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Updated: 1 hour 11 min ago

Apple and Google to pay billions in major EU court rulings

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 12:23

Google and Apple's legal woes are getting expensive.

On Tuesday, the tech giant lost the second and final appeal to overturn a 2017 antitrust ruling by the European Commission, forcing Google to pay $2.7 billion (2.42 billion euros). The ruling, upheld by the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) said Google was guilty of anti-competitive practices via its Google Shopping service because it favored its own price-comparison tool over competing shopping tools in search results.

SEE ALSO: New evidence claims Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon could be listening to you on your devices

Now that the Google ruling has been upheld, it "validates the Commission's approach to such practices," deemed "self-preferencing," said EU Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager in her remarks about the ruling.

Tweet may have been deleted

"This case was symbolic because it demonstrated that even the most powerful tech companies could be held accountable. No one is above the law," Vestager continued. "It inspired regulators and policymakers worldwide to scrutinize the activities of digital giants more closely."

The judgement comes a little over a month after Google lost a huge antitrust lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice. The case said Google was operating as a monopoly by paying Apple $20 billion a year to make Google the default search engine on Safari.

Apple lost in the EU courts too

Speaking of Apple, that company is also in trouble with the European Commission. On Tuesday, the same day it upheld its ruling against Google, the CJEU handed down a final decision forcing Apple to pay $14.3 billion (13 billion euros) in back taxes, after the Commission said Apple had skirted its tax bill due to loopholes in Irish tax laws. The judgment was the result of a decision upheld from 2016 that Apple has unsuccessfully tried to appeal. "It is a win for the Commission. It is also a win for the level playing field in the Single Market, and for tax justice," said Vestager in the same remarks.

Recently, Apple was fined $1.9 billion by the EU for an antitrust violation against Spotify, and it faces another fine for breaching the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) for restricting third-party apps to the Apple App Store. If that weren't enough, Apple is also in the middle of a antitrust lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice for favoring its own apps and services over third-party competitors.

One of Samsung's biggest sales of the year is live through Sept. 15

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 12:17

LIVE NOW: The Discover Samsung Fall Sale is live through Sept. 15, offering savings of up to 35% on all of Samsung's major product categories.

A quick look at the best deals at the Discover Samsung Sale Best TV deal Our pick: Samsung 85-inch QE1D QLED 4K TV with 3.1.2 ch. Dolby Atmos soundbar $1,455.98 at Samsung (save $1,944) Get Deal Best tablet deal Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 (12GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $769.99 at Samsung (save $150) Get Deal Best monitor deal Samsung 43-inch M70D Smart Monitor $299.99 at Samsung (save $200) Get Deal Best phone deal Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 (512GB) $1899.99 at Samsung (save $120, plus up to $1,200 in trade-in credits) Get Deal

Apple isn't the only one having an event this week. The big Discover Samsung Fall Sale kicked off on Monday, Sept. 9 and runs through Friday, Sept. 15, and Samsung itself assures shoppers that this is one of the smartest times of year to find deals on Samsung's most sought after products.

SEE ALSO: All of the best football streaming deals for the 2024–2025 NFL season

You can save up to 35% across categories like TVs, phones, tablets, monitors, laptops, smartwatches, and large appliances, with some discounts getting even juicier if they're featured as a fleeting Deal of the Day. If there's a device you were planning on grabbing during Prime Big Deal Days in October, this could be your chance to snag it and enjoy it for an extra month.

We'll be tracking the best deals in top categories as the week goes on, so be sure to check back if you don't feel like perusing the sale yourself.

Best TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsnung Our pick: Samsung 85-inch QE1D 4K QLED TV with 3.1.2 ch. Dolby Atmos soundbar $1,455.98 at Samsung
$3,399.98 Save $1,944.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Football season's not a bad time to finally make that TV upgrade you've been fantasizing about. And sports will look great on the dual LED screen of the 2024 QLED TV that Samsung is spotlighting on Sept 10. Dual LED backlighting offers more balanced color (which is already quite punchy with any Samsung QLED) and brightness across the entire screen than traditional edge lighting, and Samsung's is particularly innovative — it automatically adjusts backlighting based on what you're watching.

This deal is actually a bundle, which includes the giant 85-inch version of Samsung's QE1D TV, plus a 3.2.1 ch Dolby Atmos soundbar that pairs deliciously with the TV's Q-Symphony audio system for a surround sound experience. The package would typically cost almost $3,500, but it's less than $1,500 during the sale. If you have an old TV to get rid of, you can save another $50 by letting Samsung pick it up and recycle it for you.

More TVs on saleBest tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 (12GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $769.99 at Samsung
$919.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The super solid Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 was already an easy choice if you're simply in the market for an entry-level Android tablet. That choice is even easier when the version with beefier memory and storage is on sale for less than $800. The model featured here has 12GB RAM and 256GB of storage (versus the $649.99 version with 8GB RAM and 128GB of storage) and is WiFi only.

"Entry level" doesn't feel so "entry level" when any content you stream or graphic designs you whip up are displayed so vividly on Samsung's Dynamic AMOLED 2X screens. The "2X" refers to the screen's ability to jump from 60 Hz to 120 Hz during gaming — a nearly lag-less experience not often had on tablets in this price range. This Galaxy Tab S9 comes the S Pen stylus, Transcript Assist using Galaxy AI, as well as two free months of Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Express (both a $19.98 value each).

More tablets and other computing devices on sale

Tablets

Laptops

Best monitor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung 43-inch M70D Smart Monitor $299.99 at Samsung
$499.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If your space doesn't have room for both a TV and a nice desktop setup, opting for a smart streaming monitor from Samsung means you don't have to choose between them. The 43-inch M7 can be operated via mouse and keyboard or remote, eliminating the need for strategically wrangling adapters and dongles. Samsung's smart TV platform and Gaming Hub are built right in, too, so the switchover from work to entertainment is as quick as switching apps.

More monitors on saleBest phone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 (512GB) $1,899.99 at Samsung
$2,019.99 Save $120.00 plus up to $1,200 in trade-in credits Get Deal Why we like it

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 was one of the many devices unveiled at Samsung Unpacked in July. While it didn't receive the snazzy hardware upgrades that the S24 line did, it's already inherently one of the most fun phones on the market — you know, the whole "unfolds into a tablet" thing. However, the Z Fold6 does do a ton of new stuff, and that's all thanks to Galaxy AI integration. New features include Note Assist, Live Translate, Sketch to Image, and Circle to Search.

