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A critical security flaw in the programming language underpinning much of the web has prompted a global rush to patch vulnerable systems.

The midterms are the first elections in which artificial intelligence is integrated into every major social media platform. Efforts to blunt its harms are uneven.

A series of lawsuits has created a new de facto regulatory regime as courts order companies like Meta and Google to change their business practices — and pay up.

TL;DR: Birdbuddy’s next-gen smart feeders are officially here. The Birdbuddy Nook ($99) and Birdbuddy Home ($219) bring upgraded 2K HDR video, audio birdsong identification, dual-band WiFi, and solar options.

Opens in a new window Credit: Birdbuddy Birdbuddy Nook $99 at Birdbuddy
  Shop Now at Birdbuddy Opens in a new window Credit: Birdbuddy Birdbuddy Home $219 at Birdbuddy
  Shop Now at Birdbuddy

Backyard birdwatching is getting a major upgrade. Months after they were first revealed at CES 2026 as the Birdbuddy 2 and 2 Mini, Birdbuddy's next-gen smart feeders are officially dropping today (Oct. 22) with fresh names: the compact Birdbuddy Nook and the flagship Birdbuddy Home.

Both feeders feature a redesigned instant-wake-up camera system engineered to eliminate lag and capture feathered visitors the exact millisecond they touch down on the perch.

SEE ALSO: Your backyard is now a live TV show: The Birdfy app just landed on Roku

For apartment balconies, smaller yards, or first-time smart birders, the Birdbuddy Nook ($99) delivers an accessible, compact footprint measuring 6.95 x 5.91 x 5.31 inches (or 6.24 inches deep with perch).

It offers the exact same core camera quality, 2K resolution, AI species recognition, and audio birdsong identification as the full-sized model. Designed specifically for tighter outdoor spaces, it comes with a smaller seed capacity, an easy-refill roof, and the option to add a single solar panel or a perch extender.

SEE ALSO: Birdbuddy just launched two new smart bird feeders, and I got to test them early (with my parrot's help)

If you're looking for maximum specs and backyard coverage, the Birdbuddy Home ($219) introduces a redesigned circular camera housing that supports both portrait and landscape mounting orientations. It captures 2K HDR video with slow-motion recording and a wide 135-degree field of view behind a Gorilla Glass–protected lens.

Measuring 9.0 x 6.1 x 6.3 inches (with perch), it boasts a larger seed capacity, an integrated perch extender, dual integrated solar panels with an automatic night sleep mode, and dual-band WiFi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). To track local visitors, its AI species recognition pairs visual camera feeds with a high-fidelity microphone for real-time birdsong audio identification.

While we're putting both models through their paces for a full hands-on review soon, the $99 Nook marks the most affordable entry point into the Birdbuddy ecosystem yet.

TL;DR: Sony announced the PlayStation Pulse Wireless Headset ($99.99, out Nov. 19) and the premium Pulse Edge (coming in early 2027). Both feature planar magnetic drivers and AI noise rejection, with preorders opening Oct. 29.

Opens in a new window Credit: PlayStation PlayStation Pulse Wireless Headset   Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: PlayStation PlayStation Pulse Edge   Learn More at PlayStation

If you're playing PS5 games through basic TV speakers, you're missing out. Sony is upgrading its console audio lineup with the announcement of the PlayStation Pulse Wireless Headset and the flagship Pulse Edge Wireless Headset.

The standard PlayStation Pulse Wireless Headset ($99.99) comes packed with studio-inspired planar magnetic drivers, each with four magnets, to deliver clean sound separation, deep bass, and precise spatial audio for pinpointing directional cues such as enemy footsteps or weapon reloads.

Credit: PlayStation

It features built-in volume controls, an integrated microphone with AI-enhanced noise rejection to block out background clatter, and an updated, durable form factor with rotating earcups that lay flat for easier travel. It connects seamlessly via PlayStation Link, using an included USB Type-C adapter, for lossless, ultra-low-latency audio across PS5, PC, Mac, and PlayStation Portal — plus simultaneous Bluetooth connectivity so you can answer phone calls mid-session.

For players seeking top-tier performance, the premium Pulse Edge Wireless Headset offers more substantial hardware upgrades. It features planar magnetic drivers with double the magnet volume — eight magnets per driver — to deliver richer, deeper bass while keeping subtle details crystal clear.

