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Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for September 21's Connections solution. 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 What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 21 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: An Esper

• Green: Deluxe edition

• Blue: Kudos

• Purple: In the extreme

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Clairvoyant

• Green: Special Edition Adjectives

• Blue: "Great Job!"

• Purple: Extremely

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #467 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Clairvoyant: MEDIUM, MYSTIC, ORACLE, PSYCHIC

• Special Edition Adjectives: COLLECTIBLE, EXCLUSIVE, LIMITED. RARE

• "Great Job!": IMPRESSIVE, NICE, PROPS, WELL DONE

• Extremely: AWFUL, BLOODY, REAL, WAY

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections 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.

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 Connections.

The Remarkable Life of Ibelin blends traditional documentary techniques with World of Warcraft recreations to paint a touching portrait of the online life of a Norwegian gamer.

SEE ALSO: 'Never Let Go' review: Halle Berry horror flick intrigues, then stalls

The film, directed by Benjamin Ree, centers on 25-year-old Mats Steen, who died in 2014 from Duchenne muscular dystrophy. His parents, Robert and Trude, initially have a fairly bleak view of Mats' life. It seems to them that Mats was not social and spent most of his time gaming, so Robert and Trude worry he hadn't made any meaningful connections. However, after they announce Mats' passing on his old blog, they receive an outpouring of support that reveals Mats led a rich, love-filled life in the massively multiplayer online role-playing game World of Warcraft, where he played a character named Ibelin Redmoore.

What’s The Remarkable Life of Ibelin about?

The Remarkable Life of Ibelin first introduces us to Mats through Robert and Trude's home videos. Pivotal life moments play out at an accelerated pace: Mats as a newborn, Mats on his first day of school. As his dystrophy manifests and worsens, we also see footage of him falling and trying to get back up, followed by videos of him using a wheelchair, and even a time lapse of him gaming for hours at a time. Throughout it all, Robert and Trude lament what they see as his distance from those around him, wishing that they could have done more.

SEE ALSO: The 10 Sundance movies (and shows) you need to know about

But when Robert and Trude begin to receive e-mails from Mats' WoW friends, The Remarkable Life of Ibelin kicks into a whole new gear. It hits rewind — literally — and shows us everything we just saw from Mats' perspective, complete with posts from his blog, "Musings of Life," which are read aloud by an actor. Often, these voiceovers play over home video footage we've already seen, allowing Mats to lend his voice to the story in a crucial way.

The biggest change here is the inclusion of recreated scenes from Mats' WoW gameplay, pulled from over 42,000 pages of gaming logs. As these animated scenes play out, taking over from more tried-and-true documentary tools like talking heads and home videos, Ree immerses us fully in Mats' point of view. It's an effective shift in form: Whenever we enter WoW sequences, we know we're getting the closest we can to Mats' true story.

The Remarkable Life of Ibelin proves the power of online spaces.

In the animated WoW scenes, we see Mats as Ibelin interacting with his online community, a role-playing guild known as Starlight. These interactions go beyond completing quests and slaying dragons, though. At one point, Mats forges an in-game romance that spills into the real world. At another, he helps a mother reconnect with her autistic son. Between animated WoW scenes and interviews with members of Starlight, we get a picture of Mats as kind, empathetic, and actively engaging in the kind of relationships Robert and Trude wanted for him — just online.

That virtual spaces can have a real-world impact is undeniable at this point, so The Remarkable Life of Ibelin's exploration of that fact rings true, if not particularly revelatory. However, as someone with an admittedly narrow view of WoW — one that skews towards stereotypes of toxicity — Ree's look at Mats' niche community is a moving case study. Like with Robert and Trude, the revelation of Mats' inner life challenged my own assumptions about gaming as a tool for connection.

The Remarkable Life of Ibelin keeps Mats' family life and WoW life mostly separate, mirroring his own experience and the experiences of those who knew him. Just as his parents didn't know much about his gaming life, his friends in the Starlight guild didn't initially know much about his personal life, as Mats kept fairly quiet about it.

However, both groups come together in the film's astonishing final moments, involving a memorial that will tug at your heartstrings and cue many, many tears. It's a remarkable closer, and along with the rest of The Remarkable Life of Ibelin, it serves as a touching tribute to what Mats meant to so many people, as well as the power of the virtual ties that bind us.

The Remarkable Life of Ibelin was reviewed out of Fantastic Fest. It hits Netflix Oct. 25.

While Intel has struggled in recent years, other chipmakers are thriving because of a boom in demand.

A lot is unknown about the characters' lives prior to the start of the film. Halle Berry gives some revealing details to give context to her character in 'Never Let Go'.

Waymo, the driverless car company run by Google parent company Alphabet, already operates autonomous vehicles in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix, and will soon be available in Atlanta and Austin. 

The Georgia and Texas Waymo experiences, set to launch early next year, will be a bit different than what California and Arizona riders encounter. Thanks to a partnership between former enemies Waymo and Uber, riders in Atlanta and Austin will be required to use the Uber app to hail a robo-car (rides in Phoenix can use the Uber or Waymo One app, while service in L.A. and San Francisco has no Uber component). Even though they may request a Waymo via the Uber app, Austin and Atlanta users will not be guaranteed one, Forbes reports. Riders can decline a Waymo in those cities or update their settings so they never receive a self-driving vehicle.

SEE ALSO: Watch passengers react to a truly driverless Waymo ride

Uber will “manage and dispatch a fleet of Waymo’s fully autonomous, all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles that will grow to hundreds over time,” according to a statement from Waymo. “Riders who request an UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric may be matched with a Waymo for qualifying trips.”

