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Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 7 review: Invincible again, but not the same value as last year

How-To Geek - Tue, 09/15/2026 - 17:30

Most laptops want to grab your attention with a stylish design or flashy features, to amaze and delight. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has never been one of those laptops; it simply aims to be the go-to laptop for businesses all over the world. Another generation has arrived, and it maintains that standard of class-leading durability and repairability. This laptop feels invincible, and that's by design.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Prime members can take $20 off Grubhub orders as an early October Prime Day treat

Mashable - Tue, 09/15/2026 - 17:10

SAVE $20: Through Oct. 5, Prime members can take $20 off any Grubhub order of $30 or more with the code DEALS20. And ICYMI, Grubhub+ is free with Prime.

Opens in a new window Credit: Grubhub / Amazon Grubhub: Prime Big Deal Days deal Take $20 off an order of $30+ with code DEALS20 Get Deal

Dinner's on Amazon tonight. Well, at least partially.

To celebrate the Prime Big Deal Days shopping event, taking place on Oct. 6 and 7 this year, Amazon is giving Prime members a special treat. Now through Oct. 5, Prime members can save $20 on a Grubhub order of $30 or more. Just use the code DEALS20 at checkout. Of course, that's on top of the free delivery every Prime member gets via Grubhub+ ($120 value).

You must be an active Grubhub+ member through Prime to redeem the offer. So, if you haven't yet, link your Amazon account with your Grubhub account. Voila! You're now an active member and can order meals from Grubhub year-round with free delivery, lower service fees, and exclusive savings.

Other fine print details: Your order subtotal must be at least $30 before tax, tip, and fees in order to apply the discount. And, unfortunately, you can only redeem the discount once per account. The code DEALS20 will work right up until the October Prime Day event kicks off, at 11:59 p.m. local time on Oct. 5.

For all the money you spend on Amazon, you deserve a little treat. Grab your favorite takeout this month for $20 less than usual.

If you're not a Prime member yet, there's still plenty of time to sign up ahead of the Prime Big Deal Days event. You'll get a free 30-day trial to kick things off and can milk your Prime member benefits — including Grubhub+ and this $20 discount — for all they're worth.

Categories: IT General, Technology

GTA 6 Ultimate Edition contents: What you get for $100

Mashable - Tue, 09/15/2026 - 17:08

Grand Theft Auto VI is tantalizingly close to coming out in November. We've seen a detailed gameplay breakdown on Netflix, and some folks might still be undecided about pre-ordering the game because there are two versions to think about.

The standard edition is $79.99, which is already high for a video game. But the $100 Ultimate Edition is the one everyone has their eyes on. What, exactly, do you get for paying an extra $20 to play GTA 6? Let's investigate.

SEE ALSO: Will GTA 6 be on Xbox Game Pass at launch? Grand Theft Auto VI Ultimate Edition: What it comes with

Lots of video games will happily take a little bit more of your money for a deluxe edition of some sort. These usually include optional cosmetic upgrades and maybe access to future DLC. In the case of GTA VI, though, the Ultimate Edition comes with access to exclusive shops, vehicles, and even some side content that regular edition owners won't be able to access.

Here are the shops you'll be able to patronize exclusively in the Ultimate Edition:

  • Sara's Unisex Salon

  • Stock 305 clothing store

  • Rideout Customs Mod Shop

  • Electric Fang Tattoo Parlor

  • One-Eyed Willie's off-road mod shop

As you can probably guess from the names of those businesses, these are all going to provide Ultimate Edition-exclusive cosmetic options for protagonists Jason and Lucia, as well as the vehicles they drive. If you want special tattoos, vehicle mods, hairstyles, or clothes, you'll need to pony up $100.

There are also a couple of outfit packs called Vice City Styles and Goodtime Gear. Beyond that, there are special vehicles that come only with the Ultimate Edition. These include the '95 Grotti Cheetah, a mid-90s sports car that looks super sleek, and a boat called the Shitzu Squalo. There's also the '67 Vapid Dominator buggy for all your off-roading needs.

SEE ALSO: How 'GTA 6' looks on Xbox Series S: What we know

Perhaps most enticing is the prospect of exclusive side missions. These appear to come in two varieties: PTT Youngin$ Illegal Goods Store, and the Classic Car Collection. The former is a gang compound you can raid for exclusive rewards, and the latter is a series of missions that involve tracking down and collecting project cars and fixing them up.

