Blogroll

Sound matters. Among the many labels you’ll encounter when setting up a soundbar or home theater, “ARC” and “eARC” are sure to pop up. But what do they actually mean, and why should you care?

When you get a new phone or device, the first thing people think about is what to do with their current one. More often than not, they trade it in to get money back or lower monthly payments on their new device.

Months after the initial tease, the first Googlebooks are available to pre-order today. The Android laptops are as high-end as promised and can compare well against rival Windows PCs — at least, if you're heavily invested in the Google ecosystem.

For decades, laptop shoppers have really only had two choices: Mac or PC? Now, there's a third option: the Googlebook.

Starting today, the first five Googlebook devices are now available for preorder (they officially launch on Oct. 4), with Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo each launching a new device.

Earlier this year, Google announced the imminent arrival of Googlebooks, a new generation of premium AI laptops running on an entirely new operating system, which blends elements of Android, ChromeOS, and Gemini. (A Google spokesperson confirmed the new operating system is called Googlebook OS.)

Unlike Chromebooks, which are generally cheaper, stripped-down laptops, the new Googlebook devices feature a baseline 16GB of RAM, are made with premium materials such as aluminum and magnesium, and feature much more impressive chipsets. They're also priced more like MacBooks than Chromebooks. All the devices are ultra-thin and lightweight, and except for the Dell, they all come with OLED displays.

• Acer Googlebook 14 (Intel Core Ultra 3 Panther Lake, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — Starting at $899

• ASUS Googlebook 14 (Intel Core Ultra 3 Panther Lake, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — Starting at $1,299

• Dell XPS Googlebook (Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — Starting at $1,199

• HP Googlebook 14 (Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — Starting at $1,299

• Lenovo Googlebook 15 (Intel Core Ultra 3 Panther Lake, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — Starting at $1,299

First, the MacBook Neo, and now the Googlebook. It's not a good time to be a Windows laptop.

What is a Googlebook? The Googlebook home screen experience. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

If you weren't following along when Google announced Googlebooks at Google I/O earlier this year, we're here for you. The idea is similar to Chromebooks, in that Google makes the operating system and software, while hardware partners make the devices themselves.

But the similarities end there. Googlebooks are more powerful on both the hardware and software level, and many analysts have referred to them as Google's answer to MacBooks. Thanks to a brand-new operating system that blends Android Gemini, users can cast Android apps on their laptops, search all of their files in one place, and use Gemini to perform agentic tasks across devices.

Google says it's "reinventing the laptop" with the Googlebook, and to attract users, the new devices come with one year of Google AI Pro for free, alongside 10 years of promised update support to keep them viable for a long time.

The new operating system is like Android for desktop The Create My Widget tool. Credit: Google

Google has been not-so-secretly working on an Android-based desktop operating system for years, under the rumored code name AluminiumOS.

The OS integrates Gemini into just about every aspect of the software, while also letting you pair your laptop with your Android phone.

Some of the major new features include:

• Magic Pointer: A special mouse cursor feature that uses Gemini to understand on-screen context and act upon it. Just shake the cursor, and a list of contextual actions will pop up on the screen.

• Cast your apps: After you pair your phone, you can cast your apps and use them on the laptop screen.

• Create My Widget: Exactly what it sounds like. Simply describe the widget you want, and Gemini will create it and add it to your desktop homescreen.

• Rambler: Automatically transcribes your speech, but removes all the "Ums" and "ahs" and adds proper punctuation as it does

• Universal file search: When you search for files on your Googlebook, you can instantly access the files on your phone as well. If you edit a file on your phone, it instantly updates on your laptop, and vice versa.

Oh, and before you ask: This does not mean Chromebooks are imminently going away. They're popular enough and different enough that brands can and will keep making them, at least for the time being. But Googlebooks seem to be the priority of the future for Google's laptop business.

Where can you buy Googlebooks? The new Lenovo Googlebook has a 2.8K OLED touchscreen display. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

The Googlebooks are available for preorder starting today and ship Oct. 4 in the United States, and Oct. 5 in Canada, the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, and Australia. You can buy Googlebooks at the Google Store, Best Buy, and other retailers.

