Blogroll
These obscure Linux utilities solve problems you didn’t know you had
Firefox, GIMP, and LibreOffice are the obvious, popular apps that you'll see everyone recommend for your Linux system. But there are many more apps beyond those.
Apple announces iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max with major camera upgrades
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are official!
Apple announced its next-generation iPhone lineup at its big September "Surprise and Shine" event on Wednesday, after months of rumors and leaks about the devices.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will have starting prices of $1,199 and $1,299. Preorders begin on Sept. 12, and the new iPhones will officially be released on Sept. 18.
SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2026: Live updates on iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch 12, and new AirPods Meet the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max specs, which include new A20 Pro Credit: AppleAs expected, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max arrive with critical upgrades:
The new Apple smartphones will be powered by the company's latest Silicon chipset, the A20 Pro. The A20 Pro was built for AI processing, just as Apple launches the new Siri AI with iOS 27, so it will easily be able to handle Apple's most advanced new AI features. Apple said it had to completely redesign its Silicon chipset in order to create the A20 Pro.
In addition to the chip itself, Apple created a brand-new next-generation vapor chamber to keep the iPhone cool and deliver the highest possible performance.
And Apple really showcased that power during the event by focusing on Apple Intelligence and all-new Siri AI features.
New iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max colors revealedAs leaked by a few third-party case makers last week, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will be available in four colors: black, silver, burgundy, and a light blue, which Apple is calling "glacier.
Credit: AppleApple's new CEO, John Ternus, specifically confirmed that the iPhone 18 Pro models will be available in an "incredibly deep black," answering users' complaints about the lack of a black colorway in the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
iPhone 18 battery lifeReports previously claimed that the premium iPhone 18 models would be receiving a big battery upgrade, and Apple delivered. Even though the iPhone 18 Pro is smaller than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple says it delivers the same battery life. As for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple is calling it the "the largest increase of battery life ever on iPhone."
Apple says the iPhone 18 Pro provides 36 hours of video playback and 24 hours of battery life per charge. The iPhone 18 Pro Max has 45 hours of video playback and lasts 30 hours per charge. Apple also says that the iPhone 18 Pro can reach 50 percent charge in 15 minutes. Just 5 minutes of charging time result in an additional 6 hours of video playback.
Credit: Apple iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max cameras get massive upgradeThis is the big upgrade. Speculation about the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max camera upgrades has been spreading online for years. The new Pro iPhone 18 models introduce a physical variable aperture in their 48MP fusion main camera, providing users with ultimate control over depth of field and low-light photography. Apple says it included laser-cut components thinner than a human hair to pull this off.
In addition to the anticipated variable aperture, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max have new Pro Controls for more professional photo and video outputs.
Credit: AppleApple also introduced Apple Reference Image, which signs photo data on each image to confirm what was actually in the shot.
Smaller Dynamic Island: The Dynamic Island has been shrunk, while simultaneously gaining additional functionality with 3-in-1 activity display.
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max pricesThe iPhone 18 Pro will launch at a starting price of $1,199, while the iPhone Pro Max will start at $1,299.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Starting at $1,199 Learn MoreThis is a developing story...
Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park
iPhone 18 Pro price report: Apple confirms price hikes
Last month, we reported that Apple would likely be raising iPhone prices after raising MacBook and iPad prices earlier this summer. And now that the annual September Apple event is here, we can confirm that the iPhone 18 Pro line has fallen victim to price hikes.
We speculated that Apple might raise phone prices by $100 to stay in line with Samsung's and Google's increases — or, as Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said, that Apple might feel like it could get away with higher price hikes than competitors thanks to the company's new Upgrade program. Apple's "Surprise and Shine" keynote has confirmed a $100 increase for the Pro and Pro Max models.
SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2026: Live updates on iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch 12, and new AirPods How much does the iPhone 18 Pro cost?The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max were announced on Sept. 9. The base model iPhone 18 will be announced at a later date. The new phones have the following MSRPs:
iPhone 18 Pro: Starting at $1,199 (a $100 increase over the iPhone 17 Pro)
iPhone 18 Pro Max: Starting at $1,299 (a $100 increase over the iPhone 17 Pro Max)
Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park.
