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For most Taylor Swift fans, it's been a great 24 hours, with the pop megastar announcing Tuesday her engagement to Travis Kelce. It's been a strange 24 hours, however, for Gaylors.

If you're unfamiliar with the term "Gaylor," well, it's kind of what it sounds like. Typically speaking, Gaylors are fans of Swift who — through close readings of lyrics and carefully parsing through the singer's public life — believe her to be gay, bi, or, in some form, not straight. It's worth noting here, though, that Gaylor subreddits and pockets can also be spaces for LGBTQ fans to congregate and not necessarily speculate on Swift's sexuality. But, still, a central part of Gaylorism and an offhand reference to a Gaylor typically does reference the belief that Swift isn't straight.

One popular place for Gaylors to commune is the r/GaylorSwift subreddit, a community of over 50,000 Swifties. The forum is a major source for Gaylor content, describing itself as a "space for thoughtful discussion and examination of Taylor Swift, including queer readings, themes, and motifs in her work and public persona."

Given the purpose of r/GaylorSwift and similar spaces...you can see why yesterday was a strange day, considering Swift is now officially engaged to a man.

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The Gaylor community has always proved a bit controversial. Last year, for instance, a New York Times op-ed that claimed Swift isn't straight led to a slew of backlash.

Swift herself has felt the need to address the speculation. In the liner notes of 1989 (Taylor’s Version), released in 2023, she wrote that Gaylor theories centered on what were actually "female friendships" and that fans "sexualized" and "sensationalized" these relationships.

So when Swift got engaged, mocking of Gaylors was, well, swift. Folks rushed to see how Gaylors took the news, and screenshots of r/GaylorSwift quickly went viral online as people made jokes at Gaylors' expense.

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Less than 24 hours after the engagement announcement, r/GaylorSwift went private.

Credit: Screenshot: Reddit

Though I can't profess to be a regular visitor, the Wayback Machine suggests that the subreddit was previously public. The smaller subreddit r/Gaylor_Swift remains open, though, at least as of this publication.

The Alien franchise has terrified audiences for decades with the perfect monster: the Xenomorph. But FX’s Alien: Earth proves the series still has new nightmares to share. Now, the new T. Ocellus parasite brings a fresh spin on terror: not just invading your body, but hijacking your mind. Here’s how Alien: Earth evolves the nightmare.

Alien: Earth episodes land every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on Hulu and FX.

OpenAI reiterated existing mental health safeguards and announced future plans for its popular AI chatbot, addressing accusations that ChatGPT improperly responds to life-threatening discussions and facilitates user self-harm.

The company published a blog post detailing its model's layered safeguards just hours after it was reported that the AI giant was facing a wrongful death lawsuit by the family of California teenager Adam Raine. The lawsuit alleges that Raine, who died by suicide, was able to bypass the chatbot's guardrails and detail harmful and self-destructive thoughts, as well as suicidal ideation, which was periodically affirmed by ChatGPT.

SEE ALSO: Dead teen's family files wrongful death suit against OpenAI and ChatGPT

ChatGPT hit 700 million active weekly users earlier this month.

"At this scale, we sometimes encounter people in serious mental and emotional distress. We wrote about this a few weeks ago and had planned to share more after our next major update," the company said in a statement. "However, recent heartbreaking cases of people using ChatGPT in the midst of acute crises weigh heavily on us, and we believe it’s important to share more now."

Currently, ChatGPT's protocols include a series of stacked safeguards that seek to limit ChatGPT's outputs according to specific safety limitations. When they work appropriately, ChatGPT is instructed not to provide self-harm instructions or comply with continued prompts on that subject, instead escalating mentions of bodily harm to human moderators and directing users to the U.S.-based 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, the UK Samaritans, or findahelpline.com. As a federally-funded service, 988 has recently ended its LGBTQ-specific services under a Trump administration mandate — even as chatbot use among vulnerable teens grows.

In light of other cases in which isolated users in severe mental distress confided in unqualified digital companions, as well as previous lawsuits against AI competitors like Character.AI, online safety advocates have called on AI companies to take a more active approach to detecting and preventing harmful behavior, including automatic alerts to emergency services.

