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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.
Updated: 3 hours 20 min ago

Apples 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch is still discounted after October Prime Day Sale

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 11:56

SAVE $200: As of Oct. 8, the Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch is on sale for $799 at Amazon. That's a 20% savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch $799 at Amazon
$999 Save $200 Get Deal

Saving $200 in return for giving up an extra two inches of screen space when comparing the 15-inch and 13-inch 2025 Macbook Air? It's not for everyone, but it's still quite a big savings.

If having a 13-inch screen is a sticking point, maybe it's a case of looking at a suitable monitor to get a lot more screen estate for your buck when you're sat at your desk. Even dual screen your setup for serious power plays whilst editing or recording.

There's a great deal on LG 27US500-W Ultrafine Monitor right now, for example. That's 27-inches of 4K HDR10 screen real estate for $179, was $249. Want a dual screen setup on the go? The MNN Portable Monitor is 15.6 inches @ 1080p with HDMI and USB-C connectivity for $59.97, was $89.98. Or just don't and save $200, regardless, this is the best Macbook Air for your money, plenty of room on the built-in retina screen to get jobs done on the go with the option of plugging into a desktop setup or focusing in on big projects.

Moving back to this deal, the 13-inch has the same horsepower as the more expensive models, including up to 18-hour battery life and the multitasking powerhouse M4 chip. The screen I've been banging on about also supports 1 billion colors, so if you're worried about displaying accurate color gamut's you can put them to rest with this laptop.

Be the first to know about the best October Prime Day deals. Follow Mashable's Prime Big Deal Days live blog and keep checking back for the latest discounts, stock alerts, and deal drops.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Seth Meyers pokes fun at Trumps return to TikTok

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 11:09

Donald Trump returned to TikTok on Monday by telling young Americans they "owe him big." Why? "I saved TikTok," the president said in his first post on the social platform since the 2024 election.

In September, after many ban deadline extensions, Trump signed an executive order that facilitates the sale of Chinese-owned TikTok to American investors. In the president's post-signing TikTok post, filmed from the Oval Office, Trump declared, "To all of those young people of TikTok, I saved TikTok, so you owe me big."

On Late Night, Seth Meyers responded to the president's post with a few jokes. "Great news for anybody who likes their TikToks 75 minutes long," the late night host said on Wednesday.

"President Trump addressed 'the young people of TikTok.'" Meyers went on. "Dude, again, you're 79. They're all young people to you. You're so old you could have addressed the 'young people of Facebook.'"

Categories: IT General, Technology

Prime Day might be over, but the Roku Smart TV 65-inch is still $600 off

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 11:06

SAVE $600: As of Oct. 9, the Roku Smart TV 65-inch is on sale for $599.99 at Amazon. That's a 50% savings on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Smart TV 65-inch $599.99 at Amazon
$1,199.99 Save $600 Get Deal

Prime Day has officially come to an end, and it was truly an incredible two days of deals and discounts. If you missed out on picking up something, don't worry, there are still plenty of deals lingering, some at the same prices. Like this continuing deal on the Roku Smart TV 65-inch.

As of Oct. 9, this impressive TV is still 50% off, bringing the list price down to $599.99. That's an extra $600 in your pocket. There are discounts across all size options for this TV too, so if you'd rather something smaller or bigger, you'll still save.

Roku’s user interface is super easy to use. On one screen, you'll have access to all of your favorite streaming apps, plus free shows, movies, and live TV across more than 500 channels. And you'll be watching all of this in great quality, thanks to the QLED display, thousands of mini-LEDs, 4K picture, and the amazing immersive audio.

Looking at TVs specifically for a gaming setup? Well, this one is ideal. Everything is super fast, and it has no problem keeping up with its 120Hz refresh rate and dedicated Game Mode.

Pick up this post-Prime Day deal from Amazon now, before it goes back up in price.

Categories: IT General, Technology

My ghoster apologized to me. Heres what they had to say.

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 11:02

Ghosting is spooky but unfortunately common. From romantic interests to prospective job opportunities, people online lament about never hearing back from the one person they want to hear from the most.

But what if they do?

SEE ALSO: How to get over a breakup

Not only is ghosting seemingly ubiquitous in today's society of online connections, but so is a ghoster reappearing. Like a cheap movie fright, a text can come out of nowhere. Mashable spoke to ghostees who have experienced this and experts to understand why ghosters come back from the dead.

Post-breakup jump scare

Mandy (her name has been changed for privacy reasons) had hooked up with a Hinge match three times at the tail end of 2023, and they were making plans to see the Emerald Fennell film Saltburn together.

"We never solidified those plans, and then we never talked again," Mandy told Mashable. 

As a non-monogamous dater with a partner, Mandy has rules for mutual ghosting: if you both silently agree not to follow up after the first encounter, "it is what it is."

But after having sex three times? "There is just an etiquette, or a courtesy, to just be like, 'I don't want to see you anymore,'" said Mandy. "I really respect when people are very honest with me."

Still, this man wasn't. Mandy asked what date worked to see the movie, and then sent a TikTok video, but he only responded to the TikTok video instead of the date. As the proposed day inched closer, she asked him to let her know if he still wanted to catch the movie.

He didn't respond — until over a year later, around Christmas 2024.

"Uncalled for apology time," he texted, and went on to say that he didn't expect a response, but that he had begun dating someone else seriously at the time and had done a poor job communicating that to the other women he was going out with. 

Mandy replied, saying she appreciated the clarity and apology, and expressed hope that he and his partner were doing well.

"It did not work out," the former match said. 

"I was just confused," Mandy said. "I had a lot of mixed feelings." She replied anyway, saying she was sorry to hear that, and hoped all was well with him then. 

SEE ALSO: The lonely state of getting over someone you never dated

"I don't know if I really need an apology from you after you committed to ghosting on a relationship that was, for the most part, just casual," Mandy said. She sent the text to several friends, asking questions: Was he trying to rebuild his roster post-breakup? Did he want to see who was back and available?

"Is it for your own ego, or is it for more ulterior motives, like you want to have people to see casually again?" Mandy asked now. "I don't know, but it just made me feel really weird."

Mandy never talked to him again.

A long overdue explanation

At the end of 2017, when writer Sarah Freedman (who has written for Mashable) was preparing to move from New York to Los Angeles, she met a man on Tinder and had one "really intense night" together.

"You meet and then you're together for 24 hours," she described the date.

She tried to meet him again, and he said he wanted to see her, too. While they kept texting, plans never materialized, and it made Freedman anxious. She eventually texted him that she felt like she was being strung along and wanted to hear where he stood.

She never heard back.

Whirlwind, day-long first dates can be a "mindfuck," Freedman said. You feel like you're in a movie or a TV show, and that you have an amazing connection. "And then, you never hear from them," she said. "It's so painful…I think it really kind of underscores how little you know someone."

Despite whatever beautiful connection you had, you don't know the other person and have no idea what's going on in their life, she said. Evidenced by the long text she received from this date four years later. He was going through recovery for alcohol addiction and apologized, and he wanted to write Freedman a letter. 

"I got the text when I was literally sitting on the toilet," Freedman said. "You know, when you get these things, you remember exactly."

Freedman found the text admirable, showing significant growth and maturity. It taught her a lesson, one that stuck with her, and she wrote about herself on her Substack: She took the ghosting so personally, but it had nothing to do with her. 

