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The tech and e-reader space was abuzz when Boox first announced its tiny e-reader was coming soon. The Boox Picco, which would be the smallest e-reader from Boox with a 3.97-inch screen, was first teased in July. We knew very few details on the pocket-sized e-reader beyond its size and the company's promise it was coming at an "accessible price point." But at IFA 2026 in Berlin, the device finally made its debut with several outlets reporting more details on the new e-reader.

According to reporting by Android Police, the Boox Picco is coming this November. No exact date is provided, but that's just two months away from its reported release date. We'll also have to wait until November to learn its price. Although Good e-Reader has reported the device will cost around $100, the company has not confirmed this.

The biggest development we've learned about the Boox Picco is its operating system. When the Picco was first teased, I expect the device would run on an Android operating system like the rest of Boox's E Ink tablets. That would mean unlike the popular Xteink X3, X4, and X4 Pro e-readers, you could read across a variety of apps including Kindle and Libby. However, the new Boox Picco reportedly runs on a Linux operating system.

A Linux operating system on the Boox Picco would mean a closed system with no access to the Google Play store. That limits what you can read on the device and potentially limits you to only DRM-free books. So if you read primarily through the Kindle or Libby app on a Boox e-reader, you won't be able to do so on the Picco. It will include several built-in apps including image, a Pomodoro timer, reading stats, to do list, and countdown calendar.

As reported by Android Police, the Boox Picco won't have a magnetic attachment to make it compatible with MagSafe devices. It will feature page-turning buttons and all storage will be through a MicroSD. It's also USB-C compatible, a relief to those disappointed by Xteink getting rid of USB-C on its X4 Pro e-reader.

TL;DR: Unveiled at IFA 2026, iRobot introduced its most powerful vacuum-mop combos to date: the Roomba Max 875 Combo ($1,199) and the Roomba Plus 678 Combo ($899). Both feature iRobot's new "SealForce" technology — a mechanical chassis skirt that seals against carpet fibers to stop airflow leakage — paired with heated mopping and AI obstacle avoidance.

Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot Roomba Plus 678 Combo robot + AutoWash dock $899.99 at iRobot
  Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Max 875 Combo robot + AutoWash dock $1,199.99 at iRobot
  Shop Now

For years, robot vacuum brands have kept chasing higher suction specs on paper without much innovation in their actual cleaning performance on carpets. iRobot is taking a different approach with its latest flagship launch. Announced on Sept. 2, the Roomba Max 875 Combo, priced at $1,199, and the Roomba Plus 678 Combo, at $899, do more than just push stronger suction; they alter how the robot makes contact with your floor to tackle deep carpet debris and stubborn, dried-on messes.

Credit: iRobot Credit: iRobot

Instead of letting vacuum airflow escape around the chassis, both models come with SealForce Vacuuming Technology. The moment either robot senses carpet, its chassis automatically lowers a mechanical skirt against the fibers to form an airtight seal. That seal channels 35,000 Pa of suction power (or 30,000 Pa on the Plus 678) directly into the rug, giving its 20 L/s airflow nowhere to escape except straight through the carpet for three times deeper dirt pickup.

SEE ALSO: The best budget robot vacuums to buy in 2026, expert tested at home

The models replace standard flat mop pads with continuously self-cleaning roller mops that scrub using heated water, though they approach dried spills a bit differently:

The Max 875 Combo sprays a warm, fine mist in front of the mop to soften stuck-on messes before scrubbing them away, and it automatically lifts the mop and covers it with a guard to protect your rugs. The Plus 678 Combo uses a strong blast of water to break down sticky spots before wiping them clean, lifting its mop 10 millimeters off the floor when it senses a carpet.

The AutoWash Dock handles all the dirty work, so you won't have to touch a mop pad or dustbin for up to 90 days. It washes the roller with 176 degrees Fahrenheit hot water, dries it with 131 degree heated air to stop mildew, and self-empties debris into a sealed bag. The Max 875 dock even auto-dispenses cleaning solution straight into the tank.

Both models come equipped with ClearView Pro Dual-Line LiDAR for precision mapping and PrecisionVision AI to recognize and avoid more than 300 common household items. They also feature hair-cutting main brushes to prevent pet hair tangles, along with edge-extending brushes that reach up to 45 millimeters into tight corners and along walls.

Both the Roomba Max 875 Combo and Roomba Plus 678 Combo are available to order now.

Andrew Garfield steps into OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's shoes in the first teaser for Luca Guadagnino's Artificial, and the result is foreboding.

The biopic centers on Altman's firing and rehiring from OpenAI in 2023. Based on the teaser, it will also include the creation of the artificial intelligence company and the launch of ChatGPT, with Anora's Yura Borisov playing OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever and Ike Barinholtz playing Elon Musk, also a cofounder of OpenAI.

SEE ALSO: 'Musk' documentary gets first teaser trailer

"We opened Pandora's box together," Garfield's Altman tells Borisov's Sustkever in the trailer. "The future's inevitable. Countries will fall. Industries are gonna collapse, and we get to be the ones to shepherd people into this new world."

Artificial is just one of many high-profile films that examine powerful tech CEOs set to release this fall. Others include Alex Gibney's Musk, a nearly four hour-long documentary all about the Tesla/SpaceX CEO, as well as Aaron Sorkin's The Social Reckoning, his follow-up to The Social Network starring Jeremy Strong as Mark Zuckerberg. However, Artificial almost didn't get a release at all. Its original distributor, Amazon MGM, dropped the film in June, months after signing a multi-year partnership with OpenAI. Artificial was then picked up by Neon, and is set to premiere at the New York Film Festival.

Artificial also stars Monica Barbaro as Mira Murati, former CTO of OpenAI and interim CEO, and Cooper Hoffman as Greg Brockman, current president of OpenAI. Jason Schwartzman, Chris O'Dowd, and Mark Rylance also star.