Get some exclusive outfits like these ones in the Ultimate Edition. Credit: Rockstar Games

If all of that wasn't enough, the Hawk & Morgan revolvers will join your weapon loadout in the Ultimate Edition, while Jason and Lucia's sidearm pistols will have custom engravings on them.

Last but not least, there are a couple of pre-order bonuses. The first is the Vice City Vintage pack, a series of cosmetic upgrades with some nice '80s flair. The second is a free month of GTA+. This membership program includes bonus money and discounted vehicles in GTA Online (which isn't available in GTA VI for now), a "rotating selection" of free classic Rockstar Games titles, and more.

It's up to you to decide whether or not an extra $20 is a fair price for all of that, but at the very least, it's better than just a couple of costumes.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why people are 3D printing covers that disable their digital camera’s screen

How-To Geek - Tue, 09/15/2026 - 17:00

There’s a new trend among some hobbyist photographers that involves 3D printing covers for digital cameras that make them resemble the analog cameras of the 35mm age.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Record-low deal: Football season is here, and the 75-inch Hisense Class E6SR QLED 4K TV is on sale for under $580

Mashable - Tue, 09/15/2026 - 16:55

SAVE $171: The 75-inch Hisense Class E6SR QLED 4K TV is on sale at Amazon for $578.99, down from the standard price of $749.99. That's a 23% discount and the lowest we've seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense 75-inch Hisense Class E6SR QLED 4K TV $578.99 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $171   Get Deal

It's an exciting season for those of us who love to kick back with some great TV. For starters, NFL season is here, so consider Sundays booked. In addition, we have great new shows coming like fresh GBBO, a new season of The Paper, and so many more. All of this is to say, we'll be spending plenty of time in front of the TV, and if you could use a big upgrade, check out this deal.

As of Sept. 15, the 75-inch Hisense Class E6SR QLED 4K TV is on sale on Amazon for $578.99, down from the regular price of $749.99. That's a 23% discount that takes a nice $171 off the price. It's also the lowest we've seen at Amazon.

Buying a new TV can feel like a complicated process on account of the endless acronyms and TV jargon. But this Hisense deal makes it simple. A 75-inch TV will work well in a larger living room, rec room, or bedroom, and the QLED display makes it perfect for watching in bright conditions.

SEE ALSO: Roku just announced two new OLED TVs that ditch the premium price tag of OLED

The 2026 model comes with Roku TV built in to keep all your favorite streaming apps neatly organized and easy to access. In addition to the sale price, Amazon is throwing in free delivery to the room of your choice and unpacking. This service, which usually costs $29.99, means you won't have to deal with recycling a gigantic box, since the delivery crew will haul away all packaging materials.

Before your favorite fall shows start, upgrade to the 75-inch Hisense Class E6SR QLED 4K TV while it's on sale for under $580. Since this is the best price we've ever seen at Amazon, this is a great time to make the move.

Categories: IT General, Technology

DeWalt power tools and battery packs are on sale ahead of Prime Day: Shop top picks from $79

Mashable - Tue, 09/15/2026 - 16:32
Best DeWalt deals on Amazon right now: DeWalt Portable Tire Inflator $89.99 (save $10) Get Deal DeWalt 20V MAX XR 3-Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit $99 (save $32.51) Get Deal DeWalt 20V MAX 6.0Ah Premium Lithium-Ion Battery 2-Pack $179 (Save $100) Get Deal DeWalt 20V MAX XR Impact Driver & Hammer Drill PowerPack Combo Kit $299 (Save $50) Get Deal

If you've ever had to pause a project halfway through because your single power tool battery died — or spent twenty minutes pumping up a low tire with a hand pump — you already know the value of reliable gear. DeWalt’s 20V MAX system is a staple for a reason, but filling out your toolbox at full retail price gets expensive fast.

Amazon just slashed prices on a solid lineup of DeWalt essentials, with deals starting at $89.99. We sorted through the sale to highlight the gear worth your money, ranked from the cheapest entry point to the bigger investment kits.

DeWalt Portable Tire Inflator Opens in a new window Credit: DeWalt DeWalt Portable Tire Inflator $89.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $10   Get Deal

Having a portable air compressor in your trunk saves you from hunting down gas station pumps or sweating over a manual bike pump. At under $90, this DeWalt inflator gives you reliable emergency power in a package that weighs under a pound and a half.

