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There are plenty of mysteries in Alien: Earth – What's the deal with the five corporations controlling the planet? Why are there so many Peter Pan references? How exactly does this show fit in with the Alien franchise timeline? — but episode 3 gave us a brand new one.

In short, why does Wendy/Marcy (Sydney Chandler) hear sounds of distress when the Xenomorph is being operated on, which in turn appear to cause her physical pain? What exactly is going on here?

Well, while we may not be able to fully answer that question, we have already been given a pretty big clue. Let's unpack it.

SEE ALSO: 'Alien: Earth' episode 3: Inside the big Xenomorph fight What happens in episode 3?

Now safely (ish) back at the Prodigy research island, Kirsh (Timothy Olyphant) and the hybrids start examining the five alien specimens from the downed Weyland-Yutani Maginot spaceship.

Wheeling one of the eggs out into the lab, Kirsh slices it open to discover the Xenomorph in its nightmarish "face-hugger" form. Cutting into the creature, he uncovers something akin to a tadpole, which anyone familiar with the Alien franchise will know is the beginning of the Xenomorph's final stage (the one that usually gestates in a human's chest before bursting out and then growing at a rapid rate).

Featured Video For You How 'Alien: Earth' pulls you into the world of 'Alien' in its opening scene

Meanwhile, while this is happening, Wendy wakes up elsewhere in the building and hears a faint chittering sound. She walks through the corridors, presumably trying to place the noise — but as soon as the Xenomorph is removed from the egg in the lab and held down on the operating table, the noise in Wendy's head becomes so loud it causes her physical pain. She reaches the lab at the same moment Kirsh removes the tadpole, which causes her to collapse in agony.

Why does the alien surgery affect Wendy/Marcy?

So what's going on here, exactly? Does Wendy have some kind of psychic connection with the Xenomorph that allows her to feel its pain?

Well, the answer may in fact lie in a small bit of dialogue back in episode 1, which takes place shortly after Wendy/Marcy's consciousness has been downloaded into her new synthetic body.

At one point just before the hybrids go on their mission to find Wendy's brother, she's sitting in the lab taking part in an audio test that involves raising her hand when she hears a beep. The key line, which is muttered by a technician shortly before Wendy spots her brother on a nearby screen? "She's beyond our human frequencies. 75,000 hz."

This moment is almost lost due to Wendy abandoning the test shortly after, but it may actually be key to understanding why she collapses in pain during episode 3. It's not that Wendy has a psychic connection to the Xenomorphs — it's that they're making noises in a frequency that only she can hear. The audio test in episode 1 was cut short, presumably before the technicians had a chance to tweak Wendy's hearing — which means for now, she's the only one that can hear the aliens.

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

It was only a matter of time. Sony and Arrowhead Game Studios just announced the first Legendary Warbond for Helldivers 2, which will crossover with Microsoft and Xbox's Halo 3: ODST.

SEE ALSO: Gamers shocked as Playstation's 'Helldivers 2' announces Xbox launch

Landing August 26, right before Helldivers 2’s Xbox Series X/S debut, the Legendary Warbond brings a full arsenal of Bungie’s cult-classic ODST vibes into Super Earth’s endless warmongering campaign. The pack includes four weapons (three primaries and one sidearm), four vehicle skins, an armor passive, two banners, two capes, one player title, and two armor sets that look ripped straight from New Mombasa.

The theming makes perfect sense. Both ODSTs (which stands for Orbital Drop Shock Trooper) and Helldivers are soldiers literally fired from orbit into battle, so this collab feels like destiny.

This is also Arrowhead’s first Legendary-tier Warbond, priced at 1,500 Super Credits ($15). That’s a step above the usual Premium tier at 1,000 credits ($10), but unlike a traditional battle pass, Warbonds in Helldivers 2 don’t expire. If you skip it now, you can still pick it up later.

It’s also the game’s first crossover with a Microsoft property. The last tie-in, the Killzone Warbond, sparked backlash for overpricing cosmetics, sold individually instead of as a bundle, for a total price of 2,000 SC ($20). Arrowhead eventually apologized, and this time they’ve course-corrected by offering a pricier but more traditional full pack.

In its first season, Fallout cemented itself as one of the best video game adaptations of all time. Not only did it deliver a wildly fun apocalyptic adventure that stayed true to the spirit of the games, it also racked up critical acclaim and 16 Emmy nominations, winning one for Outstanding Music Supervision.

SEE ALSO: 'Fallout' is full of details from the games — here's a handy guide

Now, Fallout's much-anticipated second season is nearly upon us, and it's taking viewers to one of the most important locations in all the Fallout franchise: New Vegas, where fan-favorite game Fallout: New Vegas takes place.

Given Fallout: New Vegas' popularity, it was only a matter of time before Fallout brought the game's post-apocalyptic take on Las Vegas to the small screen. The series confirmed Season 2 would take place in New Vegas in its Season 1 finale, when Hank MacLean (Kyle MacLachlan) headed there following his confrontation with his daughter, Lucy (Ella Purnell).

Season 2 sees Lucy and the Ghoul (Walton Goggins) hot on Hank's trail, while Maximus (Aaron Moten) and the Brotherhood of Steel gear up for battle. The first teaser for Season 2 also offers glimpses at more pre-war flashbacks to the Ghoul's former life as actor Cooper Howard. In the teaser, he heads to Las Vegas, where he meets up with Robert House (Justin Theroux), whom game players will recognize as the ruler of New Vegas.

Mr. House isn't the only major element from Fallout: New Vegas on display in the teaser for Season 2. Also present are members of Caesar's Legion, suited up for war. Plus, the trailer confirms that Season 2 will feature a major enemy from across the Fallout games: a Deathclaw. Color me scared, but also more than ready to return to the wasteland.

