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For years, I tried to organize my Gmail inbox after emails arrived. A few labels and filters changed that completely: I cleaned up old messages, automated the emails I receive every day, and now spend far less time filing things away manually.

Before Plex made personal media servers something a normal person could set up in an afternoon, a group of hackers took a game console and turned it into something Microsoft never intended it to be. That became the foundation for nearly every home media center concept. Not many people know the history of Plex and Kodi, but it's really interesting and shows that the next tech revolution may come from a random home project.

I ran the New York City Marathon wearing seven fitness trackers to see how they compare, and I left with a few favorites. I received a lot of strange looks, but if shame is the price to pay for finding the best fitness tracker for running a marathon, so be it.

While training for the race, I used 10 different trackers in total — deep breath — the new Apple Watch Ultra 3 (which replaced my Apple Watch Ultra 2, which replaced my Apple Watch SE), the Garmin Forerunner 570, the Whoop MG, the Pixel Watch 4 (as well as the older Pixel Watch 3), the Suunto Run, the Oura Ring 4, and the Fitbit Charge 6.

In the end, I ran the marathon using the seven most updated models of our top contenders. I was most impressed by the Whoop MG, Garmin Forerunner 570, and the Apple Watch Ultra 3. The more affordable Suunto Run also has a lot to offer runners.

Fitness trackers tested for this guide BEST SPLURGE Apple Watch Ultra 3 $699.99 at Amazon (Save up to $99 at Amazon) Get Deal BEST RUNNING WATCH Garmin Forerunner 570 $549.99 at Garmin Shop Now BEST FOR HEALTH TRACKING Whoop MG $359 at Amazon Shop Now BEST GARMIN ALTERNATIVE Suunto Run Sports Watch $148.99 at Amazon Shop Now ALSO CONSIDER Pixel Watch 4 $349.99 at Amazon Shop Now SMART RING PICK Oura Ring 4 $349.00 at Amazon Shop Now BUDGET OPTION Fitbit Charge 6 $134.80 at Amazon Get Deal

I also wanted to find the most reliable fitness trackers for marathon training, so during each week of my training, I focused specifically on one tracker or smartwatch. To ensure the best data collection possible, I also wore it during the day and night outside of my workouts to test its battery life and recovery data collection.

While I focused on a different tracker each week, I wore all seven models during all of my workouts during the entire 18-week training season. In total, I ran 508 miles, had 30 weightlifting sessions, rode a bike for 110 miles, and practiced yoga or Pilates about once a week. And I did all of that looking like Bucky Barnes.

Meet my marathon training partners for the past four months... Credit: Joe Maldonado

Reader: It was humiliating, and I did it all for you.

I wanted a wearable that had a comfortable design, easy-to-understand workout metrics, useful recovery metrics, a long battery life, and was worth the price. I wanted it to help me train, recover, and run the marathon. So, here's everything I learned during my 508-mile quest to find the best fitness trackers for running a marathon.

Best health tracker for marathon trainingMy pick: Whoop MG 4.0 I wore the Whoop MG for 18 weeks and 500 miles of training. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The new Whoop MG is an incredibly comfortable, minimalist tracker designed for health and recovery rather than in-the-moment performance, and I really liked it. 

Its soft, lightweight band feels almost invisible, and because there’s no screen, you’re blissfully free from constant notifications or distractions — something I didn’t realize I needed until I had it. 

That said, the lack of display, GPS, and heart rate feedback during workouts makes it essentially useless for live training metrics, such as pace or distance. So, like with many health trackers, you'll likely need to also use a secondary fitness tracker to get real-time data on your run, including pace, heart rate, and elevation.

Still, the post-workout insights are impressive: you can literally see spikes in strain or stress — even pinpointing moments like a fall or tough interval — making it feel personal and validating. 

The recovery metrics are where Whoop truly dominates. Its journal feature is flexible, allowing you to log habits like alcohol use, weed, or even eating beans, all of which are correlated with sleep, stress, and recovery. The sleep tracking is top-tier, breaking down stages, disturbances, and recovery readiness into clear, actionable data that helps you decide when to push or rest. The battery system is genius — a slide-on charger means you never have to take it off, not even in the shower. 

While the subscription model is financially frustrating, Whoop’s depth of recovery data makes it arguably the best tool for understanding your body.

