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Why does The Pitt feel more real than anything else on TV right now?

Last year, The Pitt exploded onto the scene and immediately became the breakout phenomenon of the year, winning Emmys for Outstanding Drama Series, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Guest Actor and Best Casting. An extraordinary feat for a show in its very first season. What is it about The Pitt that draws us all in so completely?

The Pitt leans heavily into a style of filmmaking that has only gotten more and more popular, especially since The Office. It’s called: Documentary Realism. A style of filmmaking where narrative, scripted, stories are told using documentary techniques. Otherwise known as verite filmmaking. It takes the elements of documentary filmmaking that make scenes feel more real and in-the-moment. Increasing our emotional investment in the world and the characters. Comedies and sitcoms like The Office, Parks and Rec, Modern Family and Abbott Elementary all utilize this format. 

In The Pitt, the hospital is not just the backdrop, it’s the whole world. We only learn enough about the characters personal lives to learn why they care about the patients. Other than that, all the drama and plot is focused on what is happening in the world of the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center. Once we’re in the hospital, we never leave the hospital grounds. We never hear or see anything happening outside that tiny universe. They immerse us in this world of the highest intensity where nothing else in the world exists.

The Pitt Season 2 streams on on HBO Max, with new episodes each Thursday.

Reliability is everything when buying a used car. A sweet deal can vanish fast if the drivetrain acts up, electronics act finicky, or warning lights start blinking, turning a bargain into a wallet-busting headache.

Times have changed, and third-party antivirus software is no longer a necessity. Here's why I only use Windows Security, plus some things I've learned about the free, built-in antivirus platform.

PCIe Gen 5 still seems way too fast, but this might be the year of PCIe Gen 6—the next big thing. We might see the first Gen 6 SSDs this year.

I’ve had my AirPods Pro 3 since launch, but I’ve held off on testing one feature the whole time I’ve had them. It’s not like I haven’t had the opportunity; I just never took the plunge.

Whether it’s for charging or transferring files, USB-C is the standard that smartphones use today. But before USB-C went mainstream, micro-USB ruled the smartphone world. What many people forget is that there was a third connector Samsung tried to push—and it was somehow even uglier and bulkier than micro-USB.

Love it or tolerate it, Valentine’s Day is the ideal time to right the gift-giving wrongs of the holidays. Were you sure your husband would love that faux-vintage turntable, only to find out later that what he really wanted was a weighted blanket? Did you misinterpret his months of hint-dropping about homebrewing, ponying up for the perfect craft beer kit, when he was actually talking about kombucha?

The best Valentine's Day gifts for husbands give you a second chance to get it right. Instead of opting for something cliché or overly trendy, spend some time reading between the lines of his interests and hobbies.

With that in mind, we’ve come up with a list of Valentine's Day gift ideas for over 20 different kinds of husbands. Some are luxe versions of everyday items, while others are special-occasion splurges. And if you're still stumped on ideas for your No. 1 guy, then dive deeper into our guides to unique gifts for men, romantic Valentine's Day gifts, and sexy Valentine's Day gifts.

Amazon's Alexa is one of the most popular smart home systems on the planet. The relatively cheap smart speakers and displays make it an affordable solution, and it's fairly simple to set up and use. There are some significant issues with using Alexa, however.

This was another busy week in tech, with major updates to Home Assistant, Visual Studio Code, LibreOffice, and Google Home. There was also big news for Raspberry Pi boards, the rumored folding iPhone, and much more—here are the biggest stories you might have missed.

I've enjoyed Android Auto for years, but lately it feels like things are only getting worse. The user interface keeps changing, and not for the better, and notifications completely cover essential navigation directions. There are many ways Google could improve Android Auto, but one in particular would be my first choice.

It’s true—Hulu is home to a righteously gritty historical drama that’s so irresistibly good, it’s poised to become the next obsession and is the perfect replacement for Peaky Blinders fans, even though you have likely not heard about it. A Thousand Blows premiered in early 2025 with only 6 episodes and featured a mostly unknown cast. It was also overshadowed by shows like Dexter: Original Sin and Adolescence. Now, it boasts a 91% Rotten Tomatoes score and two Emmy and Golden Globe winners.

This was another busy week in Linux world, with a new major release of LibreOffice, Raspberry Pi raising prices and redesigning one model, JetBrains IDEs switching to Wayland, and much more. Here are the biggest stories you might have missed.

