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Many people buy a NAS with a single goal in mind: building a private Plex media server for all their movies and TV shows. But Plex itself requires surprisingly few resources to run, meaning the processor and RAM in your NAS can spend most of their time sitting around, doing basically nothing.

SAVE 13%: As of Sept. 18, you can get the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo for $549, down from $629, at Amazon. That's a 13% discount, or $80 in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo $549 at Amazon
$629 Save $80   Get Deal

If you're interested in becoming a content creator but aren't sure about the equipment or what to do first, you may want to check out DJI's creator line. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo has pretty much everything you need to get started: the Osmo Pocket 3 camera, the DJI Mic 2 transmitter, battery handle, and an Osmo mini Tripod.

SEE ALSO: The three best DJI products every creator could use in their tool kit

And right now, you can get it for $549, down from $629, at Amazon and Best Buy. (It's sold out on the official DJI website.) That's a 13% discount, or $80 in savings. While this isn't the lowest price we've seen for this combo (it was $512 in July), $80 is still a good chunk of change to save on your on-the-go studio setup.

The best thing about this kit is that it's designed for beginners (it's also a Mashable Choice award winner). "You don't need to be an experienced videographer to set up and start shooting with this camera," Mashable's tech editor, Timothy Beck Werth, writes in his review. Thanks to its three-axis mechanical stabilization, you can focus on what you're doing without worrying about your footage looking shaky. There's also a rotating touchscreen that flips between horizontal and vertical video in seconds.

A new cat species has been formally identified for the first time in 100 years. Found in Bolivia, the Leopardus tilcayo has markings similar to a leopard, but is smaller than a domestic house cat. Unfortunately, while this tiger cat is undeniably cuddle-sized, it is not for cuddling.

SEE ALSO: Scientists accidentally created the cutest mouse in the world

Revealed in a paper published in Current Biology on Thursday, the diminutive Leopardus tilcayo is described as having "relatively large, irregular, dark brown to black rosettes" on its light brown fur, which darkens along its spine and lightens toward its limbs. The tiger cat is also adorably small, measuring just 425 to 505mm from its head to the end of its body, excluding its 250 to 265mm-long tail. (In comparison, the average domestic cat is around 460 to 510mm long, with a tail measuring 250 to 380mm.)

A tilcayo cat (Leopardus tilcayo) at Senda Verde in Coroico, Bolivia. Credit: Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark

Other than this, very little is known about the tilcayo. However, researchers state that this tiger cat was already known to locals in the Bolivian Yungas region, who called it "tilcayo."

"We asked the local people, 'Why do you call it tilcayo?'" the paper's co-lead author, Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz, told National Geographic. "And they said, 'I don't know! My grandpa called it tilcayo, so I call it tilcayo."

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The specific cat that helped Nogales-Ascarrunz and her team identify the new species had already been living in a Bolivian wildlife sanctuary for almost a decade. A local man initially found the male kitten on a road and cared for it at his home for about a year, believing it was an ordinary house cat. However, he eventually realised that it was in fact a wild animal, prompting him to hand it to the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary in 2016.

They then contacted biologist Nogales-Ascarrunz, who mistakenly identified the cat as a Leopardus tigrinus, also known as an oncilla or northern tiger cat. However, upon subsequently reviewing her photos of the cat in 2019, she realised that it did not match images of other felines presumed to be of the same species.

DNA testing has now proved her suspicions correct, confirming that the cat is indeed an entirely new species. Nogales-Ascarrunz and her fellow researchers further noted that, compared to the oncillia, the tilcayo has "larger and more irregular flank markings, [a] longer and fuller tail, and irregular caudal blotches [near the tail]."

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Affectionately named "Tigrino," Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary's resident tilcayo is the only known animal of his species to be in protective human care. As such, practically everything we know about tilcayos is in reference to Tigrino. However, now that researchers know what to look for, there is the chance that other previously misidentified tilcayo cats may be discovered.

SAVE $30: As of Sept. 18, get Otterbox's new iPhone 18 Pro Defender Pro Case for $49.99. That saves you $30 on its $79.99 list price for 38% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Otterbox Otterbox Defender Pro iPhone 18 Pro Case $49.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $30.00   Get Deal

Today is finally the day — the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are arriving in stores and into your hands. If you have the new iPhone or are planning to go out and grab one this weekend, don't forget to pick up a case for it. There's no bigger tech nightmare than dropping and cracking your brand-new phone. So if you're in the market, we spotted a deal just for you.

