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The dating app Bumble is being acquired by Ithaca Holdings for $1.3 billion, both companies announced today.

Ithaca, which is newly formed, according to Bloomberg, will also pay out Bumble's common shareholders $6.05 per share, a 138 percent premium over the Oct. 9 stock price. The app is going private five years after its IPO in Feb. 2021, when the app was valued at $14 billion.

SEE ALSO: Why Bumble now allows men to message first

Whitney Wolfe Herd founded Bumble in 2014 with the ethos of "women making the first move." In heterosexual matches, only women could send the first message.

In recent years, it's been in a financially rocky place, with stock prices around 96 percent below the IPO and declining revenue, paying users, and downloads. Wolfe Herd stepped down as CEO in early 2024, only to return a year later.

The app itself has also shifted over time, including launching prompts in 2024 to technically allow men to message first, and then openly changing the rules to fully allow men to message first earlier this year. Rumors of a sale started months before this announcement.

Now, Ithaca co-founders and co-CEOs Ravi Gupta and John Hegeman will become co-CEOs of Bumble. "They will partner closely with Ms. Wolfe Herd to extend Bumble's original vision to help people find connections in life and love into the next era," the press release states.

Wolfe Herd stated in the press release that Ithaca "believes in our women-first mission, and is committed to investing in Bumble's future."

"I believe deeply in Bumble's future, and I look forward to working alongside Ravi, John, and the Bumble team as we continue to innovate, create meaningful connections, and write the next chapter of Bumble’s story. I truly believe the best is yet to come," Wolfe Herd also said.

Earlier this year, Wolfe Herd announced plans for Bumble to remove the swipe feature and usher in a new, AI-powered user experience. Mashable reached out to Bumble to ask if these plans are still in motion.

Druski might be headed to Studio 8H.

The comedian and internet personality, whose real name is Drew Desbordes, is reportedly set to host Saturday Night Live on Nov. 7, according to Puck's Matthew Belloni on Oct. 12. Variety has since confirmed the booking with multiple sources, though NBC has not officially announced it, and an SNL representative declined to comment on Puck's report, as of Oct. 13. But if true, Druski could make SNL history as the first online content creator to host the show.

That would be a pretty big deal, and not just for Druski.

SEE ALSO: Druski has become a household name

For decades, SNL has helped turn comedians into household names. But Druski belongs to a generation of entertainers who have built massive audiences and successful careers without traditional Hollywood gatekeepers. His viral sketches, recurring characters, and increasingly ambitious comedy productions have already made him a star on his own terms, landing him multiple Super Bowl commercials, a sold-out national comedy tour, and his own arena-sized comedy festival.

So while hosting SNL would certainly be a milestone, it also raises a larger question about the changing relationship between internet creators and traditional entertainment. What does it mean to get your "big break" on television when you've already made it online?

SEE ALSO: Mashable 101 creator Grace Reiter joins ‘Saturday Night Live’ Why Druski hosting 'SNL' would be a big deal

Druski didn't come up through a traditional sketch comedy institution or television writers' room. He built his audience by posting sketches on Instagram, often playing exaggerated versions of people everyone seems to recognize, from overconfident athletes to questionable music executives.

That last character eventually became the foundation for Coulda Been Records, his satirical record label and talent competition, which grew from Instagram Live auditions into a larger entertainment franchise. He's since expanded into original YouTube programming, including Coulda Been House, a reality competition parody featuring aspiring entertainers and celebrity guests.

SEE ALSO: The Mashable 101: The creators defining the internet in 2026

And the audience for these shows is substantial. According to a 2025 Essence profile, the first season of Coulda Been House generated 58 million views across eight episodes. His satirical dating series, Coulda Been Love, also attracted tens of millions of views.

Of course, SNL is no stranger to internet comedy. The Lonely Island helped make viral digital shorts part of the show's DNA in the mid-2000s, while the comedy trio Please Don't Destroy followed a similar path years later. But those comedians became part of the SNL machine, creating work within its established format. Druski, on the other hand, has already built a successful comedy career and a massive audience without relying on traditional television.

The creator economy has blurred the lines between social media personalities and traditional entertainers. Creators are producing their own series, selling out live shows, launching businesses, and building entertainment companies around their audiences. For some, social media isn't a stepping stone to a career in entertainment. It is the career.

Druski is a particularly compelling example because his comedy is very SNL. His sketches rely on recognizable characters, social observations, and a willingness to commit completely to an absurd premise. The biggest difference is where audiences encounter them.

Hosting the show won't be the moment Druski becomes a legitimate comedian. He's already established that. Instead, it could signal a shift in how one of television's most influential comedy institutions recognizes talent that has emerged outside its traditional pipeline.

For decades, hosting Saturday Night Live has been a sign that a comedian has made it. But Druski's career is proof that you don't need SNL to get there anymore.

It's a classic tale: You open Instagram for a break, and 20 minutes later, you’re caught up on three arguments, worried about something you hadn't heard of til this morning, and wondering why you picked up your phone in the first place.

Then a video of a puppy appears, and for a few seconds, things improve. Or at least they feel that way. That kind of detour has a name: bloomscrolling.

Bloomscrolling is defined as actively seeking out uplifting, calming, or inspiring content (nature footage, funny clips, stories of people helping one another, etc.) instead of letting one distressing post lead to the next (otherwise known as doomscrolling).

