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Boox e-readers are causing quite the buzz on BookTok. As Amazon raises prices on its e-readers and discontinues support for older models, plenty of users are seeking alternatives. The Boox Go 6 (Gen II) is a particularly appealing option when hunting for an e-reader. It's like a combination of the basic Amazon Kindle and the Paperwhite. It comes with 32GB of storage and runs an open Android system, giving you access to all your favorite reading apps. That means no matter what system you're switching over from — Kindle or Kobo — you can access your library on the Boox Go 6 (Gen II).

At $199.99, it's the same price as the Kindle Paperwhite, but the Boox Go 6 promises a lot more. But all those extra features can weigh on such a small device. So, to see if it's worth the price and a worthy alternative to an Amazon Kindle, I used the Boox Go 6 (Gen II) for weeks to see if it could replace my Paperwhite.

Boox Go 6 (Gen II) at a glance Have you used Kobo, Libby, and Kindle? Access all of your libraries on the Boox Go 6 (Gen II). Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The Boox Go 6 (Gen II) is the brand's answer to Amazon's Kindle. With a 6-inch screen, it fits comfortably in your hand for hours of reading. With an open Android system, you can download any app in the Google Play Store, so you can access any book across any app, including Kindle, Rakuten Kobo, and Libby. However, it suffers from significant lag and screen response issues that make it frustrating to use.

Perfect size and shape

If the Boox Go 6 (Gen II) looks familiar, that's not surprising. It looks like a cross between an Amazon Kindle (or Kobo Clara) meshed with the Kindle Paperwhite. The screen of Boox Go 6 (Gen II) is flush to its border. When I added a PopSockets to its MagSafe case (sold separately), my hand perfectly cradled the side. The power button is on the top of the device, which I love compared to Kindles, which have the power button on the bottom.

The Boox Go 6 (Gen II) comes in shell (pictured), stone, custard, and plum. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

It also features writing capabilities, making it a digital notebook on top of a library. That gives it a big boost over other e-readers of that size, which don't typically come with stylus compatibility.

SEE ALSO: Kindle Scribe Colorsoft: Amazon added color and finally got this e-reader right

While the Boox Go 6 (Gen II) is not a revolutionary design, it is well done and hyper-portable.

The Boox interface has a bit of a learning curve Like a Kindle or smart phone, the Boox Go 6 (Gen II) has a pull down menu to quickly adjust settings. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Boox e-readers are nowhere near as straightforward as Kindle or Kobo. The first time I set up a Boox e-reader, I needed to do some research via YouTube and TikTok tutorials. You'll need to set up a Boox account and use a Google account to access the Google Play Store.

Take the time to play around with display settings to customize your Boox experience. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

It takes some time to play around with the settings and get a sense of how you want your Boox set up. I prefer to use the navigation bar rather than gestures to switch between apps and the library. Other settings to adjust include auto-sleep, front light, and display darkness.

But if you're looking for an e-reader that you can start reading with right out of the box, the Boox won't be it.

Every reading app on one device

If you have books across many different digital apps, a Kindle or Kobo won't cut it since they can only handle books made for those devices or DRM-free/EPUB files. However, you can access all of those digital libraries on the Boox Go 6. Like the Durobo Krono e-reader we previously tested, the Boox Go 6 has the Google Play Store pre-installed, so any app available in the store can be installed on your Boox. That means you have access to all the reading apps, including Kindle, Kobo, Libby, Audible, and more. The only app not available is Apple Books since it is an Android device.

The only reading app not on the Boox Go 6 (Gen II) is Apple Books. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Having tested many e-readers means my digital libraries are spread across different devices and platforms. I'm used to having to switch between my Kindle Paperwhite for one book and a Kobo Libra for another, but having all those libraries on one device is really the dream. Using it is like getting the best of both worlds: It's as flexible as my iPad, but so much easier on my eyes, like a classic e-reader.

The downsides: A sometimes unresponsive screen and freezing

Boox asks a lot of its e-readers without giving them much computing power. I ran a Geekbench 7 test on it, as I would with a tablet or laptop. It scores very low, lower than any tablet I tested, so its performance isn't going to be at lightning speeds; in fact, it'll be a little slow.

The Boox Go 6 runs more slowly than other similar e-readers we've tested, like the Amazon Kindle and Kobo Clara. It can lag between taps, and I do worry about its screen response time. The screen can be finicky and often doesn't register when I'm trying to turn the page. When quickly tapping through pages, the Kindle app stalls on the Boox Go 6, making it unresponsive and requiring a refresh.

So, although it can do much more than a Kindle or Kobo, it is slower than both.

Is the Boox Go 6 (Gen 2) worth it? Switching over from a Kindle? The Boox Go 6 (Gen II) could be for you. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The best part of the newest Boox, the Go 6 (Gen II), is its price. At $199.99, it's the same price as the Kindle Paperwhite (which recently saw a price increase) but comes with twice the storage and access to many more apps. The only thing that dampens its value is its performance issues. It's not quite as speedy as competitors, and it needs to refresh more often than we'd like. However, these issues do not affect the Boox Go 6's usability.

But before you commit to buying, know that it will take a little bit of commitment to adjust the Boox's settings to your liking. If that works for you, the Boox is a fantastic alternative to other e-readers. If you want a more straightforward device, go with an Amazon Kindle or Kobo Clara.

It won't shock you that there's a superabundance of interview podcasts and internet series out there. You're probably subscribed to a bunch of content creators (perhaps those who made this year's Mashable 101) or maybe you depend on your feed to hand-deliver the most viral clips. But your time is precious, so we've rounded up the best on the internet this week.

Whether you're into deadpan showdowns, niche hot takes, or simply wholesome interviews between creative minds, here's what we reckon is worth your time (and of course, we'd never leave out Mashable's own Say More, what are you, nuts?).

SEE ALSO: The Mashable 101: The creators defining the internet in 2026 1. Baby, This is Keke Palmer: Laverne Cox

Emmy-winning actor, producer, podcaster, and author Laverne Cox joined Keke Palmer's podcast this week for a must-watch interview with range. Having released her memoir Transcendent in June, Cox had plenty to talk about from dating her MAGA ex to her two years of celibacy and her constant fight for trans visibility and rights. In one of the most vulnerable conversations in the podcast, Cox reflects on healing from childhood trauma and abuse. It's a powerful, honest must-watch, and a testament to both interviewer and interviewee.

How to watch/listen: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Instagram, TikTok

2. Gaydar: Anania x MUNA

Are MUNA members Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and Naomi McPherson "gay, straight, or homophobes"? The Dancing on the Wall artists were put to the test by Gaydar's Anania this week, naming as many trans artists as possible in 10 seconds, unpacking lesbian national anthems and gender dysphoria, and ranking their tattoos. A truly excellent time.

How to watch: YouTube, TikTok, Instagram

3. Say More: Mark Stetson x Will Forte, John Cena and Lana Condor

Want to watch John Cena take "Choose Your Squad" extremely seriously? Coyote vs. Acme stars Will Forte, John Cena, and Lana Condor joined Mashable executive producer Mark Stetson for the ultimate Looney Tunes showdown on this week's Say More. It's hilariously no-nonsense stuff watching Cena see his top picks (Pepé Le Pew and Granny) swiped by his co-stars. The vengeance is real.

Where to watch: Mashable, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok

4. Royal Court: Brittany Broski x Adam Scott

Brittany Broski and Adam Scott, what an unexpected dream team! In the latest episode of the creator and podcaster's Royal Court, the pair unpack Hokum and being literally shit-scared during horror films, watching Fast Times at Ridgemont High too young, serving up openfaced sandwiches during Party Down, discovering The Twilight Zone as a kid, and more.

How to watch: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok

5. Solid Air: Derrick Gee x Wednesday

Artists nerding out over their favourite tracks with one of the internet's go-to music commentators? Always in. On this week's Solid Air, Derrick Gee sat down at home with Wednesday to dig into the music the North Carolina band loves, from The Seraphims to Vatos Tristes. It's pure music appreciation.

How to watch: YouTube, TikTok, Instagram

6. Good Hang with Amy Poehler: Kenan Thompson

Amy Poehler and Kenan Thompson have walked a similar comedy path, as the latest episode of Good Hang will attest. The Saturday Night Live stars reconnected for Poehler's podcast released Tuesday, with Thompson being the longest-tenured cast member in SNL history — over 22 seasons and counting.

The longtime friends unpacked the art of timing in comedy and life, Thompson's pre-SNL career (including the Mighty Ducks franchise), auditioning for SNL at 23, getting his own writing on SNL with the recurring "Scared Straight" sketch, ice skating on the Rink at Rockefeller Center at 1 a.m. after filming SNL Christmas specials, fanning out over American figure skater Alysa Liu, and more.

And as always, there's a special guest question from Thompson and Poehler's fellow SNL star Maya Rudolph.*

How to watch/listen: YouTube, TikTok, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram

From YouTubers and TikTok stars to streamers and podcasters, Mashable talks to creators about how they built their platforms, the gear they swear by, and the trends they see coming next. Read more of our creator coverage, sign up for our Trending Now and Top Stories newsletters or get Mashable push alerts to discover the internet's most exciting voices. 

(*) denotes a blurb came from a prior Mashable article.

TL;DR: Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Apple TV+ through Prime Video Channels to watch select F1 races for free. Watch the Italian GP for free with the Prime Video app.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple TV Prime Video Channel Watch the Italian GP for free with a 7-day trial Shop Now

In the early stages of this F1 season, it looked like Mercedes were going to race away from the competition. Ferrari briefly showed signs of pace, but McLaren has now emerged as the real rival. Norris and Piastri have been climbing the standings in recent weeks, and they'll expect to be fighting for spots on the podium at Monza this weekend.

Kimi Antonelli still tops the standings, but he'll be well aware that Norris is on the verge of winning his third straight GP. Can anyone stop the defending champion?

SEE ALSO: ExpressVPN review: A stylish VPN service with proven privacy and a large U.S. presence

If you want to watch F1 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is the Italian GP?

The Italian GP is the 13th race of the 2026 F1 season. Here's the full schedule from the Autodromo Nazionale Monza:

• Practice 1 — 6:30-7:30 a.m. ET on Sept. 4

• Practice 2 — 10-11 a.m. ET on Sept. 4

• Practice 3 — 6:30-7:30 a.m. ET on Sept. 5

• Qualifying — 10-11 a.m. ET on Sept. 5

• Race — 9 a.m. ET on Sept. 6

Fans can follow all the action from this race weekend without spending anything.

