Blogroll

The Federal Trade Commission ordered seven tech companies to provide details on how they prevent their chatbots from harming children.

“The FTC inquiry seeks to understand what steps, if any, companies have taken to evaluate the safety of their chatbots when acting as companions, to limit the product’s use by and potential negative effects on children and teens, and to apprise users and parents of the risks associated with the products,” the consumer-focused government agency stated in a press release on their inquiry.

The seven companies being probed by the FTC are Alphabet, Character Technologies, Instagram, Meta, OpenAI, Snap, and xAI. Anthropic, owner of the Claude chatbot, was not included on the list, and FTC spokesperson Christoper Bissex tells Mashable that he could not comment on “the inclusion or non-inclusion of any particular company.”

SEE ALSO: Character.AI unsafe for teens, experts say

Asked about deadlines for the companies to provide answers, Bissex said the FTC’s letters stated that, "We would like to confer by telephone with you or your designated counsel by no later than Thursday, September 25, 2025, to discuss the timing and format of your submission."

The FTC is "interested in particular" about how chatbots and AI companions impact children and how companies that offer them are mitigating negative impacts, restricting their use among children, and complying with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act Rule (COPPA). The rule, originally enacted by Congress in 1998, regulates how children’s data is collected online and puts the FTC in charge of that regulation.

SEE ALSO: Meta locks down AI chatbots for teen users

Tech companies that offer AI-powered chatbots are under increasing governmental and legal scrutiny.

OpenAI, which operates the popular ChatGPT service, is facing a wrongful death lawsuit by the family of California teenager Adam Raine. The lawsuit alleges that Raine, who died by suicide, was able to bypass the chatbot's guardrails and detail harmful and self-destructive thoughts, as well as suicidal ideation, which was periodically affirmed by ChatGPT. Following the lawsuit, OpenAI announced additional mental health safeguards and new parental controls for young users.

If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can reach the Trans Lifeline by calling 877-565-8860 or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat. Here is a list of international resources.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Imagine this scenario: You're on your way to a national park and you start to get curious if you'll get a signal there. Will it be enough to make a call, or send that sweet picture to a loved one? Well, data for all 63 of the national parks in the U.S. is a tough ask, but thanks to a new report by Ookla, the top five is pretty easy to find. 

According to said report, the top five fastest national parks in the U.S. are Sequoia, Mount Rainier, Grand Teton, Cuyahoga Valley, and Hot Springs national parks. At the top of the list, Sequoia had a median download speed of 163.3 Mbps while Hot Springs put up 117.33 Mbps.

Don’t miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google.

Upload speeds were mostly the same, with Mount Rainier, Grand Teton, and Sequoia making a second appearance, though the Hawaii Volcanoes and Big Bend national parks squeaked in as well. The winner here was Mount Rainier with 21.04 Mbps, with Big Bend coming in fifth with a 6.12 Mbps median upload speed. 

On the other end of the spectrum, the five slowest national parks based on download speeds were Mammoth Cave, Yellowstone, Redwood, Kings Canyon, and Death Valley. Of those, Death Valley was the worst at a scant 7.56 Mbps. Those were also the slowest in terms of upload speeds, with Mammoth Cave at the end of the line with a 0.93 Mbps median upload speed. 

The rest of the national parks fit somewhere between those two extremes. Ookla notes that national parks near metropolitan areas tended to have an advantage over ones that were out in the sticks. For reference, Sequoia National Park is only 85 miles away from Fresno, California, while Cuyahoga Valley is roughly 20 miles outside of Cleveland, Ohio. 

Ookla noted that the answer to upload and download speed woes may be satellite internet from providers like Starlink. In the speedtest giant's report, Starlink had the fastest upload speeds of any internet provider in most national parks while still competing in terms of download speeds. 

Of the 10 most popular national parks in the country, Starlink had the top upload speed in eight of them and either the top or second fastest download speeds in six of them. So, if you're headed to Joshua Tree state park for some astrophotography, for which the park is famous, you'll be able to upload those pictures a little over three times faster with Starlink than with any traditional mobile service like T-Mobile or Verizon. 

SAVE $175.01: As of Sept. 12, get the Google Pixel Watch 3 for $274.99, down from its usual price of $450 at Woot. That's a discount of 39%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Woot Google Pixel Watch 3 $274.99 at Woot
$450 Save $175.01 Get Deal

Need a new smartwatch? Fall is here, and it's a good time to put one to the test as you head out and enjoy the cooler weather. If you're not into Apple Watch models or you prefer to keep things on the Android ecosystem, a Google Pixel Watch is a great idea, especially since you can grab one from Woot at a discount right now.

As of Sept. 12, get the Google Pixel Watch 3 for $274.99, down from its usual price of $450 at Woot. That's $175.01 off and a discount of 39%.

SEE ALSO: All the best smartwatches for every wrist and interest

This watch features a 45mm screen that's 40% larger and twice as bright as the previous models. It has a variety of fitness tracking metrics, ways to keep up with your workouts, build custom run plans, and offers real-time guidance and tracking should you need it. You can use Fitbit Premium integration as well with Google AI to set goals, track past runs, and score your readiness for each day to make sure you're in good shape each day before getting started.

Aside its fitness tracking features, the Pixel Watch 3 can track notifications, run all your favorite apps, give you a way to pay via mobile on your wrist, and much more. It's a powerful companion you'll definitely want at your side to help you get things done. And since it's available for such a great price, there's really no reason to pass it up, unless you've got your eye on another watch right now.

