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Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.
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Save over $1,500 on a MacBook Pro while supplies last

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 23:00

TL;DR: If you’re in the market for a powerful laptop, this MacBook Pro is on sale for just $429.97 (reg. $1,999) through Nov. 2, while supplies last.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch i5 2GHz 2020 (Refurbished) $429.97
$1,999 Save $1,569.03   Get Deal

When it comes to laptops, you can’t do much better than Apple’s MacBook Pro. This device provides the power and performance we’ve come to love from Apple, while managing to fit it into a sleek and lightweight casing that you can take anywhere.

These devices typically come with a steep price tag, but right now you can bring home a MacBook Pro, complete with 1TB of storage, for only $429.97 (reg. $1,999) through Nov. 2.

SEE ALSO: The 11-inch Apple iPad is still $70 off at Amazon well after October Prime Day

Get ready to get more done with this sleek and speedy MacBook Pro. It may weigh in at only 3.1 pounds, but don’t be deceived by its lightweight status. This laptop has a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with a 2GHz base speed, with an impressive 3.8GHz Turbo Boost. An impressive 1TB of SSD lets you keep your important files stored locally.

The 13.3-inch screen has a 2560×1600 native resolution, so you’ll be able to answer work emails or stream your favorite show with vibrant colors and sharp details. This model’s display also includes Apple’s True Tone Technology, which adjusts to your lighting and helps reduce eye strain. And you can tackle a full workday thanks to this MacBook Pro’s ten hour battery life.

This MacBook Pro features Apple favorites like the Magic Keyboard, which allows comfortable typing for hours, and the Touch Bar, which provides helpful shortcuts at the top of the keyboard. Four Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports also make connecting easy.

You’re saving over $1,500 thanks to this model’s grade A refurbished status, and it will arrive on your doorstep in near-mint condition.

Act fast to bring home a MacBook Pro for just $429.97 (reg. $1,999) through Nov. 2.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple is finally working on a touchscreen MacBook Pro

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 22:49

Apple just unveiled its new 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro earlier this week and reports are already coming in about the next line of MacBooks powered by the M6 chip. But, that M6 line of MacBook Pros will come with another huge, potentially game-changing upgrade — a touchscreen. 

According to a new report from Bloomberg's Apple insider Mark Gurman, Apple is finally working on a high-end touchscreen MacBook Pro to be released in late 2026 or early 2027. 

This would place the touchscreen MacBook's release around the same time Apple would unveil its new Silicone chipset, expected to be the M6.

Gurman reports that Apple's touchscreen display would use OLED technology, similar to that of the iPhone and iPad Pro. The use of these thinner displays would mark the first time a MacBook Pro utilized the technology.

Apple would also develop a "reinforced hinge and screen hardware" in order to solve a problem existing touchscreen laptops face, where the display gets pushed back or bounces when touched.

SEE ALSO: Preorder the iPad Pro with M5 chip now — Apple's most advanced tablet yet

In addition, the touchscreen MacBook Pro would get rid of the controversial notch at the top of the display. A "hole-punch design" similar to the iPhone's Dynamic Island would take its place. 

The touchscreen display would make this model of MacBook Pro the high-end version of a non-touchscreen model. The new 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro currently retails for $1,999. The touchscreen version of Apple's 14-inch MacBook Pro should be released at a price point of "a few hundred dollars more."

As Gurman notes, Apple founder and former CEO Steve Jobs had come out against vertical touchscreen surfaces before his passing in 2011. The company had seemingly stood by that stance until a 2023 report from Gurman noting that Apple engineers were seriously looking into a touchscreen MacBook for the first time.

Apple attempted to downplay reports of a touchscreen Mac in 2024 when Tom Boger, Apple's vice president of iPad and Mac product marketing, told the Wall Street Journal that the company wasn't planning to release a touchscreen MacBook.

Apple attempted to find a touchscreen middle ground with the touch bar, which debuted in October 2016. However, the touchscreen bar sliver integrated above the MacBook's keyboard and replaced a whole row of physical keys, never really caught on. Apple retired the touch bar in 2023.

Touchscreen laptops have become fairly standard across the industry, with most laptop manufacturing offering some type of touchscreen model. Much like Apple's late entry into the AI space, the company would be well behind its competitors in this area too.

Categories: IT General, Technology

ROG Xbox Ally X review in progress: Hold an Xbox in the palm of your hands

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 22:11

Up until now, Xbox was the only major platform left out of the gaming handheld space. Valve’s Steam Deck lets players play their Steam library on the go. Nintendo has the hugely successful Switch and Switch 2. And Sony recently made a comeback into the handheld space — harkening back to the PSP and Vita days — with the disappointing PlayStation Portal.

Now, Microsoft has finally stepped up to the plate with the ROG Xbox Ally X, a collaboration between ASUS ROG and Microsoft’s Xbox division. The new Xbox handheld promises to let you play your Xbox and PC games on the go, and it even features a new processor, the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme, which offers more power than previous ROG models. It’s also a whopping $1,000.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft ROG Xbox Ally X $999.99 at Best Buy
  Shop Now

So is it worth it? Here are my first impressions after unboxing the gaming handheld and spending about half a day playing.

How does ROG Xbox Ally X feel? While it's powered by Windows 11, you'll spend most of your time in the Xbox gaming mode. Credit: Matt Fornwald / Mashable

Right out of the box, the ROG Xbox Ally X is a bit on the heavier side, more similar to the Steam Deck rather than the lighter Switch 2 or PS Portal. Its size is comparable to the Steam Deck and PS Portal. However, the Switch 2 is superior with its slightly more compact design, especially when its Joy-Cons are detached.

I do love the ergonomics of the ROG Xbox Ally X, though. The integrated grips simulate the feel and comfort of a standard Xbox controller. Previous ROG Ally iterations didn’t have these kinds of grips, so that makes this a step-up already in that aspect.

Clockwise, from top left: ROG Xbox Ally X, Nintendo Switch 2, Playstation Portal, Steam Deck Credit: George Yang / Mashable SEE ALSO: ROG Xbox Ally pre-orders start now: Where to buy the new handheld

The buttons are perfectly spaced out and have a satisfying, clicky feeling when pressed. The direction pad is excellent as well, which makes this gaming handheld a great way to play platformers. The thumbsticks are slightly diagonal from each other, similar to an Xbox controller. Overall, the ROG Ally X will feel very familiar to gamers in the Xbox camp, in a good way. The device even has a fingerprint reader, adding a layer of security while providing an easy way to jump right back in and play.

Playing the ROG Xbox Ally X: First impressions The controls really feel like Xbox controllers. Credit: Matt Fornwald / Mashable

When booting up the Ally X, it wastes no time telling you that it’s primarily a Windows PC handheld. The familiar blue Windows user interface had me select a language, install some updates, and then finally took me to the Xbox app. It looks strikingly similar to the Xbox app on PC. I wish the gaming UI was more unique to the Ally X, something the Steam Deck does well, but it is simple to navigate. However, so far, the Xbox UI suffers from a bit of lag and is prone to freezing. Sometimes, I’d try to open up the Microsoft Store or Xbox Game Pass, and the handheld would remain unresponsive. 