How to watch the Italian GP for free

Amazon Prime delivers fast shipping, Prime Day discounts, and access to the Prime Video library. For F1 fans in the U.S., Prime Video comes in clutch this season. Apple TV holds exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights for F1, and you can sign up for a seven-day free trial of Apple TV directly through Prime Video Channels.

That trial gives you full access to select races for free, including this weekend's Italian Grand Prix. The subscription rolls over to $12.99 per month after 7 days, but you can disable automatic renewal in your settings and still stream the entire race weekend for free.

Of course, if you're already paying for Amazon Prime, calling it "completely free" is questionable. But if you don't have an active membership, Amazon offers a 30-day free trial for new users. Stacking that Prime trial with the seven-day Apple TV channel trial means you're truly spending nothing to stream this weekend's race.

If you've already made use of this hack, you still have a few workarounds:

• Apple TV: New standalone subscribers qualify for a direct seven-day free trial through Apple's app.

• Apple One: If you want more than just streaming, the Apple One tier packages Apple TV alongside Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, Apple News+, and 50GB of iCloud storage — and it comes with a full one-month free trial ($19.95 per month after the promotional period).

• Apple: The most generous Apple TV offer is tied to new hardware purchases. Buying an eligible iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV grants new subscribers three months of free service. You obviously have to spend money on hardware, but if you were already planning an upgrade, it effectively unlocks a massive chunk of the F1 season for free.

Naomi Osaka was about to serve at deuce in the second set of her opening-round U.S. Open match, but chair umpire Kader Nouni was looking somewhere else: a luxury suite where a group of attendees appeared to be staging a content shoot.

"Guys, please, in the suite behind me," he said into his microphone. "Thank you guys, please take your seat."

The interruption was brief, and Osaka went on to defeat Anastasia Zakharova in straight sets. Online, however, the moment's momentum was just getting started. The footage circulated alongside other videos and images of creators taking selfies in the stands, drawing a variety of comments calling the spectacle "a South Park episode," declaring that "social media was a mistake," and observing that "The fatigue is real."

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But given how major live events are marketed these days, was any of this really a surprise?

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Creators have been on the U.S. Open’s invite list for years, documenting its fashion, food, celebrity sightings, and courtside culture for audiences who might otherwise have little interest in tennis. In 2025, the United States Tennis Association formalized that relationship by issuing media credentials to 54 creators. This year, it approved around 100, including 20 focused on food and beverages. That does not include creators invited separately by sponsors hosting parties, campaigns, and luxury suites.

USTA CEO Craig Tiley has said he wants the tournament to become "tennis Disneyland." You can see how influencers fit into that vision. An all-day entertainment destination needs people to show off everything there is to do, wear, eat, and drink.

The hope is that someone who comes for the outfit videos and aesthetically pleasing Honey Deuces might stay for the tennis. Players understand the potential. Aryna Sabalenka told Front Office Sports that she loves creators bringing "fresh eyes" to the sport, while Daniil Medvedev said its growing visibility has "a lot more upside than downside." Jessica Pegula has similarly credited influencers with helping tennis experience a "crossover Hollywood moment."

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The tournament’s audience has grown alongside that strategy. The 2025 U.S. Open drew a record 1.14 million attendees, while the USTA said interactions across its social accounts increased from 2.3 billion in 2024 to 3.1 billion in 2025. Those figures do not tell us how much of that growth creators drove, but they help explain why organizers want to keep expanding their reach.

The awkward part comes when the content production starts interfering with the event everyone is supposedly there to promote.

In his SportsVerse newsletter, journalist Daniel-Yaw Miller wrote that he and a friend "could barely focus on the action amid a sea of influencers posing around us for endless fit pics and filming TikToks mid-point." He had encountered a similarly creator-filled suite at a France-Sweden World Cup match earlier that summer.

Another spectator who posted footage under the TikTok handle @katticuspfinch told Inc. that photo shoots were happening around the stadium, including during active play. Having attended the tournament for more than a decade, she described this year’s crowd as "the worst crowd experience I’ve ever had."

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The experiences reflects a broader shift in live sports. The NBA brought more than 200 creators to its 2026 All-Star festivities, while YouTube and FIFA offered behind-the-scenes access at this summer’s World Cup and organized the first YouTube FIFA Creator Cup. Just before the U.S. Open, the ATP held its first Talent Summit, bringing together creators nominated by major social platforms to discuss fandom and sports engagement.

There is plenty of money encouraging those relationships. According to the a 2025 creator economy report, U.S. spending on creator advertising is projected to reach $44 billion in 2026, up from $29.5 billion in 2024. Nearly half of the ad buyers surveyed consider creators a "must buy," behind only social media and paid search.

For brands, the appeal is clear: access to established communities through people those communities already watch. For everyone forced to share both physical and digital space with the resulting campaign, the benefits can be harder to identify.

"My favorite thing about this sport was the silence."

All summer long, I’ve been writing about influencer invasions. In the Hamptons, practically every desirable location seemed to become the site of another sponsored experience. A creator could begin the morning at a branded workout, attend a product launch in the afternoon, and end the night at a yacht party, producing several pieces of aspirational content along the way.

By July, businesses were protesting: A Nantucket shop hung a"No influencers" sign, prompting a heated debate over whether creators bring small businesses valuable attention or make those spaces less enjoyable by treating them like unrestricted sets.

Similar complaints have surfaced around filming in cafes and fitness studios, where other customers may find themselves maneuvering around equipment or appearing in footage they never agreed to be part of.

By the time the U.S. Open began, the brightly lit selfies were arriving in front of an audience already primed to be annoyed. The footage brought several grievances into one frame: conspicuous perks, disruptive behavior, and the feeling that something people cared about had become someone else’s backdrop.

For tennis fans, the interruption also touched a particular nerve. Silence during play is part of the experience. "I’m so overstimulated. Irritated. But mostly sad at what this tournament has become. My favorite thing about this sport was the silence."

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One attendee described a couple arriving after Ben Shelton’s match had begun, photographing their Honey Deuces, looking at their phones, ordering a car back to Manhattan, and leaving before the match ended.

“Why even come and waste the seats, space, tickets, air, if you are showing up for one hour for a photo?!” she asked.

"The influencers are just doing their job"

Faulting (pun-intended) the people holding the phones leaves out everyone who invited them.

"Lowkey blame the brands though, the influencers are just doing their job," one commenter wrote.

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There's some merit to that argument. Creators may be the ones holding the phones, but they're working within a system built by brands and event organizers. Sponsors including Moët & Chandon, Ralph Lauren, Maestro Dobel Tequila, and Grey Goose host guests in elaborate hospitality suites designed to generate attention beyond the court.

Still, the people in those booths should be able to maintain decorum — or at least be briefed on content creation rules before they start filming. As Osaka said in a press conference, “If you come to a sporting event, you have to respect the sport. I feel like it’s common courtesy to read up on the sport. Especially the etiquette."

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Josephine Wong, general manager of creator commerce platform POP.STORE, agrees with Osaka. "Credentialing needs to come with guidelines: what to film, when it’s appropriate, and what level of access actually makes sense for the assignment," Wong said. "The same way any newsroom would brief a reporter."

"Nobody had defined what that suite full of people was supposed to be doing there, so they did the only thing they had a plan for, which was content about themselves," she added.

Morgan Riddle, a fashion and lifestyle creator who built her following by documenting life around professional tennis with her now-ex-boyfriend Taylor Fritz, argued that the behavior is neither unique to the U.S. Open nor limited to professional influencers.

"Every single person who goes to the Open is going to take photos and take content, except maybe the older, die-hard, OG tennis fans," she told Us Weekly.

Riddle described that impulse as part of "the state of the world," pointing out that people increasingly document everything from sporting events to engagements and weddings with an online audience in mind, whether or not they are professional influencers.

In fact, one of the women swept into the U.S. Open backlash was not even there for work. As The Cut reported, one attendee who went viral for the timing of her selfie, Mriganka Chawla, was not in a brand suite and rather attended the match with her fiancé.

Regardless of whether every person swept into the backlash was actually an influencer, the U.S. Open recognized that the underlying behavior was a problem. After the incident, a prominent digital board instructed attendees to "refrain from the use of flash photography or other lighting." The USTA also said it was reminding ticket holders and suite guests through emails, notifications, and signs around the grounds to avoid activities that interfere with play.

Credit: Screenshot: Threads, @patkiernan

Those are sensible steps, but ideally, guests should be properly briefed by brands inviting them before anyone switches on a light during play.

Wong does not believe bringing creators to the tournament was inherently a mistake. "The USTA credentialing close to 100 creators wasn’t the wrong call," Wong told Mashable. "Every major sports property is fighting for attention from audiences who no longer discover events through traditional broadcast."

For Wong, the problem is not whether the person holding the phone is a sports creator or a lifestyle influencer. What matters is whether the creator has something to offer beyond proof that they received an invitation.

"The ring-light disruption during Osaka’s match wasn’t really a creator problem, it was an access-without-purpose problem," Wong said.

That's why the guest list matters. Some of the most notable events in the industry right now are also the most targeted — at an Aug. 26 Hard Court party hosted by newsletter writer Jessica Schiffer, guests included former NCAA tennis champion and creator Ayan Broomfield, Hard Hitting writer Mel Kenny, The Sweat Lookbook writer Lee Glandorf, and other "sports x fashion" writers who gathered to discuss this growing intersection (as per Daniel-Yaw Miller of SportsVerse).

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Many tennis fans (and casual watchers) questioned whether the U.S. Open needs influencers at all when interest is already surging. ESPN’s 2025 coverage was the tournament’s most watched since 2022, with the men’s final audience jumping 82 percent and the women’s rising 50 percent from the previous year. The momentum continued in 2026, when every signature ticketed Fan Week event sold out and registrations for free Fan Access Passes climbed 66 percent.

That question feels even more urgent now that attending the tournament has become so expensive that even hard-core tennis fans can’t afford it. Grounds passes originally priced at $65 were reselling for more than $300 during the tournament’s first week, putting the experience out of reach for many fans.

"It’s maybe not the greatest thing for the real tennis fan because they’ve started getting priced out of the market," former player Patrick McEnroe told Front Office Sports about the surge of influencers at matches. With demand already high and tickets increasingly unaffordable, it’s easy to understand why fans question who receives those coveted seats.

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Of course, I’m a digital culture editor — I know better than anyone how important influencer culture is to brands and the broader social media ecosystem we live in (whether we like it or not). At the U.S. Open, a good post can introduce someone to a lesser-known player, explain a confusing term, or convince them to try a Honey Deuce.

But there’s a difference between inviting people into tennis and turning tennis into a backdrop. Judging by this year’s overwhelming backlash, the U.S. Open may have discovered where that line is.