OpenAI said future GPT-5 updates will include instructions for the chatbot to "de-escalate" users in mental distress by "grounding the person in reality," presumably a response to increased reports of the chatbot enabling states of delusion. OpenAI said it is exploring new ways to connect users directly to mental health professionals before users report what the company refers to as "acute self harm." Other safety protocols could include "one-click messages or calls to saved emergency contacts, friends, or family members," OpenAI writes, or an opt-in feature that lets ChatGPT reach out to emergency contacts automatically.

SEE ALSO: Explaining the phenomenon known as 'AI psychosis'

Earlier this month, OpenAI announced it was upgrading its latest model, GPT-5, with additional safeguards intended to foster healthier engagement with its AI helper. Noting criticisms that the chatbot's prior models were overly sycophantic — to the point of potentially deleterious mental health outcomes — the company said its new model was better at recognizing mental and emotional distress and would respond differently to "high stakes" questions moving forward. GPT-5 also includes gentle nudges to end sessions that have gone on for extended periods of time, as individuals form increasingly dependent relationships with their digital companions.

Widespread backlash ensued, with GPT-4o users demanding the company reinstate the former model after losing their personalized chatbots. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman quickly conceded and brought back GPT-4o, despite previously acknowledging a growing problem of emotional dependency among ChatGPT users.

In the new blog post, OpenAI admitted that its safeguards degraded and performed less reliably in long interactions — the kinds that many emotionally dependent users engage in every day — and "even with these safeguards, there have been moments when our systems did not behave as intended in sensitive situations."

If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can reach the Trans Lifeline by calling 877-565-8860 or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat at crisischat.org. Here is a list of international resources.

SAVE $120: As of Aug. 27, get the Bose QuietComfort headphones at Amazon for $229, down from their normal price of $349. That's a discount of 34%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bose QuietComfort headphones $229 at Amazon
$349 Save $120 Get Deal

Labor Day is just around the corner, so if you plan on kicking back and enjoying a day off, do so while enjoying some of your favorite tunes. You can snag a great pair of Bose headphones right now at Amazon for an excellent price, just in time for the holiday — and for the upcoming holiday season as well, if you're looking for a gift idea anyone can appreciate.

As of Aug. 27, get the Bose QuietComfort headphones for $229 at Amazon, down from their normal price of $349. That's $120 off and a discount of 34%. Currently, this price applies to all colorways that are currently in stock, so you have plenty of options to choose from.

SEE ALSO: The best headphones for students: Our top 4 picks for back-to-school season

These extremely comfortable headphones are fantastic for both their noise-canceling abilities and their sound quality. You can wear them for long stretches without your head or ears hurting, and they have a luxurious feel that make them a pleasure to keep on during long commutes or even calls.

Though noise cancellation is where they shine, they also feature Aware Mode, which lets you open your sound up to allow the kind of action in you need to hear, like people or other important noise. They boast 24 hours of battery on a single charge as well, with a 15-minute charge netting up to 2.5 hours of battery life.

Whether you need a new pair of cans for heading back to school or it's far past time for an upgrade, you can't go wrong with these Bose headphones. Snag yours while you can.

SAVE $14: As of Aug. 27, you can get AMC+ ad-free and Starz for just $6.99 per month for two months as a Prime Video add-on bundle. Usually $13.99 per month for both, that's a savings of $14 total.

Opens in a new window Credit: Starz / AMC+ AMC+ and Starz (Prime Video add-on bundle) $6.99 per month for 2 months (save $7 per month) Get Deal

Looking to expand your streaming lineup for fall? Thanks to this Prime Video bundle deal, you can add two slept-on streamers — AMC+ and Starz — to your catalog without breaking the bank.

As of Aug. 27, you can bundle AMC+ (ad-free) and Starz together for only $6.99 per month for two months. Usually $13.99 per month for both, that's a savings of $14 total. The only catch? You have to be a Prime Video subscriber and add the bundle to your account. After two months, the price will jump back up to $13.99 per month, so be sure to cancel before then if you want to avoid that charge.

You probably know AMC as the home of The Walking Dead universe, but it has a whole lot more to offer. AMC+ is also where you'll find epic shows like Mad Men, Killing Eve, and Portlandia, as well as movies like Boyhood, Rosemary's Baby, and Late Night with the Devil (one of our favorite films of 2024). It includes full access to the entire Shudder, Sundance Now, and IFC Films catalogs as well, making it a must-have for horror heads this fall.