TL;DR: Live stream England vs. Wales in the 2026 Six Nations for free on ITVX. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Six Nations is always unpredictable, but this year's tournament feels especially open.

France are probably favorites to win, but England and Ireland won't be far behind. And England are coming into this competition on the back of some promising wins in the Autumn Internationals. Borthwick's team secured big wins against Australia and New Zealand in November. They'll be looking to build on that success and start strongly against Wales.

If you want to watch England vs. Wales in the 2026 Six Nations for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is England vs. Wales?

England vs. Wales in the 2026 Six Nations starts at 4:40 p.m. GMT on Feb. 7. This fixture takes place at Twickenham Stadium.

How to watch England vs. Wales for free

England vs. Wales in the 2026 Six Nations is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX from anywhere in the world.

Live stream England vs. Wales from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

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

4. Visit ITVX

5. Live stream England vs. Wales for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch England vs. Wales without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream most of the 2026 Six Nations before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services to watch the Winter Olympics, the T20 World Cup, and more from anywhere in the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for the 2026 Six Nations?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream England vs. Wales in the 2026 Six Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

If you’re shopping for a compact SUV around the price of a Toyota Corolla Cross but want something with more character, there’s a used Italian option that deserves your attention. While many mainstream crossovers feel bland and predictable, this SUV brings a distinctive blend of style, presence, and driving personality, and you can often find one for roughly the same money.

As the tech industry goes all-in on artificial intelligence, you might not be surprised to learn that some of the most in-demand U.S. jobs focus on AI engineering, consulting, and researching. 

The spotlight has been on major tech companies like OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft, and Google trying to achieve market dominance with the right talent. Still, smaller firms and startups, along with non-tech businesses, need high-quality AI professionals, too. 

The search is also on for skilled individuals who can look beyond the initial adoption of AI and the first wave of integration and product launches. 

SEE ALSO: 'No Other Choice' skewers the job market. Here's why Park Chan-wook made it.

“Organizations are increasingly pairing technical AI roles with human-centered, governance, and operational titles,” Christina Mancini, CEO of Black Girls Code, told Mashable. Mancini said the shift reflects a move from organizations simply experimenting with AI to using it deliberately and responsibly.

That trend is evidenced by rapidly growing interest in hiring AI consultants and strategists. That role, along with four other tech titles, recently appeared on LinkedIn's annual roundup of the 25 fastest-growing roles in the country: 

1. AI engineers

The fastest-growing role in the U.S., according to LinkedIn? AI engineer. 

There are a wide variety of applications for artificial intelligence, from powering robotic systems to developing the complex algorithms that drive generative chatbots. An AI engineer can build models capable of performing tasks, along with the required production infrastructure.

AI engineers should expect to draw on extensive technical knowledge for building AI agents, optimizing large language model output, and neural network training. They should also have comprehensive mathematical and statistical skills, LinkedIn notes. 

Coursera estimates the role's annual income at $145,080, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data. 

2. AI consultants and strategists

The second-fastest growing position in the U.S. focuses on organizational implementation of AI, according to LinkedIn. Consultants and strategists with key expertise in fields like computer science and artificial intelligence, plus business acumen, may succeed in these roles. Their job, according to LinkedIn, is to help businesses implement AI in ways that make them more efficient and strategic. This can involve project management, long-term planning, and developing ethical and responsible practices. 

Self-employed consultants may charge by the hour (upwards of $300) or by project, according to LinkedIn. While salaries vary, LinkedIn estimates entry-level consultants can earn between $60,000 and $100,000. Those with much more experience may make more than $200,000 a year, according to LinkedIn. 

3. Data annotators 

Building and training a machine learning model often requires data annotators, also known as content analysts. Ranked as the fourth top-growing job by LinkedIn, this role is in high demand as companies rely on data annotators to evaluate metadata or raw data with labels or tags. These annotations provide context for the articles, social media posts, customer reviews, images, and videos used to train AI models, allowing them to communicate more accurately. 

While entry-level data annotators may earn $20 per hour, those with AI expertise or experience handling specialized content, like medical data, can earn $100 to $180 an hour, according to LinkedIn. 

Credit: Ian Moore/Mashable/Getty Images 4. Artificial intelligence and machine learning researchers 

Alongside massive financial investments, private research roles have boomed as institutions expand internal teams dedicated to the progression of generative AI. Tasked with designing and testing new models, algorithms, and future applications of generative AI, these research positions take LinkedIn's fifth spot among the fastest growing roles in the U.S.

