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Nvidia raises the Shield TV Pro price by $100—seven years after launch
Nvidia might have released the Shield TV Pro in 2019, but even that device isn't immune to market pressure. The company has raised the price of the Shield TV Pro to $300, a $100 hike.
Amazon just released a new Kindle Sling Bag and it comes with a cute keychain and wristlet stand — where to buy
TL;DR: Amazon has launched a $100 Kindle Sling Bag with SCAD students, complete with a Kindle-inspired keychain and wristlet stand.
Kindle Sling Bag, SCAD Designer Collection $99.99 at AmazonGet Deal at Amazon
Ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, retailers (and Amazon itself) are trying to grab everyone's attention with new product drops.
This week, Amazon opened preorders for a $99.99 version of its Kindle Sling Bag, designed in collaboration with students at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). It comes in dune and cinder (which are basically just cream and black) and is set to ship Oct. 28.
SEE ALSO: I tested all of Amazon's e-readers, and this is the best Kindle to buyIt's made from GRS-certified recycled leather with 59 percent recycled content — if that helps you feel a little better about paying top dollar for what's essentially just a crossbody purse. The biggest difference between this and the original sling bag Amazon released last November is functionality: the new one includes a wristlet stand that props your Kindle up on any flat surface, plus a small Kindle-shaped charm.
It fits standard Kindles, the Kindle Aluminum, Paperwhite, and Colorsoft. (Note: It's not compatible with the Kindle Scribe or Kindle Scribe Colorsoft.)
I tried 3 popular bootable USB tools, and 1 clear winner replaced Rufus
Aside from being the family tech support guy, my job also has me testing a lot of software and operating systems. I end up installing a new OS every couple of weeks, whether I'm testing Linux, troubleshooting a PC, or working on one of my articles. That means I have to rely on a bootable USB tool pretty regularly.
Weve scoured hundreds of sales to find the 35+ best early October Prime Day deals: Bose, Lego, Apple
Amazon's next Prime sale is on the horizon. Its fall savings event, Prime Big Deal Days (aka "October Prime Day"), is coming Oct. 6 and 7, with competing festivities at Target and Walmart.
The best October Prime Day deals will be your chance to get some relief from the RAMageddon price hikes impacting the tech industry this year. For its part, Amazon increased the prices of nearly two dozen Kindles, Fire TV Sticks, Echo smart speakers, and eero routers this summer because of rising component costs. Seasonal sales like Prime Big Deal Days (and later Black Friday) should cancel out some of those markups.
SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime in time for the next Prime DayAs we gear up for fall, Amazon is already dropping early October Prime Day deals, and we've sifted through hundreds to find the best ones for you. A quick word of warning that we do expect prices to drop even lower on select Apple products when the sale starts Oct. 6, so you might want to hold out until then. In the meantime, we'll be regularly updating our picks in the lead-up to Prime Big Deal Days. You can also check out our guide to the top October Prime Day tech deals for more savings.
Deals marked with a ✅ are Mashable editor favorites. Deals marked with a strikethrough are no longer available but could return once the sale starts.
Best headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen) Headphones $319 at Amazon$359 Save $40 Get Deal Why we like it
Ahead of October Prime Day, we spotted the first deal on the second-generation Bose QuietComfort headphones. Mashable's audio expert Bethany Allard says that the Bose QuietComfort (2nd gen) are the best combination of comfort, noise cancellation, sound quality, and value. And right now, they're on sale for the first time ever and an even better value as they're 11% off. Get them for $319, and save $40 on the headphones that are usually $359.