Starz is also packed with plenty of excellent content, with originals like the female serial killer story Sweetpea and the historical drama Outlander, as well as recent movies like Fast X, The Strangers: Chapter 1, and Never Let Go. It's the first stop for Lionsgate films straight from the theater.

At just $6.99 per month for two months, you get two full libraries of movies and TV for less than the price of Netflix with ads. But act quick — we're not sure how long this bundle deal will stick around.

SAVE $30: As of Aug. 27, get the Kindle Colorsoft Kids for $239.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $269.99. That's a discount of 11%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Kids $239.99 at Amazon
$269.99 Save $30 Get Deal

It's time to head back to school, and reading is a fundamental skill that children of every age can sharpen. There's no better way to do so than with an e-reader and, more specifically, a Kindle. You can snag a deal on one that your kids will love spending time with right now at Amazon.

As of Aug. 27, get the Kindle Colorsoft Kids at its first ever discounted price. It's on sale at Amazon for $239.99, down from its usual price of $269.99. That's $30 off and a discount of 11%. A cover is included with your purchase, and you can choose between the Fantasy River or Starlight Reading covers.

SEE ALSO: Snag the Kindle Kids for under $100 to kick off the school year

The Kindle Colorsoft Kids is an e-ink tablet with a 7-inch, full-color display. It's waterproof as well and boasts a glare-free display that's optimized for reading content that's in color: think comic books, graphic novels, picture books, and all the fun content your kids actually like to read.

And speaking of content, your Kindle Colorsoft Kids comes with 12 months of Amazon Kids+, a subscription that's designed for kids between ages 3 and 12 that provides thousands of books appropriate for young readers. You'll get the first year free, but your subscription will renew at $5.99 a month afterward, so be sure to cancel if you're not interested in keeping it afterward.

With parental controls, a wide selection of books to read, and a slew of other kid-friendly features, this is an excellent device to introduce kids to reading or to help them keep falling in love with literature. It's an especially useful piece of tech if you need a good gift idea — the holidays are right around the corner.

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models are rumored to ship with a fresh set of premium cases, and this time the focus is on a new material: Liquid Silicone.

The leak comes from well-known Apple tipster Majin Buu, who claims the images and specifications are pulled directly from factory schematics. First reported by Tom’s Hardware, the new cases will feature a matte finish with a "soft touch" texture. If the leak holds up, the Liquid Silicone cases will launch in eight colors: Deep Orange, Pale Orange, Grass Green, Celado, Fog Purple, Grey Blue, Dark Blue, and Midnight Black.

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Majin Buu also noted that Apple had tested additional colors, including Black and Tannin, though those are reportedly being held back for future seasonal drops. Beyond the colorways, the design specs point to some thoughtful upgrades: an integrated slot for Apple’s new Incase Lanyard, tactile button covers for easier press feedback, and full MagSafe compatibility to play nice with Apple’s existing charging and accessory ecosystem.

Another Majin leak also showed Apple's new TechWoven case, as the company tries to distance itself from its disappointing FineWoven case rollout. For context, reviewers and users alike reported that the micro‑twill material frayed, scuffed, and accumulated lint almost immediately after use, with visible wear and stains becoming permanent within days.

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So, as Tom's Hardware notes, the belief now is that the rumored TechWoven case line will enhance the durability of the case and give it a more minimal look as well.

(Disclosure: RetailMeNot is owned by Ziff Davis, the parent company of Ziff Media Group and Mashable.)

Labor Day weekend is here, and with it comes a flood of sales from virtually every retailer. But before you start adding items to your cart, you should know about the cash back offers from RetailMeNot that can help you stack your savings even higher.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Labor Day sale is already live with deals on headphones, tablets, and more How does RetailMeNot work?

RetailMeNot is a platform that offers cash back and coupon codes. The process is simple:

First, you'll need to head to the Labor Day event page on RetailMeNot.com or in the app and sign up for a free account (or log in if you already have one). From there, browse the offers and click on the one you'd like to use. This activates the deal and automatically directs you to the retailer's website to shop.

After you complete your purchase as you normally would, the cash back you earned will appear in your RetailMeNot wallet. You'll get an email confirmation from RetailMeNot, and your approved rewards will be available to redeem to your PayPal or Venmo account within about 45 days.

What kind of deals are available?

You can expect to find offers across categories like tech, home goods, fashion, travel, and more.