Googlebooks hardware specs

Want to learn more about the five new Googlebooks coming from Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo? Let's dive into the details.

HP HP's Googlebook in full force. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

The HP Googlebook 14 is a 14-inch clamshell laptop with an OLED touch display. It starts at $1,299, and the specs are as follows:

• Qualcomm Snapdragon X1 Elite processor

• 16GB RAM, 256GB starting storage

• 14-inch 2.8K OLED touch display with 500 nits peak brightness

• Haptic touchpad with fingerprint sensor

• 2.7 pounds

• All-aluminum build

HP Googlebook 14 (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,299 at Best Buy
  Pre-order Here at Best Buy Dell Dell's Googlebook in action. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

The XPS Googlebook is a 13-inch clamshell device with a touch display. It starts at $1,199. Here are the specs:

• Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor

• 16GB RAM, 512GB starting storage

• 13-inch 2.5K display with 500 nits peak brightness

• Haptic touchpad with fingerprint sensor and face authentication

• 2.5 pounds

• Machined aluminum chassis

Dell XPS Googlebook (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $999 at Best Buy
  Pre-order Here at Best Buy Pre-order Here at Google Store Lenovo Love an HDMI port on a laptop. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

The Lenovo Googlebook 15 is a little bigger than the rest. It's a 15.3-inch clamshell with an OLED touch display, starting at $1,299.

• Intel Core Ultra 3 (Panther Lake) processor

• 16GB RAM, 256GB starting storage

• 15.3-inch 2.8K OLED display with touch support

• Dolby Atmos support

• Haptic touchpad with fingerprint sensor and face authentication

• 2.68 pounds

• Magnesium-alloy and carbon fiber build

Lenovo Googlebook 15 (Intel Core Ultra 5 325, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,099 at Best Buy
  Pre-order Here at Best Buy Pre-order Here at Google Store Acer The one convertible of the bunch. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

Acer's Googlebook 14 is by far the cheapest of the bunch. It's a 14-inch convertible laptop, and it starts at $899. The specs are:

• Intel Core Ultra 3 (Panther Lake) processor

• 16GB RAM, 256GB starting storage

• 14-inch 2.8K OLED touch display with 500 nits peak brightness

• Fingerprint sensor

• 2.7 pounds

• Aluminum and magnesium chassis

Acer Googlebook 14 (Intel Core Ultra 5 325, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $899 at Best Buy
  Pre-order Here at Best Buy Pre-order Here at Google Store Asus There's the Asus one. Credit: Asus

Lastly, the Asus Googlebook 14 is the lightest of the bunch. It's a clamshell laptop that starts at $1,299, and the specs look like this:

• Intel Core Ultra 3 (Panther Lake) processor

• 16GB RAM, 256GB starting storage

• 14-inch 3K OLED touch display with 500 nits peak brightness

• Haptic touchpad with fingerprint sensor

• 2.2 pounds

• Aluminum and magnesium chassis

Asus Googlebook 14 (Intel Core Ultra 5 325, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,299 at Best Buy
  Pre-order Here at Best Buy

As with Chromebooks, expect there to be a lot more of these going forward. It'll be fascinating to see how much the Googlebook brand takes precedence over the Chromebook brand in the near and far future.

SAVE $50: As of Sept. 21, the Samsung 75-Inch M70H Mini LED 4K Smart TV is on sale at its lowest-ever price of $547.99 at Amazon. That's $50 off its list price of $597.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 75-Inch Class M70H Series TV $547.99 at Amazon
$597.99 Save $50   Get Deal

With big sale events like Prime Big Deal Days right around the corner, it's the perfect time to start shopping around for a new TV. If you don't want to wait until then to buy, Amazon already has plenty of great deals on select models ahead of its next sale.

Among them is the Samsung 75-Inch M70H Mini LED 4K Smart TV, which has dropped to $547.99 for a limited time.

