Mashable

A quirk of nature that helps magnify extremely distant cosmic objects allowed a space telescope to see a star that existed when the universe was only 900 million years old. 

NASA's Hubble observatory made the discovery in 2022, making it the farthest and earliest star ever seen. Astronomers named it Earendel, meaning "morning star" in Old English. 

A year later, scientists followed up with the James Webb Space Telescope because it has a larger mirror and collects light at longer infrared wavelengths. At that point, scientists thought they may have spotted a companion star, something they were surprised was technically possible, even with Webb's unprecedented power. 

Now, a new study suggests that the astonishingly distant starlight of Earendel may be coming from more than just a single star or close pair. The paper, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, analyzes the previous Webb telescope data with computer models and finds a compelling case that Earendel may, in fact, be a star cluster, made up of a collection of stars. 

"My secret hope is that it is an individual star," Massimo Pascale, who led the research at UC Berkeley, told Mashable. 

SEE ALSO: How AI helped astronomers uncover one truly weird supernova

Scientists are eager to find and research stars as old as Earendel because such relics may solve mysteries of the ancient universe, thought to be 13.8 billion years old.

Hubble detected Earendel through a phenomenon known as gravitational lensing — when a galaxy cluster in the foreground of a telescope's view magnifies and bends light beyond it. NASA often uses the analogy of a bowling ball placed on a trampoline to illustrate this point, with the ball representing a massive celestial object and the trampoline being the fabric of spacetime. Light that would otherwise travel straight curves gets distorted as it passes through that warped spacetime. It's like adding a more powerful lens to a telescope.

A massive galaxy cluster's magnification allowed astronomers to see Earendel with the Hubble Space Telescope. Credit: NASA / ESA / Brian Welch / Dan Coe / Alyssa Pagan

But gravitational lensing also has the potential to replicate or stretch objects, the way a funhouse mirror can create multiple irregular copies of images.

Because galaxy cluster WHL0137-08 is serving as a colossal magnifying glass in the sky, the light of Earendel's incredibly distant galaxy, the Sunrise Arc, popped into Hubble's view. Scientists could see it as it was 12.9 billion years ago. But today, because the universe has also stretched out through cosmic expansion, the Sunrise Arc is estimated to be 28 billion light-years away from Earth.

Astronomers have a lot of experience identifying the effects of gravitational lensing, but that wasn't always the case. In 1987, an enormous blue arc thought to be hundreds of trillions of miles long was at first considered one of the largest things ever detected in the cosmos. Later that year, scientists figured out they were looking at an optical illusion, a distortion caused by a galaxy cluster. The New York Times published a story about the "bizarre" implication of Einstein's General Theory of Relativity, titled "Vast Cosmic Object Downgraded to a Mirage."

For Earendel, some astronomers have continued to wonder whether it is indeed a star. Pascale, now an Einstein Fellow at UCLA, and collaborators decided to reassess its size, which may have been low-balled since estimates didn't account for mini halos of dark matter, a mysterious, yet abundant substance that doesn't shine or interact with light. Such clumps of dark matter could be influencing the magnification. With these effects considered, Earendel's size could be consistent with a star cluster. 

The researchers compared Earendel to a widely acknowledged star cluster in the same galaxy, known as 1b. What they found was that Earendel and the 1b cluster have similar features: They're both already between 30 and 150 million years old in Webb's snapshot, they lack heavy elements made by "newer" stars, and they resemble nearby ancient star clusters. 

While 1b fit extremely well in star cluster models, so did Earendel, according to the study.

"In order for Earendel to be an individual star, or maybe a binary of two stars very close to each other, the chance alignment of Earendel with the foreground galaxy cluster that's causing the gravitational-lensing effect would have to be an incredible stroke of luck," Pascale told Mashable. "If it is a star cluster, that chance alignment — it doesn't have to be quite as perfect."

Though the new paper doesn't speculate on how many stars could be among such a cluster, Pascale says its mass might be equal to that of hundreds of thousands of suns — or more. 

One possible way to answer the question of whether Earendel is a lone star is to watch for flickers. Through multiple observations, scientists might be able to catch the light source suddenly and briefly getting brighter. A star cluster wouldn't show such fluctuations because all of the other stars' light would wash it out. 

Though securing the telescope time to conduct the research would be expensive, Pascale said it might be a worthwhile endeavor for the scientific community to explore.

So far, colleagues have seemed open to considering a star cluster as an explanation for Earendel, but Pascale emphasizes that the paper doesn't definitively prove that it is: The previous teams that made the discovery make a compelling case, too. He hopes the new study merely adds to the discourse.

"Maybe everybody keeps what their secret thoughts are about it a little bit more private," he said, "but most people are pretty happy to say, 'Yeah, a star cluster seems like an option.'"

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Opens in a new window Credit: Koofr Koofr Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (1TB) AU$305
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The long-running saga between Elon Musk and liberal watchdog group Media Matters may be winding down. On Friday, a US District Court blocked a Federal Trade Commission investigation into the outlet, which alleged Media Matters had colluded with advertisers and advocacy groups to boycott X.

The FTC inquiry began in May, but its roots go back to a 2023 Media Matters report showing ads on X appearing alongside neo-Nazi and white supremacist content. That story was one of several controversies during the chaotic early months of Musk’s takeover of Twitter, which drove advertisers away en masse. Musk later sued Media Matters, accusing the outlet of deliberately scaring off advertisers.