At the menu on the right, you’ll see your three primary sources of games: Game Pass, your current library, and Cloud Gaming. Game Pass is Xbox’s signature gaming subscription model, which recently saw a price hike. I’m an Ultimate tier subscriber, so I have access to Microsoft's first-party games. Through it, I downloaded several games, including Doom: The Dark Ages, Avowed, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. I also downloaded several games I already own — Lies of P and Hotel Barcelona — both of which are Play Anywhere games.

The new Xbox handheld also has a touchscreen display. Credit: Matt Fornwald / Mashable SEE ALSO: Snag a 3-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription before the price hike

It’s important to note that the only games that can be directly downloaded are ones available through Game Pass and Play Anywhere titles. The latter is a program that allows you to buy a digital game once through Microsoft, and play it on both an Xbox console and a Windows PC. Normally, you’d have to have to pay twice if you want to play a game on different platforms, but the Play Anywhere program is a convenient and consumer-friendly initiative. Unlike the Steam Deck, you can’t carry your entire library on the go, unfortunately.

When it comes to playing games, I've found so far that performance between titles is wildly inconsistent. Expedition 33 and Avowed had framerate and stuttering issues. Expedition 33’s battles require precise timing to dodge enemy attacks, so when I missed button presses due to these performance problems, it negatively impacted my gameplay. Avowed is a real-time action game, where a more stable framerate would allow me to react faster.

On the other hand, games like Doom: The Dark Ages and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle performed flawlessly. Doom is the fastest-paced game out of all of the ones I’ve tried on the handheld so far, and having the power to kill demons in the palm of my hands felt immensely gratifying. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle’s framerate held steady and was buttery smooth, making it the most immersive experience I’ve had yet.

The ROG Xbox Ally X launches with 1,000+ titles optimized for the handheld experience. Credit: Matt Fornwald / Mashable SEE ALSO: Playing the Lenovo Legion Go 2 handheld made me yearn for the simplicity of my Switch 2

I also tried out the Cloud Gaming capabilities for a bit and played about 30 minutes of Borderlands 4. With a solid WiFi connection, Borderlands 4 performed just fine with minimal hiccups. Borderlands 4 is not available on Game Pass, and it’s also not a Play Anywhere title. If you’re a Game Pass subscriber, using Cloud Gaming is a fantastic way to circumvent the ROG Xbox Ally X’s library limitations by letting you directly stream games from your Xbox account.

Credit: George Yang / Mashable Credit: George Yang / Mashable

It seems like the optimization of each game will be on a case-by-case basis. In my limited day one experience, I've found that certain games seem to work better than others. I’m still testing it out, but it's certainly a capable handheld from what I’ve played so far, with a gorgeous display and solid ergonomics.

However, does the ROG Xbox Ally X justify its hefty $1,000 price tag? That remains to be decided, and I'll reserve judgment until I complete my full Xbox Ally X review, when I’ll be back with a more in-depth answer for Mashable readers.

ROG Xbox Ally X gaming handheld: By the numbers Where to buy the ROG Xbox Ally X BEST BUY ROG Xbox Ally X gaming handheld $999.99 Shop Now MICROSOFT ROG Xbox Ally X gaming handheld $999.99 Shop Now

The new ROG Xbox Ally X launched on Oct. 16 for $999.99. You can purchase the handheld at Best Buy, Microsoft, and ASUS.

This gaming handheld has some impressive specs:

  • Processor: New AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor

  • RAM: 24GB

  • Storage: 1TB SSD

  • Operating System: Windows 11

  • Refresh rate: 120Hz

  • Ports: Dual USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack, microSD

  • Display: 1080p LED

  • Weight: 1.58 pounds

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch I Know What You Did Last Summer at home: Now streaming

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 22:00
The best Netflix deals at a glance: BEST FOR T-MOBILE CUSTOMERS Netflix Standard (with ads) Free for those on Go5G, Experience Beyond and Experience More plans (save $7.99/month) Learn More BEST BUNDLE DEAL Netflix and HBO Max bundle (with ads) $10 per month for Verizon customers with myPlan (save $7.98 per month) Learn More BEST FOR XFINITY CUSTOMERS Netflix Standard with ads, Apple TV+, and Peacock Premium $15/month with Xfinity StreamSaver (save $13.97/month) Get Deal MOST AFFORDABLE PLAN Netflix Standard with ads $7.99 per month Learn More

How about another horror legacy sequel to round out the summer? The hook-wielding killer from the hit '90s slasher film is back to torment a new group of pretty young friends with a dark secret. The latest I Know What You Did Last Summer isn't just a reboot, though — it's a sequel with some iconic faces. The legendary Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt are back to tap into our collective love of '90s nostalgia and slasher films.

I Know What You Did Last Summer also stars Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders, Jonah Hauer-King, Tyriq Withers, Sarah Pidgeon, Billy Campbell, Gabbriette Bechtel, and Austin Nichols.

The sequel slash reboot hit theaters in July and became available to watch at home as of Aug. 26 via digital on demand. Now it's finally streaming — just in time for spooky season. Here's everything you need to know to watch — including how you can watch for less.

What is I Know What You Did Last Summer about?

Part reboot, part sequel, I Know What You Did Last Summer borrows the 1997 original's basic plot. In the fishing village of Southport, North Carolina, a group of teens accidentally kills someone and covers it up. They think they've gotten away with murder until a mysterious, hooded, fishhook-wielding stranger starts stalking them down. This time around, however, the guilty teens seek out survivors from the first film — Julie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) and Ray (Freddie Prinze Jr.) — for help.

Check out the trailer below:

Is I Know What You Did Last Summer worth watching?

The slasher legacy sequel earned around $65 million at the global box office. While it has definitely succeeded against a reported budget of $17 million, it struggled to find its audience compared to other legacy sequels like 28 Years Later and Final Destination: Bloodlines. The reviews are largely mediocre, as it currently holds a 36 percent critic rating and 68 percent audience rating at Rotten Tomatoes. To be fair, the original also has pretty low scores.

For what it's worth, Mashable's own reviewer had mostly good things to say about I Know What You Did Last Summer. In his review, Jason Adams cheered, "Here, Robinson's film leans into the fun of horror legacy, playing to the strengths of the '90s original and throwing curveballs at a new generation. It's all a learning process: When life stabs you, you strike a pose in your designer jeans and vintage rock tee and stab it the hell back, baby."

Read our full review of I Know What You Did Last Summer.

How to watch I Know What You Did Last Summer at home Credit: Sony Pictures

As of Oct. 16, there are a few ways you can watch I Know What You Did Last Summer at home: buy it or rent it on digital for as low as $5.99 or stream it. See the details below.

Buy or rent it on digital

I Know What You Did Last Summer is available as of Aug. 26 to buy for $14.99 or rent for $5.99 at digital-on-demand retailers. Make note that if you choose to rent, you'll get 30 days to watch the film, but just 48 hours to finish it once you start. If you choose to buy it, then it's yours to keep.