Here are some of the best deals from the RetailMeNot Labor Day event:

• Amazon: Up to $50 off your order with code + 10% cash back on Amazon devices

• Best Buy: Up to 50% off + up to an extra $600 off select major appliances

• Chewy.com: $20 off your order of $49 or more

• The Home Depot: 12% cash back on select home decor and furniture

• LG: Up to 50% off select LG appliances

• Lowe's: Up to 40% off top deals

• Southwest Airlines: 20% off online booking

• Target: Extra 25% off your eligible order with code

• Tractor Supply Company: 10% off your online purchase

• Ulta: $3 off sitewide on orders of $25+

• Walmart: 20% off sitewide

• Woot!: 5% cash back for sitewide purchases

SAVE $131.99: As of Aug. 27, the Sony ULT Field 5 Bluetooth speaker is on sale for only $198 at Amazon. That's a savings of 40% and its best price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony ULT Field 5 $198 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $131.99 Get Deal

Looking for a rugged and powerful speaker that won't cost you an arm and a leg? Sony's bass-heavy ULT Field 5 is under $200 for only the second time ever.

As of Aug. 27, the Sony ULT Field 5 is on sale for just $198 at Amazon, down from the usual $329.99. That's a savings of 40% or $131.99, which matches its best-ever price on record from Prime Day. Considering the speaker has only been on shelves for four months, that's a pretty outrageous discount.

The ULT Field 5 is a totally waterproof, dust-proof, and rust-proof Bluetooth speaker with an IP67 certification. It can stand vertically or lay horizontally to pump out sound from all directions. It's a little on the hefty side at 7.3 pounds, making it "better for more stationary uses like house parties," Mashable's Deputy Reviews Editor Miller Kern writes. But it does come with a shoulder strap to make transporting it easier.

We haven't had a chance to do full hands-on testing with the ULT Field 5, but Kern tested the ULT Field 1 and ULT Field 3 and was highly impressed. The entire lineup was designed for bass heads, with a "ULT" setting that boosts bass for deeper and richer sound. Compared to its smaller siblings, the Field 5 has a slightly longer battery life (25 hours vs. 24), more customizable audio, more output, deeper bass, and fun party lights. Based on the impressive sound of the two ULT Field speakers we have tested, we don't think you'll be disappointed. For what it's worth, our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) dubbed it "excellent" — and that was at full price. For under $200, it's definitely a steal.

SAVE $300.99: The Eufy Robot Vacuum 3-in-1 E20 is on sale for just $349 as part of an Aug. 27 Lightning Deal on Amazon. That's 46% off its $649.99 MSRP, which is its biggest discount ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy Robot Vacuum 3-in-1 E20 $349 at Amazon
$649.99 Save $300.99 Shop Now

Can't decide between a robot vacuum and a stick vacuum? You don't necessarily have to, per Mashable's Leah Stodart, who endorses the Eufy Robot Vacuum 3-in-1 E20: It's a newer self-emptying, smart mapping robovac that can turn into a manual stick vacuum (or a handheld vacuum) in seconds.

The E20 is "the convertible vacuum I've always wanted," writes Stodart, who's tested some of the best robot vacuums over the past six years. It offers powerful suction in all of its modes, and it can navigate between different rooms without getting stuck on or under obstacles. (Its versatile design makes it especially great for apartments and other small spaces.) Better yet, Stodart adds, the E20 is "way less expensive than you think."

Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

While the E20 typically retails for $649.99 (a pretty fair price, all things considered), it frequently goes on sale for much less. At the time of writing, Amazon had it marked down to just $349 as part of a Lightning Deal. At 46% off, it's never been so cheap before. (According to the Amazon price-tracking site CamelCamelCamel, this beats its previous all-time low by $30.)

For some added context, Amazon's Lightning Deals are flash offers that stick around for a short period of time in limited quantities. The E20's deal was 0% claimed the last time I checked, so there are still plenty of units up for grabs, but I doubt it'll linger for more than 24 hours.

I'll also note that E20 is slated to be featured as a limited-time "Drop" in Best Buy's app tomorrow (Aug. 28), which will likely involve a substantial discount on it. However, I think it'll be difficult (if not impossible) for Best Buy to one-up Amazon's offer. If that somehow happens, I'm a big proponent of returning something to rebuy it elsewhere at the lower price.