Apples new burgundy iPhone color is dangerously chic
Apple's new iPhone lineup is here, and there's a burgundy gem among the available colors.
Announced at Apple's "Surprise and Shine" event on Wednesday in Cupertino, California, the tech giant's new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Pro Max will come in a rich burgundy hue, which is as far from Cosmic Orange as you can get.
SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2026: Live updates on iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch 12, and new AirPodsPreviously rumored as "Dark Cherry," the burgundy color will be available on the iPhone 18 Pro alongside light blue, black, and silver. It's like having a dark academia wine bar in my pocket.
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro comes in burgundy. Credit: Apple / Mashable screenshotMashable's Matt Binder has all the details you need about the tech and specs of the new iPhones.
Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park.
Want more tech news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today, and see what our readers guessed would happen at today's Apple event in our Big Guessing Game.
iOS 27 is officially here. Check out the iPhone 18 Pros new AI features (and a few surprises)
New CEO John Ternus is ushering in the next era for Apple, including the shiny new iOS 27 and its AI-powered features.
Debuting alongside the brand-new iPhone 18 Pro and Apple's game-changing folding iPhone Duo, iOS 27 promises a more streamlined experience across the company's app ecosystem and finally addresses some longstanding complaints.
SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2026: Live updates on iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch 12, and new AirPods iOS27 highlightsApple's latest operating system is banking heavily on its new Siri AI, a supercharged version of the assistant that the company has been teasing for years. With the power of Apple Intelligence, Siri can write for you, edit photos, make custom shortcuts, and much, much more.
Siri isn't the only iOS 27 upgrade, though. Apple announced improvements to Maps and Wallet, better Camera launch and AirDrop drop speeds, and
Check out more from the new iOS below:
Updated Liquid Glass: Apple is adding new customizable options for its Liquid Glass design.
Alarm volume fixes: iOS 27 will let users customize volume levels for individual alarms, independent from device sound levels. For those who have woken up to a silent alarm one too many times, this is huge.
iPhone Hand Off: Users can use one number across two phones. The feature initially launches with T-Mobile customers, with Verizon and other carriers to follow.
Shared albums: Apple users can now add their Android and Windows friends to shared albums via iCloud, which now include options for full-resolution photos.
Video to Photo: No need for screenshots, users can save select video frames as photos right in their camera roll.
Apple Music: Apple is adding new transition options and refreshing its music pages.
Apple Podcasts: Looking for a specific moment in your fav podcast? Siri now lets you search in shows as you watch.
New keyboards: Apple is adding new keyboards for indigenous languages.
New parental controls: First announced at WWDC, Apple users can set up Child Accounts for minors, which include a suite of new safety features for web browsing and communication.
New Health app features: Also announced at WWDC, Apple's latest health support features for menopause and perimenopause are now rolling out.
iOS 27 is available starting Sept. 14 for compatible Apple users.
To upgrade your device, go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update. Just make sure your phone is backed up and plugged in before hitting start.
Mac users can download OS 27 (aka "Golden Gate") now. And don't worry, iPad users, you get all of the new features too, with iPadOS 27.
UPDATE: Sep. 9, 2026, 11:27 a.m. This story was updated with a specific release date for iOS27.
Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park.
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max have camera upgrades that DSLR users will actually love
Apple is announcing a slew of devices today, but it's starting with its next-generation slab phones—iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. There’s something unusual about this year’s launch—Apple did not announce the standard iPhone alongside the Pro models, marking the first time in six years that the company split its iPhone launch this way.
Save $150 on the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air M5 in this rare deal
SAVE $150: Amazon and Best Buy have the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) on sale for just $1,649 as of Sept. 9. That's 8% off its usual retail price of $1,799 and $50 better than its Labor Day deal.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,649 at Amazon and Best Buy$1,799 Save $150 Get Deal
It's a big week for all things Apple, including Apple deals. Right now, Amazon and Best Buy are offering a very rare discount on the starlight, 15-inch M5 MacBook Air with 1TB of storage: It usually retails for $1,799, but you can score it on sale for just $1,649 — its lowest price since late June, when it got a $200 price increase.
