature options that offer 2TB of storage.
That is double the current max storage capacity of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
ChipsetIn recent years, Apple has followed the trend of putting last year's chip into the two entry-level models while the Pro models, the Pro and the Pro Max, get the new-generation chip. For example, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus got the A16 Bionic chip, the same inside the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. However, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max got outfitted with the new A17 Pro chips.
If this pattern continues, it should follow that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus get the A17 Pro while the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max get the A18 chips. Pu hinted that this is how it will be for the iPhone 16 line, hinting that the A17 Pro will reportedly be less efficient. In other words, the iPhone 16 models equipped with this chip may take a battery life hit. This is because the next-generation chip will offer tremendous performance gains at the expense of power efficiency.
However, another rumor tells a different story.
According to an alleged iOS 18 code leak from MacRumors, the entire iPhone 16 line will get an A18 chip. However, there’s a chance that Apple will use a “Pro” identifier name to differentiate from the standard and Pro models (e.g., A18 chip and A18 Pro).
The iPhone 16 Pro models will also reportedly support Wi-Fi 7 (current models support WiFi 6E). Wi-Fi 7 should offer zippy transfer speeds that exceed 40 Gbps, quadrupling what WiFi 6E can do.
According to Pu (via 9to5Mac), the iPhone 16 Pro will come with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 modem, which can reach a 5G download rate of up to 7.5 Gbps.
We’ll periodically update this rumor hub as new iPhone 16 leaks trickle in, so be sure to bookmark this page.
iPhone 15 Pro Max $1,399.99 at Best BuyShop Now
Apple Watch Ultra 3 rumors: Everything we know so far
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.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is on the horizon. Apple officially announced that its next big event is on Sept. 9. Of course, we're expecting the new iPhone 16 series, but what typically comes alongside Apple's next-gen smartphones are new Apple Watch models.
In addition to the Apple Watch Series 10, we're on the lookout for the Apple Watch Ultra 3. As the big event nears, we're already seeing some rumors about the next-gen Apple Watch Ultra. Here are all the credible leaks you need to know about.
SEE ALSO: Apple Watch 10: Everything we know so far, including blood pressure monitor rumor Apple Watch Ultra 3: Every single rumor we knowThe Apple Watch Ultra 3 will likely be the most premium Apple Watch model you can get. The Ultra variant is known for delivering better battery life, a brighter screen, and more options for high-performance athletes. It's larger, too.
Credit: Apple / Mashable photo compositeBut the question is, how does the Ultra 3, according to rumors, differ from the Ultra 2? Let's dig into the leaks, but first, let's discuss the release date.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 release dateThe Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to get unveiled during the Sept. 9 "Glowtime" event.
Based on this reveal date, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will likely hit store shelves on Sept. 20.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 priceI've been keeping an eye on the rumor mill, and as it stands now, there haven't been any credible details that have leaked regarding the Apple Watch Ultra 3's price.
Credit: Apple / Mashable photo compositeThe current Apple Watch Ultra, the second-generation model, has a starting price of $799. We're predicting the same price tag for the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 $798.00 at AmazonGet Deal Apple Watch Ultra 3 design
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a reliable Apple leaker and respected analyst, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will not get any significant hardware upgrades. As such, it's likely Apple will rely on a host of new software upgrades to make the Apple Watch Ultra 3 more appealing.
Credit: Apple / Mashable photo compositeThe Apple Watch Ultra is relatively nascent (it launched in 2022), so the Cupertino-based tech giant likely isn't ready to give it a major design overhaul just yet. For now, Gurman says the main hardware upgrade that the third-generation Apple Watch is getting is a new chip.
This is a departure from what we're hearing about the Apple Watch Series 10 models, which are reportedly getting bigger screens, according to Gurman.
As such, expect the Apple Watch Ultra 3 to maintain the same specs, more or less, as its predecessor:
49mm case size
Titanium chassis
Always-on display with up to 3,000 nits of brightness
Interestingly, rumor has it that Apple planned on releasing an Apple Watch Ultra model with a microLED display that would set consumers back $1,500. However, this has reportedly been delayed to 2027.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 health features and sensorsApple has reportedly been working on adding three new health features to the Apple Watch:
Blood-pressure monitor
Sleep apnea sensor
Glucose monitor
However, there has been scuttlebutt that Apple has been running into issues with the blood-pressure monitor in particular, especially for the Watch Series 10 design. And independent of the watches, the blood pressure sensor has been too unreliable during testing, according to Gurman.
