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Today's NYT Strands hints will be easy if you love autumn.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 22, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Day and night shift

The words are related to seasons.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe seasonal changes.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Fall Equinox.

NYT Strands word list for September 22

• Fall Equinox

• Transition

• Changeover

• Switch

• Progession

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

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you like to add fuel to the fire.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 22, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for September 22, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Rekindle.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

No, there are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

The Wordle answer today is...

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

STOKE

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

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

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

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

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

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If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Foot bone.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

ANKLE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Angry.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 22, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

UPSET

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A split.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for September 22, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Sept. 22, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

CRACK

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Compassion.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

MERCY

Final Hurdle hint

Divine blood.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

ICHOR

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Game Changer Season 8 ended with — not a bang — but buzzers!

In "Last Talent Standing," Dropout collided a talent show competition with Squid Game, where each axed contender means prize money is added to a hovering piggy bank. Host (and Mashable 101 honoree) Sam Reich not only welcomed 23 contestants on stage to compete, but also three celebrity judges, made up of celebrated stand-up comedians Gianmarco Soresi, Kumail Nanjiani, and Maria Bamford.

The results were a wildly entertaining and incredibly stressful finale, in which beloved Dropout contributors did everything from performing magic tricks and improvising a Disney musical number to feats of strength and celebrity impersonations, to taking some big, unpredictable swings.

How did this all come together? Was Soresi cast to play the heel? What mini-games got cut before cameras rolled? And when can fans purchase their own Sam Reich beach towel on the Dropout store?

SEE ALSO: 'Bluey' has an unexpected Dropout connection beyond the 'Game Changer' shock

Mashable Entertainment Editor, Kristy Puchko, sat down with Sam over a video call to dig into the secrets of "Last Talent Standing."

Here's what we learned:

Gianmarco Soresi was originally cast as a contestant.

In the "Last Talent Standing," Reich jokes that the comedian who's previously crushed on "Crowd Control" was intentional in the "Simon Cowell seat," alluding to the American Idol judge's reputation for being tough on contestants.

Speaking with Puchko, Reich explained, "[Soresi] was going to be a contestant in the episode and had no idea what the creative was. After we had booked Kumail and Maria, I realized that they were both very nice, and that I had almost like a creative problem I needed to solve for. Insofar as I needed someone there with a little bit more edge. And I knew that Gianmarco had what it took. So, he got upgraded from player to judge."

SEE ALSO: Dropout's Sam Reich offers advice for emerging content creators What mini-games were cut from "Last Talent Standing?"

As alluded to throughout the finale, this talent show took a lot of time to shoot. So, some ideas for the game were cut before the cameras rolled.

"The original game design here was that, in between every round, there was a mini-game where they all competed in the same talent," Reich told Mashable. "I think we had like a jazz scat off. We had best Scottish accent. So, producers were doing math in the days leading up to the shoot, and everyone was telling me this episode was going to be too long."

So, when two of the 25 intended contestants dropped out, it was decided not to replace them and to kill the mini-games.

What if the contestants found the boxes' contents before round 2?

Reich and Game Changer's team had planned for that.

"We were fully prepared for that to happen," Reich said of the boxes breaking, "And in fact, if it had been a natural discovery, we would have just allowed for them to start hauling things out of boxes earlier. Our cast, despite their chaotic tendencies, are so rooting for the show to be successful that many of them did break that paper in advance, not realizing that they were supposed to. And they were like sidebar-ing with our production designer Chloe [Badner], in between takes, being like, 'I'm so sorry, I hate to say this. Like, I I tore the paper. Is that okay?' And Chloe had to be like, 'Fine! It's fine.'"

Puchko asked if the design of the judges' podiums, which looked like boxes but were torn open, was meant as a clue to the contestants. Reich confirmed it was, adding, "That was like a little visual clue I was putting there for the cast in case they would take it as a clue."

Will Dropout sell the teased Sam Reich beach towel?

Game Changer production assistant-turned-contender Kaylin Mahoney revealed she's also worked as Sam's assistant. In that role, she revealed to the judges that she had once been tasked with making beach towels of the Dropout CEO.

Puchko asked what these beach towels looked like. Reich clarified the towels depict him "full head to toe, me and my suit," but noted, This is so important, and I'm so glad you bring this up. I did not have beach towels made with my image on them. Elaine [Caroll, Reich's wife and Game Changer writer/producer] had beach towels made with my image on them for my birthday. And I was not aware of this [in advance]."