This is a $50 discount off its list price of $597.99, but more importantly, it's the lowest price this TV has ever hit. For a 2026 model, that's a very nice offer to take advantage of before October Prime Day starts.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime in time for the next Prime Day

With 4K resolution, you'll enjoy sharp details in your favorite movies, shows, or games on this Samsung TV, while Mini LEDs deliver bright, vibrant colors and deep contrast. Plus, the 120Hz refresh rate ensures fast-paced action on screen looks smooth and sharp, which is a nice bonus for gamers or people who enjoy watching live sports and don't want too much motion blur.

On top of all that, it's also a smart TV. If you're someone who's signed up to a variety of different streaming apps, you can access them all easily from the home screen to jump into whatever you're watching.

There's no telling how long this deal will last, though. If it's caught your eye, act fast to save on the Samsung 75-Inch M70H Mini LED 4K Smart TV at Amazon.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by our shopping experts

• Apple iPhone 18 Pro — free at T-Mobile 

• Paramount+ — $0.99 for 2 months with code p2mcs26prem

• Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $199 $249 (save $50)

• Apple iPad 11-inch — $399 $449 (save $50)

• TCL 85-Inch Class QM8L Series TV — $2,497.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,502)

America is obsessed with true crime. I once talked to my friend's dad, who told me he puts on a documentary every night and falls asleep to "death and crime." It's a bit morbid, but it doesn't take away from the fact that these scandalous docuseries are extremely popular. You can find true crime on Hulu and HBO Max, but Netflix is still one of the top destinations for true crime.

John Oliver's main target was American health care conglomerate UnitedHealth Group and its insurance arm, UnitedHealthcare, during Last Week Tonight on Sunday.

But the host also found time to get in a quick dig at David Ellison, the CEO of Paramount Skydance, who is currently in the process of trying to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. If the deal closes, Ellison's company would also own WBD subsidiary HBO, which airs Oliver's show.

"Having access to wealthy parents just cannot be the system to get badly-needed healthcare, even if it is apparently the system that lets you be in charge of HBO," says Oliver, bringing up a photo of Ellison alongside his billionaire father, Larry Ellison, who personally pledged $40 billion to support Paramount's bid.

"Yeah, my soon-to-be business daddy has a literal business daddy, and to be very clear, I deeply respect that. And I would never make fun of you for it, unlike that pesky Stephen Colbert.

Want more of the best of late night? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

Take a look inside Bluecore Energy, a company newly out of stealth, building a prototype nuclear power plant on a barge.

Learn more about the future of nuclear and marine energy: Inside the world's biggest bet on fusion energy
The orb-like Ocean-2 turns wave power into renewable energy

Timecode chapters
0:00 Intro
0:29 Inside Bluecore energy
1:07 Bluecore’s plan
1:40 The reactor
2:05 Water desalination
2:41 Command center
3:12 Bluecore Energy’s big goal

Video credits
Host: Jesse Orrall
Scripted by: Jesse Orrall
Producer: Jesse Orrall
Camera: Dustin Shepard
Video editor: Jesse Orrall
Thumbnail designer: Viva Tung

My Plex library had grown far too large, and it was time to downsize it. I could delete stuff, sure, but I wanted to keep most of what was there. So, I turned to converting my entire library to H.265, and it saved me nearly 10TB of space.

Pentalobe screwdrivers up! iFixit's teardown of the iPhone 18 Pro lets you peek inside one of Apple's latest signature devices.

In order to evaluate how repairable iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are, the outlet's lead teardown technician, Shahram Mokhtari, gives a close-up look at the mechanical details — from the camera's variable aperture to the Face ID infrared camera newly hidden beneath the display.

Mokhtari opens up the back panel and finds most repairs will still need to go through the screen, a tricky (and expensive) process involving managing adhesive and the plastic screen frame. And you'll get a good look at Apple's next-generation C2 cellular modem and A20 Pro-powered logic board.

For more on the iPhone 18 Pro Max, Mashable's Stan Schroeder has reviewed the device. Or perhaps you're looking for a hands-on with the iPhone Duo?

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's newsletters or get Mashable push alerts.