Artificial hits theaters Dec. 25.

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GET DOUBLE KINDLE POINTS: As of Sep. 8, get double Kindle Points when you buy Kindle books at Amazon, today only.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Double Kindle Points   Get Deal

Do you love to read? If so, you're likely already a proud Kindle owner. If not, now's a good time to go ahead and pick one up, especially if you also want to grab a few great books on the platform. Amazon is sweetening the deal for anyone who wants a starter collection of digital books or to add to their cache of digital books by doubling the Kindle Points you can earn from each purchase of a digital book.

As of Sep. 8, you can get double Kindle Points when you buy Kindle books at Amazon. That means today only, you'll get 6 points per dollar you spend on Kindle books and 1 point per dollar spent on print books.

SEE ALSO: I tested all of Amazon's e-readers, and this is the best Kindle to buy

You can also complete bonus offers to earn additional points as usual. Then, redeem your points for Kindle book rewards, with $3 awarded for every 300 points. The double Kindle points incentive lasts through midnight PDT, so if you're looking to rack up plenty of points, now's the time to do so.

So if you've had your eye on a certain book collection, that means you'll essentially be getting paid for making a purchase you were otherwise going to make. This is one way to stretch your dollars when it comes to Amazon's popular e-reader, in addition to all the other ways you can get the most out of your Kindle.

If you're looking to get some more reading done, now's the time to do it, especially since you can turn around and put those points you've earned to good use for future discounts. We love when shopping pays you back.

Nintendo just showed off a bunch of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2. Let's talk about it.

In a special Nintendo Direct on Tuesday morning, the company took about half an hour to discuss the 40th anniversary of the venerable Legend of Zelda series. There was a little bit of info about the upcoming live-action movie, but most of it was dedicated to the new Ocarina of Time remake.

Here are the main things we learned from the presentation.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo announces Nintendo Direct events for Sept. 8 and 9: How to watch, what to expect The Zelda movie has a title

First, Nintendo shared a very tiny bit of news about the upcoming live-action movie, coming out on April 30, 2027. It's simply called The Legend of Zelda. That's it. No subtitle.

Series creator Shigeru Miyamoto said the title would make sense once we see the movie. I'm guessing there's no subtitle because they plan on making sequels. We'll see!

Ocarina of Time is the same game with new visuals and some gameplay changes Credit: Nintendo

Series producer Eiji Aonuma gave us a pretty detailed gameplay walkthrough of an early section of the Ocarina remake. It answered most of the pressing questions we had about it.

Namely, it appears to be a pretty faithful remake in the sense that area maps and puzzle solutions seem identical to the original. Aonuma walked around Kokiri Forest, the game's starting area, fought some enemies, and solved a couple of puzzles in the Great Deku Tree, the game's first dungeon. All of that worked basically the same as it did in 1998, as far as I could tell.

There are some notable differences, of course. Visually, the new Ocarina looks much more like a modern video game, with more realistic material textures and water. Characters have some of that on them, too, but for the most part, they look relatively faithful to how they looked in the original. Link's outfit has some more texture on it, which is kind of strange, but NPCs look about how I expected them to look.

I don't hate the way it looks, but some people will. That's fine!

The developers also made some small but meaningful gameplay changes. There's now a jump button, as opposed to Link automatically jumping when you approach a ledge in the original. That approach worked great in 1998, but I get why they changed it; it was too easy to accidentally jump when you didn't want to, and the Switch 2 controller's layout is more conducive to having a jump button than the N64 controller's was.

You can also sprint, which negates the need to somersault everywhere. I'm going to miss that, personally, but again, I get it. This version of the game is for people who got into the series with more recent entries that had sprint buttons. As a fun sidenote, when you play the titular ocarina in the game, you can now hum notes into the built-in microphone instead of pressing buttons. There's also a playable ocarina accessory coming separately that works with the game. That's very, very silly.

Oh yeah, cutscenes have full voice acting now. It's TBD on whether or not that's a good thing.

We know the release date for Ocarina of Time now

Oh yeah, there's also the matter of when the game actually comes out. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2 launches on Nov. 5, just a couple of weeks before Grand Theft Auto VI. That'd be a bold gambit for any company other than Nintendo, but I have a feeling Ocarina will do just fine.

There's a special Switch 2 console for the game This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

On Oct. 29, Nintendo is also releasing a new Switch 2 console and Pro Controller, both themed after the game. They have neat Triforce designs all over them. Unfortunately, now that the Switch 2 got a recent price hike, you'll have to pay $500 for the console.

SAVE OVER $30: As of Sept. 8, the Soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid ANC Headphones are down to $39.97 at Amazon. That is a 43% discount, saving you $30.02 off their regular $69.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Soundcore by Anker Q20i Headphones $39.97 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $30.02   Get Deal

As of Sept. 8, Amazon has marked down the Soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid ANC Headphones to just $39.97 — a 43% discount off their original $69.99 list price. These headphones use four built-in microphones to actively block out background noise — eliminating up to 90% of outside rumble — so you can focus on your music or podcasts without turning the volume all the way up.

Inside the earcups, 40mm audio drivers deliver warm, clear sound with deep bass that gives your playlists plenty of kick. Battery life is a massive highlight here: you get a full 40 hours of playtime with active noise cancellation turned on, or up to 60 hours in standard mode.

If you forget to charge them before heading out, plugging them in for just 5 minutes gets you an extra 4 hours of juice. They also pair with two devices at the same time over Bluetooth, so you can stay connected to your laptop and phone simultaneously and automatically switch over when a call comes in.

If you need to hear traffic or traffic announcements on your commute, toggling to Transparency Mode lets outside sound pass through without needing to pull the headphones off. You can also use the Soundcore app to tweak the sound settings to your exact liking or pick from pre-set audio profiles.

