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TL;DR: Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus is available as a one-time $49.97 lifetime license for one Windows PC (reg. $249.99) — no monthly or annual payments involved.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for Windows: Lifetime License $49.97
$249.99 Save $200.02   Get Deal

Not every piece of software needs a subscription. If you use the same Windows PC day in and day out and just want Word, Excel, and the rest of the suite installed and working, a one-time purchase covers that without asking you to keep paying for Office 365. Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus is $$49.97 (reg. $249.99) and gets you Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Access on one machine, for good.

The apps themselves cover the basics people actually rely on: spreadsheets, written reports, presentations, and email, built for long-term stability rather than the newest features first. It includes Dark Mode and runs well across a range of Windows hardware, old and new.

What you should know before you buy

Microsoft 365 Personal subscription currently costs $99.99 per year, so a lifetime license pays for itself in about 7 months and keeps paying off each year after that, with no renewal. Ideal for students working on the same laptop through a degree, freelancers dealing with Word or Excel-heavy work, or anyone who’s tired of subscription creep on their monthly statement.

It’s worth noting what you’re not getting: cloud-based extras like 1TB of OneDrive storage, and the license is tied to a single Windows PC rather than floating across devices tied to a Microsoft account. For anyone who mainly works from one desktop or laptop and just wants the core apps installed and stable, that’s a fairly small tradeoff for skipping the subscription altogether.

Get Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus as a one-time $49.97 purchase (reg. $249.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

After an Anthropic researcher quit, warning that the A.I. race is “gambling with our lives,” Cade Metz joined Natalie Kitroeff on “The Call” to break down what’s at stake.

Apple and Samsung's premium flagship competition for 2026 can finally kick off in earnest.

At its "Surprise and Shine" event, Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro Max, several months after Samsung launched the Galaxy S26 Ultra. These are the two most expensive and feature-packed non-foldable phones that these companies make right now, so we figured we would put together a handy comparison for your sake.

We just started testing the iPhone 18 Pro Max, so there are some necessary limitations to our analysis, but here is our best estimation for how these two flagship smartphones stack up to each other.

SEE ALSO: The Xiaomi 18 Fold is an iPhone Duo lookalike with one huge advantage iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Price

This one's easy: Both the iPhone 18 Pro Max and Galaxy S26 Ultra have the same starting price of $1,299. Technically, the S26 Ultra costs $1,299.99, but we aren't going to hold 99 cents against Samsung.

In either case, that's a lot of money. But at least there's no clear advantage in this regard between the two devices. You're going to spend a minor fortune to get either of these phones, unless you take advantage of carrier deals from T-Mobile or Verizon.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Design and specs Samsung's phone is lighter and thinner. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra's specs are as follows:

• Display: 6.9-inch display with 3120x1440 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate

• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

• RAM: 12GB

• Storage: 256/512GB/1TB

• Battery: 5,000mAh

• Rear cameras: 200MP wide, 50MP ultra-wide, 50MP telephoto, 10MP periscope telephoto

• Front camera: 12MP

And the iPhone 18 Pro Max's go a little something like this:

• Display: 6.9-inch resolution with 2868x1320 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate

• Processor: A20 Pro

• RAM: 12GB

• Storage: 256/512GB/1TB/2TB

• Battery: 5,391 mAh

• Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto

• Front camera: 18MP

There are some differences to note here, of course. Samsung's phone has a higher-resolution display, but photography isn't all about the megapixels. Apple's A20 Pro processor and the new variable aperture should result in incredible photographs if you know what you're doing, and recently, Apple has also had an edge on video quality.

We'll get to battery and camera differences in a little bit, but as you can see by the numbers, there are some gaps to discuss there, as well. Apple also has a 2TB storage option that Samsung doesn't offer.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra's processor delivered virtually flawless performance in our testing earlier this year, whether handling everyday tasks or more advanced AI processing. We haven't gotten significant time with the Pro Max yet, but Apple's history in this regard is very solid. I expect the A20 Pro chip to be just as good or better than the Ultra's Snapdragon processor.

The camera bar hasn't changed at all. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Let's talk design for a second, too. Samsung's phone is substantially lighter, as the S26 Ultra comes in at 214g versus the iPhone 18 Pro Max's weight of 249g. The iPhone is also almost a full millimeter thicker, at 8.75mm against Samsung's 7.9mm of depth. Their other physical dimensions are close enough to be negligible, but there's a real likelihood that the S26 Ultra is a more comfortable phone to hold in the hand for most people.

People also care a lot about colors. Samsung offers six colors for the S26 Ultra: Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, Black, White, Silver Shadow, and Pink Gold. In the other corner, Apple's choices are more limited: Black, Silver, Glacier, and Burgundy. You may very well find one iPhone color you like way more than anything else in the Samsung lineup, as this is a matter of personal taste, but Samsung is objectively offering more choices here.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra has two things the iPhone 18 Pro doesn't Privacy Display blacks out a notification on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The Galaxy S26 Ultra has one hardware trick you can't find on any other device: Privacy Display. This feature blacks out the screen for anyone trying to peek at it, letting you browse Instagram, or whatever else you find on the internet, in public. It can even black out portions of the screen, such as specific apps or notifications. This feature isn't perfect, but it works pretty well, and you won't find it on any other premium flagship right now.

Finally, don't forget that the S26 Ultra also comes with a built-in stylus. And yet it still weighs less than the iPhone.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: AI features Privacy Display is neat. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

Everyone is going all-in on AI for their software suites these days, so let's discuss that.

On Apple's side, the big Siri AI update for iOS still isn't out at the time of publication. It'll launch alongside the new iPhones, so we'll have more to say on that soon. It will turn Siri into a bona fide chatbot and AI app powered by Google Gemini, with complete access to your calendar, contacts, and emails. It can use all of that personal context to perform time-saving, context-sensitive actions for you, at least in theory.