Uber will be responsible for the Waymo depots in Atlanta and Austin, as well as cleaning and vehicle repair. Waymo will remain in charge of the car’s testing and operation, including roadside assistance and rider support functions, which includes a “Support” button available on a passenger screen.

Waymo isn’t the only autonomous car company linking up with Uber, as General Motors’ Cruise vehicles will soon be deployed via the Uber app. The Waymo partnerships could have something to do with the company being a loss leader for Alphabet, likely costing the parent company billions in losses, according to the Associated Press.

While a Cruise vehicle seriously injured a San Francisco pedestrian last year, Waymo’s cars have a better, but not perfect, safety record and are performing about 100,000 rides per week in L.A., San Francisco, and Phoenix, the AP reports. 

As the government wraps up its case, it has built a picture of how Google has become dominant among companies that buy and sell ads online.

It's a big week for Apple. The new iPhone 16 line hits store shelves today alongside the new AirPods 4. Just a few days earlier, Apple released the new iOS 18 and macOS 15, also known as macOS Sequoia, too.

However, Mac users are reporting some issues as it pertains to the latter release and the cybersecurity tools that they use.

As noticed by TechCrunch, Mac users who upgraded to macOS Sequoia are experiencing issues with their cybersecurity software and its compatibility with Apple's new operating system.

SEE ALSO: macOS Sequoia public beta: 5 new features that may convince Windows users to switch Cybersecurity tools reportedly clash with macOS Sequoia

The issue with macOS Sequoia not playing nice with cybersecurity tools was first discovered after some Mac users who upgraded reported that they were experiencing network connection issues on social media.

The errors were solved when users turned off cybersecurity tools from companies like Microsoft, CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, and ESET.

In addition, BleepingComputer also discovered reports of Mac users having issues with utilizing VPNs on macOS Sequoia as well. The cybersecurity news outlet noted a change in macOS Sequoia's release notes that could point to the potential problem. 

It appears that Apple removed a feature in macOS's firewall, which may have broken these applications. The firewall issue appears to be affecting some users' Firefox web browser too.

Obviously, turning off antivirus software or firewalls is not an ideal solution. Companies like CrowdStrike and SentinelOne are recommending that users not upgrade to macOS Sequoia until the issues are resolved.

While many Apple Mac consumers may not be affected by these specific issues as they don't use these products, it's important to note how any new software launch can result in issues on day one.

Be cautious and check with the developers of your essential everyday use applications regarding any compatibility issues before upgrading.

We reached out to Apple for comment. If we get a response, we'll update this article.

Meta Connect 2024 is so close, you can almost taste it.

Launching during the week of Sept. 23, the social media giant is expected to rollout hardware and software goodies that will intrigue VR gamer enthusiasts, AI aficionados, and smart glasses devotees. But what, specifically, does Meta have up its sleeves?

We have a few guesses based on credible reports.

What to expect at Meta Connect 2024

Last year, the Meta Quest 3 was announced in early June, but it got its full reveal at Meta Connect 2023.

The headset boasted a sleeker, more comfortable design, as well as new AR capabilities, that made it more appealing than its predecessor. Once again, for Meta Connect 2024, the social media giant is expected to drop a new VR headset, but it's not necessarily an upgrade over the Quest 3.

Meta Quest 3S

Rumor has it that Meta is planning on revealing a cheaper, more budget-friendly version of the Quest 3 called "Quest 3S."

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Whether it was intentional or accidental, as discovered by a Reddit poster, Meta leaked Quest 3S in its own Meta Quest Link PC app for Windows. For the uninitiated, this software lets users connect their Meta-branded VR headsets to a PC, allowing them to access more demanding PCVR games with just the Quest Link cable (which helps users siphon graphics power from their PC's GPU).

The image appears to have the body of the Quest 2 (in that it isn't as sleek as the Quest 3), but it has different cameras on the front.

According to a leaker on X, Quest 3S will have the following:

• Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip

• 1,832 x 1,920-pixel resolution per eye

• Up to 120Hz refresh rate

• Quest Touch Plus controllers

• 4 IR tracking cameras

• 2 IR illuminators for depth sensing

• 2 4MP cameras for passthrough

Regarding price, Meta Quest 3S will reportedly have a starting price of $299. For reference, the starting price of the Quest 3 was $499 when it launched last year, so if the reported price is accurate, you'll be saving $200 with Quest 3S.

AR smart glasses

Last year, Meta unveiled the second-generation Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, which is packed with Meta AI.

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

This time around, according to a report from Business Insider, Meta is planning on releasing a new pair of spectacles that are totally unrelated to Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. Called "Orion" internally, these glasses will focus on augmented reality (AR).

AR incorporates virtual elements into your real-world environment. Meta's Quest 3 is capable of AR. For example, it has a "passthrough mode" that lets you see your true surroundings, but at the same time, you'll have the option to see or interact with virtual objects in your space.

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, on the other hand, have zero AR capabilities. It can play music, take pictures, capture videos, take calls — and even lets you chat with Meta AI. However, it doesn't offer another augmented dimension — but Orion, reportedly, will.

Meta AI

Meta AI can be found across a myriad of Meta products, including Instagram, WhatsApp, and even the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses.

Credit: Meta

Last year, Meta introduced Instagram-based "Meta AI Personas," which were celebrity-look-a-like chatbots that didn't quite resonate with many people, including Mashable's own AI reporter Cecily Mauran.

Based on Meta AI, these chatbots featured the likeness of popular, high-profile people (i.e., Padma Laksmi and Snoop Dogg) while taking on roles like "Creative Writing Partner," "Travel Expert," and more.

However, this year, they got the boot.

This doesn't mean that Meta AI won't continue to be spotlighted during Connect 2024. We're expecting lots of AI updates during the livestream.

Meta Connect 2024 will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 1 p.m. ET.