The release of Grand Theft Auto VI is still months away, but every piece of news about it is revving up the internet. The latest TikTok discourse is whether playing GTA 6 is considered "cheating" if you're in a relationship.

The debate began when it came to light that the game has an optional system that lets players maintain a romantic relationship between the main characters, Jason and Lucia. Beyond completing missions together, players can also text, plan activities, hold hands, and (gasp!) kiss.

SEE ALSO: Could GTA 6 teach Gen Z how to be in a relationship?

The fact that developing Jason and Lucia's relationship is optional didn't stop enraged TikTokkers from taking to the platform to express their discontent about this, and accuse men of cheating on their partners if they play.

"In absolutely no human way is my fiancé playing GTA 6," TikTok user @diaryofasalesgirl posted, and also told other women not to let their partners play, either. "It's cheating btw if he has a girlfriend in GTA 6," another user, @ahhnuska, posted. A third TikTok user, @natalitovarr, even called the game "interactive porn." (None of these creators responded to Mashable's request for comment.)

Mashable spoke to Los Angeles-based sex and couples therapist, Ilana Grines, for the answer, and it's not as simple as these videos make it seem.

What even is cheating, anyway?

There's no one definition of cheating or infidelity. Grines told Mashable over the phone that it's nuanced, and it's actually up to each couple to come up with their own definition. 

"In my clinical definition, infidelity isn't just the presence of romance or sexual content," she explained. "It's much more about what the couple has agreed to, and whether this is something that's being hidden or spoken about," be it anything from flirting to pornography.

It's important to bring it back to the specific couple: Have they talked about it? Have they agreed to specific limits and agreements, whether about the game or otherwise?

But here's the thing: It's not about what cheating means. Couples often get stuck here about what constitutes cheating instead of talking about the behavior underneath it, Grines said. What about the behavior — in this case, going on dates and texting a fictional character — bothers you?

Dig into what specifically feels like cheating, be it emotional time, nudity, sexual interaction, fantasy, or something else. "Once you identify that part that actually hurts, let's negotiate some parameters around that for our relationship," she said.

What the 'GTA 6' debate says about modern relationships

On the GTA 6 matter, Grines said, first and foremost, that she believes the argument is "TikTok bait." (That would make sense, as the most viral videos calling it cheating have been counterbalanced with other enraged people explaining why it's absolutely not cheating.)

But even beyond the virality, the thought that it's cheating says something about modern relationships. 

We're going into unknown territory, Grines said, not just with video games, but with technology like AI chatbots. Sex and couples therapy in the age of AI is a big topic of conversation for her right now, and while GTA 6 is very different from interacting with a bot that can respond directly to you, the throughline is that couples are engaging in things we don't have relational scripts for. 

"We are trying to catch up to a world that's rapidly changing, and it's really important to have conversations about it, not only with ourselves but with our partners," she said. 

Because we're in relationships alongside the emergence of new technology, it brings about feelings we may not have the language to talk about. We might jump to saying something is cheating when, really, we're talking about something else.

If your boyfriend, as Jason, has to text Lucia back, and he does, and that bothers you because your boyfriend doesn't text you back, are you really talking about the game? "Or are we talking about our own pain points, our own injuries that are not about a fictional romance, rather our own romance," Grines said. 

Talking about the game may be easier than talking about your relationship. After falling down the "is GTA 6 cheating" TikTok rabbit hole, Grines's understanding is that the people calling the game "cheating" were really picking up their own sources of hurt and translating them through the game, and not having the ability to say what they want to work on in the relationship. 

Grines's advice for those people is to talk about the game before it comes out and to recognize that their feelings aren't ridiculous. But if you're not able to have a conversation before the game releases, she does think it could create relationship problems. 

So…is 'GTA 6' cheating?

On the direct question of whether GTA 6 is cheating, Grines wouldn't inherently consider it that way. Though again, it depends on what each couple agrees to.

But, also, a growing trend over the last few years (in my opinion, not Grines's), is that cheating has become the ultimate crime. It seems that every few months, the internet comes out with its pitchforks (fingers) to vilify people who appear to be committing infidelity, as in the 2025 Coldplay concert scandal and the more recent viral kiss between lawyers in Central Park.

Cheating is typically considered wrong in monogamous couples (and even non-monogamous people can cheat, depending on the relationship's agreement), but the way social media goes after people whom the majority believes are cheating has become absurd. They try — and often succeed — in getting them fired from their jobs. They might get their homes doxxed online. They and their families are harassed.

The internet has done similar to those for actions that are not acts of betrayal, like cheating, but the mob mentality continues to confound. And cheating isn't illegal! Maybe it's increased moralization. Maybe it's schadenfreude. Maybe it's boredom. Whatever it is, this frenzy over whether texting a pixelated woman is cheating might stem from this pattern.

On the increased moralization of cheating, Grines said, we have a need to "insert ourselves into other people's relationships and cast judgment when we have no knowledge of them."

"We live in a generation where things that feel really big are not spoken about in a way of recovery, [but] rather in a way of shame," she continued, "and shame doesn't allow for us to actually make changes."

So, is GTA 6 cheating? Neither Grines nor I think so. But the debate itself is masking something a lot deeper. 

A European spacecraft bound for Mercury cleared a major hurdle on Thursday when it safely separated from its propulsion module that has carried it through deep space since 2018.

BepiColombo now flies on a slimmer stack made of two orbiters and a sunshield. The change marks the end of the mission's long cruise and the start of its months‑long arrival phase as it closes in on the planet nearest to the sun.

After the separation command at 2 p.m. local time in Germany on Sept. 3, teams waited nearly two hours for radio signals to cross more than 120 million miles of space. Fresh data then revealed the spacecraft in its expected new configuration, with healthy power levels from its remaining solar panel. Dropping the transfer module meant the most important instruments onboard were no longer blocked. 

"Finally, we have science cameras," said Paolo Cappuccio, a European Space Astronomy Centre scientist in Spain. "Let's go to Mercury." 

The mission will give scientists new insight into Mercury, the least studied planet in the solar system — even less so than dwarf planet Pluto. That's not because scientists don't care about it, but because Mercury is the hardest world to reach, mission leaders say. Spacecraft must shed huge amounts of speed to fall inward toward the sun and match Mercury's tight, fast orbit. Only two missions — NASA's Mariner 10 and Messenger — have ever visited Mercury before, and only Messenger orbited it.

SEE ALSO: What one tiny signal can and can't tell us about dark matter

Launched in 2018, BepiColombo is a joint mission between the European Space Agency and Japan's JAXA. Until today, the car‑size Mercury Transfer Module, or MTM, used solar power and ion engines to push the spacecraft through a series of flybys of Earth, Venus, and Mercury.

About six years into flight, the team faced a major crisis when that module's solar panels began underdelivering on power. That forced engineers to redraw BepiColombo's path, cut back on the engine firings, adjust the schedule of key maneuvers, and accept a later arrival at Mercury so they could keep the spacecraft healthy.

Engineering cameras were located on three areas of the Mercury Transfer Module, which is now separated from BepiColombo and drifting through space. Credit: ESA infographic

At separation on Thursday, the space-weary BepiColombo was still about 2.1 million miles from its destination, but it had reached the final leg of its journey. Small release devices let the module drift away at roughly 1 mph, while the remaining spacecraft briefly entered a "safe mode" to reset.

The spacecraft separated from the propulsion module because it needed to switch to a lighter setup better suited for steering and doing science in orbit around Mercury.

Before shutting down for good, the module sent its final snapshots from three small cameras. The images show parts of the spacecraft — a solar panel edge, an antenna, and a boom — against the blackness of space. Mercury itself does not appear, both because of camera angles and the fact that the planet is still millions of miles away. 

There are no pictures of the actual separation because, once detached, the module had no computer or antenna to continue snapping with the engineering cameras.

These images were taken by small cameras meant for monitoring systems on the spacecraft, not the science cameras mounted on the orbiters. Credit: ESA

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Over the next weeks, flight teams will adjust BepiColombo's trajectory so it arrives at just the right spot — at just the right speed — to let Mercury's gravity capture it. A key engine burn on Nov. 21 is expected to place the stack into a wide orbit around Mercury. 

In December, Japan's MIO spacecraft will separate into its own high path to study Mercury's magnetic bubble, while Europe's orbiter will focus on the planet itself, mapping the surface and probing the interior.

Mercury bakes to more than 750 degrees Fahrenheit in daylight and plunges below minus 290 degrees at night. BepiColombo must survive not only fierce sunlight but also the heat that Mercury's surface radiates back into space. Engineers built special heat‑resistant coverings and solar panels that can cope with the brutal assault from the sun.

After taking final selfies, the spacecraft dropped its propulsion module, which it doesn't need anymore, and is beginning its approach to Mercury. Credit: ESA

Scientists hope the twin orbiters will reveal why this small world has such a large metal core, how its thin cloud of gas changes over time, and how its magnetic field compares with Earth's when they reach their final paths around March 2027. 

When the telemetry from the spacecraft came through at exactly the moment the team expected, Elsa Montagnon, BepiColombo's spacecraft operations manager, said she felt relief. 

"I don't have words," Montagnon said. "It has power, it has propulsion, it could reorient itself, and it can communicate with us. We have a mission."

There are moments where By Any Means feels like Paramount once envisioned it as a prestige play for the Oscars.

Directed by Elegance Bratton, the drama draws on true events to expose anti-Black racism in the American South in the 1960s. In the lead role, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II stars as Special FBI Agent Wayne Strider, a Black G-man who's investigating the murder of civil rights activist Vernon Dahmer (Giancarlo Esposito).

In scenes where he's cajoling a witness or speaking sternly to his wife (Nicole Beharie) about the dangers they face as Black people in Mississippi, Abdul-Mateen is earnest, intense, and riveting. In these sections, it seems screenwriter Sascha Penn is channeling Chris Gerolmo's approach to 1988's Mississippi Burning, which centered on the murders of civil rights activists James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner. By Any Means also opens with the investigation of this triple homicide, though from a markedly different angle.

However, Penn then pivots to an approach that feels more Green Book, pairing Abdul-Mateen's dignified Southern Black man with a fast-talking, impulsive white New Yorker (Mark Wahlberg, who is also a producer on the film). And while Wahlberg's mischievous screen presence brings a levity to the content, his performance ignites a battle over what this movie means and who it's for. And in the end, it's a mess with a jarringly pandering political message.

