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Excel has hundreds of functions, and I certainly don't know what all of them do. But every now and then, I find one that makes me wonder why I'd never come across it before. Here are seven that caught me by surprise.

Ryobi makes a little bit of everything, and it's part of the reason many DIYers and homeowners choose them over the competition. Sure, you probably have a Ryobi drill, impact driver, and maybe a sawzall, but the next tool you might want to buy is this new portable power cleaner that can replace your pressure washer.

Open source software is a vital part of modern computing; it’s involved in much of the software we use every day. But is it too good to be true, and is it really free, in either sense of the word?

Technically, Android is Linux, since it's based on the Linux kernel, but in reality, the most popular phone operating system in the world is better described as a Linux-based operating system that's a distant cousin of your usual Linux distribution.

Filament is a consumable your printer uses to make things, but even when you've used up all the filament in a spool, you still have a bunch of stuff left over.

This is going to be a review in progress. The reason is simple: the new Apple Watch Ultra 4, unveiled last week and launching properly tomorrow, touts numerous new features that won't be available until later this year (if you're in Europe, the timeline is unknown).

Apple provided me with a review unit of the new Ultra 4, and all I could do was focus on what was there. The highlights: longer battery life (huge!) and a new heart rate monitoring system, which Apple says is best in the business.

First, the specs:

• Case: Titanium

• Colors: Natural or Black

• Case size: 49mm

• Display resolution: 422x514 pixels, 1,245 square mm display area

• Display brightness: Up to 3,000 nits peak brightness, 1 nit minimum brightness

• Display type: Wide-angle OLED and LTPO3

• Chip: S11 with a 4-core Neural Engine, W3 wireless chip

• Storage: 64GB

• Connectivity: GPS, Cellular (5G and LTE), WiFi4, Bluetooth 5.3, satellite connectivity, second-gen Ultra Wideband chip

• Battery life: up to 50 hours of normal use, up to 84 hours in Low Power Mode

• Charging: Up to 80 percent charge in about 45 minutes

• Durability: Water resistance 100m, recreational scuba diving to 40m, dust resistance IP6X, tested to MIL-STD 810H standard

• Special features: Second-generation electrical heart sensor, always-on optical heart sensor

So what's new here? Apple Watch Ultra 4 repeats the colors from last year: Black Titanium (pictured) and Natural Titanium. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

If you take a closer look at those specs and compare them to the Ultra Watch 3, you'll see they're almost identical, with the only differences being the new chip, better battery life, and the second-gen heart-monitoring system. That's right: Even the colors are the same as last year and boil down to Natural Titanium or Black Titanium (my unit was of the Natural Titanium variety).

This is the rare gadget where I don't really mind the lack of visual updates. The Apple Watch Ultra has looked pretty much the same since the first version, but it looks rugged, powerful, and mighty, with a beautiful display that puts most other smartwatches to shame. I wouldn't mind a new case color just for variety's sake, but the design is (still) great.

It does, however, mean that I have little to report on display size, brightness, or basic functionality. It's all the same as last year's version.

The Siri Modular Watch Face has a special complication in the middle that always surfaces the most relevant widget. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

As for new watch faces, Apple's new watchOS 27 (which is what my unit is running) brings only one: Siri Modular. It's available for both the Series 12 and Ultra 4, but thanks to the Ultra 4's larger display, it has an additional bezel and a different (optional) Ultra font.

The new trick Siri Modular does is dynamically change the center complication to display whatever the top Smart Stack widget is at the moment. Turn the Watch's crown, and that widget will start rotating between the other widgets in your smart stack.

While the new Siri Modular face is a cool addition, I do regret that Apple didn't add additional new faces with the launch of the Watch Ultra 4. While its physical design remains the same, new watch faces are the easiest way to make the watch feel fresh.

I'm sticking with the Translucent Gray Ocean Band. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

One fresh thing is the wide range of bands on offer. Apple added numerous new versions across all of its band types, including Sport Band, Sport Loop, Nike Sport Band, and Hermes. Apple sent me a few to try out; by far my favorite was the new Translucent Gray Ocean Band, which is a perfect match for the Apple Watch Ultra 4's Natural Titanium color.