SEE ALSO: Apple rebukes Elon Musk’s App Store monopoly claims

In June, Media Matters hit back, suing the FTC and claiming it was being unfairly targeted for its 2023 coverage of X. At the time, the group described the inquiry as a "campaign of retribution" orchestrated on behalf of Musk and the Trump administration. Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan sided with Media Matters, calling the FTC’s sweeping probe “a retaliatory act” that violated the First Amendment. The court’s ruling effectively halts the investigation, though the FTC can still appeal.

“This case presents a straightforward First Amendment violation,” Judge Sooknanan wrote. “Media Matters engaged in quintessential First Amendment activity when it published an online article criticizing Mr. Musk and X. And the Court finds that the FTC’s expansive CID is a retaliatory act.”

As the New York Times points out, the case is part of a broader pattern: the Trump administration has repeatedly targeted left-leaning institutions, from law firms to the fundraising platform ActBlue, alleging fraud or foreign influence.

The world is a noisy place, and sometimes, it's nice to have the option for a bit of volume control.

For many people, that means turning to noise-cancelling headphones, but they're not always the best option. For starters, their ability to block out noise depends on their battery life. Wearing headphones or earbuds also means it's easier to stay plugged in to digital distractions, which isn't ideal for situations where you're looking for quiet and focus.

Enter: Loop earplugs. The colorful earplugs first hit the scene in 2016, thanks to co-founders Dimitri O and Maarten Bowdes wanting to provide a solution for people who liked enjoying live music and loud spaces, without the side helping of tinnitus.

Which Loop earplugs are right for you? Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Nearly 10 years later, the brand has expanded its earplug options to yes, give concert-goers a way to protect their ears, but also to help people stay focused, sleep better, and generally exist more peacefully in overstimulating environments. They're reusable and cleanable, so they're less wasteful than swapping out a new pair of foam earplugs.

So which are the best Loop earplugs overall? With eight different earplugs ranging from $24.95 to $59.95, it's a valid question. To find the answer, I tested out a selection of some of the most popular earplugs from the brand: I landed on the Quiet 2, Experience 2, Dream, Engage 2, and Switch 2. For now, I omitted the Plus versions (due to wanting to compare the base models head-to-head first), as well as the kids' versions (due to not being a child). I tested all of these earplugs personally, except for the Loop Experience 2, which were tested by my colleague Haley Henschel.

Are Loop earplugs worth it?

On a general level, your hearing health is something worth investing in. According to the World Health Organization, "most common causes of hearing loss in adults, such as exposure to loud sounds...are preventable." The WHO also estimates that more than a billion young adults are at risk of incurring permanent damage to their hearing from unsafe listening practices.

Obviously, that alone doesn't mean Loops are worth it — they're far from your only option when it comes to earplugs. There are the classic foam earbuds, which are ultra-affordable. However, they aren't meant to be reusable in the long term and lack the tailoring of the Loop line. And they're not the most subtle option.

SEE ALSO: I tested sleep earbuds for over a month: Here are the 3 I'd buy

Other reusable earplug brands are out there, like Happy Ears and CURVD come in at similar price points to Loop earplugs — all three brands are cheaper than getting custom earplugs made, which can cost hundreds of dollars.

All this to say, purely based on the market and their performance, I find Loop earplugs to be worth it, but generally encourage you to wear some form of earplugs next time you go to a loud environment.

Which Loop earplugs are best for me?

The right Loop earplug match will depend on your reasons for seeking out earplugs in the first place, whether that be better sleep, finding focus, or saving your ears at live shows. Below, I break down the differences between five different Loop earplugs, and where each shines, to help you find the ones that suit you best.

Best for concerts: Loop Experience 2 The Loops Experience 2 earplugs dampened the sound of a roaring crowd at Beyoncé's latest tour. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

My colleague Haley Henschel put these earplugs to the test in possibly the way a person could: by taking them to the Cowboy Carter tour. Her report: "I could hear Beyoncé and her band perfectly, but the din of the stadium was almost completely suppressed. Curious to hear what I was missing, I removed my right earplug at one point during the set and was shocked to hear that the crowd was close to singing over Bey. The Loops were tuning out everyone else without making her sound muffled." That level of balance is what landed the Experience 2 our pick as the best Loop earplugs for concerts, even if they are the most obvious choice.

Henschel did note that they worked so well that she missed a couple of mid-song comments from her friend, but that's to be expected with earplugs. She also remarked that she was especially impressed with the fit — while she usually needs to wear a tight beanie to keep her Apple AirPods Pro from slipping out, the smallest size of the Experience 2 stayed in without a hitch. (Though I didn't test the Experience 2 personally, I also have a hard time finding earbuds that fit, and often have to go for the XS eartips. In Loops, I typically favor the S ear tip.)

Decibels filtered: 17dB | Ear tips: Silicone, four sizes (XS-L) | Available colors: Silver, black, gold, rose gold, holographic black (costs extra), holographic ruby (costs extra), Loop x Coachella (costs extra)

Loop Experience 2 $38.95 at Amazon
Shop Now Best for focus: Loop Quiet 2 The Quiet 2 earplugs are the perfect work companion. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

The Quiet earplugs were my introduction to Loop a couple of years ago as I was looking for a solution to deal with a noisy neighbor. Though I used the original Quiet model then, the Quiet 2 hold up. For less than $30, the Quiet 2 earplugs are amazing for blocking out sound to focus, but also for getting the best bang for your buck. If you're not necessarily looking for something to wear to live events, these may be the best Loop earplugs for you. The silicone loop is soft enough to lie on with relative comfort, so they're as great for sleep as they are for working or reading. (Not to mention, they're $25 cheaper than the Loop Dream at full price, and even cheaper on sale).

