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MMashable

26 Oct 2026

TechProduct ReviewConsumer Tech

Key takeaways

The Sony XM4C headphones are $50 off for the first time ever
I test headphones for a living, and the Sony WH-1000XM4C are one of the best releases of 2026. Here's why this $50 markdown is a great deal.
1. 1. The Sony WH-1000XM4C are $50 off for the first time ever — and at a new record low price — thanks to an on-page coupon at Amazon as of Oct. 26.
1. 2. This brings their price down to $248 from the list price of $299.99, saving you 16% off their total list price.
1. 3. I'd be surprised to see a much better deal over Black Friday, so if you're looking to get your headphones shopping done early, the XM4Cs are definitely worth your consideration.

MMashable

26 Oct 2026

TechControversialSensational

Key takeaways

Samsung TVs might use the mics of connected devices to listen to you, researcher says
Samsung TVs allegedly scans third-party devices with microphones to listen to consumers, according to a cybersecurity researcher.
1. 1. Samsung TVs without built-in microphones may utilize audio data from connected devices equipped with microphones.
1. 2. Researcher @log4j found that Samsung TVs log events like 'dog barking' and 'baby crying' under an event called EV201/SOUNDSENSOR_ON.
1. 3. Samsung TVs reportedly track user activity within specific apps, including which ads are skipped.

MMashable

26 Oct 2026

TechInnovationAI

Key takeaways

CapCut is adding a ChatGPT plugin. See it in action.
CapCut is bringing its video editor to ChatGPT, so creators can describe what they want and refine their edits through conversation.
1. 1. CapCut announced a ChatGPT plugin that will allow creators to develop video ideas in ChatGPT and have CapCut produce a rough cut.
1. 2. Creators can refine videos by chatting with ChatGPT, requesting changes like holding shots longer or improving caption readability.
1. 3. CapCut also announced other AI features, including generative AI for its apps and an AI agent, and stated it labels AI-generated content.

MMashable

26 Oct 2026

TechPromotionalDeals

Key takeaways

Shop the best early Black Friday noise-cancelling headphones deals 2026
The best early Black Friday noise-cancelling headphones deals include Sony, Soundcore, AirPods, and more.
1. 1. While we're technically still a month out from Black Friday, we're already seeing deals flutter in on some noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds that we love.
1. 2. The Sony WH-CH720N are some of our favorite budget headphones, with surprisingly good ANC and overall audio quality.
1. 3. We named them our favorite budget earbuds overall, with nods to their multi-level noise-cancellation, impressive battery life, and overall excellent audio quality.

MMashable

26 Oct 2026

TechProduct EnthusiastTech Review

Key takeaways

Apple iPad Mini 8 announced with a bigger display, a newer chip, and a higher price
Apple unveiled the new 2026 iPad Mini model, and everything about it seems better than before, except for the price.
1. 1. Apple's newest iPad Mini debuted on Monday.
1. 2. The new iPad starts at $699 in the United States, which is the only real bummer about this whole deal, as that's a $200 jump from the original starting price of the last iPad Mini.
1. 3. The A20 Pro chip will also be a big step up over the A17 Pro chip that graced the last iPad Mini, fully unlocking all of the Apple Intelligence features you could want, including Siri AI.

MMashable

26 Oct 2026

TechPromotionalDeal Alert

Key takeaways

Apple 16-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro drops to $2,749 on Amazon
Save $250 on the 16.2-inch Apple MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro chip, 24GB memory, and 1TB SSD. Grab it on Amazon for $2,749.
1. 1. The 16.2-inch Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro, 24GB, 1TB SSD) is on sale for $2,749 on Amazon.
1. 2. That's down from its $2,999 list price.
1. 3. This laptop is built for people who push their computers to the limit, like video editors slicing through 4K footage, 3D artists, programmers compiling heavy code, and creators playing with local AI tools.

MMashable

26 Oct 2026

BusinessPromotionalConsumer Tech

Key takeaways

The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is (almost) free before Black Friday — how to claim
How to get the Apple iPhone for free. The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is almost free when you switch to T-Mobile.
1. 1. The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is $1,000 off when you switch and bring your number on T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan.
1. 2. The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is also $1,000 off when you trade in an eligible phone in any condition on T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan.
1. 3. The full savings are distributed as monthly credits over a 36-month payment plan.

MMashable

26 Oct 2026

BusinessPromotionalOpinion

Key takeaways

Best headphones deal: Save $80 on Marshall Monitor III
Get the best headphones deal. Save 29% on the Marshall Monitor III at Amazon
1. 1. SAVE $80: As of Oct. 26, the Marshall Monitor III is on sale for $199.99 at Amazon.
1. 2. That's a 29% savings on the list price.
1. 3. The Marshall Monitor III headphones have dropped by $80, bringing them to their best-ever price.