As to whether this birthday bit will result in official Dropout merch, Reich responded, "I think if demand as a result of this episode and this conversation is enough, you can rest assured."

How to watch: Game Changer is now streaming on Dropout.

Beware: There's a new malware making the rounds and it's targeting your Android device.

Cybersecurity researchers at Zimperium recently discovered a new strain of Android malware, called RatHat, and have linked it to threat actors based out of China.

"RatHat incorporates novel techniques for persistence and leverages generative AI for operational control," Zimperium's zLabs researchers said in a report.

As the cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes explains, "RatHat gives a live AI assistant the keys to the accessibility tree of the infected device." This unique weaponization of AI allows the attacker to figure out "where to tap or scroll, rather than following a hardcoded script."

As with most malware, RatHat initially infects the device through social engineering tactics. The attacker convinces a target to download a seemingly legit app, such as Google Chrome, through a fake website posing as the Google Play Store. The user downloads the app but unknowingly installs the RatHat malware on their device.

SEE ALSO: Malware found hidden inside popular 'Meccha Chameleon' game maps

From there, RatHat requests accessibility permissions while still masked as a legitimate application.

Once the target provides RatHat with those permissions, the malware activates Wireless Debugging under Developer Options. RatHate weaponizes this actual Android developer feature to pair with the device. 

With this access, RatHat is able to capture text messages and create overlays on targeted apps, steal passwords, and multi-factor authentication codes in the process.

"RatHat uses AI to intelligently navigate and control the device interface in real-time, making its operations more adaptable and harder for security software to detect than traditional, scripted automation," Zimperium explains. 

However, the AI component isn't the only unique aspect of RatHat. The overlay acts like a keylogger, recording the user's raw touch inputs directly on the device.

Android users should protect themselves from RatHat by avoiding any downloads from untrustworthy sources. Unfortunately, once RatHat has infected a device, the only way to remove it is to factory reset the device.

TL;DR: Get Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for one Windows PC for $16.97 through Sept. 27, with seven Office apps and no recurring fees.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $16.97
$229 Save $212.03   Get Deal

Microsoft Office doesn’t necessarily have to come with another recurring payment. Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows is $16.97 (reg. $229) through Sept. 27, giving you a lifetime license for one Windows PC.

• Lifetime license to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access

• One-time purchase for one Windows 10 or 11 PC — device-based activation

• Improved inking, new Excel analysis tools, upgraded PowerPoint features

• Outlook refinements for email and contact management

• Instant email with download link and license key — redeem within 7 days

• All languages supported, updates included for the 2019 version

If your to-do list needs serious tools without a serious bill, this is the easy win — install once, get to work, and keep moving. Grab a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows for $16.97 (reg. $229) through Sept. 27.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Ever wanted to hear your group chat's worst message set to a pop chorus? Snapchat can do that now.

Snap announced a batch of new AI features for Lens+, its premium tier, on Monday, and the headliner is Create Song. Press and hold a message in a chat, tap Create Song, and pick a genre such as pop or rock. Snapchat turns your message into a short original track, and you can preview it before sending it to your friend.

Credit: Snapchat

If your chats are more visual than musical, the rest of the update is for you. AI Photoshoot is built to rescue near-miss Snaps, fixing shots where someone blinked, looked away, made a funny face, or got caught in bad lighting.

Credit: Snapchat

And AI Remix lets subscribers take a Snap a friend sent and reimagine it in a new style as a reply. There's also a sticker tool that restyles custom, saved, or received Stickers, and AI-enhanced fonts that can turn captions into bubble letters, spray paint, foam, or fuzzy textures.

Credit: Snapchat Credit: Snapchat

For anyone who has lost track of Snap's subscription tiers, Lens+ launched last year as a tier within Snapchat+, which Snap says now has more than 25 million subscribers worldwide. It already gave subscribers exclusive Lenses and AR effects, along with generative tools like the Imagine Lens for image generation and AI Clips, which turns a single photo into a five-second video. Those tools run on a monthly generation allowance, and Lens+ costs $7.99 a month.

As for when you can try it, the new features are rolling out now in all markets where Lens+ is available, though Snap says access may vary by region over the coming weeks. This is the latest move in a busy few weeks for Snap; on Sept. 10, the company launched Snapchat Plans, an event-planning feature that puts it up against Partiful.