What does 24dB of blockage mean in practice? For me, it meant that I could work right next to my partner watching TV at a normal to low volume, and barely hear what he was watching. While I work in the office with my door closed, I can hear the sound of my own typing, but can only hear the murmur of my partner talking in the other room behind a closed door (where, without earbuds, I can make out his every word perfectly). Wearing these earbuds feels like turning the volume of the world around you not entirely off, but to low, making them a great option for when you need to focus or sleep, or even travel.

Decibels filtered: 24dB | Ear tips: Silicone, four sizes (XS-L) | Available colors: White, violet, black, mint

Loop Quiet 2 $20.95 at Amazon
Shop Now Best for staying aware: Loop Engage 2 The Engage 2 are great for a coffee date, or a trip to the grocery store. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

The Loop Engage 2 earplugs are very similar to the Experience 2: both are designed to let in more sound, both cost $34.95, and both come with four sizes of silicone ear tips. Though I didn't get to personally test them head-to-head, here's where I can tease out the differences.

According to Loop, the Engage 2 block 16 decibels to the Experience 2's 17 decibels. Henschel mentioned that when wearing the Experience 2 to a concert, she missed a few comments from her friend standing right next to her. That makes sense: the Experience 2 are designed to lower the volume overall (without distorting the sound quality of the music you're listening to), while the Engage 2 are designed to lower the volume on background noise (which tends to be at a higher pitch than human voices), but keep you in tune with voices around you, so you can hold up a conversation with more ease. Wearing the Engage 2 around my apartment, while ordering coffee in a loud coffee shop, and at the grocery stores proved that they worked without issue. I did hear my voice a little louder, but not distractingly so — it was certainly less distracting than the bangers my local H-Mart likes to bump on a Tuesday night. If you find yourself often overstimulated by sound when trying to socialize or simply live your life, the Engage 2 are a great way to turn down the volume, but still stay present.

Decibels filtered: 16dB | Ear tips: Silicone, four sizes (XS-L) | Available colors: Clear, dusk, green, rose

Loop Engage 2 $35.95 at Amazon
Shop Now Best for sleep: Loop Dream Prioritizing a good night's sleep? Check out the Loop Dream. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

As a disclaimer, a family member gifted these earplugs to me after I told them how much I enjoyed using the original Quiet earbuds to sleep. And though the price is surprisingly steep compared to the rest of the line, I would happily buy these with my own money, as I primarily use earplugs to help me sleep.

Why? They're restless, side sleeper-approved. Though they block just a few more decibels than the Quiet 2, I find the Loop Dream to be even more comfortable to wear at night. The ear tip is a foam interior surrounded by a silicone exterior, which provides a slightly better (and more secure) fit than I experienced with the Quiet 2. (That's not to say the Quiet 2 aren't secure, but I move a lot when I sleep, so any extra features that help these earbuds stay in place are welcome by me. If, for whatever reason, you don't vibe with the foam tips, these earbuds also come with four sizes of Dream Double tips, which are a doubled-up silicone.

SEE ALSO: Elemind is the sleep headband that cured my insomnia

The Dreams also deviate from the rest of the Loop lineup with the closed-loop silicone shape, which is genuinely softer than the Quiets (and significantly more so than the Switches), making six to 10-hour wear incredibly reasonable. I experienced a slightly higher learning curve in putting them in my ears initially, but once I found the right fit, these fell out less than the Quiet earplugs. Finally, the case of the Dreams is ever so slightly larger, with a no-slip bottom that means they're far less likely to be knocked off your nightstand. The price may be steep, but if you anticipate mostly using your earplugs for sleep, the Dreams are worth it.

Decibels filtered: 27db | Ear tips: Foam-silicone, eight different types in four sizes each (XS-L) | Available colors: Lilac, black, peach

Loop Dream $49.95 at Amazon
Shop Now Best for versatility: Loop Switch 2 The Loop Switch 2 live up to their name. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

If, after reading all of the above, you find yourself wanting the benefits for multiple pairs of Loops, the Switch 2 are your best bet. Impressively, a small switch allows you to toggle between noise blocking on 20dB, 23dB, and 26db, meaning they let enough sound through to hold up a conversation, but also can block out nearly as much as the Dreams for maximum peace. The only use case I don't see these working out great is for sleep, due to the hard plastic switch on the outer loop not being as comfortable as the Quiet 2 or Dream earplugs.

Throughout my testing period, I found myself reaching for these earplugs the most due to their flexibility. I could go from being locked in while working to having a conversation without taking them out. While by far the most expensive of all the available Loop earplugs, they're still cheaper than buying a pair of Experience and Quiet earplugs separately.

Decibels filtered: 20db, 23db, 26db | Ear tips: Silicone, four sizes (XS-L) | Available colors: Emerald, black, gold, silver, McLaren papaya (costs extra)

Loop Switch 2 $59.95 at Amazon
Shop Now

Nearly any old robot vacuum can sufficiently clear tile or hardwood floors of the hair and crumbs blowing across them like tumbleweeds. But for a robot vacuum to work on carpet, suction power and time spent cleaning need to be boosted to uproot the debris embedded in any pile height.

Do robot vacuums work well on carpet?

Yes, several top robot vacuum cleaners that I've tested do a pretty phenomenal job on carpets and rugs — depending on a few factors. Suction power is, of course, the most important number in determining the best robot vacuums for carpet. Most robot vacuum brands measure suction power in Pascals, though iRobot and Shark are weird about using Pascals sometimes. When suction power in Pascals (Pa) is advertised, you'll ideally want to hit at least 8,000 Pa for sufficient carpet cleaning, and will almost definitely be underwhelmed with anything lower than 5,000 Pa. For reference, robot vacuums at the premium end of the spectrum clock between 10,000 and 22,000 Pa. The ante's about to be upped even further when the new Dreame robot vacuums come out in September — two of the flagships hit 30,000 Pa.

