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Meta has unveiled its plan to address teen use of its AI characters: More content guardrails and expanded parental oversight.

In addition to new moderation controls designed to reflect PG-13 movie ratings, announced earlier this week, parents will be able to access summaries of teen chat use, limit their children to specific AI avatars, or block their child from interacting with AI companions completely.

Teen Accounts will still be allowed to interact with Meta's AI assistant if they are blocked from conversing with AI avatars, the company noted.

SEE ALSO: Instagram Teen Accounts: Is it just PR?

In August, Meta announced a temporary lockdown on its AI avatars after an investigation by Reuters found that the company's chatbots were able to engage young users in "romantic or sensual" conversations, impersonate celebrities in flirtatious exchanges, and generate sexually suggestive images. At the time, Meta spokesperson Stephanie Otway told TechCrunch the products were being trained not to engage in conversations about self-harm, suicide, disordered eating, or potentially inappropriate romantic conversations. Meta formalized the guardrails a month later, drawing a line between allowing a subject to discuss a subject — such as abuse or intimacy between fictional characters — and the chatbot's ability to "describe, enable, or encourage it."

OpenAI announced similar controls for ChatGPT that same month, with additional limits on the bot's voice chat, chat memory, and image generation. Both approaches to teen AI oversight require young users to sign up for supervised accounts and parents to proactively monitor their children's chat use.

"We believe AI can complement traditional learning methods and exploration in a way that feels supportive, all with the proper age-appropriate guardrails in place," the company wrote in a blog post. "We recognize parents already have a lot on their plates when it comes to navigating the internet safely with their teens, and we’re committed to providing them with helpful tools and resources that make things simpler for them, especially as they think about new technology like AI."

The new AI companion controls won't be available to supervising accounts until early next year, and will roll out exclusively to Instagram accounts in the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia before expanding to other countries and Meta platforms.

SAVE 39%: As of Oct. 17, you can get the Roborock Qrevo S5V robot vacuum and mop for $549.99, down from $899.99, at Amazon. That's a 39% discount and $350 in savings.

Roborock Qrevo S5V $549.99 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $350   Get Deal at Amazon

As the proud (and tired) owner of two beagles, my floors are in a constant state of chaos. Between the shedding, the muddy paw prints, and whatever treasures they decide to drag in from our walks, keeping things clean is a full-time job. A robot vacuum and mop combo has always been on my wishlist, and this deal on the Qewvo S5V might be the thing that finally gets me to commit.

SEE ALSO: What's the best robot vacuum and mop combo? After testing at home, I have 5 picks that actually scrub.

As of Oct. 17, you can get the Roborock Qrevo S5V robot vacuum and mop for $549.99, down from $899.99, at Amazon. That's a 39% discount and $350 in savings. While this isn't a new deal (we saw it at this price around mid-September), it's still a really solid price if you're looking for a high-end robot vacuum that can actually mop, not just drag a wet cloth around.

The Qrevo S5V has dual spinning mop pads that mimic hand-mopping and features a little extendable arm (the FlexiArm) to get right into corners and along edges — places most robot mops miss. Plus, it lifts its mops 10mm when it detects carpet, so you don't end up with soggy rugs.

For vacuuming, you'll get 12,000Pa suction and a zero-tangle brush system that's certified to handle pet hair (without clogging). And the all-in-one dock is truly hands-off: it empties the dustbin, washes and dries the mops, and refills the water tank automatically.

SAVE $90: As of Oct. 17, shop the Jackery Explorer 300 portable power station for just $169. That's the power station's lowest price ever, saving you $90 for 35% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 300 $169 at Amazon
$259 Save $90   Get Deal

Even if the colder months are slowing down your outdoor adventures, it doesn't mean you're not thinking about the next trip. In fact, fall and winter is a great time to take stock of your equipment and upgrade where needed. If you find yourself in need of a new power station, let us point you in the direction of the Jackery Explorer 300.