As I've written before, decent MacBook deals have become scarcer ever since Apple raised its prices this summer. The ultraportable MacBook Air, Apple's most popular laptop, has also reportedly faced shortages in recent months. You can blame RAMageddon on both counts.
Apple's M5 MacBook Air (pictured here in sky blue) is our favorite MacBook for most people. Credit: Joe Maldonado / MashableThis particular MacBook Air deal is especially surprising to see because the same model was only $100 off over Labor Day weekend. (I normally expect retailers to save their best, highest discounts for their holiday sales.) Also worth noting: This deal manages to beat Apple's $100 education discount, too.
The 15-inch MacBook Air is our reigning favorite MacBook for most people for its fast, versatile performance, lightweight design, and ample future-proofing. Mashable tech editor Timothy Beck Werth called it a "damn near-perfect machine," and we think it's still a good value even after its price bump. Still, waiting for a good deal never hurts. Snagging it on sale right now means you're only paying a $50 premium on its original MSRP.
Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park.
Android Auto gets much better when you remove these 3 apps from the launcher
Android Auto's launcher can get crowded fast, and a cluttered screen is the last thing you want staring back at you while driving. Trimming it down to the essentials makes the whole experience faster, safer, and far less distracting.
Ultra mini, ultra trendy Xteink e-reader is only $63 at Amazon
SAVE $15.82: As of Sept. 9, the Xteink X3 mini e-reader is on sale at Amazon for just $63.18 as a Lightning deal. That's 20% in savings, but you'll have to act fast.
Opens in a new window Credit: Xteink Xteink X3 mini e-reader $63.18 at Amazon$79 Save $15.82 Get Deal
If you've ever wished you could slip a book into your pocket, the Xteink X3 mini e-reader was made for you. And for a limited time, it's on sale for 20% off its already affordable cost.
As of Sept. 9, the Xteink X3 mini e-reader is just $63.18 as a Lightning deal at Amazon. That's $15.82 less than its $79 price tag, but you'll have to act fast to secure the discount. You only have about 10 hours (at the time of writing) to get your hands on this deal, or until the counter bar says "100% claimed." So, don't delay pressing that add-to-cart button.
I have to be honest here; I don't particularly understand the hype of this ultra-mini, ultra-trendy e-reader. I prefer my basic Kindle, which is already small enough to fit in my purse. It also doesn't have backlighting, which means you can only read in bright settings (a personal dealbreaker for me). But surely there must be a reason this thing is popular. With a 3.7-inch screen, it's not only small enough to slip in your pocket (yes, even women's pockets), but can also magnetically attach to the back of your phone for seamless reading on the go. It'll last you up to 10 hours before needing a charge and offers 16GB of built-in memory, with up to 256GB expandable memory.
Also, like the Xteink X4 Pro that Mashable's Sam Mangino tested, the Xteink X3 is only compatible with DRM-free e-books. That means no DRM-protected books from Kindle, Libby, or other platforms. Mangino notes that articles you can upload via URL work best on these tiny e-readers. Still, for the cute mini form factor and TikTok cred, $63 really isn't a bad deal. Just be sure you know what you're signing up for.
Sorry humanoid robots, the real highlight of IFA 2026 were the robot lawn mowers
In a shock to no one, IFA 2026 introduced the world to new tech that we cannot wait to try out. Dyson showcased the $500 squiring toothbrush during an off-site event, DJI launched a brand new 360-degree camera we have fingers crossed hard will land in the U.S., and Anker released a dizzying number of new headphones and earbuds.
But if we're being honest, there was a standout product at IFA in 2026, and it was not the humanoid robots that walked around holding hands with attendees. The robot lawn mowers won IFA 2026, and there's good reason.
Do you really need a robot lawn mower?The robot lawn mowers are getting smarter, more efficient, and easier to use than ever before. We're long past the era of having to bury a wire boundary to the point that most robot lawn mowers are nearly plug and play. After the initial mapping, they're off doing their thing without needing any assistance.
This year, IFA held an outdoor exhibition area for robot lawn mowers to do their thing outside with real-life conditions. But to be honest, the indoor displays were much more impressive, incorporating steep slopes, obstacles, and big hurdles for the robots to show off their skills.