SEE ALSO: As an anxious cat mom, I love my robot vacuum with a livestream camera

But beefy suction power needs to be aided by competent brush roll systems — a dual brush roll design is your best chance when it comes to pet hair pickup. These are designed to dig into carpet pile and pinch hair and large chunks, while the suction power itself inhales finer debris that a weaker robot vac would pass right over. The two brush rolls get bonus points if, instead of sitting parallel to each other, they look like one big roller that's split down the middle. That opening gives long hair somewhere to go instead of spindling around the edges of a single roller brush.

If fine dust on hard floors is one of your non-negotiables when it comes to tidying, a robot vacuum that can mop should be a priority. Luckily, the most powerful robot vacuums on carpet are typically the most powerful moppers, too.

SEE ALSO: Roborock Saros Z70 review: If you think you need the robot vacuum with an arm, no you don't

Not sure which robot vacuum would work best on your carpets or rugs? I test and compare a ton of top robot vacs as they come out in my own home, narrowing down the best options and refreshing my recommendations as necessary. For this list, I kept an extra close eye on performance on a variety of carpet pile lengths, rugs, and bath mats, pet hair and debris pick up, transitions between floor types, automatic suction settings, and more. Here are my four favorites of 2025:

Other robot vacuums I've tested recently

I tested several other top robot vacuums in the past that didn't make the most recent cut for this list. Some, like the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, Roborock Qrevo Master, Narwal Freo X Ultra were my top recommendations at one point, but have since been overshadowed by newer, more powerful models that are a better bang for your buck. I've also tested some 2025 robot vacuum releases that were OK, but ultimately aren't a top pick for me. The Dreame X50 Ultra is one of them.

Though I had a better overall experience with the Roborock Saros 10R than the Saros 10, I want to note that the Saros 10 is also a great robot vacuum for carpets. The Saros 10 actually has slightly stronger suction power (22,000 Pa versus 20,000 Pa), but the difference is pretty negligible in the long run.

I've been using an iPhone for more than a decade. And still, it seems, every day I learn about new-to-me features that make it an even more accommodating device.

And if I wasn't aware of them as a veteran user, you might not be too. From keyboard tricks to ways to alleviate carsickness and everything in between, here's my selection of the most useful — and low-key — iPhone hacks.

SEE ALSO: iOS 26 preview: I'm using Liquid Glass and it mostly lives up to its promise Realign your iPhone keyboard Right under your nose. Credit: Screenshot: Apple

Here's an iPhone trick is one that's as easy to do as it is to miss: Realigning your keyboard for one-handed typing.

Typing with one hand — especially on larger smartphones — can get, well, a little out of hand. But all you need to do to fix this is hold down on the button you would normally press to open the Emoji keyboard and click one of the three keyboard-shaped icons that pops up.

This will align the keyboard to either the left, right, or center (this is where it is by default). Putting it in either the left or right mode will not only slide it over to one side, but it'll condense the keyboard so you can easily type with just one thumb.

Judge me if you want for not knowing about this. In my defense, I usually just press the Emoji button, not hold it. It's pretty easy to not notice!

Move multiple iPhone apps at once, without putting them in a folder Who knew? Credit: Screenshot: Apple

Most iPhone owners know that you move an app around your screens by holding your finger on it for a couple of seconds. They also know you can put apps together into folders. But what if you want to move multiple completely unrelated apps simultaneously, without putting them in a folder first?

It turns out there's a simple way to do this, even if it might feel a little weird at first — because it requires multiple fingers.

Start by pressing down on an app, as you normally would to move it. Then, as the other apps onscreen begin to wobble along, keep your finger on the first app and use another finger to tap other apps.

This will temporarily group every app you've selected together for movement, without the need to put them in a folder first. Pretty nifty.

Use your iPhone in the car without motion sickness Unfortunately, you can't actually take screenshots of the dots in action, so you get this instead. Credit: Screenshot: Apple

I'm one of the lucky people who don't have issues with motion sickness in cars. But if you struggle to look at your phone while in the back of an Uber, here's something you can do to make it easier on your eyes.

Vehicle motion cues can be turned on in the Accessibility section of the Settings app, under the Motion submenu.

This adds a bunch of dots to the outer edge of the screen that will react to the movement of the vehicle you're in, in a way that is supposed to help alleviate motion sickness. Mashable tech editor Tim Werth assures me it's well worth using.

Stop accidentally turning on the iPhone flashlight Hit that minus button and be free. Credit: Screenshot: Apple

Do you hate the flashlight icon on the iPhone lock screen because you constantly turn it on by accident? There's a definitive solution to this that Apple's iOS doesn't spell out in a straightforward manner.

To start, unlock your phone but do not swipe up from the lock screen. Instead, hold your finger down on the screen until you get to the lock screen/wallpaper customization menu. Hit "Customize," and then "Customize current wallpaper."

From there, you have the ability to either remove the flashlight icon entirely or replace it with something else. If you do replace it, be aware that anything else you put in that slot is probably going to get accidentally activated just as often as the flashlight was.

Schedule your iPhone messages Nifty. Credit: Screenshot: Apple

Are you a night owl who doesn't want the world to know the late hour when you get your best work done? Do you want to get all your morning reminders to family members out of the way before your head hits the pillow? Then this feature is for you.

Ideally, you'd use this for something more important than "Hello." Credit: Screenshot: Apple

Apple built text scheduling into the Messages app in iOS 18. Simply write out your message and hit the plus sign to the left instead of the blue arrow to the right. From there, scroll down a bit until you see the "Send Later" button.