Right now, the Jackery Explorer 300 power station is down to $169. According to Camelcamelcamel, that beats its previous low price of $189. This deal saves you $90 off its $259 MSRP, bringing it to 35% off. But what's so special about the Jackery?

This portable power station is truly portable, weighing just seven pounds and measuring nine inches long and seven inches tall. It has 300 watts of power and can recharge to 80% in just two hours. For outlets it includes two AC outlets, one PD 60W USB-C port, one fast-charge 3.0 port, one USB-A port, and 1 DC car port. All of those ports and the power it stores can charge up to six devices. Not to mention you can recharge the power station with solar.

Shop the Jackery Explorer 300 power station now for just $169 at Amazon.

SAVE $100: As of Oct. 17, get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones for $329, down from their usual price of $429. That's a discount of 23% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bose QuietComfort Ultra $329 at Amazon
$429 Save $100   Get Deal

Ready to grab a new pair of headphones? There are tons of options out there, but in our opinion, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra cans are some of the best, especially from Bose. They're on sale now for an excellent price, and it would be a good idea to lock in a pair before they go back up.

As of Oct. 17, get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones for $329, down from their usual price of $429. That's $100 off and a discount of 23%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: We tested the best headphones and earbuds for working out

These headphones come with thick, plush ear cups, a comfortable band that doesn' dig into your head, and some of the best noise cancellation you'll find in a pair of over-the-ear headphones. They also support Bose Immersive Audio, which is spatial audio support that makes you feel like you're right in the middle of your favorite song. There's also CustomTune tech, which can calibrate sound to fit your ears specifically.

In terms of noise-cancelling, they support three modes: Quiet, Aware, and Immersion, so you can choose how much of the real world you want to let in while you're listening: a little, or a lot. Plus, the built-in mic sounds great while making calls in addition to the audio from taking them. And with a 15-minute charge topping you up to 2.5 hours of playtime, you can listen to your heart's content before having any interruptions.

If you're ready for a comfortable and practical pair of headphones, take the plunge with this Bose model. It's a decision you'll be glad you made.

Izzy Roland's independent film D(e)ad is truly a family affair.

An actor and comedian known for her work with Dropout and The Sex Lives of College Girls, Roland wrote D(e)ad based on an idea from her mother, Claudia Lonow. Lonow, who starred in Knots Landing and was the showrunner for projects like Showtime's Rude Awakening, went on to direct the film. The mother-daughter pair also stars alongside Roland's grandparents and Lonow's parents, Mark Lonow and JoAnne Astrow; Roland's stepfather and Lonow's husband, Jonathan Schmock; and Roland's husband, Brennan Lee Mulligan.

SEE ALSO: 'Good Boy's dog, Indy, and filmmakers play Choose Your Squad

The family focus behind the camera extends to the actual plot of D(e)ad. Roland plays Tillie, a young woman working through a complicated relationship with her father, Daniel (Craig Bierko). When Daniel passes away unexpectedly, his ghost pops up in the mirrors of everyone in his family. Everyone, that is, except for Tillie. What follows is a charming portrait of a dysfunctional family, and the many different ways in which its members work through the grief that literally haunts them.

In a Say More interview with Mashable Entertainment Reporter Belen Edwards, Roland delved into the process of making D(e)ad alongside her mother, starting with Lonow giving her the idea in the first place.

"This was originally an idea for a TV show that was about this mother character whose husband dies, and then she's haunted by him — just her — in the mirrors. She called it My Crappy Soulmate," Roland explained. "I thought that idea was really cool, and thankfully we have a relationship and she was working on something else where she was able to be like, 'Yeah, sure, write it.'"

As for actually making a film alongside her family and close friends, Roland described the experience as completely rewarding — and not far off from her usual creative process.

"I am friends with the most talented people in the entire world, thankfully, so that is a place that I feel pretty comfortable," Roland said. "It's not without its complications, but it's definitely somewhere that I like to be."