It tops off a standard car tire from 30 to 36 PSI in under a minute, hitting a maximum pressure of 150 PSI. You set your target pressure or choose a preset for cars, bikes, or sports equipment, and the digital screen automatically shuts off the pump when it hits the mark, so you don't blow out a tire.

DeWalt Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit Opens in a new window Credit: DeWalt DeWalt 3-Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit $99 at Amazon
$131.51 Save $32.51   Get Deal

If you don't already own an oscillating multi-tool, it's easily the most surprisingly useful device you can add to your workshop. Think of it as the ultimate problem solver for precise jobs that regular saws or sanders can't reach — like trimming door jambs during a flooring install, or plunging straight into drywall for a new outlet box.

The DeWalt 20V MAX XR 3-Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit has a tool-free accessory system that lets you swap out blades and attachments without fumbling around for an Allen wrench. It features a three-speed toggle alongside a pressure-sensitive trigger, giving you total control so you don't accidentally chew through your material. Add in an efficient brushless motor that squeezes extra runtime out of your 20V battery, plus a built-in LED light to illuminate tight, dark corners, and it easily earns its spot in your kit.

DeWalt Lithium-Ion Battery 2-Pack Opens in a new window Credit: DeWalt DeWalt Lithium-Ion Battery 2-Pack $179 at Amazon
$279 Save $100   Get Deal

There is nothing worse than hitting a wall on a project because your only battery died halfway through. This Lithium-Ion battery two-pack fixes that by giving you two high-capacity 6.0Ah batteries, so you can keep one powering your tool while the other juices up on the charger.

At 6.0Ah each, these hold significantly more juice than the basic 2.0Ah batteries bundled in standard kits, giving you the extended runtime needed for power-hungry tools like saws and grinders. They don't drain themselves while sitting idle in your garage, and the built-in 3-LED fuel gauge lets you check remaining power with a quick button press. Plus, they recharge in just 60 minutes and work with every DeWalt 20V MAX tool you own.

SEE ALSO: Best deals on Ryobi cordless tools in Home Depot's Labor Day sale. Shop deals for under $50 DeWalt Impact Driver and Hammer Drill PowerPack Combo Kit Opens in a new window Credit: DeWalt DeWalt Impact Driver and Hammer Drill PowerPack Combo Kit $299 at Amazon
$349 Save $50   Get Deal

If you need a real drill and driver setup that won't quit on heavy projects, this Impact Driver and Hammer Drill PowerPack combo kit packs the absolute heavy hitters of DeWalt's 20V MAX lineup. The hammer drill has more than double the power of older baseline models, spinning up to 2,000 RPM so you can bore through tough brick, masonry, or dense hardwoods without the motor stalling out.

The impact driver churns out 1,825 in-lbs of torque, which is more than enough muscle to sink thick lag bolts or drive long deck screws without stripping the heads or snapping your wrist. Instead of packing in cheap entry-level batteries that drain in twenty minutes, DeWalt includes two of its next-gen PowerPack batteries and a charger. That means you get higher power output, better heat management under heavy loads, and enough runtime to keep both tools working side by side all afternoon.

More DeWalt tool deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

This free app generated subtitles for an entire folder of videos without uploading a thing

How-To Geek - Tue, 09/15/2026 - 16:30

I have a lot of video files scattered between my Plex library and shared folders full of family videos. Some have subtitles, plenty don't, and I wanted an easy way to transcribe them without uploading personal footage to a third-party cloud service. While looking for something that could handle the job locally, I came across Whisperer on GitHub.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I spent hours digging through obscure Samsung Galaxy features, and these 4 deserve more attention

How-To Geek - Tue, 09/15/2026 - 16:00

Samsung Galaxy devices are some of the best Android phones you can buy, and that's because they're packed with features. Most Galaxy phones are full of exclusive features fans love, but there are dozens more that don't get talked about enough and deserve far more attention.

Categories: IT General, Technology

$99 AirPods alert: Walmart has the AirPods 4 on a rare discount (for now)

Mashable - Tue, 09/15/2026 - 15:55

SAVE $30: The Apple AirPods 4 are on sale for $99 at Walmart, down from the list price of $129.99. That's a 23% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $99 at Walmart
$129.99 Save $30.99   Get Deal

Now that we're in the middle of September, it's prime time for excellent walks. Summer heat has dissipated, and soon brightly-colored leaves will take over. Once that happens, it's time to pop in the earbuds and head out on a walk. If your old AirPods barely hold a charge, it's time for an upgrade, and lucky for us, there's a rare sale.

