Mashable

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key specs include:

• Noise cancellation: Yes

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

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

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

• Weight: 260 grams

• Ports: USB-C and 3.5mm headphone jack

• Microphone: Unidirectional, detachable

• Battery life: 30 hours

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

• Travel case: Fabric pouch included

The H9 II was designed for professional gamers

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

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

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

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

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

Sony Inzone H9 II: My first impressions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Long Walk hits theaters Sept. 12.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is there anything the internet loves more than dogs? (Cat people, I can't hear you!)

Well, a love of dogs is a key ingredient to what makes Good Boy such a fantastic horror movie premise. The trailer for the IFC Films release dropped yesterday, painting a creepy portrait of an adorable dog in mortal peril! Co-writer/director Ben Leonberg centers his film on Indy, his own family's dog, who has incredible star power. The premise is simple: a dog is in a haunted house where his owner can't sense the spirits that could harm them both. And you know what that means: the dog could die.

The immediate reaction to the trailer on X was movie fans (and dog lovers) concerned over this very question:

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Now, this is actually a major point of tension in the film. Sure, it's common for the stakes in a horror movie to be life or death — but with people.The very existence of a website dedicated to learning if the dog dies in any given movie suggests we as a species are more terrified of seeing a sweet dog being killed onscreen than hordes of horny teens or even ghost-plagued children. And Indy isn't just any dog. As the trailer and my review out of SXSW proclaims, he's a star. That led me to confess, "The resulting horror movie had me yelping like I was a kid seeing her first scary movie."

That was in no small part because I didn't know how this movie would end, and I was very invested. But hey, if your stress levels demand to know before you go how things shake out for the eponymous Good Boy, we've got you. Before you get misinformation from trolls on social media or misled by AI chatbots, Mashable will answer this question, from someone who has seen, reviewed, and loved Good Boy.

One final word of warning: Spoilers for the end of Good Boy below:

Does Indy the dog survive Good Boy? Indy, the Goodest of boys. Credit: IFC Films

Indy the dog lives.

Now, with this comfort in mind, I sincerely recommend you check out Good Boy. Indy is waiting to be discovered.

Good Boy opens in theaters Oct. 3.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: The best robot vacuums in 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SAVE $99.01: As of Aug. 19, get the Apple iPad (10th Gen) for $399.99 at Amazon. That's down from its usual price of $499.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple iPad (10th Gen) $399.99 at Amazon
$499 Save $99.01 Get Deal

It's never a bad time to get a tablet. It's officially time to head back to school, so make sure you or your kids are equipped with a great device to kick off the year. And if you've already prepped for that, maybe just treat yourself or the family to an iPad that won't break the bank as much as some of the newer models might at present.

As of Aug. 19, get the Apple iPad (10th Gen) for $399.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $499. That's $99.01 off and a discount of 20% on list price.

SEE ALSO: The best tablets: iPads are great, but have you tried literally anything else?

This isn't the latest and greatest iPad by any means, but that doesn't mean it's a slouch, not by a long shot. It's actually been discontinued, which means it's not officially listed as up for grabs via the official Apple website, but it's still obtainable through third-party retailers lke Amazon, where it frequently goes on sale.

This is a thin, lightweight, and sleek iPad design that boasts a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. It uses the A14 Bionic chip for impressive performance and multitasking that can power you through just about any use case, whether that's gaming, watching your favorite shows and movies, or getting some work done on the go.

It's perfect for hanging out in meetings and Zoom calls as well, and if you have virtual classes to attend, it can facilitate that too with its 12MP Ultra Wide front camera and 12MP back camera with 4K video support.

There's a lot to love about this older model, especially the price, so grab one while it's still in stock.

We've all been there: You sent a text message that you instantly regretted, either because it was sent to the wrong person, or you had a change of heart. Now, Android users can fix their mistakes.

As initially spotted by Android Authority, the ability to unsend text messages after they've been fired off into the ether is rolling out widely to Android users. Simply highlight a text you sent, tap the trashcan icon, and you can either choose to delete the message just for yourself, or for everyone else in the chat.