Here are some quick links to rent or purchase the film:

Stream it on Netflix

Given Sony Pictures' and Netflix's agreement that gives the streamer first dibs, it comes as no surprise that I Know What You Did Last Summer makes its streaming debut on Netflix on Oct. 16. That's actually earlier than we anticipated, based on other recent Sony Pictures films (like Heart Eyes and Paddington in Peru), likely so that it's available to watch ahead of Halloween.

Netflix doesn't offer free trials, nor does it allow you to share an account (unless you pay for an extra user), so you'll need your own Netflix subscription to stream I Know What You Did Last Summer. Fortunately, Netflix has a few membership tiers; all three options will grant you access.

Watching Netflix with ads is the most affordable option at $7.99 per month. If you want to eliminate ads, the price jumps up to $17.99 for a Standard subscription. Finally, there's a third tier called Netflix Premium that costs a steep $24.99 per month and will let you watch on four household devices at once (as opposed to the other plans' two devices) in 4K Ultra HD + HDR with no ads.

Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix subscription Starting at $7.99 per month Learn More The best Netflix deals

Before you sign up for Netflix, check the deals below to see if you're eligible to score a subscription for free — or at least at a discount. Be sure to check the terms for more details.

Best Netflix deal for T-Mobile customers Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix Standard (with ads) Free for select T-Mobile customers Get Deal

T-Mobile customers on most Go5G plans, as well as Experience Beyond and Experience More plans, get ad-supported Netflix Standard for free (reg. $7.99 per month) as long as their account remains in good standing. You need to have two or more lines of any type of Go5G or Magenta plan or at least one line of Go5G Next, Go5G Plus, Magenta MAX, Experience More, or Experience Beyond.

If you're eligible, you'll have to manually activate your subscription by logging into My.T-Mobile and selecting Manage add-ons. Once there, add Netflix in the Services section and you'll be prompted to either create a Netflix account or sign in to an existing one. T-Mobile will then take care of your Netflix bill each month. Check out the terms and FAQs on the promo page.

Best Netflix deal for Verizon customers Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix / HBO Max Netflix and HBO Max bundle (with ads) $10 per month for Verizon customers with myPlan Get Deal

As of December 2023, Verizon customers with myPlan can get a Netflix and HBO Max bundle (with ads) for just $10 per month ($7.98 per month in savings). A $17.98 value, that basically gets you Netflix Standard with ads for free. Eligible Verizon customers include those on the Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, or Unlimited Ultimate plans. After enrolling in the promo, you'll have to complete the account setup separately for each service. Verizon's support page has all the eligibility details, terms, and FAQs.

Best Netflix deal for Xfinity customers Opens in a new window Credit: Apple TV+ / Peacock / Netflix Netflix Standard with ads, Peacock Premium, and Apple TV+ $15 per month with Xfinity StreamSaver Get Deal

Last year, Comcast announced its Xfinity StreamSaver package, which includes Netflix Standard with ads ($7.99 per month), Peacock Premium ($10.99 per month), and Apple TV+ ($9.99 per month). Current and new Xfinity Internet or TV customers can add the StreamSaver bundle to their existing services for only $15 per month. Usually, it costs $28.97 per month for all three subscriptions, so you'll save about $13.97 monthly with this package deal.

UPDATE: Oct. 16, 2025, 5:00 p.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest streaming details and prices for "I Know What You Did Last Sumer."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Jingle Bell Heist trailer: Olivia Holt and Connor Swindells join forces and fall in love

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 20:48

Working at department stores during the holiday shopping season should come with hazard pay. Barraged by giddy children hyped up on too many sweets, anxious parents determined to get the perfect gift, and bosses who are total Grinches, these workers too often get too many bad days for too little in return. That's the case for beleaguered handyman Nick (Connor Swindells) and harried retail-worker Sophia (Olivia Holt). So, they decide it's time for a Jingle Bell Heist.

Written by Abby McDonald and Amy Reed, this Netflix holiday original follows its thieving antiheroes as they devise a plan to rob the London department store where they've been ripped off. The goal is a big Christmas Eve score. But while planning their scheme, these two begin to want each other for Christmas. It's an inside job with plenty of holiday cheer.

Lucy Punch, Peter Serafinowicz, and Poppy Drayton co-star in this curious addition to Netflix's ever-growing holiday lineup. Are you ready to have your heart snatched by these beguiling thieves?

Jingle Bell Heist premieres on Netflix on Nov. 26.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Jurassic World Rebirth: Heres when the dino revival is streaming

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 20:45
The best streaming deals to watch 'Jurassic World Rebirth' at a glance: WATCH NOW Buy or rent 'Jurassic World Rebirth' on Prime Video $19.99 or $29.99 Get Deal WATCH NOW Buy or rent 'Jurassic World Rebirth' on Apple TV+ $19.99 or $29.99 Get Deal WATCH LATER Peacock Premium yearly subscription $109.99/year (save 17%) Get Deal WATCH LATER Peacock Premium for Students $2.99/month for 12 months (save $8/month) Get Deal WATCH LATER Peacock Premium for First Responders and Medical Professionals $3.99/month (save $7/month) Get Deal WATCH LATER Peacock Premium for Active Military and Veterans $3.99/month (save $7/month) Get Deal WATCH LATER Peacock Premium for Teachers $3.99/month for 12 months (save $7/month) Get Deal WATCH LATER FOR FREE Peacock Premium annual subscription Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $109.99/year) Get Deal WATCH LATER Peacock Premium Get $3 or $5 cashback per month with World or World Elite Mastercard Get Deal

The Jurassic Park franchise roars on in 2025 with Jurassic World Rebirth — one of the most anticipated movies of the summer. Besides a new star-studded cast, we're most excited about the return of Jurassic Park's original screenwriter, David Koepp.

Directed by Gareth Edwards (Godzilla, Rogue One), it stars Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as a group of people who should know better than to mess with dinosaurs so casually. Nevertheless, they seek out the beasts, and all chaos ensues.

Jurassic World Rebirth landed in theaters July 2, but if you missed it on the big screen, you can officially watch it at home this fall. Here's everything you need to know, including when and where it's streaming.

What is Jurassic World Rebirth about?

Set five years after Jurassic World: Dominion, Rebirth follows an extraction crew (Johansson, Bailey, Ali, and Friend) on an expedition to the original research facility for Jurassic Park. Their mission? To procure DNA from the dinosaurs deemed "too dangerous for the park" for a medical advancement worth trillions.

Check out the official trailer below.

Is Jurassic World Rebirth worth watching?

The last two Jurassic Park movies — Fallen Kingdom and Dominion — were loathed by critics, including Mashable's own, despite making over a billion dollars. So, the bar is set pretty low.

For what it's worth, though, Mashable film critic Kristy Puchko calls Jurassic World Rebirth "the best of the new batch of movies."

"In the end, Jurassic World Rebirth is a rocky ride. Some bits are absolutely exhilarating, while others feel like a chore. But unlike the humans in this franchise, the humans of our world just cannot tire of these incredible beasts, happy to shell out ticket money to get as close as we might to their enormous majesty. And this film, including its hilariously calamitous opening with its requisite kill, will deliver, feeding both all our yearning for excitement and our need for escapism," she writes in her review, adding, "It’s not better than the original, but it’s the closest we’ve come."