Best early Apple deals ahead of October Prime Day Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $929 at Amazon (save $170) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad Pro (256GB, WiFi + Cellular) $1,119 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods Max $449 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS + Cellular) $689 at Amazon (save $110) Get Deal

Amazon's next big event — Prime Big Deal Days — is just around the corner. Prime Day Part Two will kick off on Oct. 8 and run for 48 hours, with big discounts going live throughout. Be there, or be square. And as usual, lots of early deals are already ripe for the picking, especially when it comes to Apple (the company, not the fruit).

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day is closer than you think: 4 tips for finding the best deals

Check out our top early Apple deals ahead of October Prime Day so far, including discounts on MacBooks, iPads, AirPods, and plenty more.

Best MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $929.00 at Amazon
$1,099.00 Save $170.00 Get Deal Why we like it

It doesn't really get much better than Apple's recent M3 line of MacBooks. The M3 Air is one of our favorites, and ahead of Prime Big Deal Days you can score one for just $929, which $170 off the usual price. This MacBook Air in particular comes with a 13-inch screen (great for traveling), and features the speedy M3 chip. It also has support for Apple Intelligence and can handle up to 18 hours of usage on one charge.

More MacBook deals

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $849 $999 (save $150)

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M2, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,299 $1,499 (save $200)

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,449 $1,699 (save $150)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M1 Pro, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,896.51 $2,699 (save $803.49)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M3, 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,999 $2,499 (save $500)

Best iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro (256GB, WiFi + Cellular) $1,119.00 at Amazon
$1,199.00 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're more of a tablet person than a laptop person, then the iPad Pro is where it's at. The Pro is packed with the lightning-fast M4 chip, Ultra Retina XDR display, and supports use of the Apple Pencil (which is unfortunately sold separately). It's on sale for $80 off ahead of October Prime Day, just $1,119 for one of the best tablets on the market.

More iPad deals

• Apple iPad 9th Generation (64GB, WiFi) — $199 $329 (save $130)

• Apple iPad 10th Generation (64GB, WiFi) — $299 $349 (save $50)

• Apple iPad Mini 6th Generation (64GB, WiFi) — $379 $499 (save $120)

• Apple iPad Air (128GB, WiFi) — $559 $599 (save $40)

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max $449.00 at Amazon
$549.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The AirPods Max are a great pair of over-ear headphones for those who prefer that style to that of earbuds. The Max provide super high-quality audio, active noise cancellation, a transparency mode so you can enjoy your tunes and the world around you, and personalized spatial audio. It's also got a 20-hour battery life, which is pretty sweet. Snag a pair before Prime Big Deal Days and save $100.

More AirPods deals

• Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) — $89 $129 (save $40)

• Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) — $129 $169 (save $40)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 — $189.99 $249 (save $59.01)

Best Apple Watch deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS + Cellular) $689.00 at Amazon
$799.00 Save $110.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a smartwatch made for active people. Apple's most durable piece of wristwear has advanced features for hikers, runners, and swimmers like offline maps, advanced metric tracking, and up to 100m of water resistance. The Always-On Retina display is bright and easily readable, and the watch also allows for up to 36 hours of use on a charge (and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode). Get one on sale ahead of October Prime for $689, which is $110 in savings.

More Apple Watch deals

• Apple Watch SE 2nd Generation (40mm, GPS) — $189 $249 (save $60)

• Apple Watch Ultra (49mm, GPS + Cellular) — $449 $559 (save $110)

• Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm, GPS + Cellular) — $599 $749 (save $150)

More Apple deals

• Apple MagSafe Charger — $29 $39 (save $10)

• Apple AirTag (4-pack) — $79 $99 (save $20)

• Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) — $99 $129 (save $30)

• Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad — $108.47 $129 (save $20.53)

• Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad — $278.99 $349 (save $70.01)

The best smart home deals at Target at a glance: BEST SMART SECURITY DEAL Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro 6-in-1 (WiFi) $144.49 at Target (save $35.50 with Target Circle) Get Deal BEST SMART SPEAKER DEAL Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen) $34.99 at Target (save $15) Get Deal BEST SMART AIR PURIFIER DEAL Blueair Pure 211i Max 100 $297.99 at Target (save $52) Get Deal

We're only a few weeks away from Target Circle Week, but the bullseye retailer is already dishing out plenty of deals. If you're looking to finally automate your home in 2024, you can start ASAP with some solid deals from brands like Ultraloq and Echo. We've rounded up a few we think are worth adding to your cart as of Sept. 20.

Best smart security deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ultraloq Our pick: Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro 6-in-1 (WiFi) $144.49 at Target
$179.99 Save $35.50 with Target Circle Get Deal Why we like it

One of our favorite smart locks for families with kids, the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro offers six different ways to unlock your door. Each person in your home can create a user profile and add up to two fingerprints per profile. In other words, your fingerprint is your key, so you don't have to worry about forgetting it. There are also options to unlock by a passcode, voice commands via Alexa or Google Assistant, a button on the Ultraloq app, location-based auto locking and unlocking, and of course, a regular old key. Plus, all you need is a screwdriver for its DIY installation. As of Sept. 20, Target Circle members (signing up is free) can get the WiFi-enabled U-Bolt Pro for just $144.49. And although the original price listed on Target's website says $169.99, the MSRP is actually $179.99, making this a savings of 20%.

Best smart speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen) $34.99 at Target
$49.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Like the Echo, but in smaller form, the Echo Dot is meant to seamlessly add smart benefits into your daily life. Its smaller design makes it ideal for a bedside table, shelf, countertop, or desk, and it can be used for everything. Ask it to set a timer, save a recipe, schedule a task, play white noise, call your mom, turn on your lights, set a reminder, or just play your favorite tunes. The 5th generation Dot features more vibrant sound, clearer vocals for phone calls, and deeper bass. While it doesn't include Dolby audio like its bigger cousin, the Echo, it does feature new motion sensors and a front-firing speaker. As of Sept. 20, it's on sale for just $34.99 a Target. That's a savings of 30%.