By Any Means is about as historically accurate as Wolf Creek. Credit: Paramount Pictures

"Based on a true story" is a title card that should be met with suspicion, as movies for decades (particularly horror movies) have used it as a marketing tool to juice a little more terror or anticipatory dread out of an audience. Journey with me back to 2005, when the deeply disturbing Greg McLean horror thriller Wolf Creek was marketed as being "based on true events." The film itself simply used those events as a springboard for cinematic speculation. By Any Means works the same way.

The film presents Special FBI Agent Wayne Strider as a local man who's come home to Mississippi to fight for equality through his work in government. So, when his friend Vernon's home is fire-bombed, resulting in the man's death, Strider is eager to work on the case — even if it's off the books. His boss (David Strathairn in a role that is entirely exposition-driven) assigns him to be the handler for Gregory Scarpa, a mafia hit man and informant who busts heads for the FBI when their more traditional (i.e., legal) paths of investigation fail.

So, By Any Means opens with a montage of archival footage, establishing where the American South was in terms of KKK activity and anti-Black violence in 1964, when Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner went missing. Then, Bratton cuts to a grimy, abandoned warehouse, where a scrawny white man, badly beaten and bloody, is bound to a chair. Scarpa emerges from the shadows and pummels the man with a bat until he reveals where the activists' remains might be found. Then a title card transports us to two years later, days before Vernon Dahmer's murder.

When the locals, Black and white, won't talk to the FBI — either out of fear of retribution from the KKK or because they are complicit — Scarpa is called down from Brooklyn to get the information "by any means" necessary. However, before you get too intrigued by this concept, be warned that the final title cards suggest that most of what you've seen is inspired by the suspicion that Scarpa may have been involved in some way alongside an "unnamed" Black agent.

This makes By Any Means only more confounding. Because with such a specious connection to reality, Penn and Bratton could have done anything. And instead, they did this.

By Any Means' politics are confounding. Credit: Paramount Pictures

By Any Means becomes a kind of buddy-cop movie, where Strider is the by-the-books hero, and Scarpa is the scrappy, no-rules, no-fucks-given man of action. While that premise evokes Lethal Weapon, their odd-couple energy is more reminiscent of Green Book, not only in the archetypes of the loudmouth white New Yorker and the refined Southern Black gentleman, but also in the condescending notion that the latter needs the former to educate him about the Black experience. In Green Book, it was that scene about eating fried chicken. In By Any Means, it's Scarpa explaining to Strider why Malcolm X's methods are better than Martin Luther King Jr.'s.

SEE ALSO: Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali's friendship, explained by the 'Blood Brothers' director

While this is a curious setup, the conversation is surface-level, using both icons of the American civil rights movement to show that Scarpa believes the best way to gain power is through violence. It's how he rose through the ranks of the mob, and it's a skill set that makes him valuable to the FBI. However, By Any Means only glancingly shows how white privilege distinguishes Scarpa from Strider. When a white police officer pulls the pair over, the cop is eager — giddy, even — to pull a gun on Strider, while not perceiving Scarpa as a threat. That Scarpa can shoot the cop and be confident he'll get away with it is intriguing, but not explored in a meaningful way. Instead, By Any Means feeds into the problematic American trope of cops/feds breaking the rules in pursuit of a "good" result without question.

By Any Means seems to ask, "When the system fails, why not resort to baseball bats, guns, and vigilantism?" Notably, this is the same argument the KKK members in the movie (led by a solidly unnerving Ethan Embry) use to justify their actions. They say the system is failing them, so they're responding with homemade bombs, gunfire, and a fiery cross. The final series of title cards lays out the aftermath of Scarpa's speculated actions, with underwhelming legal ramifications. This makes for a muddied message about the place of violence in seeking justice.

Mark Wahlberg goes Johnny Depp in By Any Means Necessary. Credit: Paramount Pictures

Wahlberg's chaotic charisma is compelling in By Any Means, initially making Scarpa a curious devil's advocate that challenges Strider's by-the-book approach. But Wahlberg is out of his depths in this role.

Now, I'm not one of those critics who think Wahlberg's never been good. In Martin Scorsese's The Departed, he's perfectly employed as a Boston cop who has a foul mouth and a mean streak. In Pain & Gain, Michael Bay expertly placed him in a role of clownish masculinity that was funny and a scorching commentary on the American dream. In Fear, he was seductive as a bad boy and terrifying as an abusive boyfriend. Here, however, Wahlberg seems to be reaching for the husky gruff-but-lovable gravitas of James Gandolfini or Russell Crowe (specifically in The Nice Guys) and coming up very short.

Part of the problem is that Wahlberg's action-hero charm is ill-suited to Scarpa, who is cocky but also scripted as a tough-as-nails New Yorker. For one, if Wahlberg's Boston accent is meant to be a Brooklyn one, he's failed absolutely. For another, the prosthetics applied — presumably to make him look more like the real Scarpa — are comically odd. Looking at the movie's poster, Wahlberg is unrecognizable. Straight on, he vaguely resembles Woody Harrelson. But in profile, the nose applied is so big and so obviously false that it is constantly distracting.

Topped with a bad wig and a pot belly, Wahlberg leans in by mugging. His frown pulls deep, perhaps aiming for De Niro, but hitting Temu Florence Pugh. As I watched, agog at the nose that felt too matte and untextured to be real, I thought of Johnny Depp in Black Mass, where his pursuit of looking like mobster Whitey Bulger translated to an on-camera look so alien that it was hard to watch. As with films like Fantastic Beasts, Dark Shadows, and The Lone Ranger, Depp's make-up felt a crutch, that paired with much mugging, was offered in place of an extraordinary performance.

Which is all to say, I could imagine a version of By Any Means that is nuanced and compelling, using the hit man as a vehicle to expose the shortcomings and loopholes in our criminal justice system. Within such a film, Strider's embrace of rule-breaking in the third act might feel satisfying or at least exciting, rather than the predictable capitulation demanded by American movies, where the cops are always right, even when they do wrong.

As it is, Bratton makes half of a film that aches with purpose, reflected in the smoky saxophone-heavy score of Terence Blanchard. To their credit, Abdul-Mateen, Beharie, and Esposito give stirring performances that demand to be taken seriously. But Wahlberg, with his violent comic relief, undercuts any seriousness. Through him, By Any Means misses the mark as a movie with a mission, instead seeming to pander to a white audience. Scarpa's domineering presence suggests a coddling approach meant to assure white audience members that, like the beguiling hit man, they may not be exemplary allies, but at least they're not the KKK members actively seeking the death of their Black neighbors. Frankly, that wasn't enough then, and it's not enough now.

By Any Means opens Sept. 4.

The best deals on Milwaukee tools in Home Depot's Labor Day sale: Best stapler deal Milwaukee M12 Cordless Crown Stapler $129 (save $210) Get Deal Best multi-tool deal Milwaukee M12 FUEL Oscillating Multi-Tool $199 (save $250) Get Deal Best cut-off tool deal Milwaukee M12 FUEL Compact Cut-Off Tool $199 (save $240) Get Deal Best ratchet deal Milwaukee M12 Cordless 3/8 in. Ratchet $199 (save $260) Get Deal

Every home has that one drawer of half-broken tools you've been meaning to replace, and Home Depot's Labor Day sale is a solid excuse to finally do it. With up to 62% off Milwaukee's 12-volt cordless tools, you can score top-tier durability and long-lasting battery life without breaking the bank.

Below are the best deals from the sale, from a stapler that'll save your hands on upholstery projects to a cutoff tool that can handle metal, PVC, and tile in tight spaces.

Best for upholstery and DIY fixes Opens in a new window Credit: Milwaukee Milwaukee M12 Cordless Crown Stapler $129 at The Home Depot
$339 Save $210 Currently sold out, but you can sign up to get notified for restocks. Get Deal Why we like it

 The Milwaukee M12 Cordless Crown Stapler drives 3/8-inch staples through a range of materials, and at just 3 lbs. and 7.5 inches long, it's compact enough to fit into tight spaces or clip right onto your tool belt. The trigger is designed to reduce hand fatigue, and you can switch between sequential and contact firing modes depending on the job, which is useful whether you're doing upholstery, securing weatherstripping, or laying carpet underlayment.

Best for finishing touches Opens in a new window Credit: Milwaukee Milwaukee M12 FUEL Oscillating Multi-Tool $199 at The Home Depot
$449 Save $250   Get Deal Why we like it

The M12 FUEL Oscillating Multi-Tool is built for speed and control: Milwaukee's Powerstate brushless motor pushes out 10,000 to 20,000 oscillations per minute, which the brand says is the fastest cutting speed on a 12V platform. It's also designed to vibrate less, so your hands don't take the brunt of a long project, and the tool-free blade change means you're not hunting for an Allen key mid-task. It handles wood, metal, plaster, and drywall, and switches over to a sander with the right attachment.

Best for tight-space cutting jobs Opens in a new window Credit: Milwaukee M12 FUEL Compact Cut-Off Tool $199 at The Home Depot
$449 Save $250   Get Deal Why we like it

The M12 FUEL Compact Cut-Off Tool is for the small, awkward jobs like trimming a rusted-out bolt, cutting PVC to fit, or working under a sink where a full-size saw just won't reach. It spins at 20,000 RPM and comes with three accessories out of the box, so it's ready for multiple materials without extra purchases. The reversible blade rotation gives you more control over the direction of your cut, and an LED light helps you see what you're doing in dim spaces.

Best for auto repair and maintenance Opens in a new window Credit: Milwaukee M12 Cordless 3/8 in. Ratchet $199 at The Home Depot
$459 Save $260   Get Deal Why we like it

The M12 Cordless ratchet gives you the power and speed of a pneumatic tool without needing an air hose, making it much more practical for home maintenance or car repairs. It produces up to 35 ft-lbs of torque and 250 RPM, and at just under 11 inches long and less than 2 lbs, it fits into engine bays and other cramped spots that pneumatic ratchets can't reach. A built-in LED light and onboard fuel gauge help you see what you're doing and track your charge.

More Milwaukee tools deals

• Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/4-Inch Hex Impact Driver & Hackzall Combo — $199 $369 (save $170)

• Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench Kit w/ 5.0Ah Battery — $299 $459 (save $160)

• Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit w/ (3) 5.0Ah Batteries — $399 $558 (save $159)

• Milwaukee M18 FUEL 6-1/2-Inch Plunge Cut Track Saw with 55-Inch Guide Rail — $429 $569 (save $140)

• Milwaukee M18 8-Tool Cordless Combo Kit w/ (2) Batteries & Charger — $649 $1,298 (save $649)

TL;DR: Watch Real Betis vs. Real Madrid in La Liga for free on CazéTV. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

La Liga has started with some big scorelines, some stunning individual performances, and a perfect start for Real Madrid. Next they face Real Betis, aiming to win their fourth game on the campaign. The trouble for Real Madrid is that despite winning their first three games, they still sit behind rivals Barcelona. That could all change this weekend.