This instance made it easier for her to understand that the way someone treats her doesn't necessarily have to do with who she is. 

"Especially in these brief, fleeting moments where you're connecting with someone and you don't know each other that well — how much can it really be the way I'm behaving around this person?" she asked. "I just have a lot of sympathy for him, and it just put it in so much perspective."

Freedman responded with her address, but he never sent the letter. "He ended up ghosting me again," she joked.

Still, it didn't lessen the impact of the apology.

"When you're ghosted, you just feel like you don't matter, right? You feel like no one thinks of you. No one cares. You're not even worthy of a response," she said. "Then have this and be like, 'Actually, I stayed with him. Actually, what happened weighed on him.' It was healing. It was really healing to hear that."

Why ghosters come back

People may ghost others as it is a non-confrontational — albeit immature — way to terminate a relationship or interaction, according to Dr. Beth Ribarsky, a professor of communications at the University of Illinois Springfield. 

When you're ghosted, you just feel like you don't matter, right? - writer Sarah Freedman

"In a world where so many of our relationships are built and maintained via texts, calls, or social media, it is incredibly easy to simply stop responding to or block others" rather than risk confrontation or conflict, said Ribarsky, who specializes in interpersonal communications and romantic relationships. 

Mandy echoed the sentiment. "We have gotten to a point in culture where we don't like confrontation and we don't like direct conversation and communication about uncomfortable things," she said. But that's part of life — we have to talk about uncomfortable things, even if it's "I don't like you anymore" or "I don't want to see you again." 

"Sorry if that's harsh," she said. "It's better than leaving you guessing."

A ghoster might reappear because of guilt and loneliness — or boredom, Ribarsky commented. It depends on the situation.

When Joy Ofodu, host of the Dating Unsettled podcast and comedy creator, was single, she once had a ghoster apologize with a two-paragraph letter. They had been dating for two months and were even discussing family and goals. "I was genuinely surprised to have been left on read at the time," she told Mashable.

With an apology, "I think it's thoughtful but also kind of a protective self-preservation measure — they don't want to ruin their reputation within intimate friend groups, group chats, anonymous reporting communities, or apps, and know that ghosting doesn't get you far."

"Like alcoholics making amends, some of them may be in a place of deep character reflection and wanting to do an upheaval — that can involve an apology tour," she continued. In Freedman's situation, this was literal.

"Other times, as I've unfortunately also experienced, it's an apology to halfheartedly reactivate a dating conversation and see if the recipient is still open to your BS — a little ego boost to feel good again and go on their way," Ofodu continued, which is what Mandy suspected.

But sometimes, Ofodu said, you may find yourself the ghost. She had to issue her own apology after she let a dating app conversation dry up when she was busy with work and graduate school. Even her now-partner said sorry for ghosting when they first matched.

"We mutually, uncharacteristically ghosted each other on a first meet-up we'd set because we were juggling too much — then he came back, apologized, and hopped on a FaceTime with me just to meet each other," Ofodu said. "Without that apology, we may not be together today."

"Ghosting always sucks," said Freedman, and she knows how it feels — so she makes it a point not to ghost people. It would be easier not to respond, but she said, "I can take three minutes out of my day and send someone a nice message that also says, 'You're a cool person and I wish you the best.'"

Apologies for ghosting can be genuine or manipulative, Ofodu said, but thinks they're best accompanied by either blissful absence or action. "When in doubt, I think it's better to apologize than not."

Mandy believes her instance of a returning ghost is emblematic of our culture. However, she added, "I kind of appreciated it for the giggle it gave me." 

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stephen King posts a chilling warning about Trump on X

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 11:00

Stephen King has been posting a lot about politics lately.

Earlier in the week, the author gave a blunt response to White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller's post about "leftwing terrorism", and now he's turned his attention to President Donald Trump sending National Guard troops into Democrat-run cities.

SEE ALSO: Every single Stephen King movie adaptation, ranked

"Troops in major cities," King wrote on X. "Next may come Trump explaining the national climate is 'just too dangerous' to vote in 2026. That's how the authoritarian takeover works. Step by step."

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

This isn't the first warning King has posted about Trump and authoritarianism.

A couple of months back, following the president's controversial comments about dictators, he posted on X accusing Trump's administration of "turning America into a fascist, authoritarian state." Not long after, King posted a prediction for the 2026 U.S. election, writing on X: "Trump and his greedhead cronies may get a big surprise in spite of their efforts to rig the 2026 election. They could find themselves swamped by a blue wave. Americans are wising up to the fact that Trump is turning the American dream into a nightmare."

Now, with his latest post, it appears the horror master is feeling less hopeful about next year — and wondering if the president might try to find a way to avoid the midterms altogether.

Featured Video For You Cooper Hoffman and 'The Long Walk' cast compete for ultimate Stephen King film knowledge
Categories: IT General, Technology

Catch all of these October Prime Day Pokémon deals still live before they disappear

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 10:47
Best Pokémon deals at Amazon Best Pokémon card deal Pokémon TCG Black Bolt Binder Box $59.99 (save $7.90) Get Deal Best Pokémon Switch deal Pokémon Shining Pearl $48.90 (save $12.97) Get Deal Best Pokémon merch deal Loungefly Holiday Pikachu Mini Backpack $56.87 (save $44.51) Get Deal White Flare Elite Trainer Box 88.88 Get Deal Pokemon: Adventures in the Orange Islands - The Complete Collection 8.84 Get Deal

Amazon’s October Prime Day (also known as Prime Big Deal Days) is over, but several of the deals have stuck around. For Pokémon people, that just reads as a chance to find Pokémon merch on sale. Whether you’re a seasoned Pokémon TCG collector, a nostalgic anime fan, or someone just looking to add a bit of Pikachu sparkle to your wardrobe, there are plenty of ways to save. Not unlike the rush of an in-store expansion set drop, online Pokémon deals tend to disappear faster than an Abra’s Teleport.

Right now, amidst the chaos of October Prime Day deals across those big categories like TVs and kitchen gadgets, Amazon has quietly rolled out a surprising range of Pokémon discounts — covering everything from trading card booster bundles and plush toys to coveted Loungefly backpacks and official binders to keep your rare pulls pristine. There's something for all kinds of trainers, whether you’re a competitive card collector seeking the latest Scarlet & Violet expansions, a parent hunting for kid-friendly toys, or an anime enthusiast looking to complete your DVD collection with Ash & Pikachu’s classic adventures.

SEE ALSO: We handpicked some of the best October Prime Day Lego deals

Mashable has spotted a handful of stand-out offers that blend genuine value with collector appeal, and we’ll continue to update this list as more Pokémon products go on sale (or sell out) at Amazon, Best Buy, and beyond. So, keep an eye on this space as more Poké-savings evolve over the next few days.

Best Pokémon deal Opens in a new window Credit: Pokémon Pokémon TCG Black Bolt Binder Collection $50 at TCGplayer
$52 Save $2 This is now cheaper on TCGplayer by $2 Get Deal Why we like it

Packs of Black Bolt & White Flare cards have been in short supply in the world of the Pokémon TCG lately, so even a 12% discount on this Black Bolt Binder Collection is a pretty solid Prime Day deal involving booster packs. You can potentially get some solid pulls and store your special rares all in one go.