Opens in a new window Credit: Whoop Whoop MG fitness tracker $359 at Amazon
  Shop Now Also tested: Oura Ring 4 Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The Oura Ring is probably the best-looking wearable I tried during training season. It's sleek, comfortable, and surprisingly unobtrusive, and it excels at recovery tracking. Obviously, much like the Whoop MG, this shouldn't be the only wearable you use for marathon training — there's no workout data, because there's no screen, and it has no ability to provide live training feedback like pace or heart rate. It provides almost no useful data during or immediately after workouts, making it more of a wellness tracker than a performance tool.

It never pinched or became uncomfortable — though I wouldn’t recommend wearing any rings at all while lifting weights. When it comes to workout metrics, the Oura Ring simply isn’t built for live training feedback. 

However, where it truly shines is in recovery tracking. It monitors key health indicators such as heart rate, heart rate variability, body temperature, sleep quality, and general activity, delivering consistently insightful data that helps you understand your readiness and recovery trends. 

It’s also surprisingly useful for cycle tracking (if you're into that sort of thing), offering accurate temperature-based insights. The Oura Ring 4 battery life is excellent — it can easily last several days, and I simply charge it while showering without ever running into low power issues. 

Though it’s pricey and requires a subscription, it’s HSA/FSA eligible, which helps. Overall, the Oura Ring is an exceptional sleep and recovery tracker, best paired with a dedicated fitness device for training.

Read Mashable's full review of the Oura Ring 4.

Oura Ring 4 $349 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Target Best lifestyle smartwatches for marathon trainingMy pick: Apple Watch Ultra 3 The Ultra 3 easily beat other smartwatches, but it's also pricey. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is one of the most advanced smartwatches yet — powerful, durable, and thoughtfully designed, though not without its quirks. 

Its massive screen and hefty build make it feel substantial on the wrist, but despite its size, it remains surprisingly comfortable, even for sleeping. It’s not the lightest watch out there, but it’s well-balanced enough for all-day wear. 

During workouts, the metrics are simple but reliable, giving you accurate readings of heart rate, pace, and time, with the option to plan structured workouts directly on the watch. You can pause your run by clicking any two buttons at once, and start a new segment by clicking the orange button. I appreciate how easily I can switch between media, segments, and workouts.

Post-run data is basic compared to dedicated running watches, but still plenty for casual runners. The recovery and health tracking features are robust — it tracks sleep, cycle phases, blood oxygen, respiration, and cardio fitness, and you can manually add data on nutrition, medication, or symptoms for a more holistic picture. 

Battery life is the best of any Apple Watch, lasting through a full marathon without dying and recharging quickly. For instance, I wore it all day and all night, during workouts and travel, but just charged it while I showered, and had no problem with the battery life. 

At $799, it’s by far the priciest watch I tested, but its massive screen proved unexpectedly useful during my marathon — I could easily read notes and spot friends on the course, and even reply to texts mid-race without missing a step. For runners who aren't training for a marathon, the new Apple Watch Series 11 also impressed our Apple expert.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 $779 at Amazon
  Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Also tested: Google Pixel Watch 4 If you're looking for an Android smartwatch for running, Mashable has been very impressed with the Pixel Watch 4. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

I really enjoyed using the Pixel Watch 4 for my training, but it had one huge flaw that moved it below the Apple Watch Ultra 3 for marathon training: it died during the marathon. I never had an issue during marathon training, including a long run that was 22 miles long. So, it's still one of the best smartwatches for running in general. But during the race itself — which includes leaving my apartment about five hours before actually starting the race, sitting in a relatively cold start village, and running the race — my Pixel Watch 4's battery died. My Apple Watch SE also died during the 2023 New York City Marathon, so I'm not unfamiliar with the pain, but it's not what you want. 

However, during training, I was pleased with the watch. It's a solid, well-rounded smartwatch that balances comfort, performance, and smart integration. It’s lightweight and easy to wear around the clock — comfortable enough to sleep in, with no irritation or bulk. During runs, it delivers all the essential workout metrics like pace, heart rate, and time, displayed on a bright, easy-to-read screen that holds up even in direct sunlight. 

The buttons feel a bit mushy, but their presence is still appreciated for sweaty workouts when touchscreens fall short. Post-run, the Fitbit app provides deeper insights such as stride length, step cadence, ground contact time, vertical ratio, and oscillation. 

While Fitbit isn’t my favorite tracking platform, its integration here is smooth and responsive, especially with the option to create custom workouts, from interval sessions to threshold runs, and even receive AI-powered daily run recommendations. 