Put those moves next to today's news, and Snap's line gets easy to see. AI is welcome in your chats, where it's a premium perk. Fully AI-generated video won't get recommended in Spotlight, where strangers find you.

The real test comes after the novelty wears off. Snapchat+ has more than 25 million subscribers, and Snap is putting its most compute-heavy tools behind the $7.99 Lens+ tier, so it needs people to keep paying for AI that lives in their chats, similar to Meta One.

SEE ALSO: Meta One bundles creator and business tools — for a monthly fee

If Snap's approach works, expect the next round of Lens+ features to look a lot like this one: small, playful tools built around how friends already talk to each other.

Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max come with Apple's latest mobile chip: the A20 Pro. The foldable iPhone Duo will also run on the new chip.

Built on a 2nm process, the A20 Pro has a 6-core CPU with two super cores and four efficiency cores, a 7-core GPU with Neural Accelerators, and a dual 16-core Neural Engine that handles AI tasks.

But does any of that techspeak translate into actual performance?

To find out, we put the iPhone 18 Pro (the Pro Max yields near-identical results) to the test. And yes, in synthetic benchmark tests, this thing blows everything else out of the water. The latest Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset in the Galaxy S26 Ultra, is the only one that comes close. To make sure I'm testing it right, I've run the Geekbench 6 and 7 tests on a perfectly clean, freshly activated iPhone 18 Pro with no third-party apps installed and nothing running in the background.

The A20 Pro proves Apple silicon is undefeated

In Geekbench 7's CPU test (the standard benchmark we use when reviewing laptops and smartphones), the iPhone 18 Pro achieved a 3,959 single-core score and a 10,854 multi-core score. And in the Geekbench 7 GPU test, it scored 61,194.

The benchmark results are quite clear: Apple's iPhone 18 Pro is the new performance king. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable GPU performance is amazing, too. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

We also ran Geekbench 6, an earlier version of this benchmarking tool, as the scores are easier to compare with older devices. The results here were even more impressive. The iPhone 18 Pro scored 4,673 in the single-core CPU test and 12,483 in the multi-core Geekbench 6 test.

The older Geekbench 6 test is similarly dominated by Apple's latest. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

For comparison, here are how some other recent flagship phones performed on Geekbench 6 in our testing:

• Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: 3,524 single-core, 10,827 multi-core

• Google's Pixel 11 Pro XL: 1,800 single-core, 5,000 multi-core

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: 3,097 single-core, 10,277 multi-core

• Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max: 3,779 single-core, 9,778 multi-core

• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: 2,800 single-core, 9,100 multi-core (we've gotten results as high as 10,049)

You get the idea: These phones are nowhere near Apple's new silicon, at least when it comes to synthetic test performance. (Transitioning Apple to its own in-house processors was one of John Ternus's biggest achievements before he was promoted to CEO.)

The performance improvement versus the iPhone 17 Pro Max is hardly surprising, but it's still notable that the iPhone 18 Pro beats its predecessor by roughly 25 percent across the board.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 18 Pro hands-on: What's new with the cameras

Will you feel the difference in real-world usage? Yes and no.

The new phones are undeniably faster than anything else out there. But, as noted in my iPhone 18 Pro review, it's not all that noticeable unless you're switching from a much older device. The thing is, Apple's iPhones have been incredibly fast and powerful for a while, so the fact that the latest phone is that much faster than the previous one is just icing on the cake. Unless you're an AI superuser, it's unlikely you'll push the new iPhones to the limit.

One last note: The iPhone Duo is also running the A20 Pro chip, and we're eager to see whether it scores higher or lower than the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. It's the same chip, yeah, but the rest of the device is different enough, starting with that enormous foldable display, for us to be intrigued about the Duo's scores. We'll have more on that once the iPhone Duo is in our hands next month.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro, 256GB Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile
  See It at T-Mobile See It at AT&T Wireless See It at Walmart iPhone 18 Pro Max, 256GB Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile
  See It at T-Mobile See It at Walmart See It at Apple.com

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Apple's product lineup typically consists of a "regular" product and a pricier, Pro variant that comes with a number of extra features, at least a few of them so good that most people will always go for the Pro version if they can afford it.

Apple's latest AirPods 5 are so good that they flip this dynamic on its head. They're an improved, yet significantly cheaper version of the AirPods 4 released in 2024. In many ways, they're as good as the AirPods Pro 3. In some ways, they're actually better. And that's saying a lot given that the AirPods Pro 3 are my favorite earbuds ever.