As of Sept. 18, get the Otterbox Defender Pro iPhone 18 Pro Case for just $49.99. That's $30 off the case's list price of $79.99, saving you 38%. That's some pretty substantial savings, especially when you just dropped a lot of money on a new phone.

Otterbox makes cases that are rugged and durable so that the case absorbs damage — not your phone. The brand's Defender Pro series provides maximum protection that's up to a military standard. It also has a grippy finish to hopefully prevent the number of drops you have to begin with. Plus, it's not bulky either.

Shop the Otterbox Defender Pro iPhone 18 Pro Case now for just $49.99 at Amazon and save $30.

It's iPhone launch day! Did you get a brand new iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max? Did you see John Ternus at the Apple store? If so, congratulations! Also, and this is very important, don't drop it.

Apple has shared just how much it's going to cost for the most common iPhone repairs for the new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. And, let's put it this way, damaging your new iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max is going to cost you a pretty penny on top of what you just spent for the device itself.

Just how much? Here's what Apple said about iPhone 18 Pro repair costs

The cost of fixing a damaged iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max

Damaged the back glass of your new iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max? That'll cost you $159 to repair.

Dropped the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max and wrecked the rear cameras? Apple will fix that for a whopping $249.

Something wrong with the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max battery? Battery issues are usually covered under warranty this early in your smartphone's lifecycle, but if it's an issue caused by you, then Apple's charging $129 for the fix.

Apple can also fix your screen if you break or crack it. However, unlike the previous repairs, the cost of this one will depend on which device you have. Screen damage repair on the iPhone 18 Pro will cost a whopping $329. If the back glass is damaged along with the screen, then it'll cost $419 for the fix. Those same repairs will cost $379 and $469 for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, respectively. Obviously, the fix for a much larger screen will cost you more.

Those seem to be the most common repairs, and if you must damage your new iPhone, you'd better hope it's one of those things that need fixing. If you did something unique to wreck your iPhone, those repairs, which Apple deems as "other damage," will set you back a whopping $849 for the iPhone 18 Pro and $899 for the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

And here's the TL;DR version:

• Battery service: $129

• Back glass damage: $159

• Rear camera damage: $249

• Screen damage: $329 ($379 for Pro Max)

• Screen and back glass damage: $419 ($469 for Pro Max)

• Other damage: Up to $849 ($899 for Pro Max)

iPhone 18 repair price vs. iPhone 17 repair price

If you're wondering how the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max repair prices stack up to the cost of fixing its predecessors, you may be surprised to find out that there's not much of a difference. Of course, the bodies of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max and the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are practically the same, so they likely require similar, if not identical, parts and labor costs to repair, so it makes sense. The one difference is the battery service repair, which Apple charges a mere $10 more to fix for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17 Pro Max: Everything Apple changed

So, if you're wondering if you should splurge on the new iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max or save some money by purchasing an iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max, just know they cost basically the same exact thing to fix!

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

It might be an unpopular opinion, but I think almost all power tool combo kits are a waste of money, especially if you already own a few tools or battery packs. We've all walked into a hardware store and found a 5-tool or 7-tool combo from Ryobi, DeWALT, Milwaukee, or others at what looks like a good price, but it's rarely the smart move. Here's why.

TL;DR: Live stream the 17th season of The Great British Baking Show for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

You know that summer is making way for fall when The Great British Baking Show returns to screens. Things are about to get a whole lot cozier. Which is what The Great British Baking Show, aka Bake Off, is all about — comforting, wholesome fun.

The Great British Baking Show pits Britain's best amateur bakers against each other in the iconic white tent. They battle it out — in the nicest possible way — by dazzling the judges with technical challenges and stow-stopper bakes.

This year, things will look a little different as longtime judge Prue Leith has departed the show. She's replaced by cookery show queen Nigella Lawson, who will judge 12 new bakers alongside Bake Off mainstay Paul Hollywood.

If you're interested in watching The Great British Baking Show in 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is The Great British Baking Show in 2026?

The 17th season of The Great British Baking Show starts on Sept. 22 in the UK. Episodes go live a few days later in the U.S.

How to watch The Great British Baking Show for free in 2026

The Great British Baking Show is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.

Channel 4 is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone worldwide can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock Channel 4 to watch The Great British Baking Show from anywhere in the world.

Live stream The Great British Baking Show for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

4. Visit Channel 4

5. Stream The Great British Baking Show for free from anywhere in the world

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

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

What is the best VPN for Channel 4?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for accessing free live streams on Channel 4, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream The Great British Baking Show for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

I've spent a lot of time listening to music from a single smart speaker in my home office. While the sound quality is okay, there's only so much a single speaker can do. I recently acquired a ten-year-old hi-fi system, and the difference is night and day.