Watch our full Say More video to learn more about Roland's experience writing and filming D(e)ad, why she decided to go the independent film route, and what Real Housewives taglines each of D(e)ad's characters would have.

You can find a list of upcoming D(e)ad screenings on the film's website, where you can also request a screening near you.

D(e)ad will also play at the Lower Manhattan and Downtown Los Angeles Alamo Drafthouse locations from Nov. 14 to Nov. 20.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you have a sweet tooth.

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

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

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

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

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for October 17, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Illustrating a point

• Green: Mementos

• Blue: Fictional characters

• Purple: Outdoor jargon

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

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

• Yellow: Used during a presentation

• Green: Items in a souvenir shop

• Blue: Folktale characters

• Purple: Weather terms

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #859 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Used in a presentation: CLICKER, LASER POINTER, PROJECTOR, SLIDES

• Items in a souvenir shop: FIGURINE, KEY RING, MAGNET, POSTCARD

• Folktale characters: CHICKEN LITTLE, JACK, THUMBELINA, TOM THUMB

• Weather terms: BEAUFORT SCALE, DEWPOINT, HEAT INDEX, WIND CHILL

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 17, 2025

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you know a lot of fun facts.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 17, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 17, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Gait keeping

The words are related to a movement.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe things to amusing locomotion.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Silly Walks.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for October 17

• Scuttle

• Caper

• Cavort

• Prance

• Silly Walks

• Traipse

• Galumph

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

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

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

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you've seen Mean Girls.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 17, 2025 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for October 17, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Unpleasant.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter S appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter G.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

GROSS

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 17, 2025

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

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

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

SAVE OVER $2: As of Oct. 17, the Pokémon TCG White Flare Binder Collection is $49.98 at TCGPlayer, compared to $52.78 at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company White Flare Binder Collection $49.98 at TCGPlayer
$52.18 Save $2.20   Get Deal

The White Flare Binder Collection is perfect for kicking off your Unovan Illustration Rare and Secret Art Rare collection, which is a long road by the way. Each Pokémon found in Pokémon Black and White 1 and 2 has either one or the other, so everyone is getting the full art treatment. Imagine how amazing your binder will look with a collection like that?

Whilst Black Bolt and White Flare is a stunning end to the Scarlet and Violet Pokémon TCG era, everyone has their eyes on Mega Evolution / Phantasmal Flames. I'm focusing on Black Bolt and White Flare right now, which has some of the highest value cards in the Scarlet and Violet era which you can pull or buy separately right now (see below).

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

The White Flare Binder Collection is a Reshiram-themed soft binder with six pockets on each page with five booster packs. At this price it's worth it if you're after a unique-looking binder, and even if you're not, it's still not a bad price when thinking about the single booster pack prices at the moment.

Most valuable Black Bolt and White Flare Pokémon cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

If you're just interested in pulling the big guys in this set, it's going to cost you hundreds of dollars if you're lucky. Don't get me wrong, some people have ridiculous mythical powers and could pull a Black-White Rare on their first pack, but don't bank on that happening. Buying singles is a good way to hedge your bets against ripping boosters.

Here's the top chase cards in Black Bolt and White Flare alongside their market value, current pricing, and last sold price to give you a bigger picture:

1. Victini – 171/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $431.98
   Market price: $446.04
   Most recent sale: $549.99

2. Victini – 172/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $390
   Market price: $432.16
   Most recent sale: $400

3. Zekrom ex – 172/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $378.27
   Market price: $398.49
   Most recent sale: $377

4. Reshiram ex – 173/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $367.95
   Market price: $369.17
   Most recent sale: $353.21

5. Zekrom ex – 166/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $210.99
   Market price: $208.89
   Most recent sale: $200

6. Reshiram ex – 166/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $180
   Market price: $178.19
   Most recent sale: $175

