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Apple's new AirPods 5 are an anomaly.

In a year where tech prices are rising across the board, the latest AirPods were announced at last week's Apple keynote event with a shocking feature: a lower price point than the previous generation.

So what's the catch? Well, therein lies the anomaly — there really isn't one. In fact, Apple added more features to the new earbuds, and again, they cost less than the AirPods 4. Below, you'll find the breakdown of exactly how the AirPods 5 reign superior.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 5 $124.99 at Amazon
$129 Save $4.01   Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30   Get Deal

As a note, Mashable's team is still working its way through testing the new earbuds, so an updated head-to-head comparison is in the pipeline. In the meantime, this is how the new AirPods 5 stack up against the previous generation in specs, features, and design. (And if you're curious about how this comparison is between the AirPods 5 and Pro 3, you can check out our full breakdown.)

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 5: Price The AirPods 5 are here. How do they stack up? Credit: Apple

Both the AirPods 4 and AirPods 5 have two models: a budget and a more mid-tier option. The big change in the AirPods 5, however, is that both models have active noise cancellation. In the AirPods 4, the main reason to spring for the more expensive model is the ANC. Between the two budget models, Apple kept the prices flat, but for the AirPods 5, it slashed the price of the more expensive model by $30. The full price breakdown is as follows:

• AirPods 4 — $129

• AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation — $179

• AirPods 5 — $129

• AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case — $149

It is worth noting that the AirPods 4 without ANC frequently drop down to $99 (as they are at the time of writing). The AirPods 4 with ANC can often be found on sale for $149. However, it is worth noting that holiday sale season is kicking off next month with Amazon's annual October Prime Day (and the many competing sales), so while it's not a given that the newer earbuds go on sale, it's not an impossibility. Still, even if the discrepancy in the $99 sale price of the AirPods 4 and the $129 full price of the AirPods 5 holds, it's $30 more for the benefit of having ANC.

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 5: Specs

The spec breakdown for the four different pairs of AirPods is as follows:

AirPods 4

• Active noise cancellation: Yes

• Battery: Five hours of listening time, 30 hours total with the case

• Listening modes: Adaptive audio and transparency

• Controls: Force sensor for playback and calls

• Charging: USB-C charging case

• Find My: Not available on this charging case

• IP rating: IP54

AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation

• Active noise cancellation: Yes

• Battery: Four hours of listening time (five without ANC), 20 hours total with case (or 30 without ANC)

• Listening modes: Adaptive audio and transparency

• Controls: Force sensor for playback and calls

• Charging: USB-C charging case, MagSafe, Qi compatible

• Find My: Speaker included to work with Find My

• IP rating: IP54

AirPods 5

• Active noise cancellation: Yes

• Battery: Four hours of listening time (six without ANC), 20 hours total with case

• Listening modes: Adaptive audio and transparency

• Controls: Force sensor for playback and calls

• Charging: USB-C charging case

• Find My: Not available on this charging case

• IP rating: IP57

AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case

• Active noise cancellation: Yes

• Battery: Five hours of listening time (seven without ANC), 22 hours total with case

• Listening modes: Adaptive audio and transparency

• Controls: Force sensor for playback, calls, and volume swipe controls

• Charging: USB-C charging case, MagSafe, Qi compatible

• Find My: Speaker included to work with Find My

• IP rating: IP57

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 5: Design Spot the difference! Credit: Apple Hint: These are the AirPods 5. Credit: Apple

Side-by-side, it'll be hard to spot the differences between the two AirPods. The cases look the same, as does the (somewhat) open-ear design of the buds. The internals of the AirPods 5 have a new multiport acoustic architecture, but we'll get more into what differences that makes below.

With a slightly higher IP rating of IP57 to the 4's IP54, the AirPods 5 are also slightly more equipped for dust and water resistance.

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 5: Noise cancellation

According to Apple, both models of the AirPods 5 have one and a half times the noise cancellation power of the AirPods 4 with ANC. Naturally, both are far superior to the base AirPods 4, which offer no active noise cancellation.

The fruit company also claims that the Transparency mode sounds more natural on both newer models.

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 5: Sound quality

In Apple's announcement of the earbuds, they touted the multiport acoustic architecture, which was modeled after the internal sound system of the AirPods Pro 3.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best wireless earbuds we've ever tested

In practice, this helps Apple provide a better adaptive equalizer experience (which comes in handy, as there's no manually customizable equalizer as there is on most other earbuds. It also helps the earbuds produce richer, more detailed sound, as well as better ANC, which helps the audio take center stage.

AirPods 4 vs. AirPods 5: Features

Both models of the AirPods 5 come with Live Translation, whereas the AirPods 4 with ANC is the only previous-gen model that could perform Live Translation.

Which is better: AirPods 4 or 5?

Undeniably, the AirPods 5. Both models offer improvements in noise cancellation, sound quality, and overall user experience, all for the same or lower prices as the previous gen. It's rare that Apple comes out with a better product that's also a better value, so my advice is to take advantage of it while they have.

Where to buy the AirPods 4 and AirPods 5 Amazon Apple AirPods 4 $99 (save $30) Get Deal Best Buy Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation $149.99 (save $29.01) Get Deal Available September 18 Apple AirPods 5 $124.99 (save $4.01) Pre-Order Here Available September 18 Apple AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case $149 Pre-Order Here

It happened again. And again. And again, apparently.

After OpenAI's experimental AI agents escaped an internal sandbox, went "rogue," and attacked the Hugging Face platform over the summer, the ChatGPT-maker is sharing details of new instances of its AI agents getting out of line.

This time, OpenAI shared six previously undisclosed examples.

OpenAI refers to this behavior as model misalignment. All of the instances describe actions taken by the AI model that don't follow the human user's instructions. While none of these instances rise to the severity of the Hugging Face incident, they show a clear pattern of AI agents taking an any means necessary approach to completing a task assigned by its user.