SAVE 50%: As of Sept. 12, the Anker F2000 (PowerHouse 767) portable power station is just $999.98 in a lightning deal at Amazon, down from a list price of $1,999. That's a 50% discount and a savings of nearly $1,000.

Anker Solix F2000 (PowerHouse 767) portable power station $999.98 at Amazon
$1,999 Save $999.02 Get Deal

Most high-capacity power stations have a major design flaw: they're built with the assumption that you'll never actually have to move them. Anker took a different, more practical approach with its Solix F2000 by essentially building a massive 2048Wh generator into a piece of rolling luggage. And right now you can get it for 50% off.

As of Sept. 12, the Anker Solix F2000 is on sale for $999.98 at Amazon. That's a 50% discount off its $1,999 list price. This is a lightning deal, so it won't last long.

SEE ALSO: This powerful and portable Bluetti solar generator is 44% off just in time for fall camping

This generator packs a 2048Wh capacity and a 2400W output, which is enough to power up to 12 devices at once, including heavy-duty appliances like a refrigerator or an air conditioner. What makes it unique is its suitcase-style design; one reviewer wrote that while the unit is a "monster/heavy," the built-in wheels and handle "make moving it through the house a breeze."

Anker built the Solix F2000 for the long haul. According to the manufacturer, it has a 10-year lifespan, and they even back it with a five-year full-device warranty. Thanks to its HyperFlash technology, it can also recharge from 0 to 80 percent in just 1.4 hours.

SAVE $400: As of Sept. 12, the Hisense C2 mini laser projector is on sale for $1,599.99 at Amazon. That's 20% off its usual list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense C2 mini laser projector $1,599.99 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $400 Get Deal

If you prefer a portable and flexible TV experience, it's hard to beat a mini laser projector. They've come a long way in recent years and can rival big screen 4K TVs, while also allowing you to watch movies, TV shows, and sports from practically anywhere. Of course, that technology doesn't come cheap, so finding a top model at a steep discount is a big deal.

As of Sept. 12, the Hisense C2 mini laser projector is down to $1,599.99 at Amazon. That's 20% in savings. While that's not the cheapest price it's ever been, it's still a pretty solid discount that'll keep an extra $400 in your pocket.

Released last fall, the C2 projector is a relatively budget-friendly option in the Hisense lineup. It's equipped with Hisense's Tri-Chroma triple color laser to ensure color accuracy, supports 3D viewing, and boasts 2,000 lumens. Projection size ranges from 65 to 300 inches and thanks to 360-degree horizontal rotation and 135-degree vertical adjustment, it delivers unparalleled viewing flexibility. Watch movies on the ceiling, stream workout videos on the wall, set up a massive outdoor theater experience, or keep up with live sports in any room of the house. With auto keystone correction and auto focus, smart wall color adaptation, and obstacle avoidance, you'll get an immersive viewing experience instantly with little work on your part.

It does have a few limitations. It doesn't get quite bright enough to watch in an extremely sunny environment and there's no built-in subwoofer for enhanced sound. But it does still offer key technologies like Dolby Vision and HDR10+, as well as JBL 2.0 channel audio. At the end of the day, the Hisense C2 mini laser projector delivers where it matters: a portable, flexible, and immersive home theater experience. And at $1,599.99, it's a pretty competitive value.

Cast departures are a constant in Saturday Night Live's life cycle.

Every year, during the lead-up to a new season, SNL gets a shake-up as current cast members and writers leave the show. The lead-up to Season 51, premiering Oct. 4, is no different. As of Sept. 12, five cast members are confirmed to be exiting the show.

SEE ALSO: D23 2025: Every movie and series announced and shown at this year's fan event, so far

Here are the actors leaving SNL before Season 51.

Heidi Gardner Heidi Garnder on "SNL." Credit: Will Heath/NBC via Getty Images

In her eight seasons on SNL, Heidi Gardner cemented herself as a key cast member. She could do it all, crafting memorable Weekend Update characters like teen film critic Bailey Gismert and "every boxer's girlfriend" Angel and stealing the show in sketches and digital shorts. Her role as Michael Jordan's bodyguard in a parody of The Last Dance documentary is one for the ages.

Throughout her time on the show, Gardner almost never broke character. However, in her penultimate season, she finally broke when greeted with Mikey Day and Ryan Gosling as Beavis and Butt-Head, a moment that soon became a Season 49 highlight.

While it's tough to lose a cast member as reliable as Gardner, Gardner herself hinted at her exit in February when she guested on Craig Ferguson's podcast Joy. "I will say the only thing that I’ve started to feel a little bit is just sketch fatigue, or idea fatigue,” she told Ferguson. “At this point, after doing Groundlings and SNL for so long, I’m like, 'I’ve written a lot of sketches.'"

Ego Nwodim Colin Jost, Ego Nwodim, and Michael Che on "SNL." Credit: Will Heath/NBC via Getty Images

Ego Nwodim became a comedic force to be reckoned with in her seven-season stint on SNL. Her Lisa from Temecula character was an instant classic from the moment she started cutting into her well-done steak, and her stand-up alter ego "Miss Eggy" became a viral sensation thanks to her her call-and-response with SNL's live audience.