Once you hit that, there's a straightforward UI for scheduling your message. Pick a time, hit confirm, and rest easy knowing that your friend will have no idea you composed that message in the middle of the night for some reason.

Alas, both you and the recipient need to be on iOS for this to work. Sorry, Android users.

I've been using an iPhone for more than a decade. And still, it seems, every day I learn about new-to-me features that make it an even more accommodating device.

And if I wasn't aware of them as a veteran user, you might not be too. From keyboard tricks to ways to alleviate carsickness and everything in between, here's my selection of the most useful — and low-key — iPhone hacks.

SEE ALSO: iOS 26 preview: I'm using Liquid Glass and it mostly lives up to its promise Realign your iPhone keyboard Right under your nose. Credit: Screenshot: Apple

Here's an iPhone trick is one that's as easy to do as it is to miss: Realigning your keyboard for one-handed typing.

Typing with one hand — especially on larger smartphones — can get, well, a little out of hand. But all you need to do to fix this is hold down on the button you would normally press to open the Emoji keyboard and click one of the three keyboard-shaped icons that pops up.

This will align the keyboard to either the left, right, or center (this is where it is by default). Putting it in either the left or right mode will not only slide it over to one side, but it'll condense the keyboard so you can easily type with just one thumb.

Judge me if you want for not knowing about this. In my defense, I usually just press the Emoji button, not hold it. It's pretty easy to not notice!

Move multiple iPhone apps at once, without putting them in a folder Who knew? Credit: Screenshot: Apple

Most iPhone owners know that you move an app around your screens by holding your finger on it for a couple of seconds. They also know you can put apps together into folders. But what if you want to move multiple completely unrelated apps simultaneously, without putting them in a folder first?

It turns out there's a simple way to do this, even if it might feel a little weird at first — because it requires multiple fingers.

Start by pressing down on an app, as you normally would to move it. Then, as the other apps onscreen begin to wobble along, keep your finger on the first app and use another finger to tap other apps.

This will temporarily group every app you've selected together for movement, without the need to put them in a folder first. Pretty nifty.

Use your iPhone in the car without motion sickness Unfortunately, you can't actually take screenshots of the dots in action, so you get this instead. Credit: Screenshot: Apple

I'm one of the lucky people who don't have issues with motion sickness in cars. But if you struggle to look at your phone while in the back of an Uber, here's something you can do to make it easier on your eyes.

Vehicle motion cues can be turned on in the Accessibility section of the Settings app, under the Motion submenu.

This adds a bunch of dots to the outer edge of the screen that will react to the movement of the vehicle you're in, in a way that is supposed to help alleviate motion sickness. Mashable tech editor Tim Werth assures me it's well worth using.

Stop accidentally turning on the iPhone flashlight Hit that minus button and be free. Credit: Screenshot: Apple

Do you hate the flashlight icon on the iPhone lock screen because you constantly turn it on by accident? There's a definitive solution to this that Apple's iOS doesn't spell out in a straightforward manner.

To start, unlock your phone but do not swipe up from the lock screen. Instead, hold your finger down on the screen until you get to the lock screen/wallpaper customization menu. Hit "Customize," and then "Customize current wallpaper."

From there, you have the ability to either remove the flashlight icon entirely or replace it with something else. If you do replace it, be aware that anything else you put in that slot is probably going to get accidentally activated just as often as the flashlight was.

Schedule your iPhone messages Nifty. Credit: Screenshot: Apple

Are you a night owl who doesn't want the world to know the late hour when you get your best work done? Do you want to get all your morning reminders to family members out of the way before your head hits the pillow? Then this feature is for you.

Ideally, you'd use this for something more important than "Hello." Credit: Screenshot: Apple

Apple built text scheduling into the Messages app in iOS 18. Simply write out your message and hit the plus sign to the left instead of the blue arrow to the right. From there, scroll down a bit until you see the "Send Later" button.

Once you hit that, there's a straightforward UI for scheduling your message. Pick a time, hit confirm, and rest easy knowing that your friend will have no idea you composed that message in the middle of the night for some reason.

Alas, both you and the recipient need to be on iOS for this to work. Sorry, Android users.

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Opens in a new window Credit: uTalk uTalk Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (150+ Languages) $99.97
$300 Save $200.03 Get Deal

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Join more than 30 million users learning languages with uTalk

Learning a new language is as easy as opening an app in the supermarket line thanks to uTalk. This language learning app makes it easy to sound like a native thanks to its unique learning method. It allows you to listen to real native speakers and learn the way you mastered your native tongue as a child, while moving along at your own pace.

uTalk teaches you over 2,500 words and phrases in each of the language options, immersing you as you listen. They focus on real, practical vocabulary you’ll actually use, so you don’t waste any time. There are games to play, bringing the process back to the fun you had as a kid, and you’ll be able to track your achievements as you go.

With uTalk, you can learn a new language from your native tongue. For example, Spanish speakers can pick up Arabic, or German speakers can learn French. You can pick up where you left off on any of your devices, so you can work at your own pace conveniently as you go.

Make language learning fun with this lifetime subscription to uTalk Language Learning, now just $99.97 (reg. $300) through September 7.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Choose from more than 150 languages and become fluent with this lifetime subscription to uTalk Language Learning for just $99.97 (reg. $300) through September 7.