The $47.99 sale price we saw on this box a few days ago is back and cheaper than market value — we're surprised it's still in stock at all. This premium bundle combines both functionality and Gen-V fun: Inside, you’ll find a themed 9-pocket binder capable of holding hundreds of cards, plus five Black Bolt booster packs from the Scarlet & Violet expansion and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live.

Each pack gives you the chance to pull striking cards, including rare Zekrom variants worth hundreds of dollars, a practically priceless Victini, and a picturesque Special Illustration Rare of N’s plan. While pull rates vary, fans of the Pokémon Black and White games will still love even the common cards from this set, dedicated to the franchise’s fifth generation. 

The binder’s tight-fit sleeves and elastic closure add an extra layer of polish too — making this a tidy, display-ready set that’s great value for collectors and gift-givers alike.

Pokémon deals at Best BuyPokémon TCGPokémon TCG cheaper at TCGPlayerFunko Pop! dealsVideo GamesGift ideasDVDsDVD MoviesClothing
Categories: IT General, Technology

We picked the best October Prime Day Lego deals still live, from Star Wars to Botanicals to advent calendars

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 10:37
Best October Prime Day Lego deals Best deal overall Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar 2025 (75418) $31.49 (save $13) Get Deal Best splurge deal Lego Ideas Vincent Van Gogh 'The Starry Night' (21333) $142 (save $27.99) Get Deal Best runner-up deal Lego Classic Medium Creative Brick Box (10696) $17.99 (save $17) Get Deal

Now that Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days falls about a month before most retailers' Black Friday kickoff, it's the new unofficial ribbon cutting for the holiday shopping season. That means it's already time to talk about one of the most bulletproof gifts you can buy early: Lego. Whether you're shopping for a kid who wants a cool Star Wars ship or an adult who wants a cute Lego orchid — or an adult who also wants a cool Star Wars ship — there's a good chance one of the sets on their wishlist is still on sale after the Prime Big Deal Days sale.

SEE ALSO: Catch all of these October Prime Day Pokémon deals before they disappear

But before you start adding every discounted set to your cart, here's a pro tip for shopping on Amazon: a "deal" isn't always a deal. Some Lego sets have a sale price that's actually been the standard price for weeks or even months. A true Prime Day deal is a price drop that's new and noteworthy — but don't worry, we've done that homework for you.

We're tracking the best Lego deals at Amazon that are still on sale after October Prime Day, and every set has been vetted against price histories to filter out the fake sales.

Best October Prime Day Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar 2025 (75418) $31.49 at Amazon
$44.99 Save $13.50 Get Deal Why we like it

Lego Advent calendars are a holiday classic, and even after Prime Day you can grab one on sale before the December rush. This Star Wars-themed calendar is still at its lowest price ever, making it a great time to buy.

Behind the 24 doors, you'll find a bunch of characters and mini-builds perfect for any fan of the franchise, including C-3PO, a Holiday Jawa minifigure, a Babu Frik figure, alongside five Lego droid figures: R7-A7, BD-72, a Scrap Battle Droid, BB-8 dressed as a snowman, and a Super Battle Droid.

More October Prime Day Lego deals

Lego advent calendar deals

Lego Star Wars deals

Lego Botanicals deals

Lego Harry Potter, Lego Art, and more deals

Categories: IT General, Technology

Target Circle Week continues: Stock up on Apple, Ninja, Lego, and Halloween gear now

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 10:07

Amazon's October Prime Day (dubbed "Prime Big Deal Days") is here, which means other retailers' competing sales are also live. Target's contribution, one of its Circle Week events, kicked off on Oct. 5 and runs through Oct. 11 with a heavy focus on the holiday season.

The deals are especially great for Halloween lovers, with big savings on costumes, decorations, and candy. While the sale is a members-only event just like Prime Big Deal Days, Target's Circle membership program is completely free to join.

Opens in a new window Credit: Target Target Circle Week Shop Now The best deals to shop during Target Circle Week Top Target Circle Week deals at a glance: Apple AirPods 4 $89.99 (save $30 with Target Circle) Get Deal Beats Solo 4 $129.99 (save $70 with Target Circle) Get Deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + cellular, 49mm) $599.99 (save $200 with Target Circle) Get Deal Keurig K-Mini Mate $47.99 (save $32 with Target Circle) Get Deal Ninja Creami $199.99 + free $30 gift card with Target Circle Get Deal Dyson Ball Animal 3 Total Clean $329.99 (save $170 with Target Circlce) Get Deal Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Camera $83.99 (save $10 with Target Circle) Get Deal Lego Botanicals Evergreen Collector’s Set $41.99 (save $18 with Target Circle) Get Deal Rubies Wednesday Nevermore Uniform Halloween Costume $18 (save $12 with Target Circle) Get Deal What is Target Circle Week?

Target Circle Week is a weeklong savings event that typically happens twice a year in July and October. (Conveniently, it always coincides with Amazon's Prime Day sales.) During the event, Target offers daily deal drops and weeklong deals with savings of up to 50% on top brands. The retailer often matches Amazon's Prime Day prices where their inventories overlap.

When is Target Circle Week?

The current Target Circle Week is happening now and runs from Oct. 5 through Oct. 11. While Amazon's Prime Day events typically last a few days, Target's sale is a full weeklong event.

Do you need to be a Circle member to shop Target Circle Week?

Yes, you need to be a Target Circle member to get the exclusive savings during Circle Week. However, the program is completely free and easy to join. In addition to accessing the sale, Circle members get other year-round perks, including a 5% birthday discount, personalized deals, and savings that are automatically applied at checkout.

Categories: IT General, Technology

A moon around Uranus may have had an ocean 100 miles deep, new study finds

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 10:00

Scientists think one of Uranus' moons may once have had an ocean roughly 100 miles deep — about 40 times deeper than the Pacific Ocean — and could still possibly hold remnants of it.

New computer simulations suggest Ariel, Uranus' fourth-largest moon, might have developed an ocean when its orbit was more stretched like an oval in space. If that had happened, Uranus' gravity would have produced tidal forces strong enough to generate internal heat in Ariel, melting part of its icy crust. 

That stress could explain mysterious cracks and other surface deformities that can be observed on the moon today, said Caleb Strom, first author of the research that appeared in the journal Icarus. Those features — wide canyons, long fractures, and smooth refrozen plains — were first seen in NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft images in 1986.

"It is less that the ocean is causing the cracks than that the ocean is a result of the tidal heating that would also create a thin ice shell, subject to flexing," Strom told Mashable. "Thus, you would logically get both a subsurface ocean and a thin ice shell since part of the ice shell would have to melt." 

If the findings bear out, Ariel could be part of a growing list of icy moons in the outer solar system thought to harbor liquid water under their crusts. Similar to Saturn's Enceladus or Jupiter's Europa, Ariel could once have had the conditions for chemistry that can start life. Understanding how it heated, cooled, and resurfaced may help scientists learn how habitable environments can exist far from the sun.

SEE ALSO: NASA astronaut class appears to be first without Black recruits in 40 years

Uranus, a planet 1.8 billion miles from Earth, has recently garnered attention for a newly discovered moon, bringing its count up to 29. For decades, the icy world was thought of as merely a bright, featureless ball. 

Recent studies and new observations by the James Webb Space Telescope have changed that image, revealing it as a much more intriguing place, made of water, methane, and ammonia, wrapped around a small rocky core. Its system of moons is also part of that mysterious complexity. The new study on Ariel follows a paper last year by the same team with similar findings on Miranda, another Uranian moon. 

