Mashable

The Internet Archive's Wayback Machine is an invaluable resource that does exactly what it says in the nonprofit organization's name: It archives the internet. The Internet Archive is responsible for archiving around 500 million webpages per day.

However, there has been a concerning change to the platform in recent months. According to a new report by Nieman Lab, the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine has been archiving certain websites much less lately. Even more concerning: Many of those websites are news-related.

According to the report by Neiman Lab, the Wayback Machine archived 1.2 million snapshots from 100 major news websites' homepages between Jan. 1 and May 15, 2025. Suddenly, though, in mid-May, this changed.

The Wayback Machine only took 148,628 snapshots from those same 100 news websites' homepages between May 17 and Oct. 1, 2025. That's a whopping 87 percent drop in the number of archived pages between the first four months of the year and the preceding five months.

CNN's homepage, for example, was archived by the Wayback Machine 34,524 times between Jan. 1 and May 15. Only 1,903 snapshots of the homepage since then are in the Wayback Machine.

SEE ALSO: The Internet Archive just became an official U.S. federal library

Mashable reported in July that, thanks to a new designation by California Senator Alex Padilla, the Internet Archive will join a network of more than 1,000 libraries around the country tasked with archiving government documents for public view.

Mark Graham, the director of the Wayback Machine, told Nieman Lab that "a breakdown in some specific archiving projects in May ... caused less archives to be created for some sites." According to Graham, some of the missing snapshots have just not had their index structure built yet and would be added to the Wayback Machine archive soon. 

As Nieman Lab pointed out, a five-month delay due to index issues is uncommon. According to Graham, the Internet Archive has been experiencing delays due to "various operational reasons" such as "resource allocation." The Internet Archive did not specify or provide any more information to Nieman Lab about the issue.

Newspapers have long been archived for the historical record. However, in the age of the internet, most newspapers, aside from the legacy media giants, have largely gone unarchived recently. News media websites have taken their place as the historical record. And, since 1996, the Internet Archive has taken up the responsibility of storing those webpage archives.

However, the nonprofit has seen difficulties in recent years. As Nieman Lab reports, the Internet Archive's 2023 expenses were $32.7 million. It takes a lot of resources to not only crawl the internet but store the data too. The nonprofit only brought in $23 million in revenue that same year.

In addition, the Internet Archive fell victim last October to a huge data breach which took the site, along with the Wayback Machine, offline. It took weeks for the site to be fully restored.

SAVE $540: The EcoFlow Smart Generator 4000 is on sale at Amazon for $1,259, down from the normal price of $1,799. That's a 30% discount and the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: EcoFlow EcoFlow Smart Generator 4000 $1,259 at Amazon
$1,799 Save $540   Get Deal

Storm season is here, and if you keep powered up with an EcoFlow Delta portable power station, you likely have several ways to recharge it. Solar and standard AC recharging are some of the easiest options, but if you want to recharge the station via propane or gasoline, there's a great deal on a dual-fuel option today.

As of Oct. 22, the EcoFlow Smart Generator 4000 is on sale for $1,259 at Amazon, marked down from the list price of $1,799. That's an overall savings of $540 and a 30% discount. It's also a new record-low at Amazon.

EcoFlow makes some great portable power stations, including the Delta lineup. These power stations come packed with power, plenty of ports, and a user-friendly app. The Delta power stations can recharge from solar panels or standard AC wall charging. But if you'd like to use propane or gasoline, you'll want to snag the EcoFlow Smart Generator 4000. This can be ideal for longer power outages or if you plan to take the EcoFlow Delta onto the jobsite for long days.

The Smart Generator 4000 comes with a 3,200W DC output with great safety alerts and an easy-to-read LCD screen. It also has durable wheels and a smart telescoping handle that makes it easier to transport. EcoFlow equipped the Smart Generator 4000 with five start-up methods: remote smart through the EcoFlow app, auto start, manual pull-cord, reverse charging from a portable power station, and a standard electric button start.

SEE ALSO: One of my favorite portable power stations just dipped to a record-low price at Amazon

In the box with the EcoFlow Smart Generator 4000 is everything you'll want for functionality, like an LPG hose, oil funnel, a battery connection cable, and more. The generator is compatible with the Delta Pro, Delta Pro 3, Delta 2 Max, and the Delta 3 Plus. EcoFlow says it will soon work with EcoFlow power kits.

Before the major storms hit, get a new way to recharge your EcoFlow portable power station by buying the EcoFlow Smart Generator 4000 while it's on sale for $1,259. But keep in mind, this model is not approved to be shipped to addresses in California due to local regulations.

SAVE 16%: As of Oct. 22, you can grab Anker's sleep headphones, the Soundcore Sleep A30, for $193.99, down from $229.99. That's a 16% discount and the lowest price we've seen since their launch.

Soundcore Sleep A30 $193.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $36   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Anker

Trying to find earbuds you can actually sleep in is tough, especially if you're a side sleeper. Most regular earbuds just aren't comfortable, and until recently, finding a pair specifically for sleep that also had active noise cancellation (ANC) was basically impossible. Soundcore changed that with their Sleep A30, and now they've hit their best price yet.

As of Oct. 22, you can grab the Soundcore Sleep A30 by Anker sleep headphones for $193.99, down from $229.99. That's a 16% discount and the lowest price we've seen since their launch.

SEE ALSO: Soundcore's Sleep A30 earbuds set the bar for premium sleep earbuds

When Mashable's lead shopping reporter Bethany Allard reviewed the Sleep A30s back in August, she called them the "new standard for premium sleep earbuds." The ANC "worked great" and reduced noise like AC hums and street sounds. While maybe not as powerful as what you'd find in high-end daytime earbuds, it's effective for typical nighttime disturbances.

The design has also improved. Compared to Soundcore's previous sleep buds (the A20), the A30 has a slimmer profile, so they're genuinely comfortable for side sleepers. You get plenty of ear tips (both silicone and memory foam) and wing options to get the fit just right. They also have smart features like adaptive snore masking that adjusts volume in real-time and a pretty slick companion app with lots of soundscape customization.

SAVE 17%: As of Oct. 22, you can get the Potensic Atom Fly More Combo for $299.99, down from $359.99, at Amazon. That's a 17% discount and $60 in savings.