If you're interested in watching Real Betis vs. Real Madrid in La Liga from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Real Betis vs. Real Madrid?

Real Betis vs. Real Madrid in La Liga kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on Sept. 4. This fixture takes place at the Estadio de La Cartuja.

How to watch Real Betis vs. Real Madrid for free

Real Betis vs. Real Madrid in La Liga is available to live stream for free on CazéTV.

CazéTV is geo-restricted to Brazil, 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 Brazil, meaning you can live stream Real Betis vs. Real Madrid for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Real Betis vs. Real Madrid for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for 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 Brazil

4. Visit CazéTV

5. Watch Real Betis vs. Real Madrid for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only 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 Real Betis vs. Real Madrid without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus Premier League action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for La Liga?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on CazéTV, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is 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 Real Betis vs. Real Madrid for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: This Grade A refurbished 2020 MacBook Pro has 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD storage, a Retina display and Touch Bar for $369.99 (reg. $1,580).

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro 2020 (Refurbished) $369.99
$1,580 Save $1,210.01   Get Deal

Need a MacBook that can take on your everyday workload without using up your entire budget? This Grade A refurbished 2020 MacBook Pro is a MacBook under $500 Best of Web Price, and it’s on sale for $369.99 (reg. $1,580), with 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD and a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor.

There’s a reason the MacBook Pro remains a popular choice for work and creative projects. The 2GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor can Turbo Boost up to 3.8GHz, while 16GB of RAM is built to handle multitasking, coding, photo work, and other demanding applications. The 512GB SSD also provides quick access to your files and enough local storage for a sizable collection of documents, photos, and other media.

The 13.3-inch Retina display offers a 2560 x 1600 native resolution, 500 nits of brightness, and True Tone technology, which adjusts the display’s color temperature based on the surrounding light. You also get a Magic Keyboard with Touch Bar and Touch ID, plus four Thunderbolt 3 ports for charging, displays, and compatible accessories. The battery is rated for up to 10 hours of use.

This MacBook could be a good fit for students, professionals, or those who want macOS for writing, coding, photo editing, streaming, and general productivity without paying the price of a new machine. At roughly 3 pounds, it’s portable enough to take between home, the office, or campus.

The lower price comes with a Grade A refurbished rating. That means the MacBook should arrive in near-mint condition with minimal to no scuffing on the case. It’s worth keeping in mind that this is a 2020 Intel-based model, but for shoppers who don’t need the latest Mac hardware, the configuration still offers plenty of capable specs.

Bring home this refurbished MacBook Pro for $369.99 (reg. $1,580) while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Own your cloud storage space outright with this 1TB lifetime subscription for Vault Cloud Storage, now for just $74.99 (reg. $799).

Opens in a new window Credit: Vault Vault Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (1TB) $74.99
$799 Save $724.01   Get Deal

Your digital life is always growing, not shrinking. From family photos and videos to work documents and important personal files, you add to your collection year after year. If you’re looking for a more affordable way to secure your content, Vault Cloud Storage lets you own your space rather than rent it.

Right now, you can secure a lifetime subscription for 1TB of Vault Cloud Storage for just $74.99 (reg. $799).

Your memories are important — they deserve a permanent storage solution. If you’re fed up with paying monthly fees, Vault Cloud Storage lets you pay once and own 1TB of storage outright. This affordable option not only saves you money over time, but it also helps you get your digital life in order.

Vault Cloud Storage uses AES-GCM-256 to encrypt your files directly in your browser before they’re ever uploaded, so only encrypted data is stored in the cloud. That means no readable document contents are ever stored by Vault, keeping your info as secure as possible.

In addition to encrypting your files, Vault Cloud Storage protects your privacy when you log in. Your account is protected by a unique 12-word recovery phrase that only you know.

Once you’re logged in, you can stay on top of your files by sorting them with tags and notes. You can also easily share files via revocable access keys. Need to export files? That’s simple too — and you can access your Vault Cloud Storage account from all compatible web browsers, like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.

With Vault Cloud Storage, the maximum file size you can upload is 200 MiB per file, and there’s no daily upload-volume quota. Your lifetime license gives you access to 1TB of space, and if you choose to park your files there for a while, there’s no inactivity deletion.

Snag this 1TB lifetime subscription for Vault Cloud Storage for only $74.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change

In 2015, Apple launched the first iPad Pro, a powerful tablet aimed at professionals. In 2018, the iPad Pro got so good that we thought it had a chance of replacing the laptop altogether. This hasn't happened, and I don't think it will anytime soon.

Today, I'm looking at Mashable's former contributor Raymond Wong, who reviewed the third generation of Apple's iPad Pro back in 2018.

Apple got everything right with the iPad Pro, except perhaps on the multitasking front, which Wong notes in his review. And the company's Pro tablets improved with each iteration. In particular, the third-gen iPad Pros got a USB-C port instead of Lightning, they had wonderfully bright, large displays (with Face ID instead of a Touch ID button for the first time), Apple's powerful A12X Bionic chip, and up to 1TB of storage.

If you got one with the optional Magic Keyboard, you basically had a touchscreen laptop with enough computing power and storage to put most laptops to shame (at least back in 2018). And it did all that while dead silent and razor thin, the thinnest iPad ever, and it really felt impossibly thin. One could not believe that Apple could stuff such a workhorse into such an elegant enclosure.

Impossibly thin. Credit: Raymond Wong/Mashable

So why didn't we ditch our MacBooks for the iPad Pro back in 2018? Why haven't we done it today, six years later? (OK, some surely have, but I've tried and failed, and literally no one I know has done so without switching back to the MacBook at some point).

I could go into the technicalities of Apple's iPadOS vs macOS; there's still a big chasm, and it's still way harder to manipulate files and perform some basic tasks on the iPad than it is on a Mac. Or the fact that the Magic Keyboard, as great as it is, never felt as good as the one on a typical MacBook.

But I believe, as I always have, that the laptop has evolved into the perfect work machine for most humans, and that people are so used to them that they strongly dislike the idea of adapting to something new for their daily tasks.

The Magic Keyboard was nice but it was never as good as the one on the MacBook. Credit: Raymond Wong/Mashable

On the other hand, the iPad, including the iPad Pro, is great for iPad things: Reading, watching TV shows, movies, and music videos, playing games, and light work. It's the thing you reach out for when you're on your couch, not sitting at your desk.

As such, the iPad Pro has always remained overpowered, which is the best possible flaw a gadget can have. I never really need the powerful chips or the storage that my iPad has, but it's nice to know it can handle powerful tasks if the need ever arises.

SEE ALSO: Apple might launch a bunch of new MacBook Pro and iPad Pro devices in early 2027

Apple seems devoted to the idea of the iPad Pro: An incredibly powerful tablet-laptop hybrid with a touchscreen, aimed at creative professionals. Rumor has it the company will launch new iPad Pro devices in early 2027. And that's perfectly fine; while I'll probably never ditch my MacBook for an iPad Pro, I'm glad that the iPad Pro exists.

Credit: Mashable "iPad extreme: Apple's 2018 iPad Pros pack more power than almost anyone will ever need," published Nov. 5, 2018.

The Tesla Cybercab, a robotaxi vehicle designed for autonomous taxi rides, is finally here, and available to customers – but not very many of them.

On Thursday, Tesla officially launched the Cybercab, making it available to users through its Robotaxi app.

The company's Robotaxi fleet consists of Tesla Model Ys, Robovans, and now Cybercabs, and the rides are available in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. However, the Cybercabs appears to only be available in Austin.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Tesla seemingly confirmed this by announcing on X that "the future has arrived in Austin."

The Cybercab, originally announced in 2024, does not have a steering wheel or pedals; you can't just sit in it and drive it as you would any other car. Instead, it's designed from the ground-up for autonomous rides. According to The New York Times, the Cybercabs in Austin indeed do not have a steering wheel, but there's only 45 of them in Tesla's Austin fleet which is 314 vehicles strong.

Some Tesla enthusiasts, including Sawyer Merritt, took to X to post videos of their first Cybercab rides.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

In the video, Merritt is seen entering the Cybercab along with his wife. The two-seater cabin basically consists of a massive display, and no discernible human-oriented driving controls at all.

"The cabin is comfortable and spacious, the suspension is soft, and FSD is VERY smooth. It’s an incredible vehicle. The screen is HUGE," wrote Merritt in a tweet.

SEE ALSO: Waymo is launching its robotaxi in Denver, San Diego, and Tampa

If you're wondering, no, you cannot buy a Tesla Cybercab for yourself. Tesla, however, has opened a Robotaxi interest form as it prepares to sell the vehicles to fleet buyers looking to build a Robotaxi network of their own.

The best deals from Bissell's Labor Day sale: Best carpet cleaner deal Little Green Mini Portable Carpet Cleaner $89.99 (save $10) Get Deal Best stick vacuum deal PowerClean DualBrush Cordless Stick Vacuum $259.99 (save $100) Get Deal Best Hydrosteam cleaner deal Bissell Revolution HydroSteam $349.99 (save $50) Get Deal

Labor Day sales are back, offering a whole stack of fresh deals on outdoor gear, power tools, mattresses, and much more. Leading vacuum cleaner brand Bissell has joined in the fun with a bunch of discounts on cleaning products, including advanced stick vacuums and carpet cleaners.

Some of the discounted items are already top sellers, so you can rely on their quality and performance. These cleaning products are popular for a reason. They get the job done. And with the Labor Day sale already live at Bissell, you can save up to $100. Here are some of our favorites:

Best carpet cleaner deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bissell Little Green Mini Portable Carpet Cleaner $89.99 at Bissell
$99.99 Save $10   Get Deal Why we like it

Perfect for smaller homes and pet owners, the Little Green Mini Portable Carpet Cleaner is a scaled-down version of Bissell’s flagship carpet cleaning model. It’s also the brand’s lightest, most compact portable deep cleaner. It’s designed to spray, scrub, and shift stains entirely with surprisingly powerful suction. The size-and-power combo makes it especially good for spot-cleaning messes — particularly if you have messy kids or pets. It comes equipped with a HydroRinse hose tool and a 4-inch Tough Stain tool, both of which work on carpets, furniture, car interiors, and pet beds.

Best stick vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bissell Bissell PowerClean DualBrush Cordless Stick Vacuum $349.99 at Bissell
$399.99 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

The PowerClean DualBrush Cordless Stick Vacuum is one of Bissell’s premium stick models, made all the better by an impressive $100 discount for Labor Day.