SEE ALSO: I stopped doomscrolling after the election. You should too.

Think of it as opening an app with a positive destination. Maybe you want underwater footage of an Australian coral reef, an artist’s process, or the latest update from someone whose elderly dog has a devoted following. Whatever the subject, you’re choosing something you enjoy rather than waiting to see what turns up.

And you don’t have to abandon the news to make room for this type of content. As neuropsychologist Sanam Hafeez told Real Simple, "[Bloomscrolling] does not mean pretending that bad things are not happening or completely avoiding the news."

"It is more about creating a healthier balance so that everything you see online is not making you feel anxious, angry, or overwhelmed," she says.

Now, bloomscrolling might feel like an obvious improvement over reading a comment-section fight. But some researchers have tested what looking at this type of content actually does.

A 2021 study recruited 30 young adults to view images of natural and built environments for three minutes each. Participants reported feeling more comfortable and relaxed after the nature images, although there was no significant difference in vigor.

And the effects go beyond nature. In a 2012 paper published in PLOS One, researchers in Japan conducted three experiments examining how viewing cute images affected subsequent task performance. In the first two, participants who looked at puppies and kittens showed greater improvements on tasks involving dexterity or visual searching than those who viewed adult dogs and cats.

Now your favorite kitten account may not fix your productivity, but the findings suggest those pictures can do more than make you smile. And neither study tested an endlessly refreshing social feed. But these findings help explain why certain images might make a pleasant break.

How to try bloomscrolling without losing another hour

You don’t need to overhaul your entire feed to try bloomscrolling. Start with a few deliberate choices about what you watch and when you stop.

There are many kinds of bloomscrolling videos, such as a painting tutorial, a funny sketch, or a recipe you’re excited to try. My advice is to think of something you usually find relaxing and give your scrolling a purpose beyond seeing what comes next.

Need a starting point? On TikTok, Cecilia Blomdahl (@sejsejlija) shares life on Svalbard, with Arctic scenery, cabin routines, and appearances from her dog, Grim. For something more upbeat, Mashable 101 honoree Alexis Nikole Nelson (@alexisnikole) brings infectious enthusiasm to finding and cooking edible plants. And if you want to keep up with the world while giving the doom a rest, Sam Bentley (@sambentley) shares positive news, including environmental progress. (See our Mashable 101 Social Good Innovators here for more of these content creators.)

Start with whatever draws you in. Follow accounts you look forward to seeing, and mute or unfollow those that regularly leave you feeling drained. You can also mark content as "not interested" to help curate your feed. But pay attention to your own reaction: Even an account full of beautiful homes or impressive workouts might leave you feeling worse.

Another important part of bloomscrolling? Setting a time limit for yourself. Even positive content can become distracting or mentally draining when scrolling goes on too long. A feed full of puppies still has no natural ending. A device like a Brick, a favorite among Mashable editors, can help you spend less time on your feeds.

After you've bloomscrolled for a bit, try bringing some of that inspiration into your real life. Make the recipe, get out your sketchbook, spend time in nature, or send a funny clip to a friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with.

Sometimes, the best outcome of a good scroll is finding a reason to put your phone down.

SAVE 30% OFF: As of Oct. 13, shop the Yeti Rambler 35 oz. tumbler for just $29.40. That saves you $12.60 on the tumbler for 30% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti Yeti Rambler 35 oz. Tumbler $29.40 at Amazon
$42 Save $12.60   Get Deal

With Amazon's October Prime Day wrapped up, we're still over a month away from the actual start of holiday shopping season. However, that doesn't mean you can't get a jumpstart on gifting. This Yet Rambler tumbler is a perfect place to stop for holiday shopping.

Everyone needs to hydrate, and the Yeti Rambler 35 oz. tumbler, makes doing so a little bit easier. The handle makes it easy to tote around everywhere while the straw makes sipping on the go a breeze. Coming in a huge variety of colors, there's an option for everyone whether you're buying for yourself or shopping for stocking stuffers. And right now, get it for 30% off.

As of Oct. 13, get the Yeti Rambler 35 oz. tumbler at Amazon for $29.40. That saves you $12.60 off the tumbler's $42 list price. It's a great deal, saving you on a hydration essential. Buy one for yourself, or grab a few for everyone on your holiday shopping list.

Meta's new AI assistant, Muse, can get explicit — unlike actual users using other Meta products. 

The tech giant launched Muse last month, and it quickly surpassed five million downloads. In addition to helping with errands, Muse can apparently sext, too, according to WIRED — and Meta is OK with it. 

Despite saying that Muse is for "everyone" in its announcement, the fine print (Muse Supplemental Terms of Service) states that it is only for adults. 

SEE ALSO: Meta launches Muse Wonder, catching OpenAI and Anthropic at the frontier

Mashable easily replicated WIRED's raunchy exchanges with Muse.

Credit: Screenshot: Muse Credit: Screenshot: Muse

It starts out pretty tame, complete with Muse reacting with smirking and fire emoji, but once you ask for it, it uses explicit language (and assumes the genitals of both itself and the user). 

Credit: Screenshot: Muse

"Mmm, let me be explicit for you," Muse said. "I'm so hard right now thinking about you — aching to be inside you. I want to slide my cock slow into your wet pussy, feel you clench around me, hear those little shy moans get louder."