In an Instagram post about her exit in September, Nwodim confirmed it was her choice to leave the show, writing, "The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight. But after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave SNL. I am immensely grateful to Lorne for the opportunity, to my castmates, the writers, and the crew for their brilliance, support, and friendship. Week after week on that stage taught me more than I could have ever imagined, and I will carry those memories (and that laughter) with me always."

Michael Longfellow Michael Longfellow and Colin Jost on "SNL." Credit: Will Heath/NBC via Getty Images

Michael Longfellow joined SNL in Season 48, bringing his deadpan comedic stylings to a variety of sketches, but most notably to his Weekend Update segments. In his very first episode, he popped by the Weekend Update desk to crack jokes about conservative family members. Throughout his tenure, he'd return for memorable segments about everything from the TikTok ban to being a child of divorce.

In an August Instagram post announcing his departure from SNL, Longfellow wrote, "Will not be returning for a 4th season at SNL. Wish I was, but so it goes. It was the best three years of my life so far. I feel nothing but gratitude for the experience and everyone there. Lorne, you gave me the greatest job in the world and changed my life. You even put my mom on TV. Thank you doesn't begin to cover it, but thank you."

Devon Walker Michael Che and Devon Walker on "SNL." Credit: Will Heath/NBC via Getty Images

Like Longfellow, Devon Walker became an SNL cast member in Season 48. He impersonated everyone from New York City Mayor Eric Adams to Michael Strahan, and he, along with fellow cast member James Austin Johnson, also gifted us with the ridiculous lactose-intolerant rappers Milly Pounds and Shirty.

Walker announced his exit on Instagram in August, writing, "me and the show did three years together, and sometimes it was really cool. Sometimes it was toxic as hell."

In an interview with Rolling Stone about his departure, Walker added, "I think I felt ready to leave the show, and I think the show felt ready to leave me. I was just ready to do something else. We both felt like it was time."

Emil Wakim Emil Wakim and Colin Jost on "SNL." Credit: Will Heath/NBC via Getty Images

Emil Wakim joined SNL as a featured cast member in Season 50, where he played figures like Julius Caesar, Mohammad bin Salman, and Luigi Mangione (as well as a Luigi Mangione look-alike getting "some of the horniest DMs of my life"). Wakim also made an impact on Weekend Update, where he appeared to discuss American patriotism and the 2024 election.

In an Instagram post in August about his exit from SNL, Wakim wrote, "I won’t be returning to SNL next year. It was a gut punch of a call to get, but I’m so grateful for my time there. I was at Six Flags celebrating my friend's 36th birthday and went on a really emotional walk through Bugs Bunny Park. I stared out across Daffy Duck Lake, thinking about life."

Happy Friday, gamers, because Nintendo just announced a bunch of new games and showed off trailers for titles that had been previously announced. We even got a teaser for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, the sequel to the popular animated Mario movie from 2023. (Remember "Peaches, Peaches, Peaches, Peaches, Peaches"? Of course you do.)

During a 60-minute Nintendo Direct livestream on Friday morning, the company showcased a large number of new games coming to Nintendo Switch and, for the most part, Switch 2.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

The Direct started with about 10 minutes of Mario announcements because it's the 40th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros. Naturally, the video game stream started with a movie trailer. The sequel to the smash hit Super Mario Bros. movie is going to space, inspired by two of the best 3D Mario platformers ever. The movie comes out in Spring 2026.

Super Mario Galaxy 1+2 for Switch

Those two great 3D platformers that inspired the movie are also coming to Switch. Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 are being sold separately for $40 each, and you can play them on either a Switch 1 or Switch 2. These are really delightful games and I'd highly recommend checking them out, especially if you or your little ones have never played them before. They're really great for kids. They come out on Oct. 2

Mario Tennis Fever

The first new game announcement in the show was Mario Tennis Fever, the latest in a long line of mostly very good arcade sports titles starring Mario and friends. This one looks like it has some fun new features, like special rackets that do wild things such as freeze the opponent's side of the court. It also has a story mode where all the characters have been turned into babies and need to re-learn how to play Tennis. Sure! This one comes out on Feb. 12.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

The last proper Mario platformer, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, is getting a paid Switch 2 upgrade next spring. The trailer focused a lot on party game-style multiplayer modes, but also promised new levels. More information on that front is apparently coming soon.

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book

Also coming next spring is Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, a new game starring everyone's favorite green egg-spewing dinosaur. It's got a cute storybook art style and the gameplay looks to revolve around experimenting with interesting little systemic interactions in colorful worlds. From the trailer, it seems like it'll be a good one for kids.

Storm Lancers

Storm Lancers is a cartoony, fast-paced co-op roguelike game that looks pretty hectic and fun. If it interests you at all, I have good news: It's out today!

Dinkum

Do you like Stardew Valley? Have you ever wished it was more Australian? It seems like that's exactly what Dinkum is. It comes out on Nov. 5 and is sure to please those of you who just want to run a little farm with kangaroos running around.

Popucom

Popucom is a cute-looking 3D co-op game about shooting colorful orbs to solve puzzles. It is multiplayer-only and launches this winter.

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream

Launching in spring 2026, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream sort of defies explanation. You create Miis based on you, your family, your friends, or anyone you like, really, and they live on an island together. They all talk using horrifying robotic voice synthesis, too, which is a huge part of the appeal. There isn't really an overall objective or a way to "win" Tomodachi Life. It's more like something you just check in on every now and then.

Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection

This collection kollection of classic 2D and early 3D Mortal Kombat games features faithful emulation and awesome-looking interactive documentaries featuring old footage of recording sessions and new interviews with some of the original MK creators. If you like Mortal Kombat, you should probably pick this up on Oct. 30.

Final Fantasy VII Remake: Intergrade

Final Fantasy VII Remake was an excellent game when it launched on PS4 in 2020, and will most likely continue to be excellent when it comes to Switch 2, complete with the Intergrade side story that originally launched with the PS5 port of the game, on Jan. 22.

Lynked: Banner of the Spark

Lynked has kind of a Saturday morning cartoon vibe to match its top-down action RPG gameplay. It also seems to include some life simulator elements, so there's a little bit of something for everyone here. It's out right now, too.

Hades II

Hades was an amazing video game. Hades II looks pretty great, too. The big news here is that it finally has a release date of Sept. 25, and it'll be console-exclusive to Switch 2 for a limited time.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment

This action game prequel to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the KIngdom is visually impressive, fitting hundreds of enemies on screen while seemingly holding to a stable 60 frames per second. That's a pretty big deal considering how some other recent Zelda games ran on the original Switch. This one launches on Switch 2 on Nov. 6.

Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined

25 years after its original release on the PlayStation, Dragon Quest VII is back with a fully 3D remake on Switch 2. The new art style is...interesting. But if you like charming and straightforward turn-based RPGs, this will probably scratch that itch for you when it launches on Feb. 5.

The triumphant return of the Virtual Boy

By far the strangest announcement of the entire day was that Nintendo is putting Virtual Boy games on its Nintendo Switch Online classic games catalog. That'd be funny enough on its own, considering the Virtual Boy was a massive failure in the mid-90s that Nintendo gave up on after less than a year on the market. But where this gets really weird is that it will require a new peripheral based on the original Virtual Boy hardware, where you put your Switch display inside the casing and put your eyes up to it like a VR headset.

We'll see how well that works. Virtual Boy games will start coming to Switch Online on Feb. 17.

Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly remake

Fatal Frame is a creepy series of Japanese horror games where you use a camera to spot ghosts, and the Switch 2 is getting a remake of the second game in early 2026. If you like really scary games, this one's for you.

Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of third-party games

Four different third-party games are getting Switch 2 Edition upgrades with various new features, like improved visuals, mouse support, and webcam support. These games are One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4, Overcooked 2, Stardew Valley, and Human Fall Flat.

one piece pirate warriors 4, overcooked 2, stardew, human fall flat

Powerwash Simulator 2

Do you find peace in doing chores? Great news! Powerwash Simulator 2 is launching this fall on Switch 2. It's a game where you powerwash stuff, and you have to be very thorough, just like in real life.

Suika Game Planet

Launching this winter is Suika Game Planet, a puzzle game about matching different types of fruit together. I've been told these games are very addictive, so if you like puzzle games, maybe give this one a look.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

The big news here is that Metroid Prime 4 finally has a release date of Dec. 4. The second biggest news is that they gave Samus a freaking motorcycle. Just watch the trailer.

Donkey Kong Bananza DLC

One nice surprise is that Donkey Kong Bananza is getting paid $20 DLC and it's out today. There's a new mode where you smash as much stuff as you can within a time limit, picking up perks along the way. Looks neat!

Pokemon Pokopia

One of the day's more harrowing announcements is Pokemon Pokopia, launching on Switch 2 in 2026. You play as the Pokemon Ditto, who transforms into a creepy looking approximation of a human in order to start a farm. Yes, it's a farming game where you use Pokemon powers to grow grass, harvest plants, and more.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A DLC

The upcoming Pokemon Legends: Z-A is also getting paid post-launch DLC which involves a couple of cool-looking Mega Evolutions for Raichu, Pikachu's oft-forgotten evolved form. There's no release date for this yet.

Danganronpa 2x2

Danganronpa is a series of well-liked Japanese visual novel games, and the second one is getting a remake for Switch 2 with new story content. It's out in 2026.

Dynasty Warriors Origins

Dynasty Warriors Origins is a really fun game about killing hundreds of nameless goobers during China's Three Kingdoms era while shredding guitar music plays. This new version is coming to Switch 2 on Jan. 22, complete with new story DLC.

Monster Hunter Stories 3

Monster Hunter Stories 3 is the third in a series of turn-based monster-collecting RPGs spun off from the main Monster Hunter series. These games are super underrated, so I'll definitely be playing this when it launches on March 13.

Resident Evil Reqiuem

The newest game in the Resident Evil series launches on Switch 2 on Feb. 27. To go along with that, the last two games, Resident Evil VII and Resident Evil: Village are coming to Switch 2 on the same day. That's a big day for horror fans.

Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave

The big "one more thing" was a new game in the Fire Emblem series of tactical RPGs. This one looks like it has a sort of Roman-inspired setting, complete with a big coliseum hosting some kind of battle tournament. It launches in 2026.

Google is killing off its Weather app for Pixel smartwatches — and replacing it with a new Pixel Weather app.

For the original Weather app, it will be a slow death, however.

Any watch running Wear OS 6 — as well as any other OS moving forward — will no longer be able to download Google's built-in Weather app. If your smartwatch is running OS 5 or older, you can still download the app.