It’s essentially a 3-in-1 vacuum that converts between full-size and handheld modes, with two brush heads and a nozzle attachment to choose from. It uses both DualBrush Technology and AutoAdapt Power Boost, which detect dirt and automatically increase suction, giving you up to 75% more power. And pet owners will appreciate the FurFinder headlights, which help you locate hidden pet hair and other debris.

Best Hydrosteam cleaner deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bissell Bissell Revolution HydroSteam $349.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

The Bissell Revolution HydroSteam is one of the brand’s most powerful and innovative carpet cleaners. This upright machine delivers a deep clean using Hydrosteam Technology, which combines water, steam vapor, and a highly effective cleaning solution to tackle embedded dirt and tough stains. You can also crank up the power with its even more powerful SteamWash Max Clean Mode. And as with other Bissell models, it’s tested and proven for pet homes, with DirtLifter brush heads packed with 12 rows of bristles and a 2-in-1 pet upholstery tool.

SAVE UP TO 30%: The Ruggable Labor Day sale is live and takes up to 30% off sitewide, including popular collaborations with Star Wars, Disney, Iris Apfel, and more.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ruggable Ruggable Labor Day Sale   Shop Now

We're not in spring-cleaning mode, but back-to-school season and crisp fall air always evoke the feeling of a fresh start. If you've been looking around your home thinking a rug would really pull the room together, there's a fantastic Labor Day sale in store for you.

The Ruggable Labor Day sale takes up to 30% off sitewide, including some of the brand's most popular options. Sale rugs include doormats, outdoor rugs, indoor rugs, and even rugs suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

It's hard to decide on the perfect rug. Ruggable's expansive selection might not make that task any easier, but it sure is enjoyable. The popular rug brand focuses on the idea that you can, in fact, machine-wash a rug. In addition, Ruggables are stain-resistant. That means they're great for homes with pets, kids, or anyone who's lived through the heartbreak of spilling red wine on a rug.

SEE ALSO: Harry Styles' Loop earplugs are perfect for his Madison Square Garden residency — where to buy

RJ Andersen's review of Ruggable explained that not only do they win on cleaning points, but they're also "surprisingly thick and soft." Spot cleaning was also easy for spills that didn't require a wash, and durability was great.

In addition to having thousands of design options, Ruggable has some incredible collabs that are included in the sale, like Disney, Star Wars, Jungalow, and plenty more.

Shop Ruggable's Labor Day sale to score savings of up to 30% off top sellers. Consider it a home refresh before the holidays.

The best Home Depot Labor Day deals at a glance: Best grill deal Weber Genesis E-325W 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill $899 (save $100) Get Deal Best power tool deal Milwaukee M18 18V Cordless 8-Tool Combo Kit $649 (save $649) Get Deal Best outdoor deal Ryobi ONE+ Whisper Series 12-inch Cordless Chainsaw $189 (save $60) Get Deal Best single power tool deal Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench $79 (save $60) Get Deal Best smart home deal eufy S430 SoloCam $139.99 (save $60) Get Deal

Labor Day Weekend is officially upon us, but Home Depot has already kicked off its huge holiday savings event.

Starting Aug. 27 and running through Sept. 9, Home Depot's Labor Day Sale is offering all kinds of deals to help you transition into fall with ease. Highlights include up to 45% off Ryobi cordless power tools, up to $160 off grills, up to $100 off DeWalt tool combo kits, and more. Whether you want to clean up your yard for cool-weather cookouts or try your hand at home improvement, there's likely a deal for you.

SEE ALSO: Shop the REI Labor Day sale: We found late summer outdoor and camping deals

The sale will be live until Sept. 9, but we expect some of the best deals to sell out in advance. So, if you see something you want, grab it sooner rather than later. We've rounded up some of the best deals we've spotted now that the sale has kicked off, but we'll keep an eye out for more price drops throughout the next week.

Best Home Depot grill deal Opens in a new window Credit: Weber Weber Genesis E-325W 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill $899 at The Home Depot
$999 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

It's honestly hard to beat a Weber if you're looking to replace your old grill. Their high-quality builds last longer than most, but they can get pretty dang expensive.

Luckily, for Labor Day, Home Depot has several models on sale for up to $100 off. The exclusive Weber Genesis E-325W, for instance, is down to $899 from $999. It features a 640-square-inch cooking space with three burners, two dual-row PureBlu burners for an ultra-hot Sear Zone, porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates, and a sleek titanium-colored finish. And as with most Webers, it comes with a 12-year limited warranty.

More grill deals

• Weber Original Kettle 22-inch Charcoal Grill — $99 $199 (save $100)

• Traeger Pro Series 22-Pellet Grill and Smoker — $389 $549 (save $160)

• Weber Spirit E-210 2-Burner Propane Gas Grill — $399 $449 (save $50)

• Weber Spirit E-325 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill — $499 $549 (save $50)

• Weber 3-Burner Propane Flat Top Grill — $549 $599 (save $50)

• Oklahoma Joe's Highland Reverse Flow Charcoal Barrel Smoker — $629.99 $729.99 (save $100)

• Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600 Charcoal Grill and Smoker — $649 $749 (save $100)

• Traeger Flatrock 2-Burner Propane Flat Top Griddle — $699.99 $799.99 (save $100)

• Traeger Woodridge Wi-Fi Pellet Grill and Smoker — $799 $899 (save $100)

• Weber Genesis E-315 3-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill — $799 $899 (save $100)

• Kamado Joe Classic Joe 18-inch Charcoal Grill — $849 $999 (save $150)

• Ninja FlexFlame ProConnect Wi-Fi 3-Burner Propane Grill with Pizza Stone and Peel — $1,099.99 $1,299.99 (save $200)

• Masterbuilt Gravity Series XT Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker — $1,499.99 $1,799.99 (save $300)

Best Home Depot power tool combo kit deal Opens in a new window Credit: Milwaukee Milwaukee M18 18V Cordless 8-Tool Combo Kit $649 at The Home Depot
$1,298 Save $649   Get Deal Why we like it

This eight-tool Milwaukee kit is an impressive value at only $649 — 50% off its list price. It includes one 1/2-inch drill/driver, one 1/4-inch impact driver, one oscillating multi-tool, one 3/8-inch impact wrench, one brushless grinder, one 6.5-inch circular saw, one hackzall, an LED work light, two M18 XC 4.0Ah batteries, a M12/M18 dual voltage charger, and two contractor bags. You'll be prepared for practically any home improvement project you can dream up.

Best Home Depot power tool deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ryobi Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench $79 at The Home Depot
$139 Save $60   Get Deal Why we like it

Whether you're working on cars or stubborn home DIYs, an impact wrench can make your life easier. And this one from Ryobi is down to just $79 during The Home Depot's Labor Day Sale. It features 375 ft-lbs of fastening torque, up to 3,100 impacts per minute, and a variable speed trigger with an RPM of 0 to 2,700. There's even an on-board LED light for extra visibility during your projects.

More power tool deals

• Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 4-1/2 in. Angle Grinder + free battery — $99 $248 (save $149)

• Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless Compact Barrel Grip Jigsaw + free battery — $149 $278 (save $129)

• DeWalt XR Cordless Brushless Screw Gun — $149 $199 (save $50)

• DeWalt Atomic Cordless 1/4 in. Brushless Impact Driver Kit — $149 $219 (save $70)

• DeWalt Atomic Cordless 1/2 in. Hammer Drill Kit — $149 $199 (save $50)

• DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Impact 2 Tool Combo Kit — $169 $239 (save $70)

• Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 4-Tool Combo Kit — $199 $249 (save $50)

• Milwaukee M18 FUEL Cordless 1/4 in. Hex Impact Driver and Reciprocating Saw — $199 $369 (save $170)

• Milwaukee M18 FUEL Cordless 1/2 in. Hammer Drill/Driver w/1/4 in. Hex Impact Driver — $229 $399 (save $170)

• Milwaukee M18 FUEL Cordless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit — $369 $558 (save $189)

• Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 12-Tool Combo Kit — $679 $829 (save $150)

Best Home Depot outdoor power tool deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ryobi Ryobi ONE+ Whisper Series 12-inch Cordless Chainsaw $189 at The Home Depot
$249 Save $60   Get Deal Why we like it

Ryobi's Whisper Series cordless chainsaw is a hard deal to beat at only $189.

It's lightweight, easy to maneuver, and as the name suggests, 85% quieter than a typical gas-powered chainsaw. Plus, of course, it requires no fuel. Instead, it comes with a 6Ah high-performance battery that can make up to 112 cuts per charge with just the pull of a trigger. Its 12-inch bar and chain can tackle limbs and logs up to 10 inches in diameter, and there's an automatic oiler, tooled chain tensioning, and on-board tool storage for convenience. Purchased separately, the chainsaw, battery, and charger would run you up to $373, so this deal saves you nearly 50%.

More outdoor deals

• Ryobi ONE+ 18V 9 in. Cordless Edger — $99 $129 (save $30)

• Milwaukee M18 FUEL Cordless Handheld Blower — $149 $199 (save $50)

• DeWalt Cordless Battery Powered Chainsaw Kit — $199 $259 (save $60)

• DeWalt Cold Water Electric Pressure Washer — $249 $389 (save $140)

• Milwaukee M18 FUEL Battery Powered 8 in. HATCHET Mini Chainsaw — $279 $419 (save $140)

• Ryobi 40V Whisper Series Cordless Leaf Blower — $279 $349 (save $70)

• Ryobi 40V Cordless Multi-Blade Walk Behind Self-Propelled Lawn Mower — $449 $599 (save $150)

• Navimow i206 Robot Lawn Mower — $899 $999 (save $100)

• Navimow X430 17 in. Robot Lawn Mower — $2,249 $2,499 (save $250)

• Mammotion Luba 3 Robot Lawn Mower — $2,499 $2,799 (save $300)

Best Home Depot smart home deal Opens in a new window Credit: eufy eufy S430 SoloCam $139.99 at Home Depot
$199.99 Save $60   Get Deal Why we like it

If you want to keep tabs on your yard without breaking the bank or paying a monthly subscription, the eufy S430 SoloCam is down to $139.99 (original price $199.99). This wireless camera features 360-degree pan-and-tilt surveillance, dual lenses, and a built-in solar panel so you never have to worry about swapping batteries.