AirPods 5: Compact yet versatile ANC earbuds

A couple of years ago, Apple made a big leap by introducing two versions of the AirPods 4, one with ANC (active noise cancellation) and one without. I remember the company's briefings on those products, in which they put extra emphasis on how hard their engineers had to work to create proper active noise cancellation on earbuds that don't have an acoustic seal. That design choice was on purpose: Not everyone likes to have earbuds with foamy seals stuck in their ear canal (that's what the best noise-cancelling earbuds do to get additional passive noise cancellation).

Apple's AirPods 5 are a big upgrade over last year's model, and the price is even better. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

But the AirPods 4 with ANC cost $179, a significant price hike from the basic version that cost $129 (and often go on sale for only $99).

This year, Apple decided to completely forego that price premium by adding an improved version of ANC to the basic AirPods 5, which still start at $129. Even better, the premium AirPods 5 with a wireless charging case are actually cheaper than their predecessor at $149, even as Apple raises prices on the rest of its product line.

What's the difference between the two AirPods 5 models?

The biggest difference between the $129 and $149 Airpods 5 is the wireless charging case, but Apple also added another "Pro" feature to the AirPods 5 — a special area on the neck of the earbuds that you can swipe on to adjust volume. It's a nifty feature that I use all the time, though it does take some time to get used to.

So, are the more expensive AirPods 5 worth the investment? If it were just the case, I would say no, as wireless charging isn't essential for me; plugging a nearby USB-C cable into the case was almost always a more convenient option.

But you lose out on other features if you buy the cheaper variant. Battery life is shorter (four hours vs. five hours), and you don't get that volume swipe sensor.

So, I think you should definitely dish out those extra 20 bucks for the wireless charging variant, if you can.

Great sound has never been cheaper A lot of features packed into a small case. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The common wisdom about headphones and earbuds is that those with an "open" design will have a brighter, more airy sound, and that's pretty much the case here. The AirPods 5 have a clear sound with punchy drums and plenty of bass, but not so much to make it overwhelming. You won't get crazy levels of detail here, but for earbuds at this price range, they sound pretty great.

I was particularly interested in how they'll handle live performances, as that's where open-design earbuds should shine. One of my favorite tracks for this is Cage the Elephant's cover of The Stranglers' 'Golden Brown,' and it sounds excellent, with every instrument perfectly balanced in the mix. Arne Domnérus' legendary 'Jazz at the Pawnshop' album is another live favorite of mine. The AirPods 5 handled it well; I got a decent sense of the stage width (not so much the depth, though) and heard the clapping and the chatter of the people at that concert.

The AirPods 5 will struggle with very complex stuff such as large classical ensembles. Dense, heavy songs, like Meshuggah's 'Clockworks' can sound slightly muddled. But that's true of pretty much every pair of earbuds I've ever tested. On the flip side, intimate performances such as Portishead's 'Roseland NYC Live' sound wonderful.

You can swipe on the side of the earbuds to adjust volume; another feature inherited from the Pro model. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Comparing them to other Apple earbuds, they sound pretty much the same as the AirPods 4 to me, which isn't a bad thing. The AirPods Pro 3 do sound quite a bit better, with more details across the entire range, but again, some may prefer the slightly more open sound of the AirPods 5.

No tip, no problem

When it comes to noise cancellation, there's no comparison. The AirPods Pro 3 do it better. In fact, that particular model has such a strong passive/active noise cancellation combo that it beats Apple's own AirPods Max 2 headphones, and has basically reduced my need to carry larger headphones around to zero.

However, what Apple has done with the AirPods 5 in terms of ANC is impressive. During a briefing at Apple, I heard the AirPods 5 reduce (simulated) airplane engine noise, and it was just OK, probably because the room was dead quiet otherwise. But later, on an actual plane, I realized they did a pretty good job of reducing both the engines' drone and the passengers' chatter.

It's far from perfect. The AirPods 5 are pretty great at reducing the lower portion of the audio spectrum, but a higher-pitched hiss always remains audible. But for buds that just sit freely in your ear without a snug fit, turning on ANC and hearing it do its thing feels almost like magic.

Note to future users: The actual position of the buds in your ear matters a lot; if you feel the ANC isn't working as good as it should be, try adjusting the AirPods 5 in your ears a little and see if you can hear an improvement.