As of Sept. 15, the Apple AirPods 4 are on sale for $99 at Walmart, down from the list price of $129.99. That's a 23% discount that shaves $30.99 off the price.

With a shorter stem and better contour for comfort, the Apple AirPods 4 get up to five hours of listening time, which bumps up to 30 hours thanks to the case. Both the AirPods themselves and the case carry an IP54 rating against dust, sweat, and water, making them even more friendly for fall walks.

SEE ALSO: Hisense built a giant 32-inch touchscreen that follows you into every room — where to buy

Apple used the H2 chip in the AirPods 4 for improved call quality and overall sound. The voice isolation is a step up compared to the previous generation, and they're designed to better block out distracting background noise. The case is also 10% smaller than the AirPods 3 case.

Adding to the convenience, the AirPods 4 have an optical sensor that automatically pauses playback when you take them out of your ears and resumes when they're back in. Of course, you can also use the Apple Find My network to track down any missing AirPods or the charging case.

Since they're on sale for under $100 at Walmart, make the upgrade to the Apple AirPods 4. Even if your current headphones are doing OK, it's always smart to have a backup pair on hand, and we don't see this sale price often.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Elsinore review: Andrew Scott brings humor and divinity to this profound bio-drama

Mashable - Tue, 09/15/2026 - 15:45

I’m not a religious person. I put my faith in art over god and man. Through creative collaboration, we create something bigger than ourselves, and possibly eternal. In art, we become gods, creating worlds, heroes, and stories that give others hope, agony, and ecstasy. 

In the dark of a theater, an audience is given a chance to feel seen while not being perceived. You don’t need a brave face here. You just need a beating heart. In this way, Elsinore is a religious experience. 

SEE ALSO: TIFF 2026 preview: 18 films (and shows) you'll want to see (and how)

The latest from Andrew Scott stars the critically revered Irish actor as Ian Charleson, the Scottish actor best remembered for Chariots of Fire. However, written by Stephen Beresford, this film focuses on the last play of Charleson's life, when he starred as Hamlet in the National Theater production, while he was dying from AIDS (unbeknownst to the public).

As you might predict, the Shakespearean tragedy about death and regret proves a powerful parallel to the actor's own story. But even as accolades stack up for Scott's performance here, I don't think you can be adequately prepared for what Elsinore truly has in store. 

Elsinore is not about death, but how we choose to live.  Andrew Scott in "Elsinore." Credit: Anthony Dickenson / Focus Features

Set a 1989 London, Elsinore plays out at the height of the AIDS crisis. Men around the world are dying at astonishing numbers, while governments largely ignore their plight. The film picks up with Ian well aware of his status, leaning on loved ones who know, and in some cases are afflicted themselves.

At 40 years old, he's aware that his time is short. So what will he do with it? Once the opportunity to play Hamlet on England's prestigious stage is presented, he refuses to turn it down even as his doctor (Olivia Colman) tells him the rigors of such an endeavor will only hurt his longevity. To this, Ian proclaims he'd "rather die from Hamlet than AIDS."

As dour as the setup sounds, Elsinore is defiantly streaked with joy and laughs. It's a funny movie in the face of death, and rightly so. During a panel at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Scott — who also produced Elsinore — explained that this humor was essential, because "the great thing about human beings is that we always look for the light." So, it's just honest to have humor even in these places dark and tragic. After all, Shakespeare did it himself. There is humor in Hamlet too. 

Featured Video For You Andrew Scott and Brendan Fraser talk 'Pressure' and competency porn

In Elsinore, some of the film's comedy comes from the world of theater, where big personalities shine, including a stage door worker, who has the ruthless wit of Hamlet's gravedigger. Elsewhere, Billie Piper, who plays Ian's best friend, gossipy casting agent Patsy Pollock, also brings light and levity alongside her on-screen daughter (Sadie Soverall). Through them, Elsinore gives the audience an understanding of Ian beyond his work, as a friend and an uncle, who bellows gleefully as he speaks of theater and love. Yet, this isn’t a glowing portrayal.