According to Apple, their AI/ML research team studies the technology, publishes their research, and hosts and attends conferences on deep learning. Google currently has more than 1,700 job listings for roles across its research teams, including research engineers and scientists dedicated to AI in security and privacy, advertising, search, and machine learning optimization. 

According to LinkedIn's findings, the majority of these roles are offered in tech hubs: San Francisco, New York City, and now Boston. The gender divide is fairly stark, too: 74 percent of spots in this field are held by men, with an average of three years of prior experience. And the median salary is in the six figures, with Zip Recruiter putting it at $130,000 per year. 

5. Data center technicians

In 2025, $61 billion went toward the infrastructure of data centers operating around the world, according to a report by S&P Global. Due in part to the energy-intensive demands of generative AI, these data centers are funded by major tech companies and a precarious model of private equity debt, according to the S&P Global report — they are also supported bureaucratically by the federal government. 

Hardware specialists, including technicians tasked with overseeing the new facilities and their server networks, are in demand. These positions require physical and technical skill — they have to install and maintain servers, organize cable patch plans, and constantly monitor the vast network they physically build for people around the world to utilize. According to LinkedIn's report, most employees in these roles were previously in IT or data center operations and career sites like Glassdoor put their median salaries around $68,000. A majority of roles are based in the Washington, D.C. metro area, Atlanta, and Columbus, Ohio — areas that overlap with growing data center hubs across the U.S.

I’ve written plenty about squeezing the best performance out of a Windows computer, tuning startup apps, killing background junk, and making sure hardware isn’t getting in its own way. That kind of optimization matters, but it’s not the whole story. Lately, I’ve been thinking less about raw performance and more about how a computer feels to use. Not faster clocks or higher benchmark scores, but fewer interruptions, fewer repeated actions, and less time spent fighting the Windows UI.

There are a lot of apps out there, and some of them are even free. But those free ones often have ads, annoying features, features locked behind a paywall, and other nuisances. That's why I prefer free and open-source apps that respect me as a user. The following are some that I can't live without.

Back in March 2025, OpenAI rolled out image generation to all free users. You might remember the Studio Ghibli animation trend that immediately went viral, overloading the ChatGPT servers in the process.

This month, another ChatGPT image prompt is going viral — ChatGPT caricatures. You may have seen users sharing cute, cartoon pictures of themselves, usually created with some variation of this prompt: "Create a caricature of me based on everything you know about me."

On Facebook, Instagram, X, Reddit, and TikTok, thousands of users are sharing their own ChatGPT caricatures:

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. SEE ALSO: 9 times the ChatGPT caricature trend went horribly wrong...

If you're having fun making your own AI images with ChatGPT, there are tons more prompts you can try.

In fact, when we sat down to compare the best AI image generators, ChatGPT came out on top (though Google's Nano Banana is giving it a run for its money lately). So, if you want to get started, you just need to know the right ChatGPT photo prompts.

Image generation in ChatGPT — and most other AI models — falls into three categories. You can create images out of nothing using natural language (known as text-to-image generation), you can upload an image and have the AI transform it in some way, or you can upload an image and have the AI edit the photo to your specifications. 

There are a lot of permutations of each option, and it can sometimes be difficult to know where to start. So, here are some of our favorite ChatGPT image prompts you can use to create neat stuff. You can also check out Mashable's guide to the best Nano Banana photo prompts for even more inspiration.

Turn yourself (or your pets) into trading cards ChatGPT added fun details to Luna's playing card (AI-generated image). Credit: Joe Hindy / ChatGPT

This one was really fun to do. I used a picture of my dog Luna, who sadly passed away last year. I had ChatGPT create this playing card for an imaginary fantasy role-playing game, which I’ll use as a cute social media post eventually. I uploaded a photo of my dog and used a prompt detailing what I wanted.

"This is a good dog named Luna. Please create a playing card featuring Luna for an imaginary fantasy role-playing game. The card should feature details on HP, attack name and effect, weaknesses (tennis balls, peanut butter), and a very brief description of Luna's abilities. Before completing the card, double-check that all words, text, and numbers appear correctly without any mistakes or typos."

These make for delightful little images that you can share, and my wife got a giggle out of it. There are a ton of variations to this prompt. You can also have ChatGPT create sports trading cards or whatever your heart desires.