More phones on sale

Get ready for football season with a new TV during Best Buy's NFL kickoff sale

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 12:07

SAVE UP TO $1,000: Shop TVs on sale during Best Buy's NFL kickoff event. Find budget picks like $60 off the Samsung UHD 4K TV, knocking it down to $269.99 for 18% off.

Best TV deals during Best Buy's NFL kickoff sale Best TV deal overall Samsung 43-inch Class DU7200 Series Crystal UHD 4K Smart Tizen TV $269.99 at Best Buy (Save $60) Get Deal Best runner-up TV deal Samsung 75-inch Class DU6900 Series Crystal UHD 4K Smart Tizen TV $569.99 at Best Buy (Save $130) Get Deal Best OLED TV deal LG 65-inch Class B4 Series OLED 4K UHD Smart webOS TV $1,499.99 at Best Bey (Save $1,000) Get Deal

NFL season is in full swing. Many of us are just here for the chicken wings and spinach and artichoke dip (guilty) but for those who actually want to watch the game, the TV is the star of the show. If you're looking to host weekly games, and realizing your TV isn't making the cut, it's time to upgrade. Luckily, Best Buy's NFL kickoff sale is ready to help you save some money.

4K TVs are the peak of picture, but that doesn't mean you're going to be tackled by high prices. You'll find 4K models for under $300 during Best Buy's sale. While there are plenty of budget picks, there are deals on OLED TVs from Samsung, LG, and Sony too. Here are the best TV deals to shop during Best Buy's NFL kickoff.

Best TV deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung 43-inch Class DU7200 Series Crystal UHD 4K Smart Tizen TV $269.99 at Best Buy
$329.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why we like it

At 43 inches, the Samsung DU7200 Series Crystal UHD 4K Smart Tizen TV is the ideal budget pick. Its size works best in medium-size rooms, making it great for those with smaller living spaces who still want to host friends for viewing parties. The Crystal UHD display delivers a bright, smooth picture so you can catch every second in the clearest detail.

At $329.99, this TV is already a fantastic value, especially with the built-in Smart TV. Now, it's on $269.99, so you'll save $60 ahead of game day for 18% off.

More Best Buy TV deals

'Speak No Evil' review: This time for Americans!

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 12:00

How do you top one of the scariest movie endings of the last decade? This was the challenge facing James Watkins, the director behind such eerie English fare as Eden Lake and The Woman in Black, as he remade Speak No Evil, a 2022 Danish film that had critics cheering — and screaming. 

A psychological thriller about the dangers of committing to civility, Speak No Evil rattled audiences to their core by playing out the sicko possibilities of "What's the worst that could happen" on a weekend getaway with new friends. Hot off the critical praise of the film, American horror studio Blumhouse Productions snapped up the rights for a remake. Watkins promptly adapted Christian Tafdrup and Mads Tafdrup's original script, much of which was already in English. And within two years from the original's U.S. release, a Hollywood version is hitting theaters, starring such celebrated actors as James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy, and Aisling Franciosi. 

The talent assembled is promising. The original film is fantastic, both darkly funny and deeply, deeply chilling. So what could go wrong? Well, Blumhouse and Watkins could fuck with the recipe to cater to American expectations, and they've done just that. 

Speak No Evil, now with backstory. Lots and lots of backstory.  Ant (Dan Hough), Ciara (Aisling Franciosi), and Paddy (James McAvoy) in "Speak No Evil." Credit: Universal Studios

Rather than bore you with a breathless comparison between Christian Tafdrup's harrowing original and Watkin's wobbly remake, here are the broad strokes. 

Both films follow an upper-middle-class married couple with a young daughter, who collectively befriend a gruff but lovable family of three while vacationing abroad. Taking the party to a second location — specifically, the latter family's remote and rustic home in a rural landscape — the posh and desperately polite family gets increasingly uncomfortable as their personal boundaries are tramped on by their beaming and beguiling hosts. A diabolical snare has been set. Where does politeness cross into compliance? Where does rudeness punch into ruthlessness? Both movies have very different answers despite telling mostly the same story. 

SEE ALSO: 'Speak No Evil' review: A frightening parable of 'F*ck Politeness.'

In Watkins' version, every single character gets backstory, whether or not there's any real need for it. American couple Louise (Davis) and Ben (McNairy) aren't just comfortably wealthy liberals who yearn to seem accepting of all cultural differences. They are also enduring marital strife after a brush with infidelity. Irish Paddy (McAvoy) and Ciara (Franciosi) aren't only a mix of abrasive and enviable — chiefly for their lack of fucks about society's squeamish demands for politeness. This time, they also have tearful monologues that delve into tragic childhoods, personal loss, and domestic violence. Even the kids — who are mostly doe-eyed poppets in danger in the original — are given more, including newfound agency that feels very post-girl boss placating. But sometimes less is more. 

Perhaps the thought was that we needed to know more about these characters to be invested in their struggle. Or perhaps Watkins was determined to prove his remake was more than a superficial redo. But he's answering questions as relevant to this story as, "Gee, how did Han Solo get his name?" The rough strokes of the original film painted a complete picture. These new details feel like a feckless flourish more than they provide newfound depth. Besides, sometimes it's scarier just not to know why. 

James McAvoy's casting was a mistake from day one.  Paddy (James McAvoy) and Ciara (Aisling Franciosi) in "Speak No Evil." Credit: Universal Studios

It's not that McAvoy isn't up to the task of playing a brash yet enchanting baddie. It's actually the opposite. He's done this so effectively in films like Split, Filth, and Glass that his very presence telegraphs the thriller's dark turn. And Blumhouse knows it, as their Speak No Evil's marketing poster centers squarely on the Scottish actor's mug, smiling menacingly. 