A subplot about his soured relationship with queer filmmaker Derek Jarman (David Dawson) explores resentment, possible regrets, and the pressure of being an openly queer figure in the world. Essentially, Derek challenges Ian to come out publicly about his sexuality and his diagnosis, calling him a coward if he doesn't. This thread is frustratingly still of great relevance today, as LGBTQ people's bodies are politicized for merely existing. To the credit of Elsinore director Simon Stone, the film's arguments for privacy versus public openness are hotly argued without determining one as right or wrong. Instead, both how these men chose to live, and how they choose to die, is given the space and dignity to be on their own terms.  

Andrew Scott is phenomenal in Elsinore.   Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman in "Elsinore." Credit: Anthony Dickenson / Focus Features

While critics out of Telluride Film Festival and TIFF have been mixed on the movie itself, Scott is being universally praised for his performance here. There’s no surprise in that. Not only is Scott one of the most mesmerizing actors working in film and theater today, but Elsinore also has a script that gives him plenty to sink his teeth into. Some may say this is a career-best performance for Scott. But such superlatives risk making reviews feel too easily outdated, as from Fleabag to Ripley, All of Us Strangers to Elsinore, Scott keeps delivering outstanding portrayals. 

However, I won't take for granted the tactility that Scott brings to Elsinore. Fear of AIDS at this time was so terrible and ignorant that many feared even touching a patient, a point illustrated by a skittish doctor who washes his hands twice after examining Ian's body. Within this context, the holding of a hand, the clutch of a hug, the stroke of a face, carries a heavier, emotional weight. Scott clearly understands the significance. It is not just in how he touches others, but in how he responds to touch. The treasure of that connection rendered onscreen is so profound that you can practically feel it on your own fingertips.

Herein lies the magic of cinema, where what we see and hear becomes so visceral we can practically sense the warmth of an outstretched hand or the smooth chill of Yorick's skull. And in this experience, we are invited, not only to understand Ian's journey, but also to reflect on our own. None of us are getting out alive. So what do we choose to live for while we can?

SEE ALSO: ‘It’s a Sin’ is a poignant series following a group of friends through the '80s AIDS epidemic

Not every moment in Elsinore is as eloquent as these subtle moments of pleasure and pain through touch. In the third act, Stone falters in his faith in the audience, leaning into clichéd montage depicting terminal illness through maudlin visuals. Stone might've trusted in the Bard, as Charleson did to define Ian's exit. There was a version of this movie, perhaps, where we leave him on the stage, allowing his work to speak for him as he'd hoped. Instead, Stone gives us sickly gray scenes of the actor's decay and thunderous body tremors. Then, he frustratingly fumbles the film's final moment with a clumsy and confounding music cue. 

There’s something ironic in this, because within Elsinore, Ian gripes that Chariots of Fire will be most remembered for its score, not his part in it. Yet in the final shot of Ian, Stone chooses to swell Stefan Gregory's score to drown out all other sounds. Here is supposed to be a scene depicting a theater tradition that Ian spoke of with intense reverence, where the ensemble shows support for an actor by banging collectively on their respective dressing room windows. It's meant to show you are seen, claimed, and loved. And yet, Stone won't let us hear the banging, which might clatter like applause to the very heavens. It's instead a soaring instrumental. In a movie so clearly in love with life and touch, it's so frustrating that Elsinore's final moment misses the opportunity to drive that home with the incredible power of the sound of human hands. Because in the end, it is our striving to connect and find light in the dark that allows us to live through art, past death.

Elsinore was reviewed out if its Canadian premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Categories: IT General, Technology

AirPods aren't the best Bluetooth earbuds anymore

How-To Geek - Tue, 09/15/2026 - 15:30

Apple’s AirPods are so ubiquitous, they’ve become the Kleenex of Bluetooth earbuds. But whether you own an iPhone or an Android, AirPods are hardly the only compelling option. As long as you stay clear of the cheapest budget options you see in checkout lines, Bluetooth earbuds, in general, are all pretty awesome.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This open-source Android keyboard finally fixed what Gboard gets wrong

How-To Geek - Tue, 09/15/2026 - 15:00

Android's default keyboard, Gboard, ships with clever predictions and slick design, but it also ships with a permanent connection to Google's servers. HeliBoard, a free and open-source alternative, actually makes a pretty good case for a replacement.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Pokémon TCG Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box is under market price at Amazon — save over $5

Mashable - Tue, 09/15/2026 - 14:47

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box is on sale for $114.47 at Amazon, down from its $121.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box $114.47 at Amazon
$121.99 Save $7.52   Get Deal

Any Pokémon TCG collectors still chasing Destined Rivals have another chance to pick up its increasingly rare Elite Trainer Box for less than the going market rate. 