Like most of the other Jurassic Park movies (aside from the original), it has a relatively low critic score overall on Rotten Tomatoes, with a solid 70+ audience score. Translation: People can't get enough of these on-screen beasts.

Check out our full review of Jurassic World Rebirth.

How to watch Jurassic World Rebirth at home Credit: Universal Pictures

There are a few different ways you can watch Jurassic World Rebirth at home. You can buy it or rent it on digital for as low as $5.99, or you can stream it on Peacock. See the details below.

Buy or rent it on digital

Jurassic World Rebirth is available as of Aug. 5 to buy or rent at digital-on-demand retailers. Just be aware that with rentals, you'll get 30 days to watch the film and just 48 hours to finish it once you start. If you choose to buy it instead, then it's yours to keep with no watch limits.

Here are some quick links to rent or purchase the film:

Stream it on Peacock

As a Universal Pictures film, it comes as no surprise that Jurassic World Rebirth will make its streaming debut on Peacock on Oct. 30. The digital-to-streaming arc of other recent Universal films (Drop, Wicked, The Woman in the Yard) was between two and three months, so this release is right on par.

Don't have a Peacock subscription? You can sign up for as low as $10.99 per month with ads or $16.99 per month without (thanks to a recent price hike). Before you get ahead of yourself, though, be sure to check out the best ways to save some money on a subscription below.

The best Peacock streaming dealsBest Peacock deal: Save 17% on an annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription $109.99 per year or $169.99 per year (save 17%) Get Deal

If Peacock isn't running any sort of special, the best Peacock deal for most people on any given day is the annual subscription deal. You'll get 12 months of streaming for the price of 10 by paying for a year upfront. While a monthly subscription with ads costs $10.99 per month (which adds up to $131.88), a yearly subscription will only run you $109.99 (which breaks down to about $9.17 per month). That's about 17% in total savings. For those who prefer watching without ads, you'll pay $169.99 per year (which breaks down to about $14.16 per month instead of $16.99).

Best Peacock deal for Xfinity customers: free Peacock Premium for eligible accounts Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / Xfinity Peacock Premium Free for select Xfinity customers Learn More

Xfinity customers should check the eligibility details below before signing up for Peacock, as you might be able to score a subscription without paying a cent. Here's a breakdown of who is eligible to get Peacock for free through Xfinity. You can also head to Xfinity.com for more details.

  • Xfinity Internet customers who are Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can get Peacock Premium for free by redeeming a reward for it. Sign in at xfinity.com/rewards and choose Peacock as a reward. Then, wait for your email (it may take a few hours) with instructions on activating the offer.

  • NOW TV customers can also receive Peacock Premium as part of their service.

  • New customers with Xfinity Internet and an X1 TV Box, Flex streaming TV Box, or a Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity can get Peacock Premium for free for six months.

Best Peacock deal for students: Save $8/month for one year Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Students $2.99 per month for one year (save $8 per month) Get Deal

Students can shave $8 per month off a Peacock Premium subscription for an entire year — that's a total of $96 in savings. You'll need to verify your student status via SheerID and retrieve the unique promo code to knock the cost down to just $2.99 instead of $8.99. Just note that it can only be used once, and after the promo year is up, you'll be charged full price again.

Best Peacock deal for first responders: Save $7/month Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for First Responders and Medical Professionals $3.99 per month (save $7 per month) Get Deal

First responders and medical professionals can secure a Peacock Premium subscription at a discounted rate of $3.99 per month by verifying their professional status via SheerID. Unlike the student deal, however, it's not limited to a year. If you continue to meet verification qualifications, you can renew your subscription at the discounted rate each year — although you may have to go through the verification process each time and receive a new promo code. Learn more about eligibility terms and requirements.

Best for active military and veterans: Save $7/month Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Military $3.99 per month (save $7 per month) Get Deal

Active duty U.S. military service members, Reservists, National Guard members, veterans, or U.S. military retirees can also get Peacock Premium for a discounted rate of $3.99 per month, so long as you can prove your military status using SheerID and continue to meet requirements. You may need to revalidate your status to renew the promotion each year.

Best for teachers: Save $7/month for one year Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Teachers $3.99/month for 12 months (save $7 per month) Get Deal

Educators who can verify their status on SheerID can also score Peacock Premium for just $3.99 per month instead of $10.99. However, the promotion is limited to a year. Once the promotional period ends, you'll be charged full price, so be sure to cancel before the year is up.

Best for Instacart users: free Peacock Premium for Instacart+ subscribers Opens in a new window Credit: Instacart / Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $109.99/year) Get Deal

You'll unlock a free Peacock Premium subscription ($109.99 per year value) by signing up for Instacart+ ($99.99 per year). That's on top of free grocery delivery, lower fees, and credit back on eligible pickup orders. Oh, and here's a pro tip: If you're new to Instacart+, you'll get a free two-week trial to test the waters. That means you can watch Jurassic World Rebirth and plenty more for free if you wait until the streaming debut to sign up. Just be sure to cancel before you're charged.

Best for Mastercard holders: Get up to $5 back per month Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / Mastercard Peacock Premium Get $3 or $5 cashback per month with World or World Elite Mastercard Get Deal

If you sign up for Peacock using an eligible World or World Elite Mastercard, you'll automatically receive a monthly statement credit of $3 for Peacock Premium or $5 for Peacock Premium Plus. That ultimately drops the price of the Premium tier back to $7.99 (its former price before the most recent price hike) and Premium Plus down to $11.99 per month. Learn more about eligibility requirements on the promotional page. The offer ends on Dec. 31, 2025.

UPDATE: Oct. 16, 2025, 3:45 p.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest streaming details and pricing for "Jurassic World Rebirth."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Instagram Teen Accounts: Is it just PR?

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 20:04

On the same day Meta showcased its latest AI gadgets, Brandy Roberts stood outside its headquarters mourning her daughter Englyn — who was just 14 when she died after watching a “how-to” suicide video on Instagram. Brandy wasn’t there as an activist. She was there as a grieving mother demanding answers. Inside, Mark Zuckerberg fumbled through live demos of glitchy smart glasses and AI tools. Outside, grieving families demanded accountability. Meta’s silence spoke volumes: Growth over grief, product over protection, optics over safety. 

Meta’s failures aren’t new. Back in 2019, approximately 440,000 minors received follower requests from accounts previously flagged for predatory behavior. Since then, the company has focused on convincing users and lawmakers it can police itself — launching promotional campaigns like Instagram Teen accounts despite mounting evidence to the contrary.

Instagram Teen Accounts were marketed as a breakthrough in youth safety — with AI age detection, nudity filters, and location alerts. But independent audits found only 8 of 47 safety tools were effective. Teens still encountered sexualized content, self-harm imagery, and predatory behavior. Meta’s updates seem to be more about perception than protection.