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max officially went on sale today ahead of their Sept. 18 launch (the foldable iPhone Duo won't be available until next month). And when you buy a new phone, that usually means buying a new phone case. The best iPhone 18 Pro cases will protect your phone when it inevitably slips out of your hands and tumbles to the ground, risking your $1,200 investment.

A lot of case companies started selling burgundy and glacier blue iPhone 18 Pro cases before the phones were even announced, and you can already find a ton of stylish and cute iPhone 18 Pro cases for sale online. Whether you're looking for a cheap $12 clear case, a classic PopSockets Grip, or a more fashion-forward Velvet Caviar case, we've found the top options for iPhone shoppers. We also checked Apple's official collection of iPhone 18 Pro Max cases for you.

If you're upgrading from the iPhone 17 Pro, there are two things you need to know. You can save up to $1,200 on the iPhone 18 Pro thanks to preorder deals, and your iPhone 17 Pro case should fit the 18 Pro just fine. Apple kept the measurements and button layouts exactly the same.

Our favorite iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max cases so far Opens in a new window Credit: OtterBox OtterBox iPhone 18 Pro Profile Series Case $39.99 at Amazon
Let's start simple with this classic OtterBox iPhone 18 Pro Profile Series Case. It's not fancy or eye-catching, and that's exactly the point. The minimalist case is also MagSafe compatible. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Casetify Casetify iPhone 18 Pro Max MagSafe Case $64 at Amazon
Here's another classic option, available for both the Pro and Pro Max. It's shock and drop-proof, and incldues an opening for a phone lanyard or strap. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Casetify Casetify iPhone 18 Pro Max Ripple MagSafe Case $56 at Amazon
Looking for a case to match the new burgundy color? Casetify's MagSafe Ripple case provides extra protection — and extra color-matching. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Velvet Caviar Velvet Caviar Burgundy 1990 Jelly iPhone Case $40 at Velvet Caviar
Velvet Caviar's burgundy iPhone case features a semi-transparent jelly base. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Torras Torras Clear iPhone 18 Pro Case $11.02 at Amazon
$13.99 Save $2.97 If you like the color of your new burgundy or glacier blue iPhone 18 Pro, then don't cover it up. This affordable iPhone case protects your phone without hurting your wallet, too. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: ESR ESR Clear MagSafe Compatible iPhone 18 Pro Case $14.99 at Amazon
Looking for an affordable clear case that works with MagSafe? Try ESR's straightforward clear case, which will still protect your phone against sudden drops. ESR promises military-grade drop protection. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: PopSockets PopSockets iPhone 18 Pro Case Mirror Abalone $40 at PopSockets
Looking for something a little funky? PopSockets has some of the best iPhone 18 Pro case designs, and they obviously fit great with PopSocket phone grips, too. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Pela Pela iPhone 18 Pro Case Navy Stripes $49.99 at Amazon
Pela has a huge selection of iPhone 18 cases on Amazon, and the company uses eco-friendly, plant-based materials in its phone cases. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Moft Moft Pink iPhone 18 Pro Max Case $42.49 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $7.50 Here at Mashable, we strongly believe that every new generation of iPhones should come with a pink color option. Until Apple hears our prayers, you can get this pink case, which will look great with the new glacier blue iPhone 18 Pro. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Velvet Caviar Velvet Caviar Jelly Glow Aura iPhone 18 Pro Case $39.99 at Amazon
It's giving pastel, it's giving Lisa Frank, it's giving 90s tie-dye. (It's also giving drop protection and MagSafe.) Shop Now SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the Apple iPhone 18 Pro for free — how to claim Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max Clear Case with MagSafe $49 at Apple
Apple's official phone cases aren't always the most affordable, but they are some of the best, for obvious reasons. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max TechWoven Case with MagSafe $59 at Apple
Apple's TechWoven cases offer a firm grip and solid protection, and you can match the case to the color of your new phone. If you want the very best iPhone 18 Pro cases, this is a very safe bet. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Casely Casely iPhone 18 Pro Case Shell Shocked $44.95 at Amazon
If you love the look of tortoise shell accessories, which, fortunately, are not made from actual tortoises, then try this Casely case on for size. Click the link to see dozens more styles from the brand. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Casetify Casetify Dark Cherry Jelly iPhone 18 Pro Case $64 at Casetify
Here's another burgundy-themed case to match your new iPhone. The dark cherry is a near perfect match for the new iPhone color. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Smartish Smartish iPhone 18 Pro Wallet Case $29.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $5.00 Save $5 on this convenient iPhone wallet case. This product has racked up more than 60,000 reviews on Amazon. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: FireNova FireNova Silicon iPhone 18 Pro Case $16.98
Looking for a simple silicon iPhone case? This affordable silicon case comes in over a dozen colors and keeps it simple — in a good way. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Pitaka Pitaka Edge iPhone 18 Pro Max Case $59.99 at Amazon
If you prefer razor-thin cases, then Pitaka makes some of the best iPhone cases around. The brand's Edge line is a good alternative to Apple's FineWoven tech cases, and it's just 0.04 inches thick and weighs 0.81 ounces. Shop Now The top iPhone 18 Pro accessories to buy