As of Sept. 15, the Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box costs $114.47 at Amazon (shipping included), compared with the retailer’s $121.99 typical price. That takes $7.52 off, with the box shipped and sold directly by Amazon rather than a marketplace seller. 

Even cheaper than the $115.98 deal we covered a week ago, this not only undercuts TCGplayer’s estimated market price of $115.38 by 91 cents but also beats listings on the trading card site itself, where prices go as low as $115.53. 

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Nine titular Destined Rivals booster packs are packed into the ETB, making the Amazon deal equivalent to about $12.72 per pack before counting the extras. You're saving 77 cents per pack compared to buying them individually on Amazon for $13.49.

The bundle also contains the full-art Team Rocket’s Wobbuffet promo, 65 card sleeves, 45 Energy cards, seven dice, condition markers, four dividers, a player’s guide, a collector’s box, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card. 

If Amazon stock runs out, Walmart is matching the $114.47 price from third-party seller Rares Market (fulfilled by Walmart). 

If you’re after any of this Pokémon TCG expansion’s rarest and priciest chase cards in particular — be it the SIR Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex ($445+), SIR Cynthia’s Garchomp ex ($230+), or SIR Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex ($150+) — you can buy any single Destined Rivals card at TCGplayer.   

Categories: IT General, Technology

I thought my Google TV stick/dongle was dead, then I disabled one setting

How-To Geek - Tue, 09/15/2026 - 14:30

I still value my Google Chromecast with Google TV dongle because I don’t mind when it slows down a little, since I only use it on an older TV to stream movies and shows. So when I ran into a visual problem and thought my dongle was dead, I found it just needed a quick settings adjustment to come back to life. Some have claimed their dongle received an update that broke their Google TV stick, but mine still worked until one day it showed that lovely black screen of death on an old TV that replaced my dead one. Sometimes it’s just one setting that causes the black screen; other times, it's more complex.

Categories: IT General, Technology

PopSockets expands popular Low-Pro line with new 3-in-1 iPhone cases

Mashable - Tue, 09/15/2026 - 14:30

PopSockets just launched the Low-Pro Case, a new line of MagSafe iPhone cases and the first expansion of its Low-Pro line. The three-in-one MagSafe case supports wireless charging and also includes a collapsible Low-Pro Grip and a built-in phone stand.

Earlier this year (June 16, to be exact), PopSockets launched its Low-Pro Grip — a series of ultra-thin magnetic grips designed to lie flush against the back of your phone — exclusively in Apple stores. The Low-Pro Grip is just 2.6 mm when collapsed, and PopSockets says the launch received tons of positive feedback (most likely from people like me who can't stand when things are even a little bit off). PopSockets founder David Barnet told Mashable the Low-Pro is the brand's most popular new launch since the company's earliest days.

SEE ALSO: We found the best iPhone 18 Pro cases and grips to protect your new phone

So, naturally, the company is taking the concept further by embedding that same disappearing grip directly into a protective phone case. According to PopSockets, the new Low-Pro Case offers:

  • Integrated Low-Pro Grip

  • Adjustable stand for both portrait and landscape viewing

  • 10-foot drop and 360-degree phone protection

  • Optimized for MagSafe cases

  • Wireless charging (meaning the phone charges wirelessly through the case and grip)

Here's what the new case looks like in practice:

The new PopSockets Low-Pro Case features a built-in grip and integrated kickstand ring. Credit: Mashable | Timothy Beck Werth A side view of the PopSockets Low-Pro Case. Credit: Mashable | Timothy Beck Werth

And here's how it works: instead of snapping an accessory onto your existing phone case, this is a grip and case in one. It uses a flexible unibody design with a built-in grip that expands when you need to hold your phone, then collapses flat when you slide it into your pocket. It also has a metal ring that functions as a phone stand.

Launching Sept. 15 for $59.99, the new PopSockets Low-Pro Case is available for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max as well as the newly announced iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max (the Low-Pro Grip costs $39.99 on its own). For now, it comes in black and burgundy and is available for sale on Amazon, Best Buy, and the PopSockets website.