Battery life isn't great, but who cares The AirPods 5 come in two flavors: With or without a charging case. You can recognize the ones with the charging case by the tiny speaker grille on the bottom. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Battery life on the AirPods in general has never been a big issue for me. I don't think about it much, and both the buds and the case charge quickly enough that I just plug them in whenever it's convenient, and I almost never run out of battery.

That said, if you're a heavy user, have in mind that the AirPods 5 have four to five hours of battery life on their own (with ANC on), and up to 20 to 22 hours of battery life if you count the extra juice you get from the case (depending on the variant). The AirPods Pro 3, on the other hand, last eight hours on one change, and get up to 24 hours of battery life with the case.

Despite this drawback, the AirPods 5 have a big advantage over the AirPods Pro 3: Their case is a lot smaller and more likely to fit even in the tightest of pockets.

A few "pro" extras

The new AirPods 5 also inherit a few software features from the Pro model, including Conversation Awareness, Adaptive Audio, and Transparency. You also get Live Translation and Siri AI.

I use all of Apple's headphones and pretty much skip Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness completely. I'm just too used of switching noise cancellation on and off myself, as well as physically removing my earbuds/headphones when talking to someone. Transparency, however, is pretty great for those moments when you don't want to stop the music, but still need to hear what's happening around you.

Finally, thanks to iOS 27, you can now find a custom EQ equalizer for your AirPods, Pro or otherwise.

Credit: Screenshot by Stan Schroeder Credit: Apple

If you're counting, the list of features that the AirPods 5 get from the AirPods Pro 3 is long enough that it almost feels like Apple is undercutting its own pricier model. Somewhat unusual for Apple, but I'm not complaining.

As for the software features that remain exclusive for the Pro, this includes some health-related features such as Hearing Test and Hearing Protection, as well as a heart rate sensor for workouts. They're nice features to have, but not essential for music listening.

AirPods 5: Should you buy them?

The AirPods Pro 3 are still my favorite earbuds. They have better noise cancellation and better sound than the AirPods 5. But I don't mind the tight seal of their foamy tips in my ear.

If you want earbuds without such tips, or if you want earbuds under $150, then the AirPods 5 are actually a better option. They're smaller, have comparably great sound, a similar set of features, and decent noise cancellation despite the lack of a proper seal of your ear canal. Yes, the battery life is a little shorter, but they also come at half the price. At $129 (or $149 if you opt for the wireless charging case), the AirPods 5 are a no-brainer.

Now, fingers crossed, we'll see these buds go on sale during the upcoming October Prime Day or Black Friday events.

Apple AirPods 5 earbuds $129 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Apple.com Shop Now at Walmart Apple AirPods 5 (wireless charging) $149 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Walmart Shop Now at Target

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Democrats are jockeying to embrace new safeguards, while Republicans have aligned with President Trump’s warnings against slowing down the technology.

We are just a month away from the official launch of Apple's first foldable device, the iPhone Duo. If you're already an iPhone user, only looking to purchase a foldable iPhone, there's likely nothing that will sway you towards any other foldable smartphone.

However, Android users may be wondering just how the iPhone Duo will stack up to the other foldable devices that exist for Android. While we will still have to wait for iPhone Duo benchmarks, the company behind SpeedTest.net, Ookla, has just released comprehensive benchmarks for Android foldable devices, which should definitely come in handy when deciding which foldable you'll go with in a few weeks.

Ookla's report focuses on six popular foldable devices in the U.S. market: Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold6, Fold7, Fold8, Fold8 Ultra, Flip6, and Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

The company tested these foldable smartphones on a number of metrics and used their respective generation's "slab" model with the same chipset, such as the Galaxy S26 Ultra, as the "control" for comparison.

It's important to note that there are some differences between the foldable device and its comparable slab model, such as antenna placement and specific device firmware, that will affect these metrics. But this seems like a generally good methodology for deriving these benchmarks.

When it comes to speed, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra appears to be the big winner. It excelled in download speed, upload speed, and packet-loss reduction. The base Galaxy Z Fold8 model was not far behind. In fact, in median download speed it actually performed slightly better than the Ultra, although the Ultra model bested it in the other metrics.

While the Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra performed best in the speed test trials, they didn't fare as well when it came to the signal quality measurement tests. As Ookla points out, even though the two foldables are powered by the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and Snapdragon X85 modem as the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the latter outperformed the Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra here.

Overall, the Galaxy Z Fold6 appears to have had the best scores in both signal quality measurement tests, in both good and bad conditions. Interestingly, the Galaxy Z Flip6 had the worst performance in signal quality measurement tests under good conditions, but the best under bad conditions when compared to its control device.