Opens in a new window Credit: uTalk uTalk Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (150+ Languages) $99.97
$300 Save $200.03 Get Deal

Feeling FOMO as the kids head back to school? If you’ve got the urge to learn something new, why not start by mastering a new language right from your phone?

uTalk Language Learning makes it simple, allowing you to learn more than 150 languages on your own time. And right now, a lifetime subscription with access to all of them can be yours for just $99.97 (reg. $300) through September 7.

Join more than 30 million users learning languages with uTalk

Learning a new language is as easy as opening an app in the supermarket line thanks to uTalk. This language learning app makes it easy to sound like a native thanks to its unique learning method. It allows you to listen to real native speakers and learn the way you mastered your native tongue as a child, while moving along at your own pace.

uTalk teaches you over 2,500 words and phrases in each of the language options, immersing you as you listen. They focus on real, practical vocabulary you’ll actually use, so you don’t waste any time. There are games to play, bringing the process back to the fun you had as a kid, and you’ll be able to track your achievements as you go.

With uTalk, you can learn a new language from your native tongue. For example, Spanish speakers can pick up Arabic, or German speakers can learn French. You can pick up where you left off on any of your devices, so you can work at your own pace conveniently as you go.

Make language learning fun with this lifetime subscription to uTalk Language Learning, now just $99.97 (reg. $300) through September 7.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: For $99.99, Autio’s lifetime Unlimited Plan gives you 23,000+ location-based stories worldwide — narrated by voices like Kevin Costner — that automatically play as you travel.

Opens in a new window Credit: Autio Autio Unlimited Plan: Lifetime Subscription $99.99
$299.99 Save $200 Get Deal

If your idea of a good road trip soundtrack is more than just playlists and podcasts, meet Autio — the app that turns your drive into an immersive storytime session, narrated by voices you actually know (like Kevin Costner).

With lifetime access for just $99.99 (MSRP: $299.99), the Autio Unlimited Plan gives you over 23,000 location-based audio stories — from history to sports, music, and geology — playing automatically as you pass through each area. You’re not just getting facts; you’re getting a rich, layered narrative that makes even the “middle of nowhere” feel like something interesting.

Picture this: you’re cruising past a mountain range and hear the backstory of the peak you’re staring at. Or you’re driving through a small town and learn the quirky origin of its name. Whether you’re solo, with friends, or in full family road-trip mode, Autio transforms those “I wonder…” moments into “Wow, I never knew that!” moments.

Why Autio makes trips better:

• Stories play automatically based on your location, no fumbling with your phone.

• 3–5 minute narrations keep it snappy while still packing in the details.

• Offline mode means you can keep listening even when your GPS can’t find you.

• Fresh weekly updates keep the content as new as the roads you’re exploring.

• Works worldwide: 11,000+ U.S. stories and 12,000+ international (and counting).

This isn’t just for epic cross-country drives. You can fire it up for weekend errands, scenic Sunday drives, or even walking tours. Anywhere you go, Autio turns the world outside your window into a living, breathing story.

Get lifetime access to the Autio Unlimited Plan while it’s just $99.99 (MSRP: $299.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: For $99.99, Autio’s lifetime Unlimited Plan gives you 23,000+ location-based stories worldwide — narrated by voices like Kevin Costner — that automatically play as you travel.

Opens in a new window Credit: Autio Autio Unlimited Plan: Lifetime Subscription $99.99
$299.99 Save $200 Get Deal

If your idea of a good road trip soundtrack is more than just playlists and podcasts, meet Autio — the app that turns your drive into an immersive storytime session, narrated by voices you actually know (like Kevin Costner).

With lifetime access for just $99.99 (MSRP: $299.99), the Autio Unlimited Plan gives you over 23,000 location-based audio stories — from history to sports, music, and geology — playing automatically as you pass through each area. You’re not just getting facts; you’re getting a rich, layered narrative that makes even the “middle of nowhere” feel like something interesting.

Picture this: you’re cruising past a mountain range and hear the backstory of the peak you’re staring at. Or you’re driving through a small town and learn the quirky origin of its name. Whether you’re solo, with friends, or in full family road-trip mode, Autio transforms those “I wonder…” moments into “Wow, I never knew that!” moments.

Why Autio makes trips better:

• Stories play automatically based on your location, no fumbling with your phone.

• 3–5 minute narrations keep it snappy while still packing in the details.

• Offline mode means you can keep listening even when your GPS can’t find you.

• Fresh weekly updates keep the content as new as the roads you’re exploring.

• Works worldwide: 11,000+ U.S. stories and 12,000+ international (and counting).

This isn’t just for epic cross-country drives. You can fire it up for weekend errands, scenic Sunday drives, or even walking tours. Anywhere you go, Autio turns the world outside your window into a living, breathing story.

Get lifetime access to the Autio Unlimited Plan while it’s just $99.99 (MSRP: $299.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Pay once, keep forever: Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows is just $29.97 (MSRP: $229) for a limited time.

If you don’t need the latest AI-powered, cloud-synced, mood-ring-inspired Office tools to get stuff done, here’s a refreshingly simple offer: a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows for just $29.97 (MSRP: $229). No subscriptions. No hidden fees. Just the classic suite of apps you know and trust, ready to streamline your workday at home or in the office.

Office 2019 might not have the newest bells and whistles, but it nails the essentials:

• Word 2019 – From reports to résumés, write it all with ease.

• Excel 2019 – Crunch numbers, make pivot tables, and color-code like a pro.

• PowerPoint 2019 – Create presentations that actually hold attention.

• Outlook 2019 – Keep your email (and your sanity) organized.

• OneNote 2019 – Corral meeting notes, ideas, and to-do lists in one spot.

• Publisher 2019 – Design flyers, brochures, and newsletters without breaking a sweat.

• Access 2019 – Manage data like you actually know what you’re doing.