SAVE OVER $5: As of Oct. 17, the Pokémon TCG Black Bolt Binder Collection is $50.89 at TCGPlayer, compared to $55.94 at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Black Bolt Binder Collection $50.89 at TCGPlayer
$55.94 Save $5.05   Get Deal

Every Unovan Pokémon from the fifth generation of Pokémon games (Black and White 1 and 2) either has an Illustration Rare, Special Illustration Rare, or a ridiculously rare Black White Rare. My 10-year old Pokémon League-rocking self wouldn't believe what I was seeing with so much stunning artwork in one set.

Black Bolt and White Flare is a stunning end to the Scarlet and Violet Pokémon TCG era. Everyone has their eyes on Mega Evolution / Phantasmal Flames, but I'm focusing on Black Bolt and White Flare right now, which has some of the highest value cards in the Scarlet and Violet era (more on that below).

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

In this Black Bolt Binder Collection trainer will find a Zekrom-themed soft binder with six pockets on each page with five booster packs. It's a cheap and cheerful way to start collecting the set in style.

Most valuable Black Bolt and White Flare Pokémon cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

If you're looking to collect the higher-end cards of this set, all the luck in the world to you. The problem is the top chase cards are rarer than usual due to how many Illustration Rare cards are in Black Bolt and White Flare, so it might work out cheaper to just buy the single Pokémon cards you'd like. Here's the top chase cards in Black Bolt and White Flare to get you started:

1. Victini – 171/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $431.98
   Market price: $446.04
   Most recent sale: $549.99

2. Victini – 172/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $390
   Market price: $432.16
   Most recent sale: $400

3. Zekrom ex – 172/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $378.27
   Market price: $398.49
   Most recent sale: $377

4. Reshiram ex – 173/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $367.95
   Market price: $369.17
   Most recent sale: $353.21

5. Zekrom ex – 166/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $210.99
   Market price: $208.89
   Most recent sale: $200

6. Reshiram ex – 166/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $180
   Market price: $178.19
   Most recent sale: $175

SAVE $30: As of Oct. 17, the Lego DREAMZzz The Never Witch’s Midnight Raven set is on sale for $69.99 at Amazon. This is 30% off its list price of $99.99 and marks its lowest price yet.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego DREAMZzz The Never Witch’s Midnight Raven Building Toys $69.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $30   Get Deal

Even with Black Friday a month out, Amazon has been dropping some exciting Lego deals for shoppers to pick up. Now is a great time to stock up on sets, what with the weather getting a little bit colder and everyone spending some more time inside. If you're on the hunt for a good deal, and looking to find something a little spooky for Halloween, the Lego DREAMZzz The Never Witch’s Midnight Raven set is down to its best price at Amazon.

As of Oct. 17, the Lego DREAMZzz The Never Witch’s Midnight Raven set has dropped to $69.99 at Amazon for a limited time. This is a 30% discount from its list price of $99.99. No better time to get your hands on it, if it's caught your attention.

SEE ALSO: Lego is giving away free Witch models for Halloween — here’s how to get yours on Oct. 26

The Lego DREAMZzz The Never Witch’s Midnight Raven set is a build fit for those aged nine and up. It comes with 1,203 pieces that create a very cool looking raven, but that's not all. It can also be rebuilt as a raven-hut combination or even as a collection of three creatures: a walking house, a cauldron spider, or a giant raven. On top of the build, you'll also get minifigures of Mateo, Astrid, the Never Witch, Dizzy, and Dogan alongside a Z-Blob figure.

No better time than now to scoop up the Lego DREAMZzz The Never Witch’s Midnight Raven set for spooky season and save 30%.

Looking for even more seasonally appropriate Lego sets to build? Check out our roundup of the best Halloween-themed Lego sets to see even more options worth building this month.

Sabrina Carpenter is both the host and the musical guest on Saturday Night Live this week, but that doesn't mean she didn't have time to record a few silly promo skits too.