More smart home deals

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select — $19.99 $49.99 (save $30)

• Blink Wired Floodlight Camera (2600-Lumens) — $44.99 $99.99 (save $55)

• Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) — $54.99 $79.99 (save $25)

• Blink Outdoor 4 Wireless 5-Camera System — $164.99 $299.99 (save $135)

• Blink Outdoor 4 XR Wireless 6-Camera System — $230.99 $419.99 (save $189)

Best Home Depot Halloween and holiday decor finds Opens in a new window Credit: Home Accents Home Accents Holiday 5 ft. Grave & Bones LED Pose-N-Stay Skeleton $39.98 at Home Depot
  Shop Now Why we like it

Skelly is obviously our favorite Home Depot Halloween decoration, but he's not on sale (and neither are his bony friends). If you're looking to build out your yard display for less, the Home Accents Holiday 5 ft. Grave & Bones LED Pose-N-Stay Skeleton is only $39.98. It's fully poseable, durable enough to survive the autumn weather, and perfect for holding a coffee cup on your front porch until November.

More Halloween decor finds

Note: These viral items featured in Home Depot's Labor Day event tend to sell out fast before October.

• Home Accents Holiday 36 in. Celtic Cross Tombstone — $29.98

• Home Accents Holiday 36 in. Skull and Roses Tombstone — $29.98

• Home Accents Holiday 12 in. Twinkling LED Bats (3-Pack) — $39.98

• Home Accents Holiday 2.5 ft. Grave & Bones Watcher's Perch — $39.98

• Home Accents Holiday 3 ft. Animated Dancing Skeleton — $39.98

• Disney 14 in. Mickey Pumpkin — $49.98

• Disney 14 in. Minnie Pumpkin — $49.98

• Home Accents Holiday 7.5 in. & 10 in. Twinkling LED Bats (6-Piece) — $49.98

• Home Accents Holiday 7 ft. Color-Changing LED Willow Tree — $129.00

Looking for more Labor Day sales?

• The best Labor Day deals already live: Shop mattresses, tools, and TVs

• The best Labor Day deals on Apple products

• The best Labor Day sales on mattresses, bedding, and pillows

• Shop the Ruggable Labor Day sale on washable rugs

The best Amazon Labor Day deals at a glance: Best Apple deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $649 (save $100) Get Deal Best Amazon device deal Amazon Echo Show 11 $189.99 (save $60) Get Deal Best TV deal TCL 65-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV $1,397.99 (save $1,102) Get Deal Best headphones deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra $249 (save $200) Get Deal

If the Pumpkin Spite Latte's return to Starbucks didn't already alert you, Labor Day Weekend's arrival certainly will. Fall is coming, whether you're anticipating the season change or dreading it. The unofficial last hurrah of summer, Labor Day is the perfect excuse to squeeze in some last-minute beach days, backyard barbecues, and shopping sprees (obviously).

With tech prices constantly rising, major shopping holidays like Amazon's Labor Day sale are your best opportunity to score the devices you want at a discount. We've already noticed all-time low prices on some of our favorite TVs of 2026 and noise-cancelling headphones we adore. Plus, we're seeing some of the best discounts on Apple gear and Amazon devices since price hikes went into effect.

We fully expect this list to grow as the weekend nears, but here are some of the best deals we've spotted at Amazon so far.

Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $649 at Amazon
$749 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

The M4 iPad Air is hands down our top pick for an iPad for most people. While it's incredibly similar to its predecessor, that's not necessarily a bad thing. It features a thin and lightweight build, brilliant Liquid Retina display, insanely fast performance powered by the M4 chip, and Apple's N1 and C1X connectivity chips. Mashable's tech editor says its powerful enough to handle memory-intensive programs like Final Cut Pro and even goes as far as calling it "way overpowered for most users." It starts at $749 for the 128GB version after the price hike, but for Labor Day, it's $100 cheaper.

Read our full review of the Apple iPad Air 2026 (M4).

More Apple deals

Earbuds

• Apple AirPods 4 (without ANC) — $99 $129 (save $30)

• Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) — $149 $179 (save $30)

• Beats Studio Buds + — $149.95 $169.95 (save $20)

• Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $199.99 $249 (save $49.01)

iPads

• Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) — $849.99 $949 (save $99.01)

• Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 256GB) — $949 $1,049 (save $100)

• Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M5, WiFi, 512GB) — $1,549 $1,699 (Save $150)

• Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, WiFi, 512GB) — $1,299 $1,399 (save $100)

• Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) — $1,399.99 $1,499 (save $99.01)

• Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, WiFi, 1TB) — $1,649.99 $1,799 (save $149.01)

Accessories

• AirTags (2nd gen, 4-pack) — $79.99 $99 (save $19.01)

• Apple Pencil Pro — $97 $129 (save $32)

• Apple Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad (A16) — $175 $249 (save $74)

Best Amazon device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Show 11 $189.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $60   Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon surprised everyone with a monstrous price hike across all of its Fire TV, Kindle, and Echo devices earlier this month. This is the first big sale since the price hike, so we're happy to see many of these devices still getting the deal treatment. The Echo Show 11 is down to $189.99, which is $30 cheaper than its original price before the increase. Dubbed Amazon's "most advanced smart displays yet," the Echo Show 11 features the new in-house AZ3 Pro chips and Omnisense technology for AI-based, highly personalized experiences. There's also front-facing stereo speakers, a custom woofer for spatial audio, ambient visuals that adapt to your environment, and a built-in 13-megapixel camera that can recognize faces.

More Amazon device deals

• Fire TV Stick HD — $15.99 $39.99 (save $24 with Prime code SAVEHDFTV)

• Fire TV Stick 4K Select — $17.99 $49.99 (save $32 with Prime code 4KFTVSAVE)

• Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 $69.99 (save $45 with Prime code 4KSAVE)

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

• Fire TV Stick 4K Max — $49.99 $84.99 (save $35)

• Echo Dot Kids — $54.99 $89.99 (save $35)

• Echo Dot — $54.99 $79.99 (save $25)

• Echo Show 5 — $69.99 $99.99 (save $30)

• Echo Spot — $69.99 $109.99 (save $40)

• Echo Dot Max — $94.99 $119.99 (save $25)

• Fire TV Cube — $109.99 $199.99 (save $90)

• Echo Show 8 — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)

• Echo Studio — $194.99 $219.99 (save $25)

• Echo Show 15 — $269.99 $349.99 (save $80)

Best TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 65-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV $1,397.99 at Amazon
$2,499.99 Save $1,102.00   Get Deal Why we like it

It's been out less than six months, but it's already our top pick for a QLED TV for most people. That "SQD" in the title stands for "super quantum dot mini LEDS," which is a lot of tech jargon for extremely bright quantum dots. Mashable's TV expert calls it one of the brightest TVs you can buy, period, shouting out its "superb peak brightness, detailed picture quality, and fantastic glare handling." The 65-inch model clocks in at $2,499.99 on a normal day, but it's down to a best-ever $1,397.99 at Amazon for Labor Day — a 44% discount.

More TV deals

• Insignia 50-inch F50 LED 4K TV — $159.99 $299.99 (save $140)

• Amazon 50-inch Omni QLED 4K Fire TV — $259.99 $469.99 (save $210)

• Hisense 65-inch U6 Pro Mini-LED ULED 4K TV — $598.99 $1,099.99 (save $501)

• LG 55-inch LX7B Gallery Mini LED 4K TV — $699.99 $1,299.99 (save $600)

• Hisense 65-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV — $847.99 $1,499.99 (save $652)

• LG 65-inch LX7B Gallery Mini LED 4K TV — $899.99 $1,799.99 (save $900)

• Hisense 65-inch S7 Canvas Hi-QLED 4K TV — $997.99 $1,999.99 (save $1,002)

• Hisense 85-inch U6 Pro Hi-QLED Mini LED 4K TV — $1097.99 $1,999.99 (save $902)

• Samsung 85-inch M80H Mini-LED 4K TV — $1,199.99 $1,799.99 (save $600)

• Samsung 65-inch S85H OLED 4K TV — $1,397.99 $1,999.99 (save $602)

• LG 65-Inch B6 OLED 4K TV — $1,399.99 $1,999.99 (save $600)

• LG 65-inch C6 OLED 4K TV — $1,499.99 $2,699.99 (save $1,200)

Best headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra $249 at Amazon
$449 Save $200   Get Deal Why we like it

Since these headphones have been replaced by the 2nd generation, they won't be on shelves too much longer. We're huge fans of the latest generation, but like most modern tech, the upgrades are iterative. The original QuietComfort Ultras are "still some of the most comfortable and best-sounding headphones we've ever tested," Mashable's Sam Mangino writes. They can easily be worn all day without earaches, offer all-day battery life with noise cancellation turned on, have convenient foldable earcups, and superb sound quality. At only $249, they're a total steal (and the cheapest they've ever been)

Read our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultras.

More headphones deals

• Sony WH-CH520 — $38 $69.99 (save $31.99)

• Anker Soundcore Q20i — $39.98 $69.99 (save $30.01)

• Marshall Major V — $89.99 $169.99 (save $80)

• Sony ULT Wear — $148 $249.99 (save $101.99)

• Sony WH-1000XM5 — $198 $278 (save $80)

• Bose QuietComfort — $229 $359 (save $130)

• Sonos Ace — $299 $399 (save $100)

• Sony WH-1000XM6 — $398 $459.99 (save $61.99)

The best Labor Day TV deals at a glance: Best QLED TV deal TCL 65-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV $1,397.99 (save $1,102) Get Deal Best RGB TV deal Samsung 65-inch R85H Micro RGB 4K TV $1,499.99 (save $600) Get Deal Best OLED TV deal LG 65-inch C6 OLED 4K TV $1,499.99 (save $1,200) Get Deal

Labor Day isn't just the unofficial kick off of fall and football season, it's also a great time to score tech at cheaper prices. TV deals are particularly impressive this week, with some of our favorite models of 2026 down to record lows. If you've been putting off upgrading your TV, now's a great time to take the leap.

More deals will likely pop up leading into the weekend, but with some of these models at their best prices ever, there's really no need to wait. I've rounded up the best Labor Day TV deals worth adding to your cart below.

Best QLED TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 65-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV $1,397.99 at Amazon
$2,499.99 Save $1,102.00   Get Deal Why we like it

TCL's QM8L SQD-Mini-LED TV is our favorite QLED TV for most people. Mashable's TV expert shouts out its "superb peak brightness, detailed picture quality, and fantastic glare handling" in her review. She also dubs it one of the brightest TVs you can buy, period, which is largely due to its "super quantum dot mini LEDs" (the SQD in its name). It clocks in at $2,499.99 for the 65-inch model on a normal day, but for Labor Day, it's down to a best-ever $1,397.99 at Amazon. That's 44% in savings.