Potensic Atom Fly More Combo $339.99 at Amazon
$359.99 Save $20   Get Deal at Amazon

Getting into drones can feel intimidating, and maybe even more so lately with all the news about potential bans on DJI. If you're looking for a capable alternative that won't break the bank (or worry about future restrictions), this deal on the Potensic Atom is worth checking out.

As of Oct. 22, you can get the Potensic Atom Fly More Combo for $299.99, down from $359.99, at Amazon. That's a $60 savings and the lowest price we've seen for this bundle.

SEE ALSO: Two Amazon delivery drones crashed, prompting federal regulators to step in

With this deal, you'll get a 4K camera equipped with a Sony sensor, mounted on a 3-axis gimbal for smooth, stable footage, even if it's a bit windy (it handles up to level 5 wind resistance). It includes three batteries that give you a total flight time of up to 96 minutes, plus a nifty parallel charging hub that'll get you to 100% in about 1.3 hours.

It's also super lightweight (under 249 grams), which is a big plus because it means you don't need to deal with FAA registration for recreational flying. And, if you're using it for photography, it has fun creative modes like visual subject tracking and automated QuickShots (like Boomerang and Rocket) to help you get those cinematic clips you've been seeing on TikTok. Given the uncertainty around DJI's future availability in the US, grabbing a well-reviewed alternative like the Potensic Atom at its best price ever seems like a smart move.

If you're looking for more clues about where Xbox plans to take its gaming ambitions, look no further than our recent interview with Xbox president Sarah Bond.

Speaking with Mashable about the newly released ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, Bond revealed that Xbox's next console will be a "premium, high-end experience," but also that the concept of console exclusives is "antiquated." The Xbox exec said that the gaming world has evolved past this release strategy.

"We're really seeing people evolve way past [exclusives]," Bond said. "The biggest games in the world are available everywhere. You look at Call of Duty, you look at Minecraft, you look at Fortnite, you look at Roblox. That's actually what's really driving community in gaming. That's where people gather and they have experiences. And the idea of locking it to one store or one device is antiquated for most people."

For decades, exclusives were the backbone of console identity — the reason players chose one platform over another. They were the showcase titles that sold hardware on Day One, giving players a tangible justification for investing hundreds of dollars into a specific ecosystem. A new Halo meant you needed an Xbox; Uncharted or Spider-Man meant you needed a PlayStation. These games didn’t just sell consoles; they built loyalty, convincing players to stay within a brand’s ecosystem for years, even generations.

But as cross-platform play, digital storefronts, and subscription models like Xbox Game Pass have redefined what it means to "own" a game, exclusivity has started to lose its hold. Studios and publishers now see more value in expanding player bases and recurring revenue than in walling off access.

That philosophical shift isn't just talk — it's already happening. Several long-standing Xbox exclusives are crossing over to PlayStation, including a remaster of Gears of War, which ends 19 years of platform exclusivity. Even Halo: Combat Evolved, the game that cemented Xbox as a major player, is set to make the jump, marking the end of 24 years of exclusivity. Microsoft expanding its Game Pass subscription to include PC games in 2019 is another indicator.

The rest of the gaming industry seems to be following suit. Many of Sony's once-untouchable exclusives, including God of War, Marvel's Spider-Man, The Last of Us, and Horizon: Zero Dawn, have made their way to PC in recent years.

For some players, Xbox's current identity in the console space feels uncertain. Now that the company is shifting its focus away from hardware and strict exclusivity, it's not entirely clear what Xbox wants to be. A publisher? Not quite — the brand has only released five titles so far this year, all ironically limited to Xbox and Windows platforms (except the aforementioned Gears of War).

But based on Bond's comments, Xbox seems to be positioning itself as an ecosystem that expands further than just a console. Earlier this year, Microsoft VP Jason Ronald told The Verge that the next-generation Xbox will be "more PC than any Xbox console before," with planned support for multiple storefronts like Steam, Epic Games, and GOG.

When we asked Bond where Xbox fits into the console space, she said that "[it's] about a whole ecosystem and a whole system where you can have every option you want depending on how you want to play."

SAVE $300: As of Oct. 21, get the 40-inch Samsung Odyssey G7 gaming monitor for $899.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,199.99. That's a discount of 25%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Odyssey G7 gaming monitor $899.99 at Amazon
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Looking for a quick and easy way to enhance your favorite games? You can't go wrong with a new monitor. Especially if you're looking to totally immerse yourself in the games you play. And right now, you can pick up one of the best immersive monitors at Amazon for a great price.

As of Oct. 21, get the 40-inch Samsung Odyssey G7 gaming monitor for $899.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,199.99. That's $300 off and a discount of 25%.

SEE ALSO: The best monitors in 2025

With an 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms GtG, this monitor is one of the best at translating action to the screen. Plus, it's curved, which makes it much easier for you to imagine yourself inside the game. Its 40-inch body means you can stare right into a panoramic view of your favorite new titles, putting you in the middle of what's happening so you feel like you're there. It also boasts a screen depth of 12 inches with a stand and 7 inches without.

Thanks to its size, adjustable stand, and the way it envelops you while you're playing, you can use this monitor with just about every game to feel like you're getting the most out of it. It even includes a picture-in-picture mode so you can watch something else while playing or check out a help video to get you past a difficult spot.

There's a lot to love about this monitor if you're a big gamer, and the price is undoubtedly one of them. Grab it while you can at this price.

TL;DR: Revisit the ’90s with the Retropian X Handheld Retro Gaming Console, now just $89.99 (reg. $129).

Opens in a new window Credit: Retropian Retropian X Handheld Retro Gaming Console $89.99
$129 Save $39.01   Get Deal

Feeling nostalgic? If you’re missing the simplicity of the ’80s and ’90s, back before the internet and social media hijacked our attention, it may be time to get in touch with your inner child via some retro gaming.

The Retropian X puts over 20,000 game titles in your hands — no WiFi required — and right now it’s on sale for $89.99 (reg. $129) for a limited time.