Scientists consider whether Uranian moon Ariel could be yet another ocean world. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / PSI / Mikayla Kelley / Peter Buhler illustration

"We are finding evidence that the Uranus system may harbor twin ocean worlds,” said Tom Nordheim, a co-author from Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, in a statement. "Ultimately, we just need to go back to the Uranus system and see for ourselves."

The researchers believe the tidal effects responsible for creating an ocean within Ariel likely happened 1 to 2 billion years ago as the moon's orbit was caught in a gravitational rhythm with another Uranian moon. 

Scientists call these synchronized orbits "resonance," a rhythm that can be broken easily over time. When Ariel's resonance ended, the moon could have cooled off, its orbit could have become more circular, and the hypothetical ocean might have started to refreeze, according to the paper.

Scientists believe many of Uranus' moons could be hiding oceans under their icy shells, or may have had underground oceans in the past. Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / Joseph DePasquale

Spectroscopic detections point to ammonia and carbon compounds on Ariel’s surface. Because these chemicals break down quickly in space, finding them means they probably surfaced from the moon's interior relatively recently. This supports the idea that Ariel’s surface and interior have continued to interact, potentially through past or ongoing cryovolcanism, a process in which water or ammonia erupts like lava from underground reservoirs before freezing solid. 

The cracks on Ariel's surface could have formed in ways other than tidal forces, Strom said. The ice shell could have thickened as water inside froze and expanded, causing fractures, or those hypothetical ice volcanoes could be the source. But those explanations are less certain, he said. 

"Cryovolcanism is a lot more controversial since we don’t really know how cryovolcanism works," Strom said, "and some planetary scientists are skeptical that it happens at all."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Strategic, data-driven investing help for everyday people is just $55.19 for life

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 10:00

TL;DR: Sterling Stock Picker gives you lifetime access to AI-driven stock recommendations and personalized financial guidance — all for $55.19 (MSRP $486) with code SAVE20.

Stock investing can feel like a maze of jargon, spreadsheets, and guesswork. Sterling Stock Picker is designed to change that.

For a one-time payment of $55.19 (MSRP $486) with code SAVE20, you get lifetime access to an AI-powered platform that simplifies everything from selecting stocks to building a portfolio. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your strategy, this tool helps you make clear, informed investment decisions without needing a finance degree.

At the center of the platform is Finley (powered by OpenAI), your personal AI financial coach. Finley offers real-time data, personalized stock recommendations, and strategic guidance tailored to your investing goals. You can ask questions, analyze your portfolio, and learn as you go — all without expensive advisory fees.

Sterling Stock Picker walks you through the process of smart investing in a way that’s approachable and actionable. Here’s what you get with your lifetime subscription:

  • Personalized stock recommendations aligned with your risk tolerance, values, and investment goals

  • Clear buy/hold/avoid guidance powered by the platform’s patent-pending North Star technology

  • A done-for-you portfolio builder that takes the guesswork out of diversification

  • Sector and industry insights to help you stay ahead of market trends

  • Strategic portfolio suggestions designed to optimize returns over time

  • Detailed explanations that break down financial concepts for beginners and seasoned investors alike

  • Access to a community forum where you can exchange ideas and strategies with fellow investors

Give yourself a long-term framework for smarter investing.

Get a lifetime of Sterling Stock Picker for $55.19 (MSRP $486) through Nov. 2 with code SAVE20.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sterling Stock Picker Sterling Stock Picker: Lifetime Subscription $55.19
$486 Save $430.81 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Never lose a copied item again with CopyMagic

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 10:00

TL;DR: Easily access things you copy with this lifetime subscription to CopyMagic, on sale now for just $29.99 (reg. $49).

How many things do you copy every day? We’re willing to bet it’s quite a lot — and the number of times you accidentally hit copy again and lose your last item is probably hefty as well. If you’ve ever wanted to be able to access all these things you have copied for future use, CopyMagic is here to help.

Right now, you can secure a lifetime subscription to CopyMagic, a Smart Clipboard Manager, for only $29.99 (reg. $49).

Access everything you’ve ever copied in seconds with this $30 tool

We’re all multitasking our days away, which means that sometimes things slip through the cracks. So what if you could gain access to a search engine for everything you’ve ever copied on your computer? CopyMagic does just that, allowing you to type a few words and instantly rediscover the content you copied, saving you precious time hunting the information down.

CopyMagic uses Semantic Search, so you can search this tool like Google without having to know the exact phrase you’re after. The results are instantaneous thanks to a sub-millisecond search, even when you have thousands of copied entries saved. And you don’t have to deal with a login or the cloud; it even works offline if you need it.

This handy tool gives you a clean, distraction-free interface without ads or clutter, making it easy to find what you need. And if you have sensitive information, you can mark it as “secret” and keep it hidden as you browse.

This lifetime subscription to CopyMagic gives you access to semantic search and an unlimited clipboard history. You’ll also receive all future updates and priority email support when needed.

Easily recall your copied content forever with this lifetime subscription to CopyMagic, on sale now for just $29.99 (reg. $49).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Arcify Labs CopyMagic - Smart Clipboard Manager: Lifetime Subscription $29.99
$49 Save $19.01 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Put those good instincts to us — get MS Visio 2021 Pro while it’s $10

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 10:00

TL;DR: A Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional lifetime license for Windows is just $9.97 (MSRP $249.99) through Oct. 19 for new users.

Some deals require overthinking. This isn’t one of them. If you’ve ever wrestled with presenting complex data, mapping systems, or building out flowcharts, you already understand why Microsoft Visio is the gold standard for diagramming.

For a limited time, you can grab Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for Windows for just $9.97 (MSRP $249.99) through Oct. 19 — no recurring fees, no strings, just a clean, lifetime license.

Savvy pros know that the right tools don’t just make work easier — they make work flow easier, too.

Present, plan, and collaborate smarter

Visio is the ultimate diagramming powerhouse. Whether you’re laying out a network architecture, designing a floor plan, or mapping business processes, it gives you clean, professional visuals without the usual friction. Here’s what you unlock with this lifetime license:

  • Dozens of pre-made templates and starter diagrams to get you building fast

  • Access to more than 250,000 shapes in Visio’s online ecosystem

  • Natural pen and touch support for sketching and annotating on touch devices

  • Auto-generated org charts from Excel, Exchange, or Microsoft Entra ID

  • Professional-grade templates for flowcharts, org charts, floor plans, brainstorming, and network diagrams

  • Advanced features like BPMN 2.0, UML 2.5, and IEEE standards support

  • Diagram linking to live data from internal and external sources for real-time updates

Pick up a lifetime of Microsoft Visio 2021 Pro for a one-time payment of $9.97 (MSRP $249.99) through Oct. 19.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional: Lifetime License for Windows $9.97
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Categories: IT General, Technology

Whats new to streaming this week? (Oct. 10, 2025)

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 10:00

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand-new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

Mashable's entertainment team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of the week and ranked them from worst to best — or least worth your time to most watchable. Whether you're looking for grisly body horror for Halloween, new cringe comedy, or true crime documentaries to binge, we've got something just for you.

