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Between being the blueprint for cordless stick vacuums and for heated hair tools, it never felt right that Dyson couldn't figure out how to be relevant in the world of robot vacuums. But less than two years after its last failed attempt, Dyson is releasing another new robot vacuum — and it actually feels promising this time. The Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai was announced on Sept. 4 and again in the Sept. 5 Dyson Unveiled event on YouTube.

Frankly, it wouldn't have taken much for Dyson to eclipse the (lack of) prestige of its 2024 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum. It wasn't a self-emptying, small obstacle-avoiding, or even mopping robot vacuum, but was confidently priced like one. The new Spot+Scrub Ai robot vacuum is all three of those things, complete with a few secret weapons that could help Dyson claim its stake in the saturated robot vacuum market.

Most exciting to me personally, the new Dyson robot vacuum has a laser. Dyson's technically calling it "green LED illumination," but the product images show it highlighting dust and debris just like the laser heads do on Dyson's stick vacuums.

My beloved Dyson laser is coming to the robot vacuum. Credit: Dyson You'll be able to see how well the new Dyson robot vacuum cleans your floors. Credit: Dyson

A few months ago, whilst ruminating on overly ambitious robot vacuum innovations like the Roborock Saros Z70's robotic arm, I was also brainstorming some dream new robot vacuum features that would actually be practical. And guess what I verbatim manifested in that story? For the next Dyson robot vacuum to have a green laser, that's what. I've been laser-or-bust since I first experienced it with my beloved Dyson V12 Detect Slim stick vacuum. The ability to so plainly see the status of dust and debris on the floor before and after the vacuum hits it is such undeniable proof of a thorough clean. Not even the best robot vacuums out there from Roborock or iRobot offer this yet.

Here's where the "AI" part comes in. The Spot+Scrub Ai assesses the cleaning path ahead of it in real time, using AI stain detection and an AI-powered camera to determine the best way to clean different types of messes. If a liquid stain on a hard floor is detected, before and after photos are taken of the area to ensure that the robot doesn't stop mopping until the stain is fully gone. The scrubbing is done with a wet roller instead of spinning or flat mopping pads. (Dreame also unveiled a flagship robot vacuum and mop combo with a wet roller mop in August, so this must be the new thing.)

Dyson noted that the roller mop rinses itself with fresh water as it rotates, but the tank refilling situation in the dock is still unclear. Dyson hasn't revealed numbers for the Spot+Scrub Ai's suction power, though it probably won't be in Pascals (Pa) to easily compare to other robot vacuums, anyway. The 360 Vis Nav was actually quite powerful during my testing, so I expect the Spot+Scub Ai to be a good robot vacuum for carpets.

So yes, it seems that Dyson has read the room and addressed the critical features missing from the 360 Vis Nav. But the ultimate test of self-awareness lies in price. We don't know how much the Spot+Scrub Ai will cost, but it would be bold of Dyson to pass the $1,500 threshold. The 360 Vis Nav debuted at $1,299 when it had no business in such a premium price range (though it conveniently dropped to $499.99 the same week as this announcement dropped). I hope that Dyson is more realistic this time around, ideally staying in line with similar flagship robot vacuums like the Roborock Saros 10R or new Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai robot vacuum and mop Sign up for preorder notifications Learn More

The Roku Sports interface now shows content you can watch on YouTube TV. The new feature, which is rolling out to all Roku devices in the U.S. starting today, will make it easier for fans to find games from YouTube TV, including all the NFL games that come with NFL Sunday Ticket.

Mozilla has announced that Firefox 144 will be the last release to support 32-bit x86 Linux. It’s another nail in the coffin for old 32-bit PCs, though Firefox’s Extended Support Release will keep them alive until September 2026.

If you’ve ever booted Windows or tested a Linux distro from USB, you know the routine: grab an ISO, run Rufus or Etcher, format, write, wait. A week later, want to try another distro? Back to square one. That cycle often made me put off exploring new distros.

College administrators think AI might be the solution to their political PR problems, as the Department of Education weaponizes long-standing civil rights law to control educational institutions under new Trump administration goals and university campuses crack down on student protest.

New York City's Columbia University, for example, is reportedly exploring a student debate platform, powered by AI, that encourages more "civil" conversations about "dangerous" topics, including abortion, immigration, trans identities, and the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, according to an exclusive from The Verge. The embattled institution has been testing the tool at Columbia’s Teachers College under new conflict resolution curriculum.

SEE ALSO: The White House and PragerU's new history exhibit features AI founding fathers

The tool in question is called Sway, a beta program designed by Carnegie Mellon University postdoctoral researcher Nicholas DiBella. DiBella has tested the tool on 3,000 students from more than 30 colleges and universities, including debates on contentious topics like whether or not the 2020 election was legitimate. As an intended moderator between students with polar viewpoints, Sway encourages individuals to find a middle ground and for students to rephrase verbiage that may be "disrespectful." DiBella says that students often come away "less confident in their own views," but closer to their colleagues.

DiBella has received partial funding from the U.S. intelligence community to construct Sway as part of his doctoral work, and has said that it will "share anonymized data with the public and the intelligence community, but not transcripts or specifics." Columbia associate professor Joseph Howley told The Verge that Columbia is failing to appropriately handle student tension, with Sway providing yet another example. "What we have are approaches from the world of corporate crisis response, policing, and law enforcement being directed at disagreement and dissent as if they are problems to be solved rather than fundamental values to be cherished," said Howley.

Sway isn't the first tool Columbia has used to assuage student tension (or, allegedly, filter out student dissent). The university reportedly uses Khan Academy's Schoolhouse Dialogues system to pair prospective students in debate-style conversations, which are then ranked by "civility" and fed back to Columbia admissions officers.

In 2024, the university came under fire for its militarized treatment of student protesters who had bunkered down on university grounds to demand the school divest from its Israeli ties. Earlier this year, Columbia complied with immigration officials to arrest international students under pressure from President Trump, allowing and later disciplining student protesters with suspensions, degree revocations, and expulsions. Columbia settled with the federal government for $200 million in July, complying with demands to hand over student data in order to monitor protests and international students and foster "constructive dialogue."