OK, so you've reviewed the best iPhone 18 Pro cases and picked out your favorite, but you're not done yet. Apple rolled out a bunch of new accessories and cases for the iPhone 18, and brands like PopSockets have hundreds of grips, stands, wallets, and accessories.

Here are some of the top phone grips, screen protectors, and other goodies to pair with your new iPhone.

Opens in a new window Credit: Spigen Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT Screen Protector for iPhone 18 Pro $19.99 at Amazon
This screen protector comes with its own applicator so you can get the alignment and fit just right. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: PopSockets PopSockets Phone Grips for MagSafe $28.99 at Amazon
PopSockets has a ton of MagSafe-compatible phone grips in a variety of styles and colors, all conveniently available via Amazon Prime. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Kate Spade New York Kate Spade New York Magnetic Card Holder/Wallet $40 at Amazon
This Kate Spade iPhone accessory has enough room for some cash and cards, and it attaches magnetically to your iPhone. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Torras Torras MiniMag Power Bank 10,000mAh for iPhone 18 Pro $49.99 at Amazon
If you watch a lot of video or use your cameras a lot, then this portable charger will be a lifesaver. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Octobuddy Octobuddy Magnet Suction Grip $29.99 at Amazon
The Octobuddy went mega-viral among creators filming their own content, and it's a very convenient way to capture the perfect hands-free shot. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: PopSockets PopSockets Suction Phone Grip for MagSafe $23.99 at Amazon
$35 Save $11.01 Pssst... PopSocket's answer to the Octobuddy is on sale over at Amazon. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Wrist Strap for iPhone $29 at Apple
This is one of the most affordable products you'll find on the Apple website. Match the color to your new iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe $59 at Amazon
Apple's FineWoven MagSafe Wallet comes in nine different colors. Apple shows the bright pink magenta color with the new burgundy iPhone, but we're not sold on that color combo. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Hikawa Grip & Stand for iPhone (MagSafe Compatible) $54.95 at Apple
We've never been quite sure what to make of this Hikawa phone grip, available only at the Apple Store. It's definitely stylish. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Mkeke Mkeke Screen Protector for iPhone 18 Pro (3-Pack) $9.99 at Amazon
$16.99 Save $7.00 This screen protector pack features laser-cut 9H tempered glass. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Nano Magnetic Power Bank, 5,000mAh $54.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $5 Finally, we have one more recommendation: This mini magnetic power pank from Anker, on sale now. This device wirelessly charges your phone whenever you're suffering from low-battery anxiety. Get Deal

We keep saying our smartphones are more powerful than the computers we grew up with, but almost nobody actually uses their phone like a computer. That always bugged me, so I’ve tried to make my phone double as my PC for some time now. Granted, the experiments have always been hit or miss — until I finally tried it on my Google Pixel. While it can’t replace a proper workstation, I found it to be pretty good as a portable Linux PC. In fact, it’s so good that it has practically replaced my Raspberry Pi.

Apple's new AirPods 5 are an anomaly.

In a year where tech prices are rising across the board, the latest AirPods were announced at last week's Apple keynote event with a shocking feature: a lower price point than the previous generation.

So what's the catch? Well, therein lies the anomaly — there really isn't one. In fact, Apple added more features to the new earbuds, and again, they cost less than the AirPods 4. Below, you'll find the breakdown of exactly how the AirPods 5 reign superior.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 5 $124.99 at Amazon
$129 Save $4.01   Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30   Get Deal

As a note, Mashable's team is still working its way through testing the new earbuds, so an updated head-to-head comparison is in the pipeline. In the meantime, this is how the new AirPods 5 stack up against the previous generation in specs, features, and design. (And if you're curious about how this comparison is between the AirPods 5 and Pro 3, you can check out our full breakdown.)