SEE ALSO: Messages between Android, iPhones could get end-to-end encryption soon

Android Authority noted that this was coming all the way back in February, but it seems to be available to the general public now. For those keeping score at home, this is a very rare instance of Apple having done something in iOS before Google could do it in Android; iOS users have had the ability to edit and unsend text messages for a while now.

That said, it's not a competition, and this feature will help you avoid some very awkward conversations. As always, the best way to prevent bad situations it to not send the questionable text in the first place.

More information about the massive Allianz Life data breach has reportedly been revealed and it is decidedly not good. Like very not good.

The data breach notification site Have I Been Pwned reported that 1.1 million customers had their data stolen from Allianz Life, which is a major insurance provider. The data in question included email addresses, names, genders, dates of birth, phone numbers and physical addresses. At least some social security numbers were breached as well.

Allianz Life has not confirmed Have I been Pwned's number of customers affected by the breach, but the new info tracks with the relatively limited details shared by the company so far.

"On July 16, 2025, a malicious threat actor gained access to a third-party, cloud-based [customer relationship management] system used by Allianz Life,” Allianz Life spokesperson Brett Weinberg told TechCrunch in July. "The threat actor was able to obtain personally identifiable data related to the majority of Allianz Life’s customers, financial professionals, and select Allianz Life employees, using a social engineering technique."

It's never good when the "majority" of your customers are affected and now it seems we have a possible figure of 1.1 million.

If you're a customer of the insurance company, it feels safe to assume your info has been breached. Update your passwords accordingly.

If you’re not yet familiar with POCO smartphones, you want to be. As Xiaomi’s spinoff brand, POCO is a global go-to for sleek Android phones with top specs, standout battery life, brilliant displays, and prices that still let you indulge in your daily iced-matcha fix.

Now that POCO is getting more notice in the market, maybe it’s time you got dialed in. And there’s no better place to get in on the POCO buzz — and deals — than the brand’s virtual Carnival event, Aug. 13 – 27.

POCO’s sizzling phone lineup works with T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, and Tello in the US, and the brand’s ethos of “everything you need, nothing you don’t” will strike a chord with anyone who wants a solid and incredibly affordable phone for everyday use, gaming, and streaming.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the fun and deals to be had during the POCO 2025 event. 

Play interactive games and win cool prizes

POCO Carnival will offer massive price slashes on the brand’s latest and most popular smartphones — including the POCO F7*, F7 Ultra*, F7 Pro*, X7*, X7 Pro*, and new M7* — but the online celebration is also packed with immersive fan experiences and giveaways on Facebook and X you don’t want to miss. Other than the deals, POCO Carnival aims to connect its community through engaging social media challenges, interactive contests, and special rewards for loyal fans.

Credit: POCO

From Aug. 14, the Ride Bold Challenge invites fans to tackle a word puzzle packed with POCO-related keywords and a visual hunt for POCO’s virtual avatar Rydr hidden in graphic art. Starting Aug. 20, Win Loud – #MyPOCO7Years celebrates POCO’s 7th anniversary by inviting fans to share their favorite memories — from their first POCO phone to their boldest adventures — for a chance to win exclusive souvenirs.

And, of course, all of the fun is complemented by sweet deals on select POCO smartphones.

The POCO F7 Ultra is a premium device at a killer price Opens in a new window Credit: POCO F7 Ultra From $509 during POCO Carnival Get Deal

With a starting price of $509 during Carnival, the F7 Ultra is a mighty beast that’s priced right. As the first Ultra model in the flagship line, F7 Ultra's biggest flex may be its Snapdragon® 8 Elite processor, while the 5,300mAh battery, paired with 120W wired and 50W wireless charging, will give you a full day of play on a single charge.

Add in the 50-megapixel triple camera and 60-millimeter floating telephoto camera and this device will do you right. The banana-yellow color is particularly grabbable.