SEE ALSO: Immerse yourself in your favorite games with $300 off the 40-inch Samsung Odyssey G7 gaming monitor

Whether you were alive for the greatest time in gaming or you missed it and you want to try out these classic games, the Retropian X can serve as your very own pocket-sized gaming time machine. This handheld console comes packed with over 20,000 games pre-loaded.

Curious how it works? Just choose one of the nostalgic games, with options from over 30 different gaming systems in one convenient spot. Once you decide, you can play it on your Retropian X instantly. There are no cartridges to load, and no downloading required. There are easy controls, save states, and rewind functions that everyone in the family will be able to use.

If you ever get tired of the preloaded classics, you can load your own titles and even expand the storage on your Retropian X. It’s also awesome for traveling thanks to its portable, lightweight status and lengthy battery life.

Get over 20,000 games for one low price with the Retropian X Handheld Retro Gaming Console, on sale now for $89.99 (reg. $129).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Anyone who’s used a voice or AI assistant in the last decade or two has faced the same problem. You go to talk to the thing, you stop because your brain decided to pick that moment to shut down entirely for some reason, and the AI assumes you’re done and goes on to process half of what you wanted. Google is aiming to fix this problem with Gemini, at least potentially, with an upcoming update. 

Spotted by Android Authority, the new mic option is currently being tested in version 16.42.61 of the Google app. Once the setting is ticked, the user can long-press the microphone, causing the app to continuously listen until the user taps the stop button. As Android Authority notes, this is excellent for longer requests where the user may have to pause a couple of times to gather their thoughts or take a breath.

It’ll also fix the long-standing problem of Gemini going off to do its thing without waiting for you to finish, a bug-like problem that has plagued many users. Mashable's tech editor Timothy Werth says he's encountered this bug when talking to Gemini. The chatbot will rush to answer your question when you pause, even if you're not quite done with your question.

Users who also want to process multi-step automation and similar, more complex prompts will be grateful to be able to voice them all at once instead of getting interrupted. Gemini does have a free-flowing conversation mode for these sorts of use cases via Gemini Live. However, this is a separate overlay that you have to launch. Having the option to do it on the main interface is certainly helpful for some use cases. 

Per Android Authority, Google is also playing with some UI elements, including the aforementioned Gemini Overlay feature, but it’s unclear if those features will ever make it to production. There is no word yet as to the release date of the new Gemini mic mode, or whether it’ll make it out of testing at all. 

Samsung's answer to the Apple Vision Pro is finally here. The Samsung Galaxy XR virtual reality headset formally debuted Tuesday during a livestreamed Galaxy Event, ditching its "Project Moohan" code name after ten months and marking the first-ever Android XR headset. You can order it now for $1,799.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy XR $1,799.99 at Samsung.com
  Shop Now

The Galaxy XR is exclusively available for purchase on Samsung.com or in Samsung Experience Stores in the U.S. and South Korea. At the time of writing, Nov. 4 is the earliest delivery date for American shoppers.

While the Galaxy XR isn't cheap, it's worth noting that it's almost half the price of the $3,499 Vision Pro (which Apple happened to update with M5 silicon and a new band just last week). We'll have an in-depth breakdown of the differences between the Galaxy XR and Vision Pro in the coming days, but in the meantime, here's a quick overview of the former's specs:

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip

• Memory: 16GB RAM

• Storage: 256GB storage

• Display type: Micro-OLED

• Resolution: 3,552 x 3,840 pixels

• Refresh rates: 60Hz, 72Hz (by default), up to 90Hz by request

• Video playback: UHD 8K (7680 x 4320 pixels) at 60fps

• Field of view: 109 degrees horizontal, 100 degrees vertical

• Camera: 6.5MP, supports 3D photo and video capture

• Sensors: Two high-res pass-through cameras, six world-facing tracking cameras, four eye-tracking cameras, five inertial measurement units (i.e. motion sensors), one depth sensor, and one flicker sensor

• Interpupillary Distance (IPD): 54~70mm  

• Battery: Up to two hours of general use, up to 2.5 hours of video playback

• Connectivity: WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4

• Weight: 1.2 pounds with its forehead cushion

• Color: Silver shadow

• Security: Supports iris recognition for unlocking and entering passwords

The Galaxy XR headset ships with several accessories, including a protective cover, a forehead cushion (plus adjusters), detachable light shields for improved immersion, a power cable, a battery pack, a wall charger, and a lens cleaning cloth. Anything else is going to cost you extra.

The Samsung Galaxy XR's controllers are priced at $250. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The Galaxy XR's controllers and travel case retail separately for $249.99 apiece on Samsung's website, though the latter was sold out the last time I checked. You'll save 30% if you bundle them with the headset (as opposed to buying them later).

If you're a glasses-wearer, a pair of prescription lenses that magnetically attach to the Galaxy XR tacks on an extra $99.99. They're available through Eyebuydirect.

Wear glasses? You can add prescription lenses to the Samsung Galaxy XR for $100. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

At least Samsung isn't charging extra for the headset's XR experiences — not yet, at least. For a limited time, the Galaxy XR includes a free "Explorer Pack" of services that it supports, including 12 months of Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium, Google Play Pass, Calm Premium, and Adobe's Project Pulsar (a 3D video editing app). It's worth more than $1,140 altogether.

For more on the Galaxy XR and all it entails, check out Mashable's contributor Adam Dowd's initial hands-on review.

Buy the Samsung Galaxy XR and accessories: Samsung Galaxy XR $1,799.99 Shop Now Samsung Galaxy XR Controllers $174.99 (save $75 when you bundle with the Galaxy XR headset) Shop Now Samsung Galaxy XR Travel Case $174.99 (save $75 when you bundle with the Galaxy XR headset) Learn More Kodak Prescription Lenses For Galaxy XR $99.99 Shop Now

Apple has confirmed to TechCrunch that it has removed the controversial women's safety app Tea and its rival app for men, TeaOnHer, from the App Store in all markets.

The removal was first discovered by app insights platform Appfigures, TechCrunch reported.

SEE ALSO: Beware phony Sora apps on the Apple App Store

Tea was designed to help women stay safe when dating. It was an online whisper network, of sorts, for women to share negative experiences with men, akin to contentious "Are we dating the same guy?" Facebook groups.