There's also an enhanced Image Playground update to generate more realistic images, along with additional image-editing features, such as the ability to reframe photos. Conveniently, you'll also be able to use text prompts to generate Shortcuts. That could be nice, assuming it works.

But, let's be clear: Apple is definitely playing catch-up in the AI race, and Samsung has a multi-year head-start. Galaxy phones like the S26 Ultra have had sophisticated AI photo editing tools for awhile. Samsung's phone also comes with Gemini, Circle to Search is omnipresent, and the Now Nudge feature.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Battery life

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra had an even 5,000mAh battery cell inside of it, which gave it 31 hours of video playback time in our testing. That's pretty damn good! A battery like that will last you an entire day and then some if you're not using it for any funny business.

We haven't properly tested the iPhone 18 Pro Max battery yet, but it has a bigger cell and Apple rates it for an astounding "up to 45 hours" of video playback. We'll believe it when we see it, but if it's even close to true, the iPhone 18 Pro Max might have one of the best smartphone batteries in existence.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Cameras This is how you test a camera. Credit: Timothy Werth/Mashable

The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a gigantic 200MP main shooter that, in our testing, produced detailed and vivid photographs. Its zoom capabilities are also impressive, as it doesn't compromise quality very much until you get way up in the 100x zoom range. Nighttime photography is also solid here, if a little too bright and unrealistic-looking at times.

Apple's alternative isn't as impressive in terms of raw megapixel numbers, with a trio of 48MP lenses powering its rear camera array. But iPhone Pro cameras are always some of the best in the business, and Apple has added variable aperture this year for even more versatility in difficult photography conditions. We're looking forward to testing all of that out. At any rate, it would be absolutely shocking if the iPhone 18 Pro Max cameras weren't at least very good. On top of that, we expect the iPhone 18 Pro Max to be a killer for videography as well.

The everlasting question: iOS or Android?

So, which phone should you buy? We'll reserve judgment until we've finished testing the new iPhone 18 Pro Max. However, the new iPhone doesn't seem to be a huge upgrade compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

So, barring a huge surprise, we expect the phones to compare very favorably. The right phone for you will come down, as it usually does, whether you prefer Android or iOS.

Top smartphone deals of the week

Apple's event is always a great time to take advantage of discounts on previous-generation iPhones and Android devices.

• Get the iPhone 17 for $0 down at T-Mobile

• Samsung Galaxy S26 FE + $200 Amazon Gift Card — $799.99 $999.99 (save $200)

• Google Pixel 11 Pro — $1,019.70 $1,099 (save $79.30)

• Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — $1,049.99 $1,299.99 (save $250)

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 — $1,649.99 $1,899.99 (save $250)

What do your favorite actors and creators have in common? They both have IMDB credits, despite the latter group likely having no film or TV credits.

On Sept. 9, the Amazon-owned entertainment database introduced "Digital Creator" as a professional category on IMDb and IMDbPro, covering streamers, vloggers, video essayists, gaming creators, and influencers. According to a Variety report, no existing film or television credits are required to establish a digital creator profile.

For creators whose résumés live mostly on YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram, this means they can now showcase their work in the same database used by actors, producers, and casting directors — without having a traditional entertainment role get them there. Creators have appeared on IMDb for years through eligible projects. MrBeast, for example, has credits that include Prime Video’s Beast Games. The difference now is that creators can establish a profile based on their online careers alone.

IMDb’s updated guidance says Premium members can select up to three professions for their pages. Someone who creates online videos, acts, and produces can represent those roles together.

So, what does that actually do for a creator?

IMDb’s pitch is about making professional connections. "IMDbPro empowers entertainment professionals with tools that help them get discovered, build their reputation, and advance their careers," CEO Nikki Santoro said in a statement.

"Digital creators and their representatives need that same infrastructure, and producers, casting directors, studio executives and brand partners need a reliable way to find them," she said.

For creators, that could mean making it easier for a potential collaborator to understand what they do more quickly. "We’re excited to add a category that bridges that gap and gives creators a discoverable industry profile," Santoro added.

Whether that visibility translates into jobs remains to be seen, but the move fits a much longer conversation about where creators belong in entertainment in the first place.

Digital creators and their representatives need that same infrastructure, and producers, casting directors, studio executives and brand partners need a reliable way to find them. - IMDb CEO Nikki Santoro in a statement

Creators making the jump to Hollywood is hardly new. Issa Rae built an audience with her YouTube series Awkward Black Girl before co-creating HBO’s Insecure. Quinta Brunson went from viral internet sketches to creating and starring in Abbott Elementary, while Bo Burnham started posting musical comedy on YouTube before writing and directing Eighth Grade.

"In just over a decade, content creators have gone from digital outliers to industry power brokers," Mashable’s Crystal Bell wrote in a May 2025 roundup of creators who moved into film and television. Their influence extends beyond landing roles: Creators are also writing, directing and developing their own productions.

That crossover has drawn skepticism, of course. Writing in The Ithacan, columnist Sydney Brumfield argued that influencers’ built-in audiences can give them an advantage over experienced performers. "However fiscally reasonable casting influencers is, it results in fewer, well-deserving actors from being discovered," she wrote.

SEE ALSO: 25 TikTok, YouTube and IG creators who made the leap to TV and film

The catch? You’ll have to pay. Selecting the category requires IMDbPro Premium. Standard individual membership costs $19.99 per month or $149.99 annually in the U.S., before applicable taxes. Opening the category to creators gives IMDb a whole new group of paying subscribers. (Very smart.)

Should you pay for an IMDbPro profile?

Not every creator needs it. Someone actively pursuing representation or production partnerships may have a clearer reason to use the profile. For a creator focused on sponsorships and direct relationships with brands, the value will really depend on whether those partners actually turn to IMDb to find talent.