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 5: Price The AirPods 5 are here. How do they stack up? Credit: Apple

Both the AirPods 4 and AirPods 5 have two models: a budget and a more mid-tier option. The big change in the AirPods 5, however, is that both models have active noise cancellation. In the AirPods 4, the main reason to spring for the more expensive model is the ANC. Between the two budget models, Apple kept the prices flat, but for the AirPods 5, it slashed the price of the more expensive model by $30. The full price breakdown is as follows:

• AirPods 4 — $129

• AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation — $179

• AirPods 5 — $129

• AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case — $149

It is worth noting that the AirPods 4 without ANC frequently drop down to $99 (as they are at the time of writing). The AirPods 4 with ANC can often be found on sale for $149. However, it is worth noting that holiday sale season is kicking off next month with Amazon's annual October Prime Day (and the many competing sales), so while it's not a given that the newer earbuds go on sale, it's not an impossibility. Still, even if the discrepancy in the $99 sale price of the AirPods 4 and the $129 full price of the AirPods 5 holds, it's $30 more for the benefit of having ANC.

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 5: Specs

The spec breakdown for the four different pairs of AirPods is as follows:

AirPods 4

• Active noise cancellation: Yes

• Battery: Five hours of listening time, 30 hours total with the case

• Listening modes: Adaptive audio and transparency

• Controls: Force sensor for playback and calls

• Charging: USB-C charging case

• Find My: Not available on this charging case

• IP rating: IP54

AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

• Active noise cancellation: Yes

• Battery: Four hours of listening time (five without ANC), 20 hours total with case (or 30 without ANC)

• Listening modes: Adaptive audio and transparency

• Controls: Force sensor for playback and calls

• Charging: USB-C charging case, MagSafe, Qi compatible

• Find My: Speaker included to work with Find My

• IP rating: IP54

AirPods 5

• Active noise cancellation: Yes

• Battery: Four hours of listening time (six without ANC), 20 hours total with case

• Listening modes: Adaptive audio and transparency

• Controls: Force sensor for playback and calls

• Charging: USB-C charging case

• Find My: Not available on this charging case

• IP rating: IP57

AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case

• Active noise cancellation: Yes

• Battery: Five hours of listening time (seven without ANC), 22 hours total with case

• Listening modes: Adaptive audio and transparency

• Controls: Force sensor for playback, calls, and volume swipe controls

• Charging: USB-C charging case, MagSafe, Qi compatible

• Find My: Speaker included to work with Find My

• IP rating: IP57

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 5: Design Spot the difference! Credit: Apple Hint: These are the AirPods 5. Credit: Apple

Side-by-side, it'll be hard to spot the differences between the two AirPods. The cases look the same, as does the (somewhat) open-ear design of the buds. The internals of the AirPods 5 have a new multiport acoustic architecture, but we'll get more into what differences that makes below.

With a slightly higher IP rating of IP57 to the 4's IP54, the AirPods 5 are also slightly more equipped for dust and water resistance.

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 5: Noise cancellation

According to Apple, both models of the AirPods 5 have one and a half times the noise cancellation power of the AirPods 4 with ANC. Naturally, both are far superior to the base AirPods 4, which offer no active noise cancellation.

The fruit company also claims that the Transparency mode sounds more natural on both newer models.

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 5: Sound quality

In Apple's announcement of the earbuds, they touted the multiport acoustic architecture, which was modeled after the internal sound system of the AirPods Pro 3.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best wireless earbuds we've ever tested

In practice, this helps Apple provide a better adaptive equalizer experience (which comes in handy, as there's no manually customizable equalizer as there is on most other earbuds. It also helps the earbuds produce richer, more detailed sound, as well as better ANC, which helps the audio take center stage.

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 5: Features

Both models of the AirPods 5 come with Live Translation, whereas the AirPods 4 with ANC is the only previous-gen model that could perform Live Translation.

Which is better: AirPods 4 or 5?

Undeniably, the AirPods 5. Both models offer improvements in noise cancellation, sound quality, and overall user experience, all for the same or lower prices as the previous gen. It's rare that Apple comes out with a better product that's also a better value, so my advice is to take advantage of it while they have.