Battery life fit for athletes

The Apple Watch Ultra has always been advertised as a watch for athletes and adventurers, but the first couple of iterations just didn't have the battery life to match that claim. Now, with the Apple Watch Ultra 4, Apple says the battery will last up to 50 hours in normal use, up to 84 hours in Low Power Mode, and up to 18 hours in outdoor workout mode.

This should now be enough to finish an Ironman race, which is pretty much all you can ask of any sports watch. I haven't tried that and have no plans to, but I did take the Watch for an hour-long workout that included some calisthenics and bag work. The watch was fully charged that morning, and by evening it still had 81 percent battery remaining.

Overall, I had to charge the Watch roughly every third day, and could extend that by another day by using low power mode. This is a big deal for me as it means I don't have to worry about charging when I take the Watch on a weekend trip.

New heart rate monitoring system

The biggest hardware change on both the Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch Series 12 is the completely new Health Sensing System, which includes a new optical and electrical heart sensor. It can take heart rate measurements far more frequently throughout the day, thereby collecting more data, which is used to calculate metrics such as HRV (heart rate variability), a stress indicator. Apple pointed to a scientific study that singles out this new system as the best among wearables right now.

The new heart rate monitoring system takes measurements far more frequently than before. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

This new system also paved the way for Readiness, a feature that takes a bunch of data and essentially tells you how well you're doing and how ready you are to tackle a workout. Readiness takes a week of data to start showing up; I don't have a score yet, but will add it here as soon as I get that first reading.

Other health-related apps, such as Vitals and Heart Rate, now provide more precise, granular data thanks to the new heart rate monitoring system. One metric I find particularly useful is the ability to see at a glance how quickly your heart rate returns to normal after a hard workout.

The new heart rate monitoring sensors do fire more often, which can be a nuisance while you sleep or in a dark theater. Apple has thought of this, and the sensors will fire less often when the watch is in Theater or Sleep Focus mode.

In a dark room, the constant flickering of the heart rate sensors can be annoying, but fortunately there are ways to temporarily (and automatically) turn it off. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Step tracking has also been improved, with Apple calling it "the most accurate in any smartwatch." I've been getting slightly lower step counts than on the Apple Watch Series 11, but it's hard to say whether that's more accurate than before. I have, however, enjoyed the new Steps complication, which shows me the number of steps I've taken today in real-time.

The stuff that's not here yet

Now we come to the complicated part. The new Apple Watch Ultra 4, as well as Series 12, come with several AI features. These are part of the Audio Intelligence suite of features, enabled by the new S11 chip, which includes four new features: improved Shazam, Sound Recognition, Live Rewind, and Siri Recap.

Shazam, which comes in the form of the Music Recognition widget, is simply better at identifying the song playing nearby. I've tried it out on numerous songs, even some obscure YouTube remixes, and it recognized them all instantly.

Sound Recognition is primarily aimed at people with hearing impairments, as it can help them recognize important sounds such as sirens, doorbells, or a baby crying.

Music Recognition now works incredibly fast, and I couldn't find a song it couldn't recognize. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Those two are live now, but Live Rewind and Siri Recap are coming "later this year." Live Rewind gives you an AI-powered recap of the last 15 seconds of your life, so you can recall, for example, which menu items the restaurant waiter just listed for you. Siri Recap creates a "high-level summary" of your day.

Apple has pointed out that these don't store any audio data and are completely private to the user, but they still sound like potential privacy trouble to me. The features are opt-in to you, the user, but they listen to everyone around you, and these people may not always get a chance to opt in or out. Live Rewind does, however, play an audible sound, even if the Watch is on silent, and displays an animation, so that people nearby can see that it's being used.

We'll know more about these features when they go live. In Europe, where the privacy rules are pretty strict, it might take a while.

All of the health and fitness data collected by the Watch feeds into the Health app on the iPhone, which has undergone a big redesign. That, however, also isn't live yet; as I wrap up this text, it just became available in the iOS 27 developer beta. At first glance, I think the new Health app is a huge improvement, as it offers a clearer overview of various aspects of your health, including sleep quality, fitness level, heart health, and overall vital signs. I'll need more time (and a more finalized version) to assess how well it works, though.