The temperature benchmark found that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 ran the coolest when compared to its control device, whereas the Flip6 was the hottest.

Ookla also mapped out how Samsung's foldable devices have fared with each subsequent generation on each metric. It found that Samsung has improved the upload speeds, download speeds, and signal strength measurements with each new model foldable smartphone. However, there were two benchmarks where Samsung has been regressing.

When it comes to signal strength in bad conditions, the Fold6 actually outperformed the Fold7 and Fold8. While the Fold8 Ultra performed better than the Fold7 and Fold8 in this area, it was still outperformed by the Fold6.

The Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra also saw a big decline in performance on the overheating-related throttling benchmark when compared to the Fold7. The Fold7 had a big boost in this metric when compared to the Fold6, but its successors have seemingly regressed when it comes to the operating system slowing down due to the device's temperature.

While not benchmark-related, Ookla also shared some market share statistics. Based on Speedtest's foldable sample share, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 far and away is the most popular foldable smartphone in the world. 

And while companies like Motorola, Google, and Honor have been chipping away at Samsung's foldable market share, Samsung still holds more than 77 percent of the foldable market.

We'll see how that changes on October 23 with the release of the iPhone Duo.

Apple's iPhone Duo doesn't officially launch until October, but its wallpapers are already out in the wild.

As spotted by 9to5Mac, the artwork didn't make it into the release candidate for iOS 27, alongside the new iPhone 18 Pro wallpapers. It did, however, turn up in the iPhone Simulator bundled with this week's Xcode 27.1 beta, Apple's developer toolkit released to coincide with the start of iPhone Duo app development.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 18 Pro teardown lifts the lid on Apple's latest

The set includes four wallpapers total: two light-mode and two dark-mode variants, all built around the same desert scene of rolling sand dunes set against a distant mountain range, shifting from a soft daytime palette to a starlit night sky in the dark versions.

Since the artwork lives inside Xcode's simulator files rather than a public download page, getting it requires either running the Xcode 27.1 beta yourself or waiting for the images to circulate more widely online. A quick Google search will immediately reveal sites where you can download high-definition wallpapers.

For anyone who'd rather skip the wait entirely, the easiest path is simply holding out a few more weeks. Apple's iPhone Duo is set for pre-order on Oct. 16 and ships Oct. 23, at which point the wallpapers should be built directly into the software.

Sure, we just got the iPhone 18 Pro, but that doesn't mean we can't talk about what's next for Apple's flagship smartphone.

Fresh off the launch of the iPhone 18 line, there are new rumors swirling around the internet about the iPhone 20. Despite the name, that's actually the expected moniker of the next iPhone model, meaning there would be no iPhone 19. That's because 2027 would be the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, after all. Anyway, prolific leaker Digital Chat Station posted some display specs for the iPhone 20 Pro devices that caught the internet's eye.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 18 Pro teardown lifts the lid on Apple's latest This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

According to Digital Chat Station, here are the display sizes and resolutions of the iPhone 20 Pro and Pro Max:

• iPhone 20 Pro: 6.41-inch display with 2,686 × 1,236 resolution

• iPhone 20 Pro Max: 6.96-inch display with 2,912 × 1,340 resolution

By comparison, the iPhone 18 Pro's display is 6.27 inches with a 2,622 x 1,206 resolution, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max measures in at 6.86 inches with a 2,868 x 1,320 resolution. In simpler terms, next year's iPhone 20 Pro models will have larger displays with higher resolutions, despite Apple sticking with the same display sizes since 2024 until now.

That change in display size isn't massive in a numerical sense, but it may not be the only change Apple has in store.

According to leaker Ice Universe, "Apple is reportedly testing a bezel-less quad-curved display design, along with a smaller display cutout that could further shrink the Dynamic Island." That lines up with lots of previous reporting, which has suggested that the iPhone 20 will have borderless all-screen glass displays. So, rather than having a hard bezel around the screen, it will curve on all four sides.

In addition, Apple could incorporate the under-display selfie camera seen in the new iPhone Duo for the iPhone 20, which would allow for a smaller dynamic island.

Google's new laptop initiative is built to run as a true extension of your Android phone. Here's what Googlebooks are, why Google made them, and how all five launch models held up when we went hands-on.

