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The conglomerate resulting from the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger will be called Skydance, chairman and CEO David Ellison announced today. The name comes from Ellison's own film production company, Skydance Media, that was founded in 2006.

The merger faced lawsuits from U.S. states, which have since been settled, as well as criticism from members of the entertainment industry. It is now expected to close on Oct. 6, finalizing the union of two of America's most storied movie studios, along with their fair share of subsidiaries and IP, from HBO Max and Paramount+ to the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings franchises.

SEE ALSO: John Oliver mocks 'soon-to-be business daddy' David Ellison

Ellison shared a video on X showcasing the many assets Skydance would own, including film and production companies, well-known TV channels, and IP.

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Here is the extensive list of what Skydance will own once the merger is complete, including international assets:

• Adult Swim

• Alloy Entertainment

• American Heroes Channel

• Ananey

• Animal Planet

• Asian Food Network

• BET

• Bleacher Report

• Boomerang

• Cartoonito

• Cartoon Network

• CBS

• Channel 5

• CMT

• CNN

• CNN All Access

• CNN Español

• Comedy Central

• Cooking Channel

• DC Studios

• Discovery

• Discovery+

• Discovery Family Channel

• Discovery Home and Health

• Discovery Turbo

• DMAX

• Eurosport

• Food Network

• HBO/HBO Max

• HGTV

• HLN

• Hogar HGTV

• Miramax

• MTV

• Nickelodeon

• Nick Jr.

• Network 10

• New Line Cinema

• Paramount+

• Paramount Animation

• Paramount Sports Entertainment

• Paramount Television Studios

• Pluto TV

• Pop TV

• Showtime

• Skydance Animation

• SkyShowtime

• Smithsonian Channel

• TCM

• TLC

• TNT

• TV Land

• Warner Bros. Clockwork

Plus, here is the IP Skydance will own the film rights and much of the TV rights to:

• Avatar: The Last Airbender

• Beetlejuice

• Citizen Kane

• The Conjuring

• DC Comics

• Dora The Explorer

• Dune: Part Three (distribution rights)

• Harry Potter

• Game of Thrones

• Gremlins

• Looney Tunes

• The Lord of the Rings

• Minecraft (distribution rights)

• Mission: Impossible

• MonsterVerse (distribution rights)

• Mortal Kombat

• A Quiet Place

• SpongeBob SquarePants

• Star Trek

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

• Tom & Jerry

• Transformers

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Pope Leo XIV went on X this morning to call out AI slop, urging people to support human artists instead. The American Pope wrote, "Algorithms lack the spark of humanity."

Religion and artificial intelligence have also been a major topic of discussion this week, after the New York Times reported that Anthropic recently tried, and failed, to convince religious leaders that Claude could be a conscious being with moral status.

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As AI slop spreads, the Pope wrote that it's more urgent than ever to embrace human artists.

"In this era of artificial intelligence, it is becoming urgent to distinguish human art from what machines produce. There is an ontological difference, even before an aesthetic one, between art and what a machine can generate through statistical calculation based on millions of images created by others. Algorithms lack the spark of humanity. For this reason, the Church wishes to renew an alliance with artists and cultural institutions to safeguard our humanity."

SEE ALSO: AI slop is killing the internet

The Pope hasn't shied away from discussing the spiritual implications of artificial intelligence. In fact, from the moment he ascended to the papacy, AI has been central to his philosophy. The pontiff said he chose the name Leo in honor of the pope of the same name who shepherded the church through the upheaval of the Industrial Revolution.

And in his 42,300-word papal encyclical titled Magnifica Humanitas ("Magnificent Humanity"), Pope Leo directly called out Big Tech and the artificial intelligence industry.

"In some regions of the world, children and adolescents work in dangerous conditions, crushing the materials from which rare earth elements are extracted," he wrote. "The bodies of these people are scarred, injured, and worn down so that computational flow may continue uninterruptedly...This reality ​deeply challenges the moral conscience of our time."