Fallout Season 2 premieres Dec. 17 on Prime Video.

The best Sony headphones deals at a glance: Sony WH-1000XM4 $198 (save $151.99) Get Deal Best noise-cancellers on a budget Sony WH-CH720N $98 (save $81.99) Get Deal Best on a budget Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones $38 (save $31.99) Get Deal Best for bass lovers Sony ULT Wear noise-cancelling headphones $148 (save $101.99) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Sony WF-1000XM5 noise-cancelling earbuds $213 (save $116.99) Get Deal

It's no secret that we're big Sony fans. The audio brand's speakers, earbuds, and headphones regularly top our list of favorites. But the list of Sony headphones on its own is pretty comprehensive, with a model sitting at just about every price point.

So, which Sony headphones are the best of the best? Glad you asked. Mashable's team of experts tested just about every pair of headphones and earbuds in Sony's lineup to help you choose which ones are right for you.

We've gathered some of our top picks below to help you on your buying journey — and they all happen to be on sale. Whether you want the best of the best or something budget-friendly you can throw in your backpack without worry, we've got you covered.

Best splurge: Sony WH-1000XM6 or Sony WH-1000XM5 Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM6 noise-cancelling headphones $428 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $21.99 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones $328 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $71.99 Get Deal Why we like it

There's no denying that Sony's latest flagship headphones, the WH-1000XM6s, are wildly impressive. They're our top pick for sound quality amongst all brands of headphones, and our reviewer said they "elevate wireless audio to heights that no other rival has yet to match." But they cost over $400, even on sale. If you don't want to drop that much money on a pair of headphones, the previous generation WH-1000XM5s are extremely similar. "The WH-1000XM5s retain many series hallmarks, including ANC, battery life, sound, and special features," our reviewer noted. The biggest downfall? They don't fold up.

Read our full review of the Sony WH-1000xM6 headphones.

Read our full review of the Sony WH-1000xM5 headphones.

Best deal: Sony WH-1000XM4 Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-cancelling headphones $198 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $151.99 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're not pressed on getting the latest and greatest Sony tech, we still highly recommend the WH-1000XM4 noise-cancelling headphones — especially while they're on sale for less than $200 (only a few bucks away from their record-low). Overall, the upgrades generation-over-generation have been pretty minor. They still offer top-notch noise cancellation, impressive sound quality, customizable EQ, a comfy fit, and foldable cups that make them great for travel (unlike the XM5s).

Best noise-cancellers on a budget: Sony WH-CH720N Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH720N noise-cancelling headphones $98 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $81.99 Get Deal Why we like it

More budget-conscious shoppers seeking noise-cancelling Sony headphones should look toward the WH-CH720Ns. While they don't look quite as snazzy as the flagship headphones and lack some of Sony's key features like LDAC and Quick Attention, our reviewer said the noise cancellation and sound make up for those shortcomings. Other perks are user-friendly controls, reliable multipoint connection, and a battery life of up to 50 hours. While their list price is $180, you can regularly find these babies on sale for under $100 — including now.

Best basic headphones on a budget: Sony WH-CH520 Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones $38 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $31.99 Get Deal Why we like it

If noise cancellation isn't a must-have for you, you can keep a whole lot of money in your pocket by opting for the basic Sony WH-CH520s. You'll still get Sony audio quality, multipoint connection, hands-free calling, a comfortable and lightweight design, customizable EQ, and a battery life of up to 50 hours. Plus, they come in fun colors like butter yellow and pastel pink. At only $38, they're a few bucks away from their lowest price on record and an incredible value.

Best for bass lovers: Sony ULT Wear noise-cancelling headphones Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony ULT Wear noise-cancelling headphones $148 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $101.99 Get Deal Why we like it

With comparable sound to Sony's flagship headphones and heavy bass, the Sony ULT Wear noise-cancellers are a force to be reckoned with. Mashable's Miller Kern reviewed the headphones when they dropped last year and was "genuinely shocked" by how great they were for the price. "True audiophiles who are picky about sound will probably still prefer the XM5s," she wrote, "But to the average person, I’d say the ULT Wears are the winners — especially for those who prioritize bass and fullness in their audio." On sale, they're less than half the price of the XM5s.

Read our full review of the Sony ULT Wear headphones.

Best earbuds: Sony WF-1000XM5 noise-cancelling earbuds Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WF-1000XM5 noise-cancelling earbuds $213 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $116.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Prefer earbuds to over-ears? The Sony WF-1000XM5s offer unbeatable sound quality, outstanding noise-cancellation, a gorgeous design, and a longer battery life than the second-gen AirPods Pro. They're essentially the XM5 flagship headphones, but in a more portable earbud form. They feature up to 12 hours of battery life, but the wireless charging case holds another 36 and comes with effective quick charging. They are pricey at 329.99, but you can find them on sale often for under $250.

What do horror and comedy really have in common? More than you’d think. Both genres rely on timing, surprise, and provoking reactions you can’t hold back. From Jordan Peele to Zach Cregger, comedy veterans are proving they know exactly how to scare us — and why the line between a laugh and a scream is thinner than it seems.

The wait is nearly over, as we finally have a confirmed reveal date for the Google Pixel 10 lineup of smartphones. Google will host the Made by Google Pixel 10 launch event at 1 p.m. ET on Aug. 20. And to lend some star power to the livestream, the company has tapped celebrities like Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Curry, and Lando Norris.

Google has all but confirmed that we'll see the new Pixel 10 series of phones (and more) tomorrow. You can watch the event live as it happens, and we fully expect to see the following Pixel devices launched:

• Pixel 10

• Pixel 10 Pro

• Pixel 10 Pro XL

• Pixel 10 Pro Fold

• Pixel Watch 4

• Pixel Buds 2a

We've got the full download on all the devices and news we expect from the Made by Google 2025 event, and we'll also be covering it live. After the event wraps, Mashable will be participating in a live CNET roundtable on YouTube to recap the event — don't miss it.