Should you buy it? It's an amazing smartwatch, but not an essential upgrade from last year's model. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Whether you need the new Apple Watch Ultra 4 depends on how you use it. If it's just a cool watch on your wrist that you sometimes use for workouts, and you don't require very precise sports metrics, then the old Ultra 3 or even Ultra 2 will continue to serve you well.

If you're an athlete, especially an endurance athlete, who needs the best battery life and the best heart rate measurement system available, then the Apple Watch Ultra 4 is an essential upgrade, even if you have an older version.

When someone new to Linux asks which distro they should start with, the usual recommendations are Ubuntu or Linux Mint. However, I think that’s an overgeneralization — and part of why some folks walk away from Linux with a bad taste in their mouth. The right recommendation depends entirely on why you’re switching in the first place and what’s actually motivating you to leave Windows or macOS.

SAVE OVER $20: As of Sept. 17, the Anker Solix C200 DC portable power station is on sale for $129.98 at Amazon. That's $20.01 off its full price of $149.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker SOLIX C200 DC Portable Power Station $129.98 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $20.01   Get Deal

If fall weather has you itching to grab your camping gear and go on an outdoor adventure, it's worth picking up a portable power station to bring along.

These devices can help keep you powered up on the go, and Amazon's a great place to find something on sale. Among the retailer's many discounted offerings at the moment is the Anker Solix C200 DC.

Usually priced at $149.99, this power station is over $20 off. The "limited time deal" tag on the store page is a strong indicator that it won't be on sale for long, so now is the time to make a move before the price goes back up.

SEE ALSO: Amazon announces dates for Prime Big Deal Days, its 48-hour 'October Prime Day' sale

The Anker power station is 39% smaller than similar power stations. There's even a strap you can get for it, though that's sold separately. And in terms of power, it boasts a 192Wh battery that delivers 200W of power and five charging ports: a USB-C (100W) port, a USB-C (140W) port, a USB-C (15W) port, and two USB-A (12W) ports.

It can also be recharged in three ways. With the 140W USB-C PD 3.1 port, it can fast recharge to 80% in 1.3 hours. Or it can be recharged via a car socket or solar panels, reaching 80% in 1.6 hours.

The clock is ticking to save on the Anker Solix C200 DC portable power station at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

SAVE OVER $600: As of Sept. 17, the Hisense 65-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV is down to its lowest-ever price of $847.99 at Amazon. That's $652 off its full price of $1,499.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-Inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD TV $847.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $652   Get Deal

Ahead of the Prime Big Deal Days sale event in October, Amazon has been dropping some excellent early deals for shoppers to check out. If a new TV has been on your mind, you're in luck.

We've already spotted solid savings on various screens, including the Hisense 65-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV.

As of Sept. 17, this Hisense TV is on sale for a huge 43% off at the retailer. That's knocked it down to $847.99. Compared to its usual list price of $1,499.99, that's $652 in savings. Not to mention, the price tracking website camelcamelcamel notes this as a return to its lowest-ever price on Amazon.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime in time for the next Prime Day

Boasting a 65-inch screen, 4K resolution, and Hi-QLED technology, this Hisense TV looks like a real treat for the eyes. With 4K resolution, you'll enjoy incredible detail in what you watch, further enhanced by Hi-QLED technology to deliver vibrant colors, brightness, and contrast on screen. The display even has an anti-glare layer that minimizes reflections and prevents light from blocking out what you're watching.

If you love to game or watch live sports, it also offers a native 165Hz refresh rate that keeps the action looking smooth without blur or lag. And on top of all that, it's a Google TV, so you can easily access your favorite apps to stream shows and movies direct from the home screen.

However, it's currently listed as a "limited time deal," so act fast to save on the Hisense 65-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV at Amazon before the discount disappears.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Poster Collection is on sale for $48.99 at Walmart, down from its $89.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box $48.99 at Walmart
$89.99 Save $41.00   Get Deal

The Pokémon TCG’s 30th Celebration expansion has only just landed, but the price cuts are already extending beyond the Elite Trainer Box deal (still under $85 at Amazon). Among the many products you can buy in the 30th Celebration expansion right now, its poster collection is now sporting arguably the best discount.

