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Ankers latest portable power station charges to 100% in less than an hour: Preorder now

Mashable - Wed, 08/20/2025 - 17:27

September is just around the corner, and while that means the start of a new school year, it's also the peak of hurricane season, so it's no wonder that September is also National Preparedness Month. And just in time for a month focused on disaster preparedness comes Anker's newest portable power station. The Anker Solix C1000 Gen2 Portable Power Station is one of the fastest charging stations to come to market and is available for preorder now at $799.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 gen 2 portable power station $799 at Anker
Pre-order Here

This latest Anker power station is the second generation of the Anker Solix C1000 (which received a Mashable Choice Award), and one of the fastest charging models on the market. The brand claims that the new power station comes to 100 percent charge in just 49 minutes. It can support up to five 2000W devices at a time and can also receive 600W of solar input.

Power multiple devices at once. Credit: Anker

It's designed as a crisis-response device if a blackout occurs, able to power up WiFi routers and keep devices charged. It provides an Uninterruptible Power Supply system so you can use it to power up crucial devices, and in the case of a power outage, it will kick on to keep them going.

It's safe for both indoor and outdoor daily use and can support up to 10 devices at a time. While it isn't a replacement for a generator, it can be a lifeline in a pinch.

The Anker Solix C1000 Gen2 Portable Power Station is available for preorder now at Anker, and will be available for purchase on September 8, 2025, at Anker and Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Take $1,500 off the major Bluetti Apex 300 power station with backup batteries and solar panels

Mashable - Wed, 08/20/2025 - 17:23

SAVE 24%: The Bluetti Apex 300 bundle with two B300K expansion batteries and two 350W solar panels is on sale at Amazon for $4,699, down from the normal price of $6,199. That's a savings of $1,500 and the best discount we've ever seen on the bundle.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Apex 300 bundle with two B300K expansion batteries and two 350W solar panels $4,699 at Amazon
$6,199 Save $1,500 Get Deal

Now that summer is ending, the kids are back to school, and we're about to welcome 12-foot skelly season, it's time to consider fall and winter storms. Fall storms can be especially brutal, knocking down fresh spring and summer growth which can often lead to power outages. If you live in an area that's prone to hurricanes or intense storms, check out this sale at Amazon that could be a lifesaver.

As of Aug. 20, the Bluetti Apex 300 power station bundle with two B300K expansion batteries and two 350W solar panels is on sale for $4,699 at Amazon, marked down from the list price of $6,199. That works out to a 24% discount and a savings of $1,500. Bluetti recently launched the Apex 300 earlier in August, which makes this the first (and lowest) discount we've ever seen on this bundle.

Portable power stations are now a must-pack camping essential, making sure your phones, camp lights, and cooking gadgets stay powered up. But if you're looking for something to keep your home's power connected even when a storm knocks down power cables, you want something bigger. Bluetti makes some of the most cutting-edge and advanced power stations, and the brand-new Apex 300 is a beast that means business.

This deal includes the Apex 300 power station itself, which has a major 2,764Wh capacity; two B300K expansion batteries, which each have another 2,764Wh; and two 350W solar panels. In total, you're looking at 8,294Wh of power for your home during an outage. Plus, the dual 350W solar panels can help make sure the power station stays juiced.

SEE ALSO: Score almost $1,000 off the Anker Solix F2000 portable power station at Amazon

The Bluetti Apex 300 bundle means when the power goes out, you can still keep the refrigerator cooling, the air fryer cooking dinner, and the TV playing your favorite movies. Come winter, you can also keep electric heating going. Since the Bluetti Apex 300 has dual voltage power of 120 and 240V, you'll be able to keep the refrigerator and EV charger going at the same time, for example.

The Bluetti Apex 300 can recharge from standard AC wall power, car power, solar panels, and even from a generator. The Apex 300 itself and the two battery expansions all use LiFePO4 battery, which Bluetti says can handle over 6,000 cycles. That means you can deplete the battery every day for 16 over years before it'll start losing efficiency.

If you've been dreading heading into another storm season without home backup for power cuts, today's deal at Amazon on the Bluetti Apex 300 bundle is your sign that it's time to upgrade. You and your family will be in great hands for staying powered up during the next outage.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Xboxs new ROG Xbox Ally handheld consoles are coming soon (updated)

Mashable - Wed, 08/20/2025 - 17:08

After a series of leaks this spring, Microsoft's gaming division revealed an Xbox-branded version of the Asus ROG Ally handheld during a June showcase. Two of them, actually: the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X. Both devices appear to take the basic concept of the original ROG Ally and adapt it for Xbox players by adding controller-like grips and a new user interface that retains all the compatibility with Windows while presenting things in a more game console-like manner.