Lock in the Soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid ANC Headphones at $39.97 on Amazon while supplies last.

SAVE $82.99: The Sony WH-CH720N headphones are on sale at Amazon for $97, down from the list price of $179.99. That's a 46% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH720N headphones $97 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $82.99   Get Deal

Not saying that a piece of tech can be lifechanging, but a solid pair of headphones can feel like like it. From drowning out noise on public transportation to listening to an audiobook while on the treadmill, headphones are with us for much of the day in our modern era. If the pair you've been wearing could be better, there's a great deal in store today.

As of Sept. 8, the Sony WH-CH720N headphones are on sale for $97, down from the list price of $179.99. That works out to a 46% discount that takes $82.99 off the price.

Sony just announced a slew of new and updated headphones, including the Sony WH-CH730N. But if you're not one to need the very latest tech, snagging a previous model can put you in line for get performance at a fraction of the price. That's 100% true today with the $97 sale price on the black Sony WH-CH720N headphones.

SEE ALSO: Snag Soundcore Sleep A30 Special sleep earbuds for less than $170 at Amazon post-Labor Day — Save $61

A pair of headphones that combine comfort and great sound quality for under $100 is worth getting excited about. Top-of-the-line headphones these days push over $450 (looking at you, Sony XM6 and Apple Airpods Max). If that number feels unappealing, consider the Sony WH-CH720N.

Last year, Alex Bracetti's long-term review of the Sony WH-CH720N mentioned they're still one of his top picks after two years of use. While the noise-cancellation isn't as powerful as Sony's top offerings, it's impressive for a mid-range option that's currently on sale for a budget price. Battery life measures up to 50 hours or about 35 hours with ANC which is more than the Apple Airpods Max can say.

Before the sale price vanishes, snag the Sony WH-CH720N headphones while they're under $100 at Amazon. That's nearly 50% off the standard price and a heck of a deal for headphones that are comfortable enough to wear all day.

SAVE $29.99: As of Sep. 8, get the Shark ChillPill for $120 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $149.99. That's a discount of 20%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Shark ChillPill $120 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $29.99   Get Deal

We may be in the final throes of summer, but the heat still has us in its clutches. If even the thought of going outside makes you sweat, you might want something that can help stave off the high temperatures a bit: the Shark ChillPill. It's back down to a considerably more affordable price, which makes it a great time to buy now.

As of Sep. 8, get the Shark ChillPill for $120 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $149.99. That's $29.99 off and a discount of 20%.

SEE ALSO: You don't need Dyson money to tackle endless pet shedding — grab this cordless Shark pet vacuum for under $170

This sleek and stylish personal fan has 10 speeds and 10 noise levels so you can cool down wherever you are. It also has a misting option in case cooler air just won't do the job. It'll dry almost immediately, so you won't be splashed with water constantly, too. You can wear the fan, attach it to clothing or accessories, or just place it on a table or flat surface to keep you cool while you relax.

While a bit pricey for a personal fan, it's well worth picking up if you're experiencing high temperatures often or work out in the hot weather and need some relief. Mashable's Samantha Mangino reviewed the fan, calling it the most unique take on the personal fan that I've ever encountered." We called it one of our favorite gadgets so far this year as well, which makes it worth checking out.

If you're ready to beat the heat with a cool piece of tech while saving some cash, grab the Shark ChillPill while it's available at a lower price.

Last year, we said the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones were still surprisingly good by 2025 standards, but this year, Sony's done us one better.

For the first time in the history of the WH-1000X line, Sony is updating an older pair of flagship headphones with a second generation: the Sony WH-1000XM4C headphones. Priced at $299.99, these are an alternative to the current $450 XM6 flagships, while offering some upgrades on their older counterpart that bring them firmly into the 2026 market.

Budget-friendly offerings don't stop there. Sony also announced the WH-CH730N headphones, the latest generation of the mid-range line, which will retail for $179.99, and the even more affordable WH-CH530, which goes for $69.99. Both headphones are available for purchase as of Sept. 7. In addition to the standard rollout, Sony will also offer special limited Hello Kitty editions of these two headphones, alongside a Hello Kitty edition for the XM6 headphones.

SEE ALSO: The 12 best headphones of 2026: We tested the top contenders from Sony, Apple, Bose, and Beats

Below, find everything you need to know about all the new Sony launches.

Sony WH-1000XM4C headphones: Price, specs, where to buy The new colorway for the XM4C headphones will only be available at Amazon and Sony's website. Credit: Sony

In the early 2020s, the original Sony XM4 headphones were the headphones on social media. Sony noticed their popularity, particularly among younger users, and thus decided to bring back the magic with the Sony WH-1000XM4C.

At $299.99, they're cheaper than the premium flagship options (which on average are $450), and even $60 less than Bose's new mid-range option.

Noise cancellation-wise, they house the same QN1 processor and four-microphone system as the first-generation headphones, so you can expect the same performance there. However, Sony upped the sound quality with a 10-band equalizer (compared to the first gen's five bands), an updated sound profile, and a gaming equalizer preset. Like the originals, they also feature folding ear cups. They do take a slight battery life hit, offering 27 hours of playback to the first generation's 30 hours.

The headphones will be available later this fall at Sony, Amazon, and Best Buy.

Sony WH-1000XM4C $299.99 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Best Buy Pre-order Here at Sony Sony WH-CH730N: Price, specs, where to buy Mid-range headphones, look out. Credit: Sony

The Sony WH-CH730N sit at a more affordable price point of $179.99. While the noise cancellation and sound quality won't be quite as the same level as Sony's more expensive options, these headphones still pack a punch.

