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Redditors say Anthropics expensive Claude plans offer far less usage than advertised
A popular Reddit post in r/Anthropic titled "More Drama" has drawn significant attention this week, amplifying claims that Anthropic has been misleading customers about how much usage they actually get with its higher-priced Claude subscription plans.
The post shares a viral X thread, which argues that Anthropic advertises its $200-per-month plan as offering "20x" the usage of its base Pro tier, and its $100-per-month plan as offering "5x." In practice, according to the thread, actual usage only scales up by around 1.7 times — meaning subscribers pay twice as much for a fraction of the usage boost the marketing implies.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.The thread points to usage figures Anthropic reportedly published in July 2025, which listed 140–280 Sonnet hours for the 5x plan and 240–480 hours for the 20x plan. The core issue, according to the post, is that the multiplier only applies to Anthropic's daily five-hour session window rather than total weekly usage. Disgruntled users on X and Reddit say that after factoring in weekly caps, users on the 20x plan can end up paying more per hour of actual usage than those on the cheaper 5x plan.
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Reddit users piled into the discussion with similar complaints.
One commenter wrote that upon signing up, they believed the multiplier reflected weekly usage rather than a limiter tied to session windows, only learning otherwise from a Reddit post. The author continued, saying that Anthropic's "Save 50%" marketing on the 20x plan doesn't add up, since paying double the price for what functions as, at best, double the usage means no actual savings — technically making two separate 5x subscriptions more cost-effective than one 20x plan.
SEE ALSO: Anthropic’s Claude can now send Gmail emails without asking firstSome commenters referenced an active lawsuit, Kahn v. Anthropic PBC, as evidence that the complaints extend beyond social media grumbling. Others in the thread said the pricing structure had already pushed them to cancel their subscriptions in favor of alternatives, including OpenAI's Codex plans and open-source models such as Qwen and DeepSeek, with several users citing the value and performance of those options as a more cost-effective alternative given the confusion around Anthropic's usage limits.
Mashable reached out to Anthropic for comment but received no response at the time of publication.
Sonos stages its comeback: Ace Ultra and Beam Ultra are built around audio AI you control
Sonos has used its much-hyped Open House event to premiere two new devices that it hopes will recover its reputation, including an AI platform it says will give you more control. The company has introduced Ace Ultra headphones and a Beam Ultra soundbar that are built on a new Sonos 27 "audio operating system" with AI at its heart.
I found a 7-Zip alternative. I'm not going back
Windows' built-in archive manager is getting better these days. But for more advanced features, you'll likely need a third-party tool. After using 7-Zip for a long time, I found NanaZip. It impressed me so much that I quit using alternatives.
Sony expands its ULT line with 3 new tower speakers built for massive bass
Sony first introduced its ULT line in 2024 as an answer for major bass lovers. We've included both ULT Field and ULT Tower speakers in our guides to the best Bluetooth speakers and the best party speakers. And now, Sony is expanding the party with three new additions: ULT Tower Max, ULT Tower 7, and ULT Tower 5.
Take your party from loud to loudest. Credit: SonyAll three are party speakers with loud, room-filling sound. They were designed with DJs in mind, with XLR, RCA, USB-A, and USB-C connections, plus a built-in woofer, so DJs don't need to lug around separate equipment. Each speaker also features color-changing lights to help set the vibe. The Party Chain button featured on the ULT Tower speakers lets you easily pair multiple speakers together for expanded sound.
SEE ALSO: The 9 best waterproof Bluetooth speakers, tested poolsideIf you've used a Sony ULT speaker before, you're familiar with the ULT button, which switches between bass levels. The button has been upgraded and can now be customized with new configurations. You can switch between ULT1, ULT2, Live, and Flat. Flat is the standard true-to-source setting, ULT1 punches the bass up a notch, ULT2 punches it up even more, and Live recreates the spacious sound of a live performance. You can set the ULT button to cycle through whichever of these you choose. So, if you don't think you'll ever use Live mode, you can leave it out of the rotation.