The 2019 version also adds some nice quality-of-life upgrades: enhanced inking across apps, beefed-up Excel data analysis tools, new PowerPoint animation tricks, and Outlook features that make inbox zero feel (almost) possible.

It’s a one-time purchase you install directly on your Windows PC, which means no monthly payments and no worrying about Microsoft quietly yanking features if you miss a bill.

And since it’s compatible with home or work setups, it’s perfect for freelancers, students, business owners, or anyone who just wants a dependable productivity suite without the overcomplication.

Get MS Office 2019 Pro Plus while it’s just $29.97 (MSRP: $229).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $29.97
$229 Save $199.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Pay once, keep forever: Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows is just $29.97 (MSRP: $229) for a limited time.

If you don’t need the latest AI-powered, cloud-synced, mood-ring-inspired Office tools to get stuff done, here’s a refreshingly simple offer: a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows for just $29.97 (MSRP: $229). No subscriptions. No hidden fees. Just the classic suite of apps you know and trust, ready to streamline your workday at home or in the office.

Office 2019 might not have the newest bells and whistles, but it nails the essentials:

• Word 2019 – From reports to résumés, write it all with ease.

• Excel 2019 – Crunch numbers, make pivot tables, and color-code like a pro.

• PowerPoint 2019 – Create presentations that actually hold attention.

• Outlook 2019 – Keep your email (and your sanity) organized.

• OneNote 2019 – Corral meeting notes, ideas, and to-do lists in one spot.

• Publisher 2019 – Design flyers, brochures, and newsletters without breaking a sweat.

• Access 2019 – Manage data like you actually know what you’re doing.

The 2019 version also adds some nice quality-of-life upgrades: enhanced inking across apps, beefed-up Excel data analysis tools, new PowerPoint animation tricks, and Outlook features that make inbox zero feel (almost) possible.

It’s a one-time purchase you install directly on your Windows PC, which means no monthly payments and no worrying about Microsoft quietly yanking features if you miss a bill.

And since it’s compatible with home or work setups, it’s perfect for freelancers, students, business owners, or anyone who just wants a dependable productivity suite without the overcomplication.

Get MS Office 2019 Pro Plus while it’s just $29.97 (MSRP: $229).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $29.97
$229 Save $199.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Sterling Stock Picker combines AI insights, personalized recommendations, and a done-for-you portfolio builder to make smart investing accessible — just $55.19 with code SAVE20 through September 7.

If you’ve ever stared at a stock chart and thought, I have no idea what I’m looking at, you’re not alone. The stock market can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to investing or have been putting it off for fear of making the wrong move. But missing out on years of growth because you didn’t know where to start? That’s even scarier.

Sterling Stock Picker is a platform built to turn uncertainty into strategy. Instead of leaving you to sift through endless data, it serves up personalized stock picks, tailored to your risk tolerance, values, and financial goals. Its patent-pending North Star technology even helps you know when to buy, sell, hold, or avoid a stock — no real guesswork required.

And then there’s Finley, your AI financial coach. You can ask about your portfolio, market trends, or even basic investing terms, and get clear, actionable answers. Whether you’re chasing long-term growth, learning the ropes, or focusing on specific sectors, Finley keeps the process approachable.

You’ll also get a Done-For-You Portfolio Builder that assembles a diversified, data-backed portfolio in minutes, plus analysis tools to help you make adjustments over time. Want to dig deeper? The platform includes community forums, educational resources, and strategy breakdowns so you can learn as you go.

You don’t have to be a finance expert to start investing confidently — you just need the right tools to guide you.

Get lifetime access to Sterling Stock Picker for $55.19 (MSRP: $486) when you use code SAVE20 through September 7.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sterling Stock Picker Sterling Stock Picker: Lifetime Subscription $55.19
$486 Save $430.81 Get Deal

TL;DR: Sterling Stock Picker combines AI insights, personalized recommendations, and a done-for-you portfolio builder to make smart investing accessible — just $55.19 with code SAVE20 through September 7.

If you’ve ever stared at a stock chart and thought, I have no idea what I’m looking at, you’re not alone. The stock market can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to investing or have been putting it off for fear of making the wrong move. But missing out on years of growth because you didn’t know where to start? That’s even scarier.

Sterling Stock Picker is a platform built to turn uncertainty into strategy. Instead of leaving you to sift through endless data, it serves up personalized stock picks, tailored to your risk tolerance, values, and financial goals. Its patent-pending North Star technology even helps you know when to buy, sell, hold, or avoid a stock — no real guesswork required.

And then there’s Finley, your AI financial coach. You can ask about your portfolio, market trends, or even basic investing terms, and get clear, actionable answers. Whether you’re chasing long-term growth, learning the ropes, or focusing on specific sectors, Finley keeps the process approachable.

You’ll also get a Done-For-You Portfolio Builder that assembles a diversified, data-backed portfolio in minutes, plus analysis tools to help you make adjustments over time. Want to dig deeper? The platform includes community forums, educational resources, and strategy breakdowns so you can learn as you go.

You don’t have to be a finance expert to start investing confidently — you just need the right tools to guide you.

Get lifetime access to Sterling Stock Picker for $55.19 (MSRP: $486) when you use code SAVE20 through September 7.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sterling Stock Picker Sterling Stock Picker: Lifetime Subscription $55.19
$486 Save $430.81 Get Deal

TL;DR: Youbooks uses multiple AI models, real-time research, and your unique style to create 300,000-word professional non-fiction books in record time — and lifetime access is just $49.