New reporting from Heat Initiative, ParentsTogether Action, and Design It For Us reveals the dark reality of the teen experience on Instagram Teen accounts. Surveying 800 users aged 13–15, the report found that nearly half encountered unsafe content or unwanted messages in just the past month. Half said Instagram’s algorithm recommended suspicious adult-run accounts, and 65 percent hadn’t seen a single "take a break" notification — a feature Meta touts as a screen-time safeguard. These findings underscore a growing pattern: Meta’s promotional campaigns promise peace of mind, but the lived experience of young users tells a story of persistent exposure to harm. The discrepancy between marketing and reality isn’t just misleading — it’s dangerous.

And now, Heat Initiative and ParentsTogether Action have released a video showing exactly what kind of content teens are served on Instagram Teen accounts — content so inappropriate that even sharing it for advocacy feels ethically fraught. Watching these clips, I felt the same discomfort that Meta should feel every time its algorithm pushes similar material to millions of young users. If it feels wrong to show these videos to adults for advocacy, why does Meta feel justified in serving them to children at scale?

Platforms like Meta will continue to exploit their users — especially children — until we, the users, reclaim our power and demand a better digital community. One that values connection and public good over profit.

I left Instagram after witnessing parents like Brandy protest in NYC. It wasn’t easy — most of my friends stayed. But each month, I’m reminded that I have the power to choose platforms that value me, not exploit me. I do it for my younger self. For future generations. For the survivors I love. And for the children who can’t be here.

So next time you see organizations or influencers partnering with Meta, ask yourself: Is this about safety or optics? Just yesterday, Meta claimed its Instagram Teen experience would now be "guided by PG‑13 movie ratings." But the Motion Picture Association quickly clarified it was never consulted and called Meta’s claim "inaccurate." Once again, Meta borrows credibility it hasn’t earned, using trusted labels to mask persistent harm. When PR becomes the product and partnerships become shields, we owe it to ourselves — and our children — to look closer.

This article reflects the opinion of the writer.

Lennon Torres is a Public Voices Fellow on Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse with The OpEd Project. She is an LGBTQ+ advocate who grew up in the public eye, gaining national recognition as a young dancer on television shows. With a deep passion for storytelling, advocacy, and politics, Lennon now works to center the lived experience of herself and others as she crafts her professional career in online child safety at Heat Initiative. The opinions reflected in this piece are those of Lennon Torres as an individual and not of the entities she is part of. Lennon’s substack: https://substack.com/@lennontorres1

Categories: IT General, Technology

Still havent seen The Substance? Heres how to watch it at home.

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 19:40
How to watch 'The Substance' at a glance: BEST NON-STREAMING OPTION Rent 'The Substance' on digital $5.99 at Prime Video Get Deal BEST MUBI DEAL Mubi annual subscription Free 7-day trial, then $119.88/year (save 33%) Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Mubi for Students Free 30-day trial, then $9.99/month (save $5/month) Get Deal Best HBO Max deal HBO Max Basic annual plan $99.99/year (save $19.89) Get Deal Best for students HBO Max Basic for students $4.99/month for 12 months (save $5/month) Get Deal Get HBO Max for free HBO Max Basic With Ads Free for DashPass annual plan subscribers (save $9.99/month) Get Deal Get HBO Max for free HBO Max Basic with Ads Free with Cricket Supreme Unlimited Plan (save $9.99/month) Get Deal

"Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself?" So asks The Substance, Coralie Fargeat's sophomore feature, winner of the Best Screenplay award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and 2025 Best Picture Oscar nominee. While it's been streaming on Mubi for the past year, the body horror romp is broadening its streaming horizons this fall.

The Hollywood ageism satire stars Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid, and positive word of mouth made the horror movie a surprise hit. If you still haven't seen it — or if you want to rewatch it this spooky season — here's everything you need to know about how to watch The Substance at home and online, including when and where it's streaming and the best deals to save some money.

What is The Substance about?

The Substance stars Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle, a former A-lister who's fired from her fitness TV program for the unforgivable crime of aging. Battling with crippling Hollywood ageism, she's introduced to a new drug known as "the Substance." A single injection is all it takes for Elisabeth to be reborn as the beautiful and youthful Sue (Margaret Qualley), who then begins her own rise through Hollywood.

Of course, there's always a catch. The Substance forces you to split time between your two bodies; Elisabeth must spend exactly seven days as herself, then seven days as Sue. When she messes with the balance, things get...bloody.

Check out the official trailer:

Is The Substance worth watching?

The Substance has become the most successful box office release for arthouse distributor and streamer Mubi. The bold and bloody film created a ton of buzz, with audiences giving it a 74 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The critics' rating is even more impressive with a glowing 89 percent.

"Audaciously gross, wickedly clever, and possibly Demi Moore's finest hour, The Substance is a gasp-inducing feat from writer-director Coralie Fargeat," the critics consensus reads on Rotten Tomatoes.

While Mashable's own reviewer wasn't a big fan, writing that the "horror sci-fi plot of The Substance feels incomplete," most reviews are very positive. The film even earned itself a nomination for Best Picture at the 2025 Academy Awards.

Just be warned, many folks will be squirming in their seats over the amount of blood and gore. It is a body horror movie, after all.

How can I watch The Substance at home? Credit: Mubi Buy or rent on digital

The Substance made its digital retail debut on Oct. 31, 2024, meaning it's available for purchase at video-on-demand retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV+ for $19.99. The film is also available to rent for just $5.99. With rentals, you'll get 30 days to start watching, but just 48 hours once you begin.

Here are some quick links to purchase the film on digital:

Stream it on Mubi or HBO Max

As a Mubi original film, Mubi has been the exclusive streaming home for The Substance since it made its debut on Oct. 31, 2024. While Mubi is definitely a worthy subscription for cinephiles, it's not generally in most people's streaming lineups. So we were thrilled to learn that the movie has now made its way to a new streamer as of Oct. 10, 2025: HBO Max. This Halloween season, the campy body horror gem is finally available to a wider audience.

Mubi subscriptions start at $14.99 per month, while HBO Max subscriptions start at $9.99 per month. We've rounded up a few ways to save some money on both streamers below.

The best HBO Max streaming dealsBest for most people: Save 16% on HBO Max Basic annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max Basic with ads yearly subscription $99.99 per year (save $19.89) Get Deal

You can save about 16% (compared to a monthly plan) if you choose an annual plan and pay upfront for a year of HBO Max. The Basic plan with ads typically goes for $9.99 per month, but if you go annual, that cost drops to about $8.33 per month — a yearly total of just $99.99. We think this is the best HBO Max streaming deal for most people — although, if you cannot stand ads, the Max Standard annual subscription is the next-best deal at $169.99.

Get HBO Max for free: Switch to Cricket's Supreme Unlimited plan Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max / Cricket HBO Max Basic free with Cricket Supreme Unlimited Plan Get Deal

Want to get HBO Max for free? Switch your phone plan to Cricket's $60 per month Supreme Unlimited plan. It includes HBO Max Basic (with ads) for no extra cost. When you open up the HBO Max app, you'll just select Cricket as your provider and use your credentials to log in.