I recently went through my box of old computer junk and discovered an old laptop. After checking it out, I discovered it had 8GB of RAM, a slow quad-core processor, and a battery that is ready to quit after 10 minutes.

Buying a 10GbE switch for a network where almost everything still runs at 1GbE sounds unnecessary. If your computers, access points, printers, and other devices still have Gigabit Ethernet, spending money on a 10GbE switch can look like buying hardware for a problem you do not have. That was my situation, and I still bought a 10GbE switch.

King Charles, an AI version of Princess Diana, and Ed Sheeran are the unusual combination brought together in SNL UK's latest cold open, during which a D.I.A.N.A AI-bot goes rogue and the king is forced to beg for Sheeran's help as the apocalypse nears.

"I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. You see I was just outside, sitting on the fence," says Sheeran (Annabel Marlow), who has faced criticism this week after Macklemore was dropped from his tour for pro-Palestinian statements. "You know sometimes, when it comes to conflicts, the bravest thing you can do is to say nothing at all."

Cue an impressively cringe-inducing song about "both sides" being "equally right".

Elsewhere, the singer was also roasted in the show's "Weekend Update" segment.

Want more film and TV news and reviews delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Mashable’s Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts.

A high-end or "professional" webcam can cost hundreds of dollars these days, which will give you a major sense of disappointment when you set it up and realize you don't look any better than before, using a cheap camera.

SAVE OVER $400: As of Sept. 21, the Eufy E25 robot vacuum and mop is discounted to $599.98 at Amazon. That's $400.01 away from its list price of $999.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy E25 Robot Vacuum and Mop $599.98 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $400.01   Get Deal

When it comes to finding a good robot vacuum deal, there's no need to wait for Prime Big Deal Days.

Amazon already has plenty of deals worth checking out, including a huge 40% discount on the Eufy E25 robot vacuum and mop. As of Sept. 21, this cleaner has plummeted to $599.98 at the retailer.

Usually it's priced at $999.99, so you're saving just over $400 through this offer, which isn't too bad considering the October Prime Day sale hasn't even kicked off yet. On top of that, it's just a couple of dollars away from its lowest-ever price (listed by price tracker camelcamelcamel at $597.99), so the timing couldn't be better.

SEE ALSO: Early October Prime Day deals already live: Save on Apple, Beats, Fire TV, and Garmin

Fitted with both a vacuum and a mop, the Eufy E25 is a versatile cleaner that can tidy up everything from wood to tile to carpets. Its powerful 20,000 Pa suction can lift dust, crumbs, pet hair, and more stuck in your floors, while its roller mop scrubs with 10N of downward pressure to lift stains from your hard surfaces. Plus, the HydroJet Deep Cleaning System cleans the roller mop in real-time, using a water tank and scraper, to keep it fresh for each mop.

This robot vacuum also features an extendable CornerRover arm that reaches edges and corners for greater cleaning coverage, as well as Obstacle Avoidance technology. With this, it can recognize and steer clear of objects in its way, so it won't be slowed down or stalled while completing a full clean.

Why wait for the next Prime Day? Save big on the Eufy E25 robot vacuum and mop right now at Amazon.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by our shopping experts

• Apple iPhone 18 Pro — free at T-Mobile 

• Paramount+ — $0.99 for 2 months with code p2mcs26prem

• Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $199 $249 (save $50)

• Apple iPad 11-inch — $399 $449 (save $50)

• TCL 85-Inch Class QM8L Series TV — $2,497.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,502)
  

Most people assume their printer is the least interesting thing on the home network. It sits there, waits for jobs, and doesn't do much else. But it's actually one of the most active and noisy devices on your whole network. The settings I changed after that audit weren't dramatic, but they kept me safer than I have been in years.

SNL UK's "Weekend Update" took aim at multiple people, but the person on the receiving end of the most jokes was Ed Sheeran. The singer has been in the news this past week after supporting artist Macklemore was dropped from his tour after saying "Free Palestine" on stage.