As of Sept. 17, the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Poster Collection is $48.99 at Walmart, down from its $89.99 list price — sold and shipped by third-party seller Cash Cards Unlimited. At a $41 saving, the 30th Celebration Poster Collection is now much closer to its $42.26 market price estimated by TCGplayer. However, you can save more by shopping with the dedicated trading card marketplace instead, with listings as low as $43.85 at the time of writing. 

SEE ALSO: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration ETB is way under market price on Amazon — buy for under $90 (if you get an invite)

You'll get three 30th Celebration Pokémon booster packs alongside foil Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres promo cards. There’s also a double-sided poster covered with artwork from more than 160 cards in the anniversary set.

If there are any particular valuable chase cards you’re after — like the $210+ SIR Mew ex, the $170+ SIR Gengar ex, or the $145+ SIR Mew ex — you can also buy single 30th Celebration Pokémon cards at TCGplayer. 

TL;DR: Pokémon and streetwear brand Stance have announced their second and final limited-edition sock drop of 2026, launching Sept. 24 as part of the franchise's ongoing 30th anniversary celebration.

Pokémon's year-long 30th anniversary blowout isn't slowing down anytime soon. Following major brand collabs, the franchise is teaming back up with streetwear staple Stance for its second and final sock collection of 2026.

If you missed out on their first drop earlier this year — which sold out almost too quickly — this new limited-edition release gives fans another shot at stocking up. Launching Sept. 24, the line features six distinct character designs centered around fan favorites like Pikachu, Meowth, Snorlax, and Arcanine. Plus, parents and younger Trainers can match, as Pikachu and Meowth pairs will also be available in kids' sizes.

SEE ALSO: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration ETB is way under market price on Amazon — buy for under $90 (if you get an invite)

For serious collectors looking to fill out their real-world Pokédex, Stance is also dropping a limited-edition Pokémon Trainer Box Set that packs two major exclusives you can't get as standalone pairs:

• Arcanine Blaze Crew — An exclusive, fiery colorway locked strictly inside the collector's box.

• UV-Reactive Poké Ball Crew — The real showstopper, woven with light-sensitive threads that reveal hidden Pokémon graphics only when exposed to direct sunlight.

With Pokémon merch consistently flying off shelves throughout 2026, expect this drop to vanish fast. The full collection goes live on Sept. 24 exclusively at Stance.

I have had AT&T Fiber for over seven years at this point. While I enjoy the service and have had very few reliability problems with it, I really just want to use my own router. AT&T doesn't allow you to use anything but its provided gateway, and it's always annoyed me. Here's how I got around their rules and started using my own router with AT&T anyway.

SAVE UP TO $92: Shop Sandisk to get a 1TB portable SSD for $159.99, down from the list price of $251.99. You can also find a 128GB USB-C flash drive for $21.99 instead of the list price of $56.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sandisk 128GB Sandisk USB-C Flash Drive $21.99 at Sandisk
$56.99 Save $35   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sandisk 1TB Sandisk Portable SSD $159.99 at Sandisk
$251.99 Save $92   Get Deal

There's no sign of the memory shortage improving soon. Ever-rising tech prices indicate the major brands don't see it letting up soon either. That means adding storage to your setup today could mean snagging the best prices we'll see for quite a while. If you've been thinking of closing your eyes and making the upgrade, there's some good news from Sandisk.

As of Sept. 17, a 1TB Sandisk portable SSD is on sale for $159.99, marked down from the normal price of $251.99. If you don't need that much storage, a 128GB Sandisk USB-C flash drive is on sale for $21.99, down from the standard price of $56.99. That works out to a major 61% discount.

It's hard enough to figure out memory within our own brains, but now that external memory is hard to come by, things are rough. However, Sandisk has a collection of World Cup SSDs and thumb drives on clearance since the event is over. As long as you don't mind the look, there are great savings in store.

SEE ALSO: Want free books? Get 3 months of Kindle Unlimited for free ahead of Prime Big Deal Days.