ULT Tower Max features, price, specs The ULT Tower Max is an all-in-one traveling DJ machine. Credit: SonyThe ULT Tower Max replaces 2024's ULT Tower 10. It retails for $1,499.99, which is a price increase over the Tower 10's $1,199.99 MSRP. It features three 280-millimeter woofers (front and rear), two midrange drivers, and four tweeters (front and rear).
Specs and features:
Dimensions: 528 x 1056 x 470 millimeters
Weight: 121 pounds
Four handles and wheels
Splash-proof top panel
360 Party Sound
10-band equalizer
RCA, XLR, Party Chain
Replacing the SRS-XV800, the ULT Tower 7 retails for $649, the same price as its predecessor. It features a 280-millimeter woofer, two midrange drivers, and four tweeters (front and rear).
Specs and features:
Dimensions: 280 x 704 x 345 millimeters
Weight: 50 pounds
Four handles and wheels
IPX4 water resistance
360 Party Sound
10-band equalizer
RCA, XLR, Party Chain
The ULT Tower 5 supersedes the SRS-XV500 and retails for $449, a $50 increase over the XV500's $399 price tag. It houses a 230-millimeter woofer, two midrange drivers, and two tweeters.
Specs and features:
Dimensions: 352 x 528 x 275 millimeters
Weight: 29 pounds
Four handles
IPX4 water resistance
360 Party Sound
10-band equalizer
RCA, XLR, Party Chain
All three ULT Tower speakers are available now at Sony, Amazon, Best Buy, and other authorized retailers.
Sony ULT Tower 5 $449.99 at AmazonShop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Sony Sony ULT Tower 7 $649.99 at Best Buy
Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Sony Shop Now at Amazon Sony ULT Tower Max $1,499.99 at Best Buy
Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Sony Shop Now at Amazon
Apple reveals ‘shocking evidence’ in OpenAI trade secrets lawsuit
Apple's lawsuit against OpenAI and two of its former employees over alleged stolen trade secrets is heating up.
In a new filing, Apple says it has found "shocking evidence" and is asking the court for expedited discovery. Apple claims the limited information it found after a former employee's work laptop was returned to the company shows that "its trade secrets are being used and evidence is being destroyed.”
Apple filed a lawsuit in July against OpenAI, its hardware company, io Products, and two Apple employees who now work at OpenAI. Apple claims that former iPhone engineer Chang Liu and OpenAI Chief Hardware Officer Tang Yew Tan utilized Apple's trade secrets to develop hardware products for the AI company. The latter previously worked at Apple for 24 years.
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While the evidence is redacted from the public in the filing, Apple says that “initial forensic analysis” of Chang Liu's MacBook revealed that the former engineer used a downloaded confidential Apple circuit schematic in his work at OpenAI. Liu also used a tool with the same name as an internal Apple engineering application in his work for OpenAI.
Apple further claims it has evidence that other employees at OpenAI were aware of Liu's unauthorized access to Apple's third-party cloud storage. In addition, Apple says Liu sent instructions to destroy evidence to another OpenAI employee after discovering that Apple was conducting an internal investigation of him, and that the other OpenAI employee confirmed that she would comply.
According to Apple, Liu used an AI agent on the Apple circuit schematic, which "may create irreversible and continually propagating uses of the trade secret" as the AI model could utilize Apple's data for model training.
Liu's MacBook from his time at Apple also synced with a Mac mini, which was used to run the schematic, so Apple is now requesting that the desktop computer be provided as evidence as well.
Earlier this month, OpenAI went public with a response denying any wrongdoing. OpenAI also provided text messages, which it says refute some of Apple's claims.
Apple previously sent legal preservation letters to roughly 40 other OpenAI employees who used to work at Apple. In its lawsuit, Apple said that it believes the initial evidence was "just the tip of the iceberg" when it comes to OpenAI's use of its trade secrets. More than 400 former Apple employees now work at OpenAI, according to Apple.
Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.
HP EliteBook X Flip 14 (G2i) review: HP basically made my ultimate dream laptop, but it has two problems
HP is one of the goliaths of the PC world, and I've grown rather fond of its modern OmniBook and EliteBook laptop offerings over the last few years. When I received the new EliteBook X Flip G2i for review, it seemed that HP had gotten even closer to my ideal dream laptop—premium 2-in-1 design, refined features, a gorgeous anti-glare OLED display, the works. This is an impressively specced machine.
Roku just announced two new OLED TVs that ditch the premium price tag of OLED
Some of us are trying to spend less time staring at screens. We're Bricking our phones to work on jigsaw puzzles, spend time outside, or read. But there's nothing wrong with sitting down in front of the TV for a movie night with family. Or consider the educational gains that come from watching a Sir David Attenborough documentary. A TV can still fit into a digital detox lifestyle, and for those who want an OLED model with excellent contrast, there's good news.
Roku just announced two new budget TVs and both come with an OELD display, and prices start at $999.99. Here's everything to know about the new Roku TV models.
Opens in a new window Credit: Roku 55-inch Roku Pro Series OLED TV $999.99 at AmazonGet Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roku 65-inch Roku Pro Series OLED TV $1,199.99 at Amazon
Get Deal Roku Pro Series OLED
Already available at Amazon, the Roku Pro Series OLED comes in at $999.99 for a 55-inch display and $1,199.99 for a 65-inch display. Chris Larson, Vice President for Retail Strategy at Roku, is quoted in a press release as saying, "OLED technology has been locked behind premium price tags, forcing many customers to choose between the display they want or a price that works for them." Roku's new OLED models aim to remove the cost-prohibitive element of owning an OLED.
The Pro Series brings an ultra-wide viewing experience and a modern design with an ultra-thin metal bezel. Roku had the customer in mind when they designed the included stand since it requires zero tools for assembly.
Slim and sleek for a modern design. Credit: RokuBluetooth pairing to headphones is perfect for nights when the household is asleep but you simply must watch one more episode before bed. The remote control with backlit buttons is also a major plus when watching TV into the dark hours.
The Roku Pro Series OLED TV has a native refresh rate of 120Hz and 4K resolution.
Roku Pro Series LX OLED TVLaunching in the beginning of October 2026, the Roku Pro Series LX OLED will be the brand's most advanced model. Roku says it will have a brighter display with an even wider range of colors compared to the Roku Pro Series OLED, and a more advanced polarizer to help reduce reflections. In addition, it has a 144Hz refresh rate, making this an ideal model for gaming.
Roku hasn't announced sizes of this model, but we know it will come with a list price of $1,299 once it launches.
How to buy the Roku Pro Series OLED TVYou can already purchase the base Roku Pro Series OLED at Amazon. The 55-inch model has a price of $999.99 and the larger 65-inch comes in at $1,199.99. We'll keep this page updated once we have sizing information and a launch date for the Roku Pro Series LX OLED TV.
Get a free pair of glasses when you shop WNBA star Olivia Miles collection at GlassesUSA.com
TL:DR: Shop WNBA All-Star Olivia Miles exclusive capsule collection with GlassesUSA.com and get a free pair of glasses with code BOGOFREE.
The only thing more iconic than Minnesota Lynx star Olivia Miles's rookie season is her look. Both on and off the court, Miles wears bold glasses that have become her signature look. Fans of the 2026 second overall draft pick have even taken to showing up to games sporting her sports-goggles. So it's no surprise that the WNBA All-Star has collaborated with GlassesUSA.com on a capsule collection of her favorite eyewear. And right now, you can shop the collection and get a pair of glasses totally free.