In the New York Times report about Anthropic's religious lobbying efforts, the publication of Magnifica Humanitas is a major plot point. Anthropic leaders were invited to the Vatican as part of the encyclical's publication, according to the Times.

Christopher Olah, whom the paper describes as "one of Anthropic’s billionaire co-founders," was reportedly disturbed that the Pope's encyclical did not take the idea of AI consciousness seriously.

And now that the topic of AI and religion is back in the news, the Pope is once again calling out the AI industry, this time for AI slop.

AI slop is everywhere if you have eyes to see and ears to hear, but the AI slop-mongers now have a powerful enemy: The head of the Roman Catholic Church and the spiritual leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.

HDDs are generally seen as super reliable. Their external variants are perceived as both reliable and optimal for cold storage. Fair—both of those things are generally true. But the problem is that when something goes wrong, it goes majorly wrong, and shockingly fast.

Amazon loves to keep us on our toes. We've been covering Prime Day for years, and even though the dates vary slightly, we expect Prime Day to fall in July. But this year, the retailer held its flagship sale in June, much to our surprise. This fall, however, things are back on schedule.

Amazon's biggest sale of the year may be over, but there's another one upon us. We're here to lay out all the details you need to know because, surprise — the early deals have started.

When is the next Prime Day?

While it may seem like Amazon holds sales every other month, Prime Day technically only happens once a year, in the summer. However, Amazon hosts a fall Prime event called Prime Big Deal Days, and it's coming up quickly. For all intents and purposes, it's colloquially known as October Prime Day. The official sale runs for 48 hours on Oct. 6 and Oct. 7 in 2026, but you can expect deals in the days leading up to and following those dates.

Amazon has also held a week-long shopping event in the spring, dubbed Amazon's Big Spring Sale, for the past three years. The deals aren't quite at the level of Prime Day, but it is considered Amazon's first major savings event of the year. After the October sale, it's the next time you'll hear the term "Prime Day" floating around.

Are Prime Day deals worth it?

Prime Day is notoriously full of great deals. Besides Black Friday, it's probably the best time of year to buy Amazon devices, Apple products, robot vacuums, everyday essentials, smartwatches, headphones, and more. If you're in the market for tech, it's certainly worth perusing. Mashable already has a running list of the best October Prime Day deals that can give you more in-depth analysis on what products are worth grabbing and which ones are worth passing on.

You should always update your smartphone to take advantage of the latest security patches…or maybe sometimes you should wait just a little bit?

According to user reports on forums such as Reddit, some Pixel owners are claiming that they are locked out of their devices after installing the September 2026 Pixel update.

Users with Pixel devices ranging from the Pixel 10 Pro XL to the Pixel 9a to the Pixel 8 Pro have reported a lockout issue on Reddit after downloading the September OS update.

"I updated my Pixel 10 Pro XL to the latest September 2026 update, and since then I've been completely locked out of my phone due to a really strange issue with the pattern unlock," shared one user on Reddit with a Pixel 10 Pro XL. "Whenever I try to draw my unlock pattern, the line disappears immediately after connecting the second dot. All nine dots reset as if I've lifted my finger, regardless of which dot I start from. It's literally impossible to complete the pattern."

Some other Pixel users claim that their phone immediately displays "PIN is wrong" after they enter just the first digit of their PIN. 

According to other users, the lock screen issue eventually triggers an emergency countdown timer after inputting the PIN number incorrectly too many times. However, one user on Reddit claims that the issue seemed to resolve itself after waiting out the timer, and that their Pixel phone finally accepted their PIN number.

Unfortunately, this hasn't worked for all Pixel owners. Some users have been forced to factory reset their devices just so they can keep using their smartphone, according to the user complaints shared online.

Google is apparently aware of the issue. Android Authority reports that the company has been reaching out to users who claim to be experiencing the problem on Reddit. However, the company has yet to address the issue publicly and has yet to release an update that fixes whatever the issue may be.