More headphone dealsJBL Tune 730BT headphones — $59.95 $89.95 (save $30)
Beats Solo 4 wireless headphones — $149.95 $199.95 (save $50)
Soundcore P30i by Anker noise-cancelling earbuds — $24.99 $49.99 (save $25) ✅
Beats Fit Pro (1st Gen) sports earbuds — $124.95 $199.95 (save $75)
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 — $189.99 $229 (save $39.01) ✅
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) — $249.99 $299 (save $49.01) ✅
$249 Save $15 Get Deal Why we like it
The basic AirPods just got an upgrade with the new AirPods 5, and last year's Apple AirPods Pro 3 are back on sale. Ahead of October Prime Day, shop the Apple AirPods Pro 3 for $234, a $15 discount. The price isn't bad for an early deal, but we recommend waiting for Prime Big Deal Days to begin, when we expect the price to drop to $199 or lower. The earbuds have ANC, a more comfortable fit, and bring live translation to the AirPods experience. They're perfect for commuters and even measure your heart rate, which is great for athletes who love a good workout playlist.
More early Prime Day Apple dealsAirPods
Apple AirPods 4 — $99 $129.99 (save $30.99)
Apple AirPods Max 2 — $509.99 $549 (save $39.01)
iPads
Apple iPad (A16, 128GB, WiFi) — $427 $449 (save $22)
Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 512GB) — $1,299 $1,499 (save $200)
Apple iPad Pro, 11-Inch (M4, WiFi, 2TB, nano-texture glass) — $1,899 $2,099 (save $200)
MacBooks
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,449 $1,599 (save $150)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,839 $1,999 (save $160) ✅
Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Max, 48GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $4,499 $4,999 (save $500)
Apple accessories
Apple MagSafe Charger — $39.99 $49 (save $9.01) ✅
Apple Pencil USB-C — $69.98 $79 (save $9.02)
Apple AirTag 2 (4-pack) — $89 $99 (save $10) ✅
$79.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it
Finally! Amazon's Echo devices are officially on sale ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. Right now, grab the Amazon Echo Dot for just $39.99. While that's not the lowest sale price we've ever spotted on the Echo Dot, it's the best price since Amazon increased prices on its devices.
The Echo Dot is a perfectly compact smart speaker. Plus, it's compatible with Alexa+, a smarter home assistant that helps you do everything from meal planning to booking dinner reservations.
More Amazon device dealsEcho devices
Amazon Echo Glow — $22.99 $29.99 (save $7)
Amazon Echo Show 5 — $59.99 $99.99 (save $40)
Amazon Echo Dot Max — $79.99 $119.99 (save $40)
Amazon Echo Show 11 — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100)
Amazon Echo Show 21 — $349.99 $499.99 (save $150)
Fire tablets
Amazon Fire HD 10 (32GB) — $72.99 $154.99 (save $82)
Amazon Fire HD 8 (64GB) — $79.99 $129.99 (save $50) ✅
Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids (64GB) — $94.99 $169.99 (save $75)
Fire TV Sticks
Amazon Fire TV Stick HD — $15.99 $39.99 (save $24)
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select — $17.99 $49.99 (save $32)
Amazon Fire TV Stick Voice Remote Pro — $19.99 $34.99 (save $15)
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $37.99 $69.99 (save $32)
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max — $44.99 $84.99 (save $40)
Amazon Fire TV Cube — $89.99 $199.99 (save $110)
Blink cameras
Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Camera — $23.99 $39.99 (save $16)
Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera — $39.99 $99.99 (save $60)
Blink Outdoor 4 (5+camera system) + Battery Doorbell — $104.99 $369.98 (save $264.99)
Smart home
Amazon Smart Plug — $12.98 $24.99 (save $12.01)
Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor — $46.99 $69.99 (save $23)
Amazon Smart Thermostat — $56.99 $79.99 (save $23)
$899.99 Save $400 Get Deal Why we like it