Recovery tracking is solid, too, with accurate sleep scoring that aligns closely with health trackers like the Oura Ring and Whoop. 

The battery life (say it with me: boooooo) is supposed to last around 48 hours for regular use, which isn’t stellar for hardcore fitness users but is fine for a lifestyle watch, and charging is faster and more reliable than previous Pixel Watches.

At $350, it’s a fair value — particularly if you already own a Pixel phone.

Read my full review of the Google Pixel Watch 4.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Pixel Pixel Watch 4 $349 at Amazon
  Shop Now Best fitness tracker for running and marathon trainingMy pick: Garmin Forerunner 570 Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

I'm not saying anything revolutionary or shocking when I say Garmin is a runner's watch.

The Garmin Forerunner 570 is one of the most advanced fitness watches on the market, and it's obvious from the second you wear it for a run. The workout metrics are nothing short of incredible. During workouts, it covers all the essentials — pace, heart rate, time — and presents them clearly on a bright, easy-to-read display. I don't love the buttons (they're a bit mushy for my taste), but they’re responsive enough.

Post-run data is where Garmin really shines: run/walk detection, training effect, power output, and running dynamics like vertical oscillation and stride length offer a level of insight few devices can match. It even provides adaptive training plans based on your data. 

On the recovery side, Garmin’s training readiness and body battery features combine sleep, stress, and HRV for actionable insights that rival Oura and Whoop.

Of course, it isn’t without its drawbacks — starting with comfort. I struggled with how it felt on my wrist; during a rainy run in the middle of my training block, the band dug into my skin and rubbed it raw, leaving it sore enough that I couldn’t wear it for the rest of the day. Other people have complained that they've gotten rashes from the Garmin, too. You can get new straps that might solve the issue, but boy was it unpleasant.

The battery life is excellent, lasting up to 11 days, and while the $550 price tag is steep, it’s easy to see why athletes swear by it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Forerunner 570 $549.99 at Garmin
  Get Deal More affordable running watch: Suunto Run Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The Suunto Run also has so, so, so much data. What makes it slightly lower on the list than the Garmin Forerunner 570 is that it has fewer smartwatch perks than the Garmin does — it doesn't have the third-party app support, music, and contactless payments available on the Garmin and, in general, it feels kind of cheap — especially the charger.

But I did really like the Suunto Run. It delivers an impressively balanced experience for runners who want reliable data, comfort, and battery life without overcomplication. Its Velcro strap is lightweight, breathable, and secure — it doesn’t rub, slip, or shift during workouts, and it’s comfortable enough to sleep in, which makes wearing it around the clock surprisingly easy. 

During runs, the watch focuses on the essentials: pace, heart rate, and cadence, all displayed clearly on a bright, easy-to-read screen. The physical buttons feel responsive and satisfying to press, a big plus when you’re sweaty mid-run. 

After workouts, the Suunto app unlocks a deeper layer of training metrics, including training load, stress score, and normalized graded pace. While not every stat will matter to a casual marathoner, the breadth of data is impressive and well-organized. 

On the recovery side, Suunto nails clarity: it combines heart rate variability, sleep quality, and training balance into a single, easy-to-read recovery score that aligns closely with results from Oura and Whoop, though HRV readings can vary slightly. 

The battery life is excellent, lasting up to 12 days in smartwatch mode or 20 hours in performance mode, so you’ll rarely think about charging. At $249, the Suunto Run is a smart, well-priced choice for dedicated runners who don't want all the fuss of a smart watch but do want all the data of a running watch.

Opens in a new window Credit: Suunto Suunto Run sports watch $249 at Amazon
  Shop Now Also tested: Fitbit Charge 6 Good for counting steps, but not much more. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The Fitbit Charge 6 is the least expensive option I wore, and it shows. It's lightweight, but don't let that fool you — it's a relatively uncomfortable tracker in comparison to the other trackers I tested. In fact, after two nights of sleeping with it on, my wrist was bruised. 

During workouts, it struggles to keep pace with more advanced fitness watches. The GPS accuracy is inconsistent, overestimating distance on one run and underestimating on the next, which throws off pace data — a dealbreaker for serious runners. It also doesn't track elevation gain, which is an important part of training for a particularly hilly race like the New York City Marathon. 

Mid-run readability isn’t ideal, and the connection with my phone dropped more than once, but heart rate tracking shines — responsive, accurate, and enhanced by helpful haptic alerts when you shift zones. 