Blend pictures together An AI-generated image of the author and his dog. Credit: Joe Hindy/ChatGPT

One of the best examples of AI image generation at work is to blend pictures together. To make it work, simply upload two images to the ChatGPT chat with instructions on what you want to do. For this example, I took a headshot of myself and a picture of my dog with his nose on the table, and asked ChatGPT to put my head in the image with the dog. The goal was as you see above, to have a picture of my dog and I together. 

The first time I tried it, it took my head and not my shoulders, so I had a real Futurama thing going where I was just a head floating there, so I had ChatGPT rerun the generation with specific instructions to also include my shoulders. The above popped out, and while it doesn’t look exactly like me (and the dog doesn’t look exactly like my dog), it’s close enough to call a success. 

Add details to existing images ChatGPT added details of the aurora borealis into an existing picture (AI generated image) Credit: Joe Hindy/ChatGPT

ChatGPT can also add stuff to images to make them pop more. Google Gemini can do this with Nano Banana as well, as Mashable editor Timothy Werth added some dolphins to an image of him on a boat. So, I thought I’d try it out. Last year, the U.S. saw a crazy week where the aurora borealis reached as far as Texas. I caught a picture from my front yard, but as I was in the suburbs, and I wasn’t able to get those cool details that others did. 

So, I sent the picture to ChatGPT and asked it to add in some of those aurora details. In the image above, ChatGPT added basically all the green parts to the sky. The more subtle green notes right above the trees and houses are perfect, but I thought the more obvious green waves were a bit much considering the lighting and color tones of the rest of the photograph. Either way, it still looks good, and it illustrates the effect. 

For prompts like this, be as specific as possible. Remember, with ChatGPT image prompts, specificity is key!

Claymation, building blocks, and puppets, oh my! My guitars and amps but in the style of toy building blocks (AI-generated image) Credit: Joe Hindy/ChatGPT

Claymation was a big trend a while back, and ChatGPT users have even created custom tools in the chatbot to help you make your own claymation images. So, if you’ve ever wanted to turn yourself into a Robot Chicken-like character, this is your chance. Upload an image of yourself and ask ChatGPT to do the rest.

"Use this picture and create a clay animation photograph. The subject should be sitting in a cozy living room with comfy furniture. Vivid lighting enhances the happy scene. HD quality, vivid style, bright colors."

Ask ChatGPT to help you fine-tune your prompt if you don't like the initial results:

Claymation isn’t the only transformation effect that ChatGPT can do, of course. Users have also had a lot of fun turning themselves into Lego-style characters and puppets.

Turn your pets into people

The ability to turn pets into people exists somewhere between super cool and weirdly unsettling. We covered this ChatGPT photo trend when it first went viral, and it's still a lot of fun. The process is simple enough. Upload an image of your pet to ChatGPT and then ask it to imagine your pet as a human. You can add additional prompts like clothing choice, facial expression, background imagery, and all of that. ChatGPT will then turn your pet into a human. However, it's also fun to keep this prompt extremely simple and see how ChatGPT interprets it: "Turn my pet into a human."

Do not, under any circumstances, ask ChatGPT to show you what your dog would look like as a human. It will haunt you and permanently alter your relationship with your pet.

[image or embed]

— Thomas Frampton (@tframpton.bsky.social) April 10, 2025 at 8:46 AM

Lmao I asked #chatgpt to make a human version of my dog. Not only did it deliver but turns out he’s a pup either way 😁 #aiart #funny #pet

[image or embed]

— Sindel Sloan | Siren Switch of the South (@sindelsloan.bsky.social) April 14, 2025 at 10:45 AM

In most examples, the change isn’t too dramatic, but some of them can be a little unsettling to look at. You can have ChatGPT create images that are realistic or in whatever art style you choose, which can change the output substantially. This trended on social media for a while, so you can find tons of examples on Reddit, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, and other places. 

Have ChatGPT replicate an image 100 times The original image... Credit: Timothy Beck Werth/ChatGPT ...and the final result (AI-generated image) Credit: Joe Hindy/ChatGPT

When Mashable's tech editor asked ChatGPT to replicate an image of himself 100 times, the results were... bizarre. For this trend, most people stick with a very simple prompt: "Create an exact replica of this image, don't change a thing."