"If you want an aesthetic TV that doubles as artwork on your wall, but don't quite have the budget for Samsung's The Frame, Amazon's new Ember Artline TVs are a solid alternative. The 55-inch model is on sale for less than $500 ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, which is 44% off and its best price on record. While Amazon's art TV isn't quite as impressive in the specs department as Samsung's, it does offer a free art gallery and a wide selection of frame options at no extra cost. It's not our top pick at full price, but at $400 off? It's hard to pass up." — Christina Buff, Mashable Contributor
More TV dealsUnder 50-inch TV deals
Amazon Ember 40-inch 2-Series Fire TV — $179.99 $249.99 (save $70) ✅
Roku 43-inch Select Series 4K TV — $179.99 $249.99 (save $70)
Sony 48-inch Bravia 6 OLED 4K TV — $1,098 $1,299.99 (save $201.99)
50 to 55-inch TV deals
Insignia 50-inch F50 4K TV — $159.99 $299.99 (save $140)
Samsung 55-inch M70H Mini-LED 4K TV — $299.99 $347.99 (save $48)
Hisense 50-inch S7 Canvas Hi-QLED 4K TV — $797.99 $1,299.99 (save $502)
LG 55-inch LX7B Gallery Mini LED 4K TV — $899.99 $1,299.99 (save $400)
65-inch TV deals
Roku 65-inch Plus Series QLED 4K TV — $449.99 $649.99 (save $200)
Hisense 65-inch E7 Mini-LED Hi-QLED 4K TV — $597.99 $999.99 (save $402)
Toshiba 65-inch G700 ArtVision QLED 4K TV — $1,097.99 $1,999.99 (save $902)
Hisense 65-inch S7 Canvas Hi-QLED 4K TV — $1,197.99 $1,999.99 (save $802)
Samsung 65-inch S85H OLED 4K TV — $1,397.99 $1,999.99 (save $602)
TCL 65-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $1,497.99 $2,499.99 (save $1,002) ✅
Samsung 65-inch S90H OLED 4K TV — $1,697.99 $2,699.99 (save $1,002) ✅
Sony 65-inch Bravia 8 II QD QLED 4K TV — $2,498 $3,299.99 (save $801.99)
75-inch TV deals
Samsung 75-inch M70H Mini-LED 4K TV — $547.99 $729.99 (save $182)
80 to 85-inch TV deals
Hisense 85-inch S7 Canvas Hi-QLED 4K TV — $1,998.99 $3,999.99 (save $2,001)
TCL 85-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $2,797.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,202)
Over 85-inch TV deals
Hisense 100-inch E7 Mini-LED Hi-QLED 4K TV — $1,996.96 $2,999.99 (save $1,003.03)
TCL 98-inch QM7L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $2,497.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,502)
$117.99 Save $36.31 Get Deal Why we like it
This four-person Coleman tent, designed for warm-weather camping, sets up easily in 10 minutes and has an E-port to run power inside. It's marked down to just $81.68 right now, which is a 31% savings and its lowest price of the year so far. It was about $2 more expensive during Amazon's summer Prime Day sale.
More outdoor dealsCooler deals
Igloo Trailmate Cooler (50 quart) — $99.99 $119.99 (save $20)
Coleman Marine Cooler (100 quart) — $119.99 $134.99 (save $15)
Igloo Maxcold Glide (110 quart) — $152.99 $179.99 (save $54)
Yeti Roadie 15 (tropical pink) — $160 $200 (save $40)
Ninja FrostVault (Spanish moss, 50 quart) — $199.99 $249.99 (save $50)
Camping deals
Coleman Triton 2-Burner Propane Stove — $83.99 $129.99 (save $46)
Kelty Trash Pak — $90.93 $129.95 (save $39.02)
Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight One Pot Cook Set — $99.95 $114.95 (save $15)
Jackery SolarSaga 40W Air — $108.99 $129 (save $20.01)
Renogy 100W Portable Solar Panel — $109.99 $124.99 (save $15)
Klymit Insulated Double V Inflatable Sleeping Pad — $136.19 $179.99 (save $43.80)
Coleman 4-Person Instant Cabin — $149.99 $218.49 (save $68.50)
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT Ultralight Camping Pad — $199.95 $239.95 (save $40)
Big Agnes Copper Spur HighVolume Ultralight Tent (2 person) — $444.56 $599.95 (save $155.39)
$899 Save $400 Get Deal Why we like it
"Ahead of [October] Prime Day, this Bluetti power unit has $400 off the list price. It comes with a 1,024Wh capacity and 1,800W output, with 11 ports so you can charge multiple devices at once. It can also fully recharge in about 70 minutes with TurboBoost AC charging, making it a great option for last-minute use.