"Sheeran's support act Macklemore was dropped after saying 'Free Palestine' on stage," says cast member Ania Magliano in the clip above. "Will Sheeran have to cancel the tour? There's a very real risk that he won't.

"Genuinely though, this crisis is the worst thing that has happened to Ed Sheeran fans since their head injury."

Want more film and TV news and reviews delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Mashable’s Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts.

SAVE $600: As of Sept. 21, the Roborock Saros 10R is on sale for $999.99 at Amazon. That's a 38% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: roborock Roborock Saros 10R $999.99 at Amazon
$1,599.99 Save $600   Get Deal

If you'd happily forget about cleaning your floors, a robot vacuum is a great idea. These handy little machines can keep on top of the everyday dust and dirt that somehow appear out of nowhere. And these days, the best models can even mop your floors, so there's really no effort needed from you at all.

The Roborock Saros 10R is one such model, and it's currently on sale for $600 off the list price. As of Sept. 21, this robot vacuum is down to $999.99, which is also its lowest-ever price.

SEE ALSO: Narwal’s newest lineup features powerful steam mopping and a $799 robot vac — here’s all we know

There's so much going for this vacuum, from its 22,000Pa HyperForce suction to the Zero-Tangling DuoDivide Main Brush and FlexiArm Riser Side Brush that help prevent hair from getting wrapped around the brushes. It's even small enough to pick up hidden dirt under chairs or couches, thanks to its 3.14-inch height.

And the multifunctional dock is its powerhouse. Here, it stores dirt and dust for up to 60 days (so you don't need to constantly empty it), washes and dries the mop pads with hot water and hot air, and then refills the tanks with water and detergent. You can also control cleaning through the Roborock app or use the built-in voice assistant.

Find this robot vacuum deal online at Amazon now.

SAVE $70: As of Sept. 21, Beats Solo 4 are on sale for $129.95 at Amazon. That's a 35% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Solo 4 $129.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $70   Get Deal

Beats headphones are some of the most popular on the market, and for good reason. Known for their incredible sound quality and strong, punchy bass, they've long been a popular choice among audiophiles. And if you've been looking to upgrade or treat yourself to your first-ever pair, the Beats Solo 4 are back on sale at Amazon.

As of Sept. 21, this limited-time deal brings the price down to just $129.95. This price applies to all colorways, too, so you can choose from a range of colors.

These headphones feature a custom acoustic setup and redesigned drivers that work together to deliver the incredible sound quality Beats is known for. They also benefit from Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, making your listening experience feel more immersive.

And they're designed with comfort in mind, too. The lightweight build features a flexible headband and angled ear cups that sit securely over your ears, and the UltraPlush cushioning makes them comfortable to wear for extended periods.

Battery life is another strong point, with up to 50 hours of playback on a full charge. And if you do run out, a 10-minute Fast Fuel charge gives you up to five hours of listening time, handy when you're heading out and realize your headphones are nearly dead.

Find this Beats deal at Amazon now.

SAVE $75: As of Sept. 21, the Google Pixel 10a is on sale for $424 at Amazon. That's a 15% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 10a $424
$499 Save $75   Get Deal

Looking for a new smartphone you can buy outright without breaking the bank? The Google Pixel 10a is the perfect choice. Recently dropped in price due to the release of new models (hello Pixel 11 Fold), the 10a is now a great choice if you want a new phone for under $500. Plus, as of Sept. 21, it's on sale for a limited time. It currently has $75 off the list price, bringing the cost down to $424. This price is for the 128GB model across all four colorways.

This phone comes in a sleek design that doesn't just look good but plays the part, too. The durable build features a scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display and IP68 water and dust protection, so it's built to withstand minor drops and accidents.

The display quality is great too, thanks to its Actua display that reaches up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness, so the screen stays clear even in direct sunlight. It also has Gemini built in to help with everything from planning to completing tasks. You can even have Gemini screen spam calls, which is a feature we can all get behind.

Another bonus is the battery life. With this phone, you'll get up to 30 hours on a single charge, so you won't be running out of juice when you least expect it.

Get this Google deal at Amazon now.