It's unclear whether Apple will skip the blood pressure feature for the Apple Watch Series 10 and add it to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 — or ditch it altogether.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 battery lifeIf the rumor about Apple delaying the microLED display until 2027 is true, then the Apple Watch Ultra 3 may not get the battery life boost many were crossing their fingers for.
Credit: Apple / Mashable photo compositeAs it stands now, Apple claims that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 delivers up to 36 hours of battery life. If the specs remain unchanged, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 may have the same runtime.
Apple Watch Ultra 3: Will it be worth the upgrade?"If you spent $799 on an Apple Watch Ultra last year, it's unlikely you'll want to spring for this version," Gurman said.
In conclusion, based on the rumors and leaks, it looks like the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will just be an iterative update.
The rumor mill says there won't be any major hardware upgrades, but hey, you never know what the Cupertino-based tech giant may have up its sleeves when it announces the Apple Watch Ultra 3 on Sept. 9.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Smartwatch with Rugged Titanium Case & Blue Alpine Loop Large. Fitness Tracker, Precision GPS, Action Button, Extra-Long Battery Life, Carbon Neutral $798.00 at AmazonGet Deal
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max leak: Video camera rumored to get this upgrade
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.
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are reportedly getting a video quality boost.
According to 9to9Mac, the iPhone 16 Pro will shoot videos in 4K resolution at 120fps (frames per second).
This is a boost from the iPhone 15 Pro, which shoots 4K at 60fps. The iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max reportedly come with the same camera setup, so both versions of the Pro will have this video quality as well.
SEE ALSO: What to expect from Apple event 2024: iPhone 16, Apple Watch 10, and moreFurthermore, the outlet reports that the iPhone 16 Pro will shoot ProRes 4K at 120fps when connected to external storage, which is a professional-grade video format. Apple is also updating its QuickTake feature for capturing photos while in video mode from 1080p to 4K.
What else Apple is cooking up for the iPhone 16 series?Apple's iPhone 16 event is merely days away, and we're already expecting several camera upgrades.
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are rumored to have a 48MP main lens, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 5X optical zoom.
All iPhone 16 models are expected to come with a new dedicated capture button on the side that activates various features based on the types of presses on the touch-sensitive button.
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will reportedly have a larger display thanks to thinner — possibly record-breaking — bezels. Color-wise, Apple is ditching the Titanium Blue, and instead opting for a bronze-ish color rumored to be called "Desert Titanium."
Thanks to the flurry of rumors that come before every Apple event, we have a sense of what to expect from the iPhone 16 series. But we'll have to wait until September 9 to get confirmation.
Want more iPhone 16 news? Check out our oft-updated live blog that will track all rumors up until the big Sept. 9 Glowtime event.
NYT Strands hints, answers for September 7
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 MashableBy 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 7 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for September 7 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Know your materialThese words are all the fashion(s).
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThe answers all relate to what you would use to make clothing.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is Fabric.
NYT Strands word list for September 7Denim
Velvet
Satin
Chiffon
Spandex
Fabric
Jersey
Muslin
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.
How to watch Pegula vs. Sabalenka in the 2024 US Open final online for free in the UK
TL;DR: Live stream Pegula vs. Sabalenka in the 2024 US Open final for free on 9Now or TVNZ+. Access these free streaming platforms from the UK with ExpressVPN.
Watching the US Open for free in the UK is not easy, but nothing is impossible. And we've reached the finals of the tournament, so if there was ever a time to find a hack, it's now. Fortunately, we can help you secure access to free live streams of the US Open finals.
If you want to watch Pegula vs. Sabalenka in the 2024 US Open for free in the UK, we have all the information you need.
How to watch Pegula vs. Sabalenka in the 2024 US Open for free in the UKFans can live stream the 2024 US Open for free on these platforms:
These streaming services are geo-blocked, but anyone in the UK can access these sites with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can unblock 9Now and TVNZ+ from the UK.