The 10-millisecond UPS (uninterruptible power supply) means this is a great model for plugging into your workstation or the WiFi router at home when a storm threatens to take out grid power. A 10 UPS means the Ecoflow will take over providing power within 10 milliseconds of losing wall power." — Lois Mackenzie, Mashable Contributor
More power station dealsJackery Explorer 300 — $259 $289 (save $30) ✅
Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 — $499.99 $599 (save $99.01) ✅
Jackery HomePower 1000 v2 — $549 $649 (save $100) ✅
Bluetti Elite 100 V2 with 200W Solar Panel — $698.98 $999 (save $300.02)
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 and 200W Solar Panel — $699 $879 (save $180)
Anker Solix S2000 — $679.99 $1,199 (save $519.01)
Bluetti FridgePower — $898.97 $1,499 (save $600.03)
Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 — $898.99 $999 (save $100.01) ✅
Bluetti Elite 200 V2 — $899 $1,199 (save $300) ✅
Ecoflow Delta 2 Max — $1,029 $1,399 (save $370)
Bluetti Elite 300 — $1,098.99 $1,499 (save $400.01)
Jackery HomePower 3000 — $1,349 $1,499 (save $150)
Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus — $1,709 $1,899 (save $190)
Anker Solix F3800 — $2,479.99 $2,799.99 (save $320)
$299.99 Save $43.01 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: SanDisk SanDisk 512GB microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2 $159.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $40 Get Deal Why we like it
"SanDisk is a favorite of mine when buying memory products, and I use their Extreme portable SSDs to back up my own photo and video collection. (As a tech editor, I take a lot of photos and videos.) Thanks to RAMageddon, you have to take any opportunity you can find to save on portable SSDs, flash drives, microSD cards, and hard drives. Already, some of SanDisk's most popular memory products are on sale, like their microSD Express card for the Switch 2 and the new version of their popular Extreme drive." — Timothy Beck Werth, Mashable Tech Editor
More SSD and hard drive dealsMicroSDs
SanDisk 128GB High Endurance Video microSDXC — $36.99 $60.99 (save $24)
Portable SSDs
SanDisk 500GB Portable SSD — $109.99 $128.99 (save $19)
Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB — $229.99 $274.99 (save $45)
Samsung T9 Portable SSD 2TB — $984.93 $1,144.99 (save $160.06)
Portable HDDs
Seagate 2TB Portable Hard Drive — $129.99 $149.99 (save $20)
Internal hard drives
Samsung SSD 990 PRO 2TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 — $389.99 $639.99 (save $250) ✅
$299.99 Save $118.02 Get Deal Why we like it
Many runners believe Garmin is the gold standard of smartwatches and fitness trackers. And ahead of Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, you can grab the Garmin Vivoactive 5 for just $181.97. That saves you over $118 off its retail price.
The Vivoactive 5 features an AMOLED display and up to 11 days of battery life, so you can wear it around the clock. It provides energy monitoring and a sleep score, so you get personalized tips to improve your sleep. Plus, it has 80 built-in types of sport tracking.
Best Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Flower Arrangement $62.04 at Amazon$109.99 Save $47.95 Get Deal Why we like it
"The Lego Botanicals Flower Arrangement is an absolute delight for adult builders, with its 1,161 pieces coming together to create a display of 14 flowers (including camellias, peonies, hydrangeas, baby’s breath, ranunculus, bouvardia, and lilies) in a white vase. If it's one you've had on your radar, Amazon has a sweet little early October Prime Day treat for you: it's currently at its lowest-ever price of $62.04. It's retiring soon, making now an excellent time to grab it for less.