In an email to Mashable, CEO at IFA Leif Linder said, "The interest in robot lawn mowers reminds me of where robot vacuums were a few years ago. What started as an interesting innovation is quickly becoming a part of everyday life," he said. "These mowers handle the yard on autopilot, adapt to terrain and weather, and give you time back every week. Robotics become truly extraordinary when they take care of your problems instead of becoming one more thing you have to manage, and robotic lawn mowers have just crossed that threshold."
Below, I've rounded up the coolest robot lawn mowers I saw at IFA 2026 and models that could be worth considering if you're over the chore of keeping the lawn manicured.
Dreame A4 AWD Pro SeriesThe tech mega brand Dreame keeps surprising us, in the best way possible. The brand makes one of Mashable's favorite robot vacuums for cleaning up pet hair and the affordable Dreame Chrona LED mask is a top pick. But in a corner of the brand's giant display at IFA, we got to see Dreame's lineup of robot lawn mowers. Specifically, the Dreame A4 AWD Pro Series brings about a solution to a pesky issue with robot lawn mowers: getting those satisfying perfect edges.
Dreame's robot lawn mower course features steep hills and obstacles. Credit: Lauren Allain / MashableAt the Dreame booth, I was able to flip the A4 AWD Pro over to check out just how the robot mower goes about achieving an edge-to-edge cut. In addition the main cutting blades, a designated blade setup hangs out near the edge, making it possible to get a clean cut that doesn't require you to follow along with a trimmer.
Credit: Lauren Allain / MashableAt the time of writing, we don't have U.S. pricing or a exact launch date for the new Dream A4 AWD Pro. If you're in a hurry to snag a Dreame robot lawn mower to work on fall yard maintenance, check out the Dreame LiDAR 3500 Robot Lawn Mower A3 AWD.
Segway Navimow X430 Robot Lawn MowerYou know Segway for making electric scooters a thing, but the brand has so much more on offer including a solid lineup of robot lawn mowers. At IFA 2026, the brand introduced us to the Navimow H5 Pro which has a circular mowing disc that slides out when needed to get clean edges.
A cutting deck that knowns how to get close to the edge. Credit: Segway NavimowBut a model that's already out in the U.S. also showed off at IFA: the Navimow X430 robot lawn mower. This robot can handle mowing yards that measure up to one acre, and it's zero-turn maneuvering means there's less of a chance a turn could cause damage to the lawn.
All-terrain wheels come in handy during rain. Credit: Lauren Allain / MashableAnother major benefit of robot lawn mowers that's apparent with the Navimow X430 is how quiet they can operate. There's no way I could stand beside a traditional gas mower and hold a conversation at a normal level, but that's easy next to the Navimow X430. The brand mentions this model stays under 68 decibels. It's also on sale at Amazon today.
Opens in a new window Credit: Navimow Navimow X430 $2,249 at Amazon$2,499 Save $250 Get Deal Yarbo M Series
In an industry where features between brands can blur, Yarbo stands out. The brand is making modular robot lawn mowers that can be used as a robot lawn mower in the spring and summer and then transform into a leaf collector come fall and a snow blower in the winter. Of course, you'll need the add-on accessories to make this happen, but the versatility on its own is impressive. In addition, Yarbo models have towing capabilities.
The Yarbo M Series focuses on a compact design. Credit: YarboThe Yarbo is already available for sale in the U.S. as either a robot lawn mower or in several bundle options to include the leaf collector, snow blower, and trimmer.
Opens in a new window Credit: Yarbo Yarbo modular robot lawn mower $4,999 at AmazonGet Deal Roborock RockMow Z1 and RockNeo Q2
Like Dreame, we've come to love Roborock robot vacuums which means we're thrilled to see them expand into the area of robot lawn mowers. At IFA, the brand showcased two new models. The rugged Roborock RockMow Z1 has 4WD and LiDAR navigation. The more compact RockNeo Q2 has a unique feature of a WiFi repeater module in the charging base itself which helps keep a stable connection to your home's WiFI.