Months later, Asus has now confirmed that both devices will launch on Thursday, October 16, though their pricing and preorder details are still weeks away. Speaking to our sister site IGN at Gamescom Wednesday, Microsoft and Asus both said they still needed "more time to figure out the macro-economic impact to pricing" — presumably referring to fluctuating U.S. tariffs.

In the meantime, consumers can sign up to get notified when both handhelds are available at Best Buy and the Microsoft Store.

Sign up for availability alerts: Asus ROG Xbox Ally Price TBD Learn More Asus ROG Xbox Ally X Price TBD Learn More

The main reason why you might want to get one of these instead of a Steam Deck is if you're already an avid Xbox Game Pass user. Microsoft is promising the full suite of Game Pass features, such as local downloads, game streaming, and remote play. It's possible to access Game Pass on a Steam Deck if you feel like jumping through some technical hoops, but by default, that device is locked to whatever is on your Steam library.

Since the Xbox Ally consoles are Windows-based, you can access any PC gaming library you want as long as it's compatible with Windows. The central UI will consolidate all of your games across every app into one place, too, which is nice.

The user interface in question. Credit: Microsoft

As for specs, both Xbox Ally handhelds have the same 7-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate, putting it roughly in line with the Nintendo Switch 2. The Xbox Ally has an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, while the Ally X has a Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor with a built-in NPU that supports features like highlight reels and Automatic Super Resolution. (The latter is an AI upscaler previously exclusive to certain Copilot+ PCs.) It will be the more powerful and certainly more expensive option.

SEE ALSO: 'Call of Duty: Black Ops 7' gets revealed at Xbox Games Showcase 2025

Other differences between the two models that we know about right now mostly come down to memory, storage, and battery size. The base Xbox Ally has 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, and a 60Wh battery, while the Ally X has 24GB RAM, 1TB storage, and an 80Wh battery.

In many ways, the Xbox Ally is a better value proposition right now than a Steam Deck, but it's also possible that it costs significantly more. And there's only one gaming handheld that can (legally and legitimately) play Mario Kart World.

UPDATE: Aug. 20, 2025, 10:35 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with additional details about the ROG Xbox Allys' pricing and links to their preorder listings at Best Buy.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Grab the perfectly portable Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank for $15 off and charge on the go

Mashable - Wed, 08/20/2025 - 17:04

SAVE $15: As of Aug. 20, get the Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank for $34.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $49.99. That's a discount of 30%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank $34.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $15 Get Deal

If you always find yourself with a dead or dying phone or one of many other electronic devices, it might be time to invest in a portable charger. You don't have to spend a lot on one. In fact, there are some excellent options out there that'll cost you less than the price of a dinner at your favorite mid-price restaurant. And you'll be able to use your phone, tablet, or other gadget when you can't get to an outlet without having to freak out. Case in point: today's Anker Zolo deal at Amazon.

As of Aug. 20, get the Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank for $34.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $49.99. That's $15 off and a discount of 30%. This price applies to all four colorways: black, blue, pink, and white.

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

This small but mighty charger packs 10,000mAh into a small package. It comes in fun pastel colors and has its own built-in USB-C cable, so you never have to scramble to find one in a pinch. It also offers USB-C and USB-A ports if you need to charge multiple devices or have something that doesn't support USB-C. With its 30W two-way fast-charging, it can resurrect your phone in almost no time flat.

The display gives you a quick readout reference to what kind of percentage is left in your charger with the press of a button. You should be able to get a few full charges out of it, depending on what you use it for. And it won't add a lot of bulk to your belongings to add one or two just for the sake of being prepared.

If you need a reliable charger that won't break the bank, consider this one for style points and affordability.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Upgrade to the 15-inch M4 MacBook Air while its under $1,000

Mashable - Wed, 08/20/2025 - 16:48

SAVE $200: As of Aug. 20, the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is on sale for $999 at Amazon and Best Buy. That's 17% off its $1,199 list price and its lowest price to date.

Shop now: Amazon Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $999 (save $200) Get Deal Best Buy Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $999 (save $200) Get Deal

Still debating which MacBook is right for you? We are big fans of the M4 MacBook Air. Not only is it our favorite MacBook for most people, but it also earned a top spot on our list of the best laptops of 2025. We think it's a great value even at full price, but during back-to-school season, you can slash $200 off.