SAVE $100.01: As of Aug. 27, get the Bluetti Solar Generator Elite 30 V2 for $198.99, down from its usual price of $299. That's a discount of 33% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bluetti Solar Generator Elite 30 V2 $198.99 at Amazon
$299 Save $100.01 Get Deal

If you find yourself heading out on a lot of camping trips or want an easy way to have electricity when an emergency strikes, a portable power station is a must. It's the simplest way to make sure you can charge your phone or other devices in a pinch, whether you're going off-grid or weathering a storm. And you can get one of Bluetti's most portable options with the first price drop we've seen at Amazon today.

As of Aug. 27, get the Bluetti Solar Generator Elite 30 V2 at Amazon for $198.99, down from its usual price of $299. That's $100.01 off for a discount of 33%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: Forget dead batteries — these Bluetti power stations are game-changers for the outdoors and power outages

This super lightweight portable power station weighs just under 10 lbs and features a 600W AC inverter with a 288Wh LiFePO4 battery. It supports eight different charging methods, including solar power and car fast charging, which can juice it back up to 100% from zero in 70 minutes — so if you need power in a pinch, it has your back.

It offers nine outlets as well as 1500W power lifting, so you can charge more than just your phone or other smaller electronics: it can handle kettles, toasters, and other appliances to make everyday life a little easier even if you don't have power. Plus, its small size makes it much more manageable to tote around in your car, or from campsite to your next destination.

If you want to be prepared for all power-related eventualities while you're out and about or in the eye of the storm, this is a great brand, and an even better deal to scoop up while you can.

SAVE $30: As of Aug. 27, the Kindle Kids is down to just $99.99 at Amazon from $129.99. That's 23% in savings and just $5 away from its record-low price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Kids $99.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal

The newly released Kindle Colorsoft Kids just got its first discount ever. But even on sale for $30 off, it's a hard price to justify for an e-reader for kids — especially since the basic Kindle Kids is on sale for under $100.

As of Aug. 27, you can grab the Kindle Kids on sale at Amazon for only $99.99. That's $30 (or 23%) in savings, and only $5 away from its best price ever. For what it's worth, it's also $140 cheaper than the Colorsoft Kids.

SEE ALSO: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day is live — find 100+ books for free or under $1

The 2024 Kindle Kids is a lightweight and compact reading device, featuring a six-inch, glare-free 300 ppi display that's 25 percent brighter than its predecessor. It offers adjustable front light and dark mode for effortless reading in any light, 16GB of storage to hold thousands of books, and a battery that can last up to six weeks per charge. Its one downfall is that it's not waterproof (like our favorite e-reader for kids, the Paperwhite Kids). However, the protective case and Amazon's two-year worry-free guarantee offer a little peace of mind on that front. If it breaks, they'll replace it for free.

What we really love about the Kindle Kids is that it's a distraction-free device that doesn't break the bank. It doesn't have ads, notifications, or the temptation of games and videos. It's packed only with kid-friendly books, making it screen time you can feel good about. With built-in parental controls and a six-month free subscription to Amazon Kids+, this compact e-reader can help kiddos build healthy reading habits and (finally) get off of YouTube.

Google announced Wednesday a bit of good news for Workspace users: Vids, a video-editing tool, will be made free for all users. Previously, it was a paid add-on. Not everything from Vids is free, however. If you want all the new AI-powered bells and whistles, you'll still need to pay up.

You might not have previously heard of Vids — after all, it was a paid add-on — but Google says it has 1 million monthly active users. Now that it's free to all Workspace users, it'll likely prove helpful to have a video editor that's directly integrated with Google Drive. That should streamline work for lots of folks.

You'd be forgiven if all the different Google video tools proved confusing. To clear things up: There's Google Flow, an AI-powered generative tool aimed at cinematic users. There is, of course, Vids, a work-focused video tool that now has AI features via Gemini. And there's Google Veo 3, which is the model that powers all of Google's AI video tools.

But while it is news that Workspaces users now get free access to Vids, the real news — as in, new features — lies primarily with the addition of those AI offerings for business, enterprise, and paid AI plans only.

So...what are those AI features?

Google Vids new AI features

The grabbiest new AI feature in Vids is the ability to convert images into short, 8-second videos with sound.

"This means you can upload a product shot, or company stock photography, and use a text prompt to create animated video clips with native audio that are aligned with your brand," Google wrote in a blog post.

The other major addition is the addition of AI avatars. At first glance that might not seem super useful for Workspace users, who are primarily using the service for, well, work. But Google noted users can upload a script then have an avatar deliver the message, which could prove helpful for last-minute training videos or demos.