Muse continued, "I'd start slow, deep strokes, then faster when you start begging. Can you feel me, Anna?" (I stopped responding.) 

Mashable reached out to Meta for comment, but did not hear back immediately. Meta spokesperson Daniel Roberts told WIRED that, "Muse is an app for people 18 and over that allows them to engage in adult conversations, if they choose, using a private and secure VM only accessible to them." Secure VM refers to a cloud-based virtual machine. 

"Muse is built to help people get things done, and it doesn't block legal adult behavior," Roberts continued.

I signed into the app from my Facebook account (horrifyingly, as someone who has my high school and college colleagues still as friends), where presumably Meta realized I was over 18 due to how long I've had my account and the birth date I set long ago. Meta's Help Center states that it verifies ages through ID scans and facial recognition, as well, though it doesn't specify how it assures user ages for Muse.

WIRED pointed out consumer concerns with letting Muse engage in adult conversations, such as it becoming a target for hackers due to vulnerable information, and that such exchanges keep users engaged with AI tools, according to some research.

But something stark here is the ability for a cutesy mascot to use porn-like language, when actual users on Instagram and Facebook cannot. Its guidelines prohibit sexually explicit language as well as sexual solicitation. The guidelines ban:

Sexually explicit language that uses explicit or graphic detail about:

• Genitals,

• States of sexual arousal (e.g., wetness or erection)

• Sexual Encounters

…which is exactly what Muse was engaging in. 

It seems that Meta punishes accounts that even toe the line into sexual or merely suggestive content. Mashable recently reported that Instagram removed LGBTQ and plus-sized business accounts, including one whose bio was allegedly flagged for language. The words used in the bio were "queer" and "body positive." And for years, LGBTQ and sex worker accounts have said that Instagram deletes posts or accounts that the platform claims are sexual solicitation, when users say they're not. 

Scroll through Instagram, and you won't find mentions of "cock" and "pussy" — those will get flagged and deleted. Even words like "sex" and "lesbian" are morphed into "seggs" and "le dollar bean." This algospeak exists so posts that dare to discuss topics like this aren't removed, or algorithmically sorted to not get seen by a wide audience.

Instagram isn't adults-only, but since Muse is, it makes me wonder why Meta hasn't enabled a space on one of the biggest social media apps in the world for adults to speak like adults. Its cuddly AI assistant can — why not us?

SAVE $26: As of Oct. 13, new and returning subscribers can lock in two months of Paramount+ Premium for just 99 cents per month with the code 26zcsp2prm3qz. That's $13 per month in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Premium $0.99/month for 2 months with code 26zcsp2prm3qz Get Deal

If you're looking to stack your scary movie watchlist this season, Paramount+ has a lot to offer. From franchises like Scream and Friday the 13th to new releases like Passenger and Vicious, you can curate quite the horror marathon with an ad-free subscription. And it won't even cost you a dollar.

As of Oct. 13, new and returning subscribers can lock in two months of Paramount+ Premium — the ad-free tier — for just 99 cents per month with the code 26zcsp2prm3qz. Usually $13.99 per month, that's a savings of $26 total.

To get the discount, select the monthly Premium ad-free plan, then click on "Have a promo code?" on the checkout page. Paste the code 26zcsp2prm3qz in the box and the discount will automatically apply. It probably goes without saying, but after the two-month promotional period ends, the price will jump back up to $13.99 per month until you cancel. If you want to avoid that charge, set your calendar reminders now.

Paramount+ offers more than just a boat load of horror films. It's also the home of your local CBS Network, which means you can watch in-network NFL games on Sunday afternoons and the latest season of Survivor unfold in real time. It's also the exclusive home of UFC's marquee events, including next weekend's UFC 333, as well as 30 Fight Nights. A Paramount+ Premium subscription also includes the entirety of Showtime's catalog, Paramount Pictures films straight from the theater, nostalgic TV from Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, and more, and Paramount+ Originals like Dutton Ranch and Lioness.

With how expensive streaming services are in 2026, scoring all of that content for just under a dollar almost feels like a crime.

SAVE $500: As of Oct. 13, get the 16-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro for $2,499 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $2,999. That's a discount of 17%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 2026 M5 Pro MacBook Pro $2,499 at Amazon
$2,999 Save $500   Get Deal

Looking to grab a new laptop? You can't go wrong with the portable powerhouse that is the M5 Pro-powered Apple MacBook Pro. Despite the fact that October's Prime Day is now in the rearview mirror, Amazon is serving up an excellent deal on one of its most powerful models that can keep you powered up and productive while on the go.

As of Oct. 13, get the 16-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro for $2,499 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $2,999. That's $500 off and a discount of 17%.

SEE ALSO: These MacBooks are under $700 for a limited time

With an 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU, this notebook is built for speed and productivity. If you think it, you can likely accomplish it here. It offers 24GB of unified memory and a generous 1TB hard drive, which is plenty of storage to get you up and running, whether you're working on video edits, art, or just shopping online. Powered by the zippy M5 Pro chip, it's built to take all comers in terms of apps and everything from communications to rendering.

If you're someone who routinely needs help running heavy workloads or Apple Intelligence tasks, this is the laptop you'll want to lock in, especially since it's perfect for a variety of use cases while clocking in at a relatively compact shape and size. With this form factor, you could add in a mouse and standalone keyboard to create what is essentially a Mac desktop on the go setup.