17. Is It Cake? Halloween

There's no better trick-or-treater on TV than Is It Cake?, back with a Halloween special to put your eyeballs to the test. As always, host Mikey Day poses the titular question to celebrity judges, tasked with figuring out whether the hyperreal cakes created by competing bakers are actually cake or not. Over four episodes and a lot of dry ice, nine contestants will craft confections of all spooky shapes and sizes, from jack-o'-lanterns to toads to witches' boots and black cats. As for the judges, there'll be appearances from Harvey Guillén, Chelsea Peretti, Gillian Jacobs, and more. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

How to watch: Is It Cake? Halloween is now streaming on Netflix.

16. My Father, the BTK Killer

Netflix is adding to its ever-expanding true crime slate with a documentary about Kerri Rawson, the daughter of infamous serial killer Dennis Rader.

Arrested in 2005 and currently serving 10 consecutive life sentences for 10 counts of first degree serial murder, Rader was known as BTK (bind, torture, kill) for a series of horrific crimes committed in Wichita, Kansas, in the 1970s. Skye Borgman's documentary tells the story through his daughter, who can be heard in the trailer talking about the impact her father's crimes and arrest have had — and continue to have — on her life today. — Sam Haysom, Deputy UK Editor

How to watch: My Father, the BTK Killer premieres Oct. 10 on Netflix.

15. True Haunting

At a glance, True Haunting seems a gift perfectly timed to spooky season. James Wan, who had a hand in the creation of such successful scary movie franchises as Saw, Insidious, and The Conjuring, is an executive producer on the documentary series True Haunting. However, the actual show is pretty slow and tame. 

SEE ALSO: Scream time: The best horror movies on Netflix right now

Rather than a new ghost story every episode, True Haunting does that annoying Netflix true crime doc thing of stretching out a fairly simple story over multiple episodes. Far from keeping things tense, it gets pretty tedious. Season 1 of True Haunting offers just two tales over five episodes, one about college students plagued by a poltergeist and one about a young family that's tormented by some sinister spirit in their new home. While the talking head interviews are earnest, True Haunting won't deliver on scares in its stories or reenactments. You can definitely find better horror and docs on Netflix. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: True Haunting is now streaming on Netflix.

14. Him

The NFL and horror collide in Him, a football-focused fright fest produced by Jordan Peele and directed by Justin Tipping. Him introduces rising star quarterback Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers), who gets the chance to train with his idol Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans). However, Isaiah's methods are stranger — and bloodier! — than anything Cam has been through before. How much is he really willing to sacrifice to become the GOAT?

Despite the prestige that comes with Peele's involvement, Him was a critical and box office disappointment. However, according to Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko, the film is in no way irredeemable, boasting great performances from Withers and Wayans, as well as some surreal scares courtesy of Tipping. Where Him fumbles the ball, however, is its ending. In her review, she writes, "In its final minutes, Tipping's tale pivots to something more concrete, gorier, and less daring. That ending, though twisted and thrilling, doesn't feel earned. So, in the end, Him falls short of astounding." — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers, Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker, and Jim Jefferies

How to watch: Him is now available for rent or purchase on digital.

13.Vicious

Dakota Fanning unfortunately lets a stranger in the door in Vicious, the latest horror venture from Bryan Bertino (The Strangers, The Dark and the Wicked, The Monster). Fanning plays Polly, a young woman who lives in a big house by herself. A seemingly harmless older woman (Kathryn Hunter) turns up on Polly's doorstep late one night, presents her with a creepy box, and informs Polly she will die if she doesn't put three things in the box: "Something you need, something you hate, something you love." Easy, right? — S.C.

Starring: Dakota Fanning, Kathryn Hunter, Mary McCormack, Rachel Blanchard, Devyn Nekoda, Klea Scott, and Emily Mitchell

How to watch: Vicious premieres Oct. 10 on Paramount+.

12. Victoria Beckham

We lived for the skerricks of Spice Girl lore in Netflix's Beckham documentary about the legendary footballer. Now, Victoria Beckham stands front and centre in her own limited series from the streaming service. Created by the Beckham production team and directed by Becoming's Nadia Hallgren, Victoria Beckham takes a look into the fashion designer and singer's life, beginning at Paris Fashion Week. The three-part documentary will explore Beckham's iconic Posh Spice days, her relationship with David Beckham and her family life, and the building of a fashion empire — and yes, the talking heads are soaringly high profile, from Anna Wintour to Tom Ford. — S.C.

How to watch: Victoria Beckham is now streaming on Netflix.

11. Ozzy: No Escape From Now

Late rock legend Ozzy Osbourne was onstage mere weeks before his death in July at 76, performing with Black Sabbath in Birmingham, England — where it all started in 1968. Director Tania Alexander chronicles the lead-up to this farewell show, as well as Osbourne's final album Patient Number Nine, and the impact of his life-changing 2019 fall in the documentary Ozzy: No Escape From Now. Executive produced by his wife Sharon and featuring interviews with Osborne himself, the documentary was still in edit when the music icon passed away, according to Deadline, and Alexander was asked by his family to finish it. — S.C.

How to watch: Ozzy: No Escape From Now is now streaming on Paramount+.

10. Boots

In the wake of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's bizarre tirade against diversity in the U.S. army, there may be no more relevant series to check out than Boots. Inspired by Greg Cope White's memoir The Pink Marine, the series follows Cameron (Miles Heizer), a young gay man who joins the Marine Corps in 1990. At that point, it was still illegal to be gay in the U.S. military. The discriminatory "Don't ask, don't tell" policy would go into effect four years later.

A recent graduate, Cameron doesn't know what to do with his life, so he impulsively heads to Marine Corps boot camp with his best friend Ray (Liam Oh). The experience starts as a grueling nightmare, one where drill sergeants scream seemingly never-ending racist, homophobic, and fatphobic screeds. But soon, Cameron finds himself forging a brotherhood among his fellow recruits, leading to a touching coming-of-age tale. — B.E.

Starring: Miles Heizer, Max Parker, Vera Farmiga, Ana Ayora, Blake Burt, Cedrick Cooper, Dominic Goodman, Nicholas Logan, Kieron Moore, Angus O'Brien, Liam Oh, and Rico Paris

How to watch: Boots is now streaming on Netflix.

9. The Woman in Cabin 10

An Agatha Christie-style murder mystery with a psychological twist, Netflix's The Woman in Cabin 10 sees journalist Laura Blacklock (Keira Knightley) boarding a luxury yacht to write an article on a charity.

The problem? Blacklock soon witnesses someone being thrown overboard from the cabin next to her, only for the rest of the ship to tell her that there was nobody in the neighboring cabin. So is she losing her mind, or is there a cover-up at play?

Guy Pearce, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Kaya Scodelario, and Hannah Waddingham also star in Simon Stone's adaptation of Ruth Ware's 2016 novel. — S.H.

Starring: Keira Knightley, Guy Pearce, Hannah Waddingham, David Ajala, Art Malik, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Kaya Scodelario, David Morrissey, Daniel Ings, Gitte Witt, Christopher Rygh, Pippa Bennett-Warner, John Macmillan, Paul Kaye, Amanda Collin, and Lisa Loven Kongsli

How to watch: The Woman in Cabin 10 premieres Oct. 10 on Netflix.

8. The Last Frontier

Between 2023's Hijack and the upcoming The Last Frontier, Apple TV+ is really starting to lean into the genre of "shows where something goes horribly wrong on a plane." In The Last Frontier's case, that "something wrong" is a full-on plane crash in the Alaskan wilderness. The plane in question is a prison transport, and the crash allows dozens of its violent passengers to escape. (Think Con Air meets The Grey.)