In one example, an unreleased OpenAI research model hid "jailbreak" instructions into summaries that told future versions of the model to "disregard its normal constraints."

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Something similar occurred when OpenAI was training GPT‑5.6 Sol. OpenAI says that some model instances proceeded to add instructions to their summaries in an effort to hide mistakes or "misaligned behavior" from the user. OpenAI says in certain instances, the model invented historical data without disclosing that it did so when it couldn't find the relevant information based on a request.

In another case of misalignment, an unreleased model was asked to list the names of lakes larger than 5,000,000 square meters and cite its sources. While the agent found the information, it uploaded its own file to the internet to use as the source, without informing the user.

Agents were also caught in a separate instance uploading files to the internet without authorization so that they could collaborate on local files.

When asked a question about earnings figures in a California county, one model found and used an exposed API key. When it didn't find the information there, it made up the data and provided it to the user. The model also told the user that it took the fabricated data from the source that the user requested, even though it did not. 

In the final detailed instance, agents utilized an internal repository as a message board to share information to other agents in a scenario similar to the Hugging Face incident. According to OpenAI, models exchanged requests across separate training samples to find missing input files.

OpenAI shared these six instances while providing a framework for reporting misalignment incidents going forward. Reports for these six instances can be read at the OpenAI website.

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

For years, Lofi Girl has been doing her homework.

The animated girl with the headphones has spent countless hours hunched over her desk, scribbling in a notebook while an endless stream of mellow beats plays in the background. Since launching on YouTube, Lofi Girl's 24/7 "lofi hip hop radio 📚 beats to relax/study to" has become one of the internet's most recognizable destinations for studying, working, and generally trying to get something done.

But eventually, even Lofi Girl has to close the laptop.

On Sept. 17, the team behind Lofi Girl is launching Lofi House, a new permanent 24/7 radio station built not for the hours spent working, but for everything that comes afterward. Think evenings at home, weekends, records spinning, and hanging out with friends. And this time, Lofi Girl isn't the one behind the desk.

Meet the Lofi Teacher

The launch introduces Julien Maison, aka Lofi Teacher, a 30-year-old high school biology teacher who spends his days in the classroom and his evenings making and listening to music. Julien also happens to be Lofi Girl's teacher, which answers an important question: Yes, she does actually go to school.

An original animation follows Julien as he leaves school and returns home. His apartment certainly looks the part. Bathed in golden-hour light, it's lined with shelves of vinyl, leafy monstera plants, and the kind of carefully curated objects that suggest someone has finally graduated from decorating a dorm room. Though a stuffed, suspiciously hipster-looking penguin keeps things from feeling too grown-up.

Julien pulls a record fittingly titled good time inc. from the crate, drops it on the turntable, and starts mixing. Soon, he's surrounded by friends — a decidedly different vibe from the solitary studying that has defined Lofi Girl for years.

Meet Lofi Teacher, a new character in the Lofi Girl universe. Credit: Lofi Girl

"For years, Lofi Girl has been there for people's focus, with music to go with it," the Lofi Girl team told Mashable. "We are proud of that, because it is how millions of people met us. But our community doesn't only exist at their desk."

Instead, the team wanted to explore the parts of people's lives that happen when the work is finished.

"Everyone has passions, interests, friends, a more intimate, more personal side they nurture outside of work or study," they said. "When the day ends, and you can finally let go, on your own or with friends, that's a good moment too that deserves its own music as well."

That's where Julien comes in. He's essentially the embodiment of logging off. "Someone who, like everyone, has a structured day and another life once class ends," the team said. "He's exactly what Lofi House is about."

Lofi Girl is building a bigger universe

Naturally, Julien's arrival began with a little Lofi Girl lore.

On Sept. 16, Jade — the character better known as Lofi Girl — disappeared from her usual study stream, leaving viewers to wonder where she'd gone. At the same time, a mysterious new livestream appeared, featuring a countdown and a slow approach toward a school's façade.

Where did Lofi Girl go? Credit: Lofi Girl A countdown appears. Credit: Lofi Girl

Today, Sept. 17, the countdown ends, and viewers can finally meet Julien.

It's another expansion of something that began much more simply. Lofi Girl dates back to 2015, when its founder, a French student named Dim, created a YouTube channel streaming instrumental hip-hop he could listen to while gaming. The stream went 24/7 in 2017, and within six months the channel grew from 100,000 subscribers to more than 1 million. The community eventually gave the studying girl at its center her name.

Today, Lofi Girl has 15.8 million YouTube subscribers. And behind that familiar animation is an increasingly sprawling operation. Lofi Records says it has released more than 8,000 tracks by more than 500 artists across lofi, synthwave, jazz, and ambient. There's also an in-house animation studio, a gaming division, and a Discord community approaching 1 million members.

Lofi House gives that growing universe another character, another setting, and, crucially, another sound.

So, what does Lofi House actually sound like?

Despite the name, Lofi House isn't simply the familiar Lofi Girl beats with a faster tempo.

The idea partly came from the artists themselves. Many musicians on Lofi Records had roots in electronic music before making lofi, and the label wanted to give them space to return to those influences. The team experimented with chill, melodic, and jazz-influenced strains of house before settling on a sound that combines house music's groove and movement with the textured, atmospheric production associated with Lofi Girl.

This is how teacher Julien Maison unwinds. Credit: Lofi Girl A behind-the-scenes look at how Lofi Teacher came to be. Credit: Lofi Girl

The resulting compilation features exclusive releases from 19 artists, with those tracks also powering the new 24/7 stream. Artists houseverbot, Akraa, KBS, and lofi cassette played particularly significant roles in developing the project's sound.

For Akraa, who has released music with Lofi Girl since 2020, the pivot isn't much of a pivot at all. He started making EDM at 15. "Having the opportunity to combine the music I grew up producing with the music I now make for a living feels very natural," Akraa said in a statement. "To me, Lofi House is a logical next step, especially after the introduction of Synthwave."