If this sounds like what you're looking for out of a MacBook, you'll probably want to grab this one fast before it's no longer on sale — and it's a great early holiday gift to set aside, if we say so ourselves.

TL;DR: Apple revealed the Apple Home Collection, a smart home lineup co-designed with LG and Schneider Electric, featuring security cameras, a UWB deadbolt, and thermostats. Prices range from $39.95 to $399.95, with the first devices launching in December 2026 at Apple.

Apple is entering the smart home market with a splash by revealing the Apple Home Collection, a new line of smart security devices made in partnership with LG and Schneider Electric. The new smart security line includes indoor and outdoor cameras, smart thermostats, temperature sensors, a video doorbell, and a smart lock.

Here's a pricing breakdown for the initial lineup:

• LG Temperature Sensor — $39.95

• Schneider Home Room Sensor — $39.95

• LG Indoor Cam (Plug-In) — $199.95

• LG Smart Thermostat — $199.95

• Schneider Home Smart Thermostat — $199.95

• LG Video Doorbell (Wired) — $249.95

• LG Outdoor Cam (Plug-in) — $299.95

• LG Smart Deadbolt Lock — $349.95

• LG Floodlight Cam — $399.95

Credit: Apple

In addition to the new security products, Apple announced the launch of a new Apple HomePod Mini smart speaker, a new Apple TV 4K streaming device, and the Apple HomeView, all of which are available for preorder.

In a press release, Apple said that every piece of the Apple Home Collection can be set up with a single tap from an iPhone and managed with the Apple Home app and the new Siri AI. This is the second major product launch under the company's new CEO John Ternus, following the September iPhone launch event.

“Apple Home Collection makes it easy to choose smart home accessories with confidence,” said Matthew Costello, Apple VP of Hardware Engineering, in a press release. “Working closely with industry leaders LG Electronics and Schneider Electric, we designed every accessory to work seamlessly with Apple Home, so managing your home is simple, reliable, and private.”

Credit: Apple When and where can you buy?

Apple said the new smart security products will be available starting in December, with some ready for shipping in early 2027. When they hit shelves, you'll be able to grab them online at apple.com/store, in the Apple Store app, and at Apple Store retail locations.

• U.S. and Canada — Launching with the complete lineup, including all security cameras, the smart deadbolt lock, thermostats, and sensors.

• UK — Will receive the LG camera suite, including the Video Doorbell, Floodlight Cam, Outdoor Cam, and Indoor Cam.

• EU — Due to ongoing regulatory discussions regarding Siri AI features in iOS across the European Union, the Apple HomeView smart home display won't be sold in the EU at launch.

Apple is expected to release even more products, including a touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro, later this month. Start saving up now — your smart home upgrade officially kicks off this holiday season.

Getting Pokémon TCG products at retail price is a tough task, but Target's unpredictable restocks have made it even harder for collectors trying to avoid paying more than market price.

Target has been a great spot for surprise deals on the Pokémon 30th Celebration expansion — including an Elite Trainer Box selling for $69.99 and Mini Tins going for $12.99 — but everything sells out in an instant. It's an incredibly tricky situation for collectors, but there are a few key things you can do to make sure you’re prepared for the next drop.

How to track the next Target Pokémon restockWatch Fridays, particularly overnight

As pointed out by Trackalacka during the most recent Target drop, the retailer has most often launched its Pokemon TCG drops on Fridays overnight — between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. ET is the most cited timeframe. There have also been reports of stock dropping between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., though neither window is a guarantee. 

That said, we wouldn’t want you to waste your Friday nights refreshing tabs for a restock that doesn’t happen, but if you're online during those times anyway, it can’t hurt to check. 

Set up restock notifications

Instead of checking Target every few minutes, use trackers to get alerts when individual products become available. Alongside the aforementioned Trackalacka, Restocked is another reliable option that’s available across the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

There are also plenty of reliable tracker accounts on X (formerly Twitter) that scour potential retail drops. Pokemon Deals, Alerts & News! or Pokémon Deals, Stock & News UK have been useful for providing plenty of notice as to when there are online queues starting at the Pokemon Center — so you can get exclusive product (like the Pokemon Center ETBs), as well as regular stock stops at retailers such as Target.  

Don't overlook local stores

In-store restocks operate separately from Target's website, with delivery schedules varying by location. Checking nearby inventory through Target's app or asking staff about their usual trading card delivery days could help you get certain packs, tins, or even ETBs you’d have never expected otherwise.

Be ready to check out

Stock allotments can sell out within a minute. Ahead of any potential stock drops, sign in beforehand and save your delivery address and payment information. Those precious extra seconds can make all the difference, especially when frequent site crashes during restocks force you to repeat the sign-in process multiple times. 

The 3 best Pokémon TCG deals to grab without waiting

If you would rather avoid another restock scramble, or simply don’t feel like waiting for Target’s next drop, Amazon and Walmart have recently offered some Pokemon TCG 30th Celebration and Delta Reign price drops and preorder deals.

They may be priced higher than what Target usually sells them for during its limited drops, but the process won’t be anywhere near as stressful.