Recovery tracking is surprisingly strong, offering clear sleep scores and resting heart rate data that feel well-calibrated for general wellness, even if not the most detailed. The real standout, though, is battery life, which easily lasted a full week with heavy use — truly impressive for a device at this size and price point. 

At $159, the Charge 6 delivers solid value for everyday athletes who want the very least. If you're looking for the best fitness tracker for running for beginners, this is a budget pick worth considering. For marathon training, it can't keep up. It's effectively a fancy pedometer, and you might be better off buying one of those.

Fitbit Charge 6 $134.80 at Amazon
$159.95 Save $25.15   See It at Amazon See It at Best Buy After 500 miles, what would I recommend to a friend?

So, after 18 weeks of training, 500 miles, and so, so many funny looks (that's what happens when you wear seven fitness trackers at the same time), what did I decide?

Here's what I'd recommend to a friend training for a marathon: I'd wear the Whoop MG for health tracking, particularly during training and recovery. I'd wear the Suunto Run during training, unless I had a lot of money to play with, and then I'd get a Garmin Forerunner 570. If I was specifically running the NYC Marathon and was worried about finding people, I'd keep the Apple Watch Ultra 3 on my wrist for the marathon. 

For now, I think I might go without any device for a few weeks. Free me from the data.

A Raspberry Pi 4 or 5 costs anywhere from $60 to $100 dollars before you even add a case, power supply, or storage. Meanwhile, your retired Android phone has all of that built in, including a battery that functions as an uninterruptible power supply during brief outages. With the right software, it can replace a Raspberry Pi while costing you nothing.

SAVE OVER $400: As of Aug. 11, the Sony 85-Inch Bravia 3 LED 4K TV is on sale for $1,098 at Amazon. That's $401.99 off its typical price of $1,499.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony 85 Inch Bravia 3 LED 4K HDR Smart GoogleTV $1,098 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $401.99   Get Deal

Buying a new TV can feel like a lot on your wallet, so it's always helpful when solid deals pop up. Amazon's a great place to see some of the latest and greatest offers available, and if you're looking to go big on a new screen this summer, this discount on the Sony 85-Inch Bravia 3 LED 4K TV is worth checking out.

As of Aug. 11, this Sony TV has been discounted to $1,098 at the retailer. Compared to its typical price of $1,499.99, that's just over $400 in savings, but you won't want to wait too long to take advantage of it. Amazon has put a "limited time deal" tag on this model's shopping page, so time is ticking to grab it at this price.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 11 Pro: Everything we know ahead of Aug. 12 Made By Google event

While this Sony TV's 85-inch screen size is certainly a highlight, its 4K resolution LED display will make your movies, shows, and games shine with sharp, vivid picture quality. It even supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for an added visual and audio boost to your viewing experience. On top of that, it comes with exclusive features for PlayStation 5 users: Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode. These help optimize picture quality while you play, so you can enjoy every detail of your favorite games.

Not to mention, this Sony TV comes with Google TV built in, making it quick and easy to access your favorite streaming platforms. It's also integrated with Google Assistant, so you can use your voice to search for the next best thing to watch.

Set yourself up with a brand new TV with this great deal on the Sony 85-Inch Bravia 3 LED 4K TV at Amazon.

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If you've been struggling to find the AdultFriendFinder app, there's a good reason: there isn't one. As one of the OGs of online dating, with a history that spans more than 20 years, AFF prefers to keep things decidedly old-school. But most AFF users can still access the platform and its content on mobile devices. They do this through the AFF site’s mobile version, which works with either Safari or Google Chrome, though the most committed AFF users have figured out a clever workaround that mimics the app experience.

What to know how you can do this too? Keep reading to find out more.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Why doesn’t Adult Friend Finder have an app?

Both Apple and Google strictly police the kinds of content they allow on their respective app stores. NSFW is a big no-no. And as Adult Friend Finder allows on-site nudity in profiles, chat forums, and live broadcasts (let's be honest: it's everywhere on AFF) — the site is barred from having an official app for the two most-used mobile platforms.

SEE ALSO: The best hookup apps for 2026: I swiped until my thumb hurt

Unfortunately, these rules apply even if you don’t have nudity on your profile or have turned on all the filters that restrict the display of adult content when using AFF, so there isn’t even a censored version of the app available and likely never will be. It's non-negotiable, unfortunately. This is why users have sought an alternative method for using AFF on mobile devices.