Credit: PlayStation

It adds Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a detachable boom mic (with a hidden mic option when detached), dedicated built-in Game Audio and Chat Balance controls for PS5, a standard 3.5mm audio/microphone jack, and a protective hard-shell carrying case.

While the $99.99 standard Pulse headset hits shelves starting Nov. 19 in white and midnight black, the Pulse Edge is slated to launch in early 2027. Sony has not yet announced pricing or preorder dates for the Pulse Edge, but players eyeing the standard Pulse can secure their preorders starting Oct. 29 through PlayStation Direct and participating retailers.

TL;DR: The Samsung 37-inch Odyssey G7 (G75F) 4K curved gaming monitor is on sale for $499.99 at Amazon, down from its $899.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 37-Inch Odyssey G7 (G75F) $499.99 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $400   Get Deal at Amazon

Amazon has just made one of Samsung's larger 4K gaming monitors only $20 off its lowest-ever price, giving anyone preparing for GTA 6 a chance to upgrade their setup without blowing almost $1,000 on a new display. It’s even cheaper than the deal we covered back in August.

As of Oct. 22, the Samsung 37-inch Odyssey G7 (G75F) curved gaming monitor has dropped to just $499.99 at Amazon, cutting a whopping $400 from its $899.99 list price for a 44% discount. Keep in mind that rather than being sold by Amazon directly, this offer’s coming from third-party seller Beach Camera Same Day Shipping, but Amazon is still handling fulfillment — with delivery estimated for Oct. 30 at the time of writing. 

As pointed out by price tracker camelcamelcamel, this is only $20 short of its lowest-ever price of $479.99, and is the lowest price we’ve covered for this model at Mashable in recent memory. 

SEE ALSO: Samsung's biggest 4K gaming monitor just got a huge discount at Amazon — save $500

Whether it’s hooking up your PS5 or Xbox to play Grand Theft Auto 6, waiting for the eventual PC port, or any other games you feel like playing, buying the Odyssey G7 gives you an enormous 37-inch 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160) VA display. Unlike the 40-inch ultrawide version, it sticks with a traditional 16:9 aspect ratio, giving console players a much bigger picture without having to deal with unsupported ultrawide resolutions.

Unlike the 40-inch ultrawide version, it sticks with a traditional 16:9 aspect ratio, giving console players a much bigger picture without having to deal with unsupported ultrawide resolutions.

Meanwhile, the aggressive 1,000R curvature brings more of the screen into your peripheral vision, which should be particularly welcome when exploring sprawling open worlds like Leonida. Additionally, VESA DisplayHDR 600 delivers greater contrast, brighter highlights, and more detail in darker environments.

Especially important to note for PC gaming in general, the G7’s 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms GtG response time still make this one a perfect choice for day-to-day fast-paced titles like Apex Legends, Fortnite, and even some games on Roblox.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Box is on sale for $155.94 at Amazon, down from its typical price of $184.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Scarlet and Violet Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Box $155.94 at Amazon
$184.95 Save $29.01   Get Deal at Amazon

If you’re waiting to get an invite to buy the 30th Celebration ETB at below market value, fans of the Pokémon TCG can grab one of the rarest modern Elite Trainer Boxes with a new discount at Amazon. 

As of Oct. 22, the Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Box is down to $155.94 at Amazon. Down from its usual $184.95 price, that’s $29.01 off and a whole $18.05 cheaper than the $173.99 Amazon deal we covered on Oct. 5. What’s more, this ETB is sold and shipped directly by Amazon, rather than a third-party seller, with free delivery set for between Nov. 2-11 at the time of writing. 

SEE ALSO: The Pokémon TCG Perfect Order Booster Bundle is under $45 at Amazon — save $15

Aside from a very brief price drop to the $150 mark, we haven’t seen a major price drop like this since April (confirmed by the price tracker camelcamelcamel). That said, you can still buy the Prismatic Evolutions ETB for less elsewhere — with Walmart now selling the box for $126.50 (down from $199.99), and TCGplayer going slightly lower with listings as cheap as $126.24, matching its current estimated market price. 

Inside the Elite Trainer Box are nine Prismatic Evolutions booster packs of trading cards, a full-art foil Eevee promo card, 65 Stellar Tera Eevee sleeves, 45 Energy cards, dice, condition markers, a player's guide, card dividers, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card.