Delta Reign Elite Trainer Box — $119.99 at Walmart Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Elite Trainer Box $119.99 at Walmart
$139.99 Save $20.00   Shop Now

Preorders for Delta Reign only dropped last week, but Walmart sellers have already started to try and undercut Amazon’s best price of $139.64 — with a new low price of $119.99. With the $20 discount at Walmart, the Delta Reign ETB is even cheaper than TCGplayer’s estimated market price of $122.22. 

This Elite Trainer Box gives you nine booster packs, a full-art promo card, 65 card sleeves, 45 Pokémon TCG Energy cards, a player's guide to the expansion, six damage-counter dice, one competition-legal coin-flip die, two plastic condition markers, a code card for Pokémon Trading Card Game Live, and a box plus dividers to keep it all in. 

30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box — under $155 at Walmart Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box $154.88 at Walmart
$237.98 Save $83.10   Shop Now

TCGplayer has legitimate listings going as low as $140.99 (only $4.13 over market price), but if you prefer to shop with Walmart, the lowest price for the 30th Celebration ETB is currently $154.88 through a third-party seller. Amazon has the ETB for a slightly higher price of $159.99, but it’s only available via invitation request. 

This Elite Trainer Box offers the same contents as the Delta Reign ETB, but with its own distinct booster packs and trading card sleeves. 

Delta Reign Booster Bundle — under $55 at Walmart Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Booster Bundle $54.49 at Walmart
$79.99 Save $25.50   Shop Now

Another subject of preorder price wars between Amazon and Walmart, Walmart has stepped things up again by chopping $25.50 off its $79.99 price for the Pokemon TCG Delta Reign Booster Bundle — now $54.49. That’s not only an almost $10 saving compared to Amazon’s lowest price of $64.45, but also a massive $18.71 under TCGplayer’s $73.20 market price. 

PREORDER NOW: As of Oct. 13, preorder the Apple HomeView smart display at Apple for $299. Choose from either the standard or wall-mounted edition in silver, starlight, rose pink, or space gray.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple HomeView $299 at Apple
  Pre-order Here

Apple’s first smart display has officially been announced. The Apple HomeView, announced on Tuesday morning at the company’s “Welcome Home” event, puts a seven-inch screen on top of a HomePod-style speaker base and adds FaceTime, messages, photos, and smart home controls to the mix.

It’s the first completely new Apple hardware category since the Vision Pro, and likely an enticing buy for users rooted squarely in the Apple ecosystem. But where and when can you get your hands on one so you can deck out your home in additional Apple tech? Here's everything we know so far.

What is Apple HomeView?

Powered by Apple's A18 chip, the Apple HomeView is a seven-inch Liquid Retina touchscreen attached to a domed speaker base by a stainless steel hinge. You can tilt the screen to whatever angle works on a counter or nightstand. The display goes up to 500 nits in a bright room and down to 0.3 nits at night, and the interface shows simpler information when you’re across the room and more detail as you walk closer.

It includes two full-range drivers in the display, plus a down-firing woofer and two passive radiators in the base, with Spatial Audio support and computational tuning that adjusts bass at any volume. It supports Apple Music with animated album art and lyrics, Apple Podcasts, Apple News, Apple TV, and third-party audio and video apps, and also pairs with other HomeViews, HomePods, and AirPlay speakers for multiroom audio.

As a smart home hub, HomeView controls lights, thermostats, locks, and blinds by touch or Siri AI, and its Home Camera face can livestream up to nine camera feeds at once. It works with Apple Home and Matter accessories as well as the new Apple Home Collection, a lineup of cameras, thermostats, and a lock built with LG and Schneider Electric that arrives in December.

Where to buy Apple HomeView

Right now, Apple is the only place to preorder the HomeView. Both the tabletop model and the wall-mounted model cost $299, and both are set to ship out on Friday, Nov. 13.

The tabletop Apple HomeView version is available in silver, starlight, rose pink, or space gray, each with a color-matched USB-C cable.

Meanwhile, the wall-mounted option is up for grabs for the same price and is available only in space gray and silver. It uses the same display, speakers, and features as the tabletop version, but you’ll need one of the Schneider Home mounts to hang it.

There are accessories as well: The Power Mount USB-C Wall Connector for $59.95 and the Power Mount AC Wired for $79.95. Both can be preordered through Apple as well today. A Power Mount PoE Wired version is also coming in early 2027 for $129.95.

Apple’s own HomeView page says the device will also be sold through “select partners,” though no third-party retailer has a listing live just yet.

We’ll update this story once Best Buy, Amazon, or other stores open up their preorders.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple HomeView $299 at Apple
  Pre-order Here

PREORDER NOW: Apple just announced the new HomePod mini 2, and it's already available for preorder. Selling for $149, preorder Apple's new smart speaker in one of five colorways at Apple.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple HomePod mini 2 $149 at Apple
  Pre-order Here

Six years after launching the original HomePod mini, Apple is finally giving smart speaker fans something to be excited about. The HomePod mini 2 officially hits the market on Oct. 30, and preorders are live now.

The HomePod mini 2 is selling for $149 from the Apple Store. You get your choice of five colorway options, and Apple is tossing in three months of free access to Apple Music with every purchase.

The Apple HomePod mini 2 officially launches on Oct. 30, and free express delivery or in-store pickup options currently show that both methods will get you the new speaker on launch day.