Under "Digital Creator," users can choose from six sub-professions:

• Streamer

• Vlogger

• Video Essayist

• Video Creator

• Gaming Creator

• Influencer

As creators take on a bigger role in entertainment, it's clear the industry is listening, and trying to find new ways to bring them into the fold. IMDb’s new category is another step in that direction, recognizing careers built online and giving potential collaborators another way to find them. What comes next will determine its value.

If humanity was to end at the hands of AI, as viral posts from former Anthropic employees allege, what would it look like?

Would the robots hack our nuclear arsenals and send them flying through the sky? Would the sophisticated algorithms design a whole new virus to unleash on the populace? Would it be as simple as slowly degrading our trust in our fellow man, until chaos reigns?

We don't really know, but a new safety report from Anthropic, which details several ways AI can already go haywire, is alarming enough.

SEE ALSO: Anthropic researcher quits, says AI 'could kill us all by the end of the decade' Individuals tried to use Anthropic AI to develop bioweapons

Anthropic's report — part of the company's ongoing transparency and monitoring efforts — is a sweeping survey of the last eight months of attempts by threat actors to use its generative AI chatbot Claude for "malicious" activities. Covering what the company calls "atypical" use cases, many of the examples implicate state-sponsored groups, spyware vendors, and government propagandists.

Anthropic categorized such activity into seven "harm areas": cyber operations, influence operations, surveillance, scams and fraud, biological misuse, conventional weapons development, and distillation. Anthropic did not include details on how long the activity had been occurring in most cases.

In the report, the company's Threat Intelligence team described five known case studies involving the potential use of Claude for biological weapons development.

The company alleges that researchers, including state-supported users, prompted Claude to write separate grant applications to experiment with the mosquito-born chikungunya virus and orthopoxvirus. The latter is a family of viruses that cause human illness, including smallpox.  

Anthropic said the users "circumvented controls" designed to prevent individuals in countries without access to Claude from using the product. The users also attempted to hide the purpose of their research, apparently in order to evade safeguards. 

Anthropic described the individuals in each case study as working scientists, but the company did not name them. 

"We do not assert that they intended harm, and identifying them or their labs could expose them to harm," the company wrote in its report. Anthropic said it banned the users' accounts upon discovering their activity and incorporated its findings into its ongoing safety work. 

Claude built software for armed drones, missiles, guns

Anthropic's bot has been harnessed to build and refine software used for weapons development, the report explained, including tech that enabled the design, construction, and testing of real-world munitions.

"Historically, this kind of work has been uncovered by governments, United Nations panels, and outside investigators, who piece it together from recovered hardware and public sources," the company explained.

One account, which Anthropic attributes to a Russia-based freelance agent working an operation titled "operation “DronDoc” or “Serafim," used Claude Code to engineer a "full-stack autonomous first-person-view (FPV) kamikaze drone swarm."

The company also claims a China-based account, potentially a military-industrial researcher, used Claude work tools to create electronic warfare modules intended to circumvent enemy radar and communications and suppress air defenses. The user's simulation included 12 targets located in Taiwan.

Claude used to monitor foreign dissidents and build mass surveillance systems

Anthropic described nine instances of Claude being used to "build, run, and otherwise facilitate" state-sponsored surveillance efforts in foreign countries (including China, Iran, and nations in west Africa) as well as for-hire surveillance networks.

In one case, Claude was used by an operation with suspected ties to the People's Republic of China to track, profile, and recruit politically-connected Uyghur populations — and journalists — with ties to the Syrian Army. Claude used bulk data from monitored WhatsApp and Telegram chats to profile individuals.

In another, at least 16 accounts associated with Iranian paramilitary and domestic security agencies were linked to surveillance and malicious browser extensions built by Claude, which were then used to harvest data from 6,388 Iranians. An "Iran-nexus threat actor" also used Claude to pinpoint U.S. naval targets.

Across the gamut of cases, generative AI was used to replace human surveillance operations, expedite the creation of target profiles using personal data, and facilitate the daily work of government monitors. The company noted that users are barred from using its AI systems for "non-consensual surveillance" and profiling under its current Usage Policy.

Claude helped automate cyber spying ops

Anthropic claims in the report that AI has allowed "threat actors" to automate their cyber operations. In the case studies shared by Anthropic, these individuals relied on multi-agent "frameworks" for reconnaissance and exploitation in an attempt to steal sensitive information. 

One actor, identified as GTG-20006 in the report, has become faster by using AI. Anthropic claims this individual attacked military intelligence targets in the Ukrainian and European governments, in addition to organizations and individuals connected to U.S. foreign policy. 

GTG-20006, whom Anthropic characterizes as a Russian espionage agent, used AI to conduct phishing, ClickFix, and domain name system (DNS) hijacking schemes. 

Anthropic also claims the user targeted military drone makers and manufacturers and infiltrated at least three hospitality vendors in order to target the devices of hotel guests who were Ukrainian government officials and drone manufacturers.

Anthropic's additional examples of AI-enabled cyber operations offered a look at campaigns conducted by both smaller criminal groups and state-sponsored organizations. 

"The diffusion of AI has leveled the playing field giving both classes of actors access to the same set of advanced capabilities," Anthropic said. 

AI safety concerns prompt fervor over regulation

"We’re publishing this work because we believe we have a responsibility to disclose malicious misuse of our services. As models become increasingly capable, their risks will increase, unless AI developers and society’s defenders act to make them safer," wrote the company.

A wave of rogue AI activity across the industry has prompted an energetic charge toward regulation. Anthropic recently co-signed industry-leading AI oversight bills for the state of California.

One of the bills will establish a first-of-its-kind independent audit registry made up of vetted third-party evaluators. The second bill creates a framework for evaluating AI systems and companies in accordance with existing state law.