As of Aug. 20, the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is on sale for only $999 at Amazon and Best Buy. That's 17%, or $200, off its sticker price of $1,199. This best-ever price has stuck around for a few weeks, so you still have a chance to upgrade your laptop for less. We can't guarantee how much longer it will last with the back-to-school season coming to a close, so we encourage you to pull the trigger ASAP. (Psst: If you want a bit more storage, the 512GB model is also sitting at its lowest price ever at $1,199.)

A Mashable Choice Award winner, the M4 MacBook Air is "a fantastic pick for students, professionals, and anyone else in need of a polished, relatively portable laptop, especially those ready to give up an Intel or M1-era MacBook," Mashable's laptop expert Haley Henschel writes. The M4 processor is blazing fast (24 percent faster than the M3), yet runs near-silently. The battery life is impressive and can last you all day. The webcam is better than previous models. Plus, it's cheaper than before, making it the "best-buy Apple laptop, period," according to our reviewer Stan Schroeder. At $200 off, it's a no-brainer if you're looking to upgrade.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Deal alert: The LifeStraw is down to its lowest price in 30 days

Mashable - Wed, 08/20/2025 - 16:35

SAVE 25%: As of Aug. 20, you can get the LifeStraw Peak Series water filter straw for just $18.74, down from $24.95, at Amazon. That's a 25% discount and $6.21 in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: LifeStraw LifeStraw Peak Series $18.74 at Amazon
$24.95 Save $6.21 Get Deal

Whether you're hitting the trails or just building an emergency kit, a personal water filter can be a true lifesaver.

As of Aug. 20, you can get the LifeStraw Peak Series water filter for just $18.74 at Amazon, down from its usual $24.95. That’s a 25% discount, and while it isn't an all-time low, it is the best price we’ve seen in the last 30 days. (It’s also a Mashable reader favorite.)

SEE ALSO: How to protect your keepsakes in case an emergency hits

The LifeStraw is built to protect you from 99.999999% of bacteria (like E. coli and Salmonella), 99.999% of parasites (including Giardia), and 99.999% of microplastics. It also filters out silt and sand, and its enhanced design helps prevent clogging for a better flow rate.

It’s super lightweight, durable, and can be attached to most water bottles. Plus, the filter has an unlimited shelf life, so you can pop it in your emergency bag and forget about it. One filter lasts for up to 1,000 gallons — that’s enough drinking water for one person for over five years.

Categories: IT General, Technology

8 Classic Gaming Urban Legends That Persist Today

How-To Geek - Wed, 08/20/2025 - 16:30

It’s almost impossible for modern games to keep secrets from their players. Thanks to leaks and online chatter, players know just about everything about a video game before it comes out, and what they don’t know can be explained by countless YouTube videos that come out within a day or two of release.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Grab the Soundcore Boom 3i portable speaker for under $100 at Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 08/20/2025 - 16:21

SAVE $40: The Soundcore Boom 3i speaker (black) is on sale at Amazon for $99.99, down from the list price of $139.99. That's a 29% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore by Anker Soundcore Boom 3i speaker (black) $99.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

Summer might be winding down, but that doesn't mean the outdoor adventures need to hit pause. With warming summers all over the globe, fall outdoor events offer some of the best weather that doesn't require a personal fan. If you have plans to head to the beach this fall or are even thinking ahead to next year's adventures, check out this portable Bluetooth speaker that's on sale at Amazon.

As of Aug. 20, the Soundcore Boom 3i speaker (black) is on sale for $99.99 at Amazon, marked down from the standard price of $139.99. That's a 29% discount that takes $40 off the list price. Other colorways are also on sale for $109.99 like brown, green, and blue. If you prefer those colorways, you'll be in for a $30 savings from a 21% discount.

Plenty of portable Bluetooth speakers have bragging rights of being outdoor-worthy with features like water and dust resistance. The Soundcore Boom 3i is both of those, but it's also resistant to corrosion from saltwater, something not all speakers can claim. Plus, it's drop-proof as long as it doesn't travel more than about three feet to the ground.

SEE ALSO: Soundcore's Sleep A30 earbuds set the bar for premium sleep earbuds

The Soundcore Boom 3i speaker gets about 16 hours of battery life before it'll need a recharge, which makes it worthy of any day or even weekend trip. The included detachable strap makes this speaker just that much more adventure friendly. Another awesome feature for outdoor exploration is the speaker's ability to work as an emergency alarm, sending out a loud SOS signal which can be heard from over 300 feet away.