The "poke" technically never went away, but Facebook is trying to make it a thing again.

In a nod to Y2K nostalgia, Facebook announced a few updates to the poke button, according to TechCrunch, which spotted the announcement. A fixture in the early Facebook days, no one was ever quite clear on what a poke meant. It could be used for flirting, passive aggression, a friendly hello, or an awkward combination of the three.

Now, the poke button is mounting a comeback, again.

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Facebook has tried to revive the poke in various forms a few different occasions, but this time with more effort.

The poke button now features prominently on a user's profile page, so you can poke someone directly from there. It appears on the mobile app, but we didn't see the button on the desktop site. There's also a dedicated page to keep track of your pokes on facebook.com/pokes, where users can see who's poked them and find friends to poke. Facebook also has a helpful FAQ for the poke ignorant.

The poke hub also tracks pokes between friends, which is reminiscent of the "streaks" feature on TikTok and Snapchat, which gamifies interactions on the apps by encouraging users to keep their daily streaks going.

Snapchat got in trouble for streaks and other features that regulators said were designed to make the platform addictive, a concern for teens and their mental health.

Once upon a time, Facebook was a cultural juggernaut among the youths. But over time, as other social media apps like Snapchat, Meta's own Instagram, and eventually TikTok rose to prominence, Facebook fell out of favor with younger generations.

In recent years, Facebook has gained a reputation for being overrun by political rants from baby boomers, earning the decidedly uncool nickname of "Boomerbook." Nowadays, you can add the proliferation of AI slop to the pile of user deterrents.

Last year, Facebook executives began strategizing on how to appeal to younger generations. Although, at the time, exactly how Facebook planned to stay relevant "remained nebulous," according to Mashable former reporter Elizabeth de Luna, who covered the press event.

Surprisingly, young users enjoy the poke. Facebook reported a 13x spike in pokes last year, and it's certainly capitalizing on the Y2K nostalgia trend, as low-rise jeans, micro mini skirts, graphic tees, and other Y2K-era staples are back, much to this millennial reporter's horror.

SAVE $70: As of Sept. 5, get a refurbished Meta Quest 3 for $379.99 at Woot, down from its usual price of $449.99. That's a discount of 15%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Woot Meta Quest 3 (Refurbished) $379.99 at Woot
$449.99 Save $70 Get Deal

Virtual reality is still not perfect, but it's a fun prospect if you have the time and want to explore it. Meta has made it more affordable over the years to buy into, especially if you're interested in trying out a ton of fun games from shooters to rhythm titles and everything beyond. If you're ready to invest, this Woot deal is a great place to start.

As of Sept. 5, get a refurbished Meta Quest 3 for $379.99 at Woot, down from its usual price of $449.99. That's $70 off and a discount of 15%. This model is grade A refurbished by Woot, which means that it's been inspected and guaranteed by the company to come with only "minimal cosmetic imperfections" that aren't immediately noticeable. It also has passed a diagnostic test to promise "like-new functionality" and has been stripped of info from the previous owner.

SEE ALSO: Meta Quest 3S review: Best VR headset for new gamers, but seasoned players will notice flaws

This is the most powerful model of the Meta Quest yet, and requires no wires to operate. It has 4K visuals with its Infinite DIsplay, which offers a 30% increase in resolution from the Quest 2, and 3D audio with better sound, bass, and volume as well.

Its included Touch Plus controllers give you ways to interact with your favorite games for more realistic vibrations, sensations, and ways to "touch" and "feel" what you're playing, so you can use gestures and other hand controls to interact.

Plus, there are over 500 games to choose from in the Meta Quest library, so there's tons to play and keep you occupied, all without the need for a computer accompanying your headset.

Former Mashable Tech Editor Kim Gedeon called the Quest 3 better than the prior model "in many ways", praising its access to SteamVR games, wireless connectivity, and its improved controllers that she found "more ergonomic than their predecessors."

If it's time to give VR a look, this is a great deal you won't want to pass up on.

I remember being glued to the first, game-changing season of Survivor in 2000. Since then, I’ve fallen for everything from the raw talent on So You Think You Can Dance to the glitzy drama of The Real Housewives of New York City (my East Coast roots showing). But now? Watching cloaked figures lie and manipulate each other for $250,000 in a Scottish castle is the kind of reality TV chaos that really speaks to me. 

Nothing has grabbed my attention lately like the U.S. version of The Traitors, a competition show centered entirely around deception and suspicion. In my view, The Traitors is ultimately a result of reality TV evolving into a genre where villains aren’t just tolerated — they’re often rewarded and celebrated for their dishonesty.

Each episode also permeates with a distinctly queer sensibility, and it’s not because of its players or its fabulous host, Alan Cumming (we’ll get to him later). It’s the secrecy and code-switching set against a glamorous backdrop that resonates with many queer viewers — me especially. 

As a queer person growing up, I felt the need to be two steps ahead of others' suspicions, a skill I believe would serve well as a Traitor. My history of pretending to be straight and drawing inspiration from manipulative TV characters has prepared me to anticipate every scenario, from roundtable banishments to breakfast revelations, to keep me two steps ahead of the Faithfuls. 

The Traitors gives me space to embrace the villain, to imagine slipping into that black cloak and playing the game as someone no one sees coming. 

That fantasy is harder to buy into when everyone on screen already has a brand. Which is why NBC’s recent announcement that civilians will be making a comeback for the U.S. edition instantly makes the game less predictable and a lot more interesting. Especially for those of us still waiting to see ourselves at that roundtable.

If Agatha Christie wrote a drag version of Clue, it would be The Traitors 

For the uninitiated, the premise of the Peacock show is this: Put two dozen competitors in a Scottish castle, assign them one of two roles (Faithful or Traitor), and watch what happens. I see it as an epically scaled version of the game Mafia, where players attempt to root out saboteurs while competing in challenges along the way, before voting to banish who they think is a Traitor.