Get HBO Max for free: Sign up for DashPass annual plan Opens in a new window Credit: DoorDash / HBO Max HBO Max (with ads) Free with DashPass annual plan ($8/month) Get Deal

Another way you can get HBO Max for free in 2025 is through DoorDash's annual DashPass plan, which costs $96 per year ($8 per month). A DashPass membership gets you $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible DoorDash orders all year long, plus free streaming (with ads) through HBO Max. Just activate your HBO Max Basic subscription through your DoorDash account to get started. If you'd rather watch ad-free, you can upgrade for a discounted rate.

Best HBO Max deal for students: Save 50% on HBO Max Basic with ads Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max Student $4.99 per month for 12 months Get Deal

College students can enjoy an entire year of HBO Max Basic (with ads) for half price. Verify your student status with UNiDAYS and use the discount code you receive to drop the price from $9.99 to $4.99 per month. Once the year is through, your subscription will go back up to full price unless you cancel.

Best Mubi streaming dealsBest overall: Save 33% on an annual Mubi subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Mubi logo Mubi annual subscription 7-day free trial, then $119.88/year (save 33%) Get Deal

If you're a movie lover and want to stick around to enjoy more than just The Substance, you can save 33% by paying for a year of Mubi upfront. An annual Mubi subscription costs $119.88 per year, which breaks down to just $9.99 per month instead of the usual $14.99 per month. You'll still get a seven-day free trial to kick off your subscription as well.

Best for students: Save $5/month on Mubi student subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Mubi logo Mubi for students 30-day free trial, then $9.99/month (save $5/month) Get Deal

Students really get the winning deal here. If you can prove your student status, you can sign up for Mubi for free for 30 days, then get a discounted subscription for just $9.99 per month. That's $5/month cheaper than a typical subscription. Plus, with 30 free days, you'll have plenty of time to watch The Substance and lots of other films before even paying a cent.

UPDATE: Oct. 16, 2025, 2:40 p.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest streaming information regarding "The Substance," as well as the latest deals.

Categories: IT General, Technology

OpenAI announces well-being advisory group, as the company claims to have mitigated safety concerns

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 18:43

OpenAI has formed an advisory council to monitor user well-being and AI safety, the company announced this week. The eight-person group will be tasked with defining standards for healthy AI interactions across age groups.

The announcement came alongside an X post by CEO Sam Altman stating that the company has been able to successfully mitigate the "serious mental health issues" posed by the use of its products — Altman then went on to explain that ChatGPT would begin to allow more adult content, including erotica, in chats. OpenAI is currently facing its first wrongful death lawsuit, following allegations that ChatGPT played a role in the death by suicide of a young teen.

SEE ALSO: Anthropic’s latest AI model, Claude Haiku 4.5, doubles down on speed and safety

Council members include academics from Boston Children’s Hospital's Digital Wellness Lab and Stanford’s Digital Mental Health Clinic, as well as experts in psychology, psychiatry, and human-computer interaction.

"We remain responsible for the decisions we make, but we’ll continue learning from this council, the Global Physician Network, policymakers, and more, as we build advanced AI systems in ways that support people’s well-being," the company wrote in a blog post.

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

Last week, YouGov published a survey of 1,500 Americans that found just 11 percent were open to using AI to improve their mental health. Only 8 percent of respondents said they trusted the technology to be used in this space.

Broadly, generative AI companions have raised serious concerns among mental health experts, including the rise of what has been coined AI psychosis among chronic users of chatbot companions. AI companies have continued to launch mental health products, as more and more Americans turn to AI to answer mental health questions and receive support from digital stand-ins — despite a dearth of evidence that could prove its efficacy.

Federal regulators are investigating the role of generative AI and chatbot companions in the growing mental health crisis, as well, especially among teens. Several states have banned AI-powered chatbots advertised as therapeutic assistants. In the last month, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a series of bills that attempt to regulate AI and its societal impacts, including mandating safety reporting for AI companies and protocols that protect teen users from exposure to sexual content. The latter law, SB 243, also requires companies institute a system for addressing suicidal ideation, suicide, and self-harm.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Suspects use Apple AirTag to track, ambush Florida couple

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 17:51

Apple's AirTag device has a knack for saving people from serious headaches, but as one Florida couple found out, it can also be used for nefarious means.

A couple in the Tampa area fell victim to an attempted abduction at their home after two would-be captors allegedly planted an AirTag on the couple's SUV, tracking them to their house, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (via the New York Post). The two suspects, Odardy Maldonado-Rodriguez and Luis Charles, approached the victims as they exited their car and forced them inside the garage at gunpoint.

Luckily, a home alarm went off and the suspects fled shortly thereafter. Police then came and found the AirTag underneath the SUV. Both suspects were tracked down, arrested, and charged with multiple crimes, including armed kidnapping, armed burglary, and illegal installation of a tracking device.

How to know if an unwanted AirTag has been planted near you This is what the alert looks like. Credit: Apple

This is obviously a terrifying situation that could theoretically happen to anyone, so fortunately, Apple has a potential solution for it:

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services

  2. Turn Location Services on

  3. Scroll down and go to System Services, then turn on Significant Locations

  4. Turn on Bluetooth

  5. Go to Settings > Notifications > Tracking Notifications

  6. Turn on Allow Notifications

Once you've done all of that, you should be eligible to receive an alert on your phone anytime an unknown AirTag is on or near you. Tapping the push notification will open Find My, which will give you some assistance in finding the AirTag so you can remove it.

Of course, that's just for iPhone users. Android users also have the ability to be alerted about unwanted tracking devices. Here's how to do it:

  1. Go to Settings > Safety & emergency > Unknown tracker alerts

  2. Turn on Allow Alerts if it's not already turned on

Categories: IT General, Technology

Are Venmo and PayPal down? Users report issues on October 16 for payment services

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 17:35

UPDATE: Oct. 16, 2025, 2:08 p.m. PayPal acknowledged a Thursday outage in a statement to Mashable, but said the problem has been fixed. "PayPal and Venmo experienced a brief service disruption that has since been resolved," a spokesperson wrote in an email.

UPDATE: Oct. 16, 2025, 12:59 p.m. EDT The number of user-reported issues for PayPal and Venmo dropped off precipitously on Down Detector, indicating the problem had been resolved. The payment services' status page indicated all services were operational.

Both Venmo and PayPal saw a spike in user-reported issues on Down Detector on Thursday, Oct. 16. That signaled the payment services could be having issues.

(Disclosure: Down Detector is owned by Ziff Davis, which also owns Mashable.)

PayPal and Venmo are part of the same company, so it tracks that both might experience problems at the same time. I was able to access Venmo on my phone at about 12:25 p.m. ET, but there remained a number of complaints online from folks who could not do the same.

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

Users began reporting issues with the payment services on Down Detector at around 11 a.m. ET. PayPal's status page indicated all its services, including Venmo, were operational at about 12:30 p.m., but it remained unclear if all users' issues were actually resolved.

This story is developing and will be updated as necessary...

Categories: IT General, Technology

The new Apple products are now live at Amazon — heres where to preorder

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 17:33
Where to preorder the new Apple products at Amazon: Now available Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5) Starting at $1,599 Pre-Order Here Available now Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5) Starting at $999 Pre-Order Here Available now Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M5) Starting at $1,299 Pre-Order Here

Just a month after Apple released its new iPhone and Apple Watch lineup, it has unveiled the new bombshell M5 chip — and with it, four new products.