You would think it would just spit out the same image 100 times, but you would be wrong. Every time you run an image through ChatGPT, it changes slightly, even if you tell it not to change anything. Repeat this a bunch of times, and you can get some really interesting end results. Word of warning: This one does require a bit more know-how, as the easiest and fastest way is to it is by using OpenAI’s API. The everyday AI chatbot may even refuse to participate in a replication request.

Reddit

One of the most famous examples of this ChatGPT image trend is one where a Redditor ran Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson's picture through the chatbot 101 times. The Rock slowly morphs from himself into someone who looks totally different, and ends up looking like something out of Picasso’s nightmares.

Turn yourself (or anything else) into an action figure

Remember the ChatGPT action figure trend? Earlier this year, ChatGPT users were using the chatbot to turn themselves or their favorite characters into action figures, complete with packaging, plastic wrap, and accessories. For best results, add some details to your prompt about the packaging details and the sort of accessories you'd like to see to further customize the final result.

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If you need some help, check out the examples generated by X users Artedeingenio and Seinfeldism1. As per usual, the better your prompt, the better your final product will be.

Turn your Reddit username into a picture This is what ChatGPT came up with for the username "beachedwhitemale" (AI-generated image). Credit: Reddit / beachedwhitemale

I’ve been on Reddit for about 12 years now, and I’ve seen some wacky usernames. Some of them would be fun to see in image format, and ChatGPT can do just that. In the above example, Redditor beachedwhitemale generated an image of a beached white male. Kudos for accuracy, ChatGPT. 

Like the others, you can change how this presents by tweaking your prompts. For instance, one Redditor opted for a more artsy look rather than realistic, and some folks even asked ChatGPT to make the opposite of what their username would be, with interesting results. How absurd or cool this is totally depends on your Reddit username, so hopefully you picked an interesting one. 

Check out the Trend Image tool A ChatGPT Trend Image relating to some science news (AI-generated image). Credit: Joe Hindy/ChatGPT

If you want to create images or cartoons based on trending news, one ChatGPT-er has built the Trend Image function, which mines the headlines of the day for image prompt ideas. For example, you can create a webcomic based on the latest tech news or animate an interesting science story for your kids.

My own attempt at this trend is... fine. (Why are the quantum scientists arguing with a coffee maker?) With some fine-tuning and dialogue suggestions, I think you could create something a lot better.

Have ChatGPT image prompt ideas of your own?

ChatGPT is still one of the best AI image makers (though Google's Nano Banana is probably the best image editor at the moment), so if you have a weird or quirky idea, you might as well give it a shot. Feel free to drop your own ChatGPT prompt ideas into the comments, or share them with Mashable on social media.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2026 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

If you've been online in the past week, then you've probably seen the ChatGPT caricatures trend. We've covered a lot of ChatGPT image trends here at Mashable, but nothing that's gone this viral since the original Studio Ghibli trend.

In the latest viral ChatGPT trend, people are going to Chat with a simple prompt: "Create a caricature of me based on everything you know about me."

You can vary the prompt to your liking, but that's the most basic version. In the best-case scenario, you should get a cute and wholesome caricature with a cartoon version of you and some artwork reflecting your hobbies or career.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. SEE ALSO: I tried the viral 100x ChatGPT image trend, and I've never been more insulted

Of course, not everyone's ChatGPT caricature turns out quite the way they hoped. On Reddit and X, we've seen some particularly strange results from this simple prompt. In some cases, ChatGPT seems to be calling out the user.

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In some examples, ChatGPT includes some very questionable details. One image of Reddit user crunchy-wraps looks fairly normal at first, until you zoom in...

Left: Enhance... Credit: Reddit / crunchy-wraps Right: Show you what? Credit: Reddit / crunchy-wraps

Other users seem to have received a more traditional caricature. Many of the caricatures being shared offer a cute and cartoonish rendering of the user, but some show the more insulting caricature style you might get from a rude and underpaid boardwalk caricature artist.

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On X, some users are using Grok Imagine to generate caricatures, and the results with Grok are especially bad. At least Grok isn't undressing people without their consent, for once.

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And at least one disgruntled X user has reported that free users of the AI chatbot are getting bad results.

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Head to ChatGPT to try creating your own caricature, or visit X to see some of the latest examples of the trend in action.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

What started as the drone company is now so much more. In addition to DJI drones, it appears as if every content creator is using the DJI Mic Mini (and rightfully so), and the brand’s lineup of handheld cameras, like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, sure earn their spot as some of the best options on the market. But in recent years, DJI has added another major category to the product lineup that’s also essential for creators — portable power. 