Our tech editor demoed the new case in person with Barnett and can confirm that the grip is "extraordinarily thin." While it might feel a bit flimsy due to the ultra-thin, flexible parts, Barnett says they tested the grip and found it could support over 40 pounds. The company discovered this fact in a very scientific "Fanta test," as you can see in this TikTok:

Categories: IT General, Technology

Sarah Michelle Gellar lands jab at cancelled Buffy reboot during Emmys

Mashable - Tue, 09/15/2026 - 13:33

Sarah Michelle Gellar landed a perfect smack to the cancellation of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot on the Emmys stage.

Joined by her Buffy co-star David Boreaneaz to present Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, the star took one moment to drive a stake through the heart of the unrealised series.

"You know, Sarah, I always through that Buffy and Angel would end up together,” said Boreaneaz.

"Well, I guess we won't find out," responded Gellar.

Gellar, who played vampire slayer Buffy Summers for seven seasons of the series from 1997 to 2003, had been working with director Chloé Zhao on a reboot, with Hulu and Searchlight Television on board. In March 2026, Gellar told People she got a call at SXSW and was told the series wasn't happening after all: "I was just about to take the stage in front of all the fans. Hulu had decided not to move forward with the Buffy revival. Let me tell you, nobody saw this coming."

For Buffy fans, the ceremony had a more heartbreaking moment, with the Emmys' "In Memoriam" segment paying tribute to late actor Anthony Head, who played debonair librarian and Watcher Rupert Giles in the series.

For everything that happened at the 2026 Emmys, we've got you covered.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

I tried the keyboard layout that was supposed to replace QWERTY—here's what happened

How-To Geek - Tue, 09/15/2026 - 13:31

I'm no stranger to using different keyboard layouts. I'm a big mechanical keyboard fan, and I still use typewriters, even in 2026. The IBM Selectric I grew up with had a QWERTY layout, and the vintage (well, more like dilapidated and in bad need of some oil) Smith Corona I'm using now also uses the layout. In the late 1800s, QWERTY became the standard for typewriter keyboard layouts. But in the 1930s, another layout emerged: Dvorak. It looked like it could beat QWERTY on paper, but it never quite got there. I wanted to find out why (and give it a go myself).

Categories: IT General, Technology

Best iPhone 18 Pro preorder deals: Get a free phone from AT&T, T-Mobile, Visible, and more

Mashable - Tue, 09/15/2026 - 13:19

In case you missed Apple's Sept. 9 event, there are a few new iPhones in town. And the big carriers are already competing to offer the best iPhone preorder deals and lock in new customers. Remember: The new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be available for preorder from Sept. 12 at 8 a.m. ET, so you can secure your new phone ASAP.

The best iPhone 18 preorder deals at a glance: Preorder at T-Mobile Get iPhone 18 Pro for free with qualifying trade-in or by switching Get Deal Preorder at AT&T Get iPhone 18 Pro for free with qualifying trade-in Get Deal Preorder at Visible Get $480 of monthly service credits with purchase Get Deal Preorder at Total Wireless Take $600 off iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max Get Deal Preorder at Apple Get up to $885 in credit with trade-in Get Deal

By now, the annual iPhone launch is basically the first indicator of fall. The foldable iPhone Duo has captured most of the hype this year, but the tried-and-true iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max flagship models also deliver exciting new updates. While the Duo won't be available until October, the 18 Pro and Pro Max hit shelves on Friday, Sept. 18.

The new Pro models come in four new colors: deep black, silver, burgundy, and glacier blue. The 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the Pro Max starts at $1,299 for the 256GB models (storage options go up to 2TB). That's a $100 price increase over last year, and new phones keep getting more expensive. Fortunately for our wallets, carriers like T-Mobile are offering up to $1,200 off, and you can also take advantage of the Apple Upgrade program if you don't mind leasing your iPhone.

SEE ALSO: Get an iPhone 18 Pro case to go along with your new phone Save up to $1,200 with iPhone 18 preorder deals

If you're ready to preorder your new device but your wallet isn't quite keeping up with your enthusiasm, we've found a few ways to save money. To take advantage of most carriers' offers, you'll need to switch providers, trade in an older iPhone, or choose a specific phone plan. Smaller carriers like Visible and Total Wireless are also offering up to half off the new iPhone if you sign up for certain plans.