The murder-mystery theme of the show will pique the interest of any fan of the genre, particularly someone like me who is a fanatic of the movie Clue and was raised by a mother who worshipped at the altar of Agatha Christie. I was immediately drawn to The Traitors in early 2023 when the first season dropped with a cast featuring a mix of civilians and reality TV stars. It was fascinating to see the dynamic play out between everyday people (Andie Vanacore, we say your name) competing alongside reality TV stars, including celebrated alums from Survivor (hi, Cirie!) and Real Housewives franchises (Brandi Glanville).

As Mashable's Shannon Connellan has outlined before, Cumming as the show's chic but cryptic host is reason enough to binge-watch the available seasons as we wait for the show to return. He’s a pitch-perfect facilitator, delivering delicious one-liners with the right amount of sass, styled in scene-stealing outfits.

However, that’s not entirely why this cutthroat competition has me hooked.

Come for the camp, stay for the sabotage 

Having watched three seasons of the US version and two of the UK version, I’ve concluded that the show is designed for Traitors. With no real clues to find early in the mystery game, there’s no reason to suspect anyone. All a player has to do is voice some doubts, and from there, we get to watch how quickly people become influenced and how herd mentality sets in. 

Watching them sneak around in their hooded cloaks in the castle’s turret every night is fun, but what hooks me is how easily I find myself rooting for the manipulators and how comfortably I imagine tapping into my inner Traitor. 

There’s an inherent thrill to being a villain; just look at how many contestants arrive ready to dig into their murderous roles. There’s something intoxicating about practicing the art of deception, without a care for who you backstab in order to be a winner. It’s kind of alluring.

Soapy queens and scheming dreams

My urge to star as a villain on The Traitors stems from watching one too many primetime soap reruns in my youth and being enthralled by the secretive and conniving vixens I admired on those shows. Knots Landing’s scheming Abby Cunningham (Donna Mills) could intimidate a lion with her wicked smile, while on Melrose Place, Marcia Cross’s Kimberly Shaw plotted against her enemies with relish. 

Then again, maybe I was attracted to the campiness with which these women executed their devious plans. As a gay man, I tend to respond favorably to camp, a style known for its ostentatious and theatrical qualities. Performative deception comes with the queer territory for me. Hiding my true self for years forced me to play a certain role and trick others into believing I was someone I wasn’t. And developing a sense for camp (knowing when to be “on” or “off”) may have trained me in keeping others further off my scent.

Buying the lie over and over again

The Traitors also resonates with me because it reiterates a lie reality TV has gradually fed me for years: Authenticity is everything. The American show clearly favors panache and polish over anything resembling realness. It relies less on people “being themselves” and more on established names and personalities to deliver a good episode.

Seventeen years ago, when I first entered the Real Housewives universe, I bought into those women living in luxurious leisure. But the more popular these shows became, the more famous these women became — and the more they seemed to become lucrative commodities. And because they were commodities, the more they – and perhaps the franchise – had to flaunt their wealth via shopping sprees, extravagant vacations, or catered events celebrating a pet’s birthday. That’s when I realized the authenticity felt performative. To me, it screamed, “Aspire to have this lifestyle!”

We’re living in an era in which the reality TV genre has evolved to the point where the line between performance and reality is at its blurriest. This has birthed a new type of “real people” who know how to work the camera, and the camera seems to keep focusing on them.

Now that NBC plans to bring civilian players back into the mix, I think it would make the game feel more grounded. I enjoy seeing regular people compete to win, not perform. There’s more of an authenticity factor at play with them, and I find that kind of endearing. Veteran reality TV players built their reputations on screen; viewers who know them are biased, expecting these personalities to clash with each other.

During her exit interviews, Big Brother’s Britney Haynes, who was the last Traitor standing in Season 3, reflected on how much players, especially reality TV vets, are always thinking about what makes for good TV. I have to ask then: Will future civilian players in the American production have the same know-how? What will casting directors be looking for this time? If we’ve become a nation of viewers that favors performative reality over watching actual, real people, could that dictate their selections?

Hiding in plain realness

As for the upcoming Season 4, it still leans heavily on familiar faces, but I can see how adding actor-comedians like Ron Funches and Michael Rapaport could inject some unpredictability into the mix of contestants. Even casting Monét X Change as the show’s next resident drag queen – following in the footsteps of past contestants Bob the Drag Queen and Peppermint – could ensure some complementary camp next to Cumming. 

As Ira Madison III, former co-host of the podcast Keep It, shared earlier this year, “when you cast good people who aren’t seasoned reality TV people, they will deliver a good season.” I agree. I’m sure there are plenty of everyday Americans who have perfected the art of hiding their identity and could use The Traitors as a playground to demonstrate those skills, tapping into their inner villains by strategizing and deceiving their way to $250,000.

That's who I’d root for. 

The Traitors and all of its foreign counterparts are currently streaming on Peacock.

Texting and driving is dangerous and one of the worst decisions you can make while behind the wheel—right up there with driving under the influence. Thousands of distracted drivers cause death and injury every year on US roads, and the truly sad part is that none of that had to happen!

Apple is on the verge of launching new iPhones, which means that a new version of iOS is also just around the corner.

With the big iPhone 17 event looming next week, one of the primary questions on everyone's mind pertains to when they'll be able to test out all the new iOS 26 features. There are two bits of good news here: It's relatively easy to predict the iOS 26 release date, and that time is coming very soon.

To be more specific, the best estimate anyone has for the release date of iOS 26 is Sept. 16.

Apple typically releases the newest operating system for iPhones sometime between the big annual iPhone announcement event and the launch of the phones themselves, which usually means roughly a week after the event. Last year's Apple event was, like this year's, on Sept. 9, and iOS 18 did, in fact, launch on Sept. 16 of that year.