In the original film, a scorching score over mundane moments warned of danger. But Fedja van Huêt, who thrillingly portrayed the predatory Patrick, wasn't immediately alarming. In fact, he often deflated conflict by being willfully silly or jarringly vulnerable, jolting his captive comrade out of fear of violence. McAvoy, who's bulked up in this role with his beefy arms bursting from a snug tank top, isn't able to let off the gas, even when he's following Patrick's path beat-for-beat. In the original, it's uncomfortable yet funny when van Huêt sings female-led pop to defuse a situation. But when McAvoy does it, his intensity makes the bit feel like a dare rather than a tactic. He's just creepy. And this makes it harder to settle into the empathetic terror of "but for the grace of God go I." 

Speak No Evil for Americans means coddling the audience.  Agnes Dalton (Alix West Lefler), Ben Dalton (Scoot McNairy), and Louise Dalton (Mackenzie Davis) in "Speak No Evil." Credit: Universal Studios

American horror thrives on convention. Horror fans line up for franchises so they can see Michael Myers rise again and again, logic be damned. We relish the twisted safety we have watching a familiar cliche play out. When the open door is shut and there's a knife-wielding killer behind it, we might jump in fright — but we also feel comforted by having seen it coming. On some level, these movies that play by convention satisfy us by subtly promising that we'd fare better than the fools being slaughtered on screen. 

The original Speak No Evil didn't play by these rules. There'd be no hint dropped about a good improvised weapon should the need arise. No dialogue hinted that this unassuming couple is secretly prepared to turn Final Girl +1. The new Speak No Evil does play this game, and in doing so pulls the remake away from its psychological thriller roots and firmly into slasher terrain in a final act that is very, very different from its source and the ending that still makes me shiver. 

SEE ALSO: We need to talk about 'Speak No Evil's twisted ending

It's a damn shame. This Speak No Evil is surprising in all the wrong ways. Yes, it's competently constructed and earnestly performed. But ultimately, Watkins (and Blumhouse) pull the punches of the original, presumably so Americans can maintain a smug pleasure in horror formulas. The filmmakers' assumption about their audiences seems to be that they need motivations and plot points spelled out. So not only are we given increasingly tedious monologues, but also an insert shot, plucked from the original, hammered home by a finger in frame literally pointing to the key detail. "DO YOU GET IT, NOW?!" The shot seems to scream. 

More than this low expectation of audience comprehension, this Speak No Evil suggests American audiences cannot imagine feeling truly powerless — or perhaps don't want to. (The Saw franchise, now 10 films deep, scoffs at this assumption.) That is the ultimate horror of the original Speak No Evil. What if that pivotal life or death moment came, and you couldn't live up to Hollywood's popular fight-back fantasy? Tafdrup chased that fear to a bone-chilling and graphic climax that takes no prisoners. Watkins didn't dare.

For his version, Watkins has gussied up a convoluted action sequence to coddle American exceptionalism. Ironically, he does this by cutting the original's most horrific scenes and in their place offering underwhelming substitutions, like swapping a rare porterhouse steak for a bit of soggy cardboard. Of course, if you've never savored the blood and bite of a steak, this processed remake will probably serve just fine. 

Speak No Evil opens in theaters Sept. 13.

Sony finally announces the PS5 Pro, including release date and preorder details

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 11:32

Are you ready to add onto your credit card debt?

You better be, because the PS5 Pro is real and it's expensive. Sony finally lifted the curtain off the upgraded mid-gen PS5 console with a short video hosted by PlayStation hardware guru Mark Cerny. Put simply, it's just a more powerful PS5. It will play all of the same games, but some of them will look and run better on it.

It launches on Nov. 7 for $699 (yes, $699) and does not come with a disc drive or a vertical stand. Preorders begin on Sept. 26.

SEE ALSO: PlayStation shuts down 'Concord' two weeks after launch

Cerny's video was relatively quick and to the point, outlining some of the more nerdy technical details before showing off how some games look on PS5 Pro. It's got a larger GPU, more advanced ray tracing, and AI upscaling capabilities that can bring higher resolutions and frame rates to games. Cerny showed The Last of Us Part II Remastered running at 60 frames per second on the game's "Graphics Mode" option, which would run at 30FPS on a PS5.

Cerny seemed to imply that multiple games will be able to boost 30FPS modes up to 60FPS, which would indeed be huge. Having to choose between graphics modes on PS5 games has become increasingly difficult as games become more advanced and the compromises on one end or the other become more extreme. Black Myth: Wukong, for example, looks amazing on PS5, but its 30FPS mode is wildly unstable and its 60FPS mode has substantial input delay. If a PS5 Pro could fix that, it may go a long way.

But $700 for a console with no disc drive will be a tough sell for a lot of people, especially those who thought $500 for the OG PS5 was asking a lot. We'll see how many people choose to take the plunge come November.

Save up to 30% on Nespresso coffee machines this week and fuel up for fall

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 11:11

Several Nespresso coffee makers are on sale for up to 30% off at Amazon as of Sept. 10. Here are some of our favorites:

Best Nespresso deals at Amazon Best overall deal Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ (Mango Yellow) $99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal Best Nespresso machine bundle under $250 Nespresso Vertuo coffee machine with Aeroccino3 milk frother $230.99 at Amazon (save $38.96) Get Deal Best Nespresso machine for cafe-style drinks De'Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima (White) $349.16 at Amazon (save $149.84) Get Deal

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the dark mornings of fall and winter are just a few weeks away.

If you're looking for something to help with those dreary mornings, Amazon has several Nespresso coffee makers on sale during the week of Sept. 10 that'll save you up to 30%.

Ordering a pumpkin spice latte every day from your local coffee shop can add up quickly. A Nespresso machine can prove to be an efficient and low-maintenance way to make a pretty great cup of coffee (or cappuccino, latte, mocha, etc.) for a lot less.

Nespresso machines can come with a steep initial cost, but thanks to this week's sale prices at Amazon, we're seeing some sweet discounts (up at $150 off) that have us perked up. Here are some of our top picks.

Best espresso machine deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Our pick: Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ (Mango Yellow) $99.00 at Amazon
$129.00 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

For just $99, the adorable Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ in the Mango Yellow colorway can be sitting on your kitchen counter, brightening up dark mornings with both coffee and a pop of color. The $99 sale price at Amazon is a 23% discount off the usual price of $129. The smaller design of the machine can be perfect if you're short on countertop space or live in an apartment.