The M5 chip features a 10-core CPU and GPU with a Neural Accelerator in every GPU core and is said to deliver 3.5 times faster AI performance than the M4 chip. If it wasn't clear before, Apple is going all in on AI. The powerful new chip can be found in a new 14-inch MacBook Pro, 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro, and Vision Pro.

Though the new products won't start shipping until next week, you can be among the first to secure the goods by pre-ordering. The MacBook Pro and iPad Pros are already available for pre-order at Amazon as of Oct. 16 (you'll have to head to the Apple Store to pre-order the Vision Pro). We've rounded up the details for your below.

14-inch M5 MacBook Pro

The M5 MacBook Pro is a whole lot like its predecessor. It comes with the same 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, 24-hour battery life, black and silver color options, 12MP Center Stage camera, and six-speaker sound system. It's only big upgrade is, of course, the super-powered M5 chip, which is said to offer 1.6x faster graphics, and 2x faster SSD speeds compared to the M4. It can also be configured with up to 4TB of storage, while the previous generation only offered a max of 1TB.

The M5 MacBook Pro base model comes with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage for a starting price of $1,599. Pre-orders are open at Amazon and they'll start shipping on Oct. 22.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5) Starting at $1,599 Pre-order Here M5 iPad Pro

The new iPad Pro adds the M5 chip to make it the most laptop-like iPad to date. It's also the lightest and thinnest model yet, with an enhanced display, longer battery life, faster memory bandwidth, faster charging, and faster storage read and write speeds. It comes in 11-inch and 13-inch options in Space Black and Silver finishes and gives users the option to upgrade storage up to 2TB and RAM up to 16GB.

The M5 iPad Pro base models start at $999 for the 11-inch and $1,299 for the 13-inch and are available for pre-order at Amazon today, shipping on Oct. 22.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5) Starting at $999 Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M5) Starting at $1,299 Pre-order Here
Categories: IT General, Technology

Apples AI executives keep leaving for Meta

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 17:29

There's no doubt about it. When compared with their competitors, Apple is behind in the AI race. Companies like Google and Microsoft have already established artificial intelligence into the core of many products and features. Apple, on the other hand, has struggled in getting its own Apple Intelligence into the hands of consumers, some of whom are now suing the company over false advertising of those AI features.

Apple's attempts to catch up in the AI space are hitting major roadblocks too. Case in point, yet another Apple AI executive has been poached by Meta, the parent company behind Facebook and Instagram.

SEE ALSO: Apple is reportedly tapping Google to help with an AI search tool to rival OpenAI

According to a new report from Bloomberg, Ke Yang, Apple's newly-appointed head of Answers, Knowledge and Information (AKI) is leaving the company for Meta. Yang had just recently been promoted into the role as of a few weeks ago, according to the report.

Apple's AKI team is working on the company's new ChatGPT-esque AI search product, including the long-awaited AI-upgrade to the iPhone's Siri voice assistant. The AI search feature will allow Siri to search for real-time information from the web and incorporate that into its responses to users.

Yang was promoted to the head of AKI after Apple's previous senior director of the team, Robby Walker, announced he was leaving the company just last month

While it's unclear where Walker is headed at this time, he's far from the first Apple AI executive to depart the company. And, much like Yang, many of those departing are headed to Meta.

As 9to5Mac points out, Apple’s former Lead AI Researcher for Robotics Jian Zhang, Apple's former AI models head Ruoming Pang, and Apple's AI lead on cloud infrastructure, training and search Frank Chu have all left for Meta over the past few months.

Apple is hoping its upcoming Apple Intelligence features, along with the upgraded Siri, will catch the company up when it comes to AI. If not, we may see even more departures from Apple's AI team.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Use this exclusive promo code to save 30% on a Nomad eSIM

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 16:27

SAVE 30%: Use discount code MASH30 to save 30% on a Nomad eSIM between now and the end of 2025.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nomad Nomad eSIM use code MASH30 to save 30% Get Deal

I'm old enough to remember leaving home for a trip to Thailand with an international calling card in my backpack. I kept in touch with my family by popping into Internet cafes to send an email or chat over Skype (RIP). Thankfully, those days are long gone and now you can take off for an international trip with an eSIM already installed on your phone. If you plan to travel to a new country in 2025, check out this deal on an eSIM.

Until the end of 2025, use promo code MASH30 at checkout to save 30% on a Nomad eSIM plan.

We have plenty of travel hacks these days like noise-cancelling headphones and a Bluetooth dongle that allows you to watch the seat-back screen with said noise-cancelling headphones. But once you arrive at your destination, you'll want to tap into the convenience of an eSIM (stands for embedded SIM, btw) and Nomad covers over 200 countries and regions.

Instead of wandering around the airport trying to not get scammed when buying a local SIM card, the Nomad eSIM allows you to download the app and install the eSIM on your phone digitally with no need to mess with a physical card. Nomad eSIMs work on both Android phones and iPhones, so long as your phone is unlocked. Check out Nomad's list of compatible devices here.

Nomad offers both country-specific and region plans. Heading to Japan? Snag a 3GB plan that's good for 3 days for only $8 or go with unlimited data in Japan for ten days for just $31. That's $3 per day for knowing you have unlimited access to Google Maps for train navigation and restaurant reviews.

SEE ALSO: The Kindle is my ultimate travel essential — here's why

Regional plans are the way to go if your trip takes you to several countries. The Nomad Europe travel eSIM works in 35 countries, so you won't need to switch to a new eSIM every time you cross a border. The Nomad Europe plans start at just $5.50.

Add "get eSIM" to your to-do list before you head out on your next international adventure. Use code MASH30 at checkout with Nomad eSIM to score a sweet 30% discount. This code is valid until the end of 2025, but it'll still work for trips in January or February of 2026. Once you buy a Nomad eSIM you have 60 days to activate the plan. It won't start automatically on purchase, so you're in great shape for any trips between now and February. Bon voyage!

Categories: IT General, Technology

Scoop up this DJI Mic Mini bundle for $40 off before it goes out of stock

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 16:11

SAVE $40: As of Oct. 16, get the DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX) for $79, down from its usual price of $119 at Amazon. That's a discount of 34%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DJI Mic Mini $79 at Amazon
$119 Save $40   Get Deal

Whether you're a creator or someone who casually shoots video or other multimedia content for your own purposes, a good mic can be important. It can also be hard to find. The perfectly portable DJI Mic Mini, part of several DJI products that are becoming hard to find, is a TikTok-approved favorite for a reason, and it's finally back in stock at Amazon for a great price.

As of Oct. 16, get the DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX) for $79, down from its usual price of $119 at Amazon. That's $40 off and a discount of 34%.

SEE ALSO: DJI fights U.S. government classification as 'Chinese military company,' appeals ruling

This diminutive setup comes with two transceivers and one receiver that boast up to 10 hours of battery life, so you can create as long as you need without having to stop to recharge. The mics weight just 10g and be attached to your subjects via lanyard, clip on to a collar or shirt, or stay put as a magnetic attachment.