The bills were also backed by competitor OpenAI, with the company signaling its support for the legislation days before Governor Gavin Newsom signed them into law. Earlier this week, OpenAI announced it was exploring a new framework for alerting the public to AI agents on the loose.

Google may not have any news to share about the missing Gemini 3.5 Pro (the next-gen AI model originally scheduled to be released in June), but the company does have a consolation prize for Windows users.

In a Thursday blog post, the company announced the launch of a Gemini app for Windows, a long-requested tool in the AI world. Redditors have been complaining about the lack of a Windows app and sharing workarounds for months, and now Google has answered the call.

Users working on a Windows laptop or PC will now be able to call up Gemini with a keyboard shortcut.

"Press Alt + Space on your PC at any time to open Gemini over your active work," the blog post states. "Whether you need a quick fact-check on a document or a few catchy title ideas for a presentation, you can get the help you need and jump right back into your workflow."

Google says users will be able to use the Gemini Windows app to run Gemini Spark, connect other Google apps such as Gmail and Drive, and create AI-generated images and videos.

How to download the Gemini Windows app

This one's easy. Just head to gemini.google/desktop and click "Download for Windows." You can follow the prompts and install the program like any other.

Google says the app will be available for all Windows 10 and 11 users, and will be updated with additional capabilities in the future.

Gov. Gavin Newsom will sign a bill that prohibits social media platforms from providing addictive features to users under the age of 16, the first law of its kind in the nation.

Few events lure people away from Pornhub. The World Cup was one, and yesterday's Apple Event was another.

Apple fans typically close their Pornhub tabs at the start of these annual September product launches. Android users, however, don't seem to care. That was the case in 2025, and this year, Pornhub told Mashable that Android traffic remained close to average throughout the event.

But for Apple users, it's a different story. In fact, Pornhub saw the biggest decline in pageviews during an Apple Event in the past five years — and you can probably guess what for.

SEE ALSO: The iPhone Duo's opening animation is a 10/10 design flex for Apple

Two minutes before the event started, Pornhub pageviews on Apple devices were down 19.1 percent compared to an average day. Anticipation was high, as rumors of the foldable iPhone had mounted for weeks.

Credit: Screenshot: Pornhub

Apple did lose some people to porn as the new iPhone 18 Pro was revealed. It can't even fold! And even fewer people focused on the AirPods 5 and new Apple Watches. Traffic on non-Apple devices even went slightly above average (+3 percent) during this time. What, they don't they care about the new ceramic watch material!?

Credit: Screenshot: Pornhub

But, as you can imagine, what really got people away from the salaciousness of Pornhub was the announcement of the foldable iPhone Duo. On Apple devices, pageviews were nearly 22 percent lower than on an average day during the reveal, which the site confirmed with Mashable was the biggest drop in traffic during a September Apple event in the last five years.

Viewers on non-Apple devices weren't as enthralled, but pageviews were around five percent lower than average.

Credit: Screenshot: Pornhub

The distraction away from Pornhub was short-lived, though. By the event's end, pageviews on Apple devices were only around seven percent lower than average. Not even the Duo can hold off Pornhub fans for too long.

Credit: Screenshot: Pornhub

See the minute-by-minute breakdown of traffic on Pornhub's insights blog. And if you missed the Apple Event, here's everything that was announced.

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

In a new report, the A.I. start-up added that it could not determine if the research was legitimate or nefarious, leading the company to shut down the work.

GTA 6 is just a few months away, and if you haven't already dropped $80 on a pre-order, then what are you waiting for?

If you're hoping to play GTA 6 as part of your Xbox Game Pass subscription, then I have some bad news for you: Grand Theft Auto VI will not be included in Xbox Game Pass at launch. Unfortunately, the same goes for PC gamers. So, if you're a casual player who was hoping to avoid buying a $600 gaming console just to play GTA 6, Xbox Game Pass isn't the solution.

Will GTA 6 be added to the Xbox Game Pass library at a later date? Probably! In fact, previous GTA games have been included in the subscription. However, even if GTA 6 is eventually added to the Xbox Game Pass, it could be awhile. And don't forget that Xbox Game Pass is going to impose strict monthly limits on cloud gaming in November, the same month GTA 6 is released.

Xbox Game Pass is a monthly subscription service that provides gamers with online console multiplayer access along with a library of titles. Xbox Game Pass actually includes quite a selection of games, depending on your plan. For example, the $22.99 per month Game Pass Ultimate plan includes more than 500 titles, including a selection of launch-day games, and doesn't require an Xbox console.

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

Not all games are added to Xbox Game Pass. Many popular titles do eventually get added, but usually not from day one.

Strauss Zelnick, the CEO of GTA developer Rockstar Games' parent company Take-Two, addressed the organization's view of game subscription services during a GamesIndustry.biz live event in 2022.

"We've supported various subscription services and we're happy to do so," Zelnick said at the time. "Our scepticism has been around making frontline console products available day and date with subscription. That doesn't make any sense to us, because economically speaking, we don't think consumers are prepared to pay for that. And we can't afford to turn our business upside down in a way that doesn't make sense economically. There always has to be an intersection between what the consumer wants and what the publisher is able to do. And you know, it doesn't make sense to do that for our properties."

Rockstar Games' GTA 6 predecessor, Grand Theft Auto V, has been included in the Xbox Game Pass numerous times over the years. GTA 5 was available on Game Pass in 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2025, and usually stayed on the service for a few months before being removed.

GTA 5's most recent stint on Xbox Game Pass ended on April 15, 2026.

With that said, GTA 5 was released all the way back in 2013, and its first inclusion in Xbox Game Pass was more than six and a half years later.