Messages gets a new look with Liquid Glass and iOS 26. Credit: Apple Liquid Glass and iOS 26 also bring new personalization options to the iPhone. Credit: Apple SEE ALSO: The iPhone 17 is days away: What to expect from the specs, cameras, colors, and release date

Even if Apple changes it around by a day or two on either end, you can still pretty much book that week in your calendar for the release of iOS 26 and Liquid Glass. Apple wants the new version on as many phones as possible, including new iPhones at launch. According to Apple, iOS 26 is compatible with every iPhone from the iPhone 11 onward, including the second-generation iPhone SE. (Apple Intelligence features are only available with newer models, however.) Anything older than that is out of luck.

In case you've been out of the loop, iOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, and iPadOS 26 bring a new "Liquid Glass" design language where every UI element looks like, well, like glass. It's a big change for Apple users, and it brings with it wholesale redesigns of the Photos and Phone apps, as well as new features like group chat backgrounds and polls in Messages.

You can download a public beta for iOS 26 right now (keep in mind that doing so on your everyday device can be risky). Apple just released the ninth beta for iOS 26 a couple of days ago, though it looks like the latest build is mostly filled with small bug fixes.

We're almost there, folks. You don't have to hold your breath for much longer.

Google's Circle to Search feature can now continuously translate text on your screen as you scroll or even switch between apps. You no longer have to restart the Circle to Search process every time you want to translate what is on the screen.

Most people consider blockbuster movies to be brainless entertainment—the kind of stuff you watch when you just want to relax and scarf down some snacks. That’s fair considering that most blockbusters are mindless movies where the plot is just an excuse to get us from one show-stopping action scene to another.

SAVE $40: As of Sept. 5, get the 27-inch Samsung S3 curved monitor for $139.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $179.99. That's a discount of 22%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Essential S3 curved monitor (27-inch) $179.99 at Amazon
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Whether you have a home office or just use the computer a lot in general, a good monitor is an essential way to level up your workspace. You could get a huge display or a modest-sized option, but no matter what you choose, you'll be doing your eyes a favor with a better, improved screen, no matter what. And thanks to this Amazon deal, now's a great time to treat yourself for less.

As of Sept. 5, get the 27-inch Samsung Essential S3 curved monitor for $139.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $179.99. That's $40 off and a discount of 22%.

SEE ALSO: The best monitors in 2025

The Samsung Essential S3 monitor is a fantastic curved monitor that won't set you back an entire paycheck. It helps you focus by wrapping around your peripheral vision and gives you a more immersive feeling if you're diving into a gaming session.

It boasts a 100Hz refresh rate as well as a bright, crisp screen with deep blacks and vivid hues. It also has Game Mode to help adjust whatever you're playing to both fill the screen and enhance what's on there. It has both an HDMI connection and a headphone jack as well, just in case you need to add anything to it on the back end.

But perhaps the most enticing thing about this monitor is its affordability, especially since it's less than $200 even without its sale price. If you're ready to add a new monitor to your tech stack or just want a significant visual upgrade, this is the way to do it without breaking into your savings.

It's all eyes on Berlin for the next few days as tech brands debut their latest, fanciest, and most AI-laden gadgets at IFA 2025. Similar to what we see at CES in Las Vegas, some products are awesome, some are totally creepy, and others leave us wondering who would ever need such a thing. Tons of big hitters are in attendance for IFA 2025 like Samsung, Anker, Acer, Hisense, LG, and hundreds more.

The show runs through Sept. 9, so check back as we continue to update this page with the best IFA 2025 products. Below are standouts from the show as we head into the weekend.

The Eufy MarsWalker is coming for your stairs

Tech shows are no strangers to robot vacuum innovations, and IFA 2025 is following suit. Your multi-story home will love the Eufy MarsWalker. To specify, the MarsWalker refers to the transport that'll take the Eufy RoboVac Omni S2 up and down the stairs.

The Eufy MarsWalker is ready to tackle your stairs. Credit: Eufy

The RoboVac drives itself into the MarsWalker, nestling in for a safe journey up the stairs to continue on its mission of cleaning up crumbs. This is in contrast to the Dreame X50 Ultra, which is basically really good at getting over major two-inch thresholds but can't actually climb stairs, while the MarsWalker glides over them. Plus, it's capable of ascending and descending straight, L-shaped, and U-shaped staircases.

Color us impressed considering it wasn't all that long ago that robot vacuums tumbled down the stairs and left themselves lifelessly upside-down. Eufy hasn't released official launch dates yet, but says we can expect the Eufy RobotVac Omni S2 in January of 2026 with a price tag of $1,599 and the MarsWalker to follow in spring of 2026 with no pricing as of yet.

Soundcore's Nebula X1 Pro is a one-stop entertainment system

Anker makes tons of projectors under the Nebula brand name, which has now joined the brand's Soundcore umbrella. In testing, I loved the super portable Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser mini projector, and it came with me to Japan, fitting neatly into my 15-pound backpack. At IFA 2025, Anker introduced the incredibly not-portable Nebula X1 Pro projector, which is so massive, it comes on wheels.

The wheel-y big Nebula X1 Pro Credit: Souncore

To call this a projector is a bit of an undersell since it comes packed with other features and Soundcore mentions it’s a “mobile theater station.” As a projector, the Nebula X1 Pro gives off a 4K display with 3,500 ANSI lumens. By comparison, the portable Nebula Capsule that I love maxes out at 300 lumens.

Projectors are notorious for coming with terrible onboard speakers, but the Nebula X1 Pro aims to break that stereotype by incorporating Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision. To give off the surround-sound vibe, Soundcore uses a 7.1.4 speaker layout which equates to seven surround channels, one subwoofer, and four overhead height channels.

There’s no onboard battery on the X1 Pro, and instead, you’ll need to plug it in via the 6.6-foot retractable power cable. Given that the top of the projector’s housing opens with storage space for two microphones, the Nebula X1 Pro could be the ultimate party system, serving as a projector, speaker, and karaoke machine. 

Soundcore will launch the Nebula X1 Pro on Kickstarter on Sept. 23, and says it’ll cost somewhere between $4,000 and $5,000. However, you can snag a massive discount before Sept. 9 by placing a preorder deposit. Head to the Nebua X1 Pro’s product page, navigate to the upper right, and hit “claim your offer now.” A $100 deposit earns you a spot in the first-tier early bird section, getting the projector for a total of $2,499 once it goes live on Kickstarter. Soundcore says the first deliveries of the Nebula X1 Pro are slated for November with priority shipping. With any luck, the projector will arrive before holiday parties in December.