MMashable

26 Oct 2026

TechPromotionalTech

Key takeaways

Best fitness tracker deal: Save $20 on CMF Watch 3 Pro
Get the best fitness tracker deal. Save 25% on Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro at Amazon.
1. 1. The CMF Watch 3 Pro is on sale for $59 at Amazon, its lowest-ever price.
1. 2. This is a 25% discount on the list price, saving users $20.
1. 3. The watch tracks over 130 sports and workout modes, with GOMORE-powered analysis for performance and recovery.

MMashable

26 Oct 2026

BusinessControversialOpinion

Key takeaways

Anthropic sued for allegedly training Claude on Elvis Presley's music
Anthropic is reportedly being sued for allegedly training its AI model Claude on Elvis Presley's music without permission.
1. 1. Anthropic is reportedly being sued for allegedly training its AI on Elvis Presley's music without permission.
1. 2. The plaintiffs are requesting a permanent injunction to prevent Anthropic from using Presley's songs, as well as damages of up to $150,000 for each work allegedly infringed upon.
1. 3. Anthropic has refuted the allegations, a spokesperson stating, "We disagree with the claims and intend to defend this case fully."

MMashable

25 Oct 2026

TechPromotionalTech Deal

Key takeaways

Don’t miss your chance to get lifetime Microsoft Office Pro 2021 for $28
Get a Microsoft Office Professional 2021 lifetime license for one Windows PC for $27.97 through Nov. 1, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
1. 1. Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows is $27.97 (reg. $219.99) through Nov. 1.
1. 2. This is your last chance to ditch Microsoft 365’s subscription fees for good.
1. 3. It’s a one-time download for one Windows PC, so once it’s yours, it’s yours.

MMashable

25 Oct 2026

PoliticsAIRegulation

Key takeaways

Pennsylvania enacts law regulating AI-generated advertisements
It's called the AI Deceptive Advertising Act and it's casting a very wide net.
1. 1. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed the Artificial Intelligence Deceptive Advertising Act into law, mandating that all ads contain a disclosure label.
1. 2. The purpose of the bill is to combat false or misleading advertising, which is much easier to engage in with the help of AI-generated content.
1. 3. Critics of the bill wonder how effective it will be, given the imprecise nature of some of the language used.

MMashable

25 Oct 2026

TechPrivacyTech Policy

Key takeaways

Why Google is linking your phone number to all your signed-in accounts
You should be aware of this opt-out Google setting that might compromise your privacy.
1. 1. Google is verifying and attaching your phone number across all your signed-in Google accounts on Android devices.
1. 2. The policy change happened between August and October of 2025, under the "Verify phone numbers automatically" setting, which must now be opted out of rather than opted into.
1. 3. If you do decide you would rather opt out of this functionality on your Android phone, navigate to Settings, select Google then All Services and choose Privacy & Security.

MMashable

25 Oct 2026

TechTech EnthusiastProduct Launch

Key takeaways

New Instagam app on Apple TV brings reels, long-form video and live shows
Meta just made it easier to doomscroll from the comfort of your couch.
1. 1. Instagram has launched an app for Apple TV, bringing Reels, long-form video, and live shows to the big screen.
1. 2. The new app accommodates both portrait and landscape video formats to suit TV aspect ratios.
1. 3. Meta is exploring new video form factors, including longer-form video, episodic videos, live streaming, and subscriptions, to compete with YouTube.

MMashable

25 Oct 2026

PromotionalPromotionalSales Pitch

Key takeaways

Keep the content, lose the clutter — lifetime access to the AdGuard Family Plan is just $14.97
Get AdGuard Family Plan lifetime access for $14.97 (reg. $169.99) through Nov. 1, with ad blocking, privacy protection, and parental controls.
1. 1. AdGuard Family Plan lifetime access is just $14.97 (reg. $169.99) through Nov. 1, combining ad blocking, anti-tracking tools, malware and phishing protection, and parental controls in one purchase.
1. 2. For just $14.97, you’ll get lifetime protection for up to nine devices.
1. 3. Don’t miss the opportunity to save on a lifetime of AdGuard Family Plan protection while it’s just $14.97 (reg. $169.99) through Nov. 1 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

MMashable

25 Oct 2026

BusinessPromotionalTech

Key takeaways

The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is practically free this weekend — how to claim
How to get the Apple iPhone for free. The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is almost free when you switch to T-Mobile.
1. 1. The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is $1,000 off when you switch and bring your number on T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan.
1. 2. The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is $1,000 off when you trade in an eligible phone in any condition on T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan.
1. 3. The full savings are distributed as monthly credits over a 36-month payment plan.