So, will gamers have to wait nearly seven years for GTA 6 to be added to Xbox Game Pass or other cloud gaming subscriptions? We just don't know. But one thing is certain: if you want to play GTA 6 when it launches later this year, you're going to have to buy it outright and play on either an Xbox or PlayStation console.

SEE ALSO: GTA 6 Netflix extended look: Everything that was revealed

Apple's foldable iPhone Duo doesn't even come out until Oct. 23, but it already has a lookalike. That's because the iPhone Duo wasn't the only short and wide foldable device announced this week.

Just a couple of days before the big Apple event, in which the Duo was announced alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and other devices, Xiaomi launched a competitor of its own, per PhoneArena. It's called the Xiaomi 18 Fold and, as you can see from the photos, it looks a lot like the iPhone Duo. It trades the boxy corners of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, which came out over the summer, for the rounded edges and D-shape of the Duo.

SEE ALSO: The iPhone Duo's opening animation is a 10/10 design flex for Apple This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Reports prior to the Galaxy Z Fold 8's launch suggested that Samsung picked that form factor because of what Apple was doing, and it's very possible Xiaomi did the same. The phone is unlikely to be released outside of China, but here are some of the specs, in case you're curious:

• Display: 7.58-inch main display and 5.38-inch cover display

• Processor: XRING O3

• RAM: 12/16GB

• Storage: 256/512GB/1TB

• Battery: 6,000mAh

• Cameras: 200MP main, 50MP ultra-wide, 50MP telephoto

The Xiaomi 18 Fold also has one big potential advantage over the iPhone Duo. It has three cameras (including a true telephoto lens and a 200MP main shooter), and they're Leica cameras.

Credit: Xiaomi

Those are pretty decent specs for a phone whose Chinese price converts to roughly $1,600 USD, but again, there's no way you'll ever get one in the States without importing it. That's sure to drive the cost up into iPhone Duo territory, so at that point, you might as well just get one of Apple or Samsung's foldables.

However, the device could offer Apple some competition when the iPhone Duo launches in China.

Clearly, this specific form factor is officially a thing now.

Top smartphone deals of the week

If the $1,999 iPhone Duo isn’t in your budget, this is a great time to take advantage of discounts on previous-generation iPhones and Android devices.

• Get the iPhone 17 for $0 down at T-Mobile

• Samsung Galaxy S26 FE + $200 Amazon Gift Card — $799.99 $999.99 (save $200)

• Google Pixel 11 Pro — $1,019.70 $1,099 (save $79.30)

• Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra — $1,049.99 $1,299.99 (save $250)

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 — $1,649.99 $1,899.99 (save $250)

The screens of foldable phones are a triumph of materials science and microengineering.

As someone who worked at Hallmark for years of my early adult life, I can say with certainty that it's basically already Christmas in the retail world. So that means it's time to start thinking about gifts. Amazon's on top of it, as the mega retailer just released its list of the Top 100+ Toys of 2026.

For those who want to get their shopping started extra early, several of these top toys are already on sale. Others, while not discounted, are likely to be in high demand this holiday season. So we'd recommend snagging those sooner rather than later if you want to ensure you get your hands on them. It may seem dramatic to start holiday shopping in early September, but with the state of the economy in 2026, spreading out your spending can help you stay within your budget. You know, rather than splurging all at once come Dec. 1.

We've looked through Amazon's list of the best toys of 2026 and selected a few we think are worth grabbing early, whether they're on sale or likely to sell out. Be sure to check out the full shoppable list if you need some more gift ideas for kids in your life.

Amazon Top 100 Toys of 2026 in high-demandTrading cards and collectibles Opens in a new window Credit: Pokémon Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box $89.99 at Amazon
  Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ravensburger Ravensburger Disney Lorcana TCG: Illumineer's Quest $59.99 at Amazon
  Get Deal

Trading cards and collectibles are popular gifts for 2026. In honor of three decades of Pokémon, the 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is particularly in high demand. It requires an invitation to purchase, so secure your chance now to grab it.

DIY building kits that double as decor Opens in a new window Credit: Play-Doh Play-Doh Blooms Blush Flower Bouquet Making Kit $39.99 at Amazon
  Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Woodland Mushrooms Building Set $79.95 at Amazon
  Get Deal

Lego Botanicals building sets make excellent gifts for just about anyone, young or old, but Play-Doh's new building kit is giving them a run for their money. Both serve as hands-on ways to flex those creative muscles.

Amazon Top Toys of 2026 already on sale

• Skillmatics Peelies reusable stickers — $9.47 $14.97 (save $5.50)

• Educational Insights Kanoodle Fan Edition — $12.96 $16.99 (save $4.03)

• Crazy Aaron's Better Butter Thinking Putty — $14.99 $21.97 (save $6.98)

• Giant Tower Stack — $34.86 $69.99 (save $35.13)

• Peppa Pig Ready, Pedal, Go Peppa Interactive Figure — $39.99 $44.99 (save $5)

• Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Mutant Monster Takedown Playset — $49.99 $53.99 (save $4)

• PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie Megasaurus Dino Vehicle with Inflatable Toy — $49.99 $64.99 (save $15)

TL;DR: Physical preorders for Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake are already $10.11 off at Amazon and Walmart. Both retailers have them listed for just $59.88 (normally $69.99) as of Sept. 10.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" for Nintendo Switch 2 $59.88 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $10.11   Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" for Nintendo Switch 2 $59.88 at Walmart
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One of this week's Nintendo Direct livestreams brought us some long-awaited details about the upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake for the Nintendo Switch 2. That includes an official release date of Nov. 5 and a first look at gameplay footage, complete with modernized visuals, free camera controls, and a dedicated jump button. Hyah!