Where to buy the AirPods 4 and AirPods 5 Amazon Apple AirPods 4 $99 (save $30) Get Deal Best Buy Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation $149.99 (save $29.01) Get Deal Available September 18 Apple AirPods 5 $124.99 (save $4.01) Pre-Order Here Available September 18 Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case $149 Pre-Order Here

SAVE $4.01: The new Apple AirPods 5 are down to $124.99 on Amazon. That’s a 3% discount on brand-new ANC hardware on release day.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 5 $124.99 at Amazon
$129 Save $4.01   Get Deal

Preordering brand-new Apple gear usually means paying full retail price and waiting by your front door for the delivery truck. But Amazon is bending the rules just enough to make hitting "buy now" feel a little sweeter.

While you won't see dramatic clearance-rack strike-throughs on unreleased tech, Apple's new AirPods 5 are already seeing a quiet price drop. They technically sit at a $129 list price, but Amazon currently has them listed for $124.99 right out of the gate.

SEE ALSO: AirPods 5 review: Are these really open earbuds?

If you’ve been waiting to upgrade your daily earbuds, the AirPods 5 hit a really nice sweet spot. In her coverage for Mashable, Bethany Allard points out that "unlike the previous gen, both [AirPods 5 models] feature active noise cancellation — but this doesn't result in a price hike." Even at the base level, you get solid upgrades. Apple packed in "50% more active noise cancellation than the AirPods 4," an "improved transparency mode for a more natural sound," and an "updated adaptive EQ, which helps power better spatial audio."

Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking creates a theater-like soundstage across movies, music, and games. On top of that, it includes Live Translation and hands-free access to the upgraded Siri AI via Apple Intelligence.

Where it holds back compared to the $149 step-up version comes down to charging and battery. This base pair comes with an ultra-compact USB-C wired charging case — so you'll need to plug it in rather than using a wireless charging pad — and offers up to four hours of listening time per charge with ANC (or 20 hours total with the case).

Claim this early $124.99 deal on the new AirPods.

TL;DR: Get the iPhone 17 for free from T-Mobile when you bring your number on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan (no trade-in needed). The iPhone 18 Pro is free when you switch and bring your number or trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple T-Mobile: Apple iPhone 17 and iPhone 18 for free   Get Deal

The dust is still settling from the Apple Event 2026. Apple announced a wave of new hardware and software, headlined by its first foldable iPhone. We're still digging deep into all the new features and stylistic touches that make the iPhone iconic, but we know what you really want — deals.

We know that's the priority at this time. The preorder window is short, so we've lined up the best free deals this week so you can get your hands on the iPhone 18 Pro (or the iPhone 17) without actually spending anything.

These are the best free iPhone deals from T-Mobile this week:

• iPhone 17e — free when you switch to almost any T-Mobile plan with no trade-in required.

• iPhone 17 — free when you bring your number on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan (no trade-in needed)

• iPhone 17 Pro — free when trading in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan.

• iPhone 18 Pro — free when you switch and bring your number or trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

T-Mobile will charge taxes on these free deals, as well as a $35 device connection fee. That's a small catch, but that's how it often goes with this kind of deal.

If you’re still rocking an iPhone 12 or 13, you’re missing out on some genuinely game-changing features. The iPhone 17 is the first base model built specifically to handle Apple’s most advanced AI features. Mashable's Stan Schroeder said it's an "excellent phone that matches the iPhone Pro models in many ways that matter."

Of course, the iPhone 18 Pro takes things to another level. The iPhone 18 Pro features a new A20 Pro chip to better support AI features and Siri AI. This latest model also has major camera upgrades, including physical variable aperture, smart focus tracking, cinematic video effects, and improved low-light photography.

Get the Apple iPhone 17 or iPhone 18 Pro for free this week with T-Mobile.

When it came time to replace my soundbar, I was ready for something better. The soundbar-and-subwoofer systems I was looking at were running between $300 and $600, and I wasn't excited about spending that much on another soundbar. I've never been completely happy with the soundbar experience, especially when I knew the same money could buy a traditional stereo setup with better speakers that would fill the room.

I've never used Arch before. Not even an Arch-based distro. When I came across CachyOS, it didn't scream "Arch-based" to me, though under the hood, it was. After spending some time with CachyOS, I realized there was another way into the Arch world.

This isn’t like past iOS updates. Bridget Carey goes over the top seven features to try in iOS 27, which can make your iPhone feel brand new — even if you’re not getting the new iPhone 18 Pro that hits stores today.