What’s the best alternative?

If you really want to mimic the experience of using an app on your phone, you can simply create a home screen shortcut to the Adult Friend Finder site. And if you have cookies enabled, you can also stay logged in each time, which saves you from having to re-enter your login credentials.

SEE ALSO: The best sexting apps for discreet and NSFW chats

To create a homescreen shortcut on your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to AdultFriendFinder.com in your Safari mobile browser (no third-party browser will work)

2. Tap the ellipsis icon in the bottom right corner of your Safari app, and then tap the Share icon at the top of the pop-up menu

3. Scroll towards the bottom of the option list and select "Add to Home Screen"

4. You will be prompted to assign a name to the icon before you can hit "Add"

For Android users, the steps are slightly different:

1. Navigate to AdultFriendFinder.com in your Chrome mobile browser (no third-party browser will work)

2. Tap the menu icon in the upper right corner of your Chrome app, and then tap "Add to Home Screen"

3. You will be prompted to assign a name to the icon before you can hit "Add"

How secure is this home screen icon approach?

This method of accessing Adult Friend Finder is functionally no different than opening Chrome or Safari first, so it's no less safe than using the actual site, but there are a few things to consider:

• If you share your phone or tablet with someone else, they will be able to see the AFF icon and possibly even access your account just by clicking on the app

• If you prefer to keep your Adult Friend Finder use hidden, consider hiding the icon within a sub-folder or within a password-protected folder

• To ensure your login credentials aren't saved, create the icon itself using your mobile browser's incognito or private browsing function

Would it surprise you to learn that Pornhub pulls in enough eyeballs to rank among the most-visited websites on the entire planet?

According to SimilarWeb (an analytics platform for websites and apps), adult websites like Xvideos and Pornhub get a staggering number of monthly visitors, with Pornhub alone drawing 1.5 billion visits in January 2026. To put that number in perspective, these porn giants often outrank sites like Netflix and Amazon (though not ChatGPT).

If you're itching to take things a step further than just watching and want to live out some of those fantasies IRL (or securely online), then you may find yourself exploring Pornhub alternatives like AdultFriendFinder and other NSFW dating sites. Fortunately, we've tested and vetted these sites for you.

Pro tip: Avoid the sketchy, too-good-to-be-true "dating sites" that often appear as pop-ups and ads on adult websites like Pornhub.

What to know before diving into NSA hookup apps

But before you dive into some of the top Pornhub alternatives for real encounters, let's be clear about what you're getting into. On these apps and sites, "dating" usually means a one-night stand, a threesome, or a sex buddy — not a long-term partner. Likewise, platforms like Cams.com and SextPanther are paid platforms that connect you to online performers, which means no IRL connections. (Bringing up IRL meetings could get you permanently banned from these sites.) When navigating the best hookup apps, always be specific and honest about what you want on your profile to find someone who's on the same page. And remember the golden rule: consent, boundary-setting, and respect are non-negotiable.

Finally, one more warning: There are a lot of romance scammers and other cyber criminals looking to take advantage of people online. Please be cautious and use common sense.

While most of these sites are free to access, many offer paid memberships to unlock bonus features. So, if you're tired of your goon cave, here are our favorite X-rated dating sites for 2026 as an alternative to Pornhub. (Be warned: NSFW content awaits, obviously.)

Sharing files across a network is a must-have feature; so much so that it might just be the reason you set up a home network in the first place. Experienced users may feel comfortable using FTP or SCP from the command line, but many people just want to use their standard GUI file explorer.

I have a lot of ESP32 boards around my home, working as Bluetooth proxies or powering soil moisture sensors. The beauty of ESP32s is that they can do more than one job at a time, so my soil moisture sensors can work as Bluetooth proxies, too. If your ESP32 board has a controllable on-board LED, you can get even more use out of it by turning the LED into a Home Assistant alert.

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Draft Night Box is on sale for $72.98 at Amazon, down from its $119.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Draft Night $72.98 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $47.01 Get Deal

Magic: The Gathering’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Draft Night Box has already dropped considerably since its March launch, but Amazon has now sent the four-player set tumbling to a completely new low.

As of Aug. 11, the Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Draft Night Box is now available at Amazon for an all-time low price of $72.98, taking $47.01 off its $119.99 list price for a 39% discount. Confirmed by price tracker camelcamelcamel, this is a whole $14.01 cheaper than the $86.99 record low we saw ahead of release back in March. 