Chances are that if you're running OS 6 on your watch, then you can keep using the app, at least for the time being. But things do get a bit more complicated. Pixel watch owners running OS 6 and newer will eventually be migrated to the updated Pixel Weather app.

Google wrote in a blog about the news: "If you have a Pixel Watch on Wear OS 6 or newer: Your watch will automatically come with (or be upgraded to) the new Pixel Weather app. You don't need to do anything."

Other brands of Android smartwatches — Samsung, OnePlus, Mobvoi — running OS 6 or newer can keep using the Weather app if it's already installed.

So, no matter what, you'll be able to look at your wrist and see the forecast. It might just look different moving forward.

SAVE $120: As of Sept. 12, get the Bose QuietComfort headphones — as seen in season 3 of The Summer I Turned Pretty — for just $229. That saves you $120 off its usual $349 price for 34% in savings. You can shop this deal at both Amazon and Bose.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort headphones $229 at Amazon
$349 Save $120 Get Deal

Like everyone else, I'm sat for season 3 of The Summer I Turned Pretty on Prime Video. While I will not comment on if I'm joining in on the internet's collective swooning over Conrad Fisher, I will say this: He has great taste in headphones. As someone who tests tech for a living, I can't help but notice what gadgets are featured in my favorite shows, and in Season 3, Episode 2 of The Summer I Turned Pretty, I was thrilled to see Conrad Fisher wearing a pair of Bose QuietComfort headphones — which also happen to be on sale right now.

Not to brag, but Conrad and I both sport the Cypress Green Bose QuietComfort headphones. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

If you're going to forlornly listen to 'Mystery of Love' by Sufjan Stevens while pining after your brother's fiancé, the Bose Quiet Comfort headphones are a great pair of headphones to do so. These are my daily headphones too, I prefer them over the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, for their more intuitive controls. They're comfortable for all day wear and bring rich, well-rounded sound so you can capture every delicate notes of a Sufjan Stevens track.

Plus, right now, you can find Conrad Fisher's headphones for just $229, down from their usual price of $349. Get the Bose QuietComfort headphones at either Amazon or Bose for $120 off, part of Bose's 24-hour flash sale. Unfortunately, the green Bose QuietComfort headphones that actor Christopher Briney sports in TSITP, aren't available anymore, but you can find fun shades like Chilled Lilac or Twilight Blue for 34% off now.

Shop the Bose QuietComfort headphones as seen in The Summer I Turned Pretty for $120 off now at either Amazon or Bose.

It took mere hours for the internet to spin out on conspiracies about the murder of Charlie Kirk — who died yesterday after being shot at a public event in Utah — according to reports.

The far-right commentator, who often engaged in vitriolic debates about immigration, gun control, and abortion on college campuses, was killed while on a university tour with his conservative media group, Turning Point USA. The organization has spent the last decade building conservative youth coalitions at top universities and has become closely affiliated with the nationalist MAGA movement and President Trump. As early reports of the incident rolled in from both reputed news agencies and pop culture update accounts, it was unclear if Kirk was alive or if his shooter had been apprehended.

SEE ALSO: How to stop videos from autoplaying on X

But internet sleuths on both sides of the political aisle were already mounting for battle on social media, trying to identify the names of individuals in the crowd and attempting keyboard forensic science as they zoomed in closer and closer on the graphic video of Kirk being shot. Some alleged that Kirk's bodyguards were trading hand signals right before the shot rang out. Others claimed the killing was actually a cover-up to distract from Trump's unearthed communications with deceased sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

Exacerbating the matter were AI-powered chatbots, which have taken over social media platforms both as integrated robotic helpers and as AI spam accounts that automatically reply to exasperated users.

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

In one example, according to media and misinformation watchdog NewsGuard, an X account named @AskPerplexity, seemingly affiliated with the AI company, told a user that its initial claim that Charlie Kirk had died was actually misinformation and that Kirk was alive. The reversal came after the user prompted the bot to explain how common sense gun reform could have saved Kirk's life. The response has been removed since NewsGuard's report was published.

"The Perplexity Bot account should not be confused with the Perplexity account," a Perplexity spokesperson clarified in a statement to Mashable. "Accurate AI is the core technology we are building and central to the experience in all of our products.  Because we take the topic so seriously, Perplexity never claims to be 100% accurate. But we do claim to be the only AI company working on it relentlessly as our core focus."

Elon Musk's AI bot, Grok, erroneously confirmed to a user that the video was an edited "meme" video, after claiming that Kirk had "faced tougher crowds" in the past and would "survive this one easily." The chatbot then doubled down, writing: "Charlie Kirk is debating, and effects make it look like he's 'shot' mid-sentence for comedic effect. No actual harm; he's fine and active as ever." Security experts said at the time that the videos were authentic.

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

In other cases NewsGuard documented, users shared chatbot responses to confirm their own conspiracies, including those claiming his assassination was planned by foreign actors and that his death was a hit by Democrats. One user shared an AI-generated Google response that claimed Kirk was on a hit list of perceived Ukrainian enemies. Grok told yet another X user that CNN, NYT, and Fox News had all confirmed a registered Democrat was seen at the crime and was a confirmed suspect — none of that was true.

"The vast majority of the queries seeking information on this topic return high quality and accurate responses. This specific AI Overview violated our policies and we are taking action to address the issue,” a Google spokesperson told Mashable.

Mashable also reached out to Grok parent company xAI for comment.

