Blogroll

In the third episode of Alien: Earth, newly awakened after decades of cryosleep, cyborg Morrow (Babou Ceesay) announces, "I don’t have a home. I'm gone a lifetime. Everyone I know is dead." He tells this to Yutani (Sandra Yi Sencindiver), his dead boss' granddaughter and the current head of the Alien franchise's evil mega-corporation, Weyland-Yutani.

Morrow is the lone survivor of the USCSS Maginot, Weyland-Yutani’s deep-space research vessel that departed Earth in 2055, only to crash-land there 65 years later, in 2120, when Alien: Earth is set. That timeline is not a problem in the Alien franchise's lore of decades-long space travel, e.g., between the events of Alien and Aliens, Sigourney Weaver's Ellen Ripley snoozed in an escape pod for 57 years.

SEE ALSO: 'Alien: Earth': What are the 5 corporations that control Earth?

But for viewers who believe or hope Alien: Earth is canon to all of the Alien films (except the Alien v. Predator spinoffs, which are generally not considered canon), we’ve encountered some turbulence.

What’s the issue? That's a Weyland Corporation ship in "Prometheus" — not a Weyland-Yutani ship. Credit: Scott Free Prod/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

Prometheus, the first Alien film in the series' timeline, mainly takes place in 2093. The Prometheus is also a deep-space research vessel, but one funded by the Weyland Corporation — not Weyland-Yutani — and containing a crew that includes the company's founder, Peter Weyland (Guy Pearce), and his daughter, Meredith Vickers (Charlize Theron). At that point in time, Weyland Corp. had not yet merged with the mysterious Yutani Corp.

The Prometheus sequel, Alien: Covenant, is set in 2104, by which time Weyland and Yutani have joined forces as a new company, and they're funding the Covenant colonization mission. If that still holds true, why was the Maginot — which, again, launched in 2055 — branded as a Weyland-Yutani ship since it took off half a century before Weyland and Yutani merged?

Featured Video For You How 'Alien: Earth' pulls you into the world of 'Alien' in its opening scene Why does it matter? Morrow (Babou Ceesay) works for Weyland-Yutani. But they're not called that yet? Credit: Patrick Brown / FX

If Alien: Earth suggests Weyland-Yutani was in existence in 2055, it would be hard to square that with the events of the 2090s-set Prometheus — where Yutani is not mentioned and Weyland Corp. exists as a solo enterprise — and Alien: Covenant, which is a direct sequel to Prometheus. It would also conflict with certain plot points in Alien: Romulus, a 2130s-set midquel that references the Prometheus mission by name.

In other words, having Weyland-Yutani exist in a different timeline than the films may be series creator Noah Hawley’s way of saying his show operates in a slightly different universe than the films. That’s something Hawley has hinted at, but never stated definitively.

And if it does exist separately, does that mean Alien: Earth will not acknowledge subjects explored in the more modern Alien movies, like the Engineers and their mutagenic black goo? It's hard to say, especially since a dissected facehugger in Alien: Earth contains black organs and both black and green blood.

Some possible (if far-fetched) scenarios to square the W-Y discrepancy

So, how could the Weyland-Yutani of it all be explained? Let's play out a few scenarios:

1. The Maginot departed Earth as a Yutani operation and spaceship, but at some point post-merger was rebranded as a W-Y vessel to reflect the new company, possibly at a refueling stop or W-Y space station.

2. The Maginot was a joint operation between Weyland and Yutani corporations, but the companies wouldn’t officially merge until much later.

3. Weyland-Yutani had already merged by 2055, but severed ties before the events of Prometheus (maybe Yutani didn’t support a crazy expensive mission to find ancient aliens?), only to again join forces later.

Aside from continuity complications, the fact that the original Yutani was chasing — or stumbled upon — alien creatures decades before the events of Alien is a fascinating concept. The films, at least the ones made this century, center Weyland as the driving force of Weyland-Yutani’s dangerous alien ambitions, while the TV series suggests it’s actually the Yutani side steering the (space)ship. Alternatively, perhaps Hawley will thread the needle and present a scenario where everything lines up and the original Weyland and Yutani characters were informing each other’s disastrous decisions. We shall see — unlike Xenomorphs, franchises are often imperfect organisms. 

Alien: Earth episodes drop weekly on Hulu and FX at 8 p.m. E.T. on Tuesdays.

Jackery portable power stations on sale now Best portable power station deal Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 $448.99 (Save $350.01) Get Deal Best budget portable power station deal Jackery Explorer 300 $169 (Save $90) Get Deal Best solar-powered portable power station deal Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 $1,399 (Save $1,100) Get Deal

Emergencies can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. One of the smartest things you can do is stay prepared for any eventuality, especially if your access to electricity is affected. One good way to make sure you're good to go is by picking up a portable power station. Whether you want one as a backup for important devices and appliances in your home, or you need a way to stay powered up while you're going off-grid, it's a good piece of tech to invest in.

SEE ALSO: Anker's latest portable power station charges to 100% in less than an hour: Preorder now

One of the better-known names in the portable power station game right now is Jackery. Their stations are compact, easy to carry, and typically built for both everyday and emergency use. Right now, you can find several of them on sale, so whether you need something smaller that's easy to pack or a higher-capacity station with the potential for solar power charging, you can find a unit to save some money on. We've gathered a few of our favorite picks below.