They offer 50 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation on, foldable ear cups for easy portability, custom equalizer settings, and multipoint connection. Plus, for less than $200, they're a pretty solid value. Their predecessor, the WH-CH720N, were a favorite sub-$200 pick of Mashable's.

The WH-CH730N are available as of Sept. 7 at Amazon and Sony in five colorways: black, white, pink, blue, and oat.

Sony WH-CH730N $179.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Sony Sony WH-CH530: Price, specs, where to buy Sony's budget line is all about pops of color. Credit: Sony

Updates reached even Sony's most affordable line of headphones. The Sony WH-CH530 are available as of Sept. 7 for $69.99 at Amazon and Sony.

Mashable has long been a fan of the WH-CH520, which you can often find on sale for $50 or less. Note: these headphones do not come with ANC. The CH-530 improve on the past generation by bumping the 50-hour battery life up to 55 hours, adding a 10-band equalizer and gaming equalizer preset, and adding AI noise reduction to the mic for improved call quality.

The headphones are available in six colors: black, cobalt, white, pink, mint, and coral.

Sony WH-CH530 $69.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Sony Sony x Hello Kitty collab: What to know and where to buy The Sony/Sanrio collab we've been waiting for... Credit: Sony

Sony has one final surprise: For a limited time during the holiday season, Hello Kitty editions of the WH-1000XM6, WH-CH730N, and WH-CH530 will be available, featuring a unique colorway and case design.

These editions aren't available just yet, but you can sign up to be notified as soon as preorder information goes live.

Although there are already real-world examples of jobs being replaced by AI, the jury is still out slightly on the overall impact artificial intelligence will have on the job market — and which jobs could be AI proof.

Responding to an audience question on this exact topic in the behind-the-scenes clip below, Daily Show host Josh Johnson speaks about the technology's creative limitations.

SEE ALSO: Jon Stewart reveals his worst ever 'Daily Show' interview guest

"I'm not necessarily afraid of AI in what I do as far as performance. I think it's been already very well said that, like, the things people do for connection and for real experiences, AI can't replace," says Johnson. "Obviously someone could 'lose' their job to AI, which isn't really true — someone gave your job to AI. Like, the AI didn't come in the room, with legs, you know what I mean?"

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"The thing that AI does to people that I don't feel like anyone talks about, because I think it is embarrassing: Having the entire world of possibility mixed up in the internet for like A and B testing, and for mixing and matching everything that should be copyrighted; Having all of the human history that has been digitized and stolen, only reveals to you how few ideas you really have. You know what I mean?" Johnson continues.

"When you are sitting in front of a thing that's like, this is a text to image AI, right? Type in anything you want, I'll give you an image of it? First five minutes you're probably pumping out stuff that seems funny, fun, I'll show somebody this, whatever. After an hour you're like, 'Oh, I don't know what I would do with this.' But this thing only exists because of the ideas that we have, so it's a vicious cycle that doesn't really go anywhere. And so I think that when the bubble pops, it won't be in some dramatic way where employers are like, 'We're hiring everybody back because we were wrong.' I think it will just quietly be people realising that it is a tool, but it is not a replacement, you know? So I don't worry about it in that way."

TL;DR: Unveiled on the show floor at IFA Berlin 2026, the Noise Master Buds Open combine an ergonomic, clip-on design with "Sound by Bose" audio tuning. Built for people who want solid music performance without blocking out ambient traffic or office chats, these open-ear buds officially roll out in late September 2026.

If you've ever tried running outside or walking through a busy city with heavy active noise cancellation on, you know the struggle: total isolation is great until you almost step in front of a cyclist. That’s where the open-ear trend comes in. Unveiled at IFA Berlin 2026, the Noise Master Buds Open mark the brand's first venture into clip-on, open-ear audio.

Instead of jamming silicon tips inside your ear canal, these rest around your outer ear using a clip. So you get to stream your favorite playlists or take work calls on the go while remaining naturally aware of ambient sounds — whether that’s cars on a busy street, train station announcements, or a coworker asking a question across the room.

Open-ear headphones often face one major critique: they can sound a bit thin because they don't form a tight seal inside your ear canal. To tackle that, Noise partnered directly with audio titan Bose to engineer the acoustic setup.

With Bose handling the sound profile, these buds give you clean, balanced audio without completely tuning out the real world. As Noise cofounder Amit Khatri put it during the reveal, "Open-ear listening is emerging as an important category globally, and we believe consumers should not have to choose between great sound and awareness of their surroundings."

SEE ALSO: Snag Soundcore Sleep A30 Special sleep earbuds for less than $170 at Amazon post-Labor Day — Save $61

This launch rounds out Noise's flagship "Master Series," so they now offer every major style you could want — from traditional in-ear buds to over-ear headphones, and now these open-ear clip-ons. They're built specifically for multi-taskers who need to jump between work calls, playlists, and real-world chats all day without pulling their earbuds out.

The Noise Master Buds Open hit shelves in late September 2026, with official pricing and full specs landing right before launch.

TL;DR: The Samsung 27-inch Odyssey G5 (G50F) QHD gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for $169.99, down from its $279.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 27-Inch Odyssey G5 (G50F) Series QHD Gaming Monitor $169.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $110 Get Deal

Getting into 180Hz gaming doesn't necessarily mean you need to spend OLED-levels of money, especially when one of Samsung's most affordable Odyssey monitors has gotten a huge price cut once again.

As of Sept. 8, the Samsung 27-inch Odyssey G5 (G50F model) is available on Amazon for $169.99 as part of a limited-time deal. That's $110 below its $279.99 list price, which equals a 39 percent savings on the QHD gaming monitor. 

Amazon is handling both the sale and shipping itself, with free delivery showing for Sept. 9 at the time of writing; this new deal is only 99 cents off its lowest-ever price, which Mashable confirmed when checking the price tracker camelcamelcamel. 