That history makes Lofi House more than a change in BPM. It's a chance for some of the musicians who helped build Lofi Girl's sound to pull influences from their own musical lives back into it.

The launch also includes a hand-curated Spotify playlist that goes beyond Lofi Records' own catalog, as well as a collectible vinyl release.

What does "lofi" even mean anymore?

The expansion raises an interesting question: What exactly counts as "lofi" in 2026?

Lofi's online identity has become inseparable from its utility. People don't necessarily put on a lofi stream because they're following a particular artist or album. They use it to study, work, read, relax, sleep, or simply fill a quiet room. For a generation that grew up online, it has become a kind of infrastructure for everyday digital life.

Even the people behind Lofi Girl aren't convinced there's one neat definition anymore.

"We often wonder internally what the term 'Lofi' actually means to all of them," the team told Mashable. "Our humble take, especially after talking about it with our teams, is that nobody really has a super-precise definition of what 'Lofi' means."

What listeners recognize instead, they argue, is a feeling.

"Everyone seems to agree on what it brings into their lives: colour, emotion and positive energy," they said. "It offers a place to step away from routine, stress, and a world that never stops."

Lofi House is effectively testing how far that feeling can travel. The original Lofi Girl stream gave millions of people a soundtrack for the things they had to get done. Now the team is betting that those same listeners want music for the moment they finally don't. Turns out, not every hour of the day needs to be optimized.

Bose is fresh off its most recent audio release, but it's still coming out swinging.

On Sept. 17, the brand announced two new open earbuds models: the Bose Ultra Open (2nd gen) and the Bose Sport Open. This comes over two years after the launch of the original Bose Ultra Open, which helped raise the profile of open earbuds overall (and became a Mashable favorite).

SEE ALSO: Open earbuds guide: What they are, who should buy them, and why they're popping up everywhere

The new Ultra open earbuds will retail for $299, with the Sport Open earbuds functioning as the cheaper model at $199. Both earbuds will be available for preorder starting Sept. 19, with full availability coming Oct. 1. In the meantime, here's everything you need to know about Bose's latest launch:

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose Ultra Open (2nd gen) $299 at Bose
  Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose Sport Open earbuds $199 at Bose
  Learn More Bose Ultra Open (2nd gen): What's new The new Ultra Open earbuds come with notable improvements. Credit: Bose

The new Ultra Open earbuds come with three major upgrades over the previous generation: better battery life, better sound quality, and an improved design.

Battery life

The first change is a welcome one; Bose upped the battery life from seven hours per charge to nine hours per charge. For $299 open earbuds, most features should be at the top of the field, but the battery life was one notable area where the Bose earbuds lagged behind. Now, they're on par with the Sony LinkBuds Clip.

Sound quality

The second generation Ultra Open earbuds come packed with a new driver that addresses two areas where open earbuds commonly struggle: bass and volume. Though the original Bose earbuds were already louder than some of their main competitors' buds, the new generation will be able to reach even louder volumes and feature deeper bass. The Auto Volume feature will also automatically respond to balance streamed audio against external sounds.

Also new is the addition of Immersive Audio. This feature has been available on other Bose models, but it's the first time it'll be available on open earbuds from the brand. Bose's TrueSpatial technology will power a standard Immersive Audio and Cinema mode, meant to open the soundscape for videos and podcasts.

Finally, internal improvements on these earbuds will result in clearer calls, another area where open earbuds can notoriously falter.

Design

The design looks largely the same, but Bose elevated it with the addition of a metallic cap where it was formerly plastic. The earbuds also have a beveled finish. The case itself can now support wireless charging, stand up on its own, thanks in part to silicone feet, and open easier than the previous gen.

Bose Ultra Open (2nd gen): Specs and price

Keeping in line with the first generation model, the new Bose Ultra Open earbuds will cost $299. Spec-wise, you can expect the following:

• Battery: Nine hours per charge, plus 19.5 hours in the case

• Equalizer: Yes, three-band

• Immersive audio: Yes

• Connection: Bluetooth 5.4, SBC and AAC codecs, Google Fast Pair

• Multipoint: Up to two devices

• IP rating: IPX4

• Colors: Black, white smoke, limited-edition cherry chocolate, olive green, sky pink

Bose Sport Open: What's new The Sport Open join Bose's lineup. Credit: Bose

Technically, Bose is bringing back the Sport Open earbuds: they first hit the scene in 2021, but were pulled from the lineup while Bose's original Ultra Opens were on the market. In their initial iteration, these earbuds also featured an ear hook design, where Bose has now made a sportier version of the successful cuff style of their flagship open earbuds.

Compared to the Ultra Opens, these earbuds feature a more lightweight cuff-style design (much more similar to the aforementioned Sony buds or Shokz earbuds), with silicone designed to help keep them in place. Though you won't have access to the Immersive Audio features, these earbuds do feature a slightly better IP rating of IP54, meaning they'll handle sweat and water splashes better (both in the earbuds and the case). The case itself has a clear, textured lid to make it easy to grab, and is also compatible with wireless charging.

On the earbuds themselves, Bose included textured tactile controls for easy device-free controls, even when you're on the move.

Bose Sport Open: Specs and price

The Sport Open earbuds will be available for $199 and come with the following features:

• Battery: Seven hours per charge, plus 22 hours in the case

• Equalizer: Yes, three-band

• Immersive audio: Not available on this model

• Connection: Bluetooth 5.4, SBC and AAC codecs, Google Fast Pair

• Multipoint: Up to two devices

• IP rating: IP54

• Colors: Black, white smoke, limited-edition eucalyptus green

Bose Ultra Open (2nd gen) and Bose Sport Open: How to preorder

As mentioned above, both earbuds will be available to preorder starting Sept. 19 with a full availability date of Oct. 1. Preorders will go live at Bose's website and select other retailers — we'll be sure to keep you posted once they do.