The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ has five size coffee cup size options to choose from and a removable 25-ounce water tank that's placed on the side, so it's easier to remove and refill. The machine also comes with a Nespresso coffee capsule tasting pack, so you'll have a few to get started and can choose your favorite. But you'll want to hop on this deal quickly since it's a limited time deal offered by Amazon, which means it could sell out.

Best Nespresso machine bundle under $250 Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Our pick: Nespresso Vertuo coffee machine with Aeroccino3 milk frother $230.99 at Amazon
$269.95 Save $38.96 Get Deal Why we like it

If your favorite drink is a caramel cappuccino or a pumpkin spice latte, today's deal on the Nespresso Vertuo coffee machine with Aeroccino3 milk frother is ideal, especially since it's on sale at Amazon for $230.99, a 14% discount off the normal price of $269.95.

Choose between a five-ounce, eight-ounce, single, or double, then become your own at-home barista thanks to the Aeroccino3 milk frother. With an eight-ounce capacity, the frother means you'll be able to whip up a latte, cappuccino, or mocha with the press of a button. Plus, it can produce cold foam for those warm summer mornings. Instead of dropping $7 or more on your favorite barista-style drink every day, grab this bundle and save.

Best Nespresso machine for cafe-style drinks Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Our pick: De'Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima (White) $349.16 at Amazon
$499.00 Save $149.84 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're looking for ultimate ease and automation when it comes to making your favorite coffee drink, check out the De'Longhi Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima on sale at Amazon for just $349.16. To score this 30% discount, you'll need to grab the white colorway of this machine. With the touch of a button, you'll be able to make a cappuccino, latte macchiato, and foam milk for your own creations.

Choose between six coffee and espresso sizes on the Nespresso Vertuo Lattissima, and you'll be well on your way to replicating any drink you'd find in a coffee house at a fraction of the cost. The machine also comes with a large-capacity 57-ounce water reservoir, which means you won't need to refill it every day, adding to the convenience of making coffee at home.

'Hacks' co-creator Paul W. Downs reveals what has made the show successful

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 11:11
Paul W. Downs breaks down the elements of the show that has truly separated 'Hacks' from other shows about comedy.

How much the average OnlyFans creator made in 2023 vs. the owner

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 11:09

Creator platform OnlyFans is hailed as a profitable side hustle — but how much do creators really make?

Variety did the math. Last week, OnlyFans parent company Fenix International released its UK regulatory filing for most of 2023 (up until the end of November), where it laid out its financial statements. The report reveals that the number of creator accounts grew 29 percent in 2023, from around 3.2 million to 4.1 million. Number of fan accounts (those who buy content) grew 28 percent as well, from around 239,000 to 305,000 between 2022 and 2023.

SEE ALSO: Diary of an OnlyFans queen at AVN

Gross payments made on OnlyFans, meanwhile, grew one billion dollars in the same time frame, from $5.6 to 6.6 billion. Gross means it's subject to taxes, refunds, and deferred income, so Variety estimated that creators netted $5.32 billion. Given that there are over four million creators on the platform, that means the average yearly payout is around $1,300 per creator. This includes everyone, from creators who are inactive to creators who make millions every year on the platform.

As the filing states, creators keep 80 percent of all payments made by fans. The platform keeps $1 out of every $4 a creator makes. From 2022 to 2023, OnlyFans revenue increased by $217 million, from $1.09 billion to $1.3 billion, according to the document. Profit before tax in 2023 was $658 million. Dividends (distribution of profit to shareholders) of $472 million were paid from Fenix to its only shareholder: OnlyFans owner Leonid Radvinsky, according to The Telegraph. That means that Radvinsky made $472 million last year (at least in disclosed dividends), while the average OF creator made $1,300.

While non-adult creators can be on OnlyFans, the platform is known for NSFW content. While the filing doesn't say this explicitly, Fenix did report that "The media content on OnlyFans.com can only be shared or accessed by registered users who are over 18 years old and who have successfully completed the Creator or Fan onboarding process."

Netflix's 'It's What's Inside' trailer teases a mind-bending party game gone horribly wrong

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 11:00
Netflix has dropped its trailer for Greg Jardin's sci-fi/horror about a party game where friends swap bodies with one another.

Tired of casual dates? Try the best dating apps for serious relationships in 2024

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 10:58

In 2024, dating app fatigue is real, and frankly, who can blame folks? Popular apps are starting to look (and function) more and more like copies of each other, and people have even sued the apps for being more concerned with getting users addicted to swiping than helping them find love.

With the current state of things, it may feel like the "best dating apps for serious relationships" is an oxymoron, but hear us out — Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge aren't your only options (even though we think they still have their merits!). Even if you're dealing with serious dating app burnout, using the app that's the best fit for you might just help you along your journey to find your person.

So, are dating apps worth it?

Even using the right app for you still may bring moments of uncertainty and frustration — you're dating after all — but finding the app with the features that most align with your style of dating, and what type of partnership you're looking for can absolutely still make online dating worth it.

SEE ALSO: The dating app glossary: The A to Z of terms you need to know

According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, nearly 44 percent of adults say they use dating apps to find a long-term partner rather than just casual dating or hookups. This survey also found that one in 10 partnered adults met their current partner through a dating app. So, even if you've yet to find that magical, swoon-worthy connection, the statistics show that it's definitely possible to find true love through online dating. Some of our own writers and editors have even found lasting love on these apps.

With that said, if you've been on the apps for a while and find yourself dealing with some serious burnout, it's always fair to take some time off, and come back to it when you feel ready — our guide will be here for you then. Even the best app can feel exceptionally tedious when you simply don't have the energy.

Which dating app is best for serious relationships?

There are so many dating apps, but not all of them are created equal when it comes to finding a serious, committed relationship.

SEE ALSO: How to use Bumble, and is it better than Tinder?

Some free dating apps are better suited for casual flings or hookups (e.g., Tinder, Grindr, etc.), while others have matching algorithms and profile features specifically designed to help users find meaningful connections (e.g., eharmony, OkCupid, Hinge, and Coffee Meets Bagel).

The good news is that we've done the research (and hands-on testing) to figure out which apps work best for long-term relationships, and Match Group isn't the only player in the game. Plus, all of these platforms are available via Google Play and the App Store, so having an Android or iPhone won't limit your options. Some of the old-school dating sites still maintain a desktop version as well.