Most robot lawn mowers want the base to be outside, but the Roborock can be outside or inside. Credit: RoborockWe don't have U.S. launch date information or pricing on either of these models yet, but we'll keep an eye on availability. If you're looking for a Roborock model that's already available in the U.S., look to the Roborock RockNeo Q110H which happens to be on a great sale at Amazon.
Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock RockNeo Q110H Robot Lawn Mower $799.99 at Amazon$1,299 Save $499.01 Get Deal
Apple readies Siri AI for launch alongside iPhone 18 Pro
Apple's "Surprise and Shine" event is sure to be full of surprises, but the imminent launch of the new AI-powered Siri is not one of them.
The tech giant has been dangling its new, technologically advanced Siri over the heads of Apple users for years, following a 2024 announcement that Apple was overhauling its famed assistance as the company dived deeper into AI. In June, the company debuted the first glimpses of a new Siri with the first-ever Siri app, followed shortly by access to Siri AI via the iOS 27 beta.
Beta testers likened the experience to using other popular chatbots, like ChatGPT and Gemini, but with the added umph of Siri having access to your entire phone, including emails, calendar, and notes app. Apple has described it as a "truly helpful AI that’s centered around you and your needs."
Now, as Apple readies iOS 27 for rollout, the dream of a better Siri may finally come true.
Siri plus Apple IntelligenceApple's supercharged AI Siri — now simply referred to as Siri AI — is powered by the conversational capabilities of Apple Intelligence. At this year's Apple developers' conference, the company announced that Apple Intelligence would receive its own upgrade, powered by Google Gemini models, to bring it up to snuff with competitors.
With these new models behind it, Siri can more efficiently scour the web for information, answer requests using natural language processing, and understand exactly what's on your screen. Here's a breakdown of Siri's other features:
Dedicated app: A new app exclusively for Siri, which allows users to talk directly with the assistant in a dedicated chat space.
Siri Camera mode: iPhone users can press the Siri button while using the camera to get live context and ask questions about what their viewfinder is capturing.
Image Playground: A major upgrade to its previous iterations, Siri AI can now generate realistic images.
Photo editing: With the help of Apple Intelligence, Siri can expand your images or even reframe their perspective.
Text editing: Siri is further integrated into writing across Apple apps, including Notes, email, and text messages.
Automatic shortcuts: Siri can create a complicated shortcut with ease, using just your description.
The new Siri is now available via beta and will roll out in English to Apple iOS 27 and macOS 27 users this fall. Apple explained that beta testers may face usage limits as the company continues to test Apple Intelligence capabilities.
UPDATE: Sep. 9, 2026, 10:19 a.m. This story was updated with new information about Siri AI beta and the Siri AI rollout timeline.
Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park.
8 things you should never do in Proxmox (unless you want your homelab to crash)
Proxmox is remarkably forgiving when you use it the way it was designed to be used. With it, you can have a functioning homelab in an afternoon, but that ease and simplicity can also encourage a lot of mistakes.
Need a cheap tablet? Grab the Amazon Fire HD 10 for its lowest price yet
SAVE $78: As of Sep. 9, get the Amazon Fire HD 10 for $76.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 50% and the lowest price we've seen.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 $76.99 at Amazon$154.99 Save $78.00 Get Deal
If you're looking to get a new tablet but don't want to break the bank, you should seriously consider a device from the Amazon Fire family. Right now, you can score one for a significant discount, and it's well worth swooping in and grabbing, especially as it's the lowest price we've seen on this particular model all year.
As of Sep. 9, get the Amazon Fire HD 10 for $76.99 at Amazon. That's $78 off and a discount of 50%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.
SEE ALSO: The 7 best tablets of 2026: Comparing iPad, Samsung, and LenovoWhile this tablet isn't quite as zippy or as powerful as a member of the iPad family, it's still a great pick for under $100. It works great as a quick and easy way to browse the internet, watch your favorite shows and movies, or just keep up with friends and family. It's also perfect to give younger (but still mature) kids who need a tablet as well.
Mashable reviewer SaVanna Shoemaker called it "great for on-the-go entertainment" and labeled it an "excellent value", which means it'll worth investing in at this discount while it lasts. Since it's up for grabs for such a great price, it's likely that discount won't be around for very long, so it might be prudent to add it to your cart while it's still here.