Back in July, Tea became the target of a massive cyberattack, exposing images like drivers' licenses. Subsequently, it was discovered that personal chats and phone numbers stored on Tea were also exposed. TechCrunch found that TeaOnHer also had security issues.

Apple told TechCrunch that Tea (officially called Tea Dating Advice) and TeaOnHer didn't meet the company's content moderation and user privacy requirements, specifically App Review Guidelines Rules 1.2 (stating that apps with user-generated content should offer block and removal features) and 5.1.2 (the app can't use or share someone's personal information without permission). Apple also pointed TechCrunch to section 5.6, a section titled "Developer Code of Conduct."

Section 5.6 reads:

Please treat everyone with respect, whether in your responses to App Store reviews, customer support requests, or when communicating with Apple, including your responses in App Store Connect. Do not engage in harassment of any kind, discriminatory practices, intimidation, bullying, and don’t encourage others to engage in any of the above. Repeated manipulative or misleading behavior or other fraudulent conduct will lead to your removal from the Apple Developer Program.

On top of all that, Apple cited excessive complaints and negative reviews.

Apple apparently communicated these issues with the dating app developers, but they haven't been addressed.

Tea and TeaOnHer remain on the Android app store as of publication.

Lists tend to go viral. That fact defined an entire era of the internet.

Lately, though, a bizarre new type of list has been blowing up on TikTok. The best way to describe these lists is incoherent. Here's the formula, obviously generalized:

• An anonymous account with a username that consists of a mishmash of letters and numbers posts a clip of a TV show, movie, or similar piece of media.

• During that clip — which is typically longer than a minute — a numbered list is revealed one at a time.

• The listed text is utter nonsense. At best, it's vaguely related to the clip. Mostly, it's just words or phrases slowly being revealed.

These videos have insidiously wormed their way onto FYPs, in some cases racking up millions of views.

If your brain is half turned off, that TikTok might seem normal. But what does "compromise" or "question" have to do with the dialogue of that scene from This Is Us? These sorts of videos are everywhere, and they're racking up engagement with such stellar insight as, "1) going 2) no 3) have."

People are noticing the weird trend. Go to the comments, and you'll find folks wondering, "What is with the numbered words?" or "What are we ranking here?"

We're ranking nothing. The words mean nothing. People are simple creatures. We love lists. We love rankings. We want to know how the story ends, even if the story sucks or makes zero sense. The incoherent, nonsensical lists are a hook for your attention. It's an incredibly low-effort bait for engagement, and it works, even if it's silly.

If the clip doesn't catch your attention, maybe the unrelated list will. It's also a simple way to alter a video that clearly doesn't belong to the person posting it, perhaps working to hide it from platforms tracking that down.

And would it be surprising if these list-clip enterprises were at least partially AI-created slop? Of course not. It's 2025, and slop always muddies your FYP in one form or another. The latest version just happens to be incoherent lists.

Rumors of a foldable iPhone and iPad have persisted for years now. In fact, the latest rumors say that a foldable iPhone is still on track for a 2026 release.

However, there's a new report from Bloomberg's Apple insider Mark Gurman that may rain on the parade of any Apple fan awaiting a foldable iPad. If you were holding your breath for a foldable iPad, please don't. Because, according to Gurman's report, that foldable iPad is at least four years away, which is a lifetime in tech years.

Apple has been working with Samsung to develop a panel for the foldable iPad. This panel, according to Gurman, would reportedly give the folding tablet a whopping 18-inch display when unfolded. However, there are some issues with the panel's development, namely its cost and weight.

The still-under-development foldable iPad is expected to weigh around 3.5 pounds, and Apple's projected cost for the device is in the $3,000 range.

SEE ALSO: Review: The new M5 iPad Pro is a victory lap for Apple

To put that into perspective, a foldable iPad would weigh more than double that of the current heaviest iPad Pro. In fact, the weight of a foldable iPad is currently around the same weight as a MacBook Pro. A foldable iPad could also cost consumers three times as much as the 13-inch iPad Pro, which costs $1,299, according to Gurman.

However, Gurman's report doesn't say that Apple has abandoned its plans for a refreshed iPad lineup with a new foldable. He says the company has been working with Samsung to develop a display with a minimal crease at the point where it folds. According to the report, Apple will use the same technology for the foldable iPhone, but has not run into the same issues with this smaller foldable smartphone.

The report says that the foldable iPad is being internally compared to Huawei's MateBook Fold, which is the China-based tech company's own version of an 18-inch foldable tablet. The MateBook fold was released in May of this year, retails for $3,400, and is only available in China. However, the MateBook Fold also weighs a pound less than Apple's current foldable prototype is said to weigh.

Apple was apparently aiming for a 2028 release for the foldable iPad. This blip in the development stage pushes that release back to 2029, if not even further

In a world where the Samsung Galaxy XR exists, Apple suddenly has some stiff competition in the XR headset space. Is the newly upgraded Vision Pro headset enough of an improvement to justify its still-enormous $3,500 price?

Mashable has not gotten proper hands-on time with the new Vision Pro with the M5 chip and some added comfort features yet (though we have been impressed with the M5 chip so far). But early reviews are rolling in. Without wasting any more time, let's find out if these seemingly modest upgrades are enough to make the Vision Pro less of a niche product two years after its launch.

What do critics have to say about Apple's expensive new headset?

It's got better performance and battery life

First things first, the biggest update to the new Vision Pro is the addition of an M5 chip powering it. This is Apple's latest in-house silicon, and every review I read noted that performance is improved on this new device. There are also a couple of related upgrades, including new 120Hz displays with higher pixel counts (they were 100Hz before) and longer battery life.

That said, the improved performance may not necessarily wow you. CNET's Scott Stein called the improvements "subtle," but the specific ones he mentioned do sound nice, at least.

"Hand tracking in games does feel faster, by a bit. Synth Riders, the closest Vision has to musical fitness, keeps the glowing balls glued to my hands more smoothly," Stein wrote. "Maybe it's that refresh rate. Apps and games load a lot faster, and the headset starts up far quicker. It should, since the M5 is several generations past the previous M2."