It's not the only Botanicals deal we've spotted, either. You can see even more of our favorite floral sets on sale below." — Hannah Hoolihan, Mashable Contributor
More Lego dealsLego City Advent Calendar 2026 — $25 $34.99 (save $9.99)
Lego Botanicals Flowering Cactus — $27.95 $34.99 (save $7.04)
Lego Botanicals Succulents — $34.99 $49.99 (save $15)
Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar 2026 — $35 $44.99 (save $9.99)
Lego Marvel Advent Calendar 2026 — $35 $44.99 (save $9.99)
Lego Super Mario: Mario Kart — Wario & King Boo — $39.95 $49.99 (save $10.04)
Lego Star Wars Darth Vader Bust — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)
Lego Super Mario: Mario Kart — Interactive Mario & Standard Kart — $41.99 $54.99 (save $13)
Lego Super Mario: Mario Kart Baby Peach & Grand Prix Set Home Circuit — $44.79 $79.99 (save $35.20 with on-page coupon)
Lego Star Wars SMART Play: Yoda’s Hut and Jedi Training — $49.99 $69.99 (save $20)
Lego Botanicals Hibiscus Flower — $55.95 $69.99 (save $14.04)
Lego Star Wars SMART Play: Mos Eisley Cantina — $63.95 $79.99 (save $16.04)
Lego Star Wars: Andor K-2SO Security Droid — $71.99 $89.99 (save $18)
Lego Star Wars SMART Play: Millennium Falcon — $79.95 $99.99 (save $20.04)
Right now, Prime members can save 80% on four months of Amazon's audiobook service, paying just $0.99 for their first four months. On top of that, you get a free $20 credit to spend on the title(s) of your choice.
Your membership lets you download one audiobook per month. including classics, new releases, and BookTok faves like the ACOTAR series. And if 99 cents feels a little high, you can also sign up for a 30-day free trial.
More Amazon subscription dealsKindle Unlimited — 3 months free
Amazon Music Unlimited — 4 months free with Prime
Buy or lease a new car, get a $1,500 gift card for free with Prime
Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.
You can now explore the Enterprise bridge online—and that's just the start of these Trek 60th anniversary projects
The Star Trek universe is huge and full of different media. I've watched the shows, played the video games, read a ton of the novels (Star Trek: Titan is a personal favorite), and have even written about Trek-related songs. Since this year is the series' 60th Anniversary, I thought I'd celebrate with these tech-related StarTrek hobbies.
How to watch Pakistan vs. India in the Asian Games final online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Pakistan vs. India in the 2026 Asian Games for free on MeWatch (Singapore) / KBS, MBC, SBS (South Korea) / VTV (Vietnam). Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
This weekend's sport schedule is extremely busy. We've got NFL, international soccer, F1, and so much more, but there's one event that stands out above the rest: Pakistan vs. India in the final of the Asian Games cricket tournament. It really doesn't get any bigger than this.
India were expected to reach this stage. They brought a very strong squad to Japan, but they still had to deliver on those lofty expectations. Pakistan will provide a tough test in the final. India haven't secured a gold medal just yet.
If you want to watch Pakistan vs. India in the 2026 Asian Games for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Pakistan vs. India?Pakistan vs. India in the 2026 Asian Games cricket final starts at 12:30 a.m. ET on Oct. 3. This fixture takes place at Korogi Sports Park.
How to watch Pakistan vs. India for freePakistan vs. India in the 2026 Asian Games cricket final is available to live stream for free on MeWatch in Singapore, KBS, MBC, and SBS in South Korea, and VTV in Vietnam.
These free streaming platforms are geo-restricted, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your digital location and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can gain access to Pakistan vs. India from anywhere in the world.
Watch Pakistan vs. India in the 2026 Asian Games cricket final by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Singapore, South Korea, or Vietnam
Watch the 2026 Asian Games cricket final from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By making the most of these offers, you can secure access to Pakistan vs. India without committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch the 2026 Asian Games cricket final before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the Asian Games?ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
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.