Among those packs, you’ll have the chance to pull some of the most valuable chase cards in the modern Pokemon TCG (which you can also buy à la carte on TCGplayer) — including the legendary SIR Umbreon ex ($1,200+), SIR Sylveon ex ($400+), and SIR Leafeon ex ($300+).

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Reality Fracture Bundle is available to preorder for $48.49 at Amazon, down from its $57.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Reality Fracture Bundle $48.49 at Amazon
$57.99 Save $9.50 Get Deal at Amazon

If you haven't picked up any Magic: The Gathering Reality Fracture cards yet, you don't need to spend over $150 on a full Play Booster Box to get started. With the release of the standard nine-pack bundle box just a day away, Amazon has now made it so that trading card collectors can pay less than ever to explore Jace’s Echoverse. 

As of Oct. 22, preorders for the Magic: The Gathering Reality Fracture Bundle are down to just $48.49 at Amazon in a limited-time deal, saving you $9.50 on its $57.99 list price. That's a 16% discount for the box, sold and shipped directly by Amazon.

This is the lowest price available at the retailer (confirmed via the price tracker camelcamelcamel), but keep in mind that, despite the Bundle coming out on Oct. 23, the free delivery you’ll receive is estimated for Oct. 29 and Oct. 31. 

If Amazon runs out of stock, Walmart is also selling the bundle for $48.49, while TCGplayer has gone slightly cheaper with listings as low as $47.54. That’s only 85 cents above its estimated market price of $46.69. 

SEE ALSO: Magic: The Gathering Reality Fracture Play Booster Box preorders are on sale — now under $155 at Amazon

You're getting nine Reality Fracture Play Boosters, each containing a Legendary card alongside its alternate Echoverse version, at least one Traditional Foil, and potentially multiple Rares. Beyond those packs, there's a bundle-exclusive Traditional Foil alternate-art promo card, 30 Lands (including 10 Borderless variants), an oversized Spindown life counter, a card storage box, and two reference cards.

This set’s based around Jace Beleren's attempt to replace the existing Multiverse with his own creation. Reality Fracture also features twisted versions of familiar Magic legends, with plenty of new cards to collect and experiment with.

SAVE OVER $30: As of Oct. 22, the Soundcore by Anker Q20i headphones are on sale for $39.97 at Amazon. This deal saves you $30.02 off their full price of $69.99.

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

Early Black Friday deals are already rolling out ahead of November, with Amazon leading the charge by offering discounts on a wide variety of items. If you've been hoping for headphone deals during this time, you're in luck, as there are already quite a few that have caught our eye. This includes a price cut on select colors of the Soundcore by Anker Q20i headphones.

As of Oct. 22, these headphones are marked down to $39.97 on Amazon. Normally they cost $69.99, so you're saving over $30 by taking advantage of this offer.

SEE ALSO: The 65+ absolute best stocking stuffers for 2026

If you have a busy travel season coming up for the holidays, the hybrid active noise-canceling on these headphones can make flights or car rides easier to sit through. They can reduce up to 90% of outside noise, so you can sink into your favorite music or podcasts without the outside world interrupting. And for those moments when you'd prefer to hear what's going on, they also offer a Transparency mode that you can switch to.

Sound quality is top-notch as well, thanks to 40mm dynamic drivers, and they boast a hefty 40-hour battery life when you've got ANC on. Without it, that can extend up to 60 hours, which is more than enough time to last you through a long trip.

If Soundcore by Anker Q20i headphones have caught your eye, act fast to save on them at Amazon.

SAVE OVER $250: As of Oct. 22, the Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro Set robot vacuum and mop is down to its lowest-ever price of $649.98 at Amazon. That's $250.01 off its full price of $899.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro Set Robot Vacuum and Mop $649.98 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $250.01   Get Deal at Amazon

Black Friday sales are coming up fast, but Amazon's way ahead of the game with some excellent early deals already available to shop. Even robot vacuums are seeing some nice discounts right now, including recent releases like the Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro. This model is currently at its lowest-ever price at the retailer, so why wait for seasonal sales to grab it?

As of Oct. 22, shoppers can scoop up the Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro Set — which comes with two extra mop pads and two dust bags — for $649.98, down from its full price of $899.99. That saves you just over $250.