Best smart air purifier deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blueair Our pick: Blueair Pure 211i Max 100 $297.99 at Target
$349.99 Save $52.00 Get Deal Why we like it

While an air purifier might not be on your radar as a smart home deal, voice-assistant support and the ability to control it with your phone make the Blueair Pure 211i Max 100 a solid smart home addition. See the quality of air in your home via quick readings on the LED screen or through the app at any time. A convenient Welcome Home mode puts your purifier in standby when you leave the home and turns it back on when you're getting close. Plus, the RealTrack algorithm will inform you when it's time to replace your filter. Slash 15% off this purifier built for extra large rooms as of Sept. 20.

More smart home deals

• Amazon Echo Pop — $24.99 $39.99 (save $15)

• Amazon Kids Echo Dot (5th Gen 2022) — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Black+Decker smart home starter kit — $64.99 $105.99 (save $41)

• ULTRALOQ U-Bolt 5-in-1 smart deadbolt door lock — $93.49 $109.99 (save $16.50 with Target Circle)

• Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) — $104.99 $149.99 (save $45)

Owners of three particular Anker products need to stop using them right away.

The portable battery maker issued a recall notice this week due to potential battery fire hazards in a few of its products. While Anker's recall notice noted that this problem should only affect a relatively small batch of batteries (i.e., those that were manufactured between Jan. 3 and Sept. 17 of this year), it's still recalling every unit it has sold.

The three Anker products that are being recalled are as follows:

• Anker 334 MagGo Battery (PowerCore 10K)

• Anker Power Bank

• Anker MagGo Power Bank

SEE ALSO: Anker 535 PowerHouse review: Is this power station the workhorse its name suggests?

If you own any of those three products, immediately cease use of it and store it on a safe place. Anker has a form on its recall notice page where you can fill in the serial number on the product to get the recall process going. After that, Anker recommends disposing of the device somewhere that accepts lithium ion batteries.

This marks the second time in 2024 that Anker has had to issue a recall for the same issue. If you regularly use an Anker portable power bank, maybe just make sure it doesn't get too hot.

SAVE $34.99: As of Sept. 20, get the Amazon Echo Pop with Sengled Smart Color Bulb bundle for just $24.99. That's a discount of 58%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Pop with Sengled Smart Color Bulb $24.99 at Amazon
$59.98 Save $34.99 Get Deal

Halloween's right around the corner. If you're planning a party, or just a hangout with friends where you touch grapes and pretend they're eyeballs or demand your visitors believe that spaghetti is a bunch of monster brains, you need ambiance. What better way to do that than with a smart bulb and a hub to control it? Amazon is offering its compact Echo Pop smart assistant with a smart bulb right now at a great price, which means you can have the coolest Halloween party on the block with little effort and without having to spend very much money.

As of Sept. 20, get an Echo Pop bunlded with a Sengled Smart Color Bulb for just $24.99. That's down from its normal price of $59.98 and a discount of 58%. You save $34.99 by snagging this bundle on sale, and it's $19.99 less than if you were to buy both items separately.

The Echo Pop is a smaller version of the Echo smart speaker, which can play music, podcasts, work with Alexa apps, and even make calls to other devices. But you'll likely find the most use with it as a smart home hub that can control your new Sengled smart bulb. Turn your lights on and off with the Echo Pop and change up your light colors as you please. You can even set a schedule during which your lights will come on – and other useful patterns as well.

Set up a blood red light for a full moon, pink and purple for a Halloween rave, or just use it to set the mood while you decorate for the season. Whatever you choose, this is a great deal you'll have plenty of uses for.

A tablet is the perfect middle ground between a smartphone and a laptop. If your current tablet is slowing down, doesn't keep a charge, or lacks in display quality, today is a great day to look into a new Amazon Fire tablet. Here are some early Prime Big Deal Days deals that'll take up to 54% off the list price.

Fire tablet deals to shop today Best overall deal Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (64GB) $99.99 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal Best budget-friendly Fire tablet Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet (64GB) $59.99 at Amazon (save $70) Get Deal Best kids Fire tablet deal Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet $139.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal

The second iteration of Prime Day is fast approaching. Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days kicks off on Oct. 8 and 9 this year, and we expect to see some great discounts. If you've become a fan of shopping for the holidays well before Black Friday, Prime Big Deal Days is likely to be one of your best opportunities to shop sale prices.

Like most Prime Day events, Amazon isn't making us wait around to score great discounts, and we're already seeing sale prices on items like Amazon devices, Apple products, and robot vacuums.

If you happen to be shopping for a new tablet, Amazon has gone ahead and marked down many Fire tablets ahead of the official sale. That means you can shop today and have your new tablet in hand by the time the official Prime Day Big Deal Days start. Here are some great deals to snag today.

Best Fire tablet deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (64GB) $99.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

With a 10.1-inch screen and 64GB of storage space, the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet is ready for all your streaming shows or typing out that work email from bed. The octa-core processor and 3GB RAM means you'll be able to multitask with the Fire HD 10. Amazon mentions the tablet gets about 13 hours of battery life, so it could also be a great choice for taking on your next trip.

Thanks to the early Prime Big Deal Days sale price, the Fire HD 10 tablet with 64GB of storage is just $99.99 at Amazon, a 44% discount off the usual price of $179.99. The 32GB size is on sale for $89.99, so you'll be scoring twice as much storage capacity for just $10 more.