All the new Pixel devices we expect at Made by Google 2025

As always, this will probably be a phone-centric show, but that likely won't be all we see. Keep an eye out for a long-rumored series of magnetic charging accessories, dubbed the PixelSnap series. Plus, you know Google never misses a chance to show off new artificial intelligence features — whether they're worth showing off or not.

Pixel 10

We have a full roundup of Pixel 10 lineup rumors and leaks for your perusal, but I'll also summarize the key findings here.

Starting with the base Pixel 10, it seems like the basic design of the phones won't change all that much from the Pixel 9 series. In other words, the Pixel 9a wasn't a template for the Pixel 10. Under the hood, expect all Pixel 10 phones to use the new in-house Tensor 5 chip, which ideally will deliver better performance than the Tensor 4 in last year's Pixel phones.

Screen brightness might also be improved, while the biggest change is undoubtedly in the rear camera array. This year's base Pixel model will allegedly have a third lens, bringing it more in line with previous Pixel Pro models. It might have a 50MP main lens with a 12MP ultrawide lens and a new 10.8MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. That would certainly give the Pixel 10 a leg up on other base model flagships, which typically only have two rear camera lenses.

As we reported in July (via Android Headlines), we expect the Pixel 10 lineup to be thicker and heavier than the Pixel 9, likely to make them compatible with Qi2 wireless charging. The differences are slight, fortunately.

Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL From left to right: the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

It sounds like this year's Pro models will be incremental improvements over the versions Google launched a year ago.

Per Android Central, their display specs might be unchanged from last year, while they might get bumps in battery size. The Pixel 10 Pro XL, in particular, could have a 5,200mAh battery, which is enormous by contemporary smartphone standards. Google might also drop the 128GB storage option from the 10 Pro XL and bump the starting price of the unit up by $100 accordingly.

Aside from that, it doesn't seem like much will change in the Pro lineup, including the camera specs, which are rumored to be the same as a year ago. Google could prove us wrong here, of course, but we can only go by what's been leaked ahead of time.

Pixel 10 Pro Fold We expect the new foldable Pixel to look a lot like the old one, pictured here. Credit: Josh Edelson / AFP via Getty Images

Last year's Pixel 9 Pro Fold was my favorite foldable yet. However, Samsung brought the heat with the Galaxy Fold 7 in July, so the competition is a little stiffer this year. (We should also get a foldable iPhone in the near future.)

It doesn't seem like there will be major design changes to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which might be disappointing for those who wished for something as razor-thin as the new Galaxy Fold 7. It'll have three rear camera lenses, just as it did a year ago, though the specs are rumored to be very similar to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Google is said to have bumped the battery size up to at least 5,000mAh, which should hopefully give it some more endurance, as that's been a regular complaint from Pixel users.

The two biggest rumored changes are less flashy, but not any less important than big, sweeping design overhauls would be. For starters, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold might be the first foldable with a full IP68 waterproof rating. Beyond that, Google is apparently dropping the starting price by $200, down to $1,600. It's still expensive, but that would make it cheaper than the competition.

Lastly, solid leaks point to the Pixel 10 Pro Fold weighing more than its predecessor, which could be explained by the presence of magnets. That would make the new Pixel foldable fully compatible with the Qi 2 wireless charging standard.

Unfortunately, some rumors say this phone won't be released until October. We'll find out soon enough.

Pixel Watch 4 This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Much of what we know about the Pixel Watch 4 seems to be based on leaked renders from back in April, courtesy of OnLeaks.

Judging from the renders (which are not official, of course), the new Pixel Watch could have thinner bezels while sharing the same rounded look as before. It also appears to lack traditional charging pins, which means Google may be emphasizing wireless charging this time around. There's also the possibility of new buttons on the unit itself, though we have no idea what they would be for at this time, if they even exist.

As usual, the most important changes to the Pixel Watch 4 will largely involve what it can do in terms of health tracking, and it's hard to get an idea of any of those features based purely on leaked renders.

Finally, the latest rumors point to improvements in battery life and brightness with the Pixel Watch 4, which will be running Wear OS 6. Per leaker Evan Blass, the Pixel Watch 4 will be a whopping 1,000 nits brighter than its predecessor, with 3,000 nits compared to the Pixel Watch 3's 2,000.

We'll wait until after the launch to decide if it's a worthy alternative to Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8.

Pixel Buds 2a This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

If you hated how vague the Pixel Watch 4 section was, you might want to scroll past this part.

Earlier this year, leaker Arsene Lupin published a list of possible colors for the device on X. And according to a more recent leak on X from Evan Blass, the new Pixel Buds 2a will only come in two colors — a lilac and classic black. According to that same leak, the new Pixel Buds will offer active noise cancellation (duh) and 7 hours of battery life. They will potentially lack the "Silent Seal" of the Pixel Buds Pro, which offers improved noise cancellation.

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

As always, leave some room in your mind for surprises. While Made by Google will almost certainly focus on the products listed above, there could be other teases, too.

Namely, Google could follow up on two of its biggest teases from Google I/O earlier this year. The company debuted a new pair of XR smart glasses at the event, and we could hear more about those at Made by Google. Google also gave time for Samsung's Project Moohan headset at I/O, and it was weirdly absent from Samsung's Unpacked event last week. Could we see more of Moohan at Made by Google? Maybe, but I wouldn't call it a certainty.

All will be revealed soon...