To find your match, here are the best dating apps for serious relationships in 2024:

Amazon deal of the day: Snag a Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ at a record-low price

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 10:55
Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Sept. 10: OUR TOP PICK Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ (256GB, WiFi) $699.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal BEST KIDS DEAL Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet $139.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal BEST HEADPHONES DEAL Apple AirPods Max $399 at Amazon (save $150) Get Deal BEST SMARTWATCH DEAL Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth) $297.68 at Amazon (save $132.31) Get Deal BEST BEAUTY DEAL Shark SmoothStyle with storage bag $79.99 at Amazon (save $40) Get Deal

The deals are definitely dealing at Amazon this week, y'all. Between Apple's "Glowtime" event triggering price drops of older gadgets, Amazon discounting its own gadgets just because, and Samsung simply trying to keep up, we've been dealt a handful of epic deals on Sept. 10.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these are in your realm, check back at yesterday's picks that are still live.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ (256GB, WiFi) $699.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal

Samsung's latest and greatest tablet just got its biggest discount to date. As of Sept. 10, the 256GB, WiFi model of the Galaxy Tab S9+ is on sale for only $699.99 instead of $999.99. That's 30% in savings and its lowest price on record. It comes as no surprise, however, as rumors are floating around that the new S10 series is expected to drop next month. The S9 series debuted last August and it's still an impressive purchase. It features the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, a new Dynamic AMOLED 2X 12.4-inch display, and an IP68 water- and dust-proof rating (a first for the Galaxy Tab S). And our friends at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) dubbed it a "great alternative to the iPad Pro, especially for Windows users."

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet $139.99 at Amazon
$189.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Designed for 6- to 12-year-olds, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro is our favorite tablet for kids. It features a 10.1-inch 1080p full HD display, 3GB of RAM, a lighter design, up to 13 hours of battery life, and is 25 percent faster than the previous generation. And, of course, like other Amazon tablets for kids, its durable case (with a built-in kickstand) can withstand all kinds of adventures and mishaps. Your purchase unlocks a free year of Amazon Kids+ as well, which offers access to over 20,000 books, games, and educational apps. Save 26% as of Sept. 10 and pick up the tablet on sale for just $139.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max $399.00 at Amazon
$549.00 Save $150.00 Get Deal

A tale as old as time: Apple announces a new product and the old one goes on sale. Yesterday, at the brand's "Glowtime" event, a new version of the AirPods Max was announced (they swapped the Lightning port for a USB-C port). Hence, the old ones are back down to just $399 at Amazon. While definitely overpriced on a regular day, Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder insists that they "sound amazing, look good, and play nice with Apple gadgetry." With this 27% discount, we're more inclined to grab a pair — although, this price only applies to the pink version as of Sept. 10.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth) $297.68 at Amazon
$429.99 Save $132.31 Get Deal

July's Galaxy Unpacked event announced the Galaxy Watch 7, which is good news for anyone looking for a Galaxy Watch 6. The 47mm Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is now down to a record-low $297.68 at Amazon as of Sept. 10. That's 31% in savings. The Classic model still offers the same suite of features as the Watch 6, including a nuanced breakdown of sleep habits, sleep coaching, personalized heart rate zones, irregular heart rate notifications, and a 20 percent larger display. Where it differs is its "deluxe design that brings back the beloved rotating bezel," as our friends at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) noted in their review.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark SmoothStyle with storage bag $79.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

Basically a fancier version of the Revlon One-Step, the Shark SmoothStyle serves as a round hot air brush that can dry and style your hair in one go. Unlike the One-Step, however, it offers specific "Wet Hair" and "Dry Hair" modes to style your hair without frying it. Plus, the ceramic-coated plates add some extra protection for your precious strands. It usually goes for $100, but you can get the SmoothStyle and a storage bag (a $119.99 value total) for just $79.99 as of Sept. 10.

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

These dating apps are best for bisexual people looking for love

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 10:53

The bisexual community has an inside joke describing what it's like to date as a bi person: People think it means double the options and double the fun, but it really just means double the rejection (sad trombone sound effect).

You have to be able to laugh at self-deprecating jokes like this if you're a member of the Lonely Hearts Club, regardless of whether you're diving into the straight or gay dating scene. But bisexual people do face extra roadblocks in the dating world.

Online dating absolutely sucks for everyone, but the fact that there's only a single bisexual dating site that caters specifically to this community (and even then, we're kind of iffy about it) means many folks are frequently swiping on people who don't take bisexuality seriously. In 2024, that shouldn't be the reality.

There's [an] issue of bi people feeling invisible when they're deemed too "straight passing," which can often happen in queer spaces. This kind of invalidation contributes to many bisexual folks' struggles of not feeling queer enough.

The "B" in LGBTQ+ makes up 50 percent of the queer community, according to data from the Human Rights Campaign, but it's also one of the least-acknowledged letters in the acronym. What makes the bisexual dating landscape — especially the online one — so tricky to maneuver?

Before we get into the best dating apps for bisexuals, let's tackle this question for a sec.

Bisexuality is hyper-sexualized on heteronormative apps

Something bisexual women are all too familiar with when navigating online dating is the concept — one as old as time — of men being straight-up creeps. It's like heterosexual men can't seem to grasp that bisexuality is not a green light to ask a woman how many girls she's been with or if she likes men or women better. Such comments, especially from absolute strangers online, are disconcerting at best and threatening at worst.

Megan, a 23-year-old woman from Virginia, told us via Facebook that she couldn't even count the number of gross (slash ignorant) messages she'd received from men in reference to writing "bi" in her Tinder bio. "There were times when they would be like, 'Oh, you never seemed gay in high school' or whatever, because gay is obviously a personality trait 🙃," she said. "Like my sexuality wasn’t a real thing, or it was just a fetish to these people."

On most dating apps, there are a lot of couples only looking for bi women to hook up with. We aren't saying that threesomes are wrong, but let's not assume that every bi person is dreaming of hooking up with you and your beau. You'd think the user base on queer dating apps would be more enlightened than on comparatively heteronormative apps, but that's not always the case.

Catfishing is also an issue bi folks have to grapple with. Some men have such a rabid obsession with queer women that they'll sign up for a dating site as a woman just to see an all-women swiping field. It's a total privacy breach and certainly doesn't boost your willingness to meet up with someone IRL. That's why the best dating sites require some form of Facebook or ID verification these days; in the case of Tinder, built-in background checks are (thankfully) now a mainstay feature of the app.