Even fans of Olivia Miles come out to games, matching her iconic look. Credit: David Sherman / NBAE via Getty ImagesThe Olivia Miles x GlassesUSA.com collection, which is curated by Miles herself, features frames made for the game and everyday. It features frames like the bold Muse x Transitions Toppin with lenses that transition from light to dark. For athletes, the Progear EG-M1021 goggles have the highest-level of protection and are anti-fog eligible to ensure that nothing gets in the way of your game. If like Miles, you need a pair of glasses for the court and pair for off, GlassesUSA.com is running a BOGO deal that gives you a pair of glasses totally free.
Right now, get a complimentary second pair of glasses with your purchase. To redeem, add two pairs of frames to your cart on GlassesUSA.com and enter code BOGOFREE at checkout. The discount applies to the lower-priced pair of glasses in your cart and the deal can include up to one frame marked 'Premium' or 'Sale'. The deal does not apply to UNICA eyewear, AI glasses and 'Luxury' tagged items. Plus, you have plenty of time to shop the sale as it runs through Aug. 1, 2027.
So as Miles gears up for her playoff run, gear up with her and shop her exclusive collection with GlassesUSA.com and get your second pair for free.
Opens in a new window Credit: GlassesUSA.com Shop the Olivia Miles x GlassesUSA.com collection Use code 'BOGOFREE' at checkout to score your complimentary second pair. Get DealTim Cook’s farewell memo to Apple employees reportedly leaks online
As of Tuesday morning, Apple has a new CEO — John Ternus, former Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, is the new big boss. And it only took a matter of hours for the old CEO's internal farewell message to leak onto the wider internet.
Ternus officially took over as CEO on Sept. 1, with Tim Cook vacating the position he took over from Steve Jobs. Cook, as outgoing executives are wont to do, sent a long-ish farewell memo to Apple employees, and 9to5Mac obtained it for our prying eyes.
Guess what Apple will release in September in our Big Guessing Game: Apple edition. Enter now for a chance to win an Apple Watch!
The five-paragraph memo is fairly standard stuff, filled with positive messages about Cook's time working as Apple CEO. At one point, Cook discusses the importance of Apple's company culture.
Per 9to5Mac, the outgoing CEO wrote:
There is something truly special about Apple. I am most proud of what an annual report could never capture. This place is proof that culture triumphs over everything. We share a belief that what we build matters, and that we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to leave the world better than we found it. That purpose is part of what makes this place extraordinary. Apple helps nurture it, but I believe it lived within each of you long before you arrived here.
Cook's memo also included a quote from Jobs. Cook reportedly said, "We have made it possible to leave our 'dent in the universe,' as Steve once described it, because of who we are and what we believe, because of what we value and how we see the world. How fortunate we are. How fortunate I am."
Cook isn't leaving Apple entirely, and he's now the Executive Chairman of Apple's Board of Directors. In the memo obtained by 9to5Mac, Cook also took some time to lay out why Ternus will be a good replacement:
I will miss leading you and being with you for every step, even as I take enormous comfort in handing the helm to someone as brilliant and wonderful and capable as John. Few people understand what it takes to build products that change the world the way John does and I could not be more excited for his leadership.
In many ways, the memo reads like a longer, more expansive version of the emotional message Cook shared on social media yesterday.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.We'll get our first real look at the Ternus era at Apple next week when the company announces the iPhone 18 lineup.
You can read the entire memo at 9to5Mac.
5 new Netflix movies to watch in September
The calendar has turned from August to September, and that means new movies are heading to Netflix. First up is a documentary about one of the biggest tragedies in American history. Next up is an ensemble drama in the memorable Tyler Perry franchise.
Level up your listening with $160 off the Bose QuietComfort Headphones
SAVE $160: As of Sep. 1, get the Bose QuietComfort Headphones for $199 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $359. That's a discount of 45%.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bose QuietComfort Headphones $199 at Amazon$359 Save $160 Get Deal
Looking for a new pair of headphones? As far as comfort and quality goes, the Bose QuietComfort Headphones are a fantastic option. Not only do they feel great for long-term wear, but they offer excellent audio as well. And right now, you can get a pair for an excellent price at Amazon.