Best portable power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 $448.99 at Amazon
$799 Save $350.01 Get Deal Why we like it

This Jackery model is a great pick for just about any use case, with a 1,5000W AC output and 3,000W surge, so you can use it for situations where you need to power multiple appliances. That includes fridges, AC units, kettles, toasters, or just about anything else in your tech stack. At just 23.8lbs, it's lightweight enough to carry wherever you go, and it has a foldable handle that you can pick it up and tote it around if you need electricity on the go — perhaps on a camping trip, vacation off the grid, or other adventures. And with about only 1.7 hours needed to juice up from 0 to 100%, it's quick and reliable, so you can charge from USB-C to USB-C and AC outlet-centric devices in a flash.

Best budget portable power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Jackery Explorer 300 $169 at Amazon
$259 Save $90 Get Deal Why we like it

This lightweight power station is a performer that's built to move, and it's the most affordable option that's on sale right now. It's just 7.1 pounds, which not only makes it the best one to choose if you want to take it with you anywhere (or perhaps keep in your car). It takes about two hours to charge up to 80% when depleted, and you can even charge it from a car outlet or AC adapter while on the road. If you have a compatible Jackery SolarSaga 100 solar panel, you can even juice it up with the sun if need be. With multiple charging ports including USB-C, USB-A, DC, and fast charging, you can make sure all your important devices are ready to go.

Best solar-powered portable power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 $1,399 at Amazon
$2,499 Save $1,100 Get Deal Why we like it

If you want to stay on the move while keeping your electric devices and appliances charges, a good way to stay prepared is with solar panels. This power station has a powerful 2,200W output and 2042Wh capacity. The device itself is just 39.5 lbs, which is much lighter and smaller than most of the solar-based competitors' devices, and it's easily charged up to 80% in just 66 minutes with AC charging if you aren't relying on sunlight. The app-based Emergency Super Charging mode will net you a full charge in 102 minutes, however. It can stay in silent charging mode that will also get it back up to speed in six hours for 400W panels, so you can go about your business in the meantime. It also has an uninterrupted power supply that can keep your things running.

SAVE $126: As of Aug. 21, the Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones are down to just $273.99 at Amazon. That's 32% off the usual sticker price.

The Sony WH-1000XM6s have officially surpassed the previous-generation XM5s in the race for best-sounding headphones. But honestly, they aren't all that different. And if you opt for the older generation, you can save over $150.

As of Aug. 21, the Sony WH-100XM5 noise-cancelling headphones in black are on sale for $273.99 at Amazon. That's 32% or $126 off the typical retail price of $399.99 and just a little over $20 shy of their lowest price on record. Unfortunately, if you prefer one of the other three color options, the price jumps to $328.

Deputy Reviews Editor Miller Kern gave the XM5s a nearly perfect rating, crediting their impeccable sound quality, great noise cancellation, and customizable sound. On top of that, they also pack a 30-hour battery life, crisp call clarity, voice assistant support comfy ear cushions, and an ambient mode that helps you stay in touch with your surroundings.

For what it's worth, the newer XM6 headphones are currently $428, which is quite the price jump for only a minor upgrade. Mashable contributor Alex Bracetti writes, "Very few things separate these two models, besides the big price difference. What we know for sure is that the WH-1000XM5s retain many series hallmarks, including ANC, battery life, sound, and special features."

The biggest downfall of the XM5s is that they don't fold up like the newer generation. If that's not a deal-breaker for you, though, we highly recommend snagging the XM5s while they're on sale for just $273.99.

Pokémon Elite Trainer Boxes are always a hot buy. With booster packs, promo cards, dice, sleeves, and a sturdy box to store your collection, they are one of the best ways to experience a new set. The catch is that Amazon often inflates prices well above MSRP.

That is why TCGPlayer is the smarter stop right now.

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

Across four different Scarlet & Violet ETBs, TCGPlayer prices stick much closer to the $49.99 to $59.99 range these were designed to retail at, while Amazon’s listings sit 12 to 14% higher. Let’s break down each deal and the big chase cards you might pull from each set. Just remember that these chase cards are extremely tough to pull, and in many cases it may work out cheaper to buy the single card you want rather than relying on luck with booster packs.

Pokémon TCG Black Bolt ETB Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Black Bolt ETB $80.95 at TCGPlayer
$98.39 Save $17.44 Get Deal

The Black Bolt ETB includes nine Scarlet & Violet booster packs, a full-art Thundurus promo (209) exclusive to the box, 65 themed card sleeves, dice, condition markers, and a collector’s box with dividers.

• Victini - 171/086 (Black White Rare) — $439.99

• Zekrom ex - 172/086 (Black White Rare) — $380

• Zekrom ex - 166/086 (Special Illustration Rare) — $200

• Seismitoad - 105/086 (Illustration Rare) — $175

• Kyurem ex - 165/086 (Special Illustration Rare) — $65

Black Bolt is anchored by massive chase cards like Victini and Zekrom, which dominate the market with values soaring past $300. For collectors, landing one of these iconic Legendaries could easily pay for several ETBs in one lucky pull.