Grand Theft Auto VI isn't coming to disc in video game form, but if you want to listen to some music from the game, you'll be able to do that on physical media.

Rockstar announced on X and its website that Grand Theft Auto VI: The Album is available for pre-order now on CD and vinyl, on the aforementioned website. You can also pre-save it on every major music streamer right now. The album itself comes out on Nov. 19, the same day as the game.

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Three versions of the soundtrack will be released on physical media:

• Grand Theft Auto VI: The Album, Limited Edition on vinyl — $124.98

• Grand Theft Auto VI: The Album on vinyl — $49.98

• Grand Theft Auto VI: The Album on CD — $19.98

Rockstar's post said the album contains just 34 "original tracks" from a variety of artists, so it's definitely just a small selection of music from the game and not a full soundtrack release. It's an eclectic soundtrack with a lot of artist variety. Six singles also came out alongside the pre-order announcement, and the collection of talent here is pretty interesting:

• Yung Lean - "That's It" (Feat. Future and Metro Boomin)

• Travis Scott - "RHYNO"

• CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso, PinkPantheress, Fred again.., & Etienne de Crécy - "Sexy Magic"

• Morgan Wallen - "Last Thing You Need"

• Rauw Alejandro - "Macacoa 2000"

• Keith Richards - "Bright Lights, Big City"

The new GTA 6 singles are all available now wherever you listen to music. This confirms our (very obvious) theory from earlier this week that a bunch of cryptic Instagram posts from the artists in question were related to GTA 6's soundtrack. Still, Keith Richards is a get we didn't expect.

My biggest gripe with Xteink e-readers is their limited file support, as you can only read DRM-free EPUB files on the device. But according to Good E-reader, Xteink is launching an Android e-reader.

Eagle-eyed RedNote users suddenly noticed their feeds were flooded with ads for the Xteink S4, a new tiny e-reader that runs on Android 11. Previously, Xteink's e-readers ran on a proprietary Linux system, but with an Android system, you can now download apps for Kindle and Kobo.

The S4's specs are similar to the X4's. It has a 4.3-inch E Ink touchscreen with 220 ppi resolution. It has 2GB RAM and 32GB SSD. However, it does add a front light with adjustable cool and warm light. It also includes a USB-C port rather than the pogo pin that the X4 Pro e-reader has.

The Xteink X4 e-reader currently runs on an Linux system, but the S4 will run on Android 11. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Running on an Android system might empower the Xteink to its fullest potential. Many users buy an Xteink e-reader as a companion to a traditional e-reader. However, as you're only able to read DRM-free files, it's not compatible with all the books on your Kobo or Kindle. But the addition of an Android system lets you access all your Kindle books on the e-reader, and with WiFi connectivity, it can even sync your progress between devices.

Unfortunately, e-reader users in the United States will have to wait for the Xteink S4 e-reader. It's currently available for preorder in China for around $50 USD. We've reached out to Xteink for comment on a potential US release date. For now, you can shop other Xteink e-reader models in the US.

Xteink X4 e-reader $69 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Xteink Xteink X3 e-reader $69 at Amazon
$79 Save $10   Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Xteink

All's fair in love and War, HBO and Sky's upcoming series, with a riveting trailer out today.

Created by George Kay, the London-set series follows the high-profile divorce of actor Carla Duval (Sienna Miller) and tech entrepreneur Morgan Henderson (Dominic West), with both parties — and their rival law firms — pulling every dirty trick in the book for victory.

SEE ALSO: 2026 fall TV preview: Every show you should know about

Phoebe Fox, James McArdle, Archie Renaux, Nina Sosanya, Pip Torrens, Celia Imrie, Nick Mohammed, Emma Laird, Aran Murphy, Shaheen Jafargholi, Akiya Henry, Honor Swinton Byrne, and more star.

War premieres Oct. 1 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max in the U.S. and Sky in the UK.

Snap Specs let me play virtual soccer, float movies in the air, and share 3D experiences. But how did these big glasses fit my face?

Read more about smart glasses and AI wearables: Apple is secretly working on smart glasses, AI pendant, and AI AirPods, report says
The best smart glasses of CES 2026

Timecode chapters
00:00 Introduction and Snap specs pricing
01:10 Key specs: AI, hand-tracking and cellular case
02:08 Waveguide lenses and display quality
03:25 Testing apps: Web browsing, games and work
04:07 Real-world mixed reality tracking
05:03 Fit, comfort and prescription support
06:04 Controls, navigation and translation features
06:45 Shared multiplayer experiences
07:08 Battery life expectations
07:28 How Snap compares to Meta, Apple and Google
08:18 Snap Intelligence AI features
08:35 Final verdict and availability

Video credits
Host: Scott Stein
Scripted by: Scott Stein
Producer: Jesse Orrall
Camera: Jesse Orrall
Video editor: Jon Gomez
Thumbnail designer: Zooey Liao

WatchOS 27 officially launched on Monday, and some Apple Watch users have noticed a shortcut feature is missing from the new OS.

MacRumors pointed out that Apple made a change to one of the key button shortcuts on all Apple Watches. Specifically, a double-click of the Digital Crown will no longer switch between your current app and the one you were using just before it, as it has on Apple Watches for years. Instead, its behavior will be different depending on which Apple Watch model you have.

SEE ALSO: Apple Watch Ultra 4 Review: The smartwatch for the health-conscious

If you buy the new Apple Watch Series 12 or Ultra 4 when it launches on Sept. 18, the double-click action will activate Live Rewind, the controversial listening feature that transcribes spoken audio that the watch heard in the previous 15 seconds. It makes some sense for Apple to change the button shortcut on newer models, as Live Rewind is hardware-exclusive. But if you have an older Apple Watch that doesn't support Live Rewind, double-clicking the Digital Crown will instead bring up the app grid instead of performing the older app-switching action.