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Rather than stretching 1440p across a larger panel, this G50F fits its 2560x1440 resolution into a 27-inch Fast IPS screen. Samsung rates QHD at 1.7 times the pixel density of Full HD, while the panel's 178-degree viewing angle is designed to maintain clear colors across a wider viewing angle. 

With that, you’ll be comfortable no matter what when catching up on single-player games like Crimson Desert or multiplayer hits like Roblox.

What’s more, with the pairing of a 180Hz refresh rate with a 1ms GtG response time, you’ll even be equipped for the most fast-paced games like Fortnite and League of Legends. NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility and AMD FreeSync are included as well, syncing compatible graphics hardware with the display to reduce tearing and choppy-looking frames.

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Gift Bundle is on sale for $158 at Amazon, down from its $199.99 typical price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Gift Bundle $158 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $41.99 Get Deal

The Hobbit’s pricier Gift Bundle has finally taken a big price drop away from its original $200 mark, with Amazon marketplace sellers bringing the trading card game’s Middle-earth collection much closer to $150. 

As of Sept. 8, the Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Gift Bundle can be picked up on Amazon for $158 from third-party seller Scouts Store. Against Amazon’s $199.99 typical price, that works out to $41.99 off, or roughly 21 percent. 

Alternatively, if you want slightly faster delivery, there’s also Amazon’s own $163.60 listing, which is sold and shipped directly by the retailer itself. 

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

There’s quite a bit packed into this titular gift bundle. You’re getting nine 14-card Play Boosters alongside one 15-card Collector Booster, with the latter containing five cards of Rare rarity or higher and a chance at a Headliner Mythic. Altogether, that gives you 10 sealed Hobbit boosters to crack before counting the extras. 

Those extras include an alternate-art Traditional Foil promo, four Surge Foil full-art Seasonal Hobbit lands, 10 full-art Middle-earth Journey lands split between foil and non-foil versions, another 20 basic lands, an oversized Spindown life counter, and a foil storage box. 

It is worth checking elsewhere before buying, though. Walmart currently lists the same Gift Bundle for $130.98, while TCGplayer’s listings are going as low as $121.88 — which is only 18 cents above its $121.70 market price. 

SAVE OVER $30: As of Sept. 8, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is on sale for $49.99 at Amazon. Compared to its full price of $84.99, you're saving $35 with this deal.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $49.99 at Amazon
$84.99 Save $35.00   Get Deal

Amazon's Fire TV Sticks were among many of the company's items that recently saw a price hike, though Labor Day sales have offered a nice opportunity for shoppers to grab them at much lower prices. If you've had your eyes on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, that's still on sale at Amazon, though not for much longer.

As of Sept. 8, shoppers can still pick up the Fire TV Stick 4K Max for $49.99 at the retailer, instead of its newly increased list price of $84.99, though that deal is only available through the rest of today. A countdown timer on the store page shows there's less than 24 hours to act on this offer, so be quick to pick it up and save before the price climbs back up.

SEE ALSO: Thank the AI industry for tech price increases: See the full list

And with so many exciting new shows to stream this fall, it's a perfect time to grab the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, too. This little device supports 4K Ultra HD resolution, alongside Dolby Vision and HDR10+, so you can enjoy bright, vibrant, and detailed picture quality on your screen. To make viewing feel even more immersive, it even supports Dolby Atmos audio, which is a real treat for the ears. And with 16GB of storage, you have plenty of space for your favorite apps.

Alongside its audio and visual capabilities, it supports WiFi 6E, so you can enjoy smoother streaming. Plus, it comes with the Fire TV Ambient Experience, which works a bit like the fancy Samsung The Frame TVs by letting you display art and photos on your screen when you're not watching anything.

The timer is already counting down on this deal, so act fast to save on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max at Amazon before this discount runs out.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

SAVE $50: As of Sept. 8, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are on sale at Amazon for $199, down from their typical $249 list price. That’s a 20% discount on our Mashable Choice award-winning noise-canceling earbuds.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 at Amazon
$249 Save $50   Get Deal

With Apple hiking prices across Macs and iPads lately because of the massive memory chip shortage, finding any Apple deal feels like a huge win. So when Apple's flagship earbuds get a steep price drop right out of the gate, it's worth paying attention to. As of Sept. 8, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are down to $199 at Amazon. That’s a $50 drop from their usual $249 price tag.

The AirPods earned a near-perfect 4.75 rating and a Mashable Choice Award in our testing. Reviewer Adam Doud brought them along to a noisy tech conference in Maui, noting that popping them in created a "personal cone of silence" that completely erased background chatter and ocean waves.

Apple essentially doubled the active noise-cancellation power over the Pro 2s. Unlike cheaper buds that only muffle predictable, steady hums, these do an extraordinary job of shutting down sudden, jarring noises like loud voices.

The Pro 3 features built-in heart rate sensors that log workout metrics directly into your iPhone's Fitness app, live translation capabilities, and five sizes of foam-infused tips for a tighter seal. Battery life gets a huge boost to eight hours on a single charge with ANC on, and while Adam was annoyed by the lack of custom EQ controls in iOS, he loved the default, well-balanced sound profile.

You won't find a better pair of everyday wireless buds for $199 — grab your pair of AirPods Pro 3 at Amazon before stock runs out.

SAVE OVER $60: As of Sept. 8, the Soundcore Sleep A30 Special sleep earbuds are on sale for $168.99 at Amazon. That's $61 off their full price of $229.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Sleep A30 Special by Anker, Sleep Earbuds $168.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $61   Get Deal

Even though Labor Day is behind us, Amazon still has plenty of great deals available to look through right now. Among them is the Soundcore Sleep A30 Special sleep earbuds, which have received a $61 price cut at the retailer. We think these are the "best sleep earbuds available now", according to our review, so this is a great opportunity to grab them before the price goes back up.