Digital and physical copies of the Ocarina of Time remake are now available for preorder. The digital version costs $59.99, while the physical version goes for for $69.99 — unless you buy it from Amazon or Walmart. As of Sept. 10, both retailers are selling physical copies for just $59.88, or a little over $10 off. (That offer wasn't being matched by Best Buy, Target, GameStop, or the Nintendo Store at the time of writing.)

Try to get your preorder in soon. In a press release, Nintendo said the first print run of the game's physical version will have "special packaging that features textured foil cover art."

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Nintendo is also releasing some Legend of Zelda-themed hardware this fall, in honor of the franchise's 40th anniversary. That includes a special-edition Switch 2 console, Pro Controller, and carrying case, all out Oct. 29. Mashable contributor Lauren Allain has all the details.

Long ago, the Four Nations lived together in harmony. Then, everything changed when... the Avatar attacked?

That's the gist of the trailer for Avatar: Seven Havens, which takes place around 225 years after the end of Avatar: The Legend of Korra. In that time, a mysterious cataclysm has reshaped the world. The boundaries between the physical world and spirit world are as good as gone, humanity has retreated to secure Havens, and everyone apparently hates the Avatar. Why? Because according to the trailer, Korra is responsible for the world's destruction.

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

Now, her young successor Pavi (voiced by Saheli Khan) must navigate a world that despises her, one that looks like the Avatar universe mixed with Mad Max. From threatening desert storms to post-apocalyptic vehicles meant to withstand post-apocalyptic disaster, it's a vastly different Avatar world than we're used to.

The changes carry over to the Havens, which have replaced the Four Nations. Unlike in prior Avatar shows, the Havens are not based around one bending culture. Instead, they're a big melting pot of surviving benders. The trailer introduces the vast Haven of Ellora, whose architecture and inhabitants reflect the blend of nations.

Thankfully, Pavi won't have to carry the burden of being the Avatar alone. She'll have help from her airbending friend and mentor Jae (Major Curda), as well as her long-lost twin sister Nisha (Aishu Devan). And who can forget her loyal companion, cat-monkey Geet (Dee Bradley Baker)?

With Jae and Nisha's help, Pavi will attempt to unravel her and her sister's mysterious pasts and restore balance to the world. While she's at it, hopefully she can clear Korra's name, right? Right?

Avatar: Seven Havens premieres Oct. 9 on Paramount+.

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SAVE $15: Our top-rated budget air purifier, the Levoit Core 300-P, is down to $84.99 on Amazon. That's a 15% discount off its regular $99.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Levoit Levoit Core 300-P air purifier $84.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $15   Get Deal

If you're dealing with seasonal allergies, constantly wiping dust off your furniture, or trying to keep up with pet hair, a solid air purifier makes a huge difference. Our go-to budget pick — the Levoit Core 300-P — is currently marked down to $84.99 on Amazon, saving you $15 off its usual $99.99 list price.

Inside, it packs a 3-stage defense: a washable pre-filter for floating fur and lint, an H13 true HEPA filter that traps 99.97% of micro-particles (pollen, dust mites, smoke), and an activated carbon layer to neutralize cooking smells and litter box odors.

SEE ALSO: The ultimate air purifier buying guide: Match your space, budget, and needs

Named the best budget air purifier in Mashable's testing by Leah Stodart and Lauren Allain, the Levoit Core 300P earns its spot by delivering total bang for your buck as a simple, unbox-and-go option for under $100.

Its biggest win is how little space it takes up. Standing just 14.2 inches tall and under nine inches wide, it works easily on a tabletop, nightstand, or floor, making it super portable to carry from room to room. Mashable’s Digital Culture Editor Crystal Bell relies on it for her home to manage cat hair and dander, noting how much smaller and compact it is compared to bulkier units like her Coway Airmega.

It circulates clean air in spaces up to 1,073 square feet in just an hour. In dedicated Sleep Mode, the fan drops to a whisper-quiet 24dB and turns off all top panel lights so you aren't stuck sleeping next to a glowing nightlight. Touch controls let you toggle three fan speeds, set 2-to-8-hour off timers, and check filter life indicators. It’s cheap to run, easy to maintain, and does the heavy lifting so your lungs don't have to.

Grab our favorite budget HEPA air purifier on Amazon while it's still 15% off.

Warning: This story contains bloody video game images that some readers may find disturbing.

Developer Insomniac Games found massive success with Marvel’s Spider-Man, as well as its Miles Morales spin-off and direct sequel. Now, the PlayStation studio has taken another stab at another Marvel hero, the angry and animalistic Wolverine.

Insomniac Games attempts to inject Marvel’s Wolverine with what made its web-slinging previous adventures so resonant with audiences, namely its powerful storytelling, to resounding results. While the combat initially starts off one-dimensional, it eventually opens up with more options and sinks its claws into you.

Team X vs X-Men Credit: Marvel / Insomniac Games

Marvel’s Wolverine follows the titular character’s journey with Team X as they fight for a better future where mutants can live without being feared or discriminated against. What the story and setup do well is feel familiar yet distinct from other Wolverine-related media.

Team X consists of some lesser-known characters, such as Wolverine’s mentor figure, Nathaniel Essex (Mister Sinister), and the brilliant scientist Walter Langkowski (Sasquatch). They feel like stand-ins for Charles Xavier (Professor X) and Hank McCoy (Beast), who are often used for those equivalent roles. This approach to cast selection for Team X gives Marvel’s Wolverine its own unique sense of identity since audiences have become so accustomed to seeing X-Men.

Of course, there are also recognizable names, including Jean Grey, Mystique, Sabretooth, and Bolivar Trask. They’re more or less similar to their comic book counterparts, which helps fans, whether hardcore or casual, get acquainted with them more easily. My main exposure to Marvel is through the MCU. Even though I don’t read comics at all, I knew enough about Marvel lore and its characters to stay absorbed with Insomniac’s world here.