MMashable

25 Oct 2026

TechPromotionalDeal Alert

Key takeaways

Best iPad deal: the 11-Inch iPad A16 is down to $399 at Amazon
Save $50 on the 11-inch iPad with A16 at Amazon. Now priced at just $399.
1. 1. As of Oct. 25, the Apple iPad 11-inch (A16 chip, 128GB) is priced at just $399 at Amazon.
1. 2. That's an 11% discount from the list price of $449.
1. 3. This is a great deal for everyone who needs an iPad for everyday tasks.

MMashable

24 Oct 2026

TechControversialOpinion

Key takeaways

Elon Musk actually follows through on Grok AI adaptation of 'The Odyssey'
Elon Musk promised an AI “Odyssey” to rival Christopher Nolan’s. The first Grok Imagine episode is out, and it's rough.
1. 1. Elon Musk's Grok Imagine has released the first episode of an AI-generated adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey.
1. 2. The AI-generated version faces criticism for visual flaws like unnatural teeth, weightless hair, and smudgy skin, along with narrative issues such as similar-looking characters and only Odysseus being named.
1. 3. Christopher Nolan's live-action 'The Odyssey' adaptation was critically acclaimed and commercially successful, grossing over $1.7 billion worldwide.

MMashable

24 Oct 2026

TechControversialOpinion

Key takeaways

Block's latest AI model Dessa was trained entirely on human speech — and it shows
Jack Dorsey and Block, Inc. just took us one step closer to the singularity and it's simultaneously awesome and terrifying.
1. 1. Dessa, the brainchild of Jack Dorsey's Block, is allegedly the world's first full-duplex speech model, meaning it can listen to you and speak simultaneously, much like a real human does in the flow of normal conversation.
1. 2. Dessa seems to understand when a human speaking to it is being sarcastic, which requires a sophisticated understanding of both tone and its relationship to the content of speech that adult humans process effortlessly but that has historically stumped AI models.
1. 3. Block's motivation for developing Dessa is simple: "Speech is the most natural interface to any intelligence, super or otherwise, and today’s voice AI wastes it. It flattens what we say into text and can’t keep up with human timing. AI keeps gaining power and independence, and it’s still nearly deaf to the emotion in our voices. Imagine being in serious pain while a voice AI has no idea and just keeps going. That’s the safety problem. Dessa is a step toward fixing it."

MMashable

24 Oct 2026

EntertainmentControversialOpinion

Key takeaways

Critical 'Musk' documentary pulled from theatres after just two weeks
1. 1. Alex Gibney's Musk documentary is ending its theatrical run after just two weeks.
1. 2. The film's total box office take was a paltry $571,902, making it 'an unmitigated flop.'
1. 3. Elon Musk publicly attacked both Gibney and the film, calling the director a 'horrible human' and dismissing the documentary as an assembly of people with 'an axe to grind.'

MMashable

24 Oct 2026

TechConsumer AdviceTech Review

Key takeaways

Sony XM4C vs Bose QuietComfort (2nd gen): Hands-on
Bose and Sony both released mid-range headphones this fall, so Mashable's headphones expert tested both against each other to determine which is the better buy.
1. 1. Sony headphones are known for their superior quality, and that trend holds true between these two headphones.
1. 2. Where Sony generally takes the audio cake, Bose is known to be the master of ANC.
1. 3. Considering the relatively similar experience between the two headphones, the Sony headphones are undeniably the better value.

MMashable

24 Oct 2026

TechConsumer AdviceTech Review

Key takeaways

Is Boox worth it or should you stick with a Kindle?
Boox are the new buzzy e-readers that BookTok loves, but are they worth the money? We put them head-to-head with Kindles and Kobos.
1. 1. Boox e-readers are Android devices with access to the Google Play Store, allowing for app downloads beyond typical e-reader functions.
1. 2. Boox e-readers are generally more expensive than Kindle and Kobo devices, with the Boox Go 6 priced at $199.99 compared to Kindle's $149.99 and Kobo Clara BW's $159.99.
1. 3. Boox devices are not submersible and lack IPX waterproof ratings, making them unsuitable for bath or beach reading.

MMashable

24 Oct 2026

TechPromotionalTech Deal

Key takeaways

Cancel Dropbox and get 20TB of cloud storage for life for a one-time payment
Scramble Cloud is an encrypted cloud storage platform with a 20TB lifetime subscription on sale now
1. 1. Scramble Cloud offers a 20TB lifetime subscription on sale for $349.95 (reg. $1,440).
1. 2. Scramble encrypts your files before they leave your device. Not even Scramble can see them, so anything you upload is completely safe and private.
1. 3. Uploads do have limits. You can upload 70GB a day, and each file can be up to 5GB.

MMashable

24 Oct 2026

TechPromotionalTech Deal

Key takeaways

Get ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini in one lifetime AI toolkit for $99.99
Get lifetime 1min.AI Advanced Business access for $99.99, with 4 million monthly credits and writing, image, audio, video, and collab tools.
1. 1. Get the 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription for $99.99 (reg. $540), including 4 million monthly credits, multiple AI models, and collaboration for up to 20 members.
1. 2. 1min.AI gives you lifetime access to some of the most popular AI tools, including ChatGPT, Gemini, Mistral, and many others.
1. 3. The Advanced Business Plan includes 4,000,000 credits each month, plus the chance to earn up to 450,000 more through daily logins and other tasks.

MMashable

24 Oct 2026

TechPromotionalTech Deal

Key takeaways

Get Windows 11 Pro for just $9.97 before November rolls in
Get Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for $9.97 through Nov. 1, with a lifetime license for one compatible PC, BitLocker, Hyper-V, and no recurring fees
1. 1. Get a lifetime Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license for one compatible PC for $9.97 (reg. $199).
1. 2. Windows 11 Pro brings a sleeker UI, better multitasking, and enhanced security — all in a one-time lifetime license.
1. 3. Get Windows 11 Pro for just $9.97 (reg. $199) through Nov. 1 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

MMashable

24 Oct 2026

TechPromotionalTech

Key takeaways

Best DJI drone deal: save $50 on the DJI Mini 3
Get the bestDJI drone deal. The DJI Mini 3 drone is on sale for $369 at Amazon, saving you $50.
1. 1. The DJI Mini 3 drone is down to $369 at Amazon, giving you total savings of $50.
1. 2. Prices are likely to soar when existing stocks become increasingly scarce.
1. 3. The DJI Mini 3 is super fun to fly, but it's also perfect for content creators thanks to a range of shooting features in 4K HDR, including QuickShots, True Vertical filming, and Helix and Boomerang shots.

MMashable

24 Oct 2026

BusinessPromotionalConsumer Tech

Key takeaways

T-Mobile is giving away the Apple iPhone 17 for free — how to qualify
How to get the Apple iPhone for free. The Apple iPhone 17 is free with T-Mobile this weekend.
1. 1. The Apple iPhone 17e is totally free right now with T-Mobile.
1. 2. To qualify for this offer, you simply need to switch to T-Mobile on most plans.
1. 3. The full savings are distributed as monthly credits over a 36-month payment plan.

MMashable

23 Oct 2026

TechNostalgiaTech Enthusiast

Key takeaways

Apple Music has a fully functional iPod Easter Egg
You can listen to samples of a bunch of songs on a virtual iPod on the Apple Music website.
1. 1. Apple Music has a fully functional iPod Easter egg to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the iPod.
1. 2. If you know the right URL, you can find a virtual iPod living on the Apple Music site that's fully interactive, complete with the scroll-wheel interface that was so iconic on iPods back in the days before touchscreens.
1. 3. Just type whatever gibberish you want after the music.apple.com/us/ portion of the URL and the iPod will come to you on the 404 page.

MMashable

23 Oct 2026

TechControversialSensational

Key takeaways

Hackers target AI coding agents with malicious text files
Forever Security caught an AI coding assistant following malicious instructions via the Downloads folder. Here’s how the attack works.
1. 1. Hackers are targeting AI coding agents by embedding malicious instructions in text files, often placed in the Downloads folder.
1. 2. AI coding assistants, with sufficient permissions, can execute commands, edit files, and install software, making them vulnerable to malicious instructions.
1. 3. Security researchers recommend keeping coding assistants out of the Downloads folder, verifying unfamiliar instruction files, and enabling approval requirements.

MMashable

23 Oct 2026

BusinessMarket AnalysisSpeculative

Key takeaways

iPhone Duo could be boosting Samsung Galaxy foldable sales
Samsung is boasting about high foldable sales, and Apple could be partially responsible.
1. 1. Samsung UK reported a 45 percent boost in sales for its Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra devices in Europe compared to a year ago.
1. 2. There has been a 260 percent increase in Google search interest in Samsung foldable devices between Sept. 6 and 12, which lines up with the announcement of the iPhone Duo.
1. 3. Apple has a way of taking something that already exists, repackaging it with Apple slickness, and thus making it 'cool' to a general audience.

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