Amazon’s new $72.98 listing even undercuts the box’s $79.71 market price determined by TCGplayer, along with the trading card marketplace’s cheapest listing of $83.99. Walmart is sitting at $82 with free shipping through third-party seller Cataclysm Games, which still makes for a nice backup if Amazon sells out. 

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Draft Night is designed as a complete Pick-Two Draft setup for four players, where everyone selects two cards at a time to speed up the drafting process before putting their new decks to work.

Inside the box are 12 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Play Boosters, with 14 cards packed into each one, alongside 90 land cards to finish building your decks. There is also a single 15-card Collector Booster intended as a prize for the winner, adding some premium pulls to the end of the night.

SAVE OVER $100: As of Aug. 11, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlog Bundle is on sale for $424 at Amazon. That's $108 off its full price of $532.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlog Bundle $424 at Amazon
$532 Save $108   Get Deal

If you're a content creator or want to get started as one, a good vlogging camera is a must. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlog Bundle can help you get started, and this is a perfect time to grab it as Amazon has slashed over $100 off its usual list price.

As of Aug. 11, you can grab this trendy vlogging camera bundle for $424, down from its full price of $532. That's a $108 saving off the list price. It's worth mentioning that this model is sold by a third party, but they do have a very high rating, so your purchase is in good hands.

SEE ALSO: Insta360 X6 camera set to launch, FCC filing suggests

We're very big fans of this camera. In our review of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth wrote that "if you're a full- or part-time video creator, livestreamer, or influencer, then the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is definitely worth the price of admission". It features a 1-inch CMOS sensor that can record 4K resolution video at 120 fps, producing stunning shots that look sharp and clear. Plus, its portable design is a massive bonus for taking on the go.

Its touch screen can even rotate between horizontal and vertical shooting, which is great news for creators looking for a bit of filming flexibility, and it has 3-axis mechanical stabilization. This helps keep shakiness from ruining your video's quality.

Alongside the camera, this bundle includes a DJI Mic Mini transmitter. If it's caught your eye, act fast to save on it at Amazon.

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People usually assume that local AI requires a powerful GPU. To some degree that is true—many things do require one. However, there is a huge range of small models that are capable of doing useful things.

SAVE $200: As of Aug. 11, the Acer Nitro V 16 gaming laptop (Intel Core 7 Processor 240H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop GPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB Gen 4 SSD) has dropped to its lowest-ever price of $999.99 at Amazon. That's $200 off its full price of $1,199.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Nitro V 16 Gaming Laptop $999.99 at Amazon
$1,199.99 Save $200   Get Deal

Acer's sleek Nitro V 16 gaming laptop — with an Intel Core 7 Processor 240H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop GPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and 1TB Gen 4 SSD — has dropped to its lowest-ever price of $999.99 at Amazon. If you're getting some back-to-school shopping done or just need a gaming laptop upgrade, this is an excellent time to swoop in and add it to your cart.

Overall, you're saving $200 through this deal, as this gaming laptop is normally priced at $1,199.99. It's worth keeping in mind that it has a "limited time deal" sticker, so it may not be on sale for long. If that new low price has caught your eye, this is the time to make a move on it.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 11 Pro: Everything we know ahead of Aug. 12 Made By Google event

Whether you're using the Acer Nitro V 16 to game, stream, or get work done, its Intel Core 7 240H processor offers solid performance to handle it all. Games will look great thanks to the GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop GPU and a 16-inch WUXGA 1920 x 1200 display. Plus, it boasts an 180Hz refresh rate, so your games will run smoothly, alongside a 3ms Overdrive Response Time.

It even has a dual-fan cooling system that helps maintain stable performance, so you don't have to worry about the laptop overheating. This particular model also comes with 16GB DDR5 RAM and a 1TB Gen 4 SSD.

Don't miss out on this great deal on the Acer Nitro V 16 at Amazon.

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TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Bundle is on sale for $48.98 at Amazon, down from its $59.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Bundle $48.98 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $11.01   Get Deal

Perfect Order has been a consistently affordable Pokémon TCG expansion since launch earlier this year, and fans of the Legends: Z-A-inspired collection can score just over $11 off right now on Amazon. 

As of Aug. 11, the Pokémon TCG’s Perfect Order Booster Bundle is available for $48.98 at Amazon — taking a whole $11.01 off its current $59.99 list price. For added context, that 18% discount means each booster pack is worth around $8.16. 