Read more about Googlebooks and where to buy them: The first 5 Googlebook laptops are here, with an OS that blends Android and Gemini
The first Googlebooks are available for preorder: Where to buy new HP, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, and Asus models

Timecode chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:25 Android, Windows and MacOS integration
1:10 Instant setup and ecosystem features
2:03 Why GoogleBook? (tech experts weigh in)
3:18 GoogleBook vs. Chromebook
4:55 Hands-on experience and build quality
6:03 Desktop apps and developer potential
6:44 Who is GoogleBook for?

Video credits
Host: Iyaz Akhtar
Scripted by: Iyaz Akhtar
Producer: Carly Marsh
Camera: Carly Marsh
Video editor: JD Christison
Thumbnail designer: Tharon Green

Google is launching a brand-new lineup of flagship laptops designed around seamless Android integration and the all-new Googlebook OS. Get a hands-on preview of the latest flagship devices from Acer, Asus, Dell, HP and Lenovo, starting at $899.

Read more about the Googlebook launch and availability: The first 5 Googlebook laptops are here, with an OS that blends Android and Gemini
The first Googlebooks are available for preorder: Where to buy new HP, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, and Asus models

Timecode chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:18 What is Googlebook OS?
1:43 Core features and specs
2:34 Acer Googlebook 14
2:48 Asus Googlebook 14
3:04 Dell XPS Googlebook
3:27 HP Googlebook 14
3:39 Lenovo Googlebook 15
3:54 Availability and final thoughts

Video credits
Host: Matthew Buzzi
Scripted by: Matthew Buzzi
Producer: Paul Encinas
Camera: Paul Encinas
Video Editor: Paul Encinas
Thumbnail Designer: Cole Kan

Where to preorder every Googlebook laptop: Acer Googlebook 14 Starting at $899 Pre-Order Here Dell XPS Googlebook Starting at $999 Pre-Order Here HP Googlebook 14 Starting at $1,299 Pre-Order Here Lenovo Googlebook 15 Starting at $1,099 Pre-Order Here Asus Googlebook 14 Starting at $1,299 Pre-Order Here

If you’ve been waiting for a true third option to break up the endless "Mac vs. PC" debate, your time has finally arrived.

Announced earlier this year at Google I/O, Googlebooks are a brand-new class of premium AI laptops built to take on MacBooks head-to-head. Unlike budget Chromebooks, these sleek machines run on a brand-new, desktop-class operating system called Googlebook OS — combining the best features of Android, ChromeOS, and native Gemini AI into a single powerhouse.

Preorders officially open from Sept. 21 at 9 a.m. ET, with units shipping out on Oct. 4 in the U.S. Every Googlebook comes packed with a minimum of 16GB of RAM, at least 14 hours of battery life, dedicated NPU chips for local AI tasks, and a free 12-month offer for Google AI Pro.

Acer Googlebook 14 Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Googlebook 14 $899 at Best Buy
  Pre-order Here Why we like it

Acer’s Googlebook 14 is the most affordable model of the bunch and the only true 2-in-1 convertible in the initial lineup. At $899, you get 360-degree versatility to flip between laptop, tent, and tablet modes — making it ideal for taking notes or using Android apps on a desktop. Despite the lower price tag, Acer didn't cheap out on specs: it packs a razor-sharp 2.8K OLED touch display, Intel's brand-new Core Ultra 3 Panther Lake processor, and a premium aluminum-and-magnesium chassis weighing just 2.7 pounds.

The one convertible of the bunch. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable Dell XPS Googlebook Opens in a new window Credit: Dell Dell XPS Googlebook $999 at Best Buy
  Pre-order Here Why we like it

Dell took its famous XPS design and put Googlebook OS on it. The Dell XPS Googlebook is made for taking on the go — it weighs only 2.5 pounds and is super thin. It runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chip for fast performance, gives you a generous 512GB of starter storage, and features a sharp 2.5K touch screen. You also get both face login and a fingerprint scanner built right into its sturdy metal body.

Dell's Googlebook in action. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable HP Googlebook 14 Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP Googlebook 14 $1,299 at Best Buy
  Pre-order Here Why we like it

HP’s Googlebook 14 is an all-metal workhorse that strikes a sweet spot between screen space and portability. At 2.7 pounds and 14mm thin, it packs a vivid 2.8K OLED touch screen that makes colors pop and handles bright light with ease. Powered by Qualcomm’s fast Snapdragon X1 Elite chip, it keeps multitasking smooth across your daily tasks and Android apps. You also get a responsive haptic touchpad, a fingerprint reader for instant logins, and battery life built to clear a full workday.