The reality is that most players will not hit those grails, which is why many collectors opt to simply buy singles like Seismitoad or Kyurem ex rather than rip packs. Still, if you are in it for the thrill of opening and the chance of a jackpot, Black Bolt has some of the highest upside.

Pokémon TCG White Flare ETB Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG White Flare ETB $81.99 at TCGPlayer
$97.38 Save $15.39 Get Deal

White Flare ETB includes nine booster packs, a full-art Tornadus promo (210), 65 card sleeves, a set of dice, condition markers, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live.

• Victini - 172/086 (Black White Rare) — $448.95

• Reshiram ex - 173/086 (Black White Rare) — $399.99

• Reshiram ex - 166/086 (Special Illustration Rare) — $190

• Hydreigon ex - 169/086 (Special Illustration Rare) — $81.66

• Hilda - 171/086 (Special Illustration Rare) — $82.67

White Flare’s two biggest pulls, Victini and Reshiram, are marquee Legendaries that sit comfortably at the top of the market. Either card could easily turn a single ETB into a high-value opening.

That said, the odds of hitting one are slim, which is why many collectors prefer to pick up singles like Hydreigon ex or Hilda directly. White Flare is a set that rewards the lucky, but if you know the card you want, singles are often the smarter path.

Pokémon TCG Destined Rivals ETB Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Destined Rivals ETB $93.99 at TCGPlayer
$107.49 Save $13.50 Get Deal

Destined Rivals ETB is themed around iconic rivalries and trainer Pokémon partnerships. Inside are nine booster packs, a full-art Team Rocket’s Wobbuffet promo (203), 65 sleeves, dice, markers, and some of the coolest box artwork i've seen for a while.

• Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex - 231/182 (Special Illustration Rare) — $321

• Cynthia's Garchomp ex - 232/182 (Special Illustration Rare) — $200.28

• Team Rocket's Moltres ex - 229/182 (Special Illustration Rare) — $160

• Ethan's Ho-Oh ex - 230/182 (Special Illustration Rare) — $150

• Team Rocket's Nidoking ex - 233/182 (Special Illustration Rare) — $99.49

Mewtwo ex from Team Rocket is the undisputed chase card here, commanding values over $300. Cynthia’s Garchomp and Ethan’s Ho-Oh add depth, appealing to both collectors of character-driven artwork and competitive deck builders.

As with all sets, these cards are incredibly hard to pull. While the thrill of possibly landing Mewtwo ex is real, most collectors will find it more cost effective to buy singles like Moltres or Nidoking outright rather than gamble on booster packs.

Pokémon TCG Twilight Masquerade ETB Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Twilight Masquerade ETB $80.95 at TCGPlayer
$98.39 Save $17.44 Get Deal

Twilight Masquerade ETB is one of the most stylish boxes in the Scarlet & Violet era, featuring a full-art Teal Mask Ogerpon promo (123). Alongside nine booster packs, you will get 65 themed sleeves, dice, counters, and a collector’s box that mirrors the mask motif.

• Greninja ex - 214/167 (Special Illustration Rare) — $275

• Perrin - 220/167 (Special Illustration Rare) — $91.81

• Carmine - 217/167 (Special Illustration Rare) — $69

• Eevee - 188/167 (Illustration Rare) — $52

• Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex - 216/167 (Special Illustration Rare) — $37.99

Greninja ex is the major chase here, fetching upwards of $275 thanks to stunning artwork and its popularity as a fan-favorite Pokémon. Perrin and Carmine provide strong trainer representation, both with high market demand.

But again, these cards are exceptionally rare pulls. For most collectors, buying Greninja ex directly is far more realistic than hoping to find it in one of nine booster packs. The ETB is still worthwhile for the promo and accessories, but singles remain the more reliable investment.

SAVE $21.99: As of August 21, get the recently released Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones for $428, saving $21.99 for 5% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones $428 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $21.99 Get Deal

We're not one to be excited by deals that are just $20 off for 5% savings, but that changes in context of new releases. The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones just dropped in May of 2025, to much acclaim. Having dropped so recently, we don't expect to see massive savings. During Prime Day, the Sony WH-1000XM6 got their first discount down to $428, and as of August 21, the deal is back.

Right now, you can grab the Sony WH-1000XM6 for $428. That saves $21.99 for 5% savings. While it isn't the biggest savings or the best deal on Sony headphones right now, it is still the best price on the new on the WH-1000XM6.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 brought some much needed upgrades to their predecessors the XM5s. On the XM6s, we finally got foldable ear cups for a better travel experience. Plus the sound is nearly the best we've experience with a pair of over-the-ear headphones. If you already have the XM5s, it might not be worth the upgrade, but if you're looking for the best sound available, this is what Sony has to offer.

Grab the Sony WH-1000XM6 for $428 at Amazon now.

Following The Marvels, director Nia DaCosta reunites with her Little Woods leading lady Tessa Thompson for Hedda. And it looks like this reunion is going to be totally swoon-worthy.