In the clip above, Carpenter teams up with Marcello Hernández to motivate viewers who may be watching them while washing the dishes, flirts with the camera operator, and finally reveals that she isn't nervous to return and host SNL, but there is one thing that terrifies her deeply — and it just so happens to be the same exact fear that Hernández has.

"My dentist grows a really long beard and it tickles my chest," say the pair in perfect unison. In fairness that does sound uncomfortable.

On The Late Show Thursday, Nick Offerman took Stephen Colbert through the real community events coming up in his hometown of Minooka, Illinois, and honestly, sign us up for everything.

"As we like to say in Minooka: 'When you're a Minookan, there's nothing you Minoo-can't do,'" says Offerman in The Late Show's regular and delightful "Community Calendar" segment above.

Running through actual events coming up in Minooka and the greater Grundy County regional area in October, including chair yoga at the Minooka Branch Library, the Viking Strength Challenge, Minooka’s annual Halloween parade, a haunted birdhouse-making day, and a Conspiracy Scavenger Hunt happening in Joliet — "or at least that's what they want you to believe," says Offerman.

If you want to experience events in the greater Grundy County regional area, your plans await in the video above. But as Offerman says, "If you are experiencing events in your Grundy area, consult a physician."

SAVE $7.95: As of Oct. 17, the Pokémon TCG Black Bolt Elite Trainer Box is $84.99 at TCGPlayer, compared to $92.94 at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Black Bolt Elite Trainer Box $84.99 at TCGPlayer
$92.74 Save $7.75   Get Deal

Whilst everyone has their eyes on Mega Evolution / Phantasmal Flames and paying over the odds for new sealed product, I'm hunting down Black Bolt and White Flare deals on both sealed and single cards. Why? Because it's a fantastic set that brings a satisfying close to the Scarlet and Violet era of Pokémon TCG.

Every Unovan Pokémon from Black and White 1 and 2 either has an Illustration Rare, Special Illustration Rare, or an ever-illusive Black White Rare. This is such a lovely set to collect and build decks with, and it makes me wish there was more Illustration Rares in every set. Just imagine taking your 10 year old-self from the Wizards of the Coast days, battling in Pokémon Leagues in Warner Brothers stores and showed them any of the modern cards. They'd blow your fragile mind.

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

Elite Trainer Boxes are awesome for their extras as well as booster packs. In this one, you'll get a Thundurus 209 Illustration Rare promo card, 65 Black Bolt-Themed sleeves, themed dice, eight booster packs, and the ETB box complete with dividers to keep on top of your collection.

Most valuable Black Bolt and White Flare Pokémon cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

This is still an expensive set, so the chances of actually pulling a hefty chase card is very low when you think about all of the Illustration Rare cards. It's often cheaper to grab the chase card you want as a single card rather than spending endless amounts on sealed product hoping for the best. Here's the top chase cards in Black Bolt and White Flare you can buy right now:

1. Victini – 171/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $431.98
   Market price: $446.04
   Most recent sale: $549.99

2. Victini – 172/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $390
   Market price: $432.16
   Most recent sale: $400

3. Zekrom ex – 172/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $378.27
   Market price: $398.49
   Most recent sale: $377

4. Reshiram ex – 173/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $367.95
   Market price: $369.17
   Most recent sale: $353.21

5. Zekrom ex – 166/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $210.99
   Market price: $208.89
   Most recent sale: $200

6. Reshiram ex – 166/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $180
   Market price: $178.19
   Most recent sale: $175

SAVE OVER $300: As of Oct. 17, the iRobot Roomba Plus 504 robot vacuum is on sale for $398.99 at Amazon (its lowest-ever price). This is $351 off its list price of $749.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Plus 504 Vac Robot Vacuum $398.99 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $351   Get Deal

A little extra cleaning help around the house is always appreciated, especially during the fall and winter months. A robot vacuum is a great way to help keep your floors a bit tidier, and the good news is you don't have to wait for Black Friday to score a deal. Amazon already has some excellent discounts live, including on the iRobot Roomba Plus 504 robot vacuum.