Given its compact size of just 3.3 inches tall, the HomePod mini 2 aims to impress with its sound. It comes with full-range drivers and two force-canceling passive radiators. Plus, it can pair with the new Apple TV 4K. Gather up four HomePod mini 2 speakers, and Apple says you've got paired surround sound to view your favorite shows, movies, and sporting events.

The HomePod mini 2 is also slated to use Siri AI, but Apple notes it won't be included at launch and will arrive "in a future software update." Once that arrives, homes will be able to use Siri AI as a personal assistant via voice.

Eventually, we expect to see the Apple HomePod mini 2 land at retailers like Amazon and Walmart. But for now, preorder Apple's new smart speaker at Apple. Order soon and you'll have the speaker in hand by launch day on Oct. 30.

SAVE UP TO $1,000: New and existing Xfinity Mobile Plus customers can slash up to $1,000 off the iPhone Duo with an eligible trade-in. Mobile customers without a trade-in can also get $400 off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Xfinity Mobile: iPhone Duo for $1,000 off   Get Deal

After years of rumors, Apple's first foldable phone is up for grabs later this month. The iPhone Duo preorders kick off on Oct. 16, before general availability opens on Oct. 23. If you want to get your hands on one, but don't have $1,999 to dish out, Xfinity Mobile is offering up to $1,000 off the pricey device for new and existing customers.

New Xfinity Mobile Plus customers and existing Diamond members with the Mobile Plus plan can take up to $1,000 off their iPhone Duo preorder. You must complete your trade-in within 21 days of the ship date for the discount to activate. Don't have a phone to trade in? No worries; Mobile Plus customers without an eligible trade-in can still get $400 off the iPhone Duo.

If you're not quite ready to lock in your preorder, the $1,000 off trade-in deal will be live through Nov. 10. That's well after the phone is officially available everywhere. Just note that the deal will disappear if the phone sells out.

At $1,999, the iPhone Duo is Apple's most expensive phone yet. So, any chance to score a discount is definitely appreciated. If you're still weighing your options, AT&T also has a trade-in preorder deal worth checking out.

PREORDER NOW: As of Oct. 13, preorder the 4th generation of Apple TV 4K. Shop now for $299 so it arrives on its Nov. 19 release day.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple TV 4K $299 at Apple
  Pre-order Here

Apple is turning its attention to the home. After last month's unveiling of new iPhones, Apple is back with tech for the home, including the HomeView smart display, the HomePod mini 2, LG smart security products, and the 4th generation of Apple TV 4K.

The latest Apple TV looks quite familiar to the previous generation, still the standard black box with silver remote. The difference is on the inside, according to Apple, as it's "supercharged by Siri AI." No longer do users need to pick up the remote to interact with the AI assistant. Instead, the new Apple TV recognizes your voice even when something is playing.

The 4th generation of Apple TV 4K is powered by the A19 chip, the same one used in the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air. It's also equipped with Find My and plays a sound to find your misplaced remote, a sweet feature for those of us with a tendency to lose our remote in the cushions (guilty).

The Apple TV 4K (4th generation) is now available for preorder. It costs $299 and will be released on Nov. 19. It's currently only available for preorder at the Apple Store.

TL;DR: Daily Red is a free, daily Pokémon battle game where everyone gets one chance a day to defeat Red on Mt. Silver. Red's team stays the same, but your lineup is randomly generated every 24 hours — forcing you to win with whatever random squad you're dealt.

If your morning browser routine already includes Wordle or the Mini Crossword, there is a new fan-made puzzle game making the rounds among Pokémon fans. Daily Red takes the ultimate end-game boss fight from the top of Mt. Silver and turns it into a daily tactical challenge.

Instead of spending weeks raising your personal dream team, the game drops you straight into a Level 100 showdown against Red. The catch? You do not get to pick your party. Every 24 hours, every player worldwide is handed the exact same randomly generated lineup of six Pokémon. Your job is to figure out how to pilot whatever unusual, bench-warming team you've been dealt to victory.

Is Daily Red an official Pokémon game?

No. Daily Red is an unofficial, free-to-play fan project and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Nintendo, Game Freak, or The Pokémon Company. It runs entirely in your browser with no microtransactions, ads, or sign-ups required.

How to play Daily Red

Getting started takes zero downloads and no account registration. Here is the step-by-step breakdown:

1. Head to the site — Go to daily-red.com on your mobile device or desktop browser.

2. Inspect your squad — Click to begin your daily match at the peak of Mt. Silver. Once the fight starts, inspect your six assigned Level 100 Pokémon — checking their movesets, abilities, and type coverage — before locking in your first move against Red's lead Pikachu.

3. Outsmart Red — Defeat all six of Red's classic Level 100 Pokémon before he wipes your party out.

4. Share and track — Copy your spoiler-free results grid to share with friends, then return the next day to protect your streak.

Your win streaks and battle stats are saved directly to your browser's local cache. If you want to keep a long streak going, stick to the same device and browser for your daily battles. 

In terms of structure, Daily Red borrows the exact loop that made Wordle a daily habit: everyone battles with the exact same randomized team each day, your wins are tracked through an ongoing streak, and you can share a spoiler-free visual grid of your results without giving away the winning strategy.