SEE ALSO: The 65+ absolute best stocking stuffers for 2026

With the help of 25,000Pa HyperForce suction, the Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro Set can power through crumbs, debris, pet hair, and more that's lodged in carpets or scattered on hard surfaces. It even automatically boosts suction on carpets for a deeper clean. Plus, when it switches to mopping, it can lift the mopping module up to 15mm if it hits carpet, so there's no need to worry about it getting all wet during cleaning.

Edges and corners can't escape this cleaner, as the FlexiArm Edge Mopping System and reversible side brush help clean as close as 1.85mm along walls. And on top of that, the dock keeps everything running smoothly by automatically emptying the dust, refilling the water tank, and cleaning the mop at 167°F (then drying it with warm air at 113°F).

Get ahead of Black Friday shopping with this excellent deal on the Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro Set robot vacuum and mop at Amazon.

Governments and businesses in Kenya, the Netherlands and elsewhere were scrambling to prevent hackers from exploiting a vulnerability in PHP, a widely used programming language.

Anthropic has announced Claude Duet, a new AI agent intended for professionals and small businesses that promises to help manage daily life.

Amid competition from Meta’s Muse and OpenAI’s Dots, Anthropic on Wednesday said Claude Duet will track your messages and tasks, surfacing what it deems important, and complete tasks it's asked to perform. It’s designed to operate without supervision, but will reportedly seek permission before acting on the user’s behalf.

SEE ALSO: Anthropic is pitching Congress its own AI safety bill, report says

Anthropic says you can describe a task to Duet in a short message, and it’ll figure out which apps to use and the steps to take in the background. You’ll be notified when the task is done or if there’s something you need to know.

Some of the examples provided by Anthropic include:

• Replying to missed Gmail and Slack messages

• Run payroll using Gusto

• Draft reminders for unpaid invoices found in Intuit QuickBooks or Stripe.

• Draft a job posting, seek user approval, and post it to LinkedIn

• Build a social campaign for product launches using Canva

• Set up and manage a Shopify store

But Anthropic says there are still guardrails. User approval is required before it sends messages, makes payments, signs documents, or deletes files. And even with user approval, Claude Duet won't perform tasks like trading securities or moving money between accounts.

Claude Duet is built around Claude Opus 5.5, and, because it runs on a virtual machine, the user’s computer or phone doesn’t have to be on for it to operate.

Claude Duet is available on iOS, Android, and claude.ai for users of Anthropic’s Pro and Max plans. It will share subscribers’ existing Claude usage limit. Currently in research mode, interested users can join a waitlist for access.

AI agents like Duet, Muse, and Dots have been immensely popular this year. For example, Meta's Muse has already been downloaded 10 million times in less than two months, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed Wednesday. But in that short time, the app has been beset with controversy, including reportedly creating files on users' friends and loved ones and sending a Facebook Marketplace buyer to a user's home.

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The iPhone Duo officially launches on Friday, Oct. 23, and the first reviews have officially arrived (including our own).

Tech reviewers seem unanimous: The iPhone Duo is a really fun phone, especially for a first-generation device.

Apple iPhone Duo Save $1,000 at T-Mobile
  Preorder at T-Mobile Preorder at Apple.com Preorder at Verizon

However, most early reviewers also agree on what they dislike about the iPhone Duo: The under-display FaceTime selfie camera.

In Mashable's glowing iPhone Duo review, Stan Schroeder wrote that the FaceTime camera was one of the few knocks on the device.

"The FaceTime camera that’s hidden in the inner display is bad," Schroeder said. "Any attempt of taking a half-decent selfie will result in a very processed, smudgy, AI-looking photo."

Marques Brownlee had a similar, if not more critical take on the iPhone Duo's FaceTime camera, in his review for his 21.4 million YouTube subscribers. Brownlee called the camera "very first-gen" and "bad." 

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

"The photo quality is trash," Brownlee said, not mincing words.

Why the iPhone Duo camera is unique The under-display FaceTime camera on the iPhone Duo's inner display. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

For those unaware, while the iPhone Duo has dropped the telephoto rear lens you'll find on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, the foldable device still has a total of four cameras. There are two rear cameras: a 48MP main camera and a 48MP ultra-wide camera. Plus, there's a 12MP Center Stage front camera, and a camera that Apple has only referred to as a "FaceTime camera."