As for battery, the previous model was rated for only about two hours of general use. Apple has upped that by half an hour this time, and is also promising three hours of video playback. Mark Spoonauer of Tom's Guide noted that the upgrade is real, but it's still not the most convenient thing to use because of its relatively short battery life.

"After using the Vision Pro for an hour and a half I was down to 55%, which is pretty decent," Spoonauer wrote. "If you’re sitting down and near an outlet, you can keep the battery charged as you work and play, but it’s not fun feeling like you’re tethered."

The new strap provides added comfort The new knob for adjusting the new strap. Credit: Apple

Weirdly, the new Vision Pro is actually slightly heavier than its predecessor. That sounds problematic, especially considering weight was a common complaint about the first Vision Pro. Some added context is needed here, though: The new weight comes entirely from a new Dual Knit Band that sits both on the top and around the back of your head for provided comfort and stability during long sessions.

Chance Miller of 9to5Mac talked in their review about how much more comfortable it is to wear than the previous Vision Pro, which had multiple inadequate solutions for this problem. The new band is apparently simple as can be to adjust, as well.

"In practice, the Dual Knit Band is a huge upgrade over the Solo Knit Band and Dual Loop Band. It’s what Apple should’ve shipped from the start," Miller wrote. "It’s more comfortable and plush, it’s more adjustable, it’s easier to put on and take off, and it looks better than the Dual Loop Band. I’ve noticed that the counterweight in particular does a good job of taking pressure off my face when wearing Vision Pro for extended periods of time."

Still, it doesn't seem like Apple has quite perfected the comfort side of Vision Pro just yet. Kyle Barr of Gizmodo wrote that the new band is an upgrade over what came before, but it's still a heavy headset that will require frequent breaks from users.

"There’s no perfect way to alleviate the pressure of such a thick and heavy headset made to rest over your eyes. Even if you can stomach the discomfort, you’ll inevitably need to take the headset off to cure any lingering eyestrain," Barr wrote. "You know what? That’s fine. It’s good to have a reason to take yourself away from the computer and touch grass, or else just get away from every screen constantly demanding your attention. Just remember to take the external battery out of your pocket when you get up, or else your $3,500 headset will go skittering across the ground."

Not much else has changed

Despite the noticeable improvements to performance, battery life, and comfort, basically every review of the Vision Pro M5 comes to the same conclusion: This product is still in its infancy, and for $3,500, it's probably not a necessity for anyone yet.

There are some reasons for this. While Apple has made a couple of other changes with the new device, such as adding support for PlayStation VR2 controllers, there's still a glaring lack of custom, spatialized apps for Vision Pro. At CNET, Stein also wrote that it doesn't always play super nice with other Apple devices. In summary, there's still a lot of work to be done, per Stein.

"The Vision Pro still feels like a first-generation product. Apple needs to figure out how to make future headsets feel lighter, more like glasses," Stein wrote. "It needs to lean on processing and battery from connected Apple products like phones and Macs and iPads. The headset should have all the tools anyone needs to create, share and connect with whatever Apple device they want to use. And its unique app offerings need to be even better, its inputs even more fluid and flexible."

At Tom's Guide, Spoonauer also summed it up nicely. Apple's XR revolution doesn't seem to have a great deal of momentum right now.

"When I reviewed the original Vision Pro, I called it a “revolution in progress.” Well, now I feel like that revolution has stalled," Spoonauer wrote. "Yes, the Vision Pro M5 offers a faster chip and a comfier strap, but I expected much more hardware and software innovation from Apple for what’s supposed to be a category-defining product."

Meta has invested heavily in artificial intelligence — from AI chatbots and companions to the infinite AI slop generator Vibes and even an AI-powered dating assistant. But that enthusiasm isn't translating to job security for everyone.

On Wednesday, Meta's Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang announced in a memo that the company is laying off approximately 600 employees within its AI unit. The news, first reported by Axios and confirmed by CNBC, affects staff working on AI infrastructure, the Fundamental Artificial Intelligence Research (FAIR) group, and other product-related teams.

Despite the cuts, Meta says it's still hiring for its new superintelligence division, dubbed TBD Lab.

SEE ALSO: Apple's AI executives keep leaving for Meta

Impacted employees were told their last day will be Nov. 21 and are currently in a "non-working notice period." The company is offering 16 weeks of severance pay, plus two additional weeks for every year of service, and is encouraging affected employees to apply for other roles within Meta.

"By reducing the size of our team, fewer conversations will be required to make a decision, and each person will be more load-bearing and have more scope and impact," Wang wrote in the internal memo, according to TechCrunch.

The layoffs don't appear to signal a retreat from AI. Just a day earlier, Reuters reported that Meta closed a $27 billion financing deal with Blue Owl Capital to fund a massive data center expansion — a move analysts say is key to supporting its next generation of AI tools.

This also follows an aggressive AI hiring spree. In recent months, Meta has lured top talent from OpenAI, brought Wang on board, and invested $14.3 billion in Scale AI.

Last week, Xbox players finally got their hands on the long-awaited ROG Xbox Ally X handheld gaming console, and it's been selling out fast. Best Buy is currently showing a 30-day wait for new orders, and the Microsoft store is completely out of stock. We have an early review of the device, but on launch day, I also got to sit down with Sarah Bond, President of Xbox, at the Mashable office in New York City.

Bond talked about all things Xbox, including what the Ally X tells us about Xbox’s long-term plans (a lot, apparently). 

Bond also had some intriguing tidbits to share about the next Xbox console.

“Well, we are hard at work on our next-gen console,” Bond said. “There is a lot to come there where we're building our next-gen console, which delivers that premium experience, and that's always the center of what we do, but we want to give other people choice and options around that.” 

Hence, the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X. 

I also asked Bond about the rumors that the future Xbox console will be a more high-powered device, more like a gaming PC than a traditional Xbox console. 

“Well, I can tell you you're right that the next-gen console is going to be a very premium, very high-end, curated experience. You're starting to see some of the thinking that we have in this handheld. But I don't want to give it all away.”

So, what is that thinking? In our conversation, Bond said Microsoft wants to let you play games from any store, anywhere, at any time. You can read my full back-and-forth with Bond to find out more. We also discussed how the new handheld fits into Xbox's big-picture strategy, how Xbox thinks about exclusive titles (and the lack thereof), and even the recent price increases for Xbox consoles and Xbox Game Pass.