The final major AI-powered upgrade is a tool that'll clean up transcriptions. As a journalist who conducts video interviews, I can attest to how helpful that would prove. The idea is that the AI-powered feature will cut fillers words like "umm" or awkward pauses. Recording a video should take way fewer takes if your editor automatically cuts out the filler.

Anything and everything is integrating AI these days and it tracks that Vids would get such upgrades. Hopefully it makes the workday a bit easier for a few folks.

SAVE OVER $300: As of Aug. 27, the Eufy C20 Omni robot vacuum and mop combo is discounted exclusively for Prime members to $398.99 at Amazon. That marks a return to its lowest-ever price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy C20 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop $398.99 at Amazon
$699.99 Save $301 Get Deal

Labor Day sales have kicked off, and alongside Back to School deals, there are so many excellent discounts to consider right now.

Robot vacuums have seen some nice price drops, which is good news if you're looking for a little cleaning help before heading into the cooler months. This includes the Eufy C20 Omni robot vacuum and mop combo, which is back down to its lowest-ever price at Amazon in an exclusive offer for Prime members.

SEE ALSO: I've tested 25+ robot vacuums. Here are 6 I'd actually recommend buying in 2025.

While the Eufy C20 Omni robot vacuum and mop combo is usually listed for $699.99, it's currently available for $398.99. That saves you $301 on list price. If it has caught your eye, now is a great time to get it while it's back at its lowest-ever price.

The Eufy C20 Omni can vacuum up any dust or debris on your floors thanks to its 7,000 Pa suction, rolling brush, and side brush. As for mopping, it boasts 180 rotations per minute and 6N of pressure to help get rid of any stains on your floors. It even has a slim design that can fit in smaller spaces, like underneath furniture, so you can get a deep clean all around the house.

Score the Eufy C20 Omni robot vacuum and mop combo at its lowest-ever price right now. And if you're looking for alternative robot vacuum deals at Amazon during Labor Day sales, you can also get the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 robot vacuum at its lowest-ever price.

SAVE OVER $10: As of Aug. 27, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus is on sale for $29 at Amazon. That's down from its regular $39.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Streaming Stick 4K $29 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $10.99 Get Deal

If your current TV experience feels a little dated, here’s a way to upgrade without splashing out on something serious.

The Roku Streaming Stick Plus for 2025 is an easy plug-and-play device that promises to turn any television with an HDMI port into a smart TV with access to all the major apps — Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and plenty more. It’s also packed with free films, series, and live TV channels if you want to explore without committing to subscriptions.

Normally $39.99, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus is 27% off at Amazon right now — get it for $29 for a limited time.

SEE ALSO: Samsung's 55-Inch QLED Q8F 4K TV is down to its best-ever price at Amazon

Supporting 4K Ultra HD and HDR, the Stick Plus delivers sharper visuals, brighter colours, and improved contrast across a wide range of content. For the price, it looks like an impressive step up from standard HD streaming.

The design is intentionally discreet, too. As it slots neatly into the back of your television, the Roku stick won’t block nearby HDMI ports, and cleverly powers straight from the TV itself — no need for a wall outlet or extra cables. Less clutter, more convenience.

Roku also offers streamlined control. The included voice remote not only manages playback but can also turn your TV on and adjust volume. You just simply press a button and ask to find a film or show, and it’ll get you there faster than scrolling through endless menus.

Portability rounds out the package. If you’re heading away for a few days, for example, just pack the Stick Plus and you’ll have your favourite apps and subscriptions — ready to go and watch Peacemaker Season 2 or binge King of the Hill on any compatible screen.

For just $29, this deal makes for one of the easiest, most affordable streaming upgrades around. 

If you’re keen to refresh the rest of your setup without overspending, have a look at our guide to the best budget TVs of 2025. And for anyone dreaming of a truly cinematic home experience, we’ve also rounded up the top 65-inch and larger TVs designed to shine in both bright and low-light spaces.

SAVE OVER $10: As of Aug. 27, the Pokémon TCG Surging Sparks Booster Bundle is $35.99 at TCGPlayer, compared to $47.68 at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Surging Sparks Booster Bundle $35.99 at TCGPlayer
$47.68 Save $11.69 Shop Now

Surging Sparks officially released on Nov. 8, 2024, and I’ve been cracking packs from the set since launch. Right now the Booster Bundle is one of the cheapest ways to grab sealed product. Amazon has it sitting at $47.68, but TCGPlayer is selling the same bundle for just $35.99. Saving almost $12 on six packs feels like a no-brainer if you want more shots at the new cards.

