MagazinAisle

Blog

  • Best Laptop Deal of the Day: Slash 48% Off the OmniBook 3

    Best Laptop Deal of the Day: Slash 48% Off the OmniBook 3

    You can’t cruise around the World Wide Web without a laptop. Sure, you can use a tablet or smartphone, but it isn’t quite the same. With a mouse, keyboard, and screen, laptops and PCs are the most efficient vehicles for navigating the digital town—and doing it efficiently. 

    So if you’re headed to the device dealership to bring home a new driver, let me hand you the keys to the HP OmniBook 3. Between a big, beautiful touchscreen and enough computing power to get you through the workday, plus some after-hours playtime, it’s a strong contender for your next laptop. To sweeten the deal, Best Buy has it for a jaw-dropping 48% off, saving you $620 for a limited time.


    HP OmniBook 3 16

    HP OmniBook 3 16

    2K touch-screen, Intel Core Ultra 7 (2025), 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD

    $679.99
    at Best Buy

    $1,299.99
    Save $620.00


    Get Deal

    If you prefer gazing at a bigger display all day, this OmniBook 3 checks that box with a gorgeous 16-inch touchscreen. It has a 1200p resolution—just a step above regular HD—and can reach up to 300 nits of brightness, which is standard for midrange laptops. A laptop this size toes the line between ultraportable and a desktop PC replacement, which is terrific territory for folks who want a big screen without being tethered to their desks. 

    Now, let’s talk power. Rocking a 2025 Intel Core Ultra 7 Series 2 processor, this CPU is built to handle heavy workloads, extreme multitasking, content creation tasks like 4K video editing, and even running AI tasks right on the laptop without outsourcing them to some remote server. You can even run some higher-end games on this thing! Plus, thanks to 16GB of RAM, you’ll have ample memory to keep everything running smoothly and quickly (and plenty of room to store files with the 512GB SSD). 

    Recommended by Our Editors

    The HP OmniBook 3 is a capable daily driver with a big, beautiful screen acting as your window to the web. This massive $620 discount makes the already affordable midrange even more enticing to budget-conscious buyers. But if you’re looking for other options, check out our experts’ list of the best affordable laptops for 2026.

    Other Affordable Laptop Deals

    *Deals are selected by our commerce team

    About Our Expert

  • How ‘Idiots’ Director Macon Blair Conjures Big Laughs From the Year’s Cruelest Villain: ‘He’s Actually a Monster That Has to Be Captured Before More People Get Hurt’

    How ‘Idiots’ Director Macon Blair Conjures Big Laughs From the Year’s Cruelest Villain: ‘He’s Actually a Monster That Has to Be Captured Before More People Get Hurt’

    “This guy really does need to be contained, because he’s got such potential for danger and violence and mayhem.”

    Macon Blair is describing the antagonist of his latest movie. He’s no stranger to menacing genre fare, as evidenced by the two other films he wrote and directed: 2017’s “I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore” and 2023’s “Toxic Avenger” reimagining.

    But despite pitch-black elements, “Idiots,” in theaters Friday via Independent Film Company, is a rollicking comedy. In it, two knuckleheads — the well-intentioned and religious Davis (O’Shea Jackson Jr.) and sleazy bro Mark (Dave Franco) — get a job chauffeuring troubled teens to rehab. While their first ward, Sheridan Kimberley (Mason Thames), appears to be just another troubled rich kid, he turns out to be way too dangerous for his clueless caretakers.

    Having Sheridan actually be a cruel person was one of the key audience expectations the writer-director hoped to flip in the pursuit of laughs.

    “It was about wanting to have the most formidable villain possible for these guys to go up against, and just play off the idea that audiences are smart and they’ve seen a lot of movies,” Blair says. “If you see a premise like this … ‘There’s two dumbbells that have a kid in the car.’ Your expectations are probably going to be that at some point along the way they will give him some advice or wisdom or a hug and he will be redeemed. He’ll get straightened out sooner or later. I really like the idea of taking the wheel in the complete opposite direction, where at a certain point you realize, ‘No, he’s actually a monster that has to be captured before more people get hurt,’ and playing off people’s expectations.”

    Sheridan’s cruelty also fueled the film’s oft-shifting tone, which keeps audiences uncomfortably guessing what cringy situation comes next. Without giving away too much, the film’s grossest scatological joke happens right before Sheridan has a sinister scene with a sex worker (Kiernan Shipka).

    “There’s this big, extremely over-the-top gross-out comedy punchline, and then about 10 seconds later, it goes 100 degrees in the opposite direction,” Blair says. “It’s meant to be whiplash that resets the tone of the movie. As soon as that happens, we’re back into the jokes, but in theory, that clenched feeling from that one moment remains, and that’s how you feel about Sheridan for the rest of the movie. When they’re running around the block trying to capture him, it’s not as cartoonish as it otherwise would be.”

    “Idiots” takes the structure of a road trip movie, as Davis and Mark work desperately to keep Sheridan under control and bring him to rehab. But along the way they reckon with Mark’s busted car, a werewolf-obsessed rapper (Nicholas Braun, in an outrageous role), a militant kidnapper (Peter Dinklage), bad drug trips and more.

    Beyond the plot, Blair and his DP Guillermo Garza hoped to give the comedy a dynamic visual style. Despite the tight indie schedule, Blair says all of this pressure helped make the movie stronger due to creative problem solving.

    “Because the schedule was so short, there were a lot of times where we had a very detailed shot listed/storyboarded plan going in. But we would get in the day, and there wasn’t going to be enough time to get all of it,” Blair says. “So a lot of times on the fly, Guillermo and I would redistill the scene and say, ‘OK, if we thought we were going to do this moment in three shots, what’s the version of it where it’s one shot and we just do it with a move?’ It was one of those things where the limitations of time or light or whatever forced us to … I don’t mean ‘not be precious about it.’ It’s kind of the opposite of that. To really drill down on: ‘gun to my head, what can we afford to lose?’ So the scenes become as specific as possible, because it’s really just the bare bones of what you very essentially need. I’m not saying, ‘I would go into another movie asking for fewer days.’ I wouldn’t. But I loved how that happened, because if we had the luxury of ‘you can shoot as much as you want,’ I don’t think we would have come up with the same solutions, and it would have felt different. It would have felt a little less sharp.”

    The one comedic element Blair didn’t want to stick his neck out for? The much-discussed original title. The film premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival as “The Shitheads,” but was renamed “Idiots” once Independent Film Company acquired and dated the film. It wasn’t a war Blair felt like waging.

    “That was part of the conversation we had internally about changing the title: It wasn’t so much a full ‘You’re not allowed to do this.’ It was just a list of limitations,” he says. “It was a lot of things that had to do with where posters could be displayed in public, and how you could obscure the names. It started to feel like it was going to be an uphill battle promotion-wise with this movie. Given that it’s a smaller movie and it’s coming out in the summertime, and there are a ton of movies to compete with, we didn’t want to hamstring ourselves with, yes, it’s a funny title, but to cross your arms and say, ‘By God, I’ll have fewer people see the movie to hold on to this title.’ It seemed like cutting off your nose to spite your face. So we said, ‘Let’s just pivot to something that’s not going to give us that hassle.’”

    Watch the trailer for “Idiots” below.

  • Spotify Names Joe Hadley VP of Global Music Content and Partnerships

    Spotify Names Joe Hadley VP of Global Music Content and Partnerships

    Spotify has promoted Joe Hadley to vice president of global music content and partnerships, the company announced on Friday.

    Hadley, who has been at Spotify since 2022, will now oversee both the streaming service’s music editorial and partnerships teams, and he’ll work directly with artists, labels and music publishers. Hadley will report to Charlie Hellman, Spotify’s SVP and Global Head of Music. Previously, Hadley’s title was global head of music partnerships and audience.

    “Editorial is a key part of bringing an essential human touch to Spotify,” Hellman said in a statement. “The team’s judgment and taste is what fans and artists rely on. Joe’s capable leadership will keep artist advocacy at the center of our work and bring even more impact to the programming we do.”

    Along with Hadley’s promotion, J.J. Italiano has also been named of Head of Editorial. He will report to Hadley.

    Prior to joining Spotify, Hadley was a prolific booking agent, serving as the head of hip-hop and R&B at CAA, where his clients included Beyoncé and A$AP Rocky. Before then, he was an agent at Windish. Italiano had his first stint at Spotify from 2017 to 2019 before heading to YouTube in 2020. He came back to Spotify in 2022.

  • Tom Hardy Gets X-Rated About Kathy Bates, Raps About Willem Dafoe’s Green Goblin and Recites Shakespeare on His Wild New Album

    Tom Hardy Gets X-Rated About Kathy Bates, Raps About Willem Dafoe’s Green Goblin and Recites Shakespeare on His Wild New Album

    Tom Hardy is best known as a movie star who plays rough-and-tumble characters, and he’s brought that energy to the mic on his latest project. The actor who records music under the alias Frankie Pulitzer just dropped a collaborative album called “Czarface Meets Frankie Pulitzer” with underground rap supergroup Czarface, which consists of duo 7L & Esoteric and Wu-Tang Clan’s Inspectah Deck.

    For fans of Hardy’s Hollywood work, he peppers in plenty of film and comic book references into his lyrics. The actor is no stranger to comic lore, as he played the villainous Bane in 2012’s “The Dark Knight Rises,” as well as portrayed Spider-Man antihero Venom in three standalone movies and a cameo appearance in “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”

    In the song “Raw Forever,” Hardy loads his verse with references to Martin Scorsese’s 1999 film “Bringing Out the Dead,” Willem Dafoe’s portrayal of baddie Green Goblin from 2002’s “Spider-Man,” Marvel evildoer Doctor Doom, DC Comics hero Sergeant Rock and Sidney Lumet’s classic 1975 film “Dog Day Afternoon.”

    I’m Bringing Out the Dead like a paramedic out the Cage, directed by Marty
    Frank Pierce the gang’s here welcome to the party
    I be somewhat of a scientist like Willem Dafoe
    If you know then you know
    Goblin up crumbs
    Hit ’em with the fly kill ’em with the low
    Profile, no smile, exile the old style
    So vile, exhale the smoke cloud, blow trial
    Dog Day Afternoon
    When I talk Sgt. Rock on the block with the Glock aftershock from the boom
    Rip you out your costume
    Stuff you in the smallest locker, lock you in the locker room
    Doctor Doom how I’m the Victor the Scripture

    In the song “Mad Technology,” Hardy namechecks two Stephen King books-turned-movies (“Cujo” and “Misery”), and says something wild about the star of the latter, Kathy Bates. Elsewhere in his verse, he shouts out Marvel hero Thor, and later references Shameik Moore, who voices Miles Morales in the “Spider-Verse” films and starred in the drama “Dope.”

    You shit-for-brain no-name lame, that bites like Cujo
    I’d rather masturbate to Kathy Bates than hear you flow
    And you know that Misery, it loves company

    …

    Beatin’ P is not an easy chore like defeating Thor

    …

    Sprinkle Dope Across the Verse, shout to Shameik Moore

    At the end of “Grim-Visaged War,” Hardy recites Shakespeare‘s famous “Richard III” monologue in a voice very reminiscent of his Bane performance.

    Lastly, there’s a “Titanic” reference on “Gnawing at My Rhyme Like a Poisonous Rat.”

    Yo, you act amused like DiCaprio scratching his pencils
    To capture your figure you love the attention that’s all clear

    Although Hardy has not spoken publicly about his work as Frankie Pulitzer, he is no stranger to rapping, having previously appeared on other Czarface albums as well as dropping a few loose collaborative singles.

    Hardy also recorded an album at the turn of the millennium called “Falling on Your Arse in 1999″ under the moniker Tommy No 1, along with his producer friend Edward Tracy, aka Eddie Too Tall. The record was never properly released, but it appeared online in 2018.

  • Owen Thiele on Portraying Queer Friendship in ‘Adults,’ Working With Connor Storrie and Being a ‘Nepo Grandchild’

    Owen Thiele on Portraying Queer Friendship in ‘Adults,’ Working With Connor Storrie and Being a ‘Nepo Grandchild’

    Owen Thiele has a lot more riding on “Adults” this time around.

    The FX comedy returned for its second season Aug. 27 with an audience now invested in its messy, co-dependent group of twentysomethings. Thiele, who plays Anton, says the cast spent much of the wait for renewal worried the show might not come back at all. “But I feel like now we have a little, tiny, beautiful cult following that hopefully will stick by us and get us that third season..”

    That was the mood when Thiele sat down with Variety at an Instagram-hosted dinner at Palma in New York celebrating the new season. It can be hard to wrangle even the closest friends to a weeknight event, especially only one day after a booze-heavy premiere the previous night. But Thiele is unquestionably popular. Bowen Yang, Molly Gordon and Mary Beth Barone were just a few of his bold-faced friends who made their way to the West Village for a multi-course Italian meal and many, many dirty martinis.

    Instagram also used the dinner to spotlight Instants, its newer feature for sending spontaneous photos through DMs, while Thiele is set to share behind-the-scenes content from the event on the platform’s @notfit4main account.

    Getty Images for Meta

    Getty Images for Meta

    Getty Images for Meta

    One reason for Thiele’s bursting-at-the-seams friend group is his growing list of Imdb credits. The 29 year-old also appears in Prime Video’s “Overcompensating,” where his character George represents a very different kind of queer friendship than Anton does, and he’s headed to the big screen in “Peaked,” Molly Gordon’s upcoming comedy, alongside Connor Storrie and Dua Lipa.

    He’s also writing “Off Color,” a semi-autobiographical Amazon comedy inspired by his experience growing up Black and gay in a white Jewish family. The project pulls from his fascinating family history: Thiele is the son of music producer Bob Thiele Jr. and the grandson of iconic record producer Bob Thiele (“What a Wonderful World,” which Thiele co-wrote for Louis Armstrong, might ring a bell.) Susie Essman, known for her iconic role in “Curb Your Enthiusiasm,” is set to play Owen’s mother.

    Below, Thiele talks to Variety about portraying queer friendship on screen, being a “nepo grandchild” and working with Connor Storrie and Dua Lipa:

    What can we expect from Season 2 of “Adults” — and Anton and Paul?

    Well, a lot happened. A lot happened. So I’m invested too. When I got those scripts, I was immediately reading. I was hoping that the kiss was addressed and it is but it’s addressed in a way that I think people wouldn’t expect.

    Like avoidant-attachment vibes?

    Sort of, sort of. It’s sort of like me in a relationship.

    I feel like you pull from your own life a lot for the character.

    Yes, I do, I do, I do. A lot of people would say I can’t act because of that. But the writers did such a brilliant job crafting this season because it doesn’t feel at all expected, and there are so many twists and turns that when I was filming it, I was like, “What? This is happening?” I couldn’t believe it.

    You’re in “Overcompensating”, too: the two shows reflect very different types of queer friendships. What do you think might have been missing in representations of queer friendship before, and what do those two separate arcs bring to it?

    I think “Overcompensating” does such a brilliant job of showing someone who isn’t comfortable with themselves finding solace and space in people who are comfortable with themselves. And I think what “Adults” does is show this immediate comfortability and coziness. Sexuality isn’t even uttered.

    But I think they’re two very important stories to tell. One is what I felt in high school. I came out in high school, and I was very much looking for somebody who I could relate to in that way, which is Benny [Benito Skinner] to George [Thiele]. And I feel like in “Adults,” I’m kind of where I am now, where it’s just unspoken and unsaid and it doesn’t really matter.

    I have to ask about “Off Color.” I imagine the “nepo baby” conversation is going to come up. How are you feeling about putting something this personal out there?

    One hundred percent. Everyone thinks I’m a nepo baby. I don’t think my dad was successful enough for me to be a nepo baby.

    But your grandpa was successful. I was on his Wikipedia today!

    No, my grandpa — I am. No, no, he was successful. I am a nepo grandchild, for sure.

    I’m scared, and I’m also ready. I’m like, you know what? I want to put myself out there in every way possible and see what happens. Some things will not be received well, and I’m ready for that. And hopefully other things will be.

    What have the conversations with your family been like while writing?

    It’s hilarious. It feels like therapy. It’s family therapy. My mom will be like, “I never said that.” And I’m like, “You definitely said that.” We’re all working through things, and I’m working through things as I write this show.

    I’m not running things by them. I’m more like sending them scripts, and my mom being like, “Why’d you make me a bitch?”

    Susan Essman is playing her. How did she get involved?

    I met with her. I sat with her and explained my life story to her, and she, for some reason, wanted to be involved, which is so crazy to me still. She’s Jewish, my parents are Jewish. But more than that, she’s an idol. She’s one of my comedy idols. She’s a comedy legend. So I feel very lucky.

    I can only think of her as her character in “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” What kind of energy does she bring playing your mom?

    My mom is a helicopter mom, but Owen in the show is front seat in the helicopter. He is obsessed with her being that way. So it’s the back-and-forth. It’s the enabling. It’s the codependency. She’s not really a yeller. She’s definitely a crier. She cries at everything. It’s a lack of boundaries. I haven’t seen Susie play this, which I think will be fun.

    Going back to “Peaked,” what was it like working with Connor Storrie?

    Connor is a dream. He is not only a very attractive man, he is so beyond talented. I interviewed him for my podcast, and afterward I was like, “Oh God, you are a dream.” And then I got to work with him after that.

    He was just down to play. Everyone on “Peaked” was just down to fucking clown. We were all down to do whatever Molly [Gordon] wanted us to do. Molly has such a great, beautiful, clear vision.

    What was it like being directed by Molly, who you’re so close to?

    She’s my best friend. It felt like we were kids again. I’ve known her since I was two. I’ve been in plays with her. She has directed me before. When I auditioned for “SNL,” she was very involved and was kind of directing my [audition] sketches for “SNL.” She’s been directing me for years, so this just felt like a natural progression.

    What’s your overall vibe with posting on social media?

    Oh my God, I love Instagram. I posted on Instagram twice today. In-feed. I think people are sick of me. I think people are unfollowing. I’m also like, who the fuck cares? Post when you have a hot photo. You have a hot photo, you want people to see it — post that shit. Who cares? Let’s not be precious with our dumps. Let’s just post when we like something.

    I want to go back to 2016 Instagram, where you’re posting a photo of something you like.

  • In ‘Moolah,’ an Organized Crime Reporter Looks to Reboot His Career (Exclusive Venice Clips)

    In ‘Moolah,’ an Organized Crime Reporter Looks to Reboot His Career (Exclusive Venice Clips)

    It’s all about the money in writer-director Jérôme Pierrat’s fiction feature directorial debut Moolah (La Moula), in which he also stars.

    The crime drama, also featuring Kader Benchoudar, Jean Ruimi, Jean-Michel Correia, Thierry Coignard, Patrice Kouyoumdjian, Jean-Mathieu Frattaci, Fethi Makdoudi, Michel Ucciani and Jacques Sordi, will world premiere on Wednesday, Sept. 9 in the Horizons section of the 83rd edition of the Venice International Film Festival. And it takes us on an 82-minute cinematic trip into a world that we – or at least most of us – don’t know up close.

    After all, Pierrat has made a name for himself as a journalist investigating organized crime in France. And now that you know that, a description of the movie’s plot will surprise you much less. Keep in mind: it is not a documentary, but a fiction feature, for which the filmmaker draws from his real-life experiences and expertise.

    “Thanks to Charlie, a cocaine trafficker, and his gangster associates, Jérôme, a struggling organized crime reporter, sees an opportunity to reboot his career,” reads a synopsis. “While waiting for a drug shipment near Marseille, the possible presence of a cop puts them all in danger…”

    Yes, Moolah explores drug trafficking in the port of Marseille. Iconoclast Films, Shotinmars, Fatalitas Productions are the production companies behind the movie. Iconoclast Films is handling world sales.

    THR can now premiere two exclusive clips for Moolah, which will give you a first brief taste for the look, the feel and the vibe of the Venice-premiering film.

    In the first clip for the movie, we see Pierrat talking straight to the camera. And he witnesses something… well, unbelievable. Check out the first clip right here.

    The second exclusive clip from the Venice-premiering film shows us more of Pierrat – and a shaky camera. Oh yeah, and there is talk about footage that he has gathered. But see for yourself! Here is a second exclusive clip from Pierrat’s Moolah.

  • Oscars: Ireland Picks ‘Aontas’ as Best International Feature Submission

    Oscars: Ireland Picks ‘Aontas’ as Best International Feature Submission

    Irish-language feature thriller Aontas is Ireland’s submission for the best international feature film category at the Oscars 2027. The Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) unveiled the selection for the 99th Academy Awards on Friday.

    “The film follows in the footsteps of Oscar-nominated An Cailín Ciúin (The Quiet Girl) (2023) and Oscar-shortlisted Kneecap (2024),” IFTA said.

    Directed by Damian McCann, Aontas is a heist thriller starring Carrie Crowley (The Quiet Girl/An Cailín Ciúin), Bríd Brennan, Eva-Jane Gaffney, Seán T. Ó Meallaigh, Marcus Lamb and Art Parkinson. Told in reverse chronology, the film follows three unlikely thieves, led by a woman on the verge of a breakdown, who rob a rural Irish Credit Union, opening with “the tragic aftermath of the heist-gone-wrong,” reads a synopsis. “What starts as a poorly executed robbery becomes a portrait of a wilful woman trapped in her own past.”

    “Aontas” means “union.”

    Written by Sarah Gordon and Damian McCann, the movie was produced by Órfhlaith Ní Chearnaigh and Christopher Myers for Púca Pictures, with funding from TG4, BBC Gaeilge and Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund, plus support from Yellowmoon.

    “What an intriguing and clever twist on the classic bank heist narrative, with powerful female performances at its core by Carrie Crowley, Bríd Brennan and Eva-Jane Gaffney,” said IFTA CEO Áine Moriarty. “This wonderful Irish-language film is resonating with audiences worldwide.”

    Director McCann added: “I was bringing some soggy washing in out of the rain when the news arrived – what a turnaround of a day! We’ve been overwhelmed by the film’s journey so far.”

    He added: “My co-writer Sarah Gordon and I wrote the script in the attic of our house and we shot over 18 rainy days in the Glens of Antrim. We could never have imagined that this is where the journey might take us, but it’s a testament to the staggering graft and boundless optimism of our cast and crew.”

    The Quiet Girl (An Cailín Ciúin) is so far the only Irish-language film to secure a nomination in the international Oscar category.

    The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will unveil the 15 films on the best international feature film shortlist on Dec. 15. The five nominees will be announced Jan. 21, 2027. The 99th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 14, 2027.

  • Woot’s Best Deals of the Weekend: Take $120 off a Pair of Sennheiser Accentum Wireless Headphones

    Woot’s Best Deals of the Weekend: Take $120 off a Pair of Sennheiser Accentum Wireless Headphones

    Some of the best prices on tech gadgets and gizmos can be found at Woot. The site is essentially a deals hub, featuring discounted goods every single day of the year across seven categories, including electronics and computers. It’s not unusual to see markdowns on devices from Apple, Samsung, Google, and other premium brands. However, there is one catch: stock sells out fast at Woot. So, don’t wait to add something to your cart and checkout or you might miss out! Plus, Prime members automatically get free shipping.

    Right now, you can take advantage of almost $800 off a Samsung 11-channel surround sound system and save $70 on a JBL Charge 6 portable speaker. Plus, pick up premium Sennheiser Accentum Wireless Headphones for under $80. The deals don’t stop there: snag a Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra for $260 less, and take 46% off a Logitech G305 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse.

    Let’s take a closer look at the best Woot deals so you can start saving!

    VPN Deal


    the Nord VPN logo on white backdrop

    Nord VPN Standard

    1-year digital code for PC, Mac, or mobile. Connect up to 10 devices at once

    $24.99
    at Woot

    $69.99
    Save $45.00


    Get Deal

    Boasting an extensive suite of privacy and security features, including advanced encryption, threat detection, and transparent data practices, NordVPN is not only the fastest VPN we’ve tested, but also the best value. It’s essentially a robust privacy ecosystem that uses tools like NordPass for secure password management and NordLocker for file encryption and cloud storage. It’s our Editors’ Choice VPN pick, and right now, you can get an entire year’s subscription on sale for just $24.99.

    Smartphone Deals


    the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

    Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

    1 TB, 14-hour tested battery life, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite, Android 15, IP68 rating

    $1,049.99
    at Woot

    $1,659.99
    Save $610.00


    Get Deal

    Per our expert, Iyaz Akhtar, “The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the ultimate Android handset with top-of-the-line power, terrific cameras, a built-in stylus, and the most innovative AI features we’ve seen in a phone to date”. The large 6.9-inch screen provides an immersive experience for watching content, while the rounded corners and narrower body make the phone ergonomic and comfortable to hold. Performance is exceptionally smooth, too. It earned our Editor’s Choice Award last year, and right now, you can pick one up for $610 less.

    Smartwatch Deal


    the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra with orange band

    Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

    Waterproof at depths up to 328 feet. Functions at up to 29,500 feet above sea level

    $389.99
    at Woot

    $649.99
    Save $260.00


    Get Deal

    The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is designed for Android users who enjoy exploring and going off-grid, as well as athletes. It offers advanced technical performance and rugged durability. In addition to highly detailed sleep analysis (including snore detection) and multisport tracking, it features AI-based recommendations to maximize your progress, giving an energy score, wellness score, and more. In terms of hardware, it’s slightly bigger and beefier with a titanium build and includes a customizable quick button to speed up navigation. Currently $260 off, it’s a great time to invest in this adventure companion.

    More Smartwatch Deals

    *Deals are selected by our commerce team

    Robot Vacuum Deals


    the Roomba Combo 2

    iRobot Roomba Combo 2 + AutoEmpty Dock

    With smart navigation, 120-minute run time, washable microfiber mop pad, and iRobot Home App

    $159.99
    at Woot

    $499.99
    Save $340.00


    Get Deal

    Save time, energy, and effort with the iRobot Roomba Combo 2. This powerful robot vacuum and mop features a four-stage cleaning system with four suction levels and three mopping levels that’ll clear your floors of any dirt, dust, and stubborn pet hair in one pass. It also empties itself, holding up to 60 days’ worth of dirt. You truly won’t have to lift a finger except for once every two months. Best of all, it’s marked down by $340 right now.


    the iHome AutoVac Nova S1 Pro

    iHome AutoVac Nova S1 Pro

    HomeMap 2.0 Navigation with 360 LIDAR Technology, Hyper Drive Plus, and voice control

    $149.99
    at Woot

    $299.99
    Save $150.00


    Get Deal

    With the iHome AutoVac Nova S1 Pro, you can enjoy the luxury of clean floors with minimal effort. This capable robot vacuum and mop gets the job done and empties itself into a dustbin. It boasts 2,700 Pa of suction power and automatically engages Hyper Drive when it encounters carpet. At under $160, it’s an affordable cleaning companion. 


    the robot vacuum and mop

    iRobot Roomba Combo i5

    Smart navigation, Dirt Detect Technology, microfiber mop pad, Alexa, Siri, or Google voice control

    $149.99
    at Woot

    $349.99
    Save $200.00


    Get Deal

    The iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ is another capable robot vacuum and mop designed for dry and wet messes. It uses a 4-stage cleaning system with unique dual multi-surface rubber brushes that adjust to different floor types and don’t get tangled from pet hair. Plus, it empties itself into an enclosed bag that can hold up to 60 days worth of dirt, making your life even easier.

    See how they compare to other self-emptying robot vacuums we’ve reviewed.

    Earbuds Deals


    the earbuds

    Bowers & Wilkins Pi6

    All-day battery life, charging case, three microphones, IP54 rating, and single-button control

    $99.99
    at Woot

    $249.00
    Save $149.01


    Get Deal

    The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 wireless earbuds boast strong, high-res audio with drive units adapted from the Px7 S2e headphones. Better still, aptX adaptive technology adjusts the sound dynamically for an optimal listening experience, whether you’re jamming to tunes, watching movies, or gaming. Plus, there’s active noise cancellation to make sure every detail remains clear in loud environments. You won’t be disappointed with these earbuds, especially at a 60% discount, which drops the price from $249 to $99.99.


    the earbuds

    Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro

    IP57 rating, 24-bit hi-fi codec, HD voice conversations, and intuitive touch-control

    $159.99
    at Woot

    $299.99
    Save $140.00


    Get Deal

    The sleek and stylish Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are a premium pair of noise-cancelling earbuds, offering a comfortable fit, excellent audio quality, and nifty AI features – and all for under $160 right now. In addition to crisp high-res audio, adaptive ANC technology automatically adjusts the noise cancellation in real time for a strong, smooth, and distraction-free listening experience. Plus, you can access Galaxy’s AI assistant hands-free and take advantage of live translation. We awarded their predecessor, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, a rating of “Excellent.” If you’re an Android user, these are a top pick.


    the Beats Fit Pro

    Beats Fit Pro

    H1 chip, Spatial Audio with head tracking, one-touch iOS pairing, IPX4 rating, USB-C charging

    $109.99
    at Woot

    $199.95
    Save $89.96


    Get Deal

    The Beats Fit Pro are designed to fit securely in your ears and stay in place, making them a compelling choice for those who find typical earbuds tend to slip out of their ears. In terms of sound, they deliver the classic bass-forward Beats audio profile, with above-average noise cancellation and adaptive EQ. We already recommend them for iPhone users who love strong bass, and now they’re $90 cheaper.

    More Deals on Earbuds

    *Deals are selected by our commerce team

    Headphone and Headset Deals


    the headphones

    Sennheiser Accentum Wireless Headphones

    AAC, AptX, AptX HD, and SBC codec support, 37mm dynamic drivers, adjustable five-band EQ

    $79.95
    at Woot

    $199.95
    Save $120.00


    Get Deal

    According to our expert, Tim Gideon, the Sennheiser Accentum Wireless Headphones “offer commendable active noise cancellation (ANC) and produce balanced sound with plenty of sub-bass power and high-frequency detail for half the price of category leaders from Bose and Sony” (and that’s at full price). Add a sleek design and a comfortable fit, and you’ll understand why we recommend them as a great value for wireless Bluetooth over-ear headphones. With a 55% discount, bringing the price to well under $100, they’re practically a no-brainer.


    the headset

    SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P

    260g, 40-hour battery, Neodymium Magnetic Drivers, quick-switch wireless, 32KHz/16Bit audio

    $59.99
    at Woot

    $109.99
    Save $50.00


    Get Deal

    When it comes to affordable wireless gaming headsets, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3P is a great value, delivering well-balanced, detailed sound and a lightweight, comfortable feel. There is a whole host of software-powered features and EQ settings, including over 200 game audio presets available through Arctis Companion. We awarded a very similar model a rating of “Excellent” in our 2025 review, and we expect this one to be equally impressive.

    Speaker Deals


    the purple JBL Charge 6

    JBL Charge 6

    IP68 rating, 30-watt woofer, 15-watt tweeter, Lossless audio via USB-C, Bluetooth 5.4, Auracast

    $129.95
    at Woot

    $199.95
    Save $70.00


    Get Deal

    Compact and rugged, the JBL Charge 6 produces surprisingly powerful sound for its size with strong bass and high-frequency clarity – and it’s $70 off right now! Plus, the companion app features adjustable EQ for a more personalized listening experience. Per our expert testing, this fully waterproof and dustproof device earned a rating of “Excellent,” and we recommend it as a top pick for a Bluetooth speaker you can bring anywhere and everywhere.


    the JBL Clip 5

    JBL Clip 5

    Weighs ~0.5 pounds, 12-hour battery, IP67 rating, 7W of power, and USB-C charging

    $49.95
    at Woot

    $79.95
    Save $30.00


    Get Deal

    Featuring a built-in carabiner, this fully waterproof (and dust-proof) Bluetooth speaker is super portable and easy to bring on the go. Considering its small size, the Clip 5 produces surprisingly loud and crisp sound, thanks to the powerful driver and passive radiator. The bass is punchy, and you can pair it with other JBL speakers for more robust stereo sound. With a sale price of $49.95, it’s a solid budget-conscious choice if you want to listen to music when you’re out and about. Clip it to your bag, belt, or bike, and get ready to jam out—for less.


    the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Pro

    Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Pro

    140W, IPX68 rating, 20-hour playtime, BassUp technology, built-in USB charging port

    $139.99
    at Woot

    $249.99
    Save $110.00


    Get Deal

    When you want big, loud, and powerful sound, pull out the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Pro. This fully waterproof (and dustproof!) portable outdoor speaker delivers rich audio with strong bass and nine-band EQ. Customizable LED lighting helps create a fun party ambiance. It’s basically the same speaker as our Editors’ Choice-Winning Anker Soundcore Boom Plus 2, only with a slightly more rugged build — it even floats!


    the two speakers

    Sonos Outdoor Speakers (2-Pack)

    Pivoting woofer, 8 Ohms, one-inch tweeters, 55Hz-20KHz frequency range, 89dB SPL

    $599.99
    at Woot

    $999.00
    Save $399.01


    Get Deal

    These Sonos outdoor speakers are an excellent option if you want to set up a robust, powerful sound system for the patio or backyard. Each speaker is built to withstand the elements (rain, humidity, salt spray, UV rays, freezing temperatures, etc.) and is optimized for outdoor audio playback with Sonos Amp technology. From rich, low bass to crisp, balanced mids and highs, you’ll find these speakers provide an excellent outdoor listening experience.

    More Speaker Deals

    *Deals are selected by our commerce team

    Sound System Deals


    the 11-channel sound system

    Samsung HW-Q990H/ZC Surround Sound System

    11.1.4 ch sound, Wireless Dolby Atmos, Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro, Adaptive Sound, Game Pro Mode

    $1,199.99
    at Woot

    $1,997.99
    Save $798.00


    Get Deal

    The Samsung HW-Q990H/ZC system features a powerful soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and rear speaker kit that work together to create rich, room-filling sound. The wireless soundbar automatically analyzes the environment to calibrate the sound to your space. At the same time, “Active Voice Analyzer” technology helps make sure dialogue and on-screen voices remain crisp, clear, and easy to understand. Plus, the sound system integrates easily with voice assistants and smart devices via Alexa, Chromecast, AirPlay, and more. It’s a robust, high-end sound system that’ll immerse you in your favorite on-screen content — and with roughly an $800 markdown, now is the time to upgrade.

    Curious how this model compares to other soundbars? Read our reviews for the best soundbars.

    More Soundbar Deals

    *Deals are selected by our commerce team

    Smart TV Deals


    the Amazon Fire TV

    Amazon 50-Inch Fire TV Omni UHD

    Fire TV OS, 1080p, hands-free Alexa voice control, 3 HDMI inputs, USB port, 3,840 x 2,160 resolution

    $219.99
    at Woot

    $469.99
    Save $250.00


    Get Deal

    The Amazon 50-inch Fire TV Omni UHD delivers solid performance at an affordable price, especially with this 53% discount. Easily stream content from subscription platforms or watch free live TV in crisp, clear ultra high-def quality. Plus, you can access video games via the cloud with the option to connect Bluetooth controllers.


    the Samsung 32-Inch Frame TV

    Samsung 32-Inch The Frame QLED 4K TV

    Pantone-validated color, AI-driven motion and brightness sensors, Samsung Tizen OS

    $449.99
    at Woot

    $597.99
    Save $148.00


    Get Deal

    At first glance, the Samsung 32-Inch The Frame QLED 4K TV looks more like a framed work of art than a smart TV. That’s because it’s meant to double as wall art when not in use. It hangs flush against the wall with customizable bezel options and features an anti-glare matte display for showcasing beautiful works of art (such as Monet’s Water Lilies or the famous Mona Lisa). However, it also streams video content and video games beautifully in clear, colorful 4K resolution.

    More TV Deals

    *Deals are selected by our commerce team

    Portable Charger Deals


    the Anker Nano Powerbank

    Anker Nano Powerbank

    20,000mAh, 30W bi-directional charging power, compact pocket-sized design, TSA-approved

    $29.99
    at Woot

    $54.99
    Save $25.00


    Get Deal

    The Anker Nano power bank easily fits in a purse, bag, or pocket, yet it has enough power to charge an iPhone 15 up to four times. A built-in USB-C cable makes life even easier (it also has USB-A and USB-C ports). Pick up this handy device while it’s on sale so you never have to stress when your battery life dips into the red.


    the Trkoy magnetic battery pack on smartphone

    Trkoy MagSafe Battery Pack

    5,000 mAh power, 120g weight, 11.8mm thick, impact-resistant, TSA-approved

    $14.99
    at Woot

    $30.99
    Save $16.00


    Get Deal

    The Trkoy MagSafe Battery Pack is compact, but mighty. Even though it’s smaller and lighter than most smartphones, it has more than enough power to completely charge your iPhone 16. It works wirelessly via MagSafe with ultra-strong magnets, but you also have the option to charge through a USB-C cable. As an added perk, it supports pass-through charging, meaning you can power up your phone and the MagSafe battery simultaneously.

    For more options, give a gander at our expert advice and tips for buying Batteries & Power.

    Microsoft Office Deals


    the Microsoft Office Home software

    Microsoft Office Home 2024

    32-bit or 64-bit installer or offline installation, ODF1.4 support, imports from PDF, records macros

    $114.99
    at Woot

    $149.99
    Save $35.00


    Get Deal

    Earning an Editors’ Choice and PCMag’s Best of the Year awards, Microsoft Home Office 2024 is a one-time purchase that gives you lifetime access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote on a single Mac or Windows device (meaning you won’t have to pay for a Microsoft 365 subscription over and over again). The Microsoft Office productivity apps are top-tier, especially with Word being the world’s most powerful word processor and Excel boasting more features and power than Apple’s Numbers. With the price reduced to $119.99, this is a worthwhile investment if you primarily use one device.

    Recommended by Our Editors


    Microsoft Project Professional 2024

    Microsoft Project Professional 2024


    Run what-if scenarios, auto populate start and end dates, and visually represent complex schedules

    $49.99
    at Woot

    $149.99
    Save $100.00


    Get Deal

    Suitable for cloud-free use on a single Windows device, the Microsoft Project Professional 2024 software package includes an extensive set of project- and resource-management tools, timesheets, Microsoft Teams business collaboration, and the option to sync with Project Online and Project Server. It’s a powerful tool if your team manages lots of complex projects and has the time to learn how to use the software optimally — you can read more about who we recommend Microsoft Project for in our review.

    Keyboard Deal


    the Razer mechanical keyboard

    Razer BlackWidow V4 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

    Low profile 18.5mm build, Razer HyperSpeed, and 980-hour battery life

    $99.99
    at Woot

    $199.99
    Save $100.00


    Get Deal

    Gaming should be fast and fun, which is why you need this highly responsive gaming keyboard. The Razer BlackWidow V4 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard features light, balanced keystrokes with an extra-durable build, including two layers of sound-dampening foam. You’ll also enjoy the versatility of a multi-function roller and media keys, along with two-sided RGB underglow lighting on each key. It’s also wireless, with the option to quickly cycle through up to three Bluetooth-connected devices.

    More Deals on Mechanical Keyboards

    *Deals are selected by our commerce team

    Computer Mouse Deal


    the mouse

    Logitech G309 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse

    Hero 25k sensor, Lightforce hybrid switches, tracks to sub-micron with mechanical feel

    $49.99
    at Woot

    $89.99
    Save $40.00


    Get Deal

    Weighing just 68 grams (and 86 grams with the battery installed), this lightweight, wireless mouse provides reliable and efficient performance for both work and play. In addition to optical-mechanical switches, six programmable buttons help ensure optimized video gaming performance as you can set up personalized gameplay and custom shortcuts. With a single AA battery installed, it boasts over 300 hours in battery life, but you can also use the Powerplay wireless charging station for virtually endless use.

    Wi-Fi Router and Extender Deals


    the D-Link mesh router

    D-Link Smart Mesh Wi-Fi Router AC2600

    MU-MIMO, WAP3 encryption, combined speeds up to 2,500 Mbps, parental controls, dual-core processor

    $36.99
    at Woot

    $79.99
    Save $43.00


    Get Deal

    The D-Link Smart Mesh Wi-Fi Router works best in smaller living spaces, delivering a fast, steady network signal over 1,500 square feet. Multiple devices can connect to the network to stream HD video, content, transfer large files, or run video games without lag or delay. Plus, it’s compatible with Alexa and Google voice assistants.


    the ranger extender

    Linksys Wi-Fi Extender RE7000

    Next-gen AC1900+ speeds, one-touch router sync, MU-MIMO support, 4K and HD video streaming

    $26.99
    at Woot

    $39.99
    Save $13.00


    Get Deal

    Say goodbye to dead zones and slow buffering with the Linksys Wi-Fi Extender RE7000. Featuring dual wireless bands of 2.4GHz and 5GHz, this slim and compact device boosts network speeds up to 1.9Gbps, providing fast and seamless Wi-Fi throughout every corner of your home. It’s compatible with all Wi-Fi routers, but you can also connect a wired device via the gigabit ethernet port for even faster Wi-Fi speeds. At a sale price of just $26.99, it’s an affordable way to boost the efficiency of your home network.

    More Deals on Routers

    *Deals are selected by our commerce team

    Microphone Deal


    the microphone

    Neat Bumblebee II

    24 bit/96 kHz audio, 25mm condenser, USB-C to USB-A connector cable, 2-year warranty

    $14.99
    at Woot

    $99.99
    Save $85.00


    Get Deal

    The Neat Bumblebee II is a USB condenser microphone that produces clear, professional-quality sound with a cardioid pick-up pattern. It boasts a zero-latency, high-fidelity headphone amp, so you can record or stream in real-time without delay. Other useful features include a mute button (with an LED button to indicate the status) and a removable desk stand. On sale for $14.99, it’s a great value if you’re in need of a solid microphone.

    Home Projector Deals


    the smart projector

    CiBest Google TV Smart Projector 4K

    Projects on screens up to 200 inches, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, contrast ratio of 20,000:1, 3,000 ANSI

    $129.99
    at Woot

    $299.99
    Save $170.00


    Get Deal

    With the CiBest Google TV Smart Projector 4K, you can transform any wall space into a cinema-sized movie screen, displaying your favorite media in crisp 1080p resolution. The projector features built-in hi-fi stereo speakers and officially licensed Google TV, offering easy access to streaming apps and Google Voice Assistant. Devices can be connected via HDMI, AV, USB ports, or aux port, so as long as you have the necessary adapter, you can project from your smartphone, laptop, flash drive, or Xbox/PlayStation with ease.


    the mini projector and remote

    Pro FHD Mini Projector

    Built-in Android 13, 160 Ansi lumens, 1500:1 contrast ratio, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 6, 28 dB noise

    $74.99
    at Woot

    $199.99
    Save $125.00


    Get Deal

    Despite its small, compact size, the Pro FHD Mini Projector can project media and images clearly in 1080p quality on a screen or wall space anywhere from 40 to 130 inches. You can easily mirror content from your smartphone or computer and access thousands of TV shows and movies through the built-in app market. Built-in speakers offer solid 360-degree stereo sound, but there’s also the option to connect other Bluetooth speakers for more robust surround audio. With 270-degree rotation and 360-degree image flip, it’s easy to get your content at the precise viewing angle and orientation you want.

    Dash Cam Deal


    the Jzones dash cam

    Jzones 4K 3-Channel Dash Cam

    64 GB memory chip included, 24-hour parking mode, G-sensor, loop recording, Starvis2 sensor

    $69.99
    at Woot

    $179.99
    Save $110.00


    Get Deal

    Enjoy added peace of mind regarding your vehicle’s security with the Jzones 4K 3-channel dash cam. On the front, it captures clear 4K footage with a 155-degree lens, while the rear camera records in 1080p with a 130-degree wide-angle lens. Left- and right-side cameras ensure full 360-degree coverage. Since it’s Wi-Fi connected, you can easily access live and recorded footage through the companion app. Plus, it’ll automatically record emergency video and lock the files when it senses scratching or collision damage on the car.

    See how it compares to other dash cams we’ve tested.

    Smart Lighting Deal


    the Philips Hue Bridge 2.0

    Philips Hue Bridge 2.0

    Zigbee advanced technology enables Wi-Fi free control. Voice Control via Apple HomeKit

    $31.99
    at Woot

    $52.79
    Save $20.80


    Get Deal

    If your home is already decked out with Philips Hue bulbs, you’ll want to pick up this Hue Bridge 2.0 for full control of your smart home lighting. It lets you add up to 50 Philips lights and accessories (both indoor and outdoor) to your smart home devices, meaning you can turn them on/off, adjust the brightness, sync the lights to music, and more, all from your smartphone — even from miles away. This clever smart hub earned a rating of “Excellent” in our 2015 review, so it’s worth grabbing for under $32.

    Looking for something else? Check out additional Woot tech deals for even more end-of-summer savings.

    About Our Expert

  • Oldenburg Fest to Open With Wordless Elbe Island Doc ‘Strange Neighbors’

    Oldenburg Fest to Open With Wordless Elbe Island Doc ‘Strange Neighbors’

    Strange Neighbors, an art-house nature documentary with no narration, no interviews and no human protagonists will open this year’s Oldenburg Internationales Film Festival, the first time a doc has launched the German indie fest.

    The directorial debut of cinematographer Mi Steinbach, Strange Neighbors was shot over three years on Schwarztonnensand, an island and nature preserve on the German Elbe river, smack in the middle of one of Europe’s busiest waterways.

    The island, just over 2 miles long, was created in the late 1960s from sand dredged during the deepening of the Elbe shipping channel that serves the port of Hamburg, then left to itself and gradually planted over. It lies directly on the fairway line, closer to the shipping lane than any other land on the river, so container vessels pass within meters of it.

    It is a protected area. Humans are banned on the island, and Steinbach has banned them from her film. Strange Neighbors has no commentary track and no dialogue, though it features a soundtrack and sound design from Robert Nacken.

    “It was never my idea to make a natural history film,” Steinbach tells THR. “I wanted to make a film that doesn’t just tell you something about animal behavior or about the animals, but that tells you something about this place and above all about us, about human beings.”

    Among the habitats Steinbach filmed are tidal floodplain forests, a landscape type that has largely disappeared in Europe. White-tailed eagles, geese and roe deer live wild on the island, along with ground-nesting bird species and predators, including foxes and raccoon dogs. Across the narrow water, the surrounding region, which includes factories from chemical giant Dow and aerospace conglomerate Airbus, is one of the most industrialized regions of Europe. The area is also home to large-scale industrial agriculture, with the resulting effluents triggering oxygen depletion and massive fish death annually.

    Steinbach shot the documentary herself over three years and multiple visits to the island. She often stayed for several weeks, living in a wooden hut built on stilts to protect it from the tides.

    Strange Neighbors was produced by Earth Cut Filmproduktion and funded by Film- und Medienstiftung NRW. It comes to Oldenburg without a sales agent or theatrical distributor. Steinbach is hoping the world premiere will spark interest from buyers, in Germany and abroad. “This film was made for cinemas,” she says.

    Steinbach will attend the Oldenburg festival, which runs Sept. 16-20.

  • Circle’s USDC takes over Chelsea’s jersey in Premier League first sponsorship deal

    Circle’s USDC takes over Chelsea’s jersey in Premier League first sponsorship deal

    Circle Internet CRCL$93.45·At close, the issuer of the world’s second-largest stablecoin $USDC, is the new main shirt sponsor of Premier League soccer club Chelsea FC.

    Financial terms for the deal have not been disclosed, though reports earlier this year suggested Chelsea was targeting 65 million pounds per year ($88.3 million) for the front-of-shirt sponsorship slot, which has been vacant for three years. Circle declined to provide any further comment when contacted by CoinDesk.

    Chelsea will debut its new $USDC-branded kit in its first home game of the Premier League season on Sunday against Brighton and Hove Albion.

    The deal represents the first time a cryptocurrency financial services firm’s branding will appear as the principal shirt sponsor of a Premier League club. Crypto exchanges like OKX and Kraken have previously led this space, becoming the sleeve sponsors of Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur respectively in recent years.

    Kraken did not disclose the terms of their deal either, but OKX’s was reported to cost the exchange $70 million per year in 2023.

    The U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) warned Premier League clubs about partnerships with unauthorized crypto firms in June, advising that such partnerships could breach financial promotion rules.