Here are the best preorder deals for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max:

  • T-Mobile: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free when you switch to T-Mobile and bring your number or trade-in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan. You can also score up to $930 in trade-in credit when you switch a line to T-Mobile's Experience More or Go5G Plus plans.

  • Total Wireless: Save $600 on iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max on the All Access plan.

  • Apple: Trade in an iPhone 13 or later model and get between $175 and $885 in credit towards the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max. You can also score up to $1,200 in trade-in credit through specific carriers.

  • AT&T: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free or up to $1,200 off iPhone 18 Pro Max with qualifying trade-ins of iPhone 14 or later and activation on AT&T Premium 2.0 plan or higher. You can also get up to $800 in credit to pay off your current device just by switching to AT&T.

  • Verizon: Get up to $1,200 off when you add a new line (with qualified trade-in) on eligible myPlan or up to $1,020 off when you upgrade with an eligible trade-in on existing myPlan.

  • Visible: Buy the iPhone 18 Pro with Visible+ Pro and receive $480 through monthly service credits. New and existing members are eligible.

  • Walmart: The big box retailer doesn't have any preorder deals just yet, but you can finance the new iPhone and pay as little as $78/month if you qualify through OnePay, a Klarna-backed service.

  • Xfinity: Get the iPhone 18 Pro Max for free with a qualifying trade-in and device payment plan on the Mobile Plus plan.

What about Amazon iPhone preorder deals?

As of this writing, Amazon's iPhone 18 Pro listings aren't live, and Amazon typically isn't the best place to shop for new Apple smartphones. However, we'll update this page if any iPhone 18 Pro Amazon deals appear in the days ahead. In the meantime, you can preorder the new AirPods 5 and Apple Watches at Amazon.

Apple AirPods 5 earbuds $124.99 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Apple.com Pre-order Here at Walmart Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $399 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Best Buy Pre-order Here at Walmart Apple iPhone 18 Pro, 256GB Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile
  See It at T-Mobile See It at AT&T Wireless See It at Walmart iPhone 18 Pro Max, 256GB Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile
  See It at T-Mobile See It at Walmart See It at Apple.com SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone Duo vs. iPhone 18 Pro Max: How to decide between them
Categories: IT General, Technology

I made 5 games and tools in Excel that have nothing to do with crunching numbers

How-To Geek - Tue, 09/15/2026 - 13:00

I've used Excel for long enough to know that it isn't the first tool I'd reach for when I want to draw a picture, plan a room, or design a craft project. But a blank worksheet has helped me get creative, have a bit of fun, and sometimes even solve a problem faster than I could with a piece of paper or a dedicated app. Once you stop thinking of Excel as just somewhere to enter data, its grid becomes a surprisingly useful playground.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Mini Tins are already on sale at Amazon — act fast to save $5

Mashable - Tue, 09/15/2026 - 12:58

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Mini Tin is on sale for $68.40 at Amazon, down from its $75.95 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box $68.40 at Amazon
$75.95 Save $7.55   Pre-order Here

The Pokémon TCG’s 30th Celebration expansion is about to drop, but you can already buy one of its coveted mini tins for closer to market price at Amazon.

As of Sept. 15, the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Mini Tin is available to preorder on Amazon for $68.40, saving $7.55 off its current standard price of $75.95. Shipped and sold by third-party seller San Diego Cards, these Mini Tins (randomly selected) will be delivered between Oct. 8-13 at the time of writing. 

Unlike Pokémon’s main 30th Celebration collection that’s launching on Sept. 16, including the 30th Celebration ETB, the Mini Tins don’t release until Oct. 2 — and will be dispatched from then. If you want yours slightly earlier, Amazon also has a $69.95 option from Kings Games, which costs $1.55 more but currently carries an earlier Oct. 6 delivery estimate.

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Each Mini Tin packs in two 30th Celebration booster packs, a sticker sheet, a matching Pokémon art card, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card. There are 10 different tin artworks to collect, and putting all of the art cards together forms two larger images themed around the brightness of day and the coolness of night. 

In each 30th Celebration Pack, you’ll find five foil Pokémon cards, including one of 30 unique Pikachu illustrations, plus a foil Basic Energy card.

If there are any rare single cards from Pokémon’s 30th Celebration expansion you’d like, you can already preorder on TCGplayer. 

Categories: IT General, Technology
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