The POCO F7 Pro is a slick gadget with a potent chipset Opens in a new window Credit: POCO F7 Pro From $379 during POCO Carnival Get Deal

If you want flagship-tier power, excellent battery life, and a gorgeous display without blowing your budget, the POCO F7 Pro delivers on all fronts. The Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 chip tackles everyday tasks with ease, and the 2K 120Hz AMOLED display is a joy to look at. The massive 6,000mAh battery is also boosted by 90W HyperCharge capabilities for fast juicing. 

Aesthetics are another perk here, as the F7 Pro’s sleek, symmetrical curves feel great in your hand. Nab one starting at just $379 during POCO Carnival. 

POCO X7 Pro slays as a phone and gaming device Opens in a new window Credit: POCO X7 Pro From $259 during POCO Carnival Get Deal

Starting at an eye-popping $259 during POCO Carnival, the POCO X7 Pro offers speedy performance, solid build quality, and a sharp screen, delivering the specs you want at a very doable price. The Dimensity 8400-Ultra chipset’s blazing-fast performance and gaming capabilities seem like they’re worth more than the sticker price alone.

The device’s sharp CrystalRes 1.5K AMOLED display is capable of a 120Hz refresh rate, and ultra-slim bezels enhance your viewing pleasure even more. From pocket gaming to watching shows and scrolling cat videos, the screen’s punchy colors and pure blacks sing. 

The new POCO M7 packs a dreamy screen, starting at $129 Opens in a new window Credit: POCO M7 From $129 during POCO Carnival Get Deal

If you’re big on entertainment specs, the POCO M7 launches at Carnival this year and will be unbelievably priced at $129 for the event. Don’t let the cost fool you — the Snapdragon® 685 chip (expandable up to 16GB RAM) is ready for tasking, gaming, and streaming galore. But it’s the 6.9-inch FHD+ display with up to a 144Hz refresh rate that really wows. This is the largest wide-screen display in POCO's M-series, and a steal at this price.

Also worth noting is the 7,000mAh battery, which is the largest battery you can get in a US-compatible POCO phone. 

POCO F7: Flagship power with unstoppable stamina Opens in a new window Credit: POCO F7 From $339 during POCO Carnival Get Deal

If you want supreme performance and a display that wows, the POCO F7 delivers on all fronts. The Snapdragon® 8s Gen 4 chip handles everything effortlessly, while the 6.83" 1.5K 120Hz AMOLED display with ultra-slim bezels makes every scroll and stream immersive. Snap sharper with the 50MP Sony camera with OIS and go all day with the massive 6500mAh battery boosted by 90W HyperCharge. IP68 dust and water resistance adds premium durability.

Nab one starting at $339 during POCO Carnival.

The POCO X7 combines speed, stamina, and style in one Opens in a new window Credit: POCO X7 From $209 during POCO Carnival Get Deal

Starting at $209 during POCO Carnival, the POCO X7 is a device that won’t slow you down. The Dimensity 7300-Ultra 4nm processor with 5G readiness powers through multitasking, while the CrystalRes 1.5K AMOLED curved display and 50MP main camera with OIS deliver clarity at every glance. A 5110mAh battery gives up to 15 hours of continuous use, and IP68 dust and water resistance keeps it ready for any adventure.

If you’re looking for a slick flagship phone that won’t blow your budget, check out POCO Carnival, happening Aug. 13 – 27. In addition to fun games and prizes, you can get way more bang for your buck.

*Pricing is shown in USD, the currency may vary by region. Availability may vary by region. Consumers can visit mi.com with a coupon code POCO7TH or local e-commerce platforms for more details on the discounts and bundles. The discount details, such as amount, usage time, and requirements, may differ. Please check the specific Mi Store for each region.

TL;DR: Live stream Rangers vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League group stage looms on the horizon for the remaining sides battling it out in the playoffs. Rangers have already progressed through two tough matchups against Panathinaikos and Viktoria Plzeň, and it's not getting any easier. Next they face Club Brugge at Ibrox Stadium.