Watch Pakistan vs. India in the 2026 Asian Games for free with ExpressVPN.
I used nearly 2.5TB of data just to find out that my backups were slowing down my network
For over three months, I have been running 12 speed tests per day every single day. It's added up to over 1,200 tests spanning over 100 days, using nearly 2.5TB of data. What did I learn from this endeavor? Actually, way more than I imagined I would.
Android Auto doesn't need the internet, but you have to prepare before you leave
Losing cell service mid-drive is a big deal because it can mess with your maps, music, and a whole lot of other things, and then you're stuck looking at the screen instead of the road. Most people don't notice how much Android Auto leans on the internet until they're staring at a frozen screen somewhere outside coverage. The good news is that you can prepare and use your apps in places where you have no reception, as long as you know where to look.
Ninja’s new PREPi gadget wants to end your $27 salad addiction
TL;DR: Ninja is launching the Ninja PREPi Precision-Powered Prep and Store System — a compact 5-in-1 device built to chop, purée, slice, shred, and cut french fries directly into a serve-and-store container.
Ninja PREPi $229.99 at SharkNinjaShop Now at SharkNinja
If you are tired of spending half your paycheck on mediocre takeaway salads, Ninja wants a word. The appliance brand known for cluttering up your counter in the best way possible is officially dropping its next kitchen fix — the Ninja PREPi Precision-Powered Prep + Store System, retailing for $229.99.
Designed specifically for cramped apartments, tiny counters, and tight cabinet space, the PREPi packs full-size food processing muscle into a footprint that won't swallow your entire kitchen. Instead of dragging out three different chopping boards and dirtying half a dozen plastic containers, this compact unit lets you process, serve, and snap a lid on to store your food in the same container.
SEE ALSO: The best early October Prime Day kitchen deals: We found live deals Ninja and Keurig deals worth grabbingPowering the device is a 500-watt motor capable of handling heavy-duty food preparation without stalling. The system relies on a versatile set of attachments, starting with a single Chop & Purée blade that handles everything from coarse salsa prep to smooth dips without making you swap parts midway through. A reversible disc handles uniform slicing on one side and flips over for shredding cheese or veggies on the other.
For fry lovers, the PREPi includes a dedicated French fry disc that lets you drop a whole potato down its three-part feed chute and spit out perfectly even, air-fryer-ready cuts in a few seconds flat. If you pick up the PN351 model, you also get a built-in dicing kit for fast, uniform salad prep.
5 new shows to watch this weekend across Netflix, Paramount+, and more (October 2-4)
Welcome to October. It's spooky season, and we have a new Halloween-themed show for you to watch this weekend. It's a dramedy involving teenage witches coming to Disney+ and Hulu. As for the non-spooky shows to watch this weekend, a new thriller starring an Academy Award-winning actress premieres on AMC+.
How a decade-old Mac mini rescued from e-waste can replace a dozen cloud subscriptions
Mac minis with Apple Silicon are some of the best compact desktop computers on the market, but their Intel-based predecessors aren't ready for the landfill just yet. While they're too old to get new versions of macOS and too feeble to use as your main PC, they still have enough fuel in their tanks to work as home servers. Put Linux on one, start self-hosting, and you'll be able to save wads of cash you're now spending on various subscriptions.
The Swan: Behind The Mirror director Erin Lee Carr on the docs shocks and flock
Filmmaker Erin Lee Carr has made her mark with such mesmerizing documentaries as Mommy Dead & Dearest, I Love You, Now Die: The Commonwealth V. Michelle Carter, Britney v. Spears, and Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara. Now, she's tackling one of the most shocking reality TV series of the 2000s with The Swan: Behind The Mirror.