As of Sept. 8, that big price cut has brought these sleep earbuds down from $229.99 to $168.99 at the retailer. Every available color is on sale at this price as well, so you can find your favorite between the mist lilac pair, lunar white, or moonlit white. Keep in mind that each of them has a 'limited time deal' tag right now, though, so don't wait too long to make a move on this great deal while it's still available.

SEE ALSO: We found the 7 best noise-cancelling earbuds after extensive testing

If you're in need of a quieter night's sleep, the Soundcore Sleep A30 Special sleep earbuds can assist. With up to 8-10 hours of battery per charge, and up to 5 nights when you use the charging case, these soft silicone earbuds can help reduce sounds around you when you're trying to go to bed. Our review had high praise for them, earning them a Mashable Choice Award, with Mashable's Bethany Allard writing that they're "the best sleep earbuds to get if you need the maximum possible noise cancellation."

Not only are they great for noise cancellation, but they can even track your sleeping patterns. With the help of the companion app, you can check out your sleep duration, positions, and snoring patterns through a daily report. They've even landed in our roundup of the best sleep trackers, earning the spot of 'Best sleep earbuds'.

This deal may not be live for long, so act fast to save on the Soundcore Sleep A30 Special sleep earbuds at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Whenever my friends ask me about the apps, they’re focused on the Big Three: Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge.

While these are all good places to start, they’re not the only apps out there. Take Pure, for example; it’s super niche and super fun. But almost no one in my inner circle knew about it until I told them.

SEE ALSO: Gen Z has a new dating app profile rule, apparently

That’s why I’m writing today’s review: It’s on Hily (short for “hey, I like you"), and I wanted to see if this lesser-known platform deserves a spot on your home screen.

What is Hily?

Hily, despite literally no one I talk to knowing about it, isn’t a new dating app. It officially launched in August 2017, and get this: it used AI to improve its safety features back then! According to a TechCrunch article, the app had 35,000 users during beta testing. By 2019, that number grew to over five million active users.

Now, the app has more than 42 million users (according to the Hily website).

What’s it like to sign up?

I’ll be the first person to tell you that signing up for a dating app is a lot of work (well, if you’re serious about finding someone). There are all the questions, and the thought that goes into crafting a profile worth swiping right on or “liking.”

Fortunately, Hily lets you decide how much you want to spend on your profile. If you’re raring to go, you can fill out the basics and start swiping. Or, if you’re interested in finding your forever person, you can include all the quirky things that make you you through its various questions and profile add-ons.

Here’s a play-by-play of signing up for the Hily dating app.

First, it asks for a few simple details: how you identify (e.g., man, woman, non-binary), who you’re looking for (e.g., man, woman, non-binary), your name (you don’t have to use your full name), your birthdate (you have to be at least 18 to use the app), and how you heard about the app.

It’ll also ask you to enable your location and notifications. I liked that I could skip the notification part, though (I have enough notifications on my phone as it is).

The next set of questions is obviously a little more detailed, but it looks as though you can skip anything you’re uncomfortable answering up to this point. It’s kind of nice that they let you decide how much effort you’re willing to put in — this helps weed out potential partners, too. If their profile is low-effort, what’s their dating etiquette going to look like? (Something to think about!)

SEE ALSO: Putting no effort into your dating app profile is unattractive

It asks for your ethnicity, highest level of education, things you’re passionate about, and favorite movies or TV shows.

When you get to the “Things you’re passionate about” section, you can add up to 12 items to your profile. Examples include what kind of music you like, what you enjoy doing for fun, whether you like sports, and, of course, personal values like self-care and body positivity.

Then, it gets a little Hinge-y. There’s a section that asks for “profile answers.” The app reads: “Share your character with your future matches.” Unlike other apps, you can skip this section if you choose. Though I filled it out because I want all you hopefuls out there to see the process start to finish.

When you click the little plus button, you can choose from multiple profile answers from three categories: About Me, My Dating Guide, and Life Vibes. Some of these answers look very similar to prompts from other apps.

Credit: Hily

You’ll also be asked to add some photos. You can add up to six.

What are you looking for?

After you’ve answered the questions about yourself, the app asks you what you’re looking for in a partner.

The first screen offers:

• Committed relationship

• New friends

• Something casual

• Physical connection

• Going with the flow

You can select two.

The next screen asks, "What vibe are you looking for?" Options include things like “sense of humor” and “emotional availability.”

You can choose three.

Credit: Hily

You’ll also be asked how old your date should be. There’s a sliding scale from 18 to 80. If you want to change this later, you can in the “filters” section.

There’s also a distance filter, which I appreciated. You can slide the scale anywhere from one mile to 200. However, it’s important to know how this filter works: it only controls who you see in the “Finder” swipe deck. Every other user has their own radius, so someone 40 miles away with a wide filter can still find and “like” you, regardless of your distance settings.

Once you fill out that section, you may get hit with the “Roulette.” This is a little wheel that lets you tap the center to earn a perk, like “rollbacks” or a “profile boost.” (I’ll go over these features in a little bit.) These perks are apparently free as long as you use the app every day. So, that’s cool.

It looks like you’ll also get a “feature pack,” which is just a random set of features the app decides to give you after you spin the wheel.

I liked that there was a toggle that said: “Stop showing Roulette at startup.” Other apps (looking at you, eharmony) won’t let you skip these pop-ups.

Now, you’re ready to start browsing!

If you want to add more to your profile, you can.

One of the nicest things about Hily, as I mentioned above, is that it lets you decide how much you reveal about yourself. If you’re good with the pre-set questions and setup, you can move on to browsing, but if you want to add more, you can.