The 1TB portable SSD is perfect for creators or travelers who need more storage space while on the road. Sandisk designed this model with durability in mind while keeping it compact. Read speeds reach up to 800MB/s on the 1TB option, which can hold thousands of photos and hours of video.

Going smaller, the 128GB Sandisk USB-C flash drive comes in a fun whistle shape with a wearable lanyard. You'll be able to transfer both photos and videos onto the flash drive to free up precious space on your phone or laptop. Speeds reach up to 300MB/s with this option. Plus, Sandisk offers a five-year warranty.

Since we're not expecting memory prices to drop anytime soon, snagging these deals from SanDisk is a smart move. Even if you don't need immediate storage relief, they'll be useful to have on hand for the future.

TL;DR: McDonald’s has launched a SpongeBob x One Piece Happy Meal, available from Sept. 15. The toys feature SpongeBob as Gear 5 Luffy, Patrick as Zoro, and Squidward as Sanji.

If you thought the Burger King x Dragon Ball collab was the peak for anime fans, McDonald's just dropped the ultimate anime mash-up.

Combining Bikini Bottom’s finest with One Piece is truly tough to beat, and you know for sure that collectors are already buying up cases to hunt down rare pieces before secondary market scalpers clear everything out. That's the game you need to play with this kind of collab.

The 15-toy collection isn't just a surface-level collaboration that gets churned out to capture the interest of dedicated fans who'd buy absolutely anything. Instead, the character pairings are shockingly accurate to lore. You get SpongeBob pulling off Gear 5 Luffy, Patrick sporting Zoro's three-sword style, and even deep-cut references like Smitty Werbenjagermanjensen cosplaying as Brooke.

If you're trying to complete the full 15-piece set, here is every character combo hitting McDonald’s locations right now:

• SpongeBob: Dressed as Monkey D. Luffy

• SpongeBob (Variant): Dressed as Gear 5 Luffy

• Patrick: Dressed as Roronoa Zoro

• Sandy: Dressed as Nami

• Plankton: Dressed as Usopp

• Squidward: Dressed as Sanji

• Gary: Dressed as Chopper

• Pearl: Dressed as Robin

• Larry the Lobster: Dressed as Franky

• Smitty Werbenjagermanjensen: Dressed as Brooke

• Mr. Krabs: Dressed as Jinbe

• Mermaid Man: Dressed as Monkey D. Garp

• Barnacle Boy: Dressed as Koby

• Mrs. Puff: Dressed as Charlotte LinLin (Big Mom)

• The Flying Dutchman: Dressed as Marshall D. Teach (Blackbeard)

Credit: McDonald's

To maximize your chances of securing specific figures without buying 15 meals in one afternoon, use the My McDonald’s App to place mobile orders. This is a sneaky hack, but many locations specify which toy number series is currently being distributed before you pay. We can't make promises here, but it shortens your odds.

SAVE $9.01: As of Sept. 17, the 512GB Apple MacBook Neo is on sale for $789.99 at Amazon, down from its list price of $799.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple MacBook Neo (512GB) $789.99 at Amazon
$799 Save $9.01   Get Deal

Ever since the ongoing RAMageddon memory shortage forced Apple to slap broad price hikes across its Mac and iPad lineups in late June, finding any discount on Apple hardware feels like a major victory.

The MacBook Neo was one of the victims of that repricing — the base tier jumped from $599 to $699, while the upgraded 512GB configuration with Touch ID spiked from $699 to $799.

Right now, Amazon has the 512GB MacBook Neo down to $789.99. While a $10 price drop on Amazon doesn't sound like an earth-shattering clearance event on paper, shaving anything from a Mac that literally just saw a $100 bump helps soften the blow. If you were eyeing that extra storage and Touch ID anyway, now's the time to jump in.

SEE ALSO: Lenovo's IFA Laptops: MacBook Neo Killer! Fanless ThinkBook! And Yes, Another Rollable Screen

Beyond the extra storage and Touch ID, this upgraded tier gets you all the standard features that make the Neo a surprisingly capable machine. It’s built with a 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine — and features a 13-inch Liquid Retina display pushing up to 500 nits of brightness. You also get a notch-free 1080p FaceTime HD camera, dual side-firing speakers with Spatial Audio, and full support for Apple Intelligence and macOS features like iPhone Mirroring.