Come evening campfire time, the Soundcore Boom 3i has a light show mode that keeps in sync with the beat. You can choose from four ambient light options in the Soundcore app, as well as customize color preferences. Overall, the brand makes some of our favorite audio devices, including the new Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds, which would also be awesome for packing on an overnight trip.

While the black colorway is on sale at Amazon for under $100, upgrade your portable Bluetooth speaker to the Soundcore Boom 3i. With it, you'll be able to release any anxiety about your speaker taking a dip in the ocean.

Categories: IT General, Technology

UGREEN NAS, Blink Cameras, Sony Headphones: Unbeatable Tech Deals This Week!

How-To Geek - Wed, 08/20/2025 - 16:20

Looking to save some cash and get the best tech gadgets at the best prices, we have you covered. This week, you can score big savings on a UGREEN NAS, Blink Outdoor Security cameras, or a big 75-inch 4K TV just in time for football season. Here's a roundup of our favorite deals for the week of August 27th-23rd.

Categories: IT General, Technology

8 Epic Starz Historical Shows That Will Transport You to Another Era

How-To Geek - Wed, 08/20/2025 - 16:00

Look, if a series includes swords, sandals, scandals, and a large amount of bloody action, I’m bingeing it, multiple times. I love a good historical fiction series, but with so many excellent options out there, it's hard to pick a favorite. I will tell you, though, that Starz Original Spartacus is one of my top five. I was sad when it ended—I missed its scandalous intrigue and all that gladiator action. You can imagine, then, how excited I was when Starz announced a spinoff, set to air this winter.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Kiss of the Spider Woman trailer: Jennifer Lopez sings and sparkles in movie musical

Mashable - Wed, 08/20/2025 - 15:57

Jennifer Lopez unleashes her star power in upcoming musical Kiss of the Spider Woman, written and directed by Bill Condon (Dreamgirls).

SEE ALSO: 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' review: Jennifer Lopez dazzles, but is that enough?

The film is based on the Tony-winning stage musical of the same name, which is in turn based on the 1976 novel by Manuel Puig. In 1985, prior to the release of the musical, director Héctor Babenco also adapted Puig's novel to the screen. His Kiss of the Spider Woman was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay, and star William Hurt won the Academy Award for Best Actor.

Just like in prior adaptations, Condon's Kiss of the Spider Woman sees political prisoner Valentín (Diego Luna) sharing a prison cell with queer window dresser Molina (Tonatiuh), who's been convicted of public indecency. This version of Kiss of the Spider Woman makes more clear than other versions that Molina is a trans woman.

Valentín and Molina form an unlikely bond during their time in prison, with Molina telling Valentín the plot of her favorite Hollywood musical: Kiss of the Spider Woman. The film's lead is Ingrid Luna (Lopez), Molina's favorite actress of all time.

The film's trailer above features Lopez letting loose in dazzling song and dance sequences, with Luna and Tonatiuh getting in on the action, too. However, while Kiss of the Spider Woman received mostly positive reviews out of its premiere at 2025's Sundance Film Festival, not every critic was impressed.

In his review for Mashable out of Sundance, critic Siddhant Adlakha wrote, "The story is ripe for visual re-invention — or at the very least, visual panache. And while Condon’s version aims for something grandiose (while featuring updated sexual politics), its execution fails to capture the imagination, let alone anything resembling time and place."

Kiss of the Spider Woman hits theaters Oct. 10.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save Money by Ditching Adobe's Pricey Subscription Apps for Apple's Alternatives

How-To Geek - Wed, 08/20/2025 - 15:30

I was tired of giving Adobe hundreds (thousands?) of dollars every year. I’ve lost track of how much money I’ve given to them over the years, and I finally had enough of it. So I decided it was time to get out of Adobe’s ecosystem and replace Photoshop and Lightroom with something else on my Mac.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Want to buy Teslas six-seat Model YL? Weve got bad and worse news.

Mashable - Wed, 08/20/2025 - 15:26

Earlier this week, Tesla launched a six-seater version of its most popular SUV, dubbed the Tesla Model YL. We've got the details, but in short, it's a bit larger than the Model Y, with six seats instead of five, nearly the same range, and a slightly higher price tag.

Given that the only six-seater Tesla option globally is the far pricier Model X, a lot of potential buyers probably hoped that the Model YL would come to the U.S. as well. That might never happen, and if it does, it won't be very soon.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed this in a tweet.