Frustratingly, there is no option in the settings for people who own either the new Apple Watch models or older ones to change this function, as MacRumors reported. It's obviously inconvenient for owners of older models because they don't even have access to Live Rewind, but if you have a newer model and don't want to use Live Rewind, you're losing out, too. We'll see if Apple ever addresses this in a software update.

Preorder the new Apple Watches

The new Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch Series 12 both launch on Friday, Sept. 18. Both devices are available for preorder now.

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 Watch Ultra 4 (GPS + Cellular, 49mm, Black Titanium) Pre-Order at $779.99 at Amazon
  See It at Amazon

Ryan Murphy is at it again with the latest installment of his Monster anthology series, with The Lizzie Borden Story. This season takes on the infamous case of the murder of then-32-year-old Borden's father and stepmother in 1892. While Borden (played by Ella Beatty in the show) was acquitted of the crime, no one else was ever charged, and popular opinion holds that Borden was the murderer.

In typical Ryan Murphy fashion, this true crime adaptation involves salaciousness and blurs the details of reality. Case in point: the vintage sex toy in episodes 1 and 2.

SEE ALSO: 'The Swan: Behind The Mirror' trailer: The controversial reality TV show is ripe for its reckoning

It was known as the Veedee, a mechanical vibrator (meaning you have to do the work yourself — this was pre-USB charging) and branded as a medical tool more than a pleasure device. According to the Science Museum in the UK, the Veedee was a German-made vibrator that claimed to help with a variety of conditions, from gout to head colds, through "curative vibration."

The Veedee featured a hand-crank holding a device that looks like a stiff hot dog, prompting Vanity Fair and other outlets to liken it to a dildo.

In Monster, the toy belongs to the Bordens' maid, Bridget Sullivan (Vicky Krieps). She arrives at the Bordens' home with the Veedee, symbolizing an awakening and coming-of-age within Borden.

"The way Ryan thought of it, she's almost like a Mary Poppins that comes out of nowhere," Krieps told Vanity Fair about Sullivan. Apparently, Murphy said of the project, "It's women-driven, feminist, lesbian, dirty, unapologetic."

Indeed, there are sapphic undertones to Borden and Sullivan's relationship. There are rumors that Borden was a lesbian, but those are unconfirmed, and there's apparently no historical evidence of a romantic affair between the two women. As is typical of Ryan Murphy, he's taken a few artistic liberties in his historical retelling.

The same is true for the presence of the Veedee. According to the Science Museum, it was made between 1901 and 1930, years after the Borden murders. While Borden and Sullivan lived at a time of the emergence of the vibrator, it's unlikely that they used it — to cure gout or otherwise.

Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story is now streaming on Netflix.

With phone and computer prices soaring, it helps to know the true cost of owning electronics so you can bring those numbers down.

There are food celebrations taking place every week. Not so long ago, we had National French Fry Day and National Hot Dog Day. Earlier this week, we had National Guacamole Day. They're not all bangers, but National Cheeseburger Day? This is big.

All the big players are jumping on National Cheeseburger Day. We're seeing limited-time offers and freebies from the likes of Five Guys, McDonald’s, Burger King, and Smashburger. We don't know if you had big plans for this weekend, but you do now. It's time to indulge your passion.

National Cheeseburger Day takes place on Sept. 18. We've lined up our favorite offers to help you make the most of this special occasion.

Applebee’s

Grab a Classic Burger or Classic Cheeseburger with fries for $8.99 (dine-in or to-go).

Bad Daddy's Burger Bar

Get a Jalapeño Business burger with a classic side for $10 (dine-in only).

Big Buns

Get 50% off the Classic Burger with Cheese. This offer is exclusive to members of its Thompson Table Rewards loyalty program.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

On National Cheeseburger Day, get an All American Smash Burger with a choice of personal-size signature Pizookie for only $13.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buy one burger, get a second burger of equal or lesser value free on National Cheeseburger Day.

Burger King

Royal Perks members can claim a free Bacon Cheeseburger with a $3 minimum purchase in the BK app on Sept. 18.

Dairy Queen

Get a free single Original Cheeseburger Stackburger with any $1+ app order running through Sept. 18.

Dog Haus

Get a Cheeseburger with your Dog Haus Rewards account to score a free cheeseburger for a future visit.

Five Guys

Buy any burger and get a second burger for free with the promo code BOGOBURGER in the Five Guys app or on the website.

Grubhub

Grubhub has canceled delivery and service fees on restaurant orders of $50+ on Sept. 18. You can also score these deals from favorite brands:

• Burger King: Buy one Whopper Jr., get one free on Sept. 18

• Outback: Get 20% off your order of $55+ through Sept. 20

• Wendy’s: Get a free Baconator on orders of $20+ on Sept. 18.

Hardee's

On Sept. 18, members of the My Rewards loyalty program can buy one Famous Star cheeseburger and get one for free.

McDonald’s

Score a free Double Cheeseburger with any $1 minimum in-app purchase for MyMcDonald’s Rewards members on Sept. 18.

Shake Shack

Score a $5 single ShackBurger or single Cheeseburger with any purchase. To qualify, use the code BURGERDAY in the Shack App, on the website, and at in-store kiosks.

Smashburger

Get any single Smash burger for $1 (Classic, Bacon Stack, Truffle Mushroom) when ordering in-app or online as a SmashRewards member.

Sonic

Get a Jr Double Cheeseburger for $1.99 when you order in-store or via the Sonic app on National Cheeseburger Day.

Wendy's

On Sept. 18, Wendy’s Rewards members can add a Dave’s Single Cheeseburger for $1.99 to any order.

SAVE $10: The Xteink X4 Pro is on sale at Amazon for $99, down from the normal price of $109. That's a 9% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Xteink Xteink X4 Pro $99 at Amazon
$109 Save $10   Get Deal

A few weeks ago, Amazon quietly increased prices across the entire Kindle lineup. The basic Kindle now has a $149.99 list price. If that doesn't sit well with you and you're up for a smaller e-reader, there's a new model that could be perfect. Plus, it's on sale for a limited time.