The cheapest Amazon listing is sold by Collectors Expedition but shipped by Amazon itself, with free delivery currently estimated for Aug. 25 to Sept. 1. If you would rather buy directly from Amazon, there’s a slightly more expensive option for $49.99 — and it will get to you as soon as Aug. 12 if you have a Prime membership. 

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Inside each of the Perfect Order Booster Bundle’s half-dozen titular packs is 10 cards in the 124-card expansion, one Basic Energy, and one Pokémon TCG Live code card, giving you 60 random cards before the extras are counted. 

Among Perfect Order’s most valuable pulls you can get from these packs are MHR Mega Zygarde ex, SIR Mega Meowth ex, SIR Mega Zygarde ex, and SIR Mega Clefable ex — though you can also buy any of these cards individually from TCGplayer. 

Other rare Pokémon discounts currently available include the First Partner Illustration Collection dropping to under $50 on Amazon. For more Perfect Order packs, you can still buy the 36-pack Booster Display Box for around $200. 

TL;DR: Purple's Labor Day sale runs Aug. 11 through Sept. 15, offering a king mattress for the price of a queen, up to $400 off adjustable bases, and and 15% off pillows, bedding, and accessories.

As Labor Day approaches, so does the itch to upgrade your bedroom before fall settles in. Purple's Labor Day sale is live now through Sept. 15, and it's a solid excuse to finally swap out the mattress you've been complaining about for years.

Buy a king mattress and pay queen-size pricing, which is a meaningful upgrade for anyone who's been cramped on a smaller bed. Pair it with an adjustable base, and you'll save up to $400, letting you customize your sleep position without paying full price for the tech that makes it possible.

Pillows, bedding, and accessories are also 15% off, so it's a good time to refresh the rest of your setup too — sheets, shams, and whatever else needs a switch. The one exclusion is the Grid Cloud Pillow, which stays at full price.

Purple mattresses are known for their gel-grid design, which aims to balance support and pressure relief better than standard foam. If you've been sleeping hot or waking up sore, this sale could be the fix.

Purple's Labor Day sale is the start of mattress-shopping season, and this one's easy to justify — snag it before Sept. 15.

Wondering how the Battle of Tumbleton in the House of the Dragon Season 3 finale all came together? Judging by the behind-the-scenes video above, it took a lot of planning.

The 20-minute mini doc features interviews with all the key players involved in the sequence, including showrunner Ryan Condal and director of photography Vanja Černjul, the latter of whom describes how he and episode director Andrij Parekh used tiny figures and a scale model of Tumbleton to plan the battle.

The highlight? Tommy Flanagan, aka Roddy the Ruin, sat wearing sunglasses while casually describing the colourful way in which he kills Lord Ormund Hightower (James Norton).

House of the Dragon Season 3 is streaming now on HBO Max.

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People are using ChatGPT to sell their homes, message Tinder matches, book flights, browse their medical records, write essays, fabricate receipts, argue with their partners, shop online, talk to their cars, and order their coffee, and now they can make restaurant reservations within the app.

Announced on Monday, OpenAI's chatbot now does Yelp reservations and waitlists, meaning users in the U.S. and Canada can directly book a table while chatting with ChatGPT.

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According to Yelp's blog post, the integration will cover restaurants using Yelp Guest Manager, the app's front-of-house reservation and waitlist system. Once guests have booked a spot through ChatGPT, any changes to the reservation must be made through the Yelp app (not the chat).

It's an extension of Yelp's partnership with ChatGPT, launched in July, which lets the chatbot legally use Yelp reviews, ratings, photos, and local business details to make recommendations.

Featured Video For You Is ChatGPT Changing the Way We Write?

ChatGPT's competitors have similar restaurant booking integrations. Google's Gemini is able to find, book, and manage reservations for restaurants on OpenTable using Reserve with Google. Microsoft Copilot can also book tables in the app using OpenTable, but, like ChatGPT's Yelp plug-in, you can't manage or cancel the reservation through the chatbot (this must be done in the OpenTable app).

Red flags and vulnerabilities can apparently take a walk when you can book a table mid-chat.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

When the opportunity came up to test the $299 CoreXY Elegoo Centauri 2, I jumped at it. How good could a sub-$300 CoreXY printer be? Way better than I ever imagined, as it turns out.