As of Sep. 1, get the Bose QuietComfort Headphones for $199 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $359. That's $160 off and a discount of 45%.
SEE ALSO: I expected the new Bose QuietComfort headphones to be great. They're my new favorites from the brand.These noise-cancelling headphones offer great sound with a variety of passive features that can help you block out distractions from the outside world while zeroing in on the music or podcasts (or calls) that matter most. They offer both Quiet and Aware modes that you can toggle between for full-on noise cancellation or full awareness of your surroundings so you can hear exactly what's happening around you.
Beyond that, they offer plush, over-ear cushions that feel pillowy soft on your ears with a padded band that make them great for listening for lengthy sessions. They have an all-day battery life with 24 hours of juice from a single charge. You can keep them on the charger for 15 minutes as well for a 2.5-hour boost of playtime.
If you're ready to move on from earbuds and want something over-the-ear for improved comfort and quality, this is one model you won't want to skip out on. Be sure to grab yours while they're on sale, since they won't be at this price for long.
Excel has a date that never existed, but fixing it could break your spreadsheets
Excel has been carrying an incorrect date in its calendar for decades. Microsoft knows about it, has documented why it happens, and could technically change the behavior. The strange part is that fixing it could cause more trouble than leaving it alone.
Waymo is launching its robotaxi in Denver, San Diego, and Tampa
Waymo is expanding again, and this time it's adding a new U.S. state – Colorado – to the list of places where it offers its driverless taxis.
On Tuesday, Waymo announced it is launching in three new U.S. cities: Denver, Colorado, San Diego, California, and Tampa, Florida.
The service will roll out to users over time. Credit: WaymoThe expansion, which will roll out to users gradually, brings the number of cities where Waymo operates to 14. It will start with "dozens" of vehicles, gradually scaling up to "hundreds" over time.
The service will start with dozens of vehicles, but the number should grow to hundreds over time. Credit: WaymoAccording to the company, this will be the first time the 6th gen Waymo Driver (that's how Waymo calls its self-driving system) is deployed at scale. In total, the expansion will add roughly 150 square miles of service territory to Waymo's coverage map.
The Ojai has been built to be a robotaxi from the ground up. Credit: WaymoProspective riders should know that in Denver and San Diego, the rides will only be offered via the Waymo Ojai, a new, van-like electric robotaxi built for Waymo by the Chinese company Zeekr. The Ojai is designed to be a robotaxi from the ground up, and it has a spacious cabin with sliding doors and two large LED displays for riders in the back.
YouTube Music has one feature no streaming service can compete with
Even though I stream most of my music on Spotify, I renew my YouTube Music subscription every month. It still has one feature that I can’t get anywhere else.
These 4 Samsung Galaxy features are secretly wasting storage space
Having a phone with enough storage space is essential, and even though base models now come with more than ever, running out of space is still a common problem. Thanks to powerful cameras for photos and video, large modern apps, and more, your storage will slowly disappear. Even worse, part of the problem isn't your fault.
Proxmox VE turned a $35 Raspberry Pi into my homelab's most powerful machine
I had a Raspberry Pi 5 lying around and I was not doing much with it. Then Proxmox VE recently announced ARM64 support on 5th of August and that immediately made me think about my Raspberry Pi. Proxmox now provides Proxmox VE for 64-bit ARM platforms, although the Raspberry Pi devices are not officially supported because of their boot and hardware-description architecture.
Tennis and tech: A match made in heaven?
Can technology make you a better tennis player? Wes Ott tests over $5,000 worth of smart tennis gadgets, from a "smart" ball machine and a radar gun to court cameras and a training racquet. Which ones are worth your money, and which ones should you skip?