As of Sept. 17, the Xteink X4 Pro is on sale at Amazon for $99, down from the normal price of $109. That's a 9% discount.

While it's not the best e-reader for everyone, the Xteink X4 Pro has tons going for it if you're looking for a petite e-reader that's barely larger than a credit card. Mashable's e-reader expert Samantha Mangino tested out the new Xteink X4 Pro, and while it's not replacing her Kindle Paperwhite or Kobo, it could be great for those who read e-books in the PDF and MOBI formats.

SEE ALSO: Want free books? Get 3 months of Kindle Unlimited for free ahead of Prime Big Deal Days.

Another highlight of the Xteink X4 Pro is the battery life, which can last for up to two weeks with casual reading. The 4.3-inch display means it's a great travel companion for both plane trips and the train commute to work. There's also the ability to turn pages via the touchscreen or the physical page-turn buttons.

For those who like to read on the go, consider snagging the compact Xteink X4 Pro while it's on sale at Amazon for under $100. It could also make an excellent Christmas present for the reader in your life.

TL; DR: Select Barnes & Noble locations are hosting a free Halloween make-and-take event on Oct. 9 or 10. Attendees who register in advance can build and take home a mini Lego witch on a broomstick.

If you're looking for a fun seasonal activity next month, Barnes & Noble is hosting a free in-store Lego Halloween event where attendees can assemble a miniature witch on a broomstick and take it home.

The nationwide event will take place at select Barnes & Noble stores on Friday, Oct. 9, or Saturday, Oct. 10, depending on your local store's schedule. Attendees are even encouraged to show up in their favorite Halloween costumes for the build.

The build is designed for kids ages 13 and under, though older Lego fans are welcome to participate.

What attendees should know

• How to sign up — You must reserve your spot in advance by calling your local Barnes & Noble directly or signing up through the store's events calendar on their official website.

• Advance registration is required — Because quantities are limited per store, you'll need a reservation. Walk-ins won't be able to grab a set.

• One build per participant — The free giveaway is limited to one witch mini-model per registered participant.

To grab a free witch build, find your nearest Barnes & Noble online and register before all the spots are taken.

SAVE $801.99: Amazon has the 77-inch Sony Bravia 6 OLED 4K TV on sale for $2,198, marked down from the standard price of $2,999.99. That's a 27% discount and the lowest price we've seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony 77-inch Bravia 6 OLED 4K TV $2,198 at Amazon
$2,999.99 Save $801.99   Get Deal

So long, summer. Welcome to the beginning of hibernation season. The days are getting shorter, the air has a crisp in the mornings, and Halloween decor is popping up all over. That also means it's time for parking in front of the TV for football, fall shows, and rewatching old favorites. If your current TV isn't up for another winter of nonstop streaming, check out this deal.

As of Sept. 17, the 77-inch Sony Bravia 6 OLED 4K TV is on sale at Amazon for $2,198, down from the list price of $2,999.99. That's a big 27% discount, taking $801.99 off the price. It's also the best price we've seen on this model on Amazon.

OLED TVs tend to come with steep price tags, but Amazon is easing that a bit thanks to this Sony sale. Now, for under $2,200 you can kick back and stream on a massive 77-inch TV with exceptional crispness and clarity. Sony mentions that this model uses over 8 million self-lit pixels with precise control to deliver the best possible image.

SEE ALSO: Apple's MacBook Neo is back under $790 on Amazon — and honestly, we'll take it

Sony also equipped this model with Triluminos Pro, which gives off more natural hues thanks to the wider color palette. Giving the TV a modern look, the nearly invisible bezel means more focus on the display.

In addition to the great specs, the Sony TV comes with built-in Google TV to keep your favorite streaming apps neatly organized and easy to access.

Before this sale price vanishes, consider upgrading to the 77-inch Sony Bravia 6 OLED 4K TV. This is the lowest price we've seen Amazon offer on this model, so it's a great time to make the move.

This is going to be a review in progress. The reason is simple: the new Apple Watch Ultra 4, unveiled last week and launching properly tomorrow, touts numerous new features that won't be available until later this year (if you're in Europe, the timeline is unknown).

Apple provided me with a review unit of the new Ultra 4, and all I could do was focus on what was there. The highlights: longer battery life (huge!) and a new heart rate monitoring system, which Apple says is best in the business.

First, the specs:

• Case: Titanium

• Colors: Natural or Black

• Case size: 49mm

• Display resolution: 422x514 pixels, 1,245 square mm display area

• Display brightness: Up to 3,000 nits peak brightness, 1 nit minimum brightness

• Display type: Wide-angle OLED and LTPO3

• Chip: S11 with a 4-core Neural Engine, W3 wireless chip

• Storage: 64GB

• Connectivity: GPS, Cellular (5G and LTE), WiFi4, Bluetooth 5.3, satellite connectivity, second-gen Ultra Wideband chip

• Battery life: up to 50 hours of normal use, up to 84 hours in Low Power Mode

• Charging: Up to 80 percent charge in about 45 minutes

• Durability: Water resistance 100m, recreational scuba diving to 40m, dust resistance IP6X, tested to MIL-STD 810H standard

• Special features: Second-generation electrical heart sensor, always-on optical heart sensor

So what's new here? Apple Watch Ultra 4 repeats the colors from last year: Black Titanium (pictured) and Natural Titanium. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

If you take a closer look at those specs and compare them to the Ultra Watch 3, you'll see they're almost identical, with the only differences being the new chip, better battery life, and the second-gen heart-monitoring system. That's right: Even the colors are the same as last year and boil down to Natural Titanium or Black Titanium (my unit was of the Natural Titanium variety).