Access free live streams of the 2024 US Open final by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia or New Zealand
Watch Pegula vs. Sabalenka in the 2024 US Open final for free in the UK
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can access free live streams of Pegula vs. Sabalenka without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the US Open finals before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the US Open?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the US Open for free in the UK, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Australia and New Zealand
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
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.
Live stream Pegula vs. Sabalenka in the 2024 US Open final for free in the UK with ExpressVPN.
How to watch Australia vs. Argentina in the 2024 Rugby Championship online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Australia vs. Argentina in the 2024 Rugby Championship for free on NZR+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Rugby Championship continues to deliver some of the best international rugby of the year. It feels like every game can go either way, and the result is often decided by big plays in the final moments. That was the case in the first game between Argentina and Australia, with the Wallabies securing a last-gasp win.
That was heartbreaking for Argentina, but they will believe that they can turn things around in the second meeting between the two sides. If you want to watch Australia vs. Argentina in the 2024 Rugby Championship for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Australia vs. Argentina?The second game between Australia and Argentina in the 2024 Rugby Championship kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Sept. 7. This fixture takes place at the Brigadier General Estanislao López Stadium in Santa Fe, Argentina.
How to watch Australia vs. Argentina for freeYou can live stream the 2024 Rugby Championship for free on NZR+, including Australia vs. Argentina.
The catch is that this free live stream is only available to fans in Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Turkey, and Ukraine.
If you do not live in one of these countries, you can use a VPN to change your digital location and stream for free. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Rugby Championship on NZR+ from anywhere in the world.
Access free live streams of the 2024 Rugby Championship by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in one of the countries listed above
Visit NZR+
Live stream Australia vs. Argentina for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to a free live stream of Australia vs. Argentina without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the 2024 Rugby Championship before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the Rugby Championship?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live rugby on NZR+ for free, 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 always secure
Fast connection speeds
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.
Live stream Australia vs. Argentina in the 2024 Rugby Championship for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for September 7
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 7'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 7 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Has possession of something.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There are no reoccurring letters.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter O.
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...
OWNER.
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.
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for September 7
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 7'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 deletedEach 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 deletedPlayers 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 7 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Photo editing
Green: Golf equipment
Blue: Just bought a fish
Purple: Iconic horse imagery
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Ways to Transform an Image
Green: Things Used in Golf
Blue: Aquarium Purchases
Purple: Logos with Horses
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 #454 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayWays to Transform an Image: CROP, FLIP, ROTATE, SCALE
Things Used in Golf: BALL, DRIVER, GLOVE, TEE
Aquarium Purchases: FILTER, PUMP, ROCKS, TANK
Logos with Horses: COACH, GODIVA, MUSTANG, POLO
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.
Megan thee Stallion and Travis Kelce revives iconic 'We Will Rock You' Pepsi ad
What do rapper Megan Thee Stallion and Kansas City Chiefs' star tight end Travis Kelce have in common?
They both starred in Pepsi's revival of its iconic "We Will Rock You" ad.
WATCH: Megan Thee Stallion and Travis Kelce in new Pepsi commercialThis year's Pepsi commercial, inspired by the upcoming Gladiator II film, is a three-minute long commercial called "Make Your Gameday Epic" — and it's set in a Roman Empire stadium where Megan Thee Stallion is watching a Spartan match of the Super Bowl winners from her throne.
In addition to Kelce, NFL players Josh Allen, Derrick Henry, and Justin Jefferson make an appearance, as well as White Lotus actor Jake Lacy and Fargo star Lamorne Morris.
If the theme of the commercial seems familiar to you, that's because it's a recreation of the iconic 2004 commercial that starred Beyoncé, Britney Spears, and Pink. Both commercials feature the highly recognized Queen song "We Will Rock You."
The connection was made by many fans immediately and met with mixed reactions. While some viewers applauded the commercial and thought it was a touchdown, others disagreed with the company's choice of remaking the video.
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deletedOne commenter under the YouTube video stated "I’m switching to Coca-Cola."