Credit: Insomniac Games / Screenshot by George Yang

The story in Marvel’s Wolverine is rather poignant as well. It deals with heavy themes such as genocide, betrayal, and trauma, which are the ingredients of any competent X-Men story. Each of our heroes has their own personal demons to deal with, and the story allows us to authentically and emotionally connect with their inner turmoil.

It’s all couched in a cinematic globetrotting journey. Unlike Spider-Man and New York, Wolverine isn’t tied down to any specific city. As a result, Team X’s expedition takes them to places like Canada, Japan, and the fictional Southeast Asian country Madripoor. The art design and environments shine, delivering a fresh change of scenery every few hours.

'Wolverine' lets you go feral Credit: Insomniac Games / Screenshot by George Yang

The combat in Marvel’s Wolverine is straightforward and fast-paced. It’s heavily melee-focused with Wolverine gauging his claws into every orifice of his enemies. When I say it’s bloody, it’s bloody. The amount of red liquid that comes spewing out and the flying dismembered limbs really gives the moment-to-moment gameplay a real visceral and satisfying feeling.

You’ll often be fighting multiple enemies at once, balancing between parrying and unleashing relentless assaults on them. You have to rein in your own bloodthirstiness and know when to momentarily take a breather to fend off an incoming attack from the side. You’d be surprised how easy it is to get overwhelmed when you’re surrounded. This prevents you from endlessly spamming attacks.

Wolverine also has a Rage meter that builds up by playing aggressively. Starting at Rage Tier 2, he can come back from death once by depleting the remaining meter. And at Rage Tier 3, Wolverine’s attacks deal significantly more damage. The combat might come off as button-mashy, but the Rage meter provides structure, flow, and a goal to aim for when trying to clear a room full of enemies.

Credit: Insomniac Games / Screenshot by George Yang

At first, the combat feels a bit too simplistic and repetitive. But that’s alleviated by the excellent progression systems. As Wolverine levels up, he can learn a variety of skills such as counters, jump attacks, and tackles. Furthermore, the collectibles scattered throughout the stages are vital. Material Chests let you unlock more suits from Wolverine’s extensive media history, which in turn increases his maximum HP. Finding Whisky Bottles and completing timed trials in Nightmare Doors expand his Adaptations, which grant him passive abilities, like automatic health regeneration at a certain threshold or extending the timing window of parries. So even though Marvel’s Wolverine isn’t an open-world game like Marvel’s Spider-Man, it’s always worth exploring every nook and cranny on each stage.

However, the biggest oversight is the poorly implemented stealth mechanics. Like many other action-adventure games, Wolverine can sneak around in grass and if he gets close enough, kill them in one strike without alerting nearby enemies. Unfortunately, his range is very limited, and the targeting feels off. Larger stages leave more wiggle room for him to pounce around, but in smaller arenas, it’s just a nonstarter. It feels like many of the stages just aren’t built adequately for stealth. It’s really only helpful for picking off a few enemies before you inevitably get spotted. At the start of every encounter, you might as well just jump in guns blazing…or claws out.

Again, again, again! Credit: Insomniac Games / Screenshot by George Yang

After completing the story, the game allows you to replay levels to pick up any collectibles you may have missed the first time around. Additionally, New Game Plus increases Wolverine’s level cap to make him stronger and unlocks new Adaptations. While a linear action-adventure game like Marvel’s Wolverine doesn’t have as much replayability as an open-world game would, there’s enough warranted here for repeated playthroughs, especially on higher difficulties.

As with many other PlayStation first-party games, Marvel’s Wolverine boasts a large suite of accessibility options. These include motion sensitivity sliders, colorblind options, and audio cues. Also, if the gore proves too much, you can toggle the dismemberment and blood off in the gameplay settings. They’re boons for all sorts of players, even if you don’t have any disabilities. For example, the High Contrast Background setting makes your surroundings grey while keeping interactable objects bright. This makes it easier to hunt down collectibles.

My final verdict: I didn't want to put this game down, and it's a bloody good time.

Marvel's Wolverine $69 at Amazon
  See It at Amazon

TL;DR: Get the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 for free from T-Mobile when you trade in your eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan. Alternatively, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is up to $1,900 off with an eligible trade-in and the Motorola Razr Fold is up to $1,100 off with an eligible trade-in.

The best iPhone Duo alternative deals at T-Mobile: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 free with eligible trade-in on Experience Beyond plan (save up to $1,900) Get Deal Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Up to $1,900 off with eligible trade-in Get Deal Motorola Razr Fold Up to $1,100 off with eligible trade-in Get Deal

Everyone's talking about the iPhone Duo right now, but Samsung and Motorola have been nailing the foldable phones for years. The iPhone Duo, revealed this week at the "Surprise and shine" keynote after years of rumors, starts at $1,999 for 256GB of storage and will be available on Oct. 23. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra, as well as Motorola's Razr Fold are available now for much less at T-Mobile. Here's how to score a new foldable phone for less.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 deals at T-Mobile Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung T-Mobile: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 for free   Get Deal

Our favorite Android foldable to date could be yours for literally $0 if you trade-in an eligible phone on a specific plan, but if you don't fit neatly into that box, there are still other ways to save. Here are the best deals on the Z Fold 8 at T-Mobile as of Sept. 10.

• Get the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 for free (up to $1,900 off) with eligible trade-in on Experience Beyond plan

• Get up to $1,100 off with trade-in on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan

• Get up to $500 off with trade-in on most plans

• Get up to $250 off with trade-in on Simple Choice plans

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra deals at T-Mobile Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung T-Mobile: Get up to $1,900 off the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra   Get Deal

The Z Fold 8 Ultra didn't update much for 2026 (beyond its price), but that's not a bad thing. "The thin chassis, gorgeous displays, and newly improved battery go a long way towards making it a very good phone," Mashable's reviewer writes. If money weren't an object, he says it's his foldable of choice. Fortunately, T-Mobile has made this very expensive phone, which starts at $2,099.99, more approachable. Here are the best Z Fold 8 Ultra deals at T-Mobile as of Sept. 10.