It should be noted that unless a fix is released that addresses whatever issue is causing the problem, Google cannot unlock your Pixel phone remotely, as the device is encrypted. So, unfortunately, those forced to factory reset their Pixel have lost photos and other files that weren't backed up or stored elsewhere. If you find yourself in this situation, you may want to wait until Google provides an answer to this specific problem before resetting the device.

Mashable highly recommends that users back up their devices before installing any update, even minor ones. Personally, I have automated updates turned off on my device specifically to avoid issues like this and to make sure there's always a recent backup before manually updating.

October's barely off the starting line and Netflix has already got a dozen new documentaries and docuseries on the grid for U.S. subscribers. If you caught those Formula 1 racing references, then there's something particularly great in store for you below.

Home hubs are essential in a modern home, and it makes sense to get a current model with the latest features. Amazon's latest Echo Show 11 is one of the best choices because it has a vivid display, amazing sound quality, and access to the latest AI-powered Alexa+ voice assistant. It's also available at an unbeatable price with 40% off with a limited-time Amazon deal.

Nvidia might have released the Shield TV Pro in 2019, but even that device isn't immune to market pressure. The company has raised the price of the Shield TV Pro to $300, a $100 hike.

TL;DR: Amazon has launched a $100 Kindle Sling Bag with SCAD students, complete with a Kindle-inspired keychain and wristlet stand.

Kindle Sling Bag, SCAD Designer Collection $99.99 at Amazon
  Get Deal at Amazon

Ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, retailers (and Amazon itself) are trying to grab everyone's attention with new product drops.

This week, Amazon opened preorders for a $99.99 version of its Kindle Sling Bag, designed in collaboration with students at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). It comes in dune and cinder (which are basically just cream and black) and is set to ship Oct. 28.

SEE ALSO: I tested all of Amazon's e-readers, and this is the best Kindle to buy

It's made from GRS-certified recycled leather with 59 percent recycled content — if that helps you feel a little better about paying top dollar for what's essentially just a crossbody purse. The biggest difference between this and the original sling bag Amazon released last November is functionality: the new one includes a wristlet stand that props your Kindle up on any flat surface, plus a small Kindle-shaped charm.

It fits standard Kindles, the Kindle Aluminum, Paperwhite, and Colorsoft. (Note: It's not compatible with the Kindle Scribe or Kindle Scribe Colorsoft.)

Aside from being the family tech support guy, my job also has me testing a lot of software and operating systems. I end up installing a new OS every couple of weeks, whether I'm testing Linux, troubleshooting a PC, or working on one of my articles. That means I have to rely on a bootable USB tool pretty regularly.

The Star Trek universe is huge and full of different media. I've watched the shows, played the video games, read a ton of the novels (Star Trek: Titan is a personal favorite), and have even written about Trek-related songs. Since this year is the series' 60th Anniversary, I thought I'd celebrate with these tech-related StarTrek hobbies.

For over three months, I have been running 12 speed tests per day every single day. It's added up to over 1,200 tests spanning over 100 days, using nearly 2.5TB of data. What did I learn from this endeavor? Actually, way more than I imagined I would.

Losing cell service mid-drive is a big deal because it can mess with your maps, music, and a whole lot of other things, and then you're stuck looking at the screen instead of the road. Most people don't notice how much Android Auto leans on the internet until they're staring at a frozen screen somewhere outside coverage. The good news is that you can prepare and use your apps in places where you have no reception, as long as you know where to look.

TL;DR: Ninja is launching the Ninja PREPi Precision-Powered Prep and Store System — a compact 5-in-1 device built to chop, purée, slice, shred, and cut french fries directly into a serve-and-store container.

Ninja PREPi $229.99 at SharkNinja
  Shop Now at SharkNinja

If you are tired of spending half your paycheck on mediocre takeaway salads, Ninja wants a word. The appliance brand known for cluttering up your counter in the best way possible is officially dropping its next kitchen fix — the Ninja PREPi Precision-Powered Prep + Store System, retailing for $229.99.