The Samsung Sound Tower wants a party invitation

Party speakers are having a spotlight moment, and we're all invited. The JBL Party Box 520 was a star at a Mashable wedding over the summer and brands are taking note of their popularity. At IFA 2025, Samsung literally packed the party by introducing the Sound Tower ST50F and Sound Tower ST40F.

Roll up to the party with portable tunes. Credit: Samsung

Indoor or outdoor parties are in for a treat with either of the new Samsung Sound Towers. The ST50F comes with 25mm dual dome tweeters, dual 6.5-inch woofers, and a battery that can last for up to 18 hours. It's a big one, so it's equipped with a telescopic handle, wheels, and an IPX4 water resistance rating. The smaller Sound Tower ST40F gets up to 12 hours of battery life with 5.25-inch dual woofers and 20mm dual dome tweeters.

With the Samsung Sound Tower App, partiers can set the LED lights to sync with the music's rhythm. The app also has customizable mood lighting that sets off various effects, movements, and color schemes, according to Samsung.

Both models are on the books to come out later in September, and the Sound Tower ST50F will come with a price of $699.99, while the smaller Sound Tower ST40F comes in at $499.99.

Make an at-home art studio with the EufyMake E1 UV Printer

Who needs a 3D printer when you can get a UV printer? The EufyMake E1 UV Printer allows you to print on nearly anything, and you can do so with 3D texture. Stick your face on every mug in your home, make your own art pieces, gift everyone personalized stickers for Christmas 2025, and never wear a bland, blank T-shirt ever again. You could even launch your own Etsy shop. These are just a few ideas you can create with the EufyMake E1 UV Printer, which is set to debut for customers in December 2025, but Eufy mentions preorders could begin shipping as early as October.

Lets your artistic side shine with the EufyMake E1 UV Printer. Credit: Eufy

You can already preorder the EufyMake E1 UV Printer, and all bundles are at least $200 off. The basic bundle is listed at $2,499, but you can preorder it for $2,299 with promo code WS24e1basicbundle.

Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy EufyMake UV Printer E1 (basic bundle) $2,299 at Eufy
$2,499 Save $200 Get Deal Bluetti's sodium-powered Pioneer Na portable power station

Portable power stations are truly some of the best innovations we've seen in years, revolutionizing the camping experience as well as offering a way to stay on-grid during a power outage. Bluetti has been a leader in the industry, and the brand will debut the Pioneer Na at IFA 2025 on Sept. 6. Instead of the industry-standard lithium-ion phosphate battery (which we often see as LiFePO4), the Pioneer Na will use a sodium-ion battery, and that means it'll be ready to go in low temperatures.

Chainsawin' in negative temperatures is on the agenda for winter 2026. Credit: Bluetti

That could be awesome if you live in a cold climate that gets coated in snow, ice, and negative temperatures in a winter that lasts for seemingly half of the year. The Pioneer Na portable power station comes with 900Wh of battery capacity with 1,500W of continuous power. We're waiting on word from Bluetti about pricing, but the brand has said it'll be available for purchase in mid-October.

Become the star of the neighborhood with the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism

Govee seriously showed up prepared to wow at IFA 2025. The brand debuted several new smart lighting options, and a highlight is the new Prism model of the permanent outdoor lights. They'll come with a triple-color lighting effect for a more dynamic display. Govee mentions the adjustable brightness ranges from 6500K to 2700K, so there are options for super bright displays to chill, warm lighting. The Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism come with the brand's LuminBlend color management system, giving users the option to choose from an astonishing 16 million color options.

Celebrate every holiday with permanent outdoor lights. Credit: Govee

The lights are designed to never come down, working in a temperature range between -30 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Govee says they'll get 50,000 hours of life, which equates to 4,166 days, should you have the lights on for 12 hours each day.

Govee has the Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism listed with a release date of Sept. 22 for an undisclosed price. They'll also land at Amazon on launch day.

The Garmin Fenix 8 Pro that rivals the Apple Watch Ultra 3

Garmin is coming in hot with a new flagship smartwatch — the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro. It's a total coincidence that it goes on sale on Sept. 8, just one day before we anticipate the announcement of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 at the brand's annual launch event.

Use satellite and LTE networks to stay in touch. Credit: Garmin

Garmin has designed the Fenix 8 Pro for serious athletes. Not only does it come with the standard 24/7 fitness tracking, it has an LED flashlight, a mix of satellite and cellular connectivity, and the ability to send a signal to Garmin’s Response Center should you require help. It can also get up to 15 days of battery life and you can leave family with the ability to follow your location thanks to Garmin's Livetrack location sharing technology.

The Garmin Fenix 8 Pro comes in two versions — an AMOLED display and an upgraded micoLED. The AMOLED is available in a 47mm and 51mm size with prices starting at $1,199.99. The microLED is available in just the 51mm size with a price of $1,999.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Fenix 8 Pro (47mm, AMOLED) $1,199.99 at Garmin
Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Fenix Pro 8 (51mm, microLED) $1,999.99 at Garmin
Learn More The Acemate Robot is an always-available tennis mate

Sometimes AI is atrocious, but other times, it's pretty rad. Tennis players who struggle to find friends with a similar schedule can now play with the rally-master Acemate Robot. The Acemate rolls around the court, catching balls in its hopper and then serving balls back at up to 80 miles per hour and eight meters high. Combined, this allows for a single-player tennis practice that mimics what it'd be like with a fellow player.