• Get up to $1,900 off with eligible trade-in on an Experience Beyond plan

• Get up to $1,100 off with trade-in on Experience More or Experience Beyond plan

• Get up to $500 off with trade-in on most plans

• Get up to $250 off with trade-in on Simple Choice plans

Motorola Razr Fold deals at T-Mobile Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola T-Mobile: Get up to $1,100 off the Motorola Razr Fold   Get Deal

Motorola's Razr Fold "feels great in the hand, is easy to use, has killer displays, and boasts strong performance from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset," according to Mashable's tech reporter Alex Perry. Though it's not our favorite, there's no denying it's an excellent phone. It starts at $1,899.99 like the Z Fold 8, but here are some ways to get it cheaper at T-Mobile as of Sept. 10.

• Get up to $1,100 off with eligible trade-in on Experience Beyond plan

• Get up to $800 off with trade-in on Experience More or Experience Beyond plan

• Get up to $500 off with trade-in on most plans

• Get up to $250 off with trade-in on Simple Choice plans

SAVE $30: As of Sept. 10, the base-model Apple AirPods 4 are currently marked down to $99.00 on Amazon — a clean $30 drop (23% off) from their $129.00 retail price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30   Get Deal

If you’re still clinging to an ancient pair of original AirPods that lose their charge after 20 minutes, consider this your sign to finally upgrade. Apple’s base-model AirPods 4 just dropped to $99.00 on Amazon — saving you $30 on a pair of wireless earbuds that were redesigned from the ground up.

Let’s start by addressing the biggest issue with older open-ear AirPods: they loved to slide right out of your ears the second you started jogging or tilted your head back. To fix that annoying slip, Apple completely overhauled the shape, shortened the stem, and tweaked the contours based on thousands of ear-scan data points so they lock in place comfortably without shoving silicone tips deep into your ear canal.

SEE ALSO: Belkin just revealed a super-cheap lineup of noise-cancelling earbuds starting at $34.99

They’re also IP54-rated for dust, sweat, and water resistance, so heavy gym sessions or sudden rainstorms won't fry them. These buds run on Apple’s flagship H2 chip (the same silicon powering their higher-end Pro model). As a result, you get noticeably punchier sound quality, 3D Spatial Audio with head tracking for movies and gaming, plus Voice Isolation that scrubs out ambient noise so people actually hear you on phone calls.

Hands-free control gets an upgrade, too, thanks to Siri Interactions. Powered by internal accelerometers, you can answer an incoming call by simply nodding your head "yes" or decline a call by shaking your head "no" when your hands are full, or you're on a crowded train.

The charging case also received quite a shrink, coming in over 10% smaller in total volume compared to the older AirPods 3 case. Apple also officially retired the legacy Lightning connector here in favor of universal USB-C charging, so you can juice them up using the exact same cable as your laptop, iPad, or newer iPhone.

Head over to Amazon to grab the redesigned Apple AirPods 4 for $99 before the two-digit discount disappears.

So, you missed out on tickets to see BTS's long-awaited return. There's still a way to see it!

The ARIRANG world tour, the Bangtan Boys' first tour together in four years, is well underway. Hitting 34 cities across the world, the tour kicked off in Goyang, South Korea on April 9 — and at this point, almost every one of the 82 shows has been sold out. But there's an alternative, ARMY.

ICYMI, BTS has been livestreaming their concerts in cinemas. The filmed concert series is a collab between HYBE, BigHit Music, and Trafalgar Releasing, who did the same thing with Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. All seven members of BTS — RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook — will perform songs from BTS's fifth studio album, ARIRANG, as well as that colossal BTS catalogue.

Here's everything you need to know about the BTS World Tour Arirang Live Viewing.

SEE ALSO: Milk, tears, and Digimon: BTS' 'Hot Ones' episode was pure chaos When is the BTS World Tour Arirang Live Viewing?

BTS has already brought their ARIRANG world tour concerts to movie theaters, and as someone who watched it in a London cinema, I can say it's an absolute treat. Fans already attended the April 11 screening, streamed live from Goyang Stadium, the April 18 concert from the Tokyo Dome in Japan, and the June 13 concert at Busan Asiad Main Stadium in South Korea.

Now, four more streaming dates have been added for shows in South America:

● Buenos Aires, Argentina: Oct. 24 (Americas only) / Sunday, October 25 (rest of world).

● São Paulo, Brazil: Oct. 30 (Americas only) / Saturday, October 31 (rest of world).

Times will vary across time zones, so check the website for your session times.

How to watch the BTS World Tour Arirang Live Viewing

Tickets for the BTS World Tour Arirang Live Viewing are available from the official website. The streamed Buenos Aires and São Paulo shows go on sale Sept. 17 at 6 a.m. PT / 9 a.m. ET / 2 p.m. BST.

Just find your nearest cinemas by filtering locations and pick your time slot. Prices will vary across countries.

Wait, didn't BTS do a livestreamed concert before the tour?

They sure did, but that was a special event for Netflix marking the band's first performance together in four years. That was also when poor RM injured his ankle during rehearsal and performed seated or behind the slickest mic I've ever seen.

BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang is now streaming on Netflix, so if you've got a Netflix account, you can watch the set from Gwanghwamun, outside Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace, which includes BTS's first-ever live performances of songs from Arirang. While you're there, check out the Netflix documentary BTS: The Return — you won't regret it.

Opens in a new window Credit: BTS Attend BTS World Tour Arirang Live Viewing   Learn More