Queer dating apps aren't always inviting, either

Does "gold star lesbian" sound familiar to you? Not everyone sees the label as a positive, despite its cheerful-sounding name. It refers to lesbians who have never slept with a man. Countless bisexual women have reported being ghosted after disclosing that they have been with a guy before, and even on the best dating apps for bisexual women, profiles with "gold stars only" in the bio have popped up.

Then there's the issue of bi people feeling invisible when they're deemed too "straight passing," which can often happen in queer spaces. This kind of invalidation contributes to many bisexual folks' struggles of not feeling queer enough.

This feels a lot like the impossible Goldilocks principle, doesn't it, of being too much and never enough?

SEE ALSO: Bisexuality and the anxiety of not feeling 'queer enough' Why you might still want to put "bi" in your dating app bio

Adding those two simple letters to your bio may draw unwanted attention, and it's going to be a pain in the ass. But in the long run, it also acts as an asshole filter to weed out people who try to put sexual orientation into a box.

Just think about it: Would you want your partner to think that being bisexual is just a pit stop on the road to being a "full-blown gay"? Of course not. Then there's the old stereotype that bisexuality means you want to bang anything that moves. The easiest way to ensure that you won't be left heartbroken over someone rejecting or questioning your sexuality is to let them know how you identify from the jump. You deserve the very best, which means only those people who accept you as you are.

With all of this in mind — and it's a lot to keep in mind — we wanted to review the best bi dating apps. We can't promise you'll never have a bad experience on these (indeed, mishaps are all but guaranteed when you brave dating apps), but we believe these particular apps give bisexual men, women, and non-binary folks the very best shot at finding a compatible partner.

Watch Sebastian Stan become Donald Trump in 'The Apprentice' trailer

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 10:20
Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong star as Donald Trump and Roy Cohn in Ali Abbasi's Trump biopic "The Apprentice."

Huawei Mate XT: The tri-folding phone that truly turns into a tablet

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 10:12

On Monday, in the shadow of Apple's iPhone event, Huawei unveiled a new smartphone, and it's probably the most interesting phone we've seen in years.

Called the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Edition, it's a tri-folding phone (the world's first, Huawei claims), which effortlessly turns from a very normal-looking smartphone to a decently-sized tablet.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: What are the differences?

More precisely, the 6.4-inch OLED display can turn into a 7.9-inch OLED display if you unfold it once, and if you unfold it fully, it becomes a 10.2-inch tablet with a 2,232 x 3,184 pixel resolution.

Tweet may have been deleted

There's really no obvious caveat here. The bezels on this thing are very thin, the display looks crisp, with barely visible folding creases, and even the thickness of the device when fully folded isn't that bad, with the Mate XT being only 12.8 millimeters thick. For comparison, Apple's iPhone 16 Pro Max is 8.25 millimeters thick, which is obviously better, but the difference is not that vast as to immediately dismiss the Huawei phone as too fat for real-life use.

This will get people talking. Credit: Huawei

The rest of the specs are pretty impressive, too. The phone is powered by a Kirin 9 chipset and has a triple, 50/12/12-megapixel rear camera, an 8-megapixel selfie camera, 16GB of RAM, 256/512/1,024GB of storage, and a massive, 5,600mAh battery.

We would never stop folding and unfolding this thing. Credit: Huawei

Obviously, the phone won't be very attractive to most customers outside of China, as it comes without Google services due to the Huawei trade ban in the U.S. It doesn't really matter as it's extremely unlikely that the phone will ever reach the U.S.

The starting price is 19,999 CNY ($2,810), which isn't cheap, but to be fair, there aren't any other options if you want a tri-folding phone.

Why you need a VPN

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 09:25
From keeping your browsing activities on the down-low to streaming content from another country, using a VPN comes with plenty of perks.

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: What are the differences?

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 08:30

This iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max face-off will help you get a better understanding of how Apple's newest release compares to its predecessor.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max sports a swanky new ultrawide camera, a fancy new Camera Control button, and a gigantic display, but is it really all that different from the iPhone 15 Pro Max? Let's do a deep-dive comparative analysis to find out.

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2024: Everything announced, including iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10 iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max price

On Apple's official website, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has a starting price of $1,199 and it comes with the following:

  • A18 Pro processor

  • 8GB of RAM

  • 256GB of storage

  • 6.9-inch display

When the iPhone 15 Pro Max debuted last year, it, too, had a starting price of $1,199 with the following specs:

  • A17 Pro processor

  • 8GB of RAM

  • 256GB of storage

  • 6.7-inch display

If you want to bump up your storage, it'll cost you extra for both models.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max $1,199.00 at Apple.com
Get Deal Apple - iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB - Blue Titanium (AT&T) $1,199.99 at Best Buy
Get Deal

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max display and design

If you thought the iPhone 15 Pro Max was too big at 6.7 inches, wait 'til you get your hands on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This thing is a phablet (an amalgamation of the words "phone" and "tablet.")

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The new iPhone 16 Pro Max now has a 6.9-inch, 2,868 x 1,320-pixel panel, up from last year's 6.7-inch, 2,796 x 1,290-pixel display.

It's also worth noting that the iPhone 16 Pro Max has ultra-thin bezels, so you're getting a higher screen-to-body ratio on the new-gen model. In other words, you're getting more display real estate on the Phone 16 Pro Max.

Other than that, both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the iPhone 15 Pro Max have the following in common:

  • 1,000-nit panel

  • 2,000 nits peak brightness

  • Ceramic Shield display

  • Always-on display

  • ProMotion (variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz)

  • Dynamic Island

If you prefer a gigantic display, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is your best bet.

It's also worth noting that the iPhone 16 Pro Max has a new "Camera Control" button, too, that can be found on the right side of the chassis.

Both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max offer the following colorways:

  • White Titanium

  • Black Titanium

  • Natural Titanium

However, the iPhone 15 Pro Max also has a Blue Titanium color.