For years, publishing a professional non-fiction book meant months (if not years) of research, writing, editing, and endless rewrites. But with Youbooks, you can skip the bottlenecks and jump straight to holding a polished manuscript in your hands — crafted in your voice, backed by real-time research, and ready for the world.

Youbooks works like your behind-the-scenes dream team, combining the strengths of multiple AI models — including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Llama — to deliver nuanced, well-structured books up to 300,000 words long. And unlike other AI tools that spit out generic filler, Youbooks blends your ideas, uploaded research, and preferred style to create content that’s uniquely yours.

Built-in internet research pulls in the most current facts, stats, and examples, so your work is always timely and relevant. You can even upload your own transcripts, notes, or documents to ensure every chapter stays rooted in real-world insights.

Here’s what you get with lifetime access:

• 150,000 monthly credits for writing and source uploads

• Full commercial rights to publish and sell your work anywhere

• Custom tone and style settings with up to 100 stored samples

• Multiple export formats, from DOCX to EPUB, for easy publishing

• All future updates — because AI doesn’t stop evolving

Whether you’re a subject matter expert looking to cement your authority, a content creator ready to expand into books, or an entrepreneur wanting to turn insights into leads, Youbooks makes the process fast, accessible, and surprisingly fun.

Instead of staring at a blinking cursor, you could be uploading your next book to Amazon—or pitching it to a publisher.

At $49 for lifetime access to Youbooks (MSRP: $540), it’s less than what you’d spend on one good lunch meeting with an editor.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Youbooks Youbooks - AI Non-Fiction Book Generator: Lifetime Subscription $49
$540 Save $491 Get Deal

TL;DR: Youbooks uses multiple AI models, real-time research, and your unique style to create 300,000-word professional non-fiction books in record time — and lifetime access is just $49.

For years, publishing a professional non-fiction book meant months (if not years) of research, writing, editing, and endless rewrites. But with Youbooks, you can skip the bottlenecks and jump straight to holding a polished manuscript in your hands — crafted in your voice, backed by real-time research, and ready for the world.

Youbooks works like your behind-the-scenes dream team, combining the strengths of multiple AI models — including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Llama — to deliver nuanced, well-structured books up to 300,000 words long. And unlike other AI tools that spit out generic filler, Youbooks blends your ideas, uploaded research, and preferred style to create content that’s uniquely yours.

Built-in internet research pulls in the most current facts, stats, and examples, so your work is always timely and relevant. You can even upload your own transcripts, notes, or documents to ensure every chapter stays rooted in real-world insights.

Here’s what you get with lifetime access:

• 150,000 monthly credits for writing and source uploads

• Full commercial rights to publish and sell your work anywhere

• Custom tone and style settings with up to 100 stored samples

• Multiple export formats, from DOCX to EPUB, for easy publishing

• All future updates — because AI doesn’t stop evolving

Whether you’re a subject matter expert looking to cement your authority, a content creator ready to expand into books, or an entrepreneur wanting to turn insights into leads, Youbooks makes the process fast, accessible, and surprisingly fun.

Instead of staring at a blinking cursor, you could be uploading your next book to Amazon—or pitching it to a publisher.

At $49 for lifetime access to Youbooks (MSRP: $540), it’s less than what you’d spend on one good lunch meeting with an editor.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Youbooks Youbooks - AI Non-Fiction Book Generator: Lifetime Subscription $49
$540 Save $491 Get Deal

SAVE $80: As of Aug. 17, the AirPods Pro 2 are on sale for $169 at Amazon. Save $80 on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $169 at Amazon
$249 Save $80 Get Deal

The battle to be crowned the best earbuds is fiercely competitive, but the AirPods Pro are probably edging ahead. And that's why we absolutely love a discount of any description.

As of Aug. 17, the AirPods Pro 2 are down to just $169 at Amazon. That's a saving of 32% on list price, and only $20 shy of their best-ever price from Prime Day 2025. These earbuds do fall to $169 pretty regularly, but that doesn't mean this isn't a solid deal.

SEE ALSO: Shop Apple's most affordable iPad for its lowest price yet

We love the rich and well-balanced sound of the AirPods Pro. They also offer best-in-class noise cancellation, decent battery life (up to six hours per charge, 30 hours with case), and seamless Apple ecosystem integration. The Pros regularly top our lists of the best headphones, and our readers seem to love them just as much. "For portability, active noise cancellation, and balanced sound, your search ends with the AirPods Pro," our reviewer writes.

Get AirPods Pro 2 for $169 for a limited time.

TL;DR: Grab Microsoft Office 2021 at just $49.97 (reg. $219) and enjoy lifetime access to essential productivity tools.

• Lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional 2021 — pay once and access it forever

• Includes must-have apps: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Teams, and Publisher

• Compatible with Windows — ideal for professional and personal projects

• Streamline your workflow with trusted tools for creating documents, managing data, and organizing emails

• Instant download with a product key for quick and easy setup

• No recurring costs — a single payment secures access to essential Office apps

Say goodbye to subscriptions — don’t miss this deal and get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for $49.97. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License $49.97
$219.99 Save $170.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: Grab Microsoft Office 2021 at just $49.97 (reg. $219) and enjoy lifetime access to essential productivity tools.

• Lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional 2021 — pay once and access it forever

• Includes must-have apps: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Teams, and Publisher

• Compatible with Windows — ideal for professional and personal projects

• Streamline your workflow with trusted tools for creating documents, managing data, and organizing emails

• Instant download with a product key for quick and easy setup

• No recurring costs — a single payment secures access to essential Office apps

Say goodbye to subscriptions — don’t miss this deal and get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for $49.97. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License $49.97
$219.99 Save $170.02 Get Deal