The president of Xbox — that has to be the coolest job title I can imagine. I mean, I know you have kids, they must think that's the coolest thing ever, right?

It is the coolest job title. It is also the coolest job. My kids do think it's pretty awesome, but they're always asking for stuff, of course.

Oh, yeah, I would imagine they want to play the [ROG Xbox Ally], which we'll talk about in a second, early. They want all the games early…

Everything early. And they are actually really good at giving me ideas and testing things out. 

SEE ALSO: How Xbox president Sarah Bond became a major player in gaming So, we're obviously here to talk about an exciting new device. I know we’ve been waiting years for this one. Tell me about this device.

This is the Xbox Ally. It is the first time ever that we have created an Xbox handheld. The teams worked with Asus and with Windows to create this device. It's really groundbreaking in a lot of ways. We worked on the ergonomics, we worked on the experience, everything. So now you can finally actually take Xbox with you anywhere you want to go, in your hands.

It feels like Xbox controllers in your hand, obviously a little bit heavier because there's more hardware there, but it does have that kind of familiar Xbox feeling. And then it's also a full-powered Windows gaming laptop in a way.

When you hold it and you close your eyes, it feels like an Xbox controller, and that's intentional. So, our hardware team actually worked in deep partnership with Asus on all of the aspects of the ergonomics, how it feels, the triggers, the buttons, to give you that really comfortable feeling that you could get with an Xbox controller, where you can game for hours and hours and hours on end, yeah? 

So, you can pick it up and do a short session or a long session really comfortably, but you're right, it is powered by Windows, which is a pretty cool aspect of it…But because it's Windows, any game that you have, that you've bought from a PC store that's on this device, it all shows up in one library, which is so awesome for gamers. We're having to go between all of these different stores and places. It's all sitting for you here, all in one place.

Can you kind of tell me how this fits into the Xbox big-picture strategy… So, why this? Why the handheld?

Well, we've always believed that people want to be able to play any game they want, anywhere they want, with anyone. And gaming is entertainment. You should be able to take it with you everywhere. You shouldn't be constrained to a single device. You shouldn't be locked to a single store. And this is the manifestation of it. And so we said, look, why can't we actually break some of these old barriers the way that the industry used to work and create a device that you can take with you anywhere that does have all of your games. You can play them natively. You can stream them from the cloud. You can also stream them from your console. 

So it's a great way to add to the experience that we already have in the living room, to have it be possible that you can take gaming with you on the go.

So do you imagine most people will have an Xbox console, and they'll also have the new Ally handheld? Is that kind of the big picture vision? 

You know, I think that we'll see a whole range of people using it. For some folks, this will be the device they want to game on. They want to take their games with them anywhere. They're a PC enthusiast. They want to be able to access all of their stores in one place. Or you just love to have this option, because you can also plug it into the TV and project to the TV as well. And then there's going to be other people we know that are console users, where this is a great add-on to your console experience. 

One of the cool things we did for console users in here is, in the UI, if you have a game that you started on the console, and then you stopped in that game and you grabbed your Ally…it actually knows right where you left off, and you can go right back in and play that game. And if it's installed on the device, you're playing it natively. But if, for some reason, it's not on a device, you could actually play it over the cloud.

This is actually one of my favorite scenarios. You ever been in that situation where you really, really want to play on your console, but someone else in your household is monopolizing the TV? Well, what you can do from this is you can actually pick this up and play remote play in your house, sitting in your living room, right next to someone…And that way you can do whatever you want. You can be with your partner. They could be watching their TV show. You could be playing your game. Everybody's happy. No more fighting over the TV. 

One of the coolest features I've seen so far is Copilot integration. So, I imagine AI is only going to take on a bigger and bigger role in gaming, and everything, probably. I'm playing Cyberpunk for the first time…and I was recently on a level where I had to find some clue, and I knew it was obvious, and I was just running around in circles, and I didn't want to spend 20 minutes just trying to figure it out. And I really wish I had a way to just, like, hit a button, ask a question, and say, “Hey, where's this thing I'm looking for?”

So we obviously built this for you! [Laughing.]

Is that the vision: That everyone has their own built-in AI assistant as they're playing games from now on?

Well, we just believe that anyone should be able to jump in and play a game, and we should make it easy and accessible, and it should be in a flow state with you. So, there's a ton going on in AI, right? We're just at the beginning, but we saw this opportunity to actually make AI integrated into the experience so that it was easier to play and easier to do exactly the things that you wanted to do. So yeah, the way it works is you, like, long-press this button. You could be in the middle of a game, or you could come back to it, you can't quite remember the controls. You can ask it, “Hey, can you tell me how I actually use the A, B, X, Y, or what do I do now?” Or, “Which way do I turn and what happens?” And it will help you out. And so it really opens up more games for more people. There are some games that are super intimidating. So many people were intimidated by Elden Ring, right? So people will be more likely to try more games, and people stay in games longer. So the team worked really hard to integrate it into the full experience for you, versus having to go out go ask something else. Here it is, in flow state.

I assumed it would be watching your screen, and that's how it would know, but it seems like it's also reading other data, like it knows what game you're in, or it knows, kind of, what you have in the background, what tools are available. So it's actually pulling in info from a few different places, not just what's on the screen, right?

Yeah, we wanted to build your own gaming sidekick. You should never have to game alone ever again, even if you're just holding this device. And so it does do that when you push the button, it knows where you are in the game. It also knows what game you're playing. It also knows your gamer profile, and a whole bunch of things about all of your gamer identity with Xbox, and it uses all of those to give you recommendations, to give you tips, to recommend other games for you.

To put it in Xbox terms, it kind of feels like your own personal Cortana. 

I’ve had a couple people say that!

Is that kind of the idea? It's a voice in your head that talks to you, that helps you solve problems. 

It's your friend. It helps you through your game. 

So you talked about making gaming accessible…I know this starts at $1,000, and I know we've recently seen some price increases with Xbox Game Pass, some increases on devices and consoles, and I mean that that's got to cut into accessibility a little bit. How do you think about that, as President of Xbox, in terms of making games accessible when we have all these price increases? What would you say to gamers who are [saying], “It's just getting to be a bit too much”?