Read more about robotic sports tech:
Sony's table tennis robot isn't playing fair
Timecode chapters
00:00 Intro: Testing $5,000 in tennis tech
00:33 PongBot Pace S Pro ($2,000)
01:22 Pocket Radar smart coach ($400)
02:29 Tech in Pro Tennis (Hawk-Eye)
03:32 SwingVision ($33 a month) and Baseline Vision ($2,000)
04:36 Functional Tennis Saber ($200)
05:24 Are they worth the money? (Verdict)
08:14 Final thoughts and outro
Video credits
Host: Wesley Ott
Producer and camera: Dillon Lopez
Video editor: Wesley Ott
Thumbnail designer: Zooey Liao
Amy Poehlers Good Hang chat with Kenan Thompson is made for SNL fans
Amy Poehler and Kenan Thompson have walked a similar comedy path, as the latest episode of Good Hang will attest. The Saturday Night Live stars reconnected for Poehler's podcast released Tuesday, with Thompson being the longest-tenured cast member in SNL history — over 22 seasons and counting.
The longtime friends unpacked the art of timing in comedy and life, Thompson's pre-SNL career (including the Mighty Ducks franchise), auditioning for SNL at 23, getting his own writing on SNL with the recurring "Scared Straight" sketch, ice skating on the Rink at Rockefeller Center at 1 a.m. after filming SNL Christmas specials, fanning out over American figure skater Alysa Liu, and more.
And as always, there's a special guest question from Thompson and Poehler's fellow SNL star Maya Rudolph.
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Linux's creator says you should use ECC RAM—here's what that means
ECC stands for error-correcting code, and it works by using additional parity bits to verify that the data read from memory matches the data that was originally written to it. Regular RAM has no such safeguard. If a single bit in a memory cell flips from a 0 to a 1, or vice versa, standard memory has no way of knowing anything went wrong. That corrupted bit just gets treated as valid data and passed along to whatever process requested it.
Legos new Wallace and Gromit set gives Aardmans beloved duo a brick-built makeover — where to preorder
Aardman Animations' wonderfully quirky duo, Wallace and Gromit, are getting their Lego debut this year. The company recently announced a 1,038-piece set of the beloved buddies as part of its Ideas line, scheduled for release on Oct. 1.
What's even better is that there's no need to wait until then to buy. Preorders are already live on Lego, priced at $99.99, so you can secure this awesome set ahead of time. One important element to keep in mind is that while Wallace and Gromit are a perfect pair for every age on-screen, this set is actually recommended for adults ages 18 and up.
If you know someone younger who really wants it, just make sure an older person is around to help them with the trickier parts.
Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Wallace and Gromit (21371) $99.99 at LegoPre-order Here
As a big fan of Wallace and Gromit, I'm eager to get my hands on this build. Its 1,038 pieces depict both Wallace and Gromit riding in their motorbike and sidecar, an image plucked straight from A Close Shave. There are fun little accessories that you can throw in the motorbike's seat hatch as well, including crackers (of course), a yarn ball for Gromit, and a diamond that you might recognize from The Wrong Trousers.
Credit: LegoWhat's particularly enjoyable about this set is that both Wallace and Gromit are posable. Gromit, in particular, comes with goggles and can be posed with his ears flying back in the wind. It's a fun touch.
Credit: LegoThis Lego Ideas set was brought to life by Sébastien Esnault, who originally submitted it to the Lego Ideas “90s Throwback — The Next Chapter” challenge.
As part of an interview with the Lego Ideas blog, Esnault explained why he chose this particular scene, noting that "Beyond the characters themselves, this scene perfectly captures the spirit of Wallace & Gromit. It brings together everything that defines them: inventiveness, humor, friendship, and a sense of adventure."
Credit: LegoThere's not long to go until this set's release on Oct. 1, so get your preorder in today on Lego. Maybe throw on The Curse of the Were-Rabbit while you're piecing it together to really get into the spooky season spirit.