What's the difference between the selfie camera and the FaceTime camera? The selfie camera is located on the outer display, and the FaceTime camera is located under the screen on the inner display, so it can only be used when the device is unfolded.

Unlike the other three cameras, Apple is not promoting the FaceTime camera's megapixels. And it turns out that there's a good reason for that. It's only 4MP. And this is also likely why Apple has simply been referring to this camera as a "FaceTime camera," which PCMag's Eric Zeman and Gizmodo's Ray Wong both point out in their reviews.

"It’s four megapixels, and the photos it takes are low-res, washed out, and just not sharp at all," Wong said for Gizmodo. "You won’t be taking selfies with this camera; it’s meant primarily for video calls, which still look muddy, but it’s serviceable in a pinch."

"I think this camera is best left for FaceTime calls," Zeman said in PCMag's review. "The photos I snapped with it look pretty rough in terms of focus, contrast, and noise."

When Apple announced the FaceTime camera as being an under-display lens, it seemed the concern was focused on how visible or distracting it would be for users utilizing the larger inner-display to, say, watch videos. Most reviewers are happy with that design choice, but they do take issue with the FaceTime camera's output.

Apple and Samsung can't get the selfie camera on their foldables right The inner display and pinhole selfie camera on the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

So, why does the FaceTime camera take "bad" photos? Does it have something to do with how Apple has fitted the inner-display camera under the screen in order to hide it from view? It doesn't seem likely — and Apple's not the only company that appears to have struggled to figure it out. 

Samsung also previously had trouble with under-display cameras on their foldables but, as Gizmodo's Wong points out, they stopped putting the inner-display camera under the screen with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. The new Galaxy 8 series features pinhole cutouts for the selfie cameras.

As for Samsung's current inner-display cameras, the quality is also very poor. Mashable's Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth reviewed both the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 earlier this year and had similar critiques of those devices' inner-display selfie cameras. 

Some reviewers describing the iPhone Duo's FaceTime camera have used words like "bad," "low-res," and "trash" to describe it, and Werth used the same language to describe the Z Flip 8's selfie camera. "Unfortunately, I found the selfie camera to be a bit trash, and I'm too vain to get any use out of it," he wrote.

Perhaps Apple will figure out a way to enhance the quality of the FaceTime camera in future generations of the iPhone Duo. All things considered, though, this is the one thing that reviewers most dislike about the iPhone Duo. But it doesn't seem to have sullied their overwhelmingly positive reviews regarding everything else about Apple's first foldable device.

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TL;DR: Live stream New England Patriots vs. Chicago Bears for free on 7Plus. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It's that time of the week again, with Thursday Night Football hosting yet another big showdown. Today's game sees the New England Patriots visit the Chicago Bears.

Both teams are 4-2 for the season and coming off wins. The big story here is between the franchises' respective quarterbacks, Drake Maye and Caleb Williams, who have a relationship dating back to their high school days and were draftmates in 2024. Their last meeting saw the Patriots score a decisive win.

Can Maye lead them to another victory and make it a four-week streak?

If you want to watch Patriots vs. Bears in the NFL for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Patriots vs. Bears?

New England Patriots vs. Chicago Bears starts at 8.15 p.m. ET on Oct. 22. This fixture takes place at Soldier Field.

How to watch Patriots vs. Bears for free

Patriots vs. Bears in the NFL is available to live stream for free on 7Plus.

7Plus is geo-restricted to Australia only, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can live stream Patriots vs. Bears for free from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

4. Visit 7Plus

5. Watch Patriots vs. Bears for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Patriots vs. Bears without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus NFL action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries, including Australia

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream New England Patriots vs. Chicago Bears for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

SAVE $50.01: As of Oct. 22, the Anker Solix C300 is on sale for $199.98 at Amazon. That's a 20% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C300 $169.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $80   Get Deal at Amazon

Power cuts, weekends off-grid, and camping trips all leave you needing a reliable power source to keep your devices charged. This is what makes portable power stations so useful: they offer the flexibility to stay connected even when you're away from a wall outlet.

As of Oct. 22, the Anker Solix C300 is on sale. Normally $249.99, it is $50 off right now, down to $199.98.

The Anker C300 packs a 288Wh battery and delivers up to 300W of output, so it's a suitable option for charging everyday electronics such as phones, tablets, and laptops. Plus, Anker says the compact design is about 30% smaller than comparable power stations, making it easier to pack and carry.