Read more about iOS 27 features and updates: iOS 27 battery drain: What to know
Apple iOS 27 is out now: 8+ new features to try right away

Timecode chapters
0:52 New Siri AI in iOS 27
1:57 The new Siri app
2:04 Using Siri AI to find delivery information
2:21 Use Siri to find things in messages and emails
2:49 Set reminders and alarms with Siri AI
3:02 Find useful information on maps using Siri AI
3:28 Tips for using Siri AI
3:45 Siri mode in iPhone camera app
4:23 Make custom Wallet passes with iOS 27
5:18 Splitting the bill with Siri AI and Apple Cash
6:03 Set alarm and ringtone volume with iOS 27
6:24 Take a still photo from a video on iOS 27
6:50 New parental controls for iOS 27
7:37 Bridget gets ready for iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12 and AirPods 5

Video credits
Host: Bridget Carey
Scripted by: Bridget Carey
Producer: Carly Marsh
Camera: Carly Marsh, Bridget Carey, CNET Archive
Video editor: Carly Marsh
Thumbnail designer: Tharon Green

MOFT iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo accessories: Snap Fold for iPhone Duo $49.99 Pre-Order Here Snap Case MOVAS™ (iPhone 18 Pro / Max) $49.99 Shop Now Frame Case (iPhone 18 Pro / Max) $49.99 Shop Now Coffee Frame Case (iPhone 18 Pro / Max) $49.99 Shop Now Dynamic Folio for iPhone Duo $69.99 Pre-Order Here

Accessories maker MOFT has spent years turning origami folds into useful tools for your everyday carry — and now it’s bringing that same design style to Apple's newest hardware.

Apple just wrapped its massive "Surprise and Shine" launch event, officially dropping the long-rumored iPhone 18 Pro line and revealing Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo. Between the Duo's dual-screen hinge design and the iPhone 18 Pro's massive new variable aperture camera module, keeping these high-end devices protected without adding extra weight is key.

Instead of thick, heavy plastic, MOFT uses clever folding shapes to build cases and stands that stay super thin and light. Beyond its updated protection for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, the brand built a brand-new setup made specifically for Apple's foldable iPhone Duo.

Putting a card holder on a foldable phone like the iPhone Duo without blocking the camera or hanging off the edges is tricky. The Snap Fold fixes that with a footprint made strictly for the Duo's smaller back panel.

Made from smooth MOVAS™ vegan leather, it holds up to five cards without adding extra bulk. When you want to watch something hands-free on that gloriously unfolded screen, the whole thing flips out into a steady stand with several viewing positions.

MOFT updated its popular vegan leather case for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup by reducing weight and improving button feedback. The Snap Case MOVAS weighs just 0.98 ounces for the Pro and 1.20 ounces for the Pro Max, making it one of the lightest full-coverage MagSafe cases you can buy. It has softer, rounded edges that feel smoother in your hand, clickier silicone buttons, and a matching covered Camera Control button wrapped in textured MOVAS™ material.

Credit: MOFT

If you prefer a more minimalist vibe that does not hide your phone's metal frame, the Frame Case for iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max offers an open, barely-there feel. It leaves the sides exposed so you can hold the phone bare, but uses extra-strong TPU on the corners to absorb drops up to 3.9 feet (1.2 meters).

For a unique sensory twist on that same open layout, there is the Coffee Frame Case for iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max. It takes the super-thin shape of the regular Frame Case and uses an eco-friendly MOVAS™-E bio-based leather, replacing petroleum plastic parts with plant materials made from industrial corn and real recycled coffee grounds. That gives the case a rich coffee-brown look, a bumpy, textured grip, and a faint, warm, roasted smell when you hold it up close.

Credit: MOFT Credit: MOFT

Finally, for total coverage on Apple's foldable, the Dynamic Folio for iPhone Duo wraps both displays in smooth MOVAS™ vegan leather. At just 0.07 inches thin, its centered fold balances the device for an easy one-handed grip while doubling as a four-position stand for hands-free viewing.

Whether you need origami folds for your Duo or a case that smells like your morning brew, your new iPhone is officially covered. Shop the new collection today.

Pi-hole is usually the go-to solution when someone asks about network-wide ad blocking or a basic network monitor, and for good reasons: it is simple, well-documented, and works well for most situations.

SAVE OVER $6: As of Sept. 18, select colors of the Torras Q3 Air iPhone 18 Pro Max case are on sale for $59.39 at Amazon. That's $6.60 off their typical price of $65.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Torras Torras Q3 Air for iPhone 18 Pro Max Case $59.39 at Amazon
$65.99 Save $6.60   Get Deal

The iPhone 18 Pro Max is officially available for Apple fans to buy. If you're hoping to grab the company's sleek new launch, it's worth looking into a phone case to keep it protected. It's a pricey investment, after all.