Sitting down with Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko in the Say More studio, Carr shared how she created a space for the swans to speak out, rewriting their narratives along the way. When she signed on to helm the project, it was important to her that empowerment be part of the story. Not only did she include every contestant who wanted to participate, but she also gathered the flock of swans for a reunion to celebrate their resilience and beauty (inside and out).
Together, they also dig into some of the doc's most WTF reveals, including the nude photos that plastic surgeon Dr. Randal Haworth still has of the Season 2 contestants. Plus, Carr reflects on how she's grown a deep well of empathy that has been central to her work in documentary, whether talking to coerced reality TV stars or convicted killers.
Take Excel beyond the spreadsheet with these 3 unusual weekend projects (Oct. 2–4)
If you've been staring at Excel all week at work, the last thing you probably want to do this weekend is open another spreadsheet. Except Excel gets surprisingly interesting when you connect it to other things. This weekend, put that idea to the test with three projects that take Excel somewhere a little different.
Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 2, 2026
Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're a lender.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 2 2026 Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:High interest.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?The letter U appears twice.
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Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter U.
The Wordle answer today is...Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to today's Wordle is...
USURY
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
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Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.
Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on October 2, 2026
If you're heading outside tonight, don't forget to look up. The Moon is still very much visible in its current position in the lunar cycle, so, if the sky is clear, try and spot some craters or mares.
What is today’s Moon phase?As of Friday, Oct. 2, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the Waning Gibbous phase, with 64% of its surface visible.
With just your naked eye, tonight you can see the Mare Vaporum, the Oceanus Procellarum, and the Kepler Crater. If you have binoculars, you can also spot the Alps Mountains and the Alphonsus and Gassendi Craters. Finally, if you have access to a telescope, you'll see the Apollo 12 and 15 landing spots, plus the Rima Ariadaeus.
When is the next Full Moon?The next Full Moon will take place on October 25 or 26, depending on your timezone.
What are Moon phases?The Moon takes around 29.5 days to orbit Earth, and as it moves through this cycle, we see different amounts of its sunlit side from here. That's what creates the Moon's different phases, from a thin crescent through to a half Moon and, eventually, the Full Moon. Once it reaches the Full Moon, the cycle starts over again. NASA explains that the phase we see depends on the Moon's position in relation to Earth and the Sun.
The eight phases are:
New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).
Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.
Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it's not quite full yet.
Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.
Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.
The tiny but mighty Bluetti Elite 10 Mini power station is $86.01 off — buy for $112.99 ahead of Prime Day
SAVE OVER $80: As of Oct. 2, the Bluetti Elite 10 Mini portable power station is down to $112.99 on Amazon. That's $86.01 off its full price of $199.
Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Elite 10 Mini Portable Power Station $112.99 at Amazon$199 Save $86.01 Get Deal
Power stations have been among the many early deals we've spotted at Amazon ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. If you've been hoping to find a portable pick for battery backup, there's no need to wait for the sale to start. The tiny but mighty Bluetti Elite 10 Mini is already 43% off at the retailer.
As of Oct. 2, this discount has dropped the Elite 10 Mini's price from $199 to $112.99, saving you just over $80. It may not be at its lowest-ever price on Amazon (that was $107), but it's certainly very close. If you've been looking for a very compact power station to keep everyday items charged up, this deal is well worth jumping on.
SEE ALSO: 35+ early October Prime Day deals: We found live deals on Echo Dot, Bose, Lego, and Fire TVThe Elite 10 Mini is a very compact portable power station. It weighs just 4lbs and can easily fit in a backpack, making it perfect for traveling. And speaking of travel, it's also flight-approved. Since it has a 128Wh capacity, it falls within the 100–160Wh range and can be brought on most major airlines, so long as you have prior approval.
Alongside the 128Wh capacity, this power station also features a 200W AC outlet, 100W USB-C fast charging, two 15W USB-A ports, one 15W USB-C port, and a 12V DC output. It can power up a variety of everyday items — such as laptops, drones, or cameras — so you don't have to worry about them running out of juice while you're on the go.