Desert Titanium Credit: Mashable

But that got swapped in favor of Desert Titanium on the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max cameras

In regards to cameras, here are where the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max match:

  • 48MP wide camera

  • 12MP telephoto with 5X optical zoom

  • 12MP selfie camera

However, where they differ is the ultrawide lens. The iPhone 16 Pro Max now has a 48MP utlrawide lens, up from the iPhone 15 Pro Max's 12MP ultrawide lens. As such, your wide-angle pictures and landscape shots should look even more detailed and perform better in low-light environments.

Video recording on an iPhone 16 model Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Also, when it comes to video recording, the iPhone 16 Pro Max supports 4K at 120Hz capture, up from 4K at 60Hz on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max battery life

Apple claims that the iPhone 16 Pro Max has the longest battery life ever on an iPhone. I'm talking about 33 hours of video playback.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is rated for 29 hours of video playback.

Credit: iPhone 15 Pro Max models

However, we'll have to bring it in for in-house testing to really see how long the iPhone 16 Pro Max lasts on a charge. We ran a TikTok rundown with the iPhone 15 Pro Max's display at 50% of brightness, and it lasted 14 hours and 53 minutes on a charge — nearly 15 hours.

We can't help but wonder whether the iPhone 16 Pro Max will beat the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, which lasted an incredible 18 hours and 50 minutes on a charge.

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Audio

According to Apple, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has better "true to life" sound quality, thanks to its improved studio-quality mics.

And unlike the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 16 Pro Max will let you layer audio on top of another in the Voice Notes app.

iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Winner

Let's be honest. Battery life is important to a lot of us. If Apple's 33-hour battery life claim is accurate, it's definitely worth the upgrade.

Plus, I got a chance to play around with the new Camera Control button, and it's definitely another big selling point. Add the bigger 6.9-inch display, and I'm sold.

iPhone 16 Pro Max $1,199.00 at Apple.com
Pre-Order Here

Apple Watch Series 10 hands-on: The perfect case and band combo if you want to look 'old money'

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 08:00

The Apple Watch Series 10 dropped and was announced at the Sept. 9 "Glowtime" event on Monday — and I got a chance to explore the new wearable in all of its titanium glory.

The Apple Watch, quiet as its kept, has become more of a fashion statement for some consumers who couldn't care less about heart-rate monitoring and "closing their rings." From the case finish to the band type, the stylish Apple Watch combos are endless.

However, I'm convinced that, after having a hands-on experience with the Apple Watch Series 10 in person, I've discovered the nirvana of band-and-case combos, particularly for those who want to look more opulent and sophisticated.

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2024: Everything announced, including iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10 Apple Watch Series 10 hands-on

Taking a page out of the iPhone 15 series' playbook, the Apple Watch Series 10 debuted in three new Titanium finishes:

  • Natural Titanium

  • Gold Titanium

  • Slate Titanium

You can also grab three colors in a less-expensive aluminum finish that comes in Silver, Rose Gold, and Jet Black, but why be Adam Sandler when you can be Victoria Beckham?

Gold Titanium finish with Link Bracelet Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

When I saw that Gold Titanium case, man, I was salivating. It's arguably the most stunning finish on an Apple Watch Series 10.

However, I didn't love the Link Bracelet it was paired with. It was unintuitive to unclasp and clip together. (If I purchased this, I'd likely have to ask my partner to help me remove it or put it on.) Plus, it didn't appear to have any micro-adjustment capabilities, so it didn't fit very well.

Apple Watch Series 10 with Link Bracelet Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

But then I saw the Milanese Loop on another Apple Watch Series 10. It captures some of that sophisticated feel of the Link Bracelet, but it's still easy to put on and take off. It's the best of both worlds.

Look at that Milanese Loop. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

As such, Gold Titanium Apple Watch Series 10 + Milanese Loop is the winning combo. I'm telling you.

New speakers

I didn't get to test this unfortunately, but I'm most excited about the Apple Watch Series 10 featuring speakers. In other words, you'll have the ability to listen to podcasts and jam out to tunes directly from your wrist.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

It was as if Apple was listening to me complain about my Apple Watch Series 9. I can't tell you how often I wished that my Apple Watch Series 9 could play some of my favorite jams while going for a jog.

Chances are high that the speakers will likely sound tinny, but I'm OK with that. The trade-off is worth it for the convenience of playing audio on a wrist-bound wearable.

Is Apple Watch Series 10 worth it?

The Apple Watch Series 10 also reportedly features fast charging (80% in 30 minutes), brighter display from more angles, and a new sleep apnea monitor. Interestingly, the new sleep apnea sensor will also be available on the previous-gen Apple Watch Series 9 and the current-gen Apple Watch Ultra 2.

But the one thing I didn't hear from Apple is longer battery life. Similar to the Watch Series 9, the Watch Series 10 will have an 18-hour runtime. As such, I wasn't prompted to upgrade. (One thing I don't love about my Watch Series 9 is the fact that I need to charge it too often.)

However, that new speaker feature is calling my name. And if you're fashion-focused, I'm telling you that the Gold Titanium-and-Milanese-Loop combo screams old money.

But if none of these are particularly compelling to you, feel free to wait until Apple Watch Series 11.

Apple Watch Series 10 $399.00 at Apple.com
Pre-Order Here

Forget the fancy AI stuff, you'll want the iPhone 16 Pro for these 2 key features

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 07:16

Now that Apple's big iPhone 16 and 16 Pro reveal has come and gone, what are your key takeaways?

Yes, we know: A lot of stuff was introduced. Some gadgets that we expected to come, like the Apple Watch Ultra 2, did not happen. There was a lot of talk about Apple Intelligence features, which won't be available at launch. And Apple's top phones, the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, were shown at the very end (the iPhone 16 was unveiled earlier), with focus on advanced videography features that most buyers, I reckon, will rarely use.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro: Here are the biggest differences

It was, in a nutshell, easy to get lost in this event. But after meticulously going through the specs sheets of the new phones, I can see two very big reasons to upgrade to the new iPhone 16 Pro and the 16 Pro Max.

More display, more pixels, less bezel

One is display size. The displays on the new Pro models have gone up 0.2 inches each, while their bezels have shrunk. Now, the iPhone 16 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is truly "max" with a 6.9-inch display.