The world of portable power stations is expanding the day, proving themselves awesome during power outages, camping, job sites, and content creation adventures. The market is dominated by big-name players like Bluetti, Jackery, Anker, and EcoFlow.

SEE ALSO: The 4 best power stations for camping keep you both online and off-grid

But DJI is quietly in the background, pumping out some of the best options that cater specifically to content creators. The brand has the beefy DJI Power 2000 and the mini DJI Power 500. But the DJI Power 1000 falls nicely in the middle of these two, offering 1,024Wh of power, and the brand just revamped the portable power station to give us the DJI Power 1000 V2. It’s an upgraded model compared to the first generation and comes with some solid improvements. 

Power up speakers, projectors, lights, and camping gear. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

After testing the upgraded DJI Power 1000 V2, I’m convinced this is a great model for content creators, those who prioritize a super-quiet power station, or anyone looking for exceptional value in portable power. 

What I love about the DJI Power 1000 V2

Straight out of the box, the DJI Power 1000 V2 has a sleek and refined design. It’s also fairly compact for a power station in the 1,000Wh category. It weighs about 31 pounds and has ergonomic handles on both sides. While I wouldn’t want to haul this around all day, I felt comfortable unboxing it, carrying it around the house, taking it into the yard, and it was no issue to lift it into my car. The weight of a portable power station is incredibly relevant since you might be carrying it up a set of stairs during a power outage, moving it around the campsite, or pulling it around during a content creation session.

Another major benefit that I love is the near-silent operation of the DJI Power 1000 V2, which DJI says is as quiet as 26 decibels. That’s going to be important for content creators who are filming near the power station and don’t want a loud fan sound in the background. In non-creator scenarios, going with an ultra-quiet portable power station means it’ll be easier to have on while sleeping should you be charging your phone overnight, operating a CPAP, or using it in the kids’ bedroom during a power outage.

It also shines when it comes time to recharge. It takes just 56 minutes to go from dead to 100 percent battery power when recharging with standard wall power. A 37-minute recharge will get the power station back to 80 percent capacity.

Here’s a full rundown of highlight specs on the DJI Power 1000 V2:

Specs

• Capacity: 1,024Wh

• Continuous output: 2600W

• Weight: approx. 31 pounds

• Dimensions: 17.6 in. L × 8.9 in. W × 9 in. H

• Power options: 4 AC, 2 USB-C (140W), 2 USB-A, 1 SDC, 1 SDC Lite

• Recharging options: Grid power, solar, car

• Battery type: LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate)

• Life cycles: 80 percent capacity after 4,000 cycles

• Operating and storage temperature: 14 degrees to 113 degrees Fahrenheit

• Recharging temperature: 32 degrees to 113 degrees Fahrenheit

How does the DJI Power 1000 V2 compare to the original DJI Power 1000?

Since this is the second generation of the DJI Power 1000, it’s worth comparing the new V2 to the original. DJI added some small but significant upgrades to the new V2 model that make it a lot more appealing compared to the original. After testing and comparing the specs, I can’t see a reason why anyone would prefer the original Power 1000 to the new V2, unless the original was way cheaper. Here are the improvements DJI made with this second version and why I’d go with the Power 1000 V2.

More ports

One of the most obvious upgrades from the original to the Power 1000 V2 is the addition of two AC ports for a total of four. That’s much more in line with the industry standard for a 1,000Wh portable power station. Two feels very skimpy while four feels acceptable. But it’s worth noting that other brands offer more ports. For example, one of my favorite portable power stations, the Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2, has five AC ports. 

The dual USB-C and dual USB-A ports on the DJI Power 1000 V2 are identical to those found on the original Power 1000, as are the two SDC ports.

Blending up a smoothie with the DJI Power 1000 V2. A major asset of having a power station during a power outage is you don't have to skip the daily smoothie. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable Higher altitude

Specific to content creators, overlanders, or adventurous campers, the DJI Power 1000 V2 works at higher altitudes. The original topped out at 3,000 meters, but the new V2 can still operate at heights of up to 5,000 meters. That elevation is damn impressive when we consider the Matterhorn tops out at 4,478 meters.

Better stable output

DJI amped up the continuous output with the Power 1000 V2. The original topped out at 2,200W, but the new V2 packs in 2,600W. DJI’s example of this in real life includes powering up a 2,300W electric heater while also powering a 200W projector and giving 27W to recharge a phone. In total, the DJI Power 1000 V2 has an 18 percent higher continuous output.