I checked the math and TCGPlayer makes each pack about $6, compared to nearly $8 on Amazon. That difference adds up quickly if you plan on buying more than one bundle or splitting packs with friends.

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

The Booster Bundle is simple: six Surging Sparks booster packs in a box. No dice, no sleeves, nothing extra. Honestly, I like that. I already have plenty of accessories from Elite Trainer Boxes, so I’d rather put the money straight into more packs to open.

This set has been a lot of fun. Surging Sparks brings a tropical and electric vibe with Tera Pokémon ex dominating the most valuable cards. Pikachu ex is the big chase, but I’ve also enjoyed seeing Tatsugiri ex and Alolan Exeggutor ex pop up in my pulls. The artwork is colorful and sharp, and it really feels like a follow-up to Stellar Crown in both theme and mechanics.

If you’re collecting, grabbing a bundle now locks in packs before the singles market starts pushing sealed prices higher. If you’re playing, six packs is enough to add some fresh cards to your deck without blowing your budget. At under $36, this is one of the better early deals on Surging Sparks, and I’m glad I picked one up.

Most valuable Black Bolt and White Flare Pokémon cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

I’ve been keeping an eye on the singles market too, and some cards are still holding serious value. Pikachu ex is the obvious headliner, but several other Special Illustration Rares and Hyper Rares are pulling strong numbers. Here's what is commanding the most right now:

• Pikachu ex - 238/191 (SIR)
  Near Mint Holofoil: $296.07
  Market price: $258.42
  Value at launch: $305.50

• Latias ex - 239/191 (SIR)
  Near Mint Holofoil: $160
  Market price: $165.18
  Value at launch: $185.96

• Milotic ex - 237/191 (SIR)
  Near Mint Holofoil: $89
  Market price: $88.82
  Value at launch: $84.25

• Pikachu ex - 247/191 (Hyper Rare)
  Near Mint Holofoil: $51.17
  Market price: $88.82
  Value at launch: $84.25

• Hydreigon ex - 240/191 (SIR)
  Near Mint Holofoil: $42.99
  Market price: $43.11
  Value at launch: $93.36

SAVE $100: As of Aug. 27, the Samsung 55-Inch QLED Q8F 4K TV is on sale for $647.99 at Amazon. This marks its lowest-ever price at the retailer.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 55-Inch Class QLED Q8F 4K UHD Smart TV (2025 Model) $647.99 at Amazon
$747.99 Save $100 Get Deal

With fall around the corner, new sale events are kicking off. Right now that means Labor Day sales, and Amazon has plenty to offer in their sale event, including some excellent discounts on TVs. This deal on the Samsung 55-Inch QLED Q8F 4K TV is one that has caught our eye, as it's currently down to its lowest-ever price.

The Samsung 55-Inch QLED Q8F 4K TV is on sale right now for $647.99. This is a 13% discount from its list price of $747.99, saving you $100. Considering it's down to its best price to date, there's no better time than now to grab it.

SEE ALSO: The massive 100-inch Hisense U8 Mini-LED TV is down to a record-low price at Amazon

Boasting 4K resolution and a QLED display, this 55-inch Samsung TV brings your favorite shows, movies, and games to life in vibrant color with crisp quality that allows you to see every little detail on screen. And what you're watching will come across smooth as well thanks to 4K 144Hz. On top of that, its slim design fits nicely into a living area and as a smart TV, it can keep all of your favorite streaming apps in one place.

This limited-time deal may not last long, so be quick to save on the Samsung 55-Inch QLED Q8F 4K TV right now at Amazon. And if you're looking for an even bigger TV, you can even score the 77-inch LG C5 OLED TV at a discount right now at Amazon, too.

If you told me 10 years ago that Sony would publish one of its own games on Xbox, I’d have laughed you out of the room. But here we are: Helldivers 2, a game I never thought I’d see running on Xbox hardware, is now live on Series X and Series S.

The launch took place on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, with a Standard Edition for $39.99 and a Super Citizen Edition for $59.99. The rollout was global (1 a.m. PT / 4 a.m. ET / 9 a.m. BST) and while there was no preload (so yes, I sat staring at my download bar), it only takes up about 35GB.