The bezels are visibly thinner than before, and we're here for it. Credit: Apple

The smaller bezels do make a difference visually, and the added screen real estate is always welcome. Even the resolution on these displays has gone up a little; the iPhone 16 Pro has a 2,622 x 1,206 pixel resolution (up from 2,556 x 1,179 pixels) while the iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 2,868 x 1,320 pixel resolution (up from 2,796 x 1,290 pixels).

It is worth mentioning that the new models are slightly bigger and just a tad heavier than before, but the difference is small enough that most people won't notice.

Big battery boost

The other key feature is still, in part, an unknown, but the numbers on paper are looking good.

Streaming lots of videos on your phone? The new iPhone 16 Pro Max's battery lasts up to 29 hours of video streaming. Credit: Apple

Yes, I'm talking about battery life, which got a huge boost on these new models.

Here are Apple's exact figures:

  • Apple iPhone 16 Pro: Up to 27 hours of video playback, up to 22 hours of streamed video playback, and up to 85 hours of audio playback

  • Apple iPhone 15 Pro: Up to 23 hours of video playback, Up to 20 hours of streamed video playback, and up to 75 hours of audio playback

  • Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: Up to 33 hours of video playback, up to 29 hours of streamed video playback, and up to 105 hours of audio playback

  • Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: Up to 29 hours of video playback, up to 25 hours of streamed video playback, and up to 95 hours of audio playback

This is, roughly, a 15 percent increase across the board, which is huge given that the new models have larger displays.

Featured Video For You Apple Event 2024 Recap

Apple says it achieved this with an optimized internal design, which fits bigger batteries, working in tandem with the A18 Pro chip which isn't as power-hungry as its predecessor.

Of course, official specs are one thing, and actual, real-life usage is another. But if these numbers are close to accurate, then this is a battery boost worthy of the "Pro" moniker.

What else?

The new Pro models come with a number of other improvements, such as the new A18 Pro chip, the new, 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera, 4K,120fps, Dolby Vision video recording (also in slow-motion), new Desert Titanium color, and a bunch of Apple Intelligence features which will be slowly rolled out over the next months (unless you're in Europe, where they're delayed until an unspecified time in 2025).

But I reckon that most buyers, when deciding whether they need a new phone, focus on just a couple of big upgrades to justify their purchase. Call me old-fashioned, but for me, it's all about the larger display and the bigger battery.

For everything Apple announced at its Sept. 9 event, Mashable's got a full guide.

iPhone 16 Pro Max hands-on: Its bigger size makes it a 'phablet' at this point

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 07:00

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is pretty much a "phablet" — it's got a larger 6.9-inch screen, up from the iPhone 15 Pro Max's 6.7-inch display. So you can't tell me that the iPhone 16 Pro Max isn't some sort of phone-and-tablet hybrid.

But you know what? I'm not complaining. I've never been in the "Waa! Phones are getting too big" camp. My jean pockets have always been large enough to store my gigantic phones.

Smaller phones are not my jam. (Sorry, but I don't miss you iPhone mini!) A smaller chassis typically means a smaller battery, which often leads to shorter battery life. No thank you! Give me the mega handset with the mega battery runtime.

That being said, I got to experience the iPhone 16 Pro Max in my palm of hands. Is it as unwieldy as it seems?

iPhone 16 Pro Max hands-on

The first thing I wanted to test with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, especially with its new 6.9-inch display, was whether it would feel too large in my hands.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

However, when I picked it up, it was surprisingly comfortable when I clutched it. I was a bit surprised by this. How does it not feel awkward? It doesn't even feel heavy, thanks to its Titanium enclosure.

During the iPhone 16 showcase at Steve Jobs Theater, I couldn't help but gravitate toward the Desert Titanium colorway. Before the "Glowtime" event on Sept. 9 that unveiled the new iPhone 16 series, leakers couldn't seem to agree on Desert Titanium's exact shade.

Some suggested that it's pink, dark gold, and even bronze. However, Desert Titanium is a barely there shade. The best way to describe it? It's as if someone dropped a little bit of pink in a bucket of beige paint.

iPhone 16 Pro Max in Desert Titanium Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

As such, Desert Titanium is less camel and more sand when it comes to its hue. (The iPhone 16 Pro Max also comes in White Titanium, Black Titanium, and Natural Titanium.)

iPhone 16 Pro Max 'Camera Control' button

Surprisingly, Apple didn't reserve the new Camera Control button for the iPhone 16 Pro models. (Apple usually keeps all the cool new features for the upper-tier phones.)

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Masbale

I tried the Camera Control button on both the entry-level iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models, and as you’d expect, the former is naturally a little easier to handle because the 6.1-inch phone is lighter and more compact than the 6.9-inch device.

However, using the Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 Pro Max was still manageable.

(I did a separate hands-on on the Camera Control button; read it to see why I believe the video capture option could be better.)

Less bezels, more screen real estate

The iPhone 16 Pro Max also has ultra-thin bezels. In other words, the frame around the phone has slimmed down, giving you a higher screen-to-body ratio. I've never been someone who really cared much about slim bezels, but I see the appeal.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

However, if Apple wants to create a distraction-free experience with the display, I wonder if the Dynamic Island will see its way out soon. I've always been indifferent to that glorified notch feature. Sure, the animations that tell you what your phone is up to are pretty cool, but honestly, if Apple removed the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 17 series, I wouldn't miss it much.

What I'm most excited for, however, is the fact that the iPhone 16 Pro Max may have some incredible battery life. More than anything, I value long runtimes and power efficiency. I can't wait to test this bad boy and see how long it lasts on a charge.

Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max worth it?

Some other new features that the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers include a new 48MP utlrawide camera (so your landscape shots and other wide-angle pictures should turn out better than ever) and 4K video shooting at 120Hz.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max also has improved sound quality, too, as well as the ability to layer audio over another in Voice Notes.

These are exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro models, but unless you just want to have the latest and greatest iPhone just to show off, most people won't really benefit from the aforementioned perks.

You'd just be fine with the iPhone 16, particularly since it has the Camera Control button.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199 via Apple's official online store.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable iPhone 16 Pro Max $1,199.00
Pre-Order Here

'Girls Will Be Girls' trailer teases a tale of teen awakening

Tue, 09/10/2024 - 06:53
Director Shuchi Talati's Sundance hit "Girls Will Be Girls" is finally coming to cinemas. Watch the trailer.

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