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

"This variant of the Model Y doesn’t start production in the US until the end of next year. Might not ever, given the advent of self-driving in America," he wrote.

At best, U.S. buyers won't be able to get a Model YL until very late 2026 or, more likely, early 2027.

SEE ALSO: Tesla's Model YL 6-seater launches in China

As for the "advent of self-driving," Musk is referring to the company's recently launched and fast-expanding Robotaxi service. It's only available in a handful of cities and areas in the U.S. right now, but Musk said the plan was to offer Robotaxis to "half the population" of the U.S. by year's end.

That's very unlikely to happen. The Robotaxi service is currently in a sort of closed beta, and isn't exactly autonomous either, especially in the Bay Area where a driver must be present at all times. Even if Tesla could pull it off, the service would still need to be approved by regulators, and it's hard to imagine the company getting the green light in so many U.S. cities in the next four months.

It's not entirely clear why self-driving would impact a six-seat variant of the Model Y, either, and Musk offered no further explanation.

Tesla's chief also didn't mention markets other than the U.S., so potential buyers can still hope that the Model YL will arrive there a bit sooner.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Dont miss the Fire TV Stick HD for under $25 at Amazon — save $10 right now

Mashable - Wed, 08/20/2025 - 15:04

SAVE $10: As of Aug. 20, the Fire TV Stick HD is on sale for $24.99 at Amazon. This is 29% off its list price of $34.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick HD (newest model) $24.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal

With the colder months around the corner, there's no better time to pick up a streaming device to keep you busy with new shows and movies on all your favorite platforms. If you've been hoping to pick up something without dropping a ton of cash on something super fancy, Amazon has a discount right now on its Fire TV Stick HD that's worth a look.

At just $24.99 on Amazon, this is a 29% discount from its usual list price of $34.99. It's worth keeping in mind that the Fire TV Stick HD offer is marked as a limited-time deal right now, so if it has been on your radar, now is the time to pick it up.

SEE ALSO: The Fire HD 10 tablet is back at its lowest price this year — act fast to save $50

If you have an HD TV, the Fire TV Stick HD supports 1080p Full HD picture quality to enjoy your favorite shows and movies. It's also an Alexa Voice Remote, so you can use your voice to search for the next best thing to watch. And with its simple setup, you'll be able to jump into a new show to binge-watch or dive into a movie right away.

Now is your chance to score the Fire TV Stick HD for just $24.99 at Amazon. And if you'd prefer a higher-quality streaming stick to go with your 4K TV, the good news is you can also save on the 4K Fire TV Stick right now at Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Arzopa Z3FC: Redefining Portable Precision with Smooth, Sleek Power

How-To Geek - Wed, 08/20/2025 - 15:00

For users seeking a high-performance portable monitor, the Arzopa Z3FC portable monitor offers a unique combination of speed, sharpness, and style. Designed for gamers, professionals, and digital creatives, it delivers flagship-level specifications including a 180Hz refresh rate, 2.5K resolution, and premium build quality—features that are uncommon at this price point.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Pokémon TCG price watch: Top bumps and cuts for August 20, 2025

Mashable - Wed, 08/20/2025 - 14:56

The Pokémon TCG market continues to shift as we settle into the post-release rhythm of Scarlet & Violet's Black Bolt and White Flare sets. These dual expansions brought a flood of gorgeous Special Illustration Rares and high-powered ex cards, but we’re now seeing where true collector and player demand is starting to settle. Not every high-rarity card is holding its launch-day hype.

On the bumps side of things, it's been a good week for Illustration Rares. Seismitoad, Emboar, and Zoroark are seeing impressive price climbs, mostly thanks to standout artwork and nostalgic character choices. We’re also watching some Special Illustration Rare ex cards like Kyurem and Zekrom tick upward, with a nice mix of playability and visual appeal fueling their growth.

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

But of course, where some cards rise, others drop. We’re starting to see the heat fade on a few previously high-flying cards from the same sets. Victini and both versions of Reshiram ex have taken a hit, and even Zekrom ex is showing signs of early price correction. It's a reminder that even beloved Legendaries can cool quickly if they don't deliver ongoing value for collectors or competitive players.

Pokémon card bumps Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Some cards are climbing the ranks fast this week, especially among the Illustration Rare and Special Illustration Rare crowd. Here's a look at what's gaining ground:

Let’s start with Seismitoad. This card absolutely exploded in value, and it has almost nothing to do with competitive play. The Round attack is more of a meme deck archetype than a serious threat, but the Illustration Rare artwork is doing all the heavy lifting here. Collectors love it, and demand has skyrocketed as people scramble to secure a copy.