DaCosta serves as writer and helmed on Hedda, a daring re-invention of Henrik Ibsen's 1890 play Hedda Gabler. Thompson stars as the eponymous heroine, a married socialite who seems to have it all. But when a former flame reappears, she's forced to confront both her past and present in a deliciously dramatic fashion.

As the logline of the film reads, "Over the course of one charged night, long-repressed desires and hidden tensions erupt—pulling her and everyone around her into a spiral of manipulation, passion, and betrayal."

One noticeable difference between Hedda and Hedda Gabler is that DaCosta has flipped the gender of Hedda's ex. In Ibsen's play, Eilert Lövborg is a man. In Hedda, Eileen Lövborg is all woman, played by Nina Hoss (Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World).

From the teaser, it's clear she and Thompson have chemistry. The first audiences to get to see this romance in full will be at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) next month. Stay tuned to Mashable, where we'll be running reviews, reactions, and more out of the fest.

Following Hedda's TIFF premiere, the movie will open in select theaters on Oct. 22, then debut globally on Prime Video on Oct. 29.

This fall, Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell invite viewers on a A Big Bold Beautiful Journey through time and space. Who are we to say no?

Directed by Kogonada, who's previously collaborated with Farrell on After Yang, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey promises to be a romance of epic proportions. Robbie and Farrell play Sarah and David, two strangers who meet at a mutual friend's wedding. Both are single, but for different reasons. David thinks he just hasn't met The One yet, but Sarah believes she's "meant to be alone." (Who else bets they'll change their minds by the end of the film?)

On a scenic drive, the pair stumbles upon an unusual sight: a red door in the middle of the woods.

Upon opening it, they find themselves reliving key moments from their respective pasts, including high school performances and deep conversations with their parents. Through these peeks into their own pasts, Sarah and David gain a better understanding of their present — and of each other. And maybe, just maybe, they'll be able to take what they learn from this journey and use it to change their futures.

A Big Bold Beautiful Journey was written by Seth Reiss, who co-wrote The Menu with Will Tracy. While that film served up culinary scares, Reiss goes in a wildly different direction here, opting for magical realism and sweeping romance. Get a glimpse of Sarah and David's journey (and Robbie and Farrell's sweet chemistry) in the full trailer above.

Kevin Kline and and Phoebe Waller-Bridge co-star.

A Big Beautiful Journey opens exclusiverly in theaters Sept. 19.

SAVE 20%: A $50 Adidas e-gift card is on sale at Adidas for only $40. That's a 20% discount that saves $10 per $50 gift card.

Opens in a new window Credit: Adidas $50 Adidas e-gift card $40 at Adidas
$50 Save $10 Get Deal

Fall and back to school season is the perfect time for a closet refresh. Those running shoes have probably seen enough miles, and who couldn't use a new cozy sweatshirt for cooler weather? For decades, Adidas has been a one-stop retailer for a closet refresh and if you're a fan of the brand, there's a great deal in store today.

Until Aug. 27 at 11:59p.m. PT, a $50 Adidas e-gift card is on sale at Adidas for just $40. That boils down a free $10, taking 20% off the standard gift card price. Adidas has set a limit of five gift cards per transaction, which means you can get $250 worth of Adidas e-gift cards for $200.

SEE ALSO: We tested the top fitness trackers of 2025: See our favorite wearables and smart rings

This deal also applies to e-gift cards sent to another recipient other than yourself as well as physical gift cards. Adidas offers e-gifts sent to recipient other than yourself to be scheduled for later delivery which means you could snag $50 Adidas gift cards for your entire holiday shopping list and scheudle them for December delivery.

The e-gift cards will land in your email inbox two hours after your purchase. After that, you can apply the gift card to a purchase from adidas.com to snag new shoes, socks, workout clothes, and even get ready for chilly winter weather with a new puffer coat.

If you're a fan of Adidas gear, this is a great deal to jump since it's essentially free money. You'll spend just $40 for each $50 gift card you buy. In this economy, free is hard to come by so jump on this offer before it expires on Aug. 27.

2025 has been the year of The Pitt.

HBO Max's Noah Wyle-led medical drama captivated audiences from week to week with its gripping real-time structure. It went on to pick up 13 Emmy nominations, and on Aug. 20, it swept the Television Critics Association Awards, winning Program of the Year, Outstanding Achievement in Drama, Outstanding New Program, and Individual Achievement in Drama, for Wyle. (This author is a member of the TCA.)

SEE ALSO: 'The Pitt' review: Noah Wyle medical drama is part 'ER,' part '24,' and all compelling

Now, HBO Max has released a teaser trailer for The Pitt's upcoming second season, which premieres this Jan. And by the looks of it, Season 2 is going to be just as nail-bitingly stressful as Season 1.

The Pitt faces some major changes going into Season 2. The series doesn't pick up in the wake of Season 1's shift, but instead jumps 10 months ahead to a new shift on July 4. How many fireworks and barbecue-related injuries do you think we're going to see?

The Pitt's personnel has also had a bit of a shakeup. Tracy Ifeachor, who played Dr. Collins, is not returning to the series. Meanwhile, a new doctor is entering the emergency department: Dr. Al-Hashimi (Sepideh Moafi), an attending originally from the VA hospital. You can also expect new residents and interns to be joining the cast, thanks to the time jump.