As for how it performs in the real world, Mashable gives the laptop high marks despite its budget compromises. Reviewer Haley Henschel notes that the Neo "doesn't have a ton of pizzazz or multitasking brawn, but it's great for what it is: a very cheap MacBook." In Mashable's benchmark testing, the A18 Pro chip delivered single-core speeds "on par with an M4 MacBook Air," making everyday tasks like browsing, emailing, and streaming feel lightning fast. Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth even managed to run light video edits in Final Cut Pro without issue.

The MacBook Neo completely outclasses similarly priced Windows laptops and Chromebooks. Its sturdy all-aluminum build, vibrant display, and solid 15-hour battery life make it "an amazing starter laptop" or a secondary machine for students and casual users who just need the basics done right.

If you need a reliable Mac that won't destroy your budget, grab this rare deal before it goes back to full price.

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Beginner Box is on sale for $29.97 at Amazon, down from its $34.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Beginner Box $29.97 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $5.02 Get Deal

Learning Magic: The Gathering from scratch can be intimidating if you’ve never sampled the trading card game before, but the dedicated Avatar: The Last Airbender Beginner Box is now on offer to help you get started at a lower cost. This particular expansion is especially great if you’ve been inspired by the new Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender movie. 

As of Sept. 17, the Magic: The Gathering Avatar The Last Airbender Beginner Box is $29.97 at Amazon, cutting $5.02 from its $34.99 list price. It ships from Amazon and is sold by a third-party seller, The Card Kid. That does bring it closer to TCGplayer’s estimated market price of $26.16, but listings at the dedicated trading card retailer are selling the box for less than on Amazon, now at $26.98.

SEE ALSO: The Pokémon TCG First Partner Illustration Collection (Series 1) gets a rare price drop at Amazon — save nearly $10

Rather than dropping two newcomers straight into a full match, the Beginner Box starts with a guided face-off between Aang and Zuko. Each player receives a 20-card tutorial deck, along with step-by-step instructions that introduce Magic's core mechanics as the game progresses.

There’s plenty left once the tutorial is finished, too. Eight additional 20-card half-decks can be paired into different 40-card combinations, covering themes including Firebending, Waterbending, Earthbending, Counters, Spells, and Big Creatures. Two playboards, two Spindown life counters, five double-sided tokens, learn-to-play guides, and a rules reference booklet round out the package.

For more Avatar: The Last Airbender cards to add to your new collection, you can buy any single Magic: The Gathering card from TCGplayer right now. 

I wanted an app that seemed easy: the temperature and forecast displayed on a widget on my desktop. Instead, Windows 11 gave me a "widget" with ads and entirely too much extra stuff.

TL;DR: Audio brand Tribit has officially launched the FlyBuds C3, a new pair of ultralight true wireless earbuds designed for workouts, daily commutes, and work calls.

Opens in a new window Credit: Tribit Tribit FlyBuds C3 $34.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $5   Shop Now

Tribit just added a new pair of super affordable earbuds to its lineup: the FlyBuds C3. They're built to be featherlight so you can wear them all day on your commute, at the gym, or during work calls. While they normally go for $39.99, you can actually snag them right now with a 13% discount on Amazon.

Even though they weigh just 4 grams each — making them light enough that you'll probably forget you're wearing them — they come packed with features you usually only see on pricier flagship models. Inside, 10mm speakers deliver clear, balanced sound with full support for both iPhone and Android devices. You get active noise cancellation that blocks out up to 45dB of background clutter, plus a quick Transparency Mode when you need to hear your surroundings.

SEE ALSO: New AirPods deal: Amazon just cut the preorder price for the new AirPods 5

They run on Bluetooth 6.0, which means you can connect them to two devices at once and seamlessly jump from your phone to your laptop without messing with settings. For workouts and daily wear, they feature an IP55 sweat- and water-resistant rating and antibacterial ear tips. Calls stay crisp thanks to a six-microphone setup powered by AI to block out background noise, and gamers get a 50ms low-latency mode to keep audio locked in with the action.