Our favorite laptop for battery life is $550 off at Staples
TL;DR: The HP OmniBook 3 16 Laptop (Snapdragon X, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is $599.99 at Staples, down from $1,149.99. That's a $550 discount.
Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP OmniBook 3 16 $599.99 at Staples$1,149.99 Save $550 Get Deal
I used to use only HP laptops until I got my MacBook, but according to our Senior Shopping Reporter, Haley Henschel, this unassuming laptop beats Apple and other brands for battery life.
During hands-on testing, the HP OmniBook 3 16 Laptop clocked 40 hours and 14 minutes of continuous playback on a single charge. According to Henschel, "No other laptop we've tested (PC, MacBook, or Chromebook) comes remotely close to rivaling its stamina." In fact, it ran for nearly twice as long as Mashable's top-performing MacBook Pro.
SEE ALSO: The 6 best laptops for college students at school this fall"If you're looking for the best battery life laptop of 2026, your hunt ends here," Henschel wrote, noting that its "multi-day stamina" makes it the perfect match for on-the-go workers "who hate fighting over outlets at cafés and airports." Henschel praised its huge, surprisingly colorful 16-inch display, comfy keyboard, and added that it "runs super cool and quiet" even when stressed out with tons of browser tabs.
And right now, you can get it on sale. Staples is still having its Labor Day Sale (whether the dev just forgot to take it down is neither here nor there), and the HP OmniBook 3 16 Laptop is listed at $599.99, down from $1,149.99. That's a $550 discount and a damn good deal for a laptop that can outlast a MacBook.
Nervous makes a horror film of tuning out mens voices: Review
The premise of Abner Pastoll's horror film Nervous is sure to spark internet opinions: a woman suddenly becomes unable to hear men's voices, while women's voices sound crisp and clear.
It's a topical hypothetical from the British-South African director of 2019's A Good Woman Is Hard to Find that harnesses the power of feeling heard, with Nervous' central character isolated and dismissed by her husband as paranoid. Nervous creates a feeling that's effectively captured through sound itself, with Pastoll's team crafting an unsettling immersive experience — though there's one element of the film that raised this critic's eyebrows.
Premiered at this year's FrightFest in London, Nervous demands to be experienced in a cinema — or at least with the best sound system you can find.
What is Nervous about? Ko Asung and Sarah Bolger in "Nervous." Credit: February Films / Story RobotMarried couple Sarah (Sarah Bolger) and Sungsoo (Sungsoo Yune) — the actors' characters share their real names — have plans to buy a house together, so when Sungsoo decides to go house hunting himself, surprising his wife with a furniture-less rural abode outside Seoul, she feels undermined by his attempted grand romantic gesture. It doesn't help that there's a strange woman milling around the house when they arrive, and reports of stabbings and disappearances in the area being reported on the radio.
Sarah is Irish, Sungsoo is Korean, with language an awkward but steadily evolving dynamic between them. However, Sarah's feeling of isolation swells as she's often spoken for in conversations and left to her own devices as a newly minted housewife. Sarah has left her career as an investigative journalist to run the household, with Sungsoo constantly referring to her inquiring mind as a negative; as obsessive, over-the-top "here you go again" behaviour. We learn over the course of the film why Sarah tends toward such insistent investigation, but before we get there, the couple discover a creepy black record player in the attic, equipped with a completely silent album.
After listening to this supposedly empty recording, Sarah starts to lose her ability to hear men, starting with an increasingly frustrated Sungsoo. But someone she can hear loud and clear is their mysterious and alluring neighbour, Eunbyeol (The Host's Ko Asung). Is Sarah's experience medical? Or is there something more supernatural going on?
Featured Video For You 'No Other Choice' skewers the job market. Here's why Park Chan-wook made it. Nervous is a triumph of sound design, of course Sungsoo Yune in "Nervous." Credit: February Films / Story RobotFor the film to work, properly immersing the audience in a sense of auditory distinction, Nervous needs impeccable sound design. Thankfully, supervising sound editor Nick Baldock (Black Mirror) and his team create a fittingly rattling ride for the viewer, in which men's voices become more muffled, women's crisp and clear.