Aside from Ifeachor's departure, the rest of The Pitt's main cast is set to return. That includes Patrick Ball as Dr. Langdon, whom Dr. Robby (Wyle) kicked out of the ED once he discovered he'd been stealing medication.

To see the rest of The Pitt's team back in action, check out the full teaser above.

The Pitt Season 2 premieres this Jan. on HBO Max. Season 1 is now streaming on HBO Max.

Last year, Josh O’Connor awed critics and audiences with his smoking hot role in the love triangle/tennis drama Challengers. This fall, he's got three movies coming our way: the romance The History of Sound, the whodunnit Wake Up Dead Man, and last but not least, the crime comedy The Mastermind, which is helmed by heralded writer/director Kelly Reichardt (First Cow, Showing Up).

Set in 1970 Massachusetts, The Mastermind stars O'Connor as J.B. Mooney, a husband, father, and unemployed carpenter who suspects he might be a brilliant art thief in the making. Ignoring the pleas of his rational wife (Licorice Pizza's Alana Haim), J.B. plots a heist with the help of some friends. And it's easy to expect this scheme will throw his quiet life into spin.

Joining O'Connor and Haim in Reichardt's latest are celebrated actors Gaby Hoffmann, John Magaro, Hope Davis, and Bill Camp. The trailer from MUBI gives a taste of what this ensemble will bring to The Mastermind while highlighting the praise Reichardt's comedy received in its Cannes Film Festival debut.

Ahead of its theatrical release, The Mastermind will premiere at New York Film Festival. Be sure to look for Mashable's coverage out of the fest for the very best and to know what movies should be on your radar come awards season.

The Mastermind will open in theaters Oct. 17.

Insta360 has unveiled the GO Ultra, the latest in its series of bite-sized action cameras. While this year's camera is larger and heavier than its predecessor, it also offers a notable boost in performance.

Following 2024's Insta360 GO 3S, the new GO Ultra eschews the previous model's elongated, thumb-sized form factor in favour of a larger, square design. It's also noticeably heavier than the GO 3S, weighing 53 grams as compared to 39 grams. Even so, the GO Ultra still remains small and lightweight enough that this likely won't be a serious deterrent to many action camera users — especially once you factor in the upgrades.

SEE ALSO: Insta360 launches GO 3S, a tiny 4K action camera with Apple's Find My

While the GO 3S's highest video resolution is 4K at 30fps, the GO Ultra doubles its frames per second to record 4K footage at 60fps. As always, whether this is of immediate benefit to you will depend upon what you're shooting and whether you have a 4K screen to watch it on, though higher resolutions are always useful for futureproofing. 

The Insta360 GO Ultra. Credit: Mashable edit: Insta360

The GO Ultra also boasts a larger 1/1.28-inch sensor as compared to the GO 3S' 1/2.3-inch. It seems as though Insta360 took on feedback about the GO 3S' lacklustre low light performance, stating that the GO Ultra's sensor captures 200 percent more light for improved night shots.

Another significant update is the Insta360 GO UItra's much longer battery life. While the GO 3S has a run time of 38 minutes on a single charge, or 140 when placed inside its Action Pod, Insta360 states that the GO Ultra has a more practical 70-minute run time, or 200 minutes with the Action Pod. This extended battery life should significantly reduce users' battery anxiety, allowing them to film for longer. Charging up the GO Ultra is faster as well, the Action Pod taking it to 80 percent in 12 minutes, as opposed to the GO 3S' 23 minutes.

Featured Video For You How 6 generations of iPhone captured 20 years of motherhood in 'Motherboard'

It's worth noting that, unlike the GO 3S, the Insta360 GO Ultra utilises SD cards rather than inbuilt storage. This may be annoying if you were hoping to use your camera straight out of the box, but will be a boon to avid videographers who prefer to swap out SD cards on the fly for lengthy bouts of filming. Users will also have to factor in the cost of buying compatible SD cards if they don't already have some.

Insta360 GO Ultras in their Action Pods. Credit: Mashable edit: Insta360

Like other cameras in Insta360's GO series, the GO Ultra has a magnetic back that enables it to be directly mounted onto metal surfaces. This can simplify your filming setup by cutting out the mount middle man in some circumstances, meaning fewer accessories to cart around. The GO Ultra also comes packaged with a magnetic clip mount and a magnet pendant to hang it around your neck, for when there aren't any suitable metal surfaces available.

Of course, the Insta360 GO Ultra's magnetic mounting method is best suited to safe, sedentary surfaces such as a fridge door. If you're after cool external shots of your car, for example, you'll need to spring for a mount such as the GO Ultra's Pivot Stand. This stand uses magnets as well as small latches to secure the camera, and has a reusable sticky base that can adhere to smooth surfaces.

The Insta360 GO Ultra launches worldwide on August 21, and will set you back $449.99 for the standard bundle. That's just $20 more than the 128GB GO 3S, albeit without factoring in the cost of an SD card. Considering the performance upgrade it offers, there's little reason not to pay the extra few bucks for the Insta360 GO Ultra, provided SD card considerations aren't an issue for you.