You'll also have a few ways to recharge the station itself. It supports USB-C charging, car charging, and solar input (solar panels are sold separately). If you're using dual USB-C PD input, Anker says the battery can reach 80% in around an hour. And the battery is built to last, too. It has a LiFePO4 battery that is designed for long-term use, protected by smart temperature control and an impact-resistant design.

Find this portable power station deal at Amazon.

SAVE $70: As of Oct. 22, the Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones are on sale for $109.95 at Amazon. That's a 39% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: SHOKZ Shokz OpenRun Pro $109.95 at Amazon
$179.95 Save $70.00   Get Deal at Amazon

Running in winter often means heading out during the dark. Even if you head out at sunrise or squeeze in a few miles after work, the shorter days mean daylight runs are few and far between. When visibility is low, being able to hear traffic, cyclists, and other people around you is important. The Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones are designed with that in mind, and right now they're on sale at Amazon.

Unlike traditional headphones or earbuds that sit over or inside your ears, these use bone conduction technology to deliver audio through vibrations in your cheekbones. Your ears remain uncovered, so you can listen to your running playlist while staying more aware of your surroundings.

These Shokz headphones are designed specifically for runners. A lightweight titanium frame wraps around your head to keep the headphones in place while you run. In addition to providing bone conduction sound, Shokz's audio technology delivers enhanced bass.

As of Oct. 22, you'll find these on sale for $109.95, saving you $70 on the usual list price. The deal is available across three colors: black, beige, and pink.

Head to Amazon to grab this deal now.

SAVE $30: As of Oct. 22, the Fire TV Stick 4K is on sale for $29.99 at Amazon. That's 50% off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fire Stick 4K $29.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $30.00   Get Deal at Amazon

Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K is back with a fresh design, and if you've been considering upgrading your streaming setup, this new model is already on sale at Amazon.

As of Oct. 22, you can save 50% off the list price. It's now down to $29.99, making it a great choice if you're looking for an affordable way to stream your favorite shows and movies in 4K.

With this streaming device, you'll get 4K streaming, HDR10+ picture quality, and WiFi 6 support for fast, smooth navigation. Like many of the new Fire Sticks, it comes with the updated Fire TV interface, which makes it much easier to navigate thanks to the dedicated content categories. Another great new upgrade is Direct Power. This means the stick can be powered by your TV via the included USB-C cable, so there's no need for a separate wall adapter or messy cables.

The Alexa Voice Remote has also been redesigned and comes with both power and volume controls, dedicated buttons for Live TV and the Fire TV menu, and voice search to help you find shows or even control compatible smart home devices.

Ready to upgrade your streaming? This deal can be found on Amazon now, but it's only available for a limited time.

Tech companies are painting data centers with gray coatings on top of gray concrete and steel to resist fire, rust and static electricity. That has made data centers a fast-growing market for paint makers.

SAVE OVER $90: As of Oct. 22, the Sony WH-CH720N headphones are on sale for $88 at Amazon. That's a 51% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH720N $88 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $91.99   Get Deal at Amazon

If you've had your eye on a new pair of headphones, there's a pretty good deal right now at Amazon.

The Sony WH-CH720N headphones are currently selling for $88, down from their usual price of $179.99, proving that you don't need to spend a lot to get reliable sound from a top brand. And both the white and pink models are included in the deal at more than half off the list price.

With these headphones, you'll get solid active noise cancellation thanks to Sony's Integrated Processor V1 and Dual Noise Sensor Technology that help cut out background noise. You can also switch to Ambient Sound mode if you'd rather hear what's going on around you. Adaptive Sound Control adjusts the audio experience based on your surroundings.

They're also a solid option if you plan to use them for calls. Sony's Precise Voice Pickup Technology helps keep your voice clear and accurate. Plus, the battery lasts up to 35 hours on a full charge, so you've got more than a whole day of use. And if you're in a rush, just plug them in for three minutes, and you'll get up to an hour of listening time.

You can find this Sony deal at Amazon now.

Based on my extensive hands-on testing and expert input, I’ve picked the best sexting apps and online sites for different kinds of dirty talk, whether you're messaging a partner, meeting someone new, or paying a verified creator.