Now, it's up to U.S. Marshal Frank Remnick (Jason Clarke) to protect a nearby town from the escaped passengers. However, he's got a sneaking suspicion that the crash wasn't an accident at all, but part of a larger conspiracy.*B.E.

Starring: Jason Clarke, Dominic Cooper, Haley Bennett, Simone Kessell, Dallas Goldtooth, Tait Blum, and Alfre Woodard

How to watch: The Last Frontier premieres Oct. 10 on Apple TV+.

7. Freakier Friday

Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan reunite for a sequel to the iconic 2003 family comedy Freaky Friday. Naturally, a follow-up to a body swap movie means even more body swapping. So this time around, mother-daughter duo Tess and Anna Coleman swap bodies with Anna's teen daughter Harper (Julia Butters) and her soon-to-be stepsister Lily (Sophia Hammons). While the teen girls think this is the perfect opportunity to split up Anna and Lily's dad (Manny Jacinto) ahead of their wedding, Tess and Anna (in Lily and Harper's bodies) are eager to get themselves unswapped before their professional or personal lives can be derailed by teen drama. 

Got all that? Don't stress. This Nisha Ganatra-directed romp is easy to kick back and enjoy during a girls' night in. As I wrote in my review, "Freakier Friday isn't better than the original. But it is fun, entertaining, and funny. On top of the winning performances of Curtis and Lohan, there's a meta joy to seeing a real-life wild child return to her roots for a victory lap. That she gets to rock out while doing it is all the better." — K.P. 

Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, Manny Jacinto, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Rosalind Chao, Chad Michael Murray, Mark Harmon, Vanessa Bayer, Christina Vidal, Haley Hudson, Stephen Tobolowsky, and Lucille Soong

How to watch: Freakier Friday is now available for rent or purchase on digital.

6. Freaked

Not long after Alex Winter wowed us as one of the eponymous leads of Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, he co-directed and starred in this wild comedy that felt like a freaky fever dream. And now, Freaked has a 4K UHD restoration, which is a true gift to fans who haven't had home video or high quality-streaming options to watch this 1993 cult classic for ages. 

Winters stars as overgrown child star Ricky Coogan whose run-in with a freak show proprietor (Randy Quaid) leads to a new and unexpected chapter in his showbiz career — and a new family. Full of bizarre practical effects, unapologetically outrageous humor, and VERY '90s cameos, Freaked is a deranged blast. — K.P. 

Starring: Alex Winter, Randy Quaid, William Sadler, Megan Ward, Michael Stoyanov, Bobcat Goldthwait, Mr. T, and Brooke Shields

How to watch: Freaked's 4K UHD restoration is now available for rent or purchase on digital. 

5. The Alabama Solution

Andrew Jarecki made a huge impact on true crime television with the nerve-rattling documentary series The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst, Parts One and Two. Now, with co-director Charlotte Kaufman, he's offering The Alabama Solution, a chilling looking into the American prison system and its abuses against the incarcerated people therein. 

SEE ALSO: The 30 best true crime documentaries on Max right now

Because the American justice system has greatly limited journalists' access to the inside of prisons, The Alabama Solution takes an unusual tactic in its interviews. The documentarians rely heavily on video interviews recorded covertly on contraband cell phones in an Alabama prison. This gives a shocking look into the lives (and deaths) of incarcerated people, while comparing that to how media coverage covers these same stories. The contrast is illuminating, horrifying, and thought-provoking. — K.P.

How to watch: The Alabama Solution premieres Oct. 10 on HBO Max.

4. How to Train Your Dragon (2025)

If you loved the animated adventures How to Train Your Dragon brought to theaters and televisions with its string of films and spinoff TV shows, you won't want to miss the live-action version, where the world of Berk feels more real than ever before. 

The Black Phone's Mason Thames steps into the shivering shoes of Hiccup, a misfit Viking who is not interested in killing the flying creatures that his people battle. Instead, after wounding a charming dragon he names Toothless, Hiccup hopes to create a new understanding between the warring sides. But first, he'll have to get some support from other villagers, such as warrior-in-training Astrid (The Last of Us' Nico Parker) and his burly father, Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his role from the 2010 film). And that'll mean a lot of dragon shenanigans, and perhaps a sky-high battle or two! 

In her review of the film, UK editor Shannon Connellan wrote, "How to Train Your Dragon sees [Dean] DeBlois sticking like glue to his original film, which exposes the franchise's timelessness in a way. If you've dreamed of seeing a version of Toothless living, breathing, and gobbling fish in a real world (on screen), the live-action adaptation is a treat."* — K.P.

Starring: Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gerard Butler, and Ruth Codd

How to watch: How to Train Your Dragon hits Peacock Oct. 10.

3. Lurker

Written and directed by Alex Russell, Lurker is All About Eve for the influencer generation. This psychological thriller follows a young man named Matthew (Théodore Pellerin) who works retail in LA, but dreams of fame and fortune. So, when he crosses paths with rising music star Oliver (Archie Madekwe), he weasels his way into Oliver's entourage. This gives him a taste of the good life he covets. And he'll do anything to keep it. 

A gnarly thriller with a keen awareness of the double-edged sword of social media, Lurker will lock you in and leave you sweating. — K.P. 

Starring: Théodore Pellerin, Archie Madekwe, Zack Fox, Havana Rose Liu, Wale Onayemi, Daniel Zolghadri, and Sunny Suljic

How to watch: Lurker hits MUBI Oct. 10.

2. The Chair Company

Tim Robinson brings his anxiety-inducing brand of cringe comedy to HBO with The Chair Company, which he co-created with writing partner Zach Kanin (I Think You Should Leave). Robinson plays Ron Trosper, an everyman with a solid family life and an exciting new opportunity at his job. But when he experiences a humiliating accident at work, that becomes all he can think about. Convinced there was more to the incident than meets the eye, he finds himself down a rabbit hole full of shady figures and conspiracy theories.

The Chair Company is chock-full of typical absurdist Robinson humor, with several bizarro tangents that would be right at home on I Think You Should Leave. But it also proves a compelling portrayal of obsession, taking the embarrassment of recalling and fixating on a cringeworthy memory and magnifying it to the extreme. For any Robinson fans, The Chair Company is a must watch. — B.E.

Starring: Tim Robinson, Lake Bell, Sophia Lillis, Will Price, and Joseph Tudisco

How to watch: The Chair Company premieres Sunday, Oct. 12 at 10 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

1. The Substance

Writer/director Coralie Fargeat delivered one of the absolute wildest films of 2024 with this freaky fable of fame and beauty. Demi Moore stars as faded Hollywood star Elisabeth Sparkle, who's being bullied out of her televised workout show by a sexist producer (Dennis Quaid) ravenous to replace her with someone younger and hotter. Well, a new miracle drug called "the Substance" promises Elisabeth a second chance at success, transforming her into the vibrant and viciously ambitious Sue (Margaret Qualley). There's just one problem: Connected as they are, they have to take turns at being in the world. As Sue fights for more, Elisabeth faces dire consequences. Something's gotta give, and when it does, the practical effects from The Substance's Oscar–winning make-up team will absolutely shock and awe you. 

SEE ALSO: What to watch: Best scary movies

Nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Director, Best Actress for Moore, and Best Picture, The Substance is the rare movie that played well to the Academy and to midnight movie crowds. It's a true knockout. —K.P. 