SHOP NOW: As of Aug. 18, the Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds are officially available to the general public. You can pick the noise-cancelling sleep earbuds for $229.99 at Amazon or Soundcore's website.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds $229.99 at Amazon
Shop Now

After a summer-long Kickstarter campaign, launch day has finally arrived for the Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 as of Aug. 18. The sleep earbuds distinguish themselves as one of the only options for sleep-specific earbuds with active noise cancellation (more on that below), all for the price of $229.99.

It's an investment — but it's also a good deal cheaper than the $349 Ozlo Sleepbuds (that have no ANC). Relatively speaking, the price point falls in line with Soundcore's generally budget-friendly ethos.

So how do they perform? I've spent time using them over the past two months, and for their performance and price range, they're the new standard for premium sleep earbuds. For more, you can read my full review, or check out the overview below on the Sleep A30's upgrades, how they're similar to the Sleep A20 earbuds, and where you can purchase both.

What's new with the Soundcore Sleep A30

The headline news here is the active noise cancellation, but Soundcore provided overall quality of life upgrades that boost the performance of these earbuds over the Sleep A20 (and other sleep earbuds on the market), including:

• Active noise cancellation

• Slimmer profile earbuds over the Sleep A20

• Microphones in case to monitor snoring for real-time adaptive snore masking

• Memory-foam ear tips, in addition to silicone ear tips

• New sleep, meditation, and focus audio within the app

• More detailed sleep tracking

• Built-in light in case for easy visualizing in the dark

• No-slip silicone bottom on charging case

• New mint colorway

Admittedly, I don't have to deal with too much noise at night — the biggest culprits are the AC unit and the occasional car at night — but even I noticed the difference with the ANC. The hum of the AC nearly all but disappeared (and I learned I much prefer it that way!), and I was never woken up by the sound of a car. My partner and I are both somewhat restless sleepers, and it could just be chance, but I did notice that the nights I wore the earbuds, I was much less likely to wake up due to rustling next to me.

The ear wings and tips provide plenty of options for getting the best fit possible. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

As for the wear and app experience, both were noticeably improved over the A20. I primarily sleep on my slide, so the lower profile was much appreciated. I liked having the choice between the silicone and memory foam ear tips, and though I stuck to the silicone, I found it to be more comfortable (and slightly less tacky) than the A20 silicone tips. The app also felt more streamlined, looking much more reminiscent of the Ozlo Sleepbud app (which I loved).

SEE ALSO: Ozlo Sleepbuds review: Can earbuds really improve your sleep?

My biggest gripe with these earbuds (and an unfortunate difference between them and the Sleep A20) is that when streaming Bluetooth audio, there was no option to toggle the sleep detection mode off. That means if you're listening to a podcast or video, and the earbuds decide you're asleep, it'll automatically cut your audio or switch to the local snore-masking audio. Most times, the audio cut off before I was actually asleep, and the only fix I could find to restart my audio was by completely reconnecting the earbuds by placing them back in the case, then back in my ears. However, the Soundcore app did flash an update that the option to toggle off sleep mode would be coming on Aug. 20.

What stayed the same with the Sleep A30

Soundcore's Sleep A30 definitely feel like an upgrade over the A20, but didn't completely reinvent the wheel. At the end of the day, both earbuds are low-profile, comfortable-to-wear earbuds that stayed in my ears all night while dampening some degree of noise from my surroundings.

Both are far better suited to sleep than standard earbuds. They have companion apps with noise-blocking soundscapes and excellent battery life (the Sleep A20s get 14 hours per charge, to the Sleep A30s' nine hours with ANC and 6.5 hours with Bluetooth streaming), and both offer sleep data.

Considering they start at $179.99 (and can often be found on sale for cheaper), the Soundcore Sleep A20 still offer plenty of the same features, and might be more appealing if you're on a budget.

Where to buy the Soundcore Sleep A30

Overall, if you already own the Sleep A20, I wouldn't necessarily say these are a must-upgrade, but if you are looking for even better noise-blocking, they're at least worth considering. If you've never owned sleep earbuds and want ANC, these are an excellent pair, and essentially your only option. (Though these are Soundcore's first ANC sleep earbuds, the brand QuietOn also used to offer some, but it appears as though they are not selling them anymore.)

At the time of writing, the Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds are available to purchase at Amazon and Soundcore's website.

Where to buy the Soundcore Sleep A30 Amazon Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 $229.99 Shop Now Soundcore Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 $229.99 Shop Now Previous generation Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 $179.99 Shop Now

In an era of hidden subscriptions, premium upgrades, and microtransactions, it's difficult to come across functional apps that have no hidden fees or subscription tiers.

SAVE OVER $100: As of Aug. 21, the Sony 65-Inch 4K BRAVIA 3 LED Smart TV is on sale for $698 at Amazon. That's 13% off its list price of $799.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony 65-Inch Class 4K Ultra HD BRAVIA 3 LED Smart TV $698 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $101.99 Get Deal

As cooler weather starts to roll in, it's always nice to have a TV that's primed and ready to stream new shows and movies. If an upgrade has been on your to-do list, there's no better time than now to look around with some great deals available on top retailers. One of our favorites that has crossed our radar recently is this discount on the Sony 65-Inch 4K BRAVIA 3 LED Smart TV at Amazon.