Best budget-friendly Fire tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet (64GB) $59.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

You can still grab a tablet upgrade from Amazon even if you're shopping on a budget. The Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet (64GB) is an impressive 54% off today at Amazon, selling for just $59.99 instead of the usual price of $129.99. That means for under $60, you're getting an 8-inch tablet with 2GB RAM. If the 64GB storage ends up being too small for your downloaded shows, the tablet can accept a 1TB microSD card.

Through Amazon's app store, you'll be able to download streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Max, Disney+, and more. If you don't already own a Kindle, this size can also be great for reading e-books.

Best kids Fire tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet $139.99 at Amazon
$189.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet doesn't mess around when it comes to features and functions. For starters, it offers ad-free content, parental controls, and 13 hours of battery life. The 10.1-inch display means kids can play games, read books, or watch movies on the HD screen.

Amazon also added some peace of mind to this kids' tablet by including a durable case to help with protection from inevitable falls and a two-year warranty. If the tablet happens to break within those two years, Amazon will replace it for free.

If you'll be heading to the grandparent's for Thanksgiving, now is a great time to snag a kid-friendly tablet at a great sale price.

More Amazon Fire tablets on sale

• Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet (16GB) — $54.99 $94.99 (save $40)

• Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet (32GB) — $64.99 $119.99 (save $55)

• Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet (64GB) — $94.99 $179.99 (save $85)

• Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids tablet — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)

• Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet (64GB) — $179.99 $229.99 (save $50)

Sony might make PS6 — PlayStation's next-gen console — very expensive at launch.

In a chat with GamesBeat, multiple prominent games industry analysts, including Circana's Mat Piscatella and Midia Research's Rhys Elliott, expect a theoretical PlayStation 6 to cost around $600, whenever it comes out, though that likely won't be anytime soon.

Sony is about to release the $700 PS5 Pro in November, and these analysts believe the huge price tag on that mid-generation update console is a sort of trial balloon for more expensive consoles in the future.

For reference, the OG PS5 launched at $400 without a disc drive and $500 with a disc drive in 2020, so a $600 PS6 would indeed be an escalation for an entry-level machine.

SEE ALSO: PS6 rumor: Intel reportedly rejected for the next-gen console — here's why

But Sony might have an uphill climb to get there. The internet raised torches and pitchforks when the PS5 Pro price was announced a couple of weeks ago, but perhaps more relevant to this discussion is what happened when Sony originally revealed the price of the PlayStation 3 in 2006. The phrase "five hundred and ninety-nine U.S. dollars" has echoed through the halls of internet history ever since.

For those who remember the old days, it might be difficult to believe that Sony would repeat history more than 20 years later. But, like it or not, inflation is real, and prices tend to climb over time, whether it makes sense or not.

If you’re eyeing a PS6, it might be wise to start saving up now.

Best October Prime Day Kindle Deals Best Kindle Deal Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle with Basic Pen (16 GB) $379.97 at Amazon (Save $60) Get Deal Best Kindle Paperwhite Deal Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition Essentials Bundle (32 GB) $237.97 at Amazon (Save $20) Get Deal Best Budget Kindle Deal Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle (16 GB) $184.97 at Amazon (Save $20) Get Deal

It's officially cozy season. If you're thinking about settling down on the couch or cuddling up in bed with a good book, now's the time to do it. And what better way to do so than with a new Kindle? If you've had your eye on one, this is one of the best times to go ahead and lock one in, because when the weather gets cooler, snuggling with a loved one or a pet and a great read just hits different.

Thanks to Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days, you can save on some of the best Kindle bundles at Amazon right now. While individual Kindle deals are scarce at the moment, and more likely to appear in the next couple of weeks, there are still some great options to be had here if you're looking to start getting more reading in.

Below, find some of our favorite Kindle deals to be had during Prime Big Deal Days and be sure to grab them while you still can.

Best Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle with Basic Pen (16 GB) $379.97 at Amazon
$437.97 Save $58.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Kindle Scribe is a great multifunctional tablet that lets you enjoy your favorite books and magazines with the added function of use as a digital notebook. This bundle nets you a Kindle Scribe (16 GB) with a Basic Pen, leather folio cover, and power adapter. The Basic Pen lacks the eraser and built-in "Shortcut" button, but it connects magnetically to the Scribe. In addition to all your normal Kindle options, the Scribe lets you take notes while reading or use it as a dedicated tablet with smooth writing and a responsive screen. You can save big with this bundle that nets you everything you need to get started with your new device.

Best Kindle Paperwhite deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition Essentials Bundle (32 GB) $237.97 at Amazon
$257.97 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is the best version of the Kindle Paperwhite, with wireless charging and an auto-adjusting front light. You can get it as a part of this bundle with 32 GB of storage and an adjustable warm light that you can change to your liking. The bundle offers a fabric cover as well as a wireless charging dock, so you're prepared to jump in and attack your fall reading list right away. That's plenty of space for most of the books you want to add and a great option for just about every reader at this bundle price.

Best budget Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle (16 GB) $184.97 at Amazon
$204.97 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you don't need any additional bells and whistles, the Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle is a good budget option when it comes to e-readers. This bundle comes with a 16 GB Kindle Paperwhite, a fabric cover, and a power adapter. It doesn't have auto-adjusting lighting or wireless charging, but it's the Kindle Paperwhite you know and love, with a few extras tossed in for good measure.