Kuromi x Katseye collection: Katseye — 'Wild' (Yoonchae Ver.) (Target Exclusive, CD) $13.99 Pre-Order Here Katseye — 'Wild' (Megan Ver.) (Target Exclusive, CD) $13.99 Pre-Order Here Katseye Tiny Vinyl Edition — Gnarly/Gabriela (Vinyl 4-Inch) $14.99 Shop Now Katseye — Beautiful Chaos (Target Exclusive, Vinyl) $27.99 Shop Now Katseye — SIS (Soft Is Strong) (Vintage Bottle 12-Inch EP) (Vinyl) $28.99 Shop Now Katseye — 'Wild' (Wild Heart Ver.) (Target Exclusive, CD) $29.99 Pre-Order Here

Kuromi is getting a chaotic new best friend. Sanrio's mischievous icon is teaming up with global pop group Katseye for a Target-exclusive capsule collection, and the collab is bringing main-character energy to everything from apparel to snacks.

The full collection officially launches Aug. 14, timed to drop with Katseye's new EP, Wild. But you don't have to wait: vinyl copies of Wild are available to order right now, and CD preorders are also live at Target, so early fans can get a head start before the rest of the collab drops.

Katseye — Beautiful Chaos (Target Exclusive, Vinyl) Opens in a new window Credit: Universal Music Group Katseye — Beautiful Chaos (Target Exclusive, Vinyl) $27.99 at Target
If sold out at your local Target, sign up to get notified for restocks. Shop Now

Heads up: Katseye's Beautiful Chaos vinyl (pomegranate-colored, with a group photo postcard) is already sold out in a bunch of stores nationwide. If your local Target is out, you can sign up to get notified when it's back in stock — but given the demand, don't sleep on it.

The EP itself is all about "celebrating confusion," blending genres to capture the chaos of pushing creative boundaries and growing as an artist. It also marks a milestone for the six-member group — Daniela, Lara, Manon, Megan, Sophia, and Yoonchae — who hail from the U.S., Switzerland, the Philippines, and South Korea, repping a global fanbase.

The rest of the collection turns Kuromi's rebellious streak into something you can wear, sip from, and snack on. Apparel leads the charge with graphic tees featuring Kuromi alongside the Katseye members, plus a matching gray crewneck sweatsuit for anyone looking to coordinate. There's also a Kuromi ears beanie and a purple clear bag, perfect for concert nights.

Credit: Hybe UMB LLC / Sanrio co. Ltd Credit: Hybe UMB LLC / Sanrio co. Ltd

The lineup includes:

• Apparel (tees, sweatsuit, beanie, clear bag): $10-$30

• Collectibles (plush charm, keychain, figurines, trading cards): starting at $6.99

• Drinkware (insulated tumblers in Kuromi purple or black): $22.99

• Snacks (cookie rolls, mochi bites, freeze-dried, and popping candy): $2.99-$4.99

• A-Sha ramen and boba beverages in collab packaging: $1.99-$9.99

The food tie-in is the biggest curveball of the collab — ramen and boba weren't on anyone's Sanrio bingo card, but it fits right in with the "collect everything" spirit of the drop.

Fans headed to KCON LA (Aug. 14-16) get first dibs on select pieces at Sanrio's Kuromi's Mischief Mansion activation before the full collection hits Target and stores nationwide on Aug. 14, while supplies last.

Whether you're looking for a kid-friendly tablet or a compact laptop replacement, there are plenty of excellent options out there. If you're not exactly sure which tablet you should buy, we've got one simple question to help narrow down your search: Are you an Apple person? We tested the entire iPad lineup, and though iPads are our preferred tablets in 2026, we also love some of the best tablets from Samsung, OnePlus, and Microsoft. So, whatever your preferences, we've got a tablet to recommend.

What's new in this guide?

With ever-evolving technology, this guide is never done. We're continuing to test new tablets for inclusion in this guide. At the end of 2025, we added the Samsung Galaxy S11 Ultra to this guide.

As of March 2026, we've updated this guide to include the iPad Air with M4 chip, replacing the previous Air model. We also added the iPad Pro (M5) as the best iPad for professionals, as well as the OnePlus Pad Go 2 as the best budget Android tablet.

In June 2026, we added the Lenovo Yoga Tab as our new favorite Android tablet. The Amazon Fire HD 8 was also added as our favorite Amazon Fire tablet.

And our latest update in August 2026 sees the addition of the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 5.