Chatbots can't be trained as journalists

While AI assistants may be helpful for simple daily tasks — sending emails, making reservations, creating to-do lists — their weakness at reporting news is a liability for everyone, according to watchdogs and media leaders alike.

Algorithms don’t call for comment. - McKenzie Sadeghi, NewsGuard

"We live in troubled times, and how long will it be before an AI-distorted headline causes significant real world harm?" asked Deborah Turness, the CEO of BBC News and Current Affairs, in a blog from earlier this year.

One problem is that chatbots just repeat what they're told, according to the Newsguard report:

"The growing reliance on AI as a fact-checker during breaking news comes as major tech companies have scaled back investments in human fact-checkers, opting instead for community or AI-driven content moderation efforts.This shift leaves out the human element of calling local officials, checking firsthand documents and authenticating visuals, all verification tasks that AI cannot perform on its own."

Additionally, while chatbots offer personal, isolated interactions, they are notoriously sycophantic, doing everything they can to please and confirm the beliefs of the user.

"Our research has found that when reliable reporting lags, chatbots tend to provide confident but inaccurate answers," explained McKenzie Sadeghi, NewsGuard researcher and author of the aforementioned analysis. "During previous breaking news events, such as the assassination attempt against Donald Trump last year, chatbots would inform users that they did not have access to real-time, up-to-date information." But since then, she explained, AI companies have leveled up their bots, including affording them access to real-time news as it happens.

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

"Instead of declining to answer, models now pull from whatever information is available online at the given moment, including low-engagement websites, social posts, and AI-generated content farms seeded by malign actors. As a result, chatbots repeat and validate false claims during high-risk, fast-moving events," she said. "Algorithms don’t call for comment."

Sadeghi explained that chatbots prioritize the loudest voices in the room, instead of the correct ones. Pieces of information that are more frequently repeated are granted consensus and authority by the bot's algorithm, "allowing falsehoods to drown out the limited available authoritative reporting."

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU, a nonpartisan law and policy institute, also tracks AI's role in news gathering. The organization has raised similar alarms about the impact of generative AI on news literacy, including its role in empowering what is known as the "Liar's Dividend" — or the benefits gained by individuals who stoke confusion by claiming real information is false. Such "liars" contend that truth is impossible to determine because, as many now argue, any image or video can be created by generative AI.

Even with the inherent risks, more individuals have turned to generative AI for news as companies continue ingraining the tech into social media feeds and search engines. According to a Pew Research survey, individuals who encountered AI-generated search results were less likely to click on additional sources than those who used traditional search engines. Meanwhile, major tech companies have scaled back their human fact-checking teams in favor of community-monitored notes, despite widespread concerns about growing misinformation and AI's impact on news and politics. In July, X announced it was piloting a program that would allow chatbots to generate their own community notes.

SAVE 44%: As of Sept. 12, you can get the Bluetti Elite 100 V2 solar generator for $449, down from $799, at Amazon. That's a 44% discount and a $350 savings.

Bluetti Elite 100 V2 solar generator $799 at Amazon
Get Deal

With fall just around the corner, prime camping season is officially here. The cooler weather and longer nights make a portable power station less of a luxury and more of a necessity for running lights, heaters, or just keeping your devices charged. If you’ve been getting by without a generator, now is the perfect time to invest in one.

As of Sept. 12, you can get the Bluetti Elite 100 V2 solar generator for $449, down from $799, at Amazon. That's a 44% discount and a $350 savings.

SEE ALSO: Amazon is giving away free Bluetti portable solar generators — here's how to qualify for the deal

This model has a 1024Wh battery and can power up to 11 devices at once with its four 1800W AC outlets. It even has a Power Lifting feature that can handle more demanding appliances up to 2700W, which is more than enough for an electric kettle or coffee maker at the campsite.

It’s also super portable. According to the manufacturer, this version is 35 percent smaller and 30 percent lighter than previous models. It also weighs only 25.3 pounds and has a hidden handle, so you can easily grab it and go.

SAVE $40: As of Sept. 12, get the Anker 521 Portable Power Station for $159.99, down from its usual price of $199.99. That's a discount of 20% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Anker 521 Portable Power Station $159.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $40 Get Deal

Whether you're going out camping, hitting the road for an adventure, or sitting at home without electricity thanks to a storm, a portable power station is always a good idea. If you're looking to add one to your home arsenal without having to pay too much, you can scoop up this Amazon offer now for its lowest price yet.

As of Sept. 12, get the Anker 521 Portable Power Station for $159.99, down from its usual price of $199.99. That's $40 off and a discount of 20%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: The Jackery Explorer 300 portable power station with a 100W solar panel is on sale at Amazon for under $300

This is an absolute unit of a portable power station. It uses an LiFePO4 battery to stay charged up for lengthy periods of time, which also means you get a guaranteed lifespan of about a decade with it. That's a lot of charging cycles. It's also made to be jostled around in your car or bag, so if you need to take it with you and leave it in your car, you can do that as well.

You can get it charged up from 0 to 80% battery in just 2.5 hours, so it's always ready to get going, even in an emergency. And it gives you six ports to choose from when needed, including two AC adapters, two USB-A, one USB-C, and a car outlet to juice up just about anything that needs it. It can handle anything from your phone or laptop to small appliances and even a portable heater if needed.