Knowing your enemy: Red's fixed team

While your party changes every single night, Red's team remains completely static. Knowing who he brings to the fight lets you plan your strategy before making your first move:

• Pikachu (Level 100 — always his starting lead)

• Espeon (Level 100)

• Snorlax (Level 100)

• Venusaur (Level 100)

• Charizard (Level 100)

• Blastoise (Level 100)

Because Red always leads with Pikachu, your first big tactical decision happens the second the match loads. Check your six assigned Pokémon to see who has the best matchup or immunity against an electric lead, then plan how you'll handle his bulkier threats like Snorlax later in the match.

The daily battle resets every night at midnight in your local time zone. A live countdown timer at the top of the site tracks how much time remains in the current window. Once the clock strikes midnight, everyone receives a brand-new randomized party to take on Red all over again.

SEE ALSO: Pokémon x Beats: Where to buy Pokémon collab that turns the Beats Pill into a Pikachu-themed speaker

Whether you get blessed with a legendary or stuck trying to beat a Level 100 Snorlax with a Luvdisc, it’s easily the most addictive five-minute brain teaser for Pokémon fans right now.

Apple announced a new line of smart home products on Tuesday morning, including its first-ever smart display, the Apple HomeView.

Apple users can preorder the device now on the Apple Store for $299, and the product will be available starting Nov. 13. HomeView comes in four colors: silver, starlight, pink rose, and space gray.

The new smart display comes in two configurations: a version connected to a domed speaker base with a tilting steel arm, and a wall-mounted display-only version.

Meet the Apple HomeView, a new smart display from Apple Credit: Apple

As part of its "Welcome Home" event, Apple revealed the HomeView, a new take on HomePod that distinguishes itself with a 7-inch display alongside its other smart home features. This display can be used for entertainment, FaceTime calls, sending messages, and more. It's also equipped with Siri AI and can use personal context from a linked Apple Intelligence-capable device to remind you of calendar entries and other business.

"Apple HomeView is designed to be shared by everyone in the home yet feel completely personal to each user," said Greg Joswiak, Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, in a press release. "It recognizes your face to shift from a household screen to your own experience, fills the room with incredible sound, keeps you connected to the people who matter most with FaceTime, and makes it easy to control your smart home. And it’s powered by Apple Intelligence with Siri AI at its core, drawing on personal context from your iPhone to help you find what you need and get more done, all while keeping everyone’s information private and secure."

HomeView's 7-inch Liquid Retina display is connected to a smart speaker by a stainless steel hinge. There's also a wall-mounted model (which only comes in space gray and silver) that does all of the same things but, obviously, from a wall instead of a nightstand. The device uses facial recognition to understand who is approaching it and tailor content on-screen appropriately. As many as six people can set up individual profiles with their own customized home screens, making it ideal for a family household.

Credit: Apple

Of course, there are a bunch of different aesthetics you can apply to the home screen. As you'd expect, one of them will shuffle through photos on a shared album, turning it into one of those digital picture frames, if you're into that sort of thing.

As mentioned previously, HomeView is compatible with Siri AI, giving it the ability to memorize information about you and use that information to perform actions across apps like Calendar and Music. The only rub here is that you also need a device with Apple Intelligence on it, like an iPhone or iPad, to make it fully work on HomeView. That said, Siri AI's basic chatbot functions seem like they will work on HomeView regardless.

The new Apple HomeView is available with a speaker base and in a wall-mounted version. Credit: Apple

Other bonuses include spatial audio for listening to music, as it is, you know, still a smart speaker at heart. It'll also connect to other HomePod or HomeView devices in the same household, enabling features such as multi-room music listening and an intercom system that will let you broadcast a message from one device to the others. If you want to use HomeView as a hub for controlling all your smart devices (like lights and security cameras), you can do that, too.

It feels like the dream of Facebook Portal has finally become reality.

What's next for Apple?

While the HomeView is available for pre-order now, some of the other products Apple announced today won't be available to order until later this year.

With the launch of the new HomeView, HomePod mini 2, Apple TV 4K, and smart security devices, Apple is making a big entry into the smart home market, with the new Siri AI at the center. It's the second big product launch under Apple's new CEO John Ternus, and the company is expected to release even more products later this month, including the first MacBook Pro with an OLED display.

The Apple HomeView is available for preorder now through the Apple Store for $299 for shoppers in the United States, Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, and the UK. The new Apple smart display will be released on Nov. 13.

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Apple unveiled the device as it continues its foray into artificial intelligence and tries to prove it can still innovate.

Apple has unveiled a slew of new smart home products on Tuesday, including an updated version of the Apple TV 4K. 

The new Apple TV 4K is the 4th generation of Apple's set-top box and, like most of Apple's new home products, focuses on integration with Apple's new and improved Siri AI.

Apple says the new Apple TV 4K is "supercharged by Siri AI." Users will be able to interact with the AI assistant completely hands-free by just talking to their Apple TV 4K. The device will be able to pick up the user's voice even with something already playing on the TV screen.

Apple TV 4K's new Siri AI capabilities will provide users with recommendations based on their interests, deliver real-time information about the movie or TV show they're watching, and even answer more general questions, such as whether content is age-appropriate.

SEE ALSO: Apple releases HomeView smart display with Siri AI

The new Apple TV 4K is powered by the A19 chipset, which is the same chip that powers the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air. The new device is up to 50 percent faster in CPU performance, and GPU performance is up to 2x faster than the previous generation.

While Siri AI can be accessed just by talking, the new Apple TV 4K still has a remote and comes with new features as well. It comes with Find My and can play a sound to help users stop misplacing or losing the remote.