The task requires considerable craft from the actors, especially Bolger, with sharp editing from Pastoll, visceral foley artistry, and compelling cinematography from Jungmin Lee that plays with depth of field to determine Sarah's focus. And it's paired with some grisly body horror elements, with watch-through-your-hands gore from visual effects artists Mykola Shurin and Howard Gardner. Nervous will have you painfully aware of each and every sound after you leave the cinema.
Nervous plays with oppressed desire through a tired trope Ko Asung in "Nervous." Credit: February Films / Story RobotAs Sarah's focus pulls from the men in her life — her husband, doctors, friends — Nervous plays with desire through the character of Eunbyeol. It's here the film unfortunately falls into the "depraved bisexual" trope, in which Eunbyeol is presented as the temptress next door, a lust-fueled predator poised to disrupt the film's main "conventional" marriage. While Ko's bold performance brings nuance and genuine likability to the character, the film itself seems set against her through sexually charged cinematography and editing, and non-existent backstory in the script.
It's a shame the film leans into such a stale trope, as it undermines the effective central message of women feeling unheard, not believed, and being portrayed as paranoid. While Sarah's burgeoning desire is portrayed as innocuous, Eunbyeol is seen as a vamp dancing on a moral compass. Bolger and Ko's chemistry here is undeniable, but to see this stereotype still pervading 2026 cinema is frustrating.
While this element of the film is disappointing, the effect of the film overall is memorable, as a spark-igniting speculation on what it means to be heard or to truly hear others as a woman. Pastoll uses the horror genre to consider the inner workings of a couple, the idea of broken trust, and a sense of gender roles informing behaviour. Make sure you watch it at full volume.
Nervous was reviewed out of FrightFest in August 2026. Cinematic release details are TBC.
Want more film and TV news and reviews delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Mashable’s Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts.
Even returning NFL Sunday Ticket subscribers can get 50% off with this Xfinity offer
SAVE $240: Through Oct. 28, Xfinity Internet and TV customers can get NFL Sunday Ticket for $240 instead of $480. That's 50% in savings. Both new and returning subscribers are eligible for the deal.
Opens in a new window Credit: NFL / YouTube NFL Sunday Ticket $240$480 Save $240 *for Xfinity TV and Internet customers* Get Deal
I've done a few deep dives into the streaming options and requirements for watching NFL games in 2026 and unfortunately, if you want to (legally) watch out-of-market games, you're going to need NFL Sunday Ticket. I say unfortunately because it's wildly expensive at $480 for returning subscribers. There is some good news, though. If you have Xfinity Internet or TV (or are close with someone who does, perhaps), you can get the streaming service for half price.
Through Oct. 28, Xfinity Internet and TV customers can lock in the full 2026 NFL season on NFL Sunday Ticket for only $240 instead of the typical $480. The kicker is that even returning subscribers are eligible for the deal, unlike the YouTube offer for new subscribers only. Game changer.
There's a few things to note. After you sign up through Xfinity by adding Sunday Ticket onto an existing Internet or TV plan, you'll receive instructions to activate your subscription via YouTube. Once activated, you'll have to login to YouTube through your Google account and use the YouTube app to watch games on Sunday Ticket. You'll still be billed through Xfinity, though.
It's worth repeating that NFL Sunday Ticket only includes access to out-of-market NFL games on Sunday afternoons throughout the season. These are the games that are only available outside of the designated broadcast region you are in — the best and only real option for fans living in a different region than the team they want to watch. It's also a great way to keep up with your fantasy players. If this sounds like you, Xfinity's 50% off discount is the best way to sign up for less.
Anthropic researcher says AI has a 10% chance to kill all humans by 2036
The fear of an AI apocalypse has persisted for decades in movies like WarGames and the Terminator series, but now that worry is becoming more than speculative fiction. Both current and recently-departed Anthropic researchers argue that there's a real possibility AI could kill humanity — although the issue is complex.
Label makers aren't just for binders anymore — here's why every desk needs one
If you’re like me, you have a bunch of files, folders, and items in your office that make it unorganized and cluttered. Over time, these become increasingly overwhelming, and you forget what’s in each file or folder or which cable goes to which monitor or port.