Quicker recharging

Another major, but less obvious, upgrade is much quicker recharging on the Power 10000 V2. The older original Power 1000 took about 70 minutes to fully recharge with standard wall power. The new Power 1000 V2 takes just 56 minutes to fully recharge. That’s 20 percent faster, shaving nearly 15 minutes off recharging time. For those in the middle of a content creation session, that could be a major difference.

Major expansion possibility and great accessories

The thoughtfulness of the design on the DJI Power 1000 V2 shines through for both expansion ability and accessories. The Power 1000 V2 can connect to up to five DJI Expansion Battery 2000, each adding 2,048Wh. Take the initial 1,024Wh on the Power 1000 V2 and add five Expansion Battery 2000 to the mix, and you’re in line for a total of 11,264 Wh. Each DJI Expansion Battery 2000 sells for $899.

What I love about portable power stations that have the ability to link up with extra batteries is that you don’t have to commit to a specific power need. Grab the DJI Power 1000 V2 and then see how it goes. Maybe the 1,024Wh is sufficient for you. But if it’s not, it’s super easy to grab an extra battery. This approach can also be beneficial if you’re looking to get portable power but don’t want to dish out the big money for a larger power station right now. 

You’re probably wondering how you’d possibly haul around a portable power station with five batteries stacked above it, and that’s where the thoughtful DJI accessories come into play. The DJI Power Expansion Battery 2000 Hand Truck Combo offers a stable way to cart around major amounts of portable power. 

Full access to all ports while still in the carrying bag. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable DJI even added proper ventilation to the carrying bag. Credit: Lauren Allain

I feel silly saying this, but I adore the DJI Power 1000 Protective Storage Bag. It makes carrying the power station a breeze, and its design allows for full access to all ports without taking it out of the bag. There’s also a zippered area for storing cables.

The benefits of the DJI Power 1000 V2 for DJI drone owners

The two SDC ports on the DJI Power 1000 V2 are unique to DJI portable power stations, and you won’t find them included on power stations from other brands. This is relevant to those with DJI drones because it gives access to super quick recharging of drone batteries. 

The award for the fastest DJI drone battery recharge goes to the Inspire 3 TB51 Intelligent Flight Battery, which charges from 10 percent to 95 percent in 28 minutes with the DJI Power 1000 V2. The Air Series 3 Intelligent Flight Battery goes to 95 percent in 30 minutes. The slight hitch here is that you’ll need to purchase the fast-charge cable to get this drone-recharging benefit. However, the good news is that the cable costs about $20.

What I don’t love about the DJI Power 1000 V2

While the SDC ports are great for fast-charging DJI drones, they prove troublesome in other aspects. My main gripe is that, true to other DJI portable power stations, the Power 1000 V2 does not have built-in ports that connect to solar panels. If you want to recharge with solar, you’ll have to purchase the DJI Power Solar Panel Adapter Module, which sells for $59. This is a bit of a letdown considering that every other portable power station I’ve tested has built-in ports that connect to solar panels. If you don’t plan on recharging with solar panels, you can ignore this con.

You'll need to grab this Power Solar Panel Adapter Module if you plan to harness recharging with the sun. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

My other disappointment with the DJI Power 1000 V2 is that it doesn’t have an onboard external light. The display is perfect for getting all the stats you need about the station, but I love a power station that has a built-in flashlight. It’s so much nicer to climb stairs while carrying a power station with a light on the station itself. It’s also awesome to use during power outages. This lack of light is not unique to this particular portable power station. Most brands seem to be moving away from including a built-in light, and while I’m sad about it, it’s not like we don’t have other light sources.

Is the DJI Power 1000 V2 worth buying?

At full price, DJI is selling the Power 1000 V2 for $699. That falls into a fairly standard price range for a portable power station in the 1,000Wh category. But given its special attributes for content creators, I think this is a worthy model for creators. Because of its ultra-quiet operation, I also like it for those who don’t want a loud fan or who will be sleeping in the same room as the power station. Aside from those two points, everyone else could benefit from this model since it lands in a nice price range. It’ll be great for camping, road trips, or power outages. I wouldn’t hesitate to choose the DJI Power 1000 V2 if the price is more attractive compared to other models that offer similar stats.

DJI Power 1000 V2 $699 at Amazon
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