In the fourth episode of its seventh season, Dropout's Game Changer introduced an intriguing new game. Stand-up comedians Jeff Arcuri, Josh Johnson, and Gianmarco Soresi had to do competitive crowd work, spinning comedy out of their audience's most outlandish — and sometimes, downright traumatizing — stories.

SEE ALSO: 'Game Changer' smartly weaponizes its social media following in 'Fool's Gold'

Titled "Crowd Control," the episode's audience featured a competitive bearder, identical triplets, and the survivor of a serial killer attack, prompting a wide range of reactions and jokes from the competing comedians. Ultimately, though, the episode proved a fascinating exploration of walking the line between comedy and empathy, making it one of the season's most compelling installments. Now, Dropout is spinning "Crowd Control" off into its own show, joining the likes of other Game Changer spin-offs like Make Some Noise, Dirty Laundry, and Play It By Ear.

Premiering this Sept., Crowd Control is hosted by comedian and frequent Dropout collaborator Jacquis Neal. Each episode introduces a new trio of comedians who must spin up new material based solely on their interactions with audience members. Just like in the Game Changer episode, Crowd Control's audience members are wearing shirts that display intriguing facts about them. A red shirt means the fact is much trickier to put a comedic spin on, but more risk means more reward, right? (For example, one red shirt in the trailer above reads "distant incest.")

Original "Crowd Control" champion Soresi returns to defend his title this season. However, he's not the only big name on the docket. Crowd Control has assembled a real who's who of comedians, with this season's competitors including Bob The Drag Queen, Brennan Lee Mulligan, Paul F. Tompkins, Moshe Kasher, Leslie Liao, Ify Nwadiwe, Jamie Loftus, Leah Rudick, Cristela Alonzo, Guy Branum, Atsuko Okatsuka, Kiran Deol, Tina Friml, Baron Vaughn, Jenny Zigrino, Megan Gailey, and Joyelle Nicole Johnson.

Crowd Control premieres Sept. 8 on Dropout, with new episodes streaming every other Monday.

Sony just launched an expansion of its Inzone gaming line with a new flagship wireless headset, wired earbuds, and a collection of PC gaming peripherals. This is the first time Sony has offered many of these products, which include the Inzone H9 II noise-cancelling headset, the Inzone E9 in-ear monitors, the Inzone KBD-H75 gaming keyboard, the Inzone Mouse-A gaming mouse, and two new mousepads.

Sony may be best known for its noise-cancelling headphones and the PS5 gaming console, but the company is now making new inroads into the PC gaming market. The new products are available for pre-order now and will ship in the first week of September.

For its expanded Inzone lineup, Sony worked with professional gamers with the Fnatics esports team, which tested some of these products at the Apex Legends Global Series Championship. Mashable has also been testing the new Inzone products (the headset and aluminum gaming keyboard are definitely standouts), and we've got all the details.

The new Inzone gaming lineup Sony's new noise-cancelling PC gaming headset and wired earbuds are made with pro gamers in mind. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

With the exception of the H9 II headset, all of these products are category firsts for Sony. The products are all available for pre-order now at Amazon and Sony.

• Inzone H9 II Headset: $349.99 at Amazon

• Inzone E9 In-Ear Monitors: $149.99 at Amazon

• Inzone KBD-H75 Keyboard: $299.99 at Sony

• Inzone Mouse-A: $149.99 at Sony

• Inzone Mat F mousepad: $59.99 at Sony

• Inzone Mat D speed mousepad: $34.99 at Sony

The H9 II PC gaming headset and E9 in-ear monitors

The flagship H9 II is a follow-up to the original H9 headset, originally released in 2022. It has the same 30mm drivers as the flagship Sony XM6 noise-cancelling headphones and powerful active noise cancellation. In addition, they feature a redesigned headband, which features a slider-lock system and fabric headband. This results in a significantly lighter design. Combined with foam ear cushions, this makes them extremely comfortable for extended wear in our testing.

The headset has a detachable, unidirectional microphone. Sony's noise-cancellation technology utilizes artificial intelligence to isolate the player's voice during gameplay.

Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

The H9 II also offers a variety of connectivity options, including USB-C (2.4GHz connection), Bluetooth LE audio, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. We've found that the headphones sound fantastic, and PC gamers can use the Sony Inzone Hub to adjust EQ settings and choose from three audio presets designed to improve the sound of first-person shooters.

Designed for professional gamers and first-person shooters, the new E9 wired gaming earbuds are also extremely comfortable. They feature a wrap-around design that doesn't tug on your ear, and in a Call of Duty demo, they offered both a secure fit and high-quality, detail-rich audio. Like the H9 II, the audio can be fully customized to your liking. Crucially, the secure fit and shape offer high amounts of passive noise cancellation in our experience.

Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

A Sony press release states: "The INZONE E9 hosts Sony’s first fully enclosed structure, and combined with the noise isolation ear tips, they achieve superior passive noise isolation for more focused sound. These in-ear monitors are designed to reduce sounds from a pro tournament crowd or get rid of simple background distractions in everyday play."

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony Inzone H9 II wireless noise-cancelling gaming headset $349.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony Inzone E9 in-ear gaming monitors $149.99 at Amazon
Shop Now New Inzone gaming peripherals Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

Let's start with the most exciting new product here: Sony's first-ever PC gaming keyboard, the Inzone KBD-H75. In our testing, it's extremely satisfying to type on this keyboard, even when you're not gaming. We love the CNC-machined aluminum frame and tactile experience. But, since this is designed for gamers, let's break down the specs.

Gamers can use the Inzone gaming hub to fully customize each key's actuation and reset points. The keyboard features a polling rate of up to 8,000Hz for lightning-fast, rapid trigger reaction and accurate signal delivery.

Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

According to a Sony press release:

"The KBD-H75 keyboard utilizes a gasket mount that cushions each press by sandwiching the plate with soft gaskets, reducing vibration, and improving feedback for a smoother, more satisfying keystroke and a clean, precise typing sound—delivering comfort that lasts through long gaming sessions...[The] INZONE KBD-H75 gaming keyboard adopts a compact 75% layout to give pro FPS players more mouse space without sacrificing essential keys for daily use."

The new Sony Inzone Mouse-A gaming mouse. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable It features six customizable buttons. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

The new gaming mouse is ultra-light at 48.4 grams, though it's not the lightest mouse available in 2025. This gaming mouse can stay powered on for 90 hours of gaming. As you'd expect, you can customize the six buttons in the Inzone Hub. The mousepads are... mousepads. The D version of the pad is designed for maximum speed.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony Inzone KBD-H75 gaming 75% keyboard $299.99 at Sony
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony Inzone Mouse-A ultra-light wireless gaming mouse $149.99 at Sony
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony Inzone Mat D speed mousepad $34.99 at Sony
Get Deal

Sony just launched its new flagship wireless gaming headset, the Inzone H9 II, alongside a new lineup of gaming peripherals and wired gaming earbuds. Priced at $349.99, the H9 II is available now.

The new PC gaming headset is part of an expansion of Sony's Inzone gaming lineup. The upgraded headset comes three years after the launch of the original H9 model and delivers some notable upgrades. Most importantly, the headset features the same 30mm drivers as the newest flagship Sony XM6 headphones, which means they sound just as good as the best headphones available in 2025. I was surprised that Sony included these drivers in a product that costs $100 less than the XM6, but I'm not complaining.

I've been testing the new headset (and the new Inzone gaming peripherals) for the past couple weeks, and so far, I'm impressed.

Sony Inzone H9 II gaming headset $349.99 at Amazon
Pre-order Here Meet the Sony Inzone H9 II noise-cancelling headset

Let's start with the basics. The H9 II features upgraded specs in key areas compared to the original H9 headset. Designed for pro-level gaming, the headset has 360-degree spatial audio and Sony's signature active noise cancellation technology. Sony says the headset was designed around the 30mm drivers from the new XM6 headphones, resulting in high-quality, high-clarity audio across the sound spectrum.

The drivers inside the Sony XM6 headphones. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

Key specs include:

• Noise cancellation: Yes

• Driver: 30mm driver (same as WH-1000XM6 headphones)

• Spatial sound: 360-degree spatial sound with FPS presets

• App connected: Sony Inzone Hub (PC) and Sound Connect (mobile)

• Weight: 260 grams

• Ports: USB-C and 3.5mm headphone jack

• Microphone: Unidirectional, detachable

• Battery life: 30 hours

• Quick charge: 5 minutes gives you 1 hour of charge

• Travel case: Fabric pouch included

The H9 II was designed for professional gamers

At a press briefing, Sony stressed that the new headphones were tested with the esports team Fnatic. Sony worked with professional gamers in Tokyo and Berlin to design audio presets specifically designed for pro gaming and first-person shooters. Players can choose between audio settings that emphasize subtle sounds like footsteps or deep rumbles from sound effects. The EQ settings are also fully customizable, but thanks to the new driver, they sound fantastic right out of the box.

The H9 II was also redesigned for comfort. It's significantly lighter than the original H9, 260g versus 330g, and in my testing, it's comfortable for long periods of time. The new fabric headband, foam cushions, and lightweight design make it extremely comfortable, putting it on par with the most comfortable headphones from Bose.

The new Sony Inzone H9 II headset (left) alongside the original H9 (right). Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

For hardcore PC gamers, the Inzone Hub lets you fine-tune the audio so you can hear every detail in your game. The headset delivers 7.1ch audio and 360-degree spatial audio. Players also have multiple connectivity options, and you can plug in with included USB-C and 3.5mm audio cables. You can also simultaneously connect via Bluetooth LE audio with the supplied USB-C dongle, which offers a low-latency 2.4GHz connection and low-latency gameplay.

Finally, the headset has a new slider lock system to adjust the headband, and it's available in both white and black.

Sony Inzone H9 II: My first impressions

I'll say this, my PC gaming days are long behind me, so I can only review these headphones from a casual gamer's perspective. However, I was able to demo the new headset during a Call of Duty gaming session, and from what I heard, the headset delivers the full, rich audio Sony promises. You can hear a surprising amount of detail with the FPS audio presets.

So, the sound is fantastic, but that's not a surprise given what's inside. The Sony drivers and noise cancellation are extremely effective, and they make music, games, and movies sound incredible. In testing them on work calls, I've also found the microphone offers impressive clarity.

The headset is extremely comfortable, and I like the overall redesign, but I expect the new look to be controversial. The fabric headset and slider-lock system isn't as clean-looking as the original H9 headset, though the tradeoff is improved comfort for marathon gaming sessions.

Personally, I'd opt for the black headset, but to each their own.

The new Sony PC gaming headset comes in white and black. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable Personally, I'd go with black. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable Is the Sony Inzone H9 II gaming headset worth it?

Let's talk about the price: At $349.99, it's $100 cheaper than the flagship XM6 headphones. So, relatively speaking, that's not a bad deal. Of course, that's still a lot of money. If you're a serious PC and PS5 gamer, then I could definitely see this becoming your new daily headset, especially if you care about audio quality, noise cancellation, and comfort.

That being said, Sony has been lagging on battery life lately. The H9 II features lower battery life than its predecessor (the XM6 also failed to deliver battery upgrades). That may be because Sony is prioritizing noise cancellation and comfort over larger batteries, but you'll have to decide if the trade-off is worth it. Newer PC gaming headsets like the HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 offer 250 hours of battery life, for comparison.