If you're ready to grab a portable power station, now's the time to do it. Be sure you snag yours while you still can.

As of Sept. 12, get the Anker 521 Portable Power Station for $159.99, down from its usual price of $199.99. That's $40 off and a discount of 20%. It's also the lowest price we've seaen.

SAVE $150: As of Sept. 12, the 10th generation Apple iPad with WiFi connectivity and 256GB of storage is back down to $349 at Amazon. That's 30% off its list price and matches its lowest price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 10th generation (A14 chip, 256GB, WiFi) $349 at Amazon
$499 Save $150 Get Deal

The 10th generation Apple iPad may no longer be the latest and greatest base model in town, but don't count it out. The 2022 model is still a powerful pick in 2025 for anyone looking for a tablet on a budget. After a permanent price drop last year, it became an even more impressive buy. And it's just dropped to its lowest price on record (again).

As of Sept. 12, you can pick up the 10th generation Apple iPad with 256GB and WiFi connectivity for only $349 at Amazon. That's 30% off its list price and matches its best price ever, which it has been hanging out at on and off for a few weeks. The only catch? You'll have to get the pink model (the other colors are sold out at Amazon at the time of writing).

The 10th generation iPad packs an A14 Bionic chip, a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, a landscape camera layout that makes video calls appear better, and upgraded stereo speakers for better sound quality. The base model usually starts at 64GB of storage, but this upgraded option comes with 256GB. That's plenty of space to download your favorite shows, movies, and music.

While the iPad Air and Pro are the best options for creatives seeking superior processing speeds, the entry-level iPad is perfect for someone who just wants a portable screen for streaming, playing games, or reading. As our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) noted in their review, "The base iPad remains an incredibly capable slate and a better choice than most other models in the same price range."

The sequel to 2023's smash hit The Super Mario Bros. Movie officially has a title: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.

The title reveal came as part of Friday's Nintendo Direct, where Nintendo also revealed that the film was set for an Apr. 3, 2026 release.

SEE ALSO: 2025 fall movie preview: Every upcoming film you ought to know about

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is named after 2007's Super Mario Galaxy, the first Super Mario game to be released for Wii. A critical and commercial success, the game sends Mario to space in a quest to save Princess Peach from Bowser. There, he encounters the powerful Rosalina and the star-like Lumas whom she oversees. (Super Mario Galaxy's Lumalee already made his very glum, very funny debut in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.)

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie's title reveal teases Mario's journey to the final frontier. First, it guides us through a peaceful landscape of burrowing Monty Moles and swimming Cheep Cheeps before flying up Princess Peach's castle, through the clouds, and into space beyond. There, a Luma cheerfully announces, "Let's-a go!"

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie brings back The Super Mario Bros. Movie's star-studded voice cast, including Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, and Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek. Announcement of additional characters and actors for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie will come at a later date. Who will be lending their voice to Rosalina? Which other characters can Super Mario fans expect in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie? And will the sequel cook up a bop as powerful as Bowser's "Peaches"?

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie hits theaters Apr. 3, 2026.

Gmail has a neat little feature for delivery tracking that you may have noticed before. At the top of the inbox, Google will show you packages that are set to arrive within the next 24 hours, a helpful feature for the forgetful. Google announced this week that it's improving that feature by adding a whole new section where you can view all of your online purchases, regardless of their shipping status. 

“We’re rolling out a new view that brings all your purchase and delivery updates together in one place,” said Chris Doan, Google’s Director of Gmail, in a blog post. “This will give you a bird’s eye view of all of your upcoming package deliveries in one simple, organized list.”

The way it works is fairly self-explanatory. Once the update reaches you, you’ll be able to open the left-side menu and find the new “Purchases” section. Clicking this section will show you only emails about your purchases and package shipments. From there, you can check each purchase or shipment as needed without worrying about clogging up the rest of your inbox. 

Credit: Google

Per Google, the existing package tracking features will remain, including the one that pins packages to the top of the inbox if they’re expected for delivery within the next 24 hours. 

In addition, Google is revamping its Promotions category in Gmail. This is a minor update, giving users the option to sort by “most relevant” promotional emails. Google doesn’t expressly state it, but it seems “most relevant” in this case means that the brands you engage with most often in your inbox will be filtered to the top, and the rest get filtered down. 

TL;DR: On Sept. 12, Dunkin’ is giving away free Sabrina Carpenter reusable cups with purchases of any daydream refresher (while supplies last).

Opens in a new window Credit: Dunkin' Free Sabrina Carpenter Reusable Cup with Daydream Refresher Learn More

Gather round Carpenters, because you need to stop what you're doing, cancel all your appointments, and head to your nearest Dunkin' right away. We're not joking around. This is serious.

Dunkin’ is giving away free Sabrina Carpenter reusable cups on Sept. 12. Yes, you read that correctly. Simply order any daydream refresher and get your special cup thrown in for free (while supplies last). Dunkin' announced the news on Instagram:

View this post on Instagram

Unfortunately, we can't find any information about participating stores at the moment. And we're seeing plenty of people raising this important question in the comments. It looks like you'll need to get lucky out there.

The refreshers are now available in three flavors:

• Mixed Berry

• Mango

• Strawberry

According to Dunkin', the daydream refreshers are made with oatmilk and topped with a velvety cold foam. Customers do have the option to customize their base and sweetness, but this doesn't really matter does it? It's all about that free Sabrina cup at the end of the day. The rest is immaterial.