Thankfully, Amazon has some solid options to browse, including the Torras Q3 Air iPhone 18 Pro Max cases, which are on sale right now.

As of Sept. 18, a select batch of colors of the Torras Q3 Air iPhone 18 Pro Max case (shadow black, arctic blue, glacier sprint, and cosmic purple) have been marked down to $59.39. Compared to their usual price of $65.99, you're saving just over $6 through this deal.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the Apple iPhone 18 Pro for free — how to claim

While color options are always a plus when buying a phone case, protection is also important. Thankfully, the Torras Q3 Air cases are durable. This case boasts drop protection that exceeds military-grade standards, thanks to its first-ever AirPro Airbag technology featuring a 100% air-dynamic cushioning structure.

It also has raised edges around the screen and camera that protect it from scratches and drops, so you can feel confident knowing your phone has some cushion to keep it safe. It also has a 360-degree rotating stand and can securely lock onto MagSafe accessories.

If you picked up the new iPhone 18 Pro Max, grab a Torras Q3 Air iPhone 18 Pro Max case to keep it protected and save a little cash in the process.

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

CW: Sexual assault.

In a true Ryan Murphy curveball, Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story not only features Borden but one of history's most infamous female serial killers, Aileen Wuornos.

In the fourth episode of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan's Netflix series, we take time away from the murders of Andrew and Abby Borden in Fall River, Massachusetts, in 1892 to meet Wuornos (played by Murphy regular Sarah Paulson). Hitchhiking in Florida in 1988, she's picked up by a man, introducing herself as Lizzie Borden. "Like the axe murderer?" he asks.

SEE ALSO: 'Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story' has scenes involving a 19th-century vibrator

In the scene, Paulson's Wuornos gleefully sings Suzi Quatro out loud then negotiates sex work with the driver. However, the encounter ends in bloodshed. Taken to an empty lot, Wuornos is sexually assaulted by the man, after which she shoots him dead with a pistol. In real life, Wuornos testified that she was raped by one of her victims. (A warning, this is not the only rape scene in Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story.) But Monster doesn't stop with the man's shooting, Paulson's Wuornos suddenly hacks at his penis with an axe in a blatant Borden association. It's gratuitous as hell.

Aileen Wuornos stays at the Borden house? Credit: Netflix

During the series, Wuornos is also shown as finding comfort and conviction in Borden's story, reading her biography aloud in a hotel room with her girlfriend, Shelby (Jessie Lee) — not Tyria Moore, Wuornos' real girlfriend. In a furious monologue in episode 4, Wuornos not only celebrates Borden as a feminist icon but as her direct inspiration for the seven killings she would go on to be arrested, jailed, and executed for.

"She gave the world a warning that women shouldn't stand for this shit anymore," Monster's Wuornos declares. "The way women are treated, still, to this day, that's why I'm gonna do something about it."

Monster goes even further into Wuornos' Borden obsession, with episode 5 seeing her staying in the Borden house, a 134-year-old crime scene which is now a macabre bed and breakfast. There's no evidence Wuornos visited the house at all. In a deeply inappropriate Ryan Murphy moment, Wuornos hallucinates Abby (Borden's stepmother) during sex with Shelby on the couch where Andrew (Borden's father) was murdered.

Disneyland for Aileen Wuornos. Credit: Netflix

Later in the episode, Wuornos takes heroin in Lizzie's room as a moment of "shooting up" solidarity. "Lizzie did, and so am I," she says, in a jaw-droppingly ridiculous moment. And in episode 6, Shelby and Wuornos celebrate their anniversary with a pizza on the dining table where Abby and Andrew's bodies were placed by police, before Wuornos has a ghostly fan encounter with Borden herself. And in the finale, in her execution room after her death, Wuornos is guided into the afterlife by both Borden and Bridget Sullivan (Vicky Krieps).

If all this sounds messed up, it is!

The connection between Wuornos and Borden is one forced by Monster, as a means to bring two notorious female figures of true crime (one acquitted, one executed) together in one show. The show champions both as murderers whose hands were forced by their treatment, particularly by men. It could also be a means for the showrunners to shoehorn Wuornos' story into the Monster series, instead of running a separate series like the controversial chapters on serial killers Jeffrey Dahmer and Ed Gein.

Considering Charlize Theron won an Oscar for portraying Wuornos in Patty Jenkins' 2003 film Monster, the titles will now sit side-by-side in streaming catalogues at least.

Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story is now streaming on Netflix.

If you have experienced sexual assault, you can call the free, confidential National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or access 24-7 help online by visiting hotline.rainn.org.

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