With a three-year wait since the original H9 headset landed, the new model definitely offers enough new features to be worthy of an upgrade.

SAVE UP TO $222: Through Sept. 30, My Best Buy Plus and Total members can get NFL Sunday Ticket for the upcoming season for $258. That's $18 less than YouTube's own deal for new subscribers ($276) and $222 less than the regular price for returning subscribers ($480).

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy / YouTube NFL Sunday Ticket $258 at Best Buy
$480 Save $222 For My Best Buy Plus and Total members Get Deal

A new NFL Sunday Ticket deal is unlocked — and this time, returning subscribers don't automatically get the shaft.

Through Sept. 30, My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members can claim the full upcoming season of NFL Sunday Ticket for $258 flat. This shakes out to just over $32 per month, and is the first time we've seen an NFL Sunday Ticket deal apply to everyone, not just new users.

Compared to the prices offered through YouTube directly, this deal is $18 less for new subscribers and $222 less for returning subscribers. (YouTube's current promo gives newbies a huge price cut, but makes those who have had Sunday Ticket before pay the full $480.)

SEE ALSO: What's the best time of year to buy a TV? Yes, there's an answer.

If you already have an NFL Sunday Ticket account but aren't yet a Plus or Total member, paying for either Best Buy membership plus the $258 Sunday Ticket sale price would still be cheaper than YouTube's $480/year fee for returning subscribers. My Best Buy Plus only costs $49.99/year and unlocks free two-day shipping on just about everything with no order minimum, members-only pricing, and early access to sale events (which could come in handy for Black Friday). My Best Buy Total costs $179.99/year and includes all of the perks we just listed, plus Apple Care+, 24/7 Geek Squad support, and 60-day returns for most items.

If you've never signed up for NFL Sunday Ticket before and also aren't yet a paying Best Buy member, you'd be better off just opting for the new user deal offered by YouTube itself. (Otherwise, you'd be paying to sign up for your Best Buy membership on top of the $258 for Sunday Ticket price.)

The Long Walk stars Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Garrett Wareing, and Tut Nyuot throw down in a super competitive round of Know Your Role. They are given a line from an iconic Stephen King film and have to correctly guess the film based on the quote alone. First one to guess correctly gets a point, and the player with the most points at the end is the winner.

The Long Walk, the latest Stephen King story adapted to film, is a novella King started writing when he was back in high school. Now, almost 60 years later, it's finally coming to the big screen. The story follows a group of teenage boys who enter a dystopian race controlled by the military, where you have to keep walking above a certain speed or face death. The race only stops when there's one person left standing.

Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Ben Wang, Charlie Plummer, Garrett Wareing, Tut Nyuot, Judy Greer, and Mark Hamill star.

The Long Walk hits theaters Sept. 12.

BUY ONE TICKET, GET ONE FREE: As of Aug. 19, buy one ticket to see Together at participating AMC Theatres locations and get one free as part of the "2 Become 1" promotion.

Opens in a new window Credit: AMC/NEON '2 Become 1' BOGO Deal Buy one 'Together' ticket, get one free at participating AMC Theatres and Fandango Get Deal

Ever get the feeling you're too close to your partner? Like, to the point that you might be becoming, uh, part of them? That's something like the problem Allison Brie and Dave Franco are facing in the horrifying flick Together, which is in theaters now. If you've yet to see it, now's a good time to snag tickets, thanks to a BOGO deal from AMC Theatres and Fandango that make it the perfect (affordable) night out.

As of Aug. 19, you can buy one ticket to see Together at participating AMC Theatres locations via Fandango, and get one free. This BOGO event, cheekily called the "2 Become 1" promo, is made for you to take your favorite person with you to see one of the most inventive horror movies of the year, and you can do it on the cheap.

This promotion applies to Fandango from now through Aug. 22 and AMC through Aug. 21., so buy your tickets early and plan to head out to see the movie before the weekend.

SEE ALSO: 'Together' review: Dave Franco and Alison Brie get grossly close in a body-horror nightmare

Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko praised Together as a "twisted ride that's sure to give you goosebumps," praising it for its "supremely gruesome climax" as well as Brie and Franco's "undeniable chemistry."

Depending on who you go to the movies with, it could be a fantastic experience or an unmitigated disaster. But that's kind of what you get with the couple going through the events of Together, too. Between this movie and Weapons, it's an exciting time for horror.

ChatGPT reaches more than 700 million people each week — and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman thinks we may be in an AI bubble.

"When bubbles happen, smart people get overexcited about a kernel of truth," he told a small group of reporters, including The Verge's Alex Heath, over dinner in San Francisco. "If you look at most of the bubbles in history, like the tech bubble, there was a real thing. Tech was really important. The internet was a really big deal. People got overexcited. Are we in a phase where investors as a whole are overexcited about AI? My opinion is yes. Is AI the most important thing to happen in a very long time? My opinion is also yes."

A bubble is when the price of something rises above its actual value typically because investors become too excited. Think: the dotcom bubble, the cryptocurrency bubble, even the housing bubble of the 2000s. As Nasdaq says in its definition of a bubble, they're "often hard to detect in real time because there is disagreement over the fundamental value of the asset."

SEE ALSO: How the dot-com bubble burst is relevant for the AI era

As NBC News reported, the AI bubble could be bigger than the internet bubble, according to a report from Apollo Global Management chief economist Torsten Slok. But not everyone agrees — Ray Wang, research director for semiconductors, supply chain and emerging technology at Futurum Group, told CNBC that while there might be an AI bubble, he doesn't necessarily see that reality. "The fundamentals across the supply chain remain strong, and the long-term trajectory of the AI trend supports continued investment," he told the news outlet. And, of course, it is much easier to point out a bubble from the other side.