Conquer your next flight with this rare discount on the AirFly Pro
SAVE $15: As of Sep. 9, get the AirFly Pro for $39.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $54.99. That's a discount of 27%.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon AirFly Pro $39.99 at Amazon$54.99 Save $15 Get Deal
Have trouble relaxing on planes? You're not alone. Something about the cabin noise, air pressure, and often your seatmate can make settling down and enjoying your flight seem like a nightmare instead of a convenient and fun way to travel. If raw-dogging your flight doesn't sound like a fun option and you want a little assistance enjoying your time in the air, there's a dongle that can help.
As of Sep. 9, get the AirFly Pro for $39.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $54.99. That's $15 off and a discount of 27%.
SEE ALSO: This $55 Bluetooth dongle made my long-haul flight way less miserableThis Bluetooth transmitter is the perfect thing for helping you get comfortable for long (or short) flights. You can connect it to your in-flight entertainment display, set up your favorite headphones, and get comfortable without having to struggle with the airline-provided earbuds or other subpar equipment.
That means you can whip out your noise-cancelling headphones with this dongle and actually feel like you're experiencing your entertainment in a way that lets you focus on it -- or just block out the noise around you.
Mashable's Haley Henschel took this device for a spin on a flight and found that it made her long-haul flight "way less miserable." If you've got some traveling to do, or you're a frequent flier who needs help getting comfy to enjoy your time in the air, it might be a good idea to take part in this rare discount and grab your own. It definitely beats staring out the window and counting the minutes until you land.
Belkin just revealed a super-cheap lineup of noise-cancelling earbuds starting at $34.99
At IFA 2026 in Berlin, Belkin expanded its SoundForm audio family with three new budget-friendly options designed to bring premium features like active noise cancellation, dual-device pairing, and long battery life down to accessible prices. Across the whole lineup, Belkin is leaning heavily into practical daily specs — packing IPX5 sweat resistance and app-customizable EQ controls into every pair.
Here’s a dive into each of the models and what they offer:
SoundForm DotFor listeners after lightweight, daily-use earbuds, the SoundForm Dot line comes in two variations. The base SoundForm Dot Wireless Earbuds ($34.99) offer an ultra-affordable entry point into true wireless audio. If you want active noise cancellation, the upgraded SoundForm Dot ANC ($39.99) adds ANC while maintaining the compact design.
Both Dot versions pack up to 30 hours of battery life, Bluetooth Multipoint for dual-device connectivity, Clear Call Quality tech, IPX5 water/sweat resistance, fast charging, three ear-tip sizes, and app-customizable EQ settings.
SEE ALSO: The 11 best wireless earbuds we've ever tested SoundForm Play ANCDesigned for listeners ages five and up, the SoundForm Play ANC ($49.99) bring over-ear active noise cancellation to school, travel, and gaming. They feature a durable, foldable design and include an optional 85dB Safe Sound volume limiter to keep young ears protected.
Belkin also integrated a "Focus Boost" soundscape mode that generates Pink Noise, Seashore, or Brain Beats sounds to help kids lock in during homework or reading sessions. Battery life reaches up to 62 hours with ANC off (45 hours with ANC on), supported by a built-in microphone, USB-C fast charging, a 3.5mm wired backup jack, and RockStar Mode for audio sharing.
SEE ALSO: The 12 best headphones of 2026: We tested the top contenders from Sony, Apple, Bose, and Beats SoundForm Isolate BudsThe SoundForm Isolate Buds ($59.99) are built for commuters and workers who need maximum distraction blocking. They deliver up to 45dB of hybrid Active Noise Cancellation paired with three ear-tip and three wing-tip sizes to ensure a locked-in, comfortable seal.
You get up to 32 hours of total playback time with the pocket-sized charging case, fast-charge support (10 minutes for 90 minutes of juice), Bluetooth Multipoint pairing, Clear Call Quality microphone tech, IPX5 weather resistance, and full SoundForm app EQ customization.
Head over to Belkin or Amazon to shop the new SoundForm lineup starting at $34.99 before everyone else realizes noise cancellation can actually be this cheap.
Want more tech news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today, and see what our readers guessed would happen at today's Apple event in our Big Guessing Game.