HP's Googlebook in full force. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable Lenovo Googlebook 15 Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo Googlebook 15 $1,099 at Best Buy
  Pre-order Here Why we like it

Lenovo’s Googlebook 15 is built for anyone who wants a bigger workspace without carrying around a heavy brick. It features a roomy 15.3-inch 2.8K OLED touch screen and rich Dolby Atmos audio, making it awesome for side-by-side multitasking, streaming, and creative work. Despite the extra screen space, its high-tech carbon-fiber and magnesium frame keep it under 2.7 pounds. Intel’s new Panther Lake chip handles heavy daily workloads smoothly, while double biometric security — both face unlock and a fingerprint reader — keeps your data locked down tight.

Asus Googlebook 14 Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus Googlebook 14 $1,299 at Best Buy
  Pre-order Here Why we like it

The Asus Googlebook 14 is the lightest option in the entire lineup, weighing just 2.2 pounds. Wrapped in a sturdy metal chassis, it features the highest-resolution display in the group — a crisp 3K OLED touch screen that makes text razor-sharp and video colors pop. Intel's new Panther Lake processor keeps everything running fast, while a smooth haptic touchpad and a built-in fingerprint scanner make everyday navigation and security effortless.

If you're ready to ditch Windows and macOS for deep Gemini AI, secure your pre-order today.

First we got Burger King teaming up with Dragon Ball. Then McDonald's went ahead with a SpongeBob collab. And don't forget the Owala and Pokémon bottles that sold out almost immediately. This is a golden age of viral brand mashups, and there's more to come.

Just when you thought these viral collabs might have peaked, two New England powerhouses have joined forces to claim fall. The L.L.Bean Boat and Tote is already a staple for prep-meets-streetwear enthusiasts, but adding Dunkin’s iconic hot pink and orange colorway guarantees these will be all over TikTok and secondary resale sites before lunch on launch day.

Credit: Dunkin'

The collab is anchored by two legitimate heritage staples: L.L.Bean's classic Birdseye Crewneck Sweater (reimagined with a subtle Dunkin' pattern twist) and their indestructible Canvas Boat and Tote. Plus, if you can't wait until Sept. 29 for the full merch drop, Dunkin' stores are handing out incredibly cute knit Birdseye Sweater Cup Sleeves with any coffee order on Tuesday, Sept. 22 (the first day of fall).

Credit: Dunkin' What to shop in the Dunkin’ x L.L.Bean lineup

Mark your calendars for Sept. 29 at 10 a.m. ET for this limited-edition drop. Here's exactly what's dropping online and in select stores:

• L.L.Bean x Dunkin’ Birdseye Sweater ($79.95): L.L.Bean's classic wool-blend Norwegian pattern re-worked with Dunkin's signature color accents.

• L.L.Bean x Dunkin’ Boat and Tote ($59.95): The heavy-duty canvas tote features vibrant Dunkin' pink and orange handles, dual embroidered logos, and contrast stitching.

• L.L.Bean Coffee Tote ($24.95): An ultra-miniature version of the Boat and Tote scaled specifically to hold a single iced coffee cup or travel tumbler.

If you miss out on the official drop on Sept. 29, Dunkin’ Rewards members can still score a free medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase via the Dunkin’ app all day on National Coffee Day.

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.

TL;DR: Dunkin' is giving away 1 million free drinks on Sept. 22. The promo code will drop at some point during the day, so keep this page bookmarked for an update.

Dunkin' is giving away 1 million free drinks, again. That seems like an absolutely wild promotion, but Dunkin' actually does this kind of thing fairly regularly. That doesn't make it any less exciting, and the process of claiming remains the same.

Dunkin' doesn't release specifics on what's actually included in the giveaway until the promo code goes live. That code will drop sometime on Sept. 22, after which point everyone will rush to claim one of the free drinks. We'll be keeping a keen eye on all the usual channels to bring you that code as soon as it goes live. These freebies go quickly, so you need to be ready.

SEE ALSO: Starbucks just dropped a Snoopy cup for fall, and yes, I'm taking the bait

Once the code goes live, you'll need to enter it in the "Offers & Rewards" section of your app. Yes, that does mean you need to be a Dunkin' Rewards member, but it's free to sign up, and this type of giveaway comes around pretty often. It's worth the hassle.

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)