The iRobot Roomba Plus 504 robot vacuum is currently sitting at $398.99 at Amazon, its lowest price yet. At the moment, Amazon has a typical list price of $574.95, though we previously saw its list price at $749.99. For this piece, we've chosen to go with the list price so there isn't any confusion.

SEE ALSO: What is the best robot vacuum? I test new ones every month and trust these the most.

If you're looking for a robot vacuum that can tackle any pet hair, dirt, or crumbs that have dropped onto your floor, the iRobot Roomba Plus 504 robot vacuum can get the job done with its powerful suction, anti-tangle dual rubber brushes, edge-sweeping brush, and carpet boost technology. On top of that, it'll avoid any obstacles in its way with the help of PrecisionVision AI technology, and it can even go up to 75 days without its docking station needing to be emptied.

Hurry to grab the iRobot Roomba Plus 504 robot vacuum at its lowest-ever price before the offer is gone for good.

Amazon has more robot vacuum deals worth checking out alongside this one. Another great deal to check out is on the Ecovacs Deebot X9 Pro Omni robot vacuum, which has dropped to its lowest-ever price.

Google Meet has a new AI-powered makeup filter that lets you apply lipstick without opening a real tube.

Launched on Oct. 13, the tool is an expansion of the video call platform's "Touch Up" feature added in 2023. Similar to the AR beauty and makeup lenses on social media sites like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, and the myriad virtual try-on platforms around, Google Meet's new feature allows users to add basic makeup filters that mimic foundation, blush, lipstick, mascara, and eyeshadow.

SEE ALSO: TikTok beauty filters can be super realistic—unless you're a person of color

In a blog post, Google demonstrated the tool in the GIFs below, and from testing it myself, I have to say the facial mapping is impressively sticky.

On desktop:

Credit: Google Meet

On mobile:

Credit: Google Meet

There are 12 studio makeup options to choose from, titled things like "rosy pink," "cat eye," "goth chic," and "dewy fresh." But how do you find the makeup tool? Here's a step-by-step guide.

How to use Google Meet's new AI makeup tool Total Time

• 2 min

What You Need

• Google Meet on desktop
• laptop
• or smartphone

Step 1: Open Google Meet calendar event.

Don't join yet. Instead, click the icon showing a person in a frame with a small star in the right corner.

Credit: Google Meet

Step 2: Click "Appearance."

It's sitting beside "Background" and "Filters."

Credit: Google Meet

Step 3: Scroll down to the "Makeup" section and click on each face icon to try on each style.

Here, you can pick from 12 options, which vary from heavy to light.

Credit: Google Meet

Step 4: Click your choice of makeup, and make sure your camera is on to see it applied.

Tap the camera icon on the screen beside the microphone/mute button to turn it on and off.

Step 5: If you want to remove the makeup filter, simply tap the highlighted option again.

Step 6: Press the X in the top right corner of the window to return to the Google Meet lobby and click "Join now."

Step 7: If you want to turn the makeup tool on or off during the meeting, tap the three dots beside the red phone button.

Credit: Google Meet

Step 8: Then, click "Backgrounds and effects" and repeat the above process.

Credit: Google Meet

For more hacks on how to tinker with your Google Meet settings, Mashable's got you covered.

Featured Video For You Google's Pixel 10 Pro Fold Is Here

SAVE $300: As of Oct. 17, the Samsung 75-Inch Class QLED Q8F is on sale for $997.99 at Amazon. That's a 23% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 75-Inch Class QLED Q8F $997.99 at Amazon
$1,297.99 Save $300   Get Deal

If you're in the market for a new TV this fall, look no further than Amazon's Daily Deals.