Starring: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid

How to watch: The Substance hits HBO Max Oct. 10.

(*) denotes a blurb comes from a previous list.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Orionids meteor shower in October: Viewing tips, when it will peak

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 09:53

If celestial events are your thing, then October is set to be an exciting month with not one, but two meteor showers lighting up the skies. The Orionids will be taking place for most of October and well into November, and the Draconids peaked on Oct. 8.

The Orionids occur each year, peaking in October and giving some of the most beautiful displays. From fireballs to stunning light trails, the Orionids really know how to put on a show. There's plenty of time to try and catch this phenomenon, and we've got all the information you need before you go looking for shooting stars.

What is the Orionids meteor shower?

The Orionids meteor shower happens when tiny grains of dust and ice left behind by comet 1P/Halley enter Earth’s atmosphere and burn up, producing bright streaks of light across the sky, NASA says.

Orionid meteors are fast, traveling at around 41 miles (66 kilometers) per second, and often leave glowing “trains." Some of the brighter meteors even become fireballs, creating spectacular flashes of light. These meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Orion, hence the name.

When is the Orionids meteor shower?

NASA data reveals the Orionids meteor shower will take place between Oct. 2 - Nov. 12.

When will the Orionids meteor shower peak?

There's a chance to see the Orionids every night during this period, but the peak is expected to be Oct. 22 - 23.

How to see the Orionids meteor shower

Advice for seeing the Orionids is similar to all celestial events: wait until dark, stay away from light pollution, and allow your eyes time to adjust to the light. NASA also advises heading out after midnight and lying with your feet facing southeast if you are in the Northern Hemisphere or northeast if you are in the Southern Hemisphere.

Remember to also check cloud coverage in your area on peak nights. Fewer clouds = more stars visible.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Moon phase today: What the moon will look like on October 9

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 09:47

The moon is still looking almost full in the sky, but as we move towards the new moon, it'll be getting less visible each night. This is due to the lunar cycle, a series of eight phases of the moon.

There's still some time left of a big, bright moon, however, so keep reading to find out what you can see when you look up on Oct. 9.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Wednesday, Oct. 9, the moon phase is Waning Gibbous. Tonight, only 92% will be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

There's so much to see on the moon's surface tonight, and you don't even need any visual aids. With just your naked eye, spot the Mare Serenitatis, the Aristarchus Plateau, and the Mare Vaporum.

With binoculars, it is also possible to see the Alphonsus Crater, the Apennine Mountains, and the Archimedes Crater. And if you have a telescope, you'll also see the Apollo 11 landing spots, Caucasus Mountains, and the Rima Ariadaeus.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Nov. 5.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon experiences different phases during its 29.5-day journey around Earth. These phases occur because the angles between the Sun, Earth, and Moon shift as it orbits. From our perspective on Earth, the Moon can appear fully illuminated, partly lit, or invisible, yet the same side is always facing us. What varies is how much sunlight is reflected from its surface based on where it is in its orbit.

The eight main moon phases are:

New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best October Prime Day Australia deals for 2025 – live now

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 09:33
A quick look at the best Prime Day 2025 deals we've spotted so far: Best headphones deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra A$429 (was $649, 34% off) Get Deal Best laptop deal HP OmniBook Ultra AI 14” A$1,749 (was $2,999, 42% off) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Eureka J15 Pro Ultra A$1,099 (was $2,099, 48% off) Get Deal Best budget robot vacuum deal Eureka E20 Plus A$499 (was $1,299, 62% off) Get Deal Best TV Deal Prism+ Q75 Ultra 75" 4K QLED Smart Google TV A$1,228 (was $2,299, 47% off) Get Deal

It's day three of Amazon's notorious Prime Day event for October 2025 (more affectionately known as "Prime Big Deal Days"), with deals running across Amazon Australia until October 17. That means a whole week of unmatched discounts on just about everything, with a strong focus on tech. If you need a new laptop, TV, robot vacuum, or anything else gadget-y, now is the time. Below, we've listed the best deals we've seen so far and will be updating this page all week. Happy hunting!

Best robot vacuum deals

Have you recently grown your family? Or maybe you're expecting? Check out these top baby and pregnancy Prime Day deals via our sister site BabyCenter AU.

Best smart home dealsBest smartphone and tablet dealsBest wearable tech dealsBest headphone and speaker dealsBest TV and home cinema dealsBest laptop deals

After a new PC? Check out the top computer deals on our sister site, PCMag Australia.

Best gaming deals

Want to save big on games and consoles? Check out the top gaming deals on our sister site, IGN.

--

With literally thousands of deals on Amazon.com.au, finding the good ones can be a laborious task. So we've done the hard work for you and tracked down the best deals on everything tech. If you enjoy window shopping yourself (AKA, scrolling), you can check out Amazon's Prime Day page.

You will need to be an Amazon Prime member to partake in the fun. If this isn't you, fear not! You can grab a no-obligation 30-day free Prime trial and still get in on the action.

What is Amazon Prime Day? Is it different in Australia?

Prime Day is an twice-a-year online sales event (think Black Friday or Click Frenzy), only it is exclusive to Amazon Prime customers. It started as a one-day event in the US in 2015, but has since expanded to a week long event that takes place across the globe, including Australia.

The first Prime Day Down Under happened in 2018, and has grown every year since. Australia is unique in that it gets one of the longest Prime "Days" in the world – this year's event goes for a full seven days. Plus, Australian users get access to deals on both Amazon.com.au and the Amazon Global Store until the conclusion of the event in the US.

Additionally, the Shop Local Businesses store highlights a number of small Australian businesses that are also partaking in the Prime Day fun.

What will be on sale this Prime Day?

While it can be difficult to predict specific products that go on sale, Amazon has promised over 100,000 deals in Australia from big brands, small local brands, and everything in-between. The brands that Amazon has confirmed will be a part of Prime Day include Apple, Samsung, Lenovo, Bose, and more – a pretty hefty list!

Expect deals across all categories, including tech, such as TVs, Smart Home, Headphones, Gaming, as well as homeware, sports, fashion, beauty and more.

How to find the best deals during Prime Day in Australia

Amazon is quite often the cheapest place to find a given product at the best of times, but the really good deals only come up a few times a year. The above list features some of the very best tech deals available right now. However, you can also properly prepare for the event to make sure you truly get the most out of it.

Before Prime Day kicks off, you should put together a shopping list of items that you are after, then 'wishlist' those products on Amazon and set deal alerts on the Amazon app. This will ensure you don't miss top deals on products that you especially want.

Ensure you are subscribed to Amazon Prime, or else you won't be able to secure the products for the Prime Day deal price. A subscription costs A$6.99 per month, but there is a 30-day free trial available if you are just looking to take part in Prime Day and nothing else.

It is also worth spending a bit of time on Amazon and familiarising yourself with its interface and how it works. This can save you time and hassle when the deals start dropping (many of which are only available for a limited time).

How to shop on Amazon Prime Day

Of course, we'll be keeping track of all the best Prime Day deals we spot in the lists above. But if you are keen to trawl through some deals yourself, here's how to best shop during the event.

  • Amazon app: If you'll be out and about on Prime Day, download Amazon's mobile app, log in, and you'll be ready to shop wherever you are.

  • Amazon Wishlist: Add items to your wishlist in the product interface to get alerted if it goes on sale.