The power station has three charging methods, so you can give it a boost through 150W AC charging, 100W solar charging, or 100W car charging via the cigarette lighter.
This offer on the Bluetti Elite 10 Mini may not be available for long, so be quick to save at Amazon.
The best deals this week, hand-picked by our shopping expertsApple iPhone 18 Pro — free at T-Mobile
Paramount+ — $0.99 for 2 months with code p2mcs26prem
Apple iPad Pro — $1,899 $2,099 (save $200)
TCL 85-Inch Class QM8L Series TV — $2,797.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,202)
This free app keeps your smartwatch alive after the company abandons it
If smartwatches have one weakness compared to regular watches, it's their short lifespan. Most have promised only a few years of software support, and they're dependent on companion apps that can stop working at any time. But there are alternative companion apps out there that can keep your watches running longer and safeguard your privacy in the process.
Early Prime Day TV deal: Save $400 on LGs 55-Inch Gallery TV before Prime Day kicks off
SAVE $400: As of Oct. 2, the LG 55-Inch Gallery TV with Frame is on sale for $899.99 at Amazon. That's $400 off its full price of $1,299.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 55-Inch Gallery TV with Frame QNED AI LX7B Series Mini LED Smart TV $899.99 at Amazon$1,299.99 Save $400 Get Deal
Amazon's second Prime Day event of the year, Prime Big Deal Days, is coming up fast on Oct. 6. That's just next Tuesday, if you're counting down the days.
If you're hoping to buy a new TV from the sale, you're in luck, as the retailer already has a promising selection on sale ahead of time. The LG 55-Inch Gallery TV with Frame is one of them: For a limited time, it has been discounted to $899.99.
Overall, this offer saves you $400 compared to paying its full price of $1,299.99, which is a pretty exciting deal if you've been eyeing up this art TV for your home. Plus, it comes with a snow-white attachable frame to surround it, so you can complete its artsy display for your home.
SEE ALSO: 35+ early October Prime Day deals: We found live deals on Echo Dot, Bose, Lego, and Fire TVWith that sleek frame around it, this LG TV is transformed from a standard screen into wall art. When you're not watching something on it, you can choose from over 5,000 pieces of art to show off. Its matte display helps prevent annoying glare caused by windows and lights, which is a benefit to the art as much as it is to the regular display when you're watching a movie or show.
4K resolution, QNED Color, and Mini LEDs come together to create a sharp, vibrant picture with deep contrast. It even comes with an auto-brightness control feature that senses the room's lighting and adjusts the screen brightness so you can see everything clearly. On top of that, it's a smart TV powered by Google Gemini, so it's quick and easy to access your favorite streaming services.
If an art TV has been on your radar, this is an excellent opportunity to save on the LG 55-Inch Gallery TV with Frame at Amazon.
The best deals this week, hand-picked by our shopping expertsApple iPhone 18 Pro — free at T-Mobile
Paramount+ — $0.99 for 2 months with code p2mcs26prem
Apple iPad Pro — $1,899 $2,099 (save $200)
TCL 85-Inch Class QM8L Series TV — $2,797.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,202)
Jimmy Kimmel has the perfect response to Trump appearing to doze off on camera again
Jimmy Kimmel has made many jokes about Trump appearing to fall asleep at events, but the most recent occasion gave him the perfect joke setup.
"The president right now is working very hard to right the ship that definitely isn't sinking," says Kimmel in the clip. "Trump held an event yesterday to triumphantly announce a $54 billion investment in natural gas."
Cue footage of Trump with his eyes closed in a room full of men taking turns to praise him, offering Kimmel the ideal joke setup: "Only Donald Trump would fall asleep during a press conference with the Secretary of Energy."
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4 fun ESP32 thermal printer projects to make this weekend (Oct 2 - 4)
Thermal printers are mostly used in retail to produce receipts, since they don’t need to be super high quality, don’t consume ink, and can print quickly. But it turns out you can adapt them for use in your own projects with a little time and an ESP32.