This is the rare gadget where I don't really mind the lack of visual updates. The Apple Watch Ultra has looked pretty much the same since the first version, but it looks rugged, powerful, and mighty, with a beautiful display that puts most other smartwatches to shame. I wouldn't mind a new case color just for variety's sake, but the design is (still) great.

It does, however, mean that I have little to report on display size, brightness, or basic functionality. It's all the same as last year's version.

The Siri Modular Watch Face has a special complication in the middle that always surfaces the most relevant widget. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

As for new watch faces, Apple's new watchOS 27 (which is what my unit is running) brings only one: Siri Modular. It's available for both the Series 12 and Ultra 4, but thanks to the Ultra 4's larger display, it has an additional bezel and a different (optional) Ultra font.

The new trick Siri Modular does is dynamically change the center complication to display whatever the top Smart Stack widget is at the moment. Turn the Watch's crown, and that widget will start rotating between the other widgets in your smart stack.

While the new Siri Modular face is a cool addition, I do regret that Apple didn't add additional new faces with the launch of the Watch Ultra 4. While its physical design remains the same, new watch faces are the easiest way to make the watch feel fresh.

I'm sticking with the Translucent Gray Ocean Band. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

One fresh thing is the wide range of bands on offer. Apple added numerous new versions across all of its band types, including Sport Band, Sport Loop, Nike Sport Band, and Hermes. Apple sent me a few to try out; by far my favorite was the new Translucent Gray Ocean Band, which is a perfect match for the Apple Watch Ultra 4's Natural Titanium color.

Battery life fit for athletes

The Apple Watch Ultra has always been advertised as a watch for athletes and adventurers, but the first couple of iterations just didn't have the battery life to match that claim. Now, with the Apple Watch Ultra 4, Apple says the battery will last up to 50 hours in normal use, up to 84 hours in Low Power Mode, and up to 18 hours in outdoor workout mode.

This should now be enough to finish an Ironman race, which is pretty much all you can ask of any sports watch. I haven't tried that and have no plans to, but I did take the Watch for an hour-long workout that included some calisthenics and bag work. The watch was fully charged that morning, and by evening it still had 81 percent battery remaining.

Overall, I had to charge the Watch roughly every third day, and could extend that by another day by using low power mode. This is a big deal for me as it means I don't have to worry about charging when I take the Watch on a weekend trip.

New heart rate monitoring system

The biggest hardware change on both the Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch Series 12 is the completely new Health Sensing System, which includes a new optical and electrical heart sensor. It can take heart rate measurements far more frequently throughout the day, thereby collecting more data, which is used to calculate metrics such as HRV (heart rate variability), a stress indicator. Apple pointed to a scientific study that singles out this new system as the best among wearables right now.

The new heart rate monitoring system takes measurements far more frequently than before. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

This new system also paved the way for Readiness, a feature that takes a bunch of data and essentially tells you how well you're doing and how ready you are to tackle a workout. Readiness takes a week of data to start showing up; I don't have a score yet, but will add it here as soon as I get that first reading.

Other health-related apps, such as Vitals and Heart Rate, now provide more precise, granular data thanks to the new heart rate monitoring system. One metric I find particularly useful is the ability to see at a glance how quickly your heart rate returns to normal after a hard workout.

The new heart rate monitoring sensors do fire more often, which can be a nuisance while you sleep or in a dark theater. Apple has thought of this, and the sensors will fire less often when the watch is in Theater or Sleep Focus mode.

In a dark room, the constant flickering of the heart rate sensors can be annoying, but fortunately there are ways to temporarily (and automatically) turn it off. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Step tracking has also been improved, with Apple calling it "the most accurate in any smartwatch." I've been getting slightly lower step counts than on the Apple Watch Series 11, but it's hard to say whether that's more accurate than before. I have, however, enjoyed the new Steps complication, which shows me the number of steps I've taken today in real-time.

The stuff that's not here yet

Now we come to the complicated part. The new Apple Watch Ultra 4, as well as Series 12, come with several AI features. These are part of the Audio Intelligence suite of features, enabled by the new S11 chip, which includes four new features: improved Shazam, Sound Recognition, Live Rewind, and Siri Recap.

Shazam, which comes in the form of the Music Recognition widget, is simply better at identifying the song playing nearby. I've tried it out on numerous songs, even some obscure YouTube remixes, and it recognized them all instantly.

Sound Recognition is primarily aimed at people with hearing impairments, as it can help them recognize important sounds such as sirens, doorbells, or a baby crying.

Music Recognition now works incredibly fast, and I couldn't find a song it couldn't recognize. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Those two are live now, but Live Rewind and Siri Recap are coming "later this year." Live Rewind gives you an AI-powered recap of the last 15 seconds of your life, so you can recall, for example, which menu items the restaurant waiter just listed for you. Siri Recap creates a "high-level summary" of your day.

Apple has pointed out that these don't store any audio data and are completely private to the user, but they still sound like potential privacy trouble to me. The features are opt-in to you, the user, but they listen to everyone around you, and these people may not always get a chance to opt in or out. Live Rewind does, however, play an audible sound, even if the Watch is on silent, and displays an animation, so that people nearby can see that it's being used.

We'll know more about these features when they go live. In Europe, where the privacy rules are pretty strict, it might take a while.

All of the health and fitness data collected by the Watch feeds into the Health app on the iPhone, which has undergone a big redesign. That, however, also isn't live yet; as I wrap up this text, it just became available in the iOS 27 developer beta. At first glance, I think the new Health app is a huge improvement, as it offers a clearer overview of various aspects of your health, including sleep quality, fitness level, heart health, and overall vital signs. I'll need more time (and a more finalized version) to assess how well it works, though.

Should you buy it? It's an amazing smartwatch, but not an essential upgrade from last year's model. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Whether you need the new Apple Watch Ultra 4 depends on how you use it. If it's just a cool watch on your wrist that you sometimes use for workouts, and you don't require very precise sports metrics, then the old Ultra 3 or even Ultra 2 will continue to serve you well.