If you go back in to edit or add new photos, you’ll get a little notification that your new photos are “in review” and won’t be available to the public until they’re approved.

You can also add a photo to showcase your top interest (the passions you chose earlier). I chose a photo of the day I took home my late beagle, Biscuit.

How does matching work?

Hily is a swiping app, but there are a few different ways to find a potential match. Also, instead of swiping left/right, you swipe up/down.

Finder

The “Finder” section lets you discover new people, “like” them, or skip them. People here should match your filters (e.g., age, gender, location, etc.).

To learn more about a potential match in “Finder,” all you have to do is scroll up to see their profile details. If you’re into them, you can tap the heart button. If you’re not, click the “X” to skip. You can also send a “Major Crush” to message them immediately.

Discover

The “Discover” tab shows you profiles that Hily thinks you’ll “vibe with” based on what you’re looking for, your filters, and your interests. It’s basically a menu of potential suitors the app thinks you’ll hit it off with, based on the data you’ve shared.

This page updates every day, so there’s always someone new in here. There’s a “Top picks” carousel at the top, followed by a “Shared interests” carousel, and then the last carousel is filled with people who have similar dating goals. There are about 15 profiles total within this tab.

“Likes”

The “Likes” tab shows you everyone who’s already “liked” you.

In my experience, the people in this section aren’t within the location range I chose when I signed up — some were in totally different states! (Again, this is because their search radius reached you, not the other way around.)

The other issue with this section is that sometimes the faces are blurred. This means you’ll need to use an “Unblur” to see them, or you’ll have to purchase a Premium+ plan.

If you don’t want to spend any money (I get it), just go back to the “Finder” to keep searching. You might be able to match with someone from your “likes” list there.

The “Finder” is the best way to match with people for free. Hily usually puts the people who’ve already “liked” you back into your swipe deck. If you “like” them there, it’s an instant match.

What do you get with the paid version vs. the basic free tier?

OK, so here’s where it gets hairy. There are a ton of features, and it’s kind of confusing figuring out what’s what.

In short, free Hily members can browse profiles in “Finder,” use basic filters, and chat with their matches. (So, you don’t have to pay to browse, “like,” or chat!) You’ll also get up to 100 “likes” per day. That said, you’ll have to deal with ads and pay a la carte if you want to use “Unblurs,” “Boosts,” or “Rollbacks.”

Basic filters include search radius, age, gender, showing profiles without photos, and showing only verified profiles.

Paid members get a suite of features, including:

• Compatibility Check: The “Compatibility Check” is a quick test you can take to see how compatible your profile is with potential matches. If they’ve also taken the test, you’ll see a compatibility score on their profile and where you have things in common. The app calls this “Icks & Clicks.” Note: If you decide to end the quiz early, your compatibility score may be off. So be sure to answer all the questions first! I think there were 40 total.

• Personalized Finder and Advanced Filters: While free users get basic age, gender, and distance filters, paid members have access to more advanced filtering options, including height, education, occupation, whether someone has kids, smoking/drinking habits, and even a "nearby search" that's restricted to a 30-mile radius.

• Extra Shows: Think of “extra shows” as extra visibility.

• Incognito Mode: Incognito mode removes your profile from “Finder.” Just note: it’s not a full invisibility cloak. Anyone you “like” or send a Major Crush to will be able to see you, and your existing matches (or anyone who's already interacted with you pre-incognito-mode) are unaffected.

• Remove Ads: Paid members won’t see ads.

Bonus features include:

• Major Crush: The “Major Crush” feature lets you message someone before you even match. It’s kind of like Hinge’s “Match Note.”

• Boost: The “Boost” feature puts your profile front and center, so more people will see you and “like” you.

• Rollback: If you accidentally skip someone you didn’t mean to skip, the “Rollback” feature lets you use the “undo” button to bring them back into your feed.

Hily Premium gives you an ad-free experience, unlocks the advanced filters and incognito mode, and gives you two "Major Crushes" a day, five "Crushes" per day, and five "Rollbacks." Your “likes” are capped at 100 per day, and you won’t get any free “Unblurs” or “Boosts.”

Hily Premium+ gives you unlimited “likes,” two “Unblurs” a day, two “Boosts” a day, five “Major Crushes" a day, 10 “Crushes,” and 10 “Rollbacks.”

How much does Hily cost?

Hily has a weird pricing structure compared to other apps I've tested, but here's the breakdown:

• Premium: One week for $9.99 (I do not see a monthly pricing option for this tier)

• Premium+: One week $14.99 / One month $29.99 / One year $119.99 / Lifetime $199.99

You can also buy "Unblurs" and other features separately or as a bundle. One "Unblur," for example, is $7.99.

Note: These prices are based on the 40 percent discount that's showing in my app. Your app may show different pricing options.

What's it like to use Hily?

In my personal experience, Hily seems to be for the blue-collar crowd. This could be because I'm in a southern beach town, but when I tested Hinge in this same area, the guys weren't as bearded or burly as they are on Hily. Almost every profile I saw was of a bearded, traditionally "masculine" man posing with a fish, deer antlers, a gun, or something like that. And even though I am bi and set my filters as such, I only saw two women (the rest were couples looking for a third) the entire month or so that I tested the app.

Something else that stood out to me is that most of these men had "conservative" listed on their profile, so this could be an OkCupid alternative, maybe for those who are looking for a right-wing crowd. (Again, I live in NC at the moment, so that could definitely be a factor.)

That said, the profiles I saw were definitely honest in every way. The men on here put exactly what they're looking for in their bio, so that's refreshing. Those who were looking for something serious specifically said so.

I think Hily is probably a good option for anyone who's looking for a sexting partner, too. Tons of guys on here are just looking to "swap nudes," and I had more than a few spicy messages come through my chat inbox.