Battery life keeps pace with a full week of commutes, offering 8 hours of playback per charge (6 with noise cancellation on) and up to 35 total hours with the case. You can tweak the sound using the companion app's equalizer presets, adjust the bass levels, or customize the noise control modes on the fly.

Under $40 for noise cancellation and a full week of battery? Grab the FlyBuds C3 at Amazon.

TL;DR: Live stream the NFL for free on 7plus, TVNZ, or Channel 5. Access these free livestreams from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We all know that football is America's favorite sport, but global interest has never been higher. With the NFL visiting other countries every season and increased overseas coverage, you'll now find NFL fans all around the world. That also means there are new places to live stream the weekly action. Which is great news for fans everywhere.

By following a few simple steps, you can live stream the NFL without spending anything. If you want to watch the NFL for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the NFL?

The NFL is a professional American football league consisting of 32 teams, divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC), which are also split into divisions.

SEE ALSO: How to watch NBA live streams online for free

Each team plays 17 games in the regular season. Following that, seven teams advance from each conference to the playoffs, which culminate with the Super Bowl. This game is played in early February between the winners of the AFC and NFC championship games.

The Seattle Seahawks won Super Bowl XL.

When is the NFL?

The NFL season begins annually with a three-week preseason in August, followed by an 18-week regular season running from September to January. Seven teams from each conference advance to the playoffs, culminating in the Super Bowl.

How to watch the NFL for free

The NFL is available to live stream for free on the following platforms:

• Australia — 7plus (select regular season games plus all playoffs and Super Bowl LXI)

• New Zealand — TVNZ (select regular season games plus all playoffs and Super Bowl LXI)

• UK — Channel 5 (select regular season games and playoffs)

These streaming services are geo-blocked, but anyone worldwide can access them for free with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can unblock free streaming services from around the world without hassle.

Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia, New Zealand, or the UK

4. Visit 7plus, TVNZ, or Channel 5

5. Watch the NFL for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the NFL without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream select fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

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Social media bans for kids are quickly becoming the global legislation trend of the moment.

Children under 16 are finding themselves at the center of political conversations, with countries including Australia, the UK, Canada, Brazil, Austria, and Indonesia, and more attempting to wrangle Big Tech companies' hold on young people's attention.

SEE ALSO: Australia's kid social media ban is ineffective, study suggests

Online age verification laws are taking shape by the month, with governments citing the need to address issues including child sexual exploitation, cyberbullying, self-harm, and the impact on kids' mental health, as well as "addictive" design, violent content, and porn. However, these laws have also come under severe criticism for efficiency and their impact on digital privacy and free speech.

Plus, kids are already finding ways around them.

So, where are we at, globally? Which countries have followed Australia's example and are rolling out their own social media bans? Here's the list, alphabetically, and incidentally starting with the one who started it all.

Australia

The first to do it, Australia set a global precedent in Dec. 2025 with its world-first social media ban for children under 16. The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act requires social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, X, and Snapchat to implement age verification and take "reasonable steps" to prevent kids under 16 from creating accounts. However, a July 2026 study by Australian government advisors found the ban so far ineffective.

Plus, Reddit is suing.

Austria

Following in Australia's footsteps with fewer letters, in March 2026, Austria announced a bill to ban social media use for children under 14. With a draft planned for completion by summer, Austria's legislation would also add a new compulsory subject, "Media and Democracy," to school curriculums to boost awareness of "how to recognise disinformation and radicalisation."

Brazil

Brazil's social media ban, the Digital Statute of Children and Adolescents, came into force in March 2026. The law requires kids under 16 to link their social media accounts with a legal guardian, and tech platforms must add age verification for users wanting to access adult content. It also means social media platforms must limit "features designed to artificially increase, sustain, or extend" time kids spend on the platforms, including automatically playing videos.

Canada

Canada is set to ban users under 16 from holding social media accounts, with a proposed law announced by the Canadian government on June 11, 2026. The Safe Social Media Act will enforce age verification to access online services and legally mandated safety requirements for social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. But Canadian law will also apply to companies that use AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude.