Altman also told the reporters at the dinner that, while ChatGPT is currently the "fifth biggest website in the world right now," he soon expects it to beat out Instagram and Facebook for third. After that, he says, ChatGPT's growth challenges "get harder."

"For ChatGPT to be bigger than Google, that’s really hard," he said.

One of Altman's top priorities, Heath reported, is getting more GPUs so he can keep scaling OpenAI, bubble or not.

"You should expect OpenAI to spend trillions of dollars on data center construction in the not very distant future," he said.

SAVE 44%: The 55-inch TCL QM6K QLED 4K TV is on sale at Amazon for $447.99, down from the list price at TCL of $799.99. That's a savings of $352, which matches the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL 55-inch TCL QM6K LED 4K TV $447.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $352 Get Deal

Fall TV shows are almost here, and so are some of the biggest sporting games of the year. If your TV is lacking (or lagging), upgrading today means you'll have it hung before the must-see events go live. If a 55-inch QLED model works best for your needs, check out this deal.

As of Aug. 19, the 55-inch TCL QM6K QLED 4K TV is on sale for $447.99 at Amazon, marked down from the list price at TCL of $799.99. That works out to a 44% discount, shavings $352 off the norm. This price matches the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

A 55-inch TV could be perfect for the garage, a kids' room, or a studio apartment. This TCL model is a QLED, which means it'll be great for watching daytime TV. Plus, the native 144Hz refresh rate means it's capable of gaming, and that increases to 240Hz in gaming mode. This is the smallest available size for the TCL QM6K, which means this will be the most affordable option with these specs.

SEE ALSO: Get NFL Sunday Ticket for $100 off and unlock the full upcoming season

TCL makes some of Mashable's favorite budget TVs, so you'll be in good hands with the brand. Plus, this model comes equipped with Google TV, so you won't need to buy a separate streaming device.

While it's back down to the lowest price ever for a limited time, upgrade to the 55-inch TCL QM6K LED 4K TV. You'll be saving a whopping $352 compared to the normal list price, and your new favorite shows will look oh so good on the QLED display.

SAVE $150: As of Aug. 19, get the Roborock Q7 M5+ robot vacuum and mop for $279.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $429.99. That's a discount of 35%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Roborock Q7 M5+ $279.99 at Amazon
$429.99 Save $150 Get Deal

Are you still manually vacuuming and mopping your floors? We're outsourcing that to robots in 2025, so if you haven't picked out a robot vacuum or mop yet, now's the time to go ahead and pick one up. And we've picked one out for you that's on sale right now at a great price.

As of Aug. 19, get the Roborock Q7 M5+ robot vacuum and mop at Amazon for $279.99, down from its usual price of $429.99. That's $150 off for a discount of 35%.

SEE ALSO: The best robot vacuums in 2025

This robot vacuum and mop combo is meant to clean your floors efficiently without your input, whether that's the nooks and crannies you don't look in, or the most trafficked areas of your home that need the most attention on a daily basis. It boasts 10,000 Pa of HyperForce suction power so it can gather dirt and debris like a pro; dual anti-tangle design to cut through human and pet hair easily; and a self-emptying base that doesn't have to be emptied for seven weeks. That's quite a while when it comes to vacuum storage.

The unit puts its LiDAR navigation system to use to keep from running into furniture, pets, or even falling down the stairs so you don't have to babysit it. It can also seamlessly switch from vacuum to mop to save you a little extra time. And you can just set a cleaning schedule in the accompanying app so you can leave it to its own devices to clean for you when needed.

If it's time to invest in a robot vacuum, this is a great pick that you should snatch up before it disappears.

SAVE $50: The DJI Mini 3 drone with screen remote control is on sale at Amazon for $499, down from the standard price of $549. That's a 9% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 3 drone with screen remote control $499 at Amazon
$549 Save $50 Get Deal

DJI is having a monumental year. The brand is dropping new products like never before while also running into potential drone bans. While nothing is official yet, it's possible DJI won't be able to sell drones in the U.S. come December. Because of this, DJI drones are out of stock at almost every retailer. But there's a model in-stock today at Amazon, and it's even on sale.

As of Aug. 19, the DJI Mini 3 drone with screen remote control is on sale for $499 at Amazon, marked down from the normal price of $549. That's a 9% discount that takes $50 off the price. It's worth noting this deal is offered from a third-party seller at Amazon. Mashable doesn't usually recommend buying from third-party sellers, but since it's super rare to find DJI drones in stock these days, this might be the best option. Plus, the seller, AeroTech Hubs, has an overwhelmingly positive rating over the last year. And it ships via Amazon Prime, so members are in for quick delivery.

The DJI Mini 3 is designed to capture awesome footage while being compact and easy to operate. This model is especially great since it comes with the screen remote control, giving you access to a live video feed of what the drone is capturing.

SEE ALSO: DJI drones are still flying off shelves — here’s where to buy online

Getting up to 38 minutes of flight time, the DJI Mini 3 weighs under 249 grams, which is less than half a pound. Thanks to its weight and size, it'll be easy to pack the DJI drone alone on any content shoot or outdoor adventure. Plus, it comes with Level 5 wind resistance, which means it can handle up to 23 mile per hour gusts.

The 249 gram weight is also important when it comes to registering the drone. In many countries, including the U.S., you can fly a drone that weighs under 250 grams without registration or certification. Of course, you'll want to check on this before you take off to make sure all local regulations are good to go.

If you've been searching for a DJI drone but have run into out-of-stock notices, score the DJI Mini 3 at Amazon today while it's in stock and on sale for under $500.