Emboar and Zoroark IRs are following a similar trajectory. Emboar's Inferno Fandango ability is a classic callback, and while it's not standard-legal, it’s hitting the nostalgia button hard for longtime fans. Zoroark, on the other hand, has always had solid fan appeal, and the Foul Play attack still gives it decent versatility in casual formats. Their IR treatments are strong enough to carry their value.

Kyurem ex and Zekrom ex, both in SIR form, are up too. They’re not meta staples by any stretch, but they’re playable enough and look incredible. These are the kinds of cards that don’t need to be tournament-dominant to justify their prices. When the art is good and the card isn’t dead weight in a binder, that’s often enough to spark upward movement.

Pokémon card cuts Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

As new cards rise, others inevitably fall. A handful of big-name Legendaries are seeing their prices cool off this week:

Victini’s modest drop is no huge surprise. It had a lot of early hype from collectors, but with V-Force requiring a full bench to function, it's not showing up in many competitive decks. As the novelty wears off, we’re seeing a slow but steady price retreat.

Reshiram ex is in a similar boat. Blaze Burst is flashy, especially in the late game, but the discard cost and reliance on your opponent's Prize count make it unreliable. The BWR version is dipping gently, but the SIR variant has taken a bigger hit. That suggests collectors might be pivoting toward cheaper IR options or just moving on entirely from Reshiram for now.

Zekrom ex's drop is smaller, but it's still part of the same trend. Voltage Burst has potential, especially when you're behind, but self-damage makes it clunky. And with the SIR version rising, the BWR version just isn’t pulling as much attention.

Black Bolt and White Flare sealed product Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

If you're eyeing sealed product instead of singles, Black Bolt and White Flare boxes are still widely available, especially in Japanese. Booster boxes are hovering around $94.50–$101.75 each depending on the vendor, and paired ETBs can be found for roughly $202.90:

These sets are collector-heavy releases. Pull rates for Illustration Rares are solid, with about one IR in every six packs, while BWR and SIR cards are significantly harder to hit. The big appeal here is the Unova-themed nostalgia and some truly beautiful card art. But competitively, these sets haven’t made a huge splash.

That means sealed product is mostly a play for long-term hold value or for fans who just want a beautiful rip experience. If you’re into art collecting, there’s definitely value here, but if you’re expecting meta-shaking cards, you might be better off looking at older sets or newer meta-focused expansions.

Still, if you're chasing the thrill of a rare pull or looking to stash some sealed boxes away, now is a good time while prices are stable and supply is decent. As with many mini-sets, we could see these boxes creep up in value over time, especially if specific IRs or promos from the set gain traction later on.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Directors Who Risked It All: 10 Films Made on Their Own Dime

How-To Geek - Wed, 08/20/2025 - 14:30

With movie budgets increasing, how much money is spent on making a movie these days is impressive. Studios will shell out hundreds of millions of dollars in hopes of the next big summer blockbuster or Christmas hit. If they fail, however, that loss can make one question how a studio handles its cash.

Categories: IT General, Technology

10 Performance SUVs That Shouldn’t Pack a Punch, But Do

How-To Geek - Wed, 08/20/2025 - 14:00

Nowadays, SUVs are doing things they shouldn't be doing. Not just carting the kids around but outperforming sports car models, while 'easily' setting Nürburgring lap records. All while hardly breaking a sweat. The sheer size, high center of gravity, awkwardness, and dimensions that practicality and utility dictate mean that some models are living in a world where physics is being side-stepped shamelessly.

Categories: IT General, Technology

LibreOffice Just Added 14 Calc Functions and Dropped Windows 7

How-To Geek - Wed, 08/20/2025 - 13:00

The Document Foundation, the organization behind the popular open source office suite LibreOffice, has announced the release of LibreOffice 25.8. It brings several new functions for those working in spreadsheets, and it's the first major release not to support Windows 7 and a few other outdated operating systems.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your Messages Aren’t as Private as You Think, Here’s How to Fix That

How-To Geek - Wed, 08/20/2025 - 13:00

In this highly connected world, it’s getting harder to keep private things private. Every text or email we send is out there for bad actors, government agencies, and even the company that you pay for services to scoop up. They don’t just want your name and number, they want as much data as they can get their hands on, so they can identify patterns that can be sold or otherwise exploited.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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