The Sony 65-Inch 4K BRAVIA 3 LED Smart TV is usually listed for $799.99, but right now you can score it for $698. This deal saves you $101.99 on list price. It's currently marked as a limited-time deal,, so you'll want to act fast to pick it up at this low price. You've been warned.

SEE ALSO: Record-low price alert: The 55-inch TCL QM6K QLED 4K TV is $350 off at Amazon

This Sony BRAVIA 3 TV features an LED display with 4K resolution so movies, shows, and games will look crisp and clear. It also supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos sound that elevates images and sounds on screen so you can feel even more immersed in what you're watching. And if you're a gamer, specifically on PS5, this Sony TV offers Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode that optimizes picture quality. On top of that, it's a smart TV that can bring all of your favorite streaming apps together.

This limited-time deal won't last long. Don't miss out on the Sony 65-Inch 4K BRAVIA 3 LED Smart TV down to $698. And if you want to go big with an even larger TV, you can also score an excellent discount right now on the 98-inch Hisense QD5 QLED TV at Amazon.

Meta is bringing its AI voice translation tool to Instagram Reels, meaning you could soon see people in your feed appearing to speak a different language to what they recorded the video with.

Announced by Instagram head Adam Mosseri on Wednesday, the Llama 4-powered Meta AI feature that provides live, lip-synched translations, will be added to all public Instagram accounts, as well as Facebook. It's not clear exactly when this will go live, but when it does, the only language available will be Spanish to English and vice versa, with more languages to come.

"We believe there are lots of amazing creatives out there who have potential audiences who don't necessarily speak the same language," Mosseri said in a Threads video. "If we can help you reach those audiences who speak other languages, reach across cultural and linguistic barriers, we can help you grow your following and get more value out of Instagram in the platform."

SEE ALSO: Google brings live translation for phone calls and tons more AI to Pixel 10 series

In the video, Mosseri includes the AI-translated version of his video announcement, and the results are undeniably wild. The Instagram head's voice and mouth appear in synch with the Spanish translation, and honestly, if this video landed in my feed, I'd probably assume Mosseri had recorded it in Spanish.

Meta announced its AI live translation tool in September 2024, powered by the company's Large Language Model (LLM) Llama. In a blog post last year, Meta said it had been testing "translating some creators' videos from Latin America and the U.S. in English and Spanish."

Live AI language translation isn't unique to Meta, with competitors Google Gemini, OpenAI's ChatGPT, and myriad multilingual translation companies providing such tools. Google Pixel 10's new Voice Translate feature, announced yesterday, live-translates phone calls with matched voices. Apple's iOS 26 real-time translation tools will be ones to contend with.

Featured Video For You How 6 generations of iPhone captured 20 years of motherhood in 'Motherboard'

TikTok's translation tools, for a social media comparison, are largely text based for captions, with some users using third-party apps to translate TikTok Lives.

However, seeing live AI translation in an Instagram Reel feels a little jarring to many users. In the comments of Mosseri's video, people have raised concerns over Meta's AI tool, including the pitfalls of potential mistranslation and suggesting that AI subtitles could be a better move.

"As a person who Spanish is her mother tongue, I must say this sounds and looks creepy. AI subtitles are more than enough," wrote @singlutenismo.

"AI subtitles would be great, but automatically altering and reprocessing human voices is as questionable as altering and reprocessing their skin color," wrote @cuernomalo.

"It’s kind of disconcerting because how do I know the translation is accurate or the way I phrase things is appropriate for that culture and language," wrote @drinksbywild. "I do a lot of recipe content so I don’t want somebody to make my recipe incorrectly because of a bad translation."

Mashable has reached out to Meta for further information, and we'll update this story if we hear back.

Hollow Knight: Silksong may finally launch soon, with developers Team Cherry set to make a special announcement this Thursday. It's been over half a decade of waiting, but we might finally be close to the end.

Team Cherry will hold a YouTube livestream concerning Hollow Knight: Silksong in less than a day, sharing the news in their first social media posts since 2019. The livestream will kick off Thursday at 10:30 a.m. ET / 7:30 a.m. PT.

In the independent Australian studio's typical style, Team Cherry haven't divulged much regarding what to expect from the livestream. Even so, the mere statement that they have a "special announcement about Hollow Knight: Silksong" has been more than enough to work fans into a frenzy. 

Since Team Cherry first announced Silksong in Feb. 2019, waiting for the game has become a meme unto itself. Fans have characterised themselves as clowns for continuing to wait in the absence of any updates, as well as constantly getting excited then disappointed by rumours of news. Many have joked that Silksong will never actually arrive.

Now it seems that their faith may soon be rewarded, allowing Hollow Knight fans to finally ditch their curly rainbow wigs.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Reddit Reddit

Developed by independent Australian studio Team Cherry, Hollow Knight: Silksong is the highly anticipated follow up to the critically and commercially lauded action game Hollow Knight. In Hollow Knight, players controlled an insect-like fighter travelling through an underground kingdom, learning what led to its downfall.

The tiny studio's first and only game, Hollow Knight received widespread acclaim after its release in 2017. Its tight combat, deep lore, and challenging difficulty earned it significant praise as well as a dedicated following. Over one million users are subscribed to the r/HollowKnight subreddit, with millions of copies of the game sold.