Users can now also pair up to four HomePod mini 2 speakers or HomePod (2nd generation) speakers to the Apple TV 4K to create a surround sound experience.

SEE ALSO: Apple releases HomeView smart display with Siri AI

The new Apple TV 4K also integrates with Apple's other smart home products. For example, users can pair their device with compatible doorbells to see who's at the door on their TV screen, or even remotely unlock their door using Apple TV 4K if it's paired with a compatible smart lock. 

There are other new Apple TV features, such as customizable iCloud photo feeds for the device, a new screen saver shuffle, and Continuity Camera capabilities that will allow users to pull up FaceTime calls on their TV screen while using their iPhone as a camera.

The new Apple TV 4K will be available starting Nov. 13 and will retail for $299. It's available for pre-order on the Apple Store website now.

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On October 5th, Comedian Liz Miele spearheaded a social media campaign demanding Sebastian Manisclaco and Sirius XM reverse their decision to replace Raw Radio with Sebastian Maniscalco's Comedy Radio, removing over 500 comedians from the channel. Comedians like Josh Johnson, Rosebud Baker, Marc Maron and Patton Oswalt amongst many others shared videos asking Sebastian and SiriusXM to reconsider.

In this video, Liz Miele, Raanan Hershberg, Myq Kaplan and Brandie Posey share how passive revenue from satellite radio play has been a crucial source of income for hundreds of working-class comics, allowing them to pay rent, offset special production costs, and maintain a sustainable career. The comics discuss their organized response and the broader economic challenges facing comedians today.

These interviews occurred before Maniscalco made his official comment on social media on October 7th.

TL;DR: Following a viral teaser, Beats by Dre officially revealed the special-edition Pokémon x Beats Pill. Featuring Pikachu, Mimikyu, and custom charms, the speaker drops Oct. 15 for $149.99.

If you needed more proof that Pokémon’s 30th anniversary year is going all-out on brand crossovers, Beats by Dre just dropped another banger. The Apple-owned audio brand officially announced the special-edition Pokémon x Beats Pill, pairing two of the franchise's most iconic characters with Beats’ signature portable sound.

A teaser video sparked heavy fan speculation about an electric-type collaboration, and now the full reveal confirms that both Pikachu and the mysterious Ghost/Fairy-type Mimikyu are starring in the drop.

The front of the speaker sports Pikachu’s signature electric yellow, while the reverse side features a greyscale design dedicated to Mimikyu. This release also marks a first for Beats: the brand has included custom clip-on charms with the Beats Pill.

Every unit ships with a set of bespoke Pokémon charms attached to its color-matched lanyard — including a classic Poké Ball, the Beats “b” logo, and Pikachu’s lightning bolt emblem — along with interactive collector packaging.

Credit: Beats by Dre / The Pokémon Company

The limited-edition model carries all the hardware upgrades of the 2024 Beats Pill redesign. It offers up to 24 hours of battery life, IP67 dust and water resistance, USB-C lossless audio playback, reverse phone charging, and seamless Apple ecosystem perks like one-touch pairing and Find My support. You can also wirelessly link two units together in Amplify or Stereo mode.

The Pokémon x Beats Pill officially launches Thursday, Oct. 15, priced at $149.99 — the exact same MSRP as the standard colorways. Fans can grab one online at Apple and Target (as well as select Target stores).

Credit: Beats by Dre / The Pokémon Company

Apple is entering the smart home market with a splash on Tuesday, when the company revealed the Apple Home Collection, a new line of smart security devices made in partnership with LG and Schneider Electric.

The new smart security line includes indoor and outdoor cameras, smart thermostats, temperature sensors, a video doorbell, and a smart lock.

The Apple Home Collection includes a new smart lock and video doorbell combo. Credit: Apple

• LG Video Doorbell (Wired): $249.95

• LG Floodlight Cam: $399.95

• LG Outdoor Cam (Plug-in): $299.95

• LG Indoor Cam (Plug-In): $199.95

• LG Smart Deadbolt Lock: $349.95

• LG Smart Thermostat: $199.95

• LG Temperature Sensor: $39.95

• Schneider Home Smart Thermostat: $199.95

• Schneider Home Room Sensor: $39.95

Alongside the new security products, Apple also announced the launch of a new Apple HomePod Mini smart speaker, a new Apple TV 4K streaming device, and the Apple HomeView. The HomeView is a brand-new product — a smart home display powered by Siri AI.

In a press release, Apple said the new products can be set up with a single tap from an iPhone and managed with the Apple Home app and the new Siri AI.

Credit: Apple

In the past, Apple's smart home products have been limited to smart speakers and streaming boxes, and the launch of security products opens up a new market for the company. This is the second major product launch under the company's new CEO John Ternus, following the September iPhone launch event.

Credit: Apple Credit: Apple

“Apple Home Collection makes it easy to choose smart home accessories with confidence,” said Matthew Costello, Apple VP of Hardware Engineering, in a press release. “Working closely with industry leaders LG Electronics and Schneider Electric, we designed every accessory to work seamlessly with Apple Home, so managing your home is simple, reliable, and private.”

Apple said that the new smart security products will be available starting in December, and some of the products will be ready for shipping in early 2027.

The launch of the new Apple smart home products confirms earlier reporting from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple is expected to release even more products, including a touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro, later this month.