SAVE $30: The Best Buy Drop for Wednesday, Aug. 19 is the Wednesday Addams Figure and Buildable Toy Doll Lego set. It's usually $49.99, but while inventory lasts, is on sale for $19.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Wednesday Addams Figure and Buildable Toy Doll $19.99 at Best Buy
$49.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal

Sorry summer, but if Nevermore Acadamy is back in session, spooky season is back in session. Best Buy is feeding into the macabre mood by giving the popular Wednesday Addams Lego set the Best Buy Drop treatment: The Wednesday Addams Buildable Toy Doll set that's usually $49.99 has dropped to $19.99 for a limited time on Aug. 19.

Best Buy Drops have limited stock available, always debuting with a bar that shows how much inventory is left as people shop. Popular drops (Legos being one of them) tend to go quickly, so set your alarm and be ready on the Best Buy mobile app.

SEE ALSO: The best new 'Wicked' Lego sets dropping this month

There are lot of pieces packed into this practically-priced set (a rarity for popular Legos nowadays): A collectible posable Wednesday doll with a movable head, arms and feet, plus two swappable faces and two outfits for rebuilds when you feel like it. Mini figurines of Thing, Wednesday's typewriter, Nero's grave, a crystal ball, a stand with toy black dahlias, and two hidden spaces for hiding keepsakes are also thrown in. You can arrange everything under the swirly Nevermore Academy gate. It's enough to keep yourself busy until the premiere of Season 2, Part 2 on Sept. 3.

Best Buy's Wednesday Lego collection also includes The Black Dahlia flower building set for $27.99 and Wednesday and Enid's dorm room building set for $89.99.

Now more than ever, Spotify's newest feature will make you feel like a professional DJ.

You've already got the perfect playlist, now Spotify lets you add and customize transitions between songs. On Tuesday, Spotify launched a beta version for Premium users to add song transitions.

SEE ALSO: OMG: Spotify lossless might actually be coming soon

There's now a mix button in the playlist toolbar that lets you mix songs for a seamless transition. You can hit Auto and let Spotify do the mixing for you, or can you choose presets like Fade or Rise to apply different transition styles. If you want to get even more technical, Spotify lets you set the volume, EQ (equalizer), and effects with the waveform visual and beats information. Tapping Mix on the playlist automatically shows BPMs and keys to help you mix smooth transitions between songs.

Tap Mix to add or customize song transitions on your playlists. Credit: Spotify

This is the latest feature from Spotify that gives users more control over their listening habits. Over the past few months, Spotify has launched the ability to customize genres for their Discover Weekly playlists, and customize their queues with shuffle and sleep timer options. Spotify's AI-powered DJ also now takes song requests.

The steady drumbeat of more and more algorithmic recommendations has polarized Spotify users. Some love that the app automatically chooses music for them based on their preferences, while others feel like the recommendations are annoying and inhibit them from discovering new artists on their own.

New features geared around giving users more control, or perhaps the illusion of control, might help to balance out these frustrations that have driven users to quit the app.

Transitions are rolling out to Spotify Premium users today, so paying users can see for themselves how it feels to be the master of their song transitions.

SAVE $50: The Apple iPad 11-inch (WiFi, 128GB) is on sale at Amazon for $299, down from the list price of $349. That's a 14% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad 11-inch (WiFi, 128GB) $299 at Amazon
$349 Save $50 Get Deal

We're full-on into back-to-school season now, which means it's time to take stock of what items you still need to help with a successful year. For many students, regardless of age, a tablet is an awesome addition for both studying and relaxing. Even if you're not heading to the classroom this year, now is a great time to score a discount on one of Apple's best tablets.

As of Aug. 19, the Apple iPad 11-inch (WiFi, 128GB) is on sale for $299 at Amazon, marked down from the normal price of $349. That shaves $50 off the price thanks to the 14% discount. Plus, you can choose from blue, yellow, pink, and silver to score this sale price.

On the list of the best iPads, Mashable's top pick for a budget model is the Apple iPad 11-inch. Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino wrote, "Even though its tech is basic compared to the advanced iPad Air and Pro, it's great for someone who wants a portable screen for streaming, playing games, and reading. It's also a nice choice if you're interested in using your tablet as a laptop, but don't want to spend a ton of money." Mangino also highlights this is a great model for parents to snag for their kids thanks to the affordable price.

SEE ALSO: Apple AirPods 4 are back under $100 at Amazon — save $30 for a limited time

The iPad measures 10.9 inches which is a great middle-ground between a laptop and a cellphone. You'll be able to draw, draft, and stream shows with this size without it overtaking your bag or being so tiny that you'll need to find your reading glasses. Plus, its 500 nits of brightness make it pretty nice for using outside.

If you feel like getting fancy with the iPad, you can pair it with the Apple Pencil or the Magic Keyboard Folio to make a laptop-esque experience.

While it's still on sale for $299, snag the Apple iPad 11-inch at Amazon and watch Wednesday on a more deserving screen than your phone. Come time to study, it'll be great for reviewing lecture notes.

Colin Farrell goes all in with the trailer for Conclave director Edward Berger's upcoming film Ballad of a Small Player.

Set to premiere at this year's Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the movie sees The Penguin star as Lord Doyle, a man who gambles every night in Macau's casinos, falling further into debt but lapping up every luxury and fistful of lobster while he can.

Fresh from The End and Problemista, Tilda Swinton is hot on Doyle's heels as private investigator Cynthia Blithe. Could a helping hand from an enigmatic casino employee Dao Ming (Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire star Fala Chen) get him out of this mess? Perhaps, if her own secrets don't catch up to her first.

With the most dramatic version of Andrea True's "More, More, More," you've ever heard, the Ballad of a Small Player trailer promises high stakes, big bets, and a hotel room-bound descent into madness.

Ballad of a Small Player will premiere at TIFF on Sept. 8, before hitting select U.S. cinemas Oct. 15 and streaming on Oct. 29.