Because sometimes the anticipation of a hookup is even hotter than the main event. In my experience, sexting is the ultimate form of digital foreplay. It can help long-distance partners feel closer, give long-term couples something to look forward to, and let singles explore sexual chemistry before meeting in person. Of course, everyone involved needs to be a consenting adult who's genuinely interested in taking the conversation to a steamier level.

SEE ALSO: A beginner's guide to sexting

Sexting isn't exactly new, either. A 2015 study of 870 heterosexual U.S. adults found that nearly 88 percent of participants had sexted. That wasn't a nationally representative estimate of all American adults, but it gives us an idea of how common sexting was among the people surveyed.

You can use just about any mainstream dating app, like Tinder, Hinge, and even Hily, to find a potential sexting partner (though I think Pure is probably the best dating app for this). A match isn't permission to send something explicit, though. Ask first, and don't assume that someone looking for a hookup also wants phone sex or a photo exchange. (You know what they say about assuming.)

But once you've actually found someone who matches your freak, the next question is where to have that conversation. An app that helps you meet people isn't necessarily the one with the privacy features you want for sharing intimate messages.

You've heard of safe sex. But what about safe sexting?

As fun as the buildup is, no app can guarantee that a recipient won't save or share what you send. Sliding into the DMs on a standard social media app might feel like spontaneous fun, but a private conversation and a disappearing conversation aren't the same.

Platform rules matter, too. Mashable has reported on Instagram account removals affecting sex workers, educators, and LGBTQIA+ users, including disputed enforcement decisions. That's separate from encryption, but it's another reason to understand the services you're using instead of assuming every DM inbox works the same way.

As one of Mashable's dating app experts, I've spent the last four years testing dozens of platforms to find the best sexting apps for the job. My highest priority is always user safety. I also spoke with security expert Gary Orenstein with Bitwarden, who stressed that for sharing intimate content, "privacy features cannot be optional — they’re essential." He recommends looking for apps with three key features: end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, and screenshot detection.

Those features do different jobs. End-to-end encryption is designed to keep the service carrying your messages from reading their contents. Disappearing messages reduce the history left in a chat, while screenshot alerts may tell you when someone takes a screenshot. None can stop a recipient from photographing the screen with another device.

Following Confide's closure, Signal became my top recommendation for encrypted messaging with an existing partner or trusted connection. Its "Screen Security" setting protects content on your own device; it doesn't control screenshots on someone else's. Signal also warns that disappearing messages aren't designed to protect you from a recipient determined to keep a copy.

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

Whether you're looking for a free messenger for your partner, a place to find a willing sexting buddy, or an interactive session with connected toys, the picks below serve different purposes for different people. Paid creator chats and AI fantasies belong in their own categories, with their own costs and privacy considerations. If you believe in safe sex, bring that same care to your sexts.

Here's what I liked, what you can do for free, and the details worth knowing before you hit send.

Recent updates to this guide:

• Signal (July 2026): Promoted to our No. 1 overall recommendation following the official closure of Confide. Its open-source encryption makes it the gold standard for secure, free sexting.

• Lovense Remote: Added as our top choice for "Group Sexting." It remains the best interactive option for couples and polyamorous groups to sync Bluetooth toys across long distances.

• FetLife: Expanded our analysis of its custom community groups, cementing its spot as the best social network for exploring niche kinks safely.

Why some popular sexting apps didn't make the cut

You've probably seen other "best of" lists recommending apps and platforms that I've intentionally left off. My goal is to recommend secure spaces where you can build genuine, mutual connections without burning through cash or risking your digital privacy.

Here's why a few common names didn't make the cut this month:

• "Paid Operator" platforms (InstaBang, Arousr, SextLocal): Many web-based platforms marketed for fast sexting don't connect you with real local users. Instead, they hire paid "chat operators" who use fantasy scripts specifically designed to keep you replying and draining your wallet per message. While there is a market for paid fantasy, I don't consider it mutual sexting. This guide prioritizes authentic, user-to-user interaction (with the explicit exception of SextPanther, which uses clearly verified, real adult performers).

• Basic Couples Messengers (Between, Paid Vaults): While apps like Between offer private spaces for long-distance couples, they lack the specific, sex-positive interactive features (like integrated toy controls, screenshot blocks, or custom timer countdowns) that make digital foreplay fun. If you want to level up your intimacy, highly interactive platforms like We-Vibe and Lovense are much better options.