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Sept. 20: OUR TOP PICK Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (40mm, Bluetooth) $196.06 at Amazon (save $103.93) Get Deal BEST HOME DEAL Roborock Q7 Max robot vacuum and mop $219.99 (save $380) Get Deal RUNNER-UP SMARTWATCH DEAL Garmin vívoactive 5 $249.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal BEST POWER BANK DEAL Anker 633 Magnetic Battery $39.99 at Amazon (save $40) Get Deal BEST KITCHEN DEAL Ninja Air Fryer XL (5.5-quart) $109.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal

Before you kick off your weekend shenanigans, we've rounded up a few sweet deals at Amazon for your retail therapy needs. As we inch closer to Amazon's October Prime Day, the mega retailer is already dishing out ultra-low prices on gadgets and gizmos from top brands. We've handpicked the ones we think are worth adding to your cart on Sept. 20.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these catch your eye, be sure to look back at our picks from Sept. 18 and Sept. 19. Many of those deals are still live, including a record-low price on the Google Pixel Buds A and $100 off a very advanced Garmin smartwatch.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (40mm, Bluetooth) $196.06 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $103.93 Get Deal

Now's as good of a day as any for a record-low price on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6. The 40mm model with Bluetooth, in particular, is down to just $196.06 at Amazon as of Sept. 20. That's 35% off. Named the "king of the Android smartwatch mountain" by Mashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry upon its release, the Galaxy Watch 6 features a more nuanced breakdown of sleep habits, sleep coaching, personalized heart rate zones, and irregular heart rate notifications. It also lasts longer on a single charge and has a 20 percent larger display than its predecessor.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Q7 Max robot vacuum and mop $219.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $380.00 Get Deal

If you want a gadget that can tackle two cleaning tasks in one and you're on a budget, check out this deal on the Roborock Q7 Max. It features powerful 4200Pa suction and an electronic pump with 30 water flow levels, plus precise home mapping, a 180-minute runtime, and support for the Auto Empty Dock Pure (which is sold separately). It checks vacuuming and mopping off the cleaning task list. As of Sept. 20, it's on sale for only $219.99 at Amazon instead of the usual $599.99. That's 63% off and on par with the cheapest it's ever been.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin vívoactive 5 $249.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

While we haven't reviewed the Garmin vívoactive 5, we have tested the previous model and were big fans. As per our reviewer: "The vívoactive 4 is an excellent smartwatch for active people wanting to be more in tune with their bodies, and for less active individuals who have the desire but need a little nudging to stick to their goals." The newer model boasts even more advanced features, an upgraded AMOLED display, better heart rate sensor, upgraded sleep and stress coaching, and over 30 sports apps. It's usually $299.99, but you can save 17% as of Sept. 20 and get it for $249.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker 633 Magnetic Battery $39.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

The travel companion your phone has been searching for, the Anker 633 snaps magnetically to the back of your iPhone (compatible with iPhone 12 and newer) and extends your battery life without adding much bulk. And thanks to its built-in kickstand, you can keep your phone upright for comfortable viewing while you power up. The 10,000mAh battery contains enough power to charge up an iPhone 13 Pro 1.8 times. Plus, it comes in a couple color options, which are all on sale. Usually $79.99, it's on sale for just $39.99 as of Sept. 20. That's 50% in savings and the lowest price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Air Fryer XL (5.5-quart) $109.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Need a quicker way to whip up game day snacks this season? Grab this air fryer deal on the Ninja XL and save some time and money. With a 5.5-quart basket, it can cook up to three pounds of fries or wings in a flash. Forget waiting for your oven to heat up. Beyond crispy air fried goodness, it can also roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate at the touch of a button. Regularly $159.99, you can pick up the sleek and slim Amazon-exclusive Ninja XL air fryer on sale for $109.99 as of Sept. 20. While that's not the cheapest it's ever been, you'll still save 31%.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

With Piece By Piece, American multi-hyphenate Pharrell Williams brings his life story to the big screen — but with a Lego movie twist.

Directed by heralded documentarian Morgan Neville, Piece By Piece is a musical biopic that translates American music icons like Williams, Snoop Dogg, Missy Elliott, and Gwen Stefani into Lego's signature minifigures. Now, ahead of the film's theatrical release, you can get in on the fun by building a virtual mini Lego of your own!

SEE ALSO: 'Piece By Piece' review: Pharrell Williams finds his happy place in Legoland biopic

Today, Focus Features has launched the Piece By Piece Lego Minifigure Generator, where you can toggle between seven skin tones, over 60 hair styles, scads of facial expressions, and over 90 outfits to create a mini-you that'd fit into Pharrell's imaginative world. Tied to the movie's theme, this online game encourages you to "build who you want to be, piece by piece."

And hey, you can even get a "pic" with Lego Pharrell.

Mini Lego Pharrell invites you into his playful world. Credit: Focus Features / screenshot

Piece By Piece opens in theaters Oct. 11.

We're still a few weeks away from the official kickoff of Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event, but that doesn't mean you need to wait around. We're already spotting some nice discounts on Amazon Echo devices. Here are some of the best deal to shop today:

Early October Prime Day sales on Echo devices Best overall deal Echo Show 8 $104.99 at Amazon (save $45) Get Deal Best deal for kids Echo Dot Kids $39.99 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal Best home organization deal Echo Hub $144.99 at Amazon (save $35) Get Deal

Amazon is well-known for many things, but today's deal combines a couple of our favorites: smart home tech and serious savings.

As of Sept. 20, take 33% off several Amazon Echo devices ahead of the retailer's Prime Big Deal Days sale on Oct. 8 and 9. Amazon devices are one of Mashable's top recommendations for items to buy during the sale (and check out what not to buy, too, to avoid disappointment).

Here are some of our favorite choices if you're shopping Echo devices.

Best overall deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Echo Show 8 $104.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're interested in a smart display, the Amazon Echo Show 8 is a great option that offers tons of features. Video chat with your parents, cue up some jazzy music while cleaning, or pull up a dinner recipe on the Echo Show 8. You can also use it as a way to check your calendar, display the weather, or control other Alexa-enabled devices.