If you want to watch Rangers vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Rangers vs. Club Brugge?

Rangers vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on Aug. 19. This fixture takes place at Ibrox Stadium.

How to watch Rangers vs. Club Brugge for free

Rangers vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League is available to live stream on Prime Video in the UK, but you don't need to be subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch this fixture. Instead, you can watch Rangers vs. Club Brugge for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to watch the Champions League for free on Prime Video. This process is straightforward:

1. Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)

2. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

3. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

5. Watch Rangers vs. Club Brugge for free from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Rangers vs. Club Brugge on Prime Video without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Champions League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Prime Video?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Prime Video, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Stream Rangers vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

Apple has a new iOS beta for developers — iOS 26 beta 7. And if you have an Apple developer account, beta 7 is available now.

While this particular beta comes pretty late in the cycle — it's the seventh developer beta for iOS 26, launched alongside the fourth public iOS 26 beta — it still comes with a couple of notable new features.

Blood Oxygen Measurement

Perhaps most importantly, the new beta (alongside watchOS 26 beta 7), now supports (via 9to5Mac) Apple's blood oxygen measurement in the U.S., a feature that was disabled due to a years-long patent dispute with medical device maker Masimo. The feature was re-launched in iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 a few days ago, and has now been brought to the new iOS 26 betas, too.

For the feature to work, you must have a n Apple Watch Series 9 or 10, or an Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Toggle Adaptive Power Notifications

Another new feature is the ability to toggle Adaptive Power Notifications. Prior to this beta, you could only set Adaptive Power to on or off, but now you can also choose whether you want to get notified that the phone has made performance adjustments to conserve battery life.

This feature is available in Settings > Battery > Power Mode.

Filter messages by drafts

Finally, if you go to Messages and tap the three-lines icon in the upper right corner, you'll now be able to filter your Messages by Drafts.

That's pretty much it for now as far as new features go, though other undocumented new features may surface as users dig into the release.

Screenshots bug fixed

MacRumors reports that this release also fixed a bug that resulted in screenshots being too dark.

How to install the new beta

As always, keep in mind that this is a developer beta, meaning it should only be installed if you have a backup of you're phone and you're ready to encounter bugs. For instructions on how to try it out, check out Mashable's guide to iOS 26 or head to Apple's beta portal.

The first thing I remember about joining Facebook is my brother telling me it was for college students only. He had gone off to school and was annoyed to see his little brother on the newfangled social media site.

If you know anything about Facebook's history — or, hell, have even seen The Social Network — then you know it launched in 2004 as a social media site focused on connecting college students. At first, it was limited to Harvard, then it went to other colleges. It made Facebook an online Rolodex of sorts for college kids, complete with lists of interests, groups to join, and contact info.

In just a few years, however, Facebook opened up to everyone and everything changed. Now, in 2025, it seems TikTok is trying to recreate some of that '04 Facebook functionality. It announced a new feature on Tuesday morning called Campus Verification, just in time for the new school year. It makes sense, considering a 2024 Pew Research Center survey found that roughly six-in-ten teens say they use TikTok regularly.

SEE ALSO: TikTok rule changes are coming for creators and commenters

In a press release, TikTok called it "a new feature that lets students confirm their enrollment, connect with classmates, and turn TikTok into a hub for real-world connections and belonging on campus." In practice, it'll allow students to add their college to their profile, browse the school's page, filter by graduation year, and see which of their peers are most followed.

It'll be a simpler, easier way to 1.) confirm where you go to school and 2.) find others who attend the same college who may have similar interests. Here's a look at what it looks like, via TikTok.

Credit: TikTok

TikTok is rolling out the feature to 6,000 U.S. universities through a partnership with UNiDAYS, which is a student verification platform. The tool should work pretty simply: All you need to do is click "add school" on your TikTok profile and follow the steps.

Obviously, Campus Verification is not exactly like old-school Facebook, but it does provide a lot of the same utility. Everything that's old comes back around.