SAVE 36%: The DJI Mic Mini bundle is on sale at Amazon for $109, on sale from the normal price of $169. That's a 36% discount and the best price we've ever seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic Mini (2 TX, 1 RX, and Charging Case) $109 at Amazon
$169 Save $60 Get Deal

If you tune into YouTube or TikTok, your favorite content creators have been walking around all summer with a DJI Mic. They're everywhere. Clipped into a shirt of simply held up, the DJI Mic Mini has taken over social media, and it's for good reason given its functionality and features. If you've been eyeing the DJI for a mic upgrade, now is your change to get it for a record-low price.

As of Sept. 9, the DJI Mic Mini bundle is on sale for $109 at Amazon, marked down from the normal price of $169. That's a 36% discount that slashes $60 off the list price. That makes it the best price we've ever seen at Amazon.

DJI knows how to keep content creators happily streamlining content creation. While the brand's drones are top-notch, the DJI Mic Mini comes with everything anyone could want from a mic. This bundle includes two black transmitters, one DJI Mic Mini charging case, four windscreens, one DJI Mic Mini receiver, two magnetic clips for the transmitters, and plenty more.

SEE ALSO: The DJI Osmo 360 is coming to record your content in 8K

The DJI Mic Mini is small and ultralight, weighing only 10 grams. Each transmitter gets about 48 hours of battery life with the included charging case. A five-minute recharge earns you another hour of use. The maximum range reaches up to 400 meters (or 1,312 feet) so you have plenty of movement freedom with the DJI Mic Mini. You also get two levels of noise-cancelling which is another tick in the versatility column.

While it's in-stock and on sale for a new record-low price, upgrade your content creation with the raved DJI Mic Mini. For under $110, you'll be snagging the set-up every top-tier content creator uses. While following the trend isn't always recommended, this one checks out because the DJI Mic Mini is incredibly functional and perfect for all types of creators.

All the focus has been on Apple this week, but forget all about those new AirPods, Apple Watches, and iPhones, because it's time for the gamers to have their moment in the spotlight.

Nintendo has finally confirmed that there will be a Nintendo Direct livestream on Friday, Sept. 12 at 6 a.m. PT/9 a.m. ET. The only real information that Nintendo has provided is that it's going to feature "roughly 60 minutes of information on upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch games." That's not a whole lot of go off, but it's more than enough for us.

How to watch Nintendo Direct 2025

You can find the Nintendo Direct livestream on Nintendo's YouTube channel (or just keep this page bookmarked and check it out right above). So sit back, relax, and get ready for go time on Sept. 12.

TL;DR: Pakistan vs. Oman in the 2025 Asia Cup is available to live stream for free on Tamasha. Access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 Asia Cup is delivering a massive matchup almost every day this month, which is fantastic news for fans of the T20 format. Pakistan vs. Oman is the next game on the schedule. Pakistan are heavy favorites here, and will expect to progress from Group A alongside India.

If you want to watch Pakistan vs. Oman in the 2025 Asia Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Pakistan vs. Oman?

Pakistan vs. Oman in the 2025 Asia Cup starts at 10:30 a.m. ET on Sept. 12. This game takes place at the Dubai International Stadium.

How to watch Pakistan vs. Oman for free

Pakistan vs. Oman in the 2025 Asia Cup is available to live stream for free on Tamasha.

Tamasha is geo-restricted to Pakistan, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Pakistan, meaning you can unblock Tamasha from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Pakistan vs. Oman in the 2025 Asia Cup for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Pakistan

4. Visit Tamasha

5. Live stream Pakistan vs. Oman for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can watch the 2025 Asia Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you plenty of time to watch the tournament for free.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live streaming is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Tamasha?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for live streaming on free sites like Tamasha, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Pakistan

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2025 Asia Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

GET NEW IPHONE FOR FREE: AT&T is offering up to $1,100 off any of the latest iPhones with an eligible iPhone trade-in (in any condition).

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Get the New iPhone 17 for $0 Save with eligible trade-in and qualifying unlimited plan Learn More

Apple has had a huge week, with new products announced across almost its entire range of devices at the Apple Event. We've got new AirPods, Apple Watches, and of course, iPhones. What a time to be alive.

Anyone invested in the Apple ecosystem should check out everything announced, because there's a lot to consider. But for those only interested in the iPhone 17, we can help sort you out with a special trade-in deal from AT&T. If you're interested in upgrading, mobile carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile are offering tempting deals, but the AT&T offer might be the best of the bunch.

New and existing customers can get up to $1,100 off any of the latest models with an eligible iPhone trade-in (in any condition). Yes, that's the full value of the iPhone 17 Pro. So with this special trade-in offer, you can effectively get your hands on the iPhone 17 Pro for free.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 17 vs. Pixel 10: Which phone has the better display, price, and specs?

We know you're looking for the catch, and this deal does come with a few caveats. You will need to pay tax on the full retail price and there's a pesky activation fee of $35 per line. Your credits also start within three bills and are applied in equal amounts over the installment term. We get that you could make the argument that this new iPhone isn't completely free, but we're quibbling over semantics here.

So is your iPhone eligible for this trade-in promotion? AT&T is accepting the iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, and 16e. Anyone rocking a smartphone from the likes of Samsung, OnePlus, and Google can still be accepted if they have a trade-in value of $180 or more.