I liked that the Premium+ version let me change my location to France (or wherever else), so there's definitely potential to have your Princess Diaries moment. (A journalist for Business Insider did it, and now she's moving to Europe to be with her forever person — nothing's impossible.)

How does Hily handle safety and security?

Hily has quite a few tools to keep you safe and in control of your inbox:

• Consent Guard: This is easily Hily's best safety tool. Launched in late 2025 to replace their older photo-blurring filter, Consent Guard uses AI to scan incoming messages for explicit text or visuals. If someone tries to send you something spicy (or just straight-up unsolicited nudes), the app pauses the message and asks if you consent to seeing it. It's very similar to Pure's new My Media Rules feature.

• Photo Verification: Users who do a quick photo check to prove they look like their profile pictures get a blue "Verified" badge, so you know you aren't being catfished.

• In-App Video Calling: If you want to vibe-check a match before meeting IRL, Hily lets you start a video call right inside the app so you don't have to give out your phone number. (Though if you do want to take things off the app, I recommend using Signal.)

• Standard Block and Report: If anyone makes you uncomfortable, asks for money, or acts suspiciously, you can tap the three dots in the corner of their profile to instantly block them and report them to Hily's moderation team.

Is Hily worth it?

Overall, I think Hily is worth the download. The free version is generous once you've figured out what all the features mean/can do, and there are plenty of options to show off your personality and interests.

The app has a smaller dating pool than the mainstream apps, but my screen always told me there were 1,400+ men online at any given time. That's a substantial group of suitors to choose from. I also received 1,560 "views" and 868 "Likes" in the month that I tested it. (You can view these stats right in the app.)

However, if you live in a southern town and you're not into the typical southern man, or if you're a bisexual woman, lesbian, trans, or non-binary dater looking for similar partners, you might want to try a different app like HER first.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box is on sale for $115.98 at Amazon, down from its $121.99 typical price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box $115.98 at Amazon
$121.99 Save $6.01   Get Deal

Destined Rivals has become a Pokémon TCG expansion that’s shot up massively in price, the more obscure it's become in favor of newer collections. Still, a new Amazon price drop means you can save slightly more than the market value. 

The Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box is currently $115.98 at Amazon, shaving $6.01 off the retailer’s $121.99 typical price. 

That’s not only cheaper than the $129.99 price we covered for this ETB in August; this one’s also being shipped and sold by Amazon, rather than a third party.

More importantly, $115.98 is now $2.23 below TCGplayer’s $118.21 market price. The trading card selling platform does have these ETB boxes listed for under-market prices as well, but adding $2 shipping brings the total to $118.73. 

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There are nine Destined Rivals booster packs inside the ETB, putting Amazon’s price at roughly $12.89 per pack before factoring in everything else bundled with it. You also get the full-art foil Team Rocket’s Wobbuffet promo, 65 sleeves, 45 Energy cards, seven dice, two condition markers, four dividers, a player’s guide, a storage box, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card. 

Walmart narrowly beats Amazon on sticker price at $115.49, although that listing comes from third-party seller Cataclysm Games and is fulfilled by Walmart. That said, it’s a great go-to if you either want to save as much as possible or if Amazon runs out of stock. 

With those nine packs, you’ve got nine opportunities to pull some of the expansion’s most in-demand chase cards — including SIR Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex, SIR Cynthia’s Garchamp ex, and SIR Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex — currently worth up to $450. However, you can also buy any individual Destined Rivals card now on TCGplayer, if you wish. 

"In a science fiction novel, he would not be the hero."

That's one of the lines of voice-over we hear in the first teaser for Musk, Going Clear filmmaker Alex Gibney's upcoming documentary about the founder of SpaceX and Tesla and the world's richest man.

In the 48 second teaser we hear Elon Musk being described by different people over stock footage of his various endeavours — in just a few short seconds he's referred to as both "one of the greatest builders of all time" and "manifestly cruel and selfish," which gives some indication about where the documentary is headed.

Musk is in theaters this fall.

SAVE $130.99: As of Sept. 8, the Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum (IX141) is on sale for $169 at Amazon, down from its $299.99 list price. That’s a 44% discount on a reliable cordless cleaner for pet hair and daily messes.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Pet Cordless Vacuum $169 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $130.99   Get Deal

If you're still wrestling with a clunky, 15-pound corded vacuum every time your pet leaves a trail of fur across the rug, it's time to cut the cord. As of Sept. 8, the Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum is down to $169 at Amazon. That’s a massive $130.99 discount off its standard $299.99 list price—saving you 44% on a reliable, lightweight cleaner that handles daily messes.

Mashable's Associate Editor, Tim Marcin, called this exact Shark model "a game-changer" for his own household. After years of dragging a heavy corded unit across his apartment to fight dog hair, Tim noted that this cordless stick actually "did a better job without a cord, and at a much lighter weight." Its bristle brushroll digs deep into carpet fibers to yank up stubborn, embedded fur that standard suction heads miss, making it a straightforward, budget-friendly workhorse for high-traffic pet zones.

SEE ALSO: Your giant cat finally has a litter box that fits — HomerunPet has dropped a smart litter box for chonks

The IX141 is built around practical, zero-gimmick features. At 7.5 pounds, it’s light enough to steer under coffee tables, and the front LED headlights point out hidden dust bunnies and stray fur tucked under dark furniture edges. You get up to 40 minutes of runtime per charge in standard mode, and when you need to tackle stairs, couch cushions, or car seats, the main wand pops off to convert it into a lightweight handheld vac.

Emptying it is totally hands-free thanks to a push-button XL dust cup, and when you're done, the handheld unit clips right to the base so the whole thing stands upright in a closet without needing to drill a wall mount.

Grab the Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum at Amazon to make daily pet hair cleanup way easier.