Cross-play means I can finally squad up with my Xbox friends while still playing on PS5 or PC. The only catch is no cross-progression, so my hard-earned unlocks don’t follow me across platforms. Still, the fact that I can even say “I’m diving with Xbox players tonight” feels wild.

SEE ALSO: 'Gears of War: Reloaded' comes to PS5: Release date and price info

This isn’t just a port, it’s history. Helldivers 2 is published by Sony Interactive Entertainment itself, which makes this the first time PlayStation has voluntarily put one of its own first-party live-service games on Xbox.

That’s what really gets me. MLB The Show doesn’t count; Sony was forced to share that franchise by Major League Baseball. But here? Sony made the choice. No outside pressure, no licensing demands, just a straight-up decision to let Xbox players in.

Shams Jorjani, Arrowhead’s CEO even called it “one of the coolest things Sony has ever done” via a fan conversation on Discord, and I kind of agree. As someone who grew up on the “console war” mindset, it’s strange but refreshing to see PlayStation and Xbox communities finally sharing the same battlefield.

Of course, Xbox didn’t just get the game, it got the fan service. The Helldivers 2 × Halo: ODST Legendary Warbond launched alongside the port, adding ODST-style armor, the classic MA5C Assault Rifle, and the Magnum for about $15. It’s both hilarious and fitting: a PlayStation-published game, launching on Xbox, with Halo gear as a bonus. I couldn’t have scripted a better timeline glitch.

Performance-wise, the Xbox build holds up. Series X offers 4K at ~30 FPS in Quality Mode or ~60 FPS at 1080p in Performance Mode. On Series S, Performance Mode sticks close to a steady 60 FPS at 1080p. In short, it plays great where it matters most: when you’re knee-deep in bugs and frantically trying not to blow up your own squad.

A player surge worth noting

On launch day, Helldivers 2 pulled over 200,000 players across all platforms. Steam alone spiked at more than 114,000 concurrent players, its highest since June. Community estimates push the total even higher, with some fans claiming 300,000–350,000 concurrent players across platforms (Steam Community).

I don’t think that’s just coincidence. Sure, the Halo crossover helped, but before the Xbox launch, player counts hovered around 50,000–60,000. This was a massive jolt of life for the game. It didn’t top the all-time peak of 458,709 concurrent players from February 2024, but it felt like a comeback tour.

Why this matters

I remember when Helldivers 2 first launched on PS5 and PC in early 2024. It was the little co-op shooter that could — chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly addictive. It went on to sell over 12 million copies in its first 12 weeks, which is bonkers for a niche-sounding title about “managed democracy.”

Now, seeing it land on Xbox feels different. It’s not just about more people playing a good game. It’s about watching Sony, the company that built its empire on exclusivity, break its own unwritten rule. To me, it signals a future where the “console war” matters less than keeping communities alive across platforms.

So yeah, democracy really is spreading. Helldivers 2 is out now on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Standard Edition is $39.99, Super Citizen Edition is $59.99, and the ODST Warbond is $15. If you’d told 2015-me that PlayStation would bring its own game to Xbox in 2025, I’d have called it impossible. Now? I just call it progress.

Where to buy 'Helldivers 2' 'Helldivers 2' on Xbox Series X|S $39.99 Shop Now 'Helldivers 2' on PlayStation 5 $31.99 (save $8) Shop Now 'Helldivers 2' on PC $39.99 Shop Now

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. 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 What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for August 4 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Drinks at a diner

• Green: Banking features

• Blue: Seen on a questionnaire

• Purple: Found on a casino game

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Restaurant water options

• Green: ATM options

• Blue: Binary question options

• Purple: Roulette options

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #809 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Restaurant water options: BOTTLED, SPARKLING, STILL, TAP

• ATM options: CHECKING, DEPOSIT, SAVINGS, WITHDRAWAL

• Binary question options: FALSE, NO, TRUE, YES

• Roulette options: BLACK, EVEN, ODD, RED

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 27, 2025

Are you also playing NYT Strands?

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferrined pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Go with the flow

The words are environment-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are types of water areas.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Bodies of Water.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for August 27

• Pond

• Harbor

• Ocean

• Bodies of Water

• Lake

• Lagoon

• Swamp

• Bayou

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Strands.