Despite being ultra small, however, the mics produce big sound with high-quality audio. They have a 400m max transmission range and use DJI's OsmoAudio for better connectivity with the DJI ecosystem, should you be using products from the DJI Osmo line. You also get powerful noise cancellation with two levels available: Basic and Strong so you can tweak to what works best.

Given the mic bundle's sale price, you'll likely see these go out of stock again soon, so if you're interested in a serious audio upgrade, it's a good idea to grab these while you still can.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Even Google Messages could get Nano Banana

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 16:05

Google seems to be dead-set on adding Nano Banana — aka its Gemini 2.5 Flash Image-powered AI tool — into nearly all of its products.

Android Authority reported that it discovered a version of Google Messages that "includes code that points to the introduction of Nano Banana functionality in the messaging app." The tech-focused site wrote that it found a banana icon in Google Messages that did not yet do anything. But given the finding, it doesn't seem like a stretch that Nano Banana would soon be integrated into Google Messages.

SEE ALSO: 6 Google Gemini AI photo prompts to try

To wit, the AI image tool has already been added to many of Google's products, including Google Search, NotebookLM, and, soon enough, Photos. Nano Banana functions like most other AI image tools — you deliver a text prompt, perhaps upload an image, and it spits out results. Folks have been especially impressed with its ability to edit or work with photos.

If you use Google products, hopefully you're a fan of the AI image tool, because it appears it will soon be integrated into just about everything the company does.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Windows 11 can now automatically switch between light and dark modes. How to do it

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 15:40

There's a new Windows utility that might make using the Microsoft operating system easier on the eyes.

Meet Light Switch, the newest member of the Microsoft "PowerToys" portfolio. In case you're not familiar, PowerToys is an app you can download that features an expanding set of tools for, well, Windows power users. Light Switch is a new one packaged with PowerToys 0.95, as outlined in a Microsoft blog post. The way it works is that it switches your OS from light mode to dark mode, and back again, depending on the time of day. When the sun sets, light mode switches to dark, but you can also set custom times, if you'd like.

SEE ALSO: Windows 10 life support ends Oct. 14. Here’s what will happen.

You can use Light Switch by downloading PowerToys from Microsoft and making sure it's updated to the latest build. Once you have it installed, you have some options at your disposal. Aside from the custom time option mentioned previously, you can also choose which elements of the OS switch modes; you can make everything do it, or just the shell, or just apps. The world is your oyster.

Have fun embracing the darkness, folks.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get the MacBook Pro with M4 chip for $200 off ahead of the new MacBook drop

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 15:34

SAVE $200: As of Oct. 16, get the Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) for just $1,399. That saves $200 off its list price of $1,599 for 13% savings. Not quite its lowest price ever, but still a good deal.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,399 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $200   Get Deal

A new product drop can only mean one thing — a price cut. On Oct. 15, Apple dropped three new products all loaded with the latest silicon, the M5 chip. Among the latest includes a MacBook Pro with M5 chip, a laptop that's sure to be one of the fastest, most advanced yet. But until we get our hands-on the new MacBook, we're still looking to the M4 model, which conveniently got a price cut.

As of Oct. 16, the 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro with M4 chip, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD, is down to $1,399.99. That saves $200 off its list price of $1,599.99. Those 13% savings are pretty good, though admittedly not its lowest price ever.

The MacBook Pro with M4 chip, is the most advanced MacBook we've tested. It has a higher-res display, a mix of ports, better ports, and more efficient performance than the MacBook Air. Sure, it's a little more expensive, but it's a laptop made for professionals. Earning a 15,199 on the Geekbench 6 multi-core test, it's the sixth-fastest laptop we've ever tested, so if you're cautious about making the investment, just know it lives up to its price.

Get the Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) for just $1,399 at Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Bluetti Apex 300 portable power station just got $800 cheaper

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 15:28

SAVE $800: As of Oct. 16, the Bluetti Apex 300 portable power station is on sale for $1,599 instead of its usual $2,399 at Amazon. That's a savings of 33% or $800.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Apex 300 portable power station $1,599 at Amazon
$2,399 Save $800   Get Deal

In the golden age of camping and a time when extreme weather is becoming more prevalent, our need for power sources is becoming more complex. That's why portable power stations are having a moment. And as of Oct. 16, one of our favorites — the Bluetti Apex 300 — is on sale for $800 less than usual.

If you're in the market for a portable power station that can do more than just charge your phone or LED lights, the Bluetti Apex 300 is a beast that's down to just $1,599 at Amazon today. That's 33% off its usual cost of $2,399 and just a few bucks shy of its best price ever.

Recently named one of Time Magazine's best inventions of 2025, the Apex 300 offers 2,764.8Wh of power storage with 3,840W output, which is enough to power full-size refrigerators, AC units, and entire RVs. It packs four typical AC outlets and two more robust AC outlets (NEMA TT-30R and NEMA 14-50R output ports) and has a voltage switch to toggle between 120V and 240V depending on your needs. It's also designed to be expandable, so you can add to it to build a system to run your entire household.

It weighs almost 84 pounds on its own, so it's not exactly the most portable of power stations. As Mashable's reviewer states, "It’s certainly not something you want to move around often, honing in that the Apex 300 is ideal for RV trips, van life, off-grid homes, or for whole-home backup." For a quick weekend camping trip, it might be a bit of overkill, depending on what kind of shenanigans you see yourself getting into. But if you're into longer jaunts, it's probably the right call.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hand off cleaning duties to the robots with $500 off the Dreame X50 Ultra

Thu, 10/16/2025 - 15:22

SAVE $500: As of Oct. 16, get the Dreame X50 Ultra for $1,099.99, down from its usual price of $1,599.99. That's a discount of 31%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Dreame X50 Ultra $1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,599.99 Save $500   Get Deal

Tired of spending all your time manually cleaning your home and keeping it tidy? You might want to go ahead and invest in a robot vacuum. You don't have to worry about doing absolutely everything when you have one, instead you can sit back, relax, and let it handle all the nitty-gritty of cleaning.

As of Oct. 16, get the Dreame X50 Ultra for $1,099.99, down from its usual price of $1,599.99. That's $500 off and a discount of 31%.

SEE ALSO: The best robot vacuums in 2025

The Dreame X50 Ultra just launched earlier this year after its initial announcement at CES. It's already on sale again, which means you can get this feature-rich robot vacuum for a great price. Not only can it use its lifting wheels to boost it off the ground for dealing with thicker carpeting and other obstacles of up to 2.36 inches, but it can handle getting over bigger thresholds as well.

It can also lower its height to 3.5 inches, which lets is clean under furniture. It uses an AI camera with LED lights and LiDAR to make sure it's not hitting obstacles and properly navigating through your home.

It's not just a vacuum, either. It's also a mop that can clean up messy hard floors when the vacuuming is all done, with special tailored modes to get through each cleaning task in the most efficient manner. And when it's done, it can return to its base to self-empty and clean itself up so you can get back to your cleaning schedule.

If you're ready for a quick and easy way to clean house, splurge on this robot vacuum and mop combo for an efficient setup.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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