If you're an athlete, especially an endurance athlete, who needs the best battery life and the best heart rate measurement system available, then the Apple Watch Ultra 4 is an essential upgrade, even if you have an older version.

SAVE OVER $20: As of Sept. 17, the Anker Solix C200 DC portable power station is on sale for $129.98 at Amazon. That's $20.01 off its full price of $149.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker SOLIX C200 DC Portable Power Station $129.98 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $20.01   Get Deal

If fall weather has you itching to grab your camping gear and go on an outdoor adventure, it's worth picking up a portable power station to bring along.

These devices can help keep you powered up on the go, and Amazon's a great place to find something on sale. Among the retailer's many discounted offerings at the moment is the Anker Solix C200 DC.

Usually priced at $149.99, this power station is over $20 off. The "limited time deal" tag on the store page is a strong indicator that it won't be on sale for long, so now is the time to make a move before the price goes back up.

SEE ALSO: Amazon announces dates for Prime Big Deal Days, its 48-hour 'October Prime Day' sale

The Anker power station is 39% smaller than similar power stations. There's even a strap you can get for it, though that's sold separately. And in terms of power, it boasts a 192Wh battery that delivers 200W of power and five charging ports: a USB-C (100W) port, a USB-C (140W) port, a USB-C (15W) port, and two USB-A (12W) ports.

It can also be recharged in three ways. With the 140W USB-C PD 3.1 port, it can fast recharge to 80% in 1.3 hours. Or it can be recharged via a car socket or solar panels, reaching 80% in 1.6 hours.

The clock is ticking to save on the Anker Solix C200 DC portable power station at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

SAVE OVER $600: As of Sept. 17, the Hisense 65-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV is down to its lowest-ever price of $847.99 at Amazon. That's $652 off its full price of $1,499.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-Inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD TV $847.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $652   Get Deal

Ahead of the Prime Big Deal Days sale event in October, Amazon has been dropping some excellent early deals for shoppers to check out. If a new TV has been on your mind, you're in luck.

We've already spotted solid savings on various screens, including the Hisense 65-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV.

As of Sept. 17, this Hisense TV is on sale for a huge 43% off at the retailer. That's knocked it down to $847.99. Compared to its usual list price of $1,499.99, that's $652 in savings. Not to mention, the price tracking website camelcamelcamel notes this as a return to its lowest-ever price on Amazon.

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

Boasting a 65-inch screen, 4K resolution, and Hi-QLED technology, this Hisense TV looks like a real treat for the eyes. With 4K resolution, you'll enjoy incredible detail in what you watch, further enhanced by Hi-QLED technology to deliver vibrant colors, brightness, and contrast on screen. The display even has an anti-glare layer that minimizes reflections and prevents light from blocking out what you're watching.

If you love to game or watch live sports, it also offers a native 165Hz refresh rate that keeps the action looking smooth without blur or lag. And on top of all that, it's a Google TV, so you can easily access your favorite apps to stream shows and movies direct from the home screen.

However, it's currently listed as a "limited time deal," so act fast to save on the Hisense 65-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV at Amazon before the discount disappears.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Poster Collection is on sale for $48.99 at Walmart, down from its $89.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box $48.99 at Walmart
$89.99 Save $41.00   Get Deal

The Pokémon TCG’s 30th Celebration expansion has only just landed, but the price cuts are already extending beyond the Elite Trainer Box deal (still under $85 at Amazon). Among the many products you can buy in the 30th Celebration expansion right now, its poster collection is now sporting arguably the best discount.

As of Sept. 17, the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Poster Collection is $48.99 at Walmart, down from its $89.99 list price — sold and shipped by third-party seller Cash Cards Unlimited. At a $41 saving, the 30th Celebration Poster Collection is now much closer to its $42.26 market price estimated by TCGplayer. However, you can save more by shopping with the dedicated trading card marketplace instead, with listings as low as $43.85 at the time of writing. 

SEE ALSO: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration ETB is way under market price on Amazon — buy for under $90 (if you get an invite)

You'll get three 30th Celebration Pokémon booster packs alongside foil Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres promo cards. There’s also a double-sided poster covered with artwork from more than 160 cards in the anniversary set.

If there are any particular valuable chase cards you’re after — like the $210+ SIR Mew ex, the $170+ SIR Gengar ex, or the $145+ SIR Mew ex — you can also buy single 30th Celebration Pokémon cards at TCGplayer. 

TL;DR: Pokémon and streetwear brand Stance have announced their second and final limited-edition sock drop of 2026, launching Sept. 24 as part of the franchise's ongoing 30th anniversary celebration.

Pokémon's year-long 30th anniversary blowout isn't slowing down anytime soon. Following major brand collabs, the franchise is teaming back up with streetwear staple Stance for its second and final sock collection of 2026.

If you missed out on their first drop earlier this year — which sold out almost too quickly — this new limited-edition release gives fans another shot at stocking up. Launching Sept. 24, the line features six distinct character designs centered around fan favorites like Pikachu, Meowth, Snorlax, and Arcanine. Plus, parents and younger Trainers can match, as Pikachu and Meowth pairs will also be available in kids' sizes.

SEE ALSO: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration ETB is way under market price on Amazon — buy for under $90 (if you get an invite)

For serious collectors looking to fill out their real-world Pokédex, Stance is also dropping a limited-edition Pokémon Trainer Box Set that packs two major exclusives you can't get as standalone pairs:

• Arcanine Blaze Crew — An exclusive, fiery colorway locked strictly inside the collector's box.

• UV-Reactive Poké Ball Crew — The real showstopper, woven with light-sensitive threads that reveal hidden Pokémon graphics only when exposed to direct sunlight.

With Pokémon merch consistently flying off shelves throughout 2026, expect this drop to vanish fast. The full collection goes live on Sept. 24 exclusively at Stance.