Fortunately, it seems Team Cherry will be delivering more of that goodness. Hollow Knight: Silksong will feature similar gameplay to its predecessor, bringing back the 2D platforming and combat players loved. However, the sequel will now follow Hornet, a character from the first game, as she fights her way through a new kingdom. 

Further details about Hollow Knight: Silksong have been sparse, with fans clinging to and theorising about every scrap of information they can. One of the most highly anticipated games in development, Silksong is currently the top most wishlisted title on Steam according to SteamDB, beating out big studios titles such as Borderlands 4, Battlefield 6, and Resident Evil Requiem.

With expectations so high, it's unsurprising that Team Cherry took their time to ensure Hollow Knight: Silksong is up to their standards. Fortunately, it seems the wait may soon be over.

I’m not very good at remembering what’s on my to-do list. I’ve tried everything from writing things down on paper to shouting reminders at my smart speaker, but nothing ever seems to stick. However, making one important concession has helped a lot.

SAVE OVER $800: As of Aug. 21, the 98-inch Hisense QD5 QLED 4K Smart TV is on sale for $1,497.99 at Amazon. This marks a return to its lowest-ever price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 98-Inch Class QD5 Series QLED 4K UHD TV $1,497.99 at Amazon
$2,298 Save $800.01 Get Deal

Looking to grab a new TV to catch all of the new shows and movies popping up on streaming services? There are plenty of great deals to check out at the moment, but if you're hoping to go big with a massive model to turn your living room into a mini movie theater, this discount on the 98-inch Hisense QD5 QLED 4K Smart TV is worth a look.

The 98-inch Hisense QD5 QLED 4K Smart TV is normally listed for $2,298, but it's currently on sale for $1,497.99. This marks a return to its lowest-ever price, so there's no better time to grab it and save.

SEE ALSO: Samsung is giving away a free 65-inch TV right now — here's how to get yours

Alongside its huge 98-inch size that'll help you feel fully absorbed in what you're watching, this Hisense QD5 QLED 4K Smart TV also offers excellent picture and sound quality. It boasts a QLED display with 4K resolution that'll make images on your screen pop with vibrant color and detail. Pair that with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos sound which help to really immerse you in the visuals and sounds of what you're watching. And since it's a smart TV, you can have all of your favorite streaming apps in one place to browse through.

Whether you want it for your next movie night, binge-watching TV shows, or gaming, this 98-inch Hisense QD5 QLED 4K Smart TV is a worthy pickup, especially back at its lowest-ever price. However, if you're hoping to get a slightly smaller option instead, you can also score a great deal on the 55-inch TCL QM6K QLED 4K TV at Amazon right now.

Pips is the newest game in the New York Times catalogue. Released in August 2025, the new game puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. Like dominoes, the tiles are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 20, 2025

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 20, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 21

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally.

Number (7): Everything in this red space must add up to 7. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed vertically.

Number (7): Everything in this blue space must add up to 7. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically; 4-5, placed vertically

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally; 4-2, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 21

Not Equal: Every domino half in this space be different. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically; 3-2, placed vertically.

Number (5): The domino halves in this red space must add up to 5. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally; 5-1, placed horizontally; 1-1, placed vertically.

Number (5): The domino halves in this green space must add up to 5. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 21

Equal (5): The domino halves in this space must be 5. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically; 5-5, placed vertically; 5-0, placed vertically; 5-6, placed horizontally.

Number (10): The domino halves in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally; 5-6, placed horizontally.

Number (0): The domino halves in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 5-0, placed vertically; 0-0, placed horizontally; 0-1, placed vertically.

Equal (1): The domino halves in this space must be 1. The answer is 0-1, placed vertically; 1-1, placed horizontally; 6-1, placed vertically; 4-1, placed horizontally.

Number (4): The domino halves in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 0-4, placed horizontally.

Number (3): The domino halves in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically.

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

Little by little, the moon is becoming less visible. Which can only mean one thing: we're getting closer to the new moon. The new moon is a part of the lunar cycle, which is a series of eight unique phases of the moon's visibility. The whole cycle takes about 29.5 days, according to NASA, and these different phases happen as the Sun lights up different parts of the moon whilst it orbits Earth. 

So let's see what's happening with the moon tonight, Aug. 21.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Thursday, Aug. 21, the moon phase is Waning Crescent, and only 3% will be lit up to us on Earth, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

We're on day 28 of the lunar cycle, and there's really not a whole lot for us to see tonight. The only thing visible is the Grimaldi Basin, and you'll need binoculars or a telescope to see it. The Grimaldi Basin is an impact basin with an outer wall that is almost as long as the Grand Canyon, according to NASA.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Sept. 7. The last full moon was on Aug. 9.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, moon phases are caused by the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, which changes the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases are how the moon looks from Earth as it goes around us. We always see the same side of the moon, but how much of it is lit up by the Sun changes depending on where it is in its orbit. This is how we get full moons, half moons, and moons that appear completely invisible. There are eight main moon phases, and they follow a repeating cycle:

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.

Last Quarter (or Third 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.