The Acemate won't judge your weird backhand technique. Credit: Acemate

Since the Acemate is using cameras to catch and serve balls back, it's also capturing swing techniques, accuracy, and more. After your tennis lesson is over, you can review footage and stats like ball speed, spin, and landing points. The Acemate is already in production after a successful Kickstarter campaign, and units should begin shipping in November. Preorders get a major $900 discount. There's also a pickleball version if tennis isn't your thing.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acemate Acemate tennis robot $1,599 at Acemate
$2,499 Save $900 Get Deal Acer's first Chromebook with an NPU — the Acer Plus Spin 514

Acer's first go at a Chromebook with NPU means it packs in the AI features. Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Haley Henschel spent some time with the new Acer Plus Spin 514 and wrote, "Based on my few hours with the Spin 514 so far, I think it's a great pick for early AI adopters, but also just anyone who wants a solid budget 2-in-1 laptop with a premium design and good amount of power for the price."

A nice budget option, with the addition of fancy AI features. Credit: Haley Henschel

Sure, it has tons of AI features, but Henschel noted it's simply a nice budget 2-in-1 laptop that could work great for a wide range of laptop users. The price points land on the higher end for a Chromebook, but it comes with a premium feel, according to Henschel. It can also move into a tent mode or lie flat in tablet mode. While we haven't tested the battery life yet, Acer's press release says it can get up to 17 hours of web browsing on a single charge, which would put it well above the minimum Mashable likes to see in Chromebooks.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 (CP514-1HN-K6DY) $699.99 at Best Buy
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SAVE 35%: As of Sept. 5, you can get the Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee Maker and Espresso Machine by DeLonghi for $129.99, down from $199.99, at Target. That's a 35% discount and a $70 savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee Maker and Espresso Machine by DeLonghi $129.99 at Target
$199.99 Save $70 Get Deal

I love Target just as much as the next iced coffee toting shopper, but I have to admit that finding a genuinely good deal there can be a challenge. They do offer small gift card incentives when you spend a certain amount on specific items, but true price drops that rival Amazon or Walmart are few and far between.

SEE ALSO: Target is ending its price match policy as of July 28

That’s why I was so shocked to find this deal. As of Sept. 5, you can get the Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee Maker and Espresso Machine by DeLonghi for $129.99, down from $199.99, at Target. That's a 35% discount and a $70 savings. You can’t find it for this price anywhere else, including Amazon. Plus, you’ll get a free starter set of Nespresso capsules with your purchase.

This particular machine can brew both coffee and espresso, a feature not all Nespresso machines offer. You can brew coffee in five- and eight-ounce sizes, as well as single and double espresso shots. It's also fast (heats up in 15 seconds) and has a huge 60-ounce water tank so you're not constantly refilling it.

The most impressive feature of this Nespresso VertuoPlus machine is its barcode scanning technology, which automatically adjusts brewing parameters for each capsule, ensuring you get the perfect cup every time. (Pop in the pod, press the button, and the machine does the rest.) The pods are also fully recyclable; you can order a (free) recycling bag directly from Nespresso and mail them back at no charge.

FX's Alien: Earth episode 5 functions as its own Alien movie, shedding light on the final, terrible day aboard the USCSS Maginot before it crash-landed on Earth in the very first episode. It's an episode that provides a slew of WTF moments and one hell of a brilliant performance by Babou Ceesay as the relentless investigator and head of security, Morrow, in a full-on Poirot mystery-solving moment.

"I love the description that you gave, because that's exactly how I felt, although I'd go for Columbo more, I'm a Columbo person myself," Ceesay told Mashable.

Both in production style and narrative, the episode feels like a one-hour film worthy of the Alien canon, and one that provides a clever pacing shift from the series linear storyline. Creator/writer/director Noah Hawley sends us flying down the halls of the ill-fated Weyland-Yutani ship — in fact, the team procured the blueprints of the Nostromo, the ship from Ridley Scott's 1979 original, to build it.

SEE ALSO: 'Alien: Earth' episode 5's twisty ending, explained

Mashable sat down with Hawley, Ceesay, and executive producer David W. Zucker to unpack the episode, which crafts a mystery around the members of the Maginot's doomed crew.

"Some of it was the unanswered question of what happened on the ship that made it crash. We kind of cliffhanger this moment in episode 4," Hawley told Mashable. "But some of it is just, selfishly, I wanted to make an Alien movie, and that's why I directed it."

"The beauty of this moment is that there's a seamless fluidity to the season," added Zucker. "There's a lot in [episode 5] that really shouldn't work. You shouldn't be able to stop the story in the way that [Hawley] does. And yet, in some ways, it brings a different kind of thrill to the narrative experience, because you are getting so much information that you were exposed to from that initial prologue, and you would never anticipate that you'd then dive headlong entirely in this and meet a whole new crew."

This whole new crew is one of the best elements of the episode, characters we thought were a flash in the pan in their doomed episode 1 appearance: Maginot Captain Dinsdale (Tanapol Chuksrida), new Captain Zaveri (Richa Moorjani), science officer Chibuzo (Karen Aldridge), crew members Bronski (Max Rinehart), Clem (Tom Moya), Teng (Andy Yu), Sullivan (Victoria Masoma), and engineers Shmuel (Michael Smiley) and Malachite (Jamie Bisping).

"Look, it's incredible to even have the opportunity to be on the ship for that whole time," Ceesay told Mashable. "And of course, a whole new cast of characters appeared who are just phenomenal."

Now, remember, if you're watching Alien: Earth episode 5, don't eat or drink.

From Rayquaza’s sky-high spike to Mewtwo’s steady plateau, the X & Y Mega Era is buzzing with collector interest as fans gear up for Pokémon Legends: Z-A and the official Mega Evolution comeback.

The spotlight is swinging back to Mega Evolution Pokémon as hype builds for the upcoming New Mega Evolutions and Phantasmal Flames expansions. Collectors are not waiting around for fresh stock. They are scooping up X & Y era chase cards while they can, and prices are reflecting that rush with several iconic Megas doubling or even tripling since the start of the year.

SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets

The biggest story is the nostalgia-fueled spikes on cards like M Rayquaza EX Shiny Full Art and M Gengar EX Secret Rare, which have soared past their January 2025 lows as collectors scramble to lock them in before prices climb further. On the other hand, many other Megas are flattening out, signaling a short-term plateau that makes them attractive entry points before demand explodes.