  • Ask Alexa: Why move at all? The main idea behind Amazon's Echo devices is to sell you stuff, so Alexa is more than willing to help you add things to your cart.

  • Amazon Global Store: Check out the best deals from the US and across the world on the Amazon Global Store.

  • Support Local: Amazon's Shop Local Business initiative highlights deals curated from small Aussie businesses across Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for October 9, 2025

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 09:32

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025:

Across1982 Roald Dahl novel, with "The"
  • The answer is BFG.

One way to pay for an airline flight
  • The answer is Miles.

Without help
  • The answer is Alone.

Sticky secretion from a pine tree
  • The answer is Resin.

Positive quality
  • The answer is Asset.

DownOlympic gymnast with five moves named after her
  • The answer is Biles.

Dentist's often-unheeded advice
  • The answer is Floss.

"Aladdin" comic relief
  • The answer is Genie.

Actress Rooney
  • The answer is Mara.

Email folder
  • The answer is Sent.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution: Phantasmal Flames pre-orders start today, heres what you need to know

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 09:02

DON'T MISS OUT: Phantasmal Flames, the first expansion for the well-received Mega Evolution generation of Pokémon TCG, drops its pre-order allocation at Walmart today. Here's everything you need to know about the Mega Charizard X-led expansion alongside everything you need to know to secure your pre-order.

After Black Bolt, White Flare and Mega Evolution double sets releasing back to back, it's nice to see a concentrated expansion release in Phantasmal Flames. It's set to be a banger with the Dragon-type Mega evolution of fan-favorite Pokémon Charizard heading it up, not to mention a cool opportunity for trainers like me to master set this bad boy. Here's what's packed into Phantasmal flames:

  • Five Special Illustration Rare Mega Evolution Pokémon ex and Supporter cards

  • Six Mega Evolution Pokémon ex

  • Four Pokémon ex

  • 12 Illustration Rare Pokémon

  • 17 Ultra rare Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, Trainer and Energy Cards

SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets Phantasmal Flame product lineup and MSRP

With Pokémania 2025 showing no signs of slowing down with big box retailers taking advantage by charging way over MSRP and even secondary market values, it's a good time to be educated about what Pokémon TCG sealed products are actually worth on physical and digital store shelves. Here's what's going to launch with Phantasmal Flames and what they should be selling for at retail:

  • Booster Box — 36 packs, MSRP around $129.99

  • Booster Packs — MSRP $4.49

  • Booster Bundle (6 packs) — MSRP $26.94

  • Elite Trainer Box (ETB) — MSRP $49.99

  • Ultra-Premium Collection (UPC) — MSRP $119.99

  • Mega Gengar ex & Mega Diancie ex decks — Releases slightly earlier on Oct. 24, MSRP $14.99–$19.99

Phantasmal Flames Walmart preorders Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Walmart is tackling the scalper bots by making sure Phantasmal Flames pre-orders is behind their Walmart+ membership. This is a paid membership with plenty of benefits, including Peacock or Paramount+ subscriptions, but there's currently a 30-day free trial. Make sure to create an online Walmart account, sign up for the free membership so you're ready for the pre-order drop, which goes live 7AM PT / 10AM ET today.

Here's the direct links to the Phantasmal Flames pre-order products that are going on-sale today:

Phantasmal Flames TCGplayer preorders Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

If you happen to miss out on pre-orders for Phantasmal Flames today don't worry, TCGplayer has their presale listings live already. You'll be paying market value for sealed product, but you'll also be avoiding scalper pricing and getting the best deal outside of MSRP pre-orders. Here's the direct links to cure your FOMO:

What's inside Phantasmal Flames products?
  • Booster Box: 36 booster packs

  • Booster Bundle: 6 booster packs

  • Elite Trainer Box: 9 packs, card sleeves, dice set plus an exclusive Charcadet promo.

  • Ultra-Premium Collection: A premium display box with a Mega Charizard X ex promo and high-end accessories.

  • Theme Decks: Ready-to-play decks starring Mega Gengar ex and Mega Diancie ex.

Save money and get guaranteed pulls with Japanese Inferno X Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Phantasmal Flames is the English translation of the Japanese Pokémon TCG set Inferno X. So it's the same cards but in Japanese, which means they're still collectable and look amazing in binders, but there's a guaranteed Secret Art Rare or Secret Rare cards and a much better chance of getting perfect grades with Japanese sets.

It's also worth noting that each booster pack has five cards instead of the ten included in English boosters, and booster boxes contain 30 boosters, not 36. They're usually around half the price of an English Booster Box, so providing you don't want to use the cards in a deck, they're a brilliant option for collectors.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Discord reveals 70,000 users government IDs may have been compromised

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 07:40

Last week, Discord revealed that a security breach had exposed some of its users' personal information — including government IDs collected for age verification. At the time, the voice chat and messaging platform stated that only a "small number" of IDs were accessed, and that those impacted would be notified by email.

We now know exactly how small of a number this supposedly is, with Discord spokesperson Nu Wexler telling The Verge that approximately 70,000 people may have had their IDs compromised.

SEE ALSO: Discord user data leak resurfaces on hacker forum as third-party service disputes breach

"All affected users globally have been contacted and we continue to work closely with law enforcement, data protection authorities, and external security experts," Wexler told the publisher.

This number may seem comparatively small when you consider that Discord boasts over 200 million monthly active users across the globe. Even so, it's still an awful lot of people whose government IDs have potentially been accessed without authorisation.

Further, 70,000 is only the number of Discord users whose government IDs may have been exposed, as other personal data was also involved in the breach. This includes users' names, contact details, IP addresses, purchase histories, and the last four digits of their credit cards. It isn't clear how many users may have had such information exposed, but fortunately Discord states no full credit card numbers or passwords were accessed.

Though its users were impacted, Discord stressed that the company itself was not breached. Rather, a malicious actor gained access to a third-party service that Discord employs to manage its customer service, then was able to view information concerning users who had reached out to customer support. As such, while some users' messages were compromised, these were only their conversations with customer support staff. In its original blog post, Discord said it was contacting impacted users, who will receive an email from noreply@discord.com.

While the company alleged in its post the malicious actor had “a view to extort a financial ransom from Discord,” Wexler told The Verge that the company will not pay the ransom, stating that it "will not reward those responsible for their illegal actions."

Discord introduced age verification in some regions earlier this year, requiring users to either take a selfie or provide a photo of themselves with their ID. (Users quickly found a workaround to this system in July, discovering that it could be fooled by using the photo mode in video game Death Stranding instead of a selfie.) The company partners with k-ID to verify users' ages, though it's unclear whether this was the third-party service provider that was compromised. According to Discord, both it and k-ID delete images of users' IDs immediately after their age is confirmed.

Several governments are implementing age verification laws in an effort to prevent children from being exposed to content which is inappropriate for their age. Unfortunately, research suggests that age verification laws are not only ineffective but also compromise user privacy and safety, as illustrated by Discord's current situation. Rather than require websites to check users' IDs, many free speech and privacy advocates suggest on-device age verification as a safer, more effective alternative.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hurdle hints and answers for October 9, 2025

Thu, 10/09/2025 - 05:00

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

A propeller.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

ROTOR

Hurdle Word 2 hint

To hold accountable.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

BLAME

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Sarcastically.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

WRYLY

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To harass.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for August 4 Hurdle Word 4 answer

HOUND

Final Hurdle hint

Relating to the eye.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

OPTIC

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

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