Designed specifically for cramped apartments, tiny counters, and tight cabinet space, the PREPi packs full-size food processing muscle into a footprint that won't swallow your entire kitchen. Instead of dragging out three different chopping boards and dirtying half a dozen plastic containers, this compact unit lets you process, serve, and snap a lid on to store your food in the same container.

SEE ALSO: The best early October Prime Day kitchen deals: We found live deals Ninja and Keurig deals worth grabbing

Powering the device is a 500-watt motor capable of handling heavy-duty food preparation without stalling. The system relies on a versatile set of attachments, starting with a single Chop & Purée blade that handles everything from coarse salsa prep to smooth dips without making you swap parts midway through. A reversible disc handles uniform slicing on one side and flips over for shredding cheese or veggies on the other.

For fry lovers, the PREPi includes a dedicated French fry disc that lets you drop a whole potato down its three-part feed chute and spit out perfectly even, air-fryer-ready cuts in a few seconds flat. If you pick up the PN351 model, you also get a built-in dicing kit for fast, uniform salad prep.

Welcome to October. It's spooky season, and we have a new Halloween-themed show for you to watch this weekend. It's a dramedy involving teenage witches coming to Disney+ and Hulu. As for the non-spooky shows to watch this weekend, a new thriller starring an Academy Award-winning actress premieres on AMC+.

Mac minis with Apple Silicon are some of the best compact desktop computers on the market, but their Intel-based predecessors aren't ready for the landfill just yet. While they're too old to get new versions of macOS and too feeble to use as your main PC, they still have enough fuel in their tanks to work as home servers. Put Linux on one, start self-hosting, and you'll be able to save wads of cash you're now spending on various subscriptions.

Filmmaker Erin Lee Carr has made her mark with such mesmerizing documentaries as Mommy Dead & Dearest, I Love You, Now Die: The Commonwealth V. Michelle Carter, Britney v. Spears, and Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara. Now, she's tackling one of the most shocking reality TV series of the 2000s with The Swan: Behind The Mirror.

Sitting down with Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko in the Say More studio, Carr shared how she created a space for the swans to speak out, rewriting their narratives along the way. When she signed on to helm the project, it was important to her that empowerment be part of the story. Not only did she include every contestant who wanted to participate, but she also gathered the flock of swans for a reunion to celebrate their resilience and beauty (inside and out).

Together, they also dig into some of the doc's most WTF reveals, including the nude photos that plastic surgeon Dr. Randal Haworth still has of the Season 2 contestants. Plus, Carr reflects on how she's grown a deep well of empathy that has been central to her work in documentary, whether talking to coerced reality TV stars or convicted killers.

The Swan: Behind the Mirror is now streaming on Hulu.

If you've been staring at Excel all week at work, the last thing you probably want to do this weekend is open another spreadsheet. Except Excel gets surprisingly interesting when you connect it to other things. This weekend, put that idea to the test with three projects that take Excel somewhere a little different.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're a lender.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 2 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

High interest.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter U appears twice.

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Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter U.

The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

USURY

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

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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 Wordle.

If you're heading outside tonight, don't forget to look up. The Moon is still very much visible in its current position in the lunar cycle, so, if the sky is clear, try and spot some craters or mares.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Friday, Oct. 2, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the Waning Gibbous phase, with 64% of its surface visible.

With just your naked eye, tonight you can see the Mare Vaporum, the Oceanus Procellarum, and the Kepler Crater. If you have binoculars, you can also spot the Alps Mountains and the Alphonsus and Gassendi Craters. Finally, if you have access to a telescope, you'll see the Apollo 12 and 15 landing spots, plus the Rima Ariadaeus.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on October 25 or 26, depending on your timezone.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon takes around 29.5 days to orbit Earth, and as it moves through this cycle, we see different amounts of its sunlit side from here. That's what creates the Moon's different phases, from a thin crescent through to a half Moon and, eventually, the Full Moon. Once it reaches the Full Moon, the cycle starts over again. NASA explains that the phase we see depends on the Moon's position in relation to Earth and the Sun.

The eight phases are:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it's not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.