Denmark

Denmark is planning a social media ban for kids under 15, announced back on Oct. 8, 2025, by the country's prime minister, Mette Frederiksen. According to the Associated Press, the law could arrive in 2026, but there's no date or details yet. Reports also suggest parents could allow their children to use social media from the age of 13.

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This is a big one. An EU-wide social media ban for kids under 13 and limited use for kids under 15 is coming. After a special EU-commissioned report and plans were revealed on July 13, the European Commission proposed the EU KIDS Act on Sept. 17, 2026, to "enhance the online safety of children." But it won't just be social media that's impacted, with video-sharing platforms, online gaming, AI chatbots or companions, and even app stores targeted by the law. Age verification will be required via the EU age verification app or third-party platforms.

If passed, all 27 member states of the EU will be included in the bill, from Austria to Sweden.

France

France is ready to approve its social media ban for kids under 15, with the government reaching a compromise on the bill on July 20, 2026. Once it's through, France will be the first European country to officially enact such a ban. According to Le Monde, the social media ban will block under-15s from creating new accounts as of Sept. 1, and in Jan. 2027, all existing accounts will come under the law.

Germany

Germany hasn't yet rolled out a social media ban, but the government is considering it.

Greece

Greece plans to ban social media for kids under 15, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announcing the proposed law on April 8, 2026. In a TikTok video, translated by the BBC, Mitsotakis cited sleep issues and anxiety in children caused by "the pressure to always be online," and he criticized "the addictive design of certain applications." If passed, the measure will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027, and the PM said age verification is also needed.

Indonesia

Indonesia announced it would ban social media for children under 16 on March 6, 2026. As reported by the BBC, the country's minister of communication and digital affairs, Meutya Hafid, said anyone under 16 with an account on a "high risk" online platform would see it deactivated by the end of March, naming "YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox."

Malaysia

Malaysia has banned social media for under-16s, with communications minister Fahmi Fadzil announcing the Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA) in Nov. 2025. The law came into force on Jan. 1, 2026, but it really got started on June 1, 2026. As NBC News reports, requires social media companies to add age verification and to prohibit kids under 16 from creating accounts on platforms with at least 8 million users (that means YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook). The law also requires social media companies "to limit features that increase, sustain, or extend" kids' online time.

New Zealand

New Zealand's government introduced the Online Safety (Minimum Age and Child Safety Risk Assessment) Bill to parliament on Aug. 24. Announced by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, the bill would prevent children under 16 from accessing social media platforms and AI companions, and will "put greater responsibilities" on tech companies to protect children online. The Online Safety Bill will need to be passed into law by parliament, after which platforms will have six months to comply.

Poland

Poland is looking to ban kids under 15 from social media, with Education Minister Barbara Nowacka announcing plans on Feb. 26, 2026. Yes, that would mean age verification on social media sites and big fines for companies not enforcing them.

Slovenia

Slovenia is set to ban social media access for kids under 15, with draft legislation announced by Deputy Prime Minister Matej Arčon on Feb. 5, 2026.

Spain

Spain announced plans to ban social media for children under 16 on Feb. 3, 2026, with the country's prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, promising to "protect them from the digital Wild West." The proposed bill, which still needs to be passed by parliament, will hold social media companies (including their executives) liable for "illegal or harmful content" existing on their platforms. "We will turn algorithmic manipulation and amplification of illegal content into a new criminal offence,” Sánchez said at the World Governments Summit in Dubai in February.

Thailand

Thailand hasn't announced a social media ban yet, but there's a lot of discussion about it.

Turkey

Turkey passed a bill on April 23, 2026, that blocks kids under 15 from accessing social media platforms. According to the Associated Press, which cited state media reports, the law will require age verification on social media, rapid responses by companies to "harmful" content, and expanded parental controls.

United Kingdom

The UK confirmed an impending social media ban for under-16s on June 15, 2026, following the rollout of age verification in the country in July 2025 (it's kind of working?). The government explicitly said it "plans to use the same model for a social media ban as Australia," with the intention of broadening the law to cover other platforms, including livestreaming and gaming sites.

The UK is also considering overnight curfews for teens aged 16 and 17 and blocking infinite-scroll mechanisms for kids.

This story is developing and will be updated as laws are proposed and passed.