With some values stabilizing and others skyrocketing, now looks like the sweet spot for collectors to secure these historic cards before the Mega Evolution era returns in full force.

Pokémon card bumps Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

M Rayquaza EX Shiny Full Art from Ancient Origins is the undisputed king of the Mega market right now. Its current price sits around $1,450 compared to just $275.15 in January. This card is not only one of the most iconic Megas, but also one of the hardest pulls of the era. Collectors are piling in, and prices have leapt more than fourfold since the start of the year. The surge in Rayquaza has created a ripple effect, with collectors broadening their search to other standout Megas as well.

M Gengar EX Secret Rare from Phantom Forces has followed a similar path. Currently selling for over $400 against a January price of just under $100, it has tripled in value this year. Phantom Gate’s copycat potential was always fun in play, but this card’s real power is in its artwork and rarity. Secret Rare status combined with Gengar’s massive fanbase has pushed it into the spotlight, reinforcing how certain Pokémon with lasting popularity translate directly into collector demand.

• M Rayquaza EX (Shiny Full Art)
  Current price: $1,450
  Market Price: $538.54
  Price in January 2025: $275.15

• M Gengar EX (Secret Rare)
  Current price: $415
  Market Price: $376.08
  Price in January 2025: $90.81

• M Rayquaza EX (Full Art)
  Current price: $656.99
  Market Price: $279.64
  Price in January 2025: $164.04

• M Charizard EX (X)
  Current price: $349.99
  Market Price: $277.94
  Price in January 2025: $126.89

• Primal Groudon EX (Shiny Full Art)
  Current price: $349.99
  Market Price: $277.94
  Price in January 2025: $126.89

M Rayquaza EX Full Art from Roaring Skies has also climbed sharply, moving from around $160 at the start of the year to more than $650 today. The alternate artwork version is riding the same collector wave as the shiny, with nostalgia and scarcity making it one of the safest Mega buys right now.

Meanwhile, M Charizard EX X from Flashfire has jumped from about $125 in January to around $350 today. Flashfire has always been notorious for Charizard collectors, and the Mega X version is seeing renewed demand. Wild Blaze might be reckless in play, but collectors care more about the artwork and rarity that drive its climb. Together, Rayquaza, Gengar, and Charizard are setting the pace for the Mega market in 2025.

Pokémon card cuts Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Not all Megas are keeping pace with these heavy hitters. Primal Groudon EX Shiny Full Art from Ancient Origins, while up from its January level, has started to plateau compared to the true megastars of the format. Collector demand is there, but it is lagging behind the explosive gains of Rayquaza and Gengar. Similarly, Primal Groudon EX Omega Full Art from Primal Clash has held steady this year. The card once had competitive relevance thanks to Omega Barrier, but it is not commanding must-have status among collectors in the same way that Rayquaza or Charizard variants are.

M Mewtwo EX Full Art from BREAKthrough tells a similar story. It has seen a significant rise from earlier in the year, but its pace has slowed compared to the top performers. Psychic Infinity remains a fan-favorite attack, but with so many Mewtwo variants available, demand is spread thin.

• Primal Groudon EX (Omega Full Art)
  Current price: $254.93
  Market Price: $179.19
  Price in January 2025: $90.60

• M Mewtwo EX (Full Art)
  Current price: $145.04
  Market Price: $152.86
  Price in January 2025: $37.21

• M Alakazam EX (Full Art)
  Current price: $99.97
  Market Price: $91.10
  Price in January 2025: $28.85

• M Charizard EX
  Current price: $196
  Market Price: $149.04
  Price in January 2025: $64.66

• M Charizard EX (Full Art)
  Current price: $247.99
  Market Price: $146.34
  Price in January 2025: $71.23

M Alakazam EX Full Art from Fates Collide is in the same boat. It has climbed steadily but without the same explosive momentum, making it more of a sleeper buy for collectors who want to secure it before hype catches up. These psychic types remain iconic but are overshadowed by the flashier Rayquaza and Charizard.

Even the iconic M Charizard cards from Generations and Evolutions have shown restraint compared to Rayquaza. Both are trading higher than they were at the beginning of the year, but their climb has been steady rather than meteoric. With so many Charizard variants on the market, some collectors are holding off. Charizard fatigue might be at play here, keeping prices in check. For long-term collectors, this stability may actually be an opportunity to pick up a Charizard without competing against the runaway hype.

Want to pull one of these cards yourself? Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Sealed product from the X & Y era has been drying up fast, and Mega Evolution nostalgia is only making it scarcer. Phantom Forces and Roaring Skies booster boxes are especially hot, with prices often topping $2,000 when available. Ancient Origins and Primal Clash boxes are harder to find, pushing Elite Trainer Boxes and tins into collector crosshairs. For buyers, the singles market looks like the smarter entry point right now. Sealed is commanding a heavy premium, while many Megas are plateauing, making them cheaper to pick up before the new Mega Evolution expansions reignite demand.

SAVE $109.96: As of Sept. 5, get the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go for $269.99, saving 29%. That saves you $109.96 off its $379.95 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL PartyBox On-The-Go $269.99 at Amazon
$379.95 Save $109.96 Get Deal

JBL speakers are some of our favorite. Their Bluetooth speakers are great for everyday use, playing tunes while you work, cook, and unwind. And for bigger events, when you need a speaker that brings the party, JBL's PartyBox speakers are made for the occasion. We're big fans of JBL's PartyBox line-up — I even used one for my wedding. So if you're looking to upgrade your speaker game, we have a deal for you.

As of Sept. 5, the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go is down to $269.99. That's 29% down from its $379.95, saving you $109.96.

The JBL PartyBox On-The-Go is the smallest and most portable of the PartyBox collection. It comes with a crossbody strap and at 13-pounds isn't too big of a lift, especially compared to the PartyBox 520's 56-pounds. It comes with a built-in light to add a little ambiance, plus the mic makes it a perfect karaoke machine. It has an IPX4 splashproof rating so you can bring it to the beach or poolside. A 5.25-inch woofer and 1.75-inch tweeters keeps the music booming and a 6-hour battery life will keep the party going all night long.