October's Prime Day may be over and Black Friday still weeks away, but there's discounts to be found in this no-mans land. Like this latest discount on the Samsung 75-Inch Class QLED Q8F TV. As of Oct. 17, this TV is reduced to $997.99, saving you $300. If 75-inch sounds a little too big (or small) for your space, all other size options are reduced too. However, its worth noting that this model is at its lowest-ever price.

SEE ALSO: The Hisense U8 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV has dropped to an all-time low price at Amazon

You're saving a lot, but this TV has still got a hefty price tag, and definitely won't be an impulse buy. But if you're already looking for an impressive, high quality TV, this one won't disappoint. It benefits from 4K resolution and it even uses AI to optimize colors and audio based on the type of content you're watching.

It also uses nano-sized Quantum Dots to make sure all the colors show accurately. And it sits neatly in your space, whether it's on the wall or a TV stand, the slim design is aesthetic and tidy. For streaming and watching you'll get access to over 2,700 free channels, including more than 400 Samsung TV Plus premium channels, as well as your usual streaming apps. For gaming and sports, it supports VRR at up to 4K 144Hz for smooth motion.

Head to Amazon to pick up this TV for its best-ever price.

It had to happen eventually, and happen it has — Jeremy Allen White has taken on First We Feast's Hot Ones.

In the clip above The Bear star devours increasingly spicy wings while speaking about everything from the hardest scenes he's had to shoot to the reason he's always buying flowers.

The highlight? A story he tells about attending a fancy restaurant at the age of 23 and getting told off by the staff.

When he's not been busy ranting on Truth Social about things like his Time magazine cover photo, Donald Trump is busy flogging watches to his supporters.

In the clip above Jimmy Kimmel plays footage of one of the president's ads, in which Trump encourages people to buy one of his watches because "Christmas is coming."

"I'd like you to just close your eyes right now and try to imagine Lincoln in front of a flag, selling top hats," says Kimmel. "And at least he wore top hats, Trump doesn't even wear a watch. I mean seriously."

The late night show host goes on to pull up a review from a customer alleging they'd ordered a watch that still hadn't arrived five months later, adding that it was a shame the company wasn't "holding to President Trumps [sic] high standards."

"I have bad news for you honey, they're holding exactly to Trump's high standards," Kimmel says. "Mr made-in-America and his partners claim the watches feature premium, Swiss-made materials, but most of the experts seem to agree they are likely made in China. I hope he gets hit by his own tariffs."

SAVE $200: As of Oct. 17, the Asus ROG Strix G16 is on sale for $1,699 at Amazon. That's an 11% saving on the list price and its lowest-ever price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus ROG Strix G16 $1,699 at Amazon
$1,899.99 Save $200.99   Get Deal

October Prime Day treated us to a whole host of discounts on top products. MacBooks, earbuds, and so much more were heavily discounted, some to record lows. And while most of these prices have returned to normal, some are still hanging around, like this great deal on the Asus ROG Strix G16. As of Oct. 17, this laptop is down to $1,699. This is its lowest-ever price according to camelcamelcamel. This price is for the Ultra 9, 16GB, RTX5060 model.

This impressive model runs on Windows 11 Home and has an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU, so games, apps, and streaming all run smoothly. You'll get 16GB of DDR5 memory and a 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, giving you plenty of speed and storage.

SEE ALSO: Save over $100 on this 45-inch LG Ultragear curved gaming monitor

The display is as sharp as you'd expect from a gaming laptop, with its 240Hz, ROG Nebula display. It boasts an enhanced contrast, reduced glare, and Dolby Vision HDR. And don't worry about things overheating, the vapor chamber cooling system with tri-fan tech and liquid metal keeps things cool even during heavy gaming sessions.

The customizable RGB Aura Light Bar is worth shouting out too, giving the whole thing a premium look. This deal has a limited-time stamp, so don't miss out. Get it from Amazon now.