Best OLED TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 65-inch C6 OLED 4K TV $1,499.99 at Amazon
$2,699.99 Save $1,200.00   Get Deal Why we like it

The LG C6 is what we'd call the "best affordable OLED TV," compared to competitors' prices, and the best OLED TV for most people. With a $1,200 discount, the 65-inch model is the same price as the 55-inch option on a normal day. It also happens to be its best price on record. The C6 features inky black levels, stark contrast, improved audio, peak brightness, and refresh rate over its predecessor, and a generally impeccable picture quality.

Best RGB TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch R85H Micro RGB 4K TV $1,499.99 at Best Buy
$2,099.99 Save $600.00   Get Deal Why we like it

RGB TVs were easily the biggest TV trend at CES 2026 and Samsung's R95H is easily the best RGB TV of the year. However, it's pretty dang expensive, even on sale ($2,799 for the 65-inch option). On the other hand, its more affordable sibling, the R85H, is down to a much more palatable $1,499.99 for the 65-inch version. Like the R95H, it uses individual red, green, and blue LEDs to deliver better color accuracy than non-RGB TVs. It's almost too vivid. If you're curious about RGB TVs, it's a solid entry-level option that won't require emptying your wallet.

More Labor Day TV deals50 to 55-inch TV deals

• Insignia 50-inch F50 LED 4K TV — $159.99 $299.99 (save $140)

• Amazon 50-inch Omni QLED 4K Fire TV — $259.99 $469.99 (save $210)

• LG 55-inch LX7B Gallery Mini LED 4K TV — $699.99 $1,299.99 (save $600)

• Hisense 55-inch UR8 RGB Mini LED 4K TV — $899.99 $1,499.99 (save $600)

65-inch TV deals

• LG 65-inch LX7B Gallery Mini LED 4K TV — $899.99 $1,799.99 (save $900)

• Hisense 65-inch S7 Canvas Hi-QLED 4K TV — $997.99 $1,999.99 (save $1,002)

• Sony 65-inch Bravia 7 Mini LED QLED 4K TV — $1,298 $1,598 (save $300)

• Samsung 65-inch S85H OLED 4K TV — $1,397.99 $1,999.99 (save $602)

• LG 65-Inch B6 OLED 4K TV — $1,399.99 $1,999.99 (save $600)

• Samsung 65-inch S90H OLED 4K TV — $1,597.99 $2,697.99 (save $1,100)

• Sony 65-inch Bravia 8 II QD QLED 4K TV — $2,498 $3,299.99 (save $801.99)

• Samsung 65-inch S95H OLED 4K TV — $2,799.99 $3,399.99 (save $600)

75-inch TV deals

• Hisense 75-inch U6 Pro Mini-LED ULED 4K TV — $797.99 $1,399.99 (save $602)

• Hisense 75-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV — $1,197.99 $1,999.99 (save $802)

• Samsung 75-inch R85H Micro RGB 4K TV — $1,999.99 $2,799.99 (save $800)

• Sony 75-inch Bravia 7 II RGB 4K TV — $2,299.99 $3,099.99 (save $800)

• Samsung 75-inch The Frame Pro QLED 4K TV — $2,397.99 $2,797.99 (save $400)

• Samsung 75-inch R95H RGB 4K TV — $3,799.99 $4,499.99 (save $700)

80 to 85-inch TV deals

• Insignia 85-inch Class F50 Series 4K Fire TV — $599.99 $899.99 (save $300)

• Hisense 85-inch U6 Pro Hi-QLED Mini-LED 4K TV — $1097.99 $1,999.99 (save $902)

• Samsung 85-inch M80H Mini-LED 4K TV — $1,199.99 $1,799.99 (save $600)

• Hisense 85-inch U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K TV — $1,397.99 $2,499.99 (save $1,102)

• Hisense 85-inch UR8 RGB Mini LED 4K TV — $2,199.99 $3,499.99 (save $1,300)

Over 85-inch TV deals

• Hisense 100-inch U6 Mini-LED 4K TV — $1,999.99 $2,999.99 (save $1,000)

• TCL 98-inch QM7L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $2,497.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,502)

• Hisense 100-inch UR8 RGB Mini LED 4K TV — $3,499.99 $5,999.99 (save $2,500)

The best Labor Day laptop deals at a glance: Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,699 (save $100) Get Deal Best Windows laptop deal HP OmniBook 3 16 (Snapdragon X, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $599.99 (save $550) Get Deal Best Chromebook deal Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 (MediaTek Kompanio Ultra, 12GB RAM, 256GB UFS) $579 (save $170) Get Deal

The ongoing memory crisis means higher prices for the tech we've come to depend on. Laptops have been hit especially hard by "RAMageddon," with PC makers like Dell, Lenovo, and Acer raising prices to reflect rising component costs. Even Apple marked up its MacBooks by at least $100 apiece this summer. (Gone are the days of the $599 MacBook Neo.)

The current state of the market makes shopping sales feel all the more important. Your last big chance to snag a deeply discounted laptop before Black Friday comes with this weekend's Labor Day sales. Below, we've rounded up the best Labor Day laptop deals we could find, including discounts on MacBooks, Windows laptops, and a very nice Chromebook we've tested.

Best MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,699 at Amazon and Best Buy
$1,799 Save $100   Get Deal

The 13-inch M5 MacBook Air is our favorite MacBook for college students, as it's super portable and a little cheaper than its 15-inch brother. It's a fabulous ultraportable with a crisp, colorful display, amazing speakers, and blazing-fast performance. This upgraded model, with 24GB of RAM and a terabyte of storage, should last you well past graduation. Amazon and Best Buy currently have it on sale for $1,699, or $100 off.

Heads up: If you have a valid student ID, you'll get $100 off and a free $100 gift card if you buy this MacBook directly through the Apple Store during its Back to School sale (live through Sept. 24). However, it won't ship until late September or early October. If you need it sooner, Amazon (with Prime) and Best Buy were both advertising next- or two-day shipping at the time of writing.

Read Mashable's full review of the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M5).

More MacBook deals

• Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $689.99 $699 (save $9.01)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,849.99 $1,999 (save $149.01)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,759.99 $2,999 (save $239.01)

Best Windows laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP OmniBook 3 16 (Snapdragon X, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $599.99 at Staples
$1,149.99 Save $550   Get Deal

The OmniBook 3 16 is a slim, big-screened laptop with a mind-blowing battery life of over 40 hours per charge. It's the longest-lasting laptop we've ever tested in more than a decade of reviewing laptops. Just note that its Snapdragon X processor is best for everyday productivity tasks, not intensive app usage. This configuration with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage (a good daily driver combo) is 48% off at Staples for Labor Day. For reference, HP's website lists the same model at $90 more.

Read Mashable's full review of the HP OmniBook 3 16.

More Windows laptop deals

• HP OmniBook Ultra 14 (Snapdragon X2 Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,799.99 $2,249.99 (save $450)

• Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070Ti, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,899.99 $2,199.99 (save $300)

• Dell XPS 14 (Intel Core Ultra X7 358H, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,699.99 $3,149.99 (save $450)

Best Chromebook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 (MediaTek Kompanio Ultra, 12GB RAM, 256GB UFS) $579 at Best Buy
$749 Save $170   Get Deal

This premium Chromebook boasts an 18-hour battery life and a silky-smooth touchscreen display that can flip around 360 degrees. It makes a great MacBook Neo alternative for ultra-casual users who want a laptop that doubles as a tablet. Ahead of Labor Day, it's significantly cheaper than the Neo: Best Buy has it marked down to $579, or 23% off. That more than erases its $50 price hike from May.

Read Mashable's full review of the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514.

Best Labor Day outdoor deals at a glance: Best power station deal Anker Solix C300 $199.99 (save $50) Shop Now Best cooler deal Ninja FrostVault $169.99 (save $30) Shop Now Best backyard deal Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights 2 $129.99 (save $60) Shop Now

Summer is winding down, but that doesn't mean the fun is ending. Now that summer temps tend to lean more toward sweltering than comfortable, fall gatherings are the new summer. That means we still have plenty of time for backyard barbecues, putting an inflatable pool on the patio, and spending a weekend camping.

In more good news, retail trends still think we're winding down with the outdoor activities. That means this is the perfect time to make upgrades with sale prices and still get plenty of use before packing it all away for winter.

If you've been thinking about getting a portable power station for camping, refreshing the inflatable pool toys, or finally getting a backyard projector, consider this is a great time to be shopping. Here are some of our favorite Labor Day outdoor deals at Amazon:

Best portable power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Solix Anker Solix C300 $199.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

Camping trips don't have to mean disconnecting, unless you want to. But if you'd rather keep in touch, a portable power station is perfect for keeping phones and other devices charged. The Anker Solix C300 comes with 288Wh and four USB-C ports. Anker mentions the capacity of the Solix C300 can recharge a phone about 19 times. Plus, the built-in light is perfect for the campground.

Best cooler deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja FrostVault $169.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

Ninja makes some of Mashable's favorite kitchen appliances, and the FrostVault cooler has been a favorite since it launched last year. Unlike most coolers, Ninja added a dry storage drawer to the cooler, ensuring there's a dedicated space that'll keep food cool and dry. It's perfect for easy access to road trip sandwiches and snacks.

The 30-quart Ninja FrostVault is on sale on Amazon ahead of Labor Day for $169.99. With 15 pounds of ice, this size can fit 26 cans.

Best backyard deal Opens in a new window Credit: Govee Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights 2 $129.99 at Amazon
$189.99 Save $60   Get Deal Why we like it

Light up the backyard, patio, or balcony with the Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights 2. The 144-foot pack is on sale on Amazon for only $129.99 and comes with 45 bulbs. The Govee lights carry an IP65 waterproof rating, so you won't need to worry about them getting wet in fall rainstorms. Govee makes some of the best outdoor lights that are sure to impress your neighbors.

More outdoor deals

• Funboy Giant Inflatable Chaise Lounger Pool Float — $36.47 $69 (save $32.53)

• JBL PartyBox Encore Essential 2 Portable Speaker — $249.95 $329.95 (save $80)

• Yeti Hopper M Series Portable Soft Cooler — $280 $530 (save $70)

• Jetboil Genesis Basecamp Backpacking and Camping Stove System — $345.94 $449.99 (save $104.05)

• Dometic Recon Hardside Cooler — $337.96 $425 (save $87.04)

• XGIMI MoGo 4 Portable Projector — $399 $499 (save $100)

• AWOL Valerion 200-inch Outdoor Projector Screen — $999 $1,199 (save $200)

• Nebula X1 4K Laser Projector — $2,299 $2,999 (save $700)