Get the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go for just $269.99 at Amazon and save $109.96.

SAVE 58%: As of Sept. 5, you can get the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 AI for $74.99, down from $179.99, at Woot. That's a 58% discount and a $105 savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 AI $74.99 at Woot
$179.99 Save $105.00 Get Deal

Looking for a new pair of buds that won’t plug up your ear canal? The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 AI are currently on sale at Woot (Amazon’s deal site), and the deal is honestly wild.

As of Sept. 5, you can get the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 AI for just $74.99, down from $179.99. That’s a 58% discount and a $105 savings. This is a new all-time low price and a ridiculously good discount — you won’t be able to find them for this price anywhere else, not even on Amazon.

SEE ALSO: The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE wowed me, even as a lifelong Apple user

These buds feature a Live Translate function that provides real-time translation of calls and face-to-face conversations. The AI also powers an Adaptive Equalizer, which automatically tunes the sound to how the buds are sitting in your ear. With an “open-type” fit and active noise cancellation, these buds are a steal at this price.

In addition to its AI features, you’ll get 360 Audio for a more cinematic feel and improved call quality (thanks to its Super Wide Band Speech feature, so you'll sound clearer to the person on the other end). As for controls, you can program the touch sensors to do what you want (pause, skip, etc.). Just keep in mind that this is a Woot flash deal. That means the clock is ticking, and it's only available for a limited time (15 hours as of writing) or until it sells out.

Among the many things that Apple is likely announcing (and not announcing) at its “Awe Dropping” event on Sept. 9, the iPhone 17 is definitely going to take center stage. However, it’s not the only new Apple product making its debut. Among the products we expect to see, the AirPods Pro 3 will certainly be one of the biggest. 

It should come as no surprise. The excellent AirPods Pro 2 sported an already aging design when they were released in fall 2022, but still sounded great and had a lot of good features. That means Apple has spent three years (at least) developing the AirPods Pro 3, and according to rumors, it’s looking to be quite a refresh.

So, let’s not bury the lede too far. This is what the AirPods Pro 3 might look like when they launch next week. 

SEE ALSO: Apple AirPods Pro with USB-C review: About time

Remember: the information below is still in the rumor phase, and some features may not be available at launch.

A new design and smaller case

When we reviewed the AirPods Pro 2, we noted that the new Apple earbuds sounded great, but that the design was already starting to look tired. That shouldn’t be a problem for the AirPods Pro 3. Rumors have been swirling that the AirPods Pro 3 is getting a new design for quite some time, and with the AirPods 4 getting its own design refresh last year, it seems change is on the horizon for the Pro versions, too. 

The exact design changes that are rumored remain a mystery. However, Apple is expected to bring the AirPods Pro 3 into spec with its other products in terms of design. That includes a smaller case, removing the pairing button, a status light that disappears seamlessly into the body, and a new earbud design that’ll help prevent it from falling out. Those are just rumors, of course, and we don’t know what Apple plans to do. 

The new H3 chip, better noise cancellation, and better sound quality

The AirPods Pro 2 currently sports the H2 chip, which was also added to the AirPods 4 last year. Per Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, the AirPods Pro 3 will debut Apple’s next-generation H3 chip. This would be a pretty big deal since the H3 is rumored to be quite a chip. It should sport faster connectivity, potentially better battery life, and improvements to Apple’s Transparency mode. 

A new chip should also mean improved active noise cancellation. The AirPods Pro 2 are no slouches compared to the best noise-cancelling earbuds, but given how much better noise cancellation was in the Pro 2 versus the original, we’re excited to see how much improvement the Pro 3 provides. Another benefit to the upgraded spec sheet is that it should improve overall sound quality as well, although to what extent is impossible to guess without actually listening to them.

In short, the H3 chip promises to bring a lot of secondary improvements, and we’re here for it. 

Heart rate monitoring

Apple has already started putting heart rate monitoring into earbuds with Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, so it stands to reason that the feature would also work its way into a pair of AirPods eventually. The AirPods Pro 3 are rumored to be the first such product in Apple’s lineup. The concept is simple. You wear the AirPads Pro 3 during workouts, and it tracks your heart rate. 

Rumors about heart rate monitoring in the AirPods Pro 3 date back to December 2024 at least. Its various limitations and features are still a mystery, and will remain that way until launch, unless a new leak happens. For the most part, pundits believe that it’ll be similar to the feature in the Powerbeats Pro 2.

Temperature monitoring

The other health sensor rumored to be heading to the AirPods Pro 3? Temperature monitoring. Like heart rate monitoring, this feature already exists in the Apple Watch. However, it’s fairly well established that taking the temperature from the ear is more accurate than from the wrist, so this feature should work better in a pair of AirPods than an Apple Watch. 

Little is known about temperature monitoring in the AirPods Pro 3 at this time. It was mentioned alongside the heart rate monitoring in the rumors, but its functionality is otherwise unknown. This is likely because the Powerbeats Pro 2 came with heart rate monitoring, giving people a glimpse into the tech beforehand, whereas the temperature sensor has yet to show up in wireless earbuds from Apple yet. 

Live Translation

Live translation has been a thing since iOS 26 was debuted at WWDC earlier this year. This AI feature would work the same as it does on competitor earbuds like the Pixel Buds and Galaxy Buds from Google and Samsung, respectively. The user’s iPhone would listen to the other person speaking, translate it, and play the translation in the earbuds. This process would then reverse, with the iPhone playing your translation to the other person. 

Whether or not this one appears at launch is unknown. Per rumors, the AirPods Pro 3 will get the feature, but it may not be ready by Sept. 9, so it may be added in a future update. We’ll know for sure next week.

More to love

With all of the upgrades coming, the AirPods Pro 3 should be a pretty big jump from the aging AirPods Pro 2. The new internals promise improved features, and a new design will freshen things up considerably. Tack on the health stuff, and these should be a fairly robust pair of earbuds that’ll compete for years to come.