In Mashable's review of the best Echo devices, the Echo Show 8 earns the top spot for those looking for a budget-friendly smart display. However, thanks to today's sale price at Amazon of just $104.99, the Echo Show 8 is 30% off its typical price of $149.99.

Best deal for kids Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Echo Dot Kids $39.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

For the kiddo or grandkid in your life, the Echo Dot Kids is a great device that can help them with independence. Coming in two adorable designs that depict either an owl or a dragon, the Echo Dot Kids allows kids to stream music, ask Alexa questions, set an alarm clock, or tune into a bedtime story. The device also comes with a year of free access to Amazon Kids+ which includes kid-friendly Audible audiobooks, games, morning routines, and more.

Amazon also includes a two-year warranty on the Echo Dot Kids, which means if the device breaks, Amazon will replace it for free within the first two years of ownership.

Best home organization deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Echo Hub $144.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Busy family schedules can be hard to keep track of. If you're tired of re-writing the weekly schedule on the white board each Sunday, the Amazon Echo Hub could be ideal. The eight-inch smart home control panel allow you to synch up your family's schedule, display the weather, play music, and more. The Echo Hub is also designed to link up with your other Alexa-enabled smart home systems like lights, security alarms, a smart thermostat, and video doorbells.

More Echo device sales at Amazon

• Echo Pop — $24.99 $39.99 (save $15)

• Echo Pop Kids — $29.99 $49.99 (save $20)

• Echo Dot — $34.99 $49.99 (save $15)

• Echo Show 5 — $59.99 $89.99 (save $30)

• Echo Spot — $64.99 $79.99 (save $20)

Look, I know you can be underwhelmed and you can be overwhelmed, but can you ever just be whelmed? Reader, you absolutely can (and not just in Europe) — it's the feeling of not knowing what the hell to watch.

With avalanches of TV shows and movies consistently careening into cinemas and streaming services, and not all of it good, there's a chance you've just about had it with choosing what to spend your hard-earrned money and time on. There's just SO MUCH.

SEE ALSO: The 13 best TV shows of 2024 (so far)

Luckily, Mashable's deeply obsessed, disarmingly tasteful, and superbly dressed entertainment team is constantly reviewing the series and films trying to elbow their way into your eyeballs — we even pick one as our Watch of the Week.

But in case you need slightly more to choose from, here are three (just three!) things are Actually Good to watch right now.

1. Agatha All Along Kathryn Hahn in "Agatha All Along." Credit: Chuck Zlotnick / Marvel

It's pretty much spooky season and while we can't yet offer up a new season of Wednesday, there's another seasonal delight for you. Agatha All Along, the MCU spinoff from WandaVision, is here with Kathryn Hahn leading a star-studded coven. It's our Watch of the Week this week, so we're not taking any chances of you not watching it.

As Mashable's Belen Edwards wrote in her review, "Agatha All Along feels like a witch's potion brewed specifically to make me giddy with joy. How could it not, when its ingredients include magical trials, rocking songs, and Patti LuPone herself?"

And make sure you watch Agatha All Along star Sasheer Zamata playing "Slash or Pass: Witches Edition" with us.

How to watch: The first two episodes of Agatha All Along are now streaming on Disney+, with new episodes every Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET.

2. The Babadook Essie Davis in "The Babadook". Credit: Matt Nettheim/Causeway/Smoking Gun Prods/Kobal/Shutterstock

10 years ago, Jennifer Kent created both one of the most terrifying horror movies of the 21st century and an LGBTQ+ icon. The Babadook is celebrating a decade of scaring the shit out of us and it's back in theatres. Check out Mashable's Kristy Puchko interviewing Kent in the video below.

How to watch: The Babadook 10th Anniversary re-release is now showing in cinemas nationwide.

Featured Video For You 'The Babadook' filmmaker Jennifer Kent on how her character became an LGBTQ+ icon, and why we will never see a sequel 3. How to Die Alone Natasha Rothwell and Conrad Ricamora in "How to Die Alone." Credit: Ian Watson / Hulu

Known for Insecure and The White Lotus, Natasha Rothwell's own show is all about seizing the damn day. Rothwell leads her deadpan-titled comedy How to Die Alone as Mel, a JFK airport employee who feels unfulfilled in life on many levels. When she's faced with a pretty embarrassing near-death experience, Mel gets a dose of perspective that propels her to get stuck into life.

Described by entertainment reporter Belen Edwards in her review as "a sweet, vulnerable ride", this show is one not to miss.

And make sure to check out Mashable's interview with Rothwell herself.

How to watch: How to Die Alone is now streaming on Hulu.

You're probably reading this on a phone in your hand, or perhaps a laptop on your coffee table, and you have no idea — none — the blood, sweat, and tears that engineers endure to deliver the smooth-as-butter product you're using as we speak.

Before it got into your hands, it’s highly likely that engineers were hard at work, pulling their hair out and yelling obscenities, fixing hardware challenges that drove them up a wall. But there’s always a “Eureka!” moment where the masterminds experience that spark of a light bulb, bringing you the ready-for-market gadget you’re effortlessly using today.

For instance, I’ve spoken with engineers who’ve grappled with the difficult task of balancing heat output from powerful components with portability — a recurring issue in devices like headsets, gaming laptops, phones, and more.

This time, I got to speak with two head honchos behind the new AirPods 4 to take a peek through the peephole at how the new earbuds came to be — particularly the one with active noise cancellation.

SEE ALSO: AirPods 4: The new active noise cancellation made ‘Espresso’ sound like it was performed in a soundproof café First, a little background on AirPods 4

Apple recently unveiled the new AirPods 4 with two iterations: one without active noise cancellation ($129) and one with active noise cancellation ($179).

Apple AirPods 4 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

You may shrug and think, "So? What's the big deal?"

Well, before the AirPods 4 dropped, if you wanted ANC, you'd have to secure earbuds from the pricier AirPods Pro line. There's also the entry-level, non-Pro AirPods line (the lineage that the AirPods 4 descends from) that delivered great sound, but delivered zero ANC.

After all, the entry-level AirPods line have an open-ear design, making ANC trickier. Unlike the AirPods Pro, which have silicon ear tips that seal the ear canal to facilitate ANC technology, the non-Pro AirPods don't. But somehow, some way, Apple managed to pull it off with the AirPods 4.

AirPods Pro 2 with ear tips Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

And as someone who has tested them on a plane myself, they're pretty damn good. So the question is, how did Apple pull it off? Well, I ended up asking the AirPods team myself.

ANC on AirPods 4 was a challenge

"It's unbelievable all the things that need to be balanced," Eric Treski, Director of AirPods Product Marketing at Apple, told Mashable regarding the AirPods 4. "It's battery size as it relates to battery life, and it's sound quality, which includes noise cancellation," and more.

AirPods 4 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Not to mention, Treski added, that our ears are very sensitive, making it difficult to include all of these internals into a tiny form factor that is the AirPods 4 without causing comfort to the average user.

But the real challenge, Treski said, was ensuring that active noise cancellation doesn't affect the music that you're listening to.

In other words, without getting too much into the weeds of things, active noise cancellation works by the device "monitoring" the outside noise and emitting an inverted soundwave, or what Treski calls "the anti phase," to neutralize or negate the external cacophony.

Let’s say you’re listening to Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso.” The challenge is ensuring that the anti-noise signal filters out the background noise without messing with the song or diminishing its sound quality.

AirPods 4 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

However, the AirPods team managed to dodge this issue with the help of "algorithms and filtering," Treski said, as well as the H2 chip — the processor that the new AirPods 4 earbuds adopted from the AirPods Pro lineup.

And that's not the only thing that the AirPods 4 borrowed from the Pro family.

"One of the microphones for [the AirPods 4's] ANC is from the 'Pro' product," said Kate Bergeron, VP of Hardware Engineering at Apple, adding that it's a high-quality microphone that is ideal for the open-ear design found on the fourth-gen earbuds.

Because the AirPods 4's form factor is, for a lack of a better word, more "leaky" than the AirPods Pro, the H2 chip has to work harder than it does inside the Pro model to execute ANC — but it gets the job done.

"If you don't have really good mics, you'll hear a low noise hiss," Treski added. "So we have exceptional microphones."

The microphone that facilitates ANC is monitoring what you're hearing at 200 times a second. With a process called "adaptive EQ," it's ensuring that sound distortions caused by noise cancellation and other factors are corrected ASAP.

As someone who has listened to "Espresso" on the ANC-supported AirPods 4 over and over again, I can confirm that the H2 chip and the microphones have been doing their thing. The sound quality is mint and the ANC is impressive.

But ANC wasn't the only hurdle Apple had to overcome.

Transparency mode is no easy task either

"Transparency seems so simplistic and easy," Treski said. Unlike ANC, Transparency Mode heightens environmental noise around you, so it can't be that difficult to implement, right?

AirPods 4 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Wrong!

"It's incredibly challenging because you need to make sure that it sounds natural," Treski said. "Not just the environmental noise, but also your own voice while you're speaking."

On top of that, Transparency Mode would have to execute this task flawlessly with "extremely low latency." Otherwise, there would be too much of a mismatch between the sounds and what you're seeing.

Despite this challenge, Apple managed to fine-tune Transparency Mode to seamlessly blend environmental sounds with what you’re hearing through the AirPods. The result is a more natural experience, where voices and ambient noise flow through smoothly, making it feel like you’re not wearing earphones at all.

How did Apple discover the best fit for 'most'?

For some, AirPods fit perfectly — and for others, like myself — not so much.

AirPods 4 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

I'm just one of those folks with "weird ears," I guess. Bergeron assured me that that's not the case. "You look at people's ears and they're totally different in all aspects of their physiology," she said.

"We'll hear from people, 'The Pro' doesn't fit me' or 'The AirPods 3' doesn't fit me,'" Bergeron added. "And we want to learn from the challenges that people have."

In order to educate itself, Apple did some extensive research to find a "one-size-fits-most" shape on the AirPods 4.

As mentioned in Apple's "Glowtime" keynote that introduced the AirPods 4, Apple analyzed thousands of ear shapes, relying on advanced technologies like 3D photogrammetry and laser topography, that amassed over 50 million data points to refine the earbuds' design.

"We've come up with a relatively efficient way to scan people's ears through our own tools so we can build that database [and continue to find the 'best fit'] on an ongoing basis," Bergeron said.

After popping the AirPods 4 into my ears, I was relieved that they didn't creep out of my canal to take a tumble. Even when I violently shook my head from left to right, they stayed in place like they were holding on for dear life in a windstorm.

What's next for AirPods?

Out of curiosity, I asked what Apple had up its sleeves for the next AirPods down the line, like AirPods 5 or AirPods Pro 3, for example. The Apple representatives, as expected, declined to respond.

However, Treski did conclude the interview with some food for thought.

"As you think about Apple Intelligence and Siri, and how 'one' that's becoming," Treski said, "it's just so natural right?"

"And so, that's this sort of journey that we're on to really, you know, extend it further, which is why Siri Interactions is also a great time and opportunity to introduce Apple Intelligence."

Siri Interactions, by the way, lets you reject calls and texts, as well as accept them, just by shaking your head 'no' or nodding your head 'yes.' This is available on both the AirPods 4 without ANC and with ANC.

The AirPods 4 lineup, starting at $129, is available for pre-order now — and it will hit store shelves on Sept. 20.