Yeah, there is a lot going on. But at Xbox, what we're focused on is, how do we create options for everybody? So with this device, we have two devices. We have the Ally X. It's for a premium experience for the most demanding player. It has all the latest innovation. We also have the Xbox Ally if you're a more casual enthusiast who wants to jump in, or you're looking for something cool to buy your kid to put under the tree this Christmas. 

And then within Xbox, we also have a full suite of options. We have the Series X. We have the Series S, or across Game Pass. We built Ultimate to be a premium experience for the power user…but then we have Premium and Essential at more accessible price points. If you want to jump in, you want to play that evergreen catalog, or if you just don't have a device at all and you just want to stream it over the cloud, straight to your smart TV, yeah. So it's all about having choice and option for players in a time when there's a lot going on and there's a lot of different things that people want.

Where does Xbox fit into the console space right now?

Well, we are hard at work on our next-gen console, so there is a lot to come there. We're building our next-gen console, which delivers that premium experience, and that's always the center of what we do, but we want to give other people choice and options around that. Because sometimes, yeah, you want to be on a big screen, sitting in your living room, and then there's other times when you're actually on the go…or you might be on a business trip, and you can just get on, get on your PC and get it over the cloud. 

So it's about a whole ecosystem and a whole system where you can have every option you want depending on how you want to play.

The rumors are that the next-gen console will be almost more like a gaming PC, in a lot of ways. That it'll be super, super high powered… What can you tell us about the next-gen console?

Well, I can tell you you're right that the next-gen console is going to be a very premium, very high-end, curated experience. You're starting to see some of the thinking that we have in this handheld. But I don't want to give it all away.

Okay, can you tell me anything about the timing?

Oh, no, I can't give that away either.

So, where do you want Xbox to live in people's home? Is it all of the above, or like you were saying before, is it just giving people options?

I want Xbox to act like every other form of entertainment, where you can access it wherever you want, wherever you are. Like, I love this idea that Xbox can always be with you. It can live in your living room. It can be with you on your laptop, in your bedroom. It can be with you when you're on the road. The thing about games is that it's deeply personal. People meet their spouses in games. People make friendships in games. It's about community, but it shouldn't be locked to one place or one device. You should be able to take that with you and be able to access it and jump in anywhere you want. And so that's what Xbox is all about.

We're talking a lot about the hardware. But you know, when we think about those pivotal gaming moments, like I mentioned Halo, or I remember playing Myst with my dad. But we haven't really talked a lot about games, and I know like exclusives have been less of a focus it seems with Xbox. We're getting more like cross-platform games.Where do big blockbuster exclusives fit into this, if at all, or is it kind of evolving past that place?

We're really seeing people evolve way past that. The biggest games in the world are available everywhere. You look at Call of Duty, you look at Minecraft, you look at Fortnite, you look at Roblox. That's actually what's really driving community in gaming. That's where people gather and they have experiences. And the idea of locking it to one store or one device is antiquated for most people. You want to be able to play with your friends anywhere, regardless of what they're on. And we're really leaning into that with this experience.

What’s your favorite thing about the [ROG Xbox Ally] so far? I’m putting you on the spot.

I will say it's the gaming Copilot. Obviously, I have every console that there is, and I have bought every console I think that ever was. But now when I pick up this device I actually prefer it, because I'm in the middle of the game and I know I have that Copilot there with me, and there's something so magical about that, versus having to toggle away.

I don't always have time to sit down on the couch like I'm sitting here in New York with you…But I actually have my Ally in my bag so that I can keep playing in between running around and doing different things. And so that idea, that you have the [Xbox] experience with you. I'm falling in love with that.

Tell me more about Play Anywhere. I know that's one of the big features with this device

So, one of the things that we have pioneered at Xbox, that this device lends itself to perfectly, is the idea of Xbox Play Anywhere…One thing that has been true about the industry since its inception is that [your device] was locked to a single store, and you could only play your games on that device. And Xbox Play Anywhere is about changing all of that. So, what happens is, when you buy a game that's Xbox Play Anywhere, you buy it once, you can play it on the Xbox consoles. You can play it on PCs. You can stream it over the cloud. You can play it on this handheld. You truly can play it anywhere you like, on any screen. 

On the ROG Xbox Ally X launch day last week, Mashable sat down with the President of Xbox, Sarah Bond, and she confirmed some interesting details about the next-gen Xbox console.

We asked Bond about the rumors that the future Xbox console will be a more high-powered device, more like a gaming PC than a traditional Xbox console. She said the next Xbox will definitely deliver a "premium experience" for gamers.

“Well, I can tell you you're right that the next-gen console is going to be a very premium, very high-end, curated experience. You're starting to see some of the thinking that we have in this handheld. But I don't want to give it all away.”

So, what is that thinking, exactly? In our interview, Bond emphasized the ability to play games from any store or platform anywhere, at any time. She also said that the industry is moving away from blockbuster exclusives, which has traditionally been a focus around big console launches.

"We're really seeing people evolve way past [exclusives]," Bond said in her sit-down with Mashable. "The biggest games in the world are available everywhere. You look at Call of Duty, you look at Minecraft, you look at Fortnite, you look at Roblox. That's actually what's really driving community in gaming. That's where people gather and they have experiences. And the idea of locking it to one store or one device is antiquated for most people. You want to be able to play with your friends anywhere, regardless of what they're on. And we're really leaning into that with this experience."

Bond also said that gamers shouldn't be tied to a particular console or store.

"I want Xbox to act like every other form of entertainment, where you can access it wherever you want, wherever you are. Like, I love this idea that Xbox can always be with you. It can live in your living room. It can be with you on your laptop, in your bedroom. It can be with you when you're on the road. The thing about games is that it's deeply personal. People meet their spouses in games. People make friendships in games. It's about community, but it shouldn't be locked to one place or one device. You should be able to take that with you and be able to access it and jump in anywhere you want. And so that's what Xbox is all about."

In recent years, Xbox has invested heavily in cloud gaming, and its popular subscription service Xbox Game Pass has a growing number of cross-platform titles. So, while many gamers would tell you that Sony has won the latest era of the console wars thanks to flagship AAA exclusives, Bond seems to think the industry is moving in a different direction — and she may be right.

So, will the new Xbox console be more like a gaming PC or the Xbox Series X? And when exactly can we expect to see it hit store shelves?

Bond wouldn't say, but she again emphasized that Microsoft and Xbox are pursuing a "premium" console experience.

“Well, we are hard at work on our next-gen console,” Bond said. “There is a lot to come there where we're building our next-gen console, which delivers that premium experience, and that's always the center of what we do, but we want to give other people choice and options around that.” 

Other options like, say, the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X. Though, you'll have to wait if you didn't secure your handheld at launch. It's currently sold out at Microsoft, and Best Buy has a 30-day wait on new orders.

A new recall affecting thousands of recently manufactured Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles is imminent, according to a report filed to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Elon Musk–led EV company is set to recall more than 13,000 cars built between March and August 2025 due to a battery issue that can cause a sudden loss in propulsion while driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that roughly one percent of those vehicles are affected.

SEE ALSO: The 'affordable' Tesla is here. But is it a good deal?

The NHTSA report states that the problem stems from a battery pack contactor that "may suddenly open due to poor coil termination connection," cutting power unexpectedly. The NHTSA wrote that Tesla dealers were to be notified of the issue by Oct. 15.

According to the NHTSA, Tesla has identified 36 warranty claims and 26 field reports related to the issue, but says it’s not aware of any crashes, injuries, or fatalities tied to the defect. While the agency recommended a recall, Tesla is not legally required to issue one — meaning this recall is entirely voluntary on the company’s part.

Frequently, Tesla resolves recalls through over-the-air software updates. This time, however, drivers will need to bring their vehicles to a service center to have the faulty contactors physically replaced. The repairs will be completed free of charge.

This marks yet another recall for a Tesla-manufactured vehicle, following a string of issues earlier this year involving the Cybertruck. The so-called "apocalypse-proof" EV has already faced several recalls — including one in which the accelerator pedal could become lodged under interior trim, and another over an exterior panel that risked detaching while driving.

The recall also follows mounting scrutiny from U.S. regulators over Tesla’s safety practices. Earlier this month, NHTSA launched a separate investigation into nearly 2.9 million Tesla vehicles equipped with the company’s Full Self-Driving system after receiving dozens of complaints of traffic violations and crashes involving the software.

TL;DR: Live stream Real Madrid vs. Juventus in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League has already delivered some fascinating matchups this week, but Real Madrid vs. Juventus might be the biggest game of the round. Real Madrid have started their campaign with two wins from two games, whereas Juventus are still seeking their first victory.

If you want to watch Real Madrid vs. Juventus in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Real Madrid vs. Juventus?

Real Madrid vs. Juventus in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on Oct. 22. This fixture takes place at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

How to watch Real Madrid vs. Juventus for free

Real Madrid vs. Juventus is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.

Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

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

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

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

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

4. Visit Virgin Media Player

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

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The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Real Madrid vs. Juventus (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

• 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 eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Real Madrid vs. Juventus in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

BUY ONE GET ONE 50% OFF: For a limited time, Amazon is running a book sale where shoppers can buy one book and get another for half price, including popular BookTok books, NY Times best sellers, and new releases from popular authors.

Opens in a new window Credit: Atria Books, Montlake, Grand Central Publishing Buy One Get One 50% Off Select Books   Shop Now

While we're constantly raving about e-readers and audiobooks, there's still a special place in our hearts for physical books. Physical page turning will truly never go out of style. If you're looking for your next dopamine hit in the form of a crisp new book, Amazon's current BOGO sale could help you out.

As of Oct. 22, Amazon is running a BOGO sale on select books where you can buy one and get another for 50% off. And many of those select books are already discounted, saving you even more on your book haul. You don't even need to be a Prime member to secure the deals. Target is also running an identical BOGO book sale, but the titles may vary, and you must be a Circle member to shop the sale (although Circle membership is free).

There are tons of bestsellers, new releases, and BookTok faves included in the sale, including My Friends by Fredrik Backman, Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall, Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins, Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid, and Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry. And as we mentioned, most eligible books are already discounted to some degree. So you could definitely do some damage while the sale is live. For instance, hardcover copies of Atmosphere and Sunrise on the Reaping would normally run you $57.99 total. But both books are currently on sale, dropping that price to only $33.27. With the BOGO deal, that price drops to only $25.03.

While there's currently no end date listed for Amazon's sale, Target's runs through Oct. 25. There's a good chance Amazon will follow a similar timeline, so we suggest snagging the books you want as soon as you can.

SAVE 38%: As of Oct. 22, the Dreame L50 Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop is on sale for $999.99, down from $1,599.99, at Amazon. That's a 38% discount and a $600 price cut. The only caveat? This is a Lightning Deal, so it won't last long.

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Robot vacuums are supposed to make life easier, but sometimes they feel like they need more help than they give. Getting stuck on rug edges, choking on pet hair, completely ignoring corners — the struggle is real. One brand that's been on our radar is Dreame, and right now, you can get one of its newest models on sale. (But you've got to be quick!)

As of Oct. 22, the Dreame L50 Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop is on sale for $999.99, down from $1,599.99, at Amazon. That's a 38% discount and a $600 price cut. The only caveat? This is a Lightning Deal, so it won't last long.

SEE ALSO: I tested 25 robot vacuum and mop combos and found 5 that actually scrub

The L50 Ultra definitely feels like Dreame trying to address those common robot vac complaints. It has a "ProLeap" system with little retractable legs that lift it up to six centimeters (over two inches) to get over potentially problematic thresholds. It also uses a "HyperStream Detangling DuoBrush" designed specifically to handle hair without turning it into a tangled mess. The "Dual Flex Arm" technology extends both the side brush and the mop to get those hard-to-reach edges and get under furniture better.

On top of the smart design, it offers 19,500Pa suction. The all-in-one dock is also about as hands-off as it gets: it empties the dustbin (for up to 100 days), washes the